Thrifty Ray's Blog

It was a great party, great turnout, lots of food, drink..the weather was a nice 70ish...Everyone, especially the hub- who is now 40... had a great time!

We DID go over budget for some last minute expenses...but not enough to worry about.

My one bothersome point was that the hubs father who came solo..(he and wife were camp hosts...so she stayed behind to host...he came solo) They have been married for a little over 2 years. She is 50, he 68.

HE got very intoxicated, made many comments (not-very complimentary) about his wife. Suggested they were heading for divorce...and then proceeded to hit on at least 5 women at the party from age 52- age 22!! And two of them are married ...I learned the following day that they all were pretty offended.

I knew about two..One told me not to worry about it...she just took care of it herself..another left with her husband right after..but I MADE my husband apologize to her and her husband before they left.

The hub and I were not aware of most of dads obnoxious behavior...I tried to clean up after him as much as possible, apologizing for his obnoxiousness...but this is not the first time he has acted like this...just never to this degree before.

A little history...there is no love lost between FIL and I primarily because he is so obtuse. It has caused many bumps in the road and I have refused to spend time with the hubs extended family because of FIL. This was the FIRST time I have been around most of them since MIL died 6 years ago. SO...I was also trying not to make waves because it was the HUBs big party.

So, here I am a few days later...FIL has gone home to wife...no call to apologize (I am sure in his eyes, he was the hit of the party...gag)

So what do I do at this point? Ive apologized to the ladies...the youngest is my soon to be new Son-In Law's younger sister and their family is NOT happy that he hit on her (she had a little too much to drink but was definately not asking for his attention.She was trying to be polite since it was her brothers new family relative...unfortunately, I didnt find out about this one today when my daughter enlightened me)

These two families will be getting together for upcoming holidays...wife is unaware...and SILs family is angry with him. I don't want to wait until we are all in the same room singing Silent Night to address it. But I don't want to be the one to tell the wife...and I do not want the new family feeling like we think this is acceptable.

Where would you start? What would you do?

After reading Analise's entry about her Marilyn Merlot...I remembered reading a poignant piece by Erma Bombeck, someone Ive admired for as long as I can remember.... This piece is something I have reread over and over again...Thanks Analise for your entry and for reminding me about perspective....

If I Had My Life To Live Over
by Erma Bombeck
The following was written by the late Erma Bombeck
after she found out she had a fatal disease.




If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's".. More "I'm sorrys" ...

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it ... live it...and never give it back.



© Erma Bombeck

I used a gift certificate today that I received from several of the girls that I work with..for a pedicure.

I had a pedicure about 10 years ago...but not since. Boy was I pleasantly surprised by the experience.

Big cushy massage chair that goes at the push of a button while my feet soak...then a great massage, toenail trim, scrub and nail polish- complete with little flowers...for the great price of a $3 tip!!! A full 45 minutes of foot pampering. WOW!

I go tomorrow morning for my orientation for school. Then, I will be able to register. Hopefully I can get into the class I want to start with.

The Luau is 4 days away...lots to do between now and then...but I have decided not to stress...this gig will come off whether I stress or not...so I am choosing to stay on task and not stress about it.

I took my college placement tests today. I was pretty nervous, since I haven't set foot in a classroom in almost 30 years...boy. First thing I noticed is that I messed up BIG time by not bringing my glasses. some of the instructions were written for vision much clearer than mine!!

But I took the test...and am proud to say that I was not the last to finish...nor was I the oldest (ok, second oldest, but that's ok.)

I struggled with the math and felt the reading and writing went well...

Got my results...

Math: 76
Writing: 94
Reading 99

I was VERY pleased with the results. Now I make an orientation appointment and start my journey towards a middle-aged degree!!!

Spent part of the day with DD2 and Gs (age 4)...and then home to some major tree trimming...(the hub bartered with the trimming guy...lots of dead and unhealthy stuff gone...for free!)

Tonight We had a Costco lasagne ($6) and Nana ate with us...

All in all, a wonderful day.

And GS (age 4) said he would be over in the morning to make waffles... doesnt get any better than that!!

I spent $23 and enjoyed pure bliss tonight!! Ok- the pizza that the $23 bought was just so-so...but the enticement that pizza made into getting my kids..and subsequently grandbabies together was the golden ticket!! I have had an incredibly busy week and there is nothing quite like holding a newborn (he is now 16 days old!!)...and then a 1 year old, who loves pizza crust...and a 2 year old dressed up in a donald duck costume, just because it is fun! Loved it! Nothing quite like a good cuddle to get over stress.

