Feb 13:
* Woo Hoo! Lost another 0.4 lbs.
Also, my Spark team had a NO GAINER week - which is pretty amazing for 20 people. It is the second time this has happened for my team since I started leading back in July of 06.

* I got an email from Coach Jen (who is the Spark person in charge of the Community Team Members - kinda like Jeffrey/Nate). One of the things she mentioned was that for the first New Member sparkteam there were over 12,000 members! Wow! I'm really curious how many people will be on my team when my turn comes. (Each New Member Sparkteam has 3 co-leaders and stays together for a month. Community Team leaders have signed up to lead these teams - essentially help new people with whatever questions/concerns they may have.)

* I now have 8 people signed up for Sparkpeople thru me for February! I just need two more people to get a bumper sticker. Woo hoo! I'm so happy people are getting to enjoy the wonders of Spark because of my obsessive ramblings about it.
Valentine's Day:

* Pulled over by cop for making illegal left turn. I thought the sign said no U-turn. Received a warning for that, but did not have my current insurance card with me. So, I did receive a ticket for that.

* One of the people at the delivery place I walk by everyday on the way to work held up a special sign for me, "Happy Valentine's Day."

* Spoke to our Landman and to our Communications Director about my being interested in completing whatever training would be necessary to become our Landman's assistant. They both seemed happy to know that I was interested.

Feb 15:
* Celebrated my one-year anniversary at work.

* Received an email from Treasure Trooper saying that my check has been printed and I should receive it soon. It was $40 less than I was expecting. The $40 is from one deal where the company was giving me problems and I canceled early. I am SO done and over Treasure Trooper. (Much more to it.)

Feb 16:
* Received my Fed Tax Refund. Have thought of a million ways/places it could be spent/used, but for now it is sitting in my ING checking account.

* Had my first session with my mom's Personal Trainer (gift certificate for Christmas -2 sessions). I throughly enjoyed it and felt I could gain so much from it if I could do it regularly. But throughly DID NOT enjoy the drive to get there. Too bad he's not 20 miles closer to me.

* Ate supper at my mom and stepdads. My mom had made me this super sweet mini-booklet card talking about how I was when I was younger and how I am now. It was essentially celebrating my one-year at my company. Then we played a game of Scrabble and unbelievably I LOST! That doesn't happen very often. I blame it on the fact that we were missing about 12 - 15 letter tiles.

Today was another laundry day. Fun, fun, fun.

Have you ever noticed that laundromats have an abundance of the large capacity washers ($2.25/load) that are almost never full, but the normal capacity washers ($1/load) are nearly impossible to find one, let alone two that are available? (Holy run on sentence - yikes!)

And is it just me, or is it a purposeful ploy to not have enough laundry carts for everyone to use?

Have you ever noticed (or maybe this is just in Texas) that the only station on the tv is some Spanish language station played at extreme volume. But of course the screen can't be seen by the majority of the people in the laundromat.

Why is it that parents feel comfortable letting their barely toddling children have free range throughout the laundromat where numerous strangers go in and out constantly?

And is it just me, or does the price of the dryer correlate directly to how clean or grossly unclean the bathroom is?

I'm thinking that I'm going to have to come up with a good reason to make another visit to my mom and stepdad's before my next laundry day.

Signed,

Throughly sick and tired of using laundromats and longing for the day of living somewhere with my very own washer and dryer again.

I finally got my W2 from my current employer, so I could file my taxes. I went through irs.gov and then used Turbo Tax online. I'm getting a refund of slightly over $800, even though I readjusted my witholding amount in September.

So, what are my plans for this money? I'm going to use part of it to pay myself back in a couple budget categories I siphoned from a little in order to pay for my new eliptical machine. Then I think I'm going to put $100 in my Vacation account. Then the rest -- 1/4 to each of the following: Emergency Fund, House fund, Roth IRA, and New clothing fund.

This is the largest refund I've ever gotten. One year I got $500 back, but most of that was because I had opened a Traditional IRA that year.

_____
Something else really cool - well two things actually. Today I got an email telling me when my week is to lead a team of Sparkpeople new members (newbies). I'm so excited because I think this will be a great way to help people really feel comfortable and accepted right away on the site.

I'm also kind of excited about the promotion Sparkpeople is running this month for referring new people. I've gotten credit for 11 people so far (4 others who forgot to use my username when signing up). What's really neat is that *everyone* who refers at least 10 new members gets a Sparkpeople bumper sticker!

I think Sparkpeople is such an awesome site and I absolutely LOVE telling people about it! I kind of embarrased one of my friends the other night when we were at social dinner for women. There was this lady who was talking about how much she wanted to be healthier and lose weight, etc. Of course I felt like that was a perfect opening, and started telling her all about Spark.

I just can't tell people enough about it! After having used Weight Watcher's Online and paying out the nose just to use the site and their online tools, it is
SO refreshing to find a site that in my mind at least, is SO much better in every way, not to mention completely FREE.

I love that word Free, don't you? I love it even more when that word is coupled with losing over 40 lbs.

I have been at a bit of a standstill lately, but with a little revamping of my exercise program and trying to keep my eating in check (did I mention tracking *every bite*?) I am slowly starting to move in the right direction again.

My dad took my car to Discount Tires yesterday afternoon after getting the alternator fixed.

My car's been having some major vibrations going on for at least the past 5 or 6 months. I thought maybe it had to do with the rear something or other thingy that needs to be fixed sometime (according to the Honda dealer who did my 90k mile checkup, its needed, but not urgent).

Well, according to Discount Tire, my two front wheels are made of steel. And they are now an oblong shape rather than a circle. That's why I've been getting the vibrations.

They suggested either replacing the two front wheels with two new steel ones ($180) OR replacing all 4 steel wheels with aluminum wheels (which supposedly last forever) which would set me back $300 or so.

I know so much more about cars now than I did on Thursday. Ugh!

Anyway, my dad offered to look and see if he could find some steel wheels or aluminum wheels at the junkyard on Monday, while he's looking for a spare tire to replace mine that vanished.

I'm really glad he has my car right now and is willing to do all this stuff for me. Cuz most likely if it was left up to me. . . . I probably would just live with the vibrating and would probably have been sick in the gut, but paid the bigger price for the alternator just to get it done and over with.

I really wish I could find a class that would be geared for women who want to know more about their cars - at least enough knowledge so I sound intelligent when talking with a mechanic so I'm less likely to get taken for a ride.

