Gramma Ray's Blog

Scored at the store yesterday. Seems their sales were primarily things I needed or would normally buy. Several of the coupons were for a single item only because the price was so good.

However, my mom wanted to get out of the house and joined me. A kind shopper had left some of the great coupons on the items that they didnt need..so my mom bought seconds of some of the items that were ONE only. I got 6.5 lbs of thick bacon for $9.99; 24 pack of Coke for $4.99; hamburger for $1.69 lb; classico pasta sauce $1.23; orange juice, cookies, pork chops...all in all; $178 in groceries for $99.

The checker said that he was seeing more coupons this weekend than he had seen in a long time. Most likely this is a combo of some really good deals, and more people taking advantage of frugal opportunities. In any case, I was glad to see the shelves well stocked on the bargains. Thank you Safeway!

I had some Costco mega-pack of hamburger buns in the freezer and plenty of hamburger...so...

So, we invited all the kids, some of their friends, grandkids over last night and had a bonfire and bbq. I had some red potatoes on hand so I looked up a recipe for red potato salad (potatoes; bacon; celery; eggs; miracle whip and sour creme + salt and pepper to taste) My first attempt at potato salad and it was a big hit.

I fed everyone for about $20. Oh, and I had picked up a package of marshmallows and everyone enjoyed toasted-gooey-yumminess for dessert. The little guys loved it. My grandson (4) had spent the night with us on Friday, so he spent yesterday as papa's shadow, setting up the bonfire, getting the firewood, etc. He didnt take a nap, so by 8pm, the little guy was pooped. I am sure he conked on the drive home and had sweet dreams last night. I know I slept like a baby.

Today we have no plans to leave the house. We have plenty of food and no desire to go anywhere, so it will most likely be a lazy-jamma-type day.

Good day to catch up on laundry, etc. But for now, its coffee time!

DD3 (17) had a bad accident last night. She underestimated a curve, overcorrected, the car spun and then rolled down and embankment and ended up in a ditch.

SHE IS OK. Bump on the head, shook up, sore, but not a scratch on her. Thank goodness.

The car....is totaled. I am sure there will be a negative financial impact...but that worry is for a different day. Today is about gratitude and perspective.

Nothing quite like a close call to remind you of what's important.

My to-do list got a rewrite this morning...from getting up, getting ready for work and rushing out the door...to checking in on DD3, hugging her, reassuring her, calling insurance..and just being mom.

Work will have to wait for a little while. Right now, I am needed at home.

The really cool thing. My boss couldnt agree more...as a matter of fact, he just emailed me and told me to take the day off.

I am so grateful that this is a day of thanks, rather than any alternative.

An amazing number of lunches are coming from brown bags these days...

Im having to watch out for bicycles on the roads...

Generics arent as plentiful on the shelves...but there is an abundance of name brand...

America is gnashing teeth at McMansions, McVehicles, McBabies and McGadgets...

America's Cheapest Family is a household name...

Oprah and Phil are both chanting spend less, save, down with debt!!

All of a sudden it's feeling like FRUGAL is the IN crowd...the place to be...the ones to follow...

wow.

The question is....is this our 15 minutes of fame? Are we the flavor of the month...or is Frugal the new American Dream?

I can see the Bumper Stickers:

Frugal and Proud
I was Frugal when Frugal wasn't cool
My wife can save more than your wife...
Waste not, save more!
Fashionably Frugal!

lol

hmm...I guess we hold our heads in frugal-pride and stay tuned.

I set a goal at the beginning of the year to get back into the habit of having a Freedom Account - which is the name Mary Hunt gave to her household escrow account that includes all those non-monthly expenses like clothes, household, pets, etc. Our household account accumulated enough that, with some careful shopping, I was able to buy a new bedspread set ($34.99) for our king size bed...sheets...and 8 pillows. 8 pillows is alot, but I bought standard, queen and king size pillows of all firmnesses. Since we have never bought a headboard/footboard for our bed, these pillows substitute for a headboard, support while we sit in bed and read, tv, etc. I got everything for under $100...and I feel like I am at a nice resort with the new bedding. I am loving it!! Ive had the new bedding for about 4 days now...and each night it feels like I am truly pampered....and it was all in the budget, so no new debt incurred!

