CB in the City

Yesterday I bought lunch for the first time in a long time. My boss' son was making a run to a local Italian Beef restaurant. I ordered a meatball sandwich for $4. I enjoyed every bite of it!

I also called the auto dealer and ordered a new seat belt buckle. Mine has been functioning poorly for quite a while -- I have to pry it open with my key before I can slip the clasp in. Lately, it has sometimes not held even after I do that. I've made a few short trips not wearing the seat belt because of that. One of my co-workers had to go to court yesterday because she and her daughter were caught not wearing seat belts. I don't want that to happen to me!

I don't know how much it will cost, but it has become a necessity -- and it will help me earn that $250 from Citi, too! I'm waiting on a call from the dealer today to make the appointment.

Since it was Wednesday I stopped at Goodwill on the way home from work yesterday. I had a big bag of stuff to drop off, and then I did my shopping with my senior's citizen discount. I spent $12 altogether - $2 for gifts (a puzzle and a card game, both new) -- and $10 for things to put in the booth. I came home and priced them and entered them into the inventory, and their market value is $70. Best finds were a Tolana pottery cat and a Salem China "Yorktown" creamer. Oh, and a handmade earthenware vase that I just love -- may keep it if it doesn't sell.

I looked over the clothing sections lightly, but didn't see anything I needed.

There was another woman there loading up her cart with dishes and bakeware. She wasn't being choosey, like me. She looked well-to-do, so I wondered what her story was. I mean, she bought a LOT! I think she must have been setting up a kitchen for someone or some organization. I would have asked her, but she didn't seem very approachable.

Staying on my frugal course, I hung up laundry again on my drying rack. And I am being very conscious to use up my food before it spoils. That's why I am STILL eating mashed potatoes! (OH, I made too much!)

Yesterday I paid a dentist bill -- $72. It was for a December visit, so I couldn't use the FSA, which is done for 2011. I charged it to my new Citi card, to help get the spending up to $2000.

My water bill came as well -- $27. And I sent my monthly rental to the antique mall - $84. I know I have sold something -- my BFF reported to me that a toy tractor was gone -- so I'll pick up a check next time I get down there.

I sold two books yesterday on half.com. It tickles me; every time I put new books online, I get a sale or two. The old ones just stay there. Guess they're not hot items. Anyway, these two books both came to me free, so it will be pure profit. Each is less than $2, but, hey, I'm happy with anything.

I attempted to put an item for sale on eBay, but didn't have a picture. So I guess I'll have to take a picture and get it on my computer. Does anyone know if it's illegal to use a picture that is already posted on line? There are already so many pictures of the same thing, and they are clearly sometimes the same picture.

Well, today I ventured out of the house, mainly to do my grocery shopping. I was pretty excited that I had no non-food items I had to get, and that I could devote all $20 to food.

It went fast. On my list I had the makings for split pea soup and lasagna, but it became clear pretty fast that it was only going to be pea soup. (And I already have the split peas!) I had to buy onions, carrots and celery for the soup. Determined to get the best unit price, I bought 3 lbs. of onions, 2 lbs of carrots and a lb. of celery. Then I needed the meat component. I was going to get a ham hock, but they only had them packaged in units of 3 or 4. Well, I only wanted one. I went to the butcher's counter and asked for one, and they said they couldn't do it -- there were none in back and they didn't want to break up a package. Okay, I know I could have frozen the other hocks, but it kind of irked me. I decided instead to buy a ham steak with a bone. That way I would have the bone plus meat for the soup, as well as plenty of extra meat for my low-carb days. The ham was $6. I didn't have enough money for ground beef, too, so I went to other things on my list, skipping the lasagna items entirely. I picked up cream, soy sauce, eggs and bread. I had $2 left. How to spend $2? It's not easy. There is very little, anymore, that only costs $2! I ended up buying a jar of bay leaf, which I needed for my soup, anyway.

I had forgotten until the last minute that I had a coupon for $2 off my order (someone had left it at the register last week!) So, using that, I still had $2 left.

I was on my way to Wal-Mart anyway, to buy a button, so I decided I'd buy a $2 grocery item there. I did; I got a can of Grands biscuits.

Now, the story behind the button -- I put on one of my favorite cardigans this week and realized that a button was missing. They are somewhat large, somewhat unusual black buttons. I knew that matching it was a slim chance. And especially so at Wal-Mart, it turned out. They have severely cut back their sewing department; what they have now compares to what they would have at any grocery store -- a very slim selection.

So I didn't get a button. Now, I can either go to a real fabric store, or I can substitute a different button. If I put the different button at the neck it might look intentional, especially if is a bit fancy. And if that's what I do, I really need to look at what I have here at home. I have a button box somewhere. I just don't know where!

Ever since I've moved here, I've had the "where is it?" problem. I knew where everything was at my previous home, but here it is a mystery. It's not that I'm not organized, it's just that the space is different, and my memory is worse. I had the same thing with safety pins recently. Where are they? I looked everywhere, and finally remembered I had put them in a covered casserole I had on display. I need to write these things down. And then hope that I can find the list.

