Update!

This afternoon my brother called me to tell me about how it went Saturday night. First of all, the name of the show filming at his resturant is Housewives of Orange County, not Desperate Housewives: 90210.

Second of all, the ladies, and the production person LOVED him. Remember about the shaved head? One of the ladies said something to him about looking like Justin Timberlake! My brother responded by saying that he can sing like Justin, but can't dance like him. SO . . . the ladies insisted that he sing for them!

He sang "In The Still of the Night" which is the song he sang for the talent show on the cruise our family took in Dec 04 (which he won First place!)

The producer told him that he came off so well, that they are probably going to feature him as part of the show!!!!

He doesn't know when this particular episode will air, because they still have to put together all the material they've filmed and decide on episode order.

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Today I went grocery shopping. I keep finding these recipes calling for a leek, but I've never had one, nor knew what they looked like. So, I decided that I was going to get one and try it out.

OMW!!! How about $4.79 for two leeks!! You couldn't even just get one, you HAD to buy two because they were bundled. Needless to say, I decided to pass on this particular vegetable.

I also have this cookbook (from the library) which has a number of recipes calling for grapeseed oil. I checked to see the price of a bottle of it -- $9.79! It *was* a pretty good size bottle of it, but why couldn't they have a small bottle of it available?

I did buy some sea salt. It was a bit more expensive than regular salt, but not too bad.

Last week I bought a butternut squash - which was $4.49. Today, they had spaghetti squash and butternut squash for $1.49/lb. I bought a spaghetti squash which ended up being 2.12 lbs - so almost as much as my butternut squash from last week. I almost bought an eggplant, but all of the ones they had were pretty small and had soft spots and/or brown spots - for $2.59, it just wasn't worth it.

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I'm doing this eating plan where you cycle your carbs. You have two high-carb days a week, then 5 low-carb days. Each day you also cycle through what kind of carbs you eat, plus make sure you eat a lean protein with each carb. So far I'm liking it (especially with the 9 lb loss last week!)

To help me keep track of what I'm supposed to be eating, plus to help make meal planning easier, I made a google spreadsheet.

If you want to check it out . . .:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pQv1EPln7uI6MInnd6HpCVw&gid=1

Happy 4th everybody!

This morning I made Cottage Cheese Oatmeal Banana Pancakes. Besides the obvious ingredients, I added flaxseed, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chocolate flavored protein powder. My batter made 16 1/4 cup pancakes and were high in protein, but low in fat.

Best of all, I was able to freeze 12 of them for 3 more Sunday morning breakfasts (nice and easy ones!) *If you're interested in actual measurements, let me know.

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At the end of May I had disconnected my land line and then gotten dry loop DSL. This apparentally caused my previously combined bill to be uncombined.

Last week I got a "Final Bill" from AT&T that was due upon receipt. So I went ahead and paid it, thinking I was done for July.

Nope. Today I got a bill from AT&T wireless due July 11. I called to find out what was going on. The wireless part of At&T charges a month in advance. When my bill was combined, I guess the parent AT&T company paid the Wireless part, then billed me.

The end game is that instead of having lower phone expenditures this month, I'm having an extra months cell phone bill + activation fee!

Now I'm just waiting to see how I'll get billed for my dry loop - and if I'll have to pay in "advance" for them too. Ugh!

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I was comparing my credit card statement (online) and my Ing account today.

I have three accounts other than a couple sinking funds - which I use each month. One is my Orange Checking which I have direct deposit each month. Then I have my "Coming Month" account which is where I transfer my paycheck to each Friday from Orange. Then I have my Credit Card Payment account which is where I transfer whatever the balance is at the end of my last statement, then transfer it to Orange to pay the card off in full by the due date. (The idea is to get as much interest as possible before departing the money. The interest from all my ING accounts gets transfered to my ING Downpayment account.)

Well, this past month I had a number of expenses that just kind of kept on coming. This was of course after my trip to CA, where I spent more than I really should've.

I had to replace my cell phone, then I bought a new DSL router, then I bought two tickets for the Beach Boys concert in September (mom's birthday), then I signed up at this website I'd been thinking about for over a year, then I bought a Brita filter + filter replacements from drugstore.com, then I mail-ordered a 3-month supply of one of my meds (saved $20). . . . etc. etc. etc.

Some of the things on that list are things that were unavoidable. Some, I should have just waited on or thought about a little longer, some are things that will save me money in the long run.

Long story short, this month, after subtracting the total amount of what is on my credit card from what I have in ING, I officially no longer have a One-month buffer. (I could transfer it from savings (EF/Car Fund), but I DON"T want to touch it!)

This means that for July and August, I am going to really have to watch my spending very carefully so that I can get my buffer back ASAP! I might be getting a second job in August, so that will help a bit - but I also plan to see if I have anything I can sell.

(P.S. The credit card will be paid in full both this month, as well as the coming month. I'm just going to have to use some of my July income to pay it instead of using June's income.)

---Anyone know Sam's club policy on how long they'll take an unopened item back w/receipt??

Today I was at the grocery store getting ready to checkout. Across from where I was, was an item I needed but hadn't seen before getting in line. There wasn't anyone behind me, so I thought it'd be no problem to quick step it over there and back to my cart.

Guess I forgot what shoes I was wearing. 1 . . 2. . 3 twist ankle, scrape elbow and knee, get a couple bruises along side body -- worst bruise though to pride.

I'm a major klutz. Always have been. When I was younger, my parents put me in ballet classes from when I was in Kindergarten until the 5th grade to help with my coordination. At work, I'm constantly catching myself from tripping. In high-school, my senior year, I tripped over my own feet while practicing for a running race and broke a small bone in my left foot.

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Enough about Miss. Klutz's history here, let's move on to the truly exciting news!

My brother called me tonight (that's exciting in its own right!) He is a waiter at a 4 or 5 star resturant in Napa Valley, CA. He is GOOD at what he does.

Tonight, his service to a particular group of people will be recorded for posterity. In other words, HE is going to be filmed for a television show that is on Bravo called Desperate Housewives: 90210. The cast members will be filming some scenes in the place he works, and HE will be the server!!!

The really funny thing though, is that yesterday he SHAVED his whole head. So, he will be sporting a completely bald head, with sideburns and a goatee. LOL!

We're alerting everyone we know who might have Bravo to see if they can catch the episode whenever it airs. It will be SO COOL!

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I'd been getting pretty frustrated with my weight situation lately. Had even gained back to higher than I was when I started going to our office gym in October.

Last weekend I decided that enough was enough, and started to get back on making healthy eating choices. I also signed up for this website where they will help you with a customized food plan - using the foods you like/enjoy, and help you do something called carb cycling.

