My dad came up today to go with me to my company Christmas party. We had a lot of fun - plus I got to talk quite a bit with my best friend T (who's husband helped me get into this company.)

Before we left though, I had my dad take some new pictures of me - for my progress report. The last time he took pictures of me was in August after I'd lost 10 lbs and been using Sparkpeople.com for over two months. I've now lost a total of 40 pounds since last Christmas, 35 lbs gone since May.

How does this relate to money? Well I came close to being put on meds for high cholesterol/blood pressure in May. In May I was also very close to having to go up another whole size in clothing.

Then in June I found Sparkpeople.com after I had been thinking of trying weight watchers online again (somethihing like $49 for the first three months.) Sparkpeople? FREE!

In November I went back for my six-month checkup. My cholesterol was in normal range and my blood pressure was in its normal low range again! So, no meds! I am getting to the point where I'm going to need to get some new clothes pretty soon - but - that's going DOWN a size!

So, anyway I thought I'd share my progress picture with y'all. I plan on wearing the same exact outfit for every progress picture because I hate those so called before and after pictures where in one the person is frowning and looking really bad and then in the other they're smiling and have their hair and makeup etc all done up - of course they're going to look different! Oops, sorry, rant over.

Here's my pic.


--- um.. that's not my picture???? How'd I get Jen's logo? Jeffrey? Nate?

Hmmm... if you clik on Diva Tribe, it takes you to my picture. Weird.

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)

Wow! I just got a call from my dad. His stepdad died this evening - my Grandpa Harold. My Grandma wasn't there when it happened, so I hope she doesn't feel guilty about it. Her first husband, Grandpa Tony, died of diabetes complications nearly 30 years ago. She and Harold had been married about 27 years, of which he had been an invalid for at least the last 10 - due to diabetes. The last 4 or 5 years he had been on the brink of death so many times that I think most of us had come to the conclusion that he would just keep hanging on.

I wasn't really close to him, because he was already going kind of senile by the time I was old enough to develop any kind of a relationship with him. I am sad though for my grandma, losing her second husband now to diabetes.

----
I just got off the phone with my mom. At first I was thinking there's no way I could go out there for the funeral (CA) but then she reminded me that maybe there is a bereavement policy at my work so I wouldn't lose paid days. As far as airfare, I guess this is what I have my emergency fund for.

I'm going to call my grandma tomorrow to see if she'd like me to be there for the funeral, or rather me come out at a slightly later date. If I went after January I would then have vacation days that I could use, while right now I have used all my sick days and don't have any vacation days.

It's a blessing I guess that he held out till today, and didn't die on Thanksgiving.

His dying also changes some of my dad's plans. I wonder how God will work all this out. I know from my experiences the past two years especially, that somehow God does make things work out, so I'm really curious to see what is going to come of this.

Now I only have my Grandma left of my grandparents. I hope she lives long enough to be a part of my wedding and see at least my first child - in other words, live a long, long time more.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

I had a nice surprise when I got home from work today. A very generous blogger here sent me a bulging envelope of coupons. It felt a little bit like Christmas opening it up and going through all the various coupons - especially the Morningstar ones!

I headed over to Albertson's and picked up 4 bags of shredded cheese, and 6 boxes of frozen dinners. I also almost picked up a 2 liter of Wild Cherry Pepsi, but it wasn't one of the "select" varieties. That was ok though, I really didn't need it (even for just $.67.)

While I was standing in line, I noticed a gentleman ahead of me. He had a huge tub of I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, plus a number of other items. I just so happened to have a $.40 coupon for ICBNB plus 3 bottles in my fridge already - so I asked him if he'd like a coupon. He very happily accepted it. Too bad we weren't at Kroger where it would have doubled.

On my way home I stopped by my mom's place and left two of the bags of cheese, plus 10 Morningstar coupons plus a number of other coupons that I thought she might enjoy. She's going to have a nice little surprise when she walks in from work today.

