Our vacation to Mexico is under a month away and I have to say, the headlines lately are waning my enthusiasm. So far, Puerto Vallarta sounds fairly isolated from all this crud...but it is very concerning. Needless to say, we are keeping a close watch as this possible epidemic/pandemic develops. Who knew when we planned this trip last year (and my first 'big' trip ever) that we would have to worry about drugs/violence and deadly viruses...gads.

My GS (5) spent the night last night and as always, we had a great time. This morning we are watching cartoons while gramma wakes up with some coffee. The hub is sick, so he is sleeping in.

A short time ago I bought some Classico pasta sauce on sale with a coupon and we used it last night...it was REALLY GOOD. What a nice surprise. I love it when you get a good deal and enjoy it too.

Yesterday was housework and laundry...today will be grocery shopping and some decluttering and general 'get ready to go back to work' stuff....But right now, its coffee time.

A short time ago, I posted about DD3 needing surgery which is considered "cosmetic" by our insurance company and therefore, not covered. The estimate for the surgery $8700

Today, we got a second opinion. This second doctor recommended the same surgery that the first did. I explained to him that he was the second opinion and that the first had learned that this surgery would not be covered so I would need to pay cash. Bless this man's heart, he reduced his fee drastically and is only going to charge us $5600. That is a $3100 savings over the first estimate. When his scheduler talked with us, she was blown away by the price and explained that this was much less than the normal charge. DD3's surgery is now scheduled for June 17th. She is so excited. Her defect has meant wearing a prosthesis for the last 5 years...and she has never worn 'normal' things because of it...for the first time in her life, she will go shopping like other teens this summer!!!

Then, when I got home there was a new credit card in my mail box with a $9k limit. Unfortunately, I just paid unexpected taxes for $3000 and so we do not have a savings to fall back on for the surgery. But what are the chances of finding something like this in the mailbox on the day we learn of the surgery??

I also can borrow against my 401k @ 4.25% for the surgery...so I have a couple of choices on how to pay. I just have to decide which is the best option.

I wish I could pay cash for it...but we just paid the taxes...and the savings have been depleted. But the surgery is going to happen NO MATTER WHAT WE HAVE TO DO so that DD3 can finally feel 'normal'. (There is simply no price tag on that!!)


My vacation is ONE MONTH from today!! I am getting very excited!!!

Blessing abound...what a great day!!!

Thank goodness for an extra day to the weekend.

I am ready to go back tomorrow. My laundry is all ready to go-

My lunch is packed..Turkey sandwich, mustard and lettuce on oatnut bread + low fat string cheese.

I have a cup of oatmeal (steel cut..good quality) ready for each day + fruit.

So week one is ready to go- and if all goes well, my first week on a good eating/spending plan is off to a good start.

I made a roast in the crockpot today, which I sliced thin and we then made French Dip sandwiches with...they were yummy. There is enough left for taco's this week...which is what we are having on Wednesday.

I also made breakfast at home yesterday and today..hashbrowns, sausage, eggs and cheddar (tomatoes and green onions for flavor)..one skillet meal...with some toast....very yummy and tied us over to dinner.

We have a menu plan for all meals this week.

I will post our results on Friday or Saturday next week... so far, it feels great!!

Dinner was wonderful, CATS was phenomenal...the costumes, the music, the dancing!! What a fun "free to the hub and me" night!

I am on the final day of my vacation today. I feel rested and I am ready to go back to work.

Today will be a spend day- we are needing a good grocery shop to restock and prepare for the busy schedules.

I am planning to spend the day today decluttering and doing laundry. I love having a whole day ahead of me with the sun out- and no place to go. Just enjoy doing what I enjoy doing.

I hope you all have a good one!

The hub had his second procedure on his back this afternoon. I couldnt go with him because I was in an all day meeting at work. (long story, but my boss is allowing me to be more involved with the big picture stuff in addition to being his assistant because of my background..whcih is something I really enjoy be a part of.)

Anyway...the all day meeting went long and wore me out...then the hub was very hungry from the "don't eat after midnight" rule for medical procedures.