I received the final word on my raise this week. I am so blessed. My boss also said that I will get a merit increase in January when our annual evals are done.

I take my placement exam this Saturday for college. I am planning to take Intro to Economics for the first class. Two nights each week 6-7:30pm.

The hubs 40th bitrthday luau is one week away...so I am going to have a CRAZY BUSY week next week...but it will be alot of fun too.

Lots of amazingly good blessings right now...I am sure my chipper mood is due much to that baby time tonight...too darn cute those lil ones!

I decided to consolidate some debt this week into one place (my credit union). I was able to get a rate of 9.99% which isn't terrific, but it is better than what I was paying. By putting all my debt eggs into one basket, I will be getting a little lower rate, and will also earn cash back if we ever use the account...

Where did this debt come from??
Repairs, medical bills, helping parents and kids...and a little bad judgement. But I feel that by making it one big ol' ugly number, I will be better at managing and chiseling down on it.

I will be getting a raise starting September 1, which will help IMMENSELY with reducing our debt!
My goal is to have this paid off within 24 months....WHILE simultaneously paying extra on our interest only house payment (which will amortize out alot better!!) and saving 15% towards retirment.

My little grandson is doing great. He is a week old...and cute as a button!!

I have decided to go back to school at the ripe old age of 47 and work on getting a 2 year degree. Of course, I can only go very part time, so I might not get the degree until I am 55...but I will get it.
My first class? Intro to Economics!!

I take my placement test on the 23rd...and school starts at the end of September. So long as I am working towards a degree and pass with a C or better, my job will reimburse me for most of the expense. With DD3 getting her license and then doing all those "driving teen things"..which means she will be gone more in the evenings... and the hub working nights...it seems like a good use of my time. I am looking forward to stretching my brain...it has been almost 30 years since high school and Ive had very limited college courses since...but many, many work related conferences and certifications. A degree will be very nice!

I am going to start with ONE class...and work into this slowly, especially with the new responsibilities at work.

Finally...I think I got a message from my dad today...or perhaps it is just my crazy imagination.

I had to stop and pick up treats for a meeting this morning. On my way into the store, I noticed a little old man with a cane using all of his energy to get from his car to the door. I opened the door and waited for him...and then helped him get to one of those motorized carts and get settled. He thanked me...and then he looked me in the eye and said "It's heck to get old kid"....which is EXACTLY what my dad used to say to me all the time when I would help him. My head tells me this is simply a coincidence...but my heart believes otherwise...sometimes, life just feels better when you listen to your heart.

Life is good!



ps... dad...if that was you...I got your message!

Oh yeah....

I got to hold the left leg and foot...and say "push...push..." today...and watch my new grandson's head come into the world...and then his slippery little body...all 7lb 6 oz of him.

Welcome to the world little Connor...you are perfect and gorgeous...and gramma is beaming because you are here.

I am ONE happy gramma tonight!!!

DD3 has scheduled her appointment (Aug 13) to get her drivers license. Yesterday, we went on a shopping excursion to town and she did all the driving...did great. She is eager to drive herself places and to get a part-time job. I have to say, it is a strange feeling to know my youngest is taking those steps that will all too soon branch her out on her own. sigh.

We are in the middle of MAJOR birthday season:
8-1 my BFF, 8-2 SIL, GB#4 is due any day (more on this later), 8-9 our 18th wedding anniversary, 8-16 & 27 good friends b-days, 8-29 hubs 40th, 9-2 GD #2, and 9-8 DD2 AND GD#1...whew.

So, lot's of juggling and buying--but ALWAYS looking for a good deal.

The hub and I are getting massages for the anniversary and then going to dinner.

Of course, substanitally more for the hub's bday luau later this month.

BFF is making an unexpected trip up from Cali next weekend...(Oh, yeah!)So we will be able to celebrate her bday together...an real treat!!!

And GS#2 is due next weekend...but we have seen several symptoms of an earlier arrival...DD1 was REALLY hoping that he would come yesterday on his dads birthday...but no such luck...so- even though his due date is next weekend, DD1 now considers herself overdue...lol. If you could see her, you would understand...her tummy is "ji-normous" (her words)

THNAKFULLY, August is an extra paycheck month for both the hub and me....so there is a little extra revenue to help with some of the costs coming up.

