Gramma Ray's Blog

One thing I absolutely LOVE about my job is the commitment our staff makes to community service.

Today, we repacked a whole bunch of food for Access, which will take the repacked boxes and make available to seniors and people with disabilities. We took cases of food, separated it into boxes of goods that will aid and assist nutritional needs of folks who would otherwise do without.

It was a long morning...but a very rewarding one.

Do you do community service?? If not, I recommend this as a way to refresh your spirit...there is no feeling quite like the one you get from helping others.

Several recent events have helped turn our financial situation around...at least a little.

First, the hub recently got a raise because of a new contract through is job...even better, the raise was retrocative back to November...which equated (after taxes) to two extra weeks pay.

Then, the kids have been getting their tax refunds back...which has meant they have a few dollars to finally pay mom back...

The hub took our taxes in today...which will mean at least the rebate from the govt (which should be about $1500)...

And I am hoping another raise is in the works for me...which will be a monthly increase that will take us from tight to comfy...

So...I have socked away an emergency fund, have our vacations taken care of for the year and have enough left to pay down some debt. It feels so good to have some breathing room!!

On a side note...tomorrow I am volunteering 4 hours to a community project, then nana and I will finish up on Easter food and goodies...Sunday is all family time!

Hugs to you all for a wonderful weekend!!

Oh yeah, BA- the blob has taken a break and is not oozing beyond the initial line across my screen...fingers crossed that this is how it goes for a while!! lol.

I'm curious...

How important are your teller interactions to your relationship with your financial institution?

If you receive the BEST service in town, but another banks rates were slightly higher...would you move?

If your service was not to your satisfaction, but the rates were higher...would you stay?

What would be the tipping point for you?

and finally, what kindof service makes you go "wow"??

(Kinda the Walmart vs Noordstrom philosophy...only with your bank)

Contrast is defined as...the dissimilarity or difference between things.

I learned the true definition of contrast today...I actually know someone whose annual BONUS is more than I make in one year.

It is such an eye opening thing to realize one full year of my life...equals a year end bonus for someone else.

WOW...It will take me a while to really absorb that...I value my life and my time so much. This is mind boggling.

Humbling doesnt even begin to describe the realization.


I am enjoying another contrast...



We have a fire in the wood stove tonight, as it is very cold outside...but in the morning, I will have to walk past the daffodils that grow like weeds in my front yard to get to my car...

How boring life would be without contrasts...

gorgeous daffodils in near freezing weather..

How amazing reality is with them.

A year of my life...or a year end bonus for someone else...

ok guys- time to do the happy dance!! My 401k bypassed the 10k mark today!! and I am still two paydays away from my 1 year anniversary!! WOO HOO!!!

I have other retirment savings...some of it has been rerouted into the kids business and will be paid back over the years as the business becomes more successful. This is year 3 for the business and the finances look like the kids will be able to pay me back a nice chunk this year..which I will apply to my mortgage. Ive pretty much figured out that by the time the kids are done paying me back, I will have my house paid off AND be ready for retirement--so it should work out great!

Dang it...my poor computer's LCD screen looks like it is being taken over by the blob...the black monster has now stretched across the screen-- thankfully, it is mostly just a thin black line and is not yet interfering with usage...but I know it is dying a slow death. Ugh.

However, for tonight it is time to celebrate achieving my financial goal for my 401k...oh yeah, oh yeah!!

The hub accidentally kicked my laptop. which broke a small corner of the screen. Now, the whole screen is slowly filling in with this black stuff.

Is there anyway to fix this???

Am I just destined to spend MORE on a computer before this one is even paid off???

I hate this...but I am slowly watching my screen disappear...(it happend this past weekend.)

I have an HP dv6353d.

All help and advice, GREATLY appreciated...

Thanks guys!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At work, many days I will eat lunch in my office and basically work through lunch and breaks. Not healthy, I know but some days- I just am so focused that I either forget or I push through to get everything done on my list.

