Yeah, we've been sick here. Initially I thought the kids had developed allergies, but then it hit me too. What started out as a congested head turned into crappy throat and later a stomach issue. Bleah.
The GOOD NEWS! Ironically, the good news here is that Jake got laid off! (I know, ridiculous!) That means that he's going to have enough time to get moving on all those projects that will make our house livable, like the new sewer line and the forced air heating system! w00t!
This week he's going to take advantage of the cash-for-scrap yards, which are only open on weekdays around here. He has an unreal pile of metal to get rid of - a junky old gas stove, old rusted metal kitchen cabinets, loads of pipes from the old radiator system (thankfully he was able to sell off the radiators and oil tank), scads of other stuff that just kept piling up for months... it's so nice to think that we can get paid for making more room in the house! Yesterday he dropped three small trees and started prepping a fourth, today he's continuing the tape/mud/sand project on the upstairs drywall.
I was able to lend a hand with the yard work yesterday for a little while, but I'm under a little pressure from the Census to put in at minimum 20 hours a week. It's surprisingly hard to do - one run through my assigned block took me less than two hours. I've been told to take that extra time to make sure my forms are as neat as possible. This job could lend itself to certain abuses.
Catie went to Camporee with her Brownie troop and (predictably) had to come home early because she ran out of clean undies and pants. Her bowel condition had been improving, but apparently being away from home and using facilities that were a distance away and were buzzing with flies did not help the situation. Oh well.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Effective government and other oxymorons
God bless my cousin Jennifer! She came up for the week to watch my kids so I could go to census training - and is managing better with Catie than I usually do! And she told Daniel that he shouldn't put anything smaller than his elbow in his ear... so he tried putting his elbow in his ear!
The census training is dreadful, as anyone who has ever dealt with government programs might guess. It's not hard - in fact, the whole thing is fairly simple and easy to understand - but we are being spoon-fed the information at a painfully slow rate. It doesn't help that there are a few people that are fairly dense and incapable of reaching a logical conclusion on their own (which makes them uniquely suited to government work) and that the teacher is easily sidetracked and unable to follow a timetable. I have two more days, and I'm fighting the urge to go up, grab his teaching script and finish the training process myself! It's a good thing that this job pays well!
Catie's first communion was wonderful - she felt a little sad that she didn't have a veil like the other girls, but she pointed out that no one else had a dress that their mommies had made just for them! She took communion again on Sunday, and was just super thrilled to be a part of the mass in a way she never was before.
Jake's getting loads of the upstairs drywall finished off - so excited! If he's laid off by Monday the work will start going like it's rolling downhill.
You know what? Life is good!
The census training is dreadful, as anyone who has ever dealt with government programs might guess. It's not hard - in fact, the whole thing is fairly simple and easy to understand - but we are being spoon-fed the information at a painfully slow rate. It doesn't help that there are a few people that are fairly dense and incapable of reaching a logical conclusion on their own (which makes them uniquely suited to government work) and that the teacher is easily sidetracked and unable to follow a timetable. I have two more days, and I'm fighting the urge to go up, grab his teaching script and finish the training process myself! It's a good thing that this job pays well!
Catie's first communion was wonderful - she felt a little sad that she didn't have a veil like the other girls, but she pointed out that no one else had a dress that their mommies had made just for them! She took communion again on Sunday, and was just super thrilled to be a part of the mass in a way she never was before.
Jake's getting loads of the upstairs drywall finished off - so excited! If he's laid off by Monday the work will start going like it's rolling downhill.
You know what? Life is good!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Shangri-la, week 2
The weight loss continues - slower now, especially as I've hit a point in my month where chocolate is lucky to escape intact, but still going.
Day 1 - weight 198, waist 42"
Day 7 - weight 193, waist 39"
Day 14 - weight 192, waist 38"
My appetite is still lower than before - I had to decrease the oil and increase my food intake after feeling very sick and dizzy one evening, but clearly if I'm losing weight the week "Aunt Flo" is visiting something must be working!
Day 1 - weight 198, waist 42"
Day 7 - weight 193, waist 39"
Day 14 - weight 192, waist 38"
My appetite is still lower than before - I had to decrease the oil and increase my food intake after feeling very sick and dizzy one evening, but clearly if I'm losing weight the week "Aunt Flo" is visiting something must be working!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Good thing I'm losing weight!
Now, before I go too far with this post, I should mention that Catie and Daniel's (separated) bunk beds were a cheapy cheap $200 purchase from BJ's a few years ago.
Now, you've read the headline, you've read the warning, I bet you've guessed what happened.
Yep. I broke my sons' bed. I sat down hard, and the long part across the length of the bed broke spectacularly right through the middle. Yeah, it was pressed fiberboard or low grade plywood. Thankfully Jake has an old twin size bed stashed in his moms' attic, but it'll take until this weekend to dig it out. Until then Daniel will be sleeping with a mattress on the floor.
Other challenges this week - Catie's first communion preparation on Tues. and Thurs. with the actual event on Saturday. I have to finish sewing her dress.
I got a call from the census group, and I'm supposed to go in for training next week, May 3 - 6th. The downside is that I have to find someone to watch my kids from 8:30-4:30 those days. The upside is that they'll pay $13.50 an hour for my training and work - and I also have a massage and a focus group booked for that week. So, for the first time in a while, I'll actually be able to build my savings back up and make a few small repairs on my car!
Biggest challenge - the house is still in need of major renovations before the wedding in September. In order,
remove pine tree
replace sewer line
finish drywall upstairs
put in flooring in kitchen and bathroom
install kitchen cabinets/acquire and install appliances/countertop
install new toilet and sink in upstairs bathroom
frame out interiors of windows/ wrap exterior of windows
tear out & rebuild the front porch & porch roof
install new forced air heating system
replace hot water heater
Downstairs -
frame out downstairs bathroom, drywall hang & finish
install sink, shower & toilet
hang drywall/finish drywall in downstairs bedroom
Replace downstairs exterior doors
hang downstairs drop ceiling
Throughout house -
install interior doors, knobs
install lighting fixtures, ceiling fans
paint
put in hardwood flooring and carpet
Plus about a thousand other things that I'm forgetting. So much to do!
Now, you've read the headline, you've read the warning, I bet you've guessed what happened.
Yep. I broke my sons' bed. I sat down hard, and the long part across the length of the bed broke spectacularly right through the middle. Yeah, it was pressed fiberboard or low grade plywood. Thankfully Jake has an old twin size bed stashed in his moms' attic, but it'll take until this weekend to dig it out. Until then Daniel will be sleeping with a mattress on the floor.
Other challenges this week - Catie's first communion preparation on Tues. and Thurs. with the actual event on Saturday. I have to finish sewing her dress.
I got a call from the census group, and I'm supposed to go in for training next week, May 3 - 6th. The downside is that I have to find someone to watch my kids from 8:30-4:30 those days. The upside is that they'll pay $13.50 an hour for my training and work - and I also have a massage and a focus group booked for that week. So, for the first time in a while, I'll actually be able to build my savings back up and make a few small repairs on my car!
Biggest challenge - the house is still in need of major renovations before the wedding in September. In order,
remove pine tree
replace sewer line
finish drywall upstairs
put in flooring in kitchen and bathroom
install kitchen cabinets/acquire and install appliances/countertop
install new toilet and sink in upstairs bathroom
frame out interiors of windows/ wrap exterior of windows
tear out & rebuild the front porch & porch roof
install new forced air heating system
replace hot water heater
Downstairs -
frame out downstairs bathroom, drywall hang & finish
install sink, shower & toilet
hang drywall/finish drywall in downstairs bedroom
Replace downstairs exterior doors
hang downstairs drop ceiling
Throughout house -
install interior doors, knobs
install lighting fixtures, ceiling fans
paint
put in hardwood flooring and carpet
Plus about a thousand other things that I'm forgetting. So much to do!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Wise use of food stamps
One of the things that food stamps can buy you is an orchard!
See, food stamps can be used to buy food, but also food producing plants and seeds! This spring I bought (mostly from Aldi and Walmart) 4 grapevines, 3 blueberry bushes, 2 blackberry bushes, 2 raspberry bushes, a few strawberry plants, and an apple tree. Not all of these are staying at Mom and Dad's house - some of them will be transplanted to the new house. I deliberately bought them with the intent of transplanting since after the wedding I won't have food stamps anymore - I intend to buy and freeze next year's garden seeds too.
