CB in the City

Wearing one of my "new" tops today -- I like the way it feels, fits and looks, and I love the way the Goodwill necklace I bought last year goes perfectly with it! In fact, today I am wearing a Goodwill top, Goodwill pants, a Goodwill necklace and garage sale earrings. The socks, shoes and underwear were purchased new.

No spending yesterday.

This morning I woke up to the alarm, and then I must have gone back to sleep, because the next thing I knew it was only one-half hour before it was time to leave. That's pretty much the minimum it takes me to shower, dress, put on make-up and gather my stuff for the day.

But I made it, and I even grabbed some muffins from the freezer so I would have no excuse to treat myself at Corner Bakery.

For lunch I brought the leftover casserole and some yogurt. I bought a big container of plain yogurt last weekend -- not my usual thing to do, but I needed some plain yogurt for a recipe. Now I am dividing up the rest of it into individual portions and dressing them up with jam and honey. Today's serving is made with honey. I don't know why I didn't think of this before. I do the same thing with ice cream -- I buy vanilla, but I add other things to it. My favorite right now is to top it with chocolate syrup, maple syrup and walnuts. Of course, I don't do that too often or I would not fit into my Goodwill pants.

I bought a graduation card this morning at the downtown station. Generally I avoid buying cards at Hudson News, because they only have Papyrus cards which are so expensive, but then I remembered I actually wanted to get a special card for my nephew's graduation. This one has a photograph of penguins on the front, with one of them stretched up tall, and the sentiment is "Stand tall! You did awesome!" He'll like it. The card was $4. Now I have to put a check in it!

Yesterday I brought an orange to work, among other things, for my lunch. At noon I couldn't find it in the fridge. I looked all through my bag, and it wasn't there either. I decided I must have left it at home. At home it wasn't in the kitchen and wasn't in the fridge. Then I decided it must have somehow rolled out of my bag somewhere along the way. Either that, or I was seriously losing my mind. Lo and behold, this morning it is sitting there in the break room fridge. Someone must have moved it. I'm glad I'll have it today; it's my last piece of fruit!

I made a really good casserole last night out of leftovers. I had some leftover spaghetti sauce and pizza sauce, which I mixed together -- layered it with cooked rotini and a mixture of cream cheese and cottage cheese. Yummy! I brought some for lunch today, and I still have two more servings after that.

I've decided that a hand vac may be the solution for my linty/hairy couch. Does anyone have a favorite? I will need something that has really strong suction. Doesn't have to be cordless, as there are plenty of outlets around. I used to have a Dirt Devil that I liked pretty well.

Yesterday the weather was nice, so at noon I walked to a shopping center (about a 20-minute walk) and I bought (ironically) walking shoes.

They were $70. A little bit of a sale, not much; more of a teaser sale. But the key thing is they are comfortable. New Balance -- the first time I have bought this brand.

I bought a half-size larger than my usual. Are my feet getting bigger? Anyway, I definitely needed the toe room. And now that I will be wearing sandals at work, I definitely needed some reliable walking shoes. My boots were good for the walk and the workday, but my sandals will NOT do for the walk.

In the late afternoon there were quite a few muffins left at work, so I snagged another one. That's two free breakfasts for me. I would never take two at the beginning of the day, but if they're still there at four o'clock, I don't feel guilty. Anyway, I know this crew around here well enough to assume the leftovers will get thrown out rather than used. (I just ate one -- it was delicious!)

Next Tuesday will bring another free breakfast -- a fabulous one -- when we have our Retirement/Recognition Breakfast. It is such a good breakfast buffet I look forward to it all year! It also marks my work anniversary, as attending it was my first "act" upon the joining the staff. So it will be four years here at the College. Two more to go! (And a few months)

My big accomplishment yesterday was to get signed onto my health provider's website. It looks like it will be pretty slick -- no more calling the doctor's office, it'll all be email. My "assignments" are: get lab work done, schedule a Cat scan, find out when I last got a DTP shot (also find out if insurance will cover it), get a shingles shot. Oooh, lots of needles.

Another afternoon spent with the grandsons wore me out but good! This time we went to a city park with a very elaborate wooden playground. They spent hours climbing, swinging, sliding, etc. Then we went home for a rousing game of Yahtzee and a ham dinner.

I was so tired that when my BFF texted me, I gave her some sort of short shrift answer that made her think I was mad at her! We straightened it out, though.

In the morning I did my grocery shopping -- spent $31, and bought aluminum foil, buns, tortillas, ground cloves, dishwashing liquid, baking cups, eggs, almond milk, cottage cheese and wine.

