I have formally offered $110,000 for the condo. My agent has already talked with the seller's agent, and he tells me that she has a history of being reluctant to lower her price. (She had it on the market last year for six months and then took it off, even though she had a cash offer that was only $5K short of her price). The condo is listed at $133,000 and I was hoping the counter offer would be $120,000, but that might not happen. My agent thinks it will likely be $128,000. C'est la vie.

My agent also told me that I would need $10,000 in earnest money, which surprised me. I will get $9,000 back, but I am still surprised. It seems like that last time I bought a house I only had to have $1,000. I do have it, but just barely. The other bad surprise was the dip in the stock market. I now barely have the $60,000 for the down payment, and as I recall, TIAA-CREF (which is holding the funds) will withhold a portion to go toward taxes, so unless the market goes up again, I can't get $60K in hand right now. Since I don't have to withdraw it until the deal is accepted, I am going to sit tight and hope it goes back up.

When I first stepped into this, I had $65,000 in stock as well as $10,000 in savings, so I thought that offering a $60K down payment was reasonable. I'm a little bummed.

In other news, I went to a long-awaited appointment this morning to see a uro-gynecologist. I want to get a surgery called TVT which will put my personal plumbing back in order. I tentatively scheduled it for August, but first I have to have "pelvic floor" physical therapy and pass a "urodynamic" test in July. More appointments, more waiting.

Yesterday I was scheduled for a professional meeting downtown. I decided to drive rather than take the train. Wrong decision! I didn't read the directions carefully enough and went to the wrong campus. By the time I figured that out, and found the right place, I was already way late and couldn't find parking. When I finally found a parking place I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to use the parking meter. In frustration, I just left and sent my regrets. I feel like such an idiot! And I wasted a lot of gas for nothing. AND I noticed that the train station was very close to the correct destination.

My $300 challenge is now down to $154. I bought breakfast at the medical center and had to pay for parking in the garage.

I woke up at 4:00 this morning. I knew if I went back to sleep, I would wake up feeling terrible, so I got up and starting reading on the couch. Soon I figured out what woke me up -- I had to RUN to the bathroom. I should have stayed home from work today, but there is too much to do. I stopped on the way to work and got some Immodium AD and right now I'm feeling much better.

It's pay day, so I paid my rent and Discover. This was the first paycheck since I changed my retirement savings. It's about $140 less for $175 in savings.

I sent $1700 to the credit union. That includes the money from closing the money market fund.

I realized I forgot to subtract the cost of a couple of greeting cards from my $300 challenge. With that and the medicine subtracted, I now have $167. I'm halfway through the month and have a little more than half left, so I think I'm doing okay.

Have not heard any more from my realtor so I'm in a holding pattern right now.

I found a penny this morning!

Oh, and I had a free dinner last night. The phonathon group had leftover hot dogs. I do like me a hot dog once in a while!

First of all, I had a wonderful Mother's Day. We had a picnic in the park -- my kids and grandkids, my nephew's family, and various other family members. The weather was outstanding and the location was beautiful. I contributed a fruit tray to a lovely luncheon that included Italian beef sandwiches and grilled chicken, salads and desserts. Plus, we all took a longish walk on the trails to work off all those calories!

My kids gave me a birds' nest necklace with three "eggs" for my two grandchildren and one on the way...

Later in the day I went to take a second look at the condo I'm interested in, and I took along a bunch of family to get their opinions. Everyone gave it a thumbs up. The only drawbacks, in my opinion, are: no washer/dryer in the unit -- I'd have to navigate some pretty ugly stairs to the basement to do my laundry -- and the kitchen needs updating, particularly the cabinets. Also, the asking price is higher than I would like. I've been pre-qualified by my credit union for $120,000 -- this is $133,000. I think I will get the help of a realtor friend of my kids to see if the seller can lower the price and maybe even help me out on the washer/dryer installation. (I do know the building will approve the installation). The downside of adding a washer/dryer is that I would lose a very good coat closet. My head is whirling.

On my $300 challenge I am now down to $178. I bought groceries ($47), gas ($28), spent $5 at the laundromat to wash my comforters, $2.50 for lunch at McDonald's while I was waiting, and I also spent $2.50 for an antique cookie cutter for a co-worker who collects them. She will probably offer to pay, but I will probably refuse the take the money.

Yesterday was another no-spend day. Normally I would have gone to Goodwill for my Senior Citizen's discount, but I'm going to cut that down to once a month.

I got my check from the booth - $46.21 -- once again a little more than half the rent, so that just confirms my decision to close down at the end of the month.

