CB in the City

I had a nice Mother's Day. My son made lunch for me (along with mimosas!) and bought me flowers; my grandsons picked out funny cards. My other son called me and promised a card on the way -- I also had a long chat with my granddaughter, though I didn't understand a word of it.

Yesterday I noticed that there was a pool of water on the floor of the car. Last week, I found maps under the seat which were waterlogged; I don't know why it didn't get me concerned; I guess I've just had too much to think about. Anyway, I have a leak somewhere, and of course it is raining, raining, raining, and I have no roof to park under. I drove to work today and I'm taking the car to the dealer today to get it checked out and fixed. I need to make this car last four more years! Just from the sound of it, the mechanic thought it might be a problem with the sunroof.

My Saturday ten-item shopping was a little more expensive than usual: $48. I bought buns, oatmeal, cooking spray, almond milk, dried cranberries, walnuts, romaine hearts, a Vidalia onion, vanilla and salsa. My entrees for the week:

Brisket sandwich
Pulled pork sandwich
Tuna salad sandwich
Salad
Spanish rice
Sloppy joes
Hamburgers

The brisket and pulled pork are left over from my Mother's Day lunch, so didn't even come out of my budget.

I went to PetSmart for the pet supplies: cat food and kitty litter. ($15) I hope I have enough to get me through the month. This morning I found a mostly-full jug of fresh kitty litter next to the dumpster. I know some may hesitate to take something like this, but it was clear to me that someone had tried it and didn't like the texture or something, and put it out for someone else to use. It is a brand I've used before, and I'm fine with it. It will be great to mix with what I already have.

I also bought Papyrus Mother's Day cards for my DIL's; the two cards were $12 (with a discount!)

I've spent about 29% of my variables budget. The car repair will probably throw that out of whack.

Things are going smoothly, so there is not much to report. No spending since my entry yesterday. I found a penny. I had a "free" lunch yesterday because of the graduation celebration at work; however, since my contribution topped $26 in cost, it wasn't really free! I have 36 more days to work, and I'm getting more excited all the time about the free time I will have.

My museum friend emailed me a question yesterday, and also said "I owe you a conversation -- it's coming!" So I guess it is about the job, which may or may not exist, and may or may not be filled. Whatever. Thank goodness I never pinned any real hopes on that.

Tomorrow I'm going through my wardrobe and taking out everything that is bordering on too small. I'll box them up but keep them. I do plan to drop a size after I retire, so I want to keep them close. I just want to alleviate the crammed closet right now.

Let's see....

I found a nickel.

I spent $3 on laundry.

I spent $26 on treats for work. Bad me, for not baking, but I was too tired after the laundry. This had to be done; we have a loyal student worker graduating. I also contributed $5 toward her gift card.

My phone meeting with the accountant went well. I think we have made progress in getting reinstated and filing our taxes. The accountant is a friend of our board president and is not charging us for the work, but I think we ought to do something nice for him. He's really leading us through a thicket of paperwork.

With only about a week to go before pay day, I can predict that I'll be able to put $1600 into savings again. Ordinarily, I would put it into the E-fund, since the slush fund is above $2K. However, I think I will put it into the slush fund because I will have one month this summer when I will have no income from work or Social Security. (I will retire June 30, but am not eligible for SS until August 11). So I will have to spend savings, and I'll want it easy to get to. That said, I will also get a $12K lump sum payment upon retirement (plus the value of my unused vacation days and sick days), but that I will put straight into the E-fund.

I bought gas yesterday for $24, and my variables spending for the month is now at 16%.

I got a coupon for a free muffin at Corner Bakery and I used it this morning.

Went to my grandson's orchestra concert last night, so a night of free "entertainment." Ear-bending, some of it. Unfortunately, that meant I missed watching "Chicago Fire," which I wanted to see because it was filmed in my work town. However, it's not like I would see someone I know -- they just used the local quarry for a scene.

Getting the check from Truvia yesterday inspired me to seek out more settlement claims. I filed one for Straight Talk, which may yield $45, and one for Kettle Chips. However, I realized afterward that my Kettle Chips claim fell outside the time limit, so I won't get anything from that. There wasn't anything else I could honestly lay claim to.

I have a phone meeting today with the accountant for our professional organization. We are in arrears with the IRS, for having failed to file taxes for three years. This is the work of a former board. This accountant is helping us untangle the mess. Wish me luck!

Got a check in the mail yesterday for the Truvia settlement - $7.80. Thanks to Ceejay, for alerting me to that! I deposited it electronically into my E-fund.

