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Home > Archive: August, 2008

Archive for August, 2008

Month's End

August 31st, 2008 at 12:56 pm

My car is fixed and it passed inspection (with hardly a minute to spare). That cost me $297. I must say it is not very exciting to pay all that money to have a new air blah blah sensor.

I've done some more shopping for the booth -- about $25 at garage sales and a consignment shop. These and some more "found items" at home will add $327 to the inventory. I haven't made an exciting find yet ala Antiques Road Show, but I am find nice little items and it's a lot of fun.

My son called me yesterday to let me know they bought a new coffeemaker for their new condo. That is their official invitation for me to come visit, since I am a coffee drinker and they are not.

Although I can't really afford it, I may make the drive to Chicago in September, perhaps toward the end of the month. Bottom line is, I can't afford not to see my grandson as much as possible. And my kids, of course.

I did my month's end accounting today, as I don't plan to spend anything today. It's been a very expensive month.

Medical: $2041 -- two crowns and some OTC drugs.

Vet/Pet: $376 -- medical care for my dog, Frontline and cat food.

Business (new category): $365 -- items for booth, cost of fixtures, setup, etc.

Car Repair/Maintenance: $349 -- inspection and related repairs.

Entertainment: $54 (Netflix, books, historic house tour, football pool)

Gifts: $52 -- mostly small things, some garage sale, for future giving.

Cell phone: $45

Gas: $39

Furnishings/Equipment: $30 (two vintage pictures for my bedroom wall)

Personal: $17 (toiletries, etc.)

Eating Out: $16

Miscellaneous: $7

Clothing: $4 (2 sweaters and 2 turtlenecks at garage sales)

Household Supplies: $1 (clothespins)

A lot of this went on my Discover card, so my savings will be hit hard to pay for all this. Most of it couldn't be helped, so I will just mark it off to fate.

I AM pleased to be back in the garage sale habit, because I am finding great bargains in clothing, gifts etc., as well as building the business. It will all pay off down the line!

Business is taking hold

August 24th, 2008 at 03:08 pm

My sister popped in yesterday and told me that some of our things in the booth have sold. We won't get the full account until September 1, but it's exciting to know we're not doing it for nothing.

We went garage saling on Friday and spent about $75 for more items to go in the booth. If everything we bought sells for the prices we've marked, they will bring in $327. Altogether we have more than $4,000 in inventory. I hope this pays off down the road! While garage saling I also found two sweaters for myself, some books and some gifts for rock-bottom prices.

In other news, I had to shell out $280 to the vet because my dog had a hot spot. He had to be sedated to be examined, and while he was out he had the spa treatment -- toenail clip and a good brushing. He's on steroids and antibiotics and seems to be doing better. He's a big dog and at age 14 I know I am lucky for every day I still have him around.

I took my car for an oil change and inspection -- and failed the inspection! My check engine light was on, which I ignore because it usually means the gas cap isn't tight enough. But this time it meant something -- I can't tell you what right now -- that will cost $200. I have to take it to the Toyota dealer on Monday, and just hope it gets fixed and passes inspection before the end of the month. I waited too long to get it inspected. Anyway, the oil change and inspection cost $52.

Catching up again

August 20th, 2008 at 05:28 pm

Once again, I've been away too long.

Since my last post, I've had a birthday, had temporary crowns put in, and I've opened an antiques/collectibles booth with my sister!

For my birthday I got new pajamas, a new top, new sandals, lunch at a wonderful inn, steak dinner on the grill, lots of cards and good wishes. It was a great day to celebrate my first annual 59th birthday!

My temporary crowns are giving me fits -- they keep breaking! But two good things -- I will have the permanent ones on September 2 -- and I paid cash.

As for the booth -- my sister had lots of stuff that was gathering dust in her basement -- I had a few antiques I've been hanging onto, wondering what to do with them. We joined forces and opened a booth in a very nice antique mall nearby. It was a lot of work, but I have to say it looks wonderful. Now I hope we sell something! I'm very excited about garage sale shopping this weekend for new items to put in. It took an investment of about $150 so far, for hauling and display items. On September 1 we will owe $125 for rent. I am hoping something will have sold by then. Wish me luck!

Company's gone and I'm back

August 6th, 2008 at 06:24 pm

I haven't been here in a while. We've had a lot of company and the bustle is just settling down.

I had a great time with my "mini" family reunion, even though I was chief cook and bottle washer. My cousin paid for most of the food. My only contribution was $12 for donuts, so I guess I can figure my real contribution was the work.

We had fifteen people here on the busiest day -- and I think everyone had a good time.

Other spending included some gifts I picked up while shopping recreationally with family -- about $20 -- and $10 for admittance to a historic house.

Now I have to buckle down and save. My dentist's appointment to get two new crowns is next week. After that I must save, save, save to pay my medical premium next year.