CB in the City

Yesterday I bought a gift on Amazon, and for the first time I actually had to pay something! $37 for some computer software. Would have been around $59, but I still had some credits to apply.

I did a load of laundry for $1.50.

When I got home last night at 6, I put a turkey breast in the oven. I'd bought it before Thanksgiving, when prices were so low. I let it thaw this weekend, thinking I would get around to cooking it, but I didn't. So I had to do it last night. It cooked until 8. Of course, by then, I had already made myself a peanut butter sandwich, too hungry to wait. But I'll have a turkey dinner tonight. And sandwiches and casseroles later.

Some of you may remember I bought some stuff at Macy's last month, opening up a new credit card to get the savings. I have not yet received a bill. Yesterday I tried to create an online account, but I couldn't make a payment, because I didn't have my credit card number. I was quite worried that I hadn't received my credit card either, so I tore through my house last night and finally found the card in the bottom of my train bag. So now I wonder if I got the bill and misplaced that, too? Oh well, now that I have the card, I can get online and pay today.

I have another load of laundry to do tonight -- a red load, which happens fairly rarely, like a blue moon! It's actually red, pink, purple and orange. I finally learned I can't wash red with anything but these colors. It's quite exciting when I get a full load, so I can wear some of my favorite things again!

I still need to get gifts for my DIL, my grand-nieces and my nephew. For my DIL I'll get something from her Amazon list (she's hard to buy for). For my grand-nieces, I just need to buy a fabric-painting kit -- I already have T-shirts and a how-to book. (I have a 40% coupon for Michael's so that's where I'll get it.) For my nephew, I'm at a loss. Last year I got him a gift card, and I may do that again.

Oh, and I probably need to get a little something for each of my sons. I have their big gifts, but our tradition is to have some little gifts, too. Hmmm, think, think. Since one of them just had a birthday, it's always hard to turn around and think of something new. When they were needy college students, it was so much easier!

I had a really happy, but tiring weekend -- and I spent quite a bit, too.

On both days I did some Christmas shopping in heavy crowds (I'd say the economy is recovering!) I spent about $148 on gifts, mostly small things. I am not done by any means. Maybe it's time to look at Amazon lists again.

I pulled out my gift stash and made some decisions -- wrapped everything that I could, but I still have some things that may go to one person or another, depending on what I buy in the coming weeks.

On Saturday night I went with my sons and grandchildren (yes, the baby, too) to Navy Pier to see Santa arrive by boat; then we spent some time in the Winter Wonderland (food, rides, etc.) I didn't spend anything there, but afterwards some of us went to Steak & Shake - $22.

On Sunday I made dinner for my son for his birthday -- he requested chipped beef on toast (nice & cheap!) -- mainly because his wife doesn't care for it, so he never gets it. I bought him a chocolate cake from Portillo's ($20) so that made up for the cheap! I gave him his gifts -- an extension for his Carcasonne game, a book on bodyweight training, some athletic socks, and a bag of HotHands. (Like me, he takes public transit and spends his fair share of time out in the cold).

Other spending this weekend included a poinsettia ($7), groceries ($57), stuff for the house ($53) - organizers, plants, mat, in-sink strainer, etc. Also spent $13 on household supplies -- tape, TP, etc. Not really big spending, but a lot of piddly spending.

I also got breakfast at McDonald's on Saturday morning. They had a special on two Egg McMuffin's for the price of one ($3), so I got two and warmed up the second one on the next day. Worked pretty well!

I went to bed very achy and sore last night, but today I'm feeling pretty good. Which is good; I think I'm going to have a tough week at work, and I'd better get going on it!

So I did my spending totals, with the expectation that I will not spend any money today.

I spent $3400 this month, and this is how it breaks down.

Medical/Health: $1127. The big factor here was paying the out-of-pocket cost for my surgery and the subsequent ER visit.

Housing: $989. Double payment on mortgage, assessment fee -- and still less than my former rent!

Clothing: $331. Bought a winter coat and two pairs of short boots, as well as a few Goodwill bargains.

Groceries: $140. I can do better. Just need to get my act together.

Gifts: $114. Not bad for the month before Christmas.

Furniture/Equipment: $112. Folding chairs and sweater dryers.

Fares: $105. Monthly train pass. I get a $30 discount from my employer.

Utilities: $96. Yay! This even counts cable & internet!

Eating Out: $96. Boo! Too high.

Vacation/Travel: $61. Cheap Thanksgiving trip.

Phone: $55. Prepaid. Every time it runs low, I get charged $55. My monthly average is around $35.

Household Supplies: $42.

Gas: $40.

Entertainment: $30 (2 movies & Netflix)

Miscellaneous; $24

Personal: $18 (mostly for haircut)

Laundry: $15 (did a couple of loads for free over Thanksgiving)

So... Spending overall was a little high, but mostly driven by those high medical bills. I would really like to keep it below $2500, however.

Yesterday I gave $2 toward the Powerball pool at work -- looks like we won $1 to split among 10 people!

I met a friend for dinner, and I treated, since she had treated last time. We both got hamburger plates, but it was a fairly upscale place, so the bill was $25. She paid the tip. I will say it was a huge hamburger with lots of homemade fries, so I left feeling quite full for my money.

I got home around 8, and I was so tired I went to bed pretty shortly afterward -- not before checking the vestibule to find that one of my Amazon orders arrived. This is something I like about my new place -- packages are left in the vestibule and I don't have to run down someone in a central office to get my packages. I suppose there is some risk, but I enjoy the convenience.

