Keeping It Frugal

I think I'm going to like working at this trucking company. What I did today was pretty mindless work, but it kept me busy the whole time. The people there are also very friendly. And I lOVE being able to wear jeans!

Mom called me and told me there was a lady who wants to see my resume - she's very interested in me for a job. It would pay 2$ more an hour, but full-time/permenant - but I would have to move to Dallas, where that 2$ more isn't really much due to cost of living.

Also, two other things. One - I already gave Jan my word that I'd do this trucking temp job. Two - I can't count how many times mom has told me stuff like this before and it never actually happened.

Spending Log:
Walmart - Gas - $23.08 (2.18/gallon) I was running on fumes - 365 miles! 10.35 gallon tank.

Keeping It Frugal,
Laura

I figured out tonight driving home that I have worked fairly long hours 9 of the last 10 days. It is definitely getting to me. On the way home tonight I was barely keeping my eyes open. There's a stretch of road that goes from 60 to 50 to 65. I managed to slow down for the 50 and put it on cruise - but then was at least 1/4 of a mile into the 65 zone before I even realized that I was in that zone! Luckily there wasn't anyone behind me getting impatient.

I just can't express how much I hate driving. I am NOT someone who enjoys going out just to drive around for the "fun" of it.
Riding *with* someone is so much better -especially when you're tired and want to close your eyes.

Had an 8 hour bus ride today. I'm so tired of riding on the bus. Only one more assignment on Saturday night and then I think I will most likely not care to step foot on a bus again. Well.... maybe in a few years.

Have to be at my new job at 8am tomorrow. I wish I had told Jan I would start on Friday so I wouldn't be going in there on the first day totally tired out. I've got bags - and not the kind you can pack! Great first impression - not!

Spending Log:
Snickers from vending machine - $.60
---I had money for a sandwich, but the sandwich machine didn't have anything I could eat -- so I went with a snickers.

Keeping It Frugal,
Laura

One-year ago today I decided to bite the bullet and see what this online savings journal thing was all about. I remember I wrote a HUGE entry, and then got timed out and lost it all. That taught me to not write such lengthy entries.

One-year ago today I was employed as a teacher and was getting ready to announce to my colleagues that I was leaving teaching at the end of the year.

One-year ago today I had a healthy savings account in ING and a zero balance on my credit card.

One-year ago today I had really good health insurance.

Today I am making my 220th entry in my savings journal.

Today I am struggling to find a long-term job and have accepted another short term assignment which starts Thusday and will last till May. But, it will probably not be enough to cover rent and bills, so I may have to do some drastic measures (taking money from 401b.)

Today I have one-months expenses in my savings account in ING and almost a month's expenses on my credit card.

Today I don't have any insurance. But, I do think I may have found a doctor I can go to for a reasonable fee.

The comparison kind of looks depressing doesn't? But (people who don't believe in God may want to not read further) I believe strongly that God has been providing for my needs all along this past year. I was so fearful of how I was going to have money for my February budget, and what happens? The survey project gets dragged out and I'm able to get (including this week) close to 80 hours worth of work. I flubbed up my interview royally, and then am told by Jan that she has something else for me that I don't have to interview for - although it is short term. You know what? I'm not worried. God keeps coming through for me, and I know he will continue to do so.

I'd really love some ideas on how to get by on less than 1k a month (especially when rent is at least 535 of it, plus another 100+ for gas to get to work)

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Spent today relaxing and rejuvinting from the last three days. Also caught up on a bunch of shows I had recorded on my Tivo.

Dad and I worked together preparing some things for me to say in my interview tomorrow. Then I looked the company up on the internet to see if I could find anything to mention. Two things stood out for me. One was that it is a relatively young company, founded in 1999. Two is that one of it's products is allergy medicine. Maybe I'll be able to get a company discount on their allergy medicine.

I need to give myself a manicure tonight before I go to bed. My fingernails wouldn't make a very good first impression right now! Oh my word! I just thought about something - I'm not sure if I have any pantyhose without runners! Ahh!!! Will have to check on that one!

Spending Log: None

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

This afternoon while I was training a surveyor on the bus, I got a call from Jan at the employment agency. She told me there was an available interview time at 9 or at 11 a m on Tuesday. I asked for the 11am slot. Yahoo! I'd really appreciate good thoughts, prayers, etc from anyone reading this. The interview is for an HR assistant position, temp to possible hire.

Today I went into work at 11 to try to figure out what was going on with the data from some assignments. I ended up not pulling out of the parking lot till 6:15 tonight! I think my hours this week are going to be going into overtime - that would be a first in my life. Wonder what 1 hour of overtime would equal?? Hmmm....

This was really the kind of day I enjoy most. Almost the whole time I was counting my time as at work, I was actually doing something productive - rather than sitting and surfing the internet all day. I like feeling like I'm actually doing something that is profitable to the company.

No spending today. I had been thinking of getting a haircut this afternoon, but it was after 7 pm when I got home, so I'll probably get one on Sunday.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Thanks everyone for your good thoughts and well wishes. I think I'm going to be a bundle of nerves Monday night trying to prepare for the interview!


Looks like I am going to get at least 12 minutes overtime this week. It also looks like we are going to have to do at least two Saturday assignments next week! I can take one of them that's after sunset.

I had a most interesting day riding two different busses. Sometimes I think that I should try to write down some of the things I see into a short story or book - "Riding the busses: Humor and Drama"

I broke down last night and bought a snickers out of the vending machine. I had eaten everything I brought with me, and was still very hungry. It was OH SO GOOD! Even though it was SO BAD for me.

Spending Log:
$.60 - Snickers bar from vending machine

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Well, as luck would have it, we still did not manage to complete all the Saturday assignments. There are 2, possibly 3 assignments that will need to be done next week. I am looking at it this way - it will give me at least another 15 - 18 hours pay to go towards February. Every bit helps.

Over the last 3 days I have worked nearly 27 hours. I have been in my car for at least another 6 hours. I am beyond tired. This morning I could barely make myself get up and go to the bus station. I got the yuckies. I MUST be feeling better by Tuesday though. It wouldn't make a very good first impression to be dragging in to an interview feeling and looking tired and unwell.

