muttleynfelix
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:32:52 GMT -5
Posts: 9,406
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Post by muttleynfelix on Aug 30, 2011 23:04:06 GMT -5
money - Well, it is Kindermusik (they do classes birth through age 7), but after 2 classes he appears to get something out of it. I think he needs the regular interaction with kids his age and he really loves music. He would dance before he could walk.
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reeneejune
Established Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 19:49:40 GMT -5
Posts: 430
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Post by reeneejune on Aug 31, 2011 0:29:48 GMT -5
When all that extra time I spend with some customers pays off... Nearly a year ago now I spent a good chunk of time helping several ladies who were making costumes for a skit for their club. It was one of those "committee" decisions where I felt like I should have been serving them coffee, they'd been sitting there discussing options for so long. Anyway, the leader of the group is a semi-regular customer and we've chatted several times since that first day (I probably spent about an hour helping them the first time around). As it turns out, one of the primary missions of this club is to raise money to provide scholarships to women. They stay involved with the scholarship recipients through their college careers, so they develop a close relationship with the women they help. The customer dropped in tonight and I mentioned that I've decided what term I'll be starting back to school. She, and the other ladies in the group, would really like for me to apply for one of their scholarships, and she went out of her way to make sure that I have her email address to get in touch with them. MK – of course! Just for reference, do several people have access to posting on the CS/NS blog, or just one person? Gin – You're on my list! (be afraid, be very afraid! LOL) azmom – So if I understand right, you're taking a free vacation instead of paying for one, you're going to baseball games again this year (which I know you LOVE) and your DD is doing great in school. What was it you were disappointed about again? spruby – All of the different perspectives are important here. Having someone who's been down this road before to guide the way for those of us who are still wandering in the semi-darkness is helpful beyond belief. Mizbear – we all have skills and talents that we bring to the table. I'd challenge you to change that thought that you're somehow lacking and think about what you do well. I'll start you with this one: just before the hurricane, you took the initiative to set up a thread for our posters in the path of destruction to check in when they can. Which means that you're a concerned and loyal friend. Midwestern – we were all new once. For me it was just over two and a half years ago that I first posted, and they haven't gotten me to shut up since. LOL. I'll put you on the list of possible captains for the future, I think once you see a captain in action and some of the questions/challenges, you'll feel more comfortable with how it works. Moneysquirrel – I can completely understand why you won't have time to volunteer. Not everyone will be able to fit it into their schedule or commit to the extra work, and that's completely ok. I never intended for everyone to take a turn at it. In fact, I'm already a bit surprised at the length of my list of potential weekly captains. We will certainly enjoy your insights and comments whenever you are able to stop by. moneysquirrel/MK – I've read the two Kane Chronicles books that are out so far. Lots of fun, I think I might even like them better than the Percy Jackson books. The narrative is split between a brother and sister main characters, which lends a great perspective. It's also fun to have a new adventure story where there's a female main character. Percy Jackson has Annabeth, but she's more of a sidekick.
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sheilaincali
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 17:55:24 GMT -5
Posts: 4,131
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Post by sheilaincali on Aug 31, 2011 8:21:59 GMT -5
Thank you all for sharing your backgrounds with us I love the fact that we come to this from so many different perspectives. I think that is one of our greatest strengths. My story: DH and I have been married for 15 years, we have one 13 year old DS "The Boy". I joined these threads 4 years ago in September. It's been a crazy four years. When I joined we lived in Southern California and were living the good life $$ wise. The next four years saw 3 job losses (2 for DH and one for me), my husband's affair and subsequent stalking by the ex-mistress, a move back to Minnesota and new jobs for us. We lost our CA house to foreclosure (something I never really vocalized here). The first two years back in MN our income was half of what it was in CA. We are slowly gaining ground and climbing back out of what felt like a bottomless black hole. We NEVER would have survived without the ladies here. We haven't used a credit card in 3 years. I learned to drastically downsize my life and learned how to define wants and needs. We are happier and healthier now then we ever were when we were making twice as much money. Now a days I don't track my spending as much as I should be we carry the lessons with us every day. It is not at all uncommon for DH to ask me "what's the most frugal way to achieve that?" DS is learning how to manage money and save for what he wants rather than expect us to buy it for him. During my darkest days of job losses and crazy mistresses you all kept me sane. Thank you for that.
