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Archive for April, 2016

Day Sixty-Seven

April 28th, 2016 at 03:10 pm

Calories: 1158

Wow, my calories were low yesterday, but I felt satisfied. Must have been the broccoli! Smile

This morning I transferred $ from my e-fund to pay off my credit card. My net worth has taken a hit, but I will work my way back. I should get the $200 bonus at the end of next month. I'm also expecting to get the $200 bonus from Chase (for the new savings account) any time now.

I got a manicure yesterday, no pedicure. It is so cold here, and I had to park several long blocks away. I didn't want to walk back to the car in those temporary sandals. Clearly, it will be too cold to wear sandals this weekend. So I will save the free pedicure for another time. I paid $4 for a tip and $2 to park.

Iggy threw up on my bed, so I have to wash all the sheets and the mattress pad. Luckily, he didn't hit the comforter or quilt. That is one of today's chores. Also, I will go to the library to return some materials and check out an audiobook for the trip. Then, in the early evening, I will once again watch my grandson's Tae Kwan Do class. And I have to pack; I'm leaving early in the morning.

I probably won't be blogging in Michigan, but I will definitely track my calories and catch up on Monday.

Day Sixty-Six

April 27th, 2016 at 03:19 pm

Calories: 1404

I'm starting to feel different. The roll around my middle is going away. I'm feeling stronger and more toned, even though I am not doing much exercise. I AM doing leg stretches every day, and I walk sporadically. But the real difference is that the diet is working. Slowly, maybe, but it's working. I heard recently that people who stick to a diet for a year are most likely to keep the weight off. That's my plan. Actually, I could eat this way forever....

No spending yesterday. But today is pay day! I'll pay my mortgage and my credit cards; everything else is on automatic.

I went to my grandson's spring concert last night, and today my other grandson's kindergarten class is putting on a show. I really love having all these activities to attend.

I'm going to make an appointment for the mani/pedi today, a day earlier than planned -- just in case. I don't want to go to my reunion unpainted because I couldn't get in! I have a gift certificate to get it done free, but at a place I've never been to before.

I trimmed my own bangs last night. That was overly courageous, maybe, but they turned out all right.

Day Sixty-Five

April 26th, 2016 at 03:25 pm

Calories: 1356

Yesterday I took my passport application to the post office. I was directed to another one, farther away, if I didn't want to wait for an appointment. (I didn't!) So I got my application turned in, to the tune of $165. $110 for the passport, $30 for a passport card (which will be required next year in Illinois) and $25 for the processing fee.

Since I was driving right by the testing emissions site, I drove in to get that done. Turns out I don't have to do it until next year! I thought it was an annual thing.

Since that is not necessary, I can proceed on renewing my license plate. I think I'll do that after May 1. My variables budget is at 86%, and I didn't count the cost of the passport or the car repair.

I was thinking of getting a haircut, but, really, I think it's okay. I'm still a couple of weeks away from needing it. Tomorrow I'm going to get a mani-pedi, but I have a gift coupon for it, so there will be no cost other than the tip.

I'm going to head up to Michigan early Friday morning.

This evening I'm going to my grandson's spring concert. His baseball game last night was canceled soon after it started, as there were threats of lightning. Luckily, he got to pitch before it ended -- unluckily, he was hit in the head with a ball, but he seems to be fine!

Day Sixty-Four

April 25th, 2016 at 05:14 pm

Calories: 1321

I seem to have found the sweet spot between too much hunger and too many calories! Having distractions help, too, when I don't sit around and think about what I can eat next.

Today I'm doing laundry -- I spilled salad dressing on a sofa pillow so that prompted running a new load. Hope it comes out, but it won't be any tragedy if I lose that particular pillow..

I have another baseball game today. Since the weather is good, it's a nice diversion to sit outside and watch.

I talked to a couple of lenders this morning about the possibility of switching to a fixed rate mortgage. Both of them felt it was a wash -- I could do it, but the payment would go up. I'm so close to the bone right now, I don't want a bigger mortgage payment. When my SS payment goes up in 2019 -- that would be a better time to switch.

I got my package of OTC freebies, which includes a LARGE bottle of sunscreen lotion. I will try to remember to use it every time I go out, as I have read it doesn't really keep well from year to year. I also have a large bottle of aloe vera. I've never used it before. I probably won't need it for treating sunburn, since I'm not going to burn this year Smile, but I tried it out as a moisturizer last night and I liked the feel of it very much. Anybody here use aloe vera?