I haven't started really doing the plan yet, because it's taken most of this week to get it put together. But I have my plan set for this next week.

But, on my own this week, just by going back to making healthy food choices + my regular exercise routine . . (drum roll please) . . I LOST 9 lbs!!! Most of it I think was water weight, because I'd been eating some pretty high-sodium foods in the past few weeks, but I have to think that some of it at least was REAL weight.

Ok. I'm off now to relax on my couch and watch "Brigadoon". This movie was highly recommended to me by E, my Personal Trainer. He also had highly recommended "Across The Universe" to me, and I really liked that . . so I have a good feeling about this one.

I've been pondering on what I could do to bring in a little extra money to help my car fund grow faster, etc. Babysitting, etc., seems to only happen once in a very long while - so can't really hope for too much from that.

Anyway, this morning Eric, my PT was at the gym in the morning. (Usually his dad is there in the morning.) We were chit chatting a bit when it hit me. At least 3 evenings a week I go home after work and . . . watch t.v., read, goof on the net, etc. Why not put one of those evenings each week to good use?

So I uncharacristaclly (sp?) blurted out and told him that if he had any evening hours openings (for watching the desk/gym) available, that I'd be very interested in one evening a week.

**He said that he thought he would very likely be able to find me some evening hours!** Better yet - at the same gym I already work out in (where my office is located) - so no driving to get there!

I'd still be able to read, or perhaps even do some strength training (while keeping a close eye on the front door) but I'd be getting paid! Woo hoo!

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I'm going with my best friend T tomorrow night to see Sex and the City! It will be so great to get to spend some time with her again (sans kids) as well as to see SATC.

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There has been a very definite environment/relationship shift at my workplace. It's been VERY noticeable to me since coming back from vacation. My good friend and co-worker has also noticed this.

Maybe I'm noticing it more now because I'm looking for reasons to either stay a Texan or try out being a Californian again, or if it truly had a major shift about the time of my vacation.

I know I shouldn't have let it upset me so much, but on Thursday I heard something that made me realize just how far out of the loop I was - not to mention the news itself could be something very sad.

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Very cool thing at work today. We moved into the 21st century! We got a color copier!!! Our Landman was so cute with how excited he got when someone made a copy of a land plat (sort of a map) he'd colored in - and it came out looking better than the original!

I'm just so excited because now whenever DW our engineering manager asks me to print out the production for various wells, I'll be able to print the black and white pages along with the color curves -- together!! --- at the same time!!! No more having to match up the b&w pages with the color curves!!

Woo Hoo! I am all packed and ready to go.

All I need to do now is go to work in the morning and somehow make it till 1:30 when I leave to go to the airport.

Can you tell I'm a bit excited?

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The lady who rides with me to work in the mornings gave me $20 today -- for me to go out to eat with or pay for a day's use of the fitness center at the hotel. Wasn't that sweet of her?

I stopped by the gym today to drop off "Rainman" and "Good Will Hunting". A few weeks ago my PT Eric and I were chatting and during the course of the conversation he mentioned he hadn't seen either of those. I felt strongly that situation needed to be rectified.

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Guess what management was giving out today?!

FREE tickets to a local baseball team. These aren't just any tickets. These are Executive Level tickets - you get front row seating + FREE food in the Executive lounge. Hot dogs, burgers, nacho's w/cheese, ice cream, cookies . . .

The tickets also include parking passes.

There were about 10 different dates with 4 tickets/4 parking passes available.

I asked for two tickets for the July 5 game -- My dad's birthday!! Plus, because the game is so close to the 4th, they're going to have a fireworks show!

What a great way to treat my dad for his birthday -- and NO out of pocket expense for me (other than gas to get there.)

It will help make up for what I'm doing for him for Father's Day -- we're going to see the new Indiana Jones movie. Mmmm mmm Harrison Ford.

Phone Musings:
I checked my latest phone bill yesterday. I saw that I had again been charged the $25 price for my DSL.

Last month I had called to find out why it had gone up ($5). They'd told me a notice had gone out that all the levels would be going up. So I had asked what I could do to bring the price down - was there any kind of contract, etc? Nope. So then they let me know that I *could* go down one level to the very basic DSL and save $5. Told them to go ahead and do that!

So yesterday I called them again to find out why I was still being charged the higher price. I was told that I had made the change two days after the end of the previous billing cycle, but I'd get a credit in my next cycle. I again asked if there was anyway for me to get a better deal - and was again told no.

So, I asked how much would it be to go to dry loop DSL (no landline). I was told it would be the same price - $20/mo -- but that I would lose my $5/mo discount for having the landline bundled with DSL.

I decided to go ahead with the dry loop DSL. With landline DSL I pay $20/mo + $6/mo measured landline + ~$15/mo taxes and fees for landline service. So, I figure that I'll save ~$21 - $5 discount = $16/mo by going to dry loop.

I am going to have to either get my Linkysys wireless router working again, or buy a new router/modem combo so I can continue to get updates for my Tivo. All I need for my Linkysys I think is the installation CD (don't know where it is) and to make sure I have all the necessary cables to connect to my modem.

I think I'll ask my stepdad if he knows how to set up the wireless router and encrypt it so all my neighbors can't use it. Also, need to make sure I can let my Tivo connect to it.

The dryloop won't start till the 26th, so if it takes a few weeks for me to get it figured out, it won't kill me - since there aren't any must see shows to record in June.

Food Musings:
I think I am going to have to go to a cash basis only for food. I continually am spending way too much money on food/groceries - buying things I really shouldn't be buying in the first place.

I'm not going to start this this month, due to my upcoming trip. But for June I believe what I'm going to start doing is do my beginning of the month shopping stock up (generally $40 - 50) trip via credit card. Then I'll take out $60 cash for the remainder of the month. My credit card will be left at home, along with my debit cards - unless I know I'll be needing it to fill up with gas or some other planned expenditure.

I will lose out on the points I could earn on my credit card for those purchases - but it would only be 60 points per month lost. Much better to lose those 60 points per month, and then have the possibility of having the unwisely spent grocery money to be sent to savings and not the hips!

Reading musing:
I've always enjoyed James Patterson's books. Until recently though, I hadn't realized just how many books he had written - and how many of them I haven't read. I am planning on rectifying that glaring mistake as quickly as my library card allows me to.

Two books of his I read recently - which I couldn't put down - "Seventh Heaven" and "Beach Road."

I also have found that the books that have the "Red Dress" emblem on them are quite enjoyable, light, fluffy reading. But I'd found them more by trial and error at the library. This weekend however I googled that term, and found a website listing all the authors of those types of books. Again, my library card is getting a workout.