Anyway, after Wal-Mart, I filled the tank. It was almost half-full, but in cold weather I don't like to ever let it get below a half-tank. That was $27. And I picked up my dry cleaning - $6 - and left off a pair of pants to be shortened. (They were the Talbot's pants I got at Goodwill a few weeks ago. I decided not to shorten them myself, as the work I do never holds up in the wash -- and these are washable pants).

Came home and had the mashed potatoes/cheese/onion dish for lunch again. Watched a movie on Netflix.

I took the laundry off the rack. It was indeed very stiff, but I dried it for 10 minutes and it was fine.

I hear the freezing rain hitting the pain. I'm going to pour a glass of wine and get back to my reading!

Well, I stayed in all day, didn't even take a shower or get dressed. It's not really that bad outside -- it's not snowmageddon -- but why go out if I don't have to? I'll probably go to the grocery store tomorrow, though.

I tried out my drying rack today. I've used it before for a few little things, but have never hung up a whole load of laundry. I got everything on it except for a pair of jeans, which I draped over my shower rod. I expect that tomorrow I will put everything in the dryer for a few minutes to take out the stiffness. If I can do this fairly often, it will save on the electric bill.

I made a frugal lunch of mashed potatoes (made with sour cream and garlic) topped with cheese and grilled onions. Yum. Supper was leftover cream of vegetable soup. Just to make it different I put it in the blender to make it smooth. Because there were a lot of carrots in it, it came out apricot-colored, which looked a little odd. Still tasted good.

For sweets, I had a big cookie my boss gave me yesterday, and some tea breads that were laid out in the break room. Since I was on a low-carb day yesterday, I wrapped up a few slices and brought them home for today. I really ought to track how much free food I get. I take something in to work every once in a while, but it would never occur to me to bring in as much food as others do. Are they getting rid of stuff they don't want around? I do know that some of it is left over from meetings. But a lot of it is just food that people bring from home, not necessarily for any special occasion.

There is one of those Time-Life "Music of Your Life" commercials playing in the background. They are certainly targeted for people my age -- so many songs I remember, but never hear anymore. Making me quite nostalgic. And, of course, who else but people my age would actually buy a set of CD's? Everyone else downloads what they want on their I-pod -- or whatever. I haven't gone there yet. Guess I am officially old.

The predicted snowstorm is whiting out the landscape beyond my window. I can't go home for another hour. Others are leaving early, but I have no excuse really, since I live within a couple of miles of work. I can't really say that I have to get on the road.

I was going to grocery shop either tonight or tomorrow morning, but I have a hunch I will be sitting tight instead. Since the next two days are not low-carb days, I should have plenty to eat. And I have cat food and cat litter, the REAL necessities of life!

This has been pretty much a no-spend week. That's good of course, but my timing is little off, since I just got the Citi card, and I have to spend $2000 on it in the next three months to get my $250 reward. Usually that kind of spending is no problem for me, but with my $20 challenge, Christmas over and done with, and no travel in the near future, I now wonder if I will be able to do it!

Oh well, if worse comes to worse, I can have body work done on my car. I've put it off for ages, and at some point decided it wasn't worth doing. But now I'm starting to think that this car might last a really long time and I should take care of the body.

I'm kind of looking forward to being snowbound this weekend -- once I get safely home, of course!

In my last entry, I said I was going to look at a condo. I did, and it was cute, though small and a tad grungy. But I think I have decided against the whole idea. I timed what the drive to work would be -- 55 minutes in light traffic! Ugh. I really don't want to do that two times a day. I know people do -- but I don't think it's for me.

There is a condo available in my son's neighborhood in Evanston for only $79,000. It has two bedrooms and it is on the garden level, meaning it is partly underground. But from the pictures it looks like there is plenty of light from the (high) windows. It is in a vintage building with radiator heat; heat and water would be included in the association fees. ($250 a month). The annual taxes are more than $3000, but all told, if I put $40,000 down and got a mortgage for the rest, I would be paying between $700 and $800 a month for mortgage, fees and taxes -- quite a bit less than I am paying for rent. Even more savings for not paying for heat and water.

I left a voicemail with the realtor. I'd like to see it, if only to rule out the idea.

The big drawback is that it would be a 40-45 commute to work, which would really shoot up my gas expense, and would be quite a hassle.

But I would be near my grandchildren, and settled into the home I would have in retirement.

Yesterday I spent the day in Evanston. I went to my grandson's first hockey lesson. He was really very receptive to the teacher's instructions, and so cute tooling around in his little skates.

Well, the realtor just called. I may get in today!

Ran some errands this morning and yesterday evening. I picked up my necklace which needed repair -- $22. The jeweler told me that once the chain breaks it is weakened, even after being soldered, so if it breaks again he recommends a replacement. It is a sterling silver chain and would only cost $50 to replace, but it is of sentimental value to me.

I did my big $12 grocery shopping. The cat food was on sale, so I was also able to also buy 2 lbs. of Greek yogurt and a lb. of sharp cheddar cheese, both of those on sale also.

Then I stopped at the dry cleaners; dropped off a jacket and picked up the suit that was being cleaned and altered -- $22.

I had a coupon for a $10 haircut at Great Clips. When I went, they were running a $9 special, so I'll save my coupon for next month. (If I get my hair cut next month -- I've been averaging once every two months). I gave the stylist a $3 tip, since it isn't her fault they are running a special; her labor is just the same. And -- I think -- it's a good haircut.

