Gramma Ray's Blog

I have a feeling, most folks would condsider backed up plumbing in their entire home (except for toilets) big stuff...but with everything else that has been going on here...I have put it on the 'it can wait' burner. Now that my mom and the hub are both home, it is time to deal with it. So, I see plumbing bills in our future. So hoping that this wont kill the budget for the year...but I guess we will see. We will call the plumber out tomorrow and see if they can send some powerful flush through the pipes and get everything working again. (please!!)

My 2008 Christmas shopping is done for everyone but the babies...I have reserved a great 7 bedroom home at a mountain resort for us to all gather for the week following Christmas. I thought this would be a great year to create a new family tradition...we will see how it goes, but I am soooo excited!!!

I slept 12 hours last night. I was so exhausted. I took it easy today and am returning to work tomorrow. I spent some time today planning a few vacations this year...It is good to have things to look forward to.

I can't thank you all enough for your support these past few weeks. I wished you knew how many wee-hour visits I made to this blog to read and reread your supportive words when my dad was so ill. You will never fully understand the impact you had on my life during those nights. I am forever grateful to you all.

I swear, I couldn't make this up.

Got my mom home from the hospital yesterday and walked into my bedroom..there laid the hub with a major headache...within 5 minutes, I was back on the FWY to the hospital...5 hrs later, the hub was admitted for meningitis.

THANKFULLY- it is looking viral rather than bacterial and he should be able to come home tomorrow.

I can't even tell you guys how tired I am...but I am very grateful for having a caring and understanding boss. I have gone through this past couple of weeks without having to worry about my job.

I am afraid to see what these medical bills will do to my newly created budget...even with insurance, deductibles and co-pays are expensive!!! ugh.

My mom took a bad turn today. Breathing distress so she is on oxygen now...and a fever...They ran tests and said she has contracted MRSA. They have her in quarantine and everyone wears a gown and gloves that enters her room. Does anyone know anything about this???? I have heard about it but do not know much. All information greatly appeciated.Thanks guys.

My moms surgery went well and she is out of the ICU today. She may even come home tomorrow.

I spent the day cleaning her home and putting my dad clothes away so she does not have to watch us pack them up.

I also spent some time on my budget. Finances are not as bleak as I was expecting. I had a heart to heart with the hub and we decided that we would give our new spending plan an honest effort.

The budget accounts for our normal monthly expenses, as well as those not so routine expenses...and also provides some money in to a 'miscellaneous' fund so that the unexpected things are covered.

Hopefully, this will enable us to build a nice "emergency" fund. Throughout the year.

Extra money earned will go towards debt until the debt and the emergency fund are fully funded. (unless there are mounting medical bills from another back surgery this year...then most will have to go to that.)

Tonight, was tv and popcorn. Cheap, mindless entertainment.

I will ask for your prayers again tonight that all goes well with the hubs back pain diagnosis tomorrow. I am expecting the news to include the word 'surgery' somewhere....

But for tonight...my thankfulness is on nana's successful surgery and recouperation. I think she is going to bounce back totally and quickly.

First, thank you to all for your prayers. My dad passed away on Saturday morning. Which is the day after I asked for your prayers. I was able to be away from work the entire week before he died to care for him (my boss is very family oriented and understanding.) I will miss my dad greatly- he was a good, good man.

Today my mom went back in the hospital and tonight she had surgery to put a stint in for a blockage to her heart. So far, so good.

On Wednesday, we will learn if my husband will need back surgery.

Somedays you take it hour by hour because otherwise it gets overwhelming.

I have been thinking alot about a 2008 gameplan and budget. I feel a need to CONTROL something in my life...and finances are one thing I can at least control on paper. RIGHT??

I am taking baby steps right now...especially since life has been so rough.

Honest guys...I really am not down all the time. I swear. Lately theres just alot going on. And I miss my dad. Alot.

I think back to my early blogs...I was home full time, baking waffles for my grandson and taking care of my parents...little did I realize how quickly those would become the ;good ol days'.....

I have wanted to take some time to redefine myself and really decide what I want to accomplish both personally and financially. This time with my dad has made me even more dedicated to making some changes.

