CB in the City

I don't know how....!

So I'll make it brief this time and say -- I'm tired (what's new?) I'm glad Homecoming is over.

I spent:

$7.50 at Steak N Shake
$32 on gas
$22 on used books
$4 on used games
$5 on a secondhand pair of pants
$3 on laundry
$22 at burger place

I managed to pack breakfast and lunch today!

I can't find my phone charger.

Looking forward to a good night's sleep tonight!

What an exhausting weekend. Homecoming -- tons of extra work. Former in-laws in town -- extra time spent visiting. Babysitting -- always fun but always exhausting. Then last night, when I should have been sleeping like a log, I was awake because 1) my joints hurt and Aleve wasn't cutting it, and 2) I smelled skunk -- must have sprayed in the alley, but it was so strong you'd think he did it in my condo!

I can't find my phone charger. I have one in the car, but would have to drive around to charge the phone -- wish I had thought of it while I was going back forth to Homecoming! Anyway, I know where it WAS in my old apartment, but just can't figure out where it is at this end. So frustrating.

I spent a bit this weekend. I expected to be fed at Homecoming, but I was always marooned at registration or at the information table. While I could grab a few snacks, I did not get a meal. So when I left on Saturday night, I was starving. I stopped at Steak N Shake and spent $7.50 on a sandwich and drink.

I also made a Goodwill stop, to drop off things, and popped in to look around. I found two Scrabble Jr. games ($2 each), which I am collecting for the letter tiles, and also a nice pair of pants ($5). I am a little low on wintery pants, and this is a washable pair so I snapped it up.

I also went to a used bookstore and bought the last two Hunger Games books for my DIL. $22. (Not cheap for used books!)

Also filled up on gas ($32) while I had the car in the land of cheaper gas.

Yesterday evening I did two loads of laundry ($3) and tonight I really should wash my sheets and towels.

On Friday I spent $22 treating co-workers to hamburgers. It was my turn -- nothing official, but each of us on our small team occasionally treats for lunch. I had an AmazonLocal coupon I needed to use before the end of the year, so I volunteered.

Today I ALMOST left the house with no food packed (I got up late due to my lousy night's sleep). But I thought about having to tell you guys, so I threw a bag of salad, a block of cheese and a bag of grapes in my bag. There was already oatmeal at work for breakfast, I just had to be patient and not think about eating till I got to work. For lunch I just need to scrounge up some dressing -- I think there are freebie packets in the fridge, but if not, I'll make a run to the cafeteria and buy a little cup from the salad bar.

So, see, you are keeping me honest, somewhat!

Shortly after I said I would try for a NSD, I bought a flat iron from Folica. $59. It was a good price, and I had already decided I wanted to have one at work. The elements are going to do a number on my hair on my daily walk from the station, whether it be rain or snow or a warm hat.

I need to be thinking about a winter coat, too. I have lots of coats and jackets, but the only really warm one I have is short and very casual. I need something longer and suitable for work. A friend recommended North Face, which looks pretty casual, but if I found something in a quiet color it might be okay.

I drove today, since I'll be working late. I had to take a detour, but still got here a little before the train does. It was pretty hassle-free, too. Still, I won't be doing it a lot because it's cheaper to take the train. There won't be many weekends like this -- Homecoming comes but once a year!

I bought my breakfast again -- this time at McDonalds. I just can't seem to focus on breakfast at home. I don't have a lunch today, either. Once I get really settled, I think I'll get all the food issues straightened out.

I had my outfit planned for today and was quite surprised to find that the pants I had in mind are missing in action. They must be in a box or suitcase somewhere. I really need to focus on unpacking, but now I am at that unlovely point where I'm running out of room and don't know where to put the things I unpack. Sigh.

This morning I ate some beef jerky for breakfast and thus wasn't tempted by the pastries at the station. Not the best breakfast, but it was low-carb and fast. I really don't have time to cook a breakfast at home and at 5:30 AM I am not hungry. But I sure do get hungry along the way! I'm thinking boiled eggs and cheese slices might be other portable options.

No spending yesterday after breakfast, and I'll try to make this a NSD, too. My big plan for tonight is to figure out where the library's drop box is. I hear there is a drive-by, so I wouldn't have to pay for parking to return a book.

I may not use my new local library too much, even though it seems pretty awesome. Aside from the pay-for-parking issue, I do have a wonderful library across the street from where I work, and I think I can work out an agreement to borrow there, as a College employee. I actually walk past it every day on my way from the station. Also, the stations themselves have freebie books available on a give-one take-one basis, and I have seen some pretty good titles available. The book I am reading now is from one of the stations, and I am enjoying it.

Tomorrow will be a long day. I will go straight from work to an alumni reception for Homecoming. It is scheduled to last until 9. I am going to drive to work -- the trains are too sporadic after rush hour. I don't want to get caught waiting for an hour downtown. Then Saturday will be another long day -- information table, game, alumni tent, reunion dinner -- long, long day. On Saturday morning I will be going to my ex's for breakfast (he does this quite often for the kids when he has family visiting, and I am always invited -- and I usually go). I usually take something, but it is always coals to Newcastle -- too much food! Maybe I'll pick up some coffee.