Why bother with all this? Well, a $6 blueberry bush might not produce much this year, but next year I'll probably get $20 or more worth of blueberries out of that bush, and the year after, and the year after. It's a literal growth fund. The bigger question is why don't more people with food stamps do this? That's more complicated.
When you have only, say, $200 to spend on food for the month, are you more likely to spend it on food you can eat now or a potential source of food that may or may not grow well for you? Let's say you're a forward thinking individual and carefully invested a few dollars in a food producing plant. Do you rent or own the land around you? Can you put that plant in the ground, or will it remain pot-bound? Granted, there's always the Topsy Turvy (which has added pots designed for peppers and strawberries), but my favorite money-saver food plants are the ones that you don't need to start new every year. (Though I do like peppers!)
It's too bad that the people that would benefit the most from a renewable source of food are the ones least able to plant and enjoy them year after year. I do hope more people at least attempt a container garden - it's so nice to have fresh tomatoes and salad greens.
Maybe a community garden plot supplied by food stamp recipients would be a good idea? Food for thought.
See, food stamps can be used to buy food, but also food producing plants and seeds! This spring I bought (mostly from Aldi and Walmart) 4 grapevines, 3 blueberry bushes, 2 blackberry bushes, 2 raspberry bushes, a few strawberry plants, and an apple tree. Not all of these are staying at Mom and Dad's house - some of them will be transplanted to the new house. I deliberately bought them with the intent of transplanting since after the wedding I won't have food stamps anymore - I intend to buy and freeze next year's garden seeds too.
Why bother with all this? Well, a $6 blueberry bush might not produce much this year, but next year I'll probably get $20 or more worth of blueberries out of that bush, and the year after, and the year after. It's a literal growth fund. The bigger question is why don't more people with food stamps do this? That's more complicated.
When you have only, say, $200 to spend on food for the month, are you more likely to spend it on food you can eat now or a potential source of food that may or may not grow well for you? Let's say you're a forward thinking individual and carefully invested a few dollars in a food producing plant. Do you rent or own the land around you? Can you put that plant in the ground, or will it remain pot-bound? Granted, there's always the Topsy Turvy (which has added pots designed for peppers and strawberries), but my favorite money-saver food plants are the ones that you don't need to start new every year. (Though I do like peppers!)
It's too bad that the people that would benefit the most from a renewable source of food are the ones least able to plant and enjoy them year after year. I do hope more people at least attempt a container garden - it's so nice to have fresh tomatoes and salad greens.
Maybe a community garden plot supplied by food stamp recipients would be a good idea? Food for thought.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Losing weight!
I was reading Freakonomics about two weeks ago. I love that book - it appeals to my non-linear thought pattern. It was the version that had been updated in '06 with all sorts of extras from their blog, and one of those extras was about a behavioral psychologist who had developed a simple, inexpensive and easy method of weight loss.
The premise of the method is that certain foods have a way of raising or lowering your body's "set point" - the weight that your body wants to be right then. Foods with a high flavor/calorie association (like sweets, Doritos, junk food) will raise your set point, foods with a low flavor/calories association (bland food - plain rice, cottage cheese) will lower your set point. Foods with NO flavor/calorie association (flavorless oil, sugar water) with lower the set point A LOT.
Translation - if you take in a certain amount of calories with no flavor (so your mouth doesn't go "mmmm, more of that please!") you will feel full a lot faster when you consume meals with flavor.
How do you do this? In a two hour flavorless window (one hour after and before having ANY tastes in your mouth, including toothpaste, coffee, gum, etc) you drink either a tablespoon or two of flavorless oil (extra light olive oil is recommended) OR two tablespoons of sugar dissolved in water.
That's it. When mealtime comes, load your plate as usual and marvel at how much you don't feel like eating. Seriously, that plate will look ridiculously overloaded.
I started this 7 days ago. I have absolutely no willpower when it comes to food. I love food. We are having my wedding reception in a fantastic restaurant not for the decor, but because I fell in love with the food. I have stopped snacking. Repeat - I HAVE STOPPED SNACKING. I don't even want to. But the numbers tell the real story, and I love empirical data.
4/14 - Day one. Weight, 198 lbs(!) Bust - 44", Waist - 42", Hips - 43"
4/21 - Day seven - Weight, 193 lbs, Bust 44", Waist - 39", Hips - 42"
I'm 5' 8 1/2", and my initial BMI was in the obese category. The BMI calculator gave me a target weight of 157, which I haven't seen in ten years. If this rate of weight loss continues, or even if it slows down to 2-3 lbs a week, I will hit that target in 12 to 16 weeks. This feels very sustainable - I don't feel deprived or terribly hungry, just that my appetite has dropped off the map.
The only downside? My lovely, simple wedding dress will hang on me like a sack! I'll have to wear something else!
The premise of the method is that certain foods have a way of raising or lowering your body's "set point" - the weight that your body wants to be right then. Foods with a high flavor/calorie association (like sweets, Doritos, junk food) will raise your set point, foods with a low flavor/calories association (bland food - plain rice, cottage cheese) will lower your set point. Foods with NO flavor/calorie association (flavorless oil, sugar water) with lower the set point A LOT.
Translation - if you take in a certain amount of calories with no flavor (so your mouth doesn't go "mmmm, more of that please!") you will feel full a lot faster when you consume meals with flavor.
How do you do this? In a two hour flavorless window (one hour after and before having ANY tastes in your mouth, including toothpaste, coffee, gum, etc) you drink either a tablespoon or two of flavorless oil (extra light olive oil is recommended) OR two tablespoons of sugar dissolved in water.
That's it. When mealtime comes, load your plate as usual and marvel at how much you don't feel like eating. Seriously, that plate will look ridiculously overloaded.
I started this 7 days ago. I have absolutely no willpower when it comes to food. I love food. We are having my wedding reception in a fantastic restaurant not for the decor, but because I fell in love with the food. I have stopped snacking. Repeat - I HAVE STOPPED SNACKING. I don't even want to. But the numbers tell the real story, and I love empirical data.
4/14 - Day one. Weight, 198 lbs(!) Bust - 44", Waist - 42", Hips - 43"
4/21 - Day seven - Weight, 193 lbs, Bust 44", Waist - 39", Hips - 42"
I'm 5' 8 1/2", and my initial BMI was in the obese category. The BMI calculator gave me a target weight of 157, which I haven't seen in ten years. If this rate of weight loss continues, or even if it slows down to 2-3 lbs a week, I will hit that target in 12 to 16 weeks. This feels very sustainable - I don't feel deprived or terribly hungry, just that my appetite has dropped off the map.
The only downside? My lovely, simple wedding dress will hang on me like a sack! I'll have to wear something else!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Adrenaline pumping, non-stop action!
That's how the last month has felt.
Catie's birthday was March 27th. We had 9 little 8-9 year old kids running around our house, eating cake, ice cream, and doing new face paint and hairdos.
Easter was the next weekend. We traveled to my Uncle Mike and Aunt Anne's house in Virginia, which added up to a total of 5 1/2 hours of drive time. Good thing Mike has a lot of property for the kids to run on!
The following weekend Jake, his mom, his stepdad, his nephew, my two kids and I went to Rehobeth beach for a three day weekend to celebrate Jake's birthday. (30th!) We have the use of a very nice three bedroom condo that's 2 blocks from the beach and one block from the "Avenue" of shops during the off-season, which is just lovely. We had a great time.
Last weekend was my cousin Jennifer's wedding. I was a bridesmaid, so my mom, Catie and I all went down a day before so we could attend the rehearsal. 5 minutes after checking into our hotel I was hijacked by my aunt Maureen because Jennifer was threatening to call off the whole wedding. Not because of mixed feelings about her man - because she was worried about all the people looking at her. I was put on Jennifer duty until the actual time of the wedding, which I'm pleased to say happened on schedule.
We came home Saturday night. Today is Tuesday, and we've almost recovered the lost ground in housekeeping. I'm not falling asleep at the drop of a hat. We're getting back on a schedule.
Wow. Non-stop action wears me out.
Catie's birthday was March 27th. We had 9 little 8-9 year old kids running around our house, eating cake, ice cream, and doing new face paint and hairdos.
Easter was the next weekend. We traveled to my Uncle Mike and Aunt Anne's house in Virginia, which added up to a total of 5 1/2 hours of drive time. Good thing Mike has a lot of property for the kids to run on!
The following weekend Jake, his mom, his stepdad, his nephew, my two kids and I went to Rehobeth beach for a three day weekend to celebrate Jake's birthday. (30th!) We have the use of a very nice three bedroom condo that's 2 blocks from the beach and one block from the "Avenue" of shops during the off-season, which is just lovely. We had a great time.