All of the deposits are done for the final payment on the Villa, so I will be mailing the check tomorrow. I cant believe this vacation is sneaking up like it is!

I have decided NOT to do school next semester...it is just proving way too much added pressure and stress right now. So, I have a little over two weeks left of school and then an indefinate break for a weary gramma. I truly have pooped myself out.

We are planning a bonfire this weekend with the whole family. We will bbg burgers and dogs...and enjoy all the babys around the fire. Cheap, fun entertainment!!

Last night was our annual employee awards banquet. It was a lot of fun. In spite of the economy, we made some of our critical goals...which means there was a rewards bonus for staff. (yeah!) It was even a little more than I had expected..so double yeah! THEN, I won a door prize...got a neat gardening kit with bulbs, tools, etc...value was over $100...so tons of cool stuff.

My Puerta Vallarta trip is less than 3 months away now. I am sending the final payment on the villa this week. I got to thinking about something and have adjusted my travel plans a little and I am even MORE excited about this trip now...

I had taken the week after the vaca off, to just relax and because my birthday is that week. Well, on the flight home, we change planes in LA...and my dear friend lives near there...so, I changed my flight to come home 5 days later and will just stay in LA with my friend that week. THe hub will come on home on the original flight.

My friend lives near Disneyland...and since my birthday is that week...I registered to go to Disneyland for FREE. Yeah!!!! I havent been in 7 years...and since it will be free... I dont even mind going by myself!!


So, a week in Puerto Vallarta, followed by a week with my best buddy, AND a free trip to Disneyland!! Woo-hoo!

The hub offered to make breakfast today...so I am enjoying some relaxation time...while breakfast is being made..

Does it get any better than this???

Little miss sunshine at the register asked me this yesterday as I was checking out at the store register...ummm...Tuesday Club? I naively asked...and she said, yes, for our customers 55 and older....

*choke*

Cmon guys....I dyed my hair recently, Ive lost a few pounds...Im a little tired....but do I look 55 when I am only 47??????????????????????????????

I smiled, and said that, no, I am quite a few years away from the club requirements....but I would take the discount if she wanted to give it to me...no such luck.

Sigh...I guess there are worse things that she could have asked. Just none come to mind right now. lol

The hubs job is slowing down and I am concerned that he will be pushed to more part-time hours shortly. They slow down during tax-season every year, but I would be foolish to believe that is what this is. The hub works for a big-rig repair shop...and I know this slow down is from the economy. I have just considered us fortunate until now to have sidestepped the cuts many have experienced for some time now. Hopefully, this wont last too long....

Otherwise, life is good. (even if I am looking senior these days...gads.)

An interesting sign of the times for sure...

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/20090223...

I don't have an American Express account...it will be interesting to see how this plays out with other credit card companies.

Id leave for $300!!!

and try real hard not to let the door in me in the....

anyways.

I had class tonight. I have mentioned that I am about the oldest kid in class. I am on the oral debate team for the Death Penalty...and I am the only person on the team who opposes the Death Penalty (at least in most cases...) It was an intersting discussion as my team and I prepared to argue which ever side of this issue we are selected to argue. We wont know until the time of the debate, so we have to be prepared to argue both sides.

Not much else going on today.

I spent $130 yesterday on some new things for the house. So today, the hub and I made some changes around here.

1st to go...our sheets off the living room window...and up went the new drapes. ($40 drapes, $9.99 sheers, $14.99 curtain rod)...Talk about an amazing difference! While he was on the ladder, I had him knock down some spider webs that had accumulated up on the ceiling (we have 17 ft ceilings in the living room- so we have to bring in the ladder to get close to them.)

Then, we added the mirror and two pics to the wall on the stairway ($14.99 mirror, $16.99 for each of the two pics) ..WOW- I took down the two mismatched pics that were up there and now it looks almost regal!!!

Then, we took down the towels that have been covering the bedroom window and hung up the new sheers...a shimery cocoa brown. I cant even tell you the difference this made!! ($9.99 for sheers, $6.99 for the curtain rod.)

I completely scrubbed down the fridge and tossed all the outdated stuff that was lurking way in the back while the hub and DD3 went grocery shopping.

