I so did not want to get up this morning to exercise. I came so close to talking myself into sleeping in the extra hour. But then I talked myself back into it. Reminded myself that I had been doing so well. Reminded myself that I've gotten in at least 4 workouts a week since Sept 28, and now is not the time to take a chance on breaking that cycle. So I got up, did my warmup, and then did my Pilates routine. I'm starting to get much better on many of the moves, but still am having SO much trouble with the roll-up. Hopefully it will come with time and practice.

Work was SO busy today! From the moment I got there, through the entire whole day, I barely had time to breathe. Then one of the surveyors calls me a little before 4 to tell me he was on his way. I told him I had enough to keep me busy till at least 4:30, so I'd be there. Long story short - three calls later, he ended up getting there at 5:15!!! By the time I was finished with him, it was 5:45, and way too late to go pick up my check from the employment agency. Good thing I'm not depending on it to live on!

When I got home, dad had cooked supper. He used some of the Morningstar honey roasted chicken wings (gotten on sale), made up the package of Hungry Jack EZ mashed potatoes (free w/coupon), and the GG frozen box of gean bean cassarole (on sale). All in all, a scrumptious, filling, and inexpensive meal.

After 7th Heaven, I went to Walmart and bought a gift card. Why you might ask? Well the cheapest gas I could find was $2.11 -- Walmart had their gas for ..... $2.11. So, with the gc, it was only $2.08!! Just a few cents more, and we'll be back to under $2!!

I think Monkey doodles wants some loving. He jumped up onto my lap as I was typing and is trying to get at the keyboard. What a funny cat.

Walmart Gas: $19.50 ($2.08/gallon - had about 40 miles worth of gas left, but that would just get me to work, and leave me stranded for $2.18/gallon gas!)

Walmart: $3.xx junkfood (I just needed some choclate -really!)

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Been a pretty lazy weekend for me for the most part. On Friday dad and I went to Albie's to take advantadge of the double to $2 cpn sale. I had a whole fistfull of coupons and a list. We picked up one of the shop and scan things (both of our first times using one) and were off. As we were going along, and the total kept going up and up, my dad was starting to get nervous. So I told him that I would pay for anything over $50. In the end, we bought 49 items, and the total after coupons came to $48.95 - we saved over $50.

This morning I asked the bus driver if she wanted her coupon inserts, and she let me have them. Then after work I stopped at Kroger's to pick up a newspaper. There was only one Ft Worth paper left, and it was missing half the sections - but had all the coupon inserts (plus one extra!). So I bought a Dallas paper, then got the Ft Worth paper for only $.50 (I asked for a discount since the paper was in such shambles - hee, like I really cared - all I wanted were the cpn inserts!) Then I went out to my car and clipped the coupons I needed for this week (yes, I do keep scissors in my car.) Ended up buying 26 items for less than $13!! Some things I bought - Campbell's Soup, GG Frozen Boxed Veggies, Jello Pudding, Smart Balance butter, cooking spray, green cabbage, Uncle Ben's Flavorful Rice, Pioneer gravy packets, Listerine pocket pals, etc.

Yesterday I spent many hours researching for the best deal I could find on a piece of exercise equipment. I used froogle.com as well as just searching normally. I also read numerous reviews on various machines. I finally realized that for the amount of money I was willing to spend, probably the best thing I could get would be the Tony Little Gazzelle (yes, the one advertised on tv.) Then I started trying to figure out if I could get it through mypoints and so recoup some of the money I spent. -- I could!! At Target they have the Gazelle for ~$99.xx plus ~$20 shipping, so ~$120. Target is a Mypoints.com store, and is offering 6 pts per dollar. - so either 600 pts or 720 pts if they include shipping dollars. But then I thought, couldn't I sweeten the deal? I could buy a Target giftcard, and then use that same gift card to buy the Gazzelle. If I had a Mypoints credit card, the deal would be even better, but alas, I don't. I'd really like to get my Gazelle fairly quickly - and, lo and behold, what does Target have? Internet Gift Cards!!!! Does this sound like a feasiable plan?

I really wish mypoints.com had walmart as a store partner (they are a redeem card partner.) That way I could buy gift cards from them - earning points - and use it at WM gas stations for the $.3 discount - as well as when I download songs for my MP3 player I could earn points. Maybe I should email customer service with that idea. I've pretty much exhausted all the free trial and surveys they have for earning points, so I'm not sure how I'm going to get back up to the 10k level again to be able to get good gift cards for Christmas gifts.

I can't believe how tired I am! I tried going to bed by 10 pm last night, but my mind got whirling with the mypoints idea - so finally I got up to check it out. Then when I got back to bed I still couldn't get to sleep. My alarm went off WAY too early for my taste (5:30 a.m.) and could barely get myself out of bed. I just kept telling myself that today's assignment was worth ~$45 (after taxes) and that's almost enough to pay either the electric or water bill!

I think I'm going to talk to Lynn at the agency about finding something for me at least 3 days a week till this project is over - even if it paid a little less, it would possibly be more than 30 hours so it would even out, and then I wouldn't have to worry whether or not Geostats will actually have something for me to do to make 30 hours a week after this coming week is over.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Today I had two new surveyor's come to train. One of them was actually training today, and the other one is training on Saturday morning, then taking her first run later that afternoon. It was a much more hectic Thursday than the last couple of Thursdays have been, but that was good. I took both of the surveyor's for a walk - out the building and around the corner, through the car access gate, through the back parking lot, and back into the building. The male surveyor was having no trouble keeping up with me, but the female was lagging majorly behind. I guess I'm just so used to fast walking that I don't even think about it - especially since I've been doing so much exercise purpose walking lately. When I realized how far behind she was I *really* tried to slow down, and even stopped a couple of times.

When I got home today Monkey (my cat) was SO happy to see me. I turned the water on for him in the sink, and then sat down. He ignored the water in the sink (amazing!) and jumped up on my lap purring away. Whoever said cats don't mind being alone REALLY doesn't have a clue about cats!

Today I did my Pilates for Dummies DVD for the second time. I think I like it better than the other two DVD's I have - although Ana Caban's Beginner's Pilates Mat Routine is a better format for explaining some things, so really, the two together are a good start for a newbie like myself. Now, if I could just manage to do the Roll Up (can't even manage it in the modified beginner's position!)

I got a charge in my bank account for my cable bill - it was the same amount as the last few months. I'm going to call them in the morning and find out just WHY I got charged that same amount -- ARGHH!!!

Yesterday I figured out how to set my dvd/vcr. If I hit the record button, it records. But, it won't do a timed recording (and all the info is right). I so miss my DVR. Hey Kashi, if you're reading, yes, I would seriously love some info on how to hook a Tivo through my cable internet. I've gotta find out if I can still get a rebate though, cuz I'm not too sure how i can justify spending $200 on tv gadget when I don't want to spend $300 on an exercise gadget.

Other than the cable bill going out of my account today -- no spending. Tomorrow though will probably be a different story. The Albertson's here is having a Quad coupon sale, meaning they'll quadruple any coupon up to a total value of $2. So, like my Morningstar $1 cpn would be worth $2 and my $.55 Baby Bell Cheese rounds coupon would be worth -- $2! I just love when Albie's does their coupon thang.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Of Cable that is. Today I completed the process of downgrading my cable service to just the basic service. Though I was sad to let go of my DVR, I know that I just can't justify the cost - especailly now that the 3 month promotional deal is over.
So now it's back to recording the old-fashioned way, and getting annoyed when people call or talk to you during your shows. I wonder if that Tivo rebate still exists? I wonder if Tivo works without a phone line?? Hmm... will have to check into that.

Got my ebay packages mailed out yesterday. I probably should work on putting another few items up there.

Yesterday had a conference call with two of the people from Geostats. Jean (the one in charge of money) told me to put back into circulation the weekday and Sunday assignments I'd been told to keep out for myself (by Deb, another person from Geostats.) Jean said that they'd have other stuff for me to do. I'd like to know what that is, cuz once we're down to just Saturday assignments, I'll only be able to justify maybe 12 hours a week - barely pay my gas.

I posted in several groups yesterday that I am looking for an Eliptical or Norditrack type machine. Haven't had any response, except for someone telling me I should check the garage sale ads for this weekend. I really want something that I can do indoors besides videos, because I'm already starting to get bored of them. Also, wth it getting dark earlier and earlier, anytime I get home after 5, we can't go walk. Who knows how long this spring like weather is going to last, or how long my dad will still be here to walk with me.