Money spent today:
Albertsons: $6.97

Money Earned:
$10 ING Referral Bonus

KIF,
Laura

Hmm. .. I don't know if this would count as a FRAK. Today I was talking with the other lady in my office who is a "Lost" fanatic. She told me that she had not been able to see it last night and was really annoyed. I still have the episode on my Tivo, so I told her I would try tonight to use the "save to vcr" function. If that works, then she'll get to see it.

She also is a huge NYPD Blue fan. She had never seen the first season though when David Carruso was on. So, I told her that I had the first season on DVD, and would be happy to lend them to her. So, tomorrow hopefully I'll have the DVD set + the Lost episode to lend to her for weekend viewing pleasure.

KIF,
Laura

Wednesday night I had supper with my mom and helped her get some things done she needed help with. While I was there, I asked her what she would like for Mother's Day.

After a bit of discussion, we agreed to the following game plan: Eat at Macaroni Grill (Mom's eat free), then go to David's Bridal (find bridesmaid dress), see if we can find gold sandals, then go to Macy's where Mom can spend the giftcard I gave her for Christmas (from mypoints.com). She wants a new pair of jeans. So basically, a girls day out is what she wants.

To me, that sounds like a pretty good plan - especially if Mom's really do eat free at Macaroni Grill, because then it would only cost me about $8 for our meal + whatever I would have had to spend anyway on the wedding stuff. Plus, we'll get to spend some good quality time together.

KIF,
Laura

Today the compnay's owner's took the office staff out for lunch. It was this really ritzy place. They had made a special menu with limited choices just for our group.

I got a Wedge Salad (WAY too spicy, barely ate 1/3 of it), then I had the vegetable stir-fry which was *very* delicious, and last, I had the chocolate cake. I got to-go boxes for both the stir-fry and the chocolate cake because it was just way too much food. I ate the leftovers for supper tonight.

When I go to a resturant I normally NEVER order dessert or appetizers - usually just water and the entree. It was really nice being treated out like this.

I had some more things said to me today that make me really think they are trying to prep me for promotion/moving in the company. I'd spoken to Sh about my concerns that I'd been away from my desk so much and that the OM was having to watch the phone. So, she worked it out with the person who is training me in her department that starting Monday, I'll come back and work with her for one hour a day in the morning. That way it won't be such a big burden on my OM or others to take care of the phone.

So, I don't know if it'll be a matter of weeks, or of months, but the potential I am picking up is that it could work out that they hire a part-time receptionist, so I can work part-time in the engineer/geologist area. Or . . if they find there's enough to really keep two people busy . . . it may be that I go back there full-time.

Honestly, I will be happy however it works out. Especially if by taking on extra responsibility, it may mean a bit of a raise.

The wedding drama between my dad/grandma/aunt and mom is worked out. Apparantally my brother had already told mom that she couldn't bring her ex-fiance before everybody got all worked up about it. I'm glad it turned out this way, but still it really irks me that they would all be so willing to shirk my brother's wedding because of something so juvenile (in my opinon.)

Last night I stopped by CVS and had my Allergy meds filled and got a $30 gift card with my new prescription. That will be a nice little boost to my budget. I'm not sure if I'm going to put it in my Grocery budget or in my Other budget.

KIF,
Laura

I had two phone calls tonight concerning my brother's upcoming wedding. One was quite pleasant, and the other left me wanting to throw my hands up in the air!

The first phone call was my dad. We were talking about a number of different items, then he asked me how my mom was doing. After I told him a few pieces of news, he asks me if I'd heard what she had asked of my brother. I hadn't. So, he tells me that she's asked to bring her ex-fiance to the wedding.

Honestly, I'm not sure what in the world is going through her head to even want to bring him ... but hey, I'm not in her head. My dad though is all antagonistic about it and saying that if Mom brings her ex-fiance, then he, Grandma and Aunt Ni won't be coming to the wedding!!!!

I tell him that I can understand where they are coming from, but as for me, *absolutely NOTHING* would keep me away from my brother's wedding!!! I really don't give a rip about their guest list - the ONE and ONLY reason I will be there is to celebrate my brother marrying his wonderful fiance!!

I just HATE that he is putting my brother in the middle of this. Mom really didn't even need to ask, because most wedding invitations of single people are for the person + a *guest*!

Oy Vey!

The second phone call I got tonight was from my brother's fiance. She was using my brother's phone, so she got a real kick out of it when I answered "So, how's my favorite brother in the whole world?" then when I realized it was her, I said, "So, how's my favorite soon to be sister-in-law?" We talked for about 20 minutes or so.

Essentially she was calling to tell me she had picked out the bridesmaid outfit. It's at David's Bridal, and is a top/skirt combo in candy red. I also will need to find a pair of gold sandals to go with it (where?????)

I forgot to mention that they set a date! October 29! I think that Candy Red will probably be a good late Fall color for a wedding (and red usually is a very good color on me -whew!)

This morning I had my doctor's appointment. I was talking to my doctor about my weight, and asked her how much I had weighed the last time I saw her (March, 05). I was very surprised to learn that it was only 9 pounds less than my current weight. I thought I had weighed less than that at that time.

I also found out something I didn't know before. When you turn 30, they give you an EKG as part of your physical. That was interesting (and quick!)

She gave me a prescription for generic Allegra, since my insurance doesn't cover Clairnex. She also strongly advised me against the generic version of Synthroid, due to the intricate dosaging required that generic drugs are not required to adhere to.

I was going to stop by CVS and fill my allergy med (getting a $30 gift card for a new perscription) but by the time I got out of the doctor's office, it was getting pretty late.

I learned some more new things at work today. The lady I went with to the map library last week told me that she thinks she could easily use an assistant full-time with the work she's asked to do + some new duties she's going to be having soon. Hmmm. . ..

Well, I better be off and catch some zzzz'sss.

May spending so far:
Co-Pay: $20
Pur Filter: $38.78 (need a different adapter for my faucet to get it to work -bummer.)

KIF,
Laura

I've been thinking lately that I would really like to go to a nail salon and get a manicure/pedicure done. Even though I have all the materials neccessary to do both at home, I had just kept putting it off and putting it off. I rationlized to myself that it would "only" be $25, and I have that much in my Personal Care fund. But, I also know that I'm probably going to have to get a haircut soon (thanks to the shorter hairstyle) and I really need to add a few more pieces to my work clothes . . . so really, that $25 has a lot of other places it could go.

This afternoon I got out my dishpan, emptied it, filled it with warm water, and proceded to give myself a pedicure and a manicure, while at the same time reading a book I'd gotten from the library. My feet are now presentable enough to be in sandals, or just to be bare in front of other people.

I was going through my mypoints.com Bonus Mail and found an offer I couldn't resist trying. It gives me 100 points (at absolutely NO cost!). What it is is something that will call in to your cell phone voicemail, home phone voicemail, work voicemail, etc., etc., and then gather all your messages into one place. You might be asking why people would want this? Well, have you ever received a voicemail that you would love to be able to listen to over and over again, but hate the pain of having to remember to save it every 14 days? If that voicemail is retrieved by this program, you can save it indefinitely(sp?).

You have a choice of either listening to your messages from within your account, or having the voicemails emailed to you as an MP3 attachment.

I tried it this afternoon, and found it to be quite interesting. The program is called "GotVoice." I'm not sure how they are doing it for free, although it may be similar to the efax program where they started out free, then once they built up business, started charging.

I don't remember right now where I read this idea, but today for lunch instead of baking a whole Totino's pizza, I broke it in half while it was still frozen. Then it was able to fit perfectly into my toaster oven.

KIF,
Laura

Today I read an article in Reader's Digest about two websites for the technologically advanced cat or dog. The dog website is called dogster.com and the cat website is called catster.com. It is a very neat idea I think. Cats and Dogs can post their picture and add a profile. They also have their very own forums where they can talk about their human housekeepers. Monkey wasn't sure he wanted to get on there quite yet, but he did think he wouldn't mind if I posted a picture of him on my blog.

