Honeylioness
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Post by Honeylioness on May 30, 2012 23:29:29 GMT -5
The Controlled/No Spend thread is undergoing an overhaul as we get back to the fundamentals of the thread while still maintaining the camaraderie that keeps us coming back and makes us successful- even if not initially.
Not sure if weekly captains will happen but we will try.
Here is this month's Controlled/No Spend Thread as promised. Please post your goals for the month if you would like me to include them in the bi-Monthly update. For the new people there are no real set rules here, you set your own. The basic goal most if not all of us have are to keep track of the days we don't spend and hopefully by that work on saving money. Some are looking to put it into savings others to pay down debt. For some they only count the day as a no spend day if they spend nothing at all. Others will count it if they keep their total under $5. Some count all spending others only count a certain part of their budget. For example I personally take $400 out of the the bank in cash for everything that is not related to vehicle expenses (like gas, oil changes, insurance etc) or the house (mortgage, utilities, HOA) If I spend out of the $400 I count it as a spend day (although if it is less then $5 I usually count it as a no spend day.) You set your own rules. Any questions feel free to ask. You can post your no spend days daily or whenever you want, just put it in bold at the top with the first number being the number you want me to record. If you are doing daily then: Today (or yesterday) $0 Spend day More then one day at a time: 4/31 days $0 Spend Which translates into 4 out of 31 days in December have been no spend so far. Some use the bigger number as their goal number so do 4/15 No spend Days which means they have a goal of 15 no spend days this month.
CSD: Controlled Spend Day BFF: Best Friend Forever DH/DS/DD/DSS: Dear Husband, Dear Son Dear Daughter, fiance, boy friend, Dear Step-Son DIL, MIL, BIL, SIL: Daughter in law, Mother In Law, Brother in Law, Sister In Law NKCW: No Killing Co-Worker Day (could also be no kill DH NKDH etc) MOAN: Moving our a$$ Now aka exercising NS or NSD: No Spend or No Spend Day NEO: No eating out HTH: Hope This Helps KWIM: Know What I mean FWIW: For What It's Worth IMHO or IMO: In my Humble Opinion or In My Opinion Getting Nitzed is a now slightly outdated term referring to when you have a long post and MSN cuts you off so its in two posts instead one. Having a Startsmart Day is referring to when you have 20+ things on your must get done in a day and you accomplish them. Sharing the Simple Lifestyle aka Toasty; Single Mom-KY aka Smokey; MittenKitten aka MK; Pt_In_NY aka Pointy; Red2Black aka R2B2. The Boy is Sheila in Cali's son. the boy or Mowgli is Nsinglet's son Blue is Red_Wagon's DH TBear is MizBear's older niece. ZBear is MizBear's younger niece.
Every week we try to have a question of the week (QOTW) and challenge of the week (COTW) related to the question.
Honeylioness had a wonderful answer I think really defines WHAT we are about:
"I will admit that during my first two months of lurking, I wondered just how in the WORLD someone could not spend any money at ALL for 25 days? Did they just pay all their bills one day a month, and that same day do the food shopping for the month? Like many new to the concept I saw it as horribly, and restrictively, black or white – an opinion first based merely on the name of the thread.
But once I came to understand that it was not so totalitarian and was more about finding a way that worked for you to track your spending and any “leaks” in the wallet, it has felt more like a tool and less like a punishment. I wish I could say that I have paid off five extra years from the mortgage, or now have an EF of six months take home – but alas that would not be true.
What I do have however is a better awareness of where my “leaks” are, what are my hot buttons that make me want to spend on things I really don’t need or really cannot afford right now. And an awareness of the fact when I AM spending money. I think that awareness is key to learning a new behavior or paradigm. Just like lumberlady(a member that hasn't been a regular lately but is still a much loved part of our community), some of us have had to look hard in the mirror and acknowledge that we had a problem. Until people can do that, be it an addiction to alcohol or drugs or credit cards ….. they will never really GET it."
Thanks Honeylioness!
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on May 31, 2012 10:48:05 GMT -5
Okay, I'll start. I'm going to stick with my current goals: 10/30 NSD, 10/30 CSD (<$5). I didn't quite make it in May, so I'm going to make a more concerted effort in June. Mostly it involved pre-stocking snacks and pre-planning errands.