I went to Kmart to look for the poker chip carousel that I saw online, but it isn't in the store. Darn. I don't want to pay shipping.

Yesterday at work treats were brought in -- danish and bagels. I was on a low-carb day, so at about noon I took a bagel and wrapped it up to take home for today. When I checked at the end of the day there was an apple danish left. I knew it would be thrown away, so I wrapped that up, too. I had it for breakfast and the bagel for lunch. Woo-hoo! I'm such a scavenger.

I stripped all the meat off the rotisserie chicken and made a chicken salad, which is now in the fridge. The bones are now simmering away in the new stockpot I got for Christmas.

I said at year's end that I would try to limit my spending to $2000 a month. Well, it's halfway through the month and I've spent $2332. I might assume it's an unrealistic goal, but that includes my semi-annual car & rental insurance, a weekend vacation, and a belated (big) Christmas gift. So I think maybe next month I can hit it.

I did put $200 into savings, which isn't the worst I've ever done!

Not much going on in my world, other than winter finally arriving. I have to park outside both at work and at home, so I've been doing a lot of snow-brushing. This morning it wasn't too bad -- I guess the windiness actually helped by blowing the snow off the car.

I think I will be a Wednesday night regular at Goodwill now that I have ascertained that every Wednesday is 15% off for Senior Citizens, and that, at 62, I am one! This past Wednesday I bought myself an Audubon bone china coffee mug, and I bought a Fitz & Floyd candy dish to put in my gift stash. Last week I found two sets of heavy-duty Vegas-style poker chips still in shrink wrap. I was disappointed when I took off the shrink wrap (to remove the price) and found that the plastic boxes they were in were shattered. I have decided to try to find a wooden tray or carousel to put them in. Once I get them properly presented, they will be a great side gift for my son.

I have already spent $8 of my $20 grocery money this week for a rotisserie chicken. (I was starving on my low-carb day!) So only $12 to spend tomorrow. It's interesting how this exercise is forcing me to use up my frozen and pantry items, and to be creative with what I already have. Last night I made fried potatoes and onions and mixed in a little French onion dip -- it was delicious! Never would have done that otherwise. I had to throw out two potatoes that were going bad -- just shows me how I have been overbuying in the past. It's very eye-opening to have to focus on ONLY WHAT YOU NEED! This week, I know I need more cat food, which just may take up most of the $12! Eventually, I will not include cat food or toiletries in my $20, but I will until my freezer and pantry start to dwindle.

I went to Indiana this weekend to check on my booth and visit with my friend.

The booth earned $49 this month -- I say earned, but I paid $83 in rent, so it's still losing money. I put in a bunch of new stuff, a lot of it free from my friend; we'll see how well it moves. She's been cleaning out her attic and had some old toys, dinnerware etc. and she doesn't want payment for them -- just wanted to get rid of them. She would have taken them to Goodwill otherwise.

I spent $76 on gas, $20 on food, $13 at Goodwill, $6 for a car wash, $7 for a movie (War Horse). The Goodwill items were all half-price -- I got four gifts, a booth item and some Pyrex custard cups and an ornament for me.

When I got home I did my $20 grocery shop. Forgot to mentally add in the tax, so it was $21.03 when I checked out. What that bought: Cat litter, maxi pads, two packages of chicken tenders (BOGO) and a can of Rotel.

I also wrote a check to my DIL for my grandsons' Christmas presents -- a hockey class and a swim class. $270.

Last night a number of us at work went out to a bar as a sort of welcoming party for our new VP (who is very nice, by the way). I spent $16 on wine and nachos.

I'm on a low-carb day today, so I packed hard-boiled eggs, a low-carb soup, cheese, celery and dip to get me through the day. When I get home, I'll saute the chicken tenders.

I really need a haircut, but I think I'll try to make it to the weekend.

I think that's it! Hope the spending stops soon and I can start saving again!

Well, you know I was trying to cancel cable but keep my internet, and the agent told me if I went to basic cable, my bill would be $46 -- lower than the $59 for internet alone. This was my understanding anyway.

This morning I get my email to view my bill online. Still $86. I called, and I was told that with both cable and internet it is $86. So, by signing a frickin' 2-year contract for LESS service, I get to pay the same rate???????? Maybe I misunderstood, but why on earth would they even offer that as a good deal?

I got a call from a representative really, really pushing me to take a $60-some deal for "100 channels" blah-blah-blah, but I said no, still believing I had a $46 deal for basic & internet.

I should just cancel, I know. They gave me a different number to cancel, but I'm thinking, God knows what kind of crap I'll have to go through to do that.

I sent them an email, more nicely worded than this, and I'll give them 24 hours to make it right. Then I guess I'll investigate other resources.

I went to Goodwill after work today, fully expecting to get the 15%-off senior-citizen discount again. I didn't get it. I couldn't complain, because I'm not 65. I guess I just looked younger today!

I did use my Goodwill card, which saves 5%. And let's face it, the prices are already very low.