Tonight for dinner I made Soft Tacos, and had enough leftovers for lunch for the next two days. I wish I could find vegetarian refried beans in bigger cans, like the other refried beans come in - it would make it easier to make a bunch of tacos and burrito's ahead of time.

Spending Log:

Tuesday:
Post Office: $2.39 - Ebay

Wednesday:
Walmart (Gas) $21.29 ($2.13/gallon)

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

I realized after I posted that I had forgotten something majorly important!! In the mail today were two more envelopes from mypoints.com!!! I got the $25 Macy's gift card for my Mom, and the $25 Office Depot gift card for my Dad. So in less than two weeks (closer to one week than two) I received all 4 gift cards that I ordered! This is the way to do Christmas!! (Ok, so it will probably take me another two years to save enough points again to do this, but if every other Christmas is a no-cost Christmas -- well, who's complaining??)


November 6:

I did my bus ride in the morning, then came home and read for awhile. My stomach wasn't feeling that great. My mom called to find out where were going to meet, and at first I thought I was going to make it, but then realized that it probably wasn't a good idea the way my stomach was acting up. So I ended up not going (okay, I really didn't want to go anyway, but my stomach really WAS feeling yucky.) I also didn't have to put any money out for a gift like I thought I was going to have to do. I talked to my mom Saturday night, and she told me the invitation specified "No Gifts.!" Yeah!!

I went to Kroger's after doing some coupon sluething. Also, my mom came by after the party and brought me her rack of dumbells (which she never uses.) So now I have 2,3,5 and 5 lb dumbells. I guess I could hold two dumbells together to make heavier weights like an 8 and 10 lbs weight - thought that might not be the safest thing to do.

Spending:
Kroger's: $1.92 ($8 retail value)

November 7:
Dad and I had a bit of an argument this morning, but got over it. He did laundry today and mailed a whole bunch of coupon inserts for me to the lady who runs the Coupon Club I used to go to (but now is at least a 90 minute drive one-way). Work went fairly smoothly. I still need one more person to come in and download their data before I can send in the timesheet.

During one of the slowspells at work today I checked my checking account and saw a deposit of about $50 made in my account today. I couldn't figure out where that came from so I called my dad and asked if he had perhaps made a deposit in my account today, and he hadn't. So I called the bank. They figured out that it was someone else's deposit, but the number (account) had been off my one digit. They were very grateful for me bringing that to their attention. Wish I had the $50 still though.

On the way home I called my friend Karin who lives in New Mexico. She and I had a good chat. She told me that she's most likely going to be finding out the sex of her second child this week. Both her husband and her are hoping for a sister for their son.

Dad and I went to Kroger's together to take advantadge of the Morningstar Veggie food sale, as well as the Red Barron Pizza sale (had coupons for both) plus used a number of coupons for other things. He wanted to pick up some other items as well that I didn't have coupons for, otherwise we would've done better percentage wise.

On the way back from the store, we stopped by my mailbox. In my box was the second Pilates DVD from Amazon. Yeah!
I haven't opened it yet, but it looks good.

I got an instant payment from both of my Ebay bidders today. So I'll need to get those items shipped off tomorrow - and definitely use my PayPal Debit card to pay for the shipping - get 1.5% cashback. Did you know that PayPal is paying something like 3.8 % interest? Better than ING, though not quite as much as Emigrant.

Spending Log:

I didn't spend any money today.

Dad bought at Kroger's: $44.32 ($80.00 Retail value)

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Didn't really do much today. In the mail today I got my next two Sex in the City DVD's (Season 6, disc 2,3) -- Watched both of them. I only have two more discs to watch, then I'll have seen the whole series. It's going to be hard giving Carrie and gang up.

I downloaded two MP3's today from Wal-mart. "Look Away" by Chicago, and "Wandering" by Ben Folds. "Look Away" has been a favorite of mine since I was a freshman in highschool. I can remember riding in the car with my roommate Monique after a homeleave (we attended boarding school) singing to her Madonna and Milli Vanilli and Chicago tapes. "Wandering" is a song that played at the end of an episode of "Everwood" two weeks ago. I thought it was so beautiful and sad (and it really fit the scene it played background for.) Last week I couldn't remember what song it was I wanted to download for my exercise reward, but this past week I was listening to the radio, and all of a sudden the name "Look Away" popped into my head, so I knew what I wanted.

Dad had asked me yesterday to mail some letters for him. So today I went out about lunch time and mailed them. Then stopped by Taco Bell and Dairy Queen. They don't have their blizzard special anymore -that's actually a good thing though, I won't be so tempted to buy them anymore at full price.

I'm going to have to get to bed fairly early tonight - I have a bus assignment that starts at 7 a.m. Then of course I have the 50th Wedding Anniversary tomorrow evening. I'm going to try and get ahold of my mom and see if she's using her dumbell collection - if not, maybe she'll bring it with her tomorrow so I don't have to go buy some. I need a 3lb, 8lb and 10 lbs - I have a 2 lb and a 5 lb set.


I now have 3 watchers on my phone card auction. I hope at least one of them actually bids before the auction ends - or maybe all 3 of them will bid.

Spending Log:
Wallmart.com -- $1.94 (2 song downloads)
Taco Bell: $2.24
Dairy Queen: $3.21

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

I think my dad and I were really getting on each other's nerves today. It just bugs me so much when he is so negative. He had lunch today with the family friend, and somehow the friend had him rehash the STUPID thing he did a few years ago which put him into this whole situation. And of course, as he's telling me this, he has to start rehashing some of it to me!!! Maybe I'm being selfish, but I am so SICK and TIRED of hearing all the various things associated with his STUPID decision. I am SO ready for him to be done with his time here in Texas and be able to move back to CA. He is so hopeful to have Sundays off again - but in my heart I am dreading it - the weekends are the only time I have my place completley to myself.

I can't even have a liesurely day off when he's around!!! No, he gets here and he starts in about getting the house cleaned, going grocery shopping, etc. etc. etc.!!!! When he first started living with me, we tried the avenue of splitting all expenses evenly. Utilities, rent, groceries, etc. I was supposed to do the grocery shopping. But so many times he'd come home and have bought groceries besides the ones I'd already bought, that eventually I just gave up. When I moved to my current place I told him that all I asked of him was to pay for anything related to food, and I'd do the rest. He spends SO much money on groceries!! He buys the packs of bottled water from Sams and then fills half my fridge with them!!! I've totally given up on even trying to do couponing, because he pretty much shops at Wal-mart exclusively -- and .... UGH!!!!

I do have to say that he does do a lot around here. He washes the dishes (since I don't have a dishwasher). He vacuums (since that's not terribly high up on my agenda, but it is on his). Sometimes he does the laundry, etc.

I do love him very much. He's my dad - nuff said. But after being used to being on my own for most of 8 years, sharing space with someone whom you're not romantically interested in, is NOT FUN!!

I'm just SO TIRED of hearing about the various people who bug him - and there are a lot of them. I'm TIRED of hearing him rehash the same things to the same people over and over -while I get to listen to him because he's sitting in the office talking on his cell phone, while I'm on the internet. I'm so TIRED of hearing him getting upset with a radio host because he disagrees with him -- like today, he was listening to Rush Limbaugh, and telling him how stupid he was because of some of his financial/economic views he was expressing. I asked him why he was listening to Rush if he disliked him so much. He told me that he liked him, but just didn't agree with his financial/economical views. Sure seemed to me like a needless exercise in getting your blood pressure worked up.

At this point there's really not much I can do to change any of this. At most, he'll only be here a few more months - hopefully a lot less. I know he's as frustrated as I am with the living situation.

Sorry for the rant. Guess I'm feeling a little over emotional and tired right now, and letting things get to me more than usual.

Good things - I got my brother's giftcards from mypoints.com today. That was pretty darn quick shipping. Today was my brother's birthday - and I actually got to talk to him (and not an answering machine!) Hard to believe that my baby brother is 25. Got a call from my college roommate/good friend Tracy today. She's definitely decided that she is going to have to be moving/changing schools. She actually said she'd be open to coming here to Texas!! That would be so cool to have her here. She's a teacher, just like I used to be. I gave her my teacher colleague Tammy's number so she can find more out about my old school. They'll more than likely be needing a new lower grades teacher next year.

Well, I didn't spend anything today, but I did get my water bill.

Water Bill (includes sewer, trash) : $59.70 (down from $77.59 last month!!! Never in my life paid this much for WATER!!)


Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Work was fairly slow. I had LONG periods of time with nothing to do but surf the net and read the book I brought along, then Poof! I have three surveyors descend on me within five minutes. I was happy to see them though, since it gave me something to do that was work related. I picked up my check after work, although Lynn (from the employment agency) asked me to not say anything about it to anyone else - I guess they don't want others to know the checks are actually ready on Thursday afternoon.

When I got home I helped dad unload the Sams Club purchases, as well as his other shopping. He had stopped by Half-Price bookstore so I had asked him to look for a couple books for me. He found the book "Pilates Body" ($4.99) and Weight Training for Dummies ($7.98). Those were both books I had looked at in Border's a few weeks ago, and really wanted, but couldn't justify the expense. The library didn't have either one of them, so I told him that if they were under $8, to go ahead and pick them up for me (both new are $20++).

After that we went on a 20 mintue walk - by the time we got back, it was fairly dark (around 6 pm). It's so weird having it get dark so early. I wish we didn't have to have daylight savings time and that it could continue to be light out till 8pm. Oh well, nothing I can do about it.

Looks like I've finally gotten a bid on one of my Ebay items. The phone card has a couple of watchers, so maybe that will sell too. Is $2 a good price for a 120 minute phone card, or am I overpricing it?

I have to go to an 50th wedding anniversary party on Sunday. Really don't want to go - I was wanting to go to the Pathways graduation - several family members of my classmates are graduating. But I can't go to both. Also, by going to this anniversary thing, I'm going to have to buy a gift. I'm either going to go in halves with my mom on a gift, or get an Olive Garden gift card. Either way it will be $25. I guess I would have spent about half that on gas money to go to the Pathways graduation, but still ... Ok, done with my bellyaching.

Spending Log:
$13.00 -- Dad for two books

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

A few weeks ago I ordered two Pilates DVD from amazon - used sellers. Before ordering I forgot to change my shipping address. So both DVD's were sent to my Dallas address. I thought it would be very unlikely for them to reach me three address changes later, but, miracles of miracles, one of them did! I can hardly wait to do it in the morning.

Today at work was for the most part very slow. The lady who hired the firm who hired the temp agency who hired me (what a mouthful!) spent probably a good two hours talking with me about some possible career avenues. She was suggesting that I might want to get a fellowship where it basically pays my tuition and books, as well as some professional travel, as well as providing a 20 hr a week internship in city goverment/planning, while pursuing a Masters of Public Administration - which would take about two years. Then when you're done with that, you have a wide range of possibilities open. I would have to enroll at UTA - but would not be able to begin till the summer session, since the Spring semester enrollment is already past. But I would need to take the GRE anyway, as well as see what student loans I could get. Because while the fellowship pays for tuition and books, and provides a 20 hr /wk job - that job barely would cover my rent, let alone any other expenses.

I'm not sure what I think about this yet. If I went this route (and was accepted) it would be at least the next 4 years of my life - you "repay" the fellowship by serving in some compacity of community service for two years after graduation. I don't know that going back to school is really the way I want to go.

I do know however, that if I continue to make the kind of wages I am right now, I will never be able to afford a house, let alone have much of anything to put away in savings. Right now I am able to live on it without dipping into savings, only because my rent is paid through February. Once I have to pay rent again, if I'm still making in the same area - I'm not sure how I'm going to do it.

Even with my financial worries, I still don't regret quitting teaching!

Spending Log:
Electricity: $60.08 (am anticipating next month's bill - switched to a diff. elect. company)
Auto Warranty (Extended) $105.25
Gas: $22.10 ($2.23 / gallon)

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Well, it ended up that I didn't get any trick or treaters last night. So this morning I took my huge bag of candy (minus about 10 boxes of nerds) to work and put it in the driver's breakroom. All of it was gone within an hour.

Work was pretty busy for the first three hours. Then the last three hours -well, didn't have much to do. Luckily there's an internet connection.

I'd checked out some books from the local library here about 5 weeks ago. I'd only read 3 of them - they were three weeks overdue. So today on the way home from work, I finally took them back. I was worried about what the fine was going to be. Somewhere I thought I had read that it was $.60/day - so I was expecting a fine of around $80 or more. Thankfully that wasn't the case - my fine was $11.90. Almost the cost of a new book. Part of my problem was that I am used to being able to renew my books multiple times online - for three weeks at a time (thank you Dallas libraries!) But in the town I'm in now, they only allow you to check books out for two weeks, renew twice, and can't renew online or over the phone. So, that just means that I'm going to have to figure out a way to make sure the books aren't late.

Part of the reason I went there was to see if they had any good books on strength training or Pilates. Let's just say their selection was paltry. They had a lot of books on Yoga, but none on Pilates. I was hoping for one of the Dummies or Idiot's Guides for either Pilates or Strength Training - but no such canoodle. I did find one book by Kathy Smith on strength training, which may be helfpful.

When I got home, I found my washer and dryer and kitchen table full of pots and pans and silverware and a waffle iron. I was wondering where they all came from. I figured my dad might have found an estate sale or something. When I moved from Dallas to Forth Worth (first move of the summer) my mom had packed my kitchen for me - but had inadvertantly NOT packed my pots and pans. I didn't figure this out till three day's later, and when I went back to my old apartment, they were ALL gone. So anyway, when my dad got home, he told me that while he was helping a good family friend clean out a storage unit today, he came across the aforementioned stuff, and after dad told him about my pots and pans having been stolen, he gave them to us. This will make cooking so much easier - included were also two glass baking dishes! I've never had a waffle iron before - I hope it works, can't wait to try it out.

My dad had another surprise for me too. He had taken three more boxes of stuff - one box was full of Elvis Presley newspapers (day he died, etc). Charles (dad's friend) thought maybe I could Ebay it for him. (Did some quick research, and it doesn't appear worthwhile.) Another box was full of religous tracts/music. The third box though was full of gold for a reader like me though - about 35 Reader's Digest Condensed books!!!!! I thought about reading them and then Ebaying them, but after a little research, realized again, that it wouldn't be worth it. I have enough reading material to keep me from the library for a LONG time! Then I or my dad can just take them to Half-Price bookstore and get rid of them!

Ok, better start closing this out so I can take a look at the Kathy Smith book before tomorrow morning.

Spending:
Food: $.85 (bottle of water at work - forgot my water at home)
Library Fines: $11.90

I am using a combination of the free program justbudget.com and the not free program youneedabudget.com . I think both of them will be helpful, in different ways. I really like YNAB better than the excell spreadsheet I made back in January for myself. This seems so much simpler than the one I made.

So, anyway, hanging it up for the night. Happy November everyone!

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

I got to work about 30 minutes early and was really hopping till just a bit after 5 (I'm supposed to go at 4pm). The new package of assignments came in, so that made it alot easier to make people's schedules for the week.

When I got home it was already dark (5pm traffic, plus daylight savings.) Dad had supper ready - a baked potato with cheese, sour cream, veggie bacon crumbles, and cottage cheese. It was yummy and warm.

I finally went ahead and ordered my family's Christmas gifts from mypoints. I got my mom a gift card from Macy's, my brother 2 gift cards from Gap (they only had the $10 ones left), and my Dad a webcertificate that can be used anywhere online. I hope they arrive in time for Christmas. I also got a notice that the gift card I bought for my brother's birthday shipped. I hope it gets there in time for his birthday (Friday).

So far tonight nobody's come by my door trick or treating. I sure don't want that whole bag of candy sitting around here, so I guess I'll take it to work tomorrow - maybe give it to the front desk lady to give out - or put it in the breakroom for the drivers!

So far my ebay sales aren't going very well. I have one watcher on one of the items, but not much in the way of looksie loo's. If I could figure out a good way to describe my scarf and the bracelets, they'd probably make good Christmas gifts for someone.

Last night I gave myself a french manicure and also painted my toes with a sparkling red polish. My toes turned out good enough (not much skill involved there) but the french manicure --- well, let's just say nobody would mistake it for a professional job.

Hard to believe that it's already the end of October. 2005 has just gone by so fast. Only six more weeks till I'm out of my 20's - Yikes! Sure am not where I wish I would've been by now financially (or in other ways too.) I guess its good that I've learned my financial lessons the hard way now, rather than later. Though I do sometimes envy people who somehow seem to have it all together financially (and otherwise) from a young age. No use in crying over spilt milk.

Spending:
Newspaper (for dad): $.50
York Pep Mints: (4) $.46

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Well I really didn't do much at all today, except sit on my duff and surf the net. What a productive day - NOT! My neck an shoulder are feeling enough better so that I can turn my head without wincing or shouting miserably, so I should be able to go to work tomorrow with no problem. I'm not sure whether or not I should do my exercise routine or Pilates routine until it's more healed.

One of my surveyors called me ad nauseum today, trying to figure out how to catch the bus she's supposed to be surveying. I'm not really sure why she kept calling me after I told her the only idea I had for her to do. At least it was only using weekend minutes and not anytime minutes.

I was catching up a bit on the forums here, and came across Jeffery's $20 into $5000 challenge. It started back in July I guess. I'd been considering trying to find some ways to make some money, as well as get rid of more stuff, so this challenge I guess was just the kick in the pants I needed. I rumaged around a bit and found this prepaid phone card I'd gotten as a gift eons ago, an ethernet cable that I had never used, and a One-Year Bible (have SO many Bibles!) and then I listed all of them on Ebay. I also found some books, some scrabook pages, a beautiful scarf that came from somewhere in Europe - but I really have no use for it, and some silver bracelets an ex of mine gave me years ago that I've held onto for some reason. I'm going to list the other items maybe tomorrow. I'm not sure how to list the bracelets exactly, because I really don't know much about jewlery -and I'm not sure about the scarf either. I'm going to ask my dad also if he has anything he'd like me to sell for him.

I also spent some time today looking at my website. I'm really not sure what to do with it. It represents several hundred hours of designing and maintenance time, but it was purposed for when I was teaching. I really hate to delete all of that work and time I put into it, but it's just not serving any purpose for me anymore. I still own the domain name (not a name that anybody else would think of in a million years, I'd imagine). I'd like to use it again, and maybe sign up for google's ad sense and a few other affiliate type things, but I'm not sure what I'd put on there to draw traffic. Maybe make it a blog and call it "Musings of an Out of Work Frugal Singleton."

Well, it's not quite time to head off to bed. Maybe I'll spend some more time surfing the net - or horrors! maybe do something more productive, like, heaven forbid - put my laundry away????

Keeping It Frugal in Texas

Laura

Well, I woke up this morning totally planning on going to church, taking a nap in the afternoon, then getting my costume all put together for the Halloween party, then of course having a great time at the party. Unfortunately my body seemed to have other plans, so none of that happened. I got up, and did my usual morning wake up stretch - when OW! I pulled a muscle in my neck!!!

For the first couple hours I could NOT move my head to the right, and if I had to bend down to get something I had to do a deep knee bend and then bend from the waist. Finally I took some extra strength tylenol, and sat in my recliner with the full body masage thing I got from Wal-mart at an after Christmas sale with a gift card two years ago. I guess my cat took the vibrations from the chair to be like purring, so I got a lapful of cat purring loudly away, which made it difficult to adjust myself to get the full effect on my neck and shoulder (cuz ya know if the cat wants to sit on your lap, who are you to make him move! ) After a couple hours doing that, I was feeling *slightly* better, but the heat/massage function just was not getting to the sorest part, so I decided that I should go to Walgreens and get some of those spot specific heating pads.

Let's just say that driving - especially backing up - when it hurts to turn your head more than 5 degrees to the left, is painful and not reccommended. Somehow I made it to Walgreens without backing over anyone or anything. I went to the pharmacy and asked the lady what she reccomended (besides heating pads.) She told me since the tylenol wasn't working that great, there was something else over the counter I could try - of course after searching high and low for it, turns out they didn't have any in stock! At first I took a box of the name brand Therma pads - along with a $.55 coupon. When I got to the counter I asked the lady if they happened to also be on sale. She looked in the circular, and found out that that brand wasn't on sale, but another one was - $3 less, even with coupon. It ended up that she actually went and found a box of the sale brand for me (cuz I couldn't find it, and the employee in that section couldn't find one!) I still wanted that Orubitz (sp?) that the pharmacist had reccommended, so I went to Krogers (nope) and then to Walmart. Walmart didn't have it either, but it did have the same brand of heating pads I'd gotten on sale, for $.7 less than Walgreens sale price. I went ahead and picked up another box.

About the heating pads. Let's just say that they don't stay on very well - at least not on the neck/shoulder area - and especially if you can't get all your hair out of the way (which is difficult when it's painful to use both arms to sweep hair off of neck!) I ended up spending the afternoon with an empty water bottle behind my neck holding the "adhesive" heating pad in place, sitting in my recliner, finishing a book, then watching Disc 2 Season 5 and Disc 1 Season 6 of S*x and the City.

Not quite how I had planned my day to go. Tomorrow I'm supposed to do an assignment (due to my supervisor hours being cut, I'm taking routes to make up the hours). But with my neck as sore as it is, I don't think that riding on a bus for 6 hours would be very good for it, and I'm not sure if I should try for an hour long one way drive just yet. So, I think tomorrow I'm going to continue nursing my neck/shoulder, and hope that by Monday morning it will be back to normal.

I've never pulled a neck muscle before, and I pray that I never do again. But one thing this has shown me is one of the not so great things about being single (as if I didn't already know.) In watching the different seasons of S*x and the City, one thing I've realized is that even when none of them were in a relationship, they always had each other to rely on and to hang out with. That's something that is definitely missing in my life. I have awesome friends who are only a phone call away, but I don't have any friends that are close enough to just go hang out with, or go to a movie, or whatever.

Sorry. Didn't mean to go into downerville.

Bright side - didn't use half a tank of gas to get to the party and back - saved $12 - 14

Walgreens: $3 - heating pads, $3 junkfood ( I know, I know, but chocolate's good medicine, right?)
Walmart: $2.92 - heating pads

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,

Laura

Last week I completed a defensive driving course online (only $25 - let me know if you'd like the link) for my insurance discount. One of the things it stressed was the 12 second rule. Basically that you should always be looking ahead and around you for 12 seconds ahead - to be alerted to possible "collision traps." Well, tonight I was driving home from having to go into work (on my day off, long story) and was pretty tired. I was about five miles or so from home on a stretch of road that I've driven many, many times, and is not in an area where you'd expect to find pedestrians. I wasn't keeping my 12 second vigil. Something just happened to catch my eye, and I realized that there was someone walking across the road in front of me with a dog! I came with in inches of hitting the person and their dog. All I can say is that it had to have been an angel that caught my attention. It just makes me sick to think about what *could* have happened! Thank God nothing *did* happen!!!

Today I saved myself some money, and I spent money. I called SBC (phone) to find out how much a basic, no frills line, plus dial-up, plus my cell phone would be - ~$95/mo. Then I called Charter (cable) to cut back to basic cable, and cut my cable internet. I did end up cutting back to basic cable, but I was offered a really good deal to keep the cable internet. So, I decided to stick with it (instead of going to dial-up). I am saving approximately $70/mo by doing this.

I bought my brother his birthday gift from Circuit City via mypoints.com. He must have a sixth-sense or something, because a few minutes after having bought it, guess who I got a call from? Only my favorite brother in the world. Then I purchased "you need a budget" from Karen's blog. It looks much better than anything I've ever put together before, and much better than Quicken or MS Money. I'm going to have to spend some time exploring it.

When I had my car inspected today, it almost didn't pass inspection. All because of my windsheild wipers!!! Luckily the garage I had it inspected at had wipers, so I just bought them there, and passed inspection. When he first said those words though " doesn't pass inspection" I think my heart sunk to my stomach!

After getting my oil changed, my dad and I went to Walmart to pick up some Morningstar (veggie) products. Walmart has them on sale right now for $2.28 and we have a *bunch* of $1 coupons. While we were there I got a call from one of my surveyors telling me that their Palm had lost the survey program. He has an assignment early tomorrow morning, and needed his Palm for that. So it ended up that I had to drive an hour there (because of traffic) and an hour and a half back (traffic) just to fix his palm!! There went a 1/8 of a tank of gas!

Something else I did on my way home was to stop at Albertsons. My dad had asked me to pick up a paper, and I had decided on a new costume for the Halloween party I'm going to tomorrow night and needed safety pins. I also picked up two bottles of nail polish and a bottle of nail polish remover. One of my rewards in my exercise plan is to give myself a manicure - so I bought a french manicure set (I love the look of a french manicure.)

Btw - I am going as "static cling." I'm going to wear my black pedal pushers (longish shorts) and a black shirt. Then I'm going to safety pin various pieces of clothing all over me. Safety pins are more expensive than I thought they were, $2 for a package of 50.