I baked muffins -- a simple recipe that called for yellow cake mix and a can of pumpkin puree -- both of which I had in my pantry. I brought two today (they're little) and had them for breakfast. Guess what? A co-worker brought in muffins. I did grab one to save for tomorrow.

I had a good Saturday. In the early hours, I did two loads of laundry ($3), and then at about 9 I went to the big rummage sale. It was in its second day, so was pretty picked over, but I did manage to spend $8. I bought a white sugar bowl (for my white pretties cabinet), a plate with a calico cat to give to a friend, a cool wooden Santa for my Santa collection, and a tank top - beige & coral, Oriental print. I considered a very nice olive green purse which had been priced for $75 and marked down half-price -- however, still too much. Nice purse, though.

Then I went to my new doctor, and I like him very much! He gave me an order for lab work and to get my semi-annual Cat scan. The office was clean and professional, the staff friendly -- the only down side is that I had to pay for parking ($2), but now that I see that the building is right by a train station, I can actually take the train in the future.

After the doc visit, I went to a school fair with my grandsons -- we used to call this kind of event a "penny carnival." I spent $5 on tickets, and they spent hours bouncing in the bouncy castle, throwing balls at a target, making sand "necklaces" and all the other usual activities. We also indulged in cotton candy and sno-cones.

When it got to be dinnertime, we went to McD's and I spent $16 on dinner. (That was for four of us; the boys' other grandma was with us, too.)

This morning I did three more loads of laundry -- two of them were a blanket and a quilt. ($4.50) Just part of my spring cleaning.

Not sure how the rest of my day will shape up. I want to see the boys again while other grandma is still visiting, but I also have to grocery shop, go to Best Buy, and shoe-shop. I may have to do some of that after work next week.

Yesterday was a no-spend day. Today I got breakfast at Corner Bakery. I was out of the breakfast sandwiches I had made (they were small -- too small to satisfy -- so I doubled up a few days). I do plan to make muffins this weekend, if I can find the time. It will be a busy weekend. I have a doctor's appointment and school carnival, a rummage sale an a trip to Best Buy -- and maybe Macy's, on top of the regular laundry and shopping.

I am taking my new computer to Best Buy because I can't for the life of me figure out what's going on with my anti-virus installation, so I'm going to have the experts look at it. And at Macy's I will look for walking shoes -- I have my $29 Thank You credits to use, so that will help a little.

This morning I walked to the station a different way -- I was very drawn to go down an alley rather than the main road. Found a penny! No, I don't think that's the reason I was drawn there. It was interesting to see all the stuff people had thrown in the dumpsters. I didn't have time to look, and I certainly couldn't have hauled any "finds" on the train -- but I can't believe the stuff people just throw away! Is it that hard to give to charity?

Today I called Carson's to tell them I hate the material on my couch and do I have any recourse? Customer Service said they would come and get it, but I would not be reimbursed for my $500+ deposit, and I would have to pay a $75 fee. And then I would have no couch and have to start all over. No option to have it reupholstered. So I think I will at least look into reupholstery options. I like everything about the couch except the material. I special-ordered it to get the right size and to get the kind of sleeper mattress I wanted. The material is a pretty color, but it is like burlap -- rough to the stuff and very loose-woven. The fibers from the stuffing actually work their way out. It is very static-y and every hair and piece of lint sticks to it like a magnet. It will drive me crazy if I don't change it up. But the money -- the money. Ah, me.

It wasn't too bad.

My pedicure was $30; the haircut $11 (both including tips). I spent $18 at Goodwill and bought 4 summer tops and a pair of capris. I didn't have to buy dinner, as I had a late lunch (and I had packed breakfast and lunch). I did get an iced tea ($2).

On the way home I stopped for gas ($42) and decided to get a car wash as well. I pressed the key for "gas with car wash" and the screen said I would have to pay the cashier. Fine. I went to the car wash and the attendant asked for my receipt. I said I didn't have one; that I would have to pay inside, so she took my word that I had bought 10 gallons and waved me through ($5). When I got to the end of the car wash, another attendant was running up to me, waving. "YOU HAVE TO PAY INSIDE! YOU HAVE TO PAY INSIDE!" Well, I knew that. While they dried my car I went inside and told them I was paying for the gas on pump 2. They had already written it off as a drive-away! They couldn't take a credit card -- it had to be cash, and of course I didn't have enough. I had to use their ATM, which chraged me a $2 fee. GRRRrrr. Seriously, I was there the whole time. A drive-away? I guess I should have paid before the car wash, but I thought I would be paying for both together. It wasn't clear at all.

So, yeah. that's me -- criminal of the year.

