March Madness Controlled/No Spend Thread

[mizbear]

azmom- I will read your blog this weekend- I am sooo excited for you about that new venture!

Asthma- I have exercise induced asthma- they didn't find it until I was 17. And in the most humiliating way I might add (I passed out with a severe asthma attack over my bass drum in front of the high school during the homecoming parade my senior year- with my boyfriend behind me on the varsity football float!) I use my inhaler 30 minutes before any physical activity now and sometimes need rescue inhalers. In the winter, sometimes I need something like Advair, but I have found that as long as I keep maintanced, I do pretty well. Another thing too- as long as those around DS don't panic, he is less likely to panic- which will make it worse (I know, easier said than done).

[dianartemis]

Asthma - also keeping properly hydrated helps w/ staying well maintained.

[spruby]

Hi all - hope everyone is doing well. I'll try to be more active next month - but life is really kicking me around this month and I'm wallowing in my personal pity party. Luckily I'm boring myself with it - so it should be over soon. Some nice weather would really help though!

No spend hint: if, like me, you develop a mound of paper to shred around tax time - go online and search on your city/county and the words free shredding. My county (Fairfax, VA) runs free shredding programs all year round - (they have about 9-10 every year - at least once a month March - November). Residents can drop off up to 5 medium boxes of shredding at each event! It is a great way to clear a back log w/o killing your shredder (done that ) and yourself! I've seen lots of other places do this as well - it's worth the time to look!

BTW - if you are concerned about them really shredding it - ours have a commercial shredder truck there and you watch them feed your box in!

Hope everyone is good

[moneysquirrel]

Update: 17 NS Days and 6 CS Days = 23 NS/CS Days

[startsmart]

dakota & shenandoah - blue is at least good for my ego! rene has mentioned this as well and this past week has been an interesting shift in my work habits. I had a very intense call with my client today, it felt like an impromptu job review and we did get some things cleared up. It was frustrating to hear that what I was doing wasn't what she wanted, exactly, but without knowing what she wants, what can I do? again, blue was great to point out a few things and put it in perspective for me.

I've had a low key evening. I'm spray painting a few things in the garage, moving furniture around and trying to bribe my friend to sew me a pair of curtains from a douvet cover I have in the closet. I am also anxiously awaiting the ice in my freezer to form so I can make slushies in the blender! All this lemon juice, so little ice!

[mizbear]

I am getting ready to go clean out the garage at DGMs, do my linens (6 loads - I freshen them all in one weekend- but thats the kids air mattresses plus my bed), and my regular laundry, and watch my mother and aunt put a shed on order to replace the garage. Mom ordered Amish bbq chicken for me yesterday- so I don't have to cook today while I am working!

UPDATE 1S, 3CS, 22NS

I think next month I am increasing my NS goals.

[reeneejune]

Actually, I threatened to visit Start and kick her booty back to health, then inquired if fedex-ing chicken noodle soup to her was tax deductible. LOL.

Apartment Hunt Update - I drove past my "back up plan" apartment complex the day before yesterday, and they had their now leasing sign up. 2 weeks ago when I went in to ask, they didn't have anything available. grrr. Anywho, so I went in and talked with the managers and found out that they A) have an apartment coming open in the next week B) It's a 1 bedroom C) It's in a quiet part of the complex (near the back) D) They're ok with my no-rental-history-and-barely-repaired-credit status AND E) it's only $475 a month (my budget was up to $650 a month). After talking with them, I got the distinct impression that as long as I pass the background check (and there's no way in heck I'd fail that) they'd be happy to rent to me. Yay!
There's the slight question of "what happens if you get the position you want at the other store"? I did a lot of thinking about this, and realized that moving closer to work was more of a happy side effect of moving back to where the rest of my life is. My friends, my therapist, my chiropractor, the theater I costume for, my favorite restaurants, on and on, they're all in this one town. I've commuted from that town to the other town before, when I was in college, and it's not that bad. It's a 20 minute drive, not a 50 minute drive. This move was about keeping my sanity intact. I DON'T want to move to the larger city that I don't like very much and where I have no friends. I DO want to be closer to the people, places, and organizations that I enjoy spending time with/at.

Asthma - I learned a cool trick from an old band teacher years ago that helped me with my exercise induced asthma. This will ONLY work at the BEGINNING of an attack, though it helps a bit if you're further into an attack and have to wait a bit for your medication. Take both hands, palms up, and curl down all of your fingers except your pinky fingers. Stick your pinky fingers in your mouth on either side, the pad of your finger should touch your last molar or the gums behind your molars, but it shouldn't make you gag. Just try it when you're NOT having a problem and feel how much more air you get. If you do that at the first sign of an attack and stay calm, you might not even need the meds. What did the band teacher use this for, you ask? Hyperventilating flute players.

