Gramma Ray's Blog

I had quite a list of honey-do's for the hub this trip home. One was to flip the mattress, which we did tonight. I am hoping this will help with my neck. (He also popped my back, which clearly needed it as many times as it popped)We havent flipped it in a LONG time and it was showing. I am not sure how often we should do it...so I will google it and see for future reference.

DD2 and DD3 showed up just before dinner time. (They do this once in a while...lol) The hub and I had laid out steaks this morning to bbq...but there wasnt enough for 4 adults and 3 kids, so I put them in the fridge and ordered pizza. An unexpected expense and not a very diet friendly one- but it was quick and easy and everyone enjoyed it. We had the pizza delivered so before it arrived, I snacked on fresh watermelon. When the pizza finally arrived ($48) I just has two of the thinnest slices. Not a deal breaker, since I had only ate fruit and yogurt today. (Just because we were so busy)

So, $48 of unplanned spending will be split between the food budget and the entertainment budget.

I relaxed this afternoon looking at ipad budget aps. I didnt find one that I really liked yet, but havent given up. I would like to move my spreadsheet at work to something cloud based so I can access at home too. I have kept this budget for so long, I can do it in my head, but it would be nice to update my log at my convenience.

The hub went to bed at 730 tonight. It takes a few days for us to get on the same schedule.

I went to the store earlier today and got the Allegra (generic brand) that DD2 had recommended. I also picked up light bulbs, fruit, yogurt, spent $46. That comes off the food budget and I added it to the running total on the fridge.

Tomorrow the hub will bbq those steaks and the chicken breasts I layed out. THe chicken will be for dinner and a couple of lunches this next week.

The hub is out at the other house processing wood with his dad today, so I am home alone..Actually was, then DD2 showed up with the three little ones. While we visited I brought up her budget and she exlplained that her goal is to pay as much as she can each paycheck and set $40 aside for allowance. Ummm. I told her that was an aggressive goal, but it had a few potential pitfalls.

I explained why she should consider paying those debts, but also put money into an emergency fund..and why. (She is notorious for paying more than she can afford to on debt and then come to mom when there is no money for food for the kids or gas money.) I showed her how I have our budget set up...with income, bills, weekly expenses like food and gas, and the escrow account (aka Freedom acct) for things like Dr bills, birthdays, car repairs, etc.

She paid close attention, but I am not sure it sunk in...so I will bring it up again...and again, until it has. She recently started working more hours and will have more incoming than outgoing, so I am trying to get her to use this as an opportunity to move ahead a little.

We spent $33 last night on food for the dinner and had grilled chicken, jazmine rice, corn on the cob and grilled pineapple, zucchini and onion. It was so good. I was careful with portions and came in under on all the food goals for the day...RIGHT UP UNTIL...I added the three hurricane drinks I had. HOLY CANOLY...I had no idea those three nice cold drinks would bypass my goal limits by almost double in the calorie and carbs...I dont tally sugars, but I am sure that would have been off the chart too. Before the dinner we also stopped by the liquor store (In Oregon, that is the only place you can buy it)...we bought to stock op (an embarrassing $69)...but we have plenty on hand for the future gatherings and we wont have to buy again for months.

They sure dont look that sabatoging to a goal:





Now that I know what those yummy drinks do to my goals, I will probably stick with a glass or two of red wine in the future.

Luckily, I am using Lucky Robins mantra of "progress, nor perfection"...and so I am just hopping back on track today and framing last night as a once in a while treat that was ok.

The hub arrived safely. I am taking a break at work and am happy that today has slowed down a little!

I made sure all the bills got paid this morning and moved the money around for all the different buckets (categories of savings/expense accounts). This morning I talk to the hub about the food and entertainment budgets. We have $250 in the food budget for the rest of the month through Oct 5th when the budget is replenished. I really want to try to stick to this so that we arent behind when he goes back. (Which is almost always the case). I am posting a running total on the fridge to keep us on track.

Tonight we invited a friend over for dinner. Her hub is off hunting so it will just be us and her. The hub is going to bbq. The hub will be shopping for the dinner after lunch today, so this will be a good test to see if he is paying attention to staying inside the budget.

We are also going to lunch today with our SIL...at least, we still consider him such. He and our daughter were never married, but they have a daughter together (our youngest granddaughter- 3 1/2) and this wonderful guy is also co-raising our grandson (8) like he is his..(grandsons bio father is NOT in the picture- never has been, his choice-our relief). Even though DD2 and SIL are not still together, he is family to us. DD2 is semi-ok with this..and it gets a little easier for her all the time. Anyway, we are having lunch today because he bet me that the 49ers would beat Greenbay last weekend, which they did. So I will pick up the tab. This money will come out of the entertainment budget.

Today is on track to be a very relaxing day...even at work. The floodgates seem to be closed for now and I am getting some catchup done on projects...(not to mention a break to type this)

My test this next three weeks, aside from staying on budget, is to eat healthy while someone else is doing the cooking...I CAN DO THIS.

