Keeping It Frugal

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

Another big WOW!

I walk to work everyday, and walk home for lunch everyday. My route takes me past a courier service that has all its offices surrounded by floor to roof glass. As the months have gone by, I have gotten to at first a waving acquaintance with some of the people there (who face the window) and then have actually spoken to a couple of them once.

Well today I was walking past there on my way home for lunch, when one of the guys I have spoken to/waved to came out. He stopped me and told me that his boss had noticed how I consistentally walk by their offices everyday, and my friendly attitude (smile and wave at people). Then he said that if I was interested, he would like to offer me a job being a dispatcher!!!

I told him that I was totally flattered, but that I had just gotten a promotion yesterday, and was very happy where I am working. He congratulated me, and then said for me to keep them in mind if I ever changed my mind.

WOW!!

I was already on Cloud 9 yesterday, but now this!!

Maybe I'm asking for too much, but with all this great stuff happening jobwise, maybe something great is around the corner for me in another area of my life??


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

My focus today was on my bedroom. There really wasn't much to do, because I had picked up quite a bit of stuff yesterday. Hmmm. .. neat concept - picking up stuff and putting it away as you go makes less work later.

I also sifted out that cat litter.

Dad stopped by and we went out to supper at Jason's Deli. He and I took the trash out (there were a number of empty boxes.) Then he took my vcr/dvd combo so he can record Scrubs for me tomorrow night (I'm Tivo'ing the "Bird Flu" movie) and the Survivor finale on Sunday (West Wing finale and Desperate Housewives will be Tivo'd.)

Tomorrow I am going back to the Map Library with Sh. I'll be spending the whole day there. One of the company's owner's daughters is on vacation from college (maybe summer break?) and she's going to take care of the phones. I was kept pretty busy today trying to get anything done that might come up tomorrow, today.

Watched the Series finale of 7th Heaven tonight. Wow. Words can hardly describe how bad it was. Ya know, "it was so bad, it was almost good" kind of thing? Everwood was really, really good too. I *hope* that it gets renewed so I get to enjoy more Ephram and Bright and Patch and Rose and Treat next year. Too many of my shows are leaving me. Ok, /tvaholic.

Got another $10 today from an ING referral. Mmmm .. . I love free money.

Did my weight training today. Tomorrow I *will* do Pilates.

No spending today.

Dad brought me the coupon inserts from Sunday's paper. Our Smart Source didn't have the Morningstar coupon in it, so I am very glad I didn't go out and buy a paper just for that. There are a couple other good ones (the Red Barron pizza and the Eggbeater ones) but tomorrow night at the Coupon Club I should be able to get more than enough of those.

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

Today I did Laundry. While the first load was in the washer, I went to Kroger and did my grocery shopping. I also stopped by Ace Hardware to find out what I needed to do to get my Pur Water Filter working. A very nice gentleman there helped me, and it ended up that I didn't need to buy anything. Yay!

I got back and finished up my laundry and read a little while waiting.

Between yesterday and today, I have spent approximately 60 minutes working on decluttering and organizing my office area.

Before I go to bed tonight, I plan on setting out what I need for breakfast.

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

I've been thinking about this for awhile. I really need to get a better system to keep my apartment picked up and organized. There are many reasons, but two of them are so I could feel comfortable inviting someone over to my place at the drop of a hat, and two, so that I won't spend money and time buying something that I already own, but just can't find.

I've tried using the flylady technique before, but was completely overwhelmed by the amount of emails. Plus, I hate wearing shoes when I'm home - much prefer going barefoot as much as possible.

But I decided today that I would take her concept and fit it into something that I think would work for me. I made a chart for me where each weekday has a FOCUS area. Then, each weekend has a FOCUS Declutter and Organize area.

This is something similar to what the pioneers did. I remember in the Little House books that Ma (Caroline) had a specefic chore for each day of the week.

So anyway, I have decided that I am going to use my blog here as an accountability factor.

Monday - Sift Kitty Litter/Replace; Straighten bedroom/Office.
Tuesday - Living Room
Wednesday - Kitchen/Dining Room
Thursday - Bathroom/ Empty Kitty Litter/Replace
Friday - General pick up/Vacuum/Trash run
Saturday -- Check food/HABA supplies; Check TaylorTownCouponPreview; Check GG and CutOutHunger for grocery deals; Make shopping List; Organize and Order Coupons.
Sunday - Grocery Shopping and Laundry
Declutter Focuses (approx. 60 min)
1st Sunday of Month - Office area
2nd Sunday of Month - Bedroom
3rd Sunday of Month - Office
4th Sunday of Month - Kitchen
5th Sunday of Month - Clothes

I also am going to start putting out as much as possible on the table for breakfast the night before. Also, as I'm making supper each night, I'm going to make sure I have my lunch planned for the next day. I only have about 18 -20 minutes for lunch, which doesn't leave very much time for making something and eating at a good, non-hurried pace.
I must complete my Focus each day after work before I can get on the internet, or sit to watch tv or read, etc.

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

This morning when I checked my bank account, I noticed that my paycheck had been deposited. But, I also noticed that it was a little over $5 less than normal. So, I went to the online account statement and looked at my paystub. I figured out that they had started taking out the money for my Life Ins., Accident Ins., and Disability Ins.

For some reason I thought it would be taken out pre-tax, but it's being taken out after tax. So that reduces my takehome pay by about $22. I shaved $10 from my Personal Care and from my Other categories, and $2 from Medical.

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