I treated myself to a pint of gelato (on sale!) yesterday. My week was so bad....so so bad. And while food really shouldn't be a reward or comfort in times of distress....this was not the week to invoke that rule.
Went to the grocery store yesterday morning...there were 5 carts available when I got there. And 2 dozen people WAITING for a cart when I left. Snow plus Super Bowl = CRAZY. I did 2 good deeds for the day while there: Gave my circular to the elderly gentleman who was buying fruit, so he could have the coupon (I just went and got another flyer....) and gave my cart to another gentleman in the parking lot (since I already knew there weren't any inside).
I spent most of yesterday doing laundry and cleaning the upstairs for the showing. A friend said that this showing has to be THE ONE because I deserve it after the week I just had. We will see. G-man and I discussed what would happen if we did get an offer now. Our personal ideal situation would be to leave around Memorial Day (kids would miss a week or so of school here...but school lets out the following week there). That gives us until August to be in a new home without having to worry about registering the kids for school. We will see.
So today I will finish working on the house (it really isn't too bad). Kids and I will head to the library during the showing this afternoon, as my voracious reader (Sassy) can go through a book a day at times. With a probably school closing tomorrow (calling for 8 to 12 inches tonight through tomorrow), and a few other things coming down the pike....she needs some books. After the showing, I have all sorts of financial stuff to do. Good times.
I gave myself until 8:30am to blog....and the clock just changed. So off the races, again!!!
Showing posts with label ramblings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ramblings. Show all posts
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
A worthless post
I really haven't updated you on ME since taking my break. And part of the reason is I am not sure what to really say on the matter.
The work situation needs to be its own post. The very short version is that at this moment, everything is the same. It might have changed, but it didn't.
On a personal level....I am realizing that 40 is just over 15 months away. This will be its own post as well. But I am having a hard time with 40. I know it is just a number. I know those of you who have already hit this milestone, and maybe a few other milestones, will say GAK! What are you upset about? Again....another post.
Otherwise, there isn't much to report. I get up, get kids ready for school, go to work, do house stuff, go to bed. Not terribly exciting.
I do have a post planned about my creative side....need to down load the pictures for that one.
So this was an entirely worthless post.......
***
I will leave you with a Bossy funny though:
He was watching this show "Fuzzy Tales" where little animals are projected onto a green screen and "act" out stories. Just go with me on it..... I have no idea what the "story" of the day was, but I heard one of the animals say "Who has ever heard of singing goldfish?"
Bossy answered the TV: Uh, everybody?
The work situation needs to be its own post. The very short version is that at this moment, everything is the same. It might have changed, but it didn't.
On a personal level....I am realizing that 40 is just over 15 months away. This will be its own post as well. But I am having a hard time with 40. I know it is just a number. I know those of you who have already hit this milestone, and maybe a few other milestones, will say GAK! What are you upset about? Again....another post.
Otherwise, there isn't much to report. I get up, get kids ready for school, go to work, do house stuff, go to bed. Not terribly exciting.
I do have a post planned about my creative side....need to down load the pictures for that one.
So this was an entirely worthless post.......
***
I will leave you with a Bossy funny though:
He was watching this show "Fuzzy Tales" where little animals are projected onto a green screen and "act" out stories. Just go with me on it..... I have no idea what the "story" of the day was, but I heard one of the animals say "Who has ever heard of singing goldfish?"
Bossy answered the TV: Uh, everybody?
Monday, January 13, 2014
Nervous
Do you ever wake up and just feel nervous? I think if you have something going on in particular, it is normal. But what if there is nothing "special" going on? This happens to me frequently. Eventually it goes away. But I will wake up before the alarm (drat!) and for the remainder of the time I am in bed...I am nervous. And it can take a few hours before the feeling goes away.
This morning I had a dream. It took place in one of those stadium type pools. I was in the bleachers, so the interpretation part regarding being in the pool doesn't count:
This morning I had a dream. It took place in one of those stadium type pools. I was in the bleachers, so the interpretation part regarding being in the pool doesn't count:
Bleachers
To see or sit on bleachers in your dream indicates that you are reflecting on the progress of your goals. The appearance of bleachers can also serve to bring you back in time to the high school gym or track field and the feelings you experienced at the time.
To see or sit on bleachers in your dream indicates that you are reflecting on the progress of your goals. The appearance of bleachers can also serve to bring you back in time to the high school gym or track field and the feelings you experienced at the time.
Swimming Pool
To see a swimming pool in your dream symbolizes relaxation, calmness, luxury and ease. You need to take a break. Alternatively, a swimming pool suggests that you need to acknowledge and understand your feelings. It is time to dive in and deal with those emotions. You need to cleanse yourself and wash away past hurts. Consider the depth of the pool. If you were swimming on the deep end, then it means that those emotions are deeply seated and may be harder to confront.. You will need to work through it, no more matter how difficult. If you are swimming on the shallow end, then it implies that you should be able to easily deal with your feelings.
To see a swimming pool in your dream symbolizes relaxation, calmness, luxury and ease. You need to take a break. Alternatively, a swimming pool suggests that you need to acknowledge and understand your feelings. It is time to dive in and deal with those emotions. You need to cleanse yourself and wash away past hurts. Consider the depth of the pool. If you were swimming on the deep end, then it means that those emotions are deeply seated and may be harder to confront.. You will need to work through it, no more matter how difficult. If you are swimming on the shallow end, then it implies that you should be able to easily deal with your feelings.
The only thing I can think of is my work situation (because I am 99.9% positive that it has nothing to do with my feelings from 20+ years ago in high school!).
I really don't like starting my day on edge. I am already counting the hours until I am done with work and can come home. I got next to nothing done over the weekend, between being under the weather and a baby shower, so I need to make up some traction.
Someone tell me this happens to them.....
Friday, January 10, 2014
38 cents
Since I am not ready to share what happened yesterday....thought I would share another story from this week.
I was in the "icky" Wal-mart (we all know the one....the one you don't usually go to, but you were in that area and it was easier....). I was already losing patience because I couldn't find something in the store, and my patience was low from stuff from earlier in the day.
I was heading toward check out, and got stuck behind a woman in a scooter. Ok, I will just go around....then she zig zagged! Oh good grief. OK...moving on....see an "express" check out that just had a woman who appeared to be at the end of her transaction....
Great. Put my stuff on the counter and prepared to be done in there. The cashier and the customer were being very chatty, but ok.....
Then the cashier said to the woman "Do you have 38 cents?"\
NOOOOOOOOO!!!!
The customer starts raising her voice. "Oh no! I don't have 38 cents! Oh no! Oh no!" Before it got any further, I just handed the cashier a dollar bill. The woman thanked me, and went on her way. The cashier thought I was so nice for doing that.
Maybe a part of it was nice...the majority of it was self-serving. I didn't want to be there any longer than I had to. It was easier to pay the 38 cents than have the customer digging through her pockets looking for change (she had paid for her purchases with a gift card). And certainly easier than the customer having to decide on something to put back and have the cashier void the transaction.
38 cents in my world is nothing. Even when things are tight....38 cents won't make a difference. This isn't the first time I have done something like this, and my quality of life is not any different having "donated" the money in the past. But I guess 38 cents meant something to them. So I will let them think I am a nice person (which I am....but like I have already admitted...for me, this act really wasn't "nice").
Not sure if this falls in the Random Acts of Kindness, since it really was more about me than about the act. And for the record...in the past I have paid for things for other patrons in similar circumstances just because I wanted to.
