Little Miss Sunshine

Hello and yes I am still here. Summer keeps me busy. With everyone needing to go here and there and staying up later at night it seems....I have very little in the way of spare moments. Summer has been very enjoyable I think for everyone. My oldest daughter is having her driving test on Weds. Hopefully she passes. We are car shopping at the present time. My dd has saved a chunk of money which I will match along with my ex husband. So far we are just getting a feel for the market and seeing what is out there. Ultimately it comes down to mostly me deciding since I will hold the title. After buying my last car I feel like a semi pro---or at least not a total novice. I hope we find a good car for a good price. That will depelete my savings to about next to nothing which IS VERY SCARY!!! SO I MUST BUILD UP THAT SAVINGS ACCOUNT FAST!

I just got $335.00 back from the local school district. That helps. My garage sale netted me $200.00. I just sold books for a measly $12.00. I am still working my part time job---- thank the LORD for my job! Today at work one of the maitenance guys talked to me for some time. He asked me how much I make an hour. I was very up front and told him.
We make the same. He is very disguited with how low our pay is. I guess his boss said that the maintenace guys make much more than housekeepers....which is a total LIE. I told him that I have learned to only do my job and basically be a robot. I have learned at this place bending over backwards is a total waste to management...sad but true. I used to do so many extra things--now I use the time better and talk to the old folks instead. I have given up trying to be a fantastic housekeeper....it does not pay and not one person cares. I clean the residents rooms very well...but that is IT!!!!! I walk right by other messes. Since we never get reviews nor do the bosses tell you if you are doing well or badly---why go the extra mile?? I think it is very worng...but the lower pay and zero feedback....how could someone in their right frame of mind....work hard?
Needless to say this guy and I think alot alike.....but in a way it is sad.
Cash in my pocket that is how I see it. Check in and check right on out!!!

Cleaned my basement after my garage sale...WOW it looks HOT! I got rid of all clutter down there...it sparkles and shines and looks wonderful! That feels great. I donated stuff to the AmVets....so out it went this week...goodbye!

In a few weeks we are going to VA to visit my sis and her family. 5 days of fun. We are going to her country club for swimming and tennis and dinner. We are def. going tubeing down a river near her. She has lots of woods with creeks and nature all around so we will explore that. She has lots of animals--including a horse. I am looking forward to it. I am glad all my kids want to go. My son has been out of state all week visitng college friends. He took the Amtrak. I think the train was a good adventure for him. Something he never has done before. I admire his get up and go spirit. His train pulls in at 2am!

I am starting to collect back to school stuff with the sales going on now. I have never done that in the past but the buys are too good to pass by. So I am creating a stash of stuff.

I am trying to use more coupons. I have figured out if I keep them in a ziploc bag in my purse I am more apt to USE THEM! It is not a great method but it seems to work for me. I seem to be shopping at walmart since it is close to where I go to church....so I go after church on Sunday and it seems to really work out nicely that way. With the warm weather we go thru so much as far as drinks and ice cream....we buy the fat free stuff and since the containers are getting so small---we tend to go thru it faster. I really seem to save at walmart but you have to be very careful to not go hog wild there. I like to look at carts as I shop and people have everything loaded in these carts. I like to remind myself how many hours I HAVE TO WORK to pay for every item I place in my cart. It curbs the impulse stuff alot.

I just got a bill for a mammogram and bone dentisty test. I am sorry I had them done. I have to really stop listening to my doctor as my insurance is crappy and it does not cover hardly anything. The bill is over $900.00 with out insurance. Of course it was submitted but the hosptial is preparing me for what it might cost. I am really now going to start foregoing things. It is not worth it to me anymore.
I don't care. I have an emergency room bill on the way as well....I am pretty sure that will wipe out my savings.
Things like that make me really angry because in some ways I have no control.
I feel they should tell you UP FRONT what tests cost or treatments up front. Is that a crazy idea or what????
So yes.....I am done with stupid tests for a few years. I like my dr. but he sure is test happy. He needs to be--- to probably pay for his summer house or new car.

I am starting to really worry about the future...winter.....how to pay for so many things/bills/heating. I have to keep cutting back and saving. A little bit here and a little bit there. I might be cleaning for two private homes on my day off come fall with my friend who owns her own cleaning service. I would work for 4 hours every other Thursday and earn $75 cash out the door each day I work. That is the only cleaning she has to offer me. I told her yes I would do it. So that is one way to get more money. I am still asking the residents if I can do little tasks for them. I earned a little money two weeks ago doing an errand for someone. I think the older residents are also watching their money too. Most want help for free. Yet it never hurts to ask I feel if I can do a small errand or a task and get some money for it...why not.

Well I am off to run errands.....stay cool everyone. I hope to relax while my girls are at dad's. SO far I have kept very busy.

Hello there---my internet was down for about one week. So I was not really able to do much via the computer. I was bummed it was down but in a weird way it was nice to not be bound to the computer. I had zero communication with my ex and that was great....much lower blood pressure and stress! I will get back to blogging on Monday when I have some more time. I do no thave tons to report but I do like to keep things current. Have a good evening everyone.