I am SO happy with the clothes I got at Goodwill -- all in pristine condition and quality brands. A pink pinstriped dress shirt, a black & white striped polo shirt, a red lightweight cardigan, a silky black & red top, and black capris. All good enough for work.

I think I need to invest in a good pair of walking shoes for the summer and then I should be set.

I'm having a me day today!

In other words, I'm treating myself a little. First off, I bought my airline ticket for a week-long vacation in Florida with my son. This is the son with the 5-month old daughter so I'm super-excited to be able to spend time with her, uh, them. That will be in July, after the new fiscal year gives me some vacation time!

I drove to work, partly to avoid the problem of parking on a street-cleaning day, but also so I can get a pedicure during my lunch hour. Yes, it's sandal time, and time for the toes to look good. Then after work, I'll get my hair cut at Great Clips -- have a $7.99 phone coupon for that -- and then I'll plan to spend some time at Goodwill. I'm sure I've shared that there is no Goodwill in my new hometown, but there is a great one in the town where I am still working. I plan to really look it over.

I will be picking up something for dinner, too.

This Saturday promises to be busy -- I am going to a fair at my grandson's school, seeing my new doctor for the first time, and will also try to check out a huge rummage sale that my DIL told me about.

My nephew is graduating with an MBA next weekend. I have been invited to the celebration lunch, not the graduation (limited tickets). However, it is a three-hour drive away, and I think I will opt out. I will send him a card and a check, because it is quite an accomplishment for him. He started the program when he was unemployed, and kept with it after finding full-time employment. As the father of four kids, he has been super busy, but I am proud of him for sticking with this.

I’ve said it before, but what a month!

Total spending this month was $5368, roughly double what I bring home. Even a bit more.

I didn’t go into debt, but my savings have gone down by $3,000 since January. I guess that’s what it’s there for, but I hate it. I really want to start building it up again!

Here is the breakdown:

Incomes Taxes - $2587
Furniture/Equipment/Décor - $1148 (mostly for new computer)
Housing - $1039 (includes more than double payment on mortgage)
Entertainment - $190 (includes Ancestry.com subscription)
Fares - $110
Groceries - $99
Utilities - $97
Eating Out - $77
Medical/Health - $77
Gifts/Charity - $49
Vet/Pet Supplies - $38
Laundry - $23
Household Supplies - $17

Categories with ZERO this month – Insurance, Fees & Services, Phone, Home Repair & Maintenance, Gas, Clothing, Car Repair & Maintenance, Vacation & Travel. So there has been quite a bit of scrimping in order to pay for the big items.

In other news, I found a dime yesterday!

I also saved myself $50. I was asked to take my latest lab results to my new doctor (appointment this Saturday). My old doctor’s office sent me forms to request them – with a $50 fee. I went through my papers last night and found the lab results that were mailed to me last year. Once I see the new doctor, his office can request my other records and I won’t have to pay the fee.

Going through my papers made me realize just how bad a mess they are in. Moving didn’t help. But now I have the “new” four-drawer file cabinet (hand-me-down from my son) so I CAN get a handle on them; I just need to do it. But first I will have to invest in legal-size file folders. I didn’t realize the new cabinet was legal size. That’s good in a way – it will offer more room for those longer documents.

So I will have to commit to going through papers every day once I get the file folders. And I will have to return the letter size manila folders I just bought. I really hate filing, but having a roomy cabinet to put things in will really make a difference, I hope!

Spending this weekend:

$6 - Laundry
$20 - Groceries
$65 - Flowers
$5 - Lunch

I went to Aldi for my ten items, and I bought dried cranberries, croutons, flatbread buns, applesauce, bread, cheddar cheese, bagged salad, wine, creamer, and yogurt. As you see above, only $20.

Then I went to Home Depot and spent $65 on flowers -- that was six pots of Martha Washington geraniums to put in my flowerboxes on the landing. Kind of a splurge -- but they look beautiful, and it is my only gardening. I watered them with the water I took out of the fish tank for the weekly cleaning -- a tip I picked up from Dollar Stretcher.

I hope there will be enough sun. There were no impatiens this year, so I had to choose a sun-loving plant.

After shopping I was hungry so I splurged again on lunch at Steak N Shake -- but I was pretty frugal in what I chose. Normally I would get a Frisco melt and a shake, but this time I got a double steakburger and ice tea. Probably about half the cost.

I also earned another $5 on Swagbucks.

Can any fish experts out there tell me if there is such a thing as too many snails? I started with ONE and I now have too many babies to count. How did that happen? Really, they are all over the tank.

Oh, I wanted to add -- I baked some crescent rolls with a filling of ranchero sauce and cheese -- they will be my breakfast treats this week. I bought the ingredients for muffins but didn't get around to making them. Maybe next weekend.