My trip to the post office yesterday was $18 to mail two packages and to buy a book of stamps. I also went to Batteries Plus and spent $15 -- on, you guessed it! Batteries!

I intended to take the train this morning but it was POURING and I couldn't bear to make that six-block walk, even with an umbrella. So I drove. I bought breakfast on the way ($5) but I have a good lunch packed.

I found out yesterday that the ticket to the Jane Austen musical will be free, thanks to a colleague who works at the theater! So awesome! Those tickets START at $48!

So far this month I have spent 13% of my variables budget, with 16% of the month gone, so I am tracking well so far.

April was still a pretty good month, despite some unexpected expenses.

Housing - $677
Entertainment - $216
Utilities - $138
Fares/Parking - $126
Groceries - $114
Eating Out - $67
Gas - $63
Fees/Services - $59
Phone - $50
Gifts/Charity - $38
Vacation/Travel - $36
Medical/Health - $32
Personal - $17
Household Supplies - $16
Vet/Pet Supplies - $15
Laundry - $14

Grand Total - $1678

I spent 88% of my post-retirement variables budget. That includes a renewal of Ancestry.com subscription, a parking ticket, a late fee, a weekend trip to Michigan, and a weekend guest. So yay me!

The workshop on Friday was fantastic -- too bad I'm retiring so I can't use all that wonderful knowledge! In financial terms, I had a free breakfast and lunch, and, essentially, a free dinner, since I was so full I didn't eat that night. I did not have to pay for parking after all; the board covered it.

We went out for a happy hour afterwards, and I did spend $14. (On one drink!) A good time, though.

On Saturday I did two loads of laundry ($3) and spent $37 on groceries. (Bread, tuna, tortillas, eggs, cheese, frozen veggies, frozen yogurt, wine, ground beef, sourdough loaf) The tuna was free because of a coupon I won. My overall savings was $6.01, or 14%.

After I went to my grandson's little league game, I stopped at PetSmart and bought fish food and kitty litter for $14.

My menu for the week:

Beef tacos (probably twice)
Cheese quesadillas
Tuna/egg salad sandwich (probably twice)
Omelet
Grilled cheese sandwich

I got a $7 refund for transit cost and an email saying they are holding $192 for future reimbursements. I think that means I will only get $100 more returned to me, since I will have only two more paydays, and they only put $50 a month into the account. Oh well. I didn't put enough in the account, but at least I know there won't be money unspent. (This is flexible spending money.)

I drove today, in order to do some post office business. I'm mailing two packages. I'm also mailing some dog tags I found on the street to the owner. (Well, not to the dog!) They had their phone number on the tags, so I called them and they gave me their address. I would just take them over if they lived in my neighborhood, but they live in the city.

Lots of entertainment plans in the works -- not only do I have the Ravinia tickets, but a friend wants me to go to a musical based on Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility (with the promise of reduced tickets) and there is a free museum day in my work town in the middle of the month. The grandkids might like it, since it also involves a trolley ride!

And I have to brag a little on my productivity in the kitchen this weekend. I bought 3 lbs. of ground beef and made one pound into taco meat, cooked one pound and froze it, and froze the other pound as patties. Next week I'll have hamburgers and sloppy joes on the menu! Then I made Ranch dressing and poppyseed dressing from scratch, a batch of granola, and two loaves of applesauce cinnamon bread! I froze one whole, and froze the other as individual slices.

Boy did I generate a lot of dishes! Filled the dishwasher three times, which is unusual.

I cancelled my monthly gift to World Wildlife Fund yesterday. It is only $9, but after retirement $9 will matter!

I found a penny in the station this morning. But I bought breakfast. I had a free coffee card to use, so I only paid for the muffin - $2.53. I earned $3 yesterday from Pine Cone, so I'm actually a little ahead!

Yesterday a colleague gave me $6 worth of quarters, knowing I like to have them on hand for laundry. I had only four ones, which I gave her with the promise of giving her two more today. It was my intention to get change this morning, when I bought breakfast, but I went into auto-mode and used my credit card! Maybe someone else can break a $10 for me.

I think I might as well just enjoy my senior moments -- I don't think there's anything I can do about them!

This is my Friday, since I'll be at an all-day workshop tomorrow, which doesn't feel like work at all. In fact, it is a fun day, because I get to see my friends, and I get a free lunch! The only drawback is having to park downtown, but this time I get to ride with a fellow board member and only have to pay for half the parking fee. Which will be about $10, at least! Still not cheap.

