CB in the City

I didn't even think about money, and it shows!

I took my grandsons to the museum on Saturday, and, while it wasn't an awful day (time with my grandchildren is never awful) a lot of things went wrong. I bought tickets for a movie that we didn't see, couldn't get into an exhibition that we WANTED to see, lost a toy behind a display case, couldn't stay with our friends because the phones don't work in that huge mausoleum of a building, and to top everything off, I LOST the car in the parking garage and it took FOREVER to get someone to drive us around in the golf cart so we could find it.

And it was expensive. Tickets -- $55. Parking -- $22. Food -- $24. Souvenirs -- $8.

I asked my older grandson how he liked it and he said "Kinda boring."

On Sunday I met friends downtown and we mostly cruised the sports shops (it was father's day, what can you do?) I spent $71 on shirts and onesies for gifts. We wanted to go to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner, but the wait was too long and we ended up at McDonald's. Big disappointment in terms of the experience, but certainly cheaper -- I spent $6 there.
I also spent $7 on the El.

Before I went to the museum I did laundry - $1.25 - and went to the grocery, where I spent $100 on gifts cards and $63 on groceries. I used one of the $20 coupons, and now I have two more to use within the next five days. I'll do some stocking up.

Now I'm back at work and feeling like I have to rest up from the weekend!

Oh, I forgot to add the cool part! I found $1.23 in change -- mostly pennies! It looked like someone just dumped their pockets!

Well, I'm really low on groceries, so I didn't pack a lunch this morning. At lunchtime I took a walk to a nearby restaurant and got a sandwich and fruit cup to go. I was unfamiliar with their menu, so the sandwich I got was way bigger than I expected. I did finish it, but didn't touch the fruit cup. I'll take that home for dinner. It was a little pricey, too - $10. But I've had a lot of free meals lately, so I won't complain.

I got a call from my BFF that she is coming up to Chicago with her son, DIL, and granddaughters to visit the Field Museum tomorrow. So I'm going to take my grandsons and we'll make a day of it. Which reminds me, I'd better buy tickets! They won't be cheap -- not like the old days, when you could go to the museum for $5.

I got flowers today! The board sent them to me in thanks for organizing the workshop. I was so surprised and thrilled! But now I have to figure out how to take them home on the train, because I'm sure not leaving them in the office all weekend.

I have enough to pay my Discover card now, once I get paid and get my disbursement from TIAA-CREF. As long as nothing else sabotages my checking account. I can't think what -- surely there can't be any more surprises, but you never know.

I'm going to go get more gift cards from the grocery store -- one for my DIL's birthday, and one for me to buy socks and stuff at Kohl's. I'll get another $20 coupon -- that will make $60 in free groceries. Just have to make sure to use the coupons by their (short) expiration dates.

And it was a success. The speakers were great, no glitches, everything went like clockwork. I think everyone had a good time, and I hope they learned a lot. It sure seemed educational to me. I haven't looked at the evaluations yet, though. I think I will wait till tomorrow. I'll enjoy the day.

I ended up driving and I paid $12 for parking. Which is pretty good for the city. That was a little more than if I had ridden the El, but I was glad to have control of my coming and going, and it was nice to park right across from my venue and not have to schlep all the materials I was carrying very far.

Today I got a check for $8 from a litigation settlement. I don't remember filing for it, but I'm glad to add it to my Discover challenge. I stopped at the grocery store this morning and bought more gift cards ($100) and a birthday card ($3) and got another $20 coupon for groceries. I also got $50 in cash to put toward the Discover challenge. I also got a Pinecone payment for $3. I'm working my way there. I WILL pay that bill in full!

Well, I thought I had it figured out how I was going to pay my Discover bill in full, and then two more bills popped up. My semi-annual insurance, and AAA -- both due this month. I put a call into AAA and switched over the payment to my new Discover card, so no problem there. I left a voice message for my insurance agent -- I think I can switch that to a credit card payment, too, but I'll have to make sure it doesn't invoke any fees. As it stands, the automatic payment comes out of my checking account.

If worse comes to worse, I'll just stop by the credit union and make a withdrawal to cover the difference when it's time to pay the Discover bill. The CU is halfway between home and work -- but since I'm usually on the train, it will mean a special trip, if it comes to that.

Yesterday I bought some gift cards for the speakers for the workshop I'm organizing. Of course, that came out of the the board's account rather than my own. But since I bought more than $100 worth of cards, I got a $20 coupon for groceries. I don't have to spend any set amount, either -- just more than $20. I think I'll get some more gift cards tonight for my DILs and get another coupon.

The golf outing went fine, though working after work made for a long day. The free buffet supper was great -- lots of man-food -- they actually served chicken, ribs, pulled pork AND roast beef, as well as many sides. A very hearty meal. And they also gave me a drink coupon which I used on a Kahlua & cream -- a blast from the seventies!

Now I just have to get through tomorrow. I think I have everything done except actually writing the thank you notes, and printing the evaluation forms. I hope the day goes well. This is not a natural role for me and I'm way out of my comfort zone. But if it goes well it will all be worth it.

My Discover cycle closes today. Whew! Once I have verified that it has closed, I am free to use the card again. I really need to get some groceries, and also a couple of birthday gifts -- which I think will be gift cards this year. The birthdays are for my two DILs, and they are so hard to buy for! I thought I would enjoy buying girl gifts, after raising sons, but they have very distinctive tastes that I haven't ever really figured out.

