CB in the City

Had my session with the TIAA-CREF counselor yesterday. No penalty if I cash out my CREF account after age 60 (though I will pay taxes -- must pay taxes either way). So I decided not to take systematic withdrawals and just let the pot grow there.

Got paid today, so I'm updating my sidebar. Wish I could just wipe out my debt, but I'm getting there.

This will be a lean month, especially since there will be travel. Part of it will be paid by the college -- I'm going to Charleston for a conference. Driving, so I can stop on the way back to see my cousin and pick up my sister for Thanksgiving. (Thanksgiving will be held up in Michigan at my brother's house.)

It's a 900-mile trip, one way. It will take two days. The catch is my grandson's birthday is tomorrow, and I have to be in Charleston at 6 pm on Sunday. I will miss his 5pm party. I am planning, right now, to go up to the kids' house early in the day, help them get ready and leave before the party. But I don't like this tickle in my throat. I might not go the kids' house at all. We'll see how the day plays out.

A couple of finance-related things....

I got a bill from the oral surgeon who did some minor surgery this summer -- it was for a little more than $300 after insurance. I called the office because it was my understanding the procedure would be totally covered. They said they are still waiting for another insurer to kick in -- probably the dental. The odd thing was, I was little disappointed, because my immediate thought was -- something to use my FSA for!

I got my credit card bill, and sure enough, 0% interest has ended, and the rate is now 11.9%. I have the option of transferring to a 3.9% deal, but with a 3% transfer charge, it's all a wash. Especially since I will be paying it off soon. Having this interest tacked on will encourage me to pay it off especially soon!

I'm seeing a counselor from TIAA-CREF today. That is where my retirement account from my previous job is. I'm not invested currently, because I was out of the job market for two years. That's one of the things I'm going to discuss today. It seems to me that since I was in it for 20+ years that they could waive the rule. We'll see.

I also want to see how much of a penalty I would have to pay for withdrawing a large sum (say, to buy a house) and if it would be better to withdraw small sums without penalty and invest it myself.

Tomorrow is pay day!!! Can't wait to attack my bills!

Pepe le Pew visited last night.

I've been setting out food for stray cats who tug at my heartstrings. Last night I heard the bowl scrape on my patio and checked it out. Came face to face with a skunk!

I quickly backed away and gave him his space. But I watched through the window as he chowed down. I have to say skunks are handsome animals.

But I don't want to feed him -- and I'm sure my neighbors would be upset if they spotted him dining on my patio.

On the other hand, I don't want to cut off my cats.

I'm going to try just setting up a small dish in the morning and bringing it in when I come home. Hopefully, Pepe only roams after sunset.

I know this isn't finance-related, except for the fact that I was going through a lot of cat food -- now I know why!

My intention this weekend was to label and package all the stuff I bought for my antiques booth this summer. I'm going to the Carolinas next week, so this is my chance to get that stuff on the shelves. What I DIDN'T intend to do was buy more -- but the weather was beautiful and people were having garage sales. I ran into one I thought was pretty good -- several boxes of 25c and 10c items. I found figurines, little pictures, a rosewood cross, a snack tray -- all kinds of stuff. Plus a wonderful iron wall hanging which I will keep (that was $4). Flushed with success, I hit another. This family was getting rid of their parents' stuff. OMIGOSH, what good deals. I bought a crystal decanter, crystal glasses, wooden peppermill, Delft ware, a Schnapps bottle, all for only $6. The decanter alone will sell for $60.

Then I went to Goodwill to donate some things, and I thought -- I'll just take a peek. Oh, great things. A Gorham plate (worth $50) a very cool wooden bill sorter, a Meakin calendar plate -- and a pink T-shirt for moi.

So I had even more stuff to process, and it took me a big chunk of the day on Sunday. I also had to polish some silver I had bought before, so I worked hard. It is mostly done -- a few things yet to be identified before I can label and box them.

I added about $1000 to the inventory. The booth will have a whole new look when I get in there next weekend!

Got a letter from Allstate telling me my car insurance premium has been reduced by $33 every six months. I recently had to file a claim (not my fault -- my parked car was back-swiped) so I am pleased to get reduction, however small.

