Day Twenty-Six was a planned cheat day. I don't know how many calories I consumed, but it was well over the limit. I figure I will do this for special occasions, but I will have to be careful about how many "special occasions" I have. I'm thinking I should limit cheat days to once a month, and only for a good reason, so, say if April goes by without a special occasion, I don't just create a cheat day for the fun of it. Make sense?

The dinner was a success; everyone enjoyed the food and had a good time. I made quite a mess in the kitchen but I've got it down to one sinkful of dishes waiting to go into the dishwasher.

Today I'm getting ready to go to Indiana for three days to visit my BFF. We are trying to visit once a month, alternating between her home and mine. Since we are both retired, it should be doable. I wish she lived in my area, but this is the next best thing. With her blessing, I am taking my laundry there, which will save me both in quarters and stair-climbing.

Before yesterday's dinner I went to Target, intending to buy placemats and maybe some flowers. Well, Target doesn't sell flowers (at least my Target doesn't). And the placemats were not what I had in mind, so I passed on them. But I did find three plain white platters, half-price, on one of the clearance end caps. I snatched them up; they are exactly what I need, an excellent find. I also bought a water bottle and a little gift (recipe book) for my DIL. I spent $33.

I also spent $5 for lunch at McDonalds. I didn't want to worry about making lunch while I was cleaning and prepping for the dinner. I bought myself a Happy Meal, because the portions are small, and I had them add an extra toy, so I would have something for both boys when they came over. And they were delighted with their Hot Wheels!

So I'm at 98% in variables, and it is unlikely I will come in under budget. But last month was only 66%, so I can afford to go over a bit. Just as long as I don't make it a habit!

I will report tonight on my calorie intake today, and then I'll do a catch-up post on Tuesday, when I come home again. I WILL be counting calories, even though I am, so to speak, on vacation!

Calories: 1448

Toast & Marmalade
Cheese & Olive Quesadilla
Applesauce
Baby Brussell Sprouts & Parmesan
4 Gingersnaps

I went grocery shopping this morning and spent $52. I won't list my items, because I bought 22, not 10! I am getting ready for my St. Pat's dinner tomorrow, which will be a very high-calorie menu -- Grilled Reuben sandwiches, homemade French fries and Shamrock Shakes. I figure each sandwich is 650-700 calories. Add the fries and shake, and it will be a big cheat. But it is a planned cheat, and I will be back on the wagon the next day. This meal has become an annual tradition, and I like to have a few traditions.

Yesterday I wore a pair of jeans that were starting to feel quite loose, and I thought, "It's working!" This morning I pulled on a different pair of pants -- they were still tight. It's going to be a slow process, but at least it's a plan I can stick to, and I don't feel deprived or angry. The big plus is just knowing that I'm working on it has made me much more tolerant about my body. I know I will make a difference in the long run.

Calories: 1321

Everything Bagel w/Olive-Nut Spread
Chicken Biscuit
Popcorn, No Butter
1 Square Dark Chocolate
Tea w/Sugar
Veggie Plate

I haven't actually eaten the veggie plate yet, but I have counted it, and I will eat it later.

Today after voting in the Illinois primary I walked to the hairdresser's and got a haircut ($15). I had been letting it grow out a little, but yesterday I happened upon an old picture of my shorter style and realized I just liked it a lot better. Even though it's trendy for older women to wear longer hair, it doesn't necessarily look better. So wearing long hair will not be one of the ways I save money in retirement! Ah well, my haircuts are cheap. I found a great cutter at Supercuts, and I will mourn when she moves back to Seattle in a year or so.

I did two loads of laundry today -- I washed my sofa pillows, the cat's bed, and my bath mat. All really needed. I also did some more filing. I've gotten down to one box of papers to sort and file. And most of them will be tossed.

I didn't get to the grocery store today, but it's better to go tomorrow anyway -- closer to the day of the dinner. And I have to do some serious cleaning tomorrow. I love my DIL, but she and her mom are much more particular about housework than I am, so I always feel a bit on the defensive when they come to my house.

Calories: 1467

Egg Casserole w/Cheese & Broccoli
Everything Bagel w/Olive-nut spread
Veggie Plate
4 Gingersnaps
Wine
Tea w/Sugar

The sugar in the tea was a mistake. I meant to put in Truvia; didn't even realize I'd added sugar until I tasted it and it was unusually good!

I had a bad day. I felt very depressed this morning, thinking all kinds of crazy thoughts, and then a headache came on. It was so bad I went to bed after taking Advil; then I used the PurMist to clear out my sinuses, just in case. In the afternoon the headache got better, and my mood improved, too. I'm almost back to normal now.