I spent $40 on gas on the way to work this morning, paying with cash. Once again, we have the highest gas in the nation! I found a station selling for $4.25 a gallon, but downtown it is $4.59. They say it is because of "summer blends" and refinery issues. That's what they always say!

The workshop I am organizing will take place the day after tomorrow. I just sent a "GO" note to my catering contact, made up an evaluation form, and made a list for our secretary to create nametags. I'm waiting for all my presenters to send me their slides, and I will send them all out to the attendees, along with parking directions, etc. I still have to go get gift cards for the presenters -- I'll try to do that at noon today. And I have to complete and print the agenda. Oh yes, and the registration list, too.

This is a lot of work. I'll be glad when it's done. I just hope it will be a success.

I still haven't decided whether I'm getting there by car or by train. Drawbacks and benefits both ways. I'm leaning toward driving, since I'll be carrying stuff, the parking will be validated, thus not so TERRIBLY expensive, and I will be more in control of when I come and go. It looks easy on the map, but of course it always looks different in person.

Today is the golf outing. I am ready with my credit card forms, which I will need when the auction winners pay up. I don't have to go out there until late afternoon. I hope the dinner/auction won't go too late into the evening. I had one of my famous can't-get-to-sleep nights last night, so I'm really going to struggle through the day.

Oh yes, I have a regular job in there somewhere, too.

The meeting I dreaded is over, and it was just fine. How much time do I invest in dreading things that turn out not to be bad at all? The truth is, when bad things happen to me, they happen without warning, so why do I even waste my time worrying?

Tomorrow is the golf outing. I've decided to use my cash to get gas and drive. It's just too complicated to meet this responsibility without a car. I've done this event for several years and it's mostly enjoyable. I always get a wonderful free dinner!

I'm really looking forward to doing some financial re-grouping this month. I do have two birthdays coming up, and a vacation in Florida -- but the airfare is already paid, and I hope that buying groceries for my kids will be my major expense once there. I really don't want to do anything but enjoy my granddaughter!

I'm trying for a no-spend weekend, even though, technically, I already failed. I have a prepaid phone service that loads $50 every time the balance goes under $5.00. Well, that happened, so I spend another $50 without trying. It's getting to be more and more of a challenge to meet that big Discover bill. At least it will close in a few days and can't get any bigger.

I also admit I spent $1.50 doing laundry, but since I have a separate stash of quarters that I tap for laundry, it's not going to affect my Discover challenge.

I didn't feel great yesterday, so I stretched out on the couch for most of the day. I watched three movies -- Doctor Zhivago, Before Sunset, and part of Camelot. I didn't get through Camelot because my son asked me to come over and babysit the kids while they had an evening out. I was feeling better, and since it was only a matter of entertaining them for an hour and putting them to bed, I agreed. Then I stretched out again and read.

When I got home and got to bed, I had debilitating pain in my hips and knees, which was odd, since I hadn't done anything. Maybe my joints are worse when I DON'T do anything. Anyway, I got up and took some Advil and eventually drifted off. I did have a vivid dream that someone came into my front door, and I realized that I had left it unlocked. Then when I looked over the person carefully, I realized it was most likely a monkey. Odd, no? It seemed so real.

I intended to make a batch of muffins today, but I don't have enough eggs. I had a biscuit and cheese for breakfast, and then later on snacked on granola without milk -- because I'm out of milk. Yet my pantry is full and I'm not going to starve. I just have to focus on what I have. I COULD go grocery shopping -- I have cash, and there is a little gas left in the car. (Don't I sound pitiful?) I just want to ride it out, make do, in the good old-fashioned Yankee way.

This morning I put another load of laundry in -- mostly because the sheets need to be changed. I'll actually just put the same set back on, since it's my favorite -- high thread count, nice and soft.

I have another tough week coming up. I have to work at a golf outing, which will really lengthen my day, as my duty doesn't start till 4. Taking the train on that day will be difficult, as I will have to get a ride to the course (miles away) and then get a ride back to the station afterwards. Then I will have to deal with the evening train schedule, which can mean an hour wait in one station or the other -- or, horrors, both!

So I'm thinking, maybe the best thing to do with the cash I have is to put it in the tank, and drive on that day.

The other difficult thing this week is that the workshop that I'm organizing will take place on Thursday. I have a lot of last-minute details to pin down, and the day will be stressful, because I will feel responsible for every little hitch in the day. I shouldn't get myself into things like this. I'm also stressed out about getting there -- it's downtown, and not in easy walking distance of the train station. I can take the rapid transit instead, which would get me closer, but I'm relatively unfamiliar with it. Or I can drive, but I would have to find parking. Stress, stress!

Oh, and there is a third difficult thing. I have a meeting tomorrow with the boss who scares the patootie out of me, and I already know she is put out with me -- for doing exactly what she said instead of what she wishes she had said -- oh, I get so tired of this.

Retirement, where are you? Why are you still two years away????

I am back!

The gas only cost $40 (however; I started with a half tank and am now under 1/4, so that isn't total usage).

I am having a crisis of conscience, though. On the way back from the workshop, I gave a ride to a fellow board member. When she was getting out of the car, she offered to pay half for the gas. I told her no, it was paid for. She smiled and said, "I hope your employer paid for it," and I nodded, even though it was our board who paid. Here is where it gets murky. She is on the board, but a committee member, not one of the directors. My request for reimbursement was only to the directors, and I wasn't planning on making it public to the whole board.