So we decided to go out for mexican food tonight and we invited my mom.

She INSISTED on paying..which is not something I would normally let her do- but it clearly was important to her. So I simply thanked her for a nice dinner. And she felt goood about "treating".

We talked about my dad and laughed and cried...and I think it was a first step in all of us healing a little. (he died December 29).

so, a great end to a long day. Tomorrow we have another all day meeting, but I have already laid out the meat to defrost...definately eating at home!

Oh yeah...and the hubs back...so far, so good. Please keep your fingers crossed for him. Hugs

Is it a boy...or a girl....today was the test...but first a little about the day.

I work for such a wonderful credit union. Our CEO is always looking for ways to impact our community. He is considering doing something similar to Oprahs big give in our community. How fun would that be??? He asked us to think about the idea and come back to the table with plans to make it work...so, part of my job is now thinking about how to give away money!!

Next, several of us have graduated from an experience called Rapport Leadership. My boss is going this weekend...and as part of the tradition the graduates take the soon to be attendee to lunch---so today was a 'freebie' for lunch.

Tomorrow morning we are having a company wide potluck..my contribution is a dozen eggs and a bottle of ketchup. Sounds like we will have many wonderful concoctions to choose from...

Tomorrow night, we have sponsored two tables at the annual Goodwill Employee Awards banquet. This is one of my favorite things to attend. Goodwill employs so many people who have disabilities...and it is so rewarding to be a part of their recognition banquet!

(are you seeing why I love my job so much??)

ok, back to the baby news...I was working on a project and DD1 shows up with ultrasound pics....and we are having a little boy!! This means I will have two grandaughters and two grandsons!!!

Looks like I will be knitting in BLUE for a while!!!!

You guys might remember...I learned about this newest grandbaby being "on the way" the same night I put both my parents in the ER and learned my dad's heart was failing and we would only have him a few more days.

The circle of life in its purest form.

We find out tomorrow if she is a she or he is a he...DD1 already has a DD...so secretly I am hoping for a DS for them. (right after healthy of course)

Thank you to everyone for the well wishes on the blogoversary...I dont know how to add that little ticker but...I am now 364 days from my next blogoversary!!

My boss again today mentioned that I will get to go to DC next year...Wouldnt it be neat if I could meet some of you east coast bloggers??...hmm, we have about a year to plan...

I am going to rework the budget this weekend to insure that I am setting aside enough to take some extra time while in DC..I am sure there is much I need to see???? Perhaps some of you can provide ideas??

I will let you know if we are knitting pink or blue tomorrow!!!

Love love love Saturdays that are free! Free from committment, free from stress and free (no spending!)

Here is how this one went:

woke up at 6am...wanted to enjoy a quiet morning with my coffee. Read the online paper while sipping home brewed java.

10am the hub got up and went out to the wood yard...worked until breakfast was ready...Bacon, eggs, hashbrowns and toast..oh the joys of a well stocked fridge!

laundry, a nice hot shower using free samples to make it extra nice! (Thank you wal-mart!)

DD1 loaned us a movie she rented...so a free movie...popcorn...water.

Burgers cooked at home...followed by a quiet discussion by the fire.

And now the hub is channel surfing while I peruse the internet.

Nice clean sheets to climb into tonight...

and a great relaxing day to reflect on!!

I scored today guys. Have you ever heard of Harry & Davids??? They are a big corp who specialize in fruits, nuts, gift baskets, etc. Well, their headquarters is right here...pretty darn close to where I work. So I stopped in their store on my lunch break today and they had baskets on sale super cheap!! What's cool is that they are great quality. I bought a couple of those picnic baskets with the lifting lids, fully lined for $9.99...I bought wood bed trays ( for breakfast in bed) white with pretty scalloped edges for $4.99 each...easter baskets for $2.99-$3.99 ...and some great red totes that I can use for gift bags at christmas for $2.47...WOW. I love living near this company because they sell their overstocks at ridiculously low prices after the holidays. This stuff all normally sold for $30-75 originally. wow.