Today was the granddaddy of crazy days.

It was not a no spender. A few nights ago I missed a dinner meeting that I had signed up for. I was beyond tired that night and I had to pay $25 today for the no-show fee. I anticipated this when I was deciding not to go...and the sleep sounded so much better than the $25 and not getting home til after 9pm.

Otherwise, I did not spend money today.

My workday started early when I got to work and I never stopped until I left at 5. The good news is one of the the losses I am working on resulted in the person being arrested for assaulting a police officer. Our diligence on this one saved the co. I work for about $20k. It is not every day I can say that....so YAY.

The hub is on his way home - right now he is midway between Anchorage and Seattle. DD3 was supposed to clean the house today for some of the financial help we have given her...but I got home and nothings been done. So, as tired as I am, I will see how much I can get done.

The hubs paycheck is $140 more than usual, so I applied that toward his Visa card.

I am almost to the end of my first work week of eating healthier. Because of how busy it has been, I have stayed well within my eating goals. Not so good on the walking goal, however. Baby steps.

I am so happy that tomorrow is Friday. The weekend ahead is much needed!!

Another no spend day! Yes!

Because of the meal planning and focusing on not spending, I have most of my monthly allowance still in my purse...which is so nice! In two weeks I am flying to Southern California to visit my friend that I have been friends with almost 40 years. Wow, it sounds so crazy to think that its been that long...when we get together we still giggle like teenagers.

My daughters and I started a tradition years ago of planning a girls trip each year. My mom would join us and we would drive up to Portland in October or November and spend the weekend kicking off our Christmas shopping, hitting the Saturday market, having some fun meals..and just being together. We save all year for the trip and we have such a wonderful time.

This is one of my favorite pics from our trips. My mom, at the Saturday market trying on this hat (she was always so cold)...My daughter blew this up and framed it that year and gave it to my dad for Christmas...when he opened it, he laughed so hard I thought he would p-in his pants....lol Oh good memories...




This year, we switched it up and are taking this trip south. (DD2 isnt going because of her financial situation- which makes me sad)..

None of us are really eager to shop, so we will just spend the weekend visiting. Because we will stay with my friend, we dont have to pay for a hotel- and my friends house is really nice, big and has a gorgeous built in pool/hot tub. Sounds like paradise to me!

Soo...having most of my allowance left is a nice treat for the trip.

The hub gets home tomorrow night. Poor guy...its snowing where he is at and it is supposed to be 101 here tomorrow. Talk about climate shock.

Today was another crazy day at work. A new fraud case popped up and I spent the day investigating and putting the file together on it. I really enjoy that part of my job- and I love staying so busy that the clock hits quittin time before I realize the day is gone.

I didnt get out for a walk, but my meals consisted of lite yogurt, string cheese, carrots, a sandwich, leftover chicken and lots of water. I did have a Pepperidge Farm CARMEL APPLE cookie...a nice treat at the end of a very busy day...I enjoyed every crumb..and then added it to my online food log...happy to see that even after the splurge I was still within all the daily limits I have set.

I love Thursday's because that is the day the hubs paycheck hits pending on the account, so I can see what we are getting and tweak the budget accordingly. This week, he has some OT, so I am excited to see what it is tomorrow morning. My focus on the extra right now is towards debt- so that is where the extra will go.

I spent some time tonight trying to figure out what Adsense is all about. I thought it would be fun to try out. I am not quite sure what the premise is though. Maybe this weekend I will have a little more time to figure out what I need to do. I signed up, but am a little confused about next steps. It looks like there is a good tutorial, so hopefully I can figure it out. I think it is fantastic that Jeffrey is giving us the oppy to add snowflakes..every little bit helps!

Today was another no spend day. If all goes at planned, I should make it to Friday without spending. The hub will be home Friday and there is always stuff we need when he gets back.

We dont have any plans for the weekend. Well, the hub has 6+ cords to get processed during the three weeks he is home, so I am sure much of his time will be spent out at the other house.

It is always hard when I go out there. My mom and dads little place is there..along with my dads little shop that he loved to tinker in. It always makes me sad to go..but the hub eventually wants to move back out to that house....it is on two acres and has his wood yard, the 60X60 dog pen, and all of his equipment and toys. (Quads, fixer truck, etc.) I like living in town and love this house. Oh well, thats a decision for another day.

The hub is about to get into busy season with his job. It has already started snowing there. I hope to pay off a good chunk of debt with the extra income it will bring. Last year, I was able to pay over $5000 off and get an emergency fund built. We should do even better this year, especially with DD3 going to work and being able to pay for her car/insurance herself.

This week is flying by at work. Things have been crazy and tomorrow is already booked with more of the same. Actually, I dont see a break for most of this week. I love staying busy though- it sure makes time fly.

A coworker and I went for a 25 minute walk today...close enough with all the up and down the stairs I did throughout the day to put a check mark next to my 30 minute a day goal.

What a crazy busy day it was today.