Other freebies were ear drops, brushpicks, throat spray and ibuprofen. BIG packges, not samples. I really like this service!

Now that I'm finally set with a decent passport picture, I'm going to the post office today to get the process started.

Day Sixty-Three

April 24th, 2016 at 11:55 pm

Calories: 1298!

I thought I wouldn't do any spending yesterday, but when I went to the baseball game, I realized I was quite close to both Walgreens and PetSmart. I went to Walgreens and got a retake on my passport photo (much better!) for $14, and then went to PetSmart, where I spent $48 on cat food, cat litter and fish food. I bought a large jar of cat treats (which I thought Iggy, at least, liked before) but neither cat will touch them. I spent $10 on that jar! Today I returned it for a full refund, even though it was opened. Yay, PetSmart!

I also stopped at the grocery and spent $22 for nine items. I was supposed to get a free yogurt, but I see on the receipt that I was charged. So I'll have to go back and fight about that. I did save $1.75 using virtual coupons and $4.08 on promotional items.

Let me go back and say that despite the extra expense, I'm so glad I had my passport picture retaken. I just know that every time I glanced at that other picture of me looking like Rocky Raccoon, it would have been a downer. Yes, I will pay a little for vanity.

It was a beautiful day and I took full advantage of it, attending a soccer game for one grandson, and playing in the park with the other. Very nice day.

Day Sixty-Two

April 23rd, 2016 at 02:06 pm

Calories: 1412

Now that's more like it!

I have been picking up jigsaw puzzles at garage sales for some time, but I haven't actually worked one in a long time. I always thought it would be a good retirement entertainment. Well, yesterday I finally started one. The picture is a Tiffany glass window, and it's very challenging. I managed to put together all the edge pieces. Doing the inside is going to be harder.

My cats like to jump up on the table and walk on the pieces (with the ultimate goal of knocking them off the table), so I have to put the table pads on top of the puzzle when I'm not working on it, but I don't think that will be too much trouble.

I have a baseball game to attend today, and I still have two DVD's to watch before I have to return them tomorrow, so I have plenty of entertainment lined up for today.

No spending yesterday. Today I will pick up a free yogurt, but I don't intend to do any other "shopping."

Retirement is good!

Day Sixty-One

April 22nd, 2016 at 01:21 pm

Calories: Cheat Day!

Yesterday I was so hungry I just kept grazing until at some point i just stopped counting calories. I don't know why I was so hungry, but I didn't have the gumption yesterday to push through it.

I'm feeling renewed today and I expect I will do well. I definitely see a difference in my silhouette in the mirror, so that is encouraging.

I spent $26 on groceries at Aldi, and did a load of laundry.

I went to my grandson's Tae Kwan Do class at the Y, which was seriously cute.

No big plans today. I'm going to make burgers out of half the ground beef, and cook off the rest. The weather has turned cold again, so I'm probably just going to stay inside and read and watch movies. Yesterday I watched Cold Mountain and Lucy. Today I'll watch Emma. I've seen it before, but I'd like to see it again.

Day Sixty

April 21st, 2016 at 04:23 pm

Calories: 1603

I seem to be gravitating toward 1600 no matter what. I'll try to rein in today. Yesterday's culprit was ice cream. My mistake was thinking that the new premium ice cream I bought was about the same in calories as what I had before. It's about twice as much. Really delicious, though.

Yesterday I tried to print off a document, and it was smeared and sloppy. But according to the dialog box, I had plenty of ink. My printer was old, a big old dinosaur, and I decided not to put any money into figuring out what was wrong. For $20 more than the price of new ink, I bought a new printer at Office Depot.

I bought a display model because the price was so delightful. Only $39.99! Unfortunately, once I got it home, I found it was defective. The test print would not run.

I packed it up this morning, expecting some pushback from OD, but they were wonderful about exchanging it for a brand new still-in-the-box printer, a grade up from this one, for the same price! Needless to say, I'm pleased with their customer service.

I'm in the process of setting up the new one now.

The total price, with a two-year warranty and setup kit, was $72.

I got my birth certificate in the mail yesterday, so today I'll work on completing the process to get my passport. Dare I admit I want to get a new picture? The one I had made was awful -- made me look like I've never slept in my life. I'd really like to get a retake; it would make me feel so much better.