I spent $30 and here is what I got:

A Van Heusen shirt for my brother-in-law
A summer top for me
A silk scarf
A porcelain Santa, sleigh & reindeer for my DIL's Christmas village
A pair of Talbots pants
A set of Winnie-the-Pooh storybooks
2 Blue Willow plates
A Ravensburger puzzle
A Pampered Chef adjustable measuring spoon
2 red Carolina candles (new, in wrapper)
2 pairs of men's Adidas socks (new)
A wooden spoon (new)
A decorative wooden schoolhouse

Some will be gifts, some will stay with me, and some will go to the booth. It was a good trip. I always feel a little guilty when I'm leaving the store, but when I come home and unpack my stuff, I marvel at all my good bargains. The pants alone probably retailed for $50-60. The socks had a price tag for $12.

I got onto the Comcast website today to check my account after making the change to basic cable yesterday. My account was deactivated! I called and got a nice person who helped me through the process of doing the on-phone contract, which I should have done yesterday, but was disconnected. At the time I thought it was weird, but it wasn't until I got on the website today that I realized it was just wrong. I'm so glad I checked.

I got a free breakfast today -- donuts at work -- always such a nutritious meal, but hey! It was free! I still kept within my calorie count

I did two things today I've been planning to do -- I called Comcast to cancel cable (and keep internet), and I applied for a new Citi card, just for the rewards.

It turned out I did not cancel cable; I just dropped down to basic. It was cheaper than going just with the internet. I will save about $40 a month. And I will still get to watch the news, which was my biggest regret about dropping cable.

The Citi card offers $250 in gift cards if I spend $2000 in the first three months. That should be no problem; I usually put at least $1000 a month on my Discover card. I'll just have to remember to cancel after I get the points. I have too many credit cards as it is, although I have no debt.

Today was my first day back at work. At first I felt overwhelmed, almost panicky, but as the day wore on I got back into the rhythm of it. But I think it is shaping up to be a very busy semester.

I'm on a low-carb day today, and I resisted the urge to stop at the grocery and get a rotisserie chicken for dinner. Maybe I'll get one on Friday, my regular shopping day. I went straight home and had sausage and scrambled eggs with cheese and I'm quite satisfied.

I got $3 from Pinecone today. I'm going to start formally keeping track of my extra income this year. I've never really tracked it before, though I carefully track my spending. I never get enough extra income to have to claim it, but I should know what it is!

So I went to work today after my week off. Uh-oh, no one else is there.

I really thought I was supposed to go back to work today, but apparently it is tomorrow. That's a good thing because I couldn't sleep at all last night and it would have been an awful day. As it was I came home and fell asleep on the couch. After lunch I went to check on my son's cats and leave the key. I spent the afternoon and evening going through magazines, doing laundry, and exercising.

I just hope I can sleep tonight after my long nap this morning.

Only spending today -- I bought a shake at Steak N Shake. I was really craving it. It kind of breaks my rule about supporting local restaurants, but I actually don't know where else I would get a shake but at a fast-food place. I guess I could have found a diner, but I didn't want to sit down -- just wanted it for the drive.

It's really the McDonald's habit I am trying to break. (However, someone pointed out that I might consider McDonald's a local restaurant since its headquarters is just down the road from me).

Anyway, I really enjoyed that $3 shake.

I have to go back to work tomorrow. For months I looked forward to this time at home between Christmas and New Year's. I have loved it. I didn't accomplish a whole lot, but I accomplished a lot of resting and relaxing.

Today I have to rewrite my job description for our new VP who is starting in a few days. I am procrastinating. I will do it this evening. I just want to enjoy this last day.

I used to take down the Christmas tree on New Year's Day -- and I may yet -- but I have sometimes waited till January 6 -- the Feast of Epiphany -- as the "real" end of the season. I am still enjoying the tree.

Yesterday I went a little overboard and ate too much. The only way to compensate is to exercise. I logged into MyFinessPal that I did 30 minutes of running in place -- and then I did it! Sounds easy, but I am in my sixties and I have an ankle full of metal, so it was a challenge.

This would be a no-spend day, but I just sent $20 to Baselle for the death bet. Game on!

I just composed a long post, summing up my spending in December and in 2011, and how it compared to 2010. And it disappeared!

Oh, well spared you all the reading, I guess. To put it succinctly, I spent about $2000 more this year than last, and most of it can be ascribed to medical expenses, car repair, and more spent on travel.

I actually did a lot better on gifts, so my cheapness paid off. Also spent less on clothes, haircuts, even gas and groceries. So I am heading in the right direction, and I can't really blame myself for the big surprises that pop up.

Yesterday I had to buy a $20 cooling pad for my computer, but I am sure it's my last expenditure of year.

In other news, I lost two more pounds.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Oh, and I forgot to add, a recent upsurge in the market has lifted my net worth, which increased $1479 in 2011. Better than going down!

Not only did I stay under $20, I managed to go to the grocery store one day later than last week -- so I stretched my pantry 8 days instead of 7.

Here is what $20 bought this week:

Bag of salad spring mix (on sale)
18 eggs (on sale)
3 fresh-baked bolillos (on sale)
Half gallon skim milk
2 3-lb. bags cat food
Tube of house brand biscuits (on sale)

The salad is for my low-carb days, as well as the eggs. I will hard-boil some of them.

The bolillos I will have in place of bread this week. A loaf of bread goes stale too quickly for me. Even though I freeze the surplus it seems like it always gets freezer-burned, no matter how carefully I wrap it. Anyway, having the fresh bolillos will be a real pleasure. On my high-carb days.