It is coming toward the end of the year and I still have more than $350 in my medical flexible spending account. There are still a few bills out there waiting for insurance approval, but at this point I have no idea how much I will have to pay out of pocket. Or when they will bill me. My plan is that if I'm still hearing nothing in mid-December, I'm going to stock up on OTC supplies with the remainder of the account. No way am I letting that money go!!

I just did my enrollment package for next year's benefits, and this time I only allocated $200 to flexible spending. I have received much better medical coverage at this job than I did with my previous employment, so a big FSA isn't necessary, and maybe wasteful.

I had to scrape ice from my windshield for the first time, which brings me to the question -- does anyone know of a really good way to do this? I will have to park outside all winter, so I am willing to buy a really good tool. Maybe something that heats up? Anybody have any ideas?

Yesterday I got a call telling me I had won a prize from the raffle at the Health Fair. It was a small travel thermos, very nice. Then I went to a supervisors' meeting and won a bag of candy.

Well, don't things always happen in threes? I bought a lottery ticket on the way home -- the scratch-off kind. No winnings there. I guess you can't force the rule of three.

I've updated my sidebar. Some automatic deposits went into two of the accounts. The housing fund dipped, since it is stock-based. I made my ING account, which also isn't doing much right now, my car fund. I won't really get the car fund going until the debt is paid off and the wedding gift is fully funded.

Today my chore is to go through the enrollment papers for next year's medical plan. I'm told that the cost of premiums will jump 13%. To offset it, we got a 1% raise recently. Rather humorous, but it beats a freeze, or a cut, or being laid off!

Yesterday I got a free lunch, which I almost declined!

Some of my co-workers were heading out the door and asked me if I was going to the health fair.

Health fair -- nah. I didn't think I was interested.

Then they said the magic words -- "free lunch."

The fair did indeed offer sub sandwiches, low-fat chips and apples to every person who came in. I also got some hand sanitizer, band-aids, and a lot of pens. I was really glad I changed my mind!

I already had a lunch packed, which I left in the refrigerator and will eat today. I would say I eat a packed lunch at work at least 95% of the time. I am really out of the norm. Most of my co-workers go out for lunch regularly. What a drain on the budget!

I am also dieting, so a packed lunch helps me there. I am on what I call my "lifetime" diet -- just trying to keep calorie count under 1800. I am hoping for a slow, steady and permanent loss. I am finding that 1800 calories is not at all uncomfortable, you just have to make some reasonable choices.

I did my monthly recap of my spending last month, and it was a very expensive one -- not that I'm surprised. I had a car repair, had company, bought a mattress and box spring, went downtown for a day (which cost $45 in parking alone)... oh, the list goes on. Here's to a more frugal November.

I started out November by buying two pairs of shoes -- actually a pair of boots and a pair of sandals. I almost hated buying them, I am feeling so penny-pinching right now, but I really needed the boots (getting ready for that blast of winter) and the deal was so good. First of all, I have a hard time even finding boots. They have to be flat, and the upper part has to be larger than normal. I found a pair that is actually VERY wide at the top, and you wrap and buckle them to fit your calf. Perfect solution. And they are flat, a good color (dark brown) and I like the way they look. Here's the best part -- they were marked down from $95 to $25. At the same time, I got a pair of navy sandals from the clearance rack for $5. I looked for navy sandals all summer, and how can you beat $5? So why do I feel splurgy? I guess it's because I wish I could just put EVERYTHING toward my debt right now. Yet I know if I pass up good deals I will have to pay more later.

I had a great weekend. Trick or treating with my grandsons was a real treat for me. They live in a "vintage" area of a northern suburb, so the houses around their condo are all turn-of-the-century. They were all decked out for Halloween. I felt like I was in a movie! The kids were over the top with excitement, and all of them so cute. Such fun.

On Sunday I went to a choral concert at the college where I work. They performed the music from "Beauty and the Beast." It was so professionally done -- really wonderful. And as I bought a "group" ticket, it was only $5. A reminder that frugal entertainment is always available if you seek it out.

Yesterday I bought 6 $2 candy bars to put in my boo bags. They were being sold by a sorority who was fundraising for school supplies in Africa. That satisfied my philanthropic streak. Along with some hot chocolate packets and a few hard candies they made a nice presentation. Left the two bags at my neighbors' doors this morning.