Well, back to hooking things up! Wish me luck!

Day Fifty-Nine

April 20th, 2016 at 03:18 pm

Calories: 1655

Tough day. There was a bag of potato chips I couldn't leave alone. The good news is they are gone. They bad news is they are gone in my stomach.

Still, since I think my normal eating is easily 2000+, even the 1600's are a success, of sorts.

Iggy's visit to the vet yesterday was $25, and it was the last one. His ears are clearer, if not completely clear. He seems to have a ball of wax in one ear which may loosen on its own. I still have drops to put in. He'll get a re-check when he goes in for his annual.

I did another load of laundry yesterday.

In the interest of trying to keep my credit card bill payable, I'm not going to buy an airline ticket. I will make the trip to Florida by car, after the CC is paid off. I have the time, and I have the skills to make it cheap. Last time I did this I saved $$ over what the plane fare would have been. And I rather enjoy a road trip, even though this is a long one.

I have ten items on my grocery list, so I guess it is time to go shop. I've been doing well at stretching my food and avoiding waste, so I'm not feeling any urgency to shop. But I have to remember that if I buy more than ten items, I have a hard time carrying them up the stairs. I had enough of a struggle yesterday, carrying Iggy in his case. (Glad that's done for a while!)

I've settled on my reunion outfit. Plain slacks, a dressy top, kitten heels. I hope I hit the right blend of dressy and casual. But if not, I won't worry about it.

I have a coupon for a free mani-pedi, so I'll be getting that before I go. I'll probably need a hair trim, too.

HBO is airing its free watchathon on Xfinity on Demand this week, so I am enjoying some good movies. 5 Floors Up, A Little Chaos, The Fault in Our Stars. I have a couple of DVD's from the library, but I may just try to renew them so I can take full advantage of the free movies this week. I think Cinemax (?) is also free this week. I may never leave the couch!

Day Fifty-Eight

April 19th, 2016 at 03:12 pm

Calories: 1598

Too many carbs yesterday; they add up so fast.

No spending yesterday other than $1.50 for laundry.

I went to my grandson's second baseball game. He was opening pitcher and he made a couple of strong hits, one that brought in the winning run. He loves the game -- he's so into it. Fun to watch.

This morning I am taking Iggy back to the vet to see if his ears are any better.

I have made no decisions yet about Florida, but I am leaning toward driving.

I guess I'd better start trying on clothes to figure out what to wear to my reunion. Perhaps I can even figure out shoes. I do have two pairs of kitten heels, one bronze, one black, but they are not comfortable. I would really like to NOT buy anything when I have this huge car repair cost looming on my credit card.

I haven't reported on my variables for a while. I'm at 59%, with 63% of the month gone. So far I am cash-flowing the vet bills, but of course the car repair payoff will come out of savings. I'll be glad when that's done.

Thought I found a coin yesterday, but it was a euro! I'll give it to my grandson for his treasure box.

Day Fifty-Seven

April 18th, 2016 at 02:14 pm

Calories: 1435

Yesterday I went to the big library (I usually go to the nearby branch). I had a book to pick up. I also picked up two DVD's - Still Alice and Mockingjay Part I.

Then I stopped at Jewel and got a free box of Nature Valley butter biscuits.

I ordered my $50 worth of free OTC supplies from OTC Essentials. (It's a perk of my Medicare Advantage plan). This time I got sunscreen lotion, brushpicks, personal cleansing wipes, and ibuprofen.

I added $53.49 to my snowflakes for the free biscuits and OTC supplies.

I printed off my order to OTC and it looks like I need printer ink again. Either that, or my printer is failing. But it's probably the ink. I sure seem to use it up fast, while not actually using my printer too much!

I have another baseball game to attend today. My DIL also added my other grandson's events to my calendar -- looks like it's mostly Tae Kwon Do.

I have a couple of contenders for the reunion outfit in my wardrobe, but I think I'm going to have to buy a new pair of shoes.

Day Fifty-Six

April 17th, 2016 at 02:57 pm

Calories: 1638

Several challenges yesterday -- after my grandson's baseball game my ex took us all out to Steak N Shake. I ate only half of my sandwich, but I did eat the fries. Also, remember I said I wanted to avoid the vending machines? Unfortunately, the vending machines came to me. Family members bought stuff and passed it around. I ended up eating some licorice.

Aside from the mild overeating, it was a good day. My grandson pitched, and did well. It was his first day with this particular team. The weather was beautiful and perfect for spectators.

