Gramma Ray's Blog

We took advantage of the 3 day weekend and went camping up at a nearby lake! We lucked out and got a great spot and enjoyed spending the trip with friends. Food was all home cooked and frugal...the sites GORGEOUS! We went on a road trip yesterday to visit nearby waterfalls...all free---and all wonderfully beautiful.

The weather was great...days- 70s...nights 30s...which meant short sleeves and campfires...mixed in with smores and hot coffee!!

Walks, fishing, reading and chatting....and a few days away from the grind.

My dad made it through the weekend---the doctor says we have between 1-6 months left with him....(ok, they told us that about Grace 6 years ago...and she's still going strong!) so I have decided to enjoy everyday...prepare for the worst...but hope for the best....and just be here for both of them as my mom and dad adjust to the news. Really, what else can I do?

I took advantage of some quiet time this morning while the guys were fishing and pounded out a new budget. I am happy to say that I have computed in plenty of saving and wiggle room...which is a vast improvement over my first attempt...and I am looking forward to applying that budget and seeing results.

I am still loving the new laptop and loving the car...and best of all, LOVING my new job. It is still, very much, my dream job.

Life is good today.

Hospice.

Such a scary, sad, maddening, hurtful, painful, surreal word...when someone you love is sick.

It takes your breath away, makes you cry, leaves you feeling hopeless...

It is the beginning of the end...

It is a transition to acceptance...(or so Ive been told...right now it is a big black hole waiting to suck me in...)

and it sucks.

The doctor told us that it may be time to call hospice for my dad.

He can't breathe on his own very well...and he refuses to go into the hospital to 'prolong the inev....' dang.

Sorry guys...my rollercoaster life just took a downward spiral tonight.

I guess we will see how tomorrow goes.

If you have access to a library, I envy you. Our libraries have been closed for over a month now...and the proposed levy on this vote did not pass. So, we have no library...and it looks like it is a long ways off before we get one. All those books are just sitting in locked buildings, collecting dust and becoming endangered species.

We go to Barnes and Nobles and I browse...I have spent close to $100 on books for work and refernce in the past 6 weeks. Amazon saves me a little...but how I miss the sanctuary...and luxury of the library.

My job is still my dream job. I am cleaning out old files and figuring out ways to get many of the files scanned so that the paper goes bye-bye. I am having so much fun. My boss (CEO) kids that "I" really am the boss of the organization...and I say thats just as it should be!!! lol

I've had a busy week and am looking forward to a couple of days to catch up...but I also am looking forward to my work week next week too....lots of fun things to do!

My mom and I are going to try to hit a yard sale or two in the morning. Tomorrow night, a bbq with DH...and Sunday...laundry, groceries, and maybe a haircut.

back to the original topicc of this entry... I so miss the library. I daydream about spending my lunch hours browsing among those books. I sure wish it was an option.

sigh.

hello...my name is thrifty ray, and I keep spending money...

what now? well, Ive bought myself a laptop.

Of course, I would not have done so without a laundry list of reasons why...so here goes.

I have to use a laptop when taking notes in meetings...and Ive never used one...so I bought one.

My employer offers a 3 year, interest free loan...so my payments are only $15 per paycheck until paid.

I was using the kids' business computer...which, now that I am not working for the business, I was starting to feel a little wierd about.

(I've wanted a laptop for years)...weak, yes, but probably one of the top reasons for the purchase...

and i can interact with the family at night while they are watching tv...I can actually sit in the same room and do whatever on the puter.

I bought an HP...and it has plently of the 'nnumbers' that I really dont understand...but the techie guy at Costco listned to my needs and told me this $999 model was what I needed, rather than the $1499 that he would buy for himself...so 999 it was.

This can only improve my skills for my position at work....so I consider the need and the free interest a cool two-fer.

I continue to stick to my bring-lunch-from-home plan. It sure saves me a bundle. I also make a pot of coffee each morning at work...so no $3 per day coffee expense. and we are getting better at eating at home at night. So an a+ lately on food expenses!!!