I switched over to a new electric company this past week. Today in the mail I got a notice from ERCOT telling me my account had been switched over - making sure I had done it, and not someone else. Ironcially, I also got my monthly bill from TXU, which was MUCH MUCH better - only $60. Hopefully with my being more vigilant about keeping unneeded lights off, as well as the new companies lower rates (we'll see) my next bill will be even lower.

A pretty spendy day overall.

B-day gift for Ryan: $30
YNAB: $20
Car Inspection: $40
Wiper Blades: $8
Oil change: $22.47
Gas: $20 (not quite full - $2.31/gallon)
Albertsons: $18.31 (newspaper, nail polish, french manicure kit, remover, etc)
Music Download: $.95 (walmart.com -- part of my reward system)

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Earlier this evening I was checking around the site to see what was new. I found the avatars - a whole bunch of them. But I picked the one I'm using for one reason -- it's an almost exact replica of my cat Monkey!!! I also thought it was pretty cool how you can now add a picture to your profile. If anyone wants to see a pic of me and my favorite guy, check out my profile.

My cat woke me up this morning an hour before my alarm went off. I managed to get back to sleep for a little while, but by the time my alarm actually went off, I *just* could not make myself get up out of bed to go exercise. So I decided to take this morning as my morning off from exercise.

Then, work was just hassle after hassle after hassle. Nothing terrible really, just kind of frustrating. Mainly computer and Palm Pilot troubles. The surveyor's use a Palm Pilot with GPS as they ride the busses, and we've had lots of problems with the battery packs not working, the routes not being entered correctly, the Palms freezing up, etc. etc. The new assignments didn't come in today, but I wouldn't have had time to do anything with them anyway.

With all of that activity, I didn't manage to eat "lunch" till about 3pm I developed a major headache, due to I think stress, not eating, and over tiredness. This headache still has not left me. When I got home, I took a walk with my dad, hoping that getting some endorphins pumping would help. But it didn't help very much. I had an even worse headache on Monday afternoon. Asprin is NOT helping. I have a cold water bottle behind my neck right now, and that does seem to be helping a little bit.

I don't work tomorrow, which is good so I can take care of some things. I have to get my oil changed - amazing how fast the miles add up when you have a 30 mile one-way commute 4 - 6 days a week! Then I need to get my car registered. I was going to do it last Friday, but I didn't have my insurance papers with me (I went to a Nichole Nordeman concert in Dallas and stayed overnight with my mom.) I saw gas today for $2.37 - I hope I'm not making a mistake by waiting till tomorrow to see if it's a little less. I may actually be able to fill up with a $20 bill. Long time since that's happened.

I didn't spend any money today, which is good. Though of course tomorrow I'll probably blow through $100 or more. I need to get my brother's birthday present bought (I'm getting him a gift card for Circuit City - he loves video games, and I have no clue which ones he has or doesn't have) through mypoints.com, so I'm taking care of his gift, plus I'm earning some more points. I have almost 10,000 points. I'm thinking of using them for Christmas gifts this year for my immediate family. Anyone know how long it takes for gift cards to arrive that you order with points?? Btw - this is over two years worth of points - haven't spent any yet.

I'm going to start tracking my spending again for November. I think I've totally lost sight of how much money I'm actually spending since not having a steady monthly amount coming in. Until I got this job, whenever I needed money, I just made another transfer from ING, which made it pretty difficult to track actual spending (without writing it all down of course.)

Ok, I think I'm going to get a cold washcloth and go to bed. Maybe this headache will go away SOON!

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Hi! I can hardly believe its been so long since I last posted here! The last time I posted, I mentioned about the possibility of my having FINNAly found a job. Well .... I got it! For the first week I was an assistant supervisor/surveyor. Then the supervisor decided that she couldn't handle the job, and quit. SO, guess who got a promotion??

I am so loving it. I get to sit in front of a computer all day, synching the data the surveyors bring in, helping problem solve various issues that come up, making schedules for the surveyors, etc. It looks like it is going to last till Dec 11, which is a couple more weeks than I was expecting, which is very good.

Lynn, the person whom I'm in contact with a lot at the employment agency, has pretty much assured me that I won't be lacking for another job when this project is over. Now whether that means a permenant job, or another temp job, who knows. But it does feel pretty good to know that I wont' have to be touching my savings again for a couple more months.

A couple weeks ago I graduated with my class from Pathways. Yay! No more spending there! One thing I decided to focus on during my last weekend was to become a more healthy person. My first goal has been to make exercise a reflexive part of my life. So far, so good. I have been working out at least four times a week - using some previously owned video's, plus I purchased a book on beginner's Pilates as well as a DVD called "Easy Pilates." This is my fourth week in a row to have 4 workouts or more. I'm planning on reevaluating my progress and deciding whether I'm ready for my next goal, on December 10.

As far as money goes, I think I've been doing okay. I haven't been tracking like I should. I just find it very difficult when you never know exactly how much is going to be coming in each week. My second electric bill here really threw me for a loop - especially since I don't think the air was turned lower than 80 degrees, if it was even turned on at all -- $100!!!! I was used to more like $40 - $60. Hopefully it will be less this month.

Sunday night I took my cat to the vet because I he was having diffuclty with a bathroom action. It was an hour's ride to the vet (night clinic) and half-way there, he no longer had trouble with that action. I went ahead and took him to see the vet anyway because I was worried that there might have been something going on that caused it in the first place. Thankfully it turned out that he checked out just fine. Night Visit to vet = $88.67 ; Getting home at 2 a.m. = little sleep ;
Peace of mind about my cat's health = Priceless.

Ok, I'm off now to watch disc one of S*x and the City -Season 5.

Hope everyone is keeping warm.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,

Laura

I've gone on two job interviews so far this week. Well, actually the one yesterday was with an employment agency - but I did testing on MS office and typing skills. Today I had an interview for a position as an employment counselor with the Texas Workforce Commision, located right here in the same town I live!! The lady told me she's interviewing four people for two positions, and that she'd be making her decision by the end of the day - to start tomorrow morning!!! It doesn't pay a lot, and I don't think it has any bene's, but, it's a job, and it's something where I'd be able to be of service to others. I can hardly wait to find out if I got it or not! If I don't, I do still have a number of other possibilities opening up for me.

I'm really having to watch my money, so having some INflow instead of OUTflow would be really really nice for a change of pace.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Hi all. The past couple days I have had a number of job possibilities come my way. Two of them seem to be the most promising. One would be working for UofPhoenix in TX as an academic counselor. The other would be working as a Family Development Assistant - essentially helping people who want to be foster parents get licensed. The first one I have a bit of an in with becuase my mom is now working for UofPhoenix. She's the one who alerted me to this job possibility. The second one I have even more of an in. My Pathway's sponsor is currently in this job, but has accepted a new position, and alerted me to it. I've sent a spiffed up resume and cover letter to both places, but haven't heard back yet. It would just be so awesome to go into the month of October as an EMPLOYED person!

Tomorrow I'm going for the next to last of my Pathway's training weekends. I'm looking forward to seeing my classmates again, as well as finding out what's in store for me during the weekend.

Today I had to take a dress of mine to a repair shop - the slit in the skirt had ripped (along the seam) by about three inches. I also had to take my bean necklace to be repaired. Early this morning I woke up and found my hair tangled up in the chain. Without thinking clearly, I proceded to yank my hair out - which unfortunately broke the chain. My dress will be ready in the morning (~$2.50) but my chain was ready this afternoon (~$11.00 - OUCH!).

Well, not much else really to write about.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Well today I finally got off my duff and got stuff done! I got all my books put away on my bookshelves, and emptied out all my "office" boxes and put that stuff away. I also cleaned out my car - both of trash, and of things that just didn't belong in my car. Then I also sorted through my box of health and beauty products. I kept out two deoderant, one pkg of razors, two sets of shampoo/conditioner, and two containers of mouthwash. Then I also opened up my grocery bag full of cat treats, and took out 6 bags/containers. Everything else I put in the box and took to the Salvation Army. I was going to take it to that address in Dallas, but 1)I couldn't find the address again, and 2) I didn't want to spend all that gas money if I could find a local place that would accept my stuff. I didn't really have any place to keep those extras anyway, so I was glad I could give it somewhere where it will get used.

I've still got a ways to go before my place is settled, but it's getting much closer. On Sunday, dad and I are going to put up pictures and do laundry. I am SO glad to have my own washer and dryer!

Spending:
Breakfast: (treated my dad) $10


Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Yesterday evening I realized that my a/c was not working, and I called my manager. The a/c guy came and got it working again, but told me he'd be back this morning. He came back this morning and completed his repairs.