This morning, while sitting with my dad, I got online and set up some direct deposits. Savings and vacation. My husband and I do not take vacations and that is something I hope to change. Aside from camping, we do not go on vacation really.

I am also setting up a designated savings account. Even though I returned to work, our savings have been depleated by extended-family needs to the point that we have even incurred about $4000 in credit card debt (in addition). It was not that long ago that our debt was paid off except for mortgage...now we have business debt and credit card debt again. Clearly, financial goals need to be set again.

My dad has been very restless today. I am exhausted. He does not communicate anymore. Id give anything for one of his strong hugs. But those are forever gone. If any of you pray, please, please pray that he passes soon. He has been in so much pain and we are so ready for him to be at peace. If you still have your dad, don't forget to hug him tight. You will miss those when they are gone.

Much financial work to do, but I feel like I took a couple of baby steps today.

I won't go into details...but this is tough guys. Not so peaceful for my poor dad. We are on day 3 and it has been the worst so far..not sure what tomorrow will bring.

Hopefully peace for him. He has had a very tough time. Every once in a while he stirs enough and gives me a glimmer of his old self and his sense of humor...but mostly he is talking to the unseen about the unknown...

Good Morning friends,

My disclaimer to this entry is that I am not in high spirits right now, so you truly might want to skip reading this one.

I have started to type an entry so many times the past several weeks..but always stopped after the first couple of sentences...Things, well, have just continued to be challenging here.

My finances are definately in need of attention and repair...but I have so many other pressing issues- I don't or haven't
made them a priority...something I KNOW I will regret in the not too distant future.

Oregon did give back kicker checks this year (if they don't spend enough, it has to be returned) which meant about $1300 back in the family budget. This is the good news...(although I have to scratch my head in wonder over the rebate since we went over half the year without public libraries due to lack of funding???) Oh well, I have put it into a savings account until we decide what to do with it.

I think I blogged earlier about the tree falling on DD1 and family's 5th wheel and totalling it. The kids were living in it trying to save money for a house. They are now living in, what was our trailer. (Perhaps the $1300 could be used as a down payment on a new trailer for us???)

I had to have BOTH my parents transported to the ER Thursday night. My dad will be realeased under hospice care and will not be going back to the hospital. I am going to take leave from my job to be his caregiver- which, sadly, will be a short leave. My mom is facing a major surgery decision and is not sure she wants to have it if it means no papa to come home to.... ugh. This is the reason I have stopped blogging. It is just to darn depressing. Have you ever tried to admit someone into the ER?? Times two it was pretty stressful. They are now in rooms- at opposite sides of the hospital, so I am at least getting lots of walking in.

To illustrate perfectly the circle of life, however...at about 1am Friday morning, the doctor told me my dads heart is failing...a few minutes later my DD1 broke down and said (just in case papa didn't make it)she had to tell us her news that she was saving for Christas...my next grandbaby is due in August.

My tree is up, but undecorated. Mu gifts are bought- some wrapped, some not. But the spirit is still there. We have so many blessings to be thankful for---it is just really, really hard to focus on those right now.

DD3s 16th birthday is the 24th, we are having her party tonight...minus nana and papa...I am really trying to make it special---boy this is tough.

I can't help but hope that 2008 will bring peace.

Hello Friends!

My wishes to you for a warm and memorable Thanksgiving Day to you and yours!!

We (nana, papa and I) will be enjoying Chicken Picatta here, since we had a turkey dinner last Sunday so the kids could visit the in-laws homes for dinners today.

However you spend the day, I hope it is a good one!

Hello friends!

I have been 'enjoying' about 8 weeks of another pinched nerve in my back, which has created some insanely painful muscle spasms in my right arm. So, I have been on heavy medication, gone to physical therapy and even visited a chiroprater, inspite of my fear of bones popping (is there a phobia for that?) I didn't miss any work, but I am sure some of my druggy days have caused some interesting decisions on my part...ha.

My dad has been back in the hospital with halucinations and...of all things, a fractured back. (He was hallucinating and rolled out of bed when the fracture occured) He is home now, but pain is sure taking its toll on him.

