Friday: Didn't have to pay for lunch - nice!

Saturday: Went to look at a table and chair set for sale, but it was too big for our new place. I was soooo tired all day long. I didn't want to do anything. We went out for brunch, BF's treat. I tried to pack up some stuff as best I could. I was really wiped out...from what, I don't know. Everyone around me has been ill lately, so maybe I was fighting off an illness. Frozen pizza at home, and I went to bed early.

Sunday: Woke up super early and jumped online (first mistake). Logged on to amazon.com and placed an order for several books (second mistake). I got really good deals on them, but I am supposed to be downsizing here! Total was $53. Packed up both cars with my stuff and moved it to the new place. It was a hot, sticky day yesterday, but at least it wasn't raining! We went to Target to buy a ton of stuff for the new place; BF paid. I paid for a few more bathroom things at another store ($26). I bought dinner for both of us ($25). By then we both had pounding headaches, so we went home.

My apartment is being viewed again by another potential renter today (*crossing fingers*). I tried to make it look as nice as possible, and it looks pretty good with two carloads taken out of it. My massage therapist is coming tonight, that will be another $80.

I'm going to try to make at least one more trip to the new place with a bunch of stuff this week, before Thursday. We really need to get cracking on cleaning over there, before his stuff arrives. I imagine I'll be over there every night for the rest of the week.

I listed 11 books on half.com yesterday. What I'm wondering is, how can I possibly compete with wholesalers who list brand new books for $0.75? I think my like-new hardcover book is worth much more than that.

Seriously, why does it always seem to be Monday?

We went out of town to visit relatives on Saturday night, so I haven't spent anything since then. It was nice to get out of the house and go somewhere else! We got back late last night, though, so not much accomplished around the house. and no packing done whatsoever.

My fish are all still alive. I am going to test to their water again after work and see how they are really doing. I still need to call the pet store and see how they feel about me bringing fish in.

Tonight: heading to the new place to drop off a bunch of BF's stuff. We may end up doing some shopping (cleaning supplies, new toilet seat, all that fun stuff) and maybe go to the grocery store too. I'm not sure which of us is going to pay for that, or if it will be dutch, or what.

The rest of the week is pretty wide open. I might go over to a friend's house for a girls night sometime this weekend. I'm not sure if it will be a stay-in sort of night (cheaper!) or a go-out-on-the-town sort of night. I'd be happy with either one, but I'd be happier with less spending.

I just placed an Avon order with a coworker who just started selling. I know how much she and everyone else in her position makes (I did payroll for a while during a crisis) so I feel good about helping her out. Non profit pays nothing, particularly to the people doing the dirty work. My salary isn't huge or anything (especially not considering my education) but I'm still amazed that I get paid what I do. and I feel a bit guilty as well. Anyway, Avon order, $24.

I also ordered makeup primer online, a bit of a splurge at $38, but it keeps my face happy when wearing makeup. I have a lot less breakouts when I use it under foundation. A small bottle lasts about 8 months, and I'm all out.

Paid my electric/gas bill, and all my bread baking must have ratcheted up the bill! It was almost $40, a new high. I will enjoy that price while I have it, though, because at the new apartment it will probably average $100 (electric heat).

Yesterday's gasoline for the car: $18.13, and cash: $20. I got free tickets to a major league baseball game yesterday, so BF and I went to enjoy ourselves. He spent a ton on concessions, but his money is his money, so I didn't hassle him too much. It was my first baseball game ever! and tons of fun. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it, but I think a big part of it was his company. He explained a lot of the game to me too, and that made it more enjoyable. We also took the new train for the first time. How I wish it extended throughout the whole city!

Tonight, cleaning is on the agenda. I think today will be a no-spend day!

114% of income spent this month. *sigh*

Didn't pay off much on my 0% interest credit card, but I paid off my other one in full.

I switched car insurance companies because it was a $256 yearly discount. whoo hoo!

The massage lady took a significant chunk of money, $190. I'm really glad she didn't call me again this month for another appointment. Once a month max from now on.

Spent what I budgeted on birthday/mother's day/baby gifts!