I do wish I had my key ring that my car key is on -- because that key ring also has my mailbox key on it! I do have an extra mailbox key - but it unfortunately is IN my car.

For the past couple of weeks every time I've gone somewhere in my car I've had a more difficult time getting it to start. My dad was going to check the battery this weekend to see if it was low on water.

Well, yesterday after work I headed to the library to drop off a couple of books. When I got back to my car, I realized that I had a problem.

Btw - to complete this picture. -- It is a Friday after 4 p.m. and it is drizzling/raining off and on.

My car would. not. start. I have roadside service with Cingular, but I couldn't remember the customer service number. (I thought it was *66, but apparently not.) So I went inside the library to look it up in a phone book.

When I came back outside, I noticed there were people in the car next to mine getting ready to leave. I hurried to their car and got their attention and asked if they would be willing to jump my car. The man was willing (an older oriental man) but did not have cables. I thought I had cables in my trunk, but they were nowhere to be found.

So, I go back inside to ask the security guard if he happens to have any. He doesn't, but does follow me outside. At this point a woman pulls into the spot on the other side of me. I ask her if she has cables -- she does!

So now the security guard and the first man get my car jump started. The woman with the cables gives me the name of her trusted mechanic. I thank everyone profusely for their help and start driving (well, not before having the security guard flirt with me a bit!)

I'm trying to decide what the best thing is to do. I know that now that my car is started, I better not turn it off until I'm someplace where I know I can get it going again easily. I decide to head to the place I got my oxygen sensor replaced at.

When I get there I ask them if they sell Interstate batteries (because that's what my dad told me my battery was). They didn't. So then I decide to go to the place where I had my car inspected a couple months ago.

They confirm that my battery is dead, but that it isn't an Interstate battery - in fact they're not sure what kind it is. They then replace it with an Interstate battery ($86.xx with 72 mo warranty). Then they run a test to make sure the problem was the battery.

Bad news. My alternator is dead (which is what caused my battery to die in the first place.)

These guys give me an estimate of $130+ $100 labor + tax for a rebuilt one, and $180 + $100 labor + tax for a new one with lifetime warranty. My dad tells me that he thinks both of these figures are WAY out there and tells me to give him a little time to check with the person who fixed his alternator a few years ago.

He calls me back about 15 minutes later. This person will do it for $75 + $25-40 labor + tax. Woo hoo! But this person is in the town where my dad lives. About 80 minutes from where I am.

When I tell the mechanics that I've decided to go with someone else who gave me a much less expensive estimate, they start giving me all these dire predictions about how my battery will be drained within one - four hours depending on how much I use my headlights/wipers.

I still decided to go with the less expensive option. I did however drive the 10 minutes or so home with just my parking lights on and minimal use of my wipers. Not fun when its getting dark out and it's raining.

My dad came last night and spent the night, then this morning he drove it to the shop he found. I'm now just waiting to find out if the guy can fix it today or if it'll have to wait till Monday.

Thank goodness for Dad's and thank goodness for having money set aside in a car repair fund, and thank goodness for the kindness of strangers!

___
So far this visit from Murphy has cost me a total of: $107.13 The cost of the alternator: ? $100 - 125 + tax. Plus probably another tank of gas - ~$20

ETA - Just got a call from my dad. The alternator is fixed! Cost: $129 total. He also filled up my gas tank - $1.93/gallon -- $17.82.

He is also going to check at the local Discount Tire place to see what it would take to fix the vibration in my car. He thinks my front wheel is bent and is causing the vibration. May as well get it fixed now since he has my car and I'm already spending money on it!

It almsot didn't happen today. A lot of people were out due to the weather. The VP said he wanted to talk with me when Sh was also there - she wasn't coming in that day.

Later this morning he called me into his office and he had Sh on the speakerphone. They told me what my raise was. Let's just say its a good thing I didn't set my expectations too high. It works out to about $.70/hour increase -- or about enough each month to buy less than two tanks of gas for my car.

Not exactly what I was hoping for, and certainly not enough to make it feasiable for me to move closer to the new office area anytime soon and still be able to have any kind of significant savings.

So, I can chalk this up to another life experience -- asking for and getting a raise. Maybe next time I'll be able to do it in a better way where I can let them know how much of a raise I am hoping for.

Remember I mentioned that I bit the bullet and asked for a raise this past Monday?

Well, I didn't hear anything at all about it one way or the other by Friday afternoon. So, I planned on talking to Sh, our Communications Director about it on Monday, to see what she would suggest I do. (She is the President's daughter and VP's niece).

I had to leave 30 minutes early on Friday to get to a Dentist appointment.

While I am sitting in the waiting area, I get a call from S, the VP. He asks me where I am - and I tell him that I had to leave early for a dentist appt. He then tells me that he was ready to talk to me about my raise!! But that we could do it on Monday instead.

Oy vey! I could have found out about my raise Friday afternoon and had the whole weekend to rework my budget - but no, I had to go to the dentist!

The one good thing is that I now know I will have an answer by Monday. Yay! Maybe it will go into effect by this Friday's paycheck, which would be awesome!

Moral of the story: It's good to take care of your teeth - just don't do it when you're waiting for an answer from your boss!

P.S. I ended up having 2 small cavities. Not too bad considering that it had been over 3 years since I last went to the dentist.

Only a bit more than six months since my promotion, and nearly 11 months since I was first hired I did something I never had to do in 10 years of working.

I asked for a raise!!!

Sunday night I spent a couple hours preparing a document showing what my job responsibilities were when I was first hired (front desk receptionist) and what my responsibilities include now (Engineering Tech). Then I wrote a short paragraph essentially saying that it would be very much appreciated if my growth in responsibility and time with the company would be financially recognized.

I was a total bundle of nerves the whole morning before finally giving it to S. When I finally did give it to him, he was on the phone - he'd seen me try to slyly check and see if he was in his office and called me to come in.

I didn't say much, since he was on the phone. Just told him that this was something I'd put together, and would like him to take a look at it when he had a chance.

Then this afternoon a little before the end of the day I got my courage up once again and stopped in his office. I asked him if he'd had a chance to take a look at what I'd given him yesterday. He said yes he had, and that he would need to meet with a couple other people to discuss it .... then see what path we would take on it. He sounded very positive.