Tomorrow I am going to catch up on sleep, tv shows, and exercise!

Spending Log:
Taco Bell: $1.97 (bean burrito & Pinto's Cheese/Rice)
Walmart: $1.99 (newspaper)
Gas: $20.32 (2.18/gallon w/card)

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Well today I wasted ~$5 worth of gas for one hours pay. I got to the bus station and was waiting for the person I was supposed to train, then found out that they hadn't been able to reach him to confirm the time, so they'd try to get him the next day. Ugh! 45 minute drive there, approximately one hour at the bus station, then a 45 minute drive back. Not exactly my idea of fun.

Got my bloodwork results back today. As I expected, my TSH levels were high - indicating hypothyroidism. However, I wasn't expecting how high my bad cholesterol would be, or a couple other things. So, my initial plan of having my doctor uncle write me a script for synthroid is out the door. I'm going to have to do a face to face with a doctor to try to figure out what is going on. Ugh!

At least the somewhat good news is that I'm getting more hours than I had planned on this week, which is good.

Dad was in one of his moods tonight. I wonder if he thinks that all of his negativity towards other people is helping him or hurting him?

About 10 months ago I signed up for an extended warranty plan. I paid a downpayment, and then agreed to 12 payments. The payments have been going out like clockwork since then - always on the 3rd or the 5th. Until this month. I called them on Monday to find out if maybe I had misunderstood how many payments - maybe I was finished?? They told me no, that I still have two payments left (until March.) It still hasn't gone out. I have it in a seperate checking account. I guess I'll just leave that money in there, and if it's still there at the end of the month, I'll add another payments worth in case they all of a sudden do a double debit.

Spending Log:
None

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Wow. Today I went into the office expecting to train a surveyor, go out and buy packing materials, and then pack up most of the materials to mail out. I did train a new surveyor, but I also spent several hours searching for a lost data file (which was never found.) Then spent the rest of the afternoon trying to figure out how we were going to take care of yet another Saturday assignment and making sure I had enough Palms for me and the two extra surveyors.

I also talked to Jan again today. I told her that even if the Pharmacutical company couldn't go higher with the payrate, that I'd like to go ahead and interview for it. So, either Friday or Monday I should have an interview. Dad was so sweet tonight when I got home - he and I sat and discussed what questions I should ask and how I should word some of my answers to possible questions. I really hope that I get this, even if it is only for 6 weeks or so, it still could be a door opening to another opportunity.

It looks like this week I'm going to end up with close to 33 or 34 hours. That will make a nice addition to my February budget - quite a bit more than I was expecting. February is going to be tight, no doubt about it, but I think as long as I keep to just the bare mininum on everything, I won't have to borrow more than $100 or so from savings.

Dad talked to my Aunt Ni today. She thinks that my uncle who is a doctor might be willing to read my results for me. She said that I need to get a copy of my last results so they can be compared to my new ones. I'll have to see if I can find my old doctor's number tomorrow.

No spending today, which is a good thing after yesterday having money fly out the door.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

This morning I went to a lab and had blood drawn. On the net, it said the price was $105. The lab technician/receptionist showed me on the paperwork it was $115. But then she directed me to a coupon which made it $95. I'd brought along a book prepared for a lot of waiting time, but I was in and out within 15 minutes!

Dad and I went to Kroger's. We bought shelf price $108.xx worth of groceries, but only paid $68.xx after store coupons an manufacturer coupons.

After Kroger's I went to Walmart and filled up my car. Gas was $2.21/gallon, but with my card it was only $2.18. Ugh -- "Only".

I got an email from a Pathways classmate confirming that he and anotehr classmate will be coming for the Lifesong concert (Casting Crowns and Nichole Nordemon.) So, I went ahead and purchased 3 tickets. $15 per ticket, plus a %6.75 convenience fee, plus about $6 in taxes and other fees!! Yikes!

I talked to Jan at the Employment agency this afternoon. She told me that there is a possibility of a temporary job which could become a permenant job. It is as an HR assistant with a Pharmacutical company. The person who does it now is going on maternity leave. She is going to set up an interview for me with them. Whether or not I am made a long term employee, it will at least give me antother 6 -8 weeks of pay. Jan also told me that when it comes time to renew my lease, or get a new one, that all I need to do is to put them down as my employer and they will verify that I have been employed by them since September. That was a bit of a relief.

Spending Log:
$95 -- Labwork
~$78.xx 3 tickets + fees
$20.52 -- Gas

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Well at work today I found out that 4 out of the 6 surveyor's did their weekend assignment. Of the two who didn't, we were not able to get in touch with one - and the other, well she waited until 4:35pm (after I was supposed to have already left) to call me. She told me that she hadn't wanted to be at the bus garage for the 4 hour split just to get paid for 6 hour of bus riding (2 assignments.) I asked her why she didn't let me know that WHEN I gave her her assignment?! It turned out that that was just an excuse - that she had been kicked out of her apartment and had only that weekend to get out. Ok, I can understand that. But why the heck didn't she CALL me or one of the other ladies?? Why the stall tactics??

To compound matters, I got a call from another surveyor. He told me he was at the airport getting ready to fly out. Apparantally his grandfather had died, and he was officiating (theology student) and wouldn't be back till Sunday evening. So where that left us was with two assignments with no surveyor. I decided to see if we could get that one surveyor to do one of them - but that still left us with one. After much hesitation, I decided that this was an "ox in the ditch" situation, and am going to do one of the assignments myself. Much better than hiring, and training a new person who may or may not show up, and who may or may not do a good job.

I stopped by the Employment Agency before heading home and spoke to Lynn for a few minutes. She told me that both she and Jan were still looking for me, and I should call Jan tomorrow to see if she had come up with anything. She also offered to look at my resume and make suggestions on how I can get it to be less teachery focused.