[mizbear]

renee- I love your trick from the band teacher- I was a drummer and color/honor guard person myself. On the apartment front, I say trust your gut at this point, I think you know what you're doing

[startsmart]

oh my ladies, I found the most amazing artists through a blogger I follow and has been listening while I worked tonight. these guys are so talented it makes me a little nauseous. But I totally love what they're doing being so into their thing that they'll use any medium and not wait around for a break. That's what I've been talking to the 17 yo I mentor about for awhile now - she wants to be a radio DJ and that's all about personality and getting out there. These guys totally impressed me with their talent and passion.

get this - one guy is a animator for Disney and his youtube videos of his singing have over 48 MILLION hits. Insane.

Anywho, I'm going to bed soon since it was 2:30 this morning before I fell asleep but if you want to see an amazing performance YouTube "one man disney show" with nick pitera and check out Sam Tsui (I particularly love Love the Way You Lie and King of anything). If you're a fan of Wicked they did For Good as a duet and it's to die for.

[sheilaincali]

I have absolutely no idea where I am on the No Spends or what my goal was. Epic fail this month in the acutal counting of days. But we did pretty decent in the grand scheme of not bring anything new into the house so that's progress. And we averaged one meal out a week so that's not too bad.

I did however, make my goal of losing an additional 5 lbs this month. So I am down 26 lbs so far for the year And since this past week was the 12th week of the year I am right on track with losing approximately 2 lbs per week. No magic pills, no gimmicks, just lowering my calories and working out on a regular basis.

[reeneejune]

I forgot my wallet at home yesterday, which is a great way to get a NSD, by the way. So that puts me at 3/5 NSD. Pathetic, I know.

[mizbear]

renee- I believe that everyone's NS vs CS is a part of their individual lifestyle/budget. My NSDs will probably change once I start doing transcription because there will be meetings and seminars, etc.

[mizbear]

This message has been deleted.
Double Post.

[moneysquirrel]

Update: 17 NS Days and 8 CS Days = 25 NS/CS Days

Added two CS days to my total. Spend on groceries and ordered a long awaited item -- money is saved to pay it off once it hits the CC.

Beginning to pack away some of the cooler weather gear. Several of the items made it into the donate box. Will be doing this a little at a time over the next several weeks. Our weather is in a seesaw pattern -- this weekend it hit 84. It is too early for this.

[sapphire12]

moneysquirrel -- I"d take 84 over 47 any day of the year. It's supposed to be spring. At least I'm exercising like it's spring. Zumba on Tuesday; pilates on Friday; Taebo Basic on Sat. A similar routine is planned for this week. I'm sad it's not warm enough for me to walk outside on a regular basis.

SES -- How was your trip?

sheila -- Kudos on your weight loss.

[Deleted]

Mar 28, 2011 7:35:24 GMT -5 sapphire12 said:

moneysquirrel -- I"d take 84 over 47 any day of the year. It's supposed to be spring. At least I'm exercising like it's spring. Zumba on Tuesday; pilates on Friday; Taebo Basic on Sat. A similar routine is planned for this week. I'm sad it's not warm enough for me to walk outside on a regular basis.

SES -- How was your trip?

sheila -- Kudos on your weight loss.

I'd take 47 or 84 over the 21 degrees it was yesterday!

[dianartemis]

There's the slight question of "what happens if you get the position you want at the other store"? I did a lot of thinking about this, and realized that moving closer to work was more of a happy side effect of moving back to where the rest of my life is. My friends, my therapist, my chiropractor, the theater I costume for, my favorite restaurants, on and on, they're all in this one town. I've commuted from that town to the other town before, when I was in college, and it's not that bad. It's a 20 minute drive, not a 50 minute drive. This move was about keeping my sanity intact. I DON'T want to move to the larger city that I don't like very much and where I have no friends. I DO want to be closer to the people, places, and organizations that I enjoy spending time with/at.

reenee: There are benefits living near but not in a larger city. There are lower costs for rent, renter's insurance, and even energy, in some cases. I live near a larger town and I save a few hundred a month even with a 20 min commute.

Update: I've made my NEO goals and I'm almost to my NSD goal, and I'm making progress on my MOAN goal. I just can't remember the count I took this morning.

[sheilaincali]

Thanks Sapphire BTW- it's barely in the 30's here. Haven't even been able to go a single day without my winter coat on so far. Spring fever like you wouldn't believe.

Question for you lovely ladies-- How well does shredded cheese freeze? We found we can buy it cheaper in bulk from our local sams club then at the grocery store. Can we break that down and freeze it in 2 cup bags? Does it defrost easily? What would you package it in? zip-lock bags?

[Deleted]

Mar 28, 2011 10:45:57 GMT -5 sheilaincali said:

Thanks Sapphire BTW- it's barely in the 30's here. Haven't even been able to go a single day without my winter coat on so far. Spring fever like you wouldn't believe.