I really don't think the question is whether I'll get the raise or not - I think the question is HOW MUCH!

I hope they have the meeting soon. I'm going to be on pins and needles till I find out one way or another!

Before, as a teacher, all I had to do to get a raise was teach another year. When I took this job, I took about a 14k pay cut (from what I made my last year teaching, that is.) So . . . I would be very happy with just about anything!

Last week I put myself on a kind of financial roller coaster.

I canceled my cable (basic), a hosting service (for a website who's domain had run out 9 months! ago), and the pet insurance plan for my cat.

But . . . over the next few days the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I really wanted to keep my cable .... and that I really wanted to keep going with Tivo. So . .. I reinstated my cable (thankfully before it was fully canceled - thus no reconnection fee) and . . . bought a dual tuner 80 hr Tivo w/3 yr plan. Gulp. Regarding the Tivo - My current Tivo's 1 year gift sub ran out this month. To continue it on the monthly plan would be ~$13.10/month. The DT Tivo w/3 yr plan works out to be ~10.80/month. Big initial outlay, but a lot less in the long run.

My spending spree didn't stop there though. I bought two needed sports items from Ebay (think bounce reducers) which will be helpful in my upcoming fitness classes. AND I bought two items from Harriet Carter -- Both of which I had seen in their catalog a year ago and wanted, but kept talking myself out of it. ---
Divided microwavable/freezer plates (3 sets of 4) and a cordless water pump. The plates obviously are for make ahead do it yourself freezer meals. The cordless pump is for, well ... pumping water! I'm really getting tired of drinking water from the tap. -- I still need to get one or two of those big 5 gallon jugs to use and fill up.

All in all I ended up spending close to $500. In one night. Gulp. All paid for in cash (initially credit card for bonus points, but already made the payment to pay it off.) Oh yes, all spending also was entered into YNAB (You Need a Budget.)

Then Friday I found this website called treasure troopers and sort of snooped around it checking it out. Finally decided to take the plunge and sign up for it. Chose a few of the offers that looked interesting. As of tonight, I have $58 in approved offers + $27.50 in pending offers. I feel pretty confident that this will actually payout. And, if it doesn't, then I'm not out very much at all ($3 Sh&H on one offer.)

What brought all this about? The best that I can come up with is that all my cutting expenses happened at the beginning of the week before I had made my final decision about whether to get into a house with my dad/grandma. The spending splurge happened after I was completely settled on the idea that I was NOT going to go for the house deal -- and I got some very encouraging news regarding a very real possibility of a raise in the near future.

So, anyway. I better hit the hay. I'm meeting a bunch of veggie heads for lunch tomorrow. Supposedly this place has the best vegan/veggie food in town. We shall see. This will be my first time actually going to a meetup activity --- check out meetup.com (free site).

Of course I've gotta put in another little plug for Sparkpeople. If you made a resolution to get in shape this year, but don't want to spend a lot of money on a diet program - be sure to check them out. If you do join, I'd love to get a sparkmail from you. I've had a couple people let me know when they joined because of me.

Off to bed I go!

Was a pretty good day at work today. Nice and busy.

After work I went to the drycleaners to drop off my dress and dress coat for the work Christmas party. It was going to be $21 + tax for both of them. I decided to take my dress home and do a "shower steam" to get the wrinkles out - but left my coat because it really needed cleaning. That will set me back $10 + tax. Ugh!

I stopped to get some gas - mainly because I had noticed the price go up 4 cents in the past 3 days and didn't want to wait till I actually had to fill up.

Then I went to the library. My books were three days late. No grace period.

When I got back home I paid the tuition for my class that starts in January and bought the textbook. Ouch

Oh! On a non-money note. I spoke to the Volunteer Director at the library today. She has my application and we are going to have a meeting on Friday after I get off work. I plan on volunteering probably one Sunday afternoon a month. I'm really excited, although I wish I could do it in my local branch.

------
Spending Log:
(Monday)
Library: $5.40
Gas: $14.89 ($2.15/gal -6.896 gal)
Tuition: $39.00
Textbook: (used + shipping) $39.72

Today I went to a new laundromat. I was pleasantly shocked when putting quarters into the dryer to have 2 quarters buy 44 minutes of drying time. In most other places I've been, 2 quarters gives about 24 minutes. I figured this out too late to save money today, but next time it will only cost me $.50 to dry two loads! Woo hoo!

I was talking to my mom today about my upcoming trip to Michigan. She asked me if there was anything I needed. I told her that I wasn't sure if my current coat would be warm enough, so I asked if I could borrow one of her warmer/heavier coats. She told me I could have it because it is way too big on her now. I was needing a new dressier coat for work too - so this really works out nicely!

I also asked if I could borrow her extra pair of sneakers. My only causual shoes I have right now are my flip flops and I don't think that would keep my feet very warm in MI. (I have dress flats/heels but only flip flops for jeans/shorts etc wear.) I am also needing a pair of good sneakers for when I start my Phys Ed class in January. She said if she can find them, then I can have them. If not, then she will buy me a pair and they will be my Christmas present! Woo Hoo!

So now there is only one item left that I will need to get for my Phys Ed class. Think "no bounce".

------
Spending today:
Laundry: $3.00
Treat: $2.00 (had to break a $20 to get change for laundry. )

Ok, as I think I mentioned in an earlier post, I am getting tired of my habit of eating frozen dinners (i.e. Lean Cuisine, Healthy Choice, etc.) and am really wanting to do more from scratch.

But . . . I'll use today at lunch as an example. I came home from work and was really hungry. I was out of cheese (because I foolishly left it out on the counter yesterday!) So, making a veggie turkey sandwich w/o cheese just didn't sound appealing. Neither did having a Boca burger plain. So, I ate my last Hot Pocket (broc & cheese).

I've got dried beans and dried lentils and vege burger mixes in my pantry. I've got tons of oatmeal, and a good amount of flour and cornmeal. I've got lots of different frozen veggies in my freezer. I also have a good number of canned soups and veggie chili. Not to mention my numerous frozen Morningstar/Boca products.

I'd like to try once-a-month cooking, or even twice a month. But the majority of the recipies I find for that (or for crockpot cooking) are either 1: Meat oriented or 2: Really cheesey or 3: High in sodium or some combination of the 3.

A blogger mentioned something about freezing their oatmeal??? That would be great for breakfast in the morning - but how exactly do you do it?