After work today I stopped by the apartment office and paid my rent for May, then picked up my mail and headed over to the library. I had about 12 books on hold that needed to be picked up.

The library isn't that far from Kroger's, so I decided to go ahead and do my shopping today since the milk I had was sour. I knew I had $15 left in my grocery budget, so I used my handy dandy calculator to keep track of my spending.

I bought peanut butter, a bag of broccoli and carrot shreds (to add to my spinach I bought last week for a "salad" I'll actually eat), 3 Totiono's frozen pizzas, milk, 2 cans of veggie baked beans, a box of lasagna (sp?), Morningstar Stripples and 2 treats. I didn't have coupons for any of the items unfortunately, and my total was $15.48.

Now I have finished off my grocery budget for April. When I got home, I took a look at my mail and saw the circular for Albertson's. To my dismay I saw that they have Green Giant boxed frozen veggies 10 for $10, and they have all of the Kellog's Cereals on a 10 for $15 sale. I love the GG veggies because they are so easy, and $1/box is about as good as it gets (unless I had a coupon - which there is one available, but no way I could get it before the end of the sale!) and one of my all-time favorite cereals is Kellog's Frosted Mini-Wheats.

So, I'm torn. Do I go to Albertson's on Sunday and spend $20 - 25 on cereal and GG vegies ...... or do I strictly tell myself that Sunday is still April, and my grocery budget is finished for April?? Or .... do I say that I'll just take the money from my May grocery budget, since the food wouldn't be eaten til at least May 1 anyway??

In the mail I also got my HSBC ATM card. The first one they sent me never arrived, so I called to make sure that this one was a valid card. I found out that it was. Before the person let me go, he asked if I would be interested in opening up a free checking account which could be linked to my savings account. I asked him a number of questions, such as was it really free - what the min. balance was, etc. He satisfied me that there was no catch. So, I decided to go ahead and open a checking account with them. This will give me a couple advantadges. 1: Instead of an ATM card, I will have a Mastercard Debit card. 2: Since I will have a checking account with them, I can sign up for Bill Pay, which then qualifies me for "Easy View". Easy View is a service where you are able to have a one page accounting of all your financial accounts, plus a whole lot more.

My plan is to keep my money in the Savings until I need it. Then, when I need it, all I have to do is call them, and they will transfer my money in *real time* to my checking account. This way the money can grow until the last possible moment I need to use it. (This money is my Car Repair money, etc., so doesn't need to be accessed very often.)

I would like to really commend HSBC on their wonderful Customer Service. Yes, the process of opening an account is very long-winded, but in the end, I think it is all worthwhile.

Keeping It Frugal,
Laura

The last couple days I have been majorly procrastinating on running my dishwasher. It was to the point where I knew I would have to do it today or not have a spoon to eat my cereal with in the morning. Well, when I got home from work today and went into the kitchen to let Monkey out onto the balcony, I had a surprise waiting for me! All my dishes were cleared out of my sink (and off the countertop) and my dishwasher was empty!

I called my Dish Fairy (my dad) and found out that his courier job had brought him over by my neck of the woods this afternoon and he'd had some time to kill between runs, so landed at my place. I thought that was so sweet of him.

Today at work I was asked if I'd be interested in learning how to do another aspect of our company's work. Of course I said "Yes!" So tomorrow morning instead of heading into the office in the morning, I'm going to meeting S at a company that has all the maps and records for Texas. She's going to show me how to look up the information the guys in the office need. Then I guess we have to make copies of the information.

I'm excited to do this for a couple reasons: 1. It gets me out of the office for a few hours (and away from answering the phone!) and 2. It gives me another skill/way I can be of help to my company.

I used to be a much more positive minded person, but now I tend to take most things/situations with a grain of salt and an attitude of "I'll see if that happens." But from a couple comments made to me today, along with other comments made to me at other times, I seem to get the feeling that there actually might be a place for me in the company other than the front desk receptionist/Admin Assist.

All I know is that I will take every opportunity they present me with to learn more about what makes the company run. I'd be fine staying just where I am now, but ..... if moving up is offered to me . . well, I sure wouldn't refuse it!