I found a lab clinic where I can go get a whole slew of bloodwork tests done for $105, including thyroid. So, I plan to go there tomorrow morning. Then I can have an uncle who is a doctor "read" the results and hopefully give me a prescription for synthroid. That'll save me the cost of a doctor's visit. All I really need is the TSH level so my uncle will know what dosage to prescribe for me. Once I can get back on that again, it will help me in many ways, not just in my weight loss journey.

I did 45 minutes strength training and 20 minutes on my Gazelle today (while watching the Tivo'd West Wing.)

Spending Log: None

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Overall a pretty laid back day today. Spent way too much time on the computer (again!!) Did finally manage to break away to go get the paper + a few groceries.

I bought a box of No Pudge Fudge bars - 60 cal, 0 fat, 0 fiber. Pretty good if I do say so myself, and they are incrediably, 0 points!

I looked at my electric bill from the new company. I was going to call them to find out why the bill was so much higher than I was expecting. Unfortunately I kept putting it off, and putting it off. I realized today when I looked at it, that the payment was due on Friday. Major oops! That'll be my first late bill in over four years. Ugh!

Spending Log:
Walmart: Newspaper + groceries -- $6.05

$.95 to my change jar.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Well, the first thing that was good about today is that I had my second weigh-in since starting weight watchers, and I lost 2 lbs!!

The second good thing that happened today is that I got a call from my brother. He was talking seriously like he was thinking of getting married to his long time girlfriend. She is such a great person, and doesn't let him get away with anything. I hope he truly does move forward in that direction. Even if it would be kind of weird to have my brother married before me. Oh well.

The third good thing (or perhaps not such a good thing!) was that I watched "Injustice". I had Tivo'd it last night to see if it was any good. It is. I added a Season Pass for it.

I also did not spend any money today. I was very tempted by an e-book, but talked myself out of spending the $30.xx for it. It think it's pretty crazy that someone thinks they actually could get $30 for an e-book - especially on that particular topic. But, more than likely he'll have a few takers. I might have gone for it if it was more like $20, though. Oh well.

I was reading the Change Jar thread. I'm going to have to count how much change I have. I have my quarters seperated from the rest of the change. The last time I counted my quarters I had ~$24. I'm estimating that I have around $30 in my Apple Bank (teacher gift.)

I'm still debating on when I should join the challenge for this year. I still have my challenge money from last year sitting in paypal earning interest. I'm not quite sure if I want to do the same thing as last year - Ebay and coupon savings. I really don't have much left that I can Ebay, and since I'm not the one actually paying for groceries (yet) the coupon savings really aren't mine (although they wouldn't be there if I didn't find them.) Will ponder it some more.

On one of my other boards today I read about an interesting work at home job. I pm'd the person for more information. I haven't heard back from her yet, but she may be away from the computer.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Not much to say today really. I talked to Jan again today about job prospects. She said that they'd been looking for something for me, but keep running into roadblocks. I wonder what they are.

Didnt' spend any money today. Just went to work and came back home.

Got my water bill. $52.37 - that's down a $1. So .... my water bill keeps going down, but my electric bill jumped almost $15. How does that make sense?

Oy Vey! Very tired. Am going to head off to bed.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Today while I was at work I got several phone calls from my dad. He was at Best Buy working with one of the salesmen in the computer area trying to figure out what was needed to get my Tivo functioning in a way that I wouldn't have to constantly be moving it back and forth. I spoke with Jack, the salesperson several times. The last time I spoke with him he quoted $80 for either installing a wireless card in my PC, or something else (which I can't remember) which would have also cost $80, along with a couple other items, totalling over $100. When I heard those figures I told him that I needed to speak to my dad. I told dad that I'd like to see the stuff in person to make sure we were really getting what we needed. He agreed.

After work I met him at a different Best Buy (more on our way home.) I explained to a saleslady what the problem was and what solutions we'd thought of. She quickly told us a different (and much easier/less $$) solution -- Extended antenna's!!!
So for ~$70 (instead of over $100) I got my Tivo functioning properly!! Now the really nice thing about all this, is that dad bought it. He told me that I had already put out a lot of money for the router and the adapter (no kidding!) I think he may have been surprised by my lack of protest at his offer. So all told, my birthday present cost over $210 + the cost of the machine/gift subscription. Yikes! I'm glad that I REALLY like the money eater!!!

I did a new strength training routine this morning. Wow! Did it ever kick my rear! I barely managed to finish the last set.
Tonight there was a new CSI and a new ER. Yay Abby!!! Kovach just looked stunned (happily) at her decision.

Ok, better sign off now because I have work to go to tomorrow.

Spending Log:
None -- Was really hungry after lunch, and was SO tempted to get something from the vending, but somehow held out.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Today was day one of five days to finish out the Survey project. My main goal today was to make sure we would be able to have all of the 11 assignments that were left, completed between this weekend and next weekend. I was starting to get worried, but about 3 pm I got a call telling me that the last person we'd been waiting to hear from had called, and would be able to do both weekends! Woo Hoo!! I believe that the people we have doing the assignments ARE reliable and have good work ethics, so I have faith that we will actually get this finished! FINALLY!!

I think I mentioned before that I'd started back with Weight Watchers. Well, today was the weekly breakfast out with my dad and his good friend. I normally get a 3-egg omlette w/mushrooms and cheese, two pieces of wheat toast, and grilled potatoes. And, I normally eat it all, which fills me up most of the day. Well, that meal comes out to about 24 pts, and I only have 30 points for the entire day. So I decided to cut the cheese and only get one piece of toast (dry). Then I asked for a to go box, and proceded to halve all my food. I ate my to go food for lunch. So, in that way, I cut out something like 9 points, and I had a ready made lunch for free.

We had grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for supper tonight. I felt slightly silly having such a hot type meal when it was in the low 80's today. But if we want to eat wintertime foods, we're just going to have to plain eat them, cause if we wait for it to get cold - who knows the next time we'd get a chance to eat them!!

I finally finished reading Scott Turrow's "Ordinary Hero's." At first I thought I wasn't going to like it. But I didn't have anything else to do, so I kept plodding away at it. By the last 3/4 of the book, I wasn't able to put it down. It definitely is very different from his usual books, but in the end, it was very worthwhile reading.

