I am sorely embarrassed that I have not posted since June. I kept having a problem accessing the site. When using my desktop and IE, it would crash my system every time I tried. I just accidentally stumbled on it using Firefox.
Rick and I are still together. We work together, as well. We serve civil warrants, divorces, lawsuits, etc. for many lawyers.
I suppose I'm not doing the "grocery challenge" anymore. I have made a concerted effort over the past 2 or 3 years to use stockpile. Since Rick moved in, we have given away hundreds of $$ in goods to the rescue mission and the homeless day center. While I still have a fairly healthy pantry, it's nothing compared to what I was working with a couple of years ago. Rick does 95% of the cooking here and he does not use canned goods, well, except cooking soups, and prefers less processed foods. So, the shopping is mostly up to him. My coupon use has fallen off greatly because of that.
I do want to brag about one great deal, though. I had a birthday about 10 days ago. Rick told me that he wanted to buy a new computer chair for me, but, it couldn't be a surprise because he wanted me to pick out what I wanted. My old chair was broken and falling apart. Well, when I found out I was getting a new chair, I went to work to find all applicable rebates, coupons, sales, etc. We settled on a beautiful leather chair at Office Depot. The chair was $149.99 and the 2-year protection warranty was 14.99, plus tax. This came to $180.24. After all my deals, we paid a total, including tax, of $79.29. In addition, I used my frequent shopper card and earned cash back on the purchase. Just think; the average person looking to spend $75 on a chair would have gotten a flimsy, plastic, cloth covered chair. I got a well-made leather chair with padded armrests.
We have absolutely nothing planned for New Year's Eve. We are early to bed, early to rise people, so, we may get a bottle of bubbly and open it about dinner time.
I hope you all have a happy and prosperous new year. Keep up those frugal, saving ways. Clip those coupons, get those deals!
Vicki
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Oh, Man, Do I Feel Badly!
I haven't posted in two months. That's just unacceptable. I think I have mentioned to you in the past that I suffer from depression. It just crops up sometimes and I have to "roll with the flow" until it subsides.
Things are going well here. Rick has just "wowed" me with another one of his creations. He made something today that he calls, "slumgullion." I think it's a German word for "whatever you throw in the pot." He used a really discounted piece of smoked sausage, a box of veggies we got at 1/2 price, a pouch of rice with saffron that I got for probably .25 or less, an envelope of seasoning that was also about .25 and some things out of the refrigerator that he refuses to identify. It was fantastic! It had a hint of BBQ sauce and some toasted sesame stir fry sauce. I think the only thing he didn't put in it was garlic. The man is a genius. I just wish he could remember what he put in that meatloaf last year that I went crazy over.
Needless to say, today he used 4 or 5 stockpile items to make his dish. I find it hard to impose a value on him to use stockpile. He is a "whatever will be, will be" kind of fellow. I try to clip coupons and keep him on the straight and narrow, but, it's almost impossible. I was able to get two packages of smoked sausage for .99 ea. after doubles and promos this week. I also favored Rick with 2 cans of Emerald Nuts cashews. They were BOGOF and $1 Qs on each. He loves them but we can't really afford them at $5.99 ea.
We've been eating out way too often. When we get done with work, we just want to sit down and be fed. Chili's should make us a shareholder!
Oh, speaking of Chili's, we had a horrible experience at Chili's in Buckhead, Atlanta. The bartender treated us like 2nd class citizens, sent out overcooked food, actually laughed at me when I asked about happy hour. He snorted and said, "Happy hour? You're in Buckhead."
We were on a mystery shop in Buckhead. I can't reveal the name of the hotel, but, the room was $400 a night plus we were able to get room service for dinner. It was cool! I would never stay in a $400 hotel room if I was spending my own money. I guess none of you would, either. I think the most I would ever spend is about $150 and that's only if it's near someplace I really, really need to be.
We have 2 more mystery shops to do in ATL next month. One is over $200 a night, plus dinner of $120 and breakfast of $50, and the other is only, ONLY!, $149 per night. Rick says that he used to be happy with a $39.95 room at the Red Roof Inn, but, that I have spoiled him with my mystery shop locations. He now snubs anything less than $100 a night. We performed 2 "cheap" mystery shops this month and he was thoroughly disgusted with them. Sorry, Dude. This is how we make money.
