I've been doing some looking into a trip out to CA in September for my grandma's 93rd birthday. I priced out Greyhound, AmTrak and Southwest. All of them came out about the same price, but Southwest was 7 hrs travel time versus 40+ hours. Driving would be ~29 hours.
Today I ran across a neat little tool - Google Flights. You input the dates you'd like to travel between and it finds the dates which would save you the most money. I found one flight for 340, but I'd have to stay for 14 days ... No can do. But I do think I'll be able to leave from L instead of O, which is what I thought I'd have to do to get a good deal. (just will have to pack very lightly)
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It got COLD here last night and today. Brr! It was -8 at noon today.
Glad I have plenty of hot chocolate to keep me warm. 
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Yesterday I went to a city health fair (during work hours!) and got a nice free chair massage. I also talked to a lady from a local gym.
*indoor track
*indoor/outdoor pool
*pilates classes (included in membership)
Plus all the usual weight, cardio, etc.
The city employee rate is $39/month for a 2 year membership.
I'm really, really tempted. The track and the pool are the two biggest draws to me (really the track is the biggest draw.)
I'm just not sure if I want to commit to $39/month for two years ... I'm most likely to use it when it is either too cold outside or too hot outside for me to feel comfortable walking outside (or most of the winter when it gets dark so early.) However, I would probably use the weights too.
I *can* exercise at home for free. No extra gas spent, and don't have to make sure I'm clothed decently.
I just think a track would help me make actual improvements, vs. stepping in place at home.
It would be about a 20 minute drive (one of the closest places to me. there is a $10/mo place no contract that is about 30 minute drive, but no track or pool)
I think I'd most likely use it Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Maybe Saturday too (too hot/cold to walk to the library)
I also like that for my Pact app that I could just check in and not have to worry about making sure I get enough movement in to count (it has a feature for home workouts which tracks accelrometer movement.)
If I do this and actually USE it, future Laura will thank present Laura for this. (health wise) If I do this and don't really use it, future Laura will beat up present Laura. (waste of money that could've been put towards savings goals)
I'm thinking I might check and see if I can get a one week membership to test it out and see if I will really DO the 20 minute drive after work during the week ... plus to see how crowded it is during the times I'd want to go. I know they'll do a one day trial, but that is hardly enough to really test it.
I just know how hard it is sometimes for me to make myself do workouts even with the motivation of watching a new episode of POI... Will I really be able to make myself drive 20 minutes .....
Google Flights / Gyms
February 27th, 2015 at 01:00 am
February 27th, 2015 at 02:21 am 1425003691
You should look for a Planet Fitness. It is very basic. No pool, no track. But they offer $10/month deals often and/or $99/year.
February 27th, 2015 at 02:23 am 1425003823
February 27th, 2015 at 02:43 am 1425004993
From what I've read on your blog, you're amazingly frugal and a good saver. And it seems like you really enjoy walking for exercise. I would do it without any hesitation!
February 27th, 2015 at 04:02 am 1425009735
February 27th, 2015 at 01:52 pm 1425045122
If the track is the biggest draw for you, because it's inside and warm but you can actually move, rather that step in place, are there any malls near you? They usually open up early for mall walkers, and of course you can do it any time during the normal business hours (just more traffic). Plus it's free.
February 27th, 2015 at 02:01 pm 1425045682
February 27th, 2015 at 11:31 pm 1425079897
I do think I'd do better with an accountability partner, but there's no way NE would be up for it (money/shoulder situation) and I don't know anyone else well enough to ask. I did keep up with my walks last year even without having people to walk with, although perhaps not quite as regularly. So .. maybe I can find enough motivation (esp. knowing that $39/month is leaving my pocket!
I think I'll go down there on Sunday and see what I can find out about trial memberships, etc.