Vacation/Work musings:
Only 4 1/2 workdays till I get on the plane and head off to sunny San Francisco. I really hope I have more energy by then than I do right now.

There has been quite a lull as far as things for me to do at work this past week. Which has been good in a way, seeing as though I'm still not feeling great. But I do hope things pick up a bit this coming week. I hate feeling like there really isn't much reason for me to be there - doesn't make for a very good feeling of job security.

I was quite annoyed to find out that the hotel I'll be staying at *charges* $15/day for the use of their fitness facilities. It didn't say whether the pool was included in that or not. They also charge $15 to have a small fridge in the room. Ugh! Guess I'll be sticking with lots of walking for my exercise while in SF.

Other musings:
I really need to do a trash run, and run the dishwasher. It is so easy to let some things just kind of slide when its just you.

I was talking with a friend of mine who is going through a divorce. She and her soon to be ex-husband have the arrangement of having their two boys (5 and 11) one week on, one week off. The dad mainly is able to do his work out of his house. The mom works away 8-5 plus an hour commute each way. The boys are both going to be in some kind of summer camp for 5 different weeks. This leaves her with 4 weeks to find care for them.

She has three options: 1) An activity loaded daycare type place $190x2 per week; 2) A run of the mill day care place $110x2 per week; or 3) Her soon to be ex has offered to watch them during the day.

When *I* look at the options, I personally would go for #3! But she doesn't want to go for option #3 because ... "It's not fair! It's my week to have the boys and he'll get to see them all day! I'll only get to see them for a few hours between getting off work and putting them to bed."

I SO badly wanted to point out that no matter which option she went with, she STILL would only be seeing them for a few hours a day! But, I think she already realized the fallacy of her complaint - but isn't willing to give in. So, she's talking about putting the 5 yo in the day camp, and letting the 11 yo be home alone.

Not having kids of my own, I am keeping my mouth clamped shut.

I have 9 days till my trip. My cough is NOT getting better - even with the so-called miracle shot the doctor gave me on Monday.

In fact, I felt worse today than probably I have in the past three weeks.

I have to wonder if it's that the antibiotics aren't working (although I'm not hearing the rattle when I breathe) or is it just that after a day and a half's dose of it, enough is built up to make you feel a whole lot worse before you feel better?!

I left work early today because I felt so crummy. I probably wasn't really safe to drive - but somehow managed to get home.

Arghh!! I HATE being sick! It is costing me so much - both in real money and in opportunity cost.

All I can say is UGH! I HAVE to reign in my grocery spending!



Rent: Self Exp.

Renter's Insurance: Sinking Account

Charity: Pledged amount

Groceries: I have done extremely poorly this month with not giving into cravings, etc. Giving into my cravings + not exercising due to having an upper respriatory infection most of this month equaled 5 lbs weight gain. NOT GOOD!

Eating Out: This includes a trip I took with my best friend and her daughter - she paid for the entrance fees, so I treated us to drinks. Also included is a meal I took my dad out for to thank him for his time and effort on getting my car fixed (from when I backed into a pipe sticking out the front of a truck.) Also, I went out to IHOP on my own just for a treat.

Doctor: This is two copays -- first one was diagnoised with an ear infection and sinus infection - second one was dxd with upper resp. infection. Fun.

Prescriptions/OTC: Reg meds + antibiotics/antihistimines etc.

Misc: IRS, Library Fines, and printer ink.

Toiletries: I may end up taking back two of the items in this category because the third item is something that can replace them permenantly. If you know what a keeper is, then you'll figure out what I'm talking about.

Fitness: Remainder of Personal Training fee, registration fees for two 5k races (one of which was supposed to be today, but due to sickness, am not doing).

Entertainment: Treated my dad to a $1 movie (Fool's Gold - good movie). Bought a book.

Car Insurance: Six-month premium

Gas: This was a lot more than usual - due to my dad and I trading vehicles while he took my car to Wayne's to get the rear bumper part fixed - he filled up my car once (I'd given him my credit card) and then I filled up his vehicle. Plus I'd already had to fill my car a 3rd time this month BEFORE we'd traded vehicles. UGH!

Car Repairs/etc: While dad had my car, he took it in for an oil change.

Tolls: Ugh.

Cable: Would really like to get rid of this - just have to decide if I'm willing to let go of my Tivo as well.

Phone/Internet: After a bunch of deductions due to spam text messages plus the phone ordeal with my ds neighbors.

Extra Income:

Carpool: Even though most of one week she didn't ride with me - due to both of us being sick, she still paid me like normal.

Giftcards: I cashed in some of my mypoints for a $50 CVS giftcard (it was cheaper than a Walgreens giftcard) so will be able to get 3 months worth of my meds for FREE (still have the $30 gift card from transferring prescriptions).

Other Income: I did a babysitting job, plus I got a $5 bill in the mail as an incentive to complete an extra survey.

Interest Income: My HSBC interest was down this month - due to the reduced rate and the daily balance being lower. But I moved most of my funds in ING to a savings account, then just transfered it as needed to checking. So, I earned a good bit more interest there.

MAY:

This coming month I had to adjust my budget alot due to overspending in a lot of categories in April. However, I'm still sending a good amount to long term savings, and have a good amount to spend on my vacation.

My vacation is starting to look like it is going to cost me a pretty penny - even though the airfare is free and I have 3 nights in a hotel free + probably free accomondations the remainder of the time. I have the possibility of using my grandma's extra car to get around - but that means a lot of gas money. I also am having to figure out how I'm going to get to the airport, and then back -- both here at home and when I'm out in CA.

I guess this is why I only do this once in a great while!

Last night I did something that I never in a million years dreamed I would actually do.

I registered for a 5 k race. It's on May 3rd in the morning.

I never thought of myself as a runner, or even as a person who would be any good at running. But for some reason over the past few months I have started to look forward to my "treadmill" days.

With the end of the 20 week fitness challenge I also knew I needed something else external to keep myself challenged and focused.

So, right now I am able to do about 2.3 miles in 30 minutes. Over the next four weeks I am going to try to get that to 2.6 miles in 30 minutes. I'm also going to try to get at least two 40 minute runs in a week - to see if I can do 3 miles in 40 minutes.

I am both nervous and excited about this. I still haven't done an outside run - so that is something I MUST do before May 3rd.

My dad has already promised that he'll be there for it - he's even going to spend Friday night with me so he can do all the driving.

I actually signed up for a second 5k as well that is in July.

Two registration fees - 1 $25 and 1 $15.

I'm going to need to replace my Sportbrain because it fell off my waistband into some water. It really stinks because I'd only used it maybe 4 times.