Next week I will have a doctor's appointment in a neighboring suburb and then the following day I have to go downtown again for a meeting. And this time I won't get any free food! However, this meeting will take place on a college campus, so I should be able to drive and park. So the two visits will involve extra gas and perhaps a lunch out. I also have that trip at the end of the month to think about -- the one to clean out the booth. I will stay with my friend, but there will the cost of gas, and we always eat out.

Today I'm making a list of loss leaders at Jewel and Dominick's. (Albertson's and Safeway to many of you!) I have a very short list of staples to get as well. Even though I'm not doing the $20 food challenge any more I want to continue to keep food costs low as part of my $300 challenge.

Yesterday was a no-spend day, and, I'm afraid, a no-exercise day. What it was, was a clean up the cat vomit day. My cranky long-haired tom throws up a lot -- mostly hairball-related, because of his long hair. But yesterday he threw up on my bed while I was at work and I came home to find that he had soiled the comforter, the sheets AND the mattress pad, AND the mattress! I stripped the bed and got the pad in the washer and I spot-cleaned the mattress, but I couldn't use the bed because the spot was wet. I slept in my spare twin bed, which my grandson uses when he stays over. It is pretty comfortable but small, so I had kind of a weird night's sleep, always feeling like I was falling off.

Tonight I'll be able to re-make my bed, but I'll have to use a different cover. The comforter will have to be washed at a laundromat, because of its bulk. Sigh. I don't really want to do that tonight; it's rainy, and if I'm going to pay to wash something, I want to do it on a day when it won't get dropped in a puddle.

I'm SO tired. I had another sleepless night and I am just sleepwalking through this day. And there's no reason! Sometimes I just can't find my off switch at night, and then the next day I can't find my on switch.

My everyday spending fund is down to $258. On Saturday I got a haircut ($15). I also spent $6 at the grocery store for fresh fruit.

On Monday I went downtown to attend a workshop. The train cost $9.50 round trip. I walked from the train station to my final destination -- it took about 25 minutes each way. I'm counting that as a walk to work! And I saved the taxi money. I was very lucky that, even though it was a rainy day, I didn't have to walk in the rain at all.

While at the train station, I gave $2 to a woman who said she was "short." I just can't turn away from the needy, though most do.

I had to pass up a quarter that was on the platform as I was de-boarding. I couldn't have stooped and picked it up without being trampled on. I'm sure someone got it later on. I did find a penny on the street.

At my workshop I got a free breakfast and lunch, and I got a free breakfast today, too. It was our annual recognition luncheon.

As far as my "fives" go, I am current on doing five flights of stairs on workdays. I have taken one Prairie Path walk (with an extra two blocks to the grocery store), and that downtown walk counting as one walk to work. I have done one dance session. So I am doing okay -- not exactly overachieving, but I've made a start.

Just went to Wal-Mart and used the bulk of my $100 gift card -- spent $92. I was really surprised how quickly it added up, because it didn't seem like much of a haul.

I got:

3 bags of stir-fry veggies
box of gingersnaps
box of Bubba burgers
2 bottles generic Zyrtec
can of mushrooms
jar of pimiento cheese
jar of beef bouillon
tube of liquid foundation
big bottle of wine
loaf of wheat bread
big box of Honey Nut Cheerios
box of Club crackers
box of elbow macaroni
tub of raspberry sherbet
bottle of vanilla

This was no money out of my pocket, so I'm not counting it in the $300 challenge. A nice boost!

Later, I'm going to go get a haircut. I've been looking online for Great Clips coupons, but I'm not having any success. I did enter their contest for free haircuts for a year, though. That would be sweet!

I went to the library last night and checked out the movie "Jane Eyre." I really wanted to see it in the theatres when it came out, but I didn't catch it. I think it was probably worth seeing on the big screen. But free on the small screen ain't bad.

On Monday I have to go into the city for a one-day conference. I'm trying to figure out how to get there. Train and taxi would be the easiest, but not the cheapest. Driving may be cheapest, but it depends on the parking, and parking is a nightmare. I could take and train and then walk, but it is a 25-minute walk if I make no wrong turns -- and rain is in the forecast.

Free entertainment tonight! A great big moon in the sky! I may not be able to see it, it is so overcast here.

Another treat this morning -- there was a blue heron sitting by our pond -- first one I've ever seen here. I pointed it out to a man who was walking his dog, who didn't seem as interested as I was.

I've set a date to close down my booth. My rent is good through May so I will go clear it out on Memorial Day weekend. Then I'll have a garage sale on June 16 to sell as much as I can. Whatever doesn't sell I will try on eBay.

It's been fun being a dealer and learning about antiques, but it is a losing proposition. I think sales have exceeded the rent only about three or four times. Even though I have sold a LOT! When I look at my inventory list I'm amazed, but I'm losing money. It's a hobby for a rich man's wife, not for a struggling single.