She and another committee member attended the event on their own volition and paid their own way. I feel somewhat guilty, even though my request for the reimbursement was approved. I feel underhanded. I should have just said, "The board covered my gas," but I was afraid she would think it was unfair.

Now, the reason I went was to represent the board and to participate as a roundtable leader. They were just attendees. I think I was entitled to ask for that little bit of financial support, but I'm not sure they would see it the same way.

I'm almost inclined to just put the money back into the account. But then I think, those two transactions (credit card charge and then a deposit) would look fishy, like I was using the board's account as a slush fund. Even if I feel guilty, it might be better just to let the matter lie.

Oh me, oh my.

My only other spending on the trip was $4 for a hamburger on the way down. (Paid by me, of course! )

Just when I thought my plan was sound ...

I forgot about my backup credit card -- the one I use in the rare cases when a Discover card is not accepted. I have a balance on it this month that I forgot about which throws me off by $44.

However, I'm still sticking with the plan! I do not have to pay this credit card until July 10. Once my Discover account refreshes, after June 11, I can charge groceries at Jewel and get $50 cash. (I often get my cash this way since it is easier than going to the bank.) I can put that $50 in the bank to cover the Visa card and we're all square. With no big expenses looming, I should have no trouble paying off the next cc cycle in full.

So, I'm taking off on my trip this evening. I thought about driving to work and leaving from there, but although it would save time it would also take more gas. So I took the train, and will leave from home. That will give me the chance to feed the fish, water the flowers and pack some food, anyway.

Speaking of the train, I had another train adventure last night. The train to the city ran late -- very late -- and I missed the connecting train home. I took the next outgoing train, but it did not stop at my station. It stopped at a station quite a bit north of where I live. It was a lovely day, so I walked home -- it took about 40 minutes.

My seatmate on the train was having a worse day than me -- she was trying to go to her niece's recital in a strange city without knowing anything except the name of the auditorium. I tried to be helpful, but I still don't know the city well at all. I called my son, and he looked up directions to the auditorium. It looked like she had a long walk to make and she was already late. We looked for a taxi but of course there was none. She had a great big suitcase on wheels. I last saw her taking off in the direction she had to go, rolling that suitcase behind her. I hope she ended up all right.

Found another penny in the station. I'm closing in on $30!

I have a challenge ahead of me. It will be seven days before my credit card cycle closes. I have just enough in checking and my slush fund to pay the bill in full, as well as my other fixed expenses. So I cannot charge one more thing. Nor can I take out any cash from any of my accounts -- except for the credit union account, which I am refusing to do. I have about $50 in cash in my wallet.

This could be easily managed, except that I have to make a trip to Indianapolis tomorrow. I will be reimbursed for the gas, but I will have to pay for it up front. I will have a free place to stay, with my friend, for the night, and she won't mind giving me a late dinner and breakfast the next morning. The workshop I am attending will provide lunch. I may have to buy dinner that night, unless I make it home earlier than I think. I WILL stock the car with crackers and other non-perishables. So I hope I can do it all for $50.

What REALLY makes this tricky is that the fuel calculator estimates the gas will cost $64. But I do already have some gas in the tank. And if I think I won't have enough gas to get home, I know my friend will spot me.

All this, because I REALLY REALLY want to pay my credit card in full! Naturally, if I feel I might be in trouble, I will use the card, so don't worry 'bout me!

Found six cents this weekend the hard way. That's six pennies in six different places!

I babysat the grandsons yesterday while their parents went to IKEA to buy a new bathroom sink. When my son came home he realized he needed some caulk and adhesive to put it together, so he and I made a trip to Home Depot. I wanted to buy Command strips for hanging my pictures. Now that the rugs are in, I'm finally ready to make decisions about what pictures get hung where. I spent $39 on a bunch of value packs. I have a lot of pictures! I'm going to recruit the help of my son and DIL to hang them, so now I just need to wait for a time when they're free.

These two weeks are going to be tight for me. If I want to pay my Discover bill in full AND avoid going to the credit union, I'm going to have to be super careful. Especially now that I spent that chunk of change on picture hangers!

I also have to drive to Indianapolis to take part in a conference on Thursday. While my fee was paid, the transportation costs are not, although I might get reimbursed by my professional association.

Anyway, it will be lean times.

I packed my lunch this morning but arrived without the entree. I hope it is in the fridge and not sitting out on a counter.

I also forgot my phone.

My excuse is that I got little sleep last night. It was a perfect storm. First my legs were aching big time. I took some painkillers but the medication stuck in my gullet. (I get this a lot; I have no trouble swallowing pills, but getting them all the way down to my stomach seems to be a challenge.) Even with lots of water I could feel them stuck in my chest area. Just when it seemed the pain was getting better, my loudmouth neighbor started up. By this time it was midnight, but he and his wife apparently had company and they were having, shall we say, a very spirited conversation. When you have to get up at five; it is very frustrating to be kept awake at midnight. What would they think if made a commotion at 5 am? The rudeness of others sometimes astonishes me.

It's pouring down rain, but my living room window is wide open. I love it that the eaves are so deep on this building that I can do that. I love the sound of the rain and the fresh smell. My bedroom, however, is a different story -- I must close that window when the rain starts up, or it will rain in.