I thought I would put a great teapot for one, napkin and some teas and cookies together for the bed tray... or a vase with a rose and a magazine and coffees...you get the idea. I am going to keep one of the picnic baskets. Ive wanted one forever, but never felt justified spending so much..but for $9.99 I am thrilled!!

The red totes...oh I love this...i bought 8 and will watch for sales all year-- when the whole family goes for our week at the big rental house the week aafter Christmas, I will give everyone one as a care package to use that week...candles, toiletries, deck of cards, etc...too fun!!

I love good deals...REALLY LOVE GREAT DEALS!!!

I have wanted to take some time to redefine myself and really decide what I want to accomplish both personally and financially. This time with my dad has made me even more dedicated to making some changes.

This morning, while sitting with my dad, I got online and set up some direct deposits. Savings and vacation. My husband and I do not take vacations and that is something I hope to change. Aside from camping, we do not go on vacation really.

I am also setting up a designated savings account. Even though I returned to work, our savings have been depleated by extended-family needs to the point that we have even incurred about $4000 in credit card debt (in addition). It was not that long ago that our debt was paid off except for mortgage...now we have business debt and credit card debt again. Clearly, financial goals need to be set again.

My dad has been very restless today. I am exhausted. He does not communicate anymore. Id give anything for one of his strong hugs. But those are forever gone. If any of you pray, please, please pray that he passes soon. He has been in so much pain and we are so ready for him to be at peace. If you still have your dad, don't forget to hug him tight. You will miss those when they are gone.

Much financial work to do, but I feel like I took a couple of baby steps today.

I won't go into details...but this is tough guys. Not so peaceful for my poor dad. We are on day 3 and it has been the worst so far..not sure what tomorrow will bring.

Hopefully peace for him. He has had a very tough time. Every once in a while he stirs enough and gives me a glimmer of his old self and his sense of humor...but mostly he is talking to the unseen about the unknown...

Ok...I have often tooted the WAMU horn, but now Im cranky. Here is the recent story:

Well, to give you the recent story I have to go back a little ways and explain that, long story short, WAMU charged a $6 fee on an accout I thought was closed, bringing the balance to -$6. I did not realize this fee was out there...and the following month they added a $2 late fee....which stayed on that account for about 6 months. One day, I went in to apply for a loan (ironically with WAMU) and they told me my credit showed a SERIOUS DELINQUENCY. WHAT?? So I got a copy of my report and there was the serious delinquency....all $8 of it.

I called WAMU and was told to submit the $8 with a letter asking that the delinquency be removed from my credit report.- Which I immediately did.

So...now the recent.

I was making a deposit to the hubs logging account and they said "You are a premium customer and are pre-approved for a credit card for the business." I thought this would be fantastic way for the business to start a credit profile and said OK.

Yesterday, I get two notices from WAMU....one saying, sorry- your credit sucks (yeah, obviously WAMU didnt hold up to their end of the bargain, cause otherwise my credit is excellent)...and the other, a letter telling me that I am a preferred customer, would I like a home equity loan.

WAMU does not know it yet, but they've made me more cranky than they realize...my goal now is to close my checking, business checking, home loan and HELOC with them over this irritating $8...I know of a few other places that would like my business.

ARGH. WAMU, you suck.

My dad is in the hospital and not doing so good.

Wow guys...I am remembering the stress of a full time job (even one you love) + a sick loved one + lack of sleep + a husband who works the opposite shift of yours.

Needless to say stressed, pooped and scared is a sucky place to be.

and what does all that do to a budget..um...no time for shopping, cooking, or packing a lunch...so add to everything else and extra pound or two or five from a sucky fast food diet (not to mention the lack of energy)...and the added cost that lack of preparation brings...and you have a really bad cocktail.

My birthday is this weekend...and I have two wishes...one that my dad makes it...and the other that if he continues to suffer, that he passes peacefully and quickly...how is that for truly contradicting matters of the heart.

sigh.

A few of you have asked for more information on the 40-30-30 eating plan that I am following so here goes:

Basically, the plan is to eat a balance of the right carbohydrates = 40%, protiens = 30% and fats=30% for each meal and snack. And to drink plenty of water.