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on May 31, 2012 10:51:06 GMT -5
Going to try to keep meal planning and cooking. Things kind of went by the wayside in May with the funeral week and prepping for travelling and... yeah... working on it. Only one wedding in June, at the end of the month. Going to be somewhat spendy as we start painting and organizing the nursery. Will try to keep other expenses down to compensate! Looking forward to hanging around the house on weekends for once.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on May 31, 2012 13:28:06 GMT -5
Goals are kinda ambiguous - I'm traveling but not the big trip to NY/East Coast that I'd planned. I'll be out of town for at least 5 days locally so that's an expense. Let's shoot for 20 NSD or CSD (cash only). Does not include regular bill paying.
Other goals in June include getting to the gym more, going to the park often and getting enough done in the master bedroom so I can finally paint the ceiling and start on the walls.
The paint is going to be a major expense (2 gallons for the ceiling, maybe more, 4 for the walls, possibly another gallon of white for trim) but it needs to be done. Last room to get paint and all that.
THEN I can spend July putting the room back together with my refinished headboard, the painted bookcase, a complete wall of photos and possibly the refinished dresser.
Trying not to think of the 3 lighting projects I want to do, new floors that each bathroom needs and the new gutters, outside paint and bathroom lights that need to be done. One project at a time!
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azmom
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Post by azmom on May 31, 2012 14:37:04 GMT -5
I'm in. Like, really in. Although my goal will be to get as many NSD as possible. I need to start planning out my trips and being wiser with my money. I will allot myself a certain amount of fun money (in cash) to cover budgeted spend days for our Summer Activities. A spend day will be any non-budgeted purchase. In June, My SIL turns 20, my dd is going away to camp for a week (I still need to buy her a few budgeted items), football sign-ups and two day (two hour) camp and Father's Day (DH will be working out of town). We are trying to go on vacation for a week in San Diego this Summer so anytime I am tempted to eat out I tell myself I am spending vacation money. It's working more times than not Other Goals are to continue training properly ( I only have one 5k in June) and to get this house organized!!
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moneysquirrel
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Post by moneysquirrel on May 31, 2012 22:01:30 GMT -5
I'm in again. I will be aiming for only 10 NS days instead of my usual 15 NS days this month as I will be traveling a good portion of the month. Definitely will be spending most of those days as I will have to spend on food and other activities with the group I'm traveling with.
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constanz22
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Post by constanz22 on Jun 1, 2012 5:44:42 GMT -5
I'm in again. I just missed my goal by 1 day last month, so, I think I'll make my goal 7 NS, 19 CS, and 4 spend. Mom is coming the 28th and I know I'll spend more then. We always do lots of shopping and eating out. I have a couple big expenses this month (a new tattoo and hair cut and color) but they have been planned and saved for. Today is Free Donut Day at Dunkin' Donuts! Get a free donut with any drink purchase
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pointy
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Post by pointy on Jun 1, 2012 16:53:03 GMT -5
I'm in for June - tho I don't think I'll be as good at avoiding QVC as I was in May (there's actually something I NEED to buy from there this month!)
Goals: 22 NS and 27 No QVC
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WholeLottaNothin
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Post by WholeLottaNothin on Jun 2, 2012 5:56:19 GMT -5
Final Update for May: 14 NSDs
I got the temp job and started on Tuesday. So far so good. Don't know how likely it is that it will really go much beyond the end of the year, but I will take what I can get for now. However, there is some sort of mold issue with the building it is in, and my allergies have been awful since I started there. Nothing I am taking for it is doing much. I have been looking forward to the weekend just to get a little break and hopefully feel a little better.
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3catslady
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Post by 3catslady on Jun 2, 2012 20:58:44 GMT -5
Well I can't go for 30 NEO days because I ate out yesterday. But it was under $5.00 so I will count it as a CSD instead. And I want to get at least another $100 into savings. I have been working more than 18 hours so I am going to get bigger checks. I will be working at least 24, maybe 30 hours, each week this month. I guess my goals will be: 25/30 NSD 5/30 CSD 25/30 NEO $150 in savings. update; 1/25 NSD, 1/5 CSD, 1/25 NEO, $0.00 in savings.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Jun 2, 2012 21:53:51 GMT -5
2 spend days so far. Yesterday was groceries, today pizza, coffee and a haircut. I'm exempting the package I'm sending to blue eyes as well as the grad present for his brother. Other tha dog food this week should be non spendy.