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redwagon
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:16:11 GMT -5
Posts: 2,642
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Post by redwagon on Aug 31, 2011 8:47:30 GMT -5
startsmart - great name for September!
Renee - thanks for stepping up! I myself am not on here with the regularity required for such a position, but I will support our weekly leaders in any way I can! And that's great about the scholarship possibility!
sheila - still no power, on to day 4. I'm trying to figure out the best way to approach the backyard neighbor. We don't know them at all. A letter in the mailbox? If we knock they may not be home. I just want to recommend that they be in touch with their homeowners insurance and let them know we are working on getting everything removed and the ground settled again so everyone can fix their fences.
Dakota - great job on the weight loss!
azmom - great victory! I'm not sure blue and I could do that, but maybe someday. and congrats to DD!
SES - has it been three years since you retired already? I remember your "practice" year like it was yesterday!
muttley - you are such a good example of how one's financial situation and life circumstances can change so much and so often, yet we all still belong here! Also, I sometimes regret upgrading to smart phones, but after this week I have to say they are the best purchase we ever made. Without them we would be utterly without a way to contact the world, call insurance, reassure family we are okay, email work, and so on. A true sanity saver.
background - I am an example of a rapidly changing situation, I think, as well. When I started out on here. blue and I each had our own apartments, I had a decent job paying enough for my apartment and life's staples, but I was trying to live a more exciting life than I could afford. Now four years later, I'm married (and blue makes almost double what I do, which helps a lot), have a house/mortgage, two car loans, and took on a LOT of SL debt via blue. However, since we do make enough to pay for all that, and put some aside in savings or for fun stuff, I'm feeling pretty good about our financial situation. We are planning to start our family as soon as I'm weaned off my meds, and hope to be able to afford annual vacations of some sort, whether cheaper camping or a European jaunt. that said, I do want to focus more and get back into carefully planning larger purchases, and paying off our CCs once and for all. Luckily with freelancing and blue's signing bonus for getting his old coworker hired at his new compnay, that should help a lot there. At heart I am still a spender, but luckily blue is a saver, and I hope in the end we balance each other out. You ladies have always been my conscience of sorts, keeping me honest and keeping me from buying all the stuff I might want, or helping me to delay gratification. And you're also there when the emotional side of things rears its head and you help keep me grounded when i might be upset and want to go buy out H&M. So thank you.
sheila - how did DS get to be 13??
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dakota4600
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 10:22:48 GMT -5
Posts: 831
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Post by dakota4600 on Aug 31, 2011 8:56:14 GMT -5
I've been here awhile and it is kind of nice to hear everyone's story again or for the first time. I've been married for 5 years and am very lucky to have a spouse with similar financial views. We have 1 DS (mini-D) who is almost 3.5 and in preschool now. I ended up here about 2.5 years ago. Mini-D was about to turn 1 and I was feeling that our finances were out of control. It seemed like every time we turned around he needed new clothes or diapers or something. So for lent I decided not to spend on anything, but diapers, gas and groceries. I was a lurker on the boards and had noticed the NS thread and decided to jump in. I got a warm welcome from the ladies here and you quickly became the angels on my shoulder when I went shopping. In the first few months I got a handle on the budget and realized that eating out was our downfall. So I sat down with DH and together we set some limits. Monday-Thursday we eat dinner at home. Friday is typically our out to dinner night. Saturday it depends on what we are doing, but if we eat out it is only 1 meal. Every other Sunday we go out for lunch with the IL's after church. (Still annoys me that they invite us and never pay, but I'll get over it.) From out wise women here I've learned some kitchen tricks and have gotten good at batch cooking. It really doesn't take much more time to double or triple the recipe and freeze some for later. I've found I actually enjoy some baking. Now my family eats much healthier as we have eliminated packaged/processed foods, plus my grocery bill is smaller too. I do work full time and have no problem getting a homemade meal on the table most nights. I find that if I devote a half day to cooking once every 2-3 months I can keep our staples ready to go for quick meals. As long as I have some kind of plan of what we are going to eat that week it goes pretty smoothly. My next challenge is to make more homemade cleaners. Thanks to Honey, I have a ton of suggestions that I will quietly incorporate. If I make a big deal out of it DH tends to resist, but if I just start doing it, he tends to go with the flow. I can't say that I never use credit cards. We actually use one for every transaction we can, but it gets paid off in full every month. It has a pretty good rewards program. This year we were able to get a rental car for week with points and $300 in GC to Lowe's and HD for projects around the house. We are lucky that we make pretty good money and aren't struggling to pay the bills, but the quickest way to get in that position is to not be mindful of your spending. So this group keeps me grounded. And is the main reason I didn't go on-line last week to upgrade to an i-phone the day I was eligible. I'm still going to do it, but I am waiting until the next version of the iphone comes out then I'll get the older version a little cheaper.