TODAY WAS A NO SPEND DAY..omg, there wasnt time to spend anything. lol. But YAY.

I reconfigured the budget after last nights $75 pizza splurge and all is good. I was able to shave a little off several budget items to cover the expense.

There is still $230 in the grocery budget. That includes food, dog food, and household supplies. When the hub comes home from Alaska, he does the cooking and most of the grocery shopping. (He likes to cook and likes to know the cupboards have his fav foods waiting...) The only issue is that he doesnt stick to a budget when he does. It seems like each month after he goes back to Alaska, the grocery budget is in the RED and I have to either borrow from another budget bucket or make do with whats left in the cupboards...hmmm...This month, that wont be a problem. I budgeted/spent very carefully so far and we still have $230 left for groceries,etc. He doesnt go back to Alaska until Oct 3...so the budget will replenish on the 5th...and I only have to feed me until the 25th of Oct. Easy, breezy.

Health-
I had oatmeal for breakfast, a quick sandwich standing up during a meeting for lunch and came home and made lime/garlic chicken breast and corn on the cob for dinner.

There was no time to walk today. I barely got a potty break. But my meal choices were healthy!

If all goes as planned, tomorrow should be another no spender.

I busted the budget tonight but for a good reason. I invited the family (DD1, DD2, DD3 and their families) over for pizza and to celebrate DD2s birthday tonight. She is a single mom and also a foster mom. She worked 56 hours last week and yesterday was too pooped to really do much. But I wanted to do something special for her..so we had pizza and cake here at the house.

Of course, her favorite pizza is the expensive pizza place..but we fed 6 adults and 5 kids for $75 and the girls got to each take leftovers and I have the left over salad. (I gulped at the cost, but am ok since DD2 enjoyed it, and everyone had a good time.) For that many, it would have cost much more if wed gone out. I could have made something much cheaper, but this weekend has just been crazy and it is what DD2 really wanted.

I will figure out which bucket this will come out of tomorrow when I can look at the spreadsheet I keep at work.

I made my oatmeal tonight for the week. I just need to figure out what else I need for lunches and snacks. I have some stuff already at work leftover from last week..but want to make sure to take what I need so that I am not tempted to grab fast food at lunch.

I knew pizza wasnt the healthiest choice, so I nibbled on cantaloupe before it arrived and only had one small slice and some salad.

We had cake...but lil Z (foster boy, 20 mo old) was here and he saw gramma take a bite and here he came, mouth open. It was a small slice and he ate the rest. Again, eating less is easy when that lil guy is here. lol.

Totally off topic...Greenbay lost today. The 49ers deserved the win, but the refs really made BAD calls throughout the game on both teams. It is frustrating to watch a game with calls like that.

Well, its about bedtime. This gramma is pooped.

Its been a busy few days and today is another busy one with birthday parties and football. (Go GREENBAY!)

The hub and I were both paid on Friday and all the budget buckets were refilled. I spent $56 at the grocery store, stocking up on lots of fruit, milk, yogurt, flour, eggs, butter, bacon, etc. I knew I was babysitting our lil foster boy last night, so I wanted to be ready. He is 20 months old and boy can that lil guy eat! He played hard all evening and its almost 9am and he is still asleep- DD3 and I wore the poor lil guy out!

I have been working on changing food habits. It takes practice and focus to remind yourself what is ok and what is not. But so far, I am pleased with the progress. It definately helps to babysit. Last night I had 1 bite of yogurt and a half a bowl of soup...because once Z saw that I was eating, over he ran with mouth open. lol. He enjoyed the yogurt, soup and lots of fruit...some crackers, more fruit, some milk, string cheese, and whatever else he could find.

I am switching from bagels to oatmeal for breakfast. I will stay with a sandwich with more lettuce than meat for lunch (luckily I like mustard and not mayo) and dinner will be soup or chicken this week. I shouldnt have to buy any more groceries.

I took DD1 and my grandaughter (K) shopping yesterday for k's birthday- she is 7. Leopard prints are big this year and most of the items she chose, including a cute little hat- have the print on them. We went over budget a little (by about $15)...but that included buying the girls lunch (they split a meal at the mall).

I am going to pay DD3 $20 for helping me with Z last night. I am still not back to 100% and didnt have the energy to keep up with him all night.

Today should be a no-spender, since I have the grocery shopping done, over a half tank of gas still, and DD2s birthday present already. However, DD2 (pharmacy tech) recommended that I try allegra for this cough...she and the pharmacist both assured me that I wont have the side effects like I did last week. So I might stop and pick some up.

Well, I just heard Z waking up so time to go back to being gramma.

Hope everyones Sunday is a good one!

Today was one of those days that put that fork in the road and made me rethink my priorities.