Oh, and I won a free pass for two for an open-air classical concert at Ravinia! I'll have to read up to see which ones are eligible. Supposedly it is a $24 value. I won't count it as a snowflake, since it will actually cost me something to use it (in transportation and/or parking) but it is almost-free entertainment. I just have to figure out who to take along!

Later today I will do my April recap, as I don't anticipate spending anything else today!

I had a really hard time waking up this morning -- it must be a sleep-cycle thing. Luckily, I was already planning to drive, as I have to bring home a big box today. I did the minimum I had to do to get ready, and I bought breakfast on the way - $3 at McDonald's. Well, now I know. McDonald's muffins do not compare to Corner Bakery!

Yesterday my donation of $9 to WWF hit the bank. I also donated $3 to Wikipedia, since I use it all the time and would rather NOT see ads on it! I've now used 88% of my variables budget.

I had a good dinner of broccoli cheese soup last night, using up the leftover undercooked broccoli I took home from a lunch last week. There is plenty more for another meal. My 10-item grocery scheme is continuing to hold up, even with having company last weekend. Today I will finish the pizza and salad, and tomorrow I'll have eggs & veggies. On Friday, I expect I'll have leftovers from my free lunch (unless it is a buffet). Usually, if it is a box lunch, I can't eat it all! However, if I have no leftovers, I will make pancakes. Or have more of the soup. Then I'll start over on Saturday!

So. I've spent 87% of my budget. I have only today, tomorrow and the next day to get through. I've essentially accomplished my goal, but I still want to spend! I really had to talk myself down from a muffin and coffee at the station. And I knew I had food at work to tide me over once I got there! There is something about that treat that makes the morning seem better.

Of course, in two months, I won't be faced with such temptations any more, but there will probably be other temptations to deal with.

I'm looking forward to just fixing food at home and eating it, rather than always packing food, and always having to plan for portable meals. I'm looking forward to making doctor's appointments without having to take a whole day off. Heck, I'm looking forward to sleeping past 4:45 AM! I know that retirement will have its challenges, but in many ways it will also be an incredible relief.

I won't be retiring from my board position, however, and this Friday, in that capacity, I will be working registration for a sponsored workshop. I'll have a free lunch, but I will also have a hefty parking fee. (It's at Navy Pier.) At least I am riding with someone, so we will split the cost.

I forgot my phone today, but remembered my charger. How dumb is that?

Well, it was kind of a wild and woolly weekend. It started out yucky. My BFF couldn't come on Saturday; it was a cold and rainy day; and then the kicker. Someone had broken into my car! Nothing was stolen -- I didn't have anything worth stealing -- but someone had pulled everything out of the glove box and all the pockets and compartments within the car and tossed them around. Then they left the door cracked open so the battery was drained. (I don't know how they got in; I always lock up, and no window was broken.)

I called my son who came quickly and tried to jump it, but it appeared the battery was dead. So I called AAA and they came about an hour later. They jumped it, and it took. The mechanic said the battery was fine; just needed charging. So I drove around for about an hour, listening to the rest of my audiobook. I also drove through at Steak N Shake, where I spent $5.

When I was satisfied it had been charged long enough, I went to the grocery store and spent $42. My ten items: Cat food, honey, ammonia, dishwasher detergent, granola bars, Greek yogurt, creamer, frozen pizza, bagged salad, and wine. Five items were on sale and I had one coupon; saved $5.98.

My menu this week:

Pizza
Cobb Salad
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Tuna Salad Sandwich
Mac & Cheese
Scrambled Eggs w/peppers & onions
Applesauce Pancakes

I tried to turn in my $5 winning Monopoly board but the clerk pointed out I had duplicated one piece and thus was still missing one. Pooey! I removed the $5 from my snowflakes.

However, I got a new piece that was an instant win for a can of tuna, so I will log that when I buy it next week.

Okay, back to the weekend.

My BFF did come on Sunday morning. We went out to lunch ($17) and then we went to a Goodwill in a ritzy neighborhood, where I spent $2 on another Scrabble Jr., $2 on a trinket box to use as a gift, and $13 on clothes for my granddaughter.

I filled up the tank for $31.

We planned to go out for dinner, too, but the restaurant was too crowded, so we went home and had pizza and salad. (And yes, there is still plenty left over to count pizza and salad as meals on my menu.)

This morning I left for work, and she is probably on her way home now. We had a great time, even though it was very short. That will change after I retire.

I've spent 87% of my variables budget. I'm pleased that I am still under! With only a few days left in the month, I should make it.

Oh, and I found .21 this weekend!

