That's what they are calling the attacks in Paris. How shocking, and sobering at the same time. I can't understand how ONE person could be a cold-blooded murderer, much less how there is an extensive network of people who join the club because they delight in the kill. Oh right, and because their religion demands it. Yeah. Disgusting.

I picked up my car yesterday, and it is BEAUTIFUL! It is spic & span, inside and out. It was expensive, but I'm so glad I did it. The total cost was $3,411. The extra $400 was for bumper replacements and a few parts, like the gizmo that holds the antenna. I charged it to Discover, so I should get some decent cash back.

Before the retreat, I made a quick stop at the grocery to buy quarters, and also got some kitty litter and a birthday card for my grandson. ($10)

The sandwich I ordered for the retreat was so big, I took half of it home and ate it for supper. So that was a free lunch and supper. I was lucky enough to find free parking, too.

Today I'm doing laundry, and going back to the grocery for food. I'll have to get gas, too.

At noon, my new cat will be delivered by the foster caretaker. So it might be an interesting afternoon! Hoping they will resolve their inevitable territorial issues quickly.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: French toast, apple
Lunch: Chili, cornbread
Dinner: Sloppy joes, veggies

It was one of those days I stayed in all day. I worked for three hours, but I hit another snag. I have to modify a PDF but don't have Acrobat Pro on my loaner laptop. Nor on my own computer, for that matter. So I'm going to offer to go in on Monday so I can get it loaded and then complete some of this work. This is getting ridiculous. I get so close and then something else holds me up.

It was a good day to stay in all day -- cold and blustery. I didn't even step out to do laundry! I've heard that a lot of people are out of power after the storms, so I'm feeling lucky to be warm and toasty.

I got a call from the shop today that my car is almost ready and I can pick it up tomorrow. And they are going to detail it for me! The guy I talked to said, "It looks a-MAZ-ing!" I can hardly wait.

Then I have to spend the afternoon in a board retreat. This will be my last face-to-face meeting before I cycle off the board. There will be a couple of phone meetings, and I will have to go to the bank with the new Treasurer to transfer the account, but after that I'm done!

I will continue to serve on the programming committee, though, mainly so I can keep in touch with people who have become good friends.

No real financial news, I guess. I think I'll charge the car work to Discover to get the cash back, though it seems those rewards are getting smaller. Too bad I didn't get around to getting a new credit card so I could earn a bonus, but those are the breaks.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: French toast, apple
Lunch: Grilled cheese sandwich, mixed veggies
Dinner: Chili, cornbread

What a day. First of all, I was so despondent about having to take public transit to work for the third time! But what made it worse was at the last minute I could not find my transit card. I looked EVERYWHERE -- I thought. I finally just left home and bought full-fare tickets for the day. I was really upset, thinking about how I would have to call and have the card cancelled (there is money on it) and then have to go through the process of getting a new one. As a senior, I'm entitled to reduced fare, but you can't get a reduced fare card at the station. You have to do it by mail.

I got about halfway to work when I finally remembered that I had worn a jacket last week whose pockets I hadn't checked. Sure enough, when I got home much later, the card was in the pocket.

So I was only out $6 for the fare; not really a tragedy, but so upsetting at the time.

Work was no fun either. The woman I report to seemed a little short with me because I am working slowly. It's not really my fault; I couldn't do any work at home until I was issued a laptop, and then I was issued the wrong power cord, so my laptop died. There was really nothing I could do, I was bound by their own rules and incompetencies. Plus, I am hitting that same old wall of trying to find something that isn't there. Some things are just not published! Some things cannot be found on the internet! Believe it or not, some things are still private! Tomorrow I have to send in a short report explaining why I cannot find information on a foundation that hasn't filed a 990. Aauuughh!

I didn't even get my free lunch -- it has to be rescheduled. So I spent $7 on a hot dog and fries, which was the cheapest lunch I could get in the museum café.

Oh well, I'm finally home, and feeling really grateful that I made it home before the storm rolls in. We're supposed to get very high winds this evening. Planning to get a GOOD night's sleep tonight and wake up feeling cheerier!

Well, I have to get some work done today, I didn't do it yesterday. But I did get a bunch of little things done and out of my way. I mailed my granddaughter's birthday present ($10) and I deposited some checks for the board. Then I went to the drugstore and bought some insoles for plantar fasciitis. ($11) My foot is getting no better. I hope these will at least make the heel pain more bearable. I also stopped at the library and picked up a book, Sense & Sensibility by Joanna Trollope, her modern take on the classic. All of this had to be done on foot, so it took some time.

So today I can't procrastinate any more; I have to get some work done. What is making me drag my feet is having to work on an unfamiliar laptop and having to learn to use some unfamiliar web-based services. I just have to plough through and do it. After all, I have to actually go to work tomorrow!

I looked at train & bus routes again. I was sure there was a bus that went straight to the museum. I was right -- it runs on weekends! So I'll be taking the same basic route, but I'm going to try a different bus that will take me to the same stop. Maybe it will be less crowded. I'm also going to transfer trains earlier in the route, in hopes of getting a seat.

This really, really, has to be the last time, doesn't it?

Tomorrow my boss and her boss are treating me to lunch. It will be a lunch meeting, to touch base on how the projects are going. But I'm super glad to be getting anything free!