Last weekend was my cousin Jennifer's wedding. I was a bridesmaid, so my mom, Catie and I all went down a day before so we could attend the rehearsal. 5 minutes after checking into our hotel I was hijacked by my aunt Maureen because Jennifer was threatening to call off the whole wedding. Not because of mixed feelings about her man - because she was worried about all the people looking at her. I was put on Jennifer duty until the actual time of the wedding, which I'm pleased to say happened on schedule.
We came home Saturday night. Today is Tuesday, and we've almost recovered the lost ground in housekeeping. I'm not falling asleep at the drop of a hat. We're getting back on a schedule.
Wow. Non-stop action wears me out.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Feng Shui principles and prosperity
What an ostentatious title!
Really, what this is about is the fact that cleaning house can change so much all around you. Mom is pretty interested in Feng Shui, mainly as a way to make the living and working environments more comfortable. Now that the weather has improved so much, we have been able to take a serious look at our front and back porches and realized they were cluttered, covered in dead leaves, and unwelcoming. Mom spearheaded a cleanup of not only the porches, but the entrances and hallways, reasoning that chi can't flow where angels fear to tread. After we finished those areas I got three bookings for freelance work! Apparently those sections of the house are the "career" portions.
Clutter is the enemy of any prosperity - clean up and see what happens!
Really, what this is about is the fact that cleaning house can change so much all around you. Mom is pretty interested in Feng Shui, mainly as a way to make the living and working environments more comfortable. Now that the weather has improved so much, we have been able to take a serious look at our front and back porches and realized they were cluttered, covered in dead leaves, and unwelcoming. Mom spearheaded a cleanup of not only the porches, but the entrances and hallways, reasoning that chi can't flow where angels fear to tread. After we finished those areas I got three bookings for freelance work! Apparently those sections of the house are the "career" portions.
Clutter is the enemy of any prosperity - clean up and see what happens!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Does it get any better?
Sun! Glorious sunshine! I'm healing from the rickets as we speak!
It's been absolutely beautiful over the past few days. The snow is virtually gone, the air smells deliciously fresh, and Daniel has apparently been getting high off of it. He smiles all day, shares and takes turns eagerly, and 5 times a day he throws his arms around me and says "Mom, you're the best!" Catie is doing really well too - they're just so pleasant to deal with right now!
And to cap my blissful mood, the IRS sent me a letter to let me know that they owed me more money! Apparently I used the wrong Social Security number for Catie 2 years in a row. (How? I made a 3 into an 8 last year, and when I looked up the number for this year I just used last years return for the reference.) The amounts were so close to what I had figured that I just got it wrong. After all, this year it was only off by $3.27 - but it turns out that there was something extra that I hadn't known to file - a schedule M. So even though I didn't have full credit for my kids, I still nearly had the same refund as I had figured because the IRS filed a schedule M for me. (What is a schedule M? Dunno. Comes after L, I guess. Actually it's something called "Making Jobs Work", which gives low income folks even more back.)
Taking into account the extra owed from this year and last year, I'm going to get an additional $445 that I hadn't even planned on! I know, it was mine all along, but I'm just excited that it's coming to me!
SO - great weather, happy kids, unexpected money, lots of massage bookings - does it get any better than this?
It's been absolutely beautiful over the past few days. The snow is virtually gone, the air smells deliciously fresh, and Daniel has apparently been getting high off of it. He smiles all day, shares and takes turns eagerly, and 5 times a day he throws his arms around me and says "Mom, you're the best!" Catie is doing really well too - they're just so pleasant to deal with right now!
And to cap my blissful mood, the IRS sent me a letter to let me know that they owed me more money! Apparently I used the wrong Social Security number for Catie 2 years in a row. (How? I made a 3 into an 8 last year, and when I looked up the number for this year I just used last years return for the reference.) The amounts were so close to what I had figured that I just got it wrong. After all, this year it was only off by $3.27 - but it turns out that there was something extra that I hadn't known to file - a schedule M. So even though I didn't have full credit for my kids, I still nearly had the same refund as I had figured because the IRS filed a schedule M for me. (What is a schedule M? Dunno. Comes after L, I guess. Actually it's something called "Making Jobs Work", which gives low income folks even more back.)
Taking into account the extra owed from this year and last year, I'm going to get an additional $445 that I hadn't even planned on! I know, it was mine all along, but I'm just excited that it's coming to me!
SO - great weather, happy kids, unexpected money, lots of massage bookings - does it get any better than this?
Saturday, February 20, 2010
$99 was a wise investment!
Actually, it was $132 with shipping and tax. My massage table is awesome! The manufacturer is BestMassage, and they make several varieties of tables. Mine is very sturdy, has wooden legs (MUCH nicer than aluminum both aesthetically and when doing energy work), weighs in around 42 lbs, and came with a face cradle, side armrests (for lying on the back) and an arm shelf below the face cradle (for face down work).
It's already gotten some use, but I've realized that I need a good massage myself so I can remember what feels good to the client. I may have to book one at the massage school - they have discount rates around $15 - 25 an hour.
And now for the part that makes me sound extra kooky.
For a long time, I've wanted to receive Reiki attunements. Reiki is a specialized style of energy work that requires a Reiki Master to place symbols in your aura to connect you to to God energy. Once that happens, energy work becomes exponentially easier - the sender no longer has to force energy to flow, it simply flows. I've studied Reiki manuals, but I could never afford the classes so I could have the attunement. Two days ago I decided to Google free reiki attunements, and discovered several websites that offer free distance attunements! They do NOT offer instruction, but as I've been studying for several years, all I needed was the attunement. The site I used was www.FreeReikiAttunement.com , and the master who runs the site offers certification and lists his lineage (shows who taught him, who taught his teacher, etc, all the way back to Master Usui).
At first I wasn't sure how it worked, but I was reassured by several Reiki masters who work individually that distance attunements are about as easy to do as those in person. The only caveat they offered was that the sites didn't teach you the method of practice. No big issue for me, but people new to the idea need more instruction. I've already received Reiki 1, and plan to do Reiki 2 and 3 once I have a chance to review my materials.
Must get showered and dressed - it's AngelFood pick-up day.
Funny - last month I bought my brother and sister-in-law 2 standard AFM boxes to elp them out. I called them last week to see if they wanted me to get them more. My brother's reply? "NO. MORE. FOOD!" They were still overstocked!
It's already gotten some use, but I've realized that I need a good massage myself so I can remember what feels good to the client. I may have to book one at the massage school - they have discount rates around $15 - 25 an hour.
And now for the part that makes me sound extra kooky.
For a long time, I've wanted to receive Reiki attunements. Reiki is a specialized style of energy work that requires a Reiki Master to place symbols in your aura to connect you to to God energy. Once that happens, energy work becomes exponentially easier - the sender no longer has to force energy to flow, it simply flows. I've studied Reiki manuals, but I could never afford the classes so I could have the attunement. Two days ago I decided to Google free reiki attunements, and discovered several websites that offer free distance attunements! They do NOT offer instruction, but as I've been studying for several years, all I needed was the attunement. The site I used was www.FreeReikiAttunement.com , and the master who runs the site offers certification and lists his lineage (shows who taught him, who taught his teacher, etc, all the way back to Master Usui).
At first I wasn't sure how it worked, but I was reassured by several Reiki masters who work individually that distance attunements are about as easy to do as those in person. The only caveat they offered was that the sites didn't teach you the method of practice. No big issue for me, but people new to the idea need more instruction. I've already received Reiki 1, and plan to do Reiki 2 and 3 once I have a chance to review my materials.
Must get showered and dressed - it's AngelFood pick-up day.
Funny - last month I bought my brother and sister-in-law 2 standard AFM boxes to elp them out. I called them last week to see if they wanted me to get them more. My brother's reply? "NO. MORE. FOOD!" They were still overstocked!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Massage table!
So what if we've been buried in the snow so long that I've forgotten what color grass is. (Blue?) Who cares if we're due for another icy blast later this week? (I've given up keeping track - it wouldn't change much except how deep the snow is.)
Today is the day that my brand-new massage table is coming!
