Take a usually NORMAL, semi-intelligent, yet sometimes naive female...

Mix in a few weeks of really bad pain...

a couple of doctors visits that dont bring results aside from drugs..

a few LARGE bottles of drugs...strong drugs---some that are known for being addictive..and still, dont work for said pain...

a few sleepless nights...

and a STRONG DESIRE to find relief...

a trip to Walmart...

a browse down the BENGAY isle...

a quick perusal of the ingredients....

and a decision to buy the one that is highly recommended for arthritis pain...hey, this feels like it could compare to arthritis...hey, isnt stronger better???

of course, it is also the most expensive on the shelf...but who cares, Im going to be PAIN FREE at any cost!!!

a slather of the stuff on my arm- from shoulder to finger tip.

after this series of events....DH and I walk into the grocery store for a few things...

When I start to feel the burn...no, not BENGAY burn, we're talking third degree burn...and a very itchy arm to boot.

I rip the instructions from the box and discover that this particular creme is derived from.....


.....****RED PEPPERS**** ??????????

it is now 2 hours into this ordeal and I have washed, scrubbed and aloe vera'd the arm, but the instruction say that the burn will last....oh, approximately FORTY EIGHT HOURS.

OOOOOWWWWWIIIIEEEEE!!!!!!

Me and my bright ideas....well, at least Im not feeling the spasms and cramps now.

And I am $11.97 poorer!

I just learned last week that my FIL is getting married this month. (They just decided to tie the knot)...so I will be adding another name to our Christmas gift list.

Yesterday, I received a call from one of our pest business customers reminding me that Ive never picked out one of her beautiful handmade pieces of jewelry that we had bartered for. (This was our first barter customer, she is a single mom making a living this way)

So, FILs new wife's gift will be all taken care of for FREE to me!!!!

And in addition, I've found my single mom to annonymously send some money to at Christams (in honor of Phyllis).

My decluttering is going well. I woke up at 4am and could not go back to sleep (thanks to my arm), so I went ahead and organized DHs dresser drawers. This whole decluttering thing is a work in progress, as it appears I have MORE clutter than before--simply because all of this stuff has been pulled out of the hiding places and are awaiting their final destinations..(throw away, give away or put away). Now I have to say, life is much easier when everything has a home. I am pacing myself so I dont burn out part way through...If ever there was a poster child for Flylady, it is me.

I failed miserably at tracking my expenses last month...primarily because of the arrival of puppies and the pinched nerve. So I am having a go at it again this month. However this month has some unique expenses, but I will still track them all. (hunting trip, our annual 'girls trip'...more on that later... and extra puppy food.)

No freebies or money in the mail today...just some bills *ugh*. Mainly medical bills- amounting to over $800...sigh...just in time for my paycut...hows that for 'special'?

Puppies are doing great.
Businesses are doing great.
and today was a no spender.

Life is good.

I am home alone tonight . Well, as alone as one can get when sharing their space with 2 adult dogs and 9 puppies. I am doing my best to enjoy inspite of the arm pain.

I received a $3 rebate check today, so that will go into the challenge account, bringing that total to $736.22!!

DD2 has changed our cell phone plan (she works for the company) and we are now going to save 1/2 of the prior months' bill or $35 per month. YESS!

I am trying to do some decluttering around here and was able to donate two bags full of books to the dialysis library and two bags full of clothes and other stuff to Goodwill. I bagged everything and put it in the car before I had a chance to reconsider. My closet and dresser are cleaned and organized now...and it sure feels good! But I have a long way to go..if you didnt know, I am one of those domestically challenged prople!- so small victories are huge to me!!

We are all sold out of madrone wood, which seems to be the only wood selling so far. We now have a wait list for 10 cords, so hopefully our wood guy can get us another load. If so, we will make more than we thought and THAT is a good thing!!

My new, lower salary takes effect on Monday, so I wont be able to deposit for the stair challenge until next March when my salary returns to normal. So I am going to get creative. Pop cans, rebates, and a percent of the puppy money will all help...oh, and I am doing some online surveys which sill help too.

However, when I came to this site in March, I had ZERO in a challenge account and after joining, my goal for the year was $500. So I am already pleased with my results.

Puppies eyes are open and they are starting to walk, albeit a little wobbly.They are two weeks today...and that means they will all be going to their new homes in the next 4-6 weeks!!Time to advertise!