The garage sale should bring in a little, and I may get a few sales on eBay, and after that, I'll donate.

I feel really good about my decision, though it will be quite a bit of work. One more money hole closed up.

I renewed my plates this morning -- $99. As an annual fee, it doesn't come out of my $300 everyday budget. That is still $291.

Chase never sent me a new card, nor communicated with me in any way. Don't know if I was turned down or if my app just didn't go through somehow. At any rate, I don't want it any more. It's too stressful trying to spend at the level I need to to earn the reward.

I also never heard from the bank about my pre-qualification questions, so I'm feeling a little paranoid. I think I will try to visit my credit union to see if I get a better response. Which would be any response.

I've tried this before, but didn't have it all thought out. I want to limit my everyday spending to $300 a month, which will probably be what I will have to work with in retirement. I failed before because I counted bigger-ticket unexpected items -- but that's not what I want to track. I will have savings for bigger items and unusual expenses. I just want to keep the everyday, nitty-gritty stuff under $300. That includes, for me, groceries, gas, eating out, Goodwill/sale shopping, haircuts, entertainment, pet and household supplies.

Not only will I get a sense of how I need to live, this experiment should allow me to sock away some savings.

Yesterday I started it off with a $9 expenditure at Goodwill. I bought four small gifts and, for myself, a new meat thermometer. I would estimate the retail value of what I bought to be at least $35.

$291 left!

The day before yesterday I stopped at the bank just to inquire about what I would need to do to pre-qualify for a loan, if I should decide to buy a condo in the near future. They took some basic information and promised that a loan officer would get in touch, but I've heard nothing yet. Really, I just wanted to talk it over with someone knowledgeable, but I think they're treating it like an application. Either that, or they're just not going to bother with me.

First of all, my April expenses --

Rent - 1132
Medical/Health - 401
Gifts - 322
Utilities - 101
Eating Out - 98
Business - 98
Entertainment - 87
Groceries - 83
Gas - 76
Clothing - 42
Vet/Pet Supplies - 30
Furnishings/Equipment - 20
Household Supplies - 17
Personal - 14
Care Repair/Maintenance - 7

Total - 2524

I went out to eat with colleagues last night - had a margherita pizza and salad for $17. Plenty left over for lunch today.

I have to decides on my "fitness fives" for May, so I'll just do it, as Nike says --

Walk to work and back five times
Walk the Prairie Path five times
Dance for 1/2 hour five times
Take the stairs at work five times a day
Do my strength training exercise routine five times

Let the games begin!

I went up to spend the day with my son's family yesterday. We went to lunch at a taco place and I spent $7.70 on soup and a fish taco. After lunch I wanted to look at some open houses in the area. I had three on my list. The first was a one-bedroom 2d story unit just down the street from where my son lives. Although it was one-bedroom, it had a 12x12 dining room, a 12x7 office and and 12x5 sunroom, so it didn't feel tiny. The kitchen and bathroom were both unexceptional, and the bedroom small -- 11x11. No parking available -- I would have to find a place on the street every night. It was $133,00 and had just gone on the market. Association fee was $308 monthly and taxes were $2,294 annually.

The second was in a gorgeous old building. It had two bedrooms, but one was really an old parlor; I would use it as a dining room. It had a nice big kitchen, washer-dryer hookup, tiny bedroom, nicely painted and remodeled throughout. It was only $70,000. Why? Scary neighborhood. I couldn't do it.

The third we didn't even go into, because the neighborhood and building looked so bad.

So really only the first is a possibility, and it is a little high for what I can afford. I will watch it, though! Maybe the price will come down.

Yesterday's meals:

Breakfast: granola w/skim milk
Lunch: chicken tortilla soup and fish taco
Dinner: honey-glazed pork chop, roasted sweet potatoes and chick peas.
Snack: S'mores. (or as my grandson says, Shmores.)

Yesterday I donated $100 to the National Brain Tumor Society. My son and his wife are taking part in the Race for Hope (I did it last year). I figure I'm saving so much money by not going to DC that donating $100 is a savings.

I also paid the water bill - $26.

Today I did my grocery shopping - $19.68. Items bought: milk, bread, 3 boxes of fruit & grain bars, can of tuna, bag of popcorn (not microwave), wine, jar of alfredo sauce, eggs, and a bag of coconut.

I bought 3 boxes of of fruit & grain bars because I had a coupon to get one of them free.

Ordinarily I would make alfredo sauce, but this was only $1, cheaper than what I would have spent for the ingredients.