I've wanted one since I had my first professional massage at the age of 15, and thanks to wonder of the free market system and competitive pricing, I can finally have one of my own! See, in the past when I would inquire about the price of a massage table, I was usually quoted $300+, and a lot more if I wanted a "good one". Then while browsing around on Amazon.com I decided to do a search on massage tables. What a revelation! Dozens of tables with excellent reviews under $200! I chose one that only cost $99 plus shipping and tax, and from the pictures and reviews it should be sturdy and portable. The only major quirk? The company that sold and shipped it was named "Pampered Pets and Home Supplies" or something like that. I double checked that this was not a mini table for Shiz Tsu massage - it wasn't, thankfully. I will post a review of the table (made by BestMassage) and one way or another I am going to figure out how to transfer pictures from my phone to my computer! I still want to put up images of my newly painted and tricked out bike trailer.
A note to all those observant friends - it's Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. I will be doing the Catholic standard fasting today, which according to our church bulletin is one large meal and two small meals. What's more, in the interest of spiritual growth and physical loss, I am giving up sweets and soda. The soda might get tough - I'm a Coke Zero junkie, and the caffeine withdrawal headaches would get tough without home-brewed iced tea.
Why give up soda, if I drink diet? First of all, artificial sweeteners and caffeine have been targeted as things that eventually cause weight gain. I've gotten pretty heavy with sitting at home, baking yummy things and cursing the snow, so weight gain is something I also want to give up for Lent. Secondly, soda is expensive and unhealthy. It's a double standard to tell my kids that they shouldn't drink soda, and to tell Jake to give up smoking, when I continue my unhealthy, expensive habit. (Although Jake is trying to quit with the help of some prescription meds.)
The sweets? As I said before - I'm getting too fat!
Today is the day that my brand-new massage table is coming!
I've wanted one since I had my first professional massage at the age of 15, and thanks to wonder of the free market system and competitive pricing, I can finally have one of my own! See, in the past when I would inquire about the price of a massage table, I was usually quoted $300+, and a lot more if I wanted a "good one". Then while browsing around on Amazon.com I decided to do a search on massage tables. What a revelation! Dozens of tables with excellent reviews under $200! I chose one that only cost $99 plus shipping and tax, and from the pictures and reviews it should be sturdy and portable. The only major quirk? The company that sold and shipped it was named "Pampered Pets and Home Supplies" or something like that. I double checked that this was not a mini table for Shiz Tsu massage - it wasn't, thankfully. I will post a review of the table (made by BestMassage) and one way or another I am going to figure out how to transfer pictures from my phone to my computer! I still want to put up images of my newly painted and tricked out bike trailer.
A note to all those observant friends - it's Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. I will be doing the Catholic standard fasting today, which according to our church bulletin is one large meal and two small meals. What's more, in the interest of spiritual growth and physical loss, I am giving up sweets and soda. The soda might get tough - I'm a Coke Zero junkie, and the caffeine withdrawal headaches would get tough without home-brewed iced tea.
Why give up soda, if I drink diet? First of all, artificial sweeteners and caffeine have been targeted as things that eventually cause weight gain. I've gotten pretty heavy with sitting at home, baking yummy things and cursing the snow, so weight gain is something I also want to give up for Lent. Secondly, soda is expensive and unhealthy. It's a double standard to tell my kids that they shouldn't drink soda, and to tell Jake to give up smoking, when I continue my unhealthy, expensive habit. (Although Jake is trying to quit with the help of some prescription meds.)
The sweets? As I said before - I'm getting too fat!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Snow
Wow.
Really, Wow.
Here in PA we were clobbered by snow yesterday, along with a good chunk of the eastern seaboard. I felt the over-snowed mid west and south cheering "Yeah! THEIR turn!"
At last count, the snow was about 2 feet deep - I managed to dig out one car yesterday (my moms') and the kids had fun sledding on our back hill with the neighbors. Today my arms and shoulders are reminding me how out of shape I am, and I'm seriously considering leaving my car buried until the spring thaw!
The great part about playing in the snow is that it tires the kids out almost as much as swimming. Both of them were just exhausted yesterday - the downside was that I was too.
The best news? Another 4 to 8 inches are due Tuesday! I'm really glad we're stocked on food.
Really, Wow.
Here in PA we were clobbered by snow yesterday, along with a good chunk of the eastern seaboard. I felt the over-snowed mid west and south cheering "Yeah! THEIR turn!"
At last count, the snow was about 2 feet deep - I managed to dig out one car yesterday (my moms') and the kids had fun sledding on our back hill with the neighbors. Today my arms and shoulders are reminding me how out of shape I am, and I'm seriously considering leaving my car buried until the spring thaw!
The great part about playing in the snow is that it tires the kids out almost as much as swimming. Both of them were just exhausted yesterday - the downside was that I was too.
The best news? Another 4 to 8 inches are due Tuesday! I'm really glad we're stocked on food.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Snow
It's going to drop as much as two feet of snow on us today! I have to make sure we get to the library before it starts - a serious snow like this requires musicals.
Got groceries yesterday... along with the rest of Harrisburg! I went to Karns because they had $1 a pound on chicken breasts, and everyone was milling about. Same at Aldi. Same at Weis.
Snow. Crazy.
Got groceries yesterday... along with the rest of Harrisburg! I went to Karns because they had $1 a pound on chicken breasts, and everyone was milling about. Same at Aldi. Same at Weis.
Snow. Crazy.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
CVS fun!
I am really enjoying the CVS game now. It took me a while to get the idea, but now I'm getting brand names for less than I spent on store brands!
Today I went and got a tube of Colgate toothpaste. They were $2.99 with an extra care buck rebate of $2.00, and I had a $1.00 off coupon. I handed the cashier $1.99, she handed me back the toothpaste and $2.00 ECBs.
Next I got their "free after ECB" special for the week - a bottle of Dove for Men body wash. It cost $5.49, they give $5.49 in ECBs - and I had a $1.25 off coupon. I gave the cashier my $2.00 ECB, my $1.25 coupon, and $2.25 in cash. Then I used the $5.49 ECB coupon to buy another bottle of Dove for Men and got another $5.49 ECB back.
So far, $4.25 out of pocket for $14 in merchandise. But I wasn't done! We needed shampoo and conditioner. There were no serious ECB deals to be had, so I was about to buy a few bottles of VO5. Then I found a double pack of Pert Plus for $5, with an ECB reward of $1.00. I popped that and an extra bottle of VO5 conditioner an a bag of candy marshmallows (Catie was with me) in my basket and checked out for the last time. It cost me another $1.48 out of pocket with my $5.49 ECB.
I now have two bottles of Pert Plus, a bottle of conditioner, two bottles of mens' body wash, a tube of toothpaste, and a bag of goodies for less than $6 out of my pocket, and I still have $1 ECB left!
Today I went and got a tube of Colgate toothpaste. They were $2.99 with an extra care buck rebate of $2.00, and I had a $1.00 off coupon. I handed the cashier $1.99, she handed me back the toothpaste and $2.00 ECBs.
Next I got their "free after ECB" special for the week - a bottle of Dove for Men body wash. It cost $5.49, they give $5.49 in ECBs - and I had a $1.25 off coupon. I gave the cashier my $2.00 ECB, my $1.25 coupon, and $2.25 in cash. Then I used the $5.49 ECB coupon to buy another bottle of Dove for Men and got another $5.49 ECB back.
So far, $4.25 out of pocket for $14 in merchandise. But I wasn't done! We needed shampoo and conditioner. There were no serious ECB deals to be had, so I was about to buy a few bottles of VO5. Then I found a double pack of Pert Plus for $5, with an ECB reward of $1.00. I popped that and an extra bottle of VO5 conditioner an a bag of candy marshmallows (Catie was with me) in my basket and checked out for the last time. It cost me another $1.48 out of pocket with my $5.49 ECB.
I now have two bottles of Pert Plus, a bottle of conditioner, two bottles of mens' body wash, a tube of toothpaste, and a bag of goodies for less than $6 out of my pocket, and I still have $1 ECB left!
Monday, February 1, 2010
New method to my madness
Hey folks!
A few days ago I was despondent. Catie was having a terrible time working on schoolwork at home. Continual meltdowns were the order of the day, particularly if a math quiz or spelling test was set before her. Finally Mom suggested that she might need something for her anxiety - initially I was horrified by the idea. Then I considered it. Catie does get horribly anxious every time there is a paper set before her with a little "assessment" star at the top. I made her a deal - if she can do her math worksheet without help, she doesn't need to take the assessment, and she can take her spelling test on the marker board.
Still, Catie did need something. I asked Mom to pick up some kind of natural remedy that would be safe for children and good for anxiety, and she came home with a Bach's Flower Remedy - White Chestnut. Four drops under the tongue later, Catie pulled out of a full meltdown in only 5 minutes.
