redwagon
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:16:11 GMT -5
Posts: 2,642
|
Post by redwagon on Apr 8, 2011 10:00:58 GMT -5
Pretty sure it shut down under Clinton, and it actually helped his ratings because it made the GOP look petty. Who knows what will happen this time...
All I know is if Donald Trump is elected president I'm moving to Canada. Sharing will take me in, right?
|
|
azmom
Established Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 12:31:41 GMT -5
Posts: 256
|
Post by azmom on Apr 8, 2011 11:10:50 GMT -5
Yesterday was a controlled spend. I spent: $58.89 on Turbo Tax $47.73 to fill up my tank For a grand total of $106.62 We are going to the D-Backs game today and have budgeted a $100 but I am really hoping we only spend half. I want to pull the cash out of the bank but DH has a tendency to use his card and keep the cash-which defeats the purpose! I need to plan a menu and go grocery shopping. Crock pots rule! I made chicken in the crock pot for the first time and it was literally fall off the bone good. Yesterday I made PW's Dr. Pepper roast ( I used beef) and made enchilada's and have plenty left over for tacos. This is really the key to feeding our family a real meal on our busy schedule. Taxes: It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. We owe $300 to Federal and $181 to state. This after a $5,000 return last year . This is our first year not being home owners and we jumped up in tax brackets and don't qualify for any child thingy's like we have before. The good news is we have the money to pay it off A huge relief because somehow I thought it was going to be worse and we needed an extension and all that jazz! Do you gals know the thermometer thingy's organizations use to track their fund raising goals. I'm thinking of printing some up for our separate savings goals. I think if DH and I have a visual of how much we have saved and how much we need we might be more inclined to put more in savings. For example right now we want to save $1,000 for Summer Vacation and $300 for fall football/cheer sign-up and $300 for Summer Camp for DD. Which leads me to: Question of the Week: Do you have anything you are saving toward in the next three months? (aside from normal savings) and how are you staying motivated/disciplined to reach that goal?
|
|
redwagon
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:16:11 GMT -5
Posts: 2,642
|
Post by redwagon on Apr 8, 2011 11:14:02 GMT -5
azmom - I love the thermometer idea! visual reinforcement is great.
QOTW: I'm basically hoping to make it through the summer paying for wedding gifts, baby shower gifts, bridal shower gifts, and travel to the various events without going into debt. So it's a continual save/spend cycle that has already begun... so much happening it kind of makes me sick to think about how planned our summer already is... plus 5 year college reunion. That's mostly paid for, another $100 to go... Can't wait for my freelancing check to arrive! Guess where that's going :-)
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 2, 2024 17:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2011 11:32:50 GMT -5
I may keep to my plan to quit, I had a horrid migraine last night, was sick from it. Laid down and slept for a while right when I got home (at 6), texted my boss at 9:30 ish. Did not want to call because sound hurt more than light. I wanted to take a med that would help but would knock me out for 12-15h, but she said I had to call in the morning that I was still sick. I was not up to arguing with her so I did. Therefore, no med, and I still feel bad, I am better than I was but still not 100%. May mention this to bosses boss.
|
|
shanendoah
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:44:48 GMT -5
Posts: 10,096
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0c3563
|
Post by shanendoah on Apr 8, 2011 12:42:26 GMT -5
QOTW: We're saving for DH to be back in school full time starting this summer, with no UE as back up income. I'm saving to fly to Reno for Firebird's wedding in October. Luckily that will just be plane tickets, as I'll stay with my mom and borrow her car to drive up to Tahoe. I'm staying motivated by the thought of not taking on any more debt, mostly. I do like the thermometer idea. If were were still saving for a trip to Austrailia in March 2012 (which we're not because of DH being back in school) I would totally use one for that.
Gin: I've probably mentioned something like this to you before, but... Are you still using narcotics for your migraines? None of the new meds I'm aware of knock you out for that long anymore. And maybe I'm beating a dead horse, but please, please, please, if you haven't talked to your MD about migraine meds in the last year-two, get yourself an appt. There have been so many advances, and the difference between the right med and the wrong med is HUGE.
|
|
ses
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:18:37 GMT -5
Posts: 654
|
Post by ses on Apr 8, 2011 12:47:50 GMT -5
Yes the last government shutdown was during Clinton and just before the holidays.
But ,Redwagon, think how much fun the late night comics would have if Trump ran. Especially a Trump/Palin or Palin/ Trump ticket. That would keep every one entertained for months before and after.