My ex told me that my college class was having a reunion the weekend I was already planning to go up to Michigan. I was not aware, because I did not graduate with my class (one year later) so they never inform me. I got online and I registered! I'm going! It was $30. Now I have to figure out what to wear.

I also talked to my Florida son last night about making a visit down there. He recommended that I come the first week of June. When I started looking at flights, I realized suddenly that I don't have the cash flow to buy a ticket. I'm already in the hole, what with the car repairs. (I do literally have the money, but I don't want to upset my spending plan). I'm thinking about driving, like I did before. It worked out well, moneywise, and I rather enjoyed the experience, even though it was a long time in the car. If I drive, there will be no expense until the time I begin. I might ask my BFF if she wants to go along. She has expressed interest before. All this is speculation!

Day Fifty-Five

April 16th, 2016 at 03:25 pm

Calories: 1452

I made chicken-mushroom fettuccine Alfredo last night. I only got in a few bites before I dropped the bowl on a tile floor. It smashed and my dinner was ruined. Probably saved myself a lot of calories, though! I substituted celery sticks with peanut butter.

My only spending yesterday was a $1.50 load of laundry.

I sent in some class action claims -- Snyder pretzels, Cape Cod chips, and Tom's of Maine toothpaste. All are small payouts, but every little snowflake will benefit the grandchildren's college fund. I'm also expecting a $15 Walmart gift card for participating in UnitedHealthcare's Housecall program.

I got an email notifying me that my birth certificate is "in process." That was a relief; for a long time I heard nothing. Hoping "in process" means it will be here in the next few days.

Today is the first day of my grandson's baseball season. It's going to be a nice day weatherwise, so it should be fun. I'm taking a bottle of water and pear slices and celery sticks, so I don't get distracted by the vending machines or the ice cream truck.

Day Fifty-Four

April 15th, 2016 at 04:18 pm

Calories: 1600

I spent the whole afternoon in the auto repair shop. I expected to be there only a couple of hours and it stretched to five. I ended up getting a candy bar to tide me over; otherwise my calorie count would have been right in line.

So, the car. I knew that I needed some filters and some work on the suspension. But the check engine light was on, and when they checked that out, it turned out I also needed a new sensor as well as a new battery. I also needed to have the transmission and radiator flushed, some work on the power steering, and have the fuel injectors cleaned. Since I was due for an oil change, they did that, and washed the car as well. So I'm set! I hope! The total cost was $1596 -- that was after about $200 worth of coupons were used.

So, the good news is, my bonus on my new credit card has been earned! (I won't see it till the end of this cycle; what I mean is I've met the requirement.)

But I spent a lot more than expected, so I'm going to try to live austerely for the rest of this credit card cycle (which just started, unfortunately!)

I have already committed to visiting my brother on the last weekend in April, so I will carry through on that. But I'm going to try to cut in other areas; mainly, I'm going to eat out of my pantry and only buy necessities.

I canceled Netflix yesterday. I hadn't been using it much, anyway, and the new billing structure just pushed me off the edge. I will use the library and Redbox. And I will go to movies more. That's the way I really enjoy them -- in the theater -- so I'm giving myself permission to do that. Not now, though, while I'm living austere!

Baseball and soccer are starting up for my grandson, so there will be plenty of free entertainment coming up.

I'm feeling surprisingly upbeat about this big bill. I suppose it is because I have the money, and while I will have to rebuild the slush fund after paying it off, that feels a lot better than going into debt. Or wondering how I will make ends meet. I am so happy to be at this stage of my life.

Day Fifty-Three

April 14th, 2016 at 04:06 pm

Calories: 1726

Last night's dinner was a spread from Naf Naf Grill. I had to estimate the calories, so I estimated generously. Think I am close to the mark, though.

Yesterday my Kaspersky subscription renewed (internet security) - $32. Also my $52 phone bill hit the Discover card. That was my only spending yesterday.

I took the El to the dinner downtown. Since I had $ on my card already, it was no cost to me. The ride down was easy; getting back was a bit of a challenge, because I entered a terminal that didn't have my line, so I had to take a different line and transfer. I was pretty proud of myself for figuring it out!

I'm planning a visit to my brother's house late in the month. Now that spring is here, more or less, I'm in the mood for a drive and it's been a while since I've seen him. Also planning a lunch with man friend.