Today was NOT one of those days. My boss was very kind to his team several months ago and got us all 80(Something-bite) ipods...which will hold alot. He did this so we could all listen to books on tape for our educational commitments at work.

One of our IS guys borrowed mine for a business trip...and when he gave it back there were lots of movies downloaded onto it...which I saved.

So today, I took my Ipod and went to a restaurant by myself, plugged in my earphones and watched an hour of You, Me and Dupree---which I have never seen. Quite entertaining and relaxing. I may have to get in the habit of doing something like this because I definately went back to work energized from my break.

I spent $8.59 for a nice lunch in a sit down restaurant and enjoyed every penny of it!!

Tonight we used up some frozen lasagne- so no other money spent today.

Well, that's not quite fair...he doesn't get how I could possibly know everyone on this site as well as I do...How I could have "friends" Ive never met...How I know SO MUCH about my "friends" and why I am so interested in this site!! lol

Ok. I guess if the tables were turned, Id be scratching my head and even a little concerned.

So, I have been letting him read some of your responses to me and telling him a little about each of you. Slowly he is starting to come around and understand...mostly he just hops onto the X-box and entertains himself while I read and respond to blogs.

I thouroughly enjoy everything about this site!! I love that it is chock full of ideas and suggestions, that I can blog about whatever is on my mind and no one is going to care or judge--(ok, maybe there are one or two spoilers out there..but they are usually known as "anonymous")

I don't know about you guys...but on the weekend, everyone sleeps in except me- so I hop up, make some coffee and to this site I go..savoring what my "friends" are up to. I ususally hop on sometime during the day...and if time permits, again at night. It is always fun to see new posts and to read what others are saying in their responses to me in my posts.

Addicted? Perhaps...but if I have to have a "fix" it might as well be one that is all about healthier finances.

So, Boo, Ima, BA, PP, Baselle, Fern, and the list could go on and on (yes, even you lurkers out ther...join, join...lol) because you are all on the friends list in my book--the hub may not 'get it" but I sure do--HUGS!

How many of you were ready for the weekend this week as we wrapped up our first week of daylight savings time?

I know I was.

My body is fighting adjusting getting up that hour early..Ive been rolling out of bed a good 30 minutes later than usual...I sure hope by Monday I am all adjusted.

Then, getting home in the afternoon when it is still sunny has got me eager for a full day of sunshine to enjoy...(so why the heck did it rain today???) Murphy's law of course!!

Top it off with some gorgeous blooming daffodils...and you have Spring weekend fever!!

In spite of the rain, I enjoyed my Saturday. Went to the library (free), stopped at Ross and picked up baby boy things ($36) for my newest grandson (who is due in August) and then came home and spent the afternoon with the hub, DD3 and GS (more free fun!).

I am still reading Eat, Pray, Love..(free, from library)...I am still on the Eat part of the journey..not sure I would recommend the book or not...but will let you know as I progress to Pray...

Tomorrow is all about house work and laundry..(sorta free, but alot of work!)...I can only hope it is warm enough (and dry enough) to get to hang the laundry outside.(which would save a little $$)..wishful thinking???-we will see!

I had an amazing experience tonight and I am so eager to share it with all of you.

I attended a Goodwill Awards Banquet. (My job buys two tables to the event and gives our staff an opportunity to go and support- the rest of the seats are donated back so others can attend at no charge.)

If you are not familiar, Goodwill assists and employs people who have disabilities (mental and physical) who may not have a chance at a productive life otherwise.

These were such delightful people, so sincerely grateful. The event is very heartwarming. Those who win awards often don't understand the boundaries of social acceptability...they simply understand that they are excited and want to express their excitement through emotions and gestures. Unspoiled by jealousy and envy- I learned so much observing those unabashed emotions of joy.