I am anxious for this month to be over so I can look over my numbers and get a feel for my expenses in my new place. I am hoping my utilities, for one, will be less expensive, but so far I have not received a bill for any services used here (except the Comcast bill.) Speaking of the Comcast bill, I think I may be all right on that -- upon examining it, it looks like the higher charge includes installation so the next bill should be more in line ... We'll see.

Another load of laundry last night - $1.50. I had a better experience with the dryer, letting it run through the whole cycle. Everything was dry and more or less wrinkle-free.

That should catch me up on laundry for a while. I'm glad, because I don't really like the trek to the basement. It's awkward, carrying a basket and unlocking doors, and two flights of stairs to boot. I am storing my detergent and fabric softener in my locker, which is close to the laundry, so I don't have to mess with that, but it does mean more locking and unlocking. I have a bajillion keys!

In addition to doing laundry, I made chicken salad last night (brought it for lunch today) and made some chicken broth for a future meal. And gave myself a much-needed pedicure!

I was ready earlier than usual this morning -- I don't know quite how I did it, since I had to wash my hair. I even had time to get the crockpot going. I got to the station early and bought breakfast - cappuccino and a granola bar - $3.50. Note to self -- should have used the extra time to eat something at home!

I got my new Comcast bill -- sure enough, it's higher. Somehow the message that I wanted the same service did not get through. However, for the higher price I do seem to have a broad range of channels and I just might stick with it. At least long enough to see how I like it. Let's see -- what channel is "Extreme Cheapskates" on?

I already finished my library book so I picked up a science fiction book at the station. I've only read a little but it seems like it might be interesting. I am not a science fiction fan, but if the characters are interesting, I can enjoy the story.

I haven't done much unpacking at all this week, and I won't have much time this weekend either -- it is Homecoming weekend, and I have to work all day Saturday. Maybe Sunday will be productive.

I found .21 this morning -- three coins in three different places, on my walk this morning. And it was dark -- but the light from the streetlamps made them shine. I'm going to keep watching for coins; I have had excellent luck in the past few days.

I did laundry last night -- $1.50. I am trying to get used to the dryer. It seems to run a long time and the clothes come out very hot. There is no dial to see the drying cycle. I had it on normal (because there were jeans in the load)-- tonight, when I do the next load, I'll try permanent press.

I seared some stew beef and put it in the fridge last night. I meant to put it in the crock pot this morning, but did not, for lack of time. I have determined that I MUST leave the house at 6 to make the train. If it gets past six, I might as well linger at home, because the next train doesn't come till 6:51.

So tonight the plan is -- do another load of laundry, make chicken salad, and simmer the chicken carcass to make broth. And unpack another box! I didn't do that last night.

Tomorrow morning -- get that stew beef in the crock pot, and in the evening I'll make Stroganoff.

I didn't bring a lunch today, but I have oatmeal and nuts to see me through.

I'm still not sleeping good -- I think my mind is just whirling with all the change, and I'll eventually adjust. I think the time change will help, too, as I'm sleeping REAL well at 5 am!

Another bad night's sleep. I just can't seem to drop off that edge, even when I'm tired and sleepy. I woke up feeling awful but wrenched myself out of bed at 5 in order to make the early train -- only to realize halfway down the alley that I didn't have my pass with me. The time it took to go back and get it made me just late enough to watch the train go by as I was climbing the steps to the station. The next train came about a half hour later. To console myself, I bought a banana muffin. $2.39.

Thank goodness it is quiet at work today and not much is expected of me. The students are off for Columbus Day, which we call Fall Recess.

I paid my $339 assessment fee and arranged for my insurance company to send documentation to my property company. Seems like the paperwork never ends.

I also remembered, just in the nick of time, to re-register to vote -- I am in a different county now. As long as the application is postmarked October 9, I should be able to vote in the November election.

Tonight it's more laundry -- I have two loads tonight, I think. I "bought" some quarters from my co-workers in preparation. I will have to remember to get a roll of quarters at the grocery from now on.

There is a sign in the building lobby announcing the monthly homeowners' association meeting to be held in Mrs. L---'s apartment. C'mon folks, how am I supposed to know where to go? Actually, I can figure it out because of the kind of work I do (I have access to Lexis-Nexis), but how annoying is that? Am I the only new person in the building? And if I am, wouldn't you think they'd put a more informative note in my box? Perhaps even a welcome?

I'm cranky today.

It's been a busy weekend. Yesterday, I got up early and located the local Target. I happened to have quite a few Target coupons so I did my grocery shopping there was well as shop for house items. It is not a Super Target, so the food offerings were limited, but I could work with it. I spent $130, with $6 going to a turntable for a kitchen cabinet, $6 for kitty litter, $4 for giftwrap, and $35 for bathroom hardware. All the rest - $79 - went to food. On the way there I also spent $30 on gas. (Must find a different station -- overpriced and credit card reader wasn't working.)

After I unloaded my groceries, I went to find the local library. It seems like a great place, but you have to pay to park there! That might cramp my style. I paid $1 to park (but I found .91 in the lot!) I think this area may be a mecca for coin-finding! I got a library card and checked out a one-week book to read on the train. I must finish it in one week as there are no renewals. (This is just for the most popular books).