KIF,
Laura

Well, I finally have my HSBC online savings account set up. It was a little bit of a hassle, but I think it will be worth it. I was looking through their site and noticed they have a feature where you can have all your online financial information, email accounts, etc. on one page - for no charge. That was the one feature I really missed from when I used Mevelopes a few years ago.

ETA: I double checked at HSBC for the "Easy View" feature and realized you have to be signed up for Bill Pay. Bill Pay requires you having a checking account with HSBC. Oh well.

After talking to my Rental Insurance agent, I found out that I'm not being charged a convenience fee for paying in monthly installments. So I decided to go ahead and keep it as monthly installments. I also decided that the money I was going to put towards paying my 6-month car insurance premium (saving me $12) would be more useful in my car maintenance account since my 90K service is very shortly due.

Looking at my spending for the month of April I found that I spent WAY too much on fast foods or junky foods. I've been taking the money for that out of my FUN budget. So, for May I am cutting my FUN budget by $10 AND only allowing myself up to $10 from my Grocery budget for Fast Food, etc. I also decided that my Grocery budget was really too high for one person, that it gave me too much room to buy things that are "easy" rather than healthy or moneywise. So, I cut $15 from my Grocery budget and added it into my Emergency Fund.

I also took a look at my Wedding/Vacation Fund and decided that I really was siphoning way too much money there. The amount I have in there now is enough to cover the plane ticket, so I just need to save enough to cover my share of a rental car, a hotel room and my dress (hopefully my brother's fiance will choose something I can wear again!) So, instead of $74/mo, I am putting in $50, and the other $24 is going into my EF and in my phone bill (Taxes/Fees were a lot more than I anticipated - 60% of my bill!)

I also decided where I am going to keep my various money categories. My EF (emergency fund) and my RF (Retirement Fund - just till I figure out a fund to put it in) are going to be parked in ING. My CRF (Car Repair Fund); MF (Medical Fund); GF (Gift Fund); and OF (Other Fund) all will be kept in HSBC. My LTF (Long-Term Fund) will be kept in Emigrant. All my other money will be in my two brick and mortar bank accounts (no interest).

**Did I use enough acronymns??

I talked to my OM today, and she told me that I wouldn't have to use a 1/2 sick day to go to a doctor's appointment. Yay! I also called the doctor's office and set an appointment for next Tuesday. I need to get to the Dentist too, but one thing at a time.

I have to tell you about this great deal I got on Friday at Kroger's!! I had done some shopping at Albertson's which is across the street from Kroger's, but decided to just stop in and see if there were any good deals. I am so glad I did! As I was heading to checkout, I noticed a grocery cart with "REDUCED." Inside of it were about 40 packs of hoisery and some other items. I searched through it, and found 7 pairs of hoisery in the style and color I like. Normally these are anywhere from $3.50 - $5.00 EACH -- I got all 7 of them for less than $9.00!!! Woo hoo!!

Ok, I better close off. 30 minutes till I'm off work.

KIF,
Laura

In the past three days I have made two very foolish money moves, I am ashamed to admidt.

The first move was letting my craving for a Pizza Hut stuffed crust pizza override my knowledge that I had a perfectly respectable Red Barron pizza in my freezer (cost less than $2 on sale + coupon).

The second move I didn't discover until I went into my purse to get out the $20 to pay for the pizaa. On Sunday I had stopped at Walgreens and got a couple items, along with taking out a $20 for cash. Apparantally I forgot to take that $20 out of the Walgreen's bag before throwing it away!!!! The trash bag with that WG bag in it has already been taken to the dumpster (before I discovered this horrible news.)

So, now I need to figure out where I should deduct this $20 from in my budget. Should I take it from my "other" money - which wouldn't be too much of a hardship for me? Or, should I deduct it from my "Fun" money (though I'm not sure I have that much balance)? Hmmm... this was definitely an expensive lesson on checking my store bags BEFORE throwing away!