I have to say, I love being able to watch tv and play on the net at the same time...something Ive never done before...

and for sure, I will be able to stay better connected with all of you this way!....which of course means my focus stays on budets and frugalitiy!...ummm...so, a good purchase in my book.

but I am done...no more spending...now my focus shifts back to basics. !!!

eek! I just went back and reread my last entry....and I sound like I just started over in the world of budgeting!!!

first, I scratch my head in wonder about where all the money is going...

and then I list the necessities when working...gas, clothes, meals out?, blah, blah...

I need to get back to budget basics 101 and revalue the needs vs the wants...

Clearly, the problem isn't the cash flow...it's the attitude.

argh

30 lashes with a calculator tape for me.

First, there's the fantasy... (wow, all that money, I will save all of it for the first year...yada, yada...)

And then there's the reality...
I worked on a new budget last night to include my check...and with the added expenses of going back to work- (ie gas, clothes, a meal out once or twice a month...Not to mention the car payment) (no, I do not have buyers remorse..still LOVE the car...just talking realistically)...there just isnt this big huge amount left over.

Things will be MUCH improved once DH's wood business pays off those initial loans. Of course I accelerated those payments with part of my check.

And I am socking away 15% of my pay into my 401k...(Including the employer match, I already have $739 guys!!!...and have earned $3.79 in dividends!)

I will continue to tweak the numbers today until there is substantially more ending up in savings each month.

I'll continue to monitor the cash flow...but right now, the expenses win...ugh.

I still LOVE my job. I am having a blast and getting lots done. My desk is in the middle of the administration area. Out in the open...so I am in the hub of activity. I am enjoying the responsibilities...and have even learned that Im not as unorganized as I thought...Because organization is now a primary focus, I am actually able to organize quite nicely (if I do say so myself)

And I keep a bowl of redhots out on the counter...employees and visitors alike know the bowl is there...and it is an active little bowl...I fill it up and a couple days later it is empty...I probably spend $1.50 each week...and enjoy knowing that everyone gets a little tasty treat each time they pass by!!

GD is coming today...so Im gonna get the wagon cleaned out for a nice little stroll this afternoon. Weekends are very important when you work!

As many of you know, I recently returned to work at a credit union.

Being back, I am getting to hear all of the new twists and turns that fraud is taking...and it's bad news guys. Fraud attempts are growing at an amazingly alarming rate.

2 year ago, we saw 2-3 fraud attemps per month...

fast forward and now we are seeing 4-5 per week!!

The fasest growing is wire fraud.

There are many varieties of the fraud...but the RED FLAGS involve:

1. a check (could be certified or not)
2. a story
3. a request to wire, western union or epay funds to 'somewhere'...usually in the hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars.
4. a promise of some advance fee or easy money.

These scams are hitting every type of business, ads in newspapers, hotels, lotteries...you name it.

I am more than willing to offer my opinion on any questionable transaction. Please be safe with your money...the old addage that if it sounds to good....is 100% right in these circumstances.

STOP and ask...your financial institution, law enforcement, or even me.

egads...the bad guys have sure multiplied in my two year hiatus.

k guys...Im on a roll, but I had to share this experience.

As part of our family bonding time, we have decided to go bowling on Sunday nights. DH, me, DD3 and her boyfriend...and whoever else wants to go.

Young adults under 17 bowl free with a paying adult...so we only have to pay for 2. Fairly cheap fun.

But this week, we got a double bang for our buck.

We are bowling...and right next to us the lane lights up...so we look to see who our new 'neighbor' is...and low and behold, here comes "SUPERMAN".

Yep, he was in full superman garb...down to his cape and boots...and he looked to be about 3 years old. Big head of curly hair...and he was one proud super-hero.

Superman was with his dad...and was the sole bowler. Superman bowled like a pro...thanks to the bumpers and a little help from dad.

He carefully carried the ball to the foul line, and let it roll of his hands...often, the ball barely made it to the pins...but always- Superman beamed with pride as a pin or two fell...and he anxiously ran to dad with a "high 5"...

I do not remember how many spares or strikes we got that night...but I remember that sweet little smile...and that flying cape each time he spun and ran to dad...