Tomorrow is election day. After voting, I'll go to the store and get the supplies for my St. Pat's dinner. Then I'll get started on cleaning. All the floors need cleaning -- but I want to hold off until closer to the time the company comes.

Today I cleaned my stovetop, soaking my burners in ammonia. I wonder if the fumes got my headache started? The good news is they look spotless.

Calories: 1669

Egg casserole w/cheese & broccoli
Toast w/butter
Everything bagel w/nut-olive spread
Popcorn w/butter
Gingersnaps
Piece of dark chocolate

I know, I know. It's a depressing cold, rainy day and I was depressed and I just ate stuff I like. Carbs galore. Tomorrow is a new day.

It was another lazy day. I did a lot of reading, and watched "Dances with Wolves" on TV. I also caught up on "Finding Your Roots" on PBS, a show I enjoy very much.

I did clean the aquarium, a job I like to put off. I was going to do another load of laundry, but didn't want to go outside, even though it's just down the staircase. It's an outdoor staircase.

But I did change all the clocks! This is the first year in a long time that the time change won't affect me at all, since I can get up whenever I want!

Calories: 1384

Pancakes & Syrup
Bacon
Berries, Grapes
Olive/Walnut Sandwich
Yogurt
Everything Bagel
Wine

I behaved myself at the brunch, only taking two small pancakes with a dash of syrup, 2 slices of bacon and a lot of fruit. And I had several cups of black coffee.

On the way home, I stopped at the grocery and picked up another free yogurt. They keep giving me virtual coupons, and I keep taking them up on it. I will always take free food.

Once home, I did a load of laundry, but otherwise have been quite lazy. And I think I will continue to be lazy the rest of the day!

Calories: 1467

Egg Casserole w/Cheese & Broccoli
Coffee w/Creamer
Olive-Walnut Sandwich
4 Gingersnaps
Lite Yogurt
Everything Bagel

In the interest of truthful reporting, I caved and had a bowl of cereal last night, raising the calories yesterday to 1883. Eek!

I took some items to the dry cleaner's today, and learned that this family business is being sold after 65 years. I hope it will continue to be a good place to go! I don't do too much dry cleaning, but there are some things that just have to be done professionally, and I like going to a place I trust.

I went to OfficeMax and bought command hooks and file tabs for $8. Then I went to the grocery and spent $26. Items bought: Facial tissue, cat food, tuna, Easter candy (yeah, I'm finally done with that!), Swiss cheese, Greek yogurt and Easter cards. I had coupons for most things, saving $9. On the way home I stopped at Dollar Tree and spent $5 on 5 packages of frozen fruit. Variables spending is a scary 83%. But it is the dentist bill and the Ancestry.com bill that are throwing it out of whack, especially both falling in the same month.

Getting a free breakfast/brunch tomorrow at my ex's house (family party). I'll try to be mindful of what I'm eating, but make it a true brunch, taking the place of breakfast and lunch, calorie-wise. Then I hope a light afternoon snack and light dinner will suffice.

Since I ran out of file tabs, I didn't get too much farther on my filing project, but I'll pick it up again tomorrow. I'm doing a lot of purging as I file -- it is very cleansing!

Calories: 1558

Egg casserole w/cheese & broccoli
Coffee w/ creamer
Grilled cheese sandwich
Steamed carrots
Yogurt
Popcorn
Gingersnaps
1 piece dark chocolate

It's only 4:20, but I have to be done eating for the day; the calories are too high. It shouldn't be a problem, though; I am always hungrier at midday than I am in the evening. It was just one of those hungry days.

No financial news today, other than I found a $20 bill while sorting papers. I got some serious work done today sorting and filing. Still lots of work to do, as I have put it off for way too long. But it's a good feeling to have completed as much as I have. And it's good to be looking at a clean desk. Now I have to tackle the various boxes and bags I have stowed away, full of papers I didn't want to make decisions about. I figure I will be able to throw away about 90% of them.

Calories: 1377

Coffee w/Creamer
Cheese Quesadilla w/Avocado & Tomato
1/2 Blue Moon Burger
1 cup Chicken Salad w/Cranberries & Walnuts
4 Gingersnaps
Herbal Tea

I'm still a little hungry, but I'm done today.

I deposited the $15K today, walking to the bank to do it. On the way back I stopped at Walgreens and bought two Beanie Baby bunnies for the grandsons' Easter baskets ($10) and two packages of brushpicks ($5). I am much better about flossing with a brushpick, so I decided to go for it. I don't like handling floss that's wet with saliva, even if it is my own saliva! The dentist made me aware yesterday that I need to be much more vigilant about flossing, and the brushpicks will make it much more likely that I will do it.