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singlemomky
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 10:25:57 GMT -5
Posts: 198
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Post by singlemomky on Aug 31, 2011 9:14:33 GMT -5
Thank you to everyone who has stepped up - I agree that the new (old) direction we are heading is a good thing. I find that I am much more lax these days too and some structure would do me well.
Background: I am a single mom of a 7 year old - Lil' Smokey. I have a mortgage & monthly bills but thankfully no car payment. I have been a single mom since day 1 of his life and I cannot imagine not having him. One of the downsides to the single parenting life is that it is by his father's choosing. Lil' Smokey has not seen or talked to his dad in almost 3 years. Financially, I get regular child support but at the time that we mediated the issue, I really just wanted "a little something" to be able to say that his dad acknowledged him. Now that I am wiser, I realize that I am probably going to have to petition for an increase in support b/c I agreed to about 1/2 of what the state would have forced him to pay. On one hand I am making it w/o the money from his dad but on the other hand, the extra would be really nice to put aside for DS.
I first began lurking about 3 years ago when I was home on medical leave after breaking my leg and requiring surgery which had me off work for 8 weeks and unable to be completely weight bearing for 16 weeks. I was fortunate that I have a really great work environment (and an amazing family support system) but it made me realize that anything can happen and life can change in the blink of an eye.
I started out trying to figure out where all my leaks were and realized that I ate out way too much - a couple dollars here & a couple dollars there really added up over the course of the month. I have fallen off the wagon so to speak in that regard and really need to focus on curtailing that habit. As the first step, I need to focus on bringing my lunch to work every day.
I do have some small credit card debt that I really need to focus on paying off this fall and hopefully having some more structure will aid in my finally buckling down.
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muttleynfelix
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:32:52 GMT -5
Posts: 9,406
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Post by muttleynfelix on Aug 31, 2011 9:48:23 GMT -5
renee - Thanks for the sympathies on the job.
sheila - Thanks for sharing about your CA house.
Red- I'm with you....when did sheila's DS get to be 13... of course when did you get married and I have a baby. LOL.
I'm getting close to wrapping up the project from hades. UGH. What a PITA! Add to the fact that with no techs or designers, the only person working on it is me (probably a good thing, at this point I would probably kill my surveyor if he tried to help and something went wrong...he is on shit list this week) It was a big enough project that another competant person would have gone a long way. Oh well. Such is life.
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sheilaincali
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 17:55:24 GMT -5
Posts: 4,131
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Post by sheilaincali on Aug 31, 2011 10:13:13 GMT -5
Muttley: Thanks. It was a tough time but we are coming out on the other side in a much better place. We bought for $420K, financed $309K (down pymt from the house we sold in MN). After a full year of unemployment we couldn't keep up. The mortgage company sold it for $120K. When we left CA there were like 50 houses in our little section of the neighborhood and probably 20 were for sale with the bulk of them being listed as foreclosures or short sales. I am shocked every day that the Boy is 13. We had his little meet and greet with the teachers on his trail for 8th grade last night. I am going to be an emotional wreck this time next year when he starts high school. We have all been together so long I remember Red and Blue dating, azmom's DD when she was a baby, MK pregnant with her DD, you pregnant with your DS. It's been crazy how much has happened and how much all of our lives have changed.
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sheilaincali
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 17:55:24 GMT -5
Posts: 4,131
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Post by sheilaincali on Aug 31, 2011 10:15:10 GMT -5
Dakota_ Keep us posted on the cleaners. We used a vinegar/water solution with a few drops of tea tree oil in it to dull the smell of the vinegar- it seemed to work pretty well as a spray cleaner.