My boss has decided that my new responsibilities (and raise) will be much sooner than the first of the year. Probably September 1. (yeah!) I am already taking on ALOT of the new stuff and am really looking forward to it being official.

Lots of good stuff!!

My job often received tickets to events because of our corporate sponsorships. I had the opportunity to pick a set of tickets to one of several upcoming concerts....so Thursday night, I get to go see Brooks and Dunn!!...and sit in reserved seats to boot!! (can you say YEE HAW??) The hub is working, so I am taking DD3 with me.

I went to the eye doctor this morning and, no suprise, my eyes are aging. I will get new glasses...$213 to me even though we have dual insurance with great coverage...ugh. But when the doc showed me the "before' and 'after' of what the glasses will do...I was all for it. It will be nice to see leaves in the trees again...vs just green blobs in the sky. lol.

DD1 is due Aug 9th...but she is so huge and uncomfortable, I dont think she will make it til then. She is hoping for this coming weekend. She is having a little boy...and I can hardly wait to meet him!

We did not have a chance to meet about finances yesterday...but she has promised NOT to spend any of her settlement until we talk. I am continuing to come up with a plan that I hope will help. Hopefully, we can get together before she gets super busy with baby.

Our trip on the river did not pan today. I will make reservations in advance and take nana in a couple of weeks. We invited her to lunch yesterday at a wonderful little bbq joint...and nana enjoyed the outing. She insisted on paying though. I was going to argue, but she desperately wants to feel like she gives back once in while and so I conceded and was glad I did...she lit up knowing she had 'treated'.

Wish me luck today guys. DD1 received a small settlement Friday from a car accident. Historically, the kids have blown any small windfalls on toys and wants...and they are in debt and still renting...with Baby 2 coming in about a week. So I have asked them to give me a chance to pitch a plan this time and help them get a bang for their bucks that will be beneficial for the long haul. I really want them to handle this money wisely. I have learned so much on this site...I am planning to take stories and examples from here and use them with the kids today...we will see.

I will post the outcome....as it unfolds!

Wow. The fraud team that I co-created 10 years ago was recognized by the mayor and the chief of police this week. I was invited to attend the anniversary breakfast and was so honored to see how this has turned out!! My job received recognition for the contributions that we have made for the team and the community!! (wow)

I am about 2-3 weeks away from meeting my newest grandson. He is due Aug 9th...but his mom (DD1) says to expect (Connor) on Aug 2nd (his dads bday)

My boss and I are going to sit down next week to talk about my new position and raise (yes!!) I have started taking over a few of the responsibilities...and am so excited.

The hub and I are taking my mom (nana) on a Sunday brunch jetboat excursion this weekend. I think it will be alot of fun!
It is a 4 1/2 hour trip...and is through some gorgeous canyons on the river..I havent been in years, so I am looking forward to it!!

I am looking forward to August...extra paychecks for both the hub and me.

Hope all is well with everyone...lookinf forward to catching up a little!!!!!!Hugs

Hi all.

I recently posted about my questions on making friends...I was wondering how others make new friends...and I guess I sent that thought out to the universe...because without much work on my part a few really cool things have transpired since that post.

1. A very dear friend invited me to spend a day out this weekend...we have never actually just took off like that. She has kiddie obligations...and I am usually busy playing catch up...but we spent the day "window" shopping and wine tasting...and decided to make reservations for her, her hub, me, my hub to get away for a weekend in October.

2. I was invited to go to a comedy show at our county fair this weekend (my job is paying) with several of my co-workers...many of who I will soon be working more closely with when I take over my new responsibilities...

3. I have been asked to join a wine tasting class with someone I used to work with (not sure about this one)

4. I have set up a get acquainted dinner for the other 4 couples who are going to PV next year...One of the ladies is becoming a very good friend through all of this planning...

5. I have looked into the "Red Hat Society" for my mom. She needs a friend or two very much so...and I need her to find a friend or two... (gads, am I a horrible daughter for wanting that???)

So...I have realized the importance of sending those thoughts out to the universe...mine certainly rippled some answers my way!!!


Thanks for all of your ideas...I keep rereading them and am determined to make new friends inspite of my shyness around others!!!

The hub and I are in a weird place.

We moved here about 14 years ago and did not really know anyone in the area when we moved here. He has a few family memebers, but I am not very close to them for good reasons... We have always worked opposite shifts (him nights, me days) and raised 4 kids...He is 7 years younger than me. He almost 40, I just turned 47.