Once again I avoided Corner Bakery. I waited until I got to work to eat and had oatmeal. That didn't seem to do it, so I also ate the granola bars I had packed for lunch.

I wonder if all the walking I do actually makes me hungrier.

I love it that it's Friday! I dressed down, wearing a jeans jacket over a T-shirt and pegged pants. It makes me feel so much better. I don't ever push the dress code except on Fridays.

Not that I really dress up a lot on the other days. All winter long I mostly wear sweaters and pants and in the summer I wear short-sleeved tops and pants. A suitjacket is a once-in-a-while thing. I stopped wearing dresses and skirts after I broke my ankle -- my ankle is now a bit bigger than it used to be and scarred from the surgery -- I figured it was a good excuse to wear pants!

Our dress code is fairly relaxed but there are some fashionista's on the staff who tend to raise the bar.

This morning I finished reading my book while on the train, so I picked up a paper that someone else had left. I started the Sudoku puzzle and realized that it is a good thing to do on the train -- my mind was engaged and the time went fast. I didn't finish it, but I probably would have if I had started it at the beginning of the trip. Now I just need to look for a cheap puzzle book -- or keep looking for discarded papers!

I had a good meeting with my boss yesterday and was complimented for working ahead on projects. This is not my "mean girl" boss, who is actually one level higher. I have to meet with her next week. It's always so discouraging to talk with her, but I am not alone -- many others feel the same way. The trouble is, everyone else leaves, but she stays! She is sitting pretty and she knows it.

That said, I am feeling more secure in my job than I was a week ago. I have thought it out, and I am pretty sure that even if mean girl is unhappy with me, it would be too much trouble to replace me. I just have to find ways to keep feeling upbeat when I get the occasional snide remark, etc.

I do so look forward to retirement, though. Only two years, three months, and sixteen days!

Yesterday I took a coupon for a free drink or candy (up to $2 in value) to the CVS in the station between trains. There was a long, long line of people with the same idea, all holding one bottle, or one bag of candy. Pretty funny to see. Luckily, the line moved fast. I "bought" a diet coke, and made my train just fine. The cashier seemed greatly annoyed, but hey, it's her job to carry out the store's policies and promotions.

I bypassed Corner Bakery today. There were treats at work (I thought there might be -- left over from yesterday's Admin Asst Appreciation Day.) So I had a free breakfast.

I also had an insight as to why CB is such a temptation. The second train is much, much less crowded than the first, and I have this kind of "celebration" feeling when I make the switch. Bringing a fresh breakfast on board just kind of expands the celebration. And of course, by that time I've been awake for almost two hours and I'm hungry.
But as others have pointed out, I can always bring my own. I do pack my lunch every day, after all. It's just a matter of getting into the routine.

I think I may do the challenge of eating on $1.50 a day -- but I will do it my way -- I will use the food I already have on hand but figure up the daily cost. I don't want to buy new packages of stuff I already have.

Should be interesting!

Lost my entry -- forgot to copy it.

Here is the brief version --

I walked around in the rain for about an hour yesterday in downtown Chicago. Finally got my bearings but was late for my appointment. Thank goodness it was warmer than it is today!

I gave away $5.50 to street people and found .27 on the sidewalk.

I put $5 on my CTA pass and bought lunch for $3. Once home, I bought six filter cartridges for the aquarium for $17, which saved me about $5.

Breakfast at the downtown station this morning - $4. I WILL address the muffin problem this weekend.

It is COLD today, and I'm tired of it!

I spent yesterday afternoon in the city, much of it walking around in the rain. Why is it nothing in real life looks like it does on Google maps? I thought it was so clear and easy, but I got lost anyway. Finally made it to my appointment but about an hour late.

I did find .27 on the sidewalk.

On the other hand, I gave $5.50 to panhandlers. One was collecting to save the Hull House, the other needed change for the CTA ticket machine, so they weren't specifically panhandlers, but "unknown people on the street who need money." They were very grateful, which made it nice.

I put $5 on my CTA pass, and bought lunch for $3. After I got home I went to PetSmart and bought six filter cartridges for the aquarium, $17. Those should hold me until at least October.

This morning I got breakfast at Corner Bakery for $4. It's not so much the muffin as it is the experience. When I hit the downtown station, I've already had a walk, I'm tired, I'm hungry, I'm usually dreading the day ahead -- it's so nice to have that warm, crumbly muffin and fresh coffee on the second train. So I don't want to cut it out of my life, just save it for the days I really need it! I for sure don't want to tote my own coffee, as I already have too much to carry, but I could manage a muffin in my bag once I get into the routine of making them.