My variables spending is now at 32%. With the month 33% gone, that's perfect! But I still have the cat adoption fee coming up, and Thanksgiving travels. My son's birthday -- and then Christmas right on its heels! It's amazing how time is flying.

Whew! I'm really tired after a weekend with my BFF! We had fun, though. We ate out, we went to a movie ("Room"), we shopped, we went to my grandson's violin recital, we went treasure-hunting at Goodwill, and of course just talked, talked, talked. She also took me to the grocery store, since I am still carless. Here is the financial damage:

Eating out: $22
Movie: $8
Shopping: $52
Groceries: $90

We actually ate out twice, making good use of coupons. The shopping, for me, was $20 for a book, and $32 for gifts. I bought an "Elsa" nightgown for my granddaughter and a sparkly silver tutu, taking advantage of a $10 in Kohl's cash. I'll need to get them in the mail SOON!

The groceries, well, I had a lot of catching up to do. These should get me through the week, and longer, I hope.

Grandson's recital was adorable, and the movie "Room" I highly recommend. It is not easy to watch, but worth it. The little boy's performance is absolutely amazing.

I also found .46 in change! Just kept finding it.

Now I have to get back in the real world. I have to catch up on work, but I'm allowing myself the morning off to rest and recoup.

Oh, I also got to visit my adoptive kitty. He is everything they promised, sweet and beautiful; now I just have to do the paperwork. Once I am approved, it will cost $110, but that covers his vet bills, neutering, and chipping.

I changed my mind on his name. I'm going to call him "Iggy." It just suits him. And it doesn't seem to me that he responds to "Smokey" at all.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Toast
Lunch: Salad
Dinner: Sloppy joe's?...or eggs, if I decide not to cook

Well, I already mentioned this in a comment, but I will share with the group at large -- I was completely mistaken about the car costing more because of the body work that needs to be done. The shop was only letting me know it would take longer, not that it would cost more. Woo-hoo!

My BFF is coming up this morning, and at 11 we will go take a look at "Smokey," the Russian Blue. If I end up adopting him, I won't stick with the name Smokey. That's like naming a black cat "Blackie." Too generic. But since I will probably want something that sounds similar, for his sake, I settled on "Oakley."

Then we will go out to lunch and then go grocery shopping. I'm so excited about getting food in the house! I hope I can convince her to take me to Kohl's, too, to buy a birthday gift for my granddaughter. I can always do it on Amazon, but for clothing I like to see things in person.

I had a lot of trouble setting up my remote access to my work computer yesterday. Finally, after texting the IT person, I realized that I had not connected the borrowed laptop to the internet via my Wi-Fi. Duh. These technical things don't come naturally to me. By the time I got connected, I didn't get much done. I wrote down an hour of work, when I actually spent closer to a couple of hours. That seemed fair.

I might have my BFF drop me off at the museum on Monday, which is right on her way. I get more done there, when I don't have to fight with the remote technology. And I would be saving at least half a trip on public transit. The bad thing is that my boss and her boss have already scheduled a lunch meeting on Wednesday, so maybe it isn't a good idea after all, if it would only mean increasing my commute time rather than decreasing it.

I mopped all the floors yesterday with a diluted lemon cleanser, and I love the way it smells! All fresh and clean!

Really looking forward to having some fun this weekend!

I just had biscuits & gravy for breakfast this morning, but the rest of today's menu is undetermined!

I called yesterday to see how the car was coming. The shop manager spoke to me and then sent me pictures of the car. It seems that taking off the paint has uncovered some body issues. He highlighted the damage in the pictures and also invited me to come by and see it. So. It's going to cost more. I need to call him back today to give the OK and find out how much more. I have decided I would rather fix it right than paint over problems, and I'm not going to let myself get upset about it.

The worst news is that it will probably take till NEXT FRIDAY! That means riding the train/bus again on Wednesday.

Thank goodness my BFF is coming tomorrow and she can take me to the grocery store. My refrigerator has never been so empty.

Only spending yesterday was a load of laundry, and I'll do another today, for a total of $3. My medical premium was also automatically paid. Variables spending is at 10%.

Today I'm going to mop the floors and do some straightening up for my company. I also need to pull out that laptop and do some work.

I've started a bag for Goodwill donations, and I'm keeping a running list on a spreadsheet of everything I put in it, along with the estimated value. I've never bothered much with keeping track of donations, because I rarely itemize, but this year is going to be different. I'm going to be looking for every tax break I can find.

Today's Menu:

Breakfast: Biscuits & gravy
Lunch: Quesadillas w/cheese & peppers
Dinner: Vegetable beef soup

My little female has been so lonely since the male died. She periodically goes into the bathroom and wails. (He liked to hang out there.) So I've had it in the back of mind to find another companion for her. It turns out, one of my neighbors works for a cat rescue organization. She is going to introduce me to a male Russian Blue, already neutered, front-declawed and chipped, and up to date on shots. There will be a fee -- and I forgot to ask how much -- but really, I don't mind supporting an organization like that. They save healthy cats from death row and work with vets to make them adoptable.

The plan is to view him on Saturday morning (he is being fostered in Chicago) and hopefully see how he gets along with my little lady.

In other news, my BFF was freed up from babysitting duties, and she'll be here this weekend. I'm so glad -- we can celebrate her birthday.