So I went to bed, woke up this morning after what seemed like a few minutes to walk to the station again. My life is all walk, train, work, train, walk, sleep. Not complaining! This is what I have to do for two more years and then I can take it easy.

I noticed today I was using as a bookmark a $10-off- $30-purchase coupon at Kohl's. That's a pretty good savings, especially if I find something on sale, so I will try to shop there this weekend for a Christmas gift. I also have a coupon for Carter's, and I need to take my Bed, Bath & Beyond coupon in for a refund. I believe I can do it all in the same shopping center -- and pick up groceries, too.

Once again, I made it past Corner Bakery this morning without buying anything. I had a trail mix bar in my bag and I ate it on the train. Later on I will make some oatmeal, and then I have my Hot Pocket for lunch. It would be so easy to spend more eating out, but I am trying to save my money for special times with friends. To my mind, that is when eating out really counts, even if you spend a little more!

Yesterday I bought lunch at the cafeteria -- I had string cheese and raw vegetables to eat, but I just didn't want them. I ordered a meal that was posted as $3.99, and I thought that two sides came with the entree. But at checkout I was charged $5.99. I'll have to look more closely. The meal was a strange one -- baked pasta, chipotle potatoes and grilled vegetables. Huge portions. I ate the pasta and took the sides home, where I used them in an egg casserole. I didn't have milk or cream or cheese for the casserole, so I substituted blue cheese dressing, and it was pretty good! And it puffed up and browned so prettily. I will get two more meals from the casserole, by wrapping the leftovers in tortillas.

In order to combat my cravings for hot food at lunchtime, I stopped at Walgreen's on the way home and bought two boxes of Hot Pockets($5)which I brought to work today. Also earned 1,000 points -- not sure what I can use them for, but I'll find out. Anybody use Walgreen's points?

Once home, I did a load of laundry ($1.50). I spent a chunk of the evening pulverizing my homemade dishwashing powder, which had solidified into a solid mass. I decided that storing it in a jar would be better than in the plastic tub, but first I had to make it powdery again. That took some work with a hammer and a rolling pin. Luckily, I don't think I lost too much down the sink!

This morning I wanted to stop at Corner Bakery in the station so bad, but I resisted. When I got to work, there was apple strudel in the break room, so my discipline was rewarded!

Tonight I'm going out to dinner with a friend at a mid-priced restaurant. Not sure what I'm going to have but I'm thinking soup and grilled cheese would hit the spot and might not be too expensive.

My Verizon bill hit - $54. (prepaid phone) Lately it's been averaging $35 a month, which is good.

Today is my son's birthday, but we will celebrate on Sunday with a dinner at my house. He has yet to turn in his menu request.

Oh, and I did some Christmas shopping on Amazon -- mostly toys for the grandchildren -- and have not yet spent a cent, thanks to MyPoints and Discover rewards. I think I am getting close to using them up, however.

One of my tasks this weekend is to pull out all my stashed gifts and make a plan for who gets what, and what I still need to buy. I can't believe how suddenly Christmas has come upon us! Like it does every year!

Yesterday was a no-spend day, as was Sunday. I sent a $10 check today to someone who is buying a gift for the outgoing President of a board upon which I serve. I also promised to donate $50 to the local hospital which is trying to pay off its construction costs. Long story, but the hospital, which is a non-profit, started an ambitious building campaign before the recession and got caught. I'm glad to help out in a small way; it is a great hospital, and I've been treated very well there.

I noticed yesterday that my mortgage check was not credited, so I called the credit union. It turned out that I had written different amounts on the check -- in one place I wrote $650, but on the line where you write it out, I wrote "Six hundred and 50/100." Oops. So I had them transfer the mortgage from my savings account rather than write a new check. I think I may continue to do that, and just write one check every month to go into the savings account. (I do not have a checking account at the CU -- the idea was to have inaccessible savings -- but I may rethink that, now that my mortgage is there).

I am continuing to leave about $3000 in checking because I will soon be paying the annual property tax.

I have to decide soon whether I will continue to keep my parking space at home. It is in an alley and quite near my back door, which is convenient. However, I am enjoying the benefit of free parking right now because the previous owner paid through the year. In January, I will have to start paying $60 a month. If I park on the street, I will have to buy a $100 parking pass, but it will be good for the year. There is usually parking on my block, and I am not using the car a lot, so it seems that giving up the parking space is the thing to do. The only thing I dread is that I will have to keep moving the car during snowplowing season. But heck, for $60 a month I can do that, can't I?

At least I don't have to pay to park at work any more, though I am paying $105 a month for the commute on the train! Which is so much more reasonable than gas -- I am not complaining.

I did a Pine Cone survey for $3 and found .03 today. A nice symmetry!

I love Thanksgiving break. It is always a real change in my routine -- I drive to Michigan, see family I haven't seen in a year, get well fed, play lots of games and laugh, laugh, laugh. I've decided that Thanksgiving is my real New Year's because I always come back home recharged and refreshed and ready to make improvements in my life.

It was especially poignant this year. Just before I left, I ranted a little about my sister cutting herself off and not joining us this year. Well, guess what? My sister-in-law reached out and gave my sister her credit card miles so she could come -- they kept it as a surprise, so it was quite amazing to walk into my brother's house and see my sister at the table! It made me realize that despite our differences, having my sister there makes the holiday.