Calories: 1826 (whoops!)

Everything Bagel
1/2 Blue Moon Burger
French Fries w/ Ketchup
Split Pea Soup w/Croutons
Shamrock Shake

Yeah, it was that kind of day. I didn't eat at home at all. I didn't go hog wild, but didn't eat like a dieter, either. That's okay, a bit of a cheat will happen now and then. I'm in this for the long run, and I'll be back on the wagon tomorrow.

It was a spending day as well.

I went to the bakery outlet and spent $7 for bread, buns, and bagels. I bought gas for $23. The dentist cost $176 after my senior discount. (That was for an oral evaluation, cleaning, and fluoride treatment.) Lunch with my friend was $25. I paid her share, because she has so often helped me with cat care and rides in the past. Under duress I let her pay the tip. A trip to Goodwill cost $19, all for gift items. (And I got a $5 rewards coupon for future shopping). Finally, I stopped at the grocery store and spent $19 for cat treats, dishwasher detergent, kitty litter, and low-fat cream cheese. I had $1.50 in coupons and everything was on sale.

I also got the $15K from the credit union, which I will deposit at Chase tomorrow, and I got the direct deposit from the College changed to Chase. So I've almost completed everything that had to be done to earn the $500 bonus.

It felt like a busy day. Of course, I drove 45 miles as well, which I'm not used to any more!

Now I'm ready to put my feet up and rest!

Calories: 1486

Strawberry & Banana Smoothie
Coffee w/ Creamer
Chicken Salad Sandwich
Applesauce
Cheese & Broccoli Omelet
Toast & Butter

It's early, but I don't plan to eat anything else today, so I'll report in and make it an obligation!

Today I sent $50 to the college I retired from -- since I was in development myself, I really sympathize with their fundraising efforts -- and the college needs support. I also renewed my AARP membership for $13. Supposedly they will send me a free day bag.

Variables spending is at 43%. Tomorrow I have a dentist's appointment, and I'm going out to lunch with friends. If the dentist bill is high, I won't count it as a variable; it will come out of the EF. But it shouldn't be as bad as last time; I won't get x-rays this time.

Tomorrow I will also go to the credit union and get a cashier's check for $15K to put in the new Chase account. And I will go to the College and have them change my direct deposit to the Chase account. I have already signed up for paperless invoicing and bill pay, so I will have met all the requirements for the $500 bonus.

I took a 40-minute walk today to the mailbox and then on to the lake shore. It was brisk, but not cold. Tomorrow it is supposed to be quite warm. My radiators are already shut off. I'm a little cold, but I'm wearing double layers, and I keep moving around, so I'm doing okay. Soon I'll be complaining that I'm too hot!

Calories: 1615

Strawberry & Banana Smoothie
Coffee w/ Creamer
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Chicken Noodle Soup
Popcorn w/ Butter
1 Square Dark Chocolate
Chicken Medallions
Asparagus

Calories are getting a little higher than I would like, so I have to watch it better. I did take an hour-long walk today, so that helped.

Ancestry.com charged my Discover card $189. I was expecting it, but thought the charge would come in the middle of the month. I was going to switch the charge to my Alliant card, but I was too late. Oh well.

I got free yogurt today with a virtual coupon, and I also spent $6 on Easter candy.

Variables spending is at 35%. Lots of stuff coming up, so it won't be a cheap month, but with last month finishing up at 66% I can afford to spend a little more this month.

My son in Florida got the word that the mortgage was approved for his new house. He is so thrilled -- they all are. Their new place will be smaller, but it will be in a better neighborhood, with amenities much closer. And it will be theirs. They are packing now and will be moving very soon.

Calories: 1537

Strawberries & "cream" (nonfat)
Toast & butter
Taco salad
Frozen yogurt
Chicken noodle soup
Grilled cheese sandwich
Wine

Calories are a bit high today. I should have skipped the wine, but I drank it before I totaled them up!

I went to Kohl's today. I had a 30% off coupon, plus a $5 off coupon. I wanted to find boots, and I did! The boots were on clearance, as I thought they would be. I bought two pairs for $37. Both pairs are knee-high, which is what I really wanted. I haven't had knee-high boots in ages, because my calves are too big. (I don't think they're all THAT big, but clearly manufacturers disagree.) These boots have an extra zipper that provides a little slack. When my legs slim down, I can just zip them up!