I'm also considering joining the local running club. There is an annual membership fee of $20. But included in that fee is being able to run in 9 races free, plus other member get togethers throughout the year. I'm thinking that maybe this might be a way for me to both be motivated to keep up with my fitness, as well as maybe meet some new people and have something constructive to do with my time (other than sit in front of the computer or tv all the time.)

About a month ago or so I got on the ball and got my defensive driving certificate number from the place I took it at and called it into Geico for the 10% discount.

I'd already paid the 6-month premium upfront, so on my account it showed as a credit. I figured that they would just take it off my next six-month premium. Nope.

Last night I got in the mail SEVEN of those fold and tear envelopes from Geico.
All of them contained a check.

Each envelope cost them $3.12 to mail - or a total of $21.84.

5 of the checks were for $3.17, 1 check for $3.15, and one for $49.00 (a total of $68.)

I really wish I knew what their reasoning was for doing it this way!

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I made a mistake this week that cost me $3.00. A few weeks ago I opened up a Chase checking account (mainly for the opening bonus.) I had deposited a number of checks into it, as well as taking out enough cash to pay the remainder of my PT session.

Somehow though, I ended up making TWO transfer requests via ING from this checking account. I made one I think on Friday, and the second on Sunday. My big mistake was not writing down the one I did on Friday.

Both transfers went through on Tuesday and overdrew my account. I saw what had happened Monday night and had written an email to Chase about it. But when I saw it had gone through on Tuesday, I spent a frustrating 25 minutes going through voicemail hockey sticks before getting through to a live person.

I was told that if I could deposit enough cash into my account to cover the overage, that there would be no fees. So I went to the nearest ATM and drew out enough to cover the fees, and deposited it.

The ATM fee was $3.00. If I wouldn't have gotten the overage taken care of that day, it would have been at least a $35 fee.

*Mantra* MUST WRITE DOWN ALL TRANSFERS!

Although my grocery budget has already imploded for the month of March, Thursday night I was really really wanting some Peeps. So I decided to go to Walgreens and get a small package.

While I was there, I decided that I may as well get my boxed raisin supply for April (cheapest way to get boxed raisins is Walgreens). While getting the raisins, I noticed that the Blue Diamond almonds were on sale!

Normally, they are $7.99 - which is pretty comparable to the same size bag at Walmart. But these are on sale for $5.99!!! I ended up buying 6 bags of them - which will probably last me the next 5 or 6 months. (I eat raisins and almonds every work day for mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks.)

The sale ends tomorrow (the 22nd). If you don't see the sale price marked, be sure to have them scan it at the register to see if your Walgreen's has it on sale.

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I deposited my refund check (from root canal) into my new checking account today. I went ahead and took out $200 cash to finish paying for my current personal training session. (Mainly because I didn't want to wait till the check cleared the bank, then transfered to ING, then became available . . . before sending my PT his money.) I'm not sure how well I like this bank - when I made my first deposit a few weeks ago, they held it from Friday until Wednesday as "pending".

However, I did see that I already received my $100 account opening bonus! Yay! That will be heading towards my EF as soon as it transfers to ING.

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My Quinoa that I ordered from amazon.com arrived, as well as the powdered peanut butter -- both packages are sitting in my apartment managements office right now because they closed for Good Friday. I'll have to wait for the office to open tomorrow to get them. Both items arrived very quickly - free shipping even!

I'm still waiting for my SportBrain (pedomoter) to arrive. The tracking says it's here somewhere -- maybe its in the office as well.

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Tomorrow after church I think I may go to our local community college's campus and use their running trail. My personal trainer thinks that their trail is probably the best in the area for running - and on a Saturday afternoon should be pretty safe (lots of people around). It also shouldn't be too hot - high of 70 tomorrow. Kind of looking forward to my first "real" trail run.

Finally! I'm not sure if it arrived yesterday or today - but my refund from my root canal finally arrived!

I'm breathing a sigh of relief, because I really wasn't looking forward to going and sitting in their office waiting til I had the check in hand (my plan if I still hadn't received it by today.)

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This morning I broke my "dark" necklace that was given to me by the bus station supervisor and one of her coworkers (from when I was doing the temp job at the bus company in 2005.)

It's made with brown and black beads - maybe 1/4" round or so. I like to wear it with red tops. I didn't lose any of the beads - so hopefully I can get it fixed fairly easily.

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My grocery budget is WAY out of whack this month. WAY out. There's still 11 days to go.

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Speaking of grocery budget --

I was at Target tonight buying a couple items. One item was marked on the shelf as a "price cut!" Stating that it had gone from $2.19 to $2.04. Um . . I bought that same item many times in the past few months for . . . . (drum roll) $1.99!!!

*** A bit of a ranty whiney post. I probably need to stock up on some cheese on my next grocery trip.

Remember my root canal? Way back in the beg. of Feb. I had to pay 50% up front at the time of the visit - supposedly because they weren't sure what insurance would pay.

So, I paid it. $650.

About a five weeks or so ago I received my EOB which told me that insurance had paid enough of the bill so that I should be getting $298 back.

I waited patiently to get my refund. When I'd gone to this same place back in November and was owed a refund, it seems like it came rather quickly.

Finally a week ago Tuesday I called to find out what was happening. I was told that the check was ready and would be going out that week. I still hadn't received it a week later, so again called. I was told it went out Friday and if it didn't show up in a couple days to call again.

Well, it's Thursday. It still hasn't shown up.

I had to take money out of my EF to pay for my crown. If I would have had this money in time for the crown, I would have $300 more in my EF right now earning interest.

HSBC *was* at 4.25% for most of this time period (who knows what they are right now) so I have lost whatever $300 x 4.25% interest would be for ~5 weeks. I'm almost tempted to actually try to figure out what the amount of lost interest is and ask them for it. (I know, it's probably less than a couple dollars - if that - but its the principle of the matter!)

If the check was ready on Tuesday - why wasn't it mailed on Tuesday?! Ok, maybe they only do checks once a week - so then Friday. If the check was mailed out Friday, I should have had it by Saturday or Monday at the very latest!

So . . I'm going to call them again tomorrow. If they tell me it hasn't been mailed yet, then I think I'm going to say that I'll just stop by and pick it up myself! It's my money and I want it back working for me!

This afternoon I had my permenant crown put on. It didn't take very long -- but she put a piece of guaze in my mouth and told me to bite on it for the next 30 minutes!

Well, I was heading to the gym for my personal training session right afterwards . .. . So I walk into the gym clamping down on the piece of guaze. My trainer asks me if I'm chewing on something. I explain to him what's going on. So he then proceeds to talk back to me clamping one side of his mouth! What a dork! It was very interesting doing cardio while concentrating on keeping your teeth together. Can't say that I want to experience that again.