I used my last stamp yesterday so I had it in my head to buy a new book. When I was at the downtown station, I asked if there were a place to buy stamps, thinking it would be a good use of my down time between trains. I was expecting a surcharge, but they actually charged me $13 for 20 stamps! I didn't realize until my credit card had already run. Lesson learned. Buy stamps at post office!

I really don't use them much any more, except for letters that I write to my son in Florida. I think real mail is a little more special than email.

Today I am going downtown at noon to scout out a venue for an event (for my professional organization). I'm in charge of the planning for this one, which makes me a little nervous, so I want to see this place in person. After I get to the train station I will still have a 35-minute walk -- or I can figure out how to take the El. If it doesn't pour, I will walk. I have my umbrella.

Last night I noticed that even though I had done my weekly tank cleaning the day before, there was a lot of crud floating around in the water. It occurred to me to check the filter. Gross! I cleaned it best I could, but tonight's errand is to buy a new filter. I hope it will be simple to find at PetSmart. These fish are pushing my learning curve!

My actual purchases were not too different from my list. I bought Club crackers (my favorite), a big combo box of Nature Valley granola bars (on sale), a can of pizza sauce, Cascadian fruit & nut granola (on sale), blackberries (on sale), ice cream, a bath pouf, cat litter ($1 off coupon), dry cat food (on sale), and a package of file folders. $40 in all. They say I saved $6 on this trip.

What I left off was the wine and the pop. When I saw the blackberries I couldn't resist, so they were an add-on.

Other spending -- I got a $5 prescription and spent $3 this morning on a muffin and coffee. I do tend to treat myself on mornings when I've had little sleep and getting up is rough.

Later today I will buy next month's train ticket.

I had a nice afternoon with the grandsons in the park, and then at their house playing Yahtzee. One is really too young for the game, but loves throwing the dice. The other got two Yahtzees! I think he's a natural!

For some reason the Swagbucks games are not working this morning. I can't tell you how many times I've gone back to the site and tried to start Mahjong Dimensions. I'm hooked. I read in the comments that some people have beaten the third level and I want to, too!

I've had trouble with the Worldwinner games, too -- I often get an error code in mid-play and the game abruptly ends. I used to think my computer had something to do with it, but now that the same thing is happening with my new computer, I know it must be on their end.

It's probably a sign that I shouldn't waste so much time on games!

I'm planning my big outing of the day -- grocery shopping! I remain committed to picking out ten items only. I have a full pantry and freezer, so it really makes sense to shop sparingly -- also makes it much easier to carry the load upstairs.

This is what I have on my list so far: cat litter, cat food, manila folders, crackers, bath pouf, pizza sauce, pop, ice cream, granola, granola bars, wine. That's 11 items, so I'll have to make some choices. The only item that's going into a planned meal is the pizza sauce. I'm going to use that with some leftover garlic bread and mozzarella cheese to make mini pizzas.

I'm going to make some tuna salad today. That, the mini pizzas, hamburgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches will be my dinners this week. I also have spaghetti sauce in the freezer, but I suspect I will not have to get into that. There are a lot of lunches in the freezer -- not frozen dinners, but leftovers from dinners I have made. So I don't have to worry about buying lunches.

I did my laundry this morning -- $6. I had four loads because my red load was ready to run. Other than that I didn't leave the house. My son stopped by to drop off my car keys and offered to take me to the library with the boys, but I hadn't showered yet. It's just been that kind of day -- couldn't get going.

I did empty and fill the dishwasher, and I made a fancy cheese mixture for gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. I had one for lunch, and I realized I'd really rather just have the plain cheese. But I'll use up what I have made. I'll bet it will be good on hamburgers.

I'll do my grocery shopping tomorrow -- this time at Target, because I need to pick up some manila folders. It's way past time to get my files organized.

I watched a couple of episodes of Mad Men and tonight I'm watching "The Raven" with John Cusack, who happens to be a local! Can't say I've ever seen him around, though.

I also swept all the floors and collected the garbage, though I haven't actually carted it to the dumpster yet.

I'm getting used to my new computer. I like the keyboard, and I like to use the touchscreen to power down. I've learned how to go to my desktop and just ignore the apps page that comes up automatically. I'm thinking of carrying it on the train so I can write a little while I travel, but it is not particularly light. My train bag is already heavy.

Well, time to feed the fish. They are eying me hungrily!

Well, after yesterday's torrential rains, everything seems relatively dry today, though the sky is gray. And it's cold. There were actually flurries in the air when I got off the train this morning. Will spring EVER come?