I gave a co-worker a ride to work this morning, and she told me that someone had left candy at her door, calling it a "chain letter thing", and she was suspicious -- didn't know if she should eat it. (She is in another building in the same complex.) I told her that I was guessing that our manager started a bag in each building. It certainly never occurred to me to be fearful!

We are having a Halloween bash at work. I was going to bake something last night, but totally forgot (got involved in Thursday night must-see television). So this morning I grabbed a can of cashews, which I think will be a nice foil to all the sweets....

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm supposed to go to a networking event downtown today. It's pouring down rain, so that's decided it for me. I would have to take the train, and walk several long blocks to get there -- not worth it. So I'm saving train fare, possibly taxi fare, and the cost of drinks.

Tomorrow I'm going to head up early to see my two grandsons. Then I'll have a few errands to run -- dry cleaners, and the grocery (a very short list). Trying to save all I can for those important funds!

First of all, I want to thank you for your warm welcome back! I had no idea I would be missed, and I'm grateful for your kind comments.

Last night I arrived home from work to find a bowl of candy and a note at my doorstep. It turned out it was one of those "Secret Santa" type deals; the note says to keep it going by doing the same thing to two other people.

My first reaction was delight. My second one was -- oh, I don't want to do this. I had just stopped at the store on the way home and didn't want to go back. I don't have candy around the house to share. I would have to make copies of the note ... blah, blah, blah.

Then I thought -- I'll just pass on the same candy and the same note to some other doorway. (But then, what if I gave back to the very same person who gave to me? Crass.)

Finally I decided to honor the feeling of delight it gave me and to continue in the spirit of the thing. So today I'll go over to the cafeteria on campus and buy some candy bars. I have some fancy hot chocolate packets and Quiznos coupons at home that I can throw in. That way I won't be spending too much, but still, hopefully, delighting someone else.

Such are my financial decisions, these days! Stay tuned for my next dilemma -- should I go downtown for a networking event or stay home? I'll let you know.

I just updated my sidebar with a few un-fun facts.

I have debt from my move (after becoming debt-free! oh! painful!) I put it on a card that was charging 0% interest, but I think that rate will expire soon. I expect to get whopped with interest on my next bill.

My emergency fund is down from $1000 because I had an expensive car repair. Will pay it back up with my next paycheck.

My son is getting married in June (which I am very happy about, and I just love the girl). I gave my other son $1000 for his wedding gift, so I will do the same for this one. So I have to get that funded.

My car is doing great, but it has more than 100,000 miles on it, so I know I need to start saving for its replacement.

The housing fund -- well, that's in stocks -- it's part of my retirement fund. I am hoping that it will grow and that I can use it in six more years toward a down payment on a modest piece of housing. Meanwhile, I will start a vigorous saving program on the side once I get the debt paid off.

My new employer will start a new retirement fund for me -- in two years. Four years before I retire! Well, it's better than nothing.

And so much has happened!

I un-retired, found a job in the Chicago metro area, and moved cross country. I am near my kids again (about 40 minutes away), and pretty happy in my employment -- it's not a lot of money, and more than a little stress, but the people are all great. And it's so wonderful to have my own place again and to be in control of my own money.

Another bonus -- my son has produced another grandson for me!

My biggest challenge at present is to save money for a place to live when I REALLY retire in six years. Right now I'm living in a nice apartment, but it costs too much, and the rent will go up next year when the move-in special rate lapses. I had only one day to find it, so I'm not kicking myself for my choice, but I'll have to find something else next July.

I also have a little bit of debt to pay off from the move. I'll keep you posted!

Feelin' good today! I was called back after a mammogram so they could "take a better picture." Although they told me not to worry, I worried. Today the radiologist gave me an all clear. Getting that good news helped me refocus on what's really important.

Today I sent off a claim for unclaimed property -- my parents apparently had insurance policies they forgot about. A friend of mine found the information on the internet. The total value is near $7000. If they honor the claim, I will divide it with my two surviving siblings and my late brother's wife. I would be very happy to get $1700 in these times!

I had to take $145 out of my emergency fund today to pay the dentist for x-rays, periodontal check and cleaning. Interestingly enough, that makes my emergency fund $491, exactly what my credit card debt is.