Yesterday was a pretty fun day. I got my rugs installed in the morning -- I love them! I am totally pleased with the size, the colors and the plushiness. Plus I got a scrap that fits perfectly in the closet where the cat box is. I hope it will help with the litter-tracking problem.

After the rugs were in I went to my grandson's school to have lunch with him. It was fun to surprise him, and fun to see him in his environment. He is clearly very comfortable and happy at school. However, the one thing I didn't get was lunch! He is a brown-bagger, so it didn't feel right to leave him and go through the lunch line. So after I left I stopped at Steak N Shake and spent $5 on a combo meal.

Then I went to work for the afternoon. Luckily my boss was very supportive about taking the morning off, even though I am really out of vacation/personal time.

This morning I spent $35 on food and pet supplies at Wal-Mart and $1.50 on laundry.

Later my son and the grandsons came over for games and Netflix, and then we spent some time in the park. Now they are home and I am baking muffins for next week and listening to the rain. As soon as I am done here I'm going to lie on the couch and read. Bliss!

I promise, I promise, I will not spend anything else today. So these are the correct numbers for the month of May. It was a killer.

Furnishings/Equipment/Decor - $1537
Car Repair/Maintenance - $1163
Housing - $1039
Vacation/Travel - $384
Gifts/Charity - $206
Medical/Health - $190
Clothing - $146
Fees/Services - $139
Eating Out - $110
Fares - $105
Utilities - $95
Groceries - $89
Household Supplies - $67
Phone - $55
Gas - $42
Personal - $41
Entertainment - $36
Laundry - $23
Vet/Pet Supplies - $14

Grand Total - $5481

The highlights -- paid the balance on my rugs (they're installed, yay!); had an expensive accident/car repair; bought a plane ticket for a vacation in July; had a lot of graduation gifts; paid for a doctor visit; bought shoes and underwear; treated family twice when eating out; renewed my license plates and driver's license -- everything else is pretty regular. Lots of outgo -- my EF will be shot when the Discover card comes due.

When I arrived at the downtown station this morning, I saw people sitting around and heard a voice on the loudspeaker. I knew it was about my train. How can it be that EVERY time there is delay, it is my train that is affected? It just seems to defy the odds.

I was very thirsty, and I couldn't find a water fountain, so I ended up buying a lemonade for $2. At least it was large and actually had a piece of lemon in it. After I bought it, I found the water fountain, so now I know where it is, anyway.

I got a call from the furniture store. As I expected, they denied my request for reupholstering my couch. At least I tried. I am sure I will get it reupholstered at some point, but first I want to get the car repair and rugs paid off, and get the savings accounts back to more comfortable levels. I have my second property tax bill coming up, too. It seems like every month I have some $1000 bill to pay.

Meanwhile, I'll put a blanket on the seat cushions and try to find something to drape on the top where my cats like to sit. Thank goodness I found the Shark handheld vacuum which does a pretty good job.

I forgot to bring my lunch today. I do have some peanut butter in my desk, and I picked up a packet of crackers in the station, and there are treats left over from yesterday. So I might be okay.

I have had an awesome student worker for four years. He started working for me his first week as a Freshman and now he is graduating. He already has a job lined up with the Department of Defense. He is really bright. What's more, he has always been a great help to me, always cheerful, always willing, always reliable.

So we're having a party for him today. I spent $19 on treats and supplies, and put $50 on a gift card. The rest of my department contributed too, but I did the most, since he works for me. I know he will appreciate it, but I think he is also going to be embarrassed. He's that kind of kid!

Other spending yesterday and today:

It cost me $7 to mail a box of books to my sister.

Spent $1 on paper towels.

Sent $20.13 for my cousin's daughter's high school graduation. Class of 2013. Get it?

And I also renewed both my license plate and driver's license for $133.

I found a Canadian quarter yesterday -- so disappointed! I also found a penny, which was legal tender.

Well, that long weekend sure went fast.

On top of the fun -- "cook-in" (as opposed to cook-out), playing games with my grandsons, etc. -- I got some tasks done, like really cleaning the fish tank. It finally looks crystal clear! And I swept and mopped my wood floors -- but still have to do the tile floors in the kitchen and bathroom. Did three loads of laundry and changed my linens (shamefully overdue!)

No spending yesterday.

Today I drove to work so I could get the state-required emission test done. With my long hours, I can never get it done in my own area, so I'm going to do it here at lunchtime. It may take a little longer than my lunch hour, but I arrived a half-hour early in case anyone notices.

I also brought a box of books to mail to my sister. Getting to the post office is something else I never get done at home. I don't even know where the post office is! But here in my "work town" the post office is easily accessible. I will stop there on my way home.

I received the panties I ordered, and boy, were they small! I washed them prior to wearing and they were even smaller. But when I finally wore one of them, I realized they are very stretchy, and they will do. Just not what I expected. So hard to order things online -- I'm old-fashioned enough that I prefer to see what I'm buying!

I had toast and a hard-boiled egg for breakfast this morning, and brought leftover seafood enchilada (with a fresh tortilla) for lunch. Tonight I'm planning on salad.

I bought no meat this week, but I still have frozen hamburgers (one box lasts me a long time!) I also have the makings for egg salad and grilled cheese sandwiches (as well as several more salads), so I'll be fine this week. I am really doing fine on my low-buy system. Even when I was carless I had enough to make do. Quite eye-opening!