I don't know how it works, or if it works for everyone. But it works for Catie, and I am profoundly grateful that she's able to calm herself so quickly now.
A few days ago I was despondent. Catie was having a terrible time working on schoolwork at home. Continual meltdowns were the order of the day, particularly if a math quiz or spelling test was set before her. Finally Mom suggested that she might need something for her anxiety - initially I was horrified by the idea. Then I considered it. Catie does get horribly anxious every time there is a paper set before her with a little "assessment" star at the top. I made her a deal - if she can do her math worksheet without help, she doesn't need to take the assessment, and she can take her spelling test on the marker board.
Still, Catie did need something. I asked Mom to pick up some kind of natural remedy that would be safe for children and good for anxiety, and she came home with a Bach's Flower Remedy - White Chestnut. Four drops under the tongue later, Catie pulled out of a full meltdown in only 5 minutes.
I don't know how it works, or if it works for everyone. But it works for Catie, and I am profoundly grateful that she's able to calm herself so quickly now.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
broke and bummed
You know, usually I take pride in frugality. I don't have a big problem telling my kids 'no' when it comes to ice cream cones, excessive treats, toys (except for special events), and pricey outings.
Today hurt.
Today I mentioned to my mom that I was out of gas. I haven't had a child support payment since last July, so my cash has been limited to gifts and occasionally buying groceries for a friend with my food stamps and having them reimburse me. Mom wrote me a check for $30 in exchange for doing the laundry (yes, it does sound like I'm high schooler - thanks for noticing!) and I took the kids with me to the bank. While we waited for my cash, Catie started begging to go to Dollar Tree. I told her to calm down - she just kept going on about it. Finally I told her that I would give her a dollar for Dollar Tree if I had change after buying gas.
Before I sound heartless, I should mention that my Saturn Ion sometimes fills up for as little as $27. This time, however, my tank was very empty. The $30 was gone before I even had a chance to ask for a dollar to be held back. I could have asked that only $28 be put in, but I didn't. I put it all in.
Catie took it hard. She's still moaning about it five hours later. For some reason, telling my daughter that I can't afford a trip to Dollar Tree because we need gas cut me to the quick. There have been lots of time when I told my kids we weren't going to the dollar store because it was inconvienient, junky materials, etc. But admitting to them (and myself) that I can't afford a dollar store item stung.
We still go to the library - having the library email me two days before items are due has helped this chronic fine offender turn in her books on time. We go for bike rides on our super-thrifty bikes (that look really good). We bake cookies, bread, and any number of goodies. But that doesn't compare to a bag of Ring Pops apparently.
I try so hard. I make Catie dresses because long play dresses are hard to find in her size. I keep her home on a virtual school because socially and physically school was too much for her. Daniel is easy to care for, but I know the day will come when he turns on me to say that what I do is not good enough.
It would be different if there were money. I still wouldn't take them to Dollar Tree just because, but we would have that option. I would feel like a wise shopper, not a failure, if I walked past the Dollar Tree without buying something.
It's not easy.
I can't wait for this to change.
Today hurt.
Today I mentioned to my mom that I was out of gas. I haven't had a child support payment since last July, so my cash has been limited to gifts and occasionally buying groceries for a friend with my food stamps and having them reimburse me. Mom wrote me a check for $30 in exchange for doing the laundry (yes, it does sound like I'm high schooler - thanks for noticing!) and I took the kids with me to the bank. While we waited for my cash, Catie started begging to go to Dollar Tree. I told her to calm down - she just kept going on about it. Finally I told her that I would give her a dollar for Dollar Tree if I had change after buying gas.
Before I sound heartless, I should mention that my Saturn Ion sometimes fills up for as little as $27. This time, however, my tank was very empty. The $30 was gone before I even had a chance to ask for a dollar to be held back. I could have asked that only $28 be put in, but I didn't. I put it all in.
Catie took it hard. She's still moaning about it five hours later. For some reason, telling my daughter that I can't afford a trip to Dollar Tree because we need gas cut me to the quick. There have been lots of time when I told my kids we weren't going to the dollar store because it was inconvienient, junky materials, etc. But admitting to them (and myself) that I can't afford a dollar store item stung.
We still go to the library - having the library email me two days before items are due has helped this chronic fine offender turn in her books on time. We go for bike rides on our super-thrifty bikes (that look really good). We bake cookies, bread, and any number of goodies. But that doesn't compare to a bag of Ring Pops apparently.
I try so hard. I make Catie dresses because long play dresses are hard to find in her size. I keep her home on a virtual school because socially and physically school was too much for her. Daniel is easy to care for, but I know the day will come when he turns on me to say that what I do is not good enough.
It would be different if there were money. I still wouldn't take them to Dollar Tree just because, but we would have that option. I would feel like a wise shopper, not a failure, if I walked past the Dollar Tree without buying something.
It's not easy.
I can't wait for this to change.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Ode to Frankenbike
Oh, my poor Frankenbike. So wonderful, so misunderstood. No one loved you the way I did - they ran in fright (metaphorically).
What happened to my bike? Was it torched by angry villagers?
Boy, I wish it had been! What a story that would make! Can I say that it was and have you believe me?
No?
Oh well.
Frankenbike died as a result of peer pressure. The neighbors saw me pedaling around with Daniel perched behind me on the duct tape covered seat and stopped me. They admired my handicraft, and asked me if I would care for a "real" bike seat. The kind that snaps onto a pannier rack.
To quote the jive talkers from "Airplane", my momma didn't raise no dummies. I gladly accepted the offer and installed the new seat. Daniel loved it immediately and said "It's so com-for-ta-ble!" (yes, he pronounced it that way. Yes, he's adorable)
Yet I had a moment of sadness as I pried the Frankenseat off of my bike. It was ugly, but I built it. Still, the new seat is awesome. So what could I do to remind this world that I am not your average big spending cyclist mama? (not that anyone would dare call me that, but I have to defend my honor.)
Well, the bike trailer that I trash picked some time ago has been bothering me. I patched the holes and partially resovered it with old blue jeans, but the exposed parts looked so ugly, dirty and faded that I was a little embarassed to tow it behind me. I like the weight and the way it handles, but it was ugly. Today I changed that. I finished sewing down all of the patches that I had pinned in place all winter, added a large piece of yellow vinyl to recover a badly faded section on the back, and began to paint over all of the faded parts with bright red acrylic paint. Then I started painting little bugs all over the trailer - ladybugs, caterpillars, praying mantises, and a few ants and butterflies. And on the large yellow vinyl section I posted the warning - SLOW. Somehow I plan to post pictures - for now, I'm content with knowing that my trailer is no longer ugly - it's cute!
What happened to my bike? Was it torched by angry villagers?
Boy, I wish it had been! What a story that would make! Can I say that it was and have you believe me?
No?
Oh well.
Frankenbike died as a result of peer pressure. The neighbors saw me pedaling around with Daniel perched behind me on the duct tape covered seat and stopped me. They admired my handicraft, and asked me if I would care for a "real" bike seat. The kind that snaps onto a pannier rack.
To quote the jive talkers from "Airplane", my momma didn't raise no dummies. I gladly accepted the offer and installed the new seat. Daniel loved it immediately and said "It's so com-for-ta-ble!" (yes, he pronounced it that way. Yes, he's adorable)
Yet I had a moment of sadness as I pried the Frankenseat off of my bike. It was ugly, but I built it. Still, the new seat is awesome. So what could I do to remind this world that I am not your average big spending cyclist mama? (not that anyone would dare call me that, but I have to defend my honor.)
Well, the bike trailer that I trash picked some time ago has been bothering me. I patched the holes and partially resovered it with old blue jeans, but the exposed parts looked so ugly, dirty and faded that I was a little embarassed to tow it behind me. I like the weight and the way it handles, but it was ugly. Today I changed that. I finished sewing down all of the patches that I had pinned in place all winter, added a large piece of yellow vinyl to recover a badly faded section on the back, and began to paint over all of the faded parts with bright red acrylic paint. Then I started painting little bugs all over the trailer - ladybugs, caterpillars, praying mantises, and a few ants and butterflies. And on the large yellow vinyl section I posted the warning - SLOW. Somehow I plan to post pictures - for now, I'm content with knowing that my trailer is no longer ugly - it's cute!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
feeling iffy here
I had an internal debate about writing this post. On one hand, it may help others, but on the other hand it is exactly the kind of post that raises the ire of taxpaying citizens. "Get off your duff, stop mooching, and deal with life the way the rest of us do!"