I can sympathize with you about learning, growing and exploring kitties. Calleigh (same age as your "kids") has recently discovered that she can put most anything she wants to examine closer on the floor with the swipe of a paw. No matter how high the shelf things live on are.
|
|
shanendoah
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:44:48 GMT -5
Posts: 10,096
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0c3563
|
Post by shanendoah on Apr 8, 2011 13:09:03 GMT -5
|
|
sheilaincali
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 17:55:24 GMT -5
Posts: 4,131
|
Post by sheilaincali on Apr 8, 2011 13:19:34 GMT -5
Shanen- you will be pleased to know that my Dnephew did in fact help us walk our Zoe last night. He did so good with her. I convinced him to help hold her leash some (with me holding it too obviously). He snuck in to pet her back quick once when she stopped to take a p break and he was so shocked that he did it. But he had fun, it was like a 2 mile walk with a break in the middle to play at the park. Was so proud of himself that he insisted we call pretty much everyone and tell them. Then he made his parents drive him up to grandma and grandpa's house so he could tell them (again) about walking the dog. It was so amazing to see him braving it up and helping walk with her.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 2, 2024 17:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2011 14:47:07 GMT -5
QOTW: We're saving for DH to be back in school full time starting this summer, with no UE as back up income. I'm saving to fly to Reno for Firebird's wedding in October. Luckily that will just be plane tickets, as I'll stay with my mom and borrow her car to drive up to Tahoe. I'm staying motivated by the thought of not taking on any more debt, mostly. I do like the thermometer idea. If were were still saving for a trip to Austrailia in March 2012 (which we're not because of DH being back in school) I would totally use one for that. Gin: I've probably mentioned something like this to you before, but... Are you still using narcotics for your migraines? None of the new meds I'm aware of knock you out for that long anymore. And maybe I'm beating a dead horse, but please, please, please, if you haven't talked to your MD about migraine meds in the last year-two, get yourself an appt. There have been so many advances, and the difference between the right med and the wrong med is HUGE. Shan, I get two types of "migraines" normal ones which I have meds for and one that come from my trapezius locking up and blood flow decreasing to my occipital lobe making it so I cannot see and am in pain. I had a combo one yesterday, I normally don't get more than one a year. I needed my muscle relaxant plus my normal migraine med and anti-inflammatory.
|
|
shanendoah
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:44:48 GMT -5
Posts: 10,096
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0c3563
|
Post by shanendoah on Apr 8, 2011 15:04:21 GMT -5
sheila: Yay for DNephew
Gin: In that case, one you'd called your boss and told her you wouldn't be in, regardless of what she said (especially since you've already given your notice) you should have taken your pills and crashed. You gave her more than adequate notice that you were ill and wouldn't be in. I know its sometimes difficult to think clearly when you're in that much pain, but the added joy of texting and her responding is that you had a record of notifying her.
|
|
startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
Posts: 4,445
|
Post by startsmart on Apr 8, 2011 15:19:43 GMT -5
so cute, blue_eyes is starting a new job and we're figuring out his new salary and budget. so much fun. I had to explain 401k vesting and he sent me the employment info so we could figure it all out. It's probably weird how much I enjoy planning budgets....
|
|
redwagon
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:16:11 GMT -5
Posts: 2,642
|
Post by redwagon on Apr 8, 2011 15:19:52 GMT -5
Have a great weekend everyone!!! I'm excited to relax and put up shelves in my office closet (where my books will eventually end up when we have a baby, since that will become the nursery. the office. not the closet.), finish thank-you cards (enough is enough, blue needs to step up), sleep in, and introduce our year-old niece to the kitties. And hopefully warm enough for some yardwork. Should be a good one!!
shanen - photos of firebird's wedding are required!
gin - migraines run in my family on both sides and i've had my fair share. No fun at all. I would have taken the drugs and called work whenever I woke up, even if it was 2pm. Screw them.
|
|
shanendoah
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:44:48 GMT -5
Posts: 10,096
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0c3563
|
Post by shanendoah on Apr 8, 2011 17:16:38 GMT -5
redwagon: I'm pretty certain that startsmart will be at firebird's wedding, too (in fact, I'm planning on sitting with her, whether she knows it or not) and she is a MUCH better photographer than I am
|
|
moneysquirrel
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 13:12:39 GMT -5
Posts: 1,911
|
Post by moneysquirrel on Apr 8, 2011 21:18:25 GMT -5
Update: 5 NS and 3 CS days.