The milk -- I have given up and will only purchase a half-gallon at a time. This week I made white sauce and sausage gravy (freezing both) just to use up my milk. I can't keep doing that indefinately. And I can't drink/use a gallon before it goes bad.

Why two bags of cat food? One is higher-nutrition, for my indoor cats, and the other is cheap, for my feral cat.

The biscuits are for using up that sausage gravy! On my high-carb days.

I'm on a low-carb day today. I had sausage for breakfast and a low-carb soup for lunch. For dinner I will have the meat left over from my Monte Cristo sandwich wrapped around cheese sticks and warmed in the microwave.

I've lost two pounds. Of course, it comes off quickly when it has been put on quickly. I'll be glad to get back to where I was when I came home from the hospital in August. That's 12 pounds lighter than I am now!

I also got a few errands done today. I took a necklace to the jeweler to be repaired. I've been meaning to do this for a year -- why did I put it off? It will only cost $22.

And does anybody remember the $2 suit I bought over Thanksgiving? I finally took it to the cleaners to have the pants lengthened and to get it cleaned.

Yesterday I walked to the library and returned "The Help." I saw that another movie I wanted to see was in -- "Sarah's Key." Renting that was another $2 spent, but I am happy to support the library. By the way, older DVDs are rented free; it's just the "hot picks" that cost $2. And I can keep them for 3 days.

It's cold and rainy today, so I'm staying in now. I think I would rather have snow. At least it's pretty!

This morning I went up to check on my son's cats. They were just fine. Hadn't eaten much though. I topped off their bowls, put down fresh water and cleaned the litter box.

Meanwhile I was texting with my BFF. She may come to Chicago for the weekend with her son and his family. I have offered to let them all stay with me, though I have little space -- they would have to settle for tight quarters. But it sounds like they will make other plans. I hope to be able to see them, though -- maybe meet up at a museum or something.

On the way home I was hungry, so, remembering my resolution to forgo fast food and go to locally-owned restaurants, I stopped at a pancake house. It was packed! This was not a struggling business. I ordered a Monte Cristo sandwich and brought home half of it, as well as a serving of potato salad. I did have a warm ciabatta roll while I was waiting for my order, so that cut into my appetite. The meal, with coffee, was $10.72 and I left a $2 tip. Can't do this too often, but it was a lot more pleasant than driving through McDonald's.

My drive home took me right by my Goodwill, and I couldn't resist stopping. I spent a long time there, but only spent $17. For one thing, I got the 15% senior citizen discount. Hey! There IS an advantage to silvery hair! I didn't even ask for a discount. Turns out every Wednesday is Senior Citizens Day so I will try to do my shopping on Wednesdays.

I spent $9 on potential gifts -- brand new shrink-wrapped photo albums from Hallmark, a dog-shaped frame, and a new Yankee Candle Christmas votive (with the candle included). And I spent $7 on items to go into my booth -- a "Classic Malts of Scotland" water jug (worth $7), a Howard Johnson's ashtray (not vintage, worth maybe $3), a Pfaltzgraff platter in an unusual pattern I haven't been able to identify yet -- I'm guessing it will be worth about $10, vintage Noritake salt & pepper shakers (worth $8), a "Parsley" teapot from Salem China (worth $20), and a little Lenox-type clock which I bought just to remove the timepiece and put in my real Lenox clockcase. However, I can't seem to get it to pop out, so I may sell it as is.

I love scrounging for finds and researching them. I wish I could make money at it.

I read that Kohl's had savings up to 80% -- and it is the closest store to me, just a few blocks away. So I checked it out and came away $150 poorer.

Good deals, though. My son has a birthday at the beginning of February, and I took care of that. Found a casual jacket and knit top in coordinating colors -- retailed for $126; I spent $42. Also found a box of Jelly Belly "cocktails" -- $3.50 marked down from $7.

Camisoles were half-price and I bought six for my two DIL's, who both have birthdays in June. $42 marked down from $84. I'm a little worried whether they will fit -- they are mediums, for medium girls -- but they looked small to me. Stretchy, maybe? Anyway, at Kohl's they can return "any item, anytime, for any reason." It's on the receipt. I hope that's true.

I also bought six sets of Food Network bar towels and scrubber dishcloths. $28 marked down from $52.

And for myself I bought four pairs of knee socks for $18, marked down from $28.

So it begins again!

I think tomorrow I will go up to Evanston to check on my son's cats (the family is away for a week). I promised to do it midweek, and tomorrow is Wednesday already. I hate to spend the gas, but I made the offer myself. I know how I worry when I leave my cats alone for an extended period of time. Even if you leave out a lot of food, there is still the water and the ever-worsening litter pan to consider.

I re-started my diet today. My son and I are both going to follow a plan where you have two very low-carb days a week, and for the rest of the week you just eat reasonably. (I'm aiming for 1400-1500 calories on those days). Today was a low-carb day and I ate only 13 carbs.

I am also going to try to exercise every day, even if it is just a little bit. Today I walked to the library (15 minutes each way). I checked out "The Help" -- the movie. I was going to watch it tonight, but instead I think I will go to bed early and read. It's looking awfully good to me.