Ok...it probably isnt...but tonight, it is hit the spot comfort food...TOAST!

crunchy, warm, buttery, cheap, easy, yummy...not much on nutritional value --but sometimes, there just isn't a match for good ol' toast...back to the food plan tomorrow but tonight...let there be toast!

I bought a car yesterday...or really I should say 'financed' a car yesterday.

It is a KIA Amanti. I wanted to get something a little more sporty...but I wasn't having much luck with the whole MPG/ price/ meeting my expectations thing.

Then, we saw this one. Very nice, clean, two years old, under 25K miles, moon roof, basically loaded. No dings or scratches..Very comfortable, roomy and still gets good gas mileage. The dealer traded in DD2s monster rig...and still met my budget...actually, I was able to get into the car and include the monster rig deficit ($5K) and still came out under high blue book.

DD2 will be paying 1/3 of the payments to pay back the loss...and so my payment came in well within the $225 budget that I wanted to stay under!!!

and I will get better gas mileage...so I will save about $250 per month over what I was paying (between payments and gas)!!

and, it is nicer than any car I've ever owned...leather interior, dual cooling, 8 airbags!, cruise control, 6 disc cd player...and it drives like a dream!! Happy Ray.

Boy, oh boy, oh boy...

How do I make this long story short. I dont think I can, so bear with me.

First...take a daughter, who makes really good money. Then, she makes a really POOR decision and leases a new car that GUZZLES gas and has super high payments..ugh. (You what???)

Mom. nice little compact car...paid off. Nothing fancy, but it works and is reliable. Sips gas...

Then, daughter loses high paying job...

So, mom decides to help daughter out and trades cars for a while...

Then, mom decides she HATES cars that guzzle gas, no mater HOW NICE THEY ARE AND HOW MANY FANCY GIZMO's THEY HAVE.

So, mom decides to trade in the gas guzzler and get something more efficient and budget-wise.

THEN...mom learns there is an UNKNOWN serious delinquency on her credit...WTF?
Get this, friends... it is for a whopping $8...yes, $8 that I had no idea was out there...and my credit score is tanked.

So, mom writes to the company and PLEADS to have the $8 debt wiped from the report...but in the meantime, she either has to pay the $400 per month lease + $260 month gas bill...or trade it in...and pay higher (1.5% higher) interest because of the tanked credit score from an $8 debt.... SH*T

Yes, I could trade the gas guzzler back to daughter...but she is a single mom with no job and a mortgage of $1100 per month to pay and the mother of my grandson.... SH*T.

what to do...clearly, what I didn't know is hurting quite painfully in my pocketbook...all for a drasted $8 flippin bucks....ARGH

I received my first paycheck yesterday, which means I also have my 401k off to a healthy start again. I made extra payments to the two credit cards that we have accumulated for DHs wood business.

I was able to pay on some medical & dental bills...and even had money left over for our emergency account. A very nice feeling.

Surgprisingly, I do not miss being home at all. I am enjoying my new responsibilities. My boss is one of those rare ones who understands his employees strengths and develops positions that really fit those strengths. So, I get to do things like organize his appointments, the birthdays and anniversary dates for staff, make travel/hotel arrangements for staff and board conferences, keep minutes (a very new feat for me, but one Im enjoying) and maintaining company files. He is giving me great freedom to not only take notes at the meetings, but to also voice my opinions...so I am able to impact the 'big decisions' in my own 'yellow' way. (I am the only female in these meetings, so he appreciates when I do speak up). I am also able to organize things as I see fit.

I am learning to balance the work and home life. Laundry is done at odd hours now, so I don't spend all weekend catching up. The other household members are having to pitch in, which they are doing so far.

We have had a few more meals out...but I attribute this, in part, to my horrible cold/cough and not feeling well this last week and a half.

So, my work life report card would score an A so far. And, the extra money is going to be really nice too.

or is it administrative assistants day? I do not know the official title but I do know that I received flowers and was taken to the country club for lunch today because of it!!! Wow- a wonderful lunch, warm orange spice tea with honey, and chocolate cake (well, 2-3 bites anyway)...all compliments of my boss and the company!! It was so much fun!