This provides the nutrition your body needs and in a combo that allows your body to burn fat, rather than muscle. It also keeps your sugar levels and energy levels even throughout the day (a huge plus for me)

So, in the morning I eat a bagel or english muffin, topped with a lean meat and a little low-fat cream cheese. Or an omlette with eggs, egg whites, low fat cheese and wheat toast.

Lunch and dinner are similar combinations. Meals are combined with certain fruits and veggies.

The 'glycemic index' of each food is a determination on the plan.

If you want more information, just search 40-30-30. I believe The Zone diet is a similar plan. I have the 40-30-30 book which provides a great menu plan and a breakdown of foods- both fresh and prepared so that I can incorporate them (or not) into my menu.

I am staying on track and I've lost an average of 2 lbs each week~ but best if all, Im not overly hungry between meals- I dont have the fluctuations in energy and I am seeing results!!

I have also done a major mental overhaul. I honestly focus on the nutritional value of my 'input' rather than the pleasure or taste. I guess you could say Im 'eating to live' and not vis versa....and the results are newfound CHEEKBONES and hopefully soon Ill discover HIPBONES as well!

I stongly believe that no ONE plan works for everybody- you have to factor in personal tastes and lifestyle...but mainly, do what works for you.

Yep. Bought smaller jeans $19.99, and a new top $2.34 (clearance) today and they are a size smaller!! This is one splurge I didnt mind making at all!!!

doing the happy dance!

ps...people are starting to ask me if Ive lost weight...so it must be showing!!!

Well, I started typing this entry this morning...and it is now evening...

We had a snow storm come through yesterday that dumped about 4 inches here. Given that we do not get much snow on the valley floor---this caused alot of road issues...mainly people sliding either into each other or off into ditches. Its very pretty, but boy has it wreaked havoc on the routines...

and our water froze...or so we thought...but we've been without going on three days now.

This afternoon we called the pump guy and for a house call of $76, learned that NO, it wasnt the water that froze...it was the pump to the well that went KAPUT...and for a mere $1500, we can be back in business. ugh.

So, I am contemplating a part time job to pay for this minor setback.

My sweet daughter (DD2) brought me several gallons of water tonight and I did the sponge bath thing...and I feel like a million bucks! I have water boiling on the stove for dishes...

Good news is, by tomorrow noon if all goes well, we will be back in business.

I managed to get in 20 rounds of stairs today...which is sure helping with my goal for the blood pressure meds...unfortunately, there is no financial payout for the $20 Challenge since I am on reduced pay for the winter ...but the health benefits are very worth the effort!!

so....that is a recap of the day...how was yours?

First of all....the refund came through. I am glad to have my money back, but disheartened enough by Circuit City's lack of custmoner support, that I will NEVER shop with them again. buh-bye.

Now, the serious, not sofun part of Rays recent life..

I obviously made a few major fopahs in my quest to save money.

I quit doing things like getting my hair cut...wearing make-up, buying new clothes, going out...basically taking care of me.

Instead, I spent my days contemplating how to stretch the dollar a little further...how to be able to stay home and take care of my parents and enjoy my husband, kids and grandkids...

And I thought, how to have a healthier, happier marriage.

I can remember very well the first time my husband mentioned a newly divorced female friend back in early November....and my mental red flag that came with it.

and then how he went and helped fix her trailer...

and DD3 asking who this was programmed on his cell phone....

and how her name suddenly became very common....and how he became MIA alot...the stories started not adding up...and the lies...and finally a tell all cell phone bill with hours of calls at all hours of the day and night....(the ones that hurt the most were those made when I was at the hospital with my mom or dad) He called her THREE TIMES ON CHRISTMAS....damn him.

and how it all snowballed into a big ugly December for me.

and finally, the ugly New Years weekend confrontation and a promise that "they were just friends...and he has severed all ties with her"...

and now I have this empty hole where my fantasy of my perfect life used to be...and anger where my naive enjoyment of my family used to be...

and self doubt...

and a whole bunch of decisions that I dont want to think about.