I spent most of my time at my nephew's house, because he had the space. He lives in the country in a big lovely house on a dirt road with few neighbors. His daughter raises chickens in the back yard. They used to have a pony and a goat, but they were sold to other families this year (too much trouble, I imagine). But they just added a Great Pyrenees puppy to their family. Anyway, it was very, very rural and quiet. It was weird to be told I didn't have to lock my car. Even weirder that the guest house I slept in was unlocked and that I might expect neighbors to come into the lower level to buy organic meat from the freezer below -- where they simply left money for their purchase with a note of what they had taken.

Today it's back to city life, where I wouldn't dream of not locking the door. Memories of the windswept fields kept whirling in my head as I walked to the station this morning between the high rises, stepping over beer cans and cigarette butts. Don't get me wrong, I love city life. It's just so different; it's like two different worlds.

But on to financial things ... I had a pretty low-spend vacation. $4 on road food, $18 for a movie and treats which I shared (the movie was Rise of the Guardians), $39 for gas. I also visited their Goodwill and bought 3 pairs of pants for myself and 3 sweaters for my sister for $22.

Oh, and before I left, I DID get my intercom fixed -- the bill is yet to come.

I stopped at Walgreen's last night and transferred my one prescription, thus earning a $25 Walgreen's gift card. I will use it for Christmas somehow, whether as a straight gift, or to buy gifts with it. I have some family members who would welcome very practical things.

Spent my usual $5 on the prescription,thus emptying my flexible spending account.

This morning I bought my train pass for December -- $105. Later, when my business office opens, I'll go get my $30 voucher for next month.

The repairman who was coming to fix my intercom was running late yesterday, and had not yet come at 10:30 when my niece had to leave. So I rescheduled him for Wednesday morning, when I will be home, getting ready for my trip. I hope it will not take a long time, as I want to get on the road. On the other hand, I have lots to do -- packing, baking a pie, laundry -- so I won't get on the road TOO early in any event.

I have been trying to reach my sister about Thanksgiving, even though it is pretty clear she is not joining us. Her internet access is gone (this happens regularly) so I called and left a message on her cell phone. She never listens to her cell phone messages -- doesn't know what her password is. Are you starting to see the problem here? Oh, and she rarely answers her cell phone either. (And she often loses that account, too). So she is pretty much impossible to reach, when she doesn't want to be reached, and she usually doesn't. Well, this morning, while I was on the train, I get a call, and it's from her! I answered, but the train was noisy and I couldn't hear. Then it went dead. When I got to the station, I called back. It rang three times and then it stopped, like she had turned off the phone. I think the first call was probably an accident. C'est la vie. She has cut herself off before, and I've learned I can't do anything about it. It usually means grave money trouble, and I can't do anything about that either.

At least I will see my brother this Thanksgiving, and quite a few of my nieces and nephews. One of my sons and his family is coming, too, if some health issues are resolved. So it will be a happy Thanksgiving, if also a little bittersweet.

I had a really busy weekend, starting with my grandson's birthday dinner on Friday night at Bonefish Grill. I chipped in $20 for that.

On Saturday morning I spent $2 on laundry, then went to Bed, Bath & Beyond and bought two folding chairs and three sweater dryers. Now I can seat 6 at my table. The chairs were $40 apiece but sturdy and good-looking, not the card-table variety. The sweater dryers were $10 apiece. I bought three because I had three sweaters laid out on my kitchen table. These dryers stack so I can dry 3 sweaters at once with air flow underneath.

I also spent $15 on a bag of pistachios to take to my brother's for the Thanksgiving card games. (I will also take a pie for the dinner, provided it turns out well).

At the grocery store I spent $34 on food for myself, and $20 on frozen pizzas for my son, the new papa. I also bought a bag of cat food for $5, and a box of pantiliners for $3. This is something of an milestone -- I can wear very light pantiliners after my surgery -- no more pads. Freedom!

Then I stopped at Carter's and bought a dress and a sleeper for my new granddaughter -- $25 for both.

And you might have figured out that I spent the evening at my son's house, holding the baby.

On Sunday I was invited to both a brunch and an afternoon open house. The open house was an hour away, but close to my old hairdresser's, so I stopped and got a cut for $15. On the way home, I also stopped at my old Goodwill, where I bought three Christmas figurines -- one for my own Santa collection, and the other two to use as gifts. I also found a shirt for my brother-in-law and a top for me. Spent $12 all together.

This morning I'm having my intercom fixed -- I am not able to buzz people in the front door. They already fixed the front door part, but apparently my intercom is also faulty. My niece offered to let the repairman in, so I could go to work. I'm really enjoying the benefit of having family close by! I don't know how much that will cost -- I just hope it's fixable, as it's quite annoying to have to go downstairs to let people in!

I tried to transfer a prescription to Walgreen's online today, but it didn't work. I will have to do it personally. I hope I still get the $25 gift card! The Walgreen's is right on the way home, so it will be more convenient anyway.

Can't believe Thanksgiving is almost here! I'm ready for a break! I'm taking Wednesday off, since the drive out of Chicago is a nightmare on Wednesday night. The earlier I can get on the road the better! Safe travels to all of you who are also on the road this week!

Oops -- forget to say that I also bought gas for $3.49 a gallon -- very cheap for this area -- $19 in total.

Last night I went to visit my new granddaughter and to help out if I could. I did some dishes and prepared a vegetable tray, but there was not much that needed to be done otherwise. I got to hold her for a while and give her her bottle. About 8:30 I left to give them their private time.