Yesterday's "productive" day did not materialize. It felt so good to get warm and dry that I just got lazy. I watched a few episodes of Mad Men and played a lot of Mahjong Dimensions. (Enough to know that I will NEVER beat the game!)

Nice to know I just have to get through today and then I have a real weekend ahead.

I am loaning my car out today. My son and DIL took their car to the shop, and asked if they could have the use of my car today while theirs is being repaired. I said "Sure!" My car mostly sits during the week. I should get extra keys made so they could use it in case of emergency at other times. And they could move the car for me if I forget about the street sweeping!

I'm finding a lot of money lately. Yesterday, a nickel in the middle of the road while I was crossing. Just about in the same spot where I fell last week, so was the road giving me compensation?

I am at home today because the suburb where I work is experiencing flooding. I didn't know before I got on the train, so I walked through heavy rain, got pretty soaked despite my umbrella, and then got on the train to Chicago, which was stalled outside the city for at least a half hour. Turns out the station had lost power and they had to do manual switches. While I was on the train, my boss called and told me about the flooding and that I should not come to work. I said fine, I'll hop on a train home. Not so easy. After I finally got to the station, the schedule was so backed up that the train home was a least an hour behind. I didn't get home until after nine. Just for reference, I leave home at six, so that was three hours of commuting and going nowhere! I was lucky enough to have some bread and bacon in my bag -- it was going to be for my breakfast at work -- so I had something to eat. I did buy a coffee at the station ($2).

The worst part was that I was cold and wet the whole time. So nice to be home!

I will try to get some things done at home and make it a productive day. I've tried to find out how bad the flooding is at the college, but all I see is a notice on the website that it is closed and classes and all activities are cancelled today.

I'll also spend some time on Swagbuck to earn my next $5!

Yesterday I visited CVS between trains, and, while I didn't buy anything, I did find a dollar on the floor. I asked the two men who were standing nearby if it was theirs, and they said no. One said, "You win! Just don't buy a lottery ticket!" So I happily pocketed it.

Yesterday's strategic planning retreat was very good, but I got wind that my (mean girl) boss is unhappy with me -- it is impossible to do anything right for her, so I don't feel guilty, but I feel stressed. I feel my job is a bit in jeopardy. I think she imagines that if she replaced me with someone younger and more compliant, all the problems would go away. Unfortunately, the real problem is her direction. We'll see what the next few weeks hold. I have a meeting coming up with her that will not be pretty. It makes me so sad that I am finishing up my last few years of work so unappreciated, and it is so unfair!

The irony is that I've been asked to take part in a panel presentation for a professional workshop in another state on the very subject I'm under fire for. (I really do know what I'm doing!)

I suppose that if I do lose my job over this, I will have to draw social security early. I just can't imagine that I could find a new job at this age. But perhaps part time work would be a possibility. Just hope it doesn't happen.

Went out to dinner with my son's family last night. I probably should have declined the invitation, as I was very tired, not hungry, and not feeling like spending money. However, I wanted to see the grandsons. Ironically, they were tired themselves and not feeling social, so it was all pretty much a bust. I spent $12 but came home with enough leftovers for two lunches.

I paid my mortgage plus extra this morning. The computer cost hit at a good time; I'll have a whole month before the bill is due, so plenty of time to conserve my spending. I will be able to to pay it in full from checking next month, but if the rug payment hits on this cycle, too, then I will have to raid savings.

Yesterday I brought in enough leftovers for lunch to serve for two days. Today I forgot there was already lunch at work, and I brought in yet another lunch. Forgetting that I got a free lunch today because we had a planning retreat. So now I have two extra lunches at work! Plus the extra food at home from last night's dinner. Oy! Too much food, too little time. I'll have to freeze some.

I found a nickel in the parking lot last night!

I actually had my federal done, and was just planning to finish up the state form, when my computer presented me with the black screen of death!

Ugh!!!

I completed the state tax by hand, and I do have the two checks sitting here on my desk waiting to be mailed.

But the laptop was a goner. I've had it for three years and it's given me nothing but trouble. I had the motherboard replaced once. I wasn't going to do it again. So I went to Best Buy ready to shell out the cash for a new one, and boy, did I!

About $1080 later I have a new Sony laptop (will never buy HP again!) The base price was $799, but after adding on the Microsoft Office, the tech support, saving my files from the dead machine, and so forth, it crossed the $1000 mark.

As I told a co-worker, it's not even any fun to spend money this way. It's not exciting to get a new computer -- in fact, it's a little annoying, because now I have to learn Windows 8. Anyway, I hope this one lasts a while.