I am paying 0% interest on my credit card for the rest of the year, so there is no hurry to pay if off. I'd rather have the money in my EF.

I ALMOST charged the dentist appointment, because I didn't have my checkbook with me. But the receptionist agreed to let me run home and get the checkbook, so I avoided that temptation.

Bad news -- I have broken a filling and he wants to cap it with a crown. I really can't afford that! I told him I'd think about it.

I need a windfall.

It's been a long time -- and I even considered just fading away from here -- but I thought I ought to let you know what's happening.

I may be moving back to the Midwest.

I won't go into detail, but I had a big, long, ongoing discussion with my cousin, and because of the way the economy is going, and because of me missing my kids, and because of certain philosophical differences, I decided to unretire and look for a job near Chicago.

It certainly won't be easy, and may not even be possible. But I did send an application to a university with an opening in my field, and I have sent an inquiry letter to my old boss.

If I don't find a job in the Midwest, I will at least try to find a job here. The market is terrible, but my budget is worse. Mainly it is healthcare that is making it unworkable.

After a little bit of misunderstanding and hurt feelings, my cousin is now okay with it. If I do leave, her sister, who is retiring soon, will be able to step in and help a lot.

At this point I really don't know what's going to happen. I'm just going to take it day by day.

I gather from hints from my cousin and sister that I am considered "too clean." That is, they think I shower too often and wash clothes too often. There have been some comments about the water bill. Of course, that hits me where it hurts, because I am trying so hard to encourage frugal living among some pretty diehard spendthrifts.

I shower once a day, in the morning, and pretty quickly, too, I might add. I wear one fresh outfit a day and a fresh pair of pajamas each night. I know a lot of people wear the same pair of pajamas more often, but this is what is comfortable to me. Am I weird?

I'm a lot more lax on towels and sheets. I usually don't change sheets any more often than once a week, and sometimes will go closer to two weeks. I use the same towel for a week.

It just seems to be personal cleanliness that is most important to me, and I wouldn't like to change it. Just wondering how others weigh in on this issue?

My sister and I went to eight garage sales yesterday. Between us we spent about $60. Our haul:

Windowpane wall mirror with shutters
Espresso coffee set for 4, made in Poland
Banana Republic knit top
Full set of Lemony Snicket books
4 old children's schoolbooks
1 old casserole cookbook
Glass swan figurine
1950's-style teabag holder
2 small unfinished frames with blank canvases
Plate stand
4 miniature porcelain "Cornwall cottages"
small basket with apple stencils
rustic white tin church
Coca-Cola crate
3 embroidery hoops
5 new tubes of toothpaste
Curling iron
Lip gloss set from Bloomingdale's
3 books
Aquarium castle and book on aquariums
Santa Claus fireman ornament
Panda music box
Cupcakes and coffeecake from bake sale

I think that's it, or close to it...

What a feel-good day!

I can hardly believe this, but a friend of mine was poking around on an unclaimed property site and found insurance policies taken out by my (deceased) parents, with a total value nearing $7,000! I had no idea!

I am now in the process of collecting proofs -- they need death certificates, SSN's, obituaries, and proof of address. This is a little challenging, since I'm in Florida now and my records are in North Carolina, but it's coming together.

I will, of course, divide it with my sister, brother, and my deceased brother's widow, but it still will be a nice little chunk of unexpected change.

In other news, my sister and I went to a garage sale this morning. We spent less than $10 and came home with a wooden salad bowl set, two books, a pair of new shoes, a tin, a platter, and four goblets.

Yesterday we shopped at a couple of Goodwills. We found the prices here quite a bit higher than we are used to. We did, however, manage to find a set of cobalt blue salad plates (12), a miniature chair, a "treasury" of Laura Ingalls books, and a T-shirt -- once again, the whole lot under $10.

Today my cousin gave me a pile of clothes she doesn't want any more. I will take home about 8 tops and 5 pairs of jeans. (Some of them I will sell at a consignment shop.) My sister selected two tops. The rest will go to her cleaning lady, who distributes them among her friends.

My car is going to be really full on the way back!

Yesterday my sister and I took an old coin/currency collection to an appraiser/buyer. On the way we stopped at my uncle's house to ask if he wanted us to take his stamp collection. He didn't, but he had a bunch of old watches and jewelry handed down from an uncle of his.