Summer has been in full swing since last month here. We had something like 20 days of 90+ degree weather in May and the first part of June. Yeah, June 21 may be the first day of summer, but, we've been sweltering since May 1 or so. Don't mean to complain. I love it here. The cicadas were out last month after their 13 year hibernation. They are all gone now. What a life. You live underground for 13 years, come out, live for a month, mate, bury your eggs, and die. Hmm.
We are working, although, it is hit or miss sometimes. Our best client has been so far behind that we haven't had anything from him in 3 weeks. Kind of hurts when you've been spoiled with $2K of business every month.
Keeping a lid on grocery spending, although, don't even ask how much we spend in restaurants and liquor stores. It's a crying shame how much money we waste. I was living frugally before I met Rick. Now, it's "I want this." He's just used to a different level of living than I am. We're trying to work it out.
Thanks for reading. I promise not to desert you.
Vicki
Things are going well here. Rick has just "wowed" me with another one of his creations. He made something today that he calls, "slumgullion." I think it's a German word for "whatever you throw in the pot." He used a really discounted piece of smoked sausage, a box of veggies we got at 1/2 price, a pouch of rice with saffron that I got for probably .25 or less, an envelope of seasoning that was also about .25 and some things out of the refrigerator that he refuses to identify. It was fantastic! It had a hint of BBQ sauce and some toasted sesame stir fry sauce. I think the only thing he didn't put in it was garlic. The man is a genius. I just wish he could remember what he put in that meatloaf last year that I went crazy over.
Needless to say, today he used 4 or 5 stockpile items to make his dish. I find it hard to impose a value on him to use stockpile. He is a "whatever will be, will be" kind of fellow. I try to clip coupons and keep him on the straight and narrow, but, it's almost impossible. I was able to get two packages of smoked sausage for .99 ea. after doubles and promos this week. I also favored Rick with 2 cans of Emerald Nuts cashews. They were BOGOF and $1 Qs on each. He loves them but we can't really afford them at $5.99 ea.
We've been eating out way too often. When we get done with work, we just want to sit down and be fed. Chili's should make us a shareholder!
Oh, speaking of Chili's, we had a horrible experience at Chili's in Buckhead, Atlanta. The bartender treated us like 2nd class citizens, sent out overcooked food, actually laughed at me when I asked about happy hour. He snorted and said, "Happy hour? You're in Buckhead."
We were on a mystery shop in Buckhead. I can't reveal the name of the hotel, but, the room was $400 a night plus we were able to get room service for dinner. It was cool! I would never stay in a $400 hotel room if I was spending my own money. I guess none of you would, either. I think the most I would ever spend is about $150 and that's only if it's near someplace I really, really need to be.
We have 2 more mystery shops to do in ATL next month. One is over $200 a night, plus dinner of $120 and breakfast of $50, and the other is only, ONLY!, $149 per night. Rick says that he used to be happy with a $39.95 room at the Red Roof Inn, but, that I have spoiled him with my mystery shop locations. He now snubs anything less than $100 a night. We performed 2 "cheap" mystery shops this month and he was thoroughly disgusted with them. Sorry, Dude. This is how we make money.
Summer has been in full swing since last month here. We had something like 20 days of 90+ degree weather in May and the first part of June. Yeah, June 21 may be the first day of summer, but, we've been sweltering since May 1 or so. Don't mean to complain. I love it here. The cicadas were out last month after their 13 year hibernation. They are all gone now. What a life. You live underground for 13 years, come out, live for a month, mate, bury your eggs, and die. Hmm.
We are working, although, it is hit or miss sometimes. Our best client has been so far behind that we haven't had anything from him in 3 weeks. Kind of hurts when you've been spoiled with $2K of business every month.
Keeping a lid on grocery spending, although, don't even ask how much we spend in restaurants and liquor stores. It's a crying shame how much money we waste. I was living frugally before I met Rick. Now, it's "I want this." He's just used to a different level of living than I am. We're trying to work it out.