Yesterday, a very large branch from one of our oak trees fell....right on top of the kids' 5th wheel that they've been living in...and the 5th wheel is totaled. Luckily, no one was hurt or worse...

and this morning at 5 am, my daughters chihuahau had 7 puppies...gads.

Um, it will slow down eventually I am sure...I will blog later on finances, right now they are equally scary around here...Visitors have just stopped by, so I gotta run.

After over 6 months...two of our 15 county libraries reopened this week. They are open fewer hours (24 oer week for now)...but they are open...and that is more than we've had for most of this year.

DD1 and I are going to visit one of the two open libraries tomorrow. I have missed having the library and am very happy to see it opened again. Ive been looking online for books to reserve. Now that I am back at work, the biggest library is convenient---right down the street from my job.

WOO HOO

I took today off...my second vacation day in over 6 months. It was a nice day. Blustery, but gorgeous with fall leaves blowing everywhere. We did a little christmas shopping...and I found a few really good deals. Macys had a nice 3 qt soup pot/lid on sale for $8.99 down from $20. These are perfect for a batch of soup for 4 or less, which describes most of my extended family. I am going to make a cook book with soup recipes...and add a nice wooden spoon...and for about $10, have a great gift. (I bought 6 of the pots today.)This is our annual 'girls trip' weekend. We stayed home for a variety of reasons: Money, papa, new jobs, new babies...etc. We normally would have each spent $200+ for hotel, gas and food...and today's expenses were under $20 each for food and gas...so it is saving money...just not quite the same as getting out of town. But it does feel good to save so much..and still have a wonderful time with my girls.

We have a toasty fire going tonight. It was 34 this morning...and will most likely dip lower tonight since the skies are clear.Thank goodness for free firewood...I hope it keeps us within the budget this winter.

My daughters chihuahua (sp?) is having puppies in a couple of weeks...cute little dogs...I miss Grace and am not sure a little dog would become as good of a companion...but I am looking forward to the litter and seeing how cute they are.

I am starting to think papa might make it to his 75th birthday in January...he has had many good days lately and is off of the home nursing care. Guess its time to start planning for a the bash!!

Our little commune here has grown by one more. DD3's (15) BF family lost their home to a fire and have been displaced...so he is living in our travel trailer in the interim... My boss calls this the sandwich generation...lol. I have parents, kids, grown kids back home with their children and now displaced friends of my kids living out here.(9+ most days)..We are now up to 4 different households on two acres...wow...

Needless to say...its all good here guys!!

Ok...I have often tooted the WAMU horn, but now Im cranky. Here is the recent story:

Well, to give you the recent story I have to go back a little ways and explain that, long story short, WAMU charged a $6 fee on an accout I thought was closed, bringing the balance to -$6. I did not realize this fee was out there...and the following month they added a $2 late fee....which stayed on that account for about 6 months. One day, I went in to apply for a loan (ironically with WAMU) and they told me my credit showed a SERIOUS DELINQUENCY. WHAT?? So I got a copy of my report and there was the serious delinquency....all $8 of it.

I called WAMU and was told to submit the $8 with a letter asking that the delinquency be removed from my credit report.- Which I immediately did.

So...now the recent.

I was making a deposit to the hubs logging account and they said "You are a premium customer and are pre-approved for a credit card for the business." I thought this would be fantastic way for the business to start a credit profile and said OK.

Yesterday, I get two notices from WAMU....one saying, sorry- your credit sucks (yeah, obviously WAMU didnt hold up to their end of the bargain, cause otherwise my credit is excellent)...and the other, a letter telling me that I am a preferred customer, would I like a home equity loan.

WAMU does not know it yet, but they've made me more cranky than they realize...my goal now is to close my checking, business checking, home loan and HELOC with them over this irritating $8...I know of a few other places that would like my business.

ARGH. WAMU, you suck.

My beautiful girl Gracie. 13 years of joy, friendship, dedication...Gracie has survived cancer (they said 6 months...she lasted 6 years...and would have lasted more Im sure)...heartworms...blindness and selective deafness (Grace, get off the furniture...no response....but a slight squeak of the fridge door...lo and behold..here she'd come...) She nursed her babies and was a great 90 lb 'lap dog'. She was a true 'lady' and a reliable friend...