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startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
Posts: 4,438
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Post by startsmart on Aug 31, 2011 10:51:12 GMT -5
My background for those who are interested I joined the msn boards in 2008 when I was unemployed and working boring temp jobs. Id quit my full time job and was looking for something new and found that saving money was much harder without income lol. I joined in February because it was the shortest month. Then, I think in April, I helped with tracking when MK had her DD and volunteering really brought me closer to the group. Also in 2008 I bought my first house which the broker flooded the weekend before I moved in. These lovely ladies I didn't even know sent a huge care package via Keeker to my door step. It was their caring that helped me through and the reason my broker is alive today and I'm not in jail. Now it's 2011 and I'm 26, still single and lovin' it, have3 lively dogs named after dead presidents (Jackson, Wilson and Nixon) and have evolved so much as a person. Financially I became hyper aware of where my money was going. What I was spending money on, how my investments were doing. I paid off my car loan early, set aside money for house repairs and am still working on making regular retirement contributions. I'm still in the black financially but I want to pay off my student loans and an education loan, complete payments on my grandpa's 1970 Cadillac and open a separate credit card for my business expenses. Instead of watching every penny sit in my bank account indefinitely spending more. I hope still consciously but sometimes I slip up. I'm buying for unprepared food, making my own beans, rice and lentils and eating way more fresh fruit and veggies. A lot of my habits have changed over the past 3 1/2 years but this board keeps me grounded. Whether I was struggling through underemployment and living at the poverty level or going to Europe on vacation, the wise wonderful women here have guided me, given great advice and encouraged me through it all.
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mrslynch
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 10:58:15 GMT -5
Posts: 176
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Post by mrslynch on Aug 31, 2011 11:15:49 GMT -5
Gin--please don't hate me! I'm honestly surprised by my ranking (which went down another 5K this morning. Not that I was checking or anything ). Thanks to all who have shared their backgrounds. I'm way too emotional to go into my entire story but here's the basics: I joined in 2008 when my husband and I were in the midst of paying off a great deal of debt. I needed somewhere to be accountable to my debt payoff and my frivolous spending. I have a 4 1/2 year old dd, 2 dogs and 1 cat who, on some days, are the reason I keep going. The friendships I've made here and support I get from you ladies have enabled me to start writing, something I've always wanted to do (even if I don't get paid to do it. Yet. We'll see how that goes). But what I love most about this group is that no matter how far any one of us falls, financially or otherwise, we're all there to help pick her up. I have evolved so much as a person by being part of this group. New or old, you ladies are all amazing and special to me. Ok, with that out of the way, I'm trying to decide if I should be buy an iPhone (I have no interest in being an iPhone. Not even for Halloween. Good lord, does my proofreading need work. And that is why I don't get paid to write). With my discount and contract price (I know that a contract is a bad idea but I have no intentions of leaving Verizon. In 9 years of service, I've never had a problem), it comes to $169.99. I have the money. I've wanted an iPhone for a long time. The problem? Convincing myself that it's OK to sometimes spend money on a pure, unadulterated want.
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redwagon
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:16:11 GMT -5
Posts: 2,642
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Post by redwagon on Aug 31, 2011 11:21:58 GMT -5
aww I just want to give all of you a big hug, oldies and newbies alike. this really is a great group, and it's nice to sit back and realize that!
Speaking of cleaners, I have a white ceramic kitchen sink that has some... not cracks, but areas around the drain that are more worn and tend to pick up the color of whatever is soaking in the sink. obviously the bigger answer is not to let stuff pile up, but how do I get it pristine white? I hate the smell of bleach but I'm fearing that is the only thing that will work. I tried lestoil and traditional cleaners, but maybe something more natural will be more vigorous. Thoughts?
I found a $40 check from a survey site that's been sitting on our bookcase since may. whooops. I guess dinner out tonight is on me! That's a nice surprise/relief.
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redwagon
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:16:11 GMT -5
Posts: 2,642
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Post by redwagon on Aug 31, 2011 11:23:09 GMT -5
mrslynch - do it. You have the money saved, you've thought about it and realized you still want it, and you deserve it!! you've come a long way, baby!
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Honeylioness
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:09:59 GMT -5
Posts: 244
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Post by Honeylioness on Aug 31, 2011 11:36:03 GMT -5
reenee - Thank you again for stepping up to get the ball rolling. And for the person who asked .. Nope, not bothered at all. I just nudged the group specifically so people would have a starting place for a discussion - and those who felt strongly would raise their hand and volunteer.