Spending Log:
Library Fines: $1.50

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Well, Marcello called back and I committed to working for them W - F (18 hrs), M ( 7 hrs) and the following Sun (6 hrs). That way if a job comes up for me in the next week, I could still start it on Tuesday and not have to take a day off the next week. And it also makes it so that they have someone who knows what they're doing finishing up the project.

Before the holidays I filled out a form to have the Employment Agency mail me my check. When I checked the mail today, my check for the week before Christmas was not there. So I called and found out they hadn't mailed it. Since I'll be at the bus office tomorrow, they're going to send someone over with it as well as the last surveyor's bag. While on the phone, I asked if any possibilities had come up. Jan told me that there is a possibility that Lynn is looking into for me as an assistant accountant. I asked her if it required a person to have any accounting background, and she said that it was an entry level position. So . . . we'll see where it goes.

I was checking out some of the ads from the Sunday paper and noticed the ad for QuikTrip, which is a gas station. I went to their website and was quite intrigued by the information. I almost even applied except for one thing - assistant managers/assistant relief managers are required to work both Saturday and Sunday every weekend.

I also checked out an ad for an inventory company. I tried calling, but the number was busy. Thankfully they listed a website. I went ahead and filled out a job application. They also require weekends, but specified Saturday evenings/nights - but not Saturday days -- so .... that could possibly work.

I'm going to have to try to remember to wear the necklace that I was given as a good-by gift tomorrow. Wonder what would go with it??

After messing with my Tivo last night trying to get it to connect to the service, as well as more time this morning, I finally moved it into the computer room and reset it up. It took two full download times. The first download was a service update making it so when you have two shows on a season pass that meld into each other, you can now record them both. For example: Desperate Housewives 8 - 9:01; Crossing Jordan 9 - 10. It will clip one minute from either DH or CJ depending on their priority ranking in your Season Pass manager. That was a great update!!

I told my dad that I'd probably have to do this Tivo shuffle once a week in order to get the updated programming. He thought that was too much hassle, so suggested that we see if we can get extensions for the cords hooked into my router so that I can just pull it way out into the hallway whenever I need to make a connection. It'll be interesting to see if we can find anything like that. The cost my my birthday Tivo continues to rise.

Spending Log: None - stayed in the house all day

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

I just got off the phone with Marcello from the survey company I was working for the past few months. He asked me if I'd be willing to be in charge of handing out assignments and collecting them for the next two weeks. I asked him how many hours he thought it might be - he said as many as it took. I told him that I really did want to help them out, but I feel conflicted because if something comes up for me that's full-time/long term, it wouldn't make sense to pass it up for 20 - 40 hours spread over two weeks. He asked me if we could just play it on a week to week basis. I told him I would need at least the 20 hours - he said he'd have to talk it over with Jean (the lady in charge of money.)

I really am conflicted. Here is a real possibility of up to 40 or so hours of paid work for the next two weeks. But, if I go for it,and all of a sudden get a call for a full time/long term thing that needs to start right away, then I might have to pass on it becuase of this short term, maybe 40 hours.

I wonder if the surveyors who slacked off so much have any clue just how much their lack of work effort/ethics affected other people? Because of them, this is costing the survey company a lot more money than they had planned which means a lot less profit. It also made it so I couldn't start looking for a full time other job until now - who knows what opportunities I might have missed?

February is not looking like its going to be a very good month for me financially at all.

I really want to help them out and see the job to its completion -- I'm just so worried about risking only having 40 hours or so worth of pay to put in my February budget -- then of course comes March when I HAVE to have a job so I can either renew my lease here, or move somewhere else -- but I have to have enough income to pay rent + other bills by then!!

ARGHH!!!!

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

I guess it's really a good thing I haven't had any work the last week and so far this week since I haven't been feeling great. If I have to be sick/not feeling great, may as well be during time when I'm not having any assignments.

I washed my car this afternoon. It needed it badly. Dad and I shopped at Kroger's and got a few good deals.

Did 20 minutes on my gazzelle and 20 minutes Pilates. I was actually pretty surprised at how well I was able to do the various Pilates exercises. I guess I am really getting stronger in my core muscles.

I haven't eaten all my WW points for today yet. I still have 4 Target points, plus the 4 AP points, so I could have quite the midnight snack if I wanted to. Probably will just have a Sunburst Granola bar (4 pts) and a cup of grapes (1 pt) MMM MMM!

Tonight I called Tivo for the 3rd or 4th time about getting my service activated. It *finally* worked!!! I'm downloading Tivo Desktop right now.

Spending Log:
Car Wash: $1.75

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

When I went out tonight there was a lot of haze in the air. I guess it's from all the wildfire's in the area.

Didn't really do much today except play on the computer, and watched some tv.

I did go to Walmart and picked up a double newspaper for the coupons and the job listings. There is one coupon for deoderent I'll be using tomorrow, and there were a few other good ones that I'll use later. There were one or two possibilities in the job listings which I'll call about tomorrow.

I also stopped at Walgreens and picked up some Walatrin - sinus and allergy tablets, and a bottle of Rest Easy Nighttime cough and congestion cold medicine. When I was getting teh Walatrin, I noticed that of the four boxes, three of them had one end opened. I bought the one that wasn't opened, but took the other three to the cashier in pharmacy. Would hate to think that someone tampered with any of them.

Spending Log:
Walmart: $1.50
Walgreens: $7.48

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Hmm ...
Financial
#1 Goal - Find a permenant, full-time job.

#2 Goal - Rebuild my contingency fund.

#3 Goal - Rebuild my Long-Term Savings (replacement fund)

#4 Goal - Credit Card: A - Pay $30 above finance charge. B - Pay any new charges within that same month.

#5 Goal - Find out what I can do with my various retirment accounts - see if I can consolidate them.

#6 Goal - Use half of tax refund to pay down Credit Card.

#7 Goal - Research possibility of a Computing for Senior's type business (My grandma suggested this. I could go to retirement homes and offer to do various tasks on the computer for seniors who either aren't able to do them themselves (due to vision, etc) or just don't want to bother learning how to do it.)