But we are now at a place where we want to socialize more. We have a couple of friends from my job...but thats it, friendwise.

We are not involved with church..he never will be. Until recently, I have always felt very self-consious and avoided people I did not know in social enviornments.

So how do we make friends at this age??? (why can't all of you just live nearby...I would feel quite comfy and happy sitting down and visiting with you!!)

Have any of you encountered anything like this?? and how did you overcome it?

I have my grown kids...but sometimes, I just long to have dinner with friends.

Ideas???

Update:

My promotion was announced at work today. What a nice feeling to receive congrats from your co-workers!! I am so excited. And I have several months to transition into the new responsibilities. The most exciting is that I will be overseeing security...my passion. Next month when I attend the 10th anniversary celebration with the community fraud team, I can announce that I am back on the team!!!

I will not know my raise for a while yet, but I know the parameters of my position...and I am so very blessed. I honestly will be doing the job I love, making more than I ever imagined.

I found out today that mailing the invites for the luau will be $1.34 each...so we will be hand-delivering as we can...but mailing the others and working the postage into the budget.

Lots to think about...

Woo-hoo!

It will be announced tomorrow...but as of the first of the year I will be getting a promotion and raise...and I get to keep the favorite parts of my current job!! I am sooo excited!!!

I am starting to rev up the plans for the hubs 40th birthday Luau that I am planning for the end of August. Tonight I put the invites together...I bought cute little "message in a bottle" invites from the Oriental Trading Company.(and got 500 My Points for doing so!!) They are little plastic bottles with a mini glass, sand, sunglasses, an umbrella and a scrolled message inviting the guests. They are adorable!

I have been saving all of the plastic containers that we have gotten at work when we order in platters of sandwiches and fruits...so I have plenty of FREE storage for the food.

I asked each guest to bring a lawn chair, their suntan lotion and a fav side dish...and we will supply everything else...drinks, meat, dessert, music, entertainment, etc. Does that sound reasonable??? The hub wants to roast a pig in the ground...and we are planning to make a huge pot of bbq pork for sandwiches...

I bought almost all of the decorations from the dollar store...

So...now it is meal plan- buying the food, drinks...and then putting everything together. My SIL is a DJ so music is done...

I think we are on our way to a very fun party!!!

Today was fantastic!

The hub and I spent the day caring for GS who is 4. For years, GS and I have made homemade waffles when he comes to visit...and today was no different...except we made a double batch.

GS has done this enough that he is able to gather most of the supplies by himself...the mixer, waffle iron, flour, sugar, baking power, salt, eggs...etc. He can now crack eggs like a little pro...and he can count the number of scoops as he adds them in. And he has two special ingredients that he alone determines the amount of...cinnamon and madagascar bourbon vanilla (aka- cimanum and madagascoi boiben venewa). These are not in the recipe, but they are his to add as he sees fit...and he does a great job of pouring them slowly and seeing how the batter changes color and smell.

This morning, we had some fresh blackberries to add before we cooked them...and BOY did that add a fabulous flavor!

So, GS and I were alsmost done and he says "my other gramma makes waffle but she does it wrong and its not fun." apparently eggo waffles are just not the same.

Because we made a double batch, there is plenty of batter for homemade waffles again tomorrow...we even have blackberries left over. YUM

We have been hearing reports of a thunderstorm heading our way for days...and sure enough, about 7 tonight it hit. We sat on the porch and enjoyed the show. It was quite a storm..a nice cold rain ( after our 100 degree day)...some wind and lots of thunder. We really enjoyed it. Mother Nature can sure put on a show...and its free to boot!

Today was a very blessed, very rich, no spend day that we thoroughly enjoyed...and GS went home with a bag of waffles to pop in the toaster...a reminder of his morning with gramma.

In my prior post, I shared the news that a fraud team I co-created was reaching its 10 year anniversary next month.

Joan.of.the.Arch asked me to blog about some of the bad guys the team has caught.

It has been an interesting journey. When we first started the group, none of the associated agencies would talk to each other until a crime was committed and then, discussion was very 'protected'. We were leary of talking to each other.

A bad guy could actually hit every bank in town with the same type of crime and we would all independently lick our wounds.