What is this post?
This week, CVS is offering extra care bucks on several food items, including Cheerios, Nature's valley granola bars, Fiber One bars, and Cheez its. These food items can be bought with food stamps, and the resulting ECB's can be used like cash for nearly anything else in the store, like toilet paper, shampoo, make-up, magazines, Snuggies, dish soap, laundry detergent, etc.
Why worry? "Why should food stamps get you luxury items like brand name shampoo while I have to use Suave?" Yes, I've heard those sentiments. You know what? People will buy what they consider important, and the only spending you can control is your own. I will use those ECB's for Suave, Purex detergent, toilet paper, and the cheapest dish soap available. What others do with this info is up to them. I hope that they will use the ECB's to gain the greatest possible benefit.
You see, there was an article in the associated press recently about people who are getting by with only food stamps, and no cash income whatsoever. I'm one of them. I'd love to have a job, an income, and some independence, but my current situation and calling requires me to stay home with my kids. Every time I need to ask for anything from my parents or fiancee - gas money, pull-up money - I feel like Oliver Twist. It's humiliating, even though they understand the problem. I feel slightly better when I can buy groceries - not only can I pick and choose what I want, I am contributing to the household. Now if I can use ECB's to buy other needed household items, I'll not only be able to choose my favorites but I'll pull more of my weight along.
I just came back from CVS, and I bought all the food items that would garner ECB's. They were
2 pack of Chase and Sanbourne Coffee. $5.99, $1 ECB
2 pack of Cheez-Its. $5.99, $3 ECB
2 pack of Ritz. $6.00, $2 ECB
2 pack Nature's Valley Granola Bars. $6.99, $3 ECB
2 pack Fiber One bars. $6.99, $3 ECB
2 pack Special K cereal. $7.99, $2 ECB
2 pack Cheerios. $7.99, $4 ECB
total SNAP benefits spent - $47.94
ECB's - $18.00
Was this the best deal possible? It depends on your point of view. I could get a much better value for my food dollar by shopping at Aldi. However, now I have $18 that have been translated into money that I can use for toiletry items, overnight pull-ups for Daniel, laundry detergent, and "free after ECB" items.
In short, I have seed money for the CVS game. If I use them wisely with coupons, I may even be able to increase my ECBs AND walk home with toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc.
Use this knowledge for good!
What is this post?
This week, CVS is offering extra care bucks on several food items, including Cheerios, Nature's valley granola bars, Fiber One bars, and Cheez its. These food items can be bought with food stamps, and the resulting ECB's can be used like cash for nearly anything else in the store, like toilet paper, shampoo, make-up, magazines, Snuggies, dish soap, laundry detergent, etc.
Why worry? "Why should food stamps get you luxury items like brand name shampoo while I have to use Suave?" Yes, I've heard those sentiments. You know what? People will buy what they consider important, and the only spending you can control is your own. I will use those ECB's for Suave, Purex detergent, toilet paper, and the cheapest dish soap available. What others do with this info is up to them. I hope that they will use the ECB's to gain the greatest possible benefit.
You see, there was an article in the associated press recently about people who are getting by with only food stamps, and no cash income whatsoever. I'm one of them. I'd love to have a job, an income, and some independence, but my current situation and calling requires me to stay home with my kids. Every time I need to ask for anything from my parents or fiancee - gas money, pull-up money - I feel like Oliver Twist. It's humiliating, even though they understand the problem. I feel slightly better when I can buy groceries - not only can I pick and choose what I want, I am contributing to the household. Now if I can use ECB's to buy other needed household items, I'll not only be able to choose my favorites but I'll pull more of my weight along.
I just came back from CVS, and I bought all the food items that would garner ECB's. They were
2 pack of Chase and Sanbourne Coffee. $5.99, $1 ECB
2 pack of Cheez-Its. $5.99, $3 ECB
2 pack of Ritz. $6.00, $2 ECB
2 pack Nature's Valley Granola Bars. $6.99, $3 ECB
2 pack Fiber One bars. $6.99, $3 ECB
2 pack Special K cereal. $7.99, $2 ECB
2 pack Cheerios. $7.99, $4 ECB
total SNAP benefits spent - $47.94
ECB's - $18.00
Was this the best deal possible? It depends on your point of view. I could get a much better value for my food dollar by shopping at Aldi. However, now I have $18 that have been translated into money that I can use for toiletry items, overnight pull-ups for Daniel, laundry detergent, and "free after ECB" items.
In short, I have seed money for the CVS game. If I use them wisely with coupons, I may even be able to increase my ECBs AND walk home with toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc.
Use this knowledge for good!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
not feeling quite right
Not feeling left, either, wiseguy!
No, it's just that my belly has been acting up, and I don't want to stray far from the bathroom. I've been getting short of breath, a little dizzy, and yesterday in a comfortable warm setting my core temperature dropped about 2 degrees. That really freaked Jake out - he's used to low core temps after a day on a jobsite, but never when wrapped in a blanket watching a movie. It wasn't like a fever, either - my fingers, nose and other extremities were all ice cold.
Other than that, life is good! Jake won an instant game at the Legion to the tune of $350. He handed me $100 so I could get a few things I needed, like pull-ups for Daniel and new undies for Catie. He insisted that I get myself something too, so I have a new top.
Catie had a playdate today!!! She met her new friend in CCD classes, and they hit it off so well I knew we had to get them together. E. came over to play, and I thought we'd never get them apart - this is so wonderful. I had wondered if she would have many friends, or if she'd be able to make friends. Now I know - she'll be great.
Good night, ya'll.
No, it's just that my belly has been acting up, and I don't want to stray far from the bathroom. I've been getting short of breath, a little dizzy, and yesterday in a comfortable warm setting my core temperature dropped about 2 degrees. That really freaked Jake out - he's used to low core temps after a day on a jobsite, but never when wrapped in a blanket watching a movie. It wasn't like a fever, either - my fingers, nose and other extremities were all ice cold.
Other than that, life is good! Jake won an instant game at the Legion to the tune of $350. He handed me $100 so I could get a few things I needed, like pull-ups for Daniel and new undies for Catie. He insisted that I get myself something too, so I have a new top.
Catie had a playdate today!!! She met her new friend in CCD classes, and they hit it off so well I knew we had to get them together. E. came over to play, and I thought we'd never get them apart - this is so wonderful. I had wondered if she would have many friends, or if she'd be able to make friends. Now I know - she'll be great.
Good night, ya'll.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Bum knee
I think I have myself to blame for this one.
Being a bibliophile extrodinaire, I have a pretty large collection of books. Not as large as my cousins', but more than several people I know. Chrismas day, I had just gotten back my "Twilight" series of books - around 2000 pages of literary junk food - and hung the bag over the back of a tall chair. Catie zoomed past the chair and knocked it over, and the top of the chair connected with my kneecap. I made a few noises of the type you make when you'd like to swear but have small witnesses. It bruised a bit, but I figured I was OK.
Fast forward to today. I must have twisted it weird, because now I can't walk without pain. Bummer.
Good news, my laptop will finally be fixed, and I can pick it up Friday! The computer guy I use is a crusty silent old man who runs a business called Qualitech in Lemoyne. Really, it's such a weird experience, because you walk in the door and he doesn't greet you - his tiny little dog does! It's a small fluffy breed, and very calm even around my kids, so the kids like going there. You take your computer, tell him briefly what's wrong, he prints up a service agreement and tells you "I'll call you when it's ready.". So, in person, not very charismatic. Then he calls me - "Ma'am, your power jack was bent out of shape, not the charger cable. It'll need to be replaced."
"Oh no! How much will that run?"
"$110, but I have a parts computer here - I can replace the jack and double your memory while I'm at it. Sound good?"
"Um, yeah! Sounds great!"
"Oh good, because I already did it." I laugh, he fiddles for a moment.... "oh, ma'am? It looks like your battery is bad too - it's not charging. I can sell you the battery from the parts computer for just $20 more?"
"Wow, OK! I know they usually run around $80 to $100!"
"Yeah, and this one has double the charging capacity of your old battery - you can go twice as long between charges. So, $130."
Can't get those deals at Best Buy! And they don't have a sweet little pup who cuddles your kids while you check out!
Today's moral?
Shop local, support small businesses!