The coconut is to go into homemade granola. I was supposed to buy almonds, too, but I balked at the price. I have walnuts on hand, and they are better for me anyway.

I also bought a bottle of Ultimate Flora for $23.99, a bag of cat food for $5.29 and 3 cards for $7.49.

Then I went to Dollar General with my $5 off coupon (had to spend $25). I bought two jugs of kitty litter, maxi pads, Advil, liquid soap, coffee, and Ziploc bags. (The coffee doesn't count in my food bill because I'm taking it to work). $26.

Then I bought gas -- $38.72. The price of gas has plummeted to to $4.03 per gallon -- probably still the most expensive in the nation.

I made a stop at the library and took out two new books, and for $2 checked out a recent DVD -- "My Week with Marilyn."

That reminds me, last week I checked out a really good movie, "A Better Life." It's about a father who is an illegal immigrant struggling to make a better life for his son. Very moving and realistic. I couldn't help but compare it to "Pretty in Pink" which I had recently watched on the TV Guide channel. It was also about a family with financial problems, but so fake in comparison. You just couldn't believe Molly Ringwald was really poor.

Yesterday's meals:

Breakfast: Oatmeal w/ brown sugar, coffee
Lunch: Ziti w/ground beef and marinara
Dinner: Corn pone pie (chili topped w/cornbread), milk
Snack: Gingersnaps

Today's meals:

Breakfast: Apple pancakes, coffee
Lunch: Corn pone pie, milk
Snack: Fruit & grain bars

Dinner (planned): Grilled cheese sandwich, sliced peaches, green beans, wine

Yesterday I attended a financial talk presented by our wellness program. It was pretty much the standard stuff -- lots of encouragement to save for retirement, not much info on budgeting or how to save on a small income. It did encourage me to take one step -- I called TIAA-CREF and closed the money market account that wasn't earning anything, and I arranged to have 5% of my paycheck go into my new retirement fund. My employer already puts in 5%, so in essence, I am "matching" my employer.

The new fund will never pay out very much -- it is so small, and I have so few years left, but it is better to put the money there than into something that's earning nothing.

I'll put the $989 from the money market into the credit union and that will become my personal savings for a down payment (along with the $65K in stock). It will be harder to put money there with 5% of my income going into retirement, but it will remain really important to save for a down payment. The bigger I can make it, the less I will have to pay in a mortgage. I would LOVE to find a foreclosure that I could pretty much pay cash for, but that would take a lot of luck.

A free lunch was provided -- mini ham sandwiches and crudites. At the end of the lunch, the organizer encouraged us to take leftovers, since the department had already paid for the food. So I took two more little sandwiches and put them in my freezer last night.

Also, yesterday, I went to the book talk by Sara Paretsky. I went early and had a seat right up front. She gave a prepared talk, which she mostly read, so I didn't get a sense of her as a person until the Q&A session. Clearly writing, not speaking, is her venue. But she seemed so nice, like a lady you might meet at a garden club or a mother-daughter tea.

One interesting thing she shared was that when Disney made the movie "V.I. Warshawski" they bought the rights to that character, unbeknownst to her. Because the movie flopped, they are not interested in making another, but no one else can make a movie using that character. That's too bad, not only for her, but because many of her books would make wonderful movies.

So just another lesson, always read what you're signing!

No spending yesterday.

Meals:

Breakfast: Oatmeal w/ brown sugar
Lunch: Ham sandwiches & crudites, iced tea
Dinner: Meat Loaf and Potatoes, cherry tomatoes
Snack: Gingersnaps

I made my weekly trip to Goodwill last night and spent $18. My biggest purchases were two pairs of pants. I tell you, pants are usually SO hard to find I grab 'em when I see 'em. The two pairs were $7, so I couldn't pass them up, even though I really do have enough pants right now. (So I will probably retire a couple of old pairs to the dirty-work category.) One pair is olive green twill; the other is gray, cropped. Both very new-looking, if not new.

I also got 3 Easter pails for next year (might as well start early, huh?) along with a couple of Easter finger puppets. I found a new plaid scarf to give to my DIL (if I don't decide to keep it myself), a Cranium card game to keep at home for the grandkids' entertainment, a ceramic Santa for my collection, a beautiful Christmas gift box, and a lined flowerpot that looks like wood (but probably isn't). I was really happy to find the flowerpot -- it was badly needed for a plant at work, and I was just on the point of shopping for a new one. (The horror!)

For my free lunch yesterday I ordered meatloaf and mashed potatoes. I ate half and took the other half home. I'll have it for dinner tonight. Today I get another free lunch for attending a financial talk (part of our work's wellness series -- not a marketing ploy).