Picked up the car yesterday -- $1118. But that's better than having a gas tank with a hole in it. Now that I know the muffler is not good, I can hear how noisy the car is. I'll start making plans to get that done.

I charged it on Discover, as I usually do. However, within the same cycle, the second half of my rug bill will hit -- about $1000. That will mean hitting the EF to pay Discover off in full. As much as it hurts, I remind myself that I used to just charge things like that and plan to pay it off, oh, someday.... How good it feels not to go into debt!

We had lunch at a Mexican place, my treat, for $55. I bought gas ($42). When I got home I went grocery shopping. It was my first trip in two weeks and I only spent $42. I surprised myself with my restraint!

I think the cashier ignored the $1 off coupon I gave her. It's not on my receipt. Really, I have to stop shopping at that store. The cashiers are uniformly awful!

Grilling out at the ex's tonight. It's cold -- I hope we're eating in! I'm going to take some crudités and dip. I expect that not much will get eaten and I'll take most of them back! He always provides way too much food!

It's a whole different feeling even coming to work on Friday. It's .... happiness!

I finally connected with my son last night and he and the fam will drive me to pick up my car on Saturday. My DIL is in a race in the morning, so it will be after that. We will find some nice place to eat as a treat/payment. I saw that a restaurant I used to frequent is still there (ironically, I used to live pretty close to the area where the car was towed). It was famous for seafood. I wonder if it's still any good. The tow guy also recommended a Mexican restaurant in the area.

After talking with the service department again, I have decided to wait on the muffler. Nothing is loose or in danger of breaking -- it's just something on the horizon. I'll wait a bit and let the dust clear financially first.

I have two more graduations coming up -- a young cousin, and my student worker. I will be writing checks for both of them, not sure on amounts yet. But I bought the cards this morning - WHAT? - $15! Lesson to self -- pay attention when you are buying Papyrus cards at the station. Or better yet, get nice cards somewhere else. Well, they are very nice cards. I do love the brand; wish they were not so high.

I also bought breakfast for $4, having nothing tote-able at home. I am covered for lunch and dinner, though. And tomorrow morning I can scramble some eggs before I get my car. I'll go grocery shopping as soon as I get home.

Yesterday I got next month's train pass for $105, saving $30 by using vouchers from work.

I also made a $40 credit card payment to attend a workshop, but I will be reimbursed.

Happy Friday everyone!

Weather has taken a turn -- now it's cold and rainy. I'm a little relieved, since my air conditioner has yet to be installed.

I spent $1.50 on laundry yesterday -- otherwise a no-spend day.

The furniture inspection was very brief. He took a few pictures, said that my problems were typical for that type of material, and said it would be up to Carson's whether they would pay for reupholstering. He recommended a print rather than a solid color if I have it redone. I'm not holding out much hope.

This morning while I was walking to work from the station, someone who works at the College greeted me and then handed me a pomegranate smoothie. She had gotten a free one for some reason and was looking for someone to give it to. I didn't know her, though I knew her face. So I thanked her, and had a free breakfast! There was a leftover slice of pizza in the fridge from Tuesday's lunch, so I had that, too!

The Toyota dealer called to say the car is ready. The cost is a little more than quoted (isn't is always?) but he went into great detail describing how the old bolts had given away, blah, blah, blah. Looks like it will be around $1110. He also said that the muffler (which is original) will need to be replaced soon. I may call and just get it done, too, especially if I can't pick up the car till this weekend anyway.

It looks like I will need to get a ride. Even though the dealer would provide a ride from the train station, they don't have the personnel to do that in the evening, and the only stop is at 7pm. I texted my son to ask for a ride -- no answer yet, but I left my phone at home this morning, and also forgot to check messages, so who knows? He may have said, "Great, Mom, can't wait to do it!"

Poor Dreamsicle, my fancy guppy. He has disappeared. What puzzles me is there is no body floating on top. Now I can't remember if I saw him when I came home from my awful weekend trip. I did a quick check for bodies at the top, but I don't think I did a roll call.

So what could have happened? I have only two theories: he died and the other fish ate his body, or, he jumped out and the cats ate his body. The day before I left, I scared the pleco while adding water and he made a huge leap which could have knocked Dreamsicle out of the tank.

Oh well, he had a good life. He was always first to the dinner table. RIP, Dreamsicle.

Today the rep from the furniture store is coming to look at the couch. I don't expect to get any satisfaction, but I do want to at least express my concerns. I AM finding it easier to clean the couch now that it is humid and now that I have a powerful hand vac. But I have to clean it often.

It is HOT in my condo. I'm looking forward to the cooler weather coming. I have a nice ceiling fan in the bedroom, which helps at night. I have two untried air conditioners in the storage unit which came with the condo -- I will need my son's help to get them installed. I have no idea if they are functional. May is pretty early to start air conditioning, so I am trying to tough out this little hot spell.

No financial news, other than the noontime pizza yesterday cost me $4 for my share. Oh, and I got a $34 reimbursement check from the insurance company. Ironic.

Oh yes! I finally got a call from the rug company! They will deliver the rugs on May 31.

This will be a somewhat challenging week. Without my car, I cannot grocery shop -- at least not very easily. There is a Walgreen's within walking distance, but only the pharmacy is open now while they are going through an extensive remodel. Jewel is about a one-half hour walk away, but the weather is hot and/or stormy -- and I don't even get home until six.