When I got home, I wrapped presents for my grandson. His birthday was on the 14th, and I was in on the tail end of the "kid" party and cake & candles, but tonight is the official family gathering, so it is tonight I am giving my presents. It took me a while to find and wrap them, but I got to bed fairly early. Only to lie awake for hours. I finally took a painkiller, which helped, but I don't think I got much sleep at all before the alarm went off at 5. I would have skipped work today, except that I have an important meeting. I'm sure not going to be in tip-top shape for it.

I bought breakfast at the train station this morning - $6 for a caramel latte and a pumpkin muffin. I felt that this was going to be such a hard day, I needed a boost. I have to say they were delicious and made my morning feel much better.

Tonight I will be eating out again, as the birthday party is at a restaurant. I will bear in mind that I've already had my treat, and order accordingly. And try not to fall asleep at the table.

All I can say is TGIF!!

I just added $10,000 to my emergency fund. It was money originally intended for the down payment, but it's been sitting in checking, since I made a smaller down payment than planned. I may yet move it to my mortgage, but I'm undecided. I like having a healthy emergency fund, and I may soon need to buy a car. My 2001 Toyota is doing great, but it has 126,000 miles on it, and it won't last forever. I would like to pay cash and not have a car payment hanging over me in retirement. (Managing the insurance will be bad enough!) At least in the savings account it will draw a little interest.

I made a double mortgage payment today (it's payday) and paid off my credit cards.

I also paid a hospital bill of $822. I hope that will be the biggest chunk and no more big bills will trickle in.

Planning to see my granddaughter again tonight! I offered to bring dinner -- just waiting for my son to text me about what they want. Last night was my grandson's birthday, so I had to devote my few evening hours to him. Funny, the two cousins have a birthday one day apart!

Maybe at noon today I can sneak out and buy a little dress! Buying little dresses is going to be a real treat, since I raised two boys myself.

It seems that another girls' weekend in Chicago is shaping up. One of my friends recently moved to Hyde Park, and she wants us to bunk there. Then we will go downtown and have tea at the Drake and, maybe, dinner at Joe's Seafood. (No, not Joe's Crab Shack -- a whole different experience!) So I need to be saving my money for that. Then of course there is Christmas, and soon after, property taxes to pay and income tax. So I'm glad I have a nice cushion!

My first granddaughter and third grandchild arrived safely yesterday evening. She is beautiful, and all is well. She was named after my aunt, who recently passed away, so that was a nice surprise.

I was able to be there for the delivery (not in the room, of course) and got a chance to hold her. I tell you, holding these precious little beings in your arms makes all your so-called problems and annoyances drop away. You can only feel grateful and humbled for such a gift.

Since I had a doctor's appointment yesterday, I drove to work. And since I was in the area where gas is cheaper, I filled up. $20. I also did a load of laundry last night - $1.50.

It's turned cold and bitter all of a sudden. There was light snow on the ground this morning! It was a cold walk to the station, and it reminded me that I need to find some warm mittens. The gloves I have are fine for cool weather, but not for COLD weather.

I opened my bedroom and bathroom radiators last night before I went to bed, but they didn't produce heat in the night. I know they are working, because they have blasted out heat before, so for some reason the boiler didn't kick on. Anyone have experience with radiator heat? This is all new to me. I huddled under my quilt and blanket all night, and even my cat got under the blankets. This morning, the radiators felt warm, but not hot. I suppose when it gets really, consistently, cold outside the boiler will run all the time and I won't have this problem.

Otherwise things are just toolin' along! Still expecting that grandbaby to make an appearance!

I served my first dinner in my dining room this weekend. I had my son, his wife, their two children, and my DIL's mother over for beef stew. It was really nice to use the room, and the stew turned out great! I even lit the candles.

The old dresser is now set up as a sideboard in the dining room, and I had the kids move a bookcase to a better position. Baby step by baby step, I'm getting the place in order.

I had two adventures this weekend: shopping at Whole Foods and making dishwashing detergent.

I had a $5 coupon for Whole Foods if I spent $25. I spent $33 after the coupon was subtracted. I didn't find it very easy to find things I wanted. I ended up getting stew beef, a chocolate bar, pumpkin butter, raspberries, Rice Dream Egg Nog, almond milk, hormone-free ice cream, organic salad greens, and soy creamer. The prices were intimidating, but the people were wonderfully friendly. It was the most friendly experience I've had in my new town!

To make the dishwashing detergent, I had to buy washing soda, borax, kosher salt, and Lemishine. I already had citric acid, which I ordered online. Finding the washing soda was a problem -- I went to three different places before I found it at Ace Hardware. My DIL put it together for me, and now I've got enough dishwashing detergent to last several years, I think. Does a really good job, though! The ingredients cost about $40.

I also went to see Cloud Atlas with my other son ($10), did some laundry ($3), bought groceries at Target ($11, after coupons) and bought some generic Glucosimine Chondroitin. ($18) My joints have been killing me, and the science community seems to agree that G-C, when taken in combination, helps some people. I have taken it before, but stopped when I broke my ankle. The powerful painkillers I took after the surgery made it redundant! But the pain has come back. I think it is partly because I am walking and climbing stairs so much more. My joints are complaining, but I think in the long run the extra exercise will develop muscles that will help my joints -- and maybe even help to get some weight off, which would be the best thing I could do for my aching hips and knees.

I went for my first followup to the pelvic surgery this morning. All is good. My next appointment is in four weeks. I paid $5 for parking.

It's turned chilly! Winter is breathing down my neck!

I love my train bag. I bought it at Goodwill for $7, and I think it was brand new. It is black, sleek but roomy, and stylish. Now that I've carried it around for a few weeks, it's evolved into a pretty consistent warehouse of handy items! What's in my train bag?

Wallet
Coupon holder
Book & bookmark
Reading glasses
Hat, gloves & scarf
Sometimes an umbrella
Ibuprofen
Granola bars
Lint roller
Measuring tape
Binder clips
Kleenex
Phone
Lunch
Extra keys

My primary key set and my train pass are always in my coat pocket.

I have a vintage Coach purse (also purchased at Goodwill) that I hardly use any more because the train bag is so handy. I may sell it on eBay, or, I may just keep it for the occasions when I don't want to carry a big bag.

But right now, I'm really into the big bag.

In other news, my DIL posted that she is 2cm dilated. It won't be long before I have another grandchild to cuddle!

Did some laundry last night - $1.50. I paid a $64 medical bill yesterday and will be paying $196 today. Will also pay my gas bill, but first have to check out why they didn't get last month's payment -- or if they really didn't. I'm pretty sure I set it up with Checkfree.

I woke up at 4 again. And here I was so looking forward to an extra hour of sleep! My body refuses to acknowledge that the time has changed. So after lying around for a while I got up and got ready in a leisurely way. I do like it when I have time to make the bed in the morning and clean the cat pan. Just seems to make the whole day go better.

My intercom has not worked right since I moved in -- my visitors cannot hear my voice, and they say the door doesn't unlock when I try to buzz them in. I'm not sure what's wrong, but I called the property manager and they are sending someone to look at the box in the vestibule. If there is no problem with that, then I will have to pay to get my intercom repaired. That's okay. That's what I have the E fund for.

I got a $5 off welcome coupon from Whole Foods. I'm tempted to use it, even though the extra cost of the food there will wipe out any gain from using the coupon. But it's fun to go there. I'll look for something I can't get at other places.

They tell me a Trader Joe's is scheduled to open in the same area. I can't really tell where it is going to be -- not a lot of progress has been made, I guess. But I'm looking forward to it.

There is an Aldi not far away, also. I need to check that out.

Found another penny on my walk in! Weird how happy that makes me!

I made it to the polls last night about a half-hour before they closed, and all my records were in order. Those of us there were die-hard voters, because it was dark, rainy, and the building was tiny -- hardly any room to get to the machines.

I believe I spent nothing at all yesterday. It's been a while since that happened! But today I will be paying a medical bill, and tonight I have to do a load of laundry.

I went to a health fair at work yesterday, where they served mini ham sandwiches for lunch, along with fruit and chips. So that was my free lunch. Then, since Human Resources, the department that sponsored the fair, is right down the hall, the leftover sandwiches appeared in our break room in the late afternoon. I took one for dinner. Lo and behold, this morning there were more in the break room fridge! So I had two for breakfast. I think now I'm officially tired of them, but seriously, if they are still there at lunch time, I'm going for it. I love free food!

I did some shopping on Amazon yesterday for Christmas -- bought a game, a book, and also some citric acid for my dishwasher detergent recipe. But it was still a no-spend day because it was all free, paid for with Discover rewards. Gotta love that!

For three adults and two children the bill was only $32. And I, for one, had too much to eat, and it included a big dessert cookie that the boys split.

My grandson was puzzled that he was getting another birthday so soon (I missed his real birthday in September when I went to his aunt's funeral. With my move and my surgery, the celebration kept getting pushed back). When he finally realized that, YES, he was getting another birthday, he really got into it. He liked the little dinosaur sippy cup and the sticky ropes as much as he liked the Toy Story garbage truck. He was not impressed with the pullover hoodie, but hopefully, Mommy was glad to see it.

I woke up at 4 this morning (body clock said it was 5!) It was kind of nice to enjoy coffee and watch the news before I left. On my way to work I found another penny.

Tonight I will stop and vote on the way home. I walked by my polling place this morning, but it didn't open till 6 and I had to catch the 6:13 bus. It will be open till 7, and I usually get home at 6, so I should have time to vote. IF -- they have my correct information. I received a letter in the mail saying that I had accessed the website but hadn't sent in the application. But all the information on the sheet was for another person with my last name. So we'll see if the polling place has it right. If I don't get to vote, I'm not too worried -- as a Democrat in a Democrat district all my choices are already decided!

I moved an old dresser with mirror up here, but it got scratched in the move, and then a drawer was stuck open. I was going to get rid of it, but last night I fixed the drawer. I'm going to use it in the dining room as a sideboard, and I will paint it (again) -- it's been painted before. I would like to put a matte paint over the current glossy paint -- is that a no-no?

Anyway, I will use it to store tablecloths, napkins, and whatnots that don't fit anywhere else. I will not use the fixed drawer at all! I don't dare touch it again! Eventually I will replace it with something nicer, but with the new couch on the way, this is not the time to buy MORE furniture.

On Friday I went downtown for a one-day conference. I went very early, as I was doing registration, so I bought breakfast in the adjoining cafeteria, assuming it would be a while before the complimentary continental breakfast was set up. Good thing I did, because I didn't get away from the registration desk until after the program started -- two hours after I arrived. Breakfast was $4.49. No other cost that day, as lunch was provided and I used my train pass to get there. (Walked for 50 minutes, though, not counting the walk to and from the station!)