So, about the egg on my face.

I received in the mail a few weeks ago an advert for opening a checking account with Capitol One and getting $125 bonus after a direct deposit.

Somehow though I had gotten it into my mind that it was CHASE bank. Can you see where this is going??

When I was finished at the gym this afternoon I went home and checked the mail - hoping to have the insurance reimbursement. It wasn't there. ARgghh! Then I went across the street to the building I used to work in. There just happens to be a Chase bank branch there.

I sat down with the guy who opens accounts and told him about the offer and that I wanted to open an account. I give him the advert. He tells me that he'd love to open an account for me . . . but that this advert was for Capitol One, not Chase. *If I knew the code for super embarrassed that's what would be here*

He told me that they did have a deal where you could get $100 for opening an account, but that he'd be willing to match Capitol One's offer if I still wanted to open one with Chase. So I went ahead and opened the account.

Now, you have to understand that this is the bank that my company has a business account with, and when we were in that office building, many of the company's employees had accounts there. So as soon as I said who I worked for, they (the guy opening my account and the branch manager) started naming names of people in my company.

I can only hope that no one from my company goes into that particular branch in the near future.

Today we were all let go at 2:30 due to the weather conditions. Yay!

Some of you may remember my dealing with the $287 phone bill last summer. The bill was a result of my phone line somehow getting crossed with another persons - and that person did a 10-10 dial to Cuba.

Well, the past couple weeks my DSL has been acting funky. Sometimes working fine, sometimes slow as dialup, sometimes not working at all. Then in the past week or so I've been getting those two or three ring phonecalls. I generally don't answer my landline since it would almost always be telemarketers. But, yesterday I picked it up - only to hear two spanish speakers chatting away. Then again, at midnight last night, my phone rings. I pick it up, only to hear two spanish people. Again, this afternoon it happens.

So, I decided to be proactive this time, and not wait to get another $300 phone bill. I sent in a repair ticket. Then I called customer service to find out if there'd been any weird charges to my phone number. They couldn't tell me if there'd been any 10-10 charges, because that would be with Ameritell (10-10). But they did make note of what was going on.

The repair person will be coming sometime between noon and 4 p.m. on Saturday to find out what is going on. At first it was "sometime on Saturday before 9p.m." I told the lady that I would NOT be in my place from at least 8 - 11:30a.m., and would be leaving again by 6:30 that evening. (Church in the morning, Jim Brickman! concert in the evening.)

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I've been trying to find a way to get rid of my extra Tivo box ever since I upgraded over a year ago. I've had no takers. Today I was talking with our new receptionist about Big Brother, and eventually about Tivo. I mentioned that I had an extra one I'd love to find a home for. She told me that her parents might be interested in it! Woo Hoo! To finally get it out of my house and not in a landfill! She asked me how much I'd want for it, and at first I told her I'd just give it to them. But she kept asking, so I was like - o.k. $5.

If it had Lifetime with it, then it would be worth a LOT (probably could get $100- $200 for it). But of course if it had Lifetime with it, I would probably never have upgraded to my current one . . .

** I mentioned earlier about receiving a second EOB regarding my root canal. I called the endodontist this morning and was told not to worry - and that my refund would be out in the mail this week. Yay!

** I did the Defensive Driving course back in October 05, but never seemed to receive the certificate I needed for insurance. Almost exactly a year ago I called to get the certificate - never received it. Today I called again. This time they faxed me a copy! So, as soon as I got it I called Geico and asked where should I send this? I was told to just give him some info off the certificate.

I won't get retroactive discount savings, but I will get the savings through the end of my next six-month renewal period (end of November). Yay!

** I have two CVS transfer/new prescription coupons for $25. I plan to renew my allergy meds ($10) to get the first one. Then I'll go back in a couple weeks and renew another med ($27) and pay for it with the first gift card. Then I can use the second gift card to pay for a 2nd renewal of the $27 med. So, between the free samples from my doctor, the refill I already have, plus the two new refills, plus hopefully more free samples from my doc when I see her in May - I may be able to make it through July without having to pay more than $15 for meds! Woo Hoo!

** Another money making adventure . . . I got a card in the mail offering me $125 to open a free checking account with Chase. All I have to do is start it with $50 and have ONE direct deposit. Funny thing is, there just so happens to be a Chase bank right across the street from where I live (where my company used to be). So it would be way more convenient than WAMU. So, I may just open it and keep it! Of course I won't be doing very many direct deposits to it - I prefer ING EO for that.

** Today we had very nasty weather conditions for the drive home. I was actually thinking of going to CVS to get my allergy meds refilled. I was driving along carefully, paying attention to my surroundings. When all of a sudden in front of me were two police motorcycles! I quickly changed lanes to avoid them, but still had to slam on my brakes. One of the cops went into the lane directly in front of me and turned around and gave me what seemed to be a dirty look. Thirty seconds later right around 25 various police vehicles swarmed onto the tollway in front of me (and a couple other commuters). There were about five or six of us cars that just kind of stayed where we were for a few minutes, not sure what exactly to do. I ended up missing my turn to go to CVS because I wasn't sure if the police cavalcade was blocking certain exits or what.

It was quite surreal.

** Less than 30 days now till the end of my church's 20 week fitness challenge. I may have taken myself out of the running by some of my slip ups weight wise in December and January - but I am still going to press on forward with the hope that I can win. I kind of wish there were a couple different prizes for individuals -- oh well, whether I win the money or not, I will still be further ahead in my healthy living journey than I was 4 months ago.

Two main frustrating things right now.

1. I received an Explanation of Benefits (EOB)for my root canal showing that my responsibility was $352. That means that I should be getting back about $300.

I've been waiting for that refund check to come - was planning on using it to pay for part of my crown. It still hasn't shown up.

But in todays mail I got a new EOB saying that there was double charge, and that I owe the full $1300!!!

I got on the website and saw that for some reason there were two charges for the same thing on the same date - one of which part was paid, and the other none was paid.

I guess I'll have to wait till Monday to call and find out what is happening and when I can expect my money back!

2. Today I stopped at Walmart to do some early March grocery shopping. One of the items I bought were these La Tortilla Factory tortilla's. I bought 3 pkgs. On the shelf, the only price I saw that came close to what I got was $2.82.

When the cashier rang them up - they rang up at $3.32! I of course spoke up. She ended up taking them all off the receipt. Then I thought she put them all back on?