I bought breakfast at Corner Bakery this morning ($3) and a group is ordering pizza here at work for lunch -- I'm not sure yet what my share will be. I have supper planned at home -- a hamburger and green beans. I can actually eat the same meal all week long, as I have enough. It's lunch that will be the problem. I will scour the pantry tonight to see if there is anything I can throw together.

No word yet on the car, but I'm not expecting it yet. I did check out Amtrak. There is actually a stop that is only about 15 minutes away from the dealer, so I think I will have no problem getting someone to pick me up. The fare is only $11. The only hitch is that the train only goes there once a day, and it arrives there at 7. Service closes at 7:30 on the few days it stays open in the evening, so it will be cutting it close.

I CAN probably get someone to drive me, but I would rather not. The traffic is awful on that corridor. It's a lot to ask. It's Plan B.

Just got home from my weekend with my friend in Indiana -- which was a little more interesting than it should have been, since I had an accident on the way down!

Not a real accident, but definitely a mishap. I drove over a big piece of metal -- couldn't dodge it -- and it pierced my gas tank. I didn't realize it right away, and lost power when all the gas leaked out. I had many helpers -- a young man who pulled over behind me, a state trooper, the tow-guy and eventually the Toyota dealer. The gas tank has to be replaced, and I won't get the car back for a week. But the worst part is that it will cost $1000 and change. Does anybody remember I JUST canceled collision & comprehensive? That seems to be my kind of luck!

I called my son to make sure the car was still worth the repair -- he looked it up on Edmund's and said it was worth $5-6K, so I authorized the work.

MY BFF came and got me and we went ahead with our planned fun weekend -- it was just a little longer than planned since I had to wait till this morning to get a train back to the city.

On top the expected repair, the costs for this weekend:

$2 laundry (Friday night)
$43 restaurants
$40 towing
$13 Goodwill
$8 Macy's
$20 Target
$7 movie
$21 train fare

Not bad overall. We ate all our meals out except this morning. The Goodwill shopping was 50% off and I found clothing for myself and for family. At Macy's $8 bought a bra, panties and a top because I used my ThankYou card and a 20% off coupon. At Target I bought a book and some cards. Got the senior citizen discount for Amtrak, but had to pay for the last leg home because my train pass was on my kitchen windowsill. Who knew I would need it?

So... I don't know how I will get my car back, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. I'm just glad to be home safe and sound!

I got an email for 30% savings at Bare Necessities. Since I've been thinking about replacing my panties, I took them up on it. I bought 6 pairs for $41, which includes shipping. The last time I stocked up was when I lived in North Carolina, though I have bought the odd pair here and there. Anyway, they've lasted for more than four years, and I only have to get rid of them now because the elastic around the legs is giving out.

The furniture inspector is coming next Wednesday. They can't give me a time until the day before, so I'll have to take the day off. Maybe once I know the time I can also schedule my DTP shot, and maybe I can also get the emissions test done. There is so much I just can't do on weekends.

I did not make the asparagus-mushroom dish last night. I decided instead to combine the leftover cauliflower and dressing, put cheese on top, and bake it. Wasn't too bad. There is still some left, so tonight I will add beaten eggs and milk and bake it again. The endless meal! I need to learn not to make so much.

I don't want to waste the asparagus and mushrooms, so I will take them on my visit -- maybe treat my friend to a fancy omelet. She doesn't cook at all, and is amazed by any little thing I make.

Here is the meal plan for today:

Breakfast: Banana nut muffin, coffee
Lunch: Yogurt, peanut butter & crackers, green pepper strips
Dinner: Cauliflower casserole

I didn't get to the laundry last night, so I plan to do a load tonight and take the rest on my trip. Whatever fits in my big IKEA bag. I will head out on Saturday morning, because driving through the city on Friday night is a NIGHTMARE! Just not worth it.

Yesterday I was cajoled into joining a Powerball lottery pool and I offered to buy the tickets since there is a place in the station and I'm always looking for something to do on my break between trains. Well, the train was late (second day in a row), so I didn't have any station time. But since I had promised to buy the tickets I got in my car once I got home and went off to find a place to buy them. I ended up at the grocery store, where they had a machine. I had never used one before, but figured it out. It didn't return change, and I only had a five, so I after I bought the two Powerball tickets I bought a $1 Illinois lottery ticket.

Well, as you know, we didn't win the Powerball. However, my $1 ticket won me $2! Not sure what the lesson is there.

So -- my personal spending for tickets -- $2 -- my winnings -- $2. Yay!

I was not really thrilled with the roasted cauliflower I made last night, and now I have leftovers. Not sure what to do with them. There's always soup, but they are a bit scorched, so I don't know how that would taste in soup. There is a "buffalo cauliflower" recipe that calls for hot sauce and butter -- maybe that would be a good way to re-use them.

The dressing wasn't a great success either, but mostly, I think, because I did let it bake long enough. I was getting pretty hungry.

My kitchen is a mess. The dishwasher is full of clean dishes and I've been too tired to unload it on top of the cooking, so all the dirty dishes are getting piled in the sink. I'll have to do it tonight.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Banana nut muffin, coffee
Lunch: Peanut butter on crackers, green pepper strips
Dinner: Asparagus and mushrooms with rice and cheese

I should also do a load of laundry. My darks hamper is already full. I'm traveling this weekend, so won't be able to do laundry unless I take it along to do it at my BFF's. She wouldn't mind, but do I want to lug it?