I'm really trying to eat more healthfully and am working on losing weight (34lbs gone so far since May!) I'm also really wanting to keep my grocery expenses low.

For awhile there I was eating a lot of Yoplait Yogurt, but then I read the label and figured out why I had finally found a yogurt I liked - the sugar content and that ingredient Dr. Oz on Oprah warns about in foods (Hydro something or other). I eat a banana for breakfast pretty much everyday, and have 2 servings of veggies for dinner most nights.

I'm really coming up on a blank. Apparentally the computer program Mastercook also comes up on a blank when trying to figure out recipies using my pantry list. Arghh!!

I refuse to buy any more boxed meals (with the exception of Morningstar/Boca etc.) ! For awhile when Healthy Choice had a $1/4 coupon I was buying 4-8 boxes of their Manicotti w/broccoli each week. I just finished the last box of that a few days ago.

I want to reduce the amount of trash I produce.

So . . . anyone? Suggestions/advice please???

Condensed points:
1. Want to stop buying premade frozen meals.

2. Want to reduce amount of trash.

3. Want to have foods that are easy to pop in the microwave for a quick lunch/dinner/breakfast.

4. Want foods that are meatless (cheese,eggs, milk, butter, ok.)

5. Want foods that are low in sodium and not *too* high in fat.

6. Want foods that are not difficult or overly time consuming to prepare - or to make enough to freeze.

7. Want to keep my grocery bill low.

_________
Spending report:
Tuesday - none
Wednesday: $32.11 (Cable Bill x 2 -- am planning on canceling this at the end of December - same time my Tivo 1-yr gift sub runs out. Just can't see paying $16+/mo for Tivo + 13/mo for cable. Just not necessary.)

I've been looking for ways to spend my evenings other than watching tv or on the internet. I've also been looking for ways to increase my physical activity.

I had thought about hiring a personal trainer for a one or two sessions a month - but the least expensive I could find was a mininum of $75 per session, IF you bought a whole bunch of sessions. Ummm . . . no.

I thought about joining a gym, but there again it would cost a lot more than I really want to/can afford to spend. Plus, I can't be 100% positive that I would get myself there enough to make up for the cost.

So .... I found a physical education class at my local community college. It meets twice a week for an hour and a half. They do a physical/fitness accessement at the beginning and end of the semester. It includes aerobics, strength training, and flexibility. There are a total of 32 sessions. The cost? $39 tuition + textbook $?.

The college is about an 8 minute drive from where I work/live even in the 5:30 p.m. traffic, so by 6:40 or so when I would need to leave to get there, traffic should be no problem.

Anyway, tonight I went to register. Because this is a credit class, I had to fill out an application for admission. A few years ago I had actually taken an Excell course and Intro to Computers course online through this college --- but for some reason they didn't retain copies of my transcripts. So, I was granted "conditional" admidtance (sp?) until I had my official transcripts. Fine, whatever.

I then went to the place you register for your class. The guy at the desk tells me that my degree (B.S. Elementary Ed) makes it so I don't have to take the reading test, but without official transcripts, I would have to take the math and writing tests!!!

I'm sorry, but I haven't had to use any higher level math in nearly 10 years! I took Statistics in college (UGH!) and barely passed it. I'm not exactly planning on taking any math classes anytime soon - if ever!

So, I ask him if that really is necessary for taking a physical education class. He goes, "Why didn't you say that in the first place?" I didn't say this - but I sure was thinking it -- YOU DIDN"T ASK ME! -- or furthermore -- Did you look at WHY I'm applying? Do you not see the field "Personal Interest" marked at least 4 times?!

Oy Vey!

At any rate, I am now registered for the class. It starts mid-January. I think I took a similar class to this my Junior year of college from a Dr. H. I couldn't stand her as a teacher, but I enjoyed the class - especially when I was able to chest press more weight than any other girl in the class.

I'm going to have to see how much of a workout I actually get from this class, and then readjust my own workout schedule.

There is a second level to this class, so if I really get a lot from it, I'll take the second level during the summer session.

I'm hoping my then 31 year old self will be able to keep up with the late teens/early 20's kids in the class. Although, since it is a night class, maybe there'll be some other adults in it.

I wish though I could find a class for simple car maintanance or an on site class about computer repair/upgrading.
It would be nice also to find a class that teaches healthy, low cost cooking for one (vegetarian style preferred!)

You would think in a city as large as this that there would be more options available for adult education classes

I bought a copy of Mastercook recently and entered about 30 items into my "pantry". Then clicked on the "What can I make?" button. It came up with syrup and caramel drops. Some of the items I listed: flour, bread, milk, cottage cheese, veggie franks, brocolli, mixed veggies, water, sugar, veggie meat crumbs, veggie chili . . etc.

I'm not so sure I want to keep this. I was kind of hoping it would help me figure out how to use the stuff in my pantry. I've been eating way too many frozen dinners and other stuff out of boxes.

No Spend days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Monday Spending:
Walmart - $5.31 groceries (fruit, canned veggies, small treat)

Wednesday was a very spendy day for me.

I started out by going to the geological library to do some research. On days I go there, I get off work a wee bit early.

My check engine light had been on for about three weeks. I had stopped at Autozone and they told me it was my oxygen sensor (did the test for free.)

I wasn't too worried about that, and probably wouldn't have done anything about it ---- except for the fact that my car was due for inspection in October.

Well, I procrastinated about doing anything about it until after my brother's wedding - knowing I'd still be in the grace period.

I stopped at a car place I've used before and liked pretty well. At first they were telling me that the part alone would be between $200 - $300, depending on if it was in the front or back. I mentioned that I'd had my oxygen sensor replaced about six years earlier, and I remembered it only being around $170 - part,labor,tax. So the guy was like, "Well let me see if there's any after market parts available."

There was. In the end, the part ended up costing $143. The labor + diagnostic test was another $94 == $237.xx Ouch.

The good thing was that I was in and out of there in less than an hour.

Then I went down the road a bit and found an inspection station. I'd been there about half an hour, when the guy came into the office. He then said the dreaded words - "Your car didn't pass." Arghh!! But then he qualified it by saying there wasn't anything wrong with my car, just that there was no info in the computer. I mentioned about having the oxygen sensor just replaced, and he told me that had reset the computer.

He told me to drive it 40 miles or so, and bring it back to inspect again. I was afraid I would have to pay the fee again, but no, I would not (as long as I went back there.)