Earned about $20 on eBay.

I did really great in my "extras" category: only $30. That's a record low! and gasoline, only $57.

My huge budget buster this month was groceries: $265. What the heck? I have never spent that much on groceries in one month!! I really need to make an effort to stick to June's grocery budget.

With any luck, I will be able to move out of my apartment at the end of June. That would save me $160 in June. Overall, this move will save me $145 a month, or $1734 a year. Plus, I will be with the man that I love. I am really happy about that.

June goals:
--Pay off other credit card (again) and stop charging things on it
--Pay $200 to 0% credit card
--Spend no more than $80 on groceries
--Stick to rest of budget
--List more books on half.com
--Clean & donate as much stuff as possible, so I'm hauling less over to the new place!

I went the grocery store. AGAIN. Seriously, what is my problem this month?! That brings the grand monthly total up to $264.71. It's ridiculous! I went because my BF's parents will most likely be coming over for dinner this weekend, and I wanted to prepare dinner at home rather than going out and spending their money. I say that because I know we would have to fight to get the check, and because they are paying for so much stuff for their other kids.

So, the menu will be cheese and spinach lasagna, green beans deliciously prepared somehow (a friend gave me a weight watchers recipe, maybe I'll try that), french bread, salad. For dessert, mexican chocolate cake with mocha buttercream frosting. I got low fat cheeses and all that to compensate for the decadent dessert.

I also bought a number of low-fat snacks. I know they are not the cheapest nor are they necessary, but I want to successfully lose weight, and they will help. The problem here lies in that I am not really a vegetarian. I am a carbo-lacto-tarian. I could live on bread, cheese, and chocolate happily for the rest of my life! Unfortunately that is not conducive to a healthy body...bummer!

Otherwise, I'm doing great financially. I haven't eaten out all week. I brought my car in to the shop tonight because it's had this hideous underbody rattle for a couple of days. I was cringing, thinking they would want to replace my entire muffler or something. Turns out it was the heat shield, which the guy said is basically unnecessary anyway considering my driving habits. They took it off for free and sent me on my way. I hope that was a good idea. It was free and it doesn't rattle anymore, so that's nice.

I'm still really excited about our new place! Gazing at a pile of books I have sitting by my computer, I'm reminded of all the packing I have to do...and how I should really start listing this stuff on half.com!

We decided on a place!!! We filled out an application last night, and will probably sign the lease this evening. Yippeee!!!!!!!!!! It's so nice. It has all hardwood floors, brand new kitchen appliances, a dishwasher, funky lighting, a washer and dryer in the unit, a dining room (which I really wanted), a deck, and lots of natural light. The people downstairs seem really nice too. Now I just have to give my landlord notice. and start packing!

I made three ebay sales and was finally paid for all of them. I mailed out two yesterday ($10.79) and will mail one out tomorrow. Other than that, I have been really good about not spending.

Friday: looked at two apartments (no to both), ate delicious Vietnamese food for dinner (BF's treat), read good books & surfed the internet for the rest of the evening. Spending log: $0.

Saturday: looked at two apartments (both ok, not great). grabbed hot drinks to ward off the cold rain (my treat). read books and napped. ate Vietnamese leftovers for dinner and went out dancing (BF's treat). it was so much fun! we've never gone out clubbing together, just the two of us, and we had a great time. and, three of my eBay listings sold! Spending log: $8 for coffee.

Sunday: looked at one place (interrogated by homeowner, so that was a no-go). packed a picnic, went the park, and lounged in the brief sunshine with our books. I made cheese enchiladas and spanish rice for dinner - yum! we attempted to make churros, and then watched the Motorcycle Diaries. I loved it. I wish they had shown more of Chile, but it was great nonetheless. Brought back great memories. I expected to dream in Spanish, but I slept so hard last night, I don't remember dreaming at all (a seldom occurance). Spending log: $0

I wish I only worked every other week but got paid the same amount! After such productive/fun weekends, returning to my workplace is such a bummer...it's back to staring at the computer screen for eight hours a day, and sitting in the car for at least an hour commuting. I want more free time!

