http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com webmaster@savingadvice.com Ray en-us http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/risk_43730/ Tonight in my Eng Comp class, I had to write a paper on something that I have done that included risk.<br /> <br /> I wrote about leaving my job to help care for my parents.<br /> <br /> I think back on that choice and it really was quite a leap of faith...ie risk. That I could leave a good job that... Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:56:43 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/09/23/crazy-busy_43435/ ...I feel like I am drinking from a firehose lately. I am typing this at 2:15am...can't sleep, for some reason my brain won't stop planning and thinking and making to-do lists...<br /> <br /> We just wrapped a week of (offsite)planning at my job. This year I pulled double duty...now that I... Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:21:56 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/09/01/survived-the-luaubut-i-need-advice-for-t_42784/ It was a great party, great turnout, lots of food, drink..the weather was a nice 70ish...Everyone, especially the hub- who is now 40... had a great time!<br /> <br /> We DID go over budget for some last minute expenses...but not enough to worry about.<br /> <br /> My one bothersome point was that the... Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:38:51 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/08/28/analises-bottle-of-marilyn-merlot-thanks_42664/ After reading Analise's entry about her Marilyn Merlot...I remembered reading a poignant piece by Erma Bombeck, someone Ive admired for as long as I can remember.... This piece is something I have reread over and over again...Thanks Analise for your entry and for reminding me about... Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:23:57 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/08/26/free-tootsie-treat-today_42606/ I used a gift certificate today that I received from several of the girls that I work with..for a pedicure. <br /> <br /> I had a pedicure about 10 years ago...but not since. Boy was I pleasantly surprised by the experience. <br /> <br /> Big cushy massage chair that goes at the push of a button while... Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:49:10 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/08/23/placement-test-results_42488/ I took my college placement tests today. I was pretty nervous, since I haven't set foot in a classroom in almost 30 years...boy. First thing I noticed is that I messed up BIG time by not bringing my glasses. some of the instructions were written for vision much clearer than mine!!<br /> <br /> But... Sat, 23 Aug 2008 19:40:42 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/08/21/23-worth-of-pure-bliss_42427/ I spent $23 and enjoyed pure bliss tonight!! Ok- the pizza that the $23 bought was just so-so...but the enticement that pizza made into getting my kids..and subsequently grandbabies together was the golden ticket!! I have had an incredibly busy week and there is nothing quite like... Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:37:01 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/08/13/consolidating-college_42157/ I decided to consolidate some debt this week into one place (my credit union). I was able to get a rate of 9.99% which isn't terrific, but it is better than what I was paying. By putting all my debt eggs into one basket, I will be getting a little lower rate, and will also earn cash... Wed, 13 Aug 2008 22:09:20 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/08/05/you-can-call-me-coach_41874/ Oh yeah....<br /> <br /> I got to hold the left leg and foot...and say "push...push..." today...and watch my new grandson's head come into the world...and then his slippery little body...all 7lb 6 oz of him.<br /> <br /> Welcome to the world little Connor...you are perfect and gorgeous...and gramma is... Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:21:02 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/08/03/birthday-overload_41767/ DD3 has scheduled her appointment (Aug 13) to get her drivers license. Yesterday, we went on a shopping excursion to town and she did all the driving...did great. She is eager to drive herself places and to get a part-time job. I have to say, it is a strange feeling to know my youngest... Sun, 03 Aug 2008 08:39:15 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/07/28/brooks-dunnfree_41588/ My job often received tickets to events because of our corporate sponsorships. I had the opportunity to pick a set of tickets to one of several upcoming concerts....so Thursday night, I get to go see Brooks and Dunn!!...and sit in reserved seats to boot!! (can you say YEE HAW??)... Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:27:25 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/07/27/crossing-fingers_41518/ Our trip on the river did not pan today. I will make reservations in advance and take nana in a couple of weeks. We invited her to lunch yesterday at a wonderful little bbq joint...and nana enjoyed the outing. She insisted on paying though. I was going to argue, but she desperately... Sun, 27 Jul 2008 07:47:00 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/07/25/regocnized-by-the-mayor-and-the-chief-of_41497/ Wow. The fraud team that I co-created 10 years ago was recognized by the mayor and the chief of police this week. I was invited to attend the anniversary breakfast and was so honored to see how this has turned out!! My job received recognition for the contributions that we have... Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:31:02 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/07/15/sent-the-thought-out-into-the-universean_41181/ Hi all.<br /> <br /> I recently posted about my questions on making friends...I was wondering how others make new friends...and I guess I sent that thought out to the universe...because without much work on my part a few really cool things have transpired since that post.<br /> <br /> 1. A very dear friend... Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:40:26 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/07/01/how-do-you-make-friends-at-this-age_40751/ The hub and I are in a weird place.<br /> <br /> We moved here about 14 years ago and did not really know anyone in the area when we moved here. He has a few family memebers, but I am not very close to them for good reasons... We have always worked opposite shifts (him nights, me days) and... Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:08:56 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/06/30/i-am-getting-the-promotion-and-a-very-ni_40711/ Woo-hoo!<br /> <br /> It will be announced tomorrow...but as of the first of the year I will be getting a promotion and raise...and I get to keep the favorite parts of my current job!! I am sooo excited!!!<br /> <br /> I am starting to rev up the plans for the hubs 40th birthday Luau that I am planning... Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:05:06 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/06/28/natures-freebies_40641/ Today was fantastic!<br /> <br /> The hub and I spent the day caring for GS who is 4. For years, GS and I have made homemade waffles when he comes to visit...and today was no different...except we made a double batch.<br /> <br /> GS has done this enough that he is able to gather most of the supplies... Sat, 28 Jun 2008 22:12:45 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/06/28/catching-the-bad-guys_40629/ In my prior post, I shared the news that a fraud team I co-created was reaching its 10 year anniversary next month.<br /> <br /> Joan.of.the.Arch asked me to blog about some of the bad guys the team has caught.<br /> <br /> It has been an interesting journey. When we first started the group, none of... Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:25:34 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/06/27/10-year-anniversary-of-my-baby_40618/ Can I puff up with pride for a minute tonight???<br /> <br /> 10 years ago, I had a vision...to start a fraud team where all the local banks, law enforcement, senior services and prosecutors would work together to battle financial crime in our community....so I teamed up with a detective and... Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:40:00 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray) http://thriftyray.savingadvice.com/2008/06/25/thank-you-jeffrey-nate-and-broken-arrow_40558/ I want to thank Jeffrey, Nate and Broken Arrow for responding to my last post so quickly. We have all expressed concerns and I am happy to say that they all checked in!!<br /> <br /> It sounds like life is happening to a couple of them which has created needs to do things a little different... Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:27:44 PST no_more_coaster@hotmail.com (Ray)