I found the paperwork for the car repairs that I need, so today I'm going call and see if I can get in.

Other than that, it should be a quiet day.

Day Fifty-Two

April 13th, 2016 at 03:34 pm

Calories: 2035

It was a high-calorie day, and I could have pulled back in several ways, but I just didn't. I had my kids and grandkids over for dinner, and my menu was planned around things they like. And I ate right along with them. I'll get back on my game today, even though dinner is a mystery today. I'm getting a meal at a networking event -- I'm guessing it will be either a buffet or a box lunch.

My son showed me the best route to take the CTA to my destination. Seems simple -- but I can mess up things that are simple, wish me luck!

I picked up $11 worth of groceries at Trader Joe's in preparation for the dinner, and that was my only spending yesterday.

Days Fifty and Fifty-One

April 12th, 2016 at 01:43 pm

Calories (Sunday): 1516
Calories (Monday): 1232

I've been reading my own blog. My ten-year blogoversary is coming up (May 4) and I was curious to revisit where I was ten years ago. Then I just kept reading! I'm up to 2013 now.

A couple of things struck me. I am always talking about food! I think that is the one area I feel I can control financially. Or at least make a difference.

It also struck me how hard I've tried year after year to make cuts and spend less. I remember my failures, but my blog makes it clear to me that I've really tried hard to live within my means. So I need to let up on myself a little.

Anyway, just to recap, ten years ago I was getting ready to sell my house in Indiana. I quit my job and moved to North Carolina to live with my cousin. I was expecting to live out a blissful early retirement, but 2008 arrived and my financial world fell apart -- specifically, I could not pay my medical premiums without making serious draws on my nest egg. (Also, my cousin and I had serious differences on financial, and other issues). I had to move back to the Midwest to get a job; found a position near Chicago, where my sons were living. I rebuilt my savings and in 2012 I bought a condo. In 2015 I retired again. It's been quite a ride!

Back to the present. Sunday was a no-spender. Monday, I took Iggy to the vet for a follow-up on his ears. His ears are still full of crud, even though the ear mites are dead. Some of the crud seems to be fibers, but the vet wasn't sure. I'm guessing he got very dirty while living on the streets and his ears never got cleaned out. So now I have drops to put in his ears twice a day, and another vet visit planned for next week. Yesterday's cost was $51. I also stopped and picked up dry cleaning for $11.

My kids are coming over dinner tonight. Just tuna salad sandwiches. I'll have to go get chips or something to go on the side. I don't keep that kind of stuff around.

Tomorrow I'm going downtown for a networking dinner. I've already paid for that, though there will be some cost in getting there.

Day Forty-Nine

April 10th, 2016 at 07:28 pm

Calories: 1495

I went to Aldi yesterday and spent $36. For that nice, low price I bought: kitty litter, paper towels, frozen broccoli, frozen asparagus, frozen beans, frozen peas, a sweet potato, an onion, pizza sauce, blue cheese dressing, ranch dressing, applesauce, fresh mushrooms, celery hearts, tortellini, chocolate eggs (left over from Easter), salsa, jarred red cabbage & apple, creamer, Greek yogurt, and teriaki marinade. Certainly not ten items, but they did fit into my two cloth bags. Except for the kitty litter.

From there I went to Jewel to use two coupons that gave me a free jar of peanut butter and a free loaf of bread.

After unloading my groceries I walked to the library. Unfortunately, I met a panhandler with a great sob story and I ended up giving her $20. I always have a hard time turning down a woman. It might have been for real, who knows? Anyway, when I opened my change purse, $20 was all I had, so that's what I gave her.

Today I invited my son's family over for games and tuna salad, but it is too busy a day for them, and we'll do it next Thursday night instead. So I have a nice, lazy day ahead.

Day Forty-Eight

April 9th, 2016 at 03:43 pm

Calories: 1641

The day started out well. I thought I was going to be so low on calories that I could have a little ice cream. Then I decided to make granola. Then I decided to have a bowl. The rest is history.

The window man came and installed my window - $62. My next project is the car. When I had the leak fixed in January, they found other things that needed to be done -- not emergency things, but some upgrades my aging car needed. I decided to wait on that, but now that I'm working on a credit card bonus, I want to get it done. They gave me a write-up at the time. Do you think I can find it? I cannot. And I've looked deeply, so I wonder if I threw it away by mistake. I'm sure they have it in their records, but I'd like to go in with the original quote.

