It's pay day. Hooray! The deposit is still pending, so I'll wait before I transfer money.

My February recap:

I spent 99% of my variables budget. But it was an expensive month.

Housing: $1105 (because of double assessment fee)

Taxes: $911 (combination of property tax and state income tax)

Vacation $395 (includes double payment of $85 ground transportation to O'Hare)

Utilities: $251 (double electric and gas)

Vet/Pet Supplies: $234 (includes $150 for euthanasia and cremation costs

Medical/Health: $95 (includes $50 copay to kidney doctor)

Gifts/Charity: $85 (includes son's birthday)

Fees/Services: $76 (tax prep fees)

Phone: $52

Personal: $43 (includes haircut)

Gas: $42

Entertainment: $37 (Oscar movie week)

Groceries: $35 (How about that!)

Eating Out: $30 (And how about that!)

Laundry: $15

Furnishings/Equipment/Decor: $12

Household Supplies: $7

Car Maintenance: $16

Fares/Parking: $1

Grand Total: $3432

Such a short month, but so many expenses. I'm ready for a March reboot.

Today I'm going downtown to spend the day at the Art Institute with my friend K. It may be our last get-together before she moves to Minnesota. I'm sure we will go out to lunch, and it may be a nice one.

I also need to get on the stick and mail a wedding gift ($100 check) to my cousin. I don't know what to get him; I assume cash will be appreciated.

It's weird to have a morning without Mystery. I'm not sure whether Iggy has noticed her absence yet; so far he seems just like usual. I'm not planning to adopt a companion for him unless I think he is feeling anxiety. He may just be happy to be the only cat, king of all he surveys!