Hello. I did pretty well at my sale. It rained literally the entire time I was open for business. It was not so fun.
I did make around $200.00 which was pretty good I thought for lots of rain and lots of little stuff. I sold my neighbors patio set for him.....so that went but not as fast as I thought it would. I was able to clean up quickly and pack up stuff for the vets to pick up next week. Some stuff is for the trash on Sunday night. All in all....and I say this all the time...no more garage sales!!!! The girls were not too interested so that sale might of been it. I did keep my signs ----just in case.

I managed to get bit by some bugs and now my face and neck have welts and is very bothersome. I am taking benadryl and it is helping sightly. I sure hope I do have to go to the hospital. SO far I have tried to not go anywhere. I had to get groceries and I had a few people stare at me. It looks that bad. I really hope it clears up.....I am not nervous but if it is still bad in a day or two I may have to see the DR.

I worked today. I put in 5 hours and I will get I think...time and a half. I work on Saturday too. I have a FULL day.
We got our cleaning supplies shipment in for the month so I have to also put all that away. Like 200 rolls of TP and cans upon cans of comet cleanser. That will be one full hour or more of extra work.

Today I had a bad day with my middle daughter. She was a basket case and then had a tantrum. She tends to spin out of control at times and has melt downs that are horrible. They only happen rarely but when they happen it is rough. At times she simply needs alot of hugging or she needs to be isolated. Today she needed both. I was very drained emotionally. My friend dropped a card and surprise gift on my porch today. The card was wonderful and it really was well timed since I was melting down in my mind. She has no idea how that gift and card meant to me today especially. Very touching.

My next big project is cleaning the basement.I may have to do it over a weekend my kids are gone. We will see. They are not motivated to help me.

Yesterday I saw my friend from Colorado Springs. She is in town visiting her family. We only had about two hours to chat and it was not nearly long enough. She is divorced with four kids as well. We talked about surviving and getting thru life. She is in a recovery group and she had alot of good things to share. I really enjoyed our visit. She is looking for a teaching job as she just graduated from college and did all that while being a single mom with those kids. Amazing! I had to talk carefully as her sister who also chatted with us a bit knows my ex and his family very well. She is good friends with my old sister in law. I think she is very sweet but I KNOW she would gossip to them about me. So I wish we would of been able to go out alone with out this sister. I have learned to be guarded in my conversations.

I am enjoying my blackout curtains. They keep the sun out beautifully. I need to buy some valances for the living room. My mom made me curtains and I just do not like them. I like things lighter and airy. Her curatins are long and very heavy. They do not go with my house. So I am looking to replace them. I do not have any sun problems in there because of my porch. It keeps out the harsh sun.

My dd passed her driving written exam...so now she needs to take the test with the trooper. She will do that in two weeks. She is looking to buy a car. So we will be thinking about that sooner then later. I can't believe I will have three cars sitting in my driveway. It was not that long ago the wooden red wagon and trike were parked out there along with a baby stroller. Life sure moves along.

Well I am off to realx while I can. The girls are at dad's. Enjoy your Fourth of July weekend.
Have a good evening everyone.

So today I went to work and my girls were home. I guess the door bell starting ringing!! "we are here for the sale!!!!"
OMG!!!! The newspaper printed the sale was TODAY!!!!!!!! I nearly went insane! I called the paper and they apologized profusly that they DID INDEED print the wrong date!!! The sale starts on THURSDAY!! I thought it was my fault!
No it was not thank goodness! THANKFULLY no one else in my entire area is having a sale! So I think I will do well. We did sell a few items today but frankly I was not ready ---so I asked people to come back. Sorry.

I also found out a paycheck from last month got bounced!!! I guess the bank could no read the computer strip so it was never deposited. BIG LONG STORY----but thankfully no fee is invovled and I went right away to my HR manager and a new check is coming from corporate right away to my home. WHAT A DAY FOR MESSES!
YIKES!

The forecast looks IFY for my sale. I am not going to even waste time getting all worried! Not worth it! If it rains......so what!

Did a grocery trip for a resident tonight. She is going to pay me for three jobs I did for her. I will get paid when her daughter returns from Montana.....I think she has the checkbook.

Found more stuff for my sale. Things here and there and little things I see.

My friend was coming over on Thursday to help me do some cleaning in my house...but I called and asked if he would come on Friday. He agreed to the date change. Thank goodness. It was getting too stressful!

I rode my bike to work...yahoo. IN fact I found a shorter trail/ path to get home and to work faster! It saves me about 4 mins. It sure is fun to ride my bike. I really have enjoyed getting to know my bike all over again. Saw some cool birds as I was riding to work today. Nature is so nice on a bike! I highly encourage getting to know your old bike or getting a new one.