The only downside is that I had to use my Kohl's card, rather than put it on my bonus-earning Alliant card. But for the price it was worth it.

I was intending to get Kohl's cash, but since they were so cheap, I didn't get up to the $50 requirement! I decided not to get anything else; there is nothing else I need. For that reason alone, it's just as well that I didn't get the Kohl's cash.

I added the $5 coupon to my snowflakes.

It's going to get warm outside in the next few days, so I'm mentally preparing myself for no heat inside. Maybe this round it won't be so bad.

Calories: 1453

Oatmeal w/raisins & walnuts
Chicken biscuit w/lettuce & mayo
Asparagus
Homemade chicken noodle soup
Grilled cheese sandwich
Wine
Dark chocolate

I am very comfortable eating calories in this range. I don't weigh myself (makes me crazy!) so I can only judge progress by the fit of my pants. I believe they are a little looser -- either that or I have a good imagination! Anyway, I am in this for the long run. My plan is to keep reporting till my title is Day Three Hundred Sixty Five (which will be after my cruise and my Key West vacation). Bear with me; it really helps me to share.

I went to Chase today and opened two accounts -- checking and savings -- in order to get a $500 bonus. The guy I worked with was very helpful; he completely understood about the bonus and said others were doing the same thing, even opening and closing multiple times. Not that he recommended that. Now I have to go to the credit union and get a cashier's check, and get the college to change my direct deposit. I'll take care of both of those tasks on Tuesday. So, $500 coming for my grandkids' college funds! Yay!

Afterwards I went to the grocery to buy my ten items. Actually got eleven, since I couldn't pass up the cheap bananas. Here is my list: Cat chow, salsa, tortillas, paper towels, shredded cheese, eggs, chicken breasts, strawberries, bananas, onion, bread. Total was $28. I used $2.55 in coupons, so that amount went to snowflakes.

Calories: 1410

Banana French toast sticks w/ syrup
Coffee w/ creamer
Taco salad
Popcorn
Pizza bread w/ olives & onion
1 square dark chocolate

I stayed in all day today and only spent $5 to download AdBlock. (I also downloaded Chrome so I could use it.) It's awesome! So thanks for the suggestion! I didn't realize how much all the crawling ads were bothering me.

I think I will go ahead with transferring $15K to a Discover online savings account, but I'm going to do it tomorrow when I'm fresher. I also looked over a Chase offer with a $500 bonus, but it requires opening a checking account, switching my direct deposit, and keeping the accounts open for six months. Also their interest rate is very low. I think I'd rather take a smaller bonus and keep it simpler. My aging brain is seeking less complication, not more!

Calories: 1469

Granola w/almond milk & raisins
Coffee w/ creamer
Taco salad
1 square chocolate
Frozen yogurt
Chicken biscuit
Lettuce w/ ranch dressing
Wine

A calm and quiet day. I did a load of laundry and cleaned the fish tank. Did a lot of reading. Visited with a neighbor in the laundry room. A very typical retirement day!

Too cold to walk.

I chuckled when I got my property tax bill yesterday -- on the day it is due! Then I realized it was the duplicate I had asked for so I could keep it on file.

Got a promo from Discover offering a $100 bonus if I put $15K into a savings account. I could do it; I could take it from the EF fund. I'm mulling it over. Never had a cyber account before; I'm so old-school in some ways, and I'd rather have my EF all in one place.

I do have my new Alliant credit card in hand. I've only charged $47; I have 90 days to charge $2500. The dentist's appointment will help with that. Too bad I didn't have it for the property tax!

Calories: 1665

Food Consumed:
Yogurt w/oatmeal & blueberries
Toast w/ butter & marmalade
Peanut soup
Cornbread
Carrot strips & ranch dip
Taco salad

Calories are a bit high today, a good number for maintenance but not for dieting. So no wine or chocolate today!

The big news is I have HEAT! I can't even describe what a difference it makes in the way I feel. I have energy; I'm getting things done instead of rolled up like a burrito on the couch!

My only spending today was $1.50 for a load of laundry.

We had a snowfall, but not what they were predicting. I could have driven to the dentist today, but it's just as well that I rescheduled. I'm planning to have lunch with friends in that area, and the new date is better for them.

Happy March, everyone!

Came in at 1412 calories today.

Egg casserole
Coffee w/creamer
Toast w/butter & marmalade
Red Vine pizza
Peanut soup
Crackers

I had veggies on the pizza and in the casserole. If I get hungry later I will have a serving of veggies, but right now I'm feeling about right.

I did my February recap:

Taxes: $942
Housing: $677
Utilities: $162
Vacation/Travel: $122
Gifts/Charity: $106
Groceries: $86
Fees/Services: $84
Phone: $52
Eating Out: $41
Entertainment: $31
Medical/Health: $29
Household Supplies: $13
Vet/Pet Supplies: $11
Personal: $11
Laundry: $11
Grand Total: $2378

The taxes are my first semi-annual payment of property taxes. I'll be paying my state income tax next month.

Fees/Services included I-pass fee, tax prep fee, and my passport picture. Next month I'll pay for the actual passport.

Everything else was nice and low. My variables percentage was 66%, even better than I thought.

I was planning to go to the dentist tomorrow, but I called to reschedule. Heavy snow is predicted for tomorrow, and I don't want to drive in it. My dentist is more than 20 miles away.

Today was the fourth day in a row that I haven't had heat. I think it is finally coming on tonight, though I have had enough false alarms, I'm not sure yet it will stay on. All I can say is, I'd better get heat tonight; the temperature is plunging.

Our association president shared an email he sent to the property managers. "Three days without heat. HELP!" I suspect they really believe they can turn off the heat when it gets into the fifties outside, because "it's so warm!" Yeah, it's warm for February. Still cold. They should live here.

I wish my suffering were translating into lower costs, but it doesn't make any difference at all. I pay my assessment fees just the same, whether I freeze or burn up.

Okay, I'm done complaining! Looking forward to a toasty day tomorrow while I watch the snow fall!

It was a good day. 1441 calories.

Egg casserole
Coffee w/ creamer
Red Vine pizza
8 oz. Sprite
Chicken patty on bun w/lettuce & mayo
Green beans
Wine
1 square dark chocolate

The red vine pizza is a specialty from Blaze Pizza, made with sauce, soft mozzarella, basil and cherry tomatoes. I had lunch at Blaze with my son's family. I picked up the tab for all; $39.

I brought home two pieces of pizza for lunch tomorrow.

I took a 45-minute walk to the grocery store, where I used a coupon to get a free yogurt.

I spent most of the day with the grandsons; in the park, at lunch, and watching them play videogames. I came home late afternoon, and now I'm watching "Places in the Heart" and loving it.

Wrapping up the month tomorrow. Right now my variables stand at 69%. May be a bit higher when I do the final reckoning, but in any event, I've done well.

I went to sleep last night before making an entry for Day Seven. I went to bed early to read, because I was so cold, and fell asleep. I'm looking forward to the temperature outside diving; that's when the radiators come on.

I also had a bad headache and just had to baby myself.

But one good outcome: I accidentally skipped supper, and calories for the day were only 783!

Food consumed:

Coffee w/creamer
Toast w/peanut butter & jelly
Cream of veggie soup
Greek yogurt w/ honey
1 square dark chocolate

In the morning I went to Aldi, planning to buy only 10 items. As often happens at Aldi, I got more, but the groceries still fit into my two totes, so in a way I kept to my plan. And I got good diet stuff.

My purchases:

Crackers
Almond Milk
Butter
Frozen Brussel Sprouts
Iceberg Lettuce
Frozen Broccoli Florets
Frozen Asparagus
Frozen Green Beans
Carrots
Canned Broth
Applesauce
Flour
Canned Black Olives
Chocolates

Let me explain about the chocolates. In the discount bin, there were Russell Stover valentine boxes marked down to $2.05. Since I keep myself on my diet by rewarding myself with little hits of chocolate, I thought it was a good idea to get a box for that price.

The total bill was $22.

After lunch I went to see "The Big Short" (which I obviously didn't see the other day when I said I was going to!) It cost me $7. I thought it was a pretty amazing movie; certainly clarifying about what went wrong in the housing market, and a little depressing to think about the level of greed that fueled it. I loved Steve Carell's speech at the end about how fraud never works; I wish those in power really believed that.

I didn't do any significant exercising, though I did some running around, and parked far away from my destinations. I got to Aldi about 15 minutes early and walked around in Home Depot waiting for Aldi to open.

I found a penny. So far this year, I've picked up .97 off the street. I've also earned $15 from Pine Cone. Every little bit helps.

Oh, and in the interest of transparency, I gave $5 to a homeless woman. It was right after the movie, and I was feeling very un-greedy.

Now I've done it. I knew this day would come. It's only 4:30 and I've already eaten 1522 calories. I'm going to really try to make it through the rest of the day drinking water. My food choices were not great. My excuse? The boiler is off, and I'm freezing. The urge for comfort eating was undeniable.

French toast sticks w/butter & syrup
Black coffee
2 tortilla pizzas
Popcorn w/ butter (1/4 cup unpopped)
1 square dark chocolate

No walk today; it's too cold. I'll do the stretching exercises tonight.

I watched a good movie today from Xfinity's streaming service: The Lucky Ones. It's about three soldiers who bond on a car trip while on leave. I'd never heard of it before -- it may be an indie movie.

I watched it while lying on the couch, covered in blankets, with my cat lying on top of me. And I was still cold. The radiators have come on briefly, but go off again. I don't know what's up, but I wish they would fix it.

Financially, all is well. It was a no-spend day, except for one load of laundry. Tomorrow I'll go to the grocery again; my list has reached ten. So I'm not done for the month. Variables spending is at 60%, so I'm bound to come in under.

Also, my property tax was about $250 less than expected which gives me a little boost in savings.

March will be a little different. I will have a dentist's appointment on the first (which is out of town), and at least three potential eating-out events. I'll have to work harder to make ends meet.

Coming in at 1416 calories today. Food consumed:

Coffee w/creamer
2 eggs over easy
Lightly buttered toast
2 clementines
Chicken parmesan sandwich
1/2 cup applesauce
1 cup French onion soup w/cheese bread topping
5 oz. wine
1/2 cup frozen yogurt

I also took a 1/2 hour walk.

I had two financial surprises today. I paid my Discover bill and realized that I was charged $40 to renew my I-pass (for tollway fares). No problem, but I was charged in January, and I never counted it then. So it goes into February expenses; I'm not going to go back and change everything. That pushes my variables spending to 59%, still very good.

Then, looking at last February's expenses, I realized that I paid the first installment of my property tax last February, but I hadn't yet received a bill this year. So I got online, and saw that it is due on March 1! I was able to pay online, with a $1 fee, but I'm sure glad I looked. I looked all over, and I don't believe I ever got the bill. I remember that I got an application for my senior exemption, but the actual bill -- no. Not unless senioritis has really set in.

That said, I really have to get better about my paperwork. I hate it, and I'm bad at it. I'd like everything to be electronic.

I had to take $1100 out of my slush fund. But that's what it's for.

I figure as long as I stay under 1500 calories per day, I'm doing well, and today I had 1485 calories. Here's what I ate:

Blueberry pancakes
Coffee w/ creamer
French onion soup w/cheese bread
Popcorn
Piece of dark chocolate
Turkey/veggie fried rice

The blizzard that was so loudly predicted didn't materialize to much of anything in my neck of the woods. We've had snow in the air, but nothing really sticking. Further south, and to the east, there has been heavy accumulation. Even so, I stayed in. It is windy, and may be slippery, too.

I did a load of laundry today ($1.50) and paid my mortgage. It's pay day for my Social Security. The amount is still showing as "processing" at the bank, so I'll wait until it is processed before I pay the Discover bill, which is $1165.

I've been finding a lot of free entertainment on broadcast TV lately. Today I watched "Awakenings" with Robin Williams, which I've seen before, but enjoyed again. There's a bit at the end where his character talks about the human spirit being stronger than any drug. It was quite moving, and I couldn't help but wonder why Robin couldn't get to that place himself. He brought so much joy to so many people, but he couldn't save himself. I wish he was still with us, and still performing.

No exercise today, but I'll do my stretching before bedtime.

I can't believe how well the diet is going, after all my procrastination! I consumed 1416 calories today, and did 10 minutes of stretching exercises.

The food:

Black Coffee
Oatmeal w/ blueberries & brown sugar
French onion soup w/ cheese bread topping
Half cup of frozen yogurt
Turkey stirfry w/ rice
5 oz. wine
Water all day long

I intended to get out and walk today, but I got so involved watching "Sybil," (Sally Field with multiple personalities) I never made it. It ran for about 4 hours. I think I had only seen bits of it before; it was interesting watching the whole thing.

I did do a load of laundry, and on top of cooking my meals I made a batch of poppy seed dressing from scratch, using up all my poppy seeds and some toasted sesame oil that needed to be used. I don't have any salad materials right now, but when I do, I'll be glad the dressing is already made.

Tomorrow we are supposed to get a heavy snowfall, so I'll probably regret that I didn't walk today.

Looking forward to my pants getting looser!

Well, believe it or not, I consumed almost exactly the same in calories today as I did yesterday - 1377. And I took a 35-minute walk.

My food intake:
Greek yogurt w/ honey
Coffee w/ non-fat creamer
Turkey sandwich
Blueberries w/non-fat "cream"
2 pizza tortillas
5 oz. wine

Right now I feel fine -- not hungry. The water helps with that.