This was a really spend-crazy month. I've got the spending record in front of me, yet I'm not sure what happened. May is only half over and my last paycheck of the month came today, and it's mostly spent today as well. It would be SO nice to find a new place that I can live with and split the rent, so it drops drastically...right now rent payments take away 34% of my monthly net income.

The big kicker this month has been groceries, though. I've spent $175 already! The massages and my credit card bill from last month have also substantially strained my budget.

We had a great, frugal girl's night last night. I made pizza dough and provided a couple of toppings. One friend brought the rest of the toppings, breadsticks, and dessert, and the other two brought beer. We always have a great time sitting around talking and watching tv together! I really want a real dining room, so there is space for us all to sit down!

Yesterday's lunch was not so frugal, about $9 at the grocery store. I got this fabulous Amy's Kitchen frozen vegetarian Indian meal, though, and I'd love to buy them again (with coupons).

I bought groceries again today, $19 worth. I'm going to make a raspberry gelatin poke cake this weekend, as fat-free as possible. I also want to try making my first artisian style loaf of bread...I'm looking forward to it!

Headache is still here, but the hatchet is gone. I'd like to be less dependent on Excedrin!!

I have a quiet evening to myself tonight, and I decided to finally get my act together and list more things on eBay and half.com. I listed five things on eBay and three books on half. I can't wait to see how they do! It's so hard to know how to price things. It would be nice to get some extra money in and clear out the house a bit...I can see why people get so excited about (and addicted to) these sites.

wish me luck!

I cleaned out my closet today. It was mostly full of old empty boxes, leftovers from my move here. I broke most of them down and put them in recycling...ahh, empty closet freedom! Sitting beside me is a large box ready to go to Goodwill. I think I'll bring it over there tomorrow.

We looked at an apartment today, too. The place was very well maintained, though a little dull. The unbelievable part about it was the landlord. He was grilling us about whether or not we had jobs, what those jobs were, where exactly we live now and for how long, etc etc. I overslept this morning and had just thrown on a pair of jeans, a college sweatshirt, and hadn't curled my hair. He questioned me about the sweatshirt, asked if I was still in college, and was surprised when I said I had graduated several years ago. We mentioned that we were looking for a quiet neighborhood, and his response was, "If you like to party and do drugs and turn your music up loud, this is not the place for you." I looked him in the eye and said, "I don't think that will be a problem." Two seconds later, as if he hadn't heard me, he said, "If you like to turn your music up real loud, this won't work out." What?!?! Do we look like crazy drug-addicted loud-music players? I was appalled. I know it was all due to my college sweatshirt. We've gotten nothing but stellar treatment from every landlord we've met, but I've never worn that sweatshirt before. Another interesting aspect of this search is that people often will not return my phone calls, but if my boyfriend calls them saying he's interested in their rental (and doesn't mention that I called before), they will call him back in no time. Just little aspects of our society that I detest.

I've not done well with my diet lately, but that's ok. I'm not going to starve myself anymore.

Spending Log:
Wednesday: $15 to savings, $15 birthday gift, $10.60 book for myself, free dinner
Thursday: $80 massage, $30 concoction given to me by massage lady to increase metabolism and boost immune system, dinner at home
Friday: $21.21 gasoline for trip to see family, free dinner
Saturday: $19.07 gasoline, $20 ATM for upcoming week's events, $50 loan payment, dinner at home

yeah. no spend days are infrequent in my life.

My massage was great. She told me I am allergic to the cold - what a great reason to move out of the tundra!

We have looked at 18 apartments. All of them have had some sort of serious flaw. I really thought one today would be 'the one', but then we found out that you have to walk outside to get to the basement. I have no interest in walking down or up a flight of icy steps in -30 degree F weather carrying a laundry basket full of clothes in order to do my laundry. We've seen two places that require walking outside to get to the basement (and thus the laundry machines), and I'm not doing it. It might be different if it was temperate here, but 9 months out of the year it is freezing cold and snowing.

I'm really discouraged. I was hoping we'd find a place so I could give notice tomorrow, but it's not happening. Nothing is comparable to what I have now. Nothing has made me want to pack up all my stuff and move. I'm sad.

We've been talking about getting pre-approved for a mortgage, but I don't want to stay here for years on end, and neither does he. I want to be by the ocean. I was thinking we could find an apartment here and share it for a year or two, and then move west, and consider buying a home there.

My life on the whole is really boring. I'd like to spice it up but I don't know how. I've considered moving to Honduras, I've considered joining the Peace Corps, I've considered going to grad school in NYC, I've tried finding a new job. I feel like I'm wasting my 20s. I'm SO going to find myself in a mid-life crisis.

Nothing spent today, even though I'd like to. It's tempting to take a trip over to Ikea, but I'm going to stay at home on my couch and wallow in my self-made dispair while watching HGTV.

The month isn't over yet, but I'm so tired that I'm hopefully going to go home and go to bed and not spend anything tonight. Tomorrow, hopefully more of the same (sleeping, not spending). We might spend $7 at the farmer's market on milk tomorrow, but that's it.

SPENT IN APRIL:

$62.08 groceries (my part), $164 total (BF insisted on paying a lot this month)
$105.31 gasoline
$57.65 eating out (my part), exorbitant total I'm sure but I didn't keep track
$80 ATM
$90 household stuff (including $25 gift card used)
$471.59 credit card payment
$389.27 other (aquarium needs, haircut, climbing shoes, stamps, other small extras)
$75 savings

110% of monthly income spent counting savings, 106% of monthly income spent not counting savings

It's kind of freaky, seeing those amounts added up. The haircut and the climbing shoes really inflated my "other" category.

In May my goal is to spend less than 100% of my income. I am switching car insurance in June (saving about $200 a year) and would like to pay that chunk of money all at once so I will be done for the year. In order to do that, I will have to postpone paying off my credit card in full until July, and I will need to spend less throughout May. I'm concentrating more on the 60% spending plan (found on msn money). I think I can swing it, I just have to be steadfast.

If I could find a lower rent apartment that doesn't have drug dealers on the corner, that would be ideal. It would be nice to save some money in that area. We're looking at two places today and two tomorrow, which will bring our viewed total up to 18. yeah - I'm picky when it comes to living arrangements.

Yesterday I received a package in the mail from my aunt. She sent two books (one of which was "Smart Women Finish Rich"), a calendar, and a check for my IRA. It seems that whenever I get worried about funds or do something stupid like buy climbing shoes when I shouldn't, the universe comes around and helps me out. It's really quite odd, actually. I hadn't talked to my aunt in months, and out of the blue she sent me that package. Very, very sweet. I'm going to put a portion of the money into my IRA and the rest toward my credit card bill. I'm really looking forward to reading that book!

Humorously enough, I did come home right away and google those landlords after we met them. I didn't find much online, but they told us their professions. I asked if we could come by the house again and see it in sunny weather, and also asked if we could talk to the previous tenant. They were fine with both ideas. We'll probably go see it again later this week (assuming it stops raining).

I've realized that part of my hesitation stems from not being 110% sure about my relationship. If I was that sure, I would marry him (but I'm not ready to get married right now). I'm worried about moving in together and then going through the agony of breaking up, and having to separate our belongings in the process. If we ultimately do get married, I'm worried that I will regret not having lived alone for a longer period of time. I keep trying to guess how I'm going to feel about things in 10-20 years, but that is impossible, so why do I do it??

I love having him around, and I think if we got that apartment, there is plenty of space for us to have alone time (which we both need now and then). It's not as if it's a new relationship either, we've been together for almost three years. He loves me absolutely. The problem is that I am the committment-phobe! I've been all over the map on this over the past few days...yesterday I had convinced myself not to do it, and today I really think I could enjoy it. Seriously people, I need that magic 8 ball.

My teeth have been bothering me lately, and I'm due for a checkup, so I'm going in this afternoon. It was the only appointment available until this summer (yikes!). I can't remember if there is a copay or not, but if there is, they mail a bill, so I'm not going to worry about it. It is going to make my evening very tight, though. I'll get home just in time to leave again. I have a long band practice tonight, yuck.

I'm still not feeling great. This morning I overheard a coworker talking about her week long flu bug. Then she sprinted to the bathroom. Shortly thereafter she went home. I really don't want what she has.

Nothing scheduled for Wednesday night (yet).

I made a hair appointment for Thursday night. This woman does a GREAT cut and I haven't been to her in too long. My hair is driving me nuts. I'm also getting my highlights reapplied...time for summer! I'm spoiling myself, but I love the look of my highlights, and I haven't had them fixed up since August.

Friday we might be having a girl's night. I suggested we have dinner at my house. That will save us all some money, as I have all the fixings for dinner and it will be simple. If they bring drinks, we'll be set. We normally just sit around gabbing and gossiping for hours anyway!

Saturday I have band practice again bright and early, and I'm going to a birthday party in the evening. I was tempted to go to this friend's birthday dinner too, but I just can't justify spending $50 on his birthday when I see him once a year, and there will be 40 of his closest friends there. I will make an appearance and have a drink.

Sunday I am going to collapse into a heap.

I need to pick up some items for my aquarium, so that will be about $24. Hair appointment, probably $60. Girl's Night, nothing if we don't go anywhere, hopefully not much if we do. Saturday night, $20 max. Gas tank will have to be refilled. 5 day estimate: $125.

I canceled my appointment with massage lady yesterday because I wasn't feeling well. I still am not feeling well and I stayed home from work. I probably could have gone in, but I'm fighting bouts of nausea.

Friday...I honestly cannot remember. I think we made dinner at home and that was about it. no money spent.

Saturday....went to the grocery store. BF paid, though i was planning to. $116. went to a show with BF & BF's brother (he paid for the tickets and the drinks, way too much money). BF got his car towed because we were all oblivious to the sign. he had to pay $150 to get it back, ouch. somehow I spent nothing on Saturday, but a lot of money changed hands around me.

Sunday...stayed home with an unhappy stomach. no spending.

My two ebay auctions did not sell. I am bummed. I might try to relist one item, but I might just pass it off to Goodwill or Freecycle instead. I've listed three things on ebay and none of them have sold...it's a bit disheartening.

It's a dreary, rainy day...perfect to stay home.

I changed my W2 so I'll get a refund rather than having to pay next year....and it's dropping my check down $11 every pay period. *sigh*

I think I need to actually set aside a budgeted amount for clothing. That might help my enternal closet struggle. Yesterday I bought a pair of summer pants and two tank tops, about $33. I definitely want to do more shopping....but I did pretty bad on my food intake (calorie-wise) yesterday, so that isn't helping me lose weight and feel better about my body.

In preparation for payday, I wrote out checks for three bills and made an entry in my checkbook for my savings account - pay myself first! I'm slowly starting to get that concept. Don't know what my problem is, it is a fairly simple concept, but not one I grew up with so it's hard to internalize.

I think I'll end up spending more this weekend than I'd like to. I'll have to buy groceries for my sister, I'm sure, because dorm life and no car means way too much cafeteria food than she'd like. Plus I am a nice big sister. I want to take her out to an awesome vietnamese restaurant, too, so that will be some $$. Oh well. She doesn't visit me often. I've spent a lot of money on frivolous things this month, but this doesn't count as one of them.

According to my budget, I've spent 110% of my income this month; 116% if you count savings. Ouch! Next month I'm shooting for 99% with savings.

I filled out my rental return, and I'm going to get a really nice return this year! It almost makes up for my exorbitant rent. but not quite.

I got a card in the mail yesterday about condo living, starting at $99K. I forgot to bring it today so I could look up the website. I really need to make some big decisions regarding my relationship (should we move in together? should we get married?), my job (should I move somewhere where I can actually find a job in the field I want?), and my living arrangement (is my landlord going to jack up my rent even more this year? can I stand this climate much longer?). UGH. I have no idea how to go about making these decisions, which is probably why I've been sitting in limbo for much too long.

I really wish I had a hybrid, or a TDI, or something like that that got excellent gas mileage. I spent $22 yesterday on a tank of gas, and that is ridiculous! My car is doing this weird revving engine thing again, and I am concerned. I've finally got some money into my savings, and I'd hate to have to yank it out again.

Sunday night: frozen pizza at home. no spending. lots of cleaning.

Monday: homemade soup for lunch, tacos for dinner at home. no spending.

Tuesday: leftover pizza for lunch, didn't eat dinner. bought gasoline, OUCH.

Today: peanut butter & jelly for lunch, not sure about dinner but it will be at home. I think I'm going to an outlet mall with a friend of mine this afternoon. I wasn't planning to buy clothes, but this morning was horrendous in that I wanted to through every item of clothing I own out the window. I just hate my closet. Part of it is bad body image, I know, but nothing seems to fit right. I wanted to lose 15 pounds before I went clothes shopping again, but hating my entire wardrobe nearly caused me to stay home from work today.

Thursday: I'm not planning to spend. Maybe I'll list my closet finds on eBay.

Friday-Sunday: My sister is coming to visit for the weekend. I'll have to run to the grocery store and take out some cash, and be prepared to spend a lot on gas money. I'd like to take her rock climbing, but I'm not sure if I'll have the money to do it. We may just end up doing free/cheap things. I have Friday off, thank god.

I'm chipping away at my credit card bill...slow and steady wins the race!

I spent six hours cleaning my place today. I took everything out of my main closet, trashed a bunch of it, organized the rest, and set aside a box for donation/eBay.

I've stayed in all weekend. Yesterday, Princess Perky inspired me to fire up my crock pot and make taco soup. I also made corn bread in the breadmaker, so a have a few more lunches in the freezer. Yay! Today I didn't eat much and made a frozen pizza for dinner. Nothing spent today, but a lot of useless stuff purged, and I feel better.

I make a point of never thinking about the week ahead until Monday morning....so I think I'll watch some tv!

I'm a little obsessed with hot tea lately. I don't like to drink coffee, and my office is perpetually freezing, so tea it is. I'm using a tea bag twice before tossing it...the second cup is much less flavorful, but enough to appease me.

Kickboxing rocked. It was challenging. I have a serious problem with authority in that I was getting very irritated with the instructor for bossing me around. I just kept trying to remind myself that she is trying to help me! It's hard for me though, because I hate, hate, hate being told what to do. I was a lovely child for my parents to deal with, as you can imagine.

I spent $6.06 on dinner, and that was all. When I got home, I paid two bills that had come in the mail. My cell phone bill was a little bit higher because apparently I was roaming and didn't realize it, but it was only a couple of minutes, so oh well.

I was going to buy a six pack of beer for our girl's night tomorrow night, but with the rest of our planned activities, I think I need to cut back on expenses for the evening. I'm planning to bake cookies tonight instead. that will shave a little bit off of the evening's cost.

Today's lunch is what I was supposed to eat yesterday, food from home. Tonight's dinner will be at home. Tomorrow's lunch will be free for listening to someone speak about finances. whoo hooo!

I am not going to my obligation tonight. I am sick of it, and after the last few days, I don't need the aggravation.

Suffice to say that I spent the weekend with several people whom I love dearly and a few I don't. My weekend was definitely not my own, and I feel like I have been living at work. Today was full of people throwing more and more tasks on me, all the while treating me as though I am a five year old.

enough complaining. the job search continues.

On Friday I put $50 into savings ($25 of that for holiday gifts), and paid three bills (including paying off one credit card). On Saturday I ate free breakfast at work, lunch at home, and had a free dinner. Sunday I had free breakfast and free dinner. I bought $19 worth of card making supplies at Michaels (sale!). Monday I paid $5 to rent climbing shoes at the gym, had a free breakfast and free lunch at work, and leftovers for dinner at home. Today I filled my gas tank, washed my car (all those shiny cars around were driving me nuts!), ate breakfast at home, had leftovers for lunch, and so far I haven't prepared dinner, but it will be something from the pantry/freezer. I'm going to pay another bill tonight and maybe put something into my IRA.