Being a bibliophile extrodinaire, I have a pretty large collection of books. Not as large as my cousins', but more than several people I know. Chrismas day, I had just gotten back my "Twilight" series of books - around 2000 pages of literary junk food - and hung the bag over the back of a tall chair. Catie zoomed past the chair and knocked it over, and the top of the chair connected with my kneecap. I made a few noises of the type you make when you'd like to swear but have small witnesses. It bruised a bit, but I figured I was OK.
Fast forward to today. I must have twisted it weird, because now I can't walk without pain. Bummer.
Good news, my laptop will finally be fixed, and I can pick it up Friday! The computer guy I use is a crusty silent old man who runs a business called Qualitech in Lemoyne. Really, it's such a weird experience, because you walk in the door and he doesn't greet you - his tiny little dog does! It's a small fluffy breed, and very calm even around my kids, so the kids like going there. You take your computer, tell him briefly what's wrong, he prints up a service agreement and tells you "I'll call you when it's ready.". So, in person, not very charismatic. Then he calls me - "Ma'am, your power jack was bent out of shape, not the charger cable. It'll need to be replaced."
"Oh no! How much will that run?"
"$110, but I have a parts computer here - I can replace the jack and double your memory while I'm at it. Sound good?"
"Um, yeah! Sounds great!"
"Oh good, because I already did it." I laugh, he fiddles for a moment.... "oh, ma'am? It looks like your battery is bad too - it's not charging. I can sell you the battery from the parts computer for just $20 more?"
"Wow, OK! I know they usually run around $80 to $100!"
"Yeah, and this one has double the charging capacity of your old battery - you can go twice as long between charges. So, $130."
Can't get those deals at Best Buy! And they don't have a sweet little pup who cuddles your kids while you check out!
Today's moral?
Shop local, support small businesses!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Ahhh, grocery day!
Yes folks, watch me adjust my neon pink leggings and scream at my kids! Today I got my food stamps!
Actually, I'm told that a larger proportion of the population than ever before is receiving the newly-renamed food stamps. Now called SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the only ones who need to know that you are using SNAP benefits are the cashier and yourself. The benefits are loaded onto a debit card (which is also how cash benefits are received) and a running tally of your balance is printed at the bottom of each sales receipt. No more bizarre looking funny money (which I personally have never seen, but I understand it was very conspicuous), just swipe and go.
Since I got my benefits today, I decided to use them as wisely as possible. I budgeted enough to order several AngelFood boxes for myself and my brother, who is going through a rough patch. (His compter training school closed without warning to either students or their teachers, and he is anxious to see whether he will be allowed to finish school at another location. Meantime, his work hours were trimmed to allow for class and study time.) With my budget in place, I headed to Aldi with children in tow.
Allow me, once again, to state that shopping with two children should only be done at Aldi. The four aisle layout, low prices, lack of brand names (and corresponding jingles), and singularity of purpose lends itself well to shopping with highly distractable children (and adults).
Anyhow, I stocked up on non-perishables. every month I try to buy a cardboard flat of two or three canned goods. Last month it was corn, peas, baked beans and cream of mushroom soup. This month it was tomatoes, and pasta sauce, with lots of doubles and triples on things like peanut butter and pancake syrup. Lots of flour, sugar, other goodies, and we have enough staples to last for a while! The total spent for a VERY full cart load was $135, most of which was shelf-stable. Eggs, butter, milk, bread and meat were the only things that I'll have to buy again in the near future, and I think next months stock up items will be different pastas. I may have to go to Weis to stock up on dried beans - Aldi mainly carries pinto beans - and then I think I'll be pretty close to having 3 months worth of food, even if meals get a little monotonous.
Since I can't wrangle a traditional emergency fund right now, this edible emergency fund seems like a sensible move! I just need to keep rotating my stock!
Stay smart!
Actually, I'm told that a larger proportion of the population than ever before is receiving the newly-renamed food stamps. Now called SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the only ones who need to know that you are using SNAP benefits are the cashier and yourself. The benefits are loaded onto a debit card (which is also how cash benefits are received) and a running tally of your balance is printed at the bottom of each sales receipt. No more bizarre looking funny money (which I personally have never seen, but I understand it was very conspicuous), just swipe and go.
Since I got my benefits today, I decided to use them as wisely as possible. I budgeted enough to order several AngelFood boxes for myself and my brother, who is going through a rough patch. (His compter training school closed without warning to either students or their teachers, and he is anxious to see whether he will be allowed to finish school at another location. Meantime, his work hours were trimmed to allow for class and study time.) With my budget in place, I headed to Aldi with children in tow.
Allow me, once again, to state that shopping with two children should only be done at Aldi. The four aisle layout, low prices, lack of brand names (and corresponding jingles), and singularity of purpose lends itself well to shopping with highly distractable children (and adults).
Anyhow, I stocked up on non-perishables. every month I try to buy a cardboard flat of two or three canned goods. Last month it was corn, peas, baked beans and cream of mushroom soup. This month it was tomatoes, and pasta sauce, with lots of doubles and triples on things like peanut butter and pancake syrup. Lots of flour, sugar, other goodies, and we have enough staples to last for a while! The total spent for a VERY full cart load was $135, most of which was shelf-stable. Eggs, butter, milk, bread and meat were the only things that I'll have to buy again in the near future, and I think next months stock up items will be different pastas. I may have to go to Weis to stock up on dried beans - Aldi mainly carries pinto beans - and then I think I'll be pretty close to having 3 months worth of food, even if meals get a little monotonous.
Since I can't wrangle a traditional emergency fund right now, this edible emergency fund seems like a sensible move! I just need to keep rotating my stock!
Stay smart!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Puzzling it all out.
Have you ever had a day where it seems like a thought keeps running through your mind, but you can't get it to slow down long enough to figure out what it is? I keep feeling as though limitless possibilities are dancing just beyond my grasp, and all I have to do is step toward them. This is usually the mood I find myself in just before finding myself opening a small business, returning to school, or attempting a large renovation project of some type. I have no major plans at the moment - no projects I plan to commit to besides the wedding, the house, Catie's education, earning some money..... oooohh.
Wow, blogging really is cheaper than therapy, isn't it? I just need to slow down long enough to decide where I want to focus all this energy - one project at a time. I also need to avoid taking a job instantly - I'm nervous about finances, and unfortunately in my manic state I might decide to take a middle-of-the-night job tossing boxes for FedEx reasoning that I don't need sleep that badly.
Reading back over this, it sounds (in my minds ear) like a Chipmunk chittering away! And no wonder - I've had 3 Pepsi Ones today. I wonder if that has anything to do with the speeding thoughts? :)
All the same, I'm going to avoid entering any contractual obligations for a while! At this rate I might start my own 501c3 corporation collecting toiletry items for the less fortunate. Slow. Down. Kelly.
Wow, blogging really is cheaper than therapy, isn't it? I just need to slow down long enough to decide where I want to focus all this energy - one project at a time. I also need to avoid taking a job instantly - I'm nervous about finances, and unfortunately in my manic state I might decide to take a middle-of-the-night job tossing boxes for FedEx reasoning that I don't need sleep that badly.
Reading back over this, it sounds (in my minds ear) like a Chipmunk chittering away! And no wonder - I've had 3 Pepsi Ones today. I wonder if that has anything to do with the speeding thoughts? :)
All the same, I'm going to avoid entering any contractual obligations for a while! At this rate I might start my own 501c3 corporation collecting toiletry items for the less fortunate. Slow. Down. Kelly.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Swagbucks and diapers
Odd combo!
Swagbucks has a $5 gift card for Euphoria Baby available for 10 Swagbucks. Euphoria Baby sells the new line of cloth diapers from Cotton Babies, Econobums - 12 diapers and 3 one-size covers for $50. For 100 searches you can have a set of cloth diapers with no cash out of your pocket. If you can stand to hold off until you have 300 swagbucks, you can diaper your child for free!
Swagbucks has a $5 gift card for Euphoria Baby available for 10 Swagbucks. Euphoria Baby sells the new line of cloth diapers from Cotton Babies, Econobums - 12 diapers and 3 one-size covers for $50. For 100 searches you can have a set of cloth diapers with no cash out of your pocket. If you can stand to hold off until you have 300 swagbucks, you can diaper your child for free!
Bad Mommy
It's days like today that make me wonder why I ever thought having the kids home would be a good idea! Daniel is currently climbing onto the bed, scooching across it, dropping down, running around, and doing it again. He's been doing attention seeking stuff like that all day. Catie has been whining and wailing about having to do schoolwork after 2 weeks of vacation, and keep begging me for a break after five minutes of effort. "It's not fair! Why can't I have a break? (Extend the vowel sounds in your mind for the right effect). This is toooo haaaaard! I don't waaaaant tooooo!" I finally had to use my "back to school" card. If she can't cooperate, back to regular school she goes and THEY can suffer.