I have to say, I'm really looking forward to retirement, because just covering the basics while I'm working and commuting is getting pretty challenging.

Speaking of the commute, I've started working on my novel on the trip. I write in a notebook rather than carry the computer. Not sure I'm getting quality work done, but the time sure does go fast!

Not too exciting, since it is mostly going to bills, but it will be good to have them paid and have a clean slate for next month.

Since daily reporting of my projected meals for the day is helping me to stay on track, I'll offer today's menu:

Breakfast: Banana nut muffin, coffee
Lunch: Cottage cheese, green pepper slices, granola bars
Dinner: One-half sauteed chicken breast, sourdough-onion dressing, baked cauliflower

I didn't do the baked cauliflower last night, obviously. Instead I had roasted asparagus along with the chicken and mushrooms.

I have to say for someone who doesn't like vegetables, I'm actually enjoying them. Maybe there's hope for me after all.

I'm having an "end of year" feeling -- so many around me are wrapping up the school year, going on vacation, or going on to other things. But here in the offices, we just keep going. In fact, next month will be our busy time, as we try to reach our fiscal year-end goal and process the influx of gifts. So even while I'm kind of letting go, I should be bearing down. A funny feeling. The warm weather is beckoning and not helping any!

Got my free breakfast this morning at the retirement/recognition breakfast. I took a lot of fruit, a biscuit without butter, and a small serving of scrambled eggs. Passed up a lot of goodies, but I'm fired up again about eating healthier and maybe dropping a few pounds while I'm at it.

For lunch I brought some mozzarella and tomato to make a caprese salad. Also brought crackers.

Tonight I am planning on sauteeing a chicken breast and some mushrooms. Perhaps I will also bake that head of cauliflower!

I found a penny on my walk home and again on my walk to the station this morning, so 2c added to my found money. I also earned $28 in Discover Rewards thie month and I'm also going to count my $25 Amazon gift card as extra income.

I went to my first homeowner's association meeting last night, and met my new neighbor there. He is not a college student, but a Navy civil engineer who is stationed at a nearby base. He is also not a renter. He bought the condo, even though he expects to be here for only three years. He must have gotten a good deal! I think I will be quite pleased to have him across the landing!

The meeting itself was mostly a bust -- not well-attended, and the main business was to elect officers whom I did not know. But I did learn that the roof is scheduled for replacement in 4-5 years (and they plan to have the money in hand without raising assessments). Also, I learned that it is fine to get a washer/dryer unit installed; just have to make sure it is done by a professional. (I wouldn't do it any other way!) However, with expenses as they are right now, I am not in a hurry. I don't even mind using the basement laundry too much, but I know that in the future the stairs might become an issue.

I'm planning to take a trip to Indiana this weekend to visit my BFF. On the agenda -- The Great Gatsby, Goodwill and dinner out -- and we will probably have dinner with her mom in her "new" retirement home. She has just given up independent living, and from the sounds of it, just in the nick of time! Anyway, it will be a bit of a splurge, but not really costly.

I dropped collision and comprehensive on my car now that it is 12 years old. My plan is to drive it as long as I can but it is doubtful that I will replace it. I can't justify the cost for as little as I need to drive now. Allstate sent me an email summarizing the changes. The (six-month)premium decreased by $112, bringing it down to $219. They tagged on encouragement to enroll in the Easy Pay Plan (automatic withdrawal) which I've been doing for years. Really? Do you not know I'm enrolled or does any change take you back to square one? So frustrating.

I'm frustrated with my Discover card, too. It's time to pay the bill, but I can't log into the online account until I get the replacement card in the mail. I find it odd that someone hacked my account only to use the reward points. Guess that was all that they could get to? Anyway, I will have to open a new online account and change all the automatic payments that come to that card -- Netflix, Illinois Tollways, Verizon, to name a few. Sigh.

It is SO cold! The College does not have its boiler running any more, so the offices are cold. Luckily, it will warm up again tomorrow.

My Mother's Day was just what I would have planned myself. In fact, I almost suggested that we play games and order a pizza, but I refrained. And that's exactly what they did! Almost spooky! It was a lovely day. And they also gave me an Amazon gift card, which they really didn't have to do. I'll probably end up buying a gift with it! (Don't tell them.)

No more spending to report. I packed muffins for breakfast and for lunch: cottage cheese, broccoli and mandarin oranges. Oh, and granola bars for when I get the nibbles.

School is winding down fast. We are entering exam week. Of course, it doesn't really affect me, except that my student worker will soon be graduating. He has been with me for four years, and I will miss him!

I found another dime this morning, making my finds this weekend equal to 25c! Unusual. I usually find a penny here and there.

I did four loads of laundry this morning -- just finishing up the last load -- so that's $6.

I was mistaken about what I spent on file folders & hangers. They were not $12 a box, but $16 for one box and $22 for the other. I guess I just remembered looking at boxes that cost $12.

I am waiting for my son to call about today's plans, which are still unknown to me. My other son, in Florida, called me this morning, and we had a nice long talk. He and his wife also sent me a card along with a bunch of pictures of my granddaughter.