The stars are not aligned for me, because I also learned today that I had a past-due bill on my Citi card -- which I never use. I got it just for the rewards and I should have canceled it. Apparently, I charged my Ancestry.com subscription on it last year when I was trying to boost my spending to the required minimum -- and they charged it again this year for the renewal. I got the renewal notice email from them, but didn't pay attention to what card was being charged -- I just assumed it was my Discover card, the one I use most often. Well, somehow I ALSO missed the notification from Citi that I had a bill -- so my subscription has cost me $20+ more than it should have. ($177) I'm so bummed.

My other spending hardly amounts to anything in comparison -- $42 for groceries, $3 for birthday cards, $3 for breakfast this morning, $4.50 for laundry.

I will say I am happy that I have savings to cover this.

When I transfer trains at the downtown station, I have a fairly long wait on the trip home. Lately I've been getting bored just sitting on the train, waiting for it to go, so I've started exploring the station a bit more. I found that I can take a pedestrian walkway to a CVS -- what a great find! I have never really been able to take advantage of CVS deals because there has never been one very close to me.

Yesterday I bought a tube of lip balm ($4) and the machine spit out a $1.50 rewards coupon as well as four more coupons for cosmetic and personal items and greeting cards. Some of them are $2 off a $5 purchase, which is pretty good. I will definitely be checking out the CVS between trains from now on.

I took a tumble right in the street last night while walking home. I don't know if I hit a slick spot, or what, I was down so fast. I fell on my knees, and while they are scraped and hurt like crazy, I seem to be undamaged otherwise. The worst part is that it was a busy street -- I really had to get back on my feet fast or I could have been in a dangerous situation! But all is well.

I'm looking forward to finishing up my taxes this weekend so I can just write the check and get this expense done with! It's going to feel like a fresh start. I'm really glad that I'll just be able to write a check and won't have to take anything from savings.

I found another penny by a parking meter. They do add up!

Also, had another no-spend day yesterday. I would have bought a prescription if it had been ready, but it was not. My doctor did not return the call from the pharmacy. Another reason to switch doctors.

I am in a new routine with Swagbucks. I log on, do the poll, start SBTV and then open a new window to play Mahjong Dimensions. When I finished a game, I switch back to SBTV and start a new video. When I earn my 3 Swagbucks from SBTV (and whatever I've earned playing the game) I do some searching on topics of interest until I get another bunch of Swagbucks. I usually earn about 20-30 Swagbucks a day doing this and it's mostly fun. As I've said before, I don't care to do the surveys, and I rarely find a coupon I want to use. But doing these things is adding up.

When I moved into my condo, the unit below was empty. Since then, a couple has moved in. The man has a very loud, carrying voice that somehow travels up into my unit through a vent or something. And when he talks, he talks nonstop. It drives me crazy. So far, it has always been at a reasonable hour, but still! I turned on my noisy humidifier to try to mitigate the noise.

I have to admit that when my grandchildren are visiting, they probably sound like a herd of elephants to them!

Yesterday was a day filled with food. It was Student Worker Appreciation Day AND there was a retirement reception right down the hall. I will only say I ate a lot of stuff I shouldn't have. I did try to compensate with a healthy salad when I got home.

Wow. I just missed being caught in a thunderstorm. When I left the house, it looked clear, so I didn't even take my umbrella. By the time I got to the second station, it was looking threatening, and after I got to my office it was a cataclysm! So glad it didn't happen a few minutes earlier!

I am thinking that on nice days I might add to my walk by getting off a station one stop further up the line. It would add 15 minutes to my walk. The advantage, besides more exercise, is that I could catch a (somewhat) earlier train, so I wouldn't lose any more time. But, as I said, only on nice days.

I ordered my prescription refill on the phone this morning and the automated system said that they would have to get in touch with my doctor. I don't know why, since I have six refills. Maybe it's just been too long since I've seen her. I'm thinking of finding a new doctor in my new neighborhood. Even though she is in the town where I work, I can't get there easily without a car. It would make more sense to have a doctor close to home, and just make my appointments early in the morning. I did a little research yesterday and I think I have a candidate -- a very highly-rated GP who also specializes in geriatrics. I don't feel old yet, but let's face it, that's the only direction I'm heading!

I voted last night, mainly to vote for school board candidates. My ex is a superintendent, and the school board is his boss, so to speak. He had strong views about who should be elected. I welcomed his input, since I really don't know the backgrounds and histories of the candidates. I have yet to check on who won, however. Anyway, how is this financial? The school board can fire my ex, and his well-being is still tangentially linked to mine through our kids. I also want him to remain fully employed as my social security -- for the first four years until I am 70 -- will be based on his salary.

Nothing else financial, except that I found a penny this morning and claimed $5 in Swagbucks last night.

