Gramma Ray's Blog

Did you know that on my very first blog almost six years ago these three bloggers posted responses!

That makes me smile...we all started our blogs around that time...and we are all still here- Weve been through ups, downs, ins and outs together....

I feel like I really do know many bloggers here.

Just reminiscing tonight. fun stuff

Last November when we went on our girls trip to Portland, we went to a mall that happened to have a Brookstone. I wandeted into this store after a long day of shopping and a lady asked if I would like to try a wonderful massager for my feet...I sat down and put my feet into the massager, she pushed a button and OMG. The little box did its thing and I was in gramma-after a long shopping day heaven.

The massager was 'on sale' for $199. I thought I would wait until it was discounted even further after Christmas. umm....thats not what happened. After Christmas it went OFF SALE and back up to $249. It did drop to $229....but I was still determined to pay $199 at the most.

Today was my lucky day. I got an email that there was a special...so I went to the site and was able to get the massager for $199 with free shipping. I normally dont do stuff like this...but I have thought MANY MANY times about buying the massager over the past four months...so I did it.

My feet are already thanking me!! Now I just have to wait for my little purchase to arrive.

ahhhhhhhh......

Ugh....nuf said?

Why is it, no matter how well you prepare ahead of time...that even coming back from two work days away...there is always so darn much catch up to do?

I literally RAN all day trying to catch back up. It didnt help that I had 4 hours worth of meetings today. The time I did have didnt even get me caught up on email and phone calls...but I got the key stuff outa the way.

Tonight I got to work on two of my three topics for psychology course. Got those turned in...and tomorrow night is the final topic and then final exam preparation...AGHHHHHHHH....If anyone is reading this and deciding whether or not to get a formal education...DO IT WHILE YOURE YOUNG...trying to tackle this as a gramma is plum crazy!

I went to lunch with an old friend today..Spent $$8.50 (tip included). That was the only $ spent. Back on the lunch challenge tomorrow.

Otherwise...I am pooped.

This past weekend was awesome. The side by side massage (from gift certificates Id received) was a FABULOUS way to start a nice 4 day weekend! Then, off to the house we rented. Used the hot tub many times, went for walks, enjoyed the fireplace, cooked up the prime rib I bought on sale before Christmas...and just relaxed with our good friends that went with us. Then the hub took me to Olive Garden on the way home today for Valentines day.

I received my year -end bonus this weekend- it was more than I was expecting!! I quickly set up an auto transfer to move it into ING. Adding this bonus to the interest bonus and the safety bonus that I received in December and January...I now have $3800 between the three! big yay. I plan to just let it ride...an unplanned nest egg. (and have no plans on anyone else (aka kids) knowing about it!!!)

Tomorrow is back to the routine. I have a four day work week this week, and a four day week next week. Lots to do with 8 hours less each week to do it in. But I will just juggle faster and thoroughly enjoy the short weeks.

Life is super swell!

I have mentioned that I have a great weekend ahead...(matter of fact, I am on vacation as I type)... -I am sleeping better...Tomorrow, I get my first post-raise paycheck.... and this weekend is our employee awards banquet so I get my bonus!! Exciting stuff!

Today I got back on track with the lunch challenge. There wasnt much grab and go choice this morning...so I enjoyed a PBnJ on...ug..white bread. Nice thing was that I was so stinking busy at work getting things wrapped up to be gone for a couple of days so I ate on the go and enjoyed the heck out of the simple lunch.

I while back I declared the 'bank of mom' closed...well, that didnt last unfortunately...ALL FOUR kids needed to borrow money this week...from $20 up to $400. Just tracking this stuff is a full time job. :/ Where did I go wrong? I guess the upside is that they do pay me back...some without reminders and others after...I just have such a hard time saying no. sigh....

OK...back to the exciting stuff! Im officially ON vacation and I am looking forward to a marvelous weekend!! Superduperstinkincool.



Now I am packing and getting ready.

The no spend streak came to a screeching halt today...of my own doing. I had a very early start at 6:45am to conduct a security visit to one of our branches. I rarely pop for a designer coffee anymore...but being up and on the road that early enticed me...I bought for me and our security officer...$6... took the hub to lunch today- hey if Im having a spend day, go big or go home right? (sorry Househopeful)...$25...then picked up cat food and a few study supplies for class (index cards, highlighters, etc) $24.