So, all told, my car cost me over $300 on Wednesday (including gas.)

I went back on Friday and passed inspection in less than ten minutes time. I'd sat down and was reading a book, totally expecting another half-hour wait. It was a pleasant surprise.

Better than getting a ticket for an expired registration - thanks to the HUGE numbers on the stickers nowadays.

I'm tutoring the 10-yr old son of a friend of mine in spelling tonight, so I only have a few minutes.

Work is going well. Still don't have a raise. But I've been keeping much busier - not too much downtime.

This afternoon as I was walking out of my office building, I think I got asked out. I was talking with this guy who rode down in the elevator with me, and he kind of causually says "Maybe we can catch lunch together sometime?" Of course, my dense head doesn't catch on right away to what he's saying, and I say, "Oh I only have half-an hour for lunch." Doh! -- Of course if I had said yes, then I'd have to go into the explanation of how I'm a vegetarian, etc.
Maybe I'll see him again, and I can redeem the comment I made.

This month I made my first payment into my Trowe Price Investment account. I decided to finally jump in and get my feet wet, so to speak. I'm doing the month to month option.

My brother's wedding is coming up in less than two weeks. The amount of money I've put out so far on it is just crazy! I'm almost finished with their present - but will probably not give it to them at the wedding since they're going on their honeymoon right away.

I found out today that Kenny G is coming into town! I'm going to see if my bestfriend T would like to go with me. The tickets are much much more reasonable than the last time he was in town.

I've now lost 28 lbs thanks to Sparkpeople.com ! The other night I opened up a box of "winter clothing" aka "clothes that don't fit" and found that most of the stuff in there DOES fit now (or at least zips up.) I'm a team leader in a challenge, and that takes up a lot of my extra time, but it's alot of fun!

I've not been doing very well with keeping to a budget at all. I am still managing to spend last month's money this month - just not putting away as much in savings or slush funds as I would like to.

Ok, I better go! Need to get ready for my tutoree.

Catch y'all later!

I forgot to mention this . . . About a week ago or so my boss and I were talking about a number of different things. Very naturally the subject of raises came up. So, I felt comfortable asking her about how they do raises at our company. She effectively said - they don't.

But . . . on Monday one of our geologists announced that he is leaving - being offered a hefty pay increase plus will be closer to where he lives. So . .. I don't know if that might mean that the powers that be might decide they need to do something to keep the people they have with them.

So, at any rate, I don't forsee the possibility of a raise anytime soon. I'm okay with that - for now.

This past weekend was an extremely busy one for me. I ended up attending 3 birthday parties - one surprise one, and two planned ones. Sunday night was a birthday/bowling/get together with some of my Pathways classmates. I ended up getting home after midnight, but then was so keyed up it took me a long time to go to sleep.

So, Monday I was WAY overtired and not feeling the greatest. Monday late afternoon I was sitting at my desk working on a project and trying to stifle yet another yawn. Suddenly my left jaw felt like something had popped and became painful.

I waited awhile to see if it was temporary, but it kept on hurting. I decided I needed to call a dentist to see if they could tell me what had happened and tell me what to do. Of course, by the time I called, all the offices were closed.

So, I got my orthodontist's number (from when I was 19!) and called him. I actually spoke with his wife, but he called around 10 that night. He told me that it sounded like I had slipped some kind of disc in my jaw (like the vertebrae in our back) and the main thing I could do was to put warm compresses on the area and eat mainly a liquid diet for the next few days.

Then, if it didn't get better, he knows an oral surgeon in the area who would probably either know how to get it back in place or know someone who does.

Well, about the only thing I had in my place that was close to liquid was a leftover canister of Slim Fast powder (who knows how old it is!!!) and of course milk. So, until I did some shopping, a totally liquid diet was not possible.

I ate oatmeal for breakfast, which is about as liquidy a cereal/meal you can get (w/nutritional value). Then had a SlimFast shake for lunch and baked beans and sweetpeas for supper.

Then of course I had to go to the store. This of course was after my having promised myself that I would NOT go to the grocery store on any day other than Sunday (trying to cut down grocery spending). I ended up buying 4 cans of soup, cottage cheese and a thing of Ensure -- ~$12. I needed the cottage cheese anyway, but otherwise it was money I'd rather not have spent.

I'm not quite sure how to tell if my jaw/disc/muscle/whatever it is has healed enough to go back to normal eating or not. I don't know how much more of this liquid/limited chewing diet plan I can stand.

All foods I like (well, maybe not the Ensure) but without solids, its a pretty boring diet.

Good news is that Tuesday was my latest weigh-in, and since the beginning of May I have lost 12.5 pounds!!! I just can't say enough about the Sparkpeople.com website.
Sparkpeople.com : Health/fitness;
Saving Advice: Financial Fitness

In an effort to find more money in my budget, I decided to take another look at my car insurance yesterday.

I have a 97 Honda Civic with about 91k miles. It has a few mechanical/appearance problems which don't affect the safety, but does affect the appearance.

Blue book value is right around $3000. I own it outright, so the only insurance I'm required to have is liability.

I had a deductible of $1000 for both Comprehensive and Collision - so that would leave ~$2000 (if Geico actually gave me that) before my car would be considered "totaled".

I was paying $70/month / $411 six-month premium. After taking Comprehensive off, reducing liability to legal limits, declining other coverages (other than Roadside, only $1/month), my 6 - month premium lowered to $235. Almost $200.

I looked at the fact that *if* something were to happen to my car, it would not prevent me from getting to work. So . . I wouldn't be desperate for transportation. I also live in an area where I *could* take public transportation to get to the grocery store, etc if I had to. (Needless to say, I think I'm a pretty experienced bus rider now. )

I've been playing with this decision really ever since I finally had my car title free and clear. Now, it seems like it is finally an ideal time to take this step and go to just liability + road service.

Well . . . Wish me luck!

KIF,
Laura

An Albertson's near me is closing. A co-worker mentioned on Friday that the general merchandise had gone to 60% off, and food to 25 % off. So, I decided it was time to go see what I could find.

I spent close to two hours shopping. One place I stopped was the candy bins (I know, I know - not such a good idea for a chocoholic like me). As I was rooting through the bins I found this kind of clacking toy. Another woman saw me find it and asked if there were more. I told her I had just found it mixed in with the candy. I spent probably the next 5 or 6 minutes helping her find another one - we ended up finding 10 more.