Then...the coughing and wheezing demanded a trip to the doctor...ugh...and a "saturation test" for my oxygen level...which I must have failed (how do you fail something like that)...because I am now on steroid breathing treatments and some kick-butt antibiotics...(to keep me out of the hospital I'm told by my doctor)...ugh. Clearly, I've felt better guys.

The good news...and this is really exciting...I do not have to wait until JANUARY to start back into the 401k plan, like a new employee does. Since I had fully vested before, I get to start immediately...WOO HOO. This is an 8% increase for me for the next 9 months(which is the employer portion)!!! and I will contribute 15% of my pay....so I think that all adds up to well over $900 a month that will go into the retiremnt fund!!! Now that's welcome news indeed!!!

now, if I could just take a deep breath and quit coughing up the gunk, Id celebrate...but looks like a blankey and the couch will have to suffice for tonight. UGH

So, DH has a friend who buys toys (full price) and then sells them so that he can buy the next new toy....bad, bad, spending plan.

So, this weekend, DH picked up the friends X-box 360 + several games for $300. DH had earned $150 on a side job...and so it was $150 out of the budget. (not bad for a toy that will keep him occupied for months)

DH, being the big kid he is when it comes to games...has been glued ever since.

So, I find myself with a little free time tonight.

and with my free time, I want to take a second to just say thank you to my friends here who have taken their time to reply to my posts with well-wishes. I know I haven't been on alot...and have been hit and miss...but I have read each and every reply and blog---and I just want to say thank you for being such an awesome support system. (boo, you're amazing) I appreciate all of you- and all of your good thoughts.

Starting a new job, followed by a bad cold...has made me feel like a fish out of water...compared to where I was a few months ago. total disconboomeration. It sure helps to have a familiar place to visit, and long time friends to hear from to keep you grounded. So, thanks guys. You are the rock in my shaky world right now!!!

Hugs to all of you!

I have been trying to stick with my eating plan---but this weekend was tough. I have felt like crud, super tired, a little cranky and because of the date on the monthly calendar...well, a little hungrier than normal..add the fact that I can't really taste anything, it was nana's birthday (70) and gs's birthday (3) and it adds up to some (ok a truckload)extra calories...not so healthy choices..and well, just bad habits resurfacing.

Snap out of it!

Um, ok.

So, I have packed my lunch for tomorrow...lite turkey on rye, mustard, lettuce, no cheese. Low fat string cheese, crystal lite and some almonds for snack. I will toss in a piece of fruit and take some home brewed coffee and Im set for the day...I will 'just say no' to those rootbeer floats DH has promised to make later...um, yum, but NO!

Back on track...no problem. (?), right?

Now if I could just get my head to feel like its out of this tunnel....ugh.

Today was all about birthday cake, barbqued burgers and chips... none of it on the food plan.

I didn't spend any money all weekend..hard to spend when you are on the couch...with kleenex and nyquil.(sp?)

However, Dh did-- I just don't know how much. He did the grocery shopping so I am sure it was more than I would have! sigh.

and, back to work tomorrow.

I am sick guys! Sore throat, stuffy head, blah.

My new job is going great. I attended my first board meeting and was able to take minutes just fine. Id been worried because I am not used to typing on a laptop...but the worry was for naught...thank goodness.

I stuck to my lunch budget all week and spent only $5.25 for one lunch out(Friday, I was already coming down with this cold and didnt feel like making lunch). I even received a free dinner at the board meeting last week.

I received the nicest compliment from one of the VPs...he said the whole atmosphere in the administration department has changed since I started...and that there is much more laughter and friendliness. I guess before, it had been pretty quiet and serious....words that don't fit in my vocabulary too well. lol.

I did learn that when you need to move your laptop- you don't have to unplug anything (let alone EVERYTHING) Unfortunately, I learned this as I unplugged the last cord and my boss walked up and snickered and showed me where to push to 'undock'....uh, can you spell *DUH*???