Tonight I am going to attend a lecture by Sara Paretsky. When I was at Goodwill last night I looked for a book by her so I could get it signed, but I couldn't find one. So I'll skip the signing part, which can often be a long, drawn-out process. Kind of nice to meet the author face-to-face, though!

was $1.50 for a Dr. Pepper from the vending machine. And I shouldn't have, but I needed a boost after the stress of doing a hurry-up last-minute project for the boss.

Heard the news about the projections that Social Security will run out, what, in 2033? Eeek! I'll be 84, and I'm planning to still be around! Wish I didn't have to rely on it as the bulk of my income, but that's the way it's gonna be. Guess my only recourse is to keep squirreling it away.

Free lunch today! And it will be a good one. The official good-bye party for a departing staff member, it will be at an uptown restaurant with great salads and sandwiches, and the office pays. I'm getting hungry already.

Yesterday's spending:

Lab bill: $27.00
Flowers for aunt: $65
Water bill: $26
Booth rental: $83

Yesterday's meals:

Breakfast: Banana bread
Lunch: Ziti w/ground beef & marinara
Dinner: Egg salad on crackers, peanut soup
Snacks: Cereal, oatmeal cookies

The flowers I sent to my aunt were pretty expensive, but I really thought the daisies and yellow roses would be just the ticket for her. So cheerful. I ordered them on FTD through MyPoints, so at least I got some points.

Speaking of which, I have earned enough points now for my $50 Amazon card -- just waiting for the credits to come through.

I've been invited to a wedding in Florida this September. The bride is the daughter of my ex-husband. She was born after we split up, so she was never my step-daughter. But she is my kids' half-sister, and we have had a cordial relationship. I am quite touched that I am invited to the wedding. I will try to go. It will be a nice September vacation! And my aunt and uncle live nearby, so I can get in a visit to them, too.

I put in a request to attend a conference in Minneapolis this August. I don't know what my chances are for going -- the College is not conducive to extra expenses right now, but I thought I might as well try. Besides it being a very worthy conference for my profession, I would get to see a friend who lives in Minneapolis, maybe even stay with her a few days after the conference is over. We'll see.

After my run to Dollar General on Saturday morning, I did not do any more spending. Spent most of Sunday inside -- got some cleaning done, and a lot of reading. I read a whole Nevada Barr book in one day! She's the kind of author that's hard to put down.

I also boxed up a lot of books to take to Goodwill. I wanted the shelves clear to display some pretties. I put the new Spode plates in the hutch. I rearranged the grandsons' toy area.

On a trip to the dumpster I found a perfectly good plastic bucket and a wire wastebasket. I took them booth home and cleaned them up. The bucket is storing little toys, and I'm using the wire basket for used towels. I'm such a scavenger!

I made two loaves of banana bread, but I think I may toss them. First of all, I dropped eggshell in the batter, and even though I thought I picked it all out, I keep biting into it. So gross. And it is a little overbaked and just not very tasty. I hate to waste everything that went into, but - ick.

This morning I got a message from FlexPro that my payment to the radiologist was denied for low funds. I admit I wasn't keeping up on it, but boy, that went fast! It's only April!

After applying for the Chase rewards card I have heard nothing at all. Not even a confirmation email. My credit score is 950 -- I'm assuming that's good? I've never paid attention to credit score, but I thought higher was better than lower.

My aunt has been in rehab following a fall; she was in rather poor health before that happened, and her daughters have been very concerned about her health. This morning I heard that she is doing better. It is almost her birthday. I'm going to send some flowers.

Saturday's meals:

Breakfast: Oatmeal/banana pancakes
Lunch: Sloppy joes, celery sticks, iced tea
Dinner: Chicken noodle soup, English muffin, wine

Sunday:

Breakfast: Banana bread
Lunch: Chicken noodle soup, egg salad sandwich, sliced peaches
Dinner: Pizza slice, milk

What does it say about me that I was really excited to try out Dollar General for my grocery shopping this week (I had a coupon for $5 off if I spent $25). Perfect! I want to spend $20, and that's like getting $5 free.

I knew their stock was limited, but I found it surprisingly difficult to select $25 worth of food that would not be foolish or wasteful. (And I admit, $3 went to dishwasher gel, which was kind of a cheat).

Here is what I got, food-wise, for a total cost of $18.94:

Bag of seasoned croutons
8 hamburger buns
Bag of ginger snaps
Can of diced tomatoes
Can of beef ravioli
Box of instant pudding
2 boxes Jiffy cornbread mix
Can of mandarin oranges
Can of tomato sauce
Box of mashed potato flakes
Box of raisins
Package of oatmeal cookies
Box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Jar of sliced peaches
Jar of sliced pears
Bottle of Ranch dressing
Small bottle of olive oil
Can of kidney beans

Okay, that is a more than I usually get, but certainly a different kind of food than I usually get!