I ended up getting ~$100 worth of items for $28.56. Some of what I got: 2 clacker toys, Spiderman tumbler and crazy straw, Strawberry Shortcake tumbler and crazy straw, 35 sheets of stickers, ~12 other candy related toys, a set of dishtowels, a fish-themed welcome mat (to match my shower curtain), 2 bags of Quaker Quakes, a pair of sweatshorts, etc.

The tumblers/straws/stickers/candy toys are for my bestfriend's two children. Her little boy is turning six this week and is having his party on Sunday. Guess what his gift will be? Guess what the little girls gift will be when she turns 4 in October? I may give my friend the majority of the stickers/candy toys on Sunday though, not as part of N's gift - becuase she may want to use them in her classroom treasure chest.

So, anyway, I enjoyed myself.

Why do people put bidding as an option on items when they have a RESERVE price that is practically the same as their "Buy It Now"???? Yesterday I was bidding on this bellydancing dvd. I put in my max bid, about 10$ less than the BIN price - and was promptly told that even though I was the highest bidder, I wouldn't get it because the reserve hadn't been met. So, I put in a bid about $5 more - Reserve still wasn't met. By that point I decided to forget it. I could buy it off of Amazon for less than the BIN price +shipping.

I think this seller probably put her BIN price and reserve price exactly the same. Really, what is the point?? People don't go on Ebay to pay full price for things - they go to find bargains.

I opened a myspace account back in April, but hadn't really done anything with it till this past week. I've been trying to add some people I know on there as friends, but for some reason my browzer freezes whenever I click on all but one of them.

Anyway, I've got a couple posts up and some pictures, so if ya wanta check it out . . . http://www.myspace.com/laann

KIF,
Laura

I found out that there is not actually a six-month review done at my company. Apparantally the VP who interviewed me (who is quite the jokester) was joking with me about that. So . . . without the six-month review, I have no idea how/when raises are given or decided.

This week was my first full week working in the back full time. I had been worried that I wouldn't have enough to do to keep myself busy, but I am managing to keep myself busy pretty much all the time.
I think the guys in the back are getting more comfortable with asking me to do thngs for them (and remembering that that is partly what I am there for now.)

I'm not really sure what I'm going to do about asking about whether the promotion I got included a raise or not. I'm considering just waiting till August, when I've been employeed for six months, and will have been in my new position for slightly over 3 months. Or, of course I *could* just wait till January and give myself a raise by canceling my whole life insurance policy (not really sure why I signed up for it - mistakenly thought it came out PRE tax - oops!)

My computer is dying. The fan (or should I say, ONE of the fans) is getting really noisy. When I shut it down, either manually or by pressing the button, it will eventually turn it self back on. I also for the past week have not been able to log on to my computer under my regular profile - due to "limited resources". I'm not sure how much longer my computer is going to hold on. I am *really* hoping it will be for quite a bit longer, because most of my *extra* money is going towards saving for my brother's wedding (my expenses as bridesmaid).

At least I can still get on the internet. Two days ago I couldn't. Finally figured out that my ethernet card was loose. So I had to take the cover off my computer and put it back in its slot (lost the little screw to screw it in place.)

Huge temptation to go out and buy a laptop (something I've been wanting for a long, long time.) But I'm resisting.
I have the money for one - just its allocated for other things - you know, like my Emergency Fund, Car Maintenace, my brother's wedding, etc. My expenses related to his wedding are going to set me back just about the cost of a mid-range laptop. But I'm not complaining. It's for an awesome reason.

My mom's fiance thinks that if I add RAM to my computer that it'll fix the "resources" problem. As for the fan, well it depends on which one it is that is dying, whether that is fixable or not. Haven't quite figured that one out yet.

I'm just thankful, that for the moment at least, my computer is working and usable.

About two weeks ago (actually, I now know it was the 8th) I came home from work and sat down to watch the evening news. I couldn't do it though, because my cable was not working! I checked on my Tivo for the programs that were supposed to have recorded that day, and the last one had finished at 3 p.m. I fiddled around with the cords and cables, and could not make it work.

I called the cable company and told them what had happened. When I mentioned I had a Tivo, they told me to check and make sure it wasn't an issue with my Tivo. I rebooted my Tivo, rechecked everything. Still didn't work.

My dad suggested I talk to my apartment management - maybe they had accidentally drilled/cut through the cable line. I had to wait till last Friday after work (they are closed before I get off, except on Fridays). The lady I spoke to just kept repeating that they don't mess with cable or phone lines (yeah right on the phone lines - but anyway.)

On Sunday my dad was here for Father's day and he pretty much did everything I had done - and came to the same conclusion. The problem wasn't my equipment.

I procrastinated until Friday to call the cable company. I called and explained to them all of the above. They scheduled someone to come out here on Sunday afternoon at no charge. Whoo!

Now --- on to this afternoon. I was working around my apartment doing some general pickup. One pile I hadn't touched for a while was the junk mail pile. Usually, I'll just toss it or shred it. As I was going through the pile, I noticed a letter I'd received from Comcast for "Current Resident". I figured it was just a promotional deal . . . but, I decided to open it in case it might give me something to persuade a better deal.

Lo and behold - it was a notice that they had performed a cable audit and found that my apartment had cable, but no account with them - on the 8th - so they turned it off!

I quickly went to check my latest account statement from them - and sure enough - they had the wrong apartment number for my address! When I first moved in, back in February, and had the cable installed, somehow on the work order they had had 2034 instead of my #. We managed to catch the guy before he left that day. I thought at the time, that that was that.

But apparentally not.

I called Comcast and explained the whole thing to one of the billing department ladies. She hadn't ever dealt with anything like this - so she sent me to a customer care person. In the end, both ladies I spoke to were very friendly and apologetic. I will be getting my cable working again tomorrow afternoon -- and I will be getting a credit from the 8th of June plus an extra week.

Just in time for Big Brother to start.

Moral of the story: Check your junkmail!

KIF

This past week I drove out to Garland two times. Why? To make sure my friend's cat had plenty of food and water. My friend and her family were on vacation this past week.

Why am I mentioning this? The closest Dairy Queen that I know of, is the one near my friend's house. This is also near where I go for my Coupon Club once a month. I absolutely LOVE to get a DQ Blizzard, usually with two mixes (cookie dough and oreos!). A small one costs approximately $3 - not to mention about 750 calories (with the extra mix).