As one winner walked nervously up to accept her award...an earlier winner "Mr. Spirit" loudly proclaimed "I REALLY like her"...and she broke into a huge smile and immediately forgot the nervous jitters, accepting her award and clapping because everyone else was.

Winners who proudly held up their trophies and awards with beaming ear to ear smiles...Most Friendly, Ms. Safety, Mr, Spirit, King of Service, Queen of Personal Growth. Very inexpensive rewards brought lifetime memories and glee.

So, how did the sparkly dress teach me about money?

I was walking to the restroom and just ahead of me was a young lady who clearly was enjoying her evening. Her hair was carefully combed, hairpins holding her bangs back. She was wearing heels, and it was obvious that, if this wasn't her first time in heels, it was very close to it. (very wobbly)...and she had on this very sparkly dress...and you could tell, she felt absolutely beautiful..confident..clearly this was her night. She was smiling and saying hello to everyone-

So I reciprocated her kindness and told her that she looked so pretty in her sparkly dress...and she looked at me said....

"Thank you, I got it out of the free bin"

the free bin...Goodwill....a young girl with challenges I will never fully understand...Beaming, feeling like a princess on her big night...with her sparkly dress from the free bin.

Lesson learned, Thank you God for that one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The circle of life in its purest form.

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

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

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

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

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

Today is my two year blogoversary. Yesterday, I posted to the lurkers...and today I blog to the bloggers...

I am having a hard time believing that I have been blogging for two years...by odd coincidence, today my stats also passed the 200,000 visit..and I have received more than 2000 replies to my 575 posts..

Replies like...good job, don't cry, I am praying for you, etc, etc. I have been through debt, success, failure, heartache, death, grandbabies births, Grace (RIP girl), returning to work, and so much more.

I laughed with you, cried with you, saved with you, baked with you, and lost my dad with you...sounds like family, doesn't it?

YOU ARE FAMILY to me. I just want to thank you for two wonderful years of blogging...and two wonderful years of getting to know a great community of people. You all are unique, gifted, talented, friends.

I look forward to many more years of blogging friendships...

Here's to happiness to all...really, when it comes down to it, thats whats important isnt it??


ps...lurkers, we still want you to post...you've got important things to share!

Thanks everyone- for two super SA years! (and many more)

Two years ago today, I remember reading the blogs on this site wondering if I would have the nerve to start my own blog.

I was so nervous about writing something that was too silly or that no one would read or respond...

I remember wondering..do I have enough things to write about to have an actual blog?

I remember seeing other bloggers "hop in" for the first time and receive "welcome" responses...

I remember Diva Jen, Flash, Cercie..amoung a few of you who are still here today- welcoming me and making me feel "at home"....but that was two years ago tomorrow. My blogoversary. And I will blog about that tomorrow...

For tonight, two years ago, I was still a "lurker" who was soaking up all the wonderful information that was shared in the blogs...silently recognizing myself and my circumstances in the posts...wanting to be a part of such a supportive group of people.

So tonights post is dedicated to all of our lurkers...we've all been there, got the t-shirt! Don't be nervous about joining the rest of us...we are a kindhearted, supportive family. And we want to hear your story...like me, you may even make some really cool cyber-buddies!!

C'mon in...you'll be glad you did!! We will be glad you did too!

Oh boy, talk abut a suspenseful night last night.

Some friends of ours are about to remodel and wanted to take out a tree. The hub has taken down many trees...mostly in the woods where the only thing to worry about is getting out of the way if the tree has a mind of it's own on the way down.

This tree--was about 15 ft from the house, was about 100 ft tall and leaned back towards the house. They have several other trees in the yard all very tall, she has a yard full of wonderful displays of antique do-dads...and a gazeebo. (Julie- they moved the corvette far out of danger)

So...it is dark out- they hook up some lights--and it has started to rain. They have cables attached to chains, anchored to another tree and hitched to the back of a pickup to "pull the falling tree the right direction"....