HEALTH
First, I seem to have been blogging a lot lately about not feeling well. So much so I feel like a hypochondriac..honestly, I dont ALWAYS focus on whining about how I feel...but today I really didnt feel good. My ear is still ringing, light headed and dizzy and a gnarly headache. I just didnt feel right. I decided to try one of those blood pressure machines that are next to the pharmacy in the store and the results were scary. Very scary. So, I went to urgent care to have it checked by a professional. They took it twice and it just got worse. ugh. The doctor suggested upping my meds slightly for a couple of days and stop the over the counter med to see if that doesnt bring it down. The next step, if this doesnt help will be to change and up meds.

At least I know why I felt so crummy. But I can affect this by changing diet and exercise...which I started today.

Im too embarrassed to post numbers...but I know what the starting point is and have a good idea where to start.

BUDGET
The doctors office will bill me for the copay,(15) so today was another no spend day. I decided to make soup for the potluck tomorrow and had everything that I needed. It smells really good and the nice thing is that this soup is pretty healthy.

I made it to Friday without spending anything. yay. Tomorrow is payday for both the hub and I and the beginning of my September budget. All the buckets get refilled and I can grocery shop again.

My grocery list will be healthier...I will walk at least 5X per week for at least 30 min and I want to start taking some supplements.

I am planning to get the supplements from Costco this weekend. I have buddied up with a co-worker and our goal is simple...be in a great routine and feel better by Thanksgiving. Vague goals, but I dont want to fail...I will be happy with being one (maybe two) sizes smaller and to just feel better.

So...dinner tonight was left over lime chicken on top of quinoa...it was really tasty. I drink a lot of water, so that was the dinner beverage of choice.

Day one is off to a decent start. Tomorrow will be a better day.

Today was a no spend day and, thanks to a lunch meeting, I even enjoyed a free lunch at the country club!! Gotta love free lunches!

Now if I can make it through tomorrow without spending, I will be back on track with the budget! Only problem is there is a potluck at work Friday, which means I will need to make something tomorrow night. Hmmm... I need to look at what I have on hand that will be good to make/take.

When the hub called tonight he mentioned again that he is getting some overtime- and that he sold 6 cords of wood. He plans to put the money from his wood sales into an older pickup that he bought a while back to fix up. The overtime will go towards the household budget.

Sunday is bithday day...both DD2's and my granddaughter (who turns 7)- My granddaughter is having a party in the morning, and then I plan to come home and watch a football game. Otherwise, no plans except grocery shopping.

This week has definately helped refocus me on my spending habits. I realize how much 'impulse' has interfered with my savings goals. I intend to stay focused and not be so quick to offer to pay or even just to spend. I budget for bills, but I need to get better on budgeting the spending $$. Especially when the hub is home...we seem to buy more when he is here.

Time to refine my plan!

The budget gremlins are out to get me.

I have turned down going out to dinner and a designer coffee run to stay on budget. Normally, I wouldnt even think twice. And normally, both would have been on my dime. But my resolve is firm..I will not frivulously spend this week.

Unfortunately....yesterday my ears plugged up and today I can barely hear out of my right ear. WTH??? No pain, just pressure and and some ringing. So, I stopped by the pharmacy where DD2 worked and she and the pharmasist suggested an antihistimine and Mucinex. I bought store brand and got an extra 20% off because DD2 is an employee, so $10.10. Fortunately, last night I drained the piggy bank and exchanged it today for dollars..it was $15.40. I paid back the LOC with the few dollars left in my purse and now have exactly $1.90....I am a big ice water drinker and will need to pick up a bag of ice tonight that is $1.89.

I obviously am being tested because of that BOLD and COCKY comment that I would have NO PROBLEM making it until Friday on $25. HA

Clearly the budget gremlins are out to prove me wrong.

Yesterday and today all meals have been from my food supply at home. I have meals planned for the rest of the week. I just hope that NOTHING else comes up before Friday.

I can do this!!!

Happy Labor Day!

My son and his family came by for breakfast on their way out of town. As promised, my son sprayed my yard and the big hairy monster on the back porch is no more.

I have our little foster guy who is playing and just a joy. Only issue is a green runny nose. I am keeping it wiped and using LOTS of hand sanitizer....I DO NOT WANT TO GET SICK. DD3 should be her soon to take over. I want to focus on some baking and cleaning and I do not want to take a chance by not focusing on what Z is doing while I am busy. (My kids tell me Im overprotective with the babies...I just think Im being responsible.)

I have chicken breast thawing out. Im going to bake them for dinner tonight and make enough for left overs tomorrow. My plan is still to make what I have here at the house work for meals all week and not spend anymore.

We shall see!

Went to the birthday party today and got to see all the kids, grandkids and extended family. It was chaotic, loud, the kids had a blast and best of all, I came home to a QUIET house.

When I got home, I decided my meal preparation ambition was ZERO...so I made a bowl of cereal and called it dinner. (DD2 stopped by to ask if I wanted to go to Olive Garden, but I stuck to my guns and passed and saved at least $40)

So...today was a great, fun, no spend day.

Tomorrow I am watching our little foster guy from 8:30am until about noon...then DD3 will take over. My son and his family are going to stop by on their way out of town...and my son is going to spray for all these spiders. (Thank GOODNESS).