On Saturday my son called and asked if I wanted to go see "Wreck-It Ralph" with the grandkids. I did! I spent $6 on the ticket and $4 for a frozen lemonade -- bad choice, that, I had to eat it with a straw and it never melted. Afterwards, we found we had lost our parking ticket and were charged $13. I paid it, since the kids are struggling on one income and they've been a lot of help to me lately.

On Sunday I went grocery shopping - $41. I bought exactly 20 items, including two little $3 gifts for my grandson (we're celebrating his birthday this evening). I already have his big gift, but I wanted to get a few things just for fun.

There was still a lot to carry up the stairs, so I will have to limit myself more.

Then I ventured over to the big shopping center -- which was jam-packed -- to buy some investment clothing items. I actually intended to buy a pair of black shoes for work, but I ended up buying two pairs of short leather boots, one black, one brown. $186 for both. (Original price $218 for both.) Not a huge deal, but it is difficult to find good boots that fit around my wonky ankle. I decided I'd better get both black and brown when I found a winner.

I was not even looking for a coat, but I ran right into it -- a black Nautica down coat with a fur-trimmed hood. It fits well, looks good, and hits me below the knees. And it's warm. It will be my walk-to-the-train-station coat. I paid $131, marked down from $245.

I do not generally pay this much for clothes (since most of mine are from Goodwill!) but these are investment items that should serve me well for a long time.

While I was close to a Barnes & Noble I dropped in and picked up a Christmas gift for my grandson, using a gift card -- had to pay $18 above the $25 card, so it was not cheap. But I know he'll like it, because he tries to play with it when we shop there!

Two little tricks I discovered this weekend -- one, if I scoop some leftover breakfast casserole into a tortilla, it makes a delicious and portable breakfast. And two, if I empty my recycling bin on the way to the grocery store, I have a ready-made tote for carrying the groceries upstairs!

And I've started keeping a grocery list with categories -- not food categories, but NEED, WANT, RUNNING LOW and HAVE COUPON. I think it will help me with decisions. BTW, I don't use the coupons unless the item is also on sale (unless the item is a NEED.)

MY DIL gave me a little homemade dishwashing detergent, made with citric acid, washing soda, borax and kosher salt. It worked like a charm, so I'm going to start making my own.

Found .02 and brought in $3 from Pine Cone, so, even though I'm spending, I'm rakin' in the money!

My overall spending in October was still pretty high, mostly due to working out the kinks of moving into a new place.

Housing - $1328 (double mortgage, double assessment)
Furnishings & Equip - $568 (mostly deposit for new couch)
Gifts - $242 (birthday, work events, pre-Christmas)
Groceries - $165
Utilities - $164
Med/Health - $121 (mostly ER co-payment)
Fares - $105
Gas - $82
Personal - $59 (flat iron to keep at work)
Eating Out - $56
Phone - $55
Entertainment - $29
Laundry - $18
Vacation/Travel - $10 (payment to cat sitter)
Vet/Pet Supplies - $7
Clothing - $5
Misc. - $1

I made two assessment payments because I prepaid for November. I plan to always double the mortgage payment.

Laundry is a new category. I am very pleased it is only $18. That is well under what I was paying for water at my old place.

Gas was high -- just made some extra trips back and forth while sorting everything out. I expect I will have no gas expense next month except for the Thanksgiving trip -- and that will go in the Vacation category.

I can do better on groceries -- and on eating out.

Well, that was the most uneventful Halloween ever. By the time I got home from work, I saw no trick or treaters in my neighborhood. Of course, I was expecting none at all to come to my place, since I am on the second floor of a gated building. But I thought the grandchildren might stop by. I know they were going to try out a different neighborhood, however, with friends; I imagine it all got too complicated.

In the end I went to bed early. I can't seem to catch up on my sleep. I am tired all the time. I had the same thing after my appendectomy.

All the name tag drama will be resolved today. Even though I located calligraphic markers yesterday, after I wrote the first page of names, I gave up. I'm off. I don't know whether it's the equipment, being rusty myself, or being post-surgical and on meds, but my work just wasn't up to snuff. Luckily, yesterday one of our secretaries offered to print them for me today, which is a big relief.

We had Halloween treats at work all day yesterday, which provided free breakfast and lunch for me. (And no, it wasn't all candy!) I spent $17 on calligraphy markers (what a waste!) I also found some deeply discounted art pencil sets that I will use as a gift ($11). On the way home I stopped for gas at the cheap station -- $19.

I brought in my lunch today, but it wept onto a book in my train bag. Luckily not too badly, and it is a freebie book from the station, but I have to learn to be careful about that.

Later today I will publish my October recap.

I promised to do name tags for the conference I'm attending on Friday. I'm a calligrapher, of sorts, and I thought it would be a nice gesture to make classy-looking name tags in italic script. I will admit I was trying to make up for my general lack of participation on the programming committee due to my move and my surgery.

Well, I got started last night, and it was a disaster. My calligraphy pen leaked all over my hand, and in the end I decided it was unusable. I went out to get another at Michael's, but my GPS took me to a shopping plaza where there was no Michael's. By this time it was almost nine p.m. I went to Wal-Mart and Walgreen's, both a long-shot for a special item like this, and of course, no dice.