And BTW - I will be happy to be in the rotation for weekly captain where needed.
azmom --- ewww, sitting around and being that hot doesn't sound like a fun time to me either. Hope you survived the evening. As for your vacation, I know this is a big thing for your family but I am sure you know in your gut that it is really not the end of the world.
And thank you for the kind words about the recipe. I would be thrilled to be referenced on your blog - and if you just "happened" to mention a link to the Lioness Den ... well, that would be okay as well.
startsmart - I received my confirmation e-mail and the handbook with no glitches at all. So consider this one beta test a "Go" - and yes, you DO need a better header for the home page *grins*
redwagon - I would recommend talking to the neighbor face to face first - just to keep things a bit friendlier. If they are not home then I would mail them a letter - with tracking from the USPS to prove they got it.
*blushing* ... and you KNOW I have already drafted such a letter in my head right? Let me know if you would like to see it.
3catslady - I hope you know that many of us will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this current rough patch. I know your home life has been beyond stressful the past couple of years but I am so proud of you for pushing on regardless.
And I can say that considering all you have been through in the last 40 years I am so impressed with your inner strength and courage to keep persevering. I have been in those dark funks myself, and I wish I had a magic answer for you as to how to get out. But you and I know there isn't a quick fix. You just have to keep the faith that it will get better.
mrslynch - It has taken me a long time, and some days I am not sure I really am there yet, to allow myself to buy something just because I want it. However if the bills are paid, you have emergency savings and you can avoid putting it on a credit card - then I see nothing wrong with the occasional personal splurge for oneself.
Thanks to mizbear, spruby, midwesternjd, moneyquirrel, dakota, redwagon, muttleynfelix, SES, sheliaincali, singlemomky, startsmart, dakota4600 and mrslynch for sharing your background with us again/for the first time.
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Honeylioness
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:09:59 GMT -5
Posts: 244
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Post by Honeylioness on Aug 31, 2011 11:48:35 GMT -5
redwagon - regarding your older ceramic sink - over time the ceramic coating does wear down. What you may be seeing is either staining from where the protective coating has exposed the raw ceramic, OR it could even be the base metal of the sink showing through.
It it is that latter then the ceramic is gone and the only way to fix this is to reglaze the sink - sorry, that really cannot be done at home you will need to hire a professional.
However there is something you can try before you drench your hands in bleach.
* Wash the area to remove any obvious dirt or grease.
* While the surface is still damp pour a good amount of baking soda on a moist sponge. Scour the area in a circular motion to work into any tiny cracks.
* If the stains seem very stubborn try adding a couple of teaspoons of salt to the sponge and baking soda. These two items are abrasive without being corrosive.
* Rinse the area well.
* If it is not as clean looking as you would like try stopping up the sink, rub baking soda into the area with a moist, not dripping sponge, then pour about a cup of white vinegar over the area ... let it fizzle and bubble until the activity subsides. Once things "calm down" add a bit more vinegar to react with any remaining baking soda. Rinse the area well.
* If this doesn't work you may have to stopper the sink overnight and fill the sink with just enough water to cover the bottom and then add 2-3 cups of bleach and let it sit overnight.
Good luck.
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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
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Post by mizbear on Aug 31, 2011 11:52:20 GMT -5
I started looking at the NS calendar last night and realized that I had not set a real goal for August. I also realized that I couldn't read half of it because I had notes scribbled on it about exactly what I had spent on- not a bad thing but it sure made reading difficult.
I am calling this month a wash.
September I start fresh. Positive outlook, positive goals.