Work went fine yesterday, but my bus ride was awful! It was standing room only, and the bus lurched all over the place. I could barely stay on my feet, and I had to cling to the bar with all my strength. No one offered me a seat, even though it is posted all over the place to offer your seat to seniors -- and my hair can't get any whiter!

That was on the way in. On the way home, I had to wait at the bus stop for almost an hour before my bus came. I watched at least eight other buses come and go, and it was so frustrating. I thought about Laura, and how her customers complain! After yesterday, I can kind of see their side of it!

I finally got the laptop issued to me, so that I can work from home again. It is heavy, so it was an extra burden on the ride home. I'm very glad that I won't have to take public transit to my job again. But I will admit it was cheap. With my senior discount, it only reduced the balance on my card by $4.20. (I put $20 on the card several months ago).

My only real spending yesterday was $1 for coffee. I was planning to meet a friend for lunch, but she had to catch a flight. Luckily I had packed clementines, an apple and crackers in my bag, and they got me through the day, and I didn't have to buy lunch.

Today is the ninth day since I took my car in to be painted. I will call to see if it is anywhere near ready. Fingers crossed!

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Toast, fruit
Lunch: Vegetable beef soup
Dinner: Spaghetti Due'

Yesterday I canceled Amazon Prime, though I can use it through December 17. I just never got much use out of it. I have to say I am impressed that they sent me an email giving me the option to cancel. Other less reputable companies just let the anniversary pass...

My boss at the museum failed to turn in my "invoice" -- which is my time card, basically. Did I say yet that she is really ditzy? Thank goodness I am not in immediate need of the money. I really have no idea when I will get paid.

Today I am taking public transit into work. I woke up early, worrying about making the connections. At least the weather is better than it was last week. Mild temperatures and no rain.

I got my prescription filled yesterday - $6. There was a note on the receipt that my insurance company saved me $71. Really, I had no idea my generic statin was that expensive.

I got a new insurance card yesterday. The only change I see is that ER visits rose from $65 to $75. My previous insurance required that I pay $100, so I'm not concerned. I'm not one to make unnecessary ER visits, at any rate.

I also got my Choice Privileges card, which I can use for hotel points and savings. I have a free night coming to me, so I'm glad I finally have the card and don't have to explain at the desk.

Variables spending is 9%. I'm doing well. Of course, paying for the car paint will blow my budget out of the water, but I'll be taking that from savings, not from cash flow.

I'm getting excited about getting my car back, all clean and shiny. I might even spring for detailing, to make it a "new" car inside and out.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Toast, clementines
Lunch: Restaurant
Dinner: What else -- vegetable beef soup!

Yesterday's spending was minimal. I did a load of laundry ($1.50). I also had dinner at my meeting, but the cost was picked up by the board. I did put a dollar in the tip jar. And I dropped off my prescription, but since I am transferring from another pharmacy, which was already closed at the time, it won't be ready until today, so there was no cost there (yet!) And I found a dime!

November is the month of birthdays for me. My son, my grandson, my granddaughter, and my BFF all have November birthdays. With Christmas following close behind, it's a difficult time, financially.

I already have a game for my son, and a science set for my grandson, which I picked up at garage sales this summer. In both cases I need to add something else. I already gave my granddaughter a doll high chair (also a garage sale item) but I'm sure that was given too early to be remembered as a birthday gift. I think I will order a nightgown for her on Amazon -- or check them out at Kohls. She likes princess nightgowns, the gaudier the better.

I also have garage sale gifts for my BFF -- some knitted slipper socks and a double frame with a holly pattern. Both new, by the way. I may pick up some other little thing.

BFF is not coming this week after all, by the way. Her son and DIL are going through some tough times, and she is needed to be on hand for babysitting. She may come next week, if things smooth out.

The cream of celery soup turned out good, though thinner than I expected. I will have a bowl today, and then it will go into the freezer. The vegetable beef soup is not going into the freezer, because it has potatoes in it. So I will keep eating it! Today, though, for a change, I'll cook some down and serve over mashed potatoes.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Toast w/peanut butter and jelly
Lunch: Cream of celery soup and grilled cheese sandwich
Dinner: Potato bowl w/veggie beef topping

Yesterday I paid the city's wheel tax - $75. Basically, it's a like a resident's sticker, only without the sticker. You can get ticketed if your car is parked on a city street and you are not in the system.

Unfortunately, it's not tax deductible, because it's not based on the value of the vehicle.

I took a small walk to the drugstore yesterday to return some stuff, and I found .12 along the way. And nobody hit me up for money, which I consider a win!

My BFF is coming this Thursday! I'm so excited! Besides all the fun we'll have, I'll have someone to help me pick up the car when it's finished!

I am meeting a fellow board member at a local restaurant tonight -- within walking distance for me. We will go over the board's October budget report together. Since she is coming straight from work (downtown) she will probably want to have dinner, so I am expecting that I will, too.

Today I am doing laundry, making cream of celery soup, walking back to the drugstore (since I forgot to take my prescription yesterday), vacuuming and dusting. I've never made cream of celery soup before, but I've got a lot of celery to use up. I can only buy the whole bunch, or else buy a cup of sticks which cost about four times as much. I asked the produce manager if I could buy just one stick, but he said no, it is priced by the bunch and not by the pound. So I could buy one stick, but would have to pay the price for the whole bunch. So I'm figuring out how to use up all that celery, which is not my favorite vegetable. (Unbeatable for crunch, though!)