Tomorrow! I'll bring lunch and breakfast from home. I am kickboxing again tomorrow night, so I'll have to buy dinner out and my kickboxing card.

As for the rest of the week, all I'm sure about is Friday...it will probably be a moderate spending night, but I haven't seen my girlfriends for months, and we need a night out.

I scheduled two workout sessions for this week: one for tomorrow night with a friend, and one on Thursday with my boyfriend at the climbing gym. I feel so fat, it is driving me nuts. All I want is my clothes to fit again...and to lose 35 pounds (hehe).

Yesterday I did not spend anything. My bf picked up wine for dinner. We made lasagna and it turned out great!

Today I am paying back a friend for picking up April concert tickets ($25). I also reserved our spots for the climbing gym class on Thursday ($40).

Tomorrow I'll need to pay for a punch card to work out with my friend ($50). I'll also probably need to buy dinner, because the class is at a time and place that makes it inconvenient to drive home and get dinner. Hopefully we'll pick somewhere cheap to eat.

Thursday should be a no-spend day! (hopefully)

I'm trying to figure out what to do...do I find a bigger place and move in with my bf here? Do I stay in my place alone, and risk the rent rising drastically like it did last year? If we stay here, should a new place be closer to my workplace, instead of such a long commute? Do I really think I can keep working here much longer? If not, since I can't find a job here, should I move? Where should I move to? Do I risk moving somewhere without a job? *sigh*

I am on a roll today! I:
- prepared

potato empanada filling for dinner tonight -- it's better if it sits in the fridge for a bit to meld flavors

- baked chewy granola bars for weekday breakfasts -- I added some pecans and dried cranberries

- did the dishes
- swept the floors
- straighted the food shelves & tossed what was bad
- changed the water and the filter in the fish tank, and scrubbed away algae
- made yogurt
- straightened the living room

and last night I made pebre to go with the empanadas. it's best when it's had time to meld flavors, too.

I ate leftovers for lunch. now I am going to shower, and then tackle either the laundry or my den.

whooooo hoooooo!

I didn't spend any money yesterday, but I should pay my boyfriend back for some food he bought and gasoline.

Tonight I will probably drop as soon as I walk in the door. This weekend I am cleaning my house from top to bottom, doing my laundry, and making some things for lunches. It's so nice not to have plans set up whatsoever...the next three weekends are not so kind.

I think I'm going to have to move to get a job in the field I want. NYC and LA really do not appeal to me, but if the alternative is sitting here until I become a mushroom....

Yesterday I went to the mall to find a pair of jeans. No go, so I saved $40-50, I guess. Then, the grocery store adventure. I tried hard to buy organic food, perfect-looking produce, and good deals on other things. I spent $77.57 -- $17.57 more than what I was aiming for, but I bought a lot. Simmering in my cup is a bag of chai vanilla tea, YUM. Unfortunately there were no leeks, but I was not surprised. I bought raspberry newtons on sale but avoided the oreo cookies on sale, even though I adore them. I am trying to eat better! and after that jeans-shopping fiasco, not to mention the wedding-outfit-shopping-fiasco, I told myself last night that I'm not going clothes shopping again until I lose 15 pounds.

My allergies have seriously been kicking my butt this week. I've started taking my meds again like crazy. I have no idea what is causing it...everything is frozen over, and mold and dust are here year-round. I should take out stock in Kleenex.

Still looking for a new job...I never heard from my last interviewer. I love that. I wish people would, at the very least, write an email and say "you're not a candidate" as soon as they know that. Especially if you have interviewed once or even twice there! *sigh*

keep on truckin'...

I'll probably be spending today. I need milk and bread and some other necessities of life, so to the grocery store I will go. Another batch of yogurt with my handy-dandy yogurt maker is necessary, and that requires milk!

Last night I made beer-crust pizza topped with spinach, onion, tomato, garlic, olive oil, mozzarella cheese, and feta cheese. It was really good. I've had that feta in my cheese drawer for quite a while but it was still tasty. Today I brought leftover pizza and a can of pears for lunch. Fruit has never been my thing, really, but I am trying to incorporate more into my diet.