NOW- a bad guy hits one bank and all of the agencies are aware of it within minutes....and there have been numerous occasions when the bad guy goes to the second bank and is apprehended because they are watching out for him. (Passing stolen checks is one example)

My favorite nabs have been caregivers who start to drain a senior citizens accounts...now when we are suspect of this activity, senior services and the police are very quick to act...AND we are able to tell if they are using more than one bank to commit the crime.

We are always careful of privacy laws.

Because the agencies work so close together, everyone is much better aware and trained on processes-- which speeds up the time it takes to catch the crime in action, take action against it and start the prosecution process.

Collectively, all of our communities bank staff are better trained on fraud because examples are discussed and shared at the monthly meetings on the hows, whys, wheres, etc.

We once had a hispanic gang coming to our community from Los Angeles...they would all enter the bank on Friday afternoon to cash their "paychecks' (stolen, of course)..and often the dollar amount of the hit would be 10-20K. But the word spread throughout the community, the banks and the police put a plan together...and the next time they came to town, the bad guys were arrested with no loss.

There are many, many stories like this. I wish I could say financial crime is decreasing, but because of the economic enviornment, it is increasing...we are just better informed and prepared when it happens.

Can I puff up with pride for a minute tonight???

10 years ago, I had a vision...to start a fraud team where all the local banks, law enforcement, senior services and prosecutors would work together to battle financial crime in our community....so I teamed up with a detective and hit the pavement...I went to every bank in town and invited the managers to attend a meeting, we started with a couple of cops, a few bank managers and met monthly. and before we knew it...senior services and the district attorney started coming...then cops from other local towns...

We started providing free seminars educating the elderly and the community on not getting scammed, how to protect their mail and identity, and how to be safe online.

Fast forward 10 years...we now have chapters in several counties, the team has collectively put dozens of bad guys behind bards, the seminars are attended from several states..and my baby is a household name.

Because I am not in operations anymore, I do not attend the meetings ...but I am happy to say that the team continues to thrive---

Yesterday, I was invited to the 10th anniversary party for the group on July 24th. I am so eager to attend the party and hear all the wonderful things that have come out of this team!! Wow.

I want to thank Jeffrey, Nate and Broken Arrow for responding to my last post so quickly. We have all expressed concerns and I am happy to say that they all checked in!!

It sounds like life is happening to a couple of them which has created needs to do things a little different than we are used to around here...but it is GREAT to know that all of them are well!!

I am happy to say that I might have some exciting news coming down the pike about my job. I really am blessed. We had a meeting today to talk about the future Org CHart and I am thrilled with the future of my position and the earning potential that comes with it!! I won't know for sure until Friday afternoon, but the current proposal looks terrific!!

I am eager to see how it all pans out!

Keep your fingers crossed guys!!

What is up?? It doesnt seem like Jeffrey and Nate are keeping an eye on the blogs or updating the contests...and now Broken Arrow has completely disappeared...this is very weird...any ideas what is going on fellow bloggers?

I am concerned.

I have not updated my weigh-in results. I lost 4 pounds this month. That is 10% of what I need to lose overall. However, the (BMI ?)index thingy did not change...so I still have much more work to do. But I am happy with the results as I am eating healthier but not feeling deprived in the process!!

We received our stimulus check today finally! The whole thing is going into the 09 vacation account at ING.-- This will pay the rest of the trip to PV entirely (yes!!) ...Now it is just a fun wait and get healthy 10 months to go!!

Our camping trip this weekend with the grandbabies was cut short. The mosquitos were just too many and too big (ouch!) I did not want the kids out in them (I have always been a stickler about little ones being victims to mosquitoes..and am even worse with all the encephalitis and bird flu scares)... so we decided to spend a great day boating, fishing, wading...and then we headed home so that the kids could play outside...or at least have more room to play inside. It ended up they fell asleep on the drive home and did not wake up until 5:30am Saturday.

I am on vacation today, but as luck would have it...I have been 'enjoying' a freakin migraine most of it. I am on my second vicodin---but am still hurting pretty bad. Oh well, at least I didn't have to try to focus at work...but I could sure think of better ways to spend a vacation day!!!

The hub and I sat down and figured out a food and drink plan for his birthday this August. I had budgeted $400 for food and drink...but the guest list is up to 80 and he wants some concoction called Jungle Juice...which will be fairly expensive to make (many bottles of liquor in it)...so I am going to save an extra $100 to cover the additional guests and extras.