September goals 25 CS/NS 2 EO (My birthday is next month after all)
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azmom
Established Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 12:31:41 GMT -5
Posts: 256
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Post by azmom on Aug 31, 2011 12:33:39 GMT -5
I'm short on time so this is going to be quick: Money: The only expense for this trip will be gas for our vehicle! Our room is a two bedroom w/ a full kitchen. We already have our menu planned, a little bit more extravagant than if we were eating at home but still all will be made instead of eating out. I will also shop here and take it with us on our 3 hour drive. We learned last year that the only grocery store is way too expensive! We plan on hiking, enjoying the pool and just relaxing as a family! Renee: Umm That would be FOOTBALL sweetie And yes I do realize that it is a win for us personally but that money for the tix could be used for other things. I said no, DH bought them anyway. I gave it my best effort and now that whats done is done All that I can do now is enjoy it! Mrs. Lynch: {{{{HUGS}}} I wish I could get on a plane and be there for you but prayers from AZ are being said for you everyday! RED: The no vacation part? Wait until you have four kids and your vacation triple the cost you are used to now! Or was it the no CC? We can't be trusted with them-hence our Cards tix (at least it is w/cash) We are not mature enough to use cc. We have learned our lesson and right now it is the best option for US, even though I know their are benefits to using them. HONEY: Of course I will mention your blog. Because of the holiday it will most likely post on Tuesday. I can't wait to try the chicken. SS: I sent you a PM I Love taking a trip down memory lane with all the background stories. I will add mine soon but I have already spent enough time on the computer. Feel Free to Skip: MY 99th BLOG Post anotherhousewife.wordpress.com/ is up. AND I have a question/need help (shocking I know). I plan on using my 100th post as a giveaway. (not too expensive) I need help narrowing it down as to what it should be. I originally thought a g/c because mailing it would be easy and then I get nervous about if I should make it specific like Starbucks or keep it a Visa Card or if I should personalize it to things on my blog like giving away a Pioneer Woman book BTW I have yet to see her show ;( I even thought of a Cast Iron Skillet but shipping would be crazy right? Then there is the issue of how long I should leave the entry open. YES I AM AN OVER THINKER AND YES I MAY BE JUST THINKING OUT LOUD HERE but that's what I love about this place
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mrslynch
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 10:58:15 GMT -5
Posts: 176
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Post by mrslynch on Aug 31, 2011 13:08:12 GMT -5
honey/red--thanks for your encouragement. in true cs/ns fashion, i found a refurbished iphone 4 for $119.99. i think i'm going to go with that one. i have a refurbished ipod and it's never given me a single problem (that i haven't caused). azmom--i you. and i think your prayers are working because every day gets a bit easier.
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redwagon
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:16:11 GMT -5
Posts: 2,642
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Post by redwagon on Aug 31, 2011 13:32:38 GMT -5
Honey - I might have to take you up on that letter. First I need to figure out which house it is - all I ever see is the back! As for the sink, I will try your suggestions - all but the last. I don't want the kitties drinking the water! Thank you so much, I knew I could count on you!
azmom - I mean the no vacations. I'm sure we'll edge more towards cheaper camping trips once we have four kids!
mrslynch - glad you found an iphone solution that worked for you! Enjoy it!
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startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
Posts: 4,438
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Post by startsmart on Aug 31, 2011 17:09:44 GMT -5
reenee- woot woot! on the potential scholarship months before you even begin! see, kindness does pay off! honeylioness- yeah.. that placeholder header has to change, at least a little blue eyes is supposed to be online tonight to help me update it redwagon- any power yet? I don't think I'd like constantly eating out but would definitely try to play laser tag inside after 4 days in the dark. exit "interview" - the gal who thinks she's running everything in the company while the client is gone wanted to talk today. There is clearly no plan for anyone to do my job now that I'm done. She kept talking about overlap and I made it clear there is none as far as I was concerned. Oh well, shifting my focus and energy toward building something GREAT where I can help lots of people who want to be helped. I went to my list of blog topics and was surprised to find about 50 usable ideas. Not to mention all the topics that I can pull from my free ebook.
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sbcalimom
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 21:27:25 GMT -5
Posts: 890
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Post by sbcalimom on Aug 31, 2011 17:30:27 GMT -5
I'm so in for September . We've been hemorrhaging money left and right the last few months. While some of it was necessary expenses, some of it was definitely frivolous. I just need to buckle down and get things back to normal now that I'm going back to work next weekend . I'll put my background up either later tonight or tomorrow sometime. DH and DD1 are on a short expedition to Yosemite so I'm on my own with DD2 right now and can I say she gets less than pleased when she isn't immediately picked up.