I am so out of sync with my family. What I think is a reasonable Christmas is just cheap to them (not that they said so -- they were all gracious -- but I saw all the other gifts! Whew!) I guess I just have to adjust. I felt pretty awful during the gift openings, so next year I will just have to make more sacrifices and pony up more money for Christmas.

Now that it's over, I can report what I bought (though I don't think anyone in the family reads my blog -- but I'm not 100% sure.)

I tried very hard to find good deals at Goodwill and at retail stores, too. Here is what I finished up with:

DS1: Bocce set, College shirt, prep bowls, turkey lifter (Goodwill). Ragg socks, ear buds, $50 gas card, $10 I-tunes card (retail). Stadium blanket (free, bank promo).

DIL1: Teapot, calligraphy wall hanging, double frame set, ornament (Goodwill). Figurines for Christmas village, extra wedding pictures, silky tote bag, hand cream, gingerbread village cookie sheet, egg timer (retail).

DS2: 3 t-shirts, book, card game (Goodwill). Ragg socks, ear buds, Brita water bottle, $25 Express card, $10 I-tunes card (retail). Stadium blanket (free, won in raffle).

DIL2: Ankle weights, custard cups, ornaments (Goodwill). Gingerbread village cookie sheet, silky tote bag, hand cream, Brita water bottle, kitchen wall clock, $25 fabric store gift card, egg timer (retail). (I also gave this couple a roll of quarters for laundry.)

GS1: Board game, two mugs, Bionic lego set (Goodwill). Board game, toothbrush (retail).

GS2: Ornament (Goodwill). Talking toy, wooden puzzle with sound effects, engine for Thomas train set, toothbrush (retail).

I will also pay for a special class/activity for the boys; DIL to let me know what. I went deliberately light on the grandsons' gift; they get so, so many, from so many people who have a lot more money than I have. I feel like it's so wasteful to just add to the plethora -- and they are clearly overwhelmed by too many gifts. So I just got a few things to open.

Nephew & wife: $75 grocery store gift card. (They are unemployed)

Grand-niece 1: Mini-frames, memo pad (Goodwill). $10 I-Tunes card.

Grand-nieces 2 & 3: Assorted costume jewelry, jacks game (Goodwill). Jewelry boxes (retail).

Grand-nephew: Bag of little toys (mostly Goodwill).

Ex-husband: Bottle of wine, also wrapped up and returned some Christmas ceramics his aunt had made.

DIL2's mother: Candleholder, salt & pepper (Goodwill). Candle (retail).

DIL1's parents: Two Christmas mugs (Goodwill). Bag of coffee, assorted fancy cocoa packets (retail).

DIL1's grandfather: stuffed toy (free with purchase of greeting cards)

For work people: 2 tins (Goodwill) filled with Hershey's Bliss. Hand cream (retail), Christmas tile (regift).

I was overwhelmed with so many people to buy for, some of whom I see only once a year.

Next year I will use the Amazon gift lists, even though it doesn't feel Christmas-y to me. This was too much work for too little satisfaction.

I didn't keep track of my Christmas spending, which was a mistake -- I should at least know how much I saved! That might make me feel better! I'm sure I spent much less than anyone else, but not sure right now whether that was a good thing.

Oh yes, I got many nice gifts, too.

Gift cards totalling $175.
Tool box & tools
Fluffy throw
Knee socks
Wall clock
Stock pot
Wedding pictures
Planter
Set of jams
Coffee, tea & mug
Wine
Yankee Candle
Stocking full of sample size items

I'm sure there is more, but I'm blank right now.

I have stuck to the $20 limit on groceries for two weeks now. This week was especially challenging. I needed fish oil, and I got a good deal, 2 bottles for the price of one, $11. I also had to get two spices for the cornbread stuffing I made -- they were expensive, but luckily, both were on sale -- sage $4, and thyme $3. $2 for celery brought me up to $19, so it was no wine this week! Maybe I'll get some for Christmas.

Don't worry, I have lots of food at home. When I really start eating my way through my stockpile the $20 limit will be even more of a challenge.

I also bought $100 worth of gift cards, and Christmas shopping is DONE!

Tonight after work I head up to my sons' houses for the weekend. Only a 40-minute drive in usual traffic, but I fear tonight it will be a lot worse. I hope I can leave work early. I'm going to go home at lunch and pack my bags, and pack the car. I have a LOT of gifts. Perhaps I overdid it. I have such a hard time with Christmas, knowing where to draw the line.

I should hate Christmas anyway. My husband left me at Christmas, my mother died on Christmas Day, my brother died on New Year's Day, I broke my ankle two weeks before Christmas ... it seems like a doomed holiday for me. I still enjoy the season, but sad memories are dredged up at the same time. I'm always glad when it's over. I like the feel of a fresh start after all the stuff is packed away again.

My net worth went down by $869 this year. That's not terrible, considering I lost $5018 in the stock market. (I actually "lost" more, since my stock increased at the beginning of this year -- but that is the loss since December of last year).

That means I put away $4149 on my own. (Again, not really, because a little more than $1000 was contributed by the College to my retirement plan).

That said, I need to do a lot better. I already knew that.