I had ten items on my grocery list today, so I went shopping -- three different places. I bought kitty litter at PetSmart ($4). Then I went to Aldi (next door) and bought a dark chocolate almond bar, blueberries, biscuits, tuna, pizza sauce, vinegar, and frozen chicken patties ($13). Then I went to Jewel and bought a box of wine and a package of pantiliners ($17). My variables are at 54%.

The chocolate bar I can break into small pieces. It will help when I get sweet cravings.

I bought the kitty litter at PetSmart, because I had a $3 coupon. I bought a damaged carton which was marked down, and there was a $5 coupon on the package. That's why I got such a great price on the kitty litter.

It's been a good day. I watched last night's showings of Downton Abbey and Mercy Street. Mercy Street is over for the season and Downton Abbey will be done forever next week. Pain and sorrow!

I did well on the diet front today. I consumed an estimated 1355 calories, and I walked for 40 minutes. My food intake:

Coffee with no-fat creamer
Scrambled eggs with spinach & cheese
Turkey sandwich
3 clementines
1 small piece spanakopita
1 mini piece Mediterranean pizza
Pepper strips & hummus
1 small sausage roll
1 cup plain popcorn
5 oz. wine

The last six items I had at a birthday party/open house for a friend of mine. I made the best selections I could from the buffet. Passed up the cake and sweets.

I also kept drinking and refilling a water bottle all day.

I'm not feeling too hungry right now. I actually feel pretty good. But it's still early. We'll see how I feel in a couple of hours.

I also walked to the party, which was 20 minutes each way.

Just to keep this financial, it was a no-spend day, and I got a free dinner. I made a birthday card for my friend, rather than buying one. It's not beautiful, but I hope it is charming. I probably should have taken her a little gift, but I didn't know what to get her; I don't know her tastes or her needs very well.

Anyway, I'm feeling very encouraged, but, of course, it's day one!

Well, yesterday was a little more spendy than usual, but my variables spending is still more than fine at 50% -- and only 7 days to go!

I got my passport photo taken -- it was $14, more than I expected. And it's not a great picture. I won't look at it too often, to preserve my self-esteem!

I gave $1 to a homeless man. I dropped a dime while I was taking out the bill, so I actually gave him $1.10!

I went to see Revenant with a friend. It was $7. The good news is I didn't have to pay for parking, because I figured out how to get my ticket validated.

Who has seen Revenant? I thought it was technically amazing, but terribly gory and a real downer for me. I could have passed. I had been warned about the bear scene, but that was only one of many, many bloody scenes. And there was no redeeming story to counterbalance, at least not for me.

I'm thinking of seeing The Big Short today; I think that might be more in my line. A movie about a financial crisis, what could be better?

My clothes are getting tighter instead of looser, so I have to address my weight issue. Not only will it help my self-esteem, but it is a financial issue. I can't -- I won't -- buy bigger clothes. I have several bins full of smaller clothes. The mandate is clear. The only problem is I will have to do things I don't like to do -- like be hungry, avoid the foods I love, and exercise. I've done this so many times, only to wind up back in the same place; it's hard to get up any excitement about it. But as they say in the UK (and I've adopted it) -- needs must!

So my friends, I will bore you with not only my three meals per day, but I will share everything I eat; hopefully to shame myself out of it. And I will share exercise, too. So I will probably switch from posting in the morning to posting in the evening, when all the damage is done.

Now for good news -- my refund has already posted! I'm going to put it in my e-fund/mortgage fund, along with some money I've been carrying in checking for too long. (Always thought I would open a new account at Chase and get a bonus, but I never had quite enough to spare). I'll do that later today, and then update the sidebar.

Today is going to be a day of looking closely at goals and solutions. I'm in the mood to be more responsible -- to myself.

Did you see our famous wind on the national news last night? Man! Was it ever windy. Unfortunately, I decided to walk to the bank -- I went out the door intending to drive, but it was so warm I thought it was silly not to walk -- and the wind, at that point, was pretty tame. By the time I got halfway there, I realized the wind was blowing tarps off construction sites, knocking over garbage cans and sending them barreling down alleys, basically picking up everything that wasn't tied down and throwing it around! I learned later that whole streets were blocked off because of the danger of flying objects.

I was fine, though sometimes I really had to fight the current to stay upright. It was so warm, that even with a high wind like that, my ears did not hurt.

I certainly couldn't stop at Walgreen's to get my passport picture taken, however. I looked like someone had used a mixer on my head.

