Calories: 1600

Woohee! Two hundred days! Really, it's just the beginning of the rest of my life.

Yesterday I wore my "new" capris in a smaller size, which felt really good. I put away a few more big things in my Goodwill donation bag. This is slow, but I'm getting there.

The focus group was really interesting! We talked about retirement, retirement products, and different ways to access your retirement money. More men than women. Most of the group seemed to be much more heavily invested in their retirement funds -- but I'll bet they're not as good with frugal living as I am!

It was nice to get an envelope of cash at the end of the session -- it makes me feel rich! And they offered sandwiches prior to the session -- I had a veggie sandwich with goat cheese and tomato. Yummy. Cookies, too, but I passed on those, as my calories were already up there.

I was nervous about parking -- I used SpotHero for the first time, and I wasn't sure how it worked or whether I would mess it up somehow. It worked great, and I got a $3 discount for using it. The only problem I had was that I arrived too early for my reservation time, so I had to drive around downtown Chicago for about 20 minutes. Good experience, I guess! I left early on purpose because it was rush hour, but the roads were clear and I was way early.

I just returned from the gym, stopping on the way home at the post office to mail my grandson's birthday package. His birthday is on Sunday, and, to get it there on Saturday, it would have cost more than $40. I opted to send it for $11 and let it be late. I'll text my son to make sure he knows it's on the way and GS hasn't been forgotten.

I did two loads of laundry yesterday for $3. It seems like I'm doing more laundry lately, and I think it is because going to gym is generating more dirty clothes. But it's certainly worth it, for the benefits.

While it is supposed to be cooler today, it still feels hot and sticky outside. I'm keeping my air on. We're supposed to get a break tomorrow, which will be most welcome!