KIF,
Laura

My brother called me tonight and we talked for awhile. He told me that he had accepted a new job at a resturant where he has a very good chance to get into the marketing aspect (which is what he has a degree in). He also told me that he had been informed by his fiance's family that in the Mexican culture, it was expected that the groom pay for the whole wedding.

At first, this looked like it was going to cause some problems ... because, well ... in American/cuacasioan culture, the bride's family pays for the wedding, plus the fact that her family was insisting on the wedding being in Flordia.

My brother, being the charmer he is, as well as an experienced negotiator, talked this over with Jazmin (his fiance') and they decided that between the two of them they could come up with a certain amount to cover airfare, honeymoon, wedding expenses -- Jazmin's family agreed to cover the cost of the reception (which apparantally is a big production in her family tradition) and her mom is going to make her dress. So, an issue which could have caused a lot of contention not only between my brother and his fiance, but also between my brother and his fiance's family, worked itself out due to the magical concept of ---- Communciation and Negotiation!

Oh yes, I must mention that he also told me that both he and Jazmin have agreed that the whole wedding, etc WILL be paid for in cash! Oooohhh!! I am so proud of him!

I'm just so happy for him. His life just seems to be falling into place so well.

In other news, I'm doing good at keeping up with my budget so far. I did spend money this weekend, but it was all budgeted. I am SO looking forward to Saturday night and the "Phantom of the Opera"!!

KIF,
Laura

Ok, about the only thing this post has to do with saving money or frugality is in the fact that I borrowed the book from the library, and instead of going out somewhere and spending money, I stayed in and read this book.

There's not many books that I would write about extensively in my blog here, and at first glance at the title, you would certainly imagine this would NOT be a book I'd even mention having read. But after having finished reading the last word on the last page this morning at 1:30 a.m., I realized I HAD to share this book with you.

Ok, have I got you curious now as to what book I'm talking about? "Good In Bed" by Jennifer Weiner, also the the author of "In Her Shoes" (book is WAY better than the movie!).

The books heroine Cannie is a journalist, who happens to be plus-sized, has a dysfunctional family, and a now ex-boyfriend/aspiring writer who took her a little too seriously when she asked for a "break". Through the course of the story, Cannie reflects back on her childhood and how she didn't realize she was "fat" until her father told her she was fat one day when she was 12. Her reflections are interspersed between the story of her life in the year following her breakup with Bruce, the aspiring writer.

Cannie goes from not being able to look at herself in the mirorr and not being able to accept that anyone could think of her as beautiful or worthy, to accepting herself as the beautiful, worthy human being she is with many people surrounding her with love and acceptance.

Though the title may sound just a bit racy, it is a beautiful and moving story which I think any woman, whether large, medium or small could relate to.

Well, we are almost finished with the first week of April, and I have done very well with not spending money unnecsessarialy(sp?). Even though Dad finished off the OJ on Sunday that would have been enough to last me through this week, (ARGH!) I resisted the temptation to go to the store to just get some more OJ (cuz I KNEW I would use that as an excuse to pick up something else I've been craving, but REALLY don't need!). I'm trying to wait till Sunday to go to the store for groceries.

I got my cell phone bill for last month - it was $58.84!!! Mainly because of 5 1411 calls I made (3 of them when I was trying to find the place where I was susposed to meet my co-workers!). Normally my cell bill is under $50, and hopefully it will be even less now that I've combined it with my landline bill.

Saturday afternoon I will be spending some of my fun money on an afternoon/evening with some of my Pathway friends. I'm really looking forward to seeing a couple of them whom I haven't seen since October - Matt and Beth especially.

Almost forgot to update on my happy, happy news! Monday afternoon (April 3) my little brother (ok, maybe not so little at 6'2 and 25 years) became engaged! I was the first one (in our family) that he called. Jazmin (his fiance) asked me to be a bridesmaid, and I happily accepted. It sounds like the wedding won't be till sometime in September or October, so that gives me a little more time to save, although being a bridesmaid will also probably add some expenses, so I guess it all evens out.

Have a great weekend everybody!

KIF,
Laura