The card really touched me. Confession here. I sometimes feel like my kids don't really love me, though my more mature self knows that's ridiculous. But I have a lot of competition with their stepparents and in-laws ... and their father, most of whom are more colorful than I am, and all of whom are wealthier and tend to "buy" love, if you know what I mean. So sometimes I feel like the little mouse that nobody notices. Well, the card said, "You know, if there was a contest for "Most Loved Mom," .... You'd win, hands down!" I tell you, I burst out crying; it was just the message I needed to hear! Now if I can just control my paranoia....

The pictures were wonderful, too. My granddaughter is blessed with beauty, that's for sure.

Tomorrow evening there is an meeting for my condo association. I have managed to miss the two previous, so I am really going to try to make this one. Oh, and I have a new neighbor. The condo directly across my "back porch" has been empty since I moved in -- it was for sale at the same time as mine, and I looked at that one, too. (Not nearly as nice.) Well, a young man has moved in. I'm betting he's a renter. I briefly met his parents, who are helping him move in, but haven't met him yet. I am hoping he is quiet, though I suppose he won't affect me as much as the neighbors above and below -- both of whom are noisy at times, but not enough to be a problem.

I used my new handheld vacuum on the couch this morning. It is a Shark, and it seems to be pretty powerful. It is the best cleaning result yet.

I got a call from the person in customer service who took my complaint about the couch's material. She is going to send someone out to ascertain if the material is defective. I'm pretty sure he will say it is not, but it was nice of her to follow up that way. The material is not so much defective as it is unsuitable for upholstery, but I'm sure they won't see it that way!

Quite a bit of spending today. I was going to babysit my grandsons, but my kids decided to take them along on their trip. I decided to use the sudden freedom to get some things done.

I went to the doctor's office and got my lab work done. No money out of pocket. I have to make an appointment for the shots I am supposed to get.

I paid $.90 for parking. This time I found a spot on the street instead of using the garage. I was a little worried that I would run out of time, though, on the meter, so it's not as carefree as parking in the garage, even though it's a little cheaper.

I was lucky enough to find .15 on the street!

Afterwards, since it was a fasting test, I was really hungry, and planning to get some breakfast, but I decided instead to go the grocery store and buy my breakfast there. I spent $22 on 11 items. (Eleven this time because I decided at the last minute to grab a box of mac & cheese that was on sale. It's my grandsons' favorite food.)

Other than the mac & cheese I bought: granola, cauliflower, a green pepper, broccoli, a tomato, asparagus, raspberries, mushrooms, sourdough bread, and a four-pack of bakery muffins.

I came home and ate one muffin and the raspberries for breakfast along with some fresh coffee. The other 3 muffins will go into the freezer for next week. They were on sale for $3.49, so at .87 apiece they are still way cheaper than Corner Bakery.

After breakfast, I took my new computer to Best Buy to make sure the anti-virus software was installed. I thought it was, but I kept getting messages from Best Buy to install it. Turns out it WAS installed; they just forgot to key it in their system.

Office Max was right next door, so I popped over to buy file folders and hangers. I bought a big box of each, I think they were about $12 each, and I also bought a notebook to carry in my train bag.

Then I went to Ross -- I bought 2 plates and 4 mugs in a new pattern I am collecting; also some placemats to use when the grandkids are here. Total bill was around $30 (receipt is still in the car.)

Then on to Wal-Mart, where I bought a Shark handheld vacuum ($50), an aquarium brush ($4) and Mother's Day cards for my DIL's ($6).

By this time it was time for lunch, so I stopped at Jimmy John's and got a $6 sandwich.

Came home really tired! Shopping is hard work any more!

When I logged into my email, I found a message from Discover confirming my purchase of a Banana Republic gift card with Cashback Rewards. I did not do this, so I called them. I'll get my rewards back, but my card was cancelled and I'll get a new one in a few days. This is a pain, because I use that card all the time, and it's the one set up for automatic payments. I'll have to remember to update my accounts once I get it.

I made a broccoli salad for dinner -- broccoli, grated mozzarella, dried cranberries and walnuts in a mayonnaise-based sweet-sour dressing. I went heavy on the broccoli and light on everything else -- it was still good! I have many fresh veggies this week, so I will have to be mindful to use them up.

Well, time to clean the fish tank and then feed them. It's getting a little late for them -- their little fish bellies must be rumbling!

I slipped a $50 check into my nephew's graduation card and took it over to my son's house for him to deliver. Other than that, I didn't spend anything yesterday.

I will have the grandsons overnight on Saturday when my son and his wife make their trip to the graduation. On Saturday morning I have to go get lab work done and get at least one of my shots, so I don't know what else I can get done before the boys come. I may not make it to the grocery store. (But I could do that tonight, if my strength holds up!) Whenever they come, I have to make sure to have Kraft mac & cheese, almond milk and granola bars on hand, but I think I am actually covered on all those fronts right now! So I suppose I could actually wait until Sunday -- which will probably be laundry day, also!

I think I will need to spend tonight and whatever time I have Saturday morning on picking up & cleaning. I've let it become a bit of a mess.

Anyway, back to the medical stuff -- I did my research and it looks like immunizations are generally covered. (The shingles shot had an *, so I'm guessing it's not completely covered). Also, my previous doctor's nurse reported back to me that I had no record of immunizations with them. So I'll get one of the shots on Saturday -- probably the DPT. I'm not going to get both in one day. I'm already going to get stuck for the blood work.