Hello all, It has been several days since I had time to check in with all of you. As I suspected I should order new glasses but since I couldn't see to pick out the new frames I have placed that on hold for a few weeks.
I am glad for the weekend to come. It will give me a chance to catch up on the papers that came in today. Also if I get a chance I will get a lot of housework done tomorrow. I would like to go to the French Quarter Festival on Sunday. The weather is beautiful this week and predictions for the weekend is expected to be great as well.
|
|
MittenKitten
Well-Known Member
Home of the Circus
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:12:58 GMT -5
Posts: 1,070
|
Post by MittenKitten on Apr 8, 2011 22:04:02 GMT -5
ACK! So We are having DS#2 and DD birthday party for our families on Sunday. I wanted to get a start on cleaning and laundry today. Well DF couldn't sleep (this happens a lot and he refuses to talk to his doctor or anything so I don't feel much sympathy) so he sleeps most of the day and I get nothing done. Well now he has decided he is sick, great now I get to do laundry, clean the house AND bake the cake tomorrow. Should be a fun day.
|
|
startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
Posts: 4,445
|
Post by startsmart on Apr 8, 2011 23:34:44 GMT -5
today was interesting. definitely a spend since I went to the chiropractor, co-op and then got a massage. Luckily this is a special week and I got a 90 min massage for the price of a 60 min massage. I feel noodly. work is still presenting a challenge for sure. such a challenge.
|
|
reeneejune
Established Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 19:49:40 GMT -5
Posts: 430
|
Post by reeneejune on Apr 9, 2011 0:25:21 GMT -5
I spent $25 on groceries today for this coming week, but I refuse to count that as a spend day. Since I don't have a stockpile of food to fall back on, all food expenditures this month are pretty much essential. Yes, even the half-gallon of rocky road. Believe me, I NEED it. For that money I got: TP, bananas, ice cream, 5 lbs of chicken, 1 lb. of lunch meat, a loaf of bread, mayo, corn muffin mix, half-dozen eggs, and 4 pkts of kool aide ($1 is cheaper than $20 for a water filter pitcher, and as it stands city water is undrinkable unless mixed with something or filtered). Last week I picked up several cans of Progresso soups at grocery outlet for $1 each, but I need something like the corn muffins to go with that to make a filling meal for me. Overall, I'm pretty happy with that. Though I admit to having a moment of depression at spending money when I'm pretty much broke. I got over that about the time I finished eating a bowl of ice cream. Monday BFF and I go to retrieve the rest of my things from my hometown and a coworker should be delivering a bed for me the same day. I'll be very happy to be able to put some things away. Trying to figure out how to arrange my living/dining room though, it doesn't seem odd shaped when it's empty, but when you go to put furniture in it, it's a bit strange. Especially now that I have a TV to deal with. Another coworker brought over a 27 or 32 inch TV this morning. Great, except I don't have a TV stand. Or a place to put it in my living room. Maybe I'll stick it upstairs.
|
|
pointy
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 18:27:35 GMT -5
Posts: 141
|
Post by pointy on Apr 9, 2011 11:27:20 GMT -5
Update: 7/22 NS and 8/27 No QVC...resisted the Tignanello handbags yesterday on the Q - yay me! ;D
|
|
mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
|
Post by mizbear on Apr 10, 2011 13:29:48 GMT -5
MIA I know. I have a bedroom suit on layaway that I was going to wait on- not the 2800 one I originally was going to get but a $750 one that is a little less heavy and ornate that fits me a little better- plus it matches my dining room pieces. DM bought me the buffet/hutch to match those pieces. I was supposed to be getting a writing desk and cherry vanity, but the vanities are out of stock, so we are waiting to see if they can get the cherry vanity- if not- they are going to apply that $$ to my current layaway and I will refinish a cute desk I have for a vanity.
I will have to go back through my checkbook and look at my CS/S/NS.
Everything is chaotic here right now. DGM comes home tomorrow though- that should help some.
|
|
startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
Posts: 4,445
|
Post by startsmart on Apr 10, 2011 16:56:10 GMT -5
Mom's gone home so I think it's going to be a NSD. she went out for coffee this morning but I made breakfast at home then cleaned the kitchen and living room. My car is packed with things to take to Goodwill and donate, must get that done by Wednesday when I go dog sit for the weekend. I cannot wait for the trash pickup this week, I often go every other week for putting my trash out and since I've been cleaning, shredding and tossing the recycle can (64 gallons) and the trash can (32 gallons) are both full.