Cleaned our bedroom tonight..even under the bed...where things seem to accumulate faster than I can keep up..DD3 took my car and filled with gas and picked up a pizza for dinner...hey, when you're on a roll, why stop?

Got 5 loads of laundry done...including the bed sheets and bedding in my room and all my work clothes for the upcoming week.

Finally, took a nice hot shower tonight and did a deep condition on my hair.

I'm very pleased with all that I accomplished today! And I LOVE sayin buh-bye to redneck, and hello to a much classier touch.

I can honestly say...the FUNK has left the building!!!

Today was my home alone day that I have been looking forward to. The hub and DD3 went to a logging show a few hours away and were gone from 6am until 4pm.

I enjoyed a very lazy morning in bed and actually watched one of my chick flicks. I started early and it was done by 9am...so I got around and ran some errands.

I took my movies that were due back to Blockbuster...and decided NOT to rent any others for now. Then, I headed to the library and turned in a book that was due...yay, no late fines.

Then I stopped by Ross and just took my time browsing. A while back, the hub decided that we should hang SHEETS over our living room window to keep the cold out/heat in. Worked ok but looked very redneck. I lucked out and found some great drapes for that window... spent $40 and it looks rather luxiurious, rather than redneck...so I am pleased. I also bought a mirror and a couple of pictures to create a little vignettte. I spent a total of $130 and had this sitting in my home repair account. I think some of my funk is coming from some of these 'make it work' fixes we have come up with...and it feels good to finally make it right.
Then, DD2 called and asked if I would meet her at the mall. Got there and little GD (age 3 months) was all set to get her ears pierced. Ouch. But she was a trooper and sure looked adorable when they were all done.

The hub got home about 4pm and we decided to go on a date tonight. No kids, grandkids, in laws, friends...just us. We went to a restaurant that has the grill and the chop-chop cook in front of you show...we had a great meal and sure enjoyed ourselves.

Tomorrow, I will spend cleaning and rearranging with the new 'stuff' I got for the house today. I definately am going to be happier with the sheets gone from our window!!! (Sometimes, we get a little too frugal for our own comfort!!)

Enjoyed the day! Lots to do tomorrow...

I made a date with my mom (nana) tonight. SHe has been housebound most of the last several weeks because she broke her foot in a fall...She got the foot "boot" off recently and is more mobile...so I thought it would be fun to take her to dinner. She INSISTED on paying because I have been her 'taxi' for several weeks.

We went to a small neighborhood Italian place that is quite quaint. Loved it. A couple of employees from my job came in...and so I secretly asked the waitress to let me pay their tab...both are struggling financiallly right now, so it was the right thing to do.... we left before their food arrived, so I am sure it was a surprise when there was no bill at the end of their meal.

It always makes me feel good to do something nice like that. Definately a 'funk' lifter!!!

I had an opportunity to peomote my assistant recently, which leaves that position open again. I will be interviewing several candidates next week. Thankfully, we have lots of great talent on staff!! Hopefully I can get her replacement up and running quickly. The best part is that my assistant was promoted to another position on my team, so she can help train our newbie..which will be very nice!

I am watching one of those cheap 'previously viewed' movies that I bought last week....I know the ones I picked out will pay for themselves because they are movies I can watch again and again...I just finished watching Sense and Sensability tonight...such a good one! Now I am watching 'No Reservations'...I tell u....guys dont know what they're missing with chick flicks....lol.

Tomorrow is my home alone day...although I doubt I will stay home all day. I do have a chore list...but I plan to have some "me" time in there too to go do something adventurous and fun....we'll see. Well, back to the movie....

HELP! I am in a funk. Where the heck do funk's come from...not really depression or sadness...just blah place that is neither happy or sad.

I have been trying to put my finger on the trigger...and haven't come up with anything in particular.

It's not due to finances. We are actually doing good right now and our plan is working nicely.

School is going fine...

as is the family...

So, what's up?

my diet...perhaps. I slip and slide all over the place..but tend to eat better more days than not. hmmm...

Housework? Boy would flylady have a field day around here right now. Maybe this is it?

Work...well, things are pluggin away. I am getting into the groove with all the new responsibilities and so far, have not sunk...I actually still love my job.

Me time? this could be it. I am so busy working, taking care of my mom, helping the kids budget, making grandbaby time, going to school, trying to redirect my troubled teen, take care of the house (or lately, not) and be a wife.