I am still enjoying a wheeze-free existence...my inhaler is my new twice a day bff...I had to laugh at the irony when my daughter (who is a pharmacy tech) asked what the miracle drug was and then told me its the most expensive inhaler out there....sounds like my 'free' three month supply of samples is saving my insurance company at least $400. *gulp*....oh well, I will worry about that another day.

TONIGHT...I am anxiously preparing for my weekend getaway that starts in about 36 hours...yes indeedee...this is an ear to ear (wheeze free)smile...

WOW. Last night I used the steroid inhaler that the doctor gave me yesterday....and I have not wheezed since. I went an ENTIRE night with no wheeze waking me up!! Do you know what it feels like to have an entire nights sleep after a loooooooooong time of interrupted sleep?? (well, except for having a new baby)

Incredible....and best of all it was free and I now have an answer and can FINALLY sleep!!! I use my new wheeze be gone twice a day and voila...life is good!

Today was another no spender.

Tonight I am taking off from studies. Just decided to make it a free night to veg after finishing the mid-term last night.

I am watching a super interesting program on Markawasi Peru. I think I will add visiting an ancient site to my bucket list...this stuff is so interesting...

We are down to two days left before the fun weekend. SO excited!!!

I mentioned in my last post that I went to the doctor today, but what I failed to add is that my doctor is awesome. I told her I was having trouble sleeping because of my asthma/wheezing at night. She said I needed to go on a steroid inhaler. Then, she bagged up a three month supply of "samples" for me. She is always very generous this way. When I was staying home taking care of my parents, she used to give me "samples" for everything...to the point I did not have to ever buy my medicine.

I just used the inhaler and for the first time in a long time, I do not wheeze when I exhale. OMG.

I know that if I sleep better, I will have an easier time getting healthier. I appreciate so much that trying this inhaler is free for the next three months. I hope it is a free solution to this on-going pain in the neck problem.

I took my mid-term tonight and got 91%!!! That's an A...and I am well on track for an A in the class.

Thats the good news...

Earlier today I had a doctor's appt- sigh... I HAVE to start exercizing. Last year was a tough year emotionally, but I have to retake control of my health. I did retake control of my emotional well-being...now it is time to work on my physical well being.

Iam doing much better on food choices by taking my lunch every day...now I need to get my workout routine figured out.

Where is Baselle when I need her? Oh yeah...she's off in Vietnam.

Today was a another no spender...thanks to the lunch challenge.

Enjoying a relaxing evening post-exam.

During half time, I packed lunch for tomorrow. Leftover Turkey, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce. We picked up some goodies for the game this morning at the the store and I went ahead and bought my bagels (2.57) and coffee creamer ($3) for the week- (I still have creme cheese left).

This should get me through for breakfast bagels the next two weeks since I have two 4 day work weeks and a bagel left over from last week still.

I cut up and froze the rest of the roast beef to use later this week for lunch. I have hoagie rolls and cheese...and there was plenty of roast for 3 days- so I should make the lunch challenge this week just fine.

In the meantime....GO PACKERS!

I have been busy studying for my mid-term for psychology. I love this class- it is just a whole lotta work and studying. I have over 100 index cards completed for study and quick reference. I am holding a strong A so far in the class...so I really want to do good on the mid-term.

I went the whole week without eating out for lunch. Even today. Today was leftovers from the past couple of days. French dip for lunch from the leftover roast and turkey/gravy/stuffing for dinner from last night. All very tasty!

We babysat grandbabies most of the day. So I havent left the house today. Which means it was a no-spender for me. (yay)

The next two weeks are only four day work weeks for me becayse I am taking next Friday and the following Monday off for a long weekend. The hub and I rented a home for the weekend (it was buy two nights get one free- the hub and I split the cost so only $200 each for the 4 days) so a fairly inexpensive vacation. I bought a prime rib to take back when they were on sale...and our friends that are joining us will take care of dinner one night- the rest of the meals will be inexpensive as well.

Our bedroom in this house has a gas fireplace, a jetted soaking tub and a travertine shower....plus an outside hot tub...ahhhhhhhh......bring on the leftovers and sack lunches if it means an occasional treat like this...