So after I paid, I went back to the shelf to doublecheck that there was NO $3.34 sign. There wasn't. So I went to Customer Service. The lady took my tortilla package and looked at the shelf. When she came back, she told me that someone must have taken off the upc label for this particular item - but that the price WAS $3.34. But since the label was off, she would go ahead and give me the $3.34 back.

I was happy with that - but then I asked about the other two packages. She then showed me on my receipt that it showed only ONE tortilla pkg charged! So, I ended up having to pay for the two that were not charged.

I guess I should be glad that I got the one package for free. But I do feel frustrated that I was thinking they were $2.82, and through no fault of mine, the correct price tag had been taken off the shelf. I really felt that I should have been given the price difference on the other two items - especially since the only proof she had of the item's cost was what the bar scanner said - and that isn't always correct!

At any rate, I left with 3 pkgs of LTF Tortillas for $6.86, which is less than the $8.46 it would've been for 3 pkgs at $2.82 each.

3. A couple things at work today really frustrated me too. A little too easily almost. Had to bite my tongue really hard a few times.

This afternoon I had the tooth which was root canaled a couple weeks ago get built up and have a temporary crown put on.

Since all but about $300 of my yearly dental insurance cap has already been used, I had the wonderful priveledge of dropping $832 in payment.

In two weeks I go back to get my permenant crown.

I like my dentist, but I kind of wish she'd get a clue.

Each time I've had an appointment with her she's mentioned to me that she'd love to do a tooth whitening treatment on me and that she'd love to close up a gap between two of my teeth. Each time I've told her I'm not interested.

AGAIN today AFTER discussing how much the root canal cost me ($650) and discussing how much I'll have to pay for the crown ($832) and seeing me cringe at parting with that much money - she again mentions about the teeth whitening, etc.

So I tell her that right now I am trying to spend money on only ESSENTIAL and necessary items - and that neither of those things fall in that category. I also told her that I'm saving up for a house downpayment. She misunderstood and thought I was looking at buying a house *right now*. I explained to her that no, I'm looking at more like 3 or more years down the road.

She told me I sure do long term planning.
Yes, I am trying to. I didn't say this to her - but I also probably would never spend the money on either of those things even if I had MORE than enough for everything I want.

I really hope she doesn't bring it up again on my next visit. I really like her and the office, not to mention the fact it's in the same office building as my company. So I'd really hate to have to find a new dentist.

If only . . .

my financial situation was different.

I lived on the ground floor with a fenced in yard.

I wasn't gone 10 - 14 hours most days.

I lived in a house.

If only.

Then maybe things would've turned out differently tonight.

My downstairs neighbors have a Taco Bell dog (or a Chiuaua sp?). Most of the time when I am home - especially on weekends, I hear it crying and whining. Sometimes when its in their half a postage stamp backyard crying its little heart out, I have gone out on my balcony and leaned over and talked to it.

Tonight I was watching t.v. and heard it whining in the foyer. I actually went out my door and almost started down the steps once, but turned back. Finally when my program was over I just COULD NOT stand it anymore. So I went down the stairs and sat on the bottom step.

The dog stuck its top half of its body through the stairs and laid its head on my lap as much as he could while I petted it and talked to it. This went on for maybe 15 minutes.

A car passed by and the driver looked into the foyer and saw the dog and I. She looked very excited. A little girl got out of the car and came in. She told me that Maxie (the dog) had been lost for two days. That it was the third time he'd gotten out.

She also told me that they realize they can't take care of him like they should, and are looking for a new home for him.

OMW! My hearts first response was I"LL TAKE HIM!!! But my head calmed my heart down. It would be so selfish of me to take in a dog. I sure as heck wouldn't be leaving him outside by himself for more than a few minutes at a time - if that - but he'd have to be cooped up in the apartment for at least 10 and more hours a day. Then I also realized that I really don't have room in my budget for vet care.

I would have spent every dime I had on my cat - it would have hurt, but I would've done it. But now . . . I just don't have room in my budget for vet bills. This little dog deserves someone who can give it the time and attention it deserves every day. It deserves a nice yard to run and play in - not to be cooped up in a small apartment from sunrise till past sunset.

But oh my word it just breaks my heart to NOT take that sweet puppy in my arms and give it as much as I possibly can.

If only things were different.

I got started playing around with the numbers tonight in YNAB. I was kind of bored and decided I wanted to figure out approximately when I'd actually be able to reach some of my financial goals.

Making some assumptions:

1. That my pay will stay the same through the end of 2009 (most likely scenario)

2. That I'll still be working at the same place through the end of 2009

3. That I won't have any big major unexpected expenses through the end of 2009

4. That my rent in 2009 will only go up by $10 (like it is this year.)

5. Also assuming that there will be no change in marital status for me.

Keeping those assumptions in mind:

1. My 6 month Emergency Fund (take home pay - savings amounts *6) will be fully funded by March 08.

2. My Car Replacement Fund of $4,000.00 will be fully funded by Nov 08.

3. By Dec 09, I should have close to $6,000.00 in my House Downpayment fund.

-- So, that means that by Dec 2011 and my 35th birthday, I might just have my $18k for a downpayment. LOL! Of course, the big question then will be if I can even find a house in the 80 - 90k range by then!


This will be accomplished by putting 100% of all 7 "extra" paychecks into savings, as well as the $600.00 "rebate", as well as both Christmas bonuses, along with my normal monthly savings amount.

#2 *could* be accomplished a little bit earlier depending on how much money I am able to shave off from other areas in my budget.

This month, there will be no extra whatsoever thanks to my tooth woes. However, that hopefully will not be true of every month.

I had my follow-up appointment with my endodontist this afternoon. GOOD NEWS! The cyst was completely gone, as well as the infection! So she was able to finish sealing the third canal.

I also saw my regular MD this morning about my heartburn/side effect of Clindomycin. She told me that probably what happened is when I took my first dose last Tuesday, I went to bed right after, and it got stuck in my esophogus, thereby leaving a sore. She prescribed some kind of liquid coating medicine that I'll need to take for a week. I went to pick it up tonight from Walgreen's and the copay was $60!!! I just about croaked right there. The pharmacist told me there is a generic available, but they didn't have it right then, but could by tomorrow. So I told her I'd rather the generic! If I've lived with this this long, another day isn't going to kill me.

Wow. You know how I had a root canal on Tuesday and had to start taking a more powerful antibiotic to get rid of the remaining infection?

Well, starting Wednesday night, I began having terrible heartburn. It let up after a few hours, and I was able to go to sleep. The next day I again experienced it a few times, then it would go away after an hour or so.

Today it wasn't too bad at first, but then this afternoon it became more constant.

I finally decided to call my endodontist and see what was going on - if this had anything to do with the medicine I was taking. She told me (through her receptionist) to stop taking the antibiotic and that she'd call me later to figure something else out. Still waiting for that call.