I received the freebies and coupons a few days ago that I received for winning one of the guessing games that Flash and Jeffrey have been promoting..and as always, Flash delivered way beyond my expectations (THANK YOU THANK YOU)

If you havent joined in on all the fun, you are truly missing out.

Here is an easy link to get to the Grocery Coupon Guide right now to jump in and start enjoying one of the many benefits of this website!

I miss freely blogging and reading everyones blogs! I miss being able to hold a book to read. I miss a good nights sleep. I miss my homecooked meals. And I know this pinched nerve has had its hold too long= because I even miss the old housework routine.

And Im tired of TV and all the stupid "Paid Programming" that is on at 2,3 and 4 in the morning when I cant sleep.

I know it is getting better because I am actually typing this post without my elbow feeling as if it is about to explode...and I was able to go a full 6 hours yesterday without a pain pill.

But being in pain is not only physical discomfort...it is also emotional and financial discomfort.

Financial, because 1. medications and doctors visits and 2. eating fast food because it is too painful to use my arm to cook.

Emotional, because I feel like I am a lump on a log while DH is working his hiney off to process all the wood (thank goodness for famiy and friends who have jumped in to help!) and because I am watching my house turn into a disaster.

I have a whole new respect for someone in pain. And a whole new appreciation for when I am feeling good.

I have gained a little more mobility in my arm this week..and am confident I am on the right track...but out of 40 painpill perscription starting last Thursday, I am down to 4 today...so its either feel better by tomorrow or Im back to the doctor.

end of pity party.

Puppies and mom are doing great. Puppies have doubled in size this last week. They are almost ready to open their eyes and see the world!! They are already getting those legs to work better...and talk about fat bellies...nothing so cute as a fat bellied puppy thats sound asleep.

The firewood business is in full swing. We made just under $1500 this past weekend (that is just 3 days of advertising) and we have already had referral calls thanks to our customers!!

Unfortunately, Ive not been able to help much because of that darned pinched nerve. It has now effected my right arm - I went to the dr and am on several serious drugs...but it is looking like the drugs alone arent going to help. Nothing quite like finger/hand numbness and muscle spasms to kill a good nights sleep- no matter how many muscle relaxers, anti -inflamitories and pain pills you take..

I took my friend out to dinner last night to celebrate her birthday. Cost with tip $34.80.

Sometimes, all it takes is a persective on someone elses world to make yours seem pretty darned nice.

Her daughter is entering her junior year at West Point, but was recently diagnosed with Crohn's disease...and has lost an astounding 45 lbs in 6 months...45 pounds that she didnt have to loose. She is home on medical leave right now trying to get stablized.

My friends son is in Iraq as is the daughters fiance'.

My friend also has a stressful job that takes way more than 40 hours each week...and then works a second job at a department store.

I gladly treated her to a nice birthday dinner...strawberry dacquiri included!!!

And on my drive home was so very thankful for my frugal, simple life....and for my family's health.

Somehow, my little problems dont seem so big anymore.

Perspective.

Ahoy Maties!

Todays is talk like a pirate day, me hearties.

Aye, a day of arghs and maties indeed!

Enjoy your inner pirate! Be a little mischevious, let go...have fun!

Argh!

ps...don't forget to save a little money in the process (this last sentence was added just to keep this post on topic...lol)

I have spent today pulling out my fall decorations and starting to decorate the house. I love the gold, orange, reds, acorns, pinecones, raffia and everything else that signifies this season. Autumn truly is a lovely time of year.

It is fun to hear the acorns from our oak trees falling onto the roof, to feel the chilly night breeze, to watch the leaves start to turn.

Soon, we will have windy days that blow all of those leaves off the trees, a beautiful "fall shower".

Afternoon hot tea...orange spice with a few drops of honey and lemon...flannel sheets, a toasty fire in the fireplace.

Lots of baking...I will have to find our Pumpkin Crunch recipe for you guys...it is a pure taste of Autumn in each bite.

Who needs money for entertainment when it is fall? Maybe a tank of gas to see the beauty that nature provides free of charge....but otherwise, entertainment abounds in the trees, the grass returning to green (in the hot months, it is yellow and dry)and in the cooler weather.

DH will soon go hunting. While he is gone, I plan to use some of those free samples of luxury items Ive received over the past several months and enjoy a "retreat" weekend here at home...I may have to spluge on a nice bottle of wine to enjoy...as I watch the seasons change.

Blessed. Yep, I am indeed.