Of course, I was barely on it, anyway. I'm talking about the healthy eating wagon. My adventures in eating out this weekend pretty much took care of that challenge.

I'm trying to regroup, however. This morning I packed a breakfast of two mini-bagels, which I ate with no butter or cream cheese, 2 slices of bacon, and an orange. Lunch will be half a chicken breast with sweet/sour rice. Dinner will be salad.

Yesterday was a no-spend day, since I don't count the $7.99 Netflix payment that came out of my account.

I called the rug place again yesterday. The manufacturer has now listed the production date as 4/19, so I will get the rug after they deliver to the rug store and after the piece is cut and bound. The other rug is already there. So it looks like it will be the end of April at the earliest.

It sure seems like special orders take a lot longer than they used to.

It's been a couple of rainy, drizzly days, but last evening as I walked home I walked past a patch of crocuses, daffodils, bluebells and other flowers I didn't recognize. I can hardly wait to see the tulips. My favorite flower -- and then I know it's spring!

I had a long weekend, though it wasn't work-free. I spent Friday at a workshop, which I helped to coordinate, downtown. The experience made me aware that I probably need to get an i-phone -- some of the attendees and others were emailing me in the morning and I was oblivious. Showing my age, I guess. Anyway, I talked to my son and we are going to look into setting me up with a reasonably inexpensive option.

It was a weekend of eating out. On Friday morning I had breakfast at Panera while I waited to get in the building where our workshop was taking place. ($6) Lunch was provided, but after the event I met a couple of friends who work downtown and we had dinner at a place called Bandera's -- that was $28. Then on Saturday night I went out with my son's family to a place called Cheesie's which serves gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. $12.

Oh well. Grocery shopping was cheap this week. Only $25 and that included cat food. I also spent $6 on laundry. And speaking of laundry, the basement floor was recently painted. OMG! It looks so much better, and now I won't mind if my clothes fall on the floor!

I got a lot of stuff done around the house -- mopped all the floors, weekly maintenance on the fish tank, made a new batch of dishwasher detergent, to name a few. I also spent enough time on Swagbucks that I am almost ready to earn a new $5 Amazon card!

One thing I didn't do was my state taxes -- oh well, I have seven days to do that.

I got an email from my son this morning to MOVE MY CAR TONIGHT! Maybe between him and me I can really remember this time.

I had a rather upsetting morning at work, and one of my co-workers insisted that I take some cheese and crackers she had brought in. I think they have learned that food calms me!

Had a very long train ride this morning -- switching problems and freight-train interference added more than a half-hour to my trip. Oh well, at least the boss was late, too, for the same reason!

I found a newsletter that detailed the street-sweeping schedule. The reason I didn't get a ticket is that my street will be swept on the 9th. So even though the sign says no parking on Tuesdays, it matters which Tuesday it is. I'm going to put the schedule on my refrigerator door.

I am going into the city tomorrow for a workshop which I am helping to plan. It's been a lot of last-minute work, especially now as the attendance list keeps changing. But I'm looking forward to the sessions and to seeing other people in my field. And I get a free lunch! After the workshop, I'm going to meet some friends who work downtown for supper. That won't be free, but it will be fun.

My food challenge isn't going so great, but I will report yesterday's intake:

Breakfast - oatmeal w/brown sugar

Snack - cake (yes, I did succumb!!)

Lunch - one chicken fajita, one orange

Snack - 6 Townhouse crackers

Dinner - 1/2 cup chicken & noodles, 1/2 cup peas, 2 Grands biscuits w/butter, 6 oz. wine

I am not really dieting -- I guess I am just trying to be a little more accountable and not QUITE so piggy as I have been! Writing it down will help.

There is a cake in the break room. I had a piece yesterday for breakfast. But today, since I am in on the April healthy eating challenge, I had to ignore it. And it's down to the last yummy end piece that is covered with frosting.

Instead I had a bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar -150 calories.

On the financial front, I tucked $20 into a letter to my son in Florida. He is living off of savings while he finishes helicopter training, so I am trying to give him a little treat once in a while.

Yesterday, as I was sitting in the train station on the homeward bound trip, I remembered something that threw me into a deep depression. I remembered it was Tuesday (street sweeping day) and I hadn't moved the car. All the way home I beat myself up -- this is my second slip-up, and an expensive one. How will I make up the difference? I vowed to go into an austerity plan until I "earned" $150 in my budget. Well, I got home and went immediately to the car. No ticket. Unless they mail it to me, I got off scot-free. But I don't think they will - they left in on the car when I got caught during the snow season. I think they just didn't get to my street.

Boy, did that improve my mood!

Now I just have to think of something that will make me remember to move the car on Monday nights.