I did finally fix the tiles around the toilet we installed last week without cutting myself with the box cutter! it looks good and I got the caulking done too. Dusted the living room, vacuumed and started working on the kitchen.
Other than being called a troll it's been a good day lol. Blue is out of town for a few days with his family so we delayed some work together - after 2 years I am so excited that he has a business around the talents he has and we found the perfect branding to express it!
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Jun 3, 2012 17:29:39 GMT -5
May Final count: 18 NSD 7 CSD 6 SD
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moneysquirrel
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Post by moneysquirrel on Jun 3, 2012 17:54:14 GMT -5
Update: 1 NSD and 2 CSDs
Just a quick pop-in to update.
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Honeylioness
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Post by Honeylioness on Jun 3, 2012 20:35:50 GMT -5
Gin - Congratulations on the baby.
Angel - Good luck and safe travels next week on your way to Italy. Please check in so we know how you are doing.
Constanz - I agree with the others, you need new clothes after losing weight. It motivates you to keep going.
dakota - I can understand how difficult it can be when parents are not on the same page with a child's boundaries. Confusing for everyone - especially the child.
muttley - I didn't know the other day was No Tobacco Day. Thanks for asking. As of today it is one month since my Quit Date - during that first week I think I did light up a few but didn't finish them. I have not even wanted a smoke for over three and a half weeks.
pointy - So you DID do a few QVC days ... *grins*
startsmart - Was sorry to hear about the problems you had last weekend with the toilets and family matters.
azmom - Good luck on the training!
nuttinhoney - Congratulations on getting the job even through the end of the year.
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Honeylioness
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Post by Honeylioness on Jun 3, 2012 20:53:51 GMT -5
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Jun 3, 2012 21:58:28 GMT -5
Honey - Congrats on going 3.5 weeks. That is awesome! Spendwise, we've done pretty good this weekend. Yesterday we had our grocery trip and was pretty much on budget (ended up buying diapers and that put me higher than I was planning on spending, but still had enough cash). We also had to buy all hamburgers and hot dogs for a fundraiser at church today. We will get reimbursed for that and we rang all that stuff up seperately, so it will be easy to show what we get paid for. So today was the fundraiser for the kids going to camp. DH's committee was in charge (and therefore he was in charge). So he did the cooking and I assisted and organized the 2 kids that were there to help. We had 2 other people helping, but that was it. But we raised over $400 and the only complaint was one of the helpers because we had a delay on some of the burgers. She was like come on, lets go and I'm like DH knows and they are on the fryer and they'll get here when they get done. I was so tired when we got home. I went down for a nap before DS did. I woke up at 4:15 and thought it was 4:15 in the morning. I was so confused. Anyway, we went to the neighbor's house after supper and let DS play with their kids. We started down the path to their house and DS just started running and when their oldest 2 kids saw DS, they started running towards him. It was so cute. DS said hi and then ran to their swing set. Well, I guess it is time to hit the hay and get ready for another week. Have a great week all.
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redruby
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Post by redruby on Jun 4, 2012 7:53:13 GMT -5
Ok I'm in. AGAIN. But this time I am going to stay. It is summer time and I need motivation to not spend. So June. In two weeks I am going to be out of town for a whole week at a workshop but am staying with my in-laws because they are keeping the kids. Goals 15NSD 5CSD (less than $5) 20 NEO I have started myself a calendar system I got off of pinterest. QOTW: I have an envelope in my underwear drawer with birth certificates, passports and diplomas. I really do need to organize my insurance policies. I am working on a notebook that holds all financial etc passwords so I think I will include all policies in there too. Because if something happened to me my DH would be lost. He doesn't know what we got and what we don't. My sister would have to come sort it out.
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redruby
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Post by redruby on Jun 4, 2012 7:54:11 GMT -5
Message deleted by redruby.