I have to say, it has been a while since I have done true ME time. I wonder if this is the reason for the funk?

I dont want to just 'go shopping' or start eating comfort foods...

I dunno. What do you do to get out of a funk? When you cant see the forest through the trees?

The hub and DD3 are going to a logging show on Saturday...maybe I should do something then...but what?

Usually, a free day like that is spent catching up on the housework...but ugh.

Ive saved most of my allowance this year, so I have plenty of money to do whatever...but I cant think of anything I want to do....

Funks suck. Help!

Grocery shopping on Friday night has really paid off this weekend. We have had a nice breakfast each morning...which tides us over to dinner...and plenty of dinner options to choose from. This afternoon I made some chicken/cheese enchiladas and had plenty to invite DD2 and her family, plus my mom. It was a nice evening and I was able to see GS and GD (ages 4 and 3mos)...

I think I will make this a weekly chore, grocery shopping on Fridays...so that the weekends go this smoothly all the time.

We did stop and pick up some vanilla ice cream this afternoon, which we served with the german chocolate cake I baked before the kids showed up for dinner.

I have dinners all planned out for the week...so, this should be a frugal week ahead.

I called my best friend tonight (weve been buds since age 12....so 35 years..) and suggested the two of us go here

http://www.bluepacificvacationrentals.com/thepointe.htm for a weekend this summer. ummm...fun! SHe said yes, now we just have to pick a weekend!!! Girlfriend time is priceless....dontchathink?

Last night, we went to the hubs cousins house for a birthday party.

This couple bought their place in the early 80's for $40k...it was basically a two room log cabin (outhouse included) on 35 acres of forested wilderness, practically in the middle of nowhere. The log cabin was not insulated well, and you could see sunlight between the logs.

They have worked hard at turning that cabin into a nice home. It has been expanded to include two bedrooms, and inside bathroom...and looks gorgeous! Along the way, they added a walk around deck and swimming pool and a HUGE shop for dad. It is now surrounded by well manicured grass and sports an annual garden.

The place is on a mountain side, so they use ATVs to get around...last night was no different, we were all taxied to the party on ATVs.

About two acres up the mountain, they built a 'fort' for their grandson...about 18 x 18 made of logs, complete with a little wood stove. Right outside there is a big firepit. This is where the bday party was held.

Their daughter is now getting her "treehouse' which is up the mountain another acre or two...it is 18 X 20 with a loft for a bedroom....this will be her personal retreat spot. Dad has a portable mill and is quite adept at building. Dad and daughter are building this together, so it is providing them both some great bonding time.

It was quite fun to see what a little tired cabin has turned into for this family over the years.

And today's value...I am not sure, family value? priceless.

In preparation for this three day weekend, I went grocery shopping right after work tonight. It actually is a good thing to consider doing in the future, because the hub HATES shopping at this store...but it is the most reasonably priced in town- AND it is two blocks from my job.

I spent $118 and bought enough for the next week, plus got some stock up items and each of the grandbabies a Valentines treat!!

Ive had a tradition for holidays and birthdays here for as long as I can recall...of buying little powdered donuts and chocolate milk...and I decorate the dining room table with fun doodads for the occasion. I never buy chocolate milk and little donuts otherwise, so this is always a big hit. Total splurge and out of the ordinary.

Then, I stopped by Blockbuster and rented some movies for this weekend. CHeap entertainment...certainly less than going out. They had a huge selection of pre-viewed movies, so I also used part of my allowance to stock up my chick-clik collection. They had two of my FAVORITES that I didnt have - Ever After and Sense and Sensibility....so I was a happy camper.

Im looking forward to this long weekend with no particular plans. Sometimes FREE time, is the BEST time.

This has been a crazy week, so I decided to work from home today. I woke with a migraine, which is NOT a good way to start a day, but I am fortunate to have a job that allows us to work from home if a need arises...and so I took advantage of it and stayed put. (plus I saved $$ on gas today!)

I work at a credit union and therefore, see the unfortunate financial circumstances that so many people are in right now. IT is heartbreaking to see so many hard-working people struggling with things many of us have always taken for granted....and it continues to get worse. Where the heck is the bottom to this? I fear the ripple effect has only just begun. I know we have seen unprecedented charge-offs this year...and many of these people were strong borrowers two years ago.