In the afternoon, I went to my DIL's baby shower, which was held in a local pizza parlor and was a lot of fun. I took home gardening gloves, measuring spoons and two plants as favors and prizes.

I forgot to mention that on Friday night I spent $1.50 on laundry. I met a lady in the laundry room who used to teach at a university (in another state) where I worked for a long time. Unfortunately, she is moving away, so I won't get to pursue that friendship.

This morning I slept in till 8 (that's really late for me!) I spent most of the day opening boxes and putting things away. I made a lot of progress, but there is still a lot to do. But I'm really starting to feel like I live here!

Late in the afternoon, my son called me to come to the playground (right down the street) where we watched the grandsons at play and talked. After a while they came home with me and my son helped me with a few things. I now have my home office set up (in the living room) and my bedroom closets are filled. The kitchen is done and so is the bathroom. The vital areas! Tonight I baked a chicken in my new oven, and I ran the dishwasher for the first time.

Tomorrow I start the work week over again -- and it will be a long one since I will have to work Homecoming weekend -- but I am feeling much more settled.

Last night was a frugal night out, as my friend insisted on paying for our dinner at a Mexican restaurant, and I only contributed $6 to the tip. Of course, it's not really frugal, because now I am committed to paying for her next time! On the plus side, I did take home a couple of quesadillas for dinner tonight.

Because of the night out, I took the 7:15 train to the city. (I usually catch the 4:15). Then I had to wait until 8:30 for the train home. This meant I had to walk home a little after nine. I was nervous at the thought of it, but the 6-block walk was uneventful and I didn't really feel frightened. It felt good to get home, though!

All my joints and my bad ankle were screaming last night when I went to bed. I got up and took Aleve, but it was still quite a while before the pain subsided enough for me to sleep. I am hoping that the pain is coming from my increased activity and my body will adjust as it becomes routine.

Anyway, because of the bad night, I couldn't get up at 5 this morning. The alarm went off at 5 but I didn't manage to get up until 6. I took a later train, but I learned that it is really much better to take the earlier one. I had a longer wait at the downtown station, and there was no express to my work station.

I'm so glad it's Friday! I hope I can get a little farther along in unpacking this weekend. I have a shower to go to (for my grandchild-to-be), shopping to do, laundry to do (and that will be my first adventure with coin-op laundry in the basement) ... but I hope to at least get my home office set up. My laptop is still in the carrying case, and the desk is piled high with boxes. Even though I have my computer here at work, I feel unconnected....

I should also look at couches this weekend. The time will go fast.

I realized this morning that I actually look forward to my train ride. I love the reading and relaxing. The walks to and from the two stations take about 40-45 minutes altogether, so are a good way to get my fitness done for the day.

This morning I spent $2 for a scone at the station. I haven't grocery-shopped yet, and since I'm going out to dinner tonight, it won't happen till Friday night or Saturday. I've been making do with the little food I brought from my old place, and food that my kids have shared with me. Yesterday was a birthday for two people at work, so there was food available there, too.

I'm meeting friends at an Italian restaurant near the station on my work end. That means I will get back home about an hour later than usual and walking in the dark. That makes me a little nervous, but the walk is through a very nice quiet neighborhood, so I probably shouldn't be. I was raised to never walk alone after dark, and it's a lesson that stuck! (That said, I'm walking in the dark in the morning, but that feels different.) Soon it will be dark both ways, so I might as well get used to it.

Last night I transferred my undies, camisoles and socks into a shallow little dresser I used to use for whatnots. This morning I put my shoes in a rack in the closet. Some pairs are still missing in action. I assume they are in boxes I haven't unpacked. (There are lots of those!) Every day getting dressed in the morning gets a little easier.

This morning I spotted the box I packed my sweaters in. I was glad -- I think I'll need them soon!

This was my third day taking the train to work, but it was the first day it felt a bit challenging. I woke up hard, dragged myself through getting ready, and walked to the station in a light drizzle -- no umbrella, because I didn't know where it was. (I remembered later -- in the car). Now my hair is doing its crazy curly thing, when I would much rather have it straight. I might invest in a flat iron to keep at work.

Last night DS1 and his wife came over to help with the unpacking. We got through a lot of boxes. The kitchen is almost all set up. He also hung a shelf in the bathroom, put casters on my bed and chairs, put brackets on the hutch and carried a lot of stuff to the trash. I'm starting to feel a little bit settled.

I had hot soup for dinner last night -- first time I had a hot meal, since I didn't find my pots till last night!

I still have a lot of work to do in the bedroom. I have to completely refigure the way I store my clothes, because the bedroom is smaller and my closets are so different. I will probably start storing out-of-season clothes, which I have not had to do before.

I brought an old dresser, planning to re-purpose it as a dining room sideboard. It is a piece of junk to start with, but it got scratched in the moved, and now a drawer is stuck in the "out" position. So once I get it emptied, I'm going to get rid of it and get a new sideboard. Target has some nice ones that don't cost too much.

I looked online for couches but didn't see anything that spoke to me. I think for a couch I'm going to have to do it live.

Someone asked me what I liked best about my new place. I have to say, there are so many things -- I love the cute kitchen, even though it's small. I love the wood and tile floors. I love the view of the courtyard. I love walking home through a neighborhood of stately old homes and seeing the lake a few blocks away. I WILL love the dining room, when it's functional!