With the ground beef I have in the freezer, I have the ingredients for chili. And I can use a lot of these items for lunches.

When I checked out, I got another $5 off coupon for next Saturday. At first I thought, no way, but then I decided that this time I would use it for non-food items.

It was an interesting experiment.

I do believe that yesterday I did not spend anything.

Yesterday's meals:

Breakfast: Apple pancakes, milk
Lunch: Chicken medallions in teriaki sauce, green beans
Dinner: Homemade chicken noodle soup, English muffin, wine

Usually I have more no spend days than not, but this month something has been trickling out every day. Yesterday I had to refill a prescription - $5. I had to wait around for it, since I was completely out and had to take one before bedtime, so while I was waiting I bought 2 bottles of calcium on a 2-for-1 deal, a birthday card, and two bags of Tootsie Rolls for work, which were on sale. Altogether - $16.37.

Yesterday's meals:

Breakfast: Oatmeal raisin breakfast cookies, banana, coffee
Lunch: Ziti with ground beef & marinara
Dinner: Grilled cheese sandwich, green pepper strips, wine
Snacks: Toast & jelly, crackers

I started reading In the Garden of Beasts last night and I think it's going to be very good for a non-fiction book.

Next week is shaping up to be interesting. I have two free lunches coming up -- a good-bye lunch and a lunch provided along with listening to a financial talk -- it's a benefit from Human Resources. That lunch is advertised as "small sandwiches and vegetables" and they said you could bring something, too. So I'm guessing it will be a small lunch, but hey, it's free, and the topic is right up my alley.

Also, on Thursday night, the mystery author Sara Paretsky will be giving a talk and doing a book signing. A free event. This time I won't invest in a book, but I will enjoy the talk. She's a very interesting author who sets all of her mystery novels in Chicago, so it's always fun to spot the "real" places in her books.

I did my usual Goodwill shopping last night, and found some terrific things. Best find -- five Spode plates in historic blue and white patterns. They all had removable plate hangers on them, which come in handy for the booth, as well. My aim was to put the plates in the booth, but I think I may keep them and display in my hutch. I really love them. I also found five new photo boxes in cheerful Parisian patterns. I've been collecting photo boxes for the big family photo sorting project I need to do when I have lots of free time, but these are so cute they could serve as gift boxes. I found four brand-new Disney princess chapsticks, which will go in the take-out purses I bought for my grand-nieces last week. And I found a beautiful Lenox picture frame. And here comes the mishap. I dropped the frame in the parking lot and it shattered to smithereens! Not only had I splurged and paid $8 for it, I was already dreaming of how lovely my son's wedding picture would look in it. It really made me sad.

Overall, my spending at Goodwill was $47.

I also bought a Dr. Pepper from the vending machine - $1.50. Just because I needed a pick-me-up.

My $20 grocery shopping for this week will be a little different than usual. I have a coupon for Dollar General to buy $25 worth of merchandise for $20. So I'll see what I can get. They do have groceries, though somewhat limited stock.

I picked up the student newspaper yesterday and found a coupon for the local Qdoba for half-off one entree. I can use a coupon like that -- so many are for two dinners for the price of one, which is hard for a single person to use.

Yesterday's meals:

Breakfast: Granola w/skim milk, coffee
Lunch: Pizza slice, raw cauliflower & dip
Dinner: Cobb salad w/ chicken
Snack: Toast & jelly

$23 Dinner
$15 Contribution toward good-bye gift
$6.30 Postage

Breakfast: Muffins and banana
Lunch: Ziti w/ground beef & marinara
Dinner: Arepa de Ropa Vieja (Cuban beef on polenta), mangaso (cocktail), 1/4 of a slice of chocolate mousse cake

We had a wonderful dinner last night at a Latin American restaurant in Oak Park. But the really cool thing was that it was Tax Day, and we got to choose our own prices! We tried not to be TOO cheap, though I think we underpaid. My $23 portion was for my dinner and 1/3 of the guest of honor's bill.

When we left the restaurant, the Channel 2 news truck was parked outside, but we didn't get an interview. Darn! I was all set to be entertaining. (NOT!)

My co-workers and I love this place so much we're going to make it a regular thing. We're especially looking forward to eating on the patio.

The money I spent on postage was to mail the big T-shirt to my big brother-in-law. The postage cost more than the shirt. But anytime I can find a 4X shirt cheap, it's worth the postage. They are super-expensive in specialty stores.

I also mailed a book I sold, but I don't count that as spending. That's an investment.