Thanks for reading. I promise not to desert you.
Vicki
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Happy Easter!
It's the time of year of rebirth and renewal. It feels so good to be outside right now. Rick has planted an awful lot of azaleas, rhodedendrons, and hibiscus. My house is becoming a home.
Well, got rid of all the cats. It was hard, but, they will have a more comfortable life with others. I sent Daisy away, too. The no-kill facility said it's O.K. that she's not litter box trained. They can place her.
I've really got to get busy clipping and filing coupons. I hate to admit it, but, I've let my coupon binder go practically empty. I don't even carry it into the store anymore.
I've gotten Rick to use much more of the stockpile. The 3-a-day rule died a long time ago, but, we're still working at it.
Work is going well. Rick and I work well together. We are getting more clients every month.
The only "deal" I've done lately is the 5/$13 coke 12-pack products. Shouldn't drink that much coke, but, what are ya gonna do when you live this close to Atlanta? Oh, BTW, in the south, you never call it soda or pop. You don't even call the other products by their name. Here's how the conversation goes when you have a guest in your home. "Would you like a coke?" "Sure. What do you have?" "Well, I have coke, sprite, diet coke. Which one?" So, all soft drinks are generically called coke around here. You have to get specific after that.
My dad has been gone 8 months. I can hardly believe that much time has gone by. Rick went out and seeded the lot and it is looking very good.
We are planning to go to the lake tomorrow to celebrate our first year together. We actually had our first date on Easter last year, which was on 4/4, as I recall. We are considering Easter Sunday as "our" day from here on out.
Have a blessed and happy Easter tomorrow.
Well, got rid of all the cats. It was hard, but, they will have a more comfortable life with others. I sent Daisy away, too. The no-kill facility said it's O.K. that she's not litter box trained. They can place her.
I've really got to get busy clipping and filing coupons. I hate to admit it, but, I've let my coupon binder go practically empty. I don't even carry it into the store anymore.
I've gotten Rick to use much more of the stockpile. The 3-a-day rule died a long time ago, but, we're still working at it.
Work is going well. Rick and I work well together. We are getting more clients every month.
The only "deal" I've done lately is the 5/$13 coke 12-pack products. Shouldn't drink that much coke, but, what are ya gonna do when you live this close to Atlanta? Oh, BTW, in the south, you never call it soda or pop. You don't even call the other products by their name. Here's how the conversation goes when you have a guest in your home. "Would you like a coke?" "Sure. What do you have?" "Well, I have coke, sprite, diet coke. Which one?" So, all soft drinks are generically called coke around here. You have to get specific after that.
My dad has been gone 8 months. I can hardly believe that much time has gone by. Rick went out and seeded the lot and it is looking very good.
We are planning to go to the lake tomorrow to celebrate our first year together. We actually had our first date on Easter last year, which was on 4/4, as I recall. We are considering Easter Sunday as "our" day from here on out.
Have a blessed and happy Easter tomorrow.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Spring Is Here And I Am So Glad!
Sorry to be away for so long. We have been working a lot. Eating out a lot too much because it's just so tiring after a day of working together and don't want to go home and cook. We are really trying to do better. Rick understands that I need to keep a lid on expenses.
I am giving away my 2 indoor cats on Monday. I'm turning them into the no-kill facility here. Both have been altered, so, they shouldn't be too hard to get a new home. I will miss them, but, they have been outside since last summer and they deserve having a loving home to live in. I only have Daisy left at home. She's strictly an outdoor cat. Can't teach her to use the litter box. There are a couple of ferals hanging around, but, I think if I can find a farmer with a barn to take Daisy, I can shoo away the strays and ferals. It kills me to do it, but, I must.
My couponing is not going well. I have a dining room full of coupon inserts to clip and file. Can't redeem them if they are not in the binder, huh?
Oh, I heard the other day that on some cable channel this fall, there will be a series called, "Extreme Couponing." I don't have cable, thank you, Lord, so I won't be sitting in front of the TV every week to see what other people are doing.
My life is so different from when I started this blog. I have Rick now. I never thought, at least for the last 35 years, that I needed anyone. I do. It's good.