And I love it that my boys can just drop over since I'm so close. It really is going to be a whole new life!

What a month! I have a few new categories to reflect my new circumstances.

Housing: $2364
Moving: $710
Vacation/Travel: $645
Car Repair/Maintenance: $355
Medical/Health: $189
Insurance: $156
Fares: $145
Gifts/Charity: $130
Fees/Services: $96
Utilities: $94
Eating Out: $90
Furnishings/Equipment: $65
Phone: $55
Groceries: $46
Gas: $43
Personal: $36
Household Supplies: $34
Clothing: $29
Misc: $22
Vet/Pet Supplies: $13
Entertainment: $10
Total: $5327

Then, of course, there is the $31,000 down payment that I did not count in my monthly expenses. The closing costs came out to be $5781. The "housing" expense above is what it cost to break my lease.

Next month will reflect my first mortgage payment and assessment fees.

The car repair cost was replacing the brake rotors about 1/3 of the way into our trip, and replacing the wiper blades about 7/8 of the way back. I could have waited till I got home to do the brakes -- it wasn't dangerous -- but they were annoying and I had a great service experience with a Toyota dealer in Kentucky.

The vacation/travel expense reflects the road trip as well as some of the cost of the previous trip to Florida for the wedding.

The medical cost is for two tests performed prior to surgery (later this month).

The insurance is the annual rate for the condo.

Fares -- my monthly pass plus some additional train rides prior to buying the pass.

Gifts -- mostly for flowers for the funeral.

Nothing else is particularly remarkable except how low the utilities and groceries were. Utilities were low because the electric bill didn't fall into this month (paid last of August, first of September). The grocery bill was low because I was deliberately "eating down" my pantry.

Next month will be the first taste of the new normal.

What a week. A long car trip, a funeral, and a move, all in one week.

I'm in my new place, more or less. I will be living with boxes for a while, I think. But it's done!

All went well except that the couch didn't fit through the door and had to be sacrificed. It's too bad, but at least it was an old couch and it was getting pretty saggy. I'll have to shop for something more streamlined.

I'll do a recap of costs and my crazy monthly costs tomorrow.

For now, hello again!!!!

I walked to the station yesterday at noon and bought my train ticket for next month. It was $135.25. I took my receipt to the college business office, and they gave me two $15 vouchers for the next ticket. So from now on the cost will be $105.25, unless they decide to end the program. With all the budget cutting going on around here, I wouldn't be surprised. But I'll enjoy it while it lasts!

Today I leave for my road trip to Florida. I meant to have everything done so I could leave from work, but I decided in the end to swing by home first and do last-minute things. Home is right by a north-south highway, so there is really no loss in going home first. I'll clean the cat box one last time, and pack my flat iron (now cooling) and my bras (still drying).

I do hate driving out of Chicago on Friday nights. Everyone gets on the road and it's always jammed. My destination tonight is the middle of Indiana, where I'll stay at my friend's house overnight, and then we'll hit the road together in the morning.

I went downtown for a meeting yesterday, which ended up taking most of the day. I took the train -- $9.50 for round trip. And I spent $15 on food -- breakfast and lunch (and I saved half of my sandwich from lunch for dinner). None of this will be reimbursed because it was a meeting for a professional organization I belong to, not a work requirement.

I walked from the station to my meeting, which was about a 1/2 hour walk. I made it longer by not being able to find the place, and wandering around a little. Then, on the walk back to the station, I couldn't find it! How can you lose a huge train station? (Answer: you can when it is surrounded by other huge buildings.) I was in the right area, but started to get confused by the street names. I finally stopped at a bank and asked directions, which set me straight. It meant that I missed the first train back, so got back an hour later than I needed to.

It was a great day for walking, however! Beautiful and crisp. I love walking downtown; there is so much to see.

At the end of the day, I went to the post office and bought stamps and mailed a package ($14).

I thought I had all my wall art bubble-wrapped, but I forgot that there are still two in the bathroom, plus a couple sitting behind the bedroom door that I never had a place for. It will be interesting to see how much I am able to hang in my new place. I love wall art and I have a pretty good collection -- none of it particularly valuable, but very pleasing to me!

I am starting on my trip tomorrow after work, so I have to pack tonight. Suitcases this time, not boxes.

Yesterday at the train station I learned that monthly passes will go on sale today, so I think I will duck out at noon and get one. Anything I can get done now....

Oh boy. While packing last night, I damaged the cord to the toaster while it was still plugged in. Flames shot out of the outlet. Quite a scare! The toaster is fried; it went into the garbage. The microwave, plugged into the same outlet, was not working either, and I assumed it would go into the garbage, too, as soon as I left like struggling with it. But this morning, I opened the refrigerator door, and the refrigerator is not working, either. I called maintenance. Hopefully, it was just a fuse or blown circuit and it will be working again when I get home. But I packed all the food I want to keep from the refrigerator into a cooler and took it to work. We have a big fridge here and my stuff fit in well. I actually might leave a lot of it here for making lunches.

And maybe the microwave is not ruined, and, since I have a built-in microwave in my new place, it would not be any loss if it were. But if it's working, I'd rather give it to Goodwill than throw it in the trash.