Personal:
#1 - Keep on track with exercising a mininum of 4 x a week.
#2 - Eat more healthfully using Weight Watcher's Flex plan.
#3 - Find some kind of volunteer work.
#4 - Contact at least one friend each week either by email or phone.
#5 - Get out of the house at least once every weekend.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Dad and I dropped off my Aunt Ni and Grandma at their hotel by the airport on Thursday night, so they could catch their plane back to CA on Friday morning (via shuttle.) Before leaving, my Aunt Ni gave me two $10 Foley Gift cards. There isn't a Foley's in CA, so she wouldn't have been able to use them. Both cards expired on January 1, so they had to be used quickly, or the value lost. She was very excited to hear what kind of deals I got with them, leaving me little choice but to actually use them.

So, yesterday (Friday) Dad and I carpooled to Fort Worth (the closest Foley's.) We stopped first at a place to get his electric shaver fixed. Then at a place to replace his shaver's battery. Then we went to Sam's club - presumably *just* for water - of course ended up with a bunch more things, but still got out of there for under $50. Finally, we made it to Foley's. First, I thought I would see if I could get a replacement chain for a necklace (the chain had broken three times and been repaired twice) but there was only one sales lady presiding over three counter sections, so after waiting 10 minutes, we moved on. I thought I might get 3 or 4 pairs of new undies, so we started looking for the lingere section. My dad, gotta love him, notices this lady pulling some kind of low level cart and walks up to her and booms "Say! Do you work here?!!" She looks slightly frightened, but doesn't run away. Then he booms again, "We're looking for the ladies lingere department!" She tells us it's upstairs. NOW, you'll need to picture this - in close proximity to where all this is taking place, are two *very* cute guys, along with a handful of other ladies. I had to just keep reminding myself that there was very little chance of my ever seeing any of those people again. Sometimes I really wish he didn't have to make a production everywhere he goes.
Anyway, back to my story. We head on up stairs. I get distracted by the pots and pans section. He decides to go use the restroom. While he's gone I ask a cashier if the two cards can be used towards one purchase - she thankfully says that they can! (You see, I was having visions in my head of dad making yet another scene complaining about how unhelpful it was to have to make two separate purchases -- or actually going through with his idea of making said two separate purchases, returning them for store credit, then buying something else!!) I found a number of items which I was interested in, but nothing that really grabbed me. So, when he came back from the restroom, I decided to go ahead and head towards the ladies undies section.
On the way there, we happened to be near the bath section. It dawned on me that just the other day, I had been thinking about how nice it would be to have a towel that completely, and totally surrounded my whole large body. So, we started looking at the towels. The largest ones I could find were the 32 by 50 ones, which weren't quite long enough. So, I asked one of the cashiers. She pointed us to some towels we hadn't seen yet - which fit the bill just perfectly. One towel was $16 -- the other towel was $39.95. I was going to go for the first towel, but dad had come up the cash register just as the lady told me the price (because of course the price weren't easily visible) and tells me to go ahead and take the $40 towel, that he'll make up the difference. I hadn't even had a chance to test out the $16 towel, so I didn't know how much difference there really was between them. But, I knew he was getting hungry (read: tired of shopping and crabby) and if he was willing to pay the extra $20, then I guess I'd just let him! So, I now have a $40 Lennox brand towel - it's HUGE , it's SOOO soft. It also gave me a good story to tell my Aunt Ni. I would have never even considered a towel that expensive if it hadn't been for the $20 in gift cards I had -- shoot, I wouldn't even have been out shopping AGAIN if my Aunt hadn't given me those cards.

I am SO tired of shopping after this past week! It felt like that was all we did the whole entire week! My brand of shopping is normally Walmart, Goodwill, and maybe JC Penny's. My Aunt's brand of shopping is Dillards, Nordtstorm's and Foley's. I might go shopping (for clothes) once or twice every couple of months, sometimes longer. She was extremely happy to shop for 4 - 6 hours four days in a row! I will say though, that I made out like a bandit this week. Between her and my grandma, they bought me One Professional quality suit, one pair dress pants, two Professional quality tops, a sleeveless vest (professional quality), a professional style jacket, a pair of sweatpants and a matching top, plus an artificial plant arrangement (that my cat can't chew up.). All in all, they probably spent close to $350 on me. I desperately needed some professional level clothing that fit, and wasn't sure how I was going to come up with any. So I very much appreciate all that they did. It just felt really funny having them buy all those clothes for me - a 30 year old adult - especially when I didn't get them anything (because I couldn't afford anything that they would actually like - Ni didn't even flinch at clothing with $60 price tags - even bought a sweater set for over $200 without breaking a sweat!)

Anyway, even though I didn't exactly spend this past week the way *I* would have enjoyed spending it, I am in the end glad that they came - and that they are now gone.

Job offers - I called the employment agency to check and see if anything had come up. There were two possibilities, both of them with banks. One was a 40 hr/$9/hr job requiring nearly perfect credit (not for me unfortunately) -- the second one was a 30 hr/$10/hr job with no credit requirement - unfortunately though, it would have required me to work past sunset on Fridays, so I couldn't take that either.

In case you're wondering. I am a Seventh-day Adventist - one of our core beliefs is the Sabbath - starting Friday sunset and ending Saturday sunset. Although I have not gone to church more than 10 times in the past year, and haven't really kept the Sabbath in that same time period, my last hold out I guess you could say, is not working during Sabbath hours. I feel a lot of bitterness towards the leadership in my church - mainly for how they have treated my parents - both long time church workers (former workers actually). I also feel very disillusioned by how so many people have abandoned my dad, even though what he did was very very stupid. Church is supposed to be a place for sinners. God doesn't rank sins from least to greatest - sin is sin is sin(except of course for the unpardonable sin -but that's not really a visible/public sin!!) !! Also by all these people abandoning my dad, they have in essence also abandoned my whole family.