I am giving away my 2 indoor cats on Monday. I'm turning them into the no-kill facility here. Both have been altered, so, they shouldn't be too hard to get a new home. I will miss them, but, they have been outside since last summer and they deserve having a loving home to live in. I only have Daisy left at home. She's strictly an outdoor cat. Can't teach her to use the litter box. There are a couple of ferals hanging around, but, I think if I can find a farmer with a barn to take Daisy, I can shoo away the strays and ferals. It kills me to do it, but, I must.
My couponing is not going well. I have a dining room full of coupon inserts to clip and file. Can't redeem them if they are not in the binder, huh?
Oh, I heard the other day that on some cable channel this fall, there will be a series called, "Extreme Couponing." I don't have cable, thank you, Lord, so I won't be sitting in front of the TV every week to see what other people are doing.
My life is so different from when I started this blog. I have Rick now. I never thought, at least for the last 35 years, that I needed anyone. I do. It's good.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
It's Almost "Happy Spring!"
I know the calendar says it's still winter, but, it's 70 degrees here yesterday and today and we are landscaping. Rick is very good with these kinds of things. Me, I don't even notice. I mean, I notice when he makes everything look nice, but, living here alone all these years, I just quit taking notice of my surroundings.
Rick and I have decided to give up all our cats. He's keeping the dog, a miniature Pinser. Our cats aren't too bad, but, having to feed them downstairs and giving them a way in and out has attracted many strays and ferals. They have done several hundred dollars damage to the heating ducts under the house. If we get rid of "our" cats, we can close off entry into the basement, quit putting feed out, and the others will move on to more friendly environs. Rick is allergic to cat dander, so, my beloved pets had to be moved outside. I just think it's better all around to try to find loving homes for them so that they can have some companionship.
We've been working quite a bit lately and eating out way too much. It's just too much to work all day and then come home and try to cook something decent. Rick said the other day that he was getting tired of cooking, so, I'm going to have to brush up on my cooking skills and help out. I did prepare dinner last night and Rick has put a chuck roast in the crock pot this morning for tonight's dinner. Of course, the size of the thing means we'll be eating it for three or four days!
I was pleased to find some bargains at the grocery the other day. There was a P&G Q for $3 off Gain fabric softener. My Bi-Lo had it on sale for $2.99 and lucky me, I had 2 coupons! Free softener to last for a while. I also had one Q for BOGOF Swiffer refills. Those wetjet pads are almost $7 a box! I once made the mistake of buying the CVS brand which is supposed to work with Swiffer wetjet. It does not and I bought 2 boxes. They don't have a sticky side to stick to the mop head. So, in trying to save money, I wasted it. I did take back the unopened box for a refund but I didn't have the moxy to take back the open box. You know, I might just take a run at trying to take back the opened box. It clearly states on the box that they can be used with Swiffer wetjet.
So far this year, I have only spent about $176 on groceries and used about $400 in Q's. It's hard to keep it under tight control the way I used to, as Rick likes to go the the grocery and just roam the aisles, throwing things in the basket willy-nilly. Since he does most of the cooking, I can't really say much about his shopping habits.
I must confess one thing about my grocery shopping; I've started buying those pre-cooked, boiled and peeled eggs from Eggland's Best. Yes, they are pricey, but, I always have a coupon, doubled, and besides, they are a great convenience. When I first saw them in the store, I said, "Now, that's pretty lazy to buy eggs already boiled and peeled!" Having to eat those words now.
Well, Rick is calling for me to help in the yard. He's putting in azaleas and other stuff I can't pronounce or spell.
We'll talk soon.
Rick and I have decided to give up all our cats. He's keeping the dog, a miniature Pinser. Our cats aren't too bad, but, having to feed them downstairs and giving them a way in and out has attracted many strays and ferals. They have done several hundred dollars damage to the heating ducts under the house. If we get rid of "our" cats, we can close off entry into the basement, quit putting feed out, and the others will move on to more friendly environs. Rick is allergic to cat dander, so, my beloved pets had to be moved outside. I just think it's better all around to try to find loving homes for them so that they can have some companionship.