Bad mommy.
I know she has problems, I know it's too much for her in school. I know that it wasn't for my benefit that she's home - it's the best move for her. If she were at school today, not only would she get nothing done, the nurse, counselor, principal and teacher would all call me in because her meltdown prevented everyone else from getting things done too. But Holy Hannah, these guys are enough to drive me to illegal substances!
Money saving things I did today - we were out of bread, so I baked two loaves. Tonight I'll be cooking chicken legs that cost $.59 a lb.
Wedding planning - January, our goal is to book a venue. After we book a venue, we can puzzle out things like music, food, etc. One of the more interesting options is an airport hangar at Capitol City Airport. Apparently they use it as a banquet hall occasionally - imagine running to the car under a shower of paper airplanes!
House repairs - Jake framed in 4 windows and a transom with cabinet-grade plywood this weekend, which will make finishing and trimming much nicer. Woodstove has been kept burning, which keeps the house at a comfortable temp and prevents pipe freezing.
Things that still need to be done on the house-
Sewer line - dug up and replaced
front porch - demo'd and rebuilt
Oil furnace and boiler pipes removed
Gas furnace and baseboard heaters - bought and installed
Downstairs bathroom installed
Acoustic ceiling hung in basement
Berber carpet and padding throughout house
Vinyl floors for kitchen and bathrooms
New stove, fridge and dishwasher
and of course, hanging cabinets, finishing drywall, painting, cleaning, and we only have until September!!!!!
Deep breaths. Calm.
You know, tomorrow night be better. Daniel goes to preschool, and Catie might concentrate. I might be able to find time to write!
You never know.
Bad mommy.
I know she has problems, I know it's too much for her in school. I know that it wasn't for my benefit that she's home - it's the best move for her. If she were at school today, not only would she get nothing done, the nurse, counselor, principal and teacher would all call me in because her meltdown prevented everyone else from getting things done too. But Holy Hannah, these guys are enough to drive me to illegal substances!
Money saving things I did today - we were out of bread, so I baked two loaves. Tonight I'll be cooking chicken legs that cost $.59 a lb.
Wedding planning - January, our goal is to book a venue. After we book a venue, we can puzzle out things like music, food, etc. One of the more interesting options is an airport hangar at Capitol City Airport. Apparently they use it as a banquet hall occasionally - imagine running to the car under a shower of paper airplanes!
House repairs - Jake framed in 4 windows and a transom with cabinet-grade plywood this weekend, which will make finishing and trimming much nicer. Woodstove has been kept burning, which keeps the house at a comfortable temp and prevents pipe freezing.
Things that still need to be done on the house-
Sewer line - dug up and replaced
front porch - demo'd and rebuilt
Oil furnace and boiler pipes removed
Gas furnace and baseboard heaters - bought and installed
Downstairs bathroom installed
Acoustic ceiling hung in basement
Berber carpet and padding throughout house
Vinyl floors for kitchen and bathrooms
New stove, fridge and dishwasher
and of course, hanging cabinets, finishing drywall, painting, cleaning, and we only have until September!!!!!
Deep breaths. Calm.
You know, tomorrow night be better. Daniel goes to preschool, and Catie might concentrate. I might be able to find time to write!
You never know.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Chapped ass!
Man, it's cold and windy enough to make a caribou take cover today!
We've been fairly lucky on weather here - the week before Christmas we got 8 inches of snow, and some sleet on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve - otherwise just plain old cold. But when that wind starts blowing, it's enough to bring tears to your eyes.
CVS couponing continues - my mom and I went armed with a pile of BOGO coupons for Always and Stayfree pads, Alli pills, Nivea lotion and body wash, etc. and still wound up spending $80+ before the extra care bucks came spitting out. Ah well. We are stocked on pads for a while - a good thing for my mama! I have my Diva Cup and love it, but she just isn't comfortable with that whole idea of "internal protection" to begin with.
Jake is very tense and worried about getting the house done - specifically, he's worried that we won't be able to afford all the repairs needed before the house will be done. Please pray for us out there. My prayer has been for either the cash or materials and labor.
Oh, and if you're out there, and you read this blog, please recommend it to your friends! Every page impression counts when you have a blog!
Thanks, and stay warm!
We've been fairly lucky on weather here - the week before Christmas we got 8 inches of snow, and some sleet on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve - otherwise just plain old cold. But when that wind starts blowing, it's enough to bring tears to your eyes.
CVS couponing continues - my mom and I went armed with a pile of BOGO coupons for Always and Stayfree pads, Alli pills, Nivea lotion and body wash, etc. and still wound up spending $80+ before the extra care bucks came spitting out. Ah well. We are stocked on pads for a while - a good thing for my mama! I have my Diva Cup and love it, but she just isn't comfortable with that whole idea of "internal protection" to begin with.
Jake is very tense and worried about getting the house done - specifically, he's worried that we won't be able to afford all the repairs needed before the house will be done. Please pray for us out there. My prayer has been for either the cash or materials and labor.
Oh, and if you're out there, and you read this blog, please recommend it to your friends! Every page impression counts when you have a blog!
Thanks, and stay warm!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
aftermath
Well, we survived Christmas and New Years!
Yes, the kids got so many gifts I thought they would never appreciate anything ever again. Yes, the traveling wore us out. But the kids were (mostly) very well-behaved, especially in Pittsburgh, and not only appreciated the gifts they recieved but started cleaning out their toy box giving old toys to charity! I have to say I'm very proud of Catie - she is a ruthless weeder when it comes to getting rid of old toys and books. With my mom's help, she got rid of three laundry baskets full of stuff she no longer used. Daniel mostly watched.
All this clean out was for a good reason (besides helping the less fortunate).For Christmas, my dad gave up his office so my kids could have separate bedrooms. After the wedding in September, we will be moving to our new house, where the kids will have their own rooms as well. Since my kids need time to get used to changes, Mom thought it would be a good idea to get them used to sleeping separately now. It's going more smoothly than I would have guessed, but Daniel did something that just killed me the first night. Mom and I had been talking about how this is like training a puppy to sleep alone - give them a ticking clock to simulate the mother's heartbeat, a warm water-bottle to snuggle with, etc. so they can sleep more comfortably. The kids have shared a room for a long time, and were a little nervous about being alone at night, so I made sure the nightlights were ready to go and their beds were made with cozy linens. Daniel fell asleep that night very quickly, and I went in to check on him. He had fallen asleep with his (ticking) alarm clock under his cheek!
Catie's classroom is now in her bedroom, which has freed up the dining room for... er... dining, and the toys have all moved up to their rooms too! The downstairs is so nice and clean ! Actually, so is the upstairs - the rooms even seem bigger.
Thank you, Mom and Dad.
Yes, the kids got so many gifts I thought they would never appreciate anything ever again. Yes, the traveling wore us out. But the kids were (mostly) very well-behaved, especially in Pittsburgh, and not only appreciated the gifts they recieved but started cleaning out their toy box giving old toys to charity! I have to say I'm very proud of Catie - she is a ruthless weeder when it comes to getting rid of old toys and books. With my mom's help, she got rid of three laundry baskets full of stuff she no longer used. Daniel mostly watched.
All this clean out was for a good reason (besides helping the less fortunate).For Christmas, my dad gave up his office so my kids could have separate bedrooms. After the wedding in September, we will be moving to our new house, where the kids will have their own rooms as well. Since my kids need time to get used to changes, Mom thought it would be a good idea to get them used to sleeping separately now. It's going more smoothly than I would have guessed, but Daniel did something that just killed me the first night. Mom and I had been talking about how this is like training a puppy to sleep alone - give them a ticking clock to simulate the mother's heartbeat, a warm water-bottle to snuggle with, etc. so they can sleep more comfortably. The kids have shared a room for a long time, and were a little nervous about being alone at night, so I made sure the nightlights were ready to go and their beds were made with cozy linens. Daniel fell asleep that night very quickly, and I went in to check on him. He had fallen asleep with his (ticking) alarm clock under his cheek!
Catie's classroom is now in her bedroom, which has freed up the dining room for... er... dining, and the toys have all moved up to their rooms too! The downstairs is so nice and clean ! Actually, so is the upstairs - the rooms even seem bigger.
Thank you, Mom and Dad.
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