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Jun 4, 2012 8:07:54 GMT -5
Rocky Mtn Saver: 1/30 NSD, 1/30 CSD (<$5). I got my first NSD yesterday, woo-hoo! I was invited to dinner with friends, but it was at their house so no spending there. I also managed a CSD on Friday, but not Saturday. I had to get groceries, emissions testing on the truck (it passed) and a haircut (or as I call it, Magic Weight Loss Day! ;D) and then treated myself to a movie. I'm trying for a NSD today. I brought lunch to work, so we'll see if I think of anything I need during the day!
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dakota4600
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Post by dakota4600 on Jun 4, 2012 8:23:50 GMT -5
I'm in. Though I won't be expecting much, I'll shoot for 10 NS days. We are heading out on vacation on the 16th, so that will be a week of spending. Though I am proud of ourselves. Our lodging and transportation for the trip should be under $600 for 7 days, tent camping really helps on that front. Tonight I have to make a countdown calendar for DS. I did that for this b-day and it really helped cut down the are we going camping today questions. He is really excited about it. Friday DH bought a gas grill off of craigslist and we ordered a new grate for it because the old one was disgusting. Saturday was an NS. Sunday was a spend. I decided to order some stuff to keep DS busy in the car and get a few more reusable sandwich bags, plus a mold for the hard lotion bars that I am going to make. Honey- Congrats on the no smoking . Red- Welcome back. Stick around even if you lose track during the month, the wagon circles to pick people up all the time. Muttley- Isn't it fun to see DS excited to go play with other kids? I think it is just adorable. Rocky- I love magic weight loss day!!!
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Jun 4, 2012 9:42:06 GMT -5
dakota - It is a blast. I love having neighbors right next door for Ben to play with. He loves hanging out with them and throws a fit everytime we leave. Not sure what to do about that one, but normally it is past his bed time when we finally leave, so I think that has something to do with it. He gave their little girl his baseball hat last night.
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on Jun 4, 2012 10:36:24 GMT -5
The weekend was a little spendy, as we had a much-needed trip to BJs. But now we have toothpaste for a year! We really need to go back and do some serious math to see what kind of deals we can get on baby stuff and do some practice budgeting for babies.
Did some more organizing and culling in my office to help prep it to be a nursery. Much left to do... but excited to paint this weekend!
Honey - so glad you're not craving cigs anymore! Super proud of you!
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MittenKitten
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Post by MittenKitten on Jun 4, 2012 12:19:26 GMT -5
QOTW: Yes I have all my documents in a fireproof box and DS#2's current documentation is in my file cabinet next to my desk, although if need be I could get copies of all his records so I wouldn't even try for those. I already have 2 boxes full of documentation for him which I will need once he turns 18 and I need to keep legal guardianship for him.
Garage sale was a success, made over $230 so that is summer fun money. Got the info for DS#1's overnight camp and we received a $200 scholarship. Grandparents also plan on pitching in for it so we will see how much the camps cost us. His other grandparents already kicked in so daycamp is paid for.
We bought a pool for our yard and so for DS#2 is having a blast with it as is DD. We will see if DS#1 uses it or not.
My rental is going on the market tomorrow or Wednesday so if it doesn't sell within 4 months I will sign it over to the bank. Looks like my main cost will be dealing with lawn mowing in August and Sept. Since it is a small lawn I figure I will pay someone to do it every other week. Then the bank will give me money once it sells or the four months runs out. I can't tell you what a relief it will be to be rid of it. Renter will be angry when I garnish her deductable but for some reason she thinks she can leave the year lease a month early with no penalties.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Jun 4, 2012 17:07:01 GMT -5
QOTW - yes I have two plastic file tubs that would go right into the trunk of my car in an emergency. I'd also be grabbing my bills folder, passport, laptop, chargers and dogs Everything else would be extra. Actually I had a very vivid dream about this a few months ago so I know what I'd bring and in what order. Blankets, sleeping bag, water, canned goods, medicine, dog food, personals, jewelry... all the essential for me and the dogs Today was fun & a spend day because I had a meeting in downtown Sacramento and stopped to get a few things at Target. But no regrets - had lunch with a research and policy director from DC who is a single, hot lawyer. I've got a 3 hour intensive online tonight and then I'm hitting the gym for an hour. It rained here so it's fresh and the air is clean and the sky is back to blue.