This whole thing with the church is one of the things that makes my looking for someone to share my life with that much harder. I need to figure out if I'm going to stay a Seventh-day Adventist or not. If I am, then I need to look for a fellow SDA man. Of course, my bitterness and disillusionment and lack of church attendance in the past year, will probably make it difficult to say the least. My other option would be to find someone from another faith. But the problem with that is that I have looked at other churches/faiths and I just haven't found any that I feel I could embrace as my own. I've really tried looking at the Sabbath/Sunday issue and just haven't found any arguments for Sunday that are convincing enough for me to change - and believe me, I tried!

Sorry guys for this long winded diatribe. Everything that's happened the past couple years just seems to reach out and kick me once in awhile.

I was supposed to be going to a New Year's Eve party tonight. But the person who invited me (who is the sister of my exbf Todd's exwife) sent an evite. As of yesterday, only 5 people had said they were coming (besides her own family). One of them was Todd's exwife (and their two girls). If I had met his exwife before, I might feel differently. If there was going to be a crowd of 20 or more people to blend in with, I might feel differently. But, with the party mainly consisting of her family members - I do not feel comfortable at all going. So, tonight I'm going to watch movies, and when the ball drops at midnight I'm going to open my bottle of Sparkling Cider that I picked up at Walmart yesterday, and toast the New Year. Just me and my cat.

Spending Log this whole past week:
Walmart: $12 - junkfood, sparkling cider, etc
Gas: $9 ($2.06/ga -- filled up just before it went up in price)
Weight Watchers online: $65 (3 month subscription - wanted to put it on this years budget, otherwise would have waited till Sunday.) I've lost weight on the points plan before, so am going to get back on plan with my exercise and start on my eating habits as well.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Ok, maybe I'm being judmental, maybe I just don't know the why's or therefore's of it, but I do know that I just don't understand! What do I not understand? I don't understand how people can get a cute as can be new puppy or kitten for Christmas, and then LEAVE IT OUTSIDE!!!

When I got home tonight from another day of shopping with Grandma and Aunt Ni, I found the cutest little kitten and puppy (maybe a schnauser?) out on the grass in front of the parking lot for the duplexes. As I was walking to my car, the puppy ran up to me and started sniffing at my feet and jumping up at me, just begging for attention. I of course bent down and gave him some attention, then headed to my duplex. The puppy followed me and almost went inside! It just about broke my heart to have to push him outside.

Then about an hour later while I was in my living room watching TV, I hear this awful whining. I open the door, and see the little puppy sitting outside the backdoor of a neighbor's duplex (with a light in the window) whining his little heart out. It took everything in me to not go over there and pick the poor little guy up.

Why oh why would a family get a little puppy - which I *think* is a two or three month old minature schnauser! - just to leave it outside???? Mini dogs are NOT made to be OUTSIDE dogs!!!! Of course, in my thinking, very few dogs (if ANY) are made to be left outside 100% of the time.

How is the family going to bond with the puppy if it's left outside alot, or even most of the time? A guy I dated had a dog given to him by his ex-MIL (before she was his ex-MIL) and he kept her outside ALL the time. He told me that she was pretty much uncontrollable and didn't have much of a relationship with him or his girls - that they would a lot of times forget that she was outside, other than to feed and water her!!! What kind of an existance is that for a dog???

Someday when I own a home of my own, I am going to have a dog, maybe two. It or they will be inside dogs!! I strongly feel that an animal that you purchase or adopt or however it comes into your life, is a part of your family. Would you leave a family member outside for LONG periods of time without paying attention to them other than food and water? I hardly think so!!

Now, I'm sure there are people who love and take care of their pets extremely well, even though they may keep them as outside animals. They make a point of playing with and spending time with their animals. I also realize that there is a big difference between inside/outside animals in the city/subburbs and country/barn cats - though I STILL would have a hard time letting my cat be an outside cat in the country - I feel there's as many dangers in the country as in the city - but that's just me.

I hope I haven't offended anyone, but this is just my personal opinon, and I felt compelled to share it tonight because of the horrible, heart breaking whining (that I'm STILL) hearing of the lonely little puppy.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Oh yeah - this is my 200th post.

Ugh! For the last week or so I've been fighting what I thought was a miserable cold. But the last couple days I've been taking an over the coutner decongestant, and have realized that my cold is mainly made up of my allergies!! When I had insurance, I took Clarinex, but now the only over the counter stuff is Claritin, and that doesn't work as well, and it is EXPENSIVE.

I also really need to go to the doctor to get my TSH level checked (thyroid) because I think mine has really gotten out of whack since the last time it was checked. Unfortunately, my prescription for synthroid ran out in June (same month as my health insurance). Synthroid itself isn't terribly expensive through drugstore.com, but the doctor visit + the necessary bloodwork could run close to 3 or 400 dollars quite easily.

Where do people go to get bloodwork done that don't have health insurance? I keep telling myself to wait till I get a job, then hopefully I'll have insurance of some type again, but who knows how long that will be. I sure can't afford health insurance on my own - the last few months I've made just enough to cover the monthly bills minus the rent. Come March when I have to pay rent again, I really hope I have a full-time job paying at least $600 more than what I've been able to find so far - even then, that wouldn't even begin to cover health insurance.

My only real regret about leaving teaching is letting go of the health insurance. I had such an awesome, awesome plan.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas, .... A aaaa ChOO!

Laura

I spent Christmas Eve/Day with my mom. It was very nice and relaxing. We had our Christmas dinner (cottage cheese roast, baked potatoes, stuffing, green cabbage) then exchanged gifts. It was kind of strange only having one gift for each other - WAY different from previous Christmas's, but it was good. We watched "Hitch" and "The Locket." Both very feel good, weepy movies.

Sunday night I picked up my Grandma and Aunt from the airport, then took them to their hotel. Then Monday dad, me, grandma and aunt ni all went shopping. It was a long day. Shopping with two people who have money to actually buy things they want isn't all that much fun - especially when they can go for hours and hours. I really can't complain too much though, becuase they ended up buying me a couple of really nice professional pieces (which I sorely needed.) I could never have afforded 4 pieces of clothing for ~$200, but those 4 items will definitely be helpful once I find a full-time job where I need to dress up more.