The hub cuts the notch and starts the cut across when the cable snaps.....

The hub drops and runs...


and the tree stands as if nothing has happend. However, it is about 80% done and can't be left to the overnight elements.

Luckily, one of the guys has a new cable and runs home to get it...needless to say, by now the tension is high with our friends...

and it starts to really rain...

Friend returns, cable is hooked up, final cut is made...and that darned tree fell EXACTLY where the hub said it would...not damaging one thing in the yard!!

The hubs efforts saved our friends about $1000...which they are very thankful for.The hub will be returning to bring home the wood to process and sell.

(I am thankful we aren't over removing tree limbs from their living room this morning lol!)

This morning, another friend is picking up a big "skidder" from our yard, which is a spendy piece of equipment that we are storing for free for another friend...in exchange, the hub can use the skidder anytime he wants...which comes in handy with a wood business...

And tomorrow, the hub will be going to look at another friends property that has quite a bit of downed trees from this winter's winds...He has offered the wood for free just to get it cleaned off his land...

Another friend has offered to help process the wood in exchange for a couple of cords for next winter...

The hub has done a great job of forming a bartering community to pull from....it makes me wonder how different life would be if only we could live in a bartering world!

The hub and co-workers approved the contract, so hub will be getting his raise and retro check. Good thing...cause when I opened the mail, our portion of the recent MRI on the hubs back was here...$310. (poof, just like that)...and that is just one of several different bills to come. ugh.

Part of my job is to make travel arrangements and room and board arrangements for those who travel at my job. This past week, I have had 10 people back in D.C. attending a convention...this is the first time I coordinated for this many, this far from home...and tonight was the final restaurant reservation. I received a very nice thank you email from the group for making everything work so smooth for them this week!! My boss even suggested that I tag along next year--and that I could bring the hub! I have never been on a trip anywhere close to this....so I am keeping my fingers crossed that it happens!! If we do get to go, I would tack on some extra time to go site seeing. I guess I need to re-evaluate some of our vacation goals this year and start funneling $$ over to the "whatif" fund for this possiblity!! (wow)

I have started reading one of my library books. I saw it on Oprah a while back and it has taken me 3 months on a reserve list to get it...Its called Eat, Pray, Love. I haven't got too far yet...but Oprah and her guests called the book "life changing". Hmm....I guess I shall see.

The hub took multiple pain pills before laying down...I wish you all could hear the snoring as I sit here in bed trying to type...he is clearly out of it for now. Poor guy, he doesnt sleep for very long before the pain sets in so it is nice to know he is getting a little rest...but BOY is it LOUD...lol

The first 10 days after the procedure went fine...and then took a wrong turn and went south very fast. The hub is in major pain and will be going back in for procedure #2 on the 18th. Hopefully, take two will be the charm---otherwise, it's full blown surgery again.

It looks like the hub and I will both be getting nice raises soon. His job will vote on their contract tomorrow. If all goes well, he will be making about $2.50 hr more..and the pay will be retro back to November. My position is being re-evaluated and may be getting a nice merit increase. Not sure how much the raise will be but I am suspecting close to what the hubs raise will be...which keeps me as the "major breadwinner" (wink) lol.

Can you believe that next month I will have been back at work for a full year!..I am $400 away from the 10k mark in my 401k...If the market holds...I will be making it easily!! (yeah)

I took my mom to lunch today. She is being a real trooper with everything she has been through and I am trying to make sure she has something to look forward to a few times a week. We went to a little Asian place that serves the best teriaki chicken and jazmine rice. yum. Then we stopped by Hallmark and found some great 75% off ornaments...we bought them for the grandbabies. (who will never know the ornaments were bought after the fact at a deep discount!!)


Then, I went to may favorite "store" of all...the library. I got a couple of good books that I am looking forward to reading. I will write reviews when I am done.

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

Here is how this one went:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nice clean sheets to climb into tonight...

and a great relaxing day to reflect on!!