Also, *and this is the good part* I got a gift certificate for a one hour massage for christmas from my team...and I booked an appointment for Friday morning...so a FREE massage and sauna before I go.

Add that I will have this mid-term behind me by then and I am looking forward to a FANTASTIC, relaxing long weekend!

Life, well...simply fabulous!

I am on lunch at work. I should be studying, but my lunch of oatmeal and bacon made me think of this site- so here I am!

Last night I was thinking oatmeal/bacon for lunch-not so enticing...but it was actually really good- so I will be doing that more often. It was certainly easy and inexpensive. THe oatmeal (steel cut, bulk) cost .50, the 2 slices of bacon - which I bought in bulk and on sale...maybe .25. I did bring a soda...so I will add another .20 (3.99 for 24 = .17 per)and I have a banana for snack...which was on the hubs dime this week. So...$.95 for lunch today. (yay!)

Breakfast was the standby bagel and coffee. $1

Dinner tonight will be on the hub again...roast beef sandwiches made from a slow cooked roast and salad.

I did splurge today however. My team at work wanted to host a chip and salsa party for everyone in our building tomorrow...so I chipped in $30 to buy most of the supplies. My team is all on a tight budget and I thought the hosting thing sounded like a fun, team-building idea...so its all good.

My volunteer day on Saturday has fallen through...so I will have a full day to study for class. - And I think the hub and I will go enjoy our free Feburary pizza on Sunday...

Life is awesome!

It was a creative day food wise.

Bagel and coffee for breakfast $1

Tomato Soup, slice of french bread and a banana for lunch $1.25...Wednesday's our IT team picks up pizza from Costco and everyone gets together for $3 each and has pizza and a soda...but I stuck to the lunch challenge.

Tomato soup at work = heating in a cup in microwave and drink/sipping it. I wasnt really in the mood for soup today, but it was easy to tuck the container in my lunch last night.


Two chili cheese dogs for dinner free (hub bought groceries this week)

Definately not the healthiest day food-wise, but it worked.


The soup and banana ended up not being a good combo for my asthma...never noticed foods causing an attack- but all I was doing was working in my office when it came on- right after lunch. So I suspect one of the two triggered the attack.

Spent my 'lunch hour' studying for my mid-term next week.

Today was another no spend day.

Tonight I made oatmeal and bacon for lunch tomorrow. -Didnt have any sandwich fixins...and I am out of the bbq chicken- so I got creative again.

I am glad that HouseHopeful started this challenge...the timing was so on for me. Just that one little change has got me rethinking other budget areas..

Stuck to the lunch challenge again today! A redo of yesterday (teriyaki chicken, rice, pineapple and chili sauce)several co-workers kept saying 'boy that looks (smells)great'. And it was way yummy and way less than any meal I could buy.

Lets see- this cost about $1.75- including a soda from home. - and to sweeten the deal, breakfast was about a buck for a bagel (.50) , cr cheese (.25) and hazelnut coffee (.30). loving that kinda meal plan. Dinner- was free. THe hub bought the groceries today.

My only expense today was gas at $55. (ouch)...but that will last at least two weeks.

I am so so so busy at work. We are remodeling a building we bought, selling/donating a whole bunch of the old furniture from the old location and having new stuff built, organizing a move of about 50 employees. There is so much going on with this project. ...and trying to stay on top of some volunteer work and my 'normal' day to day stuff... Goind to school (and holding on to that 4.0!!!!!) and being an active gramma to six grandbabies...

I cherish...CHERISH down time. Funny to think back to the 'good ol days" when I started this blog and had 'retired' from corporate America. But I do enjoy being busy and in the mix of so many various projects.

But right now...I have to get back to the decision at hand....which is WHAT TO PACK FOR LUNCH for tomorrow. lol.

juggle, juggle, juggle...fasterfasterfaster....

Life is tiring...but very good.

I have joined HouseHopeful's lunch challenge this month. I enjoyed teriyaki chicken, jasmine rice and pineapple topped with a splash of sweet chili sause today..um YUM. And thanks to leftovers, I get a do-over tomorrow.

Last fall I found a nice insulated Columbia lunch tote on sale at Kohl's - normally $14.99 for 2.99 + 30% off...I used it for the first time today and I LOVE it. It held all the fixins, plus a soda and an extra platic container for the pineapple after I opened the can.