Thankfully, this DQ is about 12 miles from me (translates into ~20-25 minutes actual driving time) so the only time I go near it is when I visit my friend, or go to Coupon Club. The last few months I have been letting myself get a Blizzard each time I go. This past week, I had TWO chances to get one, and somehow, someway talked myself out of it BOTH times! This is a victory for me both in finances, and in sticking to my diet. Why spend nearly half my daily calorie allowance on ONE treat? Why spend $3 of my grocery money on something that is so unhealthy - especially when that same $3 could buy several pounds of apples or bananas or other good for me treats?!

Another small victory for me happend at work on Friday. Someone brought in a box of Krispy Kreme glazed doughnuts. This happens to be yet another food that I LOVE (especially warmed in the micro for 15 seconds!). It was free food too - which is something hard to pass up. I was in that breakroom at least 3x, and passed by there several dozen more times during the day. BUT - I did not succumb!

What so far is the result of these two small victories (plus more in the last month)? Saved at least $6 .... and lost 7 pounds (total for 3 weeks)!!!

I just wanted to let you all know about this great site I found called Spark People. It is similar to fitday.com in that you can track you food intake, etc. But it has a lot more features, i.e. messageboards, lots of interesting articles, visuals for various strength training exercises, etc. In a way, it is quite similar to the Weight Watcher's site (including it's paid features) for absolutely no cost!

It really is fantastic!

Now, a question. I am thinking about getting a food scale. I want one that measures in grams and is digital. I would love to have suggestions on what to get!

I apologize for having been absent for awhile on my posting. I've begun to work in the back office in the afternoons M - Th and all day Friday, so have had MUCH less computer time. I still haven't asked about a raise, but am planning on it within the next month or so.

Thanks all!

Laura

Last night my dad and I traded cars so he could take my car for its 90K mile checkup. He had called around to a number of different places, and supposedly the Honda Dealership had the least expensive quote, so I told him to go with the dealer.

Today during my lunch break dad calls me and tells me my car is finished and he's bringing it back. I was pretty surprised it was already finished, but very happy to get it back so soon.

Then he told me about what happened at the dealership. The price they had quoted was $259 + tax. While they were working on my car, they found out that the Mandolin? was broken and needed to be replaced - a $800 repair!!! Luckily it was a part that was under warranty (via the EPA, 14 years or 150k miles) so it didn't cost me a dime. WHEW!

Apparantally I also somehow qualified for a free tune-up (sparkplugs, oil change, etc). Also, they lubricated my gas pedal ($45 value) for free.

They also found out that some part on my rear wheel needs to be fixed ($600) but is not urgent. (Will wait awhile on this one.)

So, after all was said and done, my 90K mile checkup ended up costing $230.10 !!!

Considering how much I am driving, I have the feeling it will be a LONG time before I have to go in for another checkup ... but I am very happy that the dealership treated me so fairly.

Lesson learned: Don't assume that getting car repairs/maintenance at the dealership equals getting ripped off!

KIF,

Laura

I got off work early today at 2:00 (everybody left early.) After looking at the sales papers for Kroger and Tom Thumb and Albertson's, I decided Tom Thumb had the most deals for my needs (although Albertson's had a *very* tempting deal on Dreyer's ice cream).

I headed off first to the library to drop off the books I read this past week, and also to pick up the book on hold. I unfortunately turned out to have a late fine due on a book. $2.10 - so I was doubly glad I had to go to the library to pick up my reserved book today.

After I was finished at the library, I looked through my coupons to see what I had. Then headed off to Tom Thumb. I picked up bananas, bread (on sale), 3 pizzas (sale), 6 large cans of Bush's Best Vegetarian Baked Beans (sale), a box of Morningstar Stripples (forgot to use my coupon!), and a package of Kraft cheese (sale + coupon), and finally a 48 oz bottle of ketchup (sale + coupon). The total came to $19.09.

A couple days ago I received my Mypoints.com Visa Reward card. I used it to purchase pizza the other night (my job promotion celebration). So, imagine my surprise and consternation when it was refused - TWICE! I went ahead and paid with my debit card, but was quite embarrased.

When I got home I called the CS and found out that there had been a hold placed on my card because I had not activated it from my home phone. Good thing as far as identiy theft goes, but SO frustrating and embarrasing at the time.

I got an email from my friend Karin who lives in New Mexico. She sent me some cute pictures of her two little ones. That reminded me that I hadn't gotten anything for her baby girl yet (she was born in April). When her son was born (he's 2) I had gone to a children's consignment store and found 7 really neat outfits that ranged from infant to one-year size, but this time around I get off work too late to be able to go there again. So, I got on Ebay and did a search for baby girl clothes. I found a lot of really cute things for not too much. I finally ended up going with this one auction for 4 ladybug outfits. They all were in the 3-6 month category and pretty summery. They also were all NWT.

The auction had a Buy It Now option which I utilized. In my note to the seller, I asked her to mail the items to my friend and include a short note from me. I'll have to give Karin a call next week and find out if she got it yet.

I was really surprised by what a variety of baby clothes there were. There was this one auction for a Lot of 40 outfits for $80. The clothes all looked pretty cute, and ranged in size from infant to one year. I had way too much fun looking at all the auctions.

I wish she and her family lived closer so I could get to know her kids. The summer after her little boy was born I visited them for a few days, but its going to be a long time before I have much vacation time again.

I think its kind of funny that two of my best friends both had a boy first, then a girl - and about the same time difference too.

Well, I probably ought to sign off so I can get up for church in the morning.

Spending today:
Groceries: $19.09
Library Fine: $2.10
Gifts: $29.99


KIF,
Laura

Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow!! I just can't stop smiling -- I feel like a giggly teenager.

For the last 4 or 5 weeks I kept getting comments that made me think that something might happen, but I never thought it would happen this soon, if it happened at all!

Earlier this afternoon the VP who initially interviewed me for the receptionist/admin position walked by and asked me if Sha had talked to me. I asked him, "About what?" He said that there were exciting things afoot. I wasn't sure whether he was joking around or not, so later I asked Sha about it. She just kind of blew it off (in a not unkind way.)

Well, about my breaktime, M comes by and says - I'm here. Then she tells me that Sha and S want to talk to me.

