Like Miss Angel, I am close to the line, but I haven't gone over -- yet.

I actually have $5 left, but $3 of it is a Pine Cone payment. I do include little bits of income into my $300. I figure that inspires me to do those surveys, etc.!

I walked to Dollar General on Sunday and bought dishwasher detergent, dryer sheets and feminine pads. The pads were necessary, and the other two -- I was tired of the frugal solutions. $8.30.

Then, today, I paid my stupid tax. I had an appointment at a hospital outpatient facility. I got turned around in the lot, and drove into a parking garage where I didn't want to be. What happened is this. The drive went ONLY to the garage, when I was just trying to find a place to turn around. Someone was right behind me. So I panicked and pulled up to the entrance, not knowing I had driven past the ticket dispenser. The arm didn't go up, of course, and the person behind me was right on my tail, impatiently waiting. I was waiting for her to pull the heck back, so I could, and I motioned her with a "What can I do?" shrug. She huffily got out of her car and pulled out the ticket (first time I saw it) and she KEPT IT! So I was stuck in the garage without a ticket. I drove around to the exit and tried to explain to the attendant, who barely spoke English. There was no explanation that would pass muster with him. His only answer, "Five dollars." Well, I should have backed up and parked, and walked to my appointment, but THERE WAS SOMEONE BEHIND ME AGAIN! So I paid the $5. Then I had to pay ANOTHER $5 to park in the lot by the outpatient clinic.

That's a way you really hate to spend $5 when you've got practically nothing left.

I was flustered, because I was dreading the appointment. I won't describe the procedure, but my doctor was a uro-gynecologist, so what does that tell you? This was a preliminary test, the actual surgery is now set for September 18. (Which should be easier than the test, since I will be out cold.)

Anyway, just today and tomorrow to get through with $5. I think I can do it. I decided not to go to Culver's on Tuesday night. It would be spending ahead of time, and I'm going to stick to my guns. No spending till I head out for the conference on Wednesday morning.