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

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

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

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

I recently received the diagnosis on my recurring pinched nerve. This has occured twice..and each time causes about 2-3 months of spasms and pain in my right arm. I have a moderate to severe degeneration in my c6-7 vertebrae. CHances of recurrences are high and I am a candidate for back surgery...ugh.

I am choosing to take my chances and see if it recurs...at which point I will see about an MRI to nail down whether it is a simple bone shave --- or more intrusive. (niether sound fun to me)...

The upside of life is exciting. I have been back in the workforce for 11 months,,,and my 401k is on track to hit 10K by my one year anniversary!! YEAH!

Things have been very busy, but also very good.

The hub had his back procedure today. Instead of another surgery, they went in with a needle and moved the nerve and injected something to keep the nerve from being pinched again. We will know within a day or two if it is indeed fixed. Please keep your fingers crossed for him.

We did stop on the way home and lunch at Olive Garden...I love their chicken and gnocchi...yum. It was a definate splurge..both financially and welleness plan wise. But YUM. We spent $30 (incl tip)

I re-booked the house at the resort for my birthday weekend. Not because I necessarily believe in spending alot on my birthday- I do not. But because it was so much fun the last time and I figure by June we will be ready to get away again. Last year, we would have just hopped in the truck and pulled the RV somewhere peaceful...but the kids are living in ours now- since a tree fell on thiers last year. So, a new type of vacationing...and one I am enjoying quite a bit!!

In April, DD1, my mom and I are flying down to So. Cali for a wedding. An expense that has to come out of the vacation fund.

I am also starting to plan the hubs 40th birthday party. I have never threw him a party and so this year we are going all out. My DIL's mom has a great party house..pool table, swimming pool, volleyball court, horseshoes, etc...and so I am renting it from her and we are going to have a luau...complete with a pig in the ground...grass skirts, fruity drinks, tiki torches...

And then, we are renting a LARGE home for New Years as a Christmas gift to the entire family. I felt we should have something besides the one year anniversary of papa's death to anticipate...and I think it is working. Everyone is focusing on taking a big family vacation this year.

Quite a few exenses this year to be sure...but all budgeted and being saved for. (Sometimes I feel like I am out of my league with all of you who have budgeting your vacations down to a science.) But for now, this is working for us. The upside is that we will be cooking all meals at home during the house stays...and I get to stay at a friends for free the week of the wedding.

I look back at many of my blogs and realize that my blog is not so much a financial blog as it is a life blog. I always try to incorporate something financial into my posts...but usually finance is in the back seat on what I'm blogging.

How wonderful (for me) it is to be able and read about those two years off to be with my family...and how we've welcomed new babies...financially caught up and then took a few steps backward...

And then those last few days saying goodbye to my dad...wow. Those of you who have read my blog know me better than most that I call "friends' in "real" life.

And I have a record of some very important life lessons...right here at saving advice!! And even more importantly is all of your uplifting, supportive and inspiring resonses.

Which is exactly why I credit all of you for helping me find my way back to a careful spending plan now that things have settled down. I could have gone off the deep end and started spending...but you all and your kind words, encouraging support and gentle nudges in the right direction have helped me get right back on track. I think it is wonderful that we have a community of friends who support each other wheather it is with financial advice, weight loss support, medical worries, child rearing, thrifty ideas, recipes, ...basically LIFE.

So much more than just a financial blog...how lucky for all of us that stumbled into this community...HUGS to you all!

My good friend from Cali was here for a few days last week. She and I have been friends since we were 12. While she was here we went out to dinner a couple of times and then went wine tasting...we had a blast. The hub paid for dinner one night out of the wood business account...so only one of the meals out came out of the household account. I did treat her to the afternoon of wine tasting and bought her a couple of bottles of wine...but that all came out of my saved allowance....so, this weekend we ate all meals at home and did not spend much money...actually, all we spent was $4.50 when we went to the movies today. We had gift cards...but by the time we paid for the tickets and got popcorn and soda...we owed $4.50. I wish I could say it was worth it...but I didnt really enjoy the movie (I Am Legend) and $5.75 for a "large" popcorn makes my head spin...but it was the family outing that DH and DD3 wanted--so I wont complain too much.