FIL did not see her when he pulled into our driveway yesterday...nor she him- she was blind...

I will miss Grace like a dear friend and family member...

Gracie...you taught me what true Grace was all about, right up to your last breath. I will remember you always. Sweet dreams sweet girl!

Hi All-

I've been trying to read blogs a couple of times a week...but adding to my blog has been a little more of a challenge.

First- Life is good- albiet very busy. I continue to love my job. I am having a blast with my responsibilities and co-workers. I also learned that I will be moving to a nice big office with windows! about the end of the year. It is a gorgeous office so I am excited about this!

My family is all doing well. My dad, while weak, continues to hang in there and enjoy the energy he has. My mom has been through two successful surgeries. Our newest addition (GD2) is now 4 weeks old..and sweet as pie. The other grandbabies are here most of the time since DD1 and her hubby live here...and DD1 babysits GS1. (clear as mud?) DD3 is a sophomore and will be driving soon...and DD2 is gainfully employed...finally!

Now, about those libraries. For those who might not know- our libraries all closed last March. Lack of funding- but it was just reported today that plan b was approved and the libraries will open again by November !!!! YES. I have MISSED the library system and cant wait!

I received a nice $150 gift cert to a local spa for a big project I just completed at work...I am going to enjoy every second of it in a few weeks..I really am blessed with my dream job.

Looking forward to quiet weekend as a 'hunting widow'...as the hub is off to do the 'manly' thing this weekend. I don't eat game...so I hope he misses.!!

Yep, Im a gramma of THREE now! Lil Myah was born this past weekend...and she is a lil peanut at 6lb3oz. Oh the joys of grandbabies...and now 3 of em!!

I continue to love my job. I am gaining confidence daily and have really felt like I am making a difference! (I was nominated for an award last week!!) Call me crazy...but I made a decision to make work fun...so I put out licorice and red hots for anyone who stops by(about $15 every week or two) ...everyday I see someone enjoying a treat or two and secretly enjoy knowing that they are enjoying my anonymous gift...I have found a single mom to help out and I am able to help my kids once in a while...like the next few weeks while my DIL is off on maternity leave, non-paid. Somedays I think Id be rich if it wasnt for...well, all that brings me joy. But then I realize that the joy of sharing outweighs the joy of having....and it's all good.

I hope all of you are well! (Papa continues to hang in there...it was a blessing when DS and DIL brought baby over so he could hold her last night...his smile....priceless, truly priceless.) Hugs

My MOMA would have to be that little things count---and add up to big things faster than we realize.

Take fast food. If you have a family of four and eat out one each week...and the meal is "only' $5 per person...that $20 each week or over $1000 per year...

This is often referred to as the latte factor. Having recently returned to work, I am remembering the "I work hard, I deserve this' mentality...which is the mentality that will keep you working hard the rest of your life if youre not careful!!

Periodically (for me thats about weekly) I do a mental check on my money attitude. While some days are better than others, I do like to think that I am keeping things in check---and much of that has to do with my gained knowledge from all of you here at saving advice.

Last weekend, we went on a little camping trip. Took some inexpensive food...we process our own firewood, so that was really cheap...and for entertainment, while sitting around the campfire, we watched an old John Wayne movie on my laptop.. from our cheap dvd collection. (Big Jake...I love JW)

Watch those little holes...the big ones are important yes, but those little ones can sneak up on you and do a lot of financial damage if youre not keeping an eye on them!

My assignment: put a basket together as a gift for a job well done. Budget $250


So...I spent $225 on the hotel and meal...and had $25 left for the presentation...

Went to goodwill and bought a basket $1.99, candlestick holders (2 X .49= .98) and 2 pretty wine glasses = 2X.79 (1.58)...then, off to walmard for a 2 pack of 'on-sale' cream linen napkins (2.50) two pillar canlesticks .40= .80 and a couple pieces of tropical fruit = $3...a nice bottle of wine on sale...$7.49 ...I had a clear plastic gift bag and some tissue on hand....(hand washed the glasses and candlesticks..and used pledge on the gift basket).....so well within budget, I was able to maximize the budget and present a gorgeous, expensive looking gift. and it will be our little secret that Goodwill and Walmart were the key suppliers of the extras on a nice corporate gift!!!!