This morning I emailed another board member who had offered her help and said she could easily print the name tags at her office, and had done it in past. I laid out my problem. I haven't heard from her yet, but my Plan B is to go out at noon and find a pen. I drove to work instead of taking the train so I could do this. I have to get more plastic sleeves and lanyards, anyway -- our attendance is unexpectedly large.

I hate it when I'm trying to do something nice and it goes wrong.

I did more laundry last night - $1.50. (Am I the cleanest or dirtiest person in the world? -- I don't know).

On my trip to work this morning I stopped at McDonald's and got breakfast -- $4.02.

While I am down here with my car, I'll get gas since it is so much cheaper -- even though I am not even down a half-tank yet.

Second day back at work, and though I'm feeling a little draggy, I'm doing okay.

Yesterday on my walk home I took the route past Walgreen's and stopped to buy nuts for the office's Halloween party. I figure they are protein, easy to carry, and will counteract all the sweets. Spent $14.20 for cashews and macadamia nuts. I kind of like that walk. When it gets cold, I might want to stop at Walgreen's just for the break. I don't have a Walgreen's rewards card; maybe I should check it out if that's going to be a regular stop.

I also paid the hospital a $100 co-pay for using the ER.

This morning I bought next month's train pass - $105.25 (using my $30 voucher) -- and sent a $100 check to my sister for her birthday.

I got my check from my former landlord -- $35. Well, I tried. As I said, I'm not going to get upset about it.

My next challenge is going to a conference downtown on Friday. It looks like it will be a 25-minute walk from the station, and I will have to carry a bag of registration supplies. Hope the weather improves. It was pretty cold and windy this morning. I was glad I had a hat, scarf and gloves on! Of course, it is a minor annoyance considering what our East Coast friends are suffering through.

When I walked home last night I saw the huge, choppy waves on Lake Michigan. Looked very forbidding! So weird to think that a storm in the East so strongly affects a lake in the Midwest. Weather is interesting stuff.

I got my catheter out yesterday and it made me almost giddy to have it gone! I didn't think it was bothering me that much, but getting rid of it was an absolutely joyful experience!

I went out immediately to fill a prescription and picked up groceries at the same time. I had a craving for hot dogs and ice cream, and I got both. I spent about $35, which includes some non-food items. The prescription was only $2.38.

In the evening I went out to a local burger joint with my son's family. I didn't order anything -- I had eaten my hot dog -- but I ate a few fries off my son's plate. I went mainly for the company. Tonight I'm going to go over and sit for the grandkids, but I'll go after the kids are in bed, so it will be very easy on me.

I'm surprised that the heat hasn't come on today. I'm quite chilly, especially when I'm just sitting. I did some unpacking this morning, which got me a little warmer. I've now unpacked every box except those in the basement storage closet (and those are for a garage sale). I don't have everything completely organized yet, but I've made a lot of progress.

I found a bread board I was missing, but I still haven't found a pair of black pants and my black jacket. Now I wonder if I left them somewhere on my trip. If so, I hope it was at my friend's house. I don't see how I could have left them in a motel; I was very careful. And I didn't take those clothes on the trip! But I might have worn them when I left home.

I think I'm going to have to revisit my 20 items or less (grocery) plan. Not just because it's economical, but, more importantly, it's not easy to carry groceries upstairs. I need to shop more often and buy less.

I have discovered that there is a Walgreen's with a food mart on the way home from the train station if I take a different route. That could come in handy. There is also a health food store in the same strip mall, where I could pick up veggies or such if I needed them in a hurry. At a high price, I'm sure.

There are a couple of restaurants, as well as a Starbuck's and a Subway, just a block away on the other side of the station. So if I'm ever starving on the way home, I'm covered!

I've been out of circulation for a few days. On Tuesday I went in for my outpatient surgery to -- well -- fix my leak. It was supposed to be routine, but things are never really routine, are they? Apparently there was unexpected scar tissue to deal with, thus extra surgery, and the upshot is, I was sent home with a catheter in place. That was bad enough, but once I got home the catheter tube got stopped up with a blood clot and I had to go to the ER to get it flushed out so I could go! Very miserable day.

I'm much better now and expecting the catheter to be removed tomorrow. Living with it is not as bad as it might seem, I've gotten quite used to dragging my little friend around. I wouldn't consider leaving the house, though! My sons are checking on me and bringing me meals, so I am actually feeling quite spoiled now.

I spent $18 on four prescriptions -- super cheap, eh? My son filled them for me and couldn't get over what a good prescription plan I have.

Now I am ready to turn in for the night and I'm really looking forward to taking that painkiller that puts me to sleep!

My neighbor is playing the piano -- I don't mind, because he/she plays beautifully. Kind of a bonus! Free lullabies!

But it won't be delivered for up to 12 weeks!

I had to find a couch that would fit through a 33" door. And I felt that I needed to get a sleeper, since I have only one bedroom. That really limited my options, so it came down to a special order. I had a coupon for $500 off, but couldn't use it, as it was for in-stock items only.

But the good part was that I got to pick my color -- red -- and I also found a pair of ottomans that I love which will serve as a coffee table, and also as extra seating when needed. (Couldn't use the coupon on those either -- not in stock). I'm really excited about how nice my living room will look -- in 12 weeks or so. (It might be sooner, but I'm going to focus on 12 weeks so I'll be pleasantly surprised if it's shorter).

I paid a $500 deposit; the total cost for all three items plus delivery is about $1500. Not cheap, but I think I made the right choice.

I'll be able to re-purpose the wooden chest now in use as a coffee table as a toy box.