Nothing free at work. NO I take that back..a resident gave me three free yougurts with Activia that she does not seem to like. free yougurt! Strawberry flavored.
We had a resident die last night. She was 90. Her name was Margaret. She was cute and a tiny whisp of a lady. She is in heaven now. I am glad. Another resident who passed away....her daughter was in getting her apartment cleaned out. She thanked me for the card I left her. Everyone becomes like family. It is sure nice even when things get sad.

Girls are doing some dance classes. I was told what classes were mandatory for dance team and which classes were not. I signed up for the classes they HAD to take. When I was asked about the other classes I said we wanted a break. I think that was frowned upon. Summer is not relaxing anymore. What is wrong with taking a break?? Summer is so short so I like to enjoy some freedom to do as we please. I was glad I did not go crazy with dance classes. Plus who can afford it???? I have to put some gas in my tank and food on my table. Bythe way---both my girls made the dance team again. The tryouts were a month ago and they were called last week and told that they had both been placed on the travel competition teams.

Girls ate at dads tonight. I had leftovers. Easy and simple. Girls are at dads's this weekend. They are having another big family party. I still have a hard time hearing about things FAMILY. It just hurts sometimes. I work on the fourth and on Saturday. So I will be kinda busy. My son will be around. He and his dad are having a terrible time right now in the relationship department. At times being divorced is a huge weight around my neck. other times I feel so very free. It really is perplexing how one feels.

Middle daughter totally---and I mean totally is doing great with her new contacts!!! I am so proud of her! Yeah....more money to spend on eyeballs.
But better for fall volleyball. She has not needed any help from me. God bless our wonderful eye doctor and his patient..... skillfull and wonderful staff.

Have a good evening everyone.

Well I spent a part of the weekend hauling up stuff from the basement for the sale along with cheapie plastic shelves I have in the basement already.
So much easier than lugging tables up.
I am going to sell some furniture. I need my son to help me get it all up from the basement. I also have a weight bench that I am going to sell. I am being pretty cut throat and also anything that is even small or not too significant is still going out in the garage sale. Hopefully we have a nice day weather wise.

Nothing free at work. I have not had much luck with stuff from work. That is OK.....when residents move out that is when I usually have the best luck of getting stuff for free.

I am out of cash for the week....I will have to get some out of the bank to get "change" for my sale.....but other than that I am out till payday this week. I grocery shopped early Sunday morning so I have lots of stuff for the week. I also cleanned out the fridge really well. That makes me feel better to be more organized.

My daughter got her contacts today. Now I have two girls in contacts. So far so good. She seems to get the hang of them. I am staying low key so she does not freak out too much or stress.

My mom sent me blackout curtains!!! I have been wanting them for years. I think she was horrified to see cardboard in my windows when she visited. She found them for a deal! 3 pairs---each pair was $4.99!!!!! They are neutral in color as well!!!! What a huge blessing to me.
So cool.

Have a good evening everyone.

This morning--early mind you....I worked for about 2 hours. I only work every other Saturday but I worked to help my boss out. She had to cover today because we had too many employees quit. So I did all the pressing of the tablecloths this morning. I also did some work for a resident. She is going to pay me. Her daughter does things for her but she is in Montana for ten days. So I am doing odds and ends for her. What a blessing that will be.

Still doing the garage sale stuff. Today at work I took a free lamp home and a Christmas decoration no one wanted...so in the sale it goes! I have not been finding too many free things lately. I have a week to keep scouring for free stuff to add to my sale.

Today I have to grocery shop. A job I now really dislike. I used to not like it...now I just can't stand doing it.

I have not been filling my gas tank up that much since I do not drive the kids to school....that is a total budget killer. Working one mile from home is wonderful! That driving to the private school is really what hurts during the rest of the year.

My daughter started her job yesterday working for a catering place. She served at a wedding. She did really well! She now appreciates what I do now she told me. It is hard work being on your feet for hours on end. That made me feel good. She got a $20 tip from the brides father on top of her $7 an hour pay. She was so excited!!! She seems to like to do a good job as she was complaining about a few staff who were slacking. I am so glad this job is working out. She is 16 and this is a good way to learn about the real world. She is working another wedding tonight.

We have had alot of bad storms. Everyday it seems to storm. So we have been stuck at home alot. We have not been able to go to the pool and my youngest dd is going nuts. Hopefully all this rain will go away soon so we can get outside and enjoy summer! The humidty has been unbearable so we have had to use our a/c.

I have not been biking to work because of the rain and also I have had to drive kids places. I hope things get better soon so I can bike more.

I have not been buying myself anything. I did buy a few itmes at OLD NAVY for my two kids.....spent about $40 on sale stuff. I need some clothes but am making due. Thankfully I do not go anywhere or do much where I need a fancy closet.

Have a good frugal weekend everyone.

Today I did not ride my bike to work! I had to deliver kids every which way...so I had to drive to make it work. You know something.....I felt horribly guilty I did NOT RIDE MY BIKE! Funny! I just missed the pedalling and workout I get.
Truly....I missed it!