Hey, what is up with the monthly contest this month??? I thought the 10 things I regret contest was going to end May 31...and that we would see a new contest for June.

Anyone know whats up???

Ugh. Tomorrow is weigh in day for our wellness challenge at work.. I KNOW I have lost at least a couple of lbs but I still have not found my comfort zone with the scale. I will post the results here nonetheless...I need to be accountable!!

Today was definately a SPEND day.. I have been wearing the same 2-3 tops at work and they are all at least 7 years old...so I bought 3 new tops (all on sale) I also bought some artichoke hearts and romaine lettuce...yummy summer salads!!

2 more days until we take GS (4) and GD (2) camping and fishing. They are both getting excited. I will try to remember to post pictures. I am taking another 4 day weekend...and am very much looking forward to it.

The check for the deposit for our PV vacation cleared the account today, which makes it feel real.

Why the heck does it cost $100 for a passport?????? Ugh. But I will pay the fee...not turing back now. uh-uh---too darned excited!! (and I only have 10 months to go!!)

I thought this sums it up pretty well!!



It's about the only thing Ive found humorous about the gas prices.

This weekend we have had access to free movies that are on HBO, Showtime, etc. We do not subscribe to these--so it was interesting to have a few extra choices...but really, the freebies only confirmed what we already knew...it is not worth paying for. While we did watch a few movies, documentaries...There wasnt really anything that we would miss by not having it.

We do pay for satellite tv...but where we live there is NO reception without it...and we pay extra to have the east cost channels so we can watch our favorites at an earlier time...and my mom has free service to her home because we subscribe...so it is worth it for now.

I have been weighing my food and spending choices against the PV trip...and so far, I have made much better choices because of it...perhaps I should plan some kind of big trip each year if it helps me to get healthy (which I really want to do) and to save money (which is what I really want to do)...we will see how well I do after the newness of the plan wears off.

We borrowed my DS and DIL's bicycles...we want to try them out for a couple of weeks to see if they are something we will use if we have. IF so, we will probably buy a set...if not, well, we arent out any money to find out. We got them yesterday...and they both have flats...the hub promised to fix them when he gets home from golfing (which is where he is currently at)...again, we will see how it goes.

Four day work week this week for me. I took next Friday off as we are taking GS (4) and GD (2) camping in a YURT that we won at an auction a couple of months ago. Camping, fishing, row-boating, etc...should be fun. In any case, I am looking forward to ANOTHER long weekend next weekend!!!

Happy Fathers Day to all of our resident DADS!!!

I arranged for a massage therapist student to come to my job yesterday and provide 15 minute chair massages. I suggested that everyone tip her $10 (since she can't "charge" as a student.)

The turnout was amazing...we filled all spots and everyone was very pleased with their $10 of relaxation. I will probably schedule her to come back every-other Friday (payday) and see how it goes. The student was thrilled, as she was not expecting to make anything...and she left after 3 hours with $110.

This will give her a way to make up her tuition this summer...and give my co-workers an opportunity to wrap up their week a little more relaxed.

Unfortunately, she went over on time and most people got 18-20 minutes and so I had to forfeit my timeslot so everyone else could get fit in...next time, I am scheduling mine FIRST. lol.

I think it is a nice perk for staff...even if they do tip...and I think $10 is about right....

thoughts?

I mailed the check for our deposit on the PUERTA VALLARTA trip today. We won't be going until May 09- so there is plenty of time to do things like passports, airline, etc...4 other couples are going with us...the final payment is due next March. YIPPEE! We really are going!!!

Today was DD3s first day of summer vaca. She called and asked me to bring her home Arby's for dinner. They have a deal of $5.95 for 5 items...so I bought her 4 sandwishes and an order of fries...she can have leftovers tomorrow..and her dad will probobly want one or two when he gets home (about 1am)

I also spent $2 on a large passion tea at lunch.

My mom gave me $20 to buy an eye pillow for my birthday and I found one at Kohl's on sale for $7!! The other $13 was used to buy the tea and dinner for DD3 (I ate left overs)...so I have $5 left- I will be adding that to my TRIP fund!!!

I ate healthy today...Although my employee stopped and as a surprise, bought us each a frappacino...she is on such a tight budget, I know this was a very sweet splurge for her...so I ENJOYED the treat...

Good day today!!

Our stimulous check is finally showing as in progress on the Where's my stimulous payment website. Because of how we filed this year, we had to wait for a paper check...But it is not really a big deal that we did. The money is going to be used for our first big vacation ever...we are planning to go to Puerta Vallarta next May with 4 other couples (yeah!)

