Yesterday I gave $2 toward the Powerball pool at work -- looks like we won $1 to split among 10 people!

I met a friend for dinner, and I treated, since she had treated last time. We both got hamburger plates, but it was a fairly upscale place, so the bill was $25. She paid the tip. I will say it was a huge hamburger with lots of homemade fries, so I left feeling quite full for my money.

I got home around 8, and I was so tired I went to bed pretty shortly afterward -- not before checking the vestibule to find that one of my Amazon orders arrived. This is something I like about my new place -- packages are left in the vestibule and I don't have to run down someone in a central office to get my packages. I suppose there is some risk, but I enjoy the convenience.

So I went to bed, woke up this morning after what seemed like a few minutes to walk to the station again. My life is all walk, train, work, train, walk, sleep. Not complaining! This is what I have to do for two more years and then I can take it easy.

I noticed today I was using as a bookmark a $10-off- $30-purchase coupon at Kohl's. That's a pretty good savings, especially if I find something on sale, so I will try to shop there this weekend for a Christmas gift. I also have a coupon for Carter's, and I need to take my Bed, Bath & Beyond coupon in for a refund. I believe I can do it all in the same shopping center -- and pick up groceries, too.

Once again, I made it past Corner Bakery this morning without buying anything. I had a trail mix bar in my bag and I ate it on the train. Later on I will make some oatmeal, and then I have my Hot Pocket for lunch. It would be so easy to spend more eating out, but I am trying to save my money for special times with friends. To my mind, that is when eating out really counts, even if you spend a little more!