I think I'll be able to hold off from going back to the grocery until my car is returned. I do wish I didn't have to go to work on Wednesday; the trek by public transit is pretty stressful -- but it does make me appreciate having a car. Aside from these two trips to the museum, going carless has gone pretty well, I have to say.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Cranberry muffin tops
Lunch: Vegetable beef soup
Dinner: ?? Probably restaurant food ??

October was a costly month -- I took my Florida vacation, and I had business expenses (which will be recouped at tax time). Some surprising lows, too.

Housing - $677
Vacation/Travel - $401
Business - $165
Utilities - $149
Gifts/Charity - $138
Eating Out - $76
Groceries - $51
Phone - $51
Medical/Health - $42
Fares/Parking - $40
Gas - $37
Vet/Pet Supplies - $17
Personal - $13
Clothing/Accessories - $12
Laundry - $11
Entertainment - $8
Furnishings/Equipment/Décor - $5
Grand Total - $1900

My grocery spending was really low! I assume this was a result of time spent away from home on vacation, as well as my careful shopping.

Gifts were surprisingly high. But I had one birthday, bought some supplies for my son while staying at his house, and the rest were small gifts like the Halloween candy & cash I gave to my grandsons, and the small amounts I gave to street vendors and panhandlers.

The vacation expense covered one big vacation and one weekend vacation.

My laundry was unusually low. That's because I did some laundering using other people's machines!

My variables spending was 92%.

I went trick-or-treating with the grandsons last night. It was chilly, but the rain slacked off after coming down all day. The boys were thrilled with their haul, and had a great time. Afterwards, my son and DIL ordered pizza for dinner, so I didn't have my vegetable soup last night. It was all good, except my feet were aching terribly at the end of the night. Wish they didn't bother me so much, but there doesn't seem to be any easy answer. I probably should have taken Advil before setting out.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Migas
Lunch: Deviled eggs and celery/peanut butter
Dinner: Vegetable beef soup

Halloween is not much of a blip on my horizon now. Living on the second floor of a gated building, I get no trick-or-treaters. Sometimes I tag along trick-or-treating with the grandsons, but I can go home when I get cold or my feet hurt. It is fun, though. Our neighborhood is full of big old homes where the residents really go all-out with decorations. And they dole out lots of candy.

I was thinking of putting together a little snack bag for the grandsons, but maybe they would like a little cash gift instead. They will certainly get enough candy.

Yesterday I stayed in all day. I'm not even sure what the weather was like, though the reports were that it was chilly. Today we will have rain (poor trick-or-treaters) and then tomorrow a warm-up. Woo-hoo!

I have to go back to work on Wednesday, and the car won't be ready. So I'll have to make the trip on public transit again. At least this time I will know the route.

My SIL and I just arranged to fly my sister home for Thanksgiving. My SIL gets lots of travel points because she flies from Michigan to Texas weekly for work. (Yep!) So the round-trip flight was only about $22. I will pick up my sister in Chicago and drive her to Michigan.

My sister, you may remember, is a compulsive spender and a hoarder, and she has almost been evicted several times. She never seems to learn; she blames her income, and has never seriously tried to cut back. But I still love her and I'll be happy to see her.

I heard a new note in her voice when I talked to her yesterday. She seems to be really trying now. She is using food banks (which she had to apply to use, so she is not taking advantage). She is buying clothes at Goodwill. It seems she has stopped trying to appear rich, so maybe there is hope after all.

Thanks to your comments, I am less worried now about the upcoming changes in Social Security. It seems there is a good chance I've squeaked by under the deadline, and, if not, I'll deal with it. It's a good thing I have this part-time job to build up a cushion!

Again, forgot the menu!

Breakfast: Cranberry muffin tops
Lunch: Grilled cheese sandwich, fries
Dinner: Vegetable beef soup, bread

So yesterday I walked to the library and then to the grocery store. The total walk takes about 35 minutes each way. It was cold and windy, but I was bundled up, and it didn't feel too bad.

I bought 8 items, which filled my tote. Honey, shredded cheddar, American cheese slices, beef stew meat, celery, a baking potato, raspberries, and sourdough bread. The total was $24.

I'm going to make a big pot of vegetable beef soup, which I hope will last a while.

I did a load of laundry yesterday, and will do another today for a total of $3.

My variables spending is 91%, with the month nearing its end.

My cousin sent me an article yesterday about a bill that's before the House, which, if passed, would curtail my Social Security income. Specifically, it would take away the option I am taking to draw my ex-spouse's benefit until I am 70, and then draw my own, thus getting a higher payout. I would be forced to take my own now, a lower rate that I would be stuck with for life.

I got really depressed after reading this. Just the thought of getting a "raise" in four years has been keeping me focused and determined. If the rest of my life is going to be just like this ... well, I will survive, but it is certainly austere. I can only hope it will not pass in this form.

But it galls me, really. They are going to fix the SS mess by punishing the poor? Why do the rich always get coddled? I realize the rich "pay to play" by making campaign donations, but where is our public sense of right and wrong?

Well, off the soapbox. All I can do is keep on, like I always have.

I keep forgetting to add my daily menu!