About 20 minutes or so later, I heard some strange knocking noises, and went into my living room to investigate. I didn't notice anything, so went back to what I was doing (sitting at the computer of course). A few minutes after I sat down, POOF! My electricity went completely out! I called my manager and he came out fairly quickly and figured out that a breaker? got flipped. He flipped it back (I had flipped the breakers? inside my place, but didn't know about the one outside) and my electrcity came back on. Shortly after, the a/c man came out and told me that the compressor had blown, so he fixed/replaced that. Since then, no problems. I'm really thinking I need to write a letter of thanks to my property manager. He really does keep on top of things quite well.

I pretty much wasted today. I did call all the various employment agencies I've applied with to let them know that, yes, I do still need assignments. I also called this one ad in the Career Builder for tutors/teachers, but only got an answering machine.

I think for tomorrow I HAVE to put a time limit on myself as far as the computer goes. I'm wasting entirely too much time on it. I DO actually have other things I SHOULD be doing, such as unpacking my books and settling more of my belongings in my place. It's just TOO easy to get in front of this computer and find thing after thing that I want to read or do, and find myself HOURS down the road. And the thing is, I'm not even playing computer games - I'm just reading various forums and news websites! The forums are much more active the past few days than usual, so I guess I'm not the only one, but this can't keep up.

On one of my forums I read about a place in Dallas that's accepting donations of food and clothing. So I think I might get together some stuff to donate tomorrow. That'll get me out of the house and doing something (other than being an extreme lazy person sitting on my duff all day lamenting that I can't find a job!) I need to get my car cleaned out tomorrow too, and probably getting it washed would be a good idea as well.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Today was an interesting day. My dad got here around 9:30 after his weekly breakfast with his friend Charles. This is the person who is letting him use his address. Well, today at breakfast he found out that Charles has been called out by a neighbor who is trying to sell their house about my dad using their address (Charle's address). So, my dad was asked to find another address. This really hit him hard, though he understood where Charles' was coming from. Later he found out that he might be losing Sundays (long story) because of some vindictive people who can't mind their own business. What a great day for him. NOT!

I didn't do much of anything productive today. I spent way too much time watching CNN and reading stuff on the net about Katrina. It's just too much to imagine. I did see on the local news tonight that some evacuee's are coming to the Dallas area, so maybe I can find a way to help out there. Do something.

This afternoon I talked to Todd for awhile (IM). He mentioned that his fiance is interviewing for another position, and if she gets it, then her job will open up. He suggested that it might be something I'd be interested in - I told him to let me know if it becomes a real possibility.

This evening I was talking to the lady who was my small groups leader in Pathways. I told her I was doing ok, but would be doing better if I had a job. She told me to send me a copy of my resume and she'd see what she could do!

That would be so awesome if either possibility actually panned out!

Basselle, thank you for your comment. I have applied at four different employment agencies asking for ANY kind of work possibly available. So far, nothing. On all my apps I have included my BS degree, but I have NOT included ANY of the graduate level work I've done. I've done work for temp agencies before - actually was getting a fairly steady stream of jobs - just not enough to pay rent and bills, so ended up taking the teaching position offered (and had to borrow money from my parents for gas to get there!)

My A/C went out today. It was right at 100 degrees outside. I called my manager this evening (because it really hadn't bothered me, what with the ceiling fans and limited clothing -but it bugged my dad a lot) and he got someone over here right away to fix it. So now my place is a cool 82 degrees (maybe a little less with the fans going). The manager told me that replacing the a/c unit (compressor) is gonna cost him a not so cool $695. Ouch! I have to say that so far I am very impressed with the customer service orientation of the property managers.

I've got to get off the computer tomorrow and away from CNN. It's not good to have all that sadness running 24/7 in front of you.

No spending today (well, not by me. Dad treated me to supper at Quizno's.)

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Well today I went for the information session/interview for the audio visual company. They were looking for av techs. The ad said no experience needed - they would train. It sounded legit from the info session, and it sounded like something I thought I could enjoy. So I finished up the application and waited to be interviewed. I was near the end of the interviews. Within about five minutes the lady interviewing me told me that she thought the job wouldn't be a "good fit' for me. That I would get "bored" by it quickly. That I should pursue finding something more along the lines of what my real passion was (children). I tried to explain to her that I felt I needed a break. That I needed something totally different. That I wanted to stretch myself. No matter.

I feel like I am in such a box. A box of my own making. Two years ago I tried to get a position as a student recruiter at Devry. The interviewer told me the same thing - that he could hear the passion inside of me when I spoke of my kids (students) and that I'd miss them too much. So, of course, I had no choice but to go back to teaching. Five years ago I was completely through with teaching. But then it was mid-August and I had no money and no job. So I ended up taking the first teaching job available. That's twice I've tried to change careers and been basically forced back into teaching. I refuse to let that happen a third time!!! But it feels like NOBODY will even give me a chance to break out of what I know. I'm so scared that I'm going to come to the end of my reserves and still have not found a job! Yes, I have taught for eight years. But I only taught for the first two years of my own complete choice and free will - the other six were because financially I HAD to - just so I could have a job! The question of whether or not I love and care for my students to me is a moot point - I don't want to do it anymore (the whole of the teaching job, not not caring for kids). Why can't they understand that???

So basically today I wasted my day and half a tank of gas on a person/company not even willing to give me a chance. Ugh!!

Spending:
Oil Change: $31 (included tire rotation, fluid changes, inspection, etc)
Gas: ~4 gallons $2.47/gallon

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Wow! I don't remember the last time I watched so much tv/news coverage. This whole thing with Katrina is just so mind blowing. To think of all those millions of people who have lost so much - some who've lost everything - and will have to start over again somehow. I really thought the whole SuperDome idea wasn't too smart, but luckily it seemed to work out okay. Not a gamble I would've cared to have taken though. I looked into what it would take to become a volunteer to help out with the Red Cross effort. It appears that you have to fill out an application - wait at least two weeks - then get trained - then be able to be sent somewhere. Right now with me not having a job, would be the easiest time for me to go. I'm hoping that two weeks from now I'll be happily slaving away at some job.

I've really gotta turn the tv off - or at least to a channel not covering this. It's so saddening.

I got an email today from a guy I had met through a christian singles website. We've struck up a sort-of friendship over the past couple months. He was telling me about his weekend - he went to Six Flags (lucky!!), but also found out that the girl he'd been dating the past few weeks wasn't so great. I hope he's not entertaining any ideas about me - cuz I've placed a self-imposed moratorium on dating till at least my 30th birthday (December).

This evening I went to supper with a classmate of mine from Pathways. It just so happens that she is also an Adventist. The first time we met and I found that out, it made me slightly nervous - wondering what she knew about my family's situation, as well as what she might hear from me. Apparantally my reaction was more obvious than I realized. But now I know her much better, and we had a really great three-hour conversation. I think our waitress was getting just a *little* bit annoyed at us taking her table that whole time. We've agreed that we have to do this more often - maybe once a month.

I just have to say how very glad I am that my exbf Todd pushed and pushed about the Pathways program. I have benefited from it in SO many, many ways. Just one benefit I'll mention -which to me was MAJOR. During church a particular family sat in the pew in front of my friend's family and I. The husband in that family was a person who caused me a great deal of hurt and anger at the beginning of last school year. He was a large part of the final straw that caused my decision to leave teaching. All last year, whenever I saw him, my guts would twist in knots. All year I asked God to help me to forgive him and let go. During one of the Pathway's weekends I emptied out a lot of different feelings - amongst them the hurt and anger I felt towards him. When he sat in front of me during church on Saturday, I did a gut check. I am beyond happy to report that my guts didn't twist! I was able to sit behind this person in perfect peace and listen to the sermon without being distracted by his being in front of me. That to me was a HUGE victory, and well worth EVERY red cent I am spending on this program.

On my way home tonight I figured I better fill up on gas. One gas station that was right next to the resturant had been at $2.48 before I went inside. When I came back out, it was at $2.55. I decided to look for greener pastures, and was able to find a gas station for $2.48. I then spent ~$20 to fill up 3/4 of a Honda Civic tank. I'm hoping that this tank will last me for awhile. I remember when I cringed at the gas pump showing $12 or $13 for a full tank of gas. I'd like to go back to those days.