My wireless adapter finally arrived! I picked it up this morning from the Post Office (it came Saturday, but I guess I didn't hear them knock - no doorbell.) So, I've now got my Tivo all set up!!! Unfortunately my gift subscription code is STILL not valid, so I can't use the online functions yet. After about an hour of being on hold and talking to two different customer service reps, I was told that they extended my temporary service till Jan 2 while they research what the problem is with my gift code. I hope they get it figured out quickly, becuase I would much more prefer to schedule my recordings from my computer than to have to do all that scrolling! But still, I'm just SO happy to finally have gotten through the Guided Setup!!!
I've already set up a couple Season Passes (Grace Under Fire, Sex and the City) but have to wait for more info to be downloaded to set up more of them (only have till the 29th so far.)

We're going to go into Dallas today and do more shopping. Probably hit the Dillard's outlets, and then maybe eat at the Rainforest Cafe - an awesome place - if you're ever in Grapevine, TX you can't miss it!

Oh! I got my Aunt all set up on mypoints.com last night. She buys alot of stuff from overstock.com and a couple other places you can earn points from with mypoints.com. Who knows if she'll actually remember to go through them when shopping, but if she does, she'll have no trouble earning lots of points for rewards. She likes to shop.

Well, I better get going. Almost time for us to leave for another day of shopping. Boy oh boy do I ever hope I get called for a temp job tomorrow! Not that I don't enjoy being with my grandma and aunt, just that there's only so much shopping that I can stand!

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Well, today was my last day as the Supervisor for the Surveyor's. It felt really strange to be cleaning out the office I've spent so much time in the past few months. The surveyor who did the last weekday came in around 1 pm - so I was able to make the weekdays at 100% yay! Linda (the main person I've been working with) gave me a going away gift - a beautiful bead necklace. I don't really know very much about jewlery because in the church I was raised in, jewlery wasn't the norm - and very rarely even the exception. I'm sure there's a better name for it than "bead necklace" but I have no idea what it would be. The gift really surprised me, because I don't think I had ever worn a necklace to work (I own one, but it never really even crosses my mind to wear it. After working for 8 years in church school - wearing jewlery to work ceases to even be a thought that flits through your mind, let alone evolves into reality.) Still, it was really a sweet and thoughtful gift.

I had asked dad to make a couple loaves of bread for me to give to Linda and Dedee, but last night he was so exhausted that I decided it was better not to ask him. Then I go there this morning and they have a gift for me!! Dad said he'd be willing to drop two loaves by tomorrow on his way back from a meeting near there. So, at least they'll know I was thinking of them - I hope they are there tomorrow.

I filled up at Walmart tonight. I really don't like how crowded the parking lot is right now. It makes it pretty difficult to make it into the gas station and back out. But I guess the 3 cent discount is worth it.

I got this email talking about this program that you can do where you type ads for various companies and they pay you. The website claims you can make $300 - $1000 a week doing this. You have to buy into it at $100, then I guess you apply at the various companies, and they start sending you ad copy to type. I'm curious about this whole thing - I don't have $100 to waste - but .... if it really truly could produce some extra income, I could sure use it. Anyone ever hear of anything like this? I have the feeling I'm wasting my time and energy even thinking about it - but I'm not totally sure. Any ideas of questions I should ask (they have an email address for questions.)?

Kitty kat is sleeping on my lap - so my keyboard is sitting way up high on my more than ample stomach. Interesting (read awkward) way to type - but he's worth it.

Spending Today:
$20.25 -- gas at Walmart $2.03/gallon w/discount

Watched Pretty Woman tonight on TNT. I know the story premise isn't all that good (Julia as a prostitute) but still . . that is one of my favorite movies. I don't know how many times I've seen it. Julia Roberts + Richard Gere in just about any movie = Major Chemistry -- IMHO.

Okay, hanging it up for the night. Gotta get back to "Mary, Mary" especially since I didn't have time to read today at work - actually kept myself busy the whole time doing *real* work - shockers!

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Didn't really do much at all today at work, other than surf the internet and email the time report. The surveyor who was going to do the last weekday assignment yesterday hadn't left his stuff in the office. After a few phone calls found out he hadn't done it. Arranged for him to pick up a Palm and a battery and get it done TODAY, since doing it tomorrow would not have worked. Tomorrow I'm going to get the office space all cleaned up and store all the batteries and the Palms, clear the temp folders and caches on the computer , and generally batten down the hatches until whomever finishes the project in January comes to take over.

When I stopped at the library today to pick up my "Mary Mary" book (quite good so far) I stopped at the first place I always go in the library - the new release shelf. Guess what I found??? A new Scott Turio book!!!!! Woo Hoo!!! Two legal thrillers in one night - unfortunately both of them are 7-day checkouts, so I have to have them turned back in by next Tuesday - which really shouldn't be a problem.

I checked my checking account today and found out that all the transfers, etc resulting from the TIVO escapades on Saturday have evened out. Now all I have to wait for is my package from the Ebay seller.

Dad was very tired and cold tonight. He and Charles had been working outside in the rain all afternoon cutting up tree stumps and hauling them somewhere. We had broccoli soup and leftover biscuits (from supper last night) for supper.

Oh, almost forgot. Dad was complaining this morning about how cold I'm keeping the house. I'm sitting at the breakfast table in shorts and bare feet and am perfectly comfortable. I like to keep the thermostat at 60 - but even when it's 35 or 40 outside, inside it still reads right around 64 - 67. He'd like it more like at 68 - 70. As we were discussing it, he made the comment "When you have kids I'm going to insist on you keeping them warm." Um, hello! Would that be your business??? NO!! Someday if I ever have the good fortune of having some little ones of my own, I'm going to make sure they are comfortable and safe. Does that neccessarily mean that I'm going to have the thermostat at 70 in the winter? Nope, not neccessarialy - unless I have a well to do husband! He just doesn't like to wear layers inside. How hard is it to wear a sweatshirt with a shirt under it? To put on two pairs of socks? To put a blanket over your legs when your'e sitting still?