All of a sudden money doesnt seem so important...and nothing feels the same.

and I feel like a frumpy mess...and I have no idea how to make this ache go away.....

So why am I sharing this very embarrasing, very painful story?? Clearly, this is not something I tell my family...nor do I share it with my friends...at least not yet. Thank goodness for an outlet here...just typing it out feels like a baby-step purge.

I walked for 40 minutes today. Not bad for the first journey out. It felt so invigorating!!! I can feel my heart jumping for joy at the prospect of getting off the meds...and my pocket book is looking forward to the heavier load it will carry when I do!

I have gotten 10 loads of laundry done today....If you arent familiar with my blog...that is not an admittance of being a total slob. I do all of the laundry for my parents and they had a really big load this time...I swear, for two little old folks...those two can go through alot of clothes and towels..they do not believe in using anything more than once...ugh. Ok...so maybe I was a little behind on my own...but goal is to finish before bedtime tonight!

Today was a no spend day- my favorite kinda day.

I will be taking some cans in this weeks so I can make a deposit to the challenge account...but my challenge account will be a slow grow this year as we are planning a couple of week+ family vacation road trips ...and that will take a significant amount of money compared to our usual camp somewhere close kinda vacations.

Ah...the new year, doesnt it feel great?

Oh...and that refund....I still dont have it. *$(@)&*# Circuit City.

Happy New Year Friends!

My new year is off to a great start with my January Habit of walking/hiking. We went up to the snow yesterday and I took a nice long walk in between rides on the quads.

I guess a side effect of eating healthier and exercising is that your body adjusts and doesnt need as much sleep...as I have been up since 4:30am in full throttle cleaning. (wow)

I spent too much money this past weekend- as DH really wanted a nice New Years eve party...so, we supplied all the meat for a bbq and everyone just BYOB. I made the mistake of buying all the food and supplies at COSTCO...and spent just over $100---but we have a years supply of paper plates, frozen patties and hamburger buns now...well, maybe not a years worth, but you know what I mean.

We sat out back in the sub-freezing weather with a nice big bonfire...and enjoyed friends and family while ringing in the new year.

I have been reading, highlighting and earmarking my new book on hiking.

I heard so many wonderful remarks and suggestions from all of you---which really has me motivated to get started now!

Best of all, both DD3 and DH are on board for this new hobby. They have both been asking questions and I can see that they, too are eager to get started.

I have a feeling this new hobby is going to be the death of those blasted blood pressure meds once and for all!!!!

DH and I are going to deliver a load of wood this morning and will be scouting out a couple of the trails mentioned in the book.

I already have a pair of binoculars and a digital camera with plenty of memory. I will use my old ratty tennis shoes to start..DH has a nice Cabella's backpack. Now to look up some good trail mix recipes...and I think we are all set!

DH and I have been...well, at odds lately. I am hoping this will provide a means of reconnecting---something we can both enjoy and be excited about.

Hiking...hmmm....frugal fun...healthy...and food for the married souls....Perhaps that free gift card from My Points will be more valuable than I realized.

In any case, my JANUARY habit is pretty well defined and Im anxious to start seeing results...and having some fun with it! Bring on the New Year!

My mom needs an outpatient surgery tomorrow to have her

fistula repaired. Please keep your fingers crossed for us that a simple bypass will suffice...rather than needing to find a new artery to use. The bypass means an outpatient surgery...while a new fistula will be a HUGE deal. We much prefer the repair...Please, let it be a repair.

I bought new tennis shoes today at Walmart for $24.98. My old tennies were so old that I know when I wash them, they will fall apart. They really were getting embarrassing....so they now are my work in the wood yard shoes....which I will be doing tomorrow afternoon if all goes well with the AM surgery.

I actually spent $55 at walmart...the shoes, laundry soap, tp, dishwasher soap, fabric softener, bleach, ammonia...I was out of it all. So it is a good feeling to have all the cleaning supplies back on hand....I am busy running the dishwasher and laundry as I type.

I am getting ready to start my first new habit of 2007 (January)...which is get off blood pressure meds!! I will begin walking 45 minutes, 5X per week this week!