So I will call this one a net of ZERO....nice act, but for self-serving reasons.
I was in the "icky" Wal-mart (we all know the one....the one you don't usually go to, but you were in that area and it was easier....). I was already losing patience because I couldn't find something in the store, and my patience was low from stuff from earlier in the day.
I was heading toward check out, and got stuck behind a woman in a scooter. Ok, I will just go around....then she zig zagged! Oh good grief. OK...moving on....see an "express" check out that just had a woman who appeared to be at the end of her transaction....
Great. Put my stuff on the counter and prepared to be done in there. The cashier and the customer were being very chatty, but ok.....
Then the cashier said to the woman "Do you have 38 cents?"\
NOOOOOOOOO!!!!
The customer starts raising her voice. "Oh no! I don't have 38 cents! Oh no! Oh no!" Before it got any further, I just handed the cashier a dollar bill. The woman thanked me, and went on her way. The cashier thought I was so nice for doing that.
Maybe a part of it was nice...the majority of it was self-serving. I didn't want to be there any longer than I had to. It was easier to pay the 38 cents than have the customer digging through her pockets looking for change (she had paid for her purchases with a gift card). And certainly easier than the customer having to decide on something to put back and have the cashier void the transaction.
38 cents in my world is nothing. Even when things are tight....38 cents won't make a difference. This isn't the first time I have done something like this, and my quality of life is not any different having "donated" the money in the past. But I guess 38 cents meant something to them. So I will let them think I am a nice person (which I am....but like I have already admitted...for me, this act really wasn't "nice").
Not sure if this falls in the Random Acts of Kindness, since it really was more about me than about the act. And for the record...in the past I have paid for things for other patrons in similar circumstances just because I wanted to.
So I will call this one a net of ZERO....nice act, but for self-serving reasons.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Family DRAMA - the final instillation
For those of you who are following along....I swear, this is how it all went down. Yes, my family is dysfunctional on so many levels. I know. And while it is easy to say "just don't give into it," 37 years of dealing with it in a certain manner is not easily changed. I am working on it, but the after effects of my family run deep.
I won't bore you with a super long post about this part....because it could get REALLY long. So I will hit the highlights.
But here is the big story I teased about....
Right before we left, my uncle was a little jittery. I asked him if he had enough to eat.....yes, I ate 2 sandwiches. OK, how about drinking water (it was in the upper 90's that day). He said he was drinking soda. I said, well, you need water to rehydrate, and I will get you some.
He turned around to me and said he knew his body, and he didn't need water. I "argued" that water was better for hydration, and he needs to make sure he stays hydrated in the heat. I, in a kidding manner, said "hey, I can sass you just as easily as I sass them (meaning my parents)."
WHOA. World War III.
He told me that "I wasn't too big for him to put over his knee." I said I respectfully disagree. And he goes on to say that when his other niece (my aunt's oldest niece) was 16, she sassed him, and wouldn't stop, so he spanked her, and she never did it again. I said there is a big difference between a teenager, whose brain hasn't fully developed yet, and a grown adult.
He argued back that was BS, and in his day, "children" respected adults. My dad jumped in about spanking and that only a parent has the "right" to spank their child, and yes...there is an age where it wasn't appropriate.
Cue my time to leave. While I realize my uncle is grieving....being "put in my place" because I was trying to get him to take care of himself....forget it.
I have spoken to my dad once since all of this, and he had nothing to say about anything. I will have to talk to Mom to get more details. But there ya go. 48 hrs for all of this....and 3 days for me to "recover." Nothing but fun here!
I won't bore you with a super long post about this part....because it could get REALLY long. So I will hit the highlights.
- Just under FOUR hours to drive to the funeral (we left at 6:00am for a 10am service)
- Dad didn't say Hi to me when we walked it (claimed he didn't see me, but was talking to Bro)
- Mom wearing a very obvious bandage, and having every single person come up to her to ask what happened
- No air conditioning at the funeral home, with 100 people in attendance (and about half had to stand)
- Listening to my aunt's nieces (from her side of the family) deliver a beautiful eulogy about their aunt, yet nothing they said applied to how my aunt treated me or Bro
- Funeral home didn't stop traffic leaving, so the funeral procession was a mess, and people got lost (including me) and per my uncle, the GPS was taking us the wrong way. We gave up and just went back to the house.
- Dealing with my aunt's friend who was none to happy that Bro and I were there early.
- Other friends of my uncle (whom I have known since I was a toddler, and never liked), picking on me that I don't visit my parents enough, and that I OWE them.
- Having to "re-meet" Mom's cousins, who continued to tell me that I was "this high" when they last saw me, and were astounded that I was an adult, married with kids....
- Mom's cousin being surprised I have dark hair (he and his brothers all have light hair), and someone pointing out that it was also purple.....and not in a nice way.
- Listening to friend of the family claiming we need anarchy in this country.
- Aunt's nieces shooing me away because they were cleaning up (no kids in the kitchen!)
- Mom was a little shaky all day, so I was getting her water, food, etc.....and bouncing between her and my dad, who was laying down because he didn't feel well, and getting HIM food, water, etc.
- FOUR hours to get home, due to traffic, having to stop for gas (that was a whole other adventure), and construction on the road.
But here is the big story I teased about....
Right before we left, my uncle was a little jittery. I asked him if he had enough to eat.....yes, I ate 2 sandwiches. OK, how about drinking water (it was in the upper 90's that day). He said he was drinking soda. I said, well, you need water to rehydrate, and I will get you some.
He turned around to me and said he knew his body, and he didn't need water. I "argued" that water was better for hydration, and he needs to make sure he stays hydrated in the heat. I, in a kidding manner, said "hey, I can sass you just as easily as I sass them (meaning my parents)."
WHOA. World War III.
He told me that "I wasn't too big for him to put over his knee." I said I respectfully disagree. And he goes on to say that when his other niece (my aunt's oldest niece) was 16, she sassed him, and wouldn't stop, so he spanked her, and she never did it again. I said there is a big difference between a teenager, whose brain hasn't fully developed yet, and a grown adult.
He argued back that was BS, and in his day, "children" respected adults. My dad jumped in about spanking and that only a parent has the "right" to spank their child, and yes...there is an age where it wasn't appropriate.
Cue my time to leave. While I realize my uncle is grieving....being "put in my place" because I was trying to get him to take care of himself....forget it.
I have spoken to my dad once since all of this, and he had nothing to say about anything. I will have to talk to Mom to get more details. But there ya go. 48 hrs for all of this....and 3 days for me to "recover." Nothing but fun here!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Family DRAMA - part 2
In case you didn't read part 1, check out yesterday's post.
So we left off with my father telling me to BEHAVE. Thus, knocking me down to the status of a child. I told him I am NOT a child, and I refuse to be treated as such. Additionally, it is highly disrespectful. He didn't seem to care.
He called back later to let me know that they still weren't at my Uncle's (it has now been 4 hrs. I can't figure out what took so long). He still didn't have the name of the funeral home, and I asked that he call me by 8pm, as Bro and I were probably going to go to bed early since we had to get up early. It was 3:30pm at this point.
Did I mention that my brother paid $600 to fly up that day? I picked him up at the airport around 6:30pm, and he stayed with me. I hadn't seen him in several years, so it was sort of "nice." Turns out....he thinks my parents are as loony as I do.
8:30pm....still nothing from my father. I called....voicemail. We have no idea where we were going in the morning...someone needed to know something. But why communicate when you can just drive members of your family Bat-$hit crazy? My brother tried calling at 9:00pm, and actually got my dad.
Now....be forewarned....I am NOT making this up. This is actually what happened.
I am listening to Bro on the phone, arguing with my dad that we were NOT going to make it to the house by 9am (that would have required leaving at 5:15-5:30am) to take the limo (we didn't want to anyway, but in hindsight, should have taken the limo...more on this later) over to the funeral home. Please just give us the name and address of the funeral home. Finally he agrees....Bro writes it down.
The next words out of Bro's mouth....."So what time do you think you will be home from the hospital?"
Hospital? Who is at the hospital?
Bro gets off the phone and just looks at me....."Sis, you are soooooo not going to believe this."
Turns out that my MOTHER (the one who needs all the attention), slipped getting into the mini van they rented (it was all the car's fault), fell backward, and HIT HER HEAD on the pavement. Blood everywhere. Had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital to rule out a concussion (it wasn't). She had x-rays and a CT scan. In the end, she shook up her brain pretty good and was going to have a big headache. But she was fine.
Now, this is important for a few reasons...
So, in a 24 hr period of time....my parents cancelled their trip to see us and flew to NY. Mom managed to injure herself and get a ride in an ambulance and lots of bloody bandages. Dad missed taking HIS medication, and due to his health issues and all the excitement, by the time we saw him on Wednesday, he was in bad shape. Bro flew to CT, and spent WAY too much money doing so....all in the name of family peace. I had to rearrange my schedule at work, deal with not knowing what was going on with the 'rents. Deal with disappointed kids who were so upset that Grammy and Grandpa weren't coming. Bossy threw a wicked tantrum.
And we aren't even at the funeral yet. More to come....but to give you a teaser, this was part of it:
So we left off with my father telling me to BEHAVE. Thus, knocking me down to the status of a child. I told him I am NOT a child, and I refuse to be treated as such. Additionally, it is highly disrespectful. He didn't seem to care.
He called back later to let me know that they still weren't at my Uncle's (it has now been 4 hrs. I can't figure out what took so long). He still didn't have the name of the funeral home, and I asked that he call me by 8pm, as Bro and I were probably going to go to bed early since we had to get up early. It was 3:30pm at this point.
Did I mention that my brother paid $600 to fly up that day? I picked him up at the airport around 6:30pm, and he stayed with me. I hadn't seen him in several years, so it was sort of "nice." Turns out....he thinks my parents are as loony as I do.
8:30pm....still nothing from my father. I called....voicemail. We have no idea where we were going in the morning...someone needed to know something. But why communicate when you can just drive members of your family Bat-$hit crazy? My brother tried calling at 9:00pm, and actually got my dad.
Now....be forewarned....I am NOT making this up. This is actually what happened.
I am listening to Bro on the phone, arguing with my dad that we were NOT going to make it to the house by 9am (that would have required leaving at 5:15-5:30am) to take the limo (we didn't want to anyway, but in hindsight, should have taken the limo...more on this later) over to the funeral home. Please just give us the name and address of the funeral home. Finally he agrees....Bro writes it down.
The next words out of Bro's mouth....."So what time do you think you will be home from the hospital?"
Hospital? Who is at the hospital?
Bro gets off the phone and just looks at me....."Sis, you are soooooo not going to believe this."
Turns out that my MOTHER (the one who needs all the attention), slipped getting into the mini van they rented (it was all the car's fault), fell backward, and HIT HER HEAD on the pavement. Blood everywhere. Had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital to rule out a concussion (it wasn't). She had x-rays and a CT scan. In the end, she shook up her brain pretty good and was going to have a big headache. But she was fine.
Now, this is important for a few reasons...
- She had to wear a compression bandage on her head, thus calling attention to the injury (oh, did she).
- My aunt died of BRAIN CANCER, and now my mother is wearing this bandage on her head TO THE FUNERAL.
So, in a 24 hr period of time....my parents cancelled their trip to see us and flew to NY. Mom managed to injure herself and get a ride in an ambulance and lots of bloody bandages. Dad missed taking HIS medication, and due to his health issues and all the excitement, by the time we saw him on Wednesday, he was in bad shape. Bro flew to CT, and spent WAY too much money doing so....all in the name of family peace. I had to rearrange my schedule at work, deal with not knowing what was going on with the 'rents. Deal with disappointed kids who were so upset that Grammy and Grandpa weren't coming. Bossy threw a wicked tantrum.
And we aren't even at the funeral yet. More to come....but to give you a teaser, this was part of it:
Uncle to Mysti: You aren't too big for me to put over my knee.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Family DRAMA, part one - long
Something I recently "discovered" is that my mom has a Narcissistic Personality. I have always known that she can be self-centered, but it was only recently that I had an actual name for what was going on. And I have also discovered that the wounds that I have from this type of upbringing run deep. I am really struggling to break free of it all.
So....last Monday evening, while I was at occupational therapy with the kids, my dad called. I am very good at detecting variances in my parents' voices, and before he said much of anything....I said "you aren't coming, are you?" DAMN IT. Sorry for the swear.....and if that offends anyone. But this was the second time in a ROW that they cancelled a trip with less than 24 hrs notice.
Well, it turns out that my aunt passed away. (Before everyone says I am sorry....I wasn't close with her, never was.This was my mom's brother's wife.) She had been ill, so this wasn't a surprise. The timing was something I hadn't planned of course. At that time (Monday evening), my parents knew just about nothing. The funeral arrangements were being done on Tuesday, so it would be at least another day before we knew anything.
I had to call my brother, who as it turns out...wasn't having a great day already. And I got to make it even better. His car broke down, so now he would have to fly here for the funeral. $$$. Plus, we didn't even know when the funeral was yet. Oh, and we were "guessing" that the funeral would be Wednesday....which was his birthday.
Now, I should mention that my aunt and uncle live about 2-2.5 hrs away by car from me.
I mention this, because my parents decided that they were going to stay with my uncle for a week. Not come here. Dad mentioned coming here by himself at the end of the week, and I pulled the plug on that (which was a good thing with all the stuff that was about to happen). He isn't well, too much travel, the weather was going to be brutal (it was 99 degrees for 2 days, and we don't have great air conditioning).
Oh, and by staying with my uncle....they were kicking him out of his bed. The man just lost his wife, and my parents were perfectly fine letting him sleep on the sofa. *shake head*
Tuesday morning, I tried to get in touch with my parents. Voicemail all around. I suspected that they were on a plane (Heaven forbid they actually let me know what they are doing). The question at that point....where were they going? We had talked about them flying to CT as planned, and then going to NY, just in case they couldn't get a flight to NY. When last we spoke, they said they weren't coming to CT. But I wouldn't put it past them to arrive in CT and be mad that I wasn't there to pick them up.
Enter my BFF who is a travel agent. So she did her blippity blip typity type....and tracked them down! HA! Oh, she and I are dangerous together. She confirmed that they were on the 10am flight to NY. I texted my dad and asked why is it so hard to just send me a note and let me know what is going on.....*sigh*
I get a call from Dad around Noon....telling me that the funeral was indeed on Wednesday, at 10am (which meant I had to leave my house at 6am....). Now, he called me from the shuttle bus, and was having a hard time hearing me. I mentioned that Bro and I sent an Edible Arrangement to the house (in Jewish funerals, there are no flowers....people send food.). And he said something that didn't make sense. So I repeated myself, and again, he didn't answer in a way that made sense.
So I said "Dad, if you can't hear me, and all you are going to say is OK, then let's talk later." He said, and I quote...."BEHAVE."
EXCUSE ME??? You are reprimanding me???? Oh no....now it is on.
So....last Monday evening, while I was at occupational therapy with the kids, my dad called. I am very good at detecting variances in my parents' voices, and before he said much of anything....I said "you aren't coming, are you?" DAMN IT. Sorry for the swear.....and if that offends anyone. But this was the second time in a ROW that they cancelled a trip with less than 24 hrs notice.
Well, it turns out that my aunt passed away. (Before everyone says I am sorry....I wasn't close with her, never was.This was my mom's brother's wife.) She had been ill, so this wasn't a surprise. The timing was something I hadn't planned of course. At that time (Monday evening), my parents knew just about nothing. The funeral arrangements were being done on Tuesday, so it would be at least another day before we knew anything.
I had to call my brother, who as it turns out...wasn't having a great day already. And I got to make it even better. His car broke down, so now he would have to fly here for the funeral. $$$. Plus, we didn't even know when the funeral was yet. Oh, and we were "guessing" that the funeral would be Wednesday....which was his birthday.
Now, I should mention that my aunt and uncle live about 2-2.5 hrs away by car from me.
I mention this, because my parents decided that they were going to stay with my uncle for a week. Not come here. Dad mentioned coming here by himself at the end of the week, and I pulled the plug on that (which was a good thing with all the stuff that was about to happen). He isn't well, too much travel, the weather was going to be brutal (it was 99 degrees for 2 days, and we don't have great air conditioning).
Oh, and by staying with my uncle....they were kicking him out of his bed. The man just lost his wife, and my parents were perfectly fine letting him sleep on the sofa. *shake head*
Tuesday morning, I tried to get in touch with my parents. Voicemail all around. I suspected that they were on a plane (Heaven forbid they actually let me know what they are doing). The question at that point....where were they going? We had talked about them flying to CT as planned, and then going to NY, just in case they couldn't get a flight to NY. When last we spoke, they said they weren't coming to CT. But I wouldn't put it past them to arrive in CT and be mad that I wasn't there to pick them up.
Enter my BFF who is a travel agent. So she did her blippity blip typity type....and tracked them down! HA! Oh, she and I are dangerous together. She confirmed that they were on the 10am flight to NY. I texted my dad and asked why is it so hard to just send me a note and let me know what is going on.....*sigh*
I get a call from Dad around Noon....telling me that the funeral was indeed on Wednesday, at 10am (which meant I had to leave my house at 6am....). Now, he called me from the shuttle bus, and was having a hard time hearing me. I mentioned that Bro and I sent an Edible Arrangement to the house (in Jewish funerals, there are no flowers....people send food.). And he said something that didn't make sense. So I repeated myself, and again, he didn't answer in a way that made sense.
So I said "Dad, if you can't hear me, and all you are going to say is OK, then let's talk later." He said, and I quote...."BEHAVE."
EXCUSE ME??? You are reprimanding me???? Oh no....now it is on.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Happy Friday the 13th!
End of the work week (for most people)...the 13th....WOO HOO!
G-man is home with the kids today, and they collectively decided we are having breakfast for dinner. Yay! And G-man offered to get cat litter while he is out and about today (it is cheapest at Sam's Club, but it weighs 42 lbs!!). So that saves me a trip tomorrow.
G-man is working a double shift (7am-11pm) tomorrow, so the kids and I are on our own. It is supposed to be in the 70's tomorrow, so my plan is yard work.
Loan paper work has been submitted, so now we wait.
I need to find the box in the attic with our old tax returns so I can find something with our OLD address (like over 10 yrs ago), so I can submit the "found" money paperwork. I know roughly where the box is...it is just locating it.
But for today.....I am going to enjoy the quiet at the office....work on little things that are way back burner things....and look forward to dinner tonight! Oh, and we have dessert. :)
G-man is home with the kids today, and they collectively decided we are having breakfast for dinner. Yay! And G-man offered to get cat litter while he is out and about today (it is cheapest at Sam's Club, but it weighs 42 lbs!!). So that saves me a trip tomorrow.
G-man is working a double shift (7am-11pm) tomorrow, so the kids and I are on our own. It is supposed to be in the 70's tomorrow, so my plan is yard work.
Loan paper work has been submitted, so now we wait.
I need to find the box in the attic with our old tax returns so I can find something with our OLD address (like over 10 yrs ago), so I can submit the "found" money paperwork. I know roughly where the box is...it is just locating it.
But for today.....I am going to enjoy the quiet at the office....work on little things that are way back burner things....and look forward to dinner tonight! Oh, and we have dessert. :)
How is your Friday and weekend shaping up??
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Some Confessions
I have so much stuff rattling around in my head....and when I tell you why, I think it will sort of make sense. Maybe. Who knows. Maybe it only makes sense to me.
My good friend MutantSuperModel, who also is kicking my butt in Words with Friends (I actually AM good at this game, but apparently not as good as I thought!), mentioned the other day a few points that I want to revisit. Specifically:
I sort of covered the self worth one already....and yes MSM, my tooth is in the process of being fixed. The permanent filling goes in this week, and then I need to schedule the crown. Still haven't gotten the new glasses, or undergarments....but one thing at a time.
The emotional spending....I already know what some of the triggers are, and they are ones that alot of people have (anger, sadness). But here comes the confession time.....when I went back and re-read some things, and compared it against a few other things...
I have been on various anti-depressants since I was 14. Different meds, different doses. Several years where I wasn't on anything, and then my very smart doctor (OB) put me back on them after our twins died, and then my primary care doc increased it after the fiasco of last year.
When I take everything (and at this point, I am on several things, each for a different reason...not all related to this stuff), I am in so much better control of my life. It really shouldn't be that difficult to take...I take it all at one time....they are all together....I have a cup for water.....I have no excuse other than, I just don't sometimes.
It is the old thought process of....I am feeling better....I don't need this. Logically I know that doesn't make sense. I am feeling better because I AM taking what I am supposed to take. It is 30 seconds of my day (heck, if I really wanted to cut down on the time, I could get an old lady pill box and sort it all, and then I wouldn't have to open a zillion bottles each night.) But sometimes...I just don't.
I have been a little lax in the few weeks, and it has caught up. Not just in spending (which I haven't done much of...more the looking and longing for part). But my mind is racing.
I can't finish anything. I am easily distracted. I get these IDEAS. Nothing is right.
It usually takes a week or so for everything to even back out once I go back to doing what I am supposed to do. So by next weekend, I will be in a very different place. In the meantime, I have to fight through the fog and function.
Let me clarify....I am in no danger, nor are the kids. I can go to work, take care of the day to day things (bills, food, self care). But anything else goes into feast or famine. I will either obsess over the details....or I don't care anymore.
Today, I am so foggy. I started a list of what I need to do....and then didn't finish it. I forgot to put the coffee back in the fridge. There is half a project on the kitchen table, the other half in the playroom...and I barely remember doing it last night. I don't remember half of what I had in my head an hour ago (it will come back to me...).
So bear with me. I take full responsibility....I didn't take my meds, and now I suffer the consequences.
It is going to be a LONG day.
My good friend MutantSuperModel, who also is kicking my butt in Words with Friends (I actually AM good at this game, but apparently not as good as I thought!), mentioned the other day a few points that I want to revisit. Specifically:
- Emotional causes of spending; and
- Self Worth
I sort of covered the self worth one already....and yes MSM, my tooth is in the process of being fixed. The permanent filling goes in this week, and then I need to schedule the crown. Still haven't gotten the new glasses, or undergarments....but one thing at a time.
The emotional spending....I already know what some of the triggers are, and they are ones that alot of people have (anger, sadness). But here comes the confession time.....when I went back and re-read some things, and compared it against a few other things...
I spend when I go off my medication.
I have been on various anti-depressants since I was 14. Different meds, different doses. Several years where I wasn't on anything, and then my very smart doctor (OB) put me back on them after our twins died, and then my primary care doc increased it after the fiasco of last year.
When I take everything (and at this point, I am on several things, each for a different reason...not all related to this stuff), I am in so much better control of my life. It really shouldn't be that difficult to take...I take it all at one time....they are all together....I have a cup for water.....I have no excuse other than, I just don't sometimes.
It is the old thought process of....I am feeling better....I don't need this. Logically I know that doesn't make sense. I am feeling better because I AM taking what I am supposed to take. It is 30 seconds of my day (heck, if I really wanted to cut down on the time, I could get an old lady pill box and sort it all, and then I wouldn't have to open a zillion bottles each night.) But sometimes...I just don't.
I have been a little lax in the few weeks, and it has caught up. Not just in spending (which I haven't done much of...more the looking and longing for part). But my mind is racing.
I can't finish anything. I am easily distracted. I get these IDEAS. Nothing is right.
It usually takes a week or so for everything to even back out once I go back to doing what I am supposed to do. So by next weekend, I will be in a very different place. In the meantime, I have to fight through the fog and function.
Let me clarify....I am in no danger, nor are the kids. I can go to work, take care of the day to day things (bills, food, self care). But anything else goes into feast or famine. I will either obsess over the details....or I don't care anymore.
Today, I am so foggy. I started a list of what I need to do....and then didn't finish it. I forgot to put the coffee back in the fridge. There is half a project on the kitchen table, the other half in the playroom...and I barely remember doing it last night. I don't remember half of what I had in my head an hour ago (it will come back to me...).
So bear with me. I take full responsibility....I didn't take my meds, and now I suffer the consequences.
It is going to be a LONG day.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Housekeeping....Bloggy Style
Thank you all for supporting me yesterday in my decision to put some of my needs on the table. It really is a struggle for me.
So...I have no idea, but I have been trying to comment on some blogs, and it isn't working. Some of you have fancy commenting systems, and it just isn't working. I will keep trying, but please know I am reading!
I desperately need to update my blogroll. I know I have some links that are incorrect. And the Yakezie.....I joined it eons ago, and it never really "worked" for me. I have no idea how outdated all that information is. There are many of you that I am now following and reading, and please know that in the near future, you will be added!!
I am still very unhappy with the look and function of my blog. I am toying with buying my own domain. I really would like to get this to look the way I want it to...and function the way I want it to. Any advice?
Also....just curious.....what are you guys the most interested in reading???
So...I have no idea, but I have been trying to comment on some blogs, and it isn't working. Some of you have fancy commenting systems, and it just isn't working. I will keep trying, but please know I am reading!
I desperately need to update my blogroll. I know I have some links that are incorrect. And the Yakezie.....I joined it eons ago, and it never really "worked" for me. I have no idea how outdated all that information is. There are many of you that I am now following and reading, and please know that in the near future, you will be added!!
I am still very unhappy with the look and function of my blog. I am toying with buying my own domain. I really would like to get this to look the way I want it to...and function the way I want it to. Any advice?
Also....just curious.....what are you guys the most interested in reading???
Monday, February 20, 2012
Successful Weekend? Failed Weekend??
The main goal of the weekend was home office makeover and productivity. Oh yeah....and a break from my family. Did I achieve my goal??? Not quite sure which category I belong in.
Fail
So there ya go....8 things in each category. I already admitted that some of my thoughts for the weekend were out of whack. I do feel bad that I didn't bulk cook. But I did have a mini vacation.
Pictures will come tomorrow. I need G-man to hang my file thingy and move my calendar (we have plaster walls, and I was too afraid to do it myself). And then you will get some pics.
My family will be hitting the road in a little while, and I am sure will be dog tired when they get home. So our night will be quiet. I did miss them.....but I sure did like the quiet!
Fail
- Didn't bulk cook
- Didn't finish (or start) my file cabinet makeover
- Big pile of
stuff that I will probably pitch anywaymiscellaneous items that I still need to deal with (they just keep moving location) - Change the sheets so my family can come home to clean beds (but I may be able to do this before they get home)
- Read or comment on blogs
- Mail stuff
- Vacuum car
- Didn't do laundry
Success
- I took apart all the components of the computer and cleaned everything
- Wires organized
- Desk very neat and tidy
- Made a wall hanging file thingy (OMG....this took F-O-R-E-V-E-R...should of just bought one)
- Hung out with friends
- Extra Sleep
- Watch stuff on DVR
- Ate yummy (but totally not good for me) food
So there ya go....8 things in each category. I already admitted that some of my thoughts for the weekend were out of whack. I do feel bad that I didn't bulk cook. But I did have a mini vacation.
Pictures will come tomorrow. I need G-man to hang my file thingy and move my calendar (we have plaster walls, and I was too afraid to do it myself). And then you will get some pics.
My family will be hitting the road in a little while, and I am sure will be dog tired when they get home. So our night will be quiet. I did miss them.....but I sure did like the quiet!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Day to Day Life
First off....where were you all yesterday??? I know this is going to sound ridiculous...but I didn't get one comment, and my page views were WAY down. Either everyone is super busy, or I am boring. The world revolves around ME, so you know I am taking it personally!
Anyway, this is the last day of the month, so thought I would wrap up a few changes to report.....nothing of consequence....just the day to day little things.....
1) I have cut my check writing way down. I now pay for the kids lunch in cash (I get mostly ones at the bank for this....they probably think I am going to the strip club....). Since I have to go to the bank to deposit my paycheck, I just take care of it while I am there.
2) Our electric bill has gone down $6 a month. We are on a budget plan, so we pay the same amount each month (instead of the huge spike in the summer due to the A/C). Woo woo.....$6. It is already going to go to the new cell phone bill (more on that next week). One place giveth, another taketh.
3) Our overpayment from the retirement loan arrive. It was $16.XX. So about $2 more than we thought. Woo. Woo.
4) Some how we way overspent in the past week. I know about the unbudgeted gifts (roughly $100 total). The best I can figure is that because February is a 3 paycheck month for me, some items came out from my second January paycheck that normally get paid later. We had to dip into our savings a little (not the EF). I hate doing it. The savings acct is lower than I am comfortable, so I will need to replenish that. While I wish it could just be from my extra February paycheck, that is already alloted for "catch-up" on the oil bill. (Yes, I am a little behind. $342 a month is alot of money!!! By the end of February we will be all caught up again)
As usual....I am looking forward to payday tomorrow so I can pay a few bills. And G-man's check next week will have OT (which is going into a separate account) AND Holiday (MLK Day). Plus, it won't have the retirement loan coming out.....so I am curious to see what it will look like. I know that it will be an oddball check, as having all of those things happen at once isn't typical. But I am looking forward to it.
Nothing major to report.....just the day to day life stuff!
Anyway, this is the last day of the month, so thought I would wrap up a few changes to report.....nothing of consequence....just the day to day little things.....
1) I have cut my check writing way down. I now pay for the kids lunch in cash (I get mostly ones at the bank for this....they probably think I am going to the strip club....). Since I have to go to the bank to deposit my paycheck, I just take care of it while I am there.
2) Our electric bill has gone down $6 a month. We are on a budget plan, so we pay the same amount each month (instead of the huge spike in the summer due to the A/C). Woo woo.....$6. It is already going to go to the new cell phone bill (more on that next week). One place giveth, another taketh.
3) Our overpayment from the retirement loan arrive. It was $16.XX. So about $2 more than we thought. Woo. Woo.
4) Some how we way overspent in the past week. I know about the unbudgeted gifts (roughly $100 total). The best I can figure is that because February is a 3 paycheck month for me, some items came out from my second January paycheck that normally get paid later. We had to dip into our savings a little (not the EF). I hate doing it. The savings acct is lower than I am comfortable, so I will need to replenish that. While I wish it could just be from my extra February paycheck, that is already alloted for "catch-up" on the oil bill. (Yes, I am a little behind. $342 a month is alot of money!!! By the end of February we will be all caught up again)
As usual....I am looking forward to payday tomorrow so I can pay a few bills. And G-man's check next week will have OT (which is going into a separate account) AND Holiday (MLK Day). Plus, it won't have the retirement loan coming out.....so I am curious to see what it will look like. I know that it will be an oddball check, as having all of those things happen at once isn't typical. But I am looking forward to it.
Nothing major to report.....just the day to day life stuff!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Random Financial Things From This Week
First off....thanks for all the love yesterday. I am doing much better today.
Second, I have noticed a bunch of things this week, and instead of a huge post, I wanted to just make some notes and brief comments.
Late Fees. I haven't seen one of those in a very long time. I flipped out when I saw one on CC2. But then I scrolled down further and saw it had already been reversed. I paid the bill on the due date, which was a weekend. Apparently their automated system charged the late fee because the payment wasn't posted by the due date. But since I did pay it before the deadline, they reversed it. Scared me for a minute.
G-man and the Grocery Store. OMG. I swear, he has no idea how to buy everything you need in one trip. The past several weeks, there will be 2 to 3 trips to the store, by him, on the same day. I don't count picking up prescriptions since those have to be paid for at the pharmacy. He realizes he forgot something (usually something major) and has to go back. Talk about a waste of time, gas, and money.
I suck at budgeting outside the norm. Sassy was invited to a birthday party. I need a gift for a baby shower. Do I have a budget for these types of items? Nope. Need to start another account for these random things. I budget for Christmas, tax bills, birthdays in our family. Other people....apparently they didn't make the cut in my scattered head.
I am "addicted" to getting gas points. One of the local grocery stores offers $1.00 off per gallon of gas when you fill a new prescription, and $0.50 off when you refill 5. In addition, they offer $0.10 off for every $50 of groceries you buy. How sad that I was "excited" yesterday at the eye doctor that I have a mild infection and needed drops. And my first thought was ....ooooohhhh......$1 off gas, plus I have 2 scripts to fill, which brings me to 4/5 I need for another $0.50 off!!! Additionally, I have $0.50 off per gallon at another store for my next fill up (probably sometime over the weekend).
The things that run through my head.....*sigh.*
Second, I have noticed a bunch of things this week, and instead of a huge post, I wanted to just make some notes and brief comments.
Late Fees. I haven't seen one of those in a very long time. I flipped out when I saw one on CC2. But then I scrolled down further and saw it had already been reversed. I paid the bill on the due date, which was a weekend. Apparently their automated system charged the late fee because the payment wasn't posted by the due date. But since I did pay it before the deadline, they reversed it. Scared me for a minute.
G-man and the Grocery Store. OMG. I swear, he has no idea how to buy everything you need in one trip. The past several weeks, there will be 2 to 3 trips to the store, by him, on the same day. I don't count picking up prescriptions since those have to be paid for at the pharmacy. He realizes he forgot something (usually something major) and has to go back. Talk about a waste of time, gas, and money.
I suck at budgeting outside the norm. Sassy was invited to a birthday party. I need a gift for a baby shower. Do I have a budget for these types of items? Nope. Need to start another account for these random things. I budget for Christmas, tax bills, birthdays in our family. Other people....apparently they didn't make the cut in my scattered head.
I am "addicted" to getting gas points. One of the local grocery stores offers $1.00 off per gallon of gas when you fill a new prescription, and $0.50 off when you refill 5. In addition, they offer $0.10 off for every $50 of groceries you buy. How sad that I was "excited" yesterday at the eye doctor that I have a mild infection and needed drops. And my first thought was ....ooooohhhh......$1 off gas, plus I have 2 scripts to fill, which brings me to 4/5 I need for another $0.50 off!!! Additionally, I have $0.50 off per gallon at another store for my next fill up (probably sometime over the weekend).
The things that run through my head.....*sigh.*
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Good thing I am super busy today
Today is my wedding anniversary. Please....no Happy Anniversary. We (more ME) decided not to acknowledge it. We aren't at that point emotionally. Wounds of the past year run deep. Add in that this is a super emotionally loaded day for me, and I will be honest with ya.....what I really want to do is go buy stuff to make me happy....even though I know that 5 minutes later I will not be happy anymore.
All rolled into the emotion of today.....
My day consists of 2 doctor appointments, work, shopping for PTA, and bookfair planning meeting tonight. It is full to the brim with responsibility and no time to think about "stuff." If I didn't have all of that....I would probably perseverate on everything....do on-line window shopping and eventually convince myself that for everything I have been through....I deserve something!!!
But don't worry.....I won't. Promise. Knowing that I am making progress on our debt (we are down $1,200 since the first of the year, not including the $500+ we have paid on the retirement loan this month) is enough to keep me from back-sliding.
All rolled into the emotion of today.....
- Wedding Anniversary - 14 years today
- It was the due date for my twin girls who died (they were due on our 10th wedding anniversary)
- My "surprise" baby, that I miscarried was conceived (sorry...TMI) on the aforementioned 10th wedding anniversary.
My day consists of 2 doctor appointments, work, shopping for PTA, and bookfair planning meeting tonight. It is full to the brim with responsibility and no time to think about "stuff." If I didn't have all of that....I would probably perseverate on everything....do on-line window shopping and eventually convince myself that for everything I have been through....I deserve something!!!
But don't worry.....I won't. Promise. Knowing that I am making progress on our debt (we are down $1,200 since the first of the year, not including the $500+ we have paid on the retirement loan this month) is enough to keep me from back-sliding.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Still hanging in there!
Thanks for all the comments yesterday. Overall, the day could have certainly been worse, so I will just count my blessings that it only reached 5 of 10 on the suckiness scale. There is potential carryover to today (work stuff....ANOTHER PTA meeting). But I will just deal.
We did have to call the police last night, but not for the reason expected!! After the meeting, a few of us were talking outside. One mom is having a rough time of it, and she just needed a few minutes to vent. Well, this weird truck pulled into the parking lot, and kept revving his engine. He kept stopping infront of my car and another person's car. He would leave, and come back. It started to scare us. We couldn't even walk to our car because he was right infront of it!
So we called the police, and as we were describing the car, the police seemed to know who we were talking about. By the time I got home (maybe 3 minutes later?) I could hear sirens in the distance.
Anyway....it is payday! YIPPEE!! My check is a little small due to missed work, holiday days that the office was closed, etc. But it is something. I am hoping to update my side bar tonight. A few CC payments, the car payment.....all good. Some interest.....bad. But the overall effect will be a decrease.
It will be a nasty grocery shopping today, as we are out of most everything.
After Mom leaves, we will really start to figure out what to do about the cell phones. Upon surface investigation....there might not be much we can do.....or I should say that G-man is WILLING to do. I was pushing MetroPCS, but the coverage in our area is poor. He won't do a pre-pay phone. So we will have to discuss.
Meanwhile, I just need to get through Mom's visit, and then back to the grind.
We did have to call the police last night, but not for the reason expected!! After the meeting, a few of us were talking outside. One mom is having a rough time of it, and she just needed a few minutes to vent. Well, this weird truck pulled into the parking lot, and kept revving his engine. He kept stopping infront of my car and another person's car. He would leave, and come back. It started to scare us. We couldn't even walk to our car because he was right infront of it!
So we called the police, and as we were describing the car, the police seemed to know who we were talking about. By the time I got home (maybe 3 minutes later?) I could hear sirens in the distance.
Anyway....it is payday! YIPPEE!! My check is a little small due to missed work, holiday days that the office was closed, etc. But it is something. I am hoping to update my side bar tonight. A few CC payments, the car payment.....all good. Some interest.....bad. But the overall effect will be a decrease.
It will be a nasty grocery shopping today, as we are out of most everything.
After Mom leaves, we will really start to figure out what to do about the cell phones. Upon surface investigation....there might not be much we can do.....or I should say that G-man is WILLING to do. I was pushing MetroPCS, but the coverage in our area is poor. He won't do a pre-pay phone. So we will have to discuss.
Meanwhile, I just need to get through Mom's visit, and then back to the grind.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
It is going to be one of THOSE days
It just isn't a good sign when you have only been out of bed for 45 minutes, and you are already over and done with your day.
We got a little bit of snow last night, mixed with rain....that froze. So school is delayed 90 minutes. The phone rang at 5:22am to announce this. Then the cell phone rang at 5:24am to make sure we knew.
The kids are going to have to go with G-man to the dentist and he will drive them to school. See...he has a 9am dentist appt. I have a 10am appointment elsewhere. School starts at 10:35am this morning. While this scenario isn't ideal, it is the best we can do since our lovely offspring will NOT be getting on a bus at 8:40am and 8:55am.
Bossy's feeding pump has decided that it wants to stop every 1-3 minutes. It thinks it is clogged. It isn't. The bag isn't laying right. And the tubing is cold and less than pliable. So every 3 (hold on...it just beeped at me again) minutes I am having to adjust it and fix it. This is getting really old. (hang on it is beeping AGAIN)
My boss is going to be all annoyed today. He wasn't happy about my missing work on Friday (although I did a few things from home). I already know that my desk is going to be a mess, as another person who was out sick for several days was in the office on Friday, and no doubt dumped a ton of stuff on my desk....which I wasn't there to receive and deal with.
Tonight is PTA...and for reasons I can't get into....it is going to be BAD. Like, we have already been told that if we need to call the police, to go ahead and do it. There are several levels of nasty going on....and it is going to make for a very long, very complicated meeting. And as Secretary, I am going to have write it all down, and Heaven forbid I make a mistake.....I will get jumped on next meeting.
Mom is arriving in T minus 2 days and 6 hours. I am not ready.
Someone send me some good Ju-Ju today. I need it.
We got a little bit of snow last night, mixed with rain....that froze. So school is delayed 90 minutes. The phone rang at 5:22am to announce this. Then the cell phone rang at 5:24am to make sure we knew.
The kids are going to have to go with G-man to the dentist and he will drive them to school. See...he has a 9am dentist appt. I have a 10am appointment elsewhere. School starts at 10:35am this morning. While this scenario isn't ideal, it is the best we can do since our lovely offspring will NOT be getting on a bus at 8:40am and 8:55am.
Bossy's feeding pump has decided that it wants to stop every 1-3 minutes. It thinks it is clogged. It isn't. The bag isn't laying right. And the tubing is cold and less than pliable. So every 3 (hold on...it just beeped at me again) minutes I am having to adjust it and fix it. This is getting really old. (hang on it is beeping AGAIN)
My boss is going to be all annoyed today. He wasn't happy about my missing work on Friday (although I did a few things from home). I already know that my desk is going to be a mess, as another person who was out sick for several days was in the office on Friday, and no doubt dumped a ton of stuff on my desk....which I wasn't there to receive and deal with.
Tonight is PTA...and for reasons I can't get into....it is going to be BAD. Like, we have already been told that if we need to call the police, to go ahead and do it. There are several levels of nasty going on....and it is going to make for a very long, very complicated meeting. And as Secretary, I am going to have write it all down, and Heaven forbid I make a mistake.....I will get jumped on next meeting.
Mom is arriving in T minus 2 days and 6 hours. I am not ready.
Someone send me some good Ju-Ju today. I need it.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy 2012!!!
I hope everyone had an enjoyable New Year's Eve. We stayed in, watched a movie and part of The Big Bang Theory marathon that was on. We were in bed around 11:30pm. A friend called my cell phone at 1am (I didn't hear it, but G-man did). He wasn't too happy about being woke up.
The weather today....bright and sunny. Hoping that is a good omen.
We found out today that there will be no cost of living increase at G-man's job. This is the second year in a row. Nothing we can do about that one. Luckily, our medical insurance stayed the same (within a dollar or two). I was hoping MAYBE to put the COLA into retirement, but since it is a non-issue....onward and upward.
My day will be spent picking up around here, working on my new blog header....maybe inputing some of the tax deduction stuff I have in prep for taxes in a few weeks. Nothing major. My mom is coming to visit in a few weeks for a long weekend, so I have 18 days to get my house in order before her visit. While she says she isn't coming to inspect the house, comments will be made.
Enjoy the first day of 2012!!!!
The weather today....bright and sunny. Hoping that is a good omen.
We found out today that there will be no cost of living increase at G-man's job. This is the second year in a row. Nothing we can do about that one. Luckily, our medical insurance stayed the same (within a dollar or two). I was hoping MAYBE to put the COLA into retirement, but since it is a non-issue....onward and upward.
My day will be spent picking up around here, working on my new blog header....maybe inputing some of the tax deduction stuff I have in prep for taxes in a few weeks. Nothing major. My mom is coming to visit in a few weeks for a long weekend, so I have 18 days to get my house in order before her visit. While she says she isn't coming to inspect the house, comments will be made.
Enjoy the first day of 2012!!!!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
What do you waste?
I am trying to be more mindful of waste in our house. We switched over from paper towels to reusable cloth years ago (although my cloths are starting to wear out). I try and unplug things (like the cell phone charger) when not in use, and the computer goes into sleep mode at night.
I turn off lights in rooms that are not in use (although this is still a struggle with the rest of the family). Leftovers get eaten. If I make a large amount of something (like a whole turkey), the extra gets frozen.
But I know we can do better. Here are a few things that I have noticed lately:
1) Coffee. We tend to spill out at least a large cup worth on a daily basis. G-man has a travel cup that he fills before work, and I walk around (and usually lose!) with my coffee in the morning before work (my travel mug broke). But that last cup just never gets used. So I have started making LESS coffee in the morning. Over the course of a month, it would come out to 30 cups, or I am guessing about 4 days worth of coffee. Over the year, that would be 48 days of coffee!! That is almost 7 weeks worth of coffee!!
2) Shampoo. Have you ever really read the bottle? Usually it tells you to wash and repeat. Most of us don't. We don't. But I am also guessing we use at least twice the recommended amount. I have been conscience of how much shampoo I use (no more than a quarter size squirt) and guess what....my hair is still clean!! I am curious to see how long the bottle will last.
3) Water. I have talked about Sassy's love of the long shower. But I am also trying to be aware of how hard I am running the water when I do dishes (no dishwasher). If I had a double sink, I would fill one side with soapy water, and the other with rinse water. But since I don't have that, I need to rinse with running water. It doesn't need to go full force. I am trying to cut that useage back.
Those are just a few things. How about you? What are you wasteful with?
I turn off lights in rooms that are not in use (although this is still a struggle with the rest of the family). Leftovers get eaten. If I make a large amount of something (like a whole turkey), the extra gets frozen.
But I know we can do better. Here are a few things that I have noticed lately:
1) Coffee. We tend to spill out at least a large cup worth on a daily basis. G-man has a travel cup that he fills before work, and I walk around (and usually lose!) with my coffee in the morning before work (my travel mug broke). But that last cup just never gets used. So I have started making LESS coffee in the morning. Over the course of a month, it would come out to 30 cups, or I am guessing about 4 days worth of coffee. Over the year, that would be 48 days of coffee!! That is almost 7 weeks worth of coffee!!
2) Shampoo. Have you ever really read the bottle? Usually it tells you to wash and repeat. Most of us don't. We don't. But I am also guessing we use at least twice the recommended amount. I have been conscience of how much shampoo I use (no more than a quarter size squirt) and guess what....my hair is still clean!! I am curious to see how long the bottle will last.
3) Water. I have talked about Sassy's love of the long shower. But I am also trying to be aware of how hard I am running the water when I do dishes (no dishwasher). If I had a double sink, I would fill one side with soapy water, and the other with rinse water. But since I don't have that, I need to rinse with running water. It doesn't need to go full force. I am trying to cut that useage back.
Those are just a few things. How about you? What are you wasteful with?
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
I got lost!
In my checkbook....I got lost. In my attempt to separate piles of money (stuff for the kids that they needed, Christmas, bills, car), I was transferring money all over the place, and I lost track of what I was doing.
I realize now that I made some of this WAY more complicated than it had to be. But 2 hours later, a scrap Excel spreadsheet, and lots of hair pulling....I figured it out.
I think this is why I like ING so much. I have several accounts, and I can visually see where it all is. In the above scenario, I was using our main checking account and savings account, and it just didn't work. I had some money in my savings and I transferred it to checking, then back to savings, but then BLAH BLAH BLAH.
I got lost.
I did discover that we have $207 left in the Christmas budget (NOT including the $150 slush fund), which will purchase the tree, postage, shipping, and whatever G-man gets me. The rest is done.
I have $200 left to buy clothes or whatever for the kids....which will probably roll over to next spring, as they are pretty set right now.
The check for the retirement loan is taken care of.
I paid a few bills.
And I think that I found the end of the maze!!!
I realize now that I made some of this WAY more complicated than it had to be. But 2 hours later, a scrap Excel spreadsheet, and lots of hair pulling....I figured it out.
I think this is why I like ING so much. I have several accounts, and I can visually see where it all is. In the above scenario, I was using our main checking account and savings account, and it just didn't work. I had some money in my savings and I transferred it to checking, then back to savings, but then BLAH BLAH BLAH.
I got lost.
I did discover that we have $207 left in the Christmas budget (NOT including the $150 slush fund), which will purchase the tree, postage, shipping, and whatever G-man gets me. The rest is done.
I have $200 left to buy clothes or whatever for the kids....which will probably roll over to next spring, as they are pretty set right now.
The check for the retirement loan is taken care of.
I paid a few bills.
And I think that I found the end of the maze!!!
Monday, October 24, 2011
My total numbers are so off
As I was updating my side bar information the other day, it really hit me how "off" these numbers are.
The actual balances....well, those are right. I am capable of checking the balance and reporting it!!! (most days at least....) And I hope I am able to add. But again....that is alot to ask of me some days as my brain is so melted and mush that I have to put cotton in my ears to keep it from oozing out. Then I ring out the cotton balls and put it in a mold.....it makes a lovely little jello-like cube.
I digress.
I started this blog with $76k of debt. This didn't include our retirement loan....which was in the $7,000 range at that time. So it really was closer to $83k. I don't know why I didn't include the retirement loan. I think it was seeing a number in the 80's that freaked me out. Or maybe because it was being paid back to ourselves I just didn't count it as debt. Who knows....it was over 2 years ago. I barely remember yesterday.
We currently stand at $65k (or about $67k with the retirement loan). So it looks like we have barely made a dent in our debt. Anyone who just glances at the numbers would be like....really? That is all you have paid off??? In TWO years????
But that isn't the case. We have incurred new debt. I haven't added the numbers up....but I know it is there. I would love to say we NEVER use our credit cards....but that isn't true. We have used them....MOSTLY for need (such as car repairs!!!)....but there has been some budget missteps along the way as well.
There have been NO major purchases (new furniture, vacations, appliances). Our computer was paid for with cash. Anyway you slice it....we have incurred some debt.
So our numbers....we have actually paid for all of the missteps PLUS what we have paid down. I am not sure how to reflect that without driving myself crazy. All I know is that month after month....we consistently pay about $1000 just in CREDIT CARD debt. So in 26 months since I started this blog...that would be $26,000 right there we have paid (including interest).
We have paid off the car, the hospital bill, one student loan, and our retirement loan is almost done. All of that is around $18,000. We have been paying the interest on my student loan....at about $2,100 for that.
Yet, it looks like all we have done is 11k.
Some day when I actually have TIME, I will figure out all the real numbers....but for now I have to remember that we have done WAY more than my numbers actually reflect. Pardon me while I attempt to cheer myself up. I need to find something right now that proves that we aren't completely crappy at this.
The actual balances....well, those are right. I am capable of checking the balance and reporting it!!! (most days at least....) And I hope I am able to add. But again....that is alot to ask of me some days as my brain is so melted and mush that I have to put cotton in my ears to keep it from oozing out. Then I ring out the cotton balls and put it in a mold.....it makes a lovely little jello-like cube.
I digress.
I started this blog with $76k of debt. This didn't include our retirement loan....which was in the $7,000 range at that time. So it really was closer to $83k. I don't know why I didn't include the retirement loan. I think it was seeing a number in the 80's that freaked me out. Or maybe because it was being paid back to ourselves I just didn't count it as debt. Who knows....it was over 2 years ago. I barely remember yesterday.
We currently stand at $65k (or about $67k with the retirement loan). So it looks like we have barely made a dent in our debt. Anyone who just glances at the numbers would be like....really? That is all you have paid off??? In TWO years????
But that isn't the case. We have incurred new debt. I haven't added the numbers up....but I know it is there. I would love to say we NEVER use our credit cards....but that isn't true. We have used them....MOSTLY for need (such as car repairs!!!)....but there has been some budget missteps along the way as well.
There have been NO major purchases (new furniture, vacations, appliances). Our computer was paid for with cash. Anyway you slice it....we have incurred some debt.
So our numbers....we have actually paid for all of the missteps PLUS what we have paid down. I am not sure how to reflect that without driving myself crazy. All I know is that month after month....we consistently pay about $1000 just in CREDIT CARD debt. So in 26 months since I started this blog...that would be $26,000 right there we have paid (including interest).
We have paid off the car, the hospital bill, one student loan, and our retirement loan is almost done. All of that is around $18,000. We have been paying the interest on my student loan....at about $2,100 for that.
Yet, it looks like all we have done is 11k.
Some day when I actually have TIME, I will figure out all the real numbers....but for now I have to remember that we have done WAY more than my numbers actually reflect. Pardon me while I attempt to cheer myself up. I need to find something right now that proves that we aren't completely crappy at this.
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