I made a decision tonight. Come February, when this lease is up, no matter what the situation is with my dad, I'm going to move to a place that is most convenient for ME without taking him into consideration. He'll still be welcome to eat his meals here, etc, but it just might mean a little extra driving time for him. If I'm truly going to get my life back on track, it's going to mean me making some selfish choices - choices that are in the best interest for me.

I talked to my mom tonight. She visited one of her internet people this past weekend. What a jerk!!! About 8 years ago my mom had her stomach stapled and lost over 100 lbs - which left a lot of saggy skin. Well, this guy apparantally did a peeking Tom type thing and observed her changing for a party they were going to. He then had the gall to tell her that her baggy skin disgusted him - and the fact that she had at one time weighed alot disgusted him!!!!!!!! I'll say it again - WHAT A JERK!!

No spending today.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Only two days left of being a Supervisor. I've really enjoyed it, for the most part. I've had the opportunity to meet some really neat people, and I have some non-teaching/non-classroom experience to put down on my resume.

I'm not quite sure what they're going to do to finish the Saturdays. There are 11 assignments left, and only 6 possible surveyors who would be reliable. Well, it's not my problem anymore.

I talked to Jan today about possible full-time employment. She was encouraging - said that both she and Lynn have been looking for something for me. That they have really appreciated my hard work and that I've kept them sane with this whole project. But that not many companies hire the week before Christmas. So . . . it may be a few weeks or more. Hopefully they can find me enough one or two day jobs so I won't have to dip into savings too much come February (my December money pays for my January bills.)

Dad and I went to Kroger's tonight. He paid ~$17.xx for ~ $45.xx worth of groceries. We bought spaghetti sauce, macaroni, cereal, milk, OJ, green cabbage, croissants in a can, etc.

I spent a couple hours today working on a blog on bloggerspot.com . It's called "Keeping It Frugal". How creative, I know. I am still trying to figure out how to get a list of links listed on the side like other blogs. I also know I need to not be quite so long winded, or else nobody will be too interested in reading my blog. If anyone would like to check it out its
www.keepingitfrugal.blogspot.com

Ok, I think I'll go ahead and sign off right now. I want to keep reading Dr Phill's "Love Smart" book. It's actually a pretty easy read.

OH MY!! I totally forgot! I got a call from the library today. Jame's Patterson's "Mary Mary" is mine for the borrowing! I was number 7 on the wait list - but tomorrow I will have it in my hot little hands. I just love legal thrillers - Scott Turrio, John Grisham, the other Patterson fella, etc. However, I don't really care for Ann Rule who writes more real life crime drama (ie - she knew Ted Bundy in real life - wrote a book about him.)

Spending Log: Nada, Zilch, Zip, Nothing

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Did an 8 hour bus ride today. I'd forgotten just how LONG 8 hours is on a bus. At least it gave me a chance to finish "Deception Point" by Dan Brown. I think I almost like it better than Angels and Demons.

After my ride I went into the office. Saw that Wesley's three friends didn't show up. Also saw that two surveyor's never picked up their assignment, and a third surveyor didn't figure out how to use the new battery, so didn't finsh her assigment (again - pick up the phone!!!) So, including the surveyor who's car stalled on her yesterday, that is 6 1/2 assignments that did not get done this weekend, and *maybe* 5 that did get done. Well, at lease *I* know that the Sunday assignment was completed - since I did it myself!!!

On the way home I stopped at Albertson's. They were having the triple coupon sale. Unfortunately I only had the coupons I had recently ordered from taylortowncoupons.com with me. They were completely wiped out of the Kraft Super mac and cheese - and the GG boxed veggies were $2.19 a box, so even with a a $.60/3 cpn tripled to $1.80/3 it would have only made them ~$1.60 each, which isn't much of a savings. I did pick up an Amy's Brown Rice and Veggie - it was on sale for $2.95 (pretty good price - runs from $3.89 - $4.29) and a couple other things. I was really wishing I had my other coupons with me though, because I saw a number of pretty good deals.

Well I am exhausted. I think I'm going to do some trash pickup around the house, read a little, then head on off to bed. Tomorrow I will be talking to Lynn or Jan about long-term job possibilities. I really hope they do have something in mind for me like they've been hinting at.

Spending Log:
Albertsons: $7.21

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Day starts off with a surveyor calling me at 6:40 a.m.!!!! and telling me that her car had stalled out on her and she had missed her bus. THEN I just get back into bed and I get a call from another surveyor telling me that the RC program on her Palm was gone. (This was the surveyor who let her Palm die last week, losing all her info!) I had distinctly told her to get her Palm on a charger ASAP *AND* to check it Wednesday morning to make sure the RC program was still on it, so I could do somthing about it easily. Of course, she doesn't check it till this morning I guess. So I walk her through all the numerous things to do over the phone - with a clause that she forgets everything I just told her! Arghh!!

The majority of my day was spent working on Tivo. Either trying one of the FOUR different wireless adapters I purchased and returned today, or researching for other adapters that might work, or researching where I could buy one of the blasted adapters that actually work! Also spent about four hours total on hold with TIVO sales and TIVO customer service regarding my Gift Subscription. Turns out that they have sent so many of those out recently (with Christmas) that they have gotten behind on validating codes. HUH???

I ended up buying a Netgear WG111 adapter from Ebay for $34.95 (including shipping). Then I found a paypal code on fatwallet.com which took off $2.50 (10%). Hopefully it will be here by Thursday at the latest, AND hopefully it will work!!!

I hate to say it, but so far I have NOT been too impressed with TIVO. The machine itself will be awesome, but all this hassle to get it working in the first place (not to mention the extra $100 + to get it set up!) almost makes me wish I had never expressed a desire for one. Almost.

I have a 7 am bus ride in the morning that I have to leave by no later than 6am for, so I probably ought to head off and try to get some sleep.

Spending Log:
Staples: 4 different adapters varying from $45 - $69 -- all returned and refunded
Ebay: $34.95 -- Wirelss adapter that SHOULD work - includes shipping
Taco Bell: $2.91 -- they got my order right this time!!! (of course I double and triple checked like a maniac)

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura