Layout:
Home > Archive: August, 2006

Archive for August, 2006

stockpile spread out everywhere

August 31st, 2006 at 05:41 pm

It's a good thing, knowing what's in your stockpile, right? I've realized that I've got mine stashed in all four corners of the house. A couple of days ago I bought an enormous container of laundry detergent...turns out I already have one sitting upstairs. Last night I bought a pack of Q-tips with coupon...turns out I already have one stashed in the closet. It's not really saving money if you're just duplicating stuff that you didn't know you had.

Next challenge - make a household stockpile list!

Also, I need not hang on to any more hair product coupons. We have enough to wash, condition, and style us into next year. It's a weakness of mine, trying new hair stuff - anything to tame this mane.

I just got a lovely email from a coworker (via my boss) praising my work. How nice! Some recognition and appreciation! Definitely made my day. Smile

contemplating rejuvenation

August 30th, 2006 at 05:39 pm

I'm making some personal rejuvenation plans.

Since I'm not joining band this fall, I'm considering several community education classes. The one I'm most interested in is a pottery class. It's $119 for 8 sessions. *ouch* Also interesting - calligraphy, intentional living, emotional freedom technique, and buying your first house. I could probably learn all of those things on my own, though. Throwing clay on a wheel, not so much.

I'm still looking into photography classes around here...need to call around. I discovered that my camera has a light leak, which explains why my latest rolls of film haven't been too great. I bought an inexpensive repair kit and am going to reseal the camera myself. I took several rolls of the sunset back home...I hope it was dark enough for them to turn out properly.

I purchased a swimsuit online. It will be perfect for lap swimming (my current suit is more suited for lounging about the pool in the sun). There's a community swimming pool just down the street from me. I'm going to make a real effort to swim at least once a week.

I'm going to start journaling again. I stopped several years ago after years and years of writing almost daily. I need that private outlet.

I'm going to read up on meditation. I realized that I am almost never alone anymore. If SO isn't at home, the cats are still there yowling at me. I need to find some sort of inner peace. Everyone will just have to deal with me having the spare bedroom door closed to them for a few moments of the day.

Perhaps these things will help me uncover what it is that I should be doing with my life...

great week...and wishing I was still there

August 28th, 2006 at 08:56 pm

I blinked, and a whole week flew by. I had a great time...shopping, sewing, taking photos, brushing the 28-year-old horse, rubbing the 15-year-old cat's belly...wish I could go back already. Wishing I hadn't left, actually. Spending time with my family and being back in my hometown really reminds me of the dreams and goals I've had. I'm not meeting any of them here, unfortunately. I feel stagnant. I'm not happy. I think big changes may be on the horizon. Time to break out the tarot cards again.

My sewing...well, let's just say it didn't turn out so well. I found that I can sew in a straight line, but the pattern I chose was not at all flattering on me. It seems I think I'm a wispy, willowy woman, when in fact, I have hips. Large ones. *sigh* My mom and sister claim that I have the same body type as my sister. Hard to imagine, considering I have about 60 pounds on her. I always thought she had my mom's body type, given that she has always been within five pounds of my mom's weight. The last time I weighed what my sister weighs, I was 16, and it lasted all of 15 minutes... Wink In any case, I clearly need to be more realistic when choosing patterns.

Band starts next week...and I'm not going back. I've found I'm happier without it. Perhaps I'll change my mind and go back in the spring, but not now. I've had my fill of playing boring holiday music for four months out of the year. I'll save $30, too.

I spent way too much money in the past two weeks - so much so that I have to dip into savings. I picked up lots of things for my family at Ikea, a few thing for my sister's birthday, developed some photos, bought some books and beads... Ugh. I'll have to have some no spend weeks soon to make up for it.

T-20 hours and counting

August 18th, 2006 at 05:46 pm

Tomorrow I take off for my parents' house. I'm making the long drive by myself, because SO has to work a few days next week. No problem - I have my iPod, plenty of snacks, public radio (for half of the drive anyhow), and a few books-on-CD from the library that a friend picked up for me. Nice! Our library charges for books-on-CD, and my friend's library doesn't, so it was great of her to pick some up for me.

I'm a little glad that SO will be home for most of the time that I'm gone. My plants will get watered consistently and the kitties will have company. It will be time alone with my family, as well. I don't see them nearly enough anymore. SO will be joining me later in the week. I'm not so excited about tomorrow's drive alone, but that will be good for me too.

I've been on an antibiotic roller coaster - Wednesday I felt fabulous, good as new (must have been bad bacteria-killing day). Yesterday I felt as though an alien was struggling to push its way out of my abdomen (must have been good bacteria-killing day). Today, I'm so-so. The made-for-TV alien seems to have left. I could use a nap, though. Sometimes the cure is almost as bad as the ailment, but I'm glad the ailment is behind me.

I decided to forgo the Sam's Club trip I'd been planning. I'd rather go to the State Fair after I return from my trip. It will be interesting to see how long I can make our laundry detergent, kleenex, paper towels, and toilet paper stretch. I'm not going to spend as much at the fair as I would at Sam's Club, but I just can't do both this month - and the fair is a once-a-year thing!

So far, I'm doing well on August goals: $80 left in the grocery fund, $170 into savings, and I've driven to work just twice.

It will be an interesting week. Dial-up internet, no cable tv, a long drive to shop anywhere, limited cell phone access...should be cheap! Smile And fun. I love spending time with my mom. One of my goals next week - attempt sewing! I bought a few patterns during a pattern sale last week, but I couldn't find the fabric to go with them. Being in the fabric aisles is like wandering through a foreign country for me. Hopefully, mom can help me find some fabric in her neck of the woods...and hopefully I won't sew my fingers together!

a riddle...mystery..enigma

August 16th, 2006 at 12:40 am

It seems no medical doctor can figure me out.

I'm having symptoms similar to an episode from a few years ago (I'll spare you the gory details), so I went to the doc this afternoon. Still a mystery. He prescribed antibiotics and I'm hoping they magically clear it up again. If the sample I provide them shows evidence of something bad, well, there will be plenty of specialist visits in the future. Please, no. I've just about maxed out my sick time this year, and it's only August.

It's like this with so many things. The eyeball I shouldn't be able to see out of...the mind-numbing headaches that no one can melt away...and now this thing is back in all its glory. I just have to remember that I can see out of my eye, there are plenty of drugs I can take to alleviate the headaches, and antibiotics should help. Plus I'm not disabled, my mind is fully functioning, and I have lots of people who love me. Hard to remember all that when you're hugging the toilet, though.

Luckily, only a $15 copay and $10 for meds.

No word from the job interview front yet!

my turn

August 14th, 2006 at 08:43 pm

Thankfully, my sweet cat was back to his normal self the following day. The shots just threw him for a temporary loop. He's incessantly meowing, begging for food, and flopping over to have his belly scratched as always.

It seems it's my turn now. I'm feeling horrid today and I have no idea why. I came in to work three hours late, and I'd like to leave now. At least my cat had a good reason for feeling poorly! Hopefully this goes away as soon as my head hits the pillow tonight. I don't have a whole lot of sick time left and I'm on vacation next week. Nothing as exciting as Mexico, mind you - I'm going the much cheaper route and visiting my parents. I certainly don't want to bring anything viral to them, though!

I guess lying low at home equals no spending...

poor baby

August 11th, 2006 at 03:02 pm

My cat got two shots and a microchip last night. He's not feeling so hot this morning. He wouldn't eat a morsel of food, which is completely unlike him. I hope he starts feeling better...I'm worried about him.

The bill? $115. Ouch. I suspect it was worse for him than for me, though.

I just cannot sleep well anymore. Every night this week has been filled with nightmares. I'm not sure what is going on with my pysche, but I'd like to get a good night's rest already! Blood running from faucets, snipers trying to kill me, bears attacking...I've about had it. I'm always a vivid dreamer, but enough is enough.

So glad it's Friday...

good interview

August 10th, 2006 at 05:34 pm

I had an interview this morning at a publishing company and I think it went really well! I enjoyed talking to the interviewer, and she seemed to think I was a good match for the position. I had to take an hour long test (personality, word definitions, 'this is to this as that is to ____', MATH-ugh), and if I'm chosen to do a second interview, they'll call me next week. At that point, I'll actually get to meet the editorial team. So, keeping my fingers crossed. It seemed like a nice work environment, nice building, and the job would be far more challenging than what I'm doing now (not to mention better paying!).

The only downside is that I'd have to start commuting by car again, on super busy freeways. If I make more money, though, maybe I'd actually be able to buy a better car!

I put on my new suit last night, and lo and behold - the zipper on the skirt got stuck! So stuck, in fact, that it ripped the fabric and was impossible to free. I'm returning it ASAP. I wore my standard black today, and frankly, I'm more comfortable in pants anyway.

Mr. Fat Cat is going to the vet tonight. He's so easygoing that I expect it to be fine. Hopefully he doesn't need a ton of expensive shots...

Glad the nerve-wracking interview part is over...now I'm just hoping for a phone call! Smile

expensive weekend

August 7th, 2006 at 03:36 pm

After such a great no-spend week, I can't say I'm too proud of the weekend.

Our dinner with friends on Friday was probably one of the most expensive nights out I've had. SO has this thing for insisting on paying for other people when we go out...admirable, but not when the bill is astronomical. Sushi plates galore, not cheap. It ended up being double what I'd budgeted for the month...all blown on one meal. Sigh. SO probably would have paid for it fully himself, but he forgot his wallet, so it went on our joint credit card.

Then I went clothes shopping and found a beautiful blue-gray suit, originally $200, on sale for $80. I bought it, a pair of pants, and a few shirts. I have an interview this week, so it will be nice to wear something other than black from head to toe. I hope the interview goes well - the job is at an actual publishing company, and it would be a pay increase.

I saved $20 at Target with my fat stack of coupons. The cashier was impressed, and a bit envious!

Our electric bill this month is astronomical. I should have expected it, given the 100 degree temps and our use of the air conditioner, but it is still a bummer.

My plump black cat is going to the vet this week. We were quoted $75 for shots and his checkup. Uh...I don't think so. He had all of his shots last year, and I don't think they all need to be administered yearly. If it truly is $75 for one cat, we'll be switching vets pronto.

I picked up two newspapers yesterday for the coupons. It's interesting to see which coupons are in our two major papers. They weren't the same. There's also this ridiculous city rivalry between Minneapolis and St. Paul, which makes me laugh a little when I can't find the Minneapolis paper in a St. Paul gas station for the life of me. There were huge displays all over the front of the store for the St. Paul paper, but the tiny Minneapolis stand was tucked away in the middle of the store, at knee level. Bizarre.

I can't afford to eat out for the rest of the month, so we'll be cooking! We'll have onion roasted potatoes and perhaps a lentil loaf for dinner tonight. I made up another loaf of cinnamon bread yesterday, which reminds me - Ima Saver, my bread maker is a Regal Kitchen Pro model K6725. I don't usually bake bread in it because I don't like the shape, but it makes fabulous dough for buns, breadsticks, pizza, cinnamon bread, etc. I bought my mother the same model on eBay a couple of years ago, and she loves it too!

10th reunion...gag me

August 4th, 2006 at 04:14 pm

My best friend found our high school class reunion website (the reunion is next summer). The page consists entirely of the "popular girls" and lists their many children, husbands, and photos.

Ugh.

Reading that, I suddenly have absolutely no desire to go. It's a shame that none of the people I'm curious about are listed. Glad to note that I am considered "missing"...think I'll stay that way, if that site represents the people who will be attending the reunion!

Day 8 of our no spend week! Today is our last day. SO packed lunch for ME last night. Smile Tonight we're joining our friends for dinner, and I have some shopping to do, so we're done with no spending for now. SO really agrees that we should do this once a month, though! Who hoo!

Last night I baked a loaf of cinnamon swirl bread...love my breadmaker. It makes the best dough. I think I'll have to make another loaf this weekend, because it smelled heavenly (and I don't think it will last long before being devoured).

Seeing that high school webpage reminded me of just how happy I am with my little life here in MN, with SO and our kitties, far away from that era. Smile

first dose of Imitrex

August 2nd, 2006 at 03:43 pm

I've had my Imitrex prescription filled for a few months now without needing it. Pretty good, not having had a migraine for that long.

It snuck up on me last night. I cleaned the house, helped SO with dinner (eggplant parmesan and blueberry cobbler - YUM), drank several glasses of water, no alcohol...and yet, the migraine descended anyway. First I tried one Excedrin, thinking it was just a normal headache. Took another one a few hours later, to no avail. As soon as the hatchet-in-head feeling started up (always my first sign), I finally I pulled out the Imitrex and tried it out. I woke a few times during the night. The first time I got up, I felt drugged, but my head didn't hurt. This morning I still have a dull headache, but at least I could come to work! Yay for Imitrex!

Funny thing, I received a e-survey this morning on Imitrex vs. Topamax.

SO had to fill his gas tank, but that's still the only thing outside of the challenge that we've purchased. Not bad!

crabby

August 1st, 2006 at 03:22 pm

Last night I was extremely crabby. SO picked me up from work (very nice) but...what's that? The little need-to-fill-the-gas-tank light popping up on the dash? ARG! He seems to think he'll be able to make it until Friday without filling up his gas tank. I seriously doubt it. He drives through the worst parts of town every day, and I'd rather he not get stranded there. I don't understand why he doesn't plan ahead, particularly when he knew we were doing the no-spend challenge this week.

Then, the glass Sun Tea bottle that my mother recently gave me (something from my youth) slipped out of the fridge and it shattered on the floor into a million pieces. Did I mention that the bottle was full? Yeah, glass shards swimming in tea, all over the kitchen. I snatched up the cats and locked them in a bedroom before they could play in it (they thought it looked like fun!).

Still, no spending.

I started a new book last night in an effort to escape -

Text is The Queen's Fool and Link is http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743246071/sr=8-1/qid=1154441918/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-1653889-8152625?ie=UTF8
The Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory - and I'm already 1/3 of the way through. I just finished her book, The Other Boleyn Girl, and it was great. Those novels just suck me in.

Another reason I'm crabby - it's August. I always get a sinking feeling in August, even though I don't have to go back to school anymore. I guess it's the knowledge that SNOW will be here any minute. Wink Yeah, it's 100 degrees now, but I still get a little nauseous when August rolls around...summer goes by way too fast here.