Yesterday was a no-spend day for me. I have to rack up a lot of them! With no sizeable income until the end of September, these are challenging times for me.
I do have a trip to Michigan coming up next weekend. Aside from the cost of the gas, I should not have to spend anything. My brother is unfailingly generous. I'm also going to lunch with my potential BF (the real reason I keep visiting my brother!) But he will pay. He is generous also.
I will have to get groceries at some point, but so far I am stretching them easily. I continue to be amazed at how much easier it is to manage food when I'm home all day! The day before yesterday I made French bread pizzas and yesterday I made olive-nut spread for sandwiches. I still have plenty of both. Today I think I will use up the rest of the cream cheese to make alfredo pasta.
I did not go to the library yesterday -- I suffered a headache mid-day which kind of cut the day in half. But today I will take the bag of donated books/media. The DVD I watched was "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" which didn't entertain me very much, but hey, it was free, and after watching movies on TV, I appreciate anything that is whole and uninterrupted. Another DVD in the bag is "Sex in the City 2." I think I've seen it, but I thought I would start it to see if I really have. I might have just seen the first movie.
Other plans for today are to do some cleaning. I mopped yesterday, but today the wood floors and carpets need some attention. I'm going to change linens, clean the fish tank, dust, and just generally get the place tidy. Cleaning is basically free, and offers the reward of a pleasurable environment. Of course, I hate it, but I'm trying to work on my attitude. 
It's going to be hot today, so I will turn the air on when it gets too uncomfortable. I've managed fine with fans while temps were in the 80's, but when we get into the 90's, it's just too hot.
Today is the Air & Water Show, which is free, and a big deal. All I have to do to see some of the action is walk to the beach (two blocks). Our little beach is not the center of the action, but it's close enough. But I don't know if I really want to do it, though. I don't really like watching death-defying acts! I don't even like the circus. I think I will go if my kids invite me to come along with them; otherwise, I will probably pass, and hope that all the pilots are safe.
Today is also "Clear the Shelters" day. The shelters are waiving adoption fees. I am tempted to find a companion for my grieving cat, but I know it is the wrong decision at this time. I need to keep focused on no spending, not taking on new financial responsibilities. I need to enjoy buying less food, less kitty litter and cleaning the pan less often. My kitty is sad, but I know she will adjust. And she has me around much more than she ever has before!
I have earned 11,000+ points on my BOA travel card. But if I redeem them for cash, I will only get $66+. They encourage customers to use them for travel to get the full value. I have to admit, at this advanced age, I have never redeemed points for flights. I so rarely need to fly. Is it difficult or tricky? I may fly to Florida when my grandson is born, but I will need to choose very specific flights/times.
No Spend Day
August 15th, 2015 at 12:12 pm
August 15th, 2015 at 03:23 pm 1439652216
I just spent 30 minutes in front of the closet pulling garments I haven't worn or worn much this summer. It helps to use the reverse hanger trick as it instantly reveals items not worn. If not worn they need reassessment. If they don't fit, flatter, suitable for my self image, somehow uncomfortable but in good condition, they go to a 'donate' box since used clothes don't sell well here. Expensive, branded items can go to a consignment shop but not until early next spring - their criteria is tough and in my experience the sum gained doesn't cover the cost of gas to get there. I like to send career type clothes to WIN [Women in Need] a thrift shop targeted to women returning to the workforce. The organization has volunteer hair dressers, manicurists, make-up demonstrators, wardrobe consultants who work with each client as desired to send them back to work with a co ordinated wardrobe and up-to-date look. Does wonders for the self image of women who are often leaving abusive relationships
August 15th, 2015 at 04:33 pm 1439656411
I, too , am inexperienced in using my points but it wasn't too hard. I think I started online and then had to call, but the person was very helpful.
August 15th, 2015 at 08:44 pm 1439671452
August 16th, 2015 at 12:26 pm 1439727967
August 16th, 2015 at 01:12 pm 1439730744