Tonight?? I have no idea what to have for dinner. Maybe I'll start perusing the recipe sites.

My goal is to spend $60 or less on groceries tonight! And that will have to include a leek or two, should they be in the store, because I'm dying to try that leek soup.

Seriously...I can't believe it is March already. This year is flying.

A sweet little red cardinal was outside my door this morning, singing away. I am so excited!! Can that possibly mean that spring is almost here?? I can't complain, it's been a really mild winter so far, but warm is where it's at.

Yesterday I paid the cable/internet bill, the car insurance bill, put some more into savings, and filled up the gas tank. Today I think might actually be a no-spend day!

Lunch yesterday was chili from the freezer (crockpots rock); dinner last night was miscellaneous stuff from the freezer; lunch today is bean soup from the freezer. I realized last night that I need to get better at eating that stuff up, lest it get kind of stale and freezer burned. Dinner tonight will be....something....I really need to go to the grocery store but I am putting it off.

I'm reading "French Women Don't Get Fat"...fascinating! I think maybe I can do this (with a few modifications). I'm sorry, but there is no way I am going to eat three courses for every meal with a separate plate for each course when I don't have a dishwasher! Nor can I go to the "market" every other day when 1) the farmer's market only exists here in the summer, and 2) shopping every other day is not financially viable nor is it logical. I'd like to have a life outside of my food shopping. Give up chocolate? No way! But I can cut back, and I can start adding more variety and more fruits and vegetables. There's another thing...Leek Soup. I wonder if leeks are even in the stores here. Guess I'll have to go take a look!!

I would looooooove to save $2000 this year, put $2500 into my Roth IRA this year, and lose 30 pounds this year. I think I can do it!

not as long as I'd like it to be (that would be a permanent vacation) but three days. we've secured a free cabin belonging to a friend of a friend. all we need to bring is groceries, entertainment (books) and our battered psyches. I am so excited. it is a birthday celebration and a relaxing get-away all rolled into one. I'll get them a gift certificate as a thank you.

I've brought lunch all week and had dinner at home all week. I may have dinner out tonight with a friend. we are hitting the mall (I STILL do not have a stupid outfit for the wedding next weekend) and we'll probably stop for a snack.

I've been pretty good about impulse spending lately. I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel with regard to my credit card bill, my car insurance, and my lowest college loan. another college loan will be paid off next year. I won't be seeing any light on the last one for many many years...but that's ok.

I wish I had the means to purchase a house. I wish I had a job I loved. I wish I lived in a location I loved. I wish I had the means to buy a new car. but on the sunny side of things, I have a man who loves me, a family who loves me, plenty of friends who love me, a great apartment with fish who are always happy to see me and tons of healthy plants, and plenty of junk food to keep me fat and happy.

it's a sunny day, I get to see my best friend in a few hours, and I'm feeling pretty good.

let's see...apart from regular bills, over the weekend I spent about $78 on clothes, $10 on postage stamps, and $60 on a medical bill. I tried to find an outfit for an upcoming wedding, but nothing fit right. I bought a cute skirt but couldn't find a shirt to go with it. I bought a cashmere sweater on clearance, too. I'm going to have to buy shoes and a shirt if I wear that skirt....but I have no idea where else to look! I've been to five malls already! it's getting frustrating. I need to pick up some prescriptions tonight, and buy a bit more of a birthday gift for my sweetie this week.

I'm making an effort to put money away in my savings account every pay period, even if it's only $10. I need to get in the habit. it is too easy to cut that part of the budget when other areas are lacking.

I've spent 16% of my income so far this month. By the time it is over, I will have spent 103% according to my budget (that includes savings). Not great, but better than last month, when I spent much more. I'm really working on paying off the credit cards, though, and that's a huge chunk of it. That and my fabulous kitchenaid mixer (insert blushing face here).

I need to get back on the cooking track. I've been eating out way too frequently lately! New vegetarian recipes are calling my name this afternoon.

I've devised a way to get my new Roth IRA up to the maximum $3000 mark by the end of the year. Now if only I can stick to my budget!! Why is it that budgets and diets are so hard to stick to?