I'm going to do every little thing I can. Last night, instead of letting the TV run on after the news, I turned it off, turned off all the living room lights, and went into the bedroom and read. I only got up to brush and floss (saving on those future dentist visits!)

This morning I packed a cold lunch, because the microwave at work broke down yesterday. I also packed a breakfast of cornbread, but when I arrived, there was an array of leftover food from various parties. So I will take the cornbread home to add to the rest -- I am making cornbread stuffing tonight to take to our family holiday dinner tomorrow night. I have also promised to make a sweet potato casserole, so I'm going to have a busy cooking night.

I have to stop at the store to pick up some celery and spices, and I will get the fish oil I need, too. Even though I am going to stop buying multi-vitamins, I will continue with the fish oil. I come from a family with heart problems, and I already know I have a "fat pad" on my heart, which can be an indicator for heart disease.

I will also get a few more gift cards. I had intended to order them from MyPoints and Discover, but I let too much time slip away. I will use the free cards for birthdays this year.

I took my computer to a local repair shop. He tinkered with it a bit and declared the motherboard dead. Well, something on the motherboard, but the whole thing has to be replaced on the kind of computer I have. That's $372 for the new board and labor. A little more than half what I paid in the first place.

Some would say I should have just bought a new computer, but $372 is less than I would pay for a new one, and once this one has a new motherboard it should have quite a few more years left in it -- I hope!

Anyway, it may be five days before the part gets in, so I won't have a computer till after Christmas. The only thing I'll miss is keeping up on my financial spreadsheets, but now that I know I haven't lost them, I'm quite relieved.

Yesterday we had our "Yankee Swap" at work. For a few minutes I had the good prize -- a bottle of wine. But I lost it, and decided to choose an unopened gift -- really, I wanted the gift bag; it was just the right size for a present I haven't wrapped yet. Well, I got the booby prize! "What is it?" I kept asking. It appears to be melted down bottles roughly in the shape of a bowl but with a key ring attached. ???? Needless to say, it's going in the swap next year.

Last night I was looking up a recipe online -- I went into the kitchen to make it -- came back and my screen was blank. Nothing could bring it to life again, although the computer was running.

This laptop is not very old, maybe a year and and half. It has frequently done weird things like suddenly closing down, or the screen goes blank and then the computer reboots. Always without any provocation. I've never been very thrilled with it.

So now I have to take it in for repair. I am not a DIY-er when it comes to technology. I hate to have another expense right now, but I don't want to lose all my financial info, not to mention my novel in progress. No, I don't have it backed up. I was doing that for a while on Windows Live, but it got to be a hassle. Looks like I have to revisit the concept.

Alas, I had to take $550 out of savings. This, after $600 about a week ago.

Not really for a bad reason -- I got a notice that my insurance payments will come out on January 1. I deliberately switched from monthly to semi-annual payments, so now I have to pony up and make sure the money is in checking. I must remind myself I am saving $24, because it feels kind of bad. The $550 includes the estimated booth rental, so I won't have to worry about saving cash for that. And a $25 margin for error.

At least I will be able to refurbish the account with my tax refund. And I won't have that $77 to pay every month, so that can go back into savings, too.

It hasn't been a good year for saving. I haven't done the math yet, but I know my net worth is lower than it was last year -- mostly because of the stock market, but I haven't made up the difference.

Of course, it's been a bad year for medical expenses, and I did some traveling and had a big car repair. I really hope next year will be better.

I have the whole week off next week -- the College closes, so I don't even have to take vacation time. I'm not planning to go anywhere. I hope to do some much-needed organizing at home and also use this time as sort of a retreat. I need to figure out how to do a better job of saving. Retirement is breathing down my neck.

I THINK I finished my Christmas shopping today. But it seems something else always crops up. Today I learned that my DIL's grandfather will join us for Christmas so I needed to get a little something for him. He has Alzheimer's and my son suggested that I get him a stuffed toy, as he seems to respond to them. I actually found a free one, with the purchase of four birthday cards, which I will use anyway. So that was good. I also had to buy another bag of Hershey's Bliss for my Yankee Swap gift at work -- I already had two, plus two small Christmas tins to put them in, but the two bags didn't fill the tins.

I also bought some gift cards. I added $50 to the $25 Jewel card I already had -- this will go to my out-of-work nephew. Then I bought a packet of three $10 I-tunes cards. They will go to my sons and a grand-niece.

For my BFF, whom I won't see till New Years, I bought a candle plate for the pillar candle I already had, and a Sudoku book.

Today was my first attempt at the $20 grocery limit (even though it's not the new year yet, it's a good time to start because I'm so stocked up on food). I spent $18.78, and most of it was not food.

I bought two boxes of corn muffin mix, sour cream, three fresh jalapenos (all these for jalapeno cornbread for the Christmas party at work), some coffee creamer, a bag of mixed greens, cat food and maxi-pads. I also got a free can of chicken dumpling soup with a store coupon. I wanted to get wine, but since that would have put me over the $20, I resisted.