But tonight I posted on another forum I visit about my wonderful week *dripping sarcasm* and someone posted a link to a thread about the antibiotic I was taking -- Clindamycin. OMW! The people on that thread were experiencing the same symptoms as me, and some even worse - being hospitalized, etc!

Needless to say, I will NOT be taking this medication anymore. But I will be calling my endodontist again in the morning because I still need to take *something* to get rid of this infection!

I did also have one person give me a lot of hope that it IS possible to have an infected cyst go away on its own. He'd had a similar situation, and the cyst went away after antibiotics.

I am feeling so out of control financially right now. I don't know where all this is going to end up $ wise or health wise, and I already feel as though I've spent WAY too much money - even though it is for stuff that was absolute needs.

It also is worrying me a lot that I'm now going to have to include in my budget all my copays for prescriptions and office visits for the rest of the year - not to mention however much the crown is going to cost me. I just got way too used to using my Flexible Spending Account money, and not really thinking about how much it was.

At this rate I don't think I'm going to even be able to find the money for my Vacation fund, let alone get my EF fund full enough to even think about starting my downpayment fund. It feels kind of like as soon as I put my mind to really buckling down and watching my pennies and making them work hard, oodles of situations came out of the woodwork requiring the use of not only current money, but also set aside monies.

I'm moving backwards right now - not forwards. And I HATE that feeling!

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On another note --- My car passed the 100k mark Thursday night! Only took me 10 1/2 years to do it, but I did it.

I was watching Biggest Loser last night, and one of the tips that the guest cook/chef had was about pink lentils. He said that they were even better for you than beans.

Lentils are pretty cheap food, as well as very nutritious, but I don't think I've ever even seen pink lentils.

The chef also said that they cook up in "just minutes."

Anyone ever hear of pink lentils or know if they really are something that cooks in "just minutes"?

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On Sunday I made a crockpot of 2lbs of pinto beans. Tonight I finally got around to putting the beans in snack size ziplock bags. It made 33 1/2 cup servings! Since I take my lunch to work 99% of the time, that means I have more than 6 weeks worth of beans for lunches! The cost of the beans? $1.39 LOL!

This morning I had my first root canal of my life. Ugh!

It took forever for the endodontist to get the area numb. The infection hadn't gone down enough with the antibiotics, so the area was still pretty tender.

Then when she (endodontist) had cleaned out all three root canals, she was only able to plug two of them. The third one would not go "dry". She told me that I have a cyst in my bone? which was infected, and the infection was running through that third canal.

So she prescribed new antibiotics for me, a round of steroids, and pain meds. I'm going to have to go back a week from tomorrow to see if the antibiotics and steroids worked. If they didn't, then I more than likely will have to have an oral surgeon remove the cyst!!

The root canal (including my next visit) was $1300.00. I had to pay half today. So that completely emptied my FSA which had $392.xx left, then I had to put another ~250 on my credit card. I also had to put the copays of all my meds on my credit card.

No more pre-tax money paying my medical expenses this year.

I am waiting with great anticipation to see how much the crown is going to cost me out of pocket. NOT!

The one good thing today is that I had less than a 10 minute wait at Walgreen's to get my prescriptions filled! Practically a miracle!

I'm not sure exactly how long ago it was that I first borrowed the CD set of Learn in Your Car Spanish from the library, but I do know it was at least 8 or 9 months ago.

I played the first CD of it, and realized that it wasn't what I wanted. So, I put the CD back in the case. About a month later I took it back to the library.

The next time I went to the library, the librarian told me that there was a CD missing from the case. I was sure I had put the one CD I'd used, back in the case, but went ahead and took it back home. I looked high and low - even did some "spring cleaning". No CD to be found.

So, I took it back to the library. The librarian renewed it for me. Repeat ad nauseum of the librarian renewing it for me.

Finally, about two months ago she gave it back to me and suggested that I take it directly to the library it actually came from and see what they'd say. So, I took it. For various reasons I wasn't able to attempt to find this particular library branch until last week, after the renewal had already run out.

My attempt to find this library branch did not go well. I got royally lost in downtown Dallas. At night. I never managed to find that branch.

So, today after church I stopped by my regular branch to turn the CD case in once again - to at least stop the late charges. I again asked them what I should do, since this seemed to be a never ending cycle. The librarian told me I should talk to this other librarian for better directions to the downtown branch.

So I did. I explained to her what the situation was, and expressed some of my frustration. Unexpectedly, she told me that the situation was over, and not to worry about it anymore! She said the other librarians didn't have the authority to do this, but she did.

I thanked her profusely.

I had $11.25 cash on me, so I paid all but $1.25 of my late fines. So now at least I'll be able to renew my other books.

I am just so thankful that I was finally pointed in a direction that led to the end of this situation!

When I first lived in the DFW area I had both my auto and renter's policies with Geico. Then in 2005, Traveler's (which was affiliated with Geico) pulled out of Texas.

I ended up having to get a renter's policy with a company a friend of mine worked for (always with the understanding that I go for whatever is least expensive.)

Well, the other day I heard a commercial on the radio saying that Geico was offering homeowner's policies again in TX for as little as $13/mo! Woo Hoo!

Tonight I decided to give them a call and find out if that was true. It was! Unfortunately I also found out that it wasn't back in 2002 that my car was broken into on Valentine's Day - it was in 2004. So, I wasn't able to get the $13 rate.

However, I was able to get a $16.50 rate, which is $6.50/mo less than what I was paying.

Guess where that extra $6.50/mo will be going? To my financial goals of course!

Also, while taking a look at Geico's site tonight, I realized that they are finally accepting other credit cards than their own for payment! So, that will be something else to add to my Mypoints card and another 38 or 39 points a month for something I have to pay anyway. Yahoo!

I made a decision this weekend. I'm not going to take the SAT tutoring job. The training session I went to Wednesday night felt very rushed. I left there feeling like I hadn't really had a chance to retain much of anything. Also, the pay is a lot less than what I had thought it was going to be - especially if I don't manage to make the 700 mark before starting.

So, I've written the person who was working with me and let her know this.

I am going to look into other ways of making an extra couple hundered dollars a month. My mom suggested another tutoring type place that I could check out.

In other news . . I have decided to add a bit of running to my workout schedule - on a treadmill for now. I am going to be using a program called "Couch to 5k" which can be found on the coolrunning.com website. Before really getting into it though, I needed to get some real running shoes.

So, I did that this afternoon. $100. Ouch! But my back and knees will thank me for it later.

I haven't really decided if I'm going to go for doing a 5k or not. If I do, it wouldn't be until the fall when it's not too hot or too cold.