Well, it was kind of a wild and woolly weekend. It started out yucky. My BFF couldn't come on Saturday; it was a cold and rainy day; and then the kicker. Someone had broken into my car! Nothing was stolen -- I didn't have anything worth stealing -- but someone had pulled everything out of the glove box and all the pockets and compartments within the car and tossed them around. Then they left the door cracked open so the battery was drained. (I don't know how they got in; I always lock up, and no window was broken.)

I called my son who came quickly and tried to jump it, but it appeared the battery was dead. So I called AAA and they came about an hour later. They jumped it, and it took. The mechanic said the battery was fine; just needed charging. So I drove around for about an hour, listening to the rest of my audiobook. I also drove through at Steak N Shake, where I spent $5.

When I was satisfied it had been charged long enough, I went to the grocery store and spent $42. My ten items: Cat food, honey, ammonia, dishwasher detergent, granola bars, Greek yogurt, creamer, frozen pizza, bagged salad, and wine. Five items were on sale and I had one coupon; saved $5.98.

My menu this week:

Pizza
Cobb Salad
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Tuna Salad Sandwich
Mac & Cheese
Scrambled Eggs w/peppers & onions
Applesauce Pancakes

I tried to turn in my $5 winning Monopoly board but the clerk pointed out I had duplicated one piece and thus was still missing one. Pooey! I removed the $5 from my snowflakes.

However, I got a new piece that was an instant win for a can of tuna, so I will log that when I buy it next week.

Okay, back to the weekend.

My BFF did come on Sunday morning. We went out to lunch ($17) and then we went to a Goodwill in a ritzy neighborhood, where I spent $2 on another Scrabble Jr., $2 on a trinket box to use as a gift, and $13 on clothes for my granddaughter.

I filled up the tank for $31.

We planned to go out for dinner, too, but the restaurant was too crowded, so we went home and had pizza and salad. (And yes, there is still plenty left over to count pizza and salad as meals on my menu.)

This morning I left for work, and she is probably on her way home now. We had a great time, even though it was very short. That will change after I retire.

I've spent 87% of my variables budget. I'm pleased that I am still under! With only a few days left in the month, I should make it.

Oh, and I found .21 this weekend!

My financial news today is that I really had to push myself to take the train this morning instead of drive, and I did it. And I didn't buy a muffin to reward myself. And I also had to push myself to even go to work, I felt so out-of-sorts. But I can't afford to take a day off, as I will get paid for all my vacation and sick time in the end! So there will be no taking off work for the next two months, unless I am DEATHLY ill!

Yesterday's train from work into the city was delayed by a broken switch. I got into the station too late to catch my usual train home. I took the next train, which doesn't stop at my station. So I had a 40-minute walk home. I thought it would be a little warmer than it was, but it was okay. I walked through a neighborhood chock-full of grand old mansions, and it was fun to gawk. But I also caught myself thinking, my gosh, the maintenance! And the lawn care! I am not sorry I am not in a home like that.

This morning I felt heat coming from the bathroom radiator! Blessed heat! I guess they finally decided to turn the boiler back on, since there is no warm-up in the forecast.

With my BFF coming tomorrow, I have a lot of work to do at home to get it company-ready. Thank goodness she is not leaving till Saturday morning and I will have those hours to clean up.

My grocery list is exceeding 10, and that's not counting any meat, veggies or fruit! Maybe, with my BFF on board, I can make a 20-item trip this weekend and get her help with carrying!

Which reminds me, I've been thinking about how to incorporate exercise into my life post-retirement, and I thought it might be a good idea to make daily walks to the grocery store. It is about a half-hour away on foot. I could buy one or two items a day. That would save me gas, too! But I couldn't get frozen food, or heavy items, so it might not be the best plan, at least not all the time.

Racked up another no-spend day. I've used 70% of my variables budget, with only a week to go, but this weekend, with a house guest, will probably put me over. We'll see. It's supposed to rain all day Saturday, so we won't go downtown for sure. That's a big savings right there! May do dinner and a movie.

The cold continues. There were frost warnings last night, but still no heat in the condo. I was pretty warm in bed, though. I set up my little heater, put on an extra blanket and wore a sweatshirt over my pj's. The only critters who are staying warm are the fish, who have their own heater!

Speaking of the fish, I did lose my angelfish who had the swim bladder problem. The one with a fungus still survives. I wish I could help, but three doses of the recommended treatment have done nothing.

I got free hot chocolate on the way to work this morning. Something about commuters' day. I am always glad for any freebie, but it was especially welcome this cold morning!