IMHO, people like all of you, us, who are being careful to stretch every dollar and save where they can are the ones who will come through the best at the end of this economic downturn. I am saving for many rainy days right now...we are stockpiling on sales and saving where we can so that if one of us looses our job, we are prepared. I have seen enough unfortunate stories the last six months to make me a believer that it very well could happen to me.

I have gone back to my semi-annual haircuts, and am coloring that gray on my own. Am I stylish? Probobly not. Would I win any beauty contests? Nope. But I try to keep my hair looking professional by putting it in a bun and save a good $2-300 every 5-6 months this way.

The hub ran and picked up some sausage this morning and we made sausage, egg, cheese bagel sandwiches. (uh, yum) and I cooked a pork roast in the crockpot for dinner. Cheap day for sure.

Looking very forward to a three day weekend.

Vacations...or the down time they provide, always make me think.

On the drive home today, I noticed a soda can on the side of the road...and a couple of water bottles...followed by 5 more cans..You see, in Oregon, cans and bottles each have a nickel deposit....and are then redeemable for a nickel. So I counted for a mile....almost 100....the next...well over 100....and while I didnt continue to count...I did continue to see bottles and cans for miles! IN this day and age...it is amazing that people will throw good money out the window---much less have such a who-gives-a-rip attitude about littering up such beautiful land.

Hmmm...

Then, this weekend I re-encountered a problem that occurs just about every time I travel. I am sure many of you ladies encounter the same, but it made me think that I should pose the question here to see what kind of ideas you all have.

I got up Saturday morning, showered and went to put on some makeup...low and behold TWO of the powdered compacts (one blush, one powdered make-up) had apparently jarred during the trip and the cakes had all broken into little pieces. THIS IS SO FRUSTRATING...but it jist seems like after you use these things for a while, they just break like this! I usually continue to use them, being careful there are no clumps on the brush before applying, but it is still inconvenient and wastes money. What do you guys do when this happens???

The prime rib was fabulous last night. The last of our vacation went wonderfully...but it is always good to get home.

Now, back to work tomorrow!

Just kidding, we actually got out of the hot tub a good 10 minutes ago. Ahhhhh. We have ate all meals here at the house. Unfortunately, our friends hub was sick (tummy flu sick) all day yesterday...so we spent the day here just veggin. Today, we went to some outlet stores nearbye and I picked up some great 70% off deals on work clothes and accessories. Also picked up a pair of $125 snow pants for $9.98. Tonight is our final night. The friends are making dinner tonight...prime rib. uh, YUM! We get free movies from the rental place, so we have watched several free movies...(they even gave us popcorn!!)

We brought all of our goodies, drinks from home...so this has been a fairly frugal get-away. And very relaxing!!

While the hubs are watching a testosterone flick, my friend is knitting and I am blogging and just finalized my 2009 Christmas budget. Since we save all year, I can take advantage of the deals thru-out the year. MY biggest issue is tracking gifts for 4 kids, 4 so's, 5 grandbabies, 3 parents, 4 in-laws, and a few friends....ugh. I need a good system this year!!!

I have had a wonderful time here this weekend. I am sad to be heading home tomorrow...but alas, it is time. However, tonight I am still anticipating prime rib...which is only about 30 minutes away.

Hugs everyone!

I did buy some things this morning...but they were for a meeting at work, so it was on my corp credit card and not my spending...The things I bought were for a breakfast meeting, which I attended...so breakfast was free.

The meeting went all day, so they brought lunch in too...so free lunch.

I was so pooped after work that I (egads) skipped going to class and just came home.So I had a no spender, myself.

I am off for the weekend now...4 days of rnr with friends. I am so ready for this!!

I dvr'd Oprah from yesterday about the cheapest family..(thanks for a tip here).and am watching it while I type away .No matter where we are at, I think there is always something to learn or glean from...

Heck, I learn from everyone HERE everyday. Oprah needs to have all of us on...boy, would the world be ready for us??? lol.

I may not check in for a couple of days...so I hope you all have a great weekend!! off to relax!

I thought I would have a no spender today...and then went off and forgot my food at home. Luckily, there was a little suprise party breakfast for a new dad at work, so I had some fruit and a little coffee.