Breakfast: Cranberry muffin tops
Lunch: Vegetable beef soup, bread
Dinner: Scrambled eggs w/peppers & onions

Yesterday I went to work, without my car. I had to take two trains and a bus, and also walked a bit. This is not the same train system I used before, so I am unfamiliar with it. The good news is that it cost me nothing, because I already had $$ loaded onto my card. The bad news is that it was crowded and stressful. For two of the legs of my journey I had to stand in the aisle and hang onto a strap. I was also very nervous about getting off at the right stop and finding my way to the next ride. I managed it all with minor errors -- I twice missed the planned train/bus, but there is always another.... I was very tired when I got home.

I worked 7 hours, plus took an hour for lunch. A friend met me for lunch at the museum. I treated her, and the bill was $18, but I will write it off. We talked extensively about my job and she gave me a lot of input. She was my boss years ago.

So today it is cold and rainy. I have to go to the library and return a book, and I will go on to the grocery store as well. I just have to make sure to buy only enough that I can comfortably carry for the mile I have to walk home.

This carless state is going to be an interesting experiment. Right now I'm feeling like it's definitely worth it to own a car!

I'm home again, and boy, am I tired. I was hardly able to sleep at my brother's house, because -- get this -- it was so quiet and so dark. I've become such an urbanite! I need noise and light to sleep!

I also had such a good time, I think, that I was over-stimulated. And since I saw my "boyfriend," my mind was whirling with conversations I am imagining with him. My nighttime mental conversations are great sleep-stealers.

Anyway. To recap, on Friday I attended the conference I've been planning with my board. It went really well, and the big surprise was that I was honored with a scholarship they created in my name! It will fund a beginning researcher to attend two conferences a year. I was blown away! I knew that I would receive some little gift because it is my last year on the board, but I didn't expect this! It was so awesome!

In addition to the $80 fee, it cost $14 to park. On the previous evening, we hosted the speakers for dinner, and while my dinner was comped, parking was $32! All of this can be written off my taxes, but it was still shocking. Others turned in parking receipts for $12 -- from the same parking garage. They arrived later than I did, but they must have done something else that I missed out on. Perhaps they used Spot Hero, or something.

After the conference I drove up to Michigan, and my weekend there was relatively inexpensive. Gas was $27, food was $5, and I spent $9 to see a movie. I also bought a birthday present for my SIL for $31.

My variables spending is at 86% (not counting business expenses).

Tomorrow I take my car to the garage to be painted, and I will begin my carless week-plus.

But mostly, I am looking forward to a very deep sleep in my own bed!

I didn't do much yesterday, other than work for a couple of hours, and I also did a lot of back and forth emailing with the board, getting ready for this conference.

Tomorrow I will drive in to work for the day, and then afterwards I will meet the board and the speakers for a dinner in the city. It will be comped. I do have to figure out the parking near the restaurant. I may have to use valet service. If so, I will write it off.

Then on Friday it's back to the city for the conference, and from there I will leave for a weekend in Michigan. My college homecoming, though I don't know how much I will get involved in that, since it is not a reunion year for me.

No financial news, I guess!

Today's menu:

Breakfast: English muffin, clementine
Lunch: Tuna salad, broccoli
Dinner: French dip sandwich, salad

Yesterday turned out differently than I thought it would. I was planning on staying home all day, doing some work, some relaxing. But I recalled that I needed to get the badge holders and lanyards to the young lady who is doing name tags for the conference on Friday. So I took a 25-mile trip to get them to her office. We also went out to lunch. Since we discussed board business, and our professional work in general, I'm counting the lunch cost (and the travel cost) as a tax write-off.

That took a big chunk of my day. I also had a long phone conversation with another board member. I have a phone meeting today, as well. Most of this is in preparation for the conference, and will settle down when it's over. Have I said I'll be glad when my term ends in December? Though I will miss some of the people involved.

I spent $9 on gas yesterday, simply because I decided to top off the tank in an area where gas prices are lower. I should never get gas close to home. Gas prices in my area are among the highest in the nation.

The lunch was $19, but since it's a write-off, I won't count it in the variables. Variables spending is at 78%.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Greek yogurt, banana
Lunch: Mini-pizzas, salad
Dinner: Tuna salad sandwich, veggies

Note: though tuna salad has appeared several times on the menu, I have not actually made or eaten any yet, since my plans tend to change. Hope this will be the day!

I went to my grandson's soccer game yesterday, and afterwards took the family out for Chinese, making good on last week's promise. The total bill with tip was $62, a little higher than I expected, but the boys are old enough now to order their own entrees instead of eating off their parents' plates. That said, there were a lot of leftovers. I took home a serving of sesame chicken that I'll have for dinner today.

I also gave them $30 toward a school fundraiser. Whew! Expensive day, for me!

Variables are at 77% -- too high. But last month was low; I think it will even out.

I have a busy week ahead. Work on Wednesday, a board dinner on Thursday, a conference on Friday, and a weekend trip to Michigan! I may negotiate going to work on Thursday instead of Wednesday; it would save one trip into the city.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Egg & sausage burrito, clementine
Lunch: Mini pizzas, salad
Dinner: Sesame chicken w/rice, broccoli

I did my ten-items grocery shop yesterday. Items bought: Dishwasher detergent, coffee, English muffins, spreadable margarine, eggs, pantiliners, sherbet, salad, onion, and bananas. Total cost was $36. I also gave $2 to the guy selling StreetScene.