We've been working quite a bit lately and eating out way too much. It's just too much to work all day and then come home and try to cook something decent. Rick said the other day that he was getting tired of cooking, so, I'm going to have to brush up on my cooking skills and help out. I did prepare dinner last night and Rick has put a chuck roast in the crock pot this morning for tonight's dinner. Of course, the size of the thing means we'll be eating it for three or four days!
I was pleased to find some bargains at the grocery the other day. There was a P&G Q for $3 off Gain fabric softener. My Bi-Lo had it on sale for $2.99 and lucky me, I had 2 coupons! Free softener to last for a while. I also had one Q for BOGOF Swiffer refills. Those wetjet pads are almost $7 a box! I once made the mistake of buying the CVS brand which is supposed to work with Swiffer wetjet. It does not and I bought 2 boxes. They don't have a sticky side to stick to the mop head. So, in trying to save money, I wasted it. I did take back the unopened box for a refund but I didn't have the moxy to take back the open box. You know, I might just take a run at trying to take back the opened box. It clearly states on the box that they can be used with Swiffer wetjet.
So far this year, I have only spent about $176 on groceries and used about $400 in Q's. It's hard to keep it under tight control the way I used to, as Rick likes to go the the grocery and just roam the aisles, throwing things in the basket willy-nilly. Since he does most of the cooking, I can't really say much about his shopping habits.
I must confess one thing about my grocery shopping; I've started buying those pre-cooked, boiled and peeled eggs from Eggland's Best. Yes, they are pricey, but, I always have a coupon, doubled, and besides, they are a great convenience. When I first saw them in the store, I said, "Now, that's pretty lazy to buy eggs already boiled and peeled!" Having to eat those words now.
Well, Rick is calling for me to help in the yard. He's putting in azaleas and other stuff I can't pronounce or spell.
We'll talk soon.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
I'm A Bit Slow
I just finally figured out how to post my photo on this site. I apologize that it is 20 years old, but, I'm too old and ugly to have a new portrait done!
I just made out like a bandit at Bi-Lo last week. They had all Stouffer's single serve and French bread pizza for $1.98. That's about $2 off the regular price. While Rick is an excellent cook, we are working a lot lately and those micro dinners come in handy.
I had to have Ole Blue Eyes put down last week. He was hit by a car, I think, and then hit in the head with a brick. Too far gone to help, not quite dead. It was painful and Rick really loved that cat. He was a huge Siamese with the prettiest blue eyes you've ever seen. We actually had another name for him at home. We called him Big Balls. I know, that's tacky, but, his hindquarters were dark brown and the rest of him light brown. When he walked away from you, all you could think was, "What big balls!" I hope this paragraph passes through the internet police. I don't mean to offend anyone, but, after all, they show!
We have picked up new clients and doing pretty well. Rick is very good at this job. I thought I was pretty good for the past 25 years, but, Rick is REALLY good! I went to northern Alabama last Saturday and served someone with the same last name as mine. My great-grandfather was from the same town. I'm sure this deadbeat is a distant cousin, but, I didn't delve into it.
Speaking of which, I have been working on my family tree for a while now. One distant cousin wrote a book about some of my family. I've gone onto www.ancestry.com and created a family tree. I've filled in all the gaps that I could from Harold's book. I've gone back to 1727 in one line and 1677 in another line. Along the way, 1st cousins married, so, the family tree is sort of twisted. You can't really blame them. Where do you find someone to marry when you live out in nowhere and don't know anyone? One of my greats was a French Hugenot with Napoleon. He was a minister which was looked upon with as great esteem as the President or Commander. I drew a blank after a g-grandmother who was part Cherokee Indian. I would like to know more about her people. Not far from here is a Cherokee reservation in North Carolina. If I had another generation or two before here, I could probably go to the reservation's library and find more info. Oh, so much to do and so little time to do it!
No coupon news, I'm afraid. I just haven't had the time to look. I'm grateful for the work we've got. I shouldn't complain about not having enough time for coupons and deals. As I have time, I will be more diligent.