We are in a somewhat vicious cold snap right now (saw snow this morning!) and my building has turned off the boiler. I have had two uncomfortable nights, and my cat agrees, as she has been trying to get under the covers with me. When it gets cold, I don't get things done. I don't cook and I don't pack lunches. I just huddle under blankets for warmth. So I bought dinner and breakfast at McDonald's. At least I'm going for the dollar menu -- for the two meals I spent $3.

I drove this morning, for two reasons: one, I didn't want to walk to the station in the cold (although I did it all winter! Attitude is all!) And, I needed to carry a large box, which is not heavy, but awkward. That's always difficult on the train.

My flex debit card is still being denied for transit, so this morning I mailed off two receipts for reimbursement. I'm too close to retirement to worry about fixing the debit card now.

There were treats in the break room this morning for administrative assistants' day. I wasn't hungry but I grabbed a couple of oatmeal cookies to have for breakfast tomorrow. There is fruit, too. I may indulge later, if there's any left.

Well, I had a $5 coupon for Goodwill, and I was determined not to spend any more than that, and also to only buy something I needed. I did spend $5 on the nose. I bought body wash, some awesome wrapping paper, and a Monopoly Jr. game. The third item might not be considered a need, but let me explain. I am seeking out this particular game in order to collect the letters. I use the letters to help create double acrostic puzzles, which I hope will be an income stream in the future! I need as many letters as I can get.

So, I counted the $5 as a snowflake.

I also found a dime in the parking lot!

I resisted buying dinner on the way home. I knew I had veggie cheese soup already made, and that helped.

Today it was back to train-riding, and it was a cold and windy walk to the station. BRRRR. I'm ready for REAL spring, not just teaser days!

Our HR rep told me yesterday that I will have three months to use up my flexible spending after I leave, so I am less panicked now about getting that done. I can do that when I have more free time -- and who knows, I might really need it between now and then!

Yesterday I went out for Mexican food with my kids. My share was $16. It was well worth it. I had an excellent chimichanga meal, and it was a very cozy setting, made even more so by the rain outside the window. And the camaraderie at the table was priceless!

I've now spent 69% of my variables budget, with 10 days to go. It helped that the Medicare supplement adjustment put a little more money back into the variables pool.

With my BFF coming, I will no doubt spend more than I would otherwise this weekend. However, I don't see her terribly often, so I'm not going to ruin the weekend with an austerity mindset. BUT, I will be mindful.

I won $5 yesterday in the grocery's Monopoly game! I added that as a snowflake, plus the $5 coupon I used at PetSmart, and the .13 I found on the ground!

I forgot to post my weekly menu yesterday, so here it is. I don't assign meals to days, since I live by myself, and the actual day-to-day consumption is pretty fluid. But here are the possibilities:

Chicken Fajitas
Broccoli/Cauliflower/Carrot Cheddar Soup
Tuna Salad Sandwich
Tuna Melt
Tuna Patty
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Omelet

Yes, I bought only one can of tuna, but it was a big one, albacore, and I think I can stretch it to do all three of the tuna meals above.

I drove this morning so that I could return some equipment to Comcast (internet modem was updated). I packed both breakfast and lunch. On the way home I will stop at Goodwill to use a $5 coupon. I think I can find something that is useful, like dish soap, in which case I will count the $5 as a snowflake.

I don't have to buy gas today, but I might have to before the month is over. C'est la vie.

I went to the grocery early in the morning, since I had a 9AM eye appointment. My ten items were: tuna, coffee, crackers, eggs, Advil, mascara, frozen yogurt, green peppers, sourdough bread, and kitty litter. The kitty litter I actually bought at PetSmart, so I could use my $5 coupon. It was only $1.62. The other groceries were $41.89; the Advil was the main purchase driving up the price. I got 200 tablets; hope they will last a while. I don't seem to need nearly as much pain relief as I did even a few months ago.

My eye appointment went great! There is nothing at all wrong with my eyes, and I got all the tests to make sure, since I hadn't been to an eye doctor in ten years. My co-pay was $15. I don't need to get glasses -- reading glasses from the drugstore will do me fine.

So that means, I still have to figure out how to spend my flexible spending money! Maybe I'll finally get that shingles shot. The holdup has always been the insurance -- they will only pay for a shot performed at my doctor's office, and I would have to make a special appointment during work hours -- thus losing a whole day of work. I addition, my doctor's office wants written proof from insurance that they will cover it. What??? If I pay out of pocket I can get it done at Walgreens! I'll have to investigate just how expensive it is.

I woke up hard this morning for the second day in a row. Not sure what's going on, because I'm sleeping okay. Anyway, I could barely get myself out of bed and pull it together in time for the train. I did manage to pack a lunch, but not a breakfast, so I bought a muffin and coffee at the station. The good thing is, I got the last punch on my affinity card and I'll have free coffee next time.