Another expenditure: I paid $80 to attend a conference. I am on the board for this organization, so I have to go. In the past, my employer has paid, but now I have to pay myself. The upside is that I can write it off on my taxes. I'm going to have to pay my membership fee, too, which I will also write off. This is totally legit; it is the professional organization that supports the work I do.

I worked on the spreadsheet for another hour yesterday. I meant to go back for another hour, but didn't do it, so I'll have to work a couple of hours today.

Today's Menu:

Breakfast: Granola & Banana
Lunch: Mini-pizzas, salad
Dinner: Tuna salad sandwich

Yesterday I spent a couple of hours working. I set the timer for one hour two different times, and I was surprised at how the time flew. The work I am doing is interesting, so when the timer goes off, I have to make myself stop. Overall, though, I like getting paid by the hour. It keeps me from spending too much time on wild goose chases -- always a problem when you're doing research.

I didn't go out all day. I was planning to -- I was going to surprise my grandson by joining him for lunch at school -- but I was doing laundry and lost track of time. I'll try to do that Monday.

My ears are getting stopped up with wax (I'm a waxer; it's hereditary). A friend is having hearing problems, and she wants to start with getting her ears irrigated -- she's never had it done. So I proposed that we go together. I thought we could just go to Target's clinic, but it appears that Medicare only covers it if I go to my doctor. So much for that. We do go to the same medical practice (though not the same doctor) so maybe we can still make it a joint project. She is very fearful of the procedure, though she will learn it's not painful, just weird-feeling.

Variable spending is at 62%, with 54% of the month gone, so I am catching up.

It's turned cold -- freeze warnings -- but thank goodness, the boiler is on and the radiators are working. Last year, the cold came early and I had some miserable days before the boiler was fired up.

Today's Menu:

Breakfast: Egg casserole, clementine
Lunch: Pizza bread, veggies
Dinner: Chipped beef on toast, veggies

Well, I know what I'm spending my museum earnings on. I got estimates yesterday on the car, and I think I found my shop, but it's going to cost $3K. $300 more if I decide to replace a couple of banged-up bumpers. I really like the shop's owner, though; he seems very honest and straightforward, and his reviews on Yelp are excellent. I think he'll do a good job. He was very excited about my car, and even said he would like to buy it when I'm ready to sell.

The shop will need to have the car for at least nine days, and wouldn't be able to take it right away. I'm planning a weekend trip to Michigan on the 24-25th, so I'll take it in after I get back. It will mean I'll have to take public transportation to my job at least once.

The good news is that the car is internally in good shape, both under the hood and inside the doors, so once I get a good protective coat back on it, it should, with any luck, last the four more years I need from it.

While I was out, I stopped at Aldi and bought a few groceries for $6.

I didn't get any work done yesterday, which means today I have to devote two hours to it, or I'll start falling behind!

I think I got the insurance issue resolved, too. I finally spoke to someone who said she would fax the needed documents to the lender. I hope I will hear no more of it.

I also sent out the checks to my siblings and niece/nephews -- their share of my mother's unclaimed property. I'm hanging on to my brother's though, since I'll see him in person soon.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Biscuits & Greek yogurt & clementine
Lunch: Pizza bread
Dinner: French onion soup, veggies

Okay, finally got the first day of work under my belt. I didn't know what time I was supposed to be there, so I got up at six and got on the road by 7:15. On the way there I realized I would arrive at the museum before it opened, and I had visions of just sitting in the parking garage, so I stopped for breakfast at McDonalds. ($3) As it turned out, I could have arrived earlier, but as it was, my 9 o'clock arrival was termed "perfect."

I worked for seven hours, earning $175. (Not that I have it in hand yet. I'm just keeping track.) I spent much of the day getting set up, getting my ID, etc. There are still a lot of glitches. I have to be issued a laptop so I can access the databases from home. My access to an important internet-based service is not working. Even so, there is work I can do from home, working on a spreadsheet.

They treated me to lunch, which was a big hamburger topped with apple, glazed onion, and bacon, and a side of mac & cheese! I didn't eat supper last night, because that was easily two meals' worth.

The plan is to work at home a few hours a day, continuing to update the spreadsheet, and go back next Wednesday. Hopefully, all the issues will be resolved.

Everyone was really nice, and I think this is going to work out well. I'm glad I will only have the commute once a week, though. It is 20 miles, and almost all of it on Lake Shore Drive, which is very, very busy in the morning.

I have missed two committee meetings and feel like kind of a schlump, but between the Florida trip and starting work, my mind has not been focused on my board duties. I will be glad when they end in December.

Today I have to resolve the issue with my condo insurance. Even though I have always been current on it, my mortgage lender seems to need information from my property management company, and the PM company is not answering my emails. I'll try calling today -- though getting a real person on any call is increasingly difficult.

I also may take my car in for a painting estimate, now that I know I have some extra income.

Today's Menu:

Breakfast: Biscuits & gravy, applesauce
Lunch: Toast topped w/guacamole & fried egg
Dinner: Chicken salad sandwich, veggies

It is really cooling off today. I hope the boiler will be turned on, or it's going to be a cold night! Another task today is to make sure that all the radiators are set on "open."

Yesterday I got a settlement check for $5 from Diamond Foods. I don't remember the details, but I'm glad to have it! I also used a $5 coupon for Target, which I think I got after buying the diapers. I used it to buy Command hooks -- had to pay $4 out of pocket.

I used the hooks to hang my bulky necklaces that don't fit in my jewelry box. They make nice art on the wall!

I also bought gas -- $28. Ouch! I'm definitely back in the land of high gas prices. I believe it was 2.67 per gallon.

I didn't receive a reply from the museum, so I'm not driving in today. I'm going to assume that Wednesday is the right day. I wish I would get an answer as to whether it will be a half or whole day, though. I need to know whether my committee meetings have to be canceled.

I think I'm going to apply for a new credit card. PNC is offering $100 bonus for spending $500 in three months. That's pretty good. It comes in the form of a credit to the account. I can't really use the high-spending card deals any more, but even I can spend $500 in three months and not kill my budget!

This morning I replaced the buttons on a favorite fall jacket. I've noticed for some time that a button was missing, so I finally dug in my button bag and found a nice set of four that I must have bought for something else long ago. I feel quite virtuous!

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Quiche and apple
Lunch: Chicken salad sandwich
Dinner: Toast topped w/ guacamole & fried egg

My son had too much schoolwork to do last night (he's working on a Master's) so the Chinese was canceled. I did, however, take my grandsons out for milkshakes after the soccer game. I succumbed to getting one for myself, too. The total bill was $10.

Just realized that my boss at the museum asked me to come in on Wednesday, the 13th! Ack!! Which one does she want? I sent her an email. I may be starting tomorrow!

I made biscuits this morning. I wanted to use up the gravy I made yesterday from the sausage pan drippings. Not very successful.... The main problem is that they were overbaked, even though I followed the directions. My oven, apparently, runs hot. I scraped the bottoms and stored the leftovers. I'll use them up in some way. I also stewed apples and overcooked them! More like apple leather....

That brings me to today's menu:

Breakfast: Burnt biscuits w/apple leather
Lunch: Cheese quesadillas w/ guacamole
Dinner: Orange chicken w/rice, veggies

I walked to the grocery yesterday, mainly to get quarters, but I also bought some tortillas and an avocado, for a grand total of $3.50.

I'm really trying to use up what's in the pantry and freezer to keep costs down.

I also gave $2 to a guy selling Street Scene -- it's a program to help the homeless.

Variables spending is at 53%.

On my walk, I found .22 -- all in pennies! I also found .22 on my vacation, but it was two dimes and two pennies.

September was a good month -- only 73% of my variables spent. Which is good, since October certainly won't be like that!

Housing - 677
Utilities - 146
Groceries - 130
Gifts/Charity - 98
Vacation/Travel - 94
Car Repair/Maintenance - 70
Personal - 53
Phone - 51
Entertainment - 42
Household Supplies - 40
Vet/Pet Supplies - 35
Eating Out - 25
Medical/Health - 20
Furnishings/Equipment/Décor - 13
Clothing/Accessories - 12
Laundry - 12
Fares/Parking - 10
Grand Total - 1528

Now, here are more details about why my vacation was so cheap. First of all, gas prices were low, especially in the South. They hovered around $2 a gallon. I never drove very fast, and I didn't have to use the air conditioning very much, as the weather was mostly perfect. I took along a cooler of food from home and did not buy any meals on the way down. I did buy coffee a few times. (I brought coffee, too, but it ran out fast.) My meals on the way back were economical -- a child's vegetable platter at Cracker Barrel, breakfast from the dollar menu at McDonalds, and my stop at Popeye's Chicken -- where I only bought onion rings, having a craving for something hot and salty -- netted me free ice tea and an apple pie, because my order got lost.

I only spent two nights in a hotel. I picked Choice hotels so I could earn a third free night to use later. Each of those rooms cost around $80, but I will get $100 back from BOA because of travel points I earned.

My kids bought most of the food for the week. I bought one lunch for myself at Jason's Deli and I contributed $20 toward pizza one night. Our activities were kid-centered and simple, so there wasn't much expenditure there.

I entertained myself on the trip with audiobooks from the library.

My goal was to beat the cost of an airline ticket and car rental, and I think I did it!

Today will be low-key. I'm going to walk to the store to get quarters. I'm going to drive to the downtown library to return my audiobooks. I think there may be a soccer game, and, if my kids agree to it, I'm going to take them out for Chinese tonight in thanks for watching my cat and fish.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: Egg casserole, stewed apples
Lunch: Rice pancakes, sausage
Dinner: Chinese?

Exhausted, but back! I got home about two hours ago, and after unpacking, and a little rest, I caught up on my financial tracking, because I was so curious to see how I did!

I spent $387, but I will get $100 reimbursed from my BOA Travel Rewards Card. I spent $136 on gas, $62 on food, $175 on hotels, and $14 on activities. There were some incidental expenses as well. I spent $8 on a lipstick for my travel bag, $12 on extra undies (I was afraid I would run out but I didn't -- oh, well), and I bought diapers, wipes and bottles for my grandson for $63.

I just totaled my variables, and I am at 50%. I really want to cashflow this vacation, but we'll see if I can still come in under budget. I've already promised $30 toward a school fundraiser. I'm also going to have to pay $80 for a conference, which I'll be able to write off on my taxes, but still, I have to put up the money now.