Free cookout lunch for me at work today. We had burgers and hot dogs and many picnic fixings. I think Mgmt is realizing they have been less than kind to many departments. I think this was a small step in making people at work feel better about feeling apprecitated. So that was nice. Yesterday a lady gave me two free yogurts. Great for free lunches.

It is very hard to work and be available for the kids. Everyone has plans or wants me to take them places. My oldest is giving me a hard time about being helpful. I love summer but hate the complexity that comes along with it as far as trying to work. I feel horrible and guilty at times.

Kids eat at dad's tonight. I will have some time to get a few things done.

I just had to take some savings out to pay my VISA. Not good. I am feeling very overwhelmed. I think I have to have a heart to heart talk with the kids somehow.
Things are just rough. I had a friend ask if me and my dd wanted to see Jersey Boys. $45 a ticket so that would be at least $90 plus they are eating out beforehand. $50??? I said the date did not work and quickly deleted the email so my dd would not see it. I just do not know how some folks do it! Whats worse is my ex and his wife are going this week to see it. Ugh! This friend and my other friend have their dd's in dance camp this week at $400. I am so glad I passed on that! I mean today at wal mart after I grocery shopped I put three things back. You have to.

My girls are working on the garage sale.
The date for the sale is July 3rd. I have already placed an ad in the paper for that week.
SO far we are getting rid of all things BARBIE. The girls rarely if ever play with them. So my one dd is organizing all the little parts and pieces. So the garage sale train has left the station.

My real estate taxes are due in three weeks. For sure in a few years I will have to sell my house. There is no way around it. Times are hard. I guess I have to face it one day at a time. Doing what I can and not grow weary in being frugal.

Did anyone catch Glenn Beck on TV last night? He suggested to really start stockpiling food. The two experts agreed as well it seems. Now with so much of the midwest in ruins does it not seem logical that things will now get very bad in the areas of food and prices and demand? What are your thoughts?

Scary....plain and simple.

Oh it is so nice and cool here! Windows are open and the breeze and fresh air are pouring thru. No A/C!!! yahoo.

Well I made it thru all the recital stuff.
It was great fun and so entertaining. My parents came and stayed and we worked all over my house on Sunday. We got so much done. My girls made it it to SC so they are at the beach and I guess having a nice vacation.
I am having lunch with a gal pal on Weds and Breakfast with another gal pal on Thursday. I may be going out on Friday for dinner. SO pleasant! I am working on tidying up and cleaning things. I am working on taking things a bit easy.

I have been biking to work. I biked today and yesterday. I love biking! It is so free and fun. Nothing too new at work. My one work buddy leaves on Thursday. She grew tired of the silliness we deal with. I can not blame her.
So her last day is Thursday. She is alot of fun to hang with. I will miss her.

Working on gathering stuff for the garage sale. I am looking forward to selling things soon.

It was nice to see my parents. I am not sure what I would do without them. That thought frightens me. Thru my divorce and medical stuff they have been a constant support. I am amazed--- they never seem to tire of me. That is priceless to me.
Priceless.

Have a good night everyone.

Tonight was the dance recital rehersal for the recital my two dd's are in Friday and Saturday. Guess how long it lasted.
One hr...? Two hrs??? Try 7 hours. Yes that is standard for our studio. AM I tired?? yes. I am up doing laundry getting things organized for my girls to leave on vacation. So I may not blog too much for a few days. Just insane time wise.

Today I did get all my porch furniture up out of the basement and I managed to get it all organized. I got all the quilts out there along with all the pillows and cushions. I did wash off things and blew the porch off with the blower. It was a big job and now it is ready for sitting!

Dinner was Wendy's tonight....no other way to do it. I am out of food and sandwich bags....so making lunch will be interesting on Friday at least till I can get to the store.....somehow.

My parents will be here Sat and Sun. Saturday we visit and head to the recital and then on Sunday after the girls leave we will be working around my house doing yard chores and fixing things. My dad is very handy and wants to get things fixed up for me. We plan on power washing the patio and trimming tree limbs. We also will be fixing the front storm door and the garage door a bit.

Well I hope I make it with so much going on---I hate being so darn busy. Oh well that's life.

Rode my bike to and from work. Took my lunch as well. My girls biked to work and met me with their lunches in bags. It was really fun to to do that. We ate at the picnic table at work outside. Had to put the a/c back on...too hot. Placed cardboard in windows....looks weird but man it sure blocks out the sun! Made cheapie spagetthi for dinner. Still using up what we have around here. Mailed in my tax checks. Some nice free magaiznes at work as well and some free TP. Also some free butter and syrup. Turning off lights as much as possible. Reading the different carnivals on being frugal today..... very inspiring. It is nice to be inspired to try new ways to being frugal.
Stay cool everyone.

The humidity is GONE! YAHOO! So the air is off. That is one way to save save save!
I have not watered my yard one time so far this summer. Another way to save.
My mulch is working well keeping about 99% of the weeds at bay.