Yesterday's spending --

Radiologist bill - $131

Yesterday's meals --

Breakfast: Granola w/milk, coffee
Lunch: Pizza slice
Dinner: Cobb salad w/chicken
Snacks: Muffin, toast & jelly

Tonight I'm going to my favorite Mexican cafe. Another farewell dinner, I'm afraid. Since Mean Girl has taken the helm, three people have quit. So far I am holding my own with her, but knowing that I will retire in a few years helps.

Tonight's dinner is just a few of V's best friends at work; next week will be the "official" good-bye lunch. I'll be chipping in for a little gift as well.

I am so sorry to see these people go. It seems like all the best ones are leaving. Why do workplaces have to be so crazy? Specifically, why does the most unlikable person always get the promotion? Meanness is NOT effectiveness! Quite the opposite.

I sold another book on half.com, one that's been on the list for a long time, so I guess it pays to hang in there. So today I'll make a post office run to mail that and the shirt I got for my brother-in-law.

I cashed in my Citi points for $150 in Amazon gift cards and a $100 Walmart card. Amazon for gifts, and Walmart for groceries and toiletries.

I haven't heard yet whether I qualified for the Chase card, but I suppose it takes some time. I'm going to try to hold off on charging anything till I get it, since I will have to average $1000 per month.

Yesterday I spent $28 on a book, "In the Garden of Beasts." I was at a lecture & book signing by Erik Larson, and it was PACKED! Even though I got there early I had a seat in the back -- then I had to give it up to a Trustee. Why can't important people come on time? Bleh. So I ended up standing up in the foyer, watching and listening through glass. Halfway through, the nice man who was selling the books gave me his chair, so I didn't have to stand up the whole time. The good part about being in the back, though, was being at the front of the line for the signing part. I had the author dedicate it to my son, and I will give the book to him. But I'll read it first, of course!

It was a good lecture -- he was a very engaging speaker.

Meals:

Breakfast: Veggie scramble, iced coffee with creamer
Lunch: Lasagna, salad, iced tea
Dinner: Chicken teriaki, egg foo yun
Snack: granola w/ milk

I applied for the Chase Sapphire card -- 40,000 points for $3000 spending in 3 months. I just finished up my Citi obligations, but I haven't cashed in the points or cancelled the account yet. I would never have done this without the encouragement of you good folks out there!

Now I need to gear myself up for spending $1000 a month again -- but not wastefully. I wonder if I can charge my rent?

I did my grocery shopping yesterday. I spent $20.04, and got granola, dried cranberries, wine, milk, a pound of ground round (ha, ha, three rhymes), bag of salad, shredded cheddar, bag of yellow onions, a green pepper, and 2.3 pounds of bananas. I had $4.50 in coupons, but wasn't credited for them and had to go back. This happens often. I need to stay awake while checking out! For another $2.50 I got some body wash. Then I stopped at Dollar General and bought two birthday cards and three spools of thread for $2.

I also paid my rent - $1132. And my credit cards. But I won't log those payments, because I log the items as I buy them.

Then I transferred $250 into savings.

Yesterday's meals:

Breakfast: Egg casserole, hot chocolate
Lunch: Lasagna
Dinner: Salad, Wine
Snack: Granola w/milk

I divided my take-home ziti into four packages and put them in the freezer. Today I have to cook some chicken I thawed, and I want to make some teriakyi sauce. I planned to make granola this weekend, but I had a $1.50 coupon to buy granola, so I will wait on the homemade.

I'm gonna be a grandma again! My son who got married in 2010 is gonna be a daddy! This is their first child. The due date is November 19. They do not want to know the sex of the child beforehand, so that will be a surprise to all of us.

They gave me the news last night when we were out to dinner. The waiter was so tickled he bought dessert for all of us!

I am really happy because my son had told me previously that his wife might not be able to conceive because of medical problems she had when she was young. Apparently not a problem! She will have to be careful because she has a bad back, but I am sure everyone is going to rush in to help and never let her lift a thing!

Spending yesterday --

My share of the dinner was $16.45. We went to a restaurant called Maggiano's where, if you order a "classic pasta" entree, you get a take home box of a different pasta. So I ordered lasagna, ate only half, and now I have a half-order of lasagna and a full order of ziti. This will go a LONG way toward feeding me this week.

Yesterday's meals --

Breakfast: oatmeal with brown sugar, coffee

Lunch: spinach & mushroom quiche, cut-up fresh fruit, muffin (all free at work; lefovers from scholarship breakfast)

Dinner: lasagna, bread & oil, spinach salad, dessert bites (creme brulee, chocolate cheesecake)

Yesterday I read an article about insomnia. I read it with great interest, since I was just coming off a terrible night's sleep. The advice of this author was to get up and do something rather than lie there and wish for sleep. That's contrary to what I've heard before but it's worth a try.