My weekend with my grandson was exhausting! First of all, I had to give up on taking him to A Christmas Carol; he insisted he was too scared and started crying. So I finally called the box office and asked them to donate the tickets to someone who could use them. Well, he was in a negative mood all round. He didn't want to eat anything I offered, and even refused pancakes at McDonalds (where I had to drag him). He did enjoy the Play Place once we finally got there. Then I suggested we go see "ChipWrecked." No. He's seen it. (Not true, his mom told me). The only thing he could think of that he would like to do was to see Cars 2 again. I tried to get it at a RedBox, which wasn't working, but I was lucky enough to get it at the library. Unfortunately, as we watched, the images started breaking up about halfway through. I had to clean the disc twice, but finally got it good enough to go all the way through. Then he got it in his head that he wanted to play his Cars 2 video game, and that was the ONLY thing he wanted to do, and he HAD to go home. Well, it was only a few hours before the time we had set, so I took him home! Clearly, he's at a very obstinate age! (And was probably a little homesick, too.)

Today was payday. I was really surprised when I was handed my deposit slip; I totally lost a day and thought I would be paid tomorrow.

Because my Discover card was so high ($2014) I had to take $600 out of savings. Then I realized I forgot to figure in the eventual booth payment, probably around $80. And THEN I remembered I have a lot of cash in my wallet, so I really shouldn't have to transfer any more out of savings.

Last night I chopped and cooked celery, carrots, onion and potatoes for potato soup. Tonight I'll make the base and put it all together, so I just have to warm it up tomorrow when my kids arrive.

I cleaned off my coffee table and found a 2012 calendar I forgot about! This cleaning stuff certainly brings a lot of things to light!

I have the whole week off between Christmas and New Year's. This year I'm going to make it a real vacation, and by that I mean, I'm staying home! Other than Christmas Day, when I'll be at the kids'. I'm really looking forward to taking it easy and putzing around the house.

My girlfriends weekend in downtown Chicago was expensive -- as I expected.

Hotel -- $52 (1 room split three ways)
Food & drinks -- $118
Train & taxis -- $29
Shopping -- $35

Oy!

Plus, I gave a man in the train station $7 for a ticket. He said he lost his wallet and seemed credible. I realize that it may have been a lie, but I was okay with helping him out anyway, whatever his true situation.

The shopping was mostly at Crate & Barrel, for stocking stuffers. The food included tea at the Drake with champagne, a big breakfast buffet at the hotel and lunch at the Grande Lux Cafe, as well as stops at Starbucks and Argo Tea.

I saw the Marilyn statue -- again -- and had a lot of fun shopping -- not buying -- at Swarovski Crystals, Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom Rack. We also had a nice long soak in the hot tub, followed up by chocolate martinis!

It went by so fast. It was good to see my pals. We will do it again. Maybe in warmer weather next time!

Yesterday I spent $1.71 mailing the gloves that one of my friends left behind.

I had a troubling day at work yesterday. My boss was very upset, not at me, but it affected me. When I came home I had a hard time settling down, even after I got in bed. After a while I got up and started cleaning out my closet -- a project I was going to tackle over Christmas break -- but I got it all done last night, with all my nervous energy. I've made several runs to the dumpster, and tomorrow will drop off several bags at Goodwill. I have three bags of magazines -- I have to figure out who to give them to. They're too good to throw away.

You know how you find things when you're de-cluttering? When I was looking for my swimsuit I found about five bras I had put away when I gained weight -- they should fit just fine now. And while going through the magazines I found a brand new book of double acrostics I had forgotten I had. I love double acrostics -- crosswords on steroids!

On Friday my grandson is coming to stay the night so we can go see "A Christmas Carol" on Saturday morning. I've offered to feed the whole family on Friday night when they come to drop him off. I think I'm going to saute some chicken breasts, make homemade potato soup, and round out the meal with vegetables and biscuits. Fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies for dessert. I have all the makings on hand, so I can put off the grocery store till GS goes back home on Saturday.

Since everyone else is talking about 2012 goals it got me thinking, too. My overarching goal is to save as much as possible – which is a little vague. So my stretch goal is -- $700 a month. That will be quite a stretch, given that lately it’s been around $200-300.

So that means I have to change the way I’m doing things. Here’s what I’ve thought of so far.

Finally, once and for all, cancel cable (but keep internet). I plan to do this in January. I have a Roku and a Netflix streaming subscription. That is quite enough entertainment. I will miss the news, but the news is online.

Revamp my diet. Instead of buying frozen entrees, cook from scratch. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat less meat. Cut down on the desserts.

Cut out the wine. It may be good for my heart, but so is a good diet. It’s an expensive supplement.

Cut out vitamins (after I finish the bottle). The latest studies say I don’t need them, anyway.

Set a grocery spending limit. I’m thinking $20 a week. That’s aggressive, but it’s just me, and I don’t need to fill a big pantry.

Keep up with MyPoints to earn gift cards.

Complete a survey every day and do the Swagbucks poll – again, for the gift cards.

No more “new” clothes until I have to get a smaller size. (Quotes are there because I buy most clothing secondhand.)

Liquidate my antiques booth. I won’t do this until Spring when I can have a big yard sale. What doesn’t sell I will box up and auction on eBay.

Then just a few resolutions that won’t necessarily save money …

Savor the little things. I forget to do that sometimes.

Support local business. I need to stop going to McDonalds, which I don’t even like much, and go to the local eateries that are struggling to survive.

Find a form of exercise I enjoy, and do it!

Always remember I can be happy for no reason at all.