I was IM'ing with Todd today, and he told me about this business op his fiance has found. It's a fairly new electric co. called "Ignite". It apparantally offers lower electrical rates than any other company. You buy into it, then find customers and/or more brokers, and then get a percentage of the electrical bills of your group. I'm pretty leary about it, but I told him I'd be willing to go to an information meeting. He seems to think it's pretty legit. We'll see, I guess.

Ok. Time for bed. I have to get up in the morning to go to this audiovisual companies information session. I hope it's worth the gas money.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Hi All!
Can't believe it's been so long since I've posted here! A lot has happened since I last posted. About 10 days ago I found a duplex which would rent to me (but not my dad). My dad managed to find another temporary place. A week ago today we moved the bulk of my belongings into my new place. It's nice enough - not very big, doesn't have a dishwasher - BUT it DOES have a working wahser and dryer!! Woo hoo! It also has a small storage building, which is very helpful with my overflow.

I STILL have not found a job. I call all of the employment agencies every week to make sure my name stays in the forefront of their minds, but so far, no luck. ARGHH!!! On Tuesday I will be going into Dallas for an "information" session and possible interview, for an audio visual company. They apparantally will hire people with no experience and train them. They have a website, but it doesn't give any more information than the newspaper ad did. I'm really really hoping this is legit. Of course, if gas prices jump because of Katrina, driving into Dallas might just not be financially feasible, unless the pay is really great.

For those of you who may remember me talking about my exbf Scott - a few weeks ago we had what you could call a revealing conversation. It revealed to me, at least, in no uncertain terms, that it was long past time to end our communication. It's amazing how freeing it is to not have to wonder any more about his intentions, or about whether or not I should move to Lincoln, NE.

This past weekend I made the most I could of half a tank of gas. On Friday I drove into Irving (a city North of Dallas) and spent four hours stuffing envelopes and answering phones for Pathways - which earned $40 towards my training. Then I drove to Garland (a town East of Dallas) where I spent the night with one of my best friends and her family. On Saturday I went to church with my friend's family, then we had another friend of mine over for Sabbath dinner/afternoon. It was so great spending time with my friends and with my two favorite kids in the world! Saturday night though was an evening like none other I have ever experienced before! I attended the birthday party for one of my classmates in Pathways. The party started at this place called "Dueling Piano's Karaoke Bar". I had thought that Karaoke meant that people got up front and sang - but they had actual *good* singers /piano players who played/sang - then the whole crowd sang along. All the songs were old favorites that were easy to sing along with, i.e. "These Boots Were Made For Walking" "Piano Man" "Country Roads Take Me Home" etc. We stayed there for a couple hours. The only money I spent was for the cover charge ($7) since water was free. Then we moved on to another bar in downtown Dallas. We got there early enough so that we didn't have to pay a cover charge. Let's just say this was a place I *would not* visit on my own (though, I wouldn't ever go to any bar by myself anyway). But with the group I was with, I had a blast. One of the woman in the group later told me that she'd spent $40 on drinks, and I told her that I'd not spent a dime.

I ended up not getting home this morning till nearly 3am!! My darling cat of course woke me up at 6:30 for his morning meal - he didn't care that I'd had barely 3 1/2 hours sleep - he wanted to be fed!!

Needless to say, I royally dragged today. It took me till nearly this afternoon before I finally got myself into gear and got some more stuff done in my new place. I did manage to get all the food put away (finally!). Dad and I also went to Wal-mart and picked up one of those 3 drawer storage bins to put the silverware in (there's 3 drawers in the kitchen --NARROW drawers!). So the kitchen is finally starting to take some shape. Next up is my office, then my bedroom My place is about 100 sq ft smaller than where I lived in Dallas - but it's cut up into two bedrooms, which greatly reduces actual space.

My mom is starting a new job tomorrow with UofPhoneix. She's not too excited about it, but it is at least a job. I hope she likes it better than she thinks she will.

Well, I better sign off. I promise that I WILL post more regularly (especially now that I have more reliable internet access!)

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Hi All!

Yep, just like my title says, I'm moving yet again!!! The house my dad and I have been living in since July 4 has been sold!!! The people who bought the house want to move in by August 26. This really is good news, if the house hadn't sold soon, it would've gone into foreclosure, which which would've been bad news. It's just put dad and I in a bit of a bind.

I STILL haven't found a job! But in light of having to move yet again, that may just be a good thing. (At least that's how I'm trying to look at it!) I've finally managed to convince my dad that I really *want* to stay in Texas and not move to CA (oh yeah, NE is completely out of the picture and my life - long story!) So, we'll probably be looking for a more permeant place for me - something I could afford on my own (assuming I get a J O B soon!) but that he could also stay at till he can go back to CA. My mom broke off her relationship with her fiance today - so she won't be getting married. I'm very glad I didn't get my dress yet!!

The Pathway's program that I've been going to has really done me world's of good. The last few weeks I've amazed myself (and others who know me) at how much and how often I have stood up for myself. I can't describe how it feels to belong to a group of nearly 40 people who know the good, bad and ugly about you, but completely and unconditionally love and accept you. It really feels the way a church *should* feel - unconditional love and acceptance and support. I have two more weekend trainings to complete before our class "graduates".

The idea of packing and moving and unpacking again REALLY does not thrill me. But, if I have anything to say about it, this will be the LAST move for ME for a LONG time!!!

I got a call from my brother this afternoon, and was telling him about everything that had happened in the last three weeks. He told me it sounded like an episode of 'Days of our Lives".

Money wise -- I'm doing ok. I don't have any money coming in, it's all just going out. But, somehow I have been able to manage to keep it fairly controlled. It also helps that ING raised their interest rates.

My little speakers from Radio Shack which I've been using for my car "stereo" system since my real stereo was stolen back in 2/04, have finally bit the dust. Instead of replaceing them, I checked today at Hawk Electronics and found out that my factory stereo could be hooked up fairly easily, for less then $45 (labor charge for an hour). So, that's what I'm going to do. It will be SO nice to be able to turn my music up loud enough to actually be able to HEAR it when going down the freeway! I'll be having the work done on Thursday. I hadn't done it before because I thought it would be a much more involved process - but one of the people I met through Pathways easily took my factory stereo out and hooked up the power - but the antenna part was the wrong size or something, which left a LOT of static.

So, anyway. I just wanted to check in with y'all and let you know what was happening.

Keeping It Frugal In Texas,
Laura

Hi! I'm sorry it's been so long since my last entry. 16 days or so. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your messages Kashi and Esmerelda and Mrjube.

I'll try to give you a short (for me) update.

On moving day I had to recruit my exbf Todd. He brought his finacee and his youngest daughter. They were only able to help with the first load - which consisted of the big/awkward/too heavy for one person things. It was a little awkward at first with his fiancee, but we got along fine. We made another load later in the day by ourselves. I fell into bed that night completely exhausted.

The next day we had more stuff to get out, so we had to do another load. Both of us were majorly dragging bu** but we managed to get it done without getting rained on (we had several downpours happen throughout the day).

I spent three days and numerous hours of frustration trying to get the Dish Satelite service working. Finally I had my dad talk to them, and by the time I got back from my Pathways weekend, we had satelite!

The Pathways weekend was ... well ... good and bad. Essentially they try to help you get to your deeper emotions/feelings through one on one groups, small groups of 5 - 7 people, and then the larger group sessions of ~40 people. My group leader didn't think I was working "deep" enough at one point and I was almost asked to leave. It frustrated me to no end that I kept getting called on having a smile on my face when I was concentrating on NOT having a smile (which truly is natural for me!) At any rate, overall I do think I got a lot out of it, and am actually going back for the second part tomorrow which lasts five days (and costs up the wazoo!)

I've been pounding the pavement half-heartedly looking for work. I haven't had any luck yet.

I am almost at the point where I have decided that after this second part of Pathways is over (called The Walk) that I am going to get serious about heading on out to Lincoln, NE. I feel like I am stagnating by staying here, and need to do something to get a move on with my life. I also am worried about how fast my "take this job' fund is being depleted, and feel like I need to do something serious to get it going back in the right direction.

I haven't been keeping track of my spending at all lately. It's difficult to track spending when I'm not totally in control of what bills are coming in. I know I just need to get 'r done.

I'm having to use my dad's computer as well as using dial-up which is part of the reason I haven't gotten back here in so long. I promise to do better in the future.

Trying again to ...

Keeping It Frugal In Texas,
Laura

This morning dad and I went to the laundromat and got our laundry done. While we were waiting for it, we sat out in his car and listened to "Prarie Home Journal". I'd heard of the program before but had never actually heard it. Parts of it were very funny, but um,, other parts were well, lame.