I just made out like a bandit at Bi-Lo last week. They had all Stouffer's single serve and French bread pizza for $1.98. That's about $2 off the regular price. While Rick is an excellent cook, we are working a lot lately and those micro dinners come in handy.
I had to have Ole Blue Eyes put down last week. He was hit by a car, I think, and then hit in the head with a brick. Too far gone to help, not quite dead. It was painful and Rick really loved that cat. He was a huge Siamese with the prettiest blue eyes you've ever seen. We actually had another name for him at home. We called him Big Balls. I know, that's tacky, but, his hindquarters were dark brown and the rest of him light brown. When he walked away from you, all you could think was, "What big balls!" I hope this paragraph passes through the internet police. I don't mean to offend anyone, but, after all, they show!
We have picked up new clients and doing pretty well. Rick is very good at this job. I thought I was pretty good for the past 25 years, but, Rick is REALLY good! I went to northern Alabama last Saturday and served someone with the same last name as mine. My great-grandfather was from the same town. I'm sure this deadbeat is a distant cousin, but, I didn't delve into it.
Speaking of which, I have been working on my family tree for a while now. One distant cousin wrote a book about some of my family. I've gone onto www.ancestry.com and created a family tree. I've filled in all the gaps that I could from Harold's book. I've gone back to 1727 in one line and 1677 in another line. Along the way, 1st cousins married, so, the family tree is sort of twisted. You can't really blame them. Where do you find someone to marry when you live out in nowhere and don't know anyone? One of my greats was a French Hugenot with Napoleon. He was a minister which was looked upon with as great esteem as the President or Commander. I drew a blank after a g-grandmother who was part Cherokee Indian. I would like to know more about her people. Not far from here is a Cherokee reservation in North Carolina. If I had another generation or two before here, I could probably go to the reservation's library and find more info. Oh, so much to do and so little time to do it!
No coupon news, I'm afraid. I just haven't had the time to look. I'm grateful for the work we've got. I shouldn't complain about not having enough time for coupons and deals. As I have time, I will be more diligent.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Sorry I Have Been Absent For So Long
I don't know what the problem is with this blog site, but, I can't update my totals and if I try to log in on my desktop computer, I crash every time. I can access on my laptop (I hope!), but, I don't think of signing in too much since I do 90% of my work on the desktop.
Our work is going well. We have picked up a few more clients since Christmas and have hopes for more.
We went out of town this week for a few days for Rick to go golfing with a friend down in GA. We had an indoor pool and hot tub at our hotel, so, it was great for both of us. We were one exit away from a Tanger Outlet Mall, but, thank you very much, I did not go. I should have gone to the underwear store, but, I didn't think I could survive all the other stores. I'm in love with the Lenox store and always buy chrystal that I don't need. How many champagne flutes can one woman use?
Funny story. I was out of state one time many years ago. I think I was in Illinois, but, don't quote me on that. Anyway, we stopped at an outlet mall and the Lenox store and the chocolate store were next to each other. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! I really prefer Gorham crystal, but, when I find a deal at Lenox, I jump on it.
My favorite grocery store has a great deal on single serve Stouffer's this week, I think $1.98 each, usually about $2.99 each. I'm thinking of stocking up on lasagna and mac/cheese to keep the pressure off of Rick to perform in the kitchen every night. We are really doing a good job of using stockpile items and cleaning out the freezer. We still give a lot away to the rescue mission. I think about the women especially at the mission. I guess it doesn't matter if you are male or female, but, it seems like being a woman and being homeless would be harder. Women are more vulnerable to predators. They are victims more often. I am so thankful for all that I have. I have a home, a car, and food to eat. I don't have a lot of extras, but, I am able to keep my head above water. I have some credit card debt, but, I also have the ability to have credit. That's a lot more than a lot of people around me. The economy has dealt a hard blow to a lot of people and I'm hoping that we are climbing our way out. I have a lot of confidence in the current leadership that we will right the boat.
I just heard a piece of news. The President of the United States did not receive an invitation to William and Kate's wedding. He did receive an invitation to visit Buckingham Palace in May. I guess that's the consolation prize!