My variables spending is still at 60% of the budget despite the $5 spent this morning, and the $1.50 spent on laundry last night. Thank goodness the laundry is finally caught up, and I probably won't have to do any this weekend.

Speaking of the budget, I realized yesterday that my BFF is coming for a visit next weekend. That may cause some budget problems, as we usually go out to eat and shop and catch a movie. I'll just be honest with her about my constraints this month and hope that we can figure out a fun weekend that is low-cost.

I did some looking around at Medicare supplements yesterday, and it looks like I can get a good plan, that my doctor will accept, for $66 a month. That's about $50 less than I estimated, so that will be a boost to my budget. I spoke to someone at BC/BS, and she recommended that I call in May to sign up, given my retirement timeline.

Correction: I have spent 64% of my budget. (Made an Excel error, now corrected!)

Yesterday I was hit with a service charge from Citi for the the ancestry.com subscription. Even though I paid over the phone the moment I was aware that I had been charged, I was four days overdue. Maybe I got an e-bill; I don't know. Seems like I would have noticed it, even in my glut of junk email.

So that was $27. But I found a quarter on the train!

So the pressure is on more than ever to curb my spending this month. This morning I woke up to a rainstorm. I really wanted to drive rather than walk through the rain. But I walked through the rain and took the train. Then I really wanted to buy breakfast at the station. But I knew I had oatmeal at work, and I resisted. I brought my lunch (but that is a usual thing). Still, I have managed in my first few hours of the day not to spend anything! If I get past the morning hours, I'm usually okay. That's where all the temptation is.

I've spent 60% of my budget now, with 53% of the month to go.

I have a $5 coupon for PetSmart, which I will use this weekend on kitty litter, and I also have a $5 coupon for Goodwill, which must be used this month. I will definitely count the PetSmart coupon as a snowflake, and I will also count the Goodwill one -- if I find something to buy that I would buy anyway. That may be a trick, but sometimes Goodwill has household supplies, and that is what I will look for.

I did another $1.50 load of laundry last night. I have one more to do tonight, and then I will be caught up.

The exciting thing about Pay Day is not money to spend, but the opportunity to sweep my savings into the bank. This time I put $1400 in the slush fund. My plan was to transfer $1600, but yesterday my annual subscription to ancestry.com hit the bank account. It was $189. This will be my last year to subscribe. I'll try to get everything done that I can this year and then let it go.

I counted the $189 as entertainment. It has upset the statistics I was bragging about yesterday. Now I've spent 52% of my variables budget. But that's still good. I'll be careful about other things for the rest of the month. It's been quite a month so far, with not only this expense, but a parking ticket and a renewal of my virus protection -- all unexpected -- and a weekend trip, as well. If I come out at the end under budget -- my new restricted, retirement budget -- I will know I've done well.

So today I paid my Discover card and my mortgage. Everything else will be withdrawn automatically.

I did another load of laundry last night ($1.50). It looks like I'll have another one to do tonight. And I should clean the fish tank again. If I keep at these tasks, then the weekend won't be awful!

I stopped at the grocery on the way home last night and bought my ten items. I spent $35 and saved $6 on six of the items. What I bought: Cinnamon, wine, chicken breasts, lettuce, dried cranberries, granola bars, butter, olive oil, bananas, and Greek yogurt.

Meals will be:
Salad with chicken strips
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Turkey wraps
Chicken medallions and vegetables
Cheese quesadillas with pineapple salsa

There should be enough chicken left over to make fajitas next week, but I'll need to buy peppers for that.

Once home, I did a load of laundry for $1.50. Lots more to do.

I got my phone bill for $50.

I've spent 34% of my variables allowance. Since we're almost halfway through the month, I'm doing well!

Almost forgot to say! I dug a pot of jonquils out of the trash yesterday, and they're sitting on my desk, looking just lovely! One person's trash is another's treasure, but I can't figure out why anyone would throw these away!

My weekend trip to Michigan was very cheap! I spent $28 on gas and $8 on food! My brother not only fed me at home, but insisted on buying dinner when we went out. I think he is unduly worried about my imminent retirement.

I also went out to lunch with my former professor and he paid for that as well. On the way out I saw a dime on the pavement and handed it over to him as my "contribution." (Hope he found it amusing and not silly!) We had a really good talk and I hope this is a conversation that will continue a long time!

The weather was beautiful. It was not warm enough to sit on the deck, but it was warm enough to walk to the restaurant, and Sunday was a great day for antiquing. And I didn't spend a thing, though I had a blast looking everything over!