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startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
Posts: 4,438
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Post by startsmart on Aug 31, 2011 17:33:28 GMT -5
yay sbcalimom! let me know if you want to hang out this week, I'm free DD2 may not let me hold her long but a brief reprise is better than none. honey- I had to post this because I knew it would make you laugh. direct quote from blue eyes: "psssh there is NOTHING wrong with the banner lol"
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kcgal
Initiate Member
Joined: Dec 28, 2010 10:10:09 GMT -5
Posts: 73
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Post by kcgal on Aug 31, 2011 19:20:19 GMT -5
I have been around since the girls met up in KC. I am SES little sister. She had been talking about you all since the Vegas meet up. I thought it was extremely weird to go meet Internet friends. People really do that and walk away safely? So I really wanted to meet you all. I thought my sister had lost all sanity to hang with Internet friends. Someone had to look after her?! Imagine my surprise to find out you are perfectly normal people. LOL. Like my sister I am by nature frugal, it was the way I was raised. I have a DH, 2 grown children, 1 adorable GD and 4 grand cats. One g.cat visits regularly especially if DGD is her. Uncle C's cat is best of friends with uncle C's niece. I think it is because they are both in their terrible two's. After the met up I started lurking a lot. I found out that I could do a better job of saving following some basic concepts brought up on this site. By being aware of what I spend I am able to do 1 major home improvement project a year. I NEVER take a vacation that is paid for before I walk out the door. I don't like to face it after wards. I was a school teacher. My worst year ever I had walking pneumonia and missed an entire week of school and went back even though I wasn't well. Had too. The day before Good Friday I got a phone call from the daughter (21) of my BFF from HS. She had died of a brain aneurysm, the next day I got a call from SES that mom had passed away. I took another week off from work to deal with everything, still sick. It wasn't well received even though I had 30+ sick days that I was gone for another week! I came back to work a week later, still sick. Less than a month later my daughter new FIL was sick one day and then dead the next. I was so sick I wasn't able to give my daughter the emotional support she needed. I had nothing to give. I was laying on the couch one day after school feeling so horrible it finally occurred to me if I didn't make some changes I would be the next one to die. I quit my job those outdoor recesses were killing me. I'm allergic to everything. Plus the 60 hour weeks were not any help wen it came to my health. A year later the allergy/asthma doctor gave me a clean bill of health and I plan to keep it! My big plan was to get well and then be a teacher's aid, no more 60 hour weeks for me. However, the recession came and no one is hiring aids. So instead I do all the home repairs I can. Use coupon to save money and carefully watch how I spend my money. My new work uniform is jeans and a t shirt. Love the uniform. The NS/CS has made me very aware of my spending habits and cut my grocery bill by $200.00. Between the amount of gas I was spending and the extra money I was spending oop we hardly missed my income. I have chose to simplify my life.
renee- love the roses. Lucky you!
Honey-I am excited for restructuring September
MizBear- Never under estimate what you have to offer.
sheli-WTG train hubby to think frugal. You go girl!
Dakota- Weight loss yea!
Mrs. L- I want an iphone too but I find I won't cough up the money. I think I will sooner or later.
Last but not least is there a spell check on Face Book and where is it? Anybody?
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kcgal
Initiate Member
Joined: Dec 28, 2010 10:10:09 GMT -5
Posts: 73
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Post by kcgal on Aug 31, 2011 19:37:02 GMT -5
Aww Man Forgot 16 NS 14 CS 1 Out Of CS while working on the room make over. Had to go back to the hard ware store half a dozen time for little things. 11 MOAN Money S. Yes the room make over revolves around BH rug. Now I am really done.
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financialpeace
Familiar Member
Joined: May 17, 2011 16:10:54 GMT -5
Posts: 554
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Post by financialpeace on Aug 31, 2011 20:10:52 GMT -5
Final Update: 9/15 NSD, 11/20 NEO, 6/20 MOAN
I love the name suggestion of Starting Fresh September. I need a fresh start in just about every area of my life.
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moneysquirrel
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 13:12:39 GMT -5
Posts: 1,908
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Post by moneysquirrel on Aug 31, 2011 20:35:05 GMT -5
August Final Update: 21 NS days and 3 CS days = 24 NS/CS daysThis month has flown by. sbcalimom -- Welcome back!! I remember when you was expecting DD#1 and now you have a second little girl. red -- be careful using any food from the freezer. After a certain period of time without power it will not be any good. Same about the fridge. One of the biggest things, I do beginning around April is begin to eat as much as possible out of the freezer. I rarely add items to it during the summer. I am currently down to only a few items in it. I know that we have at least another 6 weeks of hurricane season so I will continue to be limiting the items in the freezer. The big freezer was cleaned out and unplugged in early summer. Today was the first day in several that I was able to breathe without inhaling smoke. There is a large marsh fire on the outskirts of the city. Depending on the wind direction entire areas of the city area covered in smoke. The school has canceled outdoor activities and practices the last several days due to possible health issues. KCgal-- are you finished the room yet. I am beginning to narrow down which of the 3 items I need to get is the next one on my list. I will be finish with the HD bill this week. Love 0% interest. Of course I had 6 months to pay it off -- did I mention that I hate having bills. It will be paid this week several months in advance. Honey -- You beat me to the punch of recommending baking soda and vinegar.