Rick is pushing me to get rid of all our cats. I had one put down last week. He had been hit by a car while apparently out chasing a female. He had a brick fall on his head the next day. I couldn't help him. It killed me to have him put down. Rick wants me to give up all my cats. He has one he particularly likes and I wonder if she will go the same route he has in mind for all the others. We can turn them into the local animal shelter and it is a "no-kill" facility. Most of my cats are litter trained and very affectionate, so, it shouldn't be too hard to get them adopted out. I can't imagine giving up my little Sonny. He came to me at 6 weeks with a dislocated hip. His mama took the rest of the litter and moved on, leaving him here. That was years ago, but, I feel so responsible for him. She knew I'd take care of him. Now, I have to give him away.
We've been working so much that Rick has not been his usual self in the kitchen. We eat out way too much because we are on the road working. I'd like to have a few nights at home when we are not too tired to cook.
Our work is going well. We have picked up a few more clients since Christmas and have hopes for more.
We went out of town this week for a few days for Rick to go golfing with a friend down in GA. We had an indoor pool and hot tub at our hotel, so, it was great for both of us. We were one exit away from a Tanger Outlet Mall, but, thank you very much, I did not go. I should have gone to the underwear store, but, I didn't think I could survive all the other stores. I'm in love with the Lenox store and always buy chrystal that I don't need. How many champagne flutes can one woman use?
Funny story. I was out of state one time many years ago. I think I was in Illinois, but, don't quote me on that. Anyway, we stopped at an outlet mall and the Lenox store and the chocolate store were next to each other. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! I really prefer Gorham crystal, but, when I find a deal at Lenox, I jump on it.
My favorite grocery store has a great deal on single serve Stouffer's this week, I think $1.98 each, usually about $2.99 each. I'm thinking of stocking up on lasagna and mac/cheese to keep the pressure off of Rick to perform in the kitchen every night. We are really doing a good job of using stockpile items and cleaning out the freezer. We still give a lot away to the rescue mission. I think about the women especially at the mission. I guess it doesn't matter if you are male or female, but, it seems like being a woman and being homeless would be harder. Women are more vulnerable to predators. They are victims more often. I am so thankful for all that I have. I have a home, a car, and food to eat. I don't have a lot of extras, but, I am able to keep my head above water. I have some credit card debt, but, I also have the ability to have credit. That's a lot more than a lot of people around me. The economy has dealt a hard blow to a lot of people and I'm hoping that we are climbing our way out. I have a lot of confidence in the current leadership that we will right the boat.
I just heard a piece of news. The President of the United States did not receive an invitation to William and Kate's wedding. He did receive an invitation to visit Buckingham Palace in May. I guess that's the consolation prize!
Rick is pushing me to get rid of all our cats. I had one put down last week. He had been hit by a car while apparently out chasing a female. He had a brick fall on his head the next day. I couldn't help him. It killed me to have him put down. Rick wants me to give up all my cats. He has one he particularly likes and I wonder if she will go the same route he has in mind for all the others. We can turn them into the local animal shelter and it is a "no-kill" facility. Most of my cats are litter trained and very affectionate, so, it shouldn't be too hard to get them adopted out. I can't imagine giving up my little Sonny. He came to me at 6 weeks with a dislocated hip. His mama took the rest of the litter and moved on, leaving him here. That was years ago, but, I feel so responsible for him. She knew I'd take care of him. Now, I have to give him away.
We've been working so much that Rick has not been his usual self in the kitchen. We eat out way too much because we are on the road working. I'd like to have a few nights at home when we are not too tired to cook.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
More Snow!
Egad! We don't get measurable snow every five years, but, this year, twice so far! We had our first white Christmas in 41 years and last Monday, it snowed another 8 inches. Schools have been closed all week. We were able to get out and do a bit of work this week, but, many areas were not accessable.
Today is Rick's birthday. I offered to take him to breakfast, out to dinner, whatever he wanted to do. He chose to stay in and watch football and just hang out with me at home. Great guy! Of course, I did the same for my birthday last month, just stay at home and vegitate.
Our new client is working out well. We're getting slammed with work from them. We also picked up a new client a couple of days ago. They don't have the volume of business as the other new one, but, every client is important to me.