Then, I had a long talk with my boss about some changes we are making. I am taking on another responsiblity..which means another possible raise..and a busier workload...but I will be transferring more of my duties to an assistant. My head is literally spinning from all the changes--so, I decided to go to a quiet restaurant and just contemplate. I ordered grilled fish and water...$10.99 + $2 tip..so my spending today was $12.99.

My job has changed so rapidly this year. I am excited about the things I oversee..but the learning curve is HUGE. So, after this semester, I am putting school on the back-burner. I will have enough on my plate with everything at work.

I stepped on the scale today. Stupid scale...it said I only lost 1/2 lb...but I can see how much better things are fitting....lol, it must be broke.

Tomorrow should be a no-spender...if I dont forget my lunch again.

Then...Thursday and Friday I am off for a fun weekend with friends. WOO HOO

I am a creature of habit. Of course, I would argue that I am not...but I am. For instance...on Mondays, I wear the same sweater jacket, mock turtleneck and slacks every week. It is a comfy outfit that feels much like a cozy pair of jammies...just what I want on my first day back to work after a nice weekend break. Today was no different....but with a big exception...it is starting to feel too big!!! Oh yeah!

I got my first B in school...which is a great motivator to do better. I want to maintain my GPA...so I am going to have to do well on the rest of my assignments!!

I spent $15 on lunch today. My meal was much less, but I went with DD2 and the family, so I picked up a good deal of the tab. I hadnt planned on eating out...but it was fun to see the grandbabies at lunch.

Tomorrow should be a no-spender. We will see.

Had a blast at the Superbowl party. Thank you all for your suggestions. In the end, I opted to take a nice bottle of wine- Francis Coppola Black Label..I think. They seemed pleased with it. They are wine collectors...and have a big wine cooler (this size of my fridge)...so I know they have many, many more expensive than I took...but it seemed like a good choice from a newbie wine taster like me.

The game was alot of fun...and they had gone all out on the food and drinks. Talk about a spread! Meatballs, little smokies, crab enchilada's, 5 different cheeses, crackers, creme puffs, dips,. A dieters nightmare...but I was good and just sampled a little of each.

This was one of the couples that are going to Puerto Vallarta with us in May. They live on a golf course in this huge, fabulous home. IT was liking visiting the other side of the tracks today.

What a fun day!

My only spend today was the wine...so $15.79.

I only work three days this week...and then am off 4 for a long weekend next weekend. The hub and I rented a house with another couple at the resort we like to go to. Right now they are having a rent two-get one free special, so the house was about $75 per couple each night...and it is such a great house, with a hot tub- up in the mountains.

We take our food, and cook our meals...so eating is fairly cheap. We usually dont spend any money while we are there...so it really is a good, inexpensive get away. We watch movies, hike, knit, read, and visit. I am very much looking forward to it!!

My raise starts tomorrow...so I am now making $2 an hour more than I was last week!!! :-)

I got to see all 5 grandbabies this weekend...so I am a happy gramma. Life is good.

I am sitting here next to my GS (4) watching a cartoon with him and the hub. We are having a sleep over. Popcorn, carmel apples and waffles are on his agenda of fun things to do.

Tomorrow, the hub and I are going to a superbowl party. The host and hostess are insistent that we just bring 'ourselves' but I am not comfortable showing up empty handed...but this is our first time to their house and there is going to be about 20 people there...many we do not know. What do I take??

I picked up the free bbq dinner last night that I won in a drawing. It was supposed to be a dinner for two...but we fed DD1, her hub, me and GD (3) and there were even left overs...and it was very yummy. Then, I worked on their budget with them for this next week.

Then, I headed over to DD2s house to start a budget with her and her SO. They are in much better financial shape...so it is more of a spending/savings plan for them.

Ive lost another two pounds...and things are definately fitting looser. We had a mini goal to lose 10 lbs each before a trip we are taking next weekend...and I have achieved that goal. The hub says he has too, so we are both on our way to our goals for Puerto Vallarta!!

Well, time to get back to the cartoon. Nothing like a hip-happening Saturday night...lol.

We had a staff meeting this morning and continental breakfast was provided. Then, I had a meeting that went through lunch and Subway was served....and as I was leaving for school, I saw leftover subway in the fridge, which means "help yourself!" So I did...