I bought lunch at the cafeteria yesterday. It was only $2.89 for a very protein-rich salad; I was pleasantly surprised. I use the cafeteria rarely, as I am a faithful brown-bagger.

I paid a medical bill - $78.

Aside from the toaster disaster, packing is going well. I really need to find some BIG boxes; I have a lot of mid-size and smaller boxes, but bulky stuff to pack.

Tomorrow I have to go downtown for a meeting. I'm going to take the train and then walk about a mile to the destination. I'll also have to buy lunch, and, as the first part of the meeting is at Corner Bakery, I'll probably pick up something for breakfast, too.

While I'm at the station tomorrow, I'll see about buying a monthly ticket for next month. I looked at buying it through the website, but they would mail the ticket, and I don't want to risk it being mailed to wrong address. I need to have it in my hot little hand on October 1!

I started looking for airfares to Florida this weekend (to attend my aunt's memorial service next Monday) and realized I just couldn't bear the thought of flying. Not right now. Not so soon after my scary flight, and not while I am feeling so stressed. So I called my BFF and asked her if she would like to take a road trip to Florida with me. She would!

On many levels this is a dumb decision. It will take more time than flying, and will not be cheaper -- probably more expensive, when you figure in hotel costs. Yet it feels right. I won't feel so frantic, I'll enjoy the time with my friend, and I'll be in total control of when I arrive and when I leave.

I made great strides in my packing this weekend. (Otherwise I wouldn't consider driving.) In fact, I am really getting down to items that can't be packed until the very end. This week I will bubble-wrap my big wall hangings and then I'll start packing dishes and pots, etc. I'll just leave out a few place settings to use for the last few days. I'll also pack my clothing and shoes. I'll pack a couple of suitcases for the trip and a little extra, and the rest is going into boxes. I'll live out of the suitcases until I move. (I might even pack my coffee maker -- coffee is available all over, no?)

I have many other things to do, too. Buying a monthly train pass, switching my electric, making arrangements for my cats (I don't want them roaming free while the truck is being loaded). I have them all logged in on "Remember the Milk" so I don't forget something important.

It's starting to seem really, really soon now!

I got a call from the lender yesterday telling me I was approved for the loan for the condo. That was a big relief. Now I can concentrate on the move without wondering at some level if I really will have a place to live!

I found out that my aunt's memorial service will be in Florida, which makes sense -- it had been her home for many years before she moved to her daughter's house. Makes attending more difficult though -- it will have to be a flight, not a drive.

The service is planned on the 24th, so I have some time to prepare, but I will lose packing time in my last week here. As I have said before, I will just have to pack faster to make up for time lost.

I haven't found a flight yet. I looked around a little, but I still haven't decided what days to fly. I've talked to my brother and my cousin, and they are still undecided about even making the trip. I'm pretty sure my sister will not go. She never has any money, and she was near my aunt at the end, so got to say her last good-bye.

I'm not going to buy any more groceries. With only two weeks to go, and one of them interrupted by a trip, I need to use things up. I might have some strange meals coming up! And I'll probably be eating out more than usual.

Yesterday morning I got the news that my beloved aunt had passed away peacefully in the night. I knew that it would happen any time. There is no word yet on a service for her -- I wouldn't be surprised if her daughters choose a private family service. Still, I would want to go. It's an all-day trip to drive there, so I will have to take some time off. I will also have to use vacation time, as the loss of an aunt doesn't qualify for bereavement time. And with the purchase of the condo looming, this is a really bad time for me. But -- she was a very important person in our family; everyone adored her. She will be greatly missed.

I will just double up my packing efforts until I have to leave.

Yesterday my lender left me a voice mail saying I hadn't returned certain documents. After a lot of sifting through email and hard-copy printouts, I determined that I was never sent those documents. I tried to contact the processor yesterday, but she was apparently out of the office. Today I got a brief email saying she would re-send. I'm so nervous about this loan, anyway -- this doesn't help.

Yesterday I received my Kindle cover. Unfortunately it was the wrong size. I realized that before it came, but it was too late to change the order. So now I have to send it back and pay the shipping. I paid for it with Discover points, so I hope they will correctly reimburse me with my points.

Today is "Spirit Day" at work. In the three years I've been here, I've managed to avoid buying a College T-shirt or sweatshirt, but this time it seemed like it was really expected. And those of us in development and alumni relations are held to a higher standard of "boosterism" than the rest. So I caved and bought a T-shirt at the book store yesterday - $16. I remembered why I hate branded wear. You can't get petites! I had to get a very large size just so the long tail would fit over my hips. If the shirt would only stop where it should, I could get a shirt to fit, but they are always long, long, long! I feel very uncomfortable today, which is not the idea at all.

I got my homeowner's insurance squared away today -- only $156 per year (gotta love a condo!) I just went ahead and paid for the year ahead after I got the quote. I was pleasantly surprised at the low cost.

Last night I bought a gift bag, tissue paper and birthday cards at Dollar General - $5.36. Now my grandson's gift is very smartly wrapped, and I found a dinosaur card that he will love. I will miss the Dollar General. I'll have to find a replacement in the new place. I'll also have to find a new Goodwill. I've been told that Evanston doesn't have one -- the nearest thrift store is a Salvation Army, which I've never found to be anywhere near as nice.