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moneysquirrel
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Post by moneysquirrel on Jun 4, 2012 20:53:08 GMT -5
Update: 1 NSD and 2 CSDs -- no change from yesterday as today was a spend day.
Since hurricane season begins every June and lasts for six months, I keep all of my important papers in a specific place that I can grab in a minute. I do keep a close eye on the weather during this time as well and if something is brewing in the area and seems to be heading my way I begin filling up suitcases with other items so if I have to leave I will be ready to get on the road within a short window of time. Among the many things I learned from Katrina is to stay prepared during this season.
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Honeylioness
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Post by Honeylioness on Jun 4, 2012 20:53:11 GMT -5
Okay, my answer to the QOTW is "Yes" - most of my documents are in one place where I could grab them and run if I needed to. Though I am looking into the price of a fireproof box to move some of them into as an extra precaution. Some of what has been going on with me lately has to do with a severe lack of sleep as a result of the Chantix I am taking. I wrote about that and my job search in an updated post at: honeylioness.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=thoughts&thread=240&page=1I have also been doing some creative work as well - something I really didn't even feel like doing for several months partly due to stress. One of the things I have done is finally getting around to cataloging all my quilts, writing notes about them and uploading the pictures I had on hand or could find. I would like to know what you think - Leave me a message. s25.photobucket.com/albums/c72/honey36_/My%20quilts%20for%20sharing/I have also started communicating with a man I met online about a month ago. What started as a rather routine sales transaction has, and is, taking a more personal trajectory. However I am not going to get too wrapped up in it - or get my hopes up it might go anywhere. And that is a purely self protective mechanism.
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Jun 5, 2012 8:09:22 GMT -5
Rocky Mtn Saver: 2/30 NSD, 1/30 CSD (<$5). I feel like I'm on a roll so far this month! Okay, it's a two-day roll, but that counts, right? I'm going to try for a CSD today because I didn't bring lunch to work today. But so far, I think that's all I may need to buy. Happy Tuesday, everyone!
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Jun 5, 2012 8:17:31 GMT -5
QOTW - Ummm... sort of. LOL. I know where most everything is and I can grab it in 10 minutes. But I have a feeling if I am evacuating in 10 minutes, I'm going to be a bit more concerned about DS, DH and the dogs than to think to grab some paperwork. Yesterday was a sort of spend. I had to get my anti-nausea prescription refilled. Then DH had a dentist appointment to get his implant. Then we were going to take MIL out to lunch, but she ended up paying. She ended up leaving her leftovers at the restaurant which is next door to my office. So, I went next door and picked it up. My boss had me leave early to take him to pick up his car. So, then I stopped by my MILs house, got gas, and was home over an hour early. It was nice. Today is my first doctor's appointment for this pregnancy. I'm excited, but I'm also holding my breath that everything is ok. We also have a bid opening at work for a project that I came up with the estimate yesterday and I was literally pulling the the biggest part of the numbers out of my rear, so I'm excited/nervous to see where the contractors numbers come in. So, exciting day.
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redruby
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Post by redruby on Jun 5, 2012 8:40:51 GMT -5
REDWAGON, MUTTLENFELIX: Congrats on the pregnancy. When are you due? I have four children and loved being pregnant and would love another but it is probably not wise so I will be joyful for others. DD#1 is going to college in the fall and my nearly 2 year old has me cleaning up all the time but I love it.
QOTW: I am curious what about pictures? I think to myself what in my home could not be replaced? Children and photos. What do ya'll think? I really never thought about paper work.
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on Jun 5, 2012 8:55:10 GMT -5
I have all my important stuff in the front half of my top filing cabinet drawer, so I could easily grab the front few folders and be good. But I think my primary concern will be finding the cats, to be honest. That's my biggest fear with a fire - they will run under beds and in closets and I will do what I can to find them (within reason of course). And obviously in about 5 months my concerns will also include two babies!
Ruby - Thanks! I'm due in late November, although will likely deliver in the first half of the month because it's twins. Glad you had such good experiences! So far my pregnancy has been pretty easy, if stressful as we try to figure out how to handle two babies at once!
as for pictures, I'd probably try to grab those too. They're next to the filing cabinet. That and my external hard drive, which has most of my digital photos. Paper work I probably have in my email, to be honest...
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