My DD2 called today and asked if I could go to lunch. I debated whether to go for two reasons..1. I am trying to save money...and 2. I am trying to lose weight...neither are very easily achieved by eating out. But she rarely asks...so I happily went and had a great time. I spent $15 and had a nice Harvest Salad (grilled chicken, lettuce, artichoke hearts, feta cheese, dressing on the side and an iced tea). I did not offer to pick up the tab, but I did split the bill--which still helped her as her and GS's portion was substantially more than mine.

I felt weird NOT picking up the tab, but I need to make changes--and it was OK for us to split the tab. (Isn't it??)

Then, tonight my mom asked if I could go to dinner with her and her brother/his wife who are in town for a visit. I went and was going to (again old habit) pick up the tab...but my son/his wife were there too and he said the business would buy tonight...wow- the kids are having a FANTASTIC year and are finally doing so well that they feel comfortable doing something like this...which I really appreciated. It saved me just under $100 for the tab I thought I was going to pay. (Thank you JJ)

So...my days spending - $15.

We will see how the rest of the week goes. It is a busy, stressful week this week at work...so I am staying plenty busy there and will not likely spend much else.

Ugh. Needed gas. $70.07 to fill up. While I was paying, I got to thinking...I wonder if employers might offer some sortof offset for gas...I know I am paying ALOT more to get to work these days.

Well, I got back to work...and my boss says...I have been thinking about doing something to help our staff with gas expenses....HUH??? No wonder he and I get along so well, I honestly think we share a brain sometimes!!!

So, I spent part of the afternoon researching what employers are doing to help their employees cope with the higher cost of getting to/from work.

I spent $9 at the library...I knew I had some overdue books...but I was anticipating a higher fee...thankfully, they stop charging after 21 days and just mark the book 'lost'. Since I still had the books, I just took them in and paid my fee. I now vow to return ALL books on time!!!

I spent $36 at Walmart. We needed a few groceries. I bought enough to get us through the week---and $36 to get us through is ALOT cheaper than eating out.

So...that is the days expenses. I should be able to make it through the week with little other expenses!!

Lunch: leftover chicken on a salad- with blue cheese crumbles.
Dinner:leftover steak on baked potato with green beans.


Good day!

I spent a great deal of time thinking about our financial choices this past weekend.

I am going to make a committment this next week to the Puerta Vallarta trip with the others who will be attending(which we have a year to save for)...We will be taking that family trip to the resort house next New Years, followed by the DC trip that my job is paying for...We would also like to remodel our downstairs to create a nice Master Bedroom/bath out of our current family room/patio. And surprisingly, the hub would love to go back for another spa treatment...which can be an occasional treat.

So...to accomplish all of this, somethings gotta give.

Our biggest expense lately has been eating out...so we have agreed to forego this habit in exchange for more important wants.

The next thing to go will be my new do. I will go back to having my hair cut only and so the coloring myself.

And we will be more aware of our frivulous spending.

I started to beat my budfgeting up this weekend...and then reminded myself that we are saving 15% in the 401k, and $500 per month to an emergency fund...so it is not like we arent saving, we are.

The final piece is going in and asking for the raise. I have procrastinated long enough. I will do this by the 15th of June.

So, that is our simple plan for making our short term goals occur. I will be updating progress.

While we were at the rental, we ate no meals out. Tonight, we used up the leftover breakfast supplies and ate yummy omlettes....so far, so good.

We spent $21 today to restock some of our supplies here. We needed olives, steak sauce, a few potatoes, zucchini...and a fun ice cream dessert for our last night.

Today we worked a jigsaw puzzle...went for a bike ride, watched a movie, enjoyed the jaccuzi twice, made omelettes, bbq-d and took a nap and a drive. The hub even hit the driving range.

I am sad to see our mini vaca come to an end tomorrow.

We had a message tonight that my dads only surviving sibling, a sis, passed away yesterday. A very sad event...that is the last of my dads generation...but Aunt Betty has battled cancer for years..she was my dads older sis...and was heartbroken when her "little" brother died this past December.

I am relaxing and enjoying this last night away...why does time fly so fast when you are away and having RnR????

Oh well, this has been a great long weekend...and we are starting to plan our next getaway already.

Hugs all. Have a great rest of the weekend.