So I got my quarters. I also bought a $1.49 coke on the way, mostly so I could stop and rest. And I gave $2 to a StreetWise vendor.

I didn't watch a lot of TV yesterday, because it was out of service for much of the day. Many people lost all their power, but mine stayed on, except for the cable.

Today I'm going to see "Revenant" with a friend after she gets off work. I think I'll try again on the passport picture. I just washed my hair and it looks pretty good today.

Looks like my Florida son is finally closing on a house. Cross your fingers! He's had a couple of disappointments, so I'm hoping this one goes through.

Now about my menu. I STILL haven't eaten a turkey sandwich, even though it will appear today for the third time. When I went to make it yesterday, I realized the meat was still pretty frozen. I had a peanut butter sandwich instead.

Today's Menu:

Breakfast: Toast
Lunch: Hot Turkey Sandwich
Dinner: Spinach/Cheddar Omelet

My congestion continues. I woke up with an awful headache this morning, but it's better now, after a couple of Advil. I'll use the MyPurMist before bedtime; that will help with sleeping. I used it in the afternoon yesterday, but right before sleeping would be better.

But good news! I logged into my credit union account and found that my account is already set up for the credit card I applied for! Perhaps the acceptance letter is in the mail -- or my mailbox, which I didn't check yesterday.

So as soon as the card comes, I'll start charging all my expenses to that. It should be easy to charge $2500 in three months, but if it gets difficult, there's always the grocery card trick. Or I could buy an Amazon card, which would always be useful for gifts. Then it will be $500 to snowflakes. Yay!

I'm doing a load of laundry now. I'm rethinking the walk to the bank. While it is warm, it is also very windy, and my ears are very sensitive. I don't want to add an earache to my woes. But if I don't walk, I will drive, and I'll stop at Walgreens, too, to finally get my passport picture taken. I really need to get going on getting the passport.

I watched Griffin & Phoenix on TV yesterday -- first time I'd ever seen it, and I enjoyed it despite the bittersweet ending. Then last night I watched Nothing In Common, which I've seen several times. For some reason it is one of my favorite movies; it just always gets me when Tom Hanks mans up to take care of his dad. This time, I really looked at all the Chicago scenery in the background. I wasn't a resident when I've seen the movie before -- it was really fun to identify locations that are familiar to me now. Several scenes were filmed right in my suburb.

I've gone back to reading the Chronicles of Narnia. I told my man friend I would do this -- it is his area of specialty as a scholar. The trouble is, I just don't resonate well with fantasy. It's not that I look down on it or anything, but it doesn't engage me. I will catch myself turning pages and never taking in a thing, because I'm thinking of other things, making grocery lists and such. Then I have to page back and re-read.

The kind of books I really like are contemporary novels that show a hero or heroine working through relatable problems, or going through hard times. For instance, I love to read novels about the Holocaust, even though I am not Jewish, or about the Great Depression. I like to read about relationships and I like humor and irony, and mystery, too! But fantasy -- it's just too "made up" for me. I see the puppet strings. I want to lose myself, not be aware of the storyteller all the time.

So, anyway, that's my rationale for being so slow to get through this series. It's actually quite charming, but at the same time it feels like doing homework.

Today's Menu:

Breakfast: Granola w/almond milk
Lunch: Cornbread & salad
Dinner: Hot turkey sandwich

Yes, same as yesterday. That's the problem with being single; so much leftover food. I actually did not have the turkey sandwich yesterday, though; I had popcorn late in the afternoon and didn't feel like having supper. I have to learn to stop doing that.

I had a good day with my grandson. We shared some Star Wars cereal, and played Word on the Street, Upwords and Tenzi. The time went fast.

I thought I would just crash and nap after his mom picked him up, but I ended up staying up till I went to bed at 9 or so. I didn't sleep great, but better than the night before. I am still pretty congested.

Financially, everything is on autopilot. No spending yesterday and I don't expect to spend anything today.

When I went to the grocery store the other day, I forgot to do one of the main things I went there for -- get quarters! Actually, I remembered after I had gone through the checkout line, but I didn't ask for any cash back, and the customer service desk wouldn't let me buy quarters without cash -- checks or credit cards were not acceptable.

I have enough quarters for one more load. I don't need to do one today, but I will tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow, when it warms up, I will walk to the bank and get a couple of rolls. The bank is about a 35-minute walk away. Of course, I could drive, too, but I would kind of like to make this 1/4 tank of gas last through the month.

Today's Menu:

Breakfast: French toast sticks
Lunch: Spinach salad and loaded cornbread
Dinner: Hot turkey sandwich