I'm going to start working at 3 and hopefully get to a good stopping point by 7 tonight. I hate working on the weekend so that's one thing I need to change.
|
|
redwagon
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:16:11 GMT -5
Posts: 2,642
|
Post by redwagon on Apr 10, 2011 19:56:40 GMT -5
Today ended up being quite productive! Finally got blue writing thank you cards (I also wrote more, but he's doing a bunch). and I installed a shelving system in my office closet, which will help clear out my office floor and make stuff in the closet more accessible. Yay! Blue also installed shelving in the shed yesterday, which will help THAT be way more organized. And I bought a few little shrubs that we will plant next weekend. Looking forward to spring staying here (hopefully). Hope you all had nice weekends. (Startsmart, Stop working now!)
|
|
sheilaincali
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 17:55:24 GMT -5
Posts: 4,131
|
Post by sheilaincali on Apr 11, 2011 8:33:47 GMT -5
Survived the weekend. Saturday DH and I were motivated and got some outside projects done. Sunday I had to go to the zoo for my niece's b-day party. Can I just said that I am not a fan of parties in which I have to drive 3 hours round trip, pay $16 to get in and then buy my own lunch. Seems a little much for a 4 year old. But whatever. Of course my family doesn't pay well together so they had a screaming match on the patio during the "birthday cake" portion of the day's festivities. I wisely kept my mouth shut and just stepped back out of the line of fire. So freaking embarassing. I told my dad two weeks ago I didn't want to go because I knew what would happen. And that is exactly what happened. Adults yelled, kids cried, people stared. Serioulsy- we were a like a bad dysfunctional reality tv family but without the cameras. We were one weave pulling away from a Jerry Springer episode and a case of beer shy of an episode of cops. Never going out in public with them again! At least n one is mad at me directly. But I am sick of hearing "your brother needs to apologize to me" and "your sister needs to apologize to me". I told them both- you need to talk to each other and leave me out of it.
So yeah, for DS' party we won't be inviting them out in public anywhere!
|
|
dakota4600
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 10:22:48 GMT -5
Posts: 831
|
Post by dakota4600 on Apr 11, 2011 10:02:09 GMT -5
Swamped still, but here. This week is crazy busy with getting ready for mini-D's b=day this weekend. DH was sick this weekend so like mitten didn't get much done. Though to DH's credit he did get the laundry all caught up. I took mini-D to the zoo on Saturday since it was so nice out. Then Sunday I went to a consignment sale and picked up a few more things for mini-D. I got 11 items for 20 bucks. Including a Levi's jean jacket and OskKosh jeans. So very happy there. Then I stocked up on protein on sale at the grocery store. Spent $150, which for me is a lot, but have lots of chicken and ground beef now. Plus I got the non-perishables for the party. Will still need to do a run Friday or Saturday for veggies and buns. We are doing pulled pork with coleslaw, chips and a couscous salad.
We have to bake sugar cookies, cupcakes and a regular cake. Plus get the house cleaned and the dinner stuff made.
Mitten- Hope the b-day went well.
Shelia- Sorry for the drama. I can see why you don't want to be around them in public. My SIL has that problem with her divorced parents, but they have learned to play nice at large gatherings as long as they stay in different areas.
Start- Hope you didn't work too much this weekend.
Reenee- Yeah on things coming together!
|
|
startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
Posts: 4,445
|
Post by startsmart on Apr 11, 2011 10:55:41 GMT -5
Sheila this made me giggle "my family doesn't pay well together" I didn't work too much this weekend but still low on energy. Mom brought me a stainless steel mug set with great locks so I won't spill drinks at my desk (hopefully). I've got 2 hours worth of team calls this morning and then another 2-3 hours worth of calls in the afternoon.