I slept very well last night, despite the excitement, so fatigue does win out in the end!

April 12

$6.81 - Chipotle

Breakfast - 2 donuts (free at work, coffee
Lunch - peanut butter & jelly sandwich, 2 clementines
Dinner - Chipotle chicken burrito bowl, ice tea
Snacks - ice cream, cereal

I didn't intend to eat out last night, but I had asked a co-worker to go with me to a "free goodies" handout at the city center. Turned out to be not so much, as those things often are. I did get a nice tote bag and some coupons of varying value for downtown merchants. Best ones were discounts on mani-pedi and free popcorn at the theater. Anyway, she suggested stopping at Chipotle to eat. It was clear she wanted to talk. She is going through a protracted divorce that isn't even official yet. She is terrified of a custody suit so she will not file, even though she is suffering a lot of psychological abuse. He won't file because he enjoys the abusing, and he is trying to figure out how to walk away with everything. So sad. Divorces are awful, and I say that from personal experience.

I had a very poor night's sleep last night -- perhaps too much caffeine? Also ate about 8000 calories yesterday (just kidding, but it was a lot) Tonight I have to drive to Skokie and back to meet my son for dinner, so I hope I am not drooping then.

Today was my Goodwill Seniors Day, and my trip did not disappoint. Here is my spending:

$19.19 - pair of new Lee pants, 2 long-sleeved tops, two tank tops, and a fitted shirt for me

$3.48 - Champion jacket for my grandson

$2.60 - big T-shirt for my brother-in-law

$3.48 - 2 "take-out purses" for my grand-nieces. These are so cute. They look like Chinese take-out boxes but are made of turquoise brocade with gold rope handles.

No other spending today.

My meals:

Breakfast - granola with skim milk
Lunch - pizza slice & celery sticks
Dinner - cauliflower parmesan soup, English muffin

Snacks - small pacski, bagel (free at work); ice cream after dinner

My son and I made plans to meet on Friday night at an Italian restaurant. This is a place that always serves huge portions, so I'm going to plan on taking food home.

My other son is interested in coming with me to a book signing on Sunday night - Erik Larson, author of "Devil in the White City" and "In the Garden of Beasts." But he is the one who is the dad, and I'll be surprised if he actually makes it. I'm going to go no matter what, but I would love to have his company!

April 10

No spending

Breakfast: oatmeal w/brown sugar, coffee
Lunch: cauliflower parmesan soup, celery sticks
Dinner: sloppy joe on English muffins, roasted cauliflower (thanks, Ceejay!)
Snacks: cake at work, granola w/ skim milk, evening

I got my electric bill, and it is $20 less than usual. I have really cut down dryer use, and I am very mindful of lights, etc. More daylight helps, too.

I am worried about my gas bill. I pay it through CheckFree, and in March, although I went to the site, I apparently did not click the final "sumbit" button and it did not get paid. About two weeks later I got a new bill for about double the amount, which I paid. Now it is past the usual payment date, and I have heard nothing. I looked at the CheckFree site, and did not see any pending bill. I tried to look at the Nicor site, but I couldn't access my account without knowing my old phone number, which I just can't remember. (Since I use CheckFree for them, I never use their site.) I did go back to CheckFree and change my setting so that the bill is paid automatically. It just seems weird that the payment cycle has changed because of one late payment.

April 9

Netflix - $7.99


Breakfast:

Apple pancakes w/maple syrup

Snack:

Chocolate chip cookies (free at work)

Lunch:

DiGiorno Pizza Supreme, 1 slice
Celery sticks

Dinner:

Sloppy Joe on loaf ends (my version of a flat bun)
Cup of cauliflower parmesan soup
Wine

April 8

Lunch Out - $20

Breakfast - Cherry Almond Granola w/ Skim Milk
French Vanilla Coffee

Lunch - Steak Burrito
Refried Beans
Rice

Snack - Bunny Bark (white chocolate, pretzels, M&Ms)

Dinner - Chicken & Egg Salad Sandwich
Wine

Had a lovely Easter day. Went up to see the grandsons early in the morning (but after the Easter Bunny had left). I came in with two more baskets that the silly bunny had left in my house, and they were delighted. Little ones enjoy such simple pleasures! Before lunch we went to the park, and then met a friend at a Mexican cafe, where I had a WONDERFUL steak burrito. Then put the little ones down for a nap, and played several rounds of Carcassone with my son.

My other son had to work, so I will meet up with him and his wife next Saturday.

It seems like an insult to have to be back at work, but I'm pushing through the pain!