Have a good evening.

Today I DID NOT bike to work due to thunderstorms and rain. I thought about trying to ride but decided not to arrive all wet or needing to change. Hopefully I will ride to work on Weds. The rain has helped take away some of the humidity. I did fill up the suv and it cost me $90.00.
It was enough to make me cry!

Today I got two free things to sell in my garage sale at work--one of the nurses was throwing away. A cute little watering can and a new stuffed bunny rabbit toy. One man's trash is another persons garage sale item! I am still looking for odds and ends at work to sell. All the odds and ends I think will add up.

I deposited all my checks so I can write out my two LARGE tax checks. I WILL HAVE to take money out of my savings to pay regular bills this month. I just do not have a choice. I cashed my birthday check from my mom and I will use it for food this week. I got a little depressed at work over money then I snapped out of it quickly since I decided things could be much much worse!!!!! I bought myself one treat last week. A straw purse for $7.99. It is a Vera Bradley knock off and I really love it!!! It matches my lunch bag --another knock off.

I noticed my son mailed in his VISA payment. He has been spending alot of money. I have ignored it figuring he is a big boy and he needs to face reality. I was waiting for him to ask me for a loan. Thankfully he said nothing to me. I used to nag him about money...then I decided it was not worth it.

When the girls are gone I plan on hoeing out the basement and setting aside garage sale items. That will not be alot of fun but IF I do it in one afternoon and set my timer it should be a snap. Timers are my best way to get things done. Also lots of music or talk radio.

Well have a good Tuesday everyone.

Today is the first day I rode my bike to work. Boy was that a no brainer! It took me about 8 mins to get to work. It was snap. I parked my bike outside in the shade near the dumpster. Not a problem.
Plus I have a bike basket so I was able to take along my lunch hands free. I was so glad I could ride my bike. I really hope to ride everyday that I work. I enjoyed the freedom to be car-less. It really makes me feel free.

Nothing else too new. I am getting ready to pay some taxes.
I have spent some money on some clothing for the kids to go on vacation. Some PJ's, flip flops and two sundresses, also another bathing suit. It kinda stinks, but what can I do, they needed some clothes to go away with.

It has been so HOT. I have had to run the a/c. I am covering up windows and adjusting the mini blinds. That helps.

I am trying to make food stretch all week till the kids leave for their trip. I may run into a snag when my family comes into town and stays with me for the dance recital. I will have to feed them as well.
Next week will have to be really lean and not much a/c. I think I can cut back much more with out the kids here.

I got some money from my mom for my birthday. It goes to taxes and/or bills. Exciting. My girls bought me a very cheap set of pans for my birthday. I need some pans but these are not so nice. That is ok.....I am happy to have something to cook in for a short time. I thought about returning them but they get very offended when I return things. I did buy one top for me---but returned it. It was too large on me my dd thought. It was apple green and on sale. I am planning on going to the Good will or doing with out. I need one or two nicer tops for church or a party. I tried on a bathing suit and it looked terrible on me. So I will continue to wear my older one that suits me fine.

Have a nice evening.

One of my best co-workers who is a hoot put in her two weeks notice today. Boy she had a spring in her step today! I was sad...but she is overworked at work! She is a resident assistant. When you deal with elder care things can not be rushed or pushed.....but at times they are told to hurry and go fast with clients....to increase productivity. It makes everyone so unhappy!!!! Grouchy!!

So she will be gone and very hard to replace. The woes continue at work.....moodiness prevails! I did my jobs and left. I feel at least good that I am able to work and I get to go at my own rate so to speak. I love talking to the old folks.....it really is fun!
I really hope things change soon.....it is very hard to keep smiling.

Starting next week I am going to either try and walk to work or ride my bike. I literally think biking will take me 5 mins. if I do a short cut. I have to do this! I can DO THIS!!! One trick is to maybe keep my mouth shut about it. I sorta told my kids I was going to do it and they thought it was weird! I also think it is best to not make a big deal about it to others and just do it. I may ride my bike over the weekend to work to see the shortest route. I am very excited to try something kinda new and different.
I live so close to work I really need to make the most of it.

Alot of staff want to quit it seems. Everyone is unhappy. The main problem is bad managers! Our boss is terrible and she is getting worse. She is very good at not motivating anyone to work, try hard or go the extra mile. Rough.....rough.
Another problem is we do not get reviewed.
I find that so odd. Oh well....for now I am going to do my jobs and keep myself focused on the residents. Oh yes...today we were told we are not allowed to use our cell phones. Too bad. Fire me. I am an adult. I use my phone only when needed...NOT to chat away! There is whole list of problems I see...but no one will listen.... trust me. I am very much on the bottom of the tank and literally a nobody. Oh well....it is a shame that they will see good staff walk out before they make a change.

Doing ok on money. Trying to not spend.
I have to fork over $100 for the amusement park on Friday. I had stashed it...thank goodness. Plus I still need to bless my dd on her birthday on Thursday.
So I need to get a card, decorate and get a cake plus gather up some birthday money. Last week of school.....SO GLAD!!!! I am tired of lunch boxes, uniforms, homework......I am ready for a break! I am sure the kids feel the same way.