Bare bones: They tell me that they have been very impressed with my attitude (cheerful, willing, showing up on time/everyday, willingess to learn, etc.). They also tell me that Shr has told them that she has really appreciated my help in the back. She is overloaded with things to do from all the different guys in the back. They also see that they have alot of projects/developments coming up in the future.

So . . . they ask me if I would like to go in the back (with the geologists/engineers) and become Sh's assistant!!! I said a resounding and enthusiastic YES!!

I asked what my offical title would be -- Geology Assistant. But as I learn more about the industry, etc. my title would evolve into Geology Tech.

I didn't ask if this involved a pay raise, but I have the feeling it will eventually. Honestly I don't really care that much about that - I'm just estatic that I'm getting off the phones (for the most part - I'll be the "fill-in") and learning skills that will be highly transferable and marketable in the business world at large.

One thing that was stressed to me is that Accuracy would be extremely important in the tasks I would be responsible for. I do always try to be accurate in what I do, but do sometimes slip up. I will have to just be MUCH more dilligent in watching my accuracy.

I won't start this full-time until they have found someone to replace me with answering phones and I have a chance to train that person. So it may still be a few weeks.

I started my job here on February 15, 2006, and now on May 24, 2006 I have been given a promotion. Just slightly more than four months!!!!!

It just amazes me sometimes how God works things out. A year ago I had just finished my eighth and last year of teaching, and had no idea what I was going to do next. Then the next 8 months were full of ups and downs, where I wasn't sure what I was going to do about a long term job.

YAHOO!!

KIF,
Laura

Today I went with Sh. to the map library. We copied a TON of well logs! The log copier machine was very cool, although it was also very finicky. It has some kind of weird sensor that "knows" if you are trying to use a sheet of paper that was in the feeder already.

We finished at 4:30 (when the place closes) and I ended up getting home just after 5. I was talking to Tammy on the phone, so ended up not coming up till nearly 5:30. It was good talking with her. We talked about going to the dollar theatre after school is out. She was very happy to hear it was still open.

While Sh and I were working today we got to talking about coupons and saving money, etc. I told her about Grocery Game, and she told me that she had used it once before, but then let it go. By the end of the day, she asked me for my email address so she could put me down as a referrer(sp?).

She told me about her kids and all these trips, etc. they were taking, and the kind of clothes they like to buy. I asked her if they have an allowance, and she told me they could never afford all they do on an allowance. I asked her if they'd ever thought about figuring out about how mcuh they spent on each kid (age 13 and 14) each month and give them a similar amount that they had to budget. She didn't seem to think that that would work. I decided not to push it.

I got a call from the doctor's office on the way home. Everything looked good except my TSH (thyroid) level, and a slightly elevated cholesteroal level. Both of which I was expecting, so not really any news. I'll be glad to get back on Synthroid so maybe I'll have more energy and maybe have some luck with shedding a few pounds.

Well, I better get going. Many coupons await me at the Coupon Club.

No Spending Today. **I WILL NOT buy a DQ Blizzard after the meeting!!!!***

KIF,
Laura

Today I spent $9.57 on groceries. I bought a gallon of milk ($2 on sale), a gallon of orange juice, 7 bananas, 1 box of Sunburst Granola Bars, and a large container of cottage cheese.

I could have gotten the granola bars for $.50 cheaper at Walmart, but I decided it wasn't worth the gas and the time to drive to Walmart just to get them. I think though, that next time I am at Walmart that I will pick up 3 or 4 boxes, so I won't have to pay the extra amount.

I still have about 1/2 of my last 1/2 gallon of milk left from last Sunday. When it is finished, I'm going to rinse the container out and pour half of the one-gallon into it, and freeze the rest. I might not have to buy milk again till the end of the month.

I ended up not buying the paper today. There was really only one coupon that I *really* wanted, so I ordered 20 of them from TaylorTownCouponPreview. As for other coupons that might have been good, I will be going to my Coupon Club on Tuesday night, so will probably be able to get any that may be useful.

Grocery Totals for May:
Previous: $6.97
Today: $9.57

Total Spent: $16.54

Total Left (for Spanish Class): $93.46

KIF,
Laura

My darling dear cat has this annoying little habit of scarfing his food down quickly, then within 10 minutes or so, bringing it back into the world, and leaving it on the carpet.

*Note* I have mentioned this to the vet numerous times, and have been told not to worry - he's done this ever since I've had him.

Well, most of the time I am able to get it cleaned up right away so that it doesn't leave any stain behind. But, just in the short time we've been here in my new apartment, he's managed to "hide" four or five incidents long enough so that by the time I found them .... well, the stain had set.

So, anyway, I'm thinking that maybe I should rent a carpet steam cleaner from a store and take care of the spots. One time would probably cost ~$30. But then I'm thinking some more, and am wondering if it would be better to get one of those spot cleaners for $50 - 60 which I would then own. That way I could take care of the spot as soon as it happened.

Last Wednesday I got a $30 giftcard for CVS when I filled my allergy prescription there. While I was waiting, I was wandering the store to see if there was anything I needed/wanted. One thing I found was a Scunzi (sp?). The box didn't "say" that it was a steam/spot carpet cleaner - but I *think* I read about it doing that somewhere.

I really do need a way of getting those stains/spots out of the carpet. A couple of the spots are in the living room - very visible to visitors.

Anyone have/use a Scunzi? Or the other thing, a Spot Bot?

KIF,
Laura

Sometimes when I look in my pantry and in my freezer and my cabinets, I wonder why I keep buying more food each week. I have so much food already in my home. I think a large part of it is the convenience factor. Most of the food that tends to stay around a LONG time in my pantry, et.al. are things that are not fast and easy to prepare.

I am wanting to take a Introductory Spanish class at the local community college this June. It will cost me about $100. So, what I have decided to do is to spend as little as possible from my Grocery Budget this month - only buy milk, juice, fruit, granola bars and Morningstar (if they have the 4 for $10 sale). Any money left from my grocery budget on May 31 will go towards paying for my class. The remainder will have to come from my Fun budget.

I have $110 budgeted for Groceries. On Friday I spent ~$7. Tomorrow, I will need to buy O.J., bananas, and Sunburst Granola bars - ~$6.

I was going to treat my mom out to eat for Mother's Day, but I think I'm going to have her come here. I think I have enough cottage cheese to make her favorite roast. I'll have to think a bit more about that.

KIF,
Laura