I had to fax some more documents today to the lender. Will it never end? Surely there can't be any aspect of my life that has escaped scrutiny!

I fell asleep last night at 7:30 and woke up this morning at 5. I was really tired after two nights of restless sleep. I will have to get up at five every morning once I move. It seems hard to contemplate now, but I know I will get used to it. Look at the morning news anchors, on the job before the crack of dawn! They must get up in the middle of the night. You do what you gotta do.

I found out from my employer that they will reimburse me $30 for each monthly train ticket I buy. That brings the cost down to $105. And the annual savings to $360! Sweet!

I'll be interested to see how much laundry costs me. Right now it's "free" with my own washer/dryer in my unit -- but the water bill is about $25 per month. I wonder if I can do coin laundry for about the same amount. It's $1.50 per load to wash and dry. If I'm not mistaken, I could do 16 loads a month for $25! I think I probably do about 12 now, but I've never kept track.

I stopped at Dollar General last night and got some kitty litter ($3), vitamins ($3), and birthday cards ($2). What great prices! I need to stop again tonight and get a gift bag. I don't have one big enough for my grandson's birthday gift, and I can't wrap it -- it's too oddly shaped (one of those partial boxes with the toy sticking out).

I paid my physical therapy bill for July -- $80. Hope I will not get any more as I stopped physical therapy on August 7.

I am running low on boxes, but I score a box here and there. Today there were two in the break room. Also, six-packs of V-8 energy drinks to give away. I took one yesterday, and since no one seemed terribly interested, took another today. If I don't drink them, my kids will.

I heard from my cousin today that my aunt has been moved to a hospice center. That makes me sad, of course, but it also worries me that I may not be able to go to her funeral when the time comes. If it happens before the end of this month, I'll have to give up crucial days that should be devoted to packing. If it's at the end of the month, I have to stay here to close and move. If it's the middle of next month, I will be having surgery. Of course, you never know how long someone is going to hang on, but they say she is unresponsive. Peaceful, though, for which I am grateful.

There is a home-grown rock band playing outside my window at work. (Part of a promotion of one of our educational centers). They are amazingly good! The lead female singer is a co-worker, and she sings beautifully! I am so impressed. But what I'm really thinking about is how happy the music is making me feel. Makes me think I should look into more musical accompaniment at work, though canned music wouldn't be as stimulating as the live music is.

And they are providing free hot dogs, too! I'm already digesting mine.

This weekend I got my hair cut ($15), went to a movie (free - but $11 for popcorn & coke), got gas ($48), and went to Goodwill. At Goodwill I got a brand-new bed skirt (which I was planning on buying retail once I moved - $7), a beautiful brand-new choker ($6), a Bears T-shirt for my big BIL ($5) and some stocking stuffers ($2). I also bought a Scrabble Jr. game for $2. I'm collecting used games with letter tiles which I want to use for creating double-acrostics. I can do it without the tiles, but it will be so much easier with them.

That was Saturday. On Sunday I stayed home and packed. I was down to one empty box, but today I found two more in the dumpster. Eighteen more days before closing, and I am still packing extraneous items. It will get harder when I get down to the nitty-gritty everyday stuff. But then I will know I am SO CLOSE to being in my own home!

I used a Deals Magazine voucher this morning to get an oil change and inspection for $5. It cost me an additional $17.62 to get a brake light replaced. I really liked the garage, they seemed to be very professional and honest, but since I'm moving away soon, I probably won't go back.

The mechanic told me I should think about replacing the radiator hoses, as they are still the originals on a 2001 car. I will, but not right away.

The garage was in a neighboring suburb I wasn't familiar with, so I left quite early in order to find it in time. I got there way TOO early, so I found a Subway and had a breakfast combo. $3.23.

Yesterday I got an email from the loan processor to pay $95 to get some kind of report from the condo association. I gave them permission to charge to my Discover card. Today there's an email saying the seller's realtor is providing the documents for free. The card was already charged. They may have to cut me a check. I hope this doesn't get lost in the shuffle. $95 is a lot of money to me.

This weekend I plan to find more boxes and do more packing, but I'm also going to do something fun. I have enough left on an AMC gift card to see one movie, so I am going to see "The Words." Jeremy Irons is my favorite actor, and the rest of the cast is great, too.

The college where I work added a lacrosse program this year. My office window looks out on the field. It's fun to watch them practice. How DO they catch that ball in those little nets?

And speaking of sports, I am one of the leaders in my family's football pool, because Dallas won! I actually don't follow football at all; I am the family joke, and it's especially funny when I pick it right and the "experts" don't. I usually lose big-time, though.

So, after my move, I will be taking the train to work. I have to go downtown first and transfer at the station, so I will have four trains to catch per day. I've been looking at the schedules, and it looks like I have the choice of catching the first train at 6:19 or 6:51, and arriving home at 5:35 or 6:22. It will be a long day -- each train ride is about a half-hour. But I will not have to face traffic and it should be a relaxing time for reading and daydreaming. I ordered a lighted Kindle cover in preparation (free with Discover rewards). The price for a monthly train ticket is $135, and I've heard that I can also get some sort of rebate from work. I have to check into that.

