I got an email from Jeffrey yesterday telling me I got second place in the November contest! So thank you to all who voted for my story!

Yesterday was my first full day at home after a long weekend in Chicago. The damage -- $46 spent on gifts, $102 on food (including tea at the Drake, drinks, and treating my son's family at Lulu's) and $33 on gas to the airport.

Yesterday I paid my phone bill ($50) and had my cat's stitches out ($40).

Today I have to get stamps so I can send Christmas cards. I'm also getting ready for a two-week trip to Florida -- leaving on Monday, I think. But I hope I won't incur any more expenses till then.