I am having a wonderful time. I get my first paycheck next Friday and the extra money will be nice.

DH appreciates that I am back to work. He has been working days for the last few weeks and usually has dinner started or made before I get home.

DD3...well, she is being a typical 15 yo and is bumping into her boudaries pretty hard to see if she can stretch them out...unfortunately, she is making some not so good choices and so many priviledges are being re-earned right now. Alot of this behavior started in January just after DH pulled his...stupidity---so i don't think it is as much about my going back to work. This is the one downside to my working, however. But we're working through it.

Well, I hope everyone has a terrific weekend!

Hello Friends-

This week is going a little smoother than last.

I am making a sandwich each night and getting everything laid out...

So, in the morning, I push a button to get the coffee perkin...savings of $3 each day.

and I make lunch for about .75 rather than $5+...so savings of at least $4.25

I have a container of crystal lite for the afternoon soda urge...savings of at least .50 (plus calories)

and I have premade dinners for each night...or planned the meal...saving of at least $15

so...almost $25 per day saved by doing some pre-planning. hooray!

My boss and I are having a great time working together...his RED-ness (goal oriented- serious) and my YELLOW-ness (ideas and urge to make all things fun) compliment each other well...and I am getting so much done- it feels great. My self confidence is really skyrocketed right now!!

I do splurge and supply a dish of red-hots on my desk for all who stop by...and believe me...I have 'regulars' lol!

I am enjoying this new life ALOT!

I did get two more work suits to wear, since my older clothes no longer fit .
They were both on sale and I got both for $83.

My first paycheck isn't due for another week and a half...it will be nice to get them started so I can get to living under the new budget.

Life is good!

Simple enough.....how the (*%)(&*$ do those of you working find time to come here and post/read during the week?

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Ok....sorry...I am just having saving advice withdrawals so I am a little on edge lately....lol

Seriously, I LOVE MY NEW JOB. I am staying incredibly busy learning and playing catch up on the duties all at the same time. My boss is awesome and the rest of the staff has been extremely friendly welcoming me back. Life is good.

I did buy lunch two days last week. The first time- I got up, showered, dressed and was about to head down to make my lunch when I looked in the mirror...wtf- my clothes LOOKED 2-3 sizes too big (down side to weight loss I guess)...so I had to find something else to wear...ugh. Only problem was, most of my choices were plus size as I had decided to only buy a few pieces to add to my old wardrobe until that size 12 was reality....Um, now I need to go buy at least a couple of blazers to tide me over...please let me find a sale!

I know long story short...as I said I ended up having to change and didnt have time to make lunch...

Guys...a sandwich at the local bakery...$8.75!!!! Gulp.... at least I was able to eat half and have lunch again the next day making two meals out of it... but even $4 for a sandwich, when I can make one for under $.50 is ridiculous!

But week two I will be better prepared and have lunch made the night before.

As I sit here typing this entry, Im wondering how the heck everyone is... and i hope I can at least read a few of the posts...Id forgotten how easily weekends become all about laundry, housework, grocery shopping and family catch up...long to-do list today.

Ok- any and all ideas, tips and suggestions welcome for simplifying the work life process...

In the meantime~ Hugs and good thoughts your way!!

My first day was wild and crazy.

They have changed many, many things since I left two years ago...and so I felt like I was trying to communicate in a foreign country/language all day.

My boss, who is the coolest, wrote out my to do list to help me navigate (3pages guys!) and I stayed plently busy from there on out.

I have a lot of cleanup from my predecessor...and I have alot of great support from others in the department.

I arrived to a nice warm mocha from a sweet, very considerate co-worker as a welcome...and i received about 25 'welcome' emails from staff.

Then, I came home to a nice taco dinner made from this weekends potroast leftovers (hubby)...and now I am unwinding a little bit.

It would be nice if every day could be as smooth as today..but I will be happy with learning the new systems and tackling things as they come.

All in all, a great day! But boy, am I tired!

My new boss called this afternoon and 'officially' offered me the position and included an extra $40 per month in the offer and I start back with a generous 3 weeks + 4 days of vacation per year--and go to 4 + 4 in two years!!!