This means I won't be looking for a dining room sideboard any time soon, but that's okay, I have a plan. I will use a tall bookcase instead, and fill another empty corner in the dining room with one of two occasional chairs that are serving as couch substitutes right now.

I still need to get a living room area carpet. That's my next challenge. Might as well get it before the furniture is delivered.

Other spending this weekend: $61 for groceries, $18 for household supplies, $50 for grandchild gifts and cards, $3 for laundry. I also spent $8 at Target along with a $50 gift card for a new toaster, some shelving, and a mat to go under the litter box.

The toaster is red, too. Needless to say, red is my favorite color!

I babysat for my grandkids last night and got a free dinner of fish and spinach salad. I've had so many free meals recently I haven't grocery-shopped for at least two weeks (though I've picked up snacks and fast-food meals here and there). I really need to do some serious stocking up this weekend.

I got a statement yesterday from my former landlord explaining why I am getting only $35 of my deposit back. I wrote a rebuttal letter this morning questioning the charge for water (I'm sure I paid the bill already) and one day's rent in October (I turned in the keys on September 30). I don't know if I'll get anywhere -- it's a big property company and I imagine they usually get their way, but those two charges would, if corrected, return $70+ to me. Considering that I paid a hefty fee to break the lease and left the apartment clean, I'm annoyed. (I'll grant that the carpet has to be replaced, but three years of wear and tear on a cheap carpet will take its toll -- and it wasn't new to me!)

However, I've made a deal with myself not to get upset about things like that any more, just deal with it and let it go. So, the letter is in the mail, and I'll put it out of my mind now.

It's been a rough week for me. I'm feeling tired, overworked, and unsettled. All the extra walking, while good for me, has also irritated my ankle (the one that's full of metal). I hope it will work itself out, because I have to walk! (Actually, I could drive to work if I have to, but it's more expensive and not as fun as the train). But I DO have to climb stairs, there is no getting around that!

I'm looking forward to getting more stuff unpacked and organized, and perhaps even finding a couch this weekend. I'm sick of the empty room, and fighting with my cats for the one comfortable chair!

Another really bad night's sleep, and I'm exhausted.

I have been dumped with too much work, to be done in too little time.

The weather's icky.

My new home is infested with little black flying beetles. Harmless, but not good roommates.

The more I unpack, the bigger the mess is.

I have to have minor surgery next week, and I am not feeling ready.

The good news --

No spending today.

I found my black shoes (my back-ups sprung a leak!)

I get to have dinner with my grandkids tonight and put them to bed.

It's almost Friday!

I've been getting the benefit of free food at work due to several birthdays and Bosses' Day. Granted, it's mostly carbs, but with my new commuting schedule, I appreciate not having to pack food.

This morning I was ready a little earlier than usual and walked to the station rather than wait at home. A train was leaving just as I was arriving. So I could take an even earlier train if I wanted! It might not pay off, though, if there is not a corresponding early train out of the city...

I've started a new "station" book, and returned the other. I've lost interest in getting Kindle books. The ones that are free I've already read or I'm not interested in reading. I've spent too many years getting free reading from the library to pay for it now. I do understand that I can get free Kindle books from the library, but frankly, it's so easy to pick up a book at the station and just give it back when I'm done. Maybe after I work my way through the selection I'll feel differently.

Tomorrow night I am babysitting for my grandsons and my DIL has offered to make dinner (another free meal!) So I will go there straight after work. She has promised she won't be out late, but even so, I could fall asleep on the couch once the kids are in bed. And I might.

I unpacked one more box last night -- and it reminded me that I have to get a toy box. In my apartment, I used built-in bookshelves for the toys, but here I have no such feature. I am thinking I could use the chest I am currently using as a coffee table, and then buy a more traditional coffee table to go with the new couch. I would have to empty the chest of all the board games stored there, but they should be stored in the dining room, anyway, where the table is. I have a bookshelf in the dining room, and all I have to do is empty it of the knick-knacks, which will go ... where? Such is the unpacking life. I will be glad when I get it all sorted out.

My only spending today -- $5 for a $10 Dunkin Donuts coupon from Groupon. I figure I will use it when traveling.

Did another load of laundry last night -- sheets and towels -- $1.50. I hope I am now caught up for a while.

I made my first mortgage payment yesterday. I doubled it, then rounded up. I hope that I will always be able to do this, at least as long as I am working.

I still have some cash left over. I am going to move some to my slush fund and emergency fund -- get both of them fully funded -- but after that, I'm not sure what to do. I could buy stock, or I could put a chunk of money on the mortgage. I know what I DON'T want to do is fritter it away.

I haven't yet had a chance to look for a couch. I hope this weekend will be the right time. I've seen good-looking couches on the Home Reserve website. The couch is delivered in boxes and has to be assembled. I would be assured that it would fit through the door -- but I am not at all sure about the assembly process. I've had a lot of trouble with assembly and have sworn it off several times. I don't think either of my kids are particularly handy in that way, either. So I think I'll go with the "real" couch and just be careful to measure.

I found my phone charger last night -- plugged into an outlet, so I used it already in my new home and just didn't remember. So I hooked up that phone, and -- yup, it's still there -- no phone today. I also forgot to pack the bread for my sandwich.

What I DID remember -- the book to return to the station, the rest of my lunch, my keys, my pass, and the kitty litter trash which I take out every morning. Evidently, I can' remember more than five things at a time!