My son mulched for me...it looks so nice! I did the backyard on Sunday. I ripped out 5 huge overgrown bushes. It looks so much better plain looking. No need to buy more bushes. I laid down newspaper and I hope it works to keep out weeds....we will see. We used 7 yards of mulch!!!!! Yes I have a huge yard!!!!!!! It looks good with my pink geraniums.....I mean it looks like a slice of midwest heaven on earth. I love it! This weekend is porch furniture time.....hopefully I can get it all out. I want to relish my porch time all summer!

Soon my girls will be on their trip with dad.....they seem excited to go. I hope to get a bit of peace and rest!

Pay day is Friday.....yahoo.
Have a good night everyone.

Mulch arrives today...the weather is bit of rain.....oh well.....it should dry out quickly. Girls are with dad....so I ate leftovers last night and washed some sheets. Line dried them. I was too tired to do much else.

I am working on Sat. So my son will mulch while I work. Yesterday I worked over my hours by one hour. It has been a really hard week as far as work...it seems like the cleaning is bigger and takes more time. Nothing else too exciting planned for the weekend. I hope to get out all my porch furniture that is a major job since it gets hauled from the basement.
I need to clean the fridge and the pantry a bit and shop for food somehow on Sunday.
I have been good about avoiding the store as much as possible.

My dd has her birthday next week so I need to get organized about that. She is not interested in anything...she only wants money to buy some clothes it seems.
School ends on Friday. The school year went too fast for me. Yet I am ready for a break! I will save alot of gas by not driving back and forth to their school.

Have a good Saturday everyone!

Hello friends...I am sorry I am not writing as much as I have in the past. Somehow life got hectic for me. I think the end of school and dance recital, working and what not...I just am trying to keep my head above water. My friend who helps me clean my house has a medical problem so I have not had his help. It makes it harder for me to keep up it seems. My kids are busy with studying for finals and finishing up reports and projects. It is hard for them as well to keep as neat and tidy. Oh well that is life with four kids I guess. Work is going OK....it has been rough this week. I have had alot of extra cleaning to do...plus I worked on Mem. Day for 8 1/2 hours. It was my longest day ever that I worked. Remember I am part time. It was long and grueling. Plus my kids kept calling me to see when I was coming home. It was annoying after while. One of the gals I work with is driving me nuts with bossing me around. I almost wanted to take her outside and get into a brawl with her. I have absolutly had it with co-workers who have low self esteem and feel good about them selves when they boss others around. Well I will be nice a few times but then after about three comments I simply will have to put you in your place. So one more comment from her and all hell will break loose. Can you tell the boss was off today??? That is when she gets on her high horse. It is is child like and stupid. I enjoy doing my job and blowing her off in a nice Christian sort of way.

My ex is being a pain in the neck. I asked him to take my dd to the ortho and he complained about missing work. Mind you my ex is pretty well off and owns his own company...so taking some time off in the morning is not a problem since he is the boss! My dd felt slighted by his unkindness I feel. I guess he did nothing but talk on his blackberry the entire time as well...my dd was not too happy. He is very much a block head in the feeling department. I guess it gets old to hear a man whine about doing things for his children as simple as an ortho appointment before school.

I have been frugal and trying my best to not spend money in silly and trivial ways.
I did get a load of mulch for Saturday. It is cheaper than hiring someone to do it...my sona nd I will do the work and I will pay him some money. My basement looks bad....so I am looking forward to having my garage sale soon! That will help with mind clutter as well. The sale will help me get things back in order.

I am trying to sock away money to pay my tax bill with out dipping into my savings. It will be very close to pull it off but I am going to try. I have had to spend about $100 in birthday and graduation gifts.....more than usual. So that stings a bit. Now I have some teacher gifts to get. Another way to spend money. I have had some dance expenses too....so it is adding up. When I get ahead I then go back it seems. The rhythm of life I guess.

I am so glad the pool opened...free fun for me and the kids. We got DVD's from the library too. I am trying to keep things breezy in the fun department. Movies at the theater seem not even worth it! I am going to try and not go at all this summer.....it is too costly.

Oh well....need to do what else...clean!
Have a great frugal weekend everyone.

Hello again....taxes! Yes by June 15th I have more taxes due. It will be cutting very very close money wise. I am trying to not spend money. I have done pretty good in the food department. I try to shop once a week and not go again. So far so good. I did splurge this week on DVD players for the car. I got them on sale at TARGET and I had a gift card to apply towards them. I love them cause they are very simple and easy to work for my kids. They are vacation but we decided to try them out to be sure they worked. My girls need bathing suits but I have a department store gift card they can use to purchase suits this weekend.

I am still collecting things for a garage sale. It seems like everyone is having a sale. Everyone seems strapped for cash......the papers are full of sales it seems. Well we will try it. All money raised goes to pay for gas to get to VA.