The recipient was so proud of the gift that she refused to open the wrapper until she got home so her husband could see!!!!

I am so sorry it has taken me such a long time to post a friendly hello here.

A quick update...my dad is holding. I am so happy we still have him!! My household has grown...DD1, her DH and my GD have moved 'home' in their 5th wheel (they are saving and paying off debt to buy a home of their own, so they are spending one year in their 5th wheel) They moved out here last week and will be here through the end of the year.

DD2 is finally emplyed. Walmart came through for her and she is pretty excited. I keep thinking of the book Nickle and Dimed...but this is a job...something she didnt have a few days ago. She has managed to hold onto her house with unemployment as her sole income for 7 months....so, I am hopeful she will continue to stay afloat.

DS and his DW are under a month away from their firstborn...(girl) we are all in that fun, cant wait mode.

The hub and I are continuing to work on things...some days are easier than others.But overall, Id say we are doing better and better.

I am back to budgeting a little more closely, a nice feeling after such a long hiatus...and spending spree.

I am still loving my job. I have such a FUN time at work...and get paid for it!!
I have made some new frinds and feel like I am part of a community.

The hub and I went to RENO last weekend and had a great mini-vaca. We are going camping on the 18th for a night.. Boy, how different time off and life in general is when you work full time.

I hope to catch up on all of your blogs tonight...I really hope you've all been well.

off to read....hugs to you all

Hey Everyone.

I can happily post that things have been going good here.

First, while still very weak, my dad continues to stay out of the hospital. He even felt up to dinner out last night---although it was a major tax on his strength. I can't tell you how great it was to look across the table and smile at him.

Finances are going well. I have been focusing more on saving and being frugal, and I am seeing the benefits!! The next couple of months will be great financially as there are going to be extra pay-periods. I am on bi-weekly and the hub is paid weekly...so every few months there are an extra pay check or two to pad the wallet---which will be very, very nice!

My job is still going super. I honestly have the most wonderful boss. Our company encourages and applauds community involvement...and I am toying with the idea of setting up a 'frugal webpage' on our intranet for staff as my project. I am in the early planning stages...but this site has been so helpful to me that I am thinking about doing some sort of frugal info for staff to use.

My boss is also looking into a 'saving revolution' idea that would encourage the community to save...and to have some sort of prize for the winner. (sound familiar Jeffrey??)

Life works in mysterious ways and I am excited to see my pull being towards one of helping others with their finances!!

I may have DD2 and GS moving back in with us soon...she is still unemployed and having a hard time making those ends meet. I hear I am a prime example of the 'sandwich' generation...I have my own home and family...but also have elderly parents , grown kids and grandchildren here with me...oh boy.

The hub and I are going to take a little mini-vaca to Reno at the end of the month. 4 days in a suite with a jaccuzi. A splurge, yes....but a much needed escape from the daily stresses here.

all-in-all...life is very, very good.

I hope things have been good for everyone else too!

I almost forgot...I won a drawing at my job and got free tickets to the fair next week...with reserved parking and.....reserved seats to see Lynyrd Skynyrd!!!!!! Free bird!

value= $150!!! woo-hoo...so off to the fair on Tuesday!

Happy Saturday!

I have been scratching my head in wonder as to why I have LESS money now that I am working. Granted, I bought a car...and we've been eating out more while my dad has been in and out of the hospital...But why the heck am I upside down at the end of the month.

I must first confess, that I do not monitor my accounts everyday...but I do check the balances at least weekly (I am trying to balance time and I just havent taken the time to monitor like I did pre-employment.)

So...I took a long look at one of my accounts yesterday and realized that I had accidentally schedule TWO weekly trasfers to the hubs business account instead of just one.

Hmm...he is getting double what he is supposed to get and "suprisingly" (yeah right) hasnt said anything...lol

So, I am happy to report that I have transferred the excess back into the household fund and we have ample excess again.

Now, there are so many morals to this story I don't know which to start with.