I also took bagels and some cream cheese for breakfast this week- My job provides free coffee...and a container of creamer for a week is $3... so for $3 a week, thats a fairly cheap vice...(especially in leiu of $4 a day at Starbucks....)

Today was my first no-spend day in a while.

Tomorrow would be another no-spender except I need to get gas. But food-wise, wont have to spend a cent!

Thank you HouseHopeful for the challenge and inspiring me to get back to this healthy, frugal habit!

Where is time going? My goodness. Work has been incredibly busy, which is a good thing as the time flies by so fast...but the bummer side is that....well, time flies by so fast.

This week was all about work, homework, my oldest turning 29, and...well, a little sleep mixed in.

My paycheck today was about $60 more than I expected. I lowered my FSA portion from $50 per check to $12.50 PLUS the lower Social Sec taxes...

I wish I could say that the $60 was going to be stashed away for some wonderful treat. Unfortunately, that plus has been absorbed into having 3 extra people and 4 extra animals living here. CLEARLY, I need to reset the financial groundrules. THe bank of mom needs a hiatus.

Not much else exciting going on. But I must say...life is beautiful!

"We are pleased to inform you there was no change from your last exam".... And thats exactly what I wanted. SO, the girls have a clean bill of health for another year!

My grandson (6) lost his first two teeth in the last two days. The tooth fairy is staying busy at his house! He is so cute...Hes pretty proud that his tongue can stick out between the remaining teeth.


Hard to believe he is this big already.

Not too much exciting happening otherwise. Life is good!

I am loving this new year!

First, my new years resolution of forgiving myself has made a HUGE impact on life. For the first time in as long as I can remember I no longer mentally beat myself up for everything Ive ever done. My focus is better, my outlook is better and I am enjoying the good things that are happening even more. Best of all, the number of times I have to redirect my thoughts is dimenishing. YAY

Then,all the bonus $, raise $ and the money the hub is chipping in towards expenses. WOW. I feel almost downright wealthy. (Ok. an extra few hundred in the bank account at the end of the month may not constitute wealthy....but having the wiggle room to not stress feels wealthy to me!!)

The hub and I went to pizza last night using one of the 'one large pizza per month for a year' coupons that I won at a silent auction. Price paid $130 (and the $$ went to an excellent kid cause)...actual cost of pizze = $21.95 each or $263.40. I got a smokin deal which is even sweeter when we discovered last night that this pizza is the best we have ever had...honestly, this resaurants pizza is amazingly goood...so we have a new favorite for each month that will feel 'free'.
Caveat= tip plus drinks was not free, but well worth it to us as an inexpensive date night that also provides leftovers for a yummy lunch the next day.

I am helping a previously homeless teen- she is so thankful to have a place to live and is a sweet, helpful girl. She helps out without any nudging, which I greatly appreciate. Initially I was going to have her pay $25 per week, but she is struggling to find a job, so that is on the back burner for now.

It just feels like this year is off to an awesome start for a lot of good reasons.

Today is a Holiday...and I plan to spend it cleaning and studying. It should be a no-spend day for me.

Life is awesome!

Im not one to normally watch my blog statistics but I realized that sometime today the number of visits to my blog will hit 1,000,000...HOLY COW

I have been blogging here for almost 5 years and this is one of my favorite personal enjoyments!! I have made so many friends and we have shared births, deaths, graduations, marriages, debt stories, success stories...

Fun stuff!

I completed my first psychology quiz today and am holding the A...yay!

This is a three day weekend...and now I can just relax and enjoy the next two and a half days!

No big plans- laundry is going, dishwasher just finished...mainly just plan to enjoy my Kindle. Hope everyone has a good weekend!

Thank goodness its PAYDAY at last!!! WHEW.

Todays paycheck included an extra $270 (after taxes) from my 10% loyalty rebate at my job. I will tuck that away for a rainy day. After getting paid, I am all caught up and back on track with my budget now. That feels really really good.

I bumped up my vacation account an extra $5 per week. I think I have decided NOT to go to Jamaica this summer for my friends birthday, but rather just go to her party in So California. The Jamaica trip would be fun, but there are going to be other couples going that I barely know...and I am just not sure I want a big vacation to include the unknown of someone else's friends. Id rather put the money towards a trip that I have more say in. I will still get to celebrate with my buddy, but it will cost me under $500 instead of over $3000; PLUS I can go visit my other friend who is going through a mastectomy soon and will be recovering from cancer treatments this summer. (The two friends live about 2 hrs from each other, so I can rent a car down there and easily do both.)

I finished giving all my evaluations today. Everyone seemed happy with their review and raises. We are opening a new location in about two months, so next week will be spent figuring out all of the furniture logistics. (We are selling the old and putting new in the new location.) From one busy project to the next...but it keeps life interesting and fun.

So so so so glad its the weekend!! Life is good!

(Sorry to any guys reading this blog)

My friend was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of weeks ago. I decided I needed to schedule an exam and had it today. They put the picture of my previous one up on the screen and there were the arrows pointing to suspicion...this exam will tell me if the little white patch has changed or is cause for more concern. : It will be good to get a check mark on this and forget about it for another year!!

Is it payday yet???? Seriously, it has been a long time since I had this many days left after the budget ran out. I obviously miscalculated the benefit of that fifth Friday last month. :{ Thankfully, tomorrow is the last day before payday. I had to put gas into my car tonight and it tapped the line of credit for the whole $50. Next time I get a month with an extra paycheck I will budget MUCH differently.

The good news is this coming weekend is a three-day-er. Now that brings a smile to my face! I dont really have any plans...but that extra day is always nice to have.

The tech said that the results from the test should be back within just two days...will certainly breathe easier when those are disclosed. But in the meantime...life is good!

Today was exciting for another reason....1-11-11 is the birthday of such a special little girl.

You see, her mom and dad have had two...TWO....late term miscarriages prior to today. The first, a daughter, was 24 weeks and lived only minutes... and the second, a son, was born at 22 weeks and only took a couple of breaths. Both births were devestating to this young couple who simply wanted to be blessed with a baby to love....and the second nearly stopped them from trying again.

14 weeks ago, the mom again went into pre-term labor, but the doctors stopped it and put mom on strict bed rest in the hospital.

Today was their daughters birthday. All 7 lb 10 oz of her...healthy as they come.

I have never seen two more excited parents.

Kinda makes my focus on my finances seem....well, insignificant.

Happy Birthday little Ms. KH. Your parents have waited a long time for you. Welcome to the world.

Today was the polar opposite of yesterday. It started off more of the same this morning...but I scheduled time to meet with the disgruntled employee and encouraged her to tell me what was going on. Ended up being some very misguided assumptions (gotta love assumptions...not)And I think we are back on track.

Then, the calculators were posted for raises and the bonus. HOLY COW. My raise is $370 per month!!!! And the bonus will be $4200. SERIOUSLY? After double checking, it looks like these numbers are accurate. I am so excited! I feel some serious breathing room entering my budget!! WOW. Maybe that trip to Jamaica will happen afterall! Not sure yet, but it is fun to have wiggle room to give it serious consideration!

I got my first score for my psychology and got 12 out of 12...so I am on track on my first week in.

What a day! Life, needless to say, is super fantastic today!!!!

Today was a tough day at work. A major hiccup with an employee over time off. I anticipated a bad reaction and arranged for our HR manager to come and talk about the rules around her situation...but it still did not go well. I try to be more than fair whenever possible...but sometimes, rules are rules and I cant make exceptions to policy that we enforce with everyone else. I left work very frustrated and disappointed. Sometimes I wish staff could walk a mile in the managers shoes when this kindof stuff happens.

So back on topic...I will sure be glad to see payday gets here on Friday. This has been one of those pay-periods where the money ran out before it was time for payday. I am trying really hard not to dip into savings, but will be forced to if any expenses occur before Friday.

My friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer learned that they will be doing a mastectomy in the next couple of weeks. She has stage two- not sure which type tho. It breaks my heart for her but she is handling it fairly well. She wants to get the cancer behind her so that she can get back to her life.

Sorry for the down mood tonight. Its just been a tough one. sigh.

My weekend consisted of a trip to the mall where I took advantage of a 75% off sale at Bath and Body works. Three things that normally would have cost about $35 for $8. Yumminess in a scent, hand soap, lotion...An $8 treat for sure.