Question for you lovely ladies-- How well does shredded cheese freeze? We found we can buy it cheaper in bulk from our local sams club then at the grocery store. Can we break that down and freeze it in 2 cup bags? Does it defrost easily? What would you package it in? zip-lock bags?

I've had no prblems with freezing shredded cheese in freezer bags.

[singlemomky]

Sheila - I freeze cheese all the time. Sometimes there is a really good sale at Kroger and w/coupons it's crazy to not buy the pre-shredded package. In this case, I just stick the package in the freezer. I also buy 5 lbs bags at the bulk store and will divide it up in freezer ziploc bags. I tend to put the cheese in quart size bags and then put several quart size bags in a gallon bag. But this is just so that everything stays together in one place.

[sheilaincali]

perfect! Thanks ladies. That's what I suggested but DH said "you better ask the ladies how they freeze cheese". He knows you all so well

DH is officially back to work today. I talked to one of his bosses today (on a separate work related issue) and he said that they have a TON of work lined up for the year and that DH will be super busy. That's awesome ;D

[startsmart]

Sheila - DH is well trained I do freeze shredded cheddar and mozzarella in small baggies. Have found it's easier to do 1 cup per baggie and freeze it lying flat so it defrosts easier.

reeneejune- I'm pretty sure you can't beat someone into health but maybe I should try on someone as research.

Lemons - are getting juiced. now I'm pouring it into my hot tea since I feel like crap on toast. Very icky, my throat is sore, achy joints, headache, fevery, icky

I'm trying the attachment feature to show a picture of my garden, I don't know if it's going to work or not

[azmom]

asthma: Thank You all for your input and insight. It's been less than a month since the diagnosis and so far so good. I do give him his inhaler before practice of if we are going to play at the park.

Shopping Deals: This weekend DH and I went shopping for him so work pants. We bought 5 that's FIVE pair of pants, "casual slacks" to be exact for $63 that is SIXTY THREE dollars TOTAL. (two pair of Ralph Lauren Polo, two pair of Perry Ellis, and one pair Roundtree and Yorke) Crazy since one pair or Ralph Lauren Polo pants are regularly priced at $75.00 So yea I was pretty excited and DH was in complete disbelief!

Anyhow....trying to come up with a budge and system to track in April...

[ses]

I had a great "get-away" to Rapid City last weekend. I tried my cell phone at various points along the way and reception was was spotty. I am on T-mobile using a cell that is a dinosaur. Sprint is iffy in this area, most people I asked have Verizon and it works well enough , except when you are in the mountains. I made my reservations at
Sun 6/26--Rapid City SD
Super 8 ($118 est)
[phone]

Mon 6/27--Hill City SD
Super 8--($116 est)
[phone]

Tues 6/28--Custer SD
Rocket Motel ($85 est)
[phone]

Wed 6/29--Chadron NE
(est $70) Changing from Super 8 to America's Best Inn
I have some rooms here on hold, mention the "WIR Group" when making your reservation.
[phone]

Moneysquirrel asked about a motel that provides airport shuttle service when returning to Rapid City and I found the Holiday Inn-Rushmore Plaza(605-348-4000), fairly close to the town center and on the city Trolley Tours stop, a $2 tour of the city, good all day long.

I would make reservations soon, some motels are already filling up. If you can't use the reservation you can always cancel later on.

I stopped at the Visitors Center and picked up a few copies of this years visitor's guide and will get them in the mail this week.

Any questions, ask.

[sheilaincali]

SES- Karma to you for doing all this "investigating" for us. I am super excited for our trip ;D

[ses]

Sheila--sometimes frozen cheese might have a change in texture when thawed (a bit grainy) but there is no difference when cooking with it.

[ses]

This message has been deleted.

[sapphire12]

SES -- Thank you for all of the info you provided! I haven't seen your DSis on the boards. Is she doing ok? Is she still going to the Black Hills?

sheila -- I remember when you were trying "to train" the boys to get on board. Your family has come a long way!

azmom -- Just wanted to say, as an asthmatic, I don't wish this journey on anybody. However, once your son learns his triggers and how to manage them, most of life will go on without a hitch. There is hope that he will outgrow it.

[ses]

Sapphire--KCgal is still around just very busy with DGD baby J (who really isn't a baby any more) and caring for her FIL who has been in and out of the hospital. She has also been involved in learning the fine art of couponing. She is really the one who needs to address the issue of cell phones in the Black Hills, she knows more about them than I do. You know as far as I am concerned a cell phone is just something that lives in my purse so she doesn't yell at me.
Yes, she is planning on joining us.

[moneysquirrel]

Update: 17 NS Days and 9 CS Days = 26 NS/CS Days

SES -- Thanks for the info. I booked my rooms for the Black Hills this afternoon. I did decide on the Holiday Inn -- Rushmore for the 30th and 1st. The trolