walked with mom for 45 min

Went back to work today. I had 253 emails to clear up. All in all though a pretty good first day back.

I got my electric bill today and I only used one KWH more than this time last year. Much better. For awhile I was using much more each month, so hopefully I can get this under control.

Finished reading Tyrannosaur Canyon by Douglas Preston. Adventure. Good book.

walked with mom for 55 min

Got groceries this morning, mostly produce, fruit, milk and eggs. Spent $19.53

Total spent so far this month = $364.77

Finished reading the library book Paths Not Taken by Simon Green. Sci Fi. Very good. This is part of a series that's very interesting.

Got some more cleaning done today and all my veggies for the week chopped. It's time to start eating better again, I've been eating out a lot during my vacation.

Feeling a little sad that my vacation is over so soon. It just whizzed by and I didn't accomplish nearly what I wanted to. I am feeling relaxed though so that's the most important part.

walked with mom for 55 min

I basically frittered away another one of my vacation days today, but I have to admit I'm feeling very relaxed. Maybe too relaxed. I really wanted to get my kitchen fall cleaned this week, but it's not going to happen. I'll get it about half way done and hope to finish by the end of the month. I woke up late today @9 and then took a two hour nap this afternoon.

Ah well, that's what vacations are for; to regroup for work. I've been under so much stress lately that I really needed this time off. I turn into a narrow-minded, intolerant b#tch% person after too many days of work crises and I don't like myself when I'm that way, so I should be going back to work in a much better frame of mind.

Went to McDonalds for lunch and spent $6.60

Total spent for vacation so far = $167.20

Finished reading my book It's in His Kiss by Julia Quinn. Romance. Good Story.

It's strange how so many of the journalists on this site went to the dentist this week. I sure hope I don't get the sickness that seems to be going around with journalists also I went to the dentist this morning for basic cleaning, cost $95 which will be reimbursed by my flex account.

Afterwards mom and I spent the day shopping in town. Bought more xmas items plus lots of goodies for me.

Chilis - mom paid for lunch.
Gordmanns - 2 xmas gifts - $16.09 receipt says I saved $20.02
Bed Bath & Beyond - 2 xmas gifts, shower massager, back brush and pumice stone - $61.83
Media Play - 2 xmas gifts, 3 books for me - $41.84 after my $15 rebate, triple points day too
Cold Stone ice cream - $4 with tip
Dollar Tree - food - $7.07
Walgreens - electric throw - $37.58 help keep electric bill low; my other one isn't working.
Albertsons - gas at 2.75/gal - $26.09
Arby's - $5.12

Total spent this month = $345.24 - looks like I'll be going over budget this month again, I'll fill in with some of my leftover vacation money
Total spent for vacation = $160.60

Got my Emeril Sausage rebate today for $4.29

Got my Home Insurance bill today after I called last month to get it lowered. The actual bill was for $5 less than the quote so I saved $45 total.

Finished reading the library book And Then Came Love by Lynn Kurland. Romance. Good. Cute stories.

My parents and I drove up to Georgetown and Idaho Springs today. These are small mining towns in the Colorado mountains. They are about 2 hours from us one way. The drive was really scenic and nice. Georgetown has a lot of little antique and gift shops as well as wonderful ice cream. I bought ice cream for all of us $10. We wandered through the town but I only bought a pair of earrings for $3.74

We went to Idaho Springs next which we hadn't visited before. It was mostly restaurants it seemed.

I took my parents to the Claim Jumper in Denver for a late anniversary present. They have wonderful food, and tons of it. I brought half my steak home and my Apple Cinnamon muffin. Spent $73.28 for dinner.

When we got back home I paid for the gas for the trip. 2.79/gal I spent $23.00

A fun vacation day. Total spent on vacation so far = $125.39

walked with mom for 55 min

Went in town today to run errands. Started at Walgreens where I spent $7.74. Next stop was the acrylic wall place for my shower redo. I really liked their displays I have an appointment for them to come out and give me a quote next Thursday.

Next I went to the Used Book Store in the same strip mall. I have around $200 credit at this store, but they also sell new books at half-price for cash. So I used up some of my credit but I also spent $21.21 on new books. Four of them were ones I had planned to get at Media Play so even at Media Plays sale price I save $1.50 per book buying from the Used Book Store.

Went to Big Lots after that and found a really cute set of Coca-Cola silverware for 9.99. Mom collects Coca-Cola memoribilia so I got those for her b-day.

Went to the library in town and got some back issues of magazines and a couple books.

Went to Barnes and Noble were I had another 15% off coupon and got one book for $6.56

Next went to PC Pennys and got a pair of silky pajamas my mom wanted for her b-day. Spent $30.07

Then went to Sonic for lunch and spent $4.93 followed by Schlotzsky's on the way home for a sandwich for dinner. Spent $3.97

After that I was tired of shopping and went home. When I walked in the door my sister was calling me to ask me to go pick up my niece at school since she had a migraine and was feeling nauseous. So I went and got her, the school is only a mile from me. She felt better after awhile and we watched Semi-homemade and 30 minutes meals on TV until her dad came and got her. She's starting to do some of the cooking for the family and enjoys watching cooking shows. I like to watch them too, ever once in a while I see a cool idea.

Total spent for vacation = $15.37
Total spent for month = $284.75

walked with mom for 55 min.

What's really great about CO is we can have a snowstorm drop a ton of snow on us and the next day it's sunny and warm and the snow melts away. All of it hasn't melted but a lot of it has and the roads are all clear.

Another relaxing day on my vacation but still not accomplishing much

Went to the library and picked up my new holds.

Finished reading the library book Running Blind by Lee Child. Mystery. Very good.

no walking today we got 12" of snow. I have 3' drifts in my backyard and it's not done yet. Supposes to quit soon.

I had a lazy day again. Really need to get some stuff done, I'm frittering away my vacation. Spent some time shopping online. I wanted to get a gas leaf blower for my dad for xmas and I've looked at a couple places. Sears had a sale this weekend that ends tomorrow. Since I couldn't get to the store because of the snow I went ahead and ordered it online through my Nestegg account so I get 1% back, (big whoop) plus using the CC will get another 1% back (nother big whoop and I'll get free shipping. It all adds up I guess. Anyways spent $101.81. My mom will give me $40 since I already bought him a book and a $25 GC to Outback. My budget for him is only $100. He's really hard to buy for usually but this year we had several ideas.

I finished reading the library book Beyond the Pale by Savannah Russe. Supernatural. It was OK nothing really special and kind of boring in spots. Probably won't read anything else she writes.

I found a website that has some really good printable coupons at:

http://www.couponcabin.com/printable-coupons/index.htm

I printed off several for me and my mom. I got one for 15% off one item at Barnes and Noble so I went there today and got 1 book. With my Membership card and the coupon I saved 23% on the book and I paid with a 12% discounted gift card.

Next stop was Media Play where I thought they were having their triple points weekend, but it turns out it's next weekend. I had picked out 5 books to buy so I was glad I asked at the cash register. I told her I would just buy the newspaper and come back next week for the books. Spent $1.25

I met my parents for lunch at the Elephant Bar and got 20% off my meal with a coupon. Spent $11

Next I went to my friends house to check out her new bathrooms. She got acrylic walls put in. They were really nice.

On my way home I stopped at Target and went crazy. I bought 3 t-shirts and 1 work shirt. I love the colors this fall so I'm stocking up. I bought a red grill pan for my mom for xmas and another one for me so I can grill more than one night without having to wash the pan in between. I got a portable heater on sale for my office and some large mailers. Total spent was $116.98. I used $100 of my Target 12% discounted gift cards so got some savings there.

Total spent so far this month = $249.24

It's snowing here now and it's supposed to snow all day tomorrow. Turned my furnace on for the first time this fall. It's set at 60 degrees but it hasn't kicked in yet. I'm pretty warm in my sweats. I'll turn the temp down to 55 before I got to bed, I like to sleep with it cold. We'll see if it kicks on overnight.

Finished reading the library book Every Which Way But Dead by Kim Harrison. Supernatural. Pretty good book.

walked with mom for 55 min

I had a lazy day. I wanted to do some fall cleaning on my kitchen, but basically frittered the day away. Oh well I'm feeling relazed so it's all good

Went to King Soopers for groceries and spent $38.50. $10 of that was for a book on quick and light meals. I plan to try several of the recipes I saw in the book.

Total spent so far this month = $179.60

walked with mom for 45 min

I got a late start to my vacation. I had told my boss I wanted to leave at 4 pm today when I had my 8 hours in, but he calls at the last minute and needs me to walk him through some stuff so I didn't quit till 5. That kind of thing really bothers me, I just don't think it's right that the company always wants just that little bit more. Oh well, my vacation has officially started. I really hope to relax this next week, but I usually plan too much. I have several sightseeing/shopping days planned and I really want to do some fall cleaning, plus lots of reading.

I went to Taco Bell tonight to celebrate my vacation and spent $6.47 this is in the vacation budget.

Total spent for vacation so far = $6.47

I finished reading my book The Octagonal Raven by L.E. Modesitt Jr. Sci Fi. Very good. Interesting story about ability and elites and society.

walked with mom for 55 min

I got a $10 Media Play gift certificate in the mail today and a free sample of Kellogs cereal. So far it's been a very good week for mail. Still waiting on a $25 rebate from buy.com and a couple smaller rebates.

1 more day till my vacation. yippee!

walked with mom for 55 min

Sold another book on half.com for $11 went to the post office after work and spent $1.84 on postage.

Total spent so far this month = $141.10

When I got back from my walk there was a huge package sitting on my front porch. It was the lamp I got for mom for xmas. I was starting to worry about it so was glad it showed up.

I also got a credit card rebate check for more than $57 in the mail.

It got really cold today and it's supposed to freeze tonight. I love it.

I finished reading the library book Echo Burning by Lee Child. Mystery. Very good.

walked with mom for 55 min

Drove into work today. Ate lunch in the cafeteria and spent $5.56. Went to Souper Salad after work and had a coupon if purchase two meals get a $1 off each one. So spent $10.72 but now I have 2 dinners and 4 lunches. I had one of the salads and some of the bread for dinner tonight.

Got gas at Albertson's paid $2.79/gal spent $26.88 $1 of that was for the car wash. If you buy 8 gal of gas you get $2 off the car wash, that's a pretty good deal.

Total spent so far this month = $139.26

It's really gorgeous in CO right now, the trees are turning, flowers are still blooming since we haven't had a killing frost yet, I love it. It supposed to get cooler tonight and it's already rained this evening, but I like the cooler weather too.

walked with mom for 45 min

Parents wanted to eat out after walking so went to Village Inn for dinner. Spent $8.50

Total spent so far this month = $102.10

I'm going on vacation next week. I'm staying here to vacation not traveling anywhere. I like to vacation in Colorado especially at this time of year. Always lots of great scenery. Anyways I consider that my vacation starts Friday night after work and ends Monday morning of the day I return to work. My team lead had the nerve to ask me if I would be available to work Saturday morning at 3:00 AM. We are applying our software to the field so we do it in the middle of the night to cause the least disruption.

He says he knows I'm going on vacation but he wondered if I'm traveling. I said I consider my vacation to be officailly started Friday evening and that I have plans for Saturday that will be ruined if I have to stay up all night.
I originally picked my vacation date so I would be available to work the software patch, but it was moved three times and ended up this weekend. He approved my vacation time more than a month ago.

I felt pressured to do this, but I decided that stinks. The company wants you to use all your vacation time by the end of the year or you lose it so then they want you to work during your vacation. They give you more work than you can complete for the deadline and then want you to take your vacation days. I don't know how many people work 40 hour weeks in 4 days and then take a vacation day on the fifth day. Anyways bottom line is I resisted and he's running my tests this weekend. Hope I don't regret it in the future, but I know I'm a good worker and I'm tired of all the little ways the company intrudes in my life. I work more than 40 hours most weeks and I don't get paid for it. I get compensation time occassionally but it's not a one-to-one ratio. It's wrong and the economy has picked up enough around here that I'm feeling rebellious

Finished reading the library book A Clean Kill by Leslie Glass. Mystery. Good Book

Also finished listening to The Wishsong of Shanarra by Terry Brooks. Sci Fi. Very good story.

My sister dropped my youngest neice off at 8:30 this morning. We met one of my friends and her 4 year daughter at Village Inn for breakfast/lunch at 10:30. Spent $13.67

Then she drove us to the North Pole. The North Pole is in Divide, Colorado up in the mountains. It's an amusement park with a xmas theme. Many of the rides are geared towards very small children so it's really great for them. I had coupons for both of us for buy one admission get one free, so I spent $15.95 for me and my niece. We went on all the rides and walked through the park. Both kids had a great time and it was really fun watching them enjoy themselves. Plus my friend and I got to spend time visiting while they were on the rides. We got some ice cream in the park and I bought a quarter lb of peanut butter fudge for both of my nieces. Spent another $9.73 on that.

Afterwards we split up and I took my niece to dinner at Red Robin. Spent $14.97.

I was exhausted by the time I dropped her off back at home.

Total spent so far this month = $93.60

I finished reading the library book The Overspent American by Juliet B. Schor. Interesting book, but I don't agree that the government is the best choice for any social solution. She feels the government should impose consumption taxes on people to make them spend less. I believe it's up to individuals to decide how to spend their money, even if they are messing it up and going into debt to buy toys or whatever, it's still their choice and it's not up to the government to regulate their spending.

She also wants the stop the inequality in the distribution of wealth and income. Which would mean everyone gets the same amount of money regardless of how much work they do or how much their work is worth. Which would require taxing the so-called 'rich' and giving that money to the so-called 'poor'. This is wrong on so many levels I can't even start to discuss it. But the main issue is who defines rich and who defines poor and who deals with the underlining issues of why people are poor. The most basic description of being poor is lack of money, but giving the poor money rarely solves the problem of their being poor for the long term. People are poor for many more reasons than just not having enough money, such as not having an education, not having work skills, not having financial skills and a whole host of other issues including cultural ones. And while I am willing to contribute to causes that I believe will help allievate poverty I don't want to be required to give to those causes just because someone in the government has decided that I earn too much money and that they should take it away from me and give it to whoever they think should have it, which will most likely be government programs adminstering to the poor rather than to the actual poor.

walked with mom for 55 min

Lots of family issues going on right now. My cousin lost a custody suit for her kids for which I am happy. She put the kids in a situation where they were sexually abused. She's also into drugs, and possible prostitution. So even if it pi$$es off some members of the family I think the kids wellfare whould come first and I'm glad she lost.

My sister is talking divorce and I don't know how that will turn out. In one way it will be better in other ways it will be much worse. Bad situation regardless especially for my nieces. They love both their parents and it's hard on them.

Got groceries at King Soopers and spent $39.28 saved 35% according to the receipt.

Went to the library and read two magazines: Money and Smart Money. Picked up my holds.

October Goals

1. Only spend $400 for groceries, gas, entertainment, clothes, household basics and misc.

2. Walk at least 20 times this month for at least 45 minutes each time.

3. I'm going on vacation for a week this month so I'm not setting any eating out goals. I know I'll be eating out a lot. My goal is to spend $300 or less on my vacation.

4. Save $880 above my 401K contribution

5. Try two new recipes

6. Put another $100 in my cash reserve.

Finished reading the library book Polar Shift by Clive Cussler. Adventure. Very Good.

walked with mom for 55 min

Stayed at mom's for Taco Salad and games. I won 4 games and mom won 2, which left Dad pouting. hehe. He almost always wins.

I got a $10 Walgreens gift card in the mail today.

My goals for Sept were:

1. Only spend $400 for groceries, gas, entertainment, clothes, household basics and misc.
Didn't make this one. Spent 427.93

2. Walk at least 20 times this month for at least 45 minutes each time.
Walked 22 times

3. Only go to fast-food restaurants four times and only eat at regular restaurants four times.
Went to fast food 5 times and restaurants five times so didn't make this one either

4. Save $880 above my 401K contribution
Saved the money, but i'm not investing it till I find out what it will cost to redo my shower.

5. Increase my emergency preparedness
5.1 Adding $100 to my cash. - Done
5.2 Increase my emergency stocks of water and easy to eat foods etc. - Done
5.3 Reallocating some of my emergency money to be more liquid. - Done
5.4 Reviewing my insurance policies - Done saved $40 on this one
5.5 Reading Urban Alert! for more ideas. - Done

So only made 3 of the 5 goals - not so good.

Total spending for the month was:

Groceries - 120.55
Fast Food - 37.80
Restaurant - 47.67
Nieces - 80.85
Clothes - 0
Books/Newspapers - 74.07
Gas - 49.55
HBAs - 2.84
Entertainment - 0 - the miniature show was entertainment, but tracked it under miniatures.
Other - 16.35

Miniatures - 72.50
xmas - 120.42

I also figured my net worth and it increased by 4.36% during the month of Sept. I'm very happy with that.

It's my parents anniversary today, so they went out to eat to celebrate so I didn't walk. I plan to take them out for a late anniversary dinner in a couple weeks.

Went to the post office this morning and mailed my half.com book. Spent $2.26

Total spent so far this month = $429.68

I'm still debating what to do with my shower. I saw this advertisement for acrylic walls that go over the top of the existing walls. I went to thier website and I like the look. They have a store in town that I want to go check out this weekend. Anyone else done this or heard about it? The best part for me is it's done in one day and there's no demolition involved.

Finished reading the library book Origin in Death by J.D. Robb. Mystery. Excellent book. J.D. Robb is a pseudonym for Nora Roberts I like everything she writes. Great dialog, Great characters and Great stories.

walked with mom for 55 min

I hope I'm back on track spending wise. It's usually not an issue for me to go out and spend because of emotional issues. I usually decide how much of my budget is going to go where and then I just spend the rest on what I want without beating myself up about it, as long as I remain within the alloted amount I don't care how it's spent. I am trying to cut back on eating at fast food restaurants, but that's for health reasons more than money reasons. I think the frustration just built up to such a high level I couldn't stand the stress of one more thing, such as deciding to drive home and cook dinner there. Ah well, that's done with now, time to move on.

No spending today. Only two more days this month. I wanted chocolate so bad today, just had a craving for it all day long, but I don't keep it in the house. I resisted going and buying some on the way home from moms so I was happy about that, but I still want some chocolate This time of year it seems like candy is everywhere. You open any sales flyer and bags of it jump out at you screaming, buy me! buy me! It's such a good deal half price, 30% off, BOGO. So not only do you have to resist the temptation of chocoloate, you have to resist the temptation of getting a bargain No fair!

I didn't have a mailer big enough for the book I need to mail out for half.com and I didn't want to take time out of the day to go to the store and get one. Fortunately my mom had one and she said I could have it. Will mail it before work tomorrow.

Finished listening to the library book on tape All About Passion by Stephanie Laurens. Romance. Very Good book.

walked with mom for 45 min

I'm mad at myself today. I had an extremely frustrating day at work. Just constant interruptions. I spent all morning training a co-worker and hosting an hour and a half meeting. At lunch I wanted to get a few minutes to myself so went to the cafeteria for a sandwich and chips. Spent $4.38 Took the sandwich back to my desk to try to get some of my own work done before the next training session and got 3 phone calls in a half hour asking for help from people who are supposed to be training us, we aren't supposed to be training them. So didn't get to finish my lunch before the training with my co-worker resumed. Spent two more hours with him. Then spent a half hour reviewing the work of another co-worker. Another half hour training session and then another half hour with a different co-worker on their problems. By the end of the day I hadn't gotten any of my work done. I was extremely frustrated.

Went to the bank and deposited two rebate checks and a roll of quarters. Added $40.34 to my Extra Fund. It's over a $1000 now.

Went to Barnes and Noble and traded the reprinted book I had got last week for another book by the same author, but a new one that I hadn't read yet.

Then instead of going home and fixing dinner like I should have I went to Captain D's and spent $11.47 and didn't event eat all of it, because I over bought thinking I was hungrier than I was. Bah! Mad at myself for this, especially for wasting the money by buying more than I could eat.

Then I came home and walked with mom. So all in all a long, frustrating day.

Total spent so far this month = $427.42

Got the Target cards I ordered last week in the mail.

I sold another book on half.com, for $5. That makes 4 total and 3 in the last week. Feel like I have to go to the post office everyday. Fortunately there is one about a mile away.

Finished listening to the library book on tape To The Nines by Janet Evanovich. Mystery. Very good, very funny.

walked with mom 50 min

Went to the post office this morning and bought 100 1 cent stamps and sent my latest half.com book off. Spent $3.24

I forgot about returning an item to Kmart last week so that adds $6.72 back to my budget.

Total spent so far this month = $411.56 I think once you break your budget it's like cheating on a diet. Once you do it you figure oh well, I already blew it I might as well have a bowl of ice cream or spend another $10. I have been in a spending mood all week and I just hope I can keep it somewhat under control when I go in town tomorrow.

Made a car payment today so now I only have two to go. Yippee!!

I finished reading the library book Enemy by Lee Child. Mystery. Very good.

walked 55 min with mom

Bought a paper this morning $1

A friend and I drove to Denver today. We haven't seen each other in more than a month so it was really nice to spend the time talking and catching up with each other. We went to Red Robin for lunch. Spent $13.65

Afterwards we went to the Container Store. I love that store, but I've bought so many organizer things over the years I don't need anything anymore. Only spent $4.78

We drove back home and spent a couple hours talking at my house.

After she left I took a short nap and then went over to my mom's to walk. I thought of one thing I want for xmas. The new Gretchen Wilson CD All Jacked Up. I see it's a new release this week and it's on sale all over town.

After we walked I was tired and went to McDonalds for dinner. spent $6.60

Total spent so far this month = $415.04

walked with mom for 55 min

My dad and I went to Home Depot today to see what the options are for my master bath shower. He's done some construction and I wanted his opinion. I think I'm going to go with a dark green 12" marble looking tile. Approximate cost for the tile is $450. My dad said he will do the demolition but someone else will have to do the tile work. So the next step is to find someone to do that. I'm hoping to get the whole thing done for less than $1000, but that will mean one month where I won't be investing outside of my 401K. But it has to be done and I would prefer to do a nice job so it adds value to the house. I hope to have it completed by the end of Oct.

Got gas for 2.81/gal 6 cents off with my grocery card. Total spent = $19.63

Got a few groceries just milk and produce spent $9.81 saved 20% according to the reciept.

Total spent so far this month = $389.01. There's no way I'm going to make my $400 goal with almost a full week left to go, now the goal is to limit the amount I go over $400.

Sold another book at half.com today, this one was $10.00

Saw that I got my $25 bonus from UFB bank in my account today. Tried to register to see my HSBC account online, but kept having problems. I'll have to call them on Monday to see what the deal is there.

Finished reading the library book Dark Sky by Carla Neggers. Romance/Mystery. Good book

walked with mom for 55 min

I get my hair cut at Great Clips and they have a deal where after you get 5 haircuts the 6th one is free. Today just happened to be number 6 so I got it for free Spent $2.00 for the tip. I haven't paid full price for any of the haircuts, 2 of them were on sale for half price and the other 3 I had $2 or $3 off coupons.

Total spent so far this month = $359.57

I got 100 worth of discounted Target gift cards for me and 100 for my mom from the ecard site. They were 10% off. I can always use Target cards. Mom want's some silky pajamas for xmas and a red grill pan. Might be able to use them there. I'm looking for Home Depot cards since I want to get my dad a power blower for xmas and it's $99 I'd like to get at least 10% off to keep it within my budget of $100. Maybe I'll find a Home Depot coupon and be able to combine the savings, that would be nice.

My mom keeps asking me for my xmas list, but I can't think of anything I want or need this year. I still want to buy myself a PC when I find one at the right price, but that's way too expensive to ask for and I can't think of anything else. I've been in the mood to get rid of stuff lately, not add more stuff. Maybe I'll just ask for gift cards to Media Play or Walgreens or something, but she won't be very happy with that. Xmas is a big deal in our family we spend 2 - 3 hours opening presents since we each take turns. Maybe I'll check out Nene Thomas and Ruth Thompson's websites to see if they have any new posters out. I love their art and have several framed pictures from both of them.

I finished reading the library book Lyon's Gate by Catherine Coulter. Romance. Good popcorn book.

walked with mom for 55 min

I called the home insurance company today and lowered my personal property value. It goes up automatically every year but it goes up faster than I buy things, plus I've gotten rid of stuff in the last few years. I also changed my deductible from 500 to 1000 and changed my payment from twice a year to once a year. That saved $6. Total savings was $40

My parents wanted to eat out tonight so we went to Village Inn for the early bird special. Spent $8.83

I did some xmas shopping on Amazon today. Bought 5 Trixie Belden books for my youngest neice. I will give her 3 for xmas and save the other 2 for later. I bought the Pacific Islands princess of the world barbie for my oldest neice. She collects them. I got free shipping and saved 2% by using a9.com and 12% by using my discounted gift cards. Total spent = $55.72

Total spent for the month = $357.57

I finished reading the library book Academ's Fury by Jim Butcher. Sci Fi. Very good. 2nd in the series.

walked with mom for 55 min

Sold another book on half.com - this is number two, about 1 a month. It's been so long I was surprised when I checked my email and got the notification.

Spent 1.42 on postage to mail the book

Went to the library to pick up my holds and paid my 50 cent late fine

Got my DirectTV bill with the first $5.00 discount. They gave me a discount for last month on the same bill so actually got $10 off this bill and will get 5 off the next 4 bills.

Total spent so far this month = $348.74

went into work today. This management stuff is a pain. I spend all day solving people's problems and don't get any of my own stuff done. Since I have to talk to so many people when I go into the office I have really long days. I worked 9 1/2 hrs today so didn't get home in time to walk again. Hopefully after these first couple of weeks when we get everyone organized it will smooth out and not be as frustrating to me. Part of my frustration has to do with trying to communicate with people who's first language isn't english. We recently hired 2 people from India and I have a hard time understanding them and they probably have a hard time understanding me. I hate having to keep asking someone to repeat themselves. I feel it's rude, but since I can't understand that's my only option.

When I add the commuting time to my work day it's another hour and then I run errands while I'm in town. I need a long decompression time after working to clear all the jumble of work thoughts out of my head. I don't get that on days I go into work. BooHoo!

After work I went to Barnes and Noble. I had a 10% off the whole purchase coupon that I got from one of the freebie listings. Unfortunately I bought a book I already own so I have to return it. Two or three times a year I get fooled when they re-issue a book with a different cover. I think it's a new book by a favorite author. Usually I check the copyright date, but didn't today. Bought 3 books and spent $19.23

Went to Wendy's for dinner and spent $5.11

Total spent so far this month = $346.82

walked with mom for 45 min

I've been tracking my electricity use for almost two years now and I noticed that for the last few months I'm using about 30 KWH more per month than I did in the same month last year. I couldn't think of anything I'm doing differently that would use more electricity. I finally came to the conclusion that it's because I'm cooking more often. Last year I was eating out more often and when I ate at home it was usually a frozen dinner that I microwaved. But one of my goals this year was to eat more healthy so I've been cooking 3 - 4 times a week or more. I know I'm spending less for food, especially eating out, so I guess it's a good trade off.

Finished listening to the library book on tape A Rogue's Proposal by Stephanie Laurens. Very good book

Just noticed this is my 100th journal entry. The time has really gone fast, seems like I just started this.

walked with mom for 55 min

Went to the grocery store this morning and bought a few basics and stocked up on canned beans which were on sale. According to the receipt I saved 41%. I spent $15.78 It's getting so most of the grocery stores around here allocate more of their store space to their store brands. It's getting harder and harder to find some name brands that I like because the store brands are taking up all the space. I don't mind using store brands for a lot of things but a sometimes I can get name brands for free with coupons only the stores don't stock them. Awhile back I had coupons for free lunchmeat from Sara Lee but I couldn't find it stocked in King Soopers, Safeway or Albertsons.

I met my parents for lunch and spent $10.09

Total spent so far this month = $322.48 I'm going to have a hard time keeping it under $400 this month, but still trying.

I cleaned my master bath today and saw that some of the bottom tiles were loose. I think there might be a leak or something wrong. I need to figure out what the problem is and how to fix it. I'm sure it will cost money whatever the problem is. I have a repair/maintenance/replace fund that I put $50 into every month and hopefully it will be enough to cover the fix. I think there's about $250 in there right now.

Finished reading the library book Slow Burn by Julie Garwood. Romance. Very good book. Not as good as some of her others but still very good.