For the drive, I checked out an audiobook from the libary, which I am still enjoying. I'll have to drive around some more to finish it! (Or I could listen to it on the Bose, I'll bet)

Now I have to do some catching up on grocery shopping and laundry. Small price to pay for such a nice weekend.

We had some wild weather last night. I don't think they've come anywhere near to assessing all the damage, but tornadoes hit heavy in north central Illinois. Many homes destroyed, and at least one fatality. They did not come near our area, but we did have thunderstorms and winds.

I spent the evening listening to the weather reports and packing for my trip. I am leaving the cats and fish alone this weekend, as my son is vacationing too. It makes me nervous, but they all have plenty of what they need. I'll have to deal with a pretty dirty litter box when I get home.

I drove to work, and I bought breakfast on the way ($4). I have lunch already here in the fridge, but I'll be buying dinner somewhere on the way to Michigan. I also have to stop at the grocery and pick up rolls. I know it will be a grueling trip. I hate to drive around the bottom of the lake on Friday nights (always jammed!) but that's what I have to do.

I just got notice that $42 will be added to my checking account; reimbursement for transit. That assures me that I will be able to sweep $1600 into savings this payday. I will probably put it in the slush fund so that it is nice and plump as I go into the uncertainties of a new budget, post-retirement.

Blahhaahhh!

It was completely my fault. I moved my car to the right side of the street on Tuesday, but completely forgot to move it to the other side on Wednesday. I got a parking ticket from the city because those were street-sweeping days. The ticket is $55.

I sure can't afford to do that kind of goofy stuff after I retire!

I did a load of laundry last night, and will do another tonight. On Friday I will leave for my Michigan trip straight from work. My boss has okayed me leaving early, so I can get a decent start without sacrificing a vacation day. My "vacation" will probably only cost me a tank of gas and a fast-food dinner on the road. My brother will feed me well. I will need to pick up something to contribute. I'm thinking rolls this time. Our grocery sells fantastic brown-and-serve and rolls that he can't get in his area, so that might be just the thing.

Oh, and did I mention, I have 57 days left to work? Woo-hoo!

Update: It pays to read carefully! It turns out the ticket is only $30 -- $55 if you fail to pay within 10 days. The check is in the mail!

I drove to work yesterday -- combination of wet hair, late timing, and the need to stop at PetSmart on the way home. I bought gas for $31. I did the PetSmart stop and got $19 back for returning the fish medicine. No other spending.

The funny part was, during the day I got super-worried that I had not turned the coffee pot off. My new no-frills coffee maker does not have an automatic shut-off. I knew that there was a large amount of coffee in the pot, so it wouldn't burn up the pot or start a fire, but I expected a real stink when I got home. Nope! I had turned off the pot, just must have done it unconsciously.

The fish seem unchanged today, no better, no worse. I'll try to do a 40% water change tonight, and another before I leave for the weekend.

I'm going to see my brother this weekend. It's a three-hour drive. Normally I like to take Friday off, so I can leave early and avoid rush hour. However, now that I will soon be getting paid for my unused vacation and sick days, I have a strong incentive not to use them! I will soon have vacation all the time, anyway. So I guess it will be a frustrating evening drive through the city. At least it's not a holiday weekend.

We had a very interesting presentation at work yesterday which outlined the college's plan to reduce the budget by $6 million. Glad I'm not in charge of THAT budget! Only half will be achieved by staff reduction; there will be many other cuts as well. I'm glad my retirement came along at the right time, I think it will be difficult going forward.

Oh, and I forgot to say -- I'm getting reimbursed for that workshop after all! But then I signed up for a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's studio, so that's another $17 out!

I went to PetSmart and spent $19 on new medicine for the fish. However, upon reading the directions, and reading the fish websites, I realize it is not the right one. Will have to take it back.

I did get some good advice on cleaning the tank (I haven't been aggressive enough) and water additives (I've been using too many.)

They also recommended that I get rid of my pleco. He is very large; too large for my tank, and his waste is probably contributing to the water problem. I know he should be in a bigger tank, but I am not interested in upgrading. They recommended that I talk to the local mom&pop fish store, who might take him and give him to a new home.

I actually kind of like the pleco; he is very interesting-looking. I've named him Toothless. But clearly he has outgrown his environment.

Other random expenses: I had to renew my virus protection plan - $30. More laundry - $1.50. I registered for a workshop - $20. Ordinarily my work would pay, but I don't think they will now that I am on my way out -- but I still need to go as a board member. I guess I will count it as an entertainment expense!