The household account is still on track..which is a relief/
.
The past two days have been absolutely GORGEOUS...sunny, 60's...quite nice after months of rain and snow. I am off for President's Day tommorrow...and am sure hoping for more of that sunshine!!!

Tonight...we are bbg'g steaks and I have potatoes in the oven...so a yummy meal that will feed 5 for under $10!!

All in all, a great several few days....blessed indeed!

Odd.

February. The shortest month of the year. And we will receive as many, and in some cases MORE paychecks this month than any other.

Not sure how that happend...but most months I get two (bi-weekly) and the hub gets four(weekly).

But in this, the shortest month of the year...I will get THREE and the hub will get FIVE.(corrected)

and that, friends....adds up to almost $2k extra this month!! woo-hooo!!!

I will be using the extra to catch up, put $$ down on vacation, and put some into savings.

This is also the month we get our year end bonus...which should hopefully mean another $1200 or so to stick back!!

It feels good to be catching up a little. I just think it is odd that February is such a profitable month....

I mentioned in my previous blog that we are having a challenge at work to get healthy since we are now a self-insured employer.

So...I am now at square one..I weigh too much, I have high cholesterol and I am borderline diabetic. At least I know where I am starting...everything measured can be reduced with a good diet and exercise. so....this week has been the star of a low carb, sensible protein diet.

I have an eight month timeline to get healthier..and that is what I fully intend to do...so here is what I have incorporated into my diet..

bye-bye coffee stand mochas...rather, brewed coffee with non-fat vanilla creamer...also- add 1 string cheese and a low fat or non-fat yogurt for breakfast (i never ate breakfast before)

Lunch...black beans on two corn tortillas with lettuce and salsa...

dinner 3-4 oz of low fat meat with veggies and a carb w/ fat (bread and butter)..or salad dressing.

snacks= fruit or juice.

and 1-2 glasses of red wine each night...

Quite a change from the menu plan before..

Lots of water...and no regular soda (an occaisional diet soda is ok)

8 months to go...

I hope to lose 50 lbs in 8 months....starting weight...well, I know what that is..I will post progress as I go.

Go Ray.

If I am successful, I will receive at leas $50...which will go into a challenge account...I'll be thinking about a challenge acccount between now and then...

This past weekend, the hub, DD3 and I rented a house in a resort a few hours from us. The house was cheaper than a hotel room...and it included a hot tub, movies, puzzles, games, free iternet and long distance, and all the snow we could ever enjoy.

Have you ever hot tubbed in a snowstorm??? wow. The hard part was getting out and running into the house before body parts froze and fell off.

We spent 4days/ 3nights...watched TV, enjoyed the scenery, tubbed, put a puzzle together, bbq'd and visited.

Any idea how nice a little mini-vacation like that is after you've been through---well, some very tough times? wow. We really savored it.

cost for 4 days=$400 + food, which we cooked at 'home' (no meals out).

The hub learned today that he will not have surgery, but rather a shot of something to help with the blown disk. (please let it work!)

My bills have been coming in for the physical therapy after my last pinched nerve...and the sweetest words known to these eyes...."Patient has no financial obligation for this bill, paid in full" (so dual insurance does have it's value!!)

Tomorrow. My job became self insured this year...so tomorrow, we have an opportunity to join (for free) an 8 month wellness program to help us get healthy. I will have to be weighed (gads) pricked,measured (wt..?) checked and fill out a personal evaluation...but when it is all said and done, I will receive a roadmap to help me get from here to healthy in 8 short months. If I succeed, there is at least a $50 bill waiting for me to spend however I want...not to mention a cache of wonderful prizes to be won.