I also need to get an eye appointment. Just a checkup.

I looked out my window this morning and saw snow on the ground! I've seen a lot of snow in the air these past few days, but not on the ground. Really? It's April. I would like to stay in and not even have to deal with cleaning off the car, but I have to return DVD's to the library today. And since I'm doing that, I might as well make my run to Aldi. Maybe I'll let the sun work on melting for a while, though.

For now, I'm doing laundry, and enjoying the sunshine, even if there is no warmth!

Day Forty-Seven

April 8th, 2016 at 03:09 pm

Calories: 1526

Going out for lunch yesterday was lovely, even though I had to walk through falling snow! I got some exercise in, as I parked several long blocks away from the location, in order to avoid paying for parking, and then I walked in the wrong direction and had to circle around!

I got the pea soup and turkey/brie sandwich, as planned, and spent $12. And I found a dime while standing in line! I brought home the sides -- multi-grain bread and a package of baby carrots, which I will eat today.

Did not hear from the window people, so I will have to call today. Once I get the window squared away, I'm going to address my auto repair and eye exam.

I was thinking of going to Aldi today, but the snow is coming down again, so I'm staying in. The best thing about retirement is the luxury of waiting!

Day Forty-Six

April 7th, 2016 at 02:57 pm

Calories: 1481

Quiet day yesterday. I got a call from the window company that they might deliver the storm window, but apparently they ran short of time. They were trying to squeeze it in between appointments. The window will cost $60, including delivery, very reasonable.

I spent $3 on laundry.

I spent most of the day reading, finishing "State of Wonder" by Ann Patchett. A really awesome book. Toward the end I just couldn't put it down.

Today I'm going to lunch with friends at Cosi. I already know what I'm getting -- split pea soup with kale, and a half-sandwich of turkey and brie. MMmmm.

Day Forty-Five

April 6th, 2016 at 03:09 pm

Calories: 1630

The calories kind of sneaked up on me. The taco salad threw me over the edge. Today should be better.

Mystery's visit to the vet went fine. Her ears are "lovely." She got a distemper and rabies shot, and the total was $80.

The window guys came yesterday and took my window to the shop. It is a storm window, so it's portable. I was so thrilled to find a glazier who responded quickly, I forgot to ask how much it would cost! But their company has great reviews, so I trust their prices are in line.

Nothing on tap today except getting some laundry done, and working on filing.

Tomorrow I'm going to lunch at Cosi with some friends. I also signed up for a networking event in the city next Wednesday -- dinner included -- $20. The real cost will be parking, so I'm going to check out riding the El.

My alma mater is celebrating 150 years at the end of the month with a program and dinner for alumni. I would kind of like to go, but balking at the idea of going by myself. I'm going to chew on it.



Day Forty-Four

April 5th, 2016 at 02:51 pm

Calories: 1439

Took Iggy to the vet yesterday and he was diagnosed with a cold. Good hydration, no temperature -- no worries unless he develops mucus or starts draining from the nose or eyes.

After coming home and coming out of the Pet Taxi, he crawled back into the Taxi and slept there for hours!

It was a mere $20, and he had the ear mite check up as well. He has to go back in another week for a final check.

Meanwhile, today I have to take Mystery just in case she has been infected with ear mites, too. She also needs to be caught up on her shots, so this trip will be more costly.

In the afternoon, the nurse from UnitedHealthcare came by to chat. I'm pretty healthy, so there wasn't that much to talk about. But for doing this, I'll get a $15 Walmart gift card.

Then I went to the grocery. I had $16 in coupons, which I added to my snowflakes. I spent $15 on pet supplies, $8 on household supplies, $14 on gifts (two bottles of wine) and $14 on groceries. The woman ahead of me in line handed me a wad of Monopoly pieces, since she wasn't playing the game. Along with mine, I had quite a handful of pieces, but I still didn't win anything, except a free jar of peanut butter, which I do appreciate!

Day Forty-Three

April 4th, 2016 at 01:35 pm

Calories: 1203

Iggy is sick. He is sneezing, shaking his head, and his third eyelid is showing. He probably has a upper respiratory infection. His medical history, which was given to me when I adopted him, shows that he had a URI previously.