1. Keep better track of the accounts and where the money is going. Luckily, I was able to easily retrieve those over payments.

2. QUIT spending so much money on dining out. Feeding my family dinner for under $5 should continue to be my goal!!

3. Retrain my brain and focus on saving again.

Today, I am making a big ol batch of soup and we are bbqing chicken for dinner. So, for today, I think I am on the right track.

Family Update:
Papa is still well and doing good.

I have GS for the weekend.

I also have DJ---my daughters lil long haired chihuahua (sp?) hes too darn cute.

So, a busy, but fun weekend!

Wow, what a difference this day made!!

In addition to my new job...I am now a supervisor (of one other employee)!! and I received a $200 a month raise!!

wow. I did not expect this kindof change...but I am looking forward to the added responsibility. My new employee seemed pleased with the change...she and I have worked well together the past couple of months.

Now I need to tweak the budget...I think for now I will put this money into an emergency fund and get that built back up.
With all the craziness and added fast food, etc...the budget has taken a hit.

The hub has been doing some side jobs so his business account finally has a balance. His plan is to presale some of the seasoned madrone this summer and pay for a few loads of new wood for next season.

My dad is having a good week. Thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes. They have been very much appreciated.

My dad is coming home today! He is strong enough to come home, although he will continue to be under medical supervision via home health care.

Ironically, our local paper has a very heated discussion going on in the forums about the rights of smokers vs. non-smokers. Gads. If they could all just spend a few minutes with my dad and see the effects of COPD (from years of 40 years of smoking... which he quit 20 years ago!)

Anyway, back to this blog. I am thrilled to have my dad back home again...I hope he and my mom enjoy some quality time. The doctors have asked them both to think about whether he wants to return to the hospital next time, or if he wants to be made comfortable at home....but that is a worry for another day.

My 401k continues to grow nicely. I am contributing 15% of my pay and my employer contibutes 8%...so it is growing at a nice pace.

We managed to eat all meals at home this weekend. Tonight we are bbq-ing steaks...I found a great sale recently and stocked up. Last night we bbq-d the whole chopped veggie, rice and meat with soy sauce...kinda fun twist to a Japanese meal...and it was fantastic. Ordinarily, I wouldnt have steak two nights in a row...but we had a large pack of steaks and decided to marinate the remainder in a Chicago marinade (yum) for tonight.

Besides...my dad will be home and he loves bbq-d steak.

I am still LOVING my job. I am enjoying the people I work with and having such a wonderful time learning my new duties...I can't believe I've been back to work 2 1/2 months!! Last week was stressful...I organized a 3 day planning session for 20 people and had to arrange facilities, food, etc...However, it all went off without a hitch...and now I can get back to my usual routine.

I cancelled a 2 week trial to blockbuster last night...and started a 2 week trial with netflix. We enjoyed a free movie night after the wonderful dinner.--It felt great to eat inexpensively and to enjoy some free entertainment.

And to top everything off, I did laundry yesterday and got to hang it all outside to dry for free! Life is good.

Its gonna be a gorgeous day today!!

Ok, here is my story....

I have decided that I need a past-time. The husband works nights, the teen is busy doing teen stuff...and I am spending way too much time home alone in the evenings.

So, I have a couple of ideas.
1. Take a class. I think I might like to take a class...I know I could use a written grammar brush-up with this position Im in...I just have to go through some sort of college test and enroll and then pay some money to take the class...

2. A part time job...um, no. at least I think no....maybe?

3. Join a gym. The gym would get me moving...and maybe help me continue on my size 12 journey...which I achieved and then lost within a couple of weeks due to alot of unplanned fast food...more on this later.

However....the gym that is convenient is clearly designed for those size 2-8 under 30 folks...um, not me.

Any size 2-8 under 30 folks on this site who care to share insight of the middle aged (46) year olds who really need to move more...and whether they are welcome or not in said gym?

Let's just say, I didnt get the warm fuzzies when I stopped by to check it out this afternoon...and left after NO ONE asked if they could help me... to their credit...I guess I should add that I didnt ever see anyone who appeared to be working during the entire two minutes I hung around with the other patrons...did I mention I was a little self-consious??

