Yesterday I spent $6 on dental picks. My lower teeth were driving me crazy; I felt like there was plaque stuck between them. I've been working on them, but still feel the plaque. I suppose the picks are not as sharp as the dentist's. Oh well, I think I have improved things, anyway.

The surprising thing is that I have regained feeling in my lower front gums. That area has been numb for years, following oral surgery. The surgeon said the feeling would eventually come back, but it's been more than 15 years! I have stopped expecting improvement for a long time. Weird.

Today I got gas - $24 - and used my $10 Target gift card. I bought cat food and pantiliners and two valentines, and paid just .97.

Later today I'll do a couple loads of laundry and bake some cookies.

I have spent 85% of my variables budget, so I have wiggle room for necessities.

When payday hits, I'll be paying the $1000 auto repair bill as well as my $450 tax payment. Savings will take a hit, unless I get a check from the museum (which is a possibility; it's overdue.) Anyway, I'll be feeling poor, so it will be good to know that I have met the variables budget for two months in a row.