Well. We sold our coins for $42. We sold my uncle's stuff for $671! Boy, was he thrilled! Just giddy, like a kid. He insisted that we take some of the money, so we ended up with the $71 even though we really tried to make him keep it all. We will use the money for buying for the booth. There's going to be a big estate sale this weekend.

My aunt was cleaning her closet and gave me two garbage bags full of shoes. Some pairs have never been worn. I picked out what I could wear and what I thought I could sell at the consignment shop, so I have one bag of shoes. The rest my cousin will give to her cleaning lady.

But I'm saving the best news for last. My son skyped me last night and surprised me with the ultrasound picture of my NEW GRANDCHILD! He/she will be born in late September. I'm so excited! Two grandchildren at Christmas! I think I might start a quilt.

I made the trip down for less than $50 in gas. Once I arrived, my refund appeared in my bank account, so I paid $1900 to my credit card debt. I kept out some cash to pay for an oil change, a haircut, one meal out and $20 for garage sales.

I feel much better, but will be better still when I pay it off the cc debt entirely.

My plan tomorrow is to take some old coins and currency to be appraised and perhaps sold. They were handed down to me by my great aunt. I suspect a lot of it is worthless, but we'll see.

With the money I had left from the trip I already bought some stuff at garage sales. A Toby Jug, a whatnot box that looks like two stacked books, a step-basket, a commemorative plate, an ornament, two lamps, and three plate racks. Most will go in the booth. I also helped my sister buy a mesh tent that she will give to her granddaughters. All very good deals -- spent $35 altogether.

The booth is not doing well this month. We checked in before we left for Florida and found we had sold only two bowls for $3 each. There is still a half a month to go before we pay rent again, so I am hoping for the best.

I'm getting ready for my trip to Florida on Thursday. I have about $100 to make it down there. Once I'm there, my tax refund should be in the bank, so I'll be able to make it back.

After I get my refund, I'll need to get my oil changed, and when I get back I'll have a dentist appointment which will cost $160.

My refund was going to go wholly for my credit card debt, but I can see that isn't going to happen. Right now my goal is not to add to my credit card debt.

The cats are both due for checkups, too.

Last night I dreamt that I was selling paintings in a gallery. I was just swishing paint on canvas and they were selling like hotcakes. Wishful thinking, huh?

So yesterday I wake up to a cold house. I check the thermostat, and, although it is set on 72, the temp is 63.

To me, this means trouble. It means in another hour the temp will be 53, then 43, because something is wrong with the furnace.

I call the company who services us, and they cannot send anyone until about noon.

By that time, the temp has crept up to 67.

The technician checks everything out, and then tells me everything is working fine.

Why is it so cold? I ask.

Oh, well, heat pumps have trouble keeping up in very cold weather.

Who knew? I've never had a heat pump before -- only gas furnaces that efficiently pumped out the heat when it was cold.

I had to pay $98 to learn that.

Then I sat down to do my state taxes. I did the paper version, but the refund was much less than it had showed on TurboTax. (Even though I hadn't done state taxes on TT, there is a little box that shows estimated state refund even while you are doing your federal tax.) That worried me. I went to the NC website, and it directed to me to a free tax service through TurboTax called taxfreedom.com. I logged in, but since I used my ID and password, it flipped right over to the basic service, which charges $25.95. I tried to back out and log in with a new ID and password, but because it couldn't link to my federal info, it calculated a $0 refund. Going backwards!

I went back to the paper, and still couldn't find my error.

Went back to TurboTax and paid the $25.95. I'm getting a $480 refund, and I'm glad to be done with it. But now I'm $124 poorer, with all my goofing up.

Today a new problem: no water in the downstairs bathroom. I assume the pipe is frozen. Right now I am running the hot water in all the other taps, and I have a heater set up next to the pipe in question. So far no luck.

I am beginning to miss the frozen north. At least when it gets cold there, the systems can handle it!

A whole week without spending or driving.

Today the first of my two pension checks was in the mail, so I bought some gas and groceries, mailed my son's birthday package, and paid the rental for the booth (sales didn't cover the rent this month). Total spending was $78.