Ok...so gym may be out....part-time job is probably out, since I am not sure I want to commit to anyone right now. Classes...well, that is still a maybe.

Family update- my dad is back in the hospital. He spent most of this week in ICU...but is in a regular room today. When he comes home, it will be assisted...not sure what that means.

Ideas on groovy things to do when you are in a semi empty, very lonely nest??

Am I really too old (or fat) for the gym???

We came up with plan "b" today when papa wasn't up to going out.

DH decided to "japanese' style our bbq. I made some jazimine rice, cut up some zuccini and onions...and added some soy sauce to the bbqd steak...end result, a meal that would easily compete with a japanese meal any day...

Papa was much too weak to go out, but still enjoyed a great meal with family. Cost, much less than it would have been...without comprimising taste...or using too much energy for papa...win/win actually...and as an added benefit...we got to play with the grandbabies too!!

What a great, inexpensive day...with all the joy a day can hold.

I hope your fathers day easily rivaled ours!

I have a few financial goals for June that I need to make sure I take care of...

1. Mail in phone rebate (2) for the new cell phones = $60 Due by EOM

2. Call my mortgage company and PLEAD my case as to why I should get my $25 returned payment fee back...

3. Mail in rebate for the campsite fee that Good Sam has mailed me a coupon for..$25

4. Cancel my 2 week trial membership with Blockbuster on June 24th.

5.Keep tabs on H's credit card so he doesn't incur another 'over-limit fee'...gads...$35 a pop!!!

all of this adds up to a substantial amount of extra cash. it would be ridiculous to let these slip by me!!

We DID have Anna's surgery today...so there will be no more puppies here. I think this is a really good thing, considering we had an unplanned litter this year and I am now back to work.

and those are my June financial goals.

Family Update....

Nana is anemic, thus tired, but recovering nicely from surgery last week.Her new fistula is healing and will be ready to use within the next 3 months.

Papa is slowly sliding down-hill again. His legs and ankles- swelling, his breathing beginning to labor again....I have asked him to choose a nice Father's Day meal...and he has requested dinner at one of those Japanese, chop em, cook em in front of you joints (a favorite)...I sincerely believe this is my last fathers day with my dad...so we will make it special...I just hoep he is well enough to go....if not, I will be making him something special at home....hope for the best, prepare for the worst....of course, plan A is all I want at this point...


Today was DD3s last day as a Freshman...

Woke up next to a sleeping 3 year old and a recovering-from-the-flu husband.

Let me just say, today was much better.

How sweet it is to have my parents both home and happy to be back together after each having a hospital stay.

GS loved his day with us. I made nana and papa breakfast, got them dressed, brought their laundry down here to do..cleaned their house, and then let them just "be together at home" while I did their laundry and made GS waffles. and made a big batch of pasta e fagioli soup. (yum)

Went to town, shopped for groceries, came home, more laundry (none of mine today, however)...then, made dinner for nana and papa, and then we took GS for an ice cream. His mom just picked him up (9pm) and now, we are (fianlly) vegging.

The weather was a nice, 70 degrees with a little rainfall today.

Tomorrow, my laundry...and housework...and then a nice bbq at home..thanks to a great sale on steaks todaY!!!...

I am so greatful for having BOTH parents at home....and my mortgage payment safely paid!! gads...oh, and Anna has 'the operation' scheduled for next week too...(so no more puppies.)

I sure hope Im not forgetting anything important!!!

g'nite friends. Again, thank you for all your kind thoughts...Julie, I am more than willing to adopt you if youd like!!!

Thank Goodness it's Freakin' Friday!

Papa is home..
Nana is home...
DD2 is all better...
and I survived!!!

For tonight, it's all good...

Except...

Oh guys, I am a financial failure lately. This morning, Im standing in my kitchen thinking..."It must be close to the end of the month, I need to get the money into the account for my home loan to process..."...that's end of month = May.

What the heck happened to the end of MAY??? SH(*T

So...I hurry into town, pick up nana from the hospital...the hospital has lost her clothes...she is frantic...and they take out the IV and she bleeds all over the clothes I brought her...nothing we can do, but take her all blood stained to dialysis...