Other than that, I bought a couple of steaks, a BOGO chicken breasts, and stocked up on some other items for about $45. Last night we had an amazing rib-eye steak dinner with all the fixins and tonight some yummy chicken fetuccini alfredo. ANd I have plenty of options for the week ahead. So all in all, not a bad weekend for expenses.

The week ahead will be a challenging one. Lots of things going on at work. SOme good, some not so good. I know by Friday, I will be ready for the three day weekend next weekend!

My bff and I are both celebrating our 50th this year. Several months ago I reserved a beautiful 8 bedroom home in a resort for 4 days and all my kids and a few close friends will be joining me as guests that weekend. I have been saving and planning for several months already and I still have 4 months to go!

Today my friend called to say she is having two parties. One at her home on her birthday for all of her friends and relatives...and the second is a destination party that will most likely be in Jamaica!! So, now I have to decide if I take the inexpensive route and celebrate in So California...or if I go all out and join her in Jamaica for an all-inclusive 7 day adventure! Hmm... It would be much more do-able if I wasnt having my party...however, I am still very excited about it and wont change my plans.

I guess I will see how finances go over the next month and decide if I have it or not. My friend and I have been buddies since we were 12 and neither of us have ever done a big to-do for ourselves...so Im honestly hoping to do both.

I guess I will see!

The raise matrix did not get published at work today so I still dont know what my increase will be. :/ It will most likely be 5-6%, which is about double what I thought... I did learn that our reward bonus will be more than I anticipated- potentially 6% of my salary last year. After taxes and 401K contribution, that will still be a very nice check! (um, yay!)-

My co-workers gave me a $75 gift card to our local grange last year in leiu of flowers when my mom died. I wasnt sure what to do with it, so I still have it. I think I am going to get some above ground planters for a small garden. Last year I planted zucchini and they did awesome...so I am eager to do a little more this year.

On the way home tonight I stopped at the store and bought some boysenberry syrup and bacon. I havent had pancakes in a long time and thought that sounded yummy for breakfast. The store had several 10 for $10 sales going on so I stocked up on pasta and other pantry supplies.

Looking forward to a quiet weekend. Life is good!

I am taking psychology for this term. If the syllabus is any indication, Im in for a grueling study routine for the next couple of months. At least it is a subject I am interested in!! I finished my first assignment tonight.

I recently loaned my son and my daughter each a fairly hefty amount (at least for me- $850 and $750 respectively). Low and behold, my son paid me back yesterday and my daughter is paying me back tomorrow. (whew). I am glad I can help the kids when they need it, but when it takes most of my short term savings to do so I get a little nervous. Anyway, it will be good to have my savings account built back up. I also have a couple of rebates coming back on the new phones- those need to go back into savings as well!

This weekend is actually a free weekend...no plans! Yay! Looking forward to just getting the little things done.

My evaluation went great! Our process includes doing a self evaluation and then sending it to your boss (my boss is the CEO) and they do an evaluation and you sit down and discuss the two. My boss said he was happy with what I wrote and decided to use just my evaluation this year. Thankfully, I gave myself good scores and ended with a 4 out of 5. (5's pretty near impossible to hit)...so I am happy. Still not sure what my increase will be- but should find out on Friday. (last year I received a 6% increase for a similar score- but I have a feeling this year will be 4%.

I will be happy with whatever it is!

Now I have to complete evaluations for each of my employees. I should use my bosses idea and just accept their scores...however, they seem to have scored themselves low- so I have four evals to write. Luckily, I have a great staff so they will be fun to write!

For now, I will just breathe a sigh of relief that my eval is over for another year!

I get so nervous before evaluations. I think Ive done a good job...but I never know whether its ok, good, great...until after the evaluation is done.

The good news is that I will find out what my raise will be. I know it is at least 3% but might be 4%. Either will be welcome and appreciated!

Also this month, we get an empllyee rebate of 10% on all interest earned or paid on our accounts. I think this will equal about $200 for me on my next paycheck.

Then next month, I will get the bonus...I feel so blessed. I truly love my job, so getting the perks really sweetens the deal!

When I get all the final numbers, I will redo the budget! I will put part towards bills payment and part towards vacation.

Life is very $ good!