Wow! I was just reading Miclason's blog about how today is her blogaversary, and it made me remember that today is my blogaversary as well!

So many things have changed in my life since three years ago.

When I first started blogging I was in the middle of my last year of teaching and was working towards building up my emergency fund. I was making *a lot* more money, which made saving easier.

Now here I am three years later.
On February 15, it will have been two years since I started my new job in the oil & gas industry. Oddly enough, I am living in the same city I was three years ago, just five miles south of my old apartment. After nearly depleting my emergency fund between the end of my teaching career and starting my O&G job, I am now on track to being close to where I was in Jan 05.

One similarity between Jan 05 and Jan 08 is that I have renewed my friendship with my exbf S. (Yes, I know. I haven't mentioned this. Not a big deal really. He contacted me in early December via email after over 2 years of silence.)


There have been so many new people who've come to be favorite people to "read". Some of my favorites I have not seen in a long time (DivaJen for one! Another one is the person who did the minimum wage challenge - can't think of her name right now.)

Jeffrey and Nate, I am so thankful that you two have put so much time and effort into making the blogs and the site so useful. I am also so thankful for the people here who have become like a virtual community of like minded friends.

So, this morning I walk outside to my car. Much to my surprise and unhappiness I find that the window on the front driver’s side has been smashed to smithereens. Flashback to almost six years ago (this coming Feb 14) when my back driver’s side window was broken into. Thankfully this time they didn’t steal anything. Of course, there really isn’t much of anything to steal in it anyway.

Ugh! ARRGHH! Curses and bad words! (That is what I was doing this morning upon finding my smashed window.)

I called my coworker who carpools with me and told her I’d be a little late, seeing as though there was glass all over the front seats. The apartment complex’s cleaning lady was nearby and saw my distress. She helped me get the glass all cleaned out, which I thought was really sweet.

The ride to the office building was – COLD!

I walked into the gym and asked the manager, “Do you have a punching bag? I really need the use of a punching bag right now.” He was like, “Yeah, E.” (His son and my personal trainer.) Ha ha. So, instead of punching at something, I hit the elliptical hard for 15 minutes – a whole lot less time than normal, thanks to getting to the gym so late.

Once I got to my desk I called my dad and told him what happened. He offered to call this guy our family’s used for various auto repairs for the past 12 years to see what he could do. Later he called me back and told me W had found a used window for $85 and could replace it this afternoon!

Dad came by my office (a 70+minute drive!) and we traded vehicles. I do not like driving his car, but under the circumstances. . . Later this afternoon he called me and let me know the window was in – W had only charged $10 labor! My dad had stopped at a junkyard (where he got the window.) He was told that he’d have to get it himself – he didn’t have any tools with him. Luckily there was another guy there who HAD the necessary tools and was willing to do the job. My dad gave him $20.

My dad and I will be exchanging cars again probably Saturday afternoon.

Yay! for great dads! Boo! to idiots who think breaking a car window is a good idea!

I've got to run to my first training session now for my new job!

I got a call from A around 7 p.m. tonight telling me that they would like to have me join their team! Since I didn't quite make the 700 mark on the SAT tests, I will start training, then half-way through take another diagnostic test. Then at the end of training will take another one. If I make the 700 mark, then I'm good to go. If not, then I'll be on a probationary status, but still able to start tutoring.

Wednesday night after my regular job I'll have my first training session. I'm not too excited about the late night that promises to be, but I AM excited to get started!

The two areas I really need to work on are recognizing the grammar errors (and being able to see the most correct fix) and making a list of easy to remember studies which can support the various possible essay topics. My essay was not given full points because I hadn't used any "studies" to support my answer.

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After the scare I had on Wednesday regarding maybe losing my home due to developers buying the land, I've been giving some serious thought to what I'd need to do in order to be able to purchase a home in the next two - three years.

Right now I have about 5 months salary saved in my EF/Car fund. I have no money earmarked towards a down payment. Before being comfortable starting a downpayment fund, I feel I need at least 6 months income + $4,000 Car repair/replacement in place.

I think I *might* be able to find an older home in the 85K to 90k range. So, 20% downpayment would be $17 - 18K.

Let me put it this way. There is NO way I can save that much money in 3 years - not on what I make now.

So, in a more optimistic view, I have two choices available to me. One, cut down on optional expenses to increase savings. Or two, find ways to increase income.

I am going to do both.

Money Cuts:
First, I have decided to stop taking my Callanetic's class. I love it. It's very relaxing and rejuvenating, but really, it is something that I could do just as well at home for a WHOLE lot less money.

Second, I am going to renew my personal training ONE time. That will put me through May with about 6 extra sessions. I spoke to my trainer today, and he said I could space those last six sessions at one a month - as kind of a check in session. However I would have to pay the gym fee of $20/month. He also is going to help me figure out a good routine rotation which I'll start practicing on Wednesday mornings.

Third, I am going to drop Netflix (not a lot of money saving here - but really, I CAN get movies from the library, and just HOW long have I had this last movie out??)

Fourth, I am going to look into whether or not I can sell my Tivo w/the remainder of my prepaid service contract. If I'm able to do that, then I'm going to drop Cable. (If my Tivo worked without Cable, I'd keep Tivo in a heartbeat and just drop Cable.)

Fifth, I am finished with fast food, soda and frozen dinners. If I go out to eat somewhere, it will b only because I'm going with someone else (i.e. part of a group) and will order as cheaply as possible. i.e. At a Mexican resturaunt only order one single enchilada, no sides. I also am going to continue to try and cut my food budget as much as possible, however, I will be keeping good nutrition in mind.

Increasing Income:

First, I am going to go through my apartment and find everything I can find that may have any cash value (that is not necessary) and try to sell it. (Books, extra t.v. ??)

Second, I am going to redouble my efforts to lose as much weight as possible by March 20 to increase my odds of winning the cash prize.

Third, I will be starting the tutoring job. Training is paid. I will do everything in my power to increase my scores in order to make and surpass the 700 mark.

Fourth, I will seek out other opportunities to earn extra income. I need to see if maybe there's people who need a babysitter, etc.

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So ... My top four financial goals --

All money left in grocery, other, gas and phone at the end of each month, as well as any other money earned by any other means will be sent to --

1. Vacation Fund - $500 (Will be essentially a free vacation, but I want to be sure to have money available to pay my own way for anything I do while in CA. After the vacation, any leftover money will be sent to #2.)

Then to:
2. Emergency Fund - 6 months income

Then to:
3. Car Repair/Replacement Fund - $4,000

Then to:
4. Downpayment - $18,000.00 -- GULP