School, then home...and it was indeed a NSD!! Tomorrow morning, I have another meeting and breakfast will be provided....I have my lunch already planned...and dinner will be leftovers...so if all goes according to plan it will be a no spender too!!

My clothes are looking and fitting looser...and I can see that my face looks thinner. ...and best of all, I am eating healthy and feel like I am doing it right for the first time ever.

On Friday, I have to go in for another one of those mammo-sqeezy things. I had one 6 months ago, followed by an ultrasound...and this is to determine if that spot is anything more than just a spot...I am looking forward to having an answer and putting any concerns to rest.

DD3s (17)ultra controlling BF (18) is on day 2 of basic training in the marines...He has been a thorn in our side the way he treated her...and I am relieve that he is occupied for the next couple of months...but DD3 is heartbroken and lonely. However, tonight she is acting a little like the pre-boyfriend DD3. I sure hope she see in this time what we saw. (fingers crossed)....

Isnt life like a giant rollercoaster? Some days you feel like a bug...somedays your the windshield... or something like that...

We had a baby shower for a co-worker tonight and I was in charge of decorations and game gifts. I scored on the gifts as a local superstore had many of their pre-packed bath lotions, soaps and things on 70% off...things that normally would have cost $13 - 15 cost me $3 -4. The recipients LOVED the gifts.

The baby shower went well. It is always fun to see a first time mom opening those cute little baby things.

So...I got home late (almost 8pm) and Nana needed to shower..so I ran up and helped her...and now I am in bed (9:15pm) and have to be back at work at 6:30am....followed by a long day and school tomorrow night.

My dd2 called today and asked if I would sit down with her and her SO to work out a spending plan....I guess I will just go from DD1s to DD2s on friday nights for a financial counseling sessions...luckily, they live close to each other.

I may run back over to that superstore tomorrow and pick up some of those bath sets for gifts...what a deal!!

A couple of weeks ago I went to a local wine event for $10- which allowed 5 wine tastings and lots of food tastings.

Well...at the BBQ tasting, they were having a drawing...AND I WON SECOND PLACE!! They called me today...second place is a bbqd pulled pork dinner for two!! I get to pick it up on Friday (they are a take home/ caterer place...no restaurant.) WOO HOO. Their food was yummy- the bbq/smoke the meat for like 16 hours.

Today was a no-spender..and Ive lost 6 pounds...does it get any better than this???lol

We rented our first 'Red Box' movie today. $1, IF we take it back tomorrow. So, we are going to watch Appaloosa tonight.
The red box is at Walmart, and got it while we were shopping. We spent $101 today...which included $30 worth of dog food and $11 for hairspray and makeup....so $60 on food for the week.

Tonight we enjoyed bbq'd steaks, salad, green beans, potatoes and bread. It was just as good (if not more enjoyable) than eating out...and the meal cost us under $15 for 4 of us + we have leftovers for two-three lunches.

I am struggling with my class assignment this week.. I need to present an arguement about family....I have plenty of supporting evidence on why it is harder to raise a child now than before...but am struggling. The first draft is due tomorrow night for peer editing....I guess I know what my lunch hour will be spent on tomorrow.

DD3's very possessive boyfriend flew out tonight for the Marine Corps. I wish him a safe journey...but am SOOOO glad he is unavailable to my daughter (17) for the next several weeks. IT is so hard to watch your child in a situation like that. Hopefully this break will help her realize that there is a better way....

Hi ho hi ho...its off to work again tomorrow....

I went to the library today...and it was PACKED...I guess the word is out that this a frugal way to spend an afternoon...and a great way to find things to read and watch ...I have never seen the library like it was today.

I had a few overdue fines from my inability to get to the library...I gues $18.40 is a "few"...ouch. But uf I have to pay a fine, that is where Id want to pay it. I love our library. Ichecked out 4 books, including a Rachel Ray cookbook and the book: The Shack. Now I just need to find time to read....

I made a loaf of banana choc chip bread today since my bananas were getting overripe. And I made a roast for dinner. I stopped after the library and picked up french bread (it was still oven warm, yum!) and some lettuce...they had boneless/skinless chicken breasts on sale, so I got two bags (8 lbs for $12). A few other odds and ends came out to $31.56.