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spruby
Established Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 23:35:01 GMT -5
Posts: 255
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Post by spruby on Aug 31, 2011 20:39:12 GMT -5
Final Update: 20 CS/NS, 6 MOAN, 10 NEOGetting better on the NEO We are going to try a new idea I found on a blog - assign points to each restaurant and limit the number of points available in a month (a la weight watchers). We are going to do the reverse of the blogger - cheaper fast food (I'm looking at you McD's & Chik fil A) will count as MORE points, local restaurants with fresh foods/balanced menus will count as fewer points. Can you tell I am desperate and will try anything?! I love reading everyone's back story - makes me feel like I know you all a little better. kcgal - your story really hit home for me - different kind of job - but some days it feels like it is literally killing me and it isn't worth - it is encouraging you were able to save yourself. gives me hope.
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ses
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:18:37 GMT -5
Posts: 654
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Post by ses on Aug 31, 2011 21:30:02 GMT -5
I am so excited for September to start. I am more motivated than I have been in a long time. I am tired of just coasting.
Today has been a very stressful day. My job requires me to print out test forms about once a week, and the printer at work died, then my printer at home died(or at least went into a coma) and the college IT guys can't get to me until next week. Oh, throw in a holiday weekend! As I was about to panic, my computer genius/god fixed my printer! I am now breathing again.
I have decided with a long weekend I am going to overhaul my budget, again. I am becoming too comfortable with the current budget. I ended up with a leftover $250 last month and didn't know how it happened. I ended up paying a bill without having to hit the money I had saved for it. Nice!
Money--the fastest cat in the West, AKA Calleigh, has discovered the moths hovering over the lawn as the evenings cool, slightly. I think she has been taking ballet classes on the sly. Watching her leap and twist, I feel like I should be charging admission. Especially when Onyx decides to join her. The only downside is examining their mouths' for captives before they come inside. I don't need anymore livestock brought inside. I can sympathize about the wildfire smoke. We have been having some drift from the fires north of us. When we had a fire just outside of town a couple of years ago the smoke was horrible and lasted forever. I was changing the furnace filter as much as a year later and still smelling a hint of smoke.
Reenee--when I get this job under my belt a little more and have more time I will be glad to volunteer, but until then I really am swamped.
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MittenKitten
Well-Known Member
Home of the Circus
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:12:58 GMT -5
Posts: 1,070
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Post by MittenKitten on Aug 31, 2011 23:06:04 GMT -5
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reeneejune
Established Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 19:49:40 GMT -5
Posts: 430
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Post by reeneejune on Aug 31, 2011 23:24:41 GMT -5
Just a quick check in tonight. Spent ~12 hrs with Mom and Sis at the Oregon State fair. I'm slightly sunburned and likely dehydrated since I feel a little . Mr. Potential is supposed to be coming over for dinner tomorrow night and I really need to go and make up some marinara sauce so I'm ready to make lasagna. While at the fair today I stepped out of my comfort zone a bit with something. I'm not big into jewelery/makeup/body art/whatever, but Mom saw a booth doing Henna tattoos at our county fair and was intrigued. So she insisted that we girls all get Henna tattoos today. Sis got her last name in a pretty cursive script. Mom got a heart with a rose. Mine is probably the most intricate design, it's a flower with a scroll and leaf design (but strangely it was the least expensive). And we all got them on our left ankle/calf. So we did the standard group leg shot for photos. I'll try to take a pic of mine later, but no promises. My story will have to wait till later too. I'm beat. I may not even make sauce tonight. I may even just use the canned sauce in the cupboard. Well see how I feel in the morning. And one last parting shot, a random sign seen at one of the vendor's booths: "Some people call it b*tc#ing. I call it motivational speaking."
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