The plumber came and fixed the toilet for $130, which I didn't think was too bad, considering the prices I had seen on discussion boards. He was very nice, too. He fixed my kitchen faucet for free.

I'm not going to know what to do with all the quiet in the house now that the toilet is no longer flushing!

Spent $5 on the way to work to pick up lunch at KFC. A nice person in line gave me a coupon for $1 off.

I'll have to work late but can't stay after 6 -- the free lot closes then. This is the first day I used the free lot, trading in my $100 parking sticker for a short walk through the park.

So -- my August spending recap. Ta-da!

Housing - $1039
Gifts/Charity - $250
Medical/Health - $224
Utilities - $108
Fares/Parking - $107
Groceries - $103
Eating Out - $94
Clothing - $80
Furnishings/Equipment/Decor - $79
Entertainment - $60
Phone - $55
Vet/Pet Supplies - $45
Gas - $30
Household Supplies - $28
Fees/Services - $22
Laundry - $18
Personal - $15
Car Repair/Maintenance - $3

I spent $250 on gifts and there weren't even any birthdays! Some of that was helping out my son, an Amazon card for a hospitalized friend, garage sale finds for my gift stash, treats for work, cards and wrap.

The medical included my share toward the cat scan, a doctor visit, and a prescription.

I usually don't spend $80 on clothing, but I stocked up on panties and socks -- also found a garage sale purse, and Goodwill tops and capris.

In the furnishings category, I spent $24 on a great desk and chair, and also bought a step stool, picture frames, and cookware.

My entertainment included the entrance fee for my family's annual football pool, buying a raffle ticket for a local charity, toys for the toy box, and my Netflix subscription.

The fees: that much-lamented late fee to Macy's.