I'm going to try to get into the vet this morning when the office opens, even though I have an appointment tomorrow to follow up on his ear mites. The trouble is, I have a housecall appointment this afternoon -- UnitedHealthcare offers this annually; you get a $15 gift card to Walmart for allowing a nurse to come and talk to you about your health issues. I can cancel, but I hate to do it at the last minute. And I won't know until 9AM if I can even get Iggy in.

In other news, my kids got home from their Spring Break yesterday and I spent the afternoon in the park and then playing board games with the grandsons. So much fun.

No spending yesterday. My variables spending so far this month is at 5%.

Day Forty-Two

April 3rd, 2016 at 04:16 pm

Calories: 1335

I waited for the window man yesterday, and about 15 minutes before the appointment he called and told me he did not think his company was the right one to replace a windowpane. They are builders, not glaziers, and while they could do it, they would have to take it back to the shop and it would be more expensive for me. I appreciated his honesty. I just hope I can find a glazier.

I called the second guy and left a message, but have had no reply. I may have called the wrong number. He had a heavy accent and I may have written the numbers down wrong.

So, back to square one on the window. It is a real problem around here getting someone to do a simple task that won't generate a lot of money. But I will try again and focus on glaziers.

I had a $5 Goodwill coupon that had to be filled, so I braved our crazy weather (snow, wind, hail, you name it!) and went to Goodwill, which is in another suburb. I spent $7 on household items and $14 on gifts (after the $5 discount). Here's what I got: 2 books for my grandsons, two large skeins of yarn for my DIL, a frame for my BFF, three new gift bags, a Tupperware container, tongs, a meat fork, a bowl matching my set, and three platters. I now have 6 plain white platters in a variety of sizes! They will be good to have when I host a meal, and they'll look great in my "white" cabinet, too. So I was very pleased with that trip.

On the way home I bought gas for $18.

And here is the splurge. I bought dinner at M Burger for $6. I got a chicken sandwich, and it was absolutely delicious, and calorie-wise, it fit into my diet.

I got my unclaimed property check yesterday -- it was $13.36. Hey! Better than nothing. It's going into the slush fund, which I like to top out at $2K.

As for the saga of the expiring Greek yogurt -- I used up a half-cup this morning in pancake batter, to which I added a lot of blueberries. Thanks, Laura, for reminding me I can use it that way! I'll have baked potatoes the next few days and I think that will take care of all the food that is in danger of going bad. Then I will have to tackle all that cheese I bought!

Day Forty-One

April 2nd, 2016 at 12:07 am

Calories: 1135

Oops, I had two day 39's. I fixed it! Forty-one days, woo-hoo!

I got a raise! That is, my interest payment from my TIAA account went up $36 per month. That makes a difference to me! I adjusted my variables; this will give me a little more wiggle room.

The window man didn't come today. His office called and said he was stuck on a big project. He is now supposed to come tomorrow at 1. Meanwhile, another repairman called. (I had used an online service that contacts several local companies for services needed). I told him I would call him back if this first guy doesn't work out. I may have to!

I took a run to Walmart today to pick up my Furniture Feet. I ordered them a few days ago but forgot to mention it. I have a desk chair with odd legs -- it was scratching the floor -- I ordered two sizes of Furniture Feet, and it was good I did, since the front and back legs are different in size. They seem to work well; I only wish I'd gotten them before I scratched the floor. The two sets were $28. I have lots of leftovers and no use for them, as all my other chairs sit on carpeting -- or aren't moved around. Maybe I'll sell them on eBay.

Day Forty

April 1st, 2016 at 02:47 pm

Calories: 1439

Right on the mark!

Today someone is coming to look at my window. Hope it will be a pretty simple fix, and that they can fix in from the inside. I don't like looking at people on ladders!

Later on, I'm going to turn Wednesday's restaurant leftovers into a dinner or lunch. I brought home a small box of brown rice with chunks of peppers and onions. I'm going to saute that with slices of turkey sausage. My second meal today will be boiled and mashed yellow potatoes, topped with Greek yogurt and bacon bits. Breakfast, when I get around to it, will be Greek yogurt flavored with honey. I WILL use up that Greek yogurt!

My continuing goal is to keep within my calorie limits while using up and stretching my food. I want to keep throwing away food a rarity in my life.

This afternoon, after the window man is gone, I'll make some granola.

I watched Selma yesterday afternoon. Of course, there were no surprises in it, but it was lovingly crafted and very dignified and uplifting.

Wolf of Wall Street today -- I imagine it will be a very different kind of movie.