The State of Indiana is challenging my tax refund of 2005. For some reason they don't think I made a donation to an Indiana college. I made gifts to the university I worked at through payroll deduction, and I have the documentation. I sent them a copy. I sure hope this doesn't get mucked up, because I did everything right, and I can't afford $104 for nothing!

And found that my pension check was not deposited. So I will have two more days of no spending, no driving. Oh well. I'm up to the task.

I did my taxes yesterday, as soon as my 1099-R arrived in the mail. I just got an email that it's been accepted, and I'll get the money deposited sometime around Feb. 13. The really great news is, between my federal and state refund, I'll have almost enough to pay off my credit card debt. Whew! I still have to do the state -- I will do it on paper, not pay to have TurboTax do it.

I have sold 5, count 'em, 5 books this week on half.com. So this morning I went through my bookshelves and found a few more to add. I have gotten adept at printing out mailing labels via PayPal, and my sister has been carting the packages to the post office.

Yesterday my sister brought over a casserole of pork chops, peppers, mushrooms and rice. It was really good. I insisted she take the leftovers home. I really have plenty of food, though I can't seem to get her to believe that!

Today I Frontlined the cats. There is only one tube left for next month, so that is another expense to think about.

My cousin suggested that I come down to Florida mid-month. I am thinking February 11 is a good day -- and I would stay until the 24th. A cousin on the other side of the family will visit her on the 28th, and March is covered by her friend.

I really don't have the money to make the trip, but I don't want to tell her that. She has done so much for me already, and she has her own money worries now. She depends on renting office space for her living -- well, in this economy, all her tenants are floundering. It's sad, and scary.

So I guess the money will come out of my emergency fund, as well as the dentist appointment -- when I get it scheduled.

I look out my window and the rain just keeps coming down. We're getting the warmer edge of the ice storm that's inching across the country. I'm thinking it's a good day to stay inside and spend nothing!

However, once again, I sold a book on half.com (I'm not complaining!) and I had to spend some money to print a postage label. This box is a bit too big to put in a mailbox, so I guess I will ask the carrier to pick it up tomorrow. I've never done that before; this will be a first.

Yesterday I baked some cookies from dough I had made. I essentially skipped dinner (too much snacking on cookies!) I am determined to go back to my 3 squares today. But since I slept late, my breakfast was actually lunch -- a romaine salad.

I am keeping a grocery list of things I run out of, but when I get paid I will be making decisions about which of them is really important. I won't get everything.

My sister dropped by yesterday and we priced and labeled most of the items we bought in Florida. However, they won't go in the booth quite yet. It is fully stocked, and if we add more, it might start to look junky.

When we have our garage sale in the spring, we will be going through the booth and pulling out the things that have sat the longest and are not really antiques. They will go in the garage sale. We need to do an inventory, too. I know a few things have been stolen. Such are the risks.

Last night my son called me on Skype. He gave me a LifeCam for Christmas so I could see my little grandson while we talk. He was entranced with a ViewMaster so didn't have much time for Grandma, but it was wonderful just to be able to see him. I am very grateful for all these little pleasures.

Well, I'm determined to spend nothing and go nowhere till I get paid. Which I think will be next Monday (since the 31st falls on a Saturday).

As I planned, I called the dentist's office early this morning and left a message on their machine saying that I wouldn't be able to make it in. I hope they won't charge me for a cancelled appointment. We'll see.

When I opened my e-mail, I found that I sold TWO books on half.com. Well, there goes no spending. I had to print mailing labels via PayPal: $4.82 total. I had just barely enough in my checking account, but I also transferred $5 from savings just to be safe. I will walk the packages to the nearest post office, which is about a 15-minute walk each way. I can use the exercise. Exciting to know I will get a little deposit soon from the sales.

Yesterday my sister and her husband came over for cards, and they brought a tin of cookies, some cheese dip and crackers, and a banana nut muffin for my breakfast this morning. Guess they are worried about me! I was grateful, but I want them to worry about themselves, too.

So I have practically no money at all till I get paid on the first. Two big looming problems:

My son's birthday. It's on the sixth, but he lives in Chicago so I have to ship soon.

Here's what I've done: I went "shopping" in my basement, where I store my finds for the booth and stuff designated for a garage sale. In the garage sale stuff, there was a a nice set of barbecue equipment -- tongs, spatula, brush etc. -- all with bamboo handles and still in the box. They were my sister's. I asked her if it was okay for me to give to B as a gift, and she was fine with it.