It took awhile once we got back to get motivated to actually start packing. Once I got going though, I got quite a bit done. Dad was moving a bit slower (to put it nicely). About 4 or so my mom called and asked me to meet her and her fiance at a halfway point to get the gate openers and garage opener. I was slightly annoyed because I was just hitting my stride with packing - but knew we couldn't get in the house without the openers.

When I got back I made supper for dad and I while he carried down all the boxes we'd packed to his Jimmy to take to the house.

He attempted to find a couple guys to help him move the big stuff tomorrow, but had no luck. He asked me to keep trying after he left. I did, and no luck. But I did get ahold of Todd, and he said they could come, but a little later than 10, and that they would have his youngest daughter with them. I never met his girls while we were dating, but I heard enough about them that I feel like I know them without seeing them.

Oh, almost forgot! Scott emailed me this morning about one of the people in the singles group in NE offering to split the cost of renting a house in a town about 15 miles out (she owns the house). I wrote him back (Monkey had woken me up begging for food) that I wanted to know more. I'd just crawled back into bed when he called. From what he told me, I'm not sure if the house is going to work or not. But in many ways I wish it could. I'm just worried about what would happen in the middle of winter and a major snowstorm hits - the town where this house is would be amoungst the last places the snowplows would visit. Also, the only kind of internet I could get there would be dial-up, because they don't even get cable. I *do* however really relish the idea of living out in the country in a house with a front porch and a front porch swing and a basement with a laundry area.

*Warning: Possible TMI*
I've always had a pretty strong stomach - that's probably what makes it possible for me to ride any rollercoaster man's imagination can come up with -- but sometimes when you're feeling queasy, like I have been, it would be nice to NOT have a strong stomach, and just be able to release some of it with the expectation of maybe feeling better. I'm also just feeling SO tired. Not a good way to be feeling when you're supposed to be packing and moving. Maybe its just stress and nerves playing havoc with me. Hopefully by the time this weekend rolls around and I go to Pathways I'll be feeling more myself.

I was thinking about going to a fireworks display tonight in the Botanical Gardens, but just didn't feel like going by myself. I really need to call Tammy and let her know what all is going on. Maybe I can go early for the PW weekend and spend a few hours with her and the kids - that always makes me feel tons better - and she gives me good perspective.

Well, better sign off. The dishes in the kitchen won't pack themselves. I hate packing!!!!!

Laura

Last night dad and I talked with my mom and her fiance and finalized our agreement for us to move into the house on Monday. Her fiance was being a bit of an arse about the weedeater and blower which dad very nicely asked for the use of so he could make the house presentable again (which were really supposed to *stay* with the house in the first place!) Oh well, at least that part of my life is finalized.

Dad and I went on a box hunt yesterday afternoon. We found a whole load of boxes at Wal-mart. I had packed maybe 20 boxes or so in the apartment, so after we got the new boxes up there, Dad and I took the packed boxes to his GMC Jimmy. He's going to take them to the storage place. I had a bit of a mishap with the last box. It was full of Danish Plates so it couldn't be taken down by the dolly. I was almost to the very bottom (thought I *was* on the bottom!) and ended up slipping in my bare feet on the last step, landing *hard* on my bum, and dropping the box. Luckily my pride was hurt more than my body or the dishes.

As far as Scott and I .... Well, if I end up going to NE, I will be going with the idea in mind totally that he and I will *just* be friends. I already know several other people in that area whom I also think will make good friends. If something else were to happen with Scott, I wouldn't be opposed to it, but certainly won't be counting on it.

Yesterday I got my very last paycheck from my teacher contract. It was a little bit sad, but I'm still glad of the decision I made. I am a little bit worried about how all this extra moving and upheaval is going to affect the longevity of my financial cushion. I planeed on it lasting me at least six months - even 8 or 9 months if I was very careful. I've had a LOT of unexpected expenses come up - and see in the future a LOT of expenses I wasn't counting on.

I know it's foolish to do this, but I've been putting some of the big ticket items on my credit card rather than paying them with cash. One big ticket item was my share of my last doctor's visit. They did a number of tests that I wasn't aware of them doing, which shot the cost way up. I ended up having to pay $350!!! I guess that's better than what I would have had to pay w/o insurance (which is where I am now - as of July 1, no more insurance). I also didn't get a very good scholarship amount to the first part of Pathways (coming up this next weekend) so I had to put the balance on my CC of nearly $400.

I guess I'm wanting to hold onto my cash as long as possible - even if it means I have to pay finance charges for the "priveledge". I know that's backward thinking - but I guess for me right now, the security of seeing the cash balances in my various accounts outweighs the nastiness of finance charges.

It's a beautiful day today. I'm thinking about going to the Botanical Gardens and taking a book and a blanket (if the grounds not too muddy). Then of course I need to get some more packing done.

I hate my weight. I've gained 5 lbs just in the last week. I'm not even sure why. I haven't been eating that much more, and I've even done some really good exercise a few times. If this doesn't stop, I'm not going to be able to fit into any of my work appropriate clothing.

Oh well, enough ballyhooing. Better get a start on the day.

Hope ya'll have a beautiful, sunshiny Saturday.

Laura

My parents are filing for bankruptcy, and if their house doesn't sell soon, it will probably be foreclosed on. My mom is essentially living with her fiance in another town, which leaves the house empty (except for her stuff). So, she offered to let dad and I stay in it until either we didn't need to or the foreclosure was final - whichever happened first.

Yesterday I had a long convo with my mom, and ended up telling her about Pathways- that before all this crap came down the pike, I had committed to Todd that I would do it. She convinced me to stay in the house till after her wedding - which would only leave two weekend session of Pathways after that. It would also give me a couple months to really decide where I want to go from here - NE or CA. 99.9% of me is leaning towards NE and Scott.

Scott called me tonight - I totally wasn't expecting it. He told me that he'd been looking around his town and seeing that there were a lot of "for rent" signs. And also that he'd looked in the Sunday paper and saw that there wasn't much in the way of jobs listed. But he did say that probably as soon as he saw Evelyn (kind of the leader of the singles group) that she'd probably be full of ideas for me. One comment he made which really surprised me was that he hadn't realized how much I liked his town. When I asked him why he said that, he told me that I hadn't been very enthusiastic about it - in other words, gone on and on about it. That was really weird to me, because I know how much I did like his town and that area of the US, and I remember numerous times stating to him how much I liked it. I guess it didn't make an impression on him?

I went to Wal-mart today and had my two back tires replaced. The treads on them were worn dangerously thin. While I was there I noticed some car radio/tape systems which were fairly inexpensive and that are compatiable with MP3 players. My speakers are starting to squeak and squeal, and I'm getting really tired of using them - so I think I'm almost ready to bite the bullet and get my car radio replaced. (I had a nice system, but in 2/04 it was stolen out of my car.)

In the morning I'm taking my car to a place called "The Honda Alternative" and having the 75k mile tune-up done. It costs nearly $100 less than at the actual dealership.

It looks like we'll most likely be moving out of this place over the 4th of July weekend. I hope we can find people who can help move us. Todd already volunteered himself and his fiance if I need them -that would be a little awkward I think, especially since I've never met her before.

I've felt so tired and nautious today. Didn't get really much of anything accomplished. I really should have gotten some more boxes packed - or something. I was really embarrased when I had to admit that to Scott. Tomorrow I have to get some packing done, and I have to get some exercise - no matter how tired or lethargic or ucky I feel.

Keeping It Frugal in Texas,
Laura

Well, long story short (yeah, right) After having settled into our apartment and starting to feel at home, last night we got a notice telling us that we have to get out. Basically, my dad didn't check an answer on the application, and they are accusing him of "falsifying" the application. Also, yesterday morning I quit the sales job.

So, last night I talked to Scott for nearly two hours. He offered to come right away and help me pack and move, etc. He also offered to let me stay with him in NE and even help me get a job and sign a lease for me out there (since I'll now have the double whammy of bankruptcy and eviction on my rental history). I told him that we wouldn't have to get out that fast, so he's coming in the morning (leaving after he takes his mid-term tonight).

I also had an offer from my grandma to live in her apartment (attached to her house) in CA rent free.

Oh, I also found out that tomorrow is most likely the day that our sweet little 16yr old Maltese is going to be put to sleep. Ryan (my brother) is going to be with him, which makes me feel a *little* better.

So, at any rate, I've been having a fun couple of days. NOT!

Laura