The library fines come out of my allowance...and the food comes out of the food envelope.

No grandbabies visited today...very quiet day. DD3 is staying at her sis's house tonight...so the hub and I are home alone...this is happening pretty often anymore...feels like an empty nest.

Throat is feeling better tonight.

We will probably watch a movie on TV and enjoy the fire and p&q...oh and a glass of red wine.

Great day.

I am helping DD1 and her hub with their finances. They have made some unfortunate choices over the past several years and are now dealing with the consequences. In December, DD1 called me crying...her hub had just had a garnishment against his check for an unpaid bill and they did not have enough money to make it.

Looking at their bank statement was...well, a shocking eye opener for me. NSF fees, numerous ATM wds, fast food, multiple weekly trips to walmart...and all of the bills were past due.

I loaned them money to catch them up under ONE condition: I would manage their money until I was paid back...and they could NOT waver from the plan.

So, every Friday evening, I go to their home and we make a spending plan for the week. We pay bills and they know exactly what they can spend on food and gas. And nothing else.

And there was NO wiggle room this month. The only way they could pay thier bills and have money for food and gasoline was to figure out a way to make extra money. SIL is a DJ on the side, and he was able to book a couple of gigs. DD1 cleaned my moms house on weekends. They used the babysitter the minimal amount...only while they were working. SIL used the more economical car on the days that DD1 didnt work. DD1 found coupons to help, the got creative with meals...

Last night they entered their final paychecks into the account and here are the results:

All bills are paid for the month, with no past dues.

NO nsf fees were incurred on the account.

They have had frugal, but nutritious meals.

They have enough to get them through the end of the month.

And, they each got $10 to spend on anything they want.

Not bad for month one. I am praising them, and trying to make sure they understand the importance on living within their means from here on out.

Funny thing, I am using basic tools...but my son-in-law, who I am sure thinks of me as most son-in-laws do,...NOW calls me a financial whiz...LOL.

Not sure about that, but obviously, using the basic rules of finance and working together as a team are working for them, for now. And thats ok with me!

UGH. The good thing about feeling this crummy is a leave work early day with my co-workers blessings. (They avoided me like the plague today.)So, today was a shorter day than the last few.

It is/was also my beloved dads birthday (he passed away a year ago). I was still working at lunchtime and decided to meet the hub, DD2 and her SO, their baby daugher (2 months) and my mom for lunch to celebrate papa's day. My mom and I treated everyone and split the tab ($46 each, including tip.) We splurged at Olive Garden and even had dessert...but not long after I got back to work, my feathers wilted and I headed home a little after 4pm...(so, I left about 45 minutes early for the day.)

They just put in a new gas station by my job...it is one that is tied to a chain store that gives you extra $$ off if you are a 'preferred' customer...(which only means that they have my phone number and address on record and I carry a little card that they scan when I buy things. Because the station just opened this week...the discount today was $.10 a gallon. So I paid $1.86 gallon and my gas this week only cost me $21.08....what a difference from those days where my fillup was $75 or more.

I am planning to stay low key this weekend to get over this cold. Cant wait to get a good nights sleep again.

Oh- and thank you to all of you who posted congrats on my last entry about my raise...you made my day and I appreciate your well wishes!

My blur of a day today was a no-spender. I have a yucky sore throat and after working 13 hours yesterday (without taking a break)...I woke at 4am (thanks to the sore throat)...and finally decided to go to work at 5:30am to get a head start on the day, since I couldn't sleep anyway(I normally go to work at 8am.) Crazy day and end result was I attended a business meeting for lunch (Subway sandwiches provided)...and worked until 6pm tonight with, again, no break. I am POOPED. (did I mention the sore throat???)

Anyways, I am exempt...so it all washes...like on days that I have to take nana to appointments and dont have to doc my sick leave...etc.

I received a great evaluation and a nice raise today. A surprising 6.5%...I am struggling with such a blessing when so many others are struggling to even find work. Right now, my goal is to pay debt and rebuild our emergency fund. The hubs...to afford another toy. I am putting my foot down and insisting on pretending like the raise never happened so we can build a financial safety net.

Tomorrow would have been my dads birthday...(happy birthday papa, I miss you!)