Gotta go! Call the Midwife is on!

My poor neon tetra. I keep waiting for him to die naturally, but he just lay on the bottom of the tank for days, still alive, just shifting around, fading away. I couldn't stand it. I finally looked up how to euthanize him humanely. The recommendation for a tropical was to put him suddenly into very cold water. I put a little bowl of water in the freezer till the top froze over, then broke the ice and put him in. I wasn't brave enough to watch him, so I set the bowl on the counter and left the room. When I came back a little later, he was gone. It made me sad, but I felt like I was helping him.

The angelfish are still alive and still peppy, though the fungus isn't gone. If they start lying on the bottom, I'll know what to do now.

Later today I'll take a water sample to PetSmart and hopefully find out what's wrong. Maybe they can be saved.

I had the day off yesterday for Good Friday, so I took the opportunity to get a few things done. I got my hair cut ($17 with tip), I made an appointment for an eye exam (two weeks away), and did my grocery shopping. I spent $35 and my ten items were: applesauce, Italian bread, rolls, mac & cheese, cat food, laundry detergent, almond milk, cheese slices, deli turkey slices, and blueberries. Six of the items were on sale and I saved $8. Not only that, I found .13! But I gave a dollar to a panhandler.

I also did a load of laundry for $1.50.

I found a $5 coupon for PetSmart, so maybe I can use that today. I'm almost tempted to count it as a snowflake!

It wasn't raining when I left home this morning, so I chanced it without the umbrella. Since I have an umbrella at work, I figured I would be covered for the trip home. However, when I got to my work town, it was pouring! I got soaked on the walk in. Glad I didn't fuss with my hair!

I found a dime and a penny. I love watching the total creep up!

I made the most awesome soup last night! I used the broth I made from leftover items (see post a few days ago), added leftover beef from my dinner out, the last of the sauerkraut I bought for my Reubens, some onions and carrots, and -- OMG, it was so good! It made enough for lunch today, too.

I think tonight it will be eggs for dinner, and then, since I have tomorrow off for Good Friday, I'll bump up my shopping day. Once again, I have a very robust list that will have to be pared down.

Also on the docket tomorrow -- a haircut, and a trip to the eye doctor, if I can get in. I really have to start using up my flex money!

This month I started tracking variables separately, so that's what I'm going to share. My goal is to keep everything in these categories under $760 per month. The first number is what was budgeted, the second number what was spent.

Groceries - $130 - $153
Eating Out - $60 - $98
Vet/Pet Supplies - $40 - $49
Car Repair/Maintenance - $50 - $38
Gas - $40 - $37
Gifts/Charity - $60 - $35
Laundry - $20 - $16
Medical/Health - $70 - $15
Miscellaneous - $5 - $10
Entertainment - $25 - $8
Furn./Equipment/Decor - $50 - $2
Fares/Parking - $20 - $2
Clothing - $40 - $1
Vacation/Travel - $60 - $0
Fees/Services - $30 - $0
Home Repair/Maint. - $25 - $0
Household Supplies - $25 - $0
Personal - $20 - $0

Total - $760 - $464

I'm practicing for retirement, so I didn't count work expenses, like the train ticket.

It looks like I may need to do some tweaking with the budget, but overall I'm pleased. I kept well under! I know not every month will be like this, though.

My groceries were high because of a K-Cup order to Amazon. Come to think of it, that's a work expense, isn't it? Oh well.

Eating out was high but much of that will go away, too, when I am not commuting.

Pet Supplies was high because I bought some aquarium equipment.

I know there will always be unders and overs. Hopefully, the unders will fund the overs in the future, if it all works out right!

I always know I've had a no-spend day when I open my wallet and no receipts fall out!

I was very hungry on the way home yesterday, so it was indeed an achievement to pass up all the fast food in the station.

My two angelfish with the fungus are still alive and swimming around, but the neon tetra is ailing badly. He was lying on the gravel this morning, but still alive. I never know what to do. I hate to see their suffering. Though many insist that fish do not suffer!

I'm meeting a friend for dinner tonight, so I drove. I will have plenty of time between work and dinner, so I'll try to get some things done. I'll get gas and a car wash, and I may peek in at Goodwill.

I forgot to charge my phone last night. This morning I plugged it into the car charger, but was shocked to see that nothing had happened by the time I got to work. Turns out the apparatus was not pushed in all the way. I was really bummed, since I'll be navigating to a new (to me) restaurant tonight, but I asked a co-worker if she had a charger, and, lo and behold, she did and it fit my phone! I'm so glad. I wouldn't want to buy yet another charger. Chargers are my nemesis!