There is a spider on my back porch that is so big, I am sure eats small animals. I will not be sad to see him go tomorrow (the spider that is, I will be very sad to say good bye to my son). Best of all, the spray is FREE.

I am planning on another no spender tomorrow.

The hub mentioned tonight that he is starting to put in overtime..and that tomorrow is overtime/holiday day. So that translates into nice paychecks to look forward to.

Not much else is going on tonight. Loving knowing I dont have to work tomorrow. Three day weekends are always a blessing, but are just too few and far between.

The BEST news of all is that sometime yesterday, my neck quit hurting finally. After a week of constant pain...I realized in the afternoon I was pain free. So so glad about that.

Do I really just have FOUR kids here?

Every blanket and pillow in the house is on the living room floor. Of course, sleeping in forts is so much cooler than in a bed.

Chicken nuggets are gone. so is half the chocolate milk, about half of all the fruit, the snacks, one of the costco lasagna;s and about a gallon of water. whew. It was a very busy night. But thankfully they all fell asleep by 10 and didnt get back up until 6am.

While the kids were playing last night, I made a batch of banana chocolate chip muffins. They each had one this morning to tide them over until breakfast.

This morning, pancakes, bacon and more fruit are on the menu. but first, gramma must have COFFEE.

Grammas pooped.

Two of them will be picked up in about an hour...the other two (my sons kids) will stay here with me until we leave for the birthday part at noon.

Today should be a no spend day. - I gave my DIL the $40 for the jump house yesterday, there will be lunch at the party and dinner is planned here.

Tonight and tomorrow are rest and relax days for gramma.

But for now...hugs, tickles and attention to kiddos will be my focus. life is wonderful!

Was it only a few hours ago I was so confident I could make it all week on $25.

I left home with the BEST INTENTIONS...and I had a list in hand.

My first stop..gas...$60.95. I guestimated $60...so far so good.

Next stop, the dollar store. Found some chicken nuggets for the kiddos tonight $2, crackers $1....and these cute little cups with kookie straws (wont they just lover them...) $4 and a two liter of lemon lime soda $1...$8.05 total

Then, I headed to the store. I am familiar with Safeway...but I was passing a discount grocery store (one of the bag your own and dont look to closely at the floor type stores that stock lots of inexpensive brands) The fruit all looked great...grapes, cantaloup, watermelon, tomatoes, bananas. So far so good...then, there was Bandon Cheese on sale for $4.88-a good buy, not on the list, but I picked it up anyway. Then I went to get the milk and saw the chocolate milk...my son LOVES chocolate milk and I dont see him so often, wouldnt that be a great treat...$3...and I decided to get a mix for the pancakes in the morning to make fixing breakfast for four hungry kids easier... $3...and when I checked out, I was $11 over the food budget.

To my defense (wink) the store was crazy busy. It is the first and so there were tons of people vying for floor space for their carts...so I was making my selections as fast as I could so that I could get the heck out of there. (I now know I am spoiled to shop at Safeway) Not only was it busy, but people seemed oblivious to other shoppers. NOt something I will repeat, even to save money. - The prices werent that much cheaper on the things I was buying.

I am happy that I have fresh fruit chilling in the fridge but I definately could have done better sticking to the budget. My line of credit will cover the $11 until next Friday and I will pay it back out of the September food budget that comes out of Fridays paycheck so its not the end of the world...I just dont have any extra for the week...but I can and will do this!!!

I envy those who can go and stick to that list. I wont mention how many 'near hits' to my shopping cart there were lol. At least I demonstated a little restraint.

I did a food inventory last night and wrote out the meal plan to stick to the $25 food budget.

I have:
chicken breasts
costco lasagne
black beans
tortillas
a loaf of bread
lunch meat
lettuce
oatmeal
mac n cheese for kids
romain lettuce
and lots of spices for creating meals

So..
last night was burritos with refried beans, a little cheese, salsa verde and a big handful of chopped romaine. Simple, yet tasty and filling.

I have some leftover zucchini bread, which will go great with coffee this morning.

Lunch will be a sandwich.

And dinner will include me, DD3 and four grandkids. I have mac n cheese and will add green beens or corn I also have some fruit and or animal crackers for dessert.

I do need to pick up some bacon today because the kids love pancakes and bacon for breakfast, which is what we will have tomorrow.

Today I will spend $40 on bounce house, $60ish for gas, and will log what I spend at the grocery store. I am determined to keep this weeks spending to the budget I have.

My shopping list so far:
bacon
tomatoes
coffee creamer
potatoes
fruit (watermelon, bananas, whats on sale)
milk

So glad for the three days off. Plan to just relax and enjoy the family.

Welcome Friday and the three day weekend!

The budget is pretty tight until next Friday. I have three birthdays, but I have already bought two of the presents and I have just enough in the birthday account to cover the third (for my oldest grandaughter (7) who wants new school clothes- since she is starting FIRST grade this year. )

My son and his family will be visiting, but we wont have time to go out (agood thing since I am low on $$)..I am actually babysitting for 4 out of six grandbabies tomorrow night so the parents can go out and have fun. My sons daughter (5) is having her birthday party on SUnday. I offered to chip in $40 on a bounce house ... I have $55 (15 after the bounce house) in cash and another $70 for gas and food in the checking account (I need gas, and that will run about 60)...so I have $25 for food ...with what I have in groceries...I should be able to make it just fine until next Friday when the reset button hits on the budget and we have a two paycheck Friday to start with.

I already have birthday cards. I dont always get cards, but I found some nice ones in the .97 section. I am (cheap?) when it comes to cards. Instead of an expensive card, (they can cost $5 or more!!) I buy the less expensive ones (if I get one) and write something meaningful in them. In all honesty, I rarely remember when someone gives me a card..but I always love what they write in them....so I suppose thats why I am the way I am.

I have all the makings for a nice batch of chicken and black bean soup...so that will be a primary staple for the week.

I also have all the makings for some banana muffins.

It has finally cooled down a little so baking and cooking sound fun again!

In the meantime, HELLO Friday...

Is it Friday yet?

I am feeling much better, but this has been a long, tough week.

Part of my work involves fraud, and since the 18th, I have been keeping an eye on the fallout from Zeek... Unfortunately, folks fell victim to this (alleged) Ponzi scheme. what is amazing is that there are people signing petitions supporting it. Denial I suppose. Earning big $$ from doing basically nothing sounds too good to be true...and we all know what that means. Unfortunately, there are still some that buy into too good to be true. Sad. Not just a few bucks...thousands to tens of thousands all gone in one fell swoop.

There have been lots of new mortgage regulations that Im trying to stay abreast of. Holy cow. 3500 pages of new regs in the past few weeks..my brain hurts at night from absorbing so much.

Im looking forward to this weekend. My son and his family will be here for his daughters 5th birthday.

I am happy to see September arrive. Our budget has been tight the past few weeks and September is a much easier month to budget for..and I will catch back up. Thankfully, October and November will be good too..if all goes as planned.

It is nice to feel normal again. I appreciate having energy each day!!

Caving in and going for massage therapy this afternoon. Still in pain, still grumpy..its days like this I wish my ex lived closer so Id have something to run over.

just kidding.

I am still elated that he is no where around and I dont have to deal with him....24 years later. lol.

Because of the massage, it wont be a no spend day..but at least it is a no-spend -on-anything-else day.

I thought I would share this pic with my SA friends..sorry its blurry....but this is a pic of my son and grandson at about the same age:



Cute, arent they? (Of course Im not biased at all...lol)

I double checked the freedom account today and I have funds in the household and a little in the misc. tab that I can use towards the RED balance in the budget. Then I can start September with a clean slate. I attribute the misstep to the lower paycheck and paying for a couple of dinners out while my guests were in town. sigh. But the meals were fun, and enjoyable...just a reminder of how quickly those treats can derail the budget.

Picked up, dusted off and back on track. Life is good.

Rant post...totally OT.

This morning I am grumpy...and its NOT ME...its everyone else. (tongue in cheek) ... Move faster, step aside, stop whining, get a life....etc...etc...

The good thing is that I am working on changing my attitude because it looks like a beautiful day out there.

Im not sure if this is a stage in life or just a buildup from being sick and then hurting my neck and being in pain for a week...but everything is MAKING ME ANGRY. From the people driving slower than I want, to the shoppers who cut in front of me in the store isles, to any little annoyance...suddenly, I am near rage mode. And I hate it. At least I am aware that its happening and consciously wanting to change it.

Grrr.

The hubs paycheck this week was much smaller that we expected ($500 rather than $1000)..but it was still an 'extra' paycheck. The electricity bill is $352- quite a jump from the $175 its been the past couple of months. I need to find out what caused it..but Im pretty sure it is due to the ac at the rental house.
My budget is behind and I am pondering pulling some $ from savings rather than start September in the red. (Thankfully I am only off about $300- which I can repay by November)

The next few weeks I should stay on track fairly easily. No extra expenses or guests. I am going to make a meal plan today, which will help keep food costs under control.

I am feeling much better. I think I pulled a muscle in my neck from caughing so much...or kocked something out of joint...but it has sure hurt. I massaged and tried heat/cold for a couple of hours last night and so far today the pain is all but gone. NOW THAT is something to smile about!!!

I apologize for the rant. I really am that grumpy and want to get over it. Do they make a pill for this?? lol. If I leave the house today, I promise to behave.

DD3 found out today that she got a job up in Alaska with the company her dad is working for. It is a seasonal job that will last about 4 months. She is excited for the opportunity. I have mixed feelings- but am happy that her dad will be there too. I dont know if she will come home mid-shift or if she will just get a day or two off somewhere during the season. She will learn more next month and will start sometime in October.

I spent $5 on a sandwich today for lunch. Dinner was leftovers...so a fairly inexpensive day.

I am eager to start baking. It is still too hot to get motivated to heat the house with the oven...but it should start cooling off soon and then the baking will begin.

Looking forward to this weekend and having my friend from California here for a visit. Unfortunately, I will only get to see her one day, Saturday. But that will still be fun!

Otherwise, its pretty quiet with the hub back up in Alaska.

The hub is heading back to Alaska tomorrow. He will be back in three weeks. It will be busy while he is gone with out of town visitors and three birthdays. I am still dealing with this cold, but am definately on the mend. Just a residual cough now. I really havent had much energy until the past day or so...that was quite a bad cold actually.

Tonight we took DD3 (20) and her new bf to dinner at Olive Garden. He seems like a really nice young man. DD3 has not had good luck picking her bfs...but I am impressed with this one. A good job, manners, and very nice towards her. Dinner was $108 including tip. Not cheap, but everyone enjoyed themselves and the dinner was good.

Now back to the budget. I had enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow. I plan to stick close to a budget these next three weeks.

DD2 is pondering the budget advice I gave her. (Thanks for all the suggestions). She was told that starting Sept 1, she gets all her hours back- so she should be ok after that. The hub and I did buy her new tires for her van. We couldnt let her drive on the tires she had knowing the babies would be with her...The hub used his firewood money to pay for them...$400. His next hitch home will be spent processing wood....but that $$ will go into his account to replenish what he spent helping kids out this hitch. (Thankfully the $$ didnt have to come out of the household budget!!)

This coming weekend, my friend from California is coming to visit. I get to spend Saturday with her. I am really looking forward to girlfriend time...especially now that I am feeling better. Not sure yet what we will do, just know whatever it is will be enjoyable!!

Not for me, but for my DD2...a little more on that in a minute...

I am so glad it is the weekend. It is tough to work when you are as run down as Ive been. The cold/cough was no fun but add in this heatwave and I was drained all week.

I am feeling better today. I have cleaned out my fridge and scrubbed it down, which feels great. It was needing attention. It never fun to see waste..and my fridge had several expired and even science experiment worthy items. But, now its nice and sparkly again. I am washing my sheets and cleaning...After feeling so useless, it feels good to be productive.

The one good thing about being sick is that Ive reduced my appetite and Ive been eating much healthier. I plan to continue on this course and see if I cant lose some weight for the rest of the year.

Tonight we have been invited to our friends house for dinner. They went deep sea fishing several weeks ago and want to share their cod with us. We have this couple over fairly often, and they are treating tonight, so we just have to show up! A free, relaxing evening with good friends sounds wonderful!!

I sat down with DD2 today to try to help her get budget focused. She is a struggling single mom, who tries...but she could do better. I suggested she read Mary Hunts "Freedom Account" article for starters. I know I have used a freedom account for years and it has been very useful. Im not sure if she will look at it or not. But I will keep tossing suggestions her way. To her benefit, she has no debt outside of her rent and utilities and cell phone. She could just be better at allocating what she gets so that she isnt in such a pickle when things like new tires and dr visits come up. I know there is so much out there to guide her to...what do you guys recommend??? What has worked for you?

The hub is back home until Wednesday. It is nice to have him here- he is changing DD3s brakes right now...but after, it will be a relaxing afternoon and evening.

I am FINALLY back to feeling somewhat normal again. Whatever I came down with kicked my hiney. High fever for 2-3 days followed by very congested lungs. I worked half day on Monday and Tuesday, only to come home and spend the rest of the day in bed. I made it at work all day today.

Although the hub is on his rotation home, he is gone to training this week in California. The company pays all expenses and he is paid 10 hrs per day for the training..which is nice to get extra pay, but I wish he was home. We missed time at the beginning of our vacation...then I got sick...and now hes gone to training. At least he will be home 4 days before he heads back to Alaska next week.

I stopped on the way home tonight to pick up some food for the week ($54). However, the house is so hot, I dont really feel like eating-nor do I want to heat the house any more by cooking... so I opted for some nice cold grapes. I have the shades all pulled in my bedroom and the fans going- my airconditioner has a hard time keeping up when it is this hot outside...so for now, Im using plan b, which is working ok.

I forgot to water my tomato plants yesterday, so I made sure to go out and check them when I got home...clearly, they are LOVING this hot weather. I watered them and they are doing great. No tomatoes yet, but the plants look very healthy.

Im starting to see through the fever fog. After two days of near delirium, I am up and able to focus a little, thanks to meds. Still not sure what I have, but antibiotics are working and my fever feels like it is way down this morning. Cost of meds and visit, $60.

Food has been more $$than I had planned for the weekend. The hub has been in control and since I would say sure to anything .. he and DD2 and DD3 ate fast food and pizza. (I had chicken noodle soup or toast)

However, since we didnt go anywhere to use the budget for entertainment, the food was covered.

I just took my temp, it is still 100.1 so I am not doing as well as I thought...but maybe a full day on the antibiotics will kick the fever once and for all.

I have sproadically felt like looking at pinterest and so many are posting fall and holiday pins..It puts me in the mood to start planning, but I just dont have the energy. I am excited for fall. The soups and foods that I love mostly are during the fall time. (Not to mention all the football and snacks!)

I know on the drive from San Fran to San Jose, KeepingitFrugal shared some of her fall recipes and I want to make sure to ask her for those recipes. I love it when recipes are shared here...cause they are almost always frugal and easy...

This is a get better day...since its back to work tomorrow. Staying quiet, taking meds and drinking lots of water. not much else on the radar today.

One thing I didnt count on while travelling, was getting sick. Of course, it makes perfect sense that when you are around hundreds of different people over the course of a week, visiting several touristy places, you might pick something up. Drats. 101.5 this morning..so far it is feeling like my asthmatic lungs are the culprit, but not many symptoms beyond the fever and a little trouble breathing. Thankfully, it didnt start until I got home (2am this morning)...

Hopefully this will run its course by Sunday, since I go back to work on Monday. pffft.

The hub worked an extra day on this rotation (when his flight was cancelled at the beginning of our vacation.) He also worked some extra OT, so his check has an extra $400 on it. I will put it towards the debt that we are chipping away on. Also, next week, the hub has to go to training for four days. This will be 'extra' money that we hadnt counted on - so that will go toward house repairs. My house will need to be painted next year, so I need to start saving for that.

We are in the midst of birthday season in our family. Aug 1, 2, 5, 9 (anniversary, the hub and I have now been married 22 years!) 29, Sept 2, 8, 8 (yep two on that day). So I am quickly depleting the birthday account. Thankfully, after these, there is a repreive until Nov- when the next slew of birthdays start... Nov 16, 22, Dec 21, 24, Jan 2, 27. Keeping up with this big family is a job!!

I was supposed to have a playdate with a girlfriend today...but that wont happen now. DARN IT. But it will probably save me some $$ to stay home. :/ I just wished I didnt feel so stinkin crummy. bleh.

We arrived home at midnight last night. I thought I would share some sights with my SA friends.

This is the boat we took for the Kenai Fjord tour.



This is the town of Seward, taken from the boat as we sailed towards the Kenai Fjord glaciers. The day was very cloudy and we got some rain, but it was hardly noticable because of all the great things we saw.



Views on the train between Seward and Anchorage:






I have calculated a rough budget and we came in well under budget, so all in all, a fantastic trip- in spite of the bumps along the way.

Most of my pictures are 1-2 minute video clips that I took on my ipad. I will see if I cant figure out how to share some of those images too. That is where I catured all the glacier and animal sightings...except for these guys from the Sealife Center...

The vacation is coming to an end. It has been such an awesome week. I have gotten to ride trains, buses, boats and have seen whales, moose, bear, carribou, sea lions, otters, puffins, eagles, seals and lots of other fish. And the best...was seeing and hearing a huge glacier...wow,

Thankfully, the hub finally caught up with me Saturday night, so we had 3 full days together. (His flight off the north slope was cancelled on Thursday and didnt go out again until Friday night, then he had to catch a bus the next day and travel 6 hours to catch up with me..)

Alaska is a gorgeous state this time of year. Everything is green or greener. (except the glacier, which is blue). The food has been phenominal..and the people have been very friendly.

Everything is more expensive here. But I am certain we stayed within budget. I plan to do a little accounting on the 3 plus hour plane trip ahead of us.

I will post pictures after we get home. What an amazing adventure!!

I am writing this by the fire in the lodge Im staying at in Denali, Alaska, It is so gorgeous here. At home, the weather is 105 today. Here, a brisk 48 - hense the fire. I am in hot flash heaven...lol.

I cant begin to describe how beautiful this state is. Yesterday, I took an 8 hour train ride through the most beautiful country. WOW. So far, I have had several phenominal meals, mostly fish- since it is so fresh here. I am literally in paradise. I will post pics soon.

THe only problem, MY HUSBAND ISNT HERE....yet.

The planes off the slope were all cancelled on Thursday because of fog. FOG??? Then, he didnt get out until late yesterday afternoon. He had been up 36 hours and ended up sleeping on a bench at the airport in Anchorage (where we were supposed to meet on Thursday)...

It is now Saturday and am hoping he caught the 7am bus...which will get here in an hour or so....(6 hour bus trip for him). I have tried to enjoy the first half of vacation by myself. And I have, its just NOT what I expected. But life is like that sometimes, isnt it. So I have made the best of it.

And it has been amazing so far. This afternoon, we are meeting up with an old friend of the hubs and his wife. They live here in ALaska...he is actually the friend that talked the hub into considering a job up here. They have a new baby, so I am eager to see them.

Tomorrow we leave this beautiful lodge to head to Seward...and the adventures there. But for today, I am soaking up the beauty and trying to capture everything in pictures.

Because the hub hasnt been here, I am well under budget for the trip. Maybe even ahead, since he worked an extra day. I hope he enjoys the second half as much as I have enjoyed the first.