I will also have a bit of a walk at each end -- about 3/4 of a mile to catch the first train, and about 2/3 of a mile to walk to work from the station. That will add another 1/2 hour to my day. But it will be good for me -- enforced exercise!

Yesterday I got my gas changeover scheduled and I talked to the insurance agent. She recommended that I find out if the lender has a coverage requirement -- I sent an email, but haven't heard back.

I tried to transfer the electricity, but the website won't let me choose the date -- I'm too early, apparently.

I went to the break room this morning and there were several loaves of dark bread with a note, "Please take." I took about a four-inch chunk and had it for breakfast with cheese I had brought. I'm not supposed to have bread, but it IS dark, so maybe it's a whole grain? Oh well, I have a hard time turning down anything that's free.

I am packing boxes every evening, and last night I took some stuff to Goodwill. I briefly looked at the books while I was there, and bought two to use as gifts. $1.79 each.

That reminds me -- I'm going to have to get used to a new library! Hope the new one has all the nice amenities my current one has!

I haven't posted in a while, but I'm still around. I've been overwhelmed by the process of buying a condo, a weekend trip to Florida, and work demands.

The condo buy is on target as far as I know. I sent a packet of documents to the loan processor and haven't heard any screams. I've arranged for a mover to come in the day after closing (my lease is up on October 1 and closing is on September 28). I've scheduled my transfer of Comcast service. I've paid for the appraisal, but no word on how that went. I still have to change my Allstate policy (I tried, but they didn't respond to the web request -- so it's off to find a live person today). I have to change my gas and electricity. I tried that online, too, but they can't process my new address because it has a 1/2 in it. That might be a problem. I'll have to ask other residents how they handle that.

The wedding in Florida was lovely, and I got some nice visiting time with shirttail relations I hadn't seen in a long, long time. Hoping to keep up a couple of contacts I made! I spent more than I planned to on food, but being able to stay free at a friend's condo was a big savings for me. I also paid a lot for car rental -- it was $145 for two days! That included their lowest insurance -- I probably should have stood firm against it, but in truth, I really don't know what my own insurance covers, and I've heard horror stories. And I also paid $25 to check a bag on the way down, but didn't on the way back. It's bigger than their ideal model, but it fits in the bin longways, so I went for it. The airport taxi was expensive, too, more than $80 and I paid $10 in tips.

Had an awful flight back as we flew over storms in the Ohio Valley. Enough turbulence to make people gasp. I was very happy to be on terra firma.

August was a very expensive month, with two trips, all those pesky house-buying fees, and some frivolous spending. (I bought shoes, a purse and a scarf for the wedding). I did not include the earnest money, as I should get that back.

Rent - 1182
Fees/Services - 840
Vacation/Travel - 414
Groceries - 155
Medical/Health - 154
Utilities - 143
Gifts/Charity - 117
Clothing - 88
Phone - 55
Eating Out - 47
Gas - 43
Entertainment - 42
Vet/Pet Supplies - 40
Household Supplies - 33
Furnishings & Equipment - 9
Miscellaneous - 6
Car Repair/Maintenance - 5
Personal - 3

Total - 3376

My sidebar is all wrong now, but I'll wait to change it after the sale goes through and everything is stabilized.

Oh, I forgot to say, I figured out my transportation to work once I move. The monthly train ticket will only be $135, much cheaper than gas would be. The downside is that I'll have to ride downtown and transfer, so it will not be quick (but perhaps quicker than being stuck in traffic!) Also, much safer, easier on my aging car, and a good time to read and reflect.

This will be an attempt to add pictures.







I do hope you can see my new place (almost)! I have to say, the pictures don't do it justice. It is a very cute condo!

I had a few hair-raising days when the loan processor first called and asked to see a bank balance higher than I was expecting. In a tizzy, I called my lender, and we agreed together that I would be happier with a lower down payment. Since I had offered an aggressively high down payment, I am still in good shape. The new plan raises my monthly mortgage by about $100. Since it is ridiculously low already, that's not a problem for me.

Now I think everything is on track.

I spent this weekend doing some packing -- books, decorative items, etc. I used up all my boxes, so I'm done till I can get more.

I'm still planning on going to a wedding in Florida next weekend, but it is right in the area where Isaac (is that the right name?) will hit. I think he will be done by the time I fly on Friday, but I am hoping he is overrated.

Frugal things: the other day I was thinking to myself on my drive to work, I'm wearing a top I bought secondhand at least ten years ago. And I still like it! And it still looks good. Then I drove by what looked like spilled onions on the curb in front of a row of restaurants. Well, I wasn't so frugal that I stopped and picked them up -- there was too much traffic.

But yesterday, I was walking to the dumpster and saw a bunch of fresh grapes on the ground. I walked past them, but on the way back, I thought, what the heck, they wash! And they were clearly very fresh and just dropped. So I picked them up and washed them thoroughly and put some of them into a chicken salad, which I ate. And I'm feelin' fine, so I will use the rest of them in a chicken-grape skillet dish I like to make.

I've been using my Amazon credits -- a wedding gift for next week, and two baby shower gifts. I sure am enjoying "free" shopping.