My paybox account is now over $600. I just signed up about 7 weeks ago or so. I'm not sure how this thing is going to pan out, but, I've got my fingers crossed.
We've spent more than we should have for the first 2 weeks of the year. Rick is, shall we say, not a miser when it comes to grocery shopping. So far this year, we have done the following:
$76.48 Spent
$97.63 Coupons, store deals, etc.
56% Savings
I'm going to try to keep a rein on him for the rest of the month and hope we do better in future.
Today is Rick's birthday. I offered to take him to breakfast, out to dinner, whatever he wanted to do. He chose to stay in and watch football and just hang out with me at home. Great guy! Of course, I did the same for my birthday last month, just stay at home and vegitate.
Our new client is working out well. We're getting slammed with work from them. We also picked up a new client a couple of days ago. They don't have the volume of business as the other new one, but, every client is important to me.
My paybox account is now over $600. I just signed up about 7 weeks ago or so. I'm not sure how this thing is going to pan out, but, I've got my fingers crossed.
We've spent more than we should have for the first 2 weeks of the year. Rick is, shall we say, not a miser when it comes to grocery shopping. So far this year, we have done the following:
$76.48 Spent
$97.63 Coupons, store deals, etc.
56% Savings
I'm going to try to keep a rein on him for the rest of the month and hope we do better in future.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
There's nothing like starting a new year with a blank slate. No spending for groceries, nothing in the debit side. I just built my new spreadsheet for 2011 a few days ago. It's nice to see all blank lines.
It's kind of dreary here today, but, in the 60's. Not like a week ago with 6 inches of snow on the ground.
I mentioned paybox a few days ago. I signed up about a month ago and I sign in every few days and participate in surveys and such. My initial $25 gift has grown to more than $350! If you haven't signed up for paybox, you really need to. So what if it never gets off the ground? What have you lost, maybe 5 minutes a day of participation? If it goes as planned, you've made a lot of money for little time investment. I was so thankful for the woman who signed me up that I sent her some money out of my account. Rick signed up under me a few days ago and his account has already grown to more than $120. It sounds too good to be true, but, I think it's the real deal. Enough said. If you want in, I'm happy to have you.
Rick and I are starting the new year off with a bang with a new client for process service. We are to pick up 8 new papers on Monday out of county with more promised as we prove ourselves. I think I have explained this in the past. We serve court papers. It's really a great job. We work pretty much when we want to. We don't have to "clock in" to a job every day. We don't do the same thing every day and we don't see the same people every day. It's new and exciting all the time. I'm excited about the new clients and new prospects this year.
I think I am going to stick with $1,000 grocery challenge for 2011. I think we can easily make it with the stockpile in the house and my frugal shopping strategies. Rick is more of an impulse buyer, but, I think I can keep him on the straight and narrow most of the time. Stick with me for the ride!
It's kind of dreary here today, but, in the 60's. Not like a week ago with 6 inches of snow on the ground.
I mentioned paybox a few days ago. I signed up about a month ago and I sign in every few days and participate in surveys and such. My initial $25 gift has grown to more than $350! If you haven't signed up for paybox, you really need to. So what if it never gets off the ground? What have you lost, maybe 5 minutes a day of participation? If it goes as planned, you've made a lot of money for little time investment. I was so thankful for the woman who signed me up that I sent her some money out of my account. Rick signed up under me a few days ago and his account has already grown to more than $120. It sounds too good to be true, but, I think it's the real deal. Enough said. If you want in, I'm happy to have you.
Rick and I are starting the new year off with a bang with a new client for process service. We are to pick up 8 new papers on Monday out of county with more promised as we prove ourselves. I think I have explained this in the past. We serve court papers. It's really a great job. We work pretty much when we want to. We don't have to "clock in" to a job every day. We don't do the same thing every day and we don't see the same people every day. It's new and exciting all the time. I'm excited about the new clients and new prospects this year.
I think I am going to stick with $1,000 grocery challenge for 2011. I think we can easily make it with the stockpile in the house and my frugal shopping strategies. Rick is more of an impulse buyer, but, I think I can keep him on the straight and narrow most of the time. Stick with me for the ride!
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