Every purchase I make gets the once over now. I wanted to buy some wine.....I decided not needed. I wanted this or that....no I put it back and say NO to stuff. I feel fine with it as well.
I really have to be so careful. Like everyone. Gas is one big culprit that is for sure.

Nothing too free at work either. I always keep my eyes open for stuff I can use. I still get my share of newspapers and coupons and free TP. That is nice.

Not eating out either. Just eating at home and of course doing leftovers for lunch. My kids seem to be happy with eating at home.

I work on Memorial day...so time and a half. That helps....although I will not be with my kids. I feel guilty.

Have a nice weekend everyone.

yes gas is about 3.89-3.99---scary to say the least. Remember when they said it would be $4 by summer.....wow summer got here fast! I splurged and got a $1 cheesburger today. The McDonalds near school places tons of onions on them! I adore onions! Tonight the kids ate with dad so I had soup and toast. Kept the lights off and hung my washed uniform on the clothesline. It is very chily here and will be all week. That stinks a bit.

Got some tp at work and also a brand new canning jar. A nice magazine and some note/letter paper. I also got some tissue paper and lots of newspapers to read.

I stopped by the local catering place and talked to the manager and gave her my two kids applications for summer jobs. I used to do HUGE fundraisers for our school every year at this place and got to know the owners really well. They loved working with us and were always so willing to make things go so well when we had our dinners there. They def liked my son and were excited he was flexible and willing to work. He has a full time day job---but wanted some nights to get more money....so this is perfect. He will be busing tables. My daughter will also get hired I think. They liked that they were brother and sister and were eager to perhaps give them the same hours to save on gas costs. That was sure thoughtful.
I am so glad....hopefully they get hired.
My ex has bugged me for weeks to help get them jobs...esp my dd who had nothing. He sure likes to order everyone around....yet not really help in any way. I can't help but wonder if the new wife gets ordered around as well. My guess is yes. He did not lift one finger to help. If they land these jobs it is only because I networked and got them in the door. He was no help. Please cross your fingers!

Speaking of bossing around....my ex for Mothers Day would invite his whole family over so I could cook up a dinner. I am so glad to be done with that. I heard that he made his new wife do a dinner for his whole family as well. Part of me felt sorry for her as this was her first mothers day......it just sounded like alot of work. Funny.....tigers never change their stripes I guess. What a drag. I never ever liked entertaining all those people esp on Mothers DAY! I never once went out to eat on MD or was treated nicely it seems. Kinda sad...but yet freeing.

I am really looking forward to sleeping on Friday.....going to bed early.......I hope I make it to the end of the week. Right now I am really dragging my behind.
Too much stuff and it is only going to get nuttier till after school is done with on June 6th and the recital is done with ----the following week. Just thinking about it makes me mroe tired!!!! YIKES!

Today I filled my tank. The price for gas was 3.62 a gallon. It was very "cheap"---so to speak out in the country near my kids school....away from offices, malls and stores. Not a huge savings...but enough to make it worth my while.

Went on a 2nd grade field trip today. It was down right miserable. A nature hike but it rained badly....so we were stuck inside. It went ok. I was very sad to see so many of my dd's classmates really acting BADLY and having bad manners. I don't get it. Just rude and not nice. We had dilly bars at Dairy Queen half the kids spent the time smearing ice cream all over their faces...gross. I just found that I had zero patience for that silly behavior.

All in all I had a rough day.....my girls were really acting up and I felt myself getting really bothered by it all. Usually I don't stress out but today I got very irk'd.

I am trying to not spend too much money on food this week. Not easy.....but I am trying. My son leaves for Dallas for a week on Friday. I will be alone all weekend. I think I need the space.

We are going to have a garage sale but not while the kids are gone....my girls want to run the "store" so we will do it when they are home. They have way too much fun hosting garage sales. The kids are collecting items. I feel a tiny bit overwhelemed in the "STUFF" department.
So that will be nice to unload a bit come June. I am going to sell some antique country pcs. of furniture. They are nice but have no use to us anymore. I am still unloading stuff that reminds me of my former married self. Cleansing time! In my daily life I find I need very little to make me happy. Simple...simple...simple.


Have a good evening everyone.

Yahoo. I was able to finally get my pre-loaded Visa rebate credit card to go thru!
I was at the grocery store and followed the letter intructions and yes it went thru finally. So I was glad about that.
I really like checks or cash better. Oh well. It worked.

Nothing too new to report. Hope you all had a nice Mothers Day. My mom called to thank me for the flowers I sent her on Saturday so I was glad they made it to her house.

I cut a dead tree down and took out three bushes in the yard on Saturday. I was able to borrow the saw from my neighbor. I am certainly sore today. Makes me feel my age. In two weeks I will be laying down ALOT of mulch. I need to borrow a wheelbarrow from someone as I gave mine to the church a few years to keep. I have lots of buckets so the kids can help dump in spots.