I start at 8:30am tomorrow!!

So, I went today and purchased my lunch bag/backpack- in which I will tote my lunch, snacks and coffee to work each day. Walmart- $6.98.

I have one of those mini-thermoses that my job gave me several years ago for my coffee and I bought a 2-pack of water bottles for $1 at the dollar store (for some crystal lite drinks to sip/alternate with water. So, I am all set to head back to work with a frugal plan.

I am excited and a little nervous. I will post how it goes tomorrow night.

I know this is a financial blog...but I am too excited NOT to add this to my entries...Just for kicks, I stepped on the scale at my moms this morning (I gave mine to her about 2-3 months ago)...and guys, I have lost 40 pounds!!!

I am now at 182!!!

I couldnt believe it! wow.

I know I am feeling better and fitting into clothes better...but I did not realize Id lost another 18 pounds since Id last stepped on a scale...funny thing was that I was nervous about stepping on the scale since Id misbehaved so much last week with my friend.

Sigh. Smile... Ok, that's my jump for joy for the day.

Back to money matters.

Well, today is the day.

All of our county libraries are closing this afternoon due to lack of funding.

Inconceivable.

Even more absurd is that there are people who HONESTLY FEEL that libraries are unnecessary--afterall, we have the internet...

I think many had hoped/believed it wouldn't come to this.
But it is here...today.

I feel as though I am losing a good friend.
I have two books that need to go back today...1984 and a great Shorthand reference book that Ive been practicing with...neither of which I would have preferred using the internet for.

and I wont even start on the value of storytime for my grandkids...

We all went to dinner last night to find out what my DS and DIL are having...and it is a girl! She (Mya- spelling still TBD) is due the first week of September.

I am all ready to go back to work. I will be starting mid week next week. and I will have my work cut out for me as there are several meetings scheduled that I will need to attend and record. It will certainly be an adventure!

We are in a spending cycle lately...first our little vacation, then my friends visit, buying a few new clothes for work (all on sale, of course)....it just seems like we have so many things right now that are costing...it will be nice to have things settle down a little!

And I have ate more with my friend here...mocha and bagels, wine tasting and cheese, a couple of dinners and it all adds up!! The good thing is that I am mentally ready to get right back into my eating plan...which is wonderful since, in the past, I would have been beating myself up and eating my way back to that big ol' size that I worked so hard to escape!! (I am still on track for size 12 by June!!!)

The weather is here gorgeous. We are supposed to have a nice sunny day for Easter...a first as it usually rains on Easter here!

lol...the links on my page are 'puppy' links...like potty training and free puppy info... um, that's ....ironic...or perhaps...well planned!!

At least the site hasn't been sold to loan sharks! teehee

We are spending this April Fools day in the country wine tasting at the fabulous wineries here in Southern Oregon. DD1 and her hubby are joining DH, me and my California friends...so it will be a real treat!!

We went to DD2's home last night for a get together and I got to visit the puppies...they are gettting so big already and their eyes are all open...nothing cuter than lab puppies!! (DD2 took this litter and will handle all the puppies and keep the profit, since I am busy getting back to work!)

My dad is having a hard time breathing..he is not doing so good. He had to take nitro pills 2 different times yesterday to get his heart to stop hurting.

I hope the day is a good one for all of you!

I think it is going to be warm enough today to hang a load or two of my laundry outside!! 62? - but there is this darn 40% chance of rain....what the heck, Im livin on the edge and giving it a try!

I stopped by a little shop yesterday that was having a 'going out of business' sale...everything was 50% or $25 whichever was less!!! I got two new outfits for work...heck, at $25 each, I couldnt go wrong there!

I heard from my new boss yesterday and he wants to go to lunch on Tuesday to finalize all of the details so that I can start work the following week. I never thought I would be excited about going back to work full time...but I really lucked out on this position and am very much looking forward to it!

Tomorrow, I get to spend the day with my buddy from California (she is in route today)...we are going wine tasting! Fun!

Hi Friends!