So, tomorrow is day one. Pray for me...I am a non-recovering junk food junkie lately.

Life seems to be slowly turning around and promising to be rich and rewarding once again.. It is amazing how your perspectives change on what is important and what is trivial.

Just let me make it through the weigh in without fainting or breaking the scale...lol. Then, it should be downhill to health and....well, we shall see!!

I had my evaluation this week. I must have did ok at work even though I was going through so much at home..as I got a very good evaluation and a nice raise because of it!! I am so blessed to have a boss that truly believes that family is as important (if not more) than one's job.

I reworked the budget and may be able to make it work without getting a second job!! The hub is supposed to be getting a raise soon too...which should put us back into a more comfortable position.

Of course, our ebb right now is that DD2 (single mom of GS 3) lost her job this morning....not sure what impact that will have on our finances.

It is hard to believe papa has been gone a month today...but I am seeing the proof that life goes on. In spite of the month long anniversary, today was a good day. I was able to help someone today and make an impact in her life in a good way...it felt good. I honestly believe that sometimes the best medicine for a sad heart is to help someone else...once you do, the world is ok again.

I am loving that new office guys...it has such a nice view!! Whatever I did to be this blessed...well, I am not taking it for granted!!!

We had my dads memorial tonight. Instead of a sad evening, we planned a birthday and celebration (his 75th birthday was on the 23rd). I made little handouts for everyone and we played the song "I can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me. We had pictures and cake...cried a little, and did our best to make peace with the fact that he is gone.

Yesterday, I moved into my new office at work. I have a beautiful big office with a great view. I am now right next door to the CEO-- which is perfect as his assistant. I am looking forward to having the privacy that this office will provide...I was out in the middle of the reception area and had constant interruptions before..this will definately help me to stay focused and to hopefully be more productive.

My job went to self-insurance this year, and as part of the process, they are going to offer an 8 month program to get healthy, which includes a personal coach who counsels and weighs you once each month...plus they are offering an 8 month contest (with some great prizes)to encourage everyone to join in and partake. So, I am going to sign up...and hopefully by October, I will be a 'new me'!!

The hub, DD3 and I are taking a long weekend next weekend to get away and regroup...I hope it helps reduce my stress..seems like lately, nothing is helping.

Money...well, Ive decided to forgive and start over...we are back in the red and need to work our way back out of the black hole of indebtedness....Ive been here before and I know we can do it. I am still tossing the second job idea around. The hub sold 4 cords of wood this weekend...which means we made about $500 profit,which will more than pay for our adventure next weekend.

I am looking forward to the newness of the future..thank goodness for "opportunity and a chance to start fresh every 24 hours"...I plan to make the most of these new beginnings...






ps...I miss you dad.

Plumbing is working again...$450
Nerve study for pinched nerve...$1100 (I saw the doctor for about 15 minutes...unreal!) My part...$195 + $20 co-pay for my dr to read the results and discuss in an office visit.
Deductible for hubs ER and Hosp stay...$250 + who knows on the 20% copay...

Thank goodness the chimney fire last weekend didnt result in any damage to the home. (yep, caught on fire and burned whatever had gotten in there right up...)

Todays blessings...a job I love, lunch with my mom, a little bonus in the paycheck, a toasty fire as I type this and healthy kids and grandkids.

We got the results from the hubs MRI today that he has blown a disk again...but they are going to try cortisone shots instead of surgery for now. I sure hope the shots work!!

We are planning my dads memorial for the 26th. (His 75th b-day would have been on the 23rd)

All in all this was a good week guys. It feels good to have life returning to normal..even an expensive normal. (ouch) Ive been tossing the thought of a second job around in my head to catch back up...we'll see.

But for tonight, I am looking forward to a THREE DAY WEEKEND and lots of rest. :-)