No work on Monday due to that field trip. I am glad as I have lots and lots of little things to do in the AM before I go on the field trip. Today I ran kids all over, sewed and altered dance costumes and steamed them, grocery shopped and did some laundry. I made swiss steak for our dinner and it was so GOOD!! I decided to make a nice treat for us all. I got a lot done today, so it was nice to have a good dinner.

Have a good Monday everyone.

I am busy with so much going this weekend I wanted to take a second and wish everyone a very nice Mothers Day! I really hope all moms out there can take some time to step back a bit and just think about all they do for their families. So much of it goes pretty much unnoticed....yet it is so important and valuable. It definitly is a long strand of pearls. Each pearl adds to a child's life necklace. It is a huge undertaking and responsiblity to raise a child or children. So be blessed on Mothers Day. To those of you whose mother is absent from your life and sadly missing on this special day ...hugs to you. My own mom lost her mom as a very young girl. Even in her 70's....she has never complelety healed her heart from missing her mother.
Hug your mom or perhaps give her a nice call. What a beautiful blessing you can be. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

My son cleaned out grannies garage. He had four huge boxes of old magaiznes. I looked thru my former mother in laws stacks and saw that most of the magazines are from 1996-2002. Stacks and stacks. What a silly amount of trash she has kept sitting in the garage for so darn long. She loved clutter. Remember this is the lady who has wall to wall carpet in her entire kitchen! Can you say gross????

When I clean apartments every day it is amazing to me to see the clutter, sitting on tables and cabinets forever it seems, like old lost friends or pals we can not bear to dismiss. Clutter makes us feel safe? Maybe it makes us feel secure? I am not sure. Like today at work---- Old newspapers from three weeks ago, old memos about the 2007 Christmas brunch, old calendars from 2006, old this and old that, odd this and odd that.....it amazes me! I am so glad for the valuable lessons I have learned in keeping clutter like paper clutter down to a bare minium. My mom was a neat nik and with Mothers Day so close I really value her sense of order she passed on to me. Being frugal and thrifty were others lessons I learned from her. Clutter is so destructive. It adds pounds of stress and makes people odd. Just watch TV and see all those cleaning and organizing shows on cable and all the "cluttered and almost living in the gutter" guests on Oprah and Dr Phil.....clutter is NOT a redeeming habit or a good way to live for anyone. Clutter can and does destroy. Throw out an old magazine or newspaper perhaps your cubbie at work needs a once over as well..... and get liberated! Just some random thoughts on making life so much better.

It was $250 to fix the window in my son's car. Gee whiz. I can't seem to get too far ahead here. It is fixed and done with and he can drive it rain or shine now.

Work today was tiring. I had to do someone elses jobs along with mine. It is the young girl who calls off sick probably once a week. I like her as a person but this is so weird. I mean in the real world do you not get a warning about not showing up consistently?? Can one person at age 22 be so sick all the time? My boss has a very flexible backbone. On one hand it is nice to be flexible but onthe other hand I feel like I can slack off as well and not get into any hot water for doing so. I may as well....come in a little late and maybe leave when I feel a headache coming on.

I get discouraged but press on! I need my job cause I need the money. I can not afford to get lame or lazy. OK I am done spuing and venting.

Nothing too new money wise. I ate lunch at work from what I brought from home and had leftovers for dinner since my kids ate nicely with dad. I get paid Friday which is nice of course. My daughter is having all her friends over for pizza on Friday for a sleepover. So glad I will have some CASH to pay for the pizza, snacks and breakfast on Saturday. Hopefully I get a little sleep!!! We will see.

I am going to mulch soon. On another web site I like to visit---- the gal said she puts layers of thick newspaper down first to really block weeds in some of her beds, then she mulches. Has anyone ever done that before??? It seems like a great idea. I can get tons of newspapers from work. If that sounds like a good things to do let me know. I do not have a great green thumb...so I am always trying to learn from others.

Have a good Weds.

Nothing too free at work....newspapers and coupons and some nice un-used grocery bags that are paper. I decided to quit the newspaper route I have today. I decided with gas going up so much and my time being so valuable to me...I really don't like doing it. I would rather get more frugal in my life. So the deed is done. I have to deliver for 4 more weeks then I am finished.

My son's car had to go in the shop...the back window is stuck and not in the window groove.....something electrical. I got a free rental from the guy who is fixing it. I hope it is a cheap fix...ha ha.

Nothing else to report. I did get a check from my ex for $480.....it is a re-inbursement from some college expenses for my son. I will either save it or use to pay for bills.

have a nice evening everyone!

I got a $100 rebate in the form a pre-loaded VISA card from A T and T. I set it up as the form letter told me too. I have tried to use it twice and both times I was rejected.....I am starting to get very very angry over this. What is the deal???? Any insight would be helpful. I feel like I got ripped off. It is botheriong me over and over and I cna not stop thinking about it. What am I doing wrong?????? I tired it at WAL MART and at the local grocery store to no avail.