A key step to my new job happened today...and so now I am just days away from starting!! My new boss let me know that I will start a week later than originally planned (9th)...which is A-ok since my friend from California (yes, the one who lost my grandson at the beach a few weeks ago) will be visitng next week anyways...so she and I can spend some more time together this way!!

DH and I went grocery shopping today. He hates shopping at my low priced grocery store...and also went hungry...so we spent much more than I normally would have ($126)...but we did buy mostly healthy foods and I spent the afternoon making chicken for ceasar salads and a big ol' pot of pasta fagioli soup for the weekend.

Tonight, DH is golfing with a friend and DD3 is visiting a friend...so I am 'home alone' for a couple of hours.

Today was a gorgeous spring day here...my daffodils have bloomed so I have beautiful bouquets in my home.

Our mini-vacation was well within our budget...it is so much cheaper when you stay with family!! We had a really nice time, and I got to know my 'new mother-in-law' much better...it is pretty cool that she is only 3 years older than me!!! (FIL married quite a bit younger(16 years)...and I am a little older than hubby (6 years)!!) I have a feeling she and i will become very close friends....however, it is fun to kid and call her 'mom'! lol!

I am having a great time reading all of your blogs tonight and catching up. I sure hope I read all good things!!!

My post yesterday, was raw pain of learning about a dear friends husbands sudden death.

After thinking about his principles for a day, I must reword at least a small part of yesterdays post.

G (as i will call him here) was a very wise money man who worked with trusts...and the people left to handle them after a loved one was gone.

While I am sure G would have agreed with me that it is important to live life to its fullest while you are here.... I am sure he would have equally agreed how important it is to take care of those you love beyond your life here.

Savings, wills, trusts...all very important for the future of your loved ones...and the very last gift you can give.

I just had to add this thought to my prior post...because I know G would have felt strongly about it. Darn that he had to leave so suddenly....darn.

We are leaving on a mini-vacation first thing in the morning and I wont be home until next Wednesday afternoon...so I wish you all a week of good financial decisions!!!

Our vacation is primarily visiting DHs dad and stepmom for a few days and seeing some sights...so fairly frugal, yet very fulfilling...

someday I aspire to cruis like boomeyers and her husband have done this week!!! (someday)

Have a great week friends!

A friend of mine lost her husband a few days ago to a sudden heart attack...he would have turned 62 in another week or so....and retirment was quickly approaching. The two of them have been working and saving for that magical time called 'retirement' for so long ....Oh, they were so close.

Retirement...a destination...not the journey. Ive known several couples that were in arms reach to the goal when this has happened...( my in-laws for example...MIL died at 60...just a little over a year from retirement and all the anticipated 'fun' times they were going to have)

I have read recently important posts about wills...and insurance and planning for these unexpected deaths...

But my message today is simply to enjoy the journey...whether you are working, staying at home, going to school...whatever. Enjoy life in whatever life-stage you are in....there are no guarantees of a tomorrow....and when the time comes, it will not have been about the money...or the bank account....or the 'stuff'.

WOO-DE-HOO-HOO

board approval....check!

My new boss said he will be emailing me all the details by Friday on my new job!!!

So, I celebrated by buying a cute little pair of shoes (on sale of course!)

Iwas going to buy some new clothes...but I think I'll wait til Im in those size 12's in June!! I think I have enough of my old things to get me through until then!!

Oh yeah, oh yeah!

Lucky Robin got me looking at those blog statistics...and I am surprised to see that I am under 100 visits away from hitting 100,000!!...perhaps the big roll will happen today!!! By the way....THIS is my 500th post!

This is a busy week- today I have lunch plans with a good friend from my former (and hopefull near future) job! He was my manager a few years ago and is now a very good friend.

Tomorrow, another lunch date with a dear friend who is a co-worker.

Wednesday, the dreaded tax man appointment.

Thursday- get ready for vacation..

Friday- off we go on vacation!!

Puppies are all well today...Lucky is as strong as all of them...she is my favorite, obviously.

My fingers are crossed for good news today...I am optimistically going clothes shopping to see if i can find some bargains!!