|
|
azmom
Established Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 12:31:41 GMT -5
Posts: 256
|
Post by azmom on Apr 11, 2011 11:19:07 GMT -5
ugh...here comes my accountability and it is not pretty. Friday for the baseball game $136.10 $10.50-for the light rail-cheaper than parking and we saved gas $63.00-We forgot to get cash and DH paid $3 for $60-not smart $63.10-Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (includes tip and 20% off our bill) ** DH came home with $30 cash, so that put us $6.10 over budget. Saturday $137.22 $7.55-Breakfast at the Donut Hole to make DS feel better about his first game being canceled due to rain $14.67-Lunch at Pizza Mart $60.99-Grocery trip to WalMart w/DH (enough said) $47.82-Dinner out at a Mexican Rest. $6.19-picked up food for DSS who was at our house playing video games with DS who was sick. **WalMart comes out of our grocery budget and is okay but the rest are just inexcusable! Sunday $66.18 $21.44-Christian Bookstore for MOMs gifts for the girls at my table (budgeted planned spend) $15.92-Target for planned necessities $28.82-Pizza and wings for dinner w/our bible study group Grand Total of $339.50 AND $141.15 was NOT planned! OUCH **I'm staying home today just to get a NSD...I will need to go grocery shopping tomorrow**
|
|
mcreal
Initiate Member
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 10:00:36 GMT -5
Posts: 74
|
Post by mcreal on Apr 11, 2011 11:22:18 GMT -5
Wow! I was gone three days, and I missed so much. You gals are busy. I went to Moms weekend at #2D college. It turned out to be more expensive than my plan. And now I will have to work to get back on track. She was SO excited to have me there. I toured every inch of the campus with her, met all her friends, saw all her favorite things. She has really missed her mom. She's a tough kid, but I did not know how isolated she felt until I got there. She knows how hard it is for me to make ends meet, so she asks for nothing. I bought her running shoes that she desperately needed, and a few other things. It really added up. I guess "out of sight, out of mind" for me. It was a hard "mom moment". This is when my guilt can really mess up my spending. My girls have stayed strong for so many years as I try to keep this ship from sinking. Sometimes it is just too much to bear. #3D has another job interview today (she has had seven so far, no luck). I really need to get her more independant. #1D is talking about quitting her job to focus on school (she currently works full time and takes a full load of college courses).
I have absolutely no idea how I am going to get these three girls thru college while keeping on my debt reduction course. I have given myself two more years to get my $40K in consumer debt under control. The stress and guilt overwhelm me.
It is good to know this group is here for support.
|
|
redwagon
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:16:11 GMT -5
Posts: 2,642
|
Post by redwagon on Apr 11, 2011 11:55:21 GMT -5
mcreal - hang in there, and don't guilt trip yourself. Sounds like you're doing a great job and that you've instilled some good values in your girls. Are they taking full advantage of scholarship/grant opportunities?
Sheila - yikes. Yeah I'd avoid going out in public with them too!
azmom - it happens. The important question is: did you have fun? was it worth it? My weight watchers leader always asks that when people say they "messed up" over the weekend. If it was worth it and you aren't going to eat/spend like that every day and will balance out elsewhere, then don't feel guilty.
|
|
shanendoah
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:44:48 GMT -5
Posts: 10,096
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0c3563
|
Post by shanendoah on Apr 11, 2011 12:35:51 GMT -5
Will have numbers when I'm back at work tomorrow, but Friday and Saturday were NSDs, and Sunday was a CSD. Today will be a CSD as there are currently men jackhammering away in the basement. Junebug especially is not a fan.
|
|
startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
Posts: 4,445
|
Post by startsmart on Apr 11, 2011 18:54:24 GMT -5
Huge work breakthrough today in hour 4 of team calls. While I'm glad to be shifting a huge amount of my responsibilities to another team member this new person is driving me CRAZY. I already called her out twice with a kind version of "I am not YOUR personal assistant and I've already shown you where to find that info TWICE. So go find it and leave me the hell alone." People who create more work for me are NOT good team members. At all.
I'm also highly tempted to make this an eating out day but I shouldn't. Going out of town later in the week so I know I'm going to end up spending money then. Boo.
Also, must not buy puppies on craigslist. so tempting. so cute.
|
|
moneysquirrel
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 13:12:39 GMT -5
Posts: 1,911
|
Post by moneysquirrel on Apr 11, 2011 20:35:07 GMT -5
Update: 6 NS and 5 CS days. Just checking in for a few minutes. This weekend were all CS days and today I managed a NS. I did get to the French Quarter Festival yesterday. Great music, no admission fees and plenty of tempting food. Almost everything that Jazz Fest has but without the big $$. It was budgeted and therefore a CS. The weather was playing its part as well -- a little warm but that is normal for this area. Today I came straight home from school and took a long nap. I guess I needed it. I usually sleep for a few minutes but several hours is not my normal. Well I still have several papers to correct so back to work I go.
|
|