5 hours into puppy births and we now have FIVE black males and ONE black female...

Anna is doing much better now and is actually letting the little guys nurse...

But we still have a few more to go...Im praying for girls or any color but black.

(For some reason, black male labs are the hardest to find homes for...and Im up to five...)

Will post pics when they're all here.

**update- It is now 9:45pm, we just delivered #9!! We now have 5 boys, 4 girls...all black. Everyone is tired...especially Anna...Im not sure if there is one more...but I will stay up with her until I am certain she is done.

September 16 is puppy birthday!! So far we've delivered 4 puppies (we started at 2pm and it is now 5pm)

Anna is not a very mommy-type dog...so I am having to catch them as they come out (she has delivered each while standing up...) and then break them out of their sacks, clean them off and cut the umbilical cord!! (not for the sqeemish, thats for sure)

We have 3 black boys and 1 black girl...and there are still a few left to come!! I will keep you posted!!!

I went to the HS football game last night. I forgot how much fun those can be.

DD3 is on the color guard team and was performing at half-time, so I wanted to be there and watch her first performance.

I got to know the couple next to me...their son was one of the players..number 84. So I helped to cheer him on...

Half time came and they wanted to know which was my daughter....

ummm....
ummm...

all the girls had their hair in buns on top of their heads and were wearing ALOT of fancy, dark eye makeup---and it took me a while to pick her out...but I did eventually determine the one Id once given birth to...lol so much for mothers intuition...

Anyway, the color guard did great...and our team WON 34-0...it was fun.

$6 to get in, $2 for a program. Not bad for a great COLD night out.

Best of all, Anna didnt go into labor while we were gone...(which would have been horrible in that cold weather last night-)And we kept her in the house overnight...but this morning she is back in the pen- pregnant as ever.

Well, we didnt enjoy much 'warm' weather...we went from 90-100s to (today) 54 within a week....It is blustery out there....cold, windy and raining. From tank tops to sweatshirts just like that!!!

Good news, we use alot less electricity in the winter...as we heat this big ol' house with a wood stove. I only had ONE MONTH this year that my electric bill went over budget!! yesss!

I am taking care of GS today...he is napping right now...been a little ball of energy all day...Gramma is exhausted!!

Still no puppies...so she is going to deliver right on time!

I cashed in enough Mypoints for a $10 Starbucks card. All of these cards are going to be gifts...and I know several people who would really enjoy Starbucks!

Still no puppies...so we are down to 3 days. Anna is HUGE and has slowed down today...she also is not jumping up and down...So those little guys will be here anyday.

I made a quick dinner tonight...I had one ciabatta bread left and so I toasted it and layered on some spaghetti sauce, pepperoni, cheese and peppercini's...instant, easy pizza!

Fun mail day!

I received the new OLAY sample (some of these samples are so tiny. Can you really tell if you like something when there is barely enough of the product to apply??)

And a free sample of Ultra Clear Degree deodorant (the deodorant samples are great...I havent had to buy any in a loooong time now!!)

And then there was this dvd....

A Nascar dvd that came with a free collectors coin. Hmm, I dont remember clicking on anything like this...but, the paperwork says I can return the DVD and keep the free gift (coin)if not satisfied...

Ok, well, I dont remember ordering it...but I will just stick it back in the postage paid box and return it...and then I read a little farther and low and behold "Since you did not request this DVD, you may do nothing a consider it a free gift"... Cool...I have a family of Nascar fans...who will enjoy it!

DH got his new work boots. He really wanted the ones that were almost $200...but with no encouragement from me, decided to get the ones that were only $89. DH used his wood business account to pay for them...which sure helps with the family budget...that is $89 that can stay in the clothing fund.

While he was at it, GS(age 2) got a mini-pair of suspenders to wear when he is helping papa log. (too cute)

I did a little Christmas shopping this morning while working...and thanks to My Points it was free! I requested a $25 gift card for our brand new Home Depot that will be opening soon...DS loves all things home center...so this will be a great gift for him!

DHs wood business saw it's first official 'paycheck' yesterday. He delivered his first load of the season and the check was payable to the business!! He has two loads today and then we will be running an ad in the paper next week...Which means we will get really busy!

The money comes at a great time...As Ive blogged before, I am about to take a 1/2 cut in pay with the bug business and I would love to be able to stay on track with my income for the winter.

In addition, Anna's puppies are due in 7 days. She is HUGE, so I am sure we have a good sized litter coming!

Will keep eveyone posted!

One year ago today, my grandaughter (to DD1) was born on my DD2's birthday!!

Our big party for DD2's 21st and GDs 1st is Sunday...but today I am treating the girls to lunch!

Then, my grandson will spend the night tonight so his mom can go out and celebrate her big birthday with friends.

It will be a busy, celebration kindof day and weekend!!! Definately no 'no-spenders' in the immediate future..but this is a special weekend, so thats a-ok!

OK-

It's 4am and I am using the bathroom when DH (who works nights and had just got home) pokes his head in and asks me this question...."What are you doing"

I look down and I have 3 sheets of toilet paper that I am separating (it is a double layer roll). Mind you, my eyes are barely open and my fingers are fumbling...all I really want to do is go back to sleep.

Umm...I am only using 1/2 of the TP so I am separating it to save the rest for next time...

He shakes his head and walks off...so I follow him downstairs and he is complaining about a backache and suggests that his boots are worn and may be the cause of the backpain....

So I suggest (again, this is not the first time weve had this discussion) that he go and buy a new pair....

He replies "Right, Im supposed to buy new boots while your separating toilet paper to save money"...

lol....so I explain to him that I have a budget for clothing and his boots are already paid for...but that I am plugging the small financial holes as I can, so that we can save money...

Im not really sure why I am blogging about this...except to wonder if I am going too far...my poor DH did look at me like I lost a marble or two...All I know is that I am in a mindset...and its keeping our budget from busting...so I will continue on with the funny little frugal things I do---even if my family thinks Ive lost it.

A true no-spender today!!!

I have started doing my parents laundry since DD1 is working a FT and a PT job and wont have the time anymore. I finished 7 loads for them and just have a few more tomorrow...the reason so many is 'cause there was almost two weeks worth to do, plus blankets and throw-rugs. They want to pay me to do this for them, otherwise they will take it to the laundrymat...what is it about parents and their pride???? Cant i just be a good daughter and do this for them???

We ate leftovers for lunch and dinner, so basically FREE meals!!!

I also had some very ripe (pretty much BLACK) bananas...so I looked up a fun recipe for pumpkin banana bread...which included all the yummy 'fall' seasonings...nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, brown sugar...ummm..YUM. So I made two loaves of bread. It sure made the house smell great today!!! I shared some with my folks and will use the rest this week.

and then just enjoyed the no-spender!!
Not much exciting in the mail...I did get the ABC christmas catalog...but didnt really see anything I liked.

I am expecting several rebates to come in this week and next...looking forward to adding them to my challenge!!!

Have a good one!

We received a notice from the NY DMV today...they finally opened DHs plea of NOT GUILTY and all of the supporting documents. Did they write to appologize for our inconvenience??

NOT EVEN CLOSE:

They have set a court date for October 31 at 2:30pm.

Here is what the notice states:

"If you do not come to this hearing your driver's license or priveledge to drive in NY will be suspended. If suspended, under NY vehicle and traffic law you willhave to pay a $35 suspension termination fee in addition to all other fines and penalties before your license or driving priviledges will be restored, WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE FOUND GUILTY OF THIS CASE."

In a nutshell, if DH doesnt go to the hearing and he is found NOT GUILTY, we will then have to pay $35 fee to get suspension removed because he failed to appear.

UNREAL. Is New York in such financial trouble that they have to continue to hardarm money from innocent people???

At this point all I can say is NY sucks.

DD3 started HS this morning. Poor thing had a semi-melt down yesterday...I think just a case of pre-HS-jitters. So I gave her the choice of going out to eat at her fav restaurant or having chicken picatta at home...

The ultimate complement is when my family family CHOOSES home cooking over their favorite restaurant!! and that is precisely what DD3 did.

So, we had a nice relaxing night at home and enjoyed DD3s last night of 'freedom' lol...and like many others on the site have mentioned...watched a few of those CSI marathon shows.

Hear that odd sound??

It is my dryer, running for the first time since May....drying clothes that DD3 wanted for her first day of HS, that i didnt know about until it was too late to put them on the line.

Certainly an odd feeling to have to toss them in the dryer...and hopefully one that won't get repeated until our first rain...

Tomorrow, all clothes on the line!!!

DD2 is turning 21 on Friday, so I wanted to get her a little something extra (outside the birthday club gift that we do as a family)

I went to Michaels and got her a scrapbook case/holder and a gift card. She said she wanted to start this hobby, and I though this would make a nice gift for her. I spent $53 for everything.

That comes out of the Birthday Club fund that I have.

My allowance this week was $19- as I took the odd amount from DHs paycheck rather than the normal amount. I had planned on saving it, but ended up spending it all on LUNCH for DD1, GD, DD3 and me..and A BELT for DD3. Whoosh...just like that my $19 was gone.

Then we went to Target and I got 5 items that came to $13.

Most interesting is what I didnt buy.

"mom, can I get a $64 pair of tennis shoes that I will love forever" ....NO

"can I have this stuff from bath and body works"...NO...

"can I get some of this for school..." no

"I need this..." NO.

I honestly saved more than I spent...and my resolve strengthens....now if I can just use that same philosophy for my allowance!!!

I am going to count today as a no-spender, even though DH went golfing...since he used his allowance to go.

I am baking a potato dish for dinner...I got the recipe from Taste of Home, but have used it before in a slightly different version. (Potatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, green onion and butter)...It smells YUMMY and will go nicely with the grilled steaks tonight. (is it dinner yet??)

A friend of my parents (he is about my age) was killed in an accident this morning, so it has been a solemn day for us. I knew this guy. He was one of the techs at my moms dialysis a few years ago...and was the one that never minded wearing a dress on Halloween just to make the patients smile. Such a sad loss....total freak accident.

I did a bunch of laundry today...and it all got hung out on the line. I am also revisiting my Meals on a Dime book...to get remotivated in saving for the smaller paychecks that are forthcoming.

I want to get all the house bedding done before the weather cools too much- so I can use the sun for drying.

I didnt get to the craft room as I had hoped today...but I will work on it this next week.

I did start pulling out my little christmas trees that I decorate with fall foliage during Autumn...I love doing this...Ill try to post a picture next week when I am all done...it seems weird to start when I still have those sheets up everywhere...but fall is coming quick, and I want to get my home in the spirit!!! (When I get up, the house is 50 something...and by night, it has gotten up to almost 90 in here!)

Shaun, farewell to you. I know life wasnt easy for you...but you and your wonderful sense of humor will be sorely missed by those of us that knew you. Nana and papa enjoyed you, thank you for making nana's time at dialysis a little brighter.

Today will hopefully be a quiet, spend free day.

DH wants to work on wood and I have accumulated a stack of laundry.

I havent blogged too much about it, but my shoulder has continued to hurt...almost two months now...It will get better for 2-3 days and then I move it at the wrong angle and I get this electric shock and it hurts for 4-5 days again...so i am thinking pinched nerve...I have done quite a bit of reading and from what I can tell, this darn thing can take a long time to heal. It sure messes with my ability to get stuff done.

Anyhow...today is an almost pain-free day...so I will get some laundry and some baking in today and try to get caught back up.

I also want to get my craft room cleaned and organized so I can start working on fall and winter crafts. We will see how it goes.

Have a good one!

I had to run to town to take DH lunch, so I took advantage of the trip and returned a BB movie that I had gotten for free,went to the library, did some window shopping at a couple of stores and finally stopped for groceries.

I hadnt planned on a full shop, just needed a couple of items...so I didnt take my coupons...Oh Flash, you may want to skip this post...

I found some really good deals, and decided just to bite it and go for it so I wouldnt have to come back...and I did ok...$92 for the week including all the lunch supplies. I only bought sale stuff, and I only bought what we really needed...(uh-oh, I can hear lr johnson from here...ok, maybe there were a couple...ok, a few... things that would have fallen more into the 'want' category like DH and DD3s soda and a couple boxes of cereal)...but again, they were all on sale.

The bill started at $140 something...but after my club card discounts, I only paid the $92...which is not as good as with my coupons, but it was within budget.

And, that was my only spending for the day.

I started $$ tracking at the end of August. What I can see from the little I did, all my money goes to a teenager I loving refer to as DD3. and that pretty much sums it up...

LOL.

Ok, maybe not all of it...but all of my 'allowance' sure did.. I was so careful- not buying mochas or doo-dads or thingamagigs...saved it all, only to have DD3 'borrow' it.

sigh...I suffer from 'soft mom syndrome'...and am a sucker for a sweet smile, a please and a hug.

Well, at least now that I am tracking, I know. Then again, I think I knew before but just didnt admit it.

So there you have it...Im broke, but DD3 sure enjoyed her week.