Get her to dialysis...she is weak, sick to her tummy and her BP is through the roof...I rush off to work, call papa en-route...he sounds so weak, but is so excited to be coming home...I will pick him up at noon...then nana, then, get meds, lunch , and head home and figure out how to get them up those 4 stairs on their porch...but that's in 3 hours...

for now, I have this home loan to deal with...

Get to the bank, walk up to the teller...and lose it. We're talking major melt down in a public place. gads.

Get tissue, wipe eyes and manage to conjure up..."is my loan payment LATE".

Her answer...music to my ears...NO, you have a 15 day grace and you're well within...me... "OK sniff, Id sniff like to sniff pay it sniff now"...

Sigh.

Ok, tonight is all about unwinding (GS is spending the night again...so a little gramma time too), but tomorrow, is all about budget and bills...and a few loads of laundry...after, of course, I bathe, dress and feed my parents- who I am so lucky to still have!!!

Hugs to all of you for your kind thoughts. You are truly a blessing in this tired, stressed life of mine!!!

"Your dad can go home on Friday".

Music to a daughters ears. He is still very weak, but he is coming home.

"This is going to an outpatient surgery"

My mom is having surgery tomorrow...I am hoping, hoping that it goes well and is indeed the outpatient surgery they expect (last time, she almost bled out and spent several days in in the hospital...)

"Mom, Im running a 102 fever...and the doc just said strep throat"

DD2, who was supposed to take charge of my parents care for the next three days is suddenly OUT of commission....

Followed by: "can you keep GS tonight"
so me and GS are having a sleep over---he is presently watching 'sponge bob'.

"If I really need you here, Ill let you know- otherwise, take as much time as you need"

My new boss...who understand a dad in the hospital, a mom having surgery and a daughter (single mom with child)with strep throat.

phrases I hope to hear tomorrow:
your dad is well enought to go home tomorrow...your moms surgery went just fine...mom, Im all better...."I wuv you gramma"...

"you won the lottery" would be welcome too...

I have held it together pretty well guys...right up until I read all of your kind replies...and I honestly lost it--I simply can not explain how grateful I am for your kind support.

Papa is hanging in there...he is still in the hospital, they have found a spot on his lung that is suspect of cancer...but neither he nor my mom want to test it and know for sure...their reasoning, why bother there is nothing that c an be done now anyway.(he is simply too weak for any treatment). He still cant stand or walk to get to the bathroom on his own...so I am not sure when he will be getting his 'get out of jail free card'. In the meantime, nana is having to have surgery on Thursday to get a new fistula.

I did celebrate my 46th birthday on Sunday. I spent the day with good friends and family...and my dad was here to wish me a happy birthday...so what else in the world could I possibly ask for?? absolutely nothing.


I am still LOVING my job. I have the very best 'boss'...he is an amazing person who is quite the natuaral leader...and my job is to help him stay organized and to help him be the best he can be.

Oh---pretty cool. Today I had an opportunity to pre-order tickets to the Nutcracker Ballet for December 23. I am going to take all the 'girls' in my family as a Christmas treat!! My job does a nice donation to the local theatre...and so we get early dibs on the seasons tickets...I am sooo excited to be able to do this!!! The tickets were $26.50 each...but because I have 1/2 year saved in my Christmas Club account...I am able to cover the cost easily!! ((((Have you opened your Christmas account yet???...if not, why not??))))

I hope you all are doing well.

My dad is in the hospital and not doing so good.

Wow guys...I am remembering the stress of a full time job (even one you love) + a sick loved one + lack of sleep + a husband who works the opposite shift of yours.

Needless to say stressed, pooped and scared is a sucky place to be.

and what does all that do to a budget..um...no time for shopping, cooking, or packing a lunch...so add to everything else and extra pound or two or five from a sucky fast food diet (not to mention the lack of energy)...and the added cost that lack of preparation brings...and you have a really bad cocktail.

My birthday is this weekend...and I have two wishes...one that my dad makes it...and the other that if he continues to suffer, that he passes peacefully and quickly...how is that for truly contradicting matters of the heart.

sigh.