How you save or not for the Holidays plays a big role in your stress level each year.

Are you a dedicated saver? Or do you spread your gift buying throughout the year? Do you hope a windfall will come along just at the right time? Do you count on a Christmas bonus at work? Or, do you pay by credit card and payoff the balance long after the Holidays are past?

Ive had years where I put the entire Christmas bill on plastic...and it was NO FUN at all...paying on those bills long beyond the life of the gifts.

You have a great opportunity to START NOW, saving a little each pay period to cover your Holidays next year.

I started doing this about 5 years ago...and will never go back to those plastic years.

My DH gets paid weekly...so each week, a set amount is deducted AUTOMATICALLY from our checking account and goes into an ING savings account. This not only provides for a CASH ONLY Christmas, but it also provides an opportunity to take advantage of those great sales and deals that come along throughout the year!

If you havent started a CASH ONLY Christmas plan yet, why not start TODAY?

Figure out the amount you will spend for Christmas 2007, and divide that number by the number of paychecks you get each year...then, set up an automatic deduction for that amount. (If you've always used CREDIT and bought your gifts in DECEMBER...you will find that you can spend LESS MONEY on the Holidays by being able to snatch up good deals as they come along throughout the year!!)

Your 'Christmas Account" can be stashed at your bank, or, like me, in an account other than your bank...making it less likely to be spent on anything besides its intended purpose. It can go into a money market account...or even an envelope.. The KEY is to plan and start now so that you have a solid spending plan for next year!

Once you try it...you wont go back!

I have been working on a list of 12 new habits that I want to acquire this next year. (1 each month)

Things that I want to start/improve are:
de-cluttering
saving
weight
gardening
organization
reading
new skill (something Ive never tried before)

It is so cliche' to start a weight program in January, but I have a doctors appointment in April...and i would LOVE to come off of the blood pressure meds. So My January challenge will be to (borrowing from Retire@50 here)...walk 45 minutes 5 x per week.

February will need to be GARDENING as I want to be ready for this years season. (I sure hope this is timely...I guess I should commence with Contrary1's sister site on frugal gardening!!)

March is a great month to focus on de-cluttering...because in...

April, with spring cleaning...I want to focus on organizing my newly decluttered home (hows that for optimism!!)

June should be a good month to start a reading goal. Not quite sure what this will entail...except I KNOW it wont be to keep up with Retire@50!! lol

July...um...clearly, I cant wait until July for my savings habits to change...so I may incorporate two goals/habits into January. Hmm. In which case, July will be to learn something new...and perhaps it will be canning or preserving those gardened veggies? Im not sure...but July will be my learn something new month.

August, September, October, November and December....well, I will be thinking of things that I want to incorporate into my routine...and will update this list once I think of things to add.

The start of the new year is always so refreshing...and Im looking forward to starting this one with a plan.

Any ideas?

My DIL asked me to stop by the bank where she works and open a savings account so that she could be entered into a drawing for an extra day off + $250. So, I did!

For opening a $100 savings. I was given a $10 bonus, a free loaf of banana bread and a cute little piggy keychain!! (Plus DIL is now entered into the drawing.)

I am going to put the $10 bonus into my 2007 challenge account...bringing my new total to $27! I hadnt planned on jump starting this until the first of the year...but since I have an opportunity..Im taking it!

I had an opportunity to complete an online survey this morning and received 100 points for it ( $10.00) !!! Usually, the points for a survery are $2-$4, so this was a nice surprise!

I already had $7 in that survey account, so I went ahead and cashed out for the $17.

I will use this money to start my 2007 challenge fund.

Woo-hoo!

Because of some of the threads and blogs here...I have been contemplating my 2007 financial goals.

I can put a check mark next to one of my to-do's on the goal list...which was to up my additional principal payment on my home by $25..meaning that we are now paying an additional $175 per month on our mortgage.

I will plan to increase that another $25 in April after I go back to full pay from the business and have $200 a month going to principal.

Other goals to follow. Just wanted to note this one so I dont forget.