Now, to wrap. I had a roll of plain red Christmas paper which is fine for a guy's birthday. And I already had the card, which I bought last fall because I recognized it as the perfect card for him. So no cost to wrap.

I found a box that neatly fits the wrapped package, so all I have to do now is label and send it. My kitchen scale says the package is 3 lbs. 3 oz., but I don't know how accurate it is. I will take it to the auto center at the post office and see what it weighs there. I'm estimating it will cost around $8 to send. Which is about what I have.

My other big problem: A dentist appointment on Monday. I think I will be highly unethical and plead sickness on Monday morning, since it is too late to cancel now. I hate to do that, but a visit to the dentist, however important, is just not something I can do right now.

I am also very low on gas, so I can't do any running around. Which means I won't mail the package until I get paid either.

At least I have plenty of food in stock. I will just hunker down for a week.

Since my last entry, I've gone to Florida and come back, only to have to quickly turn around and drive to Indiana for a funeral. My friend with brain cancer, whom I have mentioned before, passed away just after New Year's.

Travel, Christmas, and car repairs have played havoc with my finances. I have credit card debt again for the first time since I've retired, and it's depressing. I do hope to cover a good chunk of it with my tax refund.

For the time being, I am in NC while my cousin is in Florida. A friend of hers is taking over her care until some time in February. While it is good to have some time to myself, I don't have the luxury of my cousin providing my board. My income doesn't go far. After I pay my medical premium, I have only $180 for the month. This is a major challenge.

I've been looking for a job, but finding nothing I can even apply for. I have not yet put in my application for temp work -- that will probably be my best bet. But I procrastinate. I have gotten used to not working, and I just hate the idea of it! I would really rather stretch that $180 and make it work. Since the house is well-stocked with food, it's doable -- except for expenses like the dentist, vet etc. What to do, what to do.

A bit of good news. At a garage sale in Florida I bought a porcelain mantel clock for $10. After a little research, I found it may be worth $1000! Of course, I can't just cash it in like coins at CoinStar. My sister and I will have to get it appraised and find a buyer. But it's exciting! We've already put in our bid for tickets to Antiques Roadshow, which will be in Raleigh in June.

And my sister had some good news as well. Some Oriental items she had consigned to a specialty store sold for more than $660. So that give her a much-needed buffer for her tight budget.

I don't know what the future will bring, but I WAS glad to hear this morning that stocks are rebounding after yesterday. I'll cherish ANY scrap of good financial news!

I'm getting ready to drive to Florida tomorrow. It's about a 12 hour trip. Luckily, I'll have my sister to spell me, because I don't plan to stop for the night.

Yesterday I got some CDs on tape from the library. While there, I overheard a man giving travel advice to a woman who happens to be going just a few miles beyond my destination. He advised an alternate route to avoid Atlanta. You bet I'm going to try it out! Atlanta is a traffic sinkhole no matter what time you arrive!

I stocked up on cat food and kitty litter so my kitty caretakers will have plenty on hand. I also bought a thermos -- a good one. I figured with all the road trips I do, a good thermos is something I can really use over and over again.

I also did my last bit of Christmas shopping -- Mickey D and Bojangles gift cards for my BIL, who will be alone for Christmas, since I'm dragging my sister with me! He has to work -- and he is not a great holiday person, anyway -- but fast foods treats should give him a boost.

Today I'm doing laundry and packing. The worst part of packing is that I have to pack summer clothes for Florida, but winter dress clothes in case I have to fly to Indiana for a funeral, which is very likely.

Too much spending is happening. I hope I can ratchet back after the holidays.

On the seventh day -- yes I rested, but I also mailed some Christmas cards, gave myself a pedicure, and installed some pictures on my computer -- as well as some more mundane things like cleaning up the kitchen and washing sheets.

My son called last night to tell me our friend with brain cancer was moved back home from the hospital and will receive palliative care. She may have a couple of weeks left. I talked to my DIL this morning, and she is a wreck. This is her best friend, a pivotal person in her life, probably THE pivotal person in her life, and the unfairness of it all is stunning, incapacitating to her. Wish I could wave a wand and make it all go away.