Oh, and yesterday I walked to the supermarket to fill a prescription (with my Flex card) and I found .12 on the way. So, exercise, no gas usage, no spending, and a little tip!

The contract was signed, the loan is in the works. Every time I turn around someone else is asking for money. I thought I had enough for fees, but I realize now I was naive. I've bought two houses in the past, but I don't remember fees of this volume and this amount. Of course, the first time, my husband handled most of it, and the second time, it was an FHA loan, which is different. Still, I'm nervous.

I'm also nervous because my down payment is in cyberspace. The money doesn't show up now either in my bank or in my retirement fund #2, where I'm taking it from. Yes, I've checked on it, and I am assured that everything is okay, but soon the loan officers will be looking at my accounts and I want them to see the money!

I went for the home inspection yesterday, and the inspector had a lot to say about the building -- it was built in 1920, so it doesn't meet many of the standards of modern building. Things that can't really be changed, like the height of the rails on the stairways, and such. But people buy there all the time, so I don't think those issues will stop me. The unit itself did pretty well, except for some screens that need replacing. He pointed out that the glass in the kitchen cabinets is not tempered glass, and that the swinging door might pinch fingers. Duh! I guess I can appreciate that he was thorough.

Maybe next time I'll post pictures. I'm a little too stressed right now to learn something new.

The seller verbally agreed to sell the condo for $111,000. The contract is now being finalized. Pending loan approval, the condo is mine!

I tried to post pictures, but clearly I don't know how to do it. Any advice? (Hint -- I am very technically-challenged).

The inspection is already set for Saturday morning. I am planning to put down $50,000, which will make my mortgage payment under $300. Assessment fees are $339 monthly, and taxes are around $3600 annually (but my realtor says I can get that reduced because of my age. I'll have to look into that).

Since I can't give you pictures, I'll tell you that it is a one-bedroom one-bathroom unit with hardwood floors throughout, except for tile in the kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen has granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, white country cupboards with glass, and a darling booth. The doorways are all arched. There is a roomy dining room with a built-in corner cupboard. Windows on east and west. Two big storage closets. All the wall colors are soft and pretty. It is move-in ready! And it is just one block over from where my grandchildren live. Sweet!

The minute I walked in there, I felt it was already mine. It is that good a fit. Even my daughter-in-law kept saying, "It looks just like you!"

So now I am alternately joyful and terrified!

In other news, I bought two bras last night at Kohl's. They were 40% off and I had a 15% off coupon so I saved more than 50%.

And a found a quarter!

Now I just have to buy it!

On Friday night I looked at two, and both were good, but one was ... perfect!

I liked everything about it -- location, price, decor, layout. Only two drawbacks -- it's on the second floor and there is no in-unit washer/dryer. Both I can live with.

I put a call into my lender and left a message; hopefully he will get the ball rolling on Monday.

I've also started the process of transferring the down payment from my retirement fund #2 to my credit union. That will take 5 business days.

In other news, I celebrated my birthday on Saturday. My kids took me out to a hibachi restaurant and for a helicopter ride -- both awesome! -- and gave me some books.

I spent $44 on gas and $7 on fruit. I was able to use coupons totaling $5 on the fruit, so that was a good deal. I also gave my son $15 toward school supplies for his son. Not much, but it will help a little.

Today I stayed home and rested. I cooked off some mushrooms and green pepper to use this week. I also got down on my hands and knees and cleaned the floors in the bathroom and kitchen -- sorely needed! And did some vacuuming and dusting.

I put more books on half.com.

AND I found .04 this weekend!

Last night three friends and I went downtown for a dinner at the upscale restaurant where my son works. Two of us decided to take the train and the bus to get there. What an adventure that turned out to be! We listened to the wrong advice about where to catch the bus, and ended up missing three buses before we walked to a different stop got on the right one. Then we got off too early and had a long walk. Catching the bus back to the train station after dinner went much better, but while on the train, we got to talking and missed our stop! We got off in the suburb where my friend lives, which didn't really help since her car was parked at work, two suburbs back, but she called a friend to pick us up. Here's the really weird part. While we were waiting, she glanced over at an adjacent parking lot and her daughter was just parking there! Mother and daughter had just come together at the same place and time totally by coincidence! So her daughter took us back to our cars and her friend was off the hook.

The dinner was amazing! My son served us complimentary appetizers and desserts (my birthday is coming up is the reason)and gave us his employee discount! I also had a gift card to throw into the mix, so we ended up with very lavish meals for a small price. My own share was $14 and that included my share of a generous tip. The meal was cheaper than the transportation to get there, which, between the train and the bus, was $14.50.

Next month the same group will get together at a Cuban restaurant.

I also made plans to have dinner with a former boss at a local chop house on the 21st. I have a voucher for that -- $25 off of a $50 purchase -- so we can each get a meal for only $12.50. Or a little more, if we order more expansively.

I'm not even going to try to get in under $300 this month, but I've done it for three months in a row, I think, so the purpose of the experiment has been served. I know I can do it if I have to.

On Friday night I'm going to look at two more condos, and on Saturday (my birthday) my son is going to take me up in his helicopter. I'm not crazy about flying, but I am pretty sure it will be amazing!