I'm going to start work on Wednesday! I know, I've said this so many times, I don't even believe it myself. But that is the latest word.

As for vacation details -- the baby is beautiful, strong and healthy. Doesn't sleep well yet, unfortunately, and the new parents are exhausted. I had a great time with my 3-year-old granddaughter. We just did simple activities like going to a corn maze, visiting playgrounds, going out for pizza, etc. The drive was uneventful -- a little rain, but good weather overall, good gas prices, too. I got to spend a little time with BFF on the way there and back. I also earned a free hotel stay sometime because I stayed both nights at a Choice hotel.

Now I'm ready to get some serious rest before I join the working world again!

I know I'm the most frequent contributor here, and my absence will not necessarily be missed, but while I am on the road to Florida, I don't think I'll be posting. Once I'm there, I'll provide an update on the trip.

I finally got a good night's sleep last night -- though it was interrupted by a caller from my alma mater who was asking for money. She asked for $100 and I'm not sure what I said, but I think I asked for a call at another time.

Anyway, it feels so good to be re-charged. I felt pretty awful yesterday. My plans for today are to do two loads of laundry, pack, blanch & freeze the green peppers, and clean the fish tank, as well as catch up on household chores. I'm so glad that I have my son close by to take care of things while I am gone, but I want to leave everything in good order, too.

I have heard nothing from the museum, so I'm not going to worry about it.

Now that I'm rested, I'm very excited about getting started in the morning. I'm going to get up, pack my cooler, load the car and get going early, so I can spend some time with BFF before continuing the trip the next day. It's very fortuitous that she lives right on my route. It's a good place to start the really long leg of the journey.

So, signing off till Saturday morning....

Do you remember when I claimed some unclaimed property some time ago -- before I retired? I finally got the check! It was $1109.04. Since I am splitting the proceeds with my other three siblings, my share is $277.26. My brother, who is financially well-off, will probably forget to cash the check. My sister will cash hers and blow it immediately. The other portion will be split again among my late brother's four children. They will get about $67 apiece, so they might all go out to dinner or something. As for me, it will be a snowflake that will go toward my grandchildren's education.

I just got back from the store, where I got a free Stouffer's dinner with a coupon, and I paid $3 for a can of crabmeat. (And I found .13!) I'm going to make a dip with cream cheese, cocktail sauce and crabmeat and eat that with crackers today and tomorrow. I may have the Stouffer's dinner tomorrow evening. I'm done cooking till after vacation -- except that I have to blanch and freeze some green peppers. Wasn't thinking when I bought three of them!

I also went to the library and checked out two audiobooks for the trip. I've got all my clothing set aside to pack. Tomorrow I should do a couple of loads of laundry -- though I don't have to. I would just rather not have it staring at me when I get back. I need to clean the fish tank and write instructions for my son about feeding them. And then all the regular stuff like running the dishwasher and taking out garbage and cleaning the cat pan, so nothing just sits while I'm gone.

I would feel more excited about the trip if I weren't so tired. I've had two really bad nights of sleep! I don't know what's going on, but it's got to stop now.

I appreciate the suggestions about hotel rooms. What I am going to do is this: I'm going to stop wherever I am at about five-thirty or six, but I'll try to find a Choice hotel. That way, if I stay at one on the way there and back, I'll get credit for a free night some other time. Also, I have travel points on my BOA Visa card so I will get reimbursed $100 for the hotel stay.

I'm going to pay my grandsons a little something when I get back for helping with the care of my cat and the fish. I especially want them to give my cat lots of love, as she will be lonely. But it will still be less stressful for her than boarding, or trying to take her with me.

So, one more day of getting ready and then I'm on the road!

On Wednesday I'm going to head down to my BFF's, stay the day and night, and from there head to Florida. It will take two days on the road. I will probably stop somewhere near Atlanta on Thursday night, and arrive in Gainesville on Friday night.

At least Gainesville is closer than where I used to go (Sarasota-Fort Myers area). I'm making a list of things to do, things to pack, etc. I will make it a challenge to spend as little as possible -- pack a cooler, etc. The hotel room is the only unknown -- I don't know where I'll be for sure, and I do want to stop in a safe area. I've stayed in a few cheap hotels that scared the life outta me! It is a good time for driving, not only weather-wise, but also because gas prices are low.

Went to my grandson's birthday party yesterday, and brought home the leftovers. I have a reputation! It is mostly veggies and hummus, which I will have for lunch.

Today's menu:

Breakfast: English muffin (the last one!)
Lunch: Veggies/hummus
Dinner: Cheese quesadillas (the last tortillas!)

Using things up before the trip. For the road, I'm going to pack hard-boiled eggs, cheese cubes, apples, green pepper strips, granola bars, cookies, and maybe a peanut butter sandwich. I'm not going to mess with drinks, other than water. I'll get coffee on the road. It will be my treat.

On Tuesday I'll go to the main library and check out a book on CD. That really helps me a lot with a long trip. I'll probably get a couple.

I'm going to stay in Florida until next Thursday morning (tentatively) and then make the trip back.

I will take my laptop, so I can keep in touch with you guys! And also keep in touch with any messages from work. But at this point, with no answer from the museum, I'm going forward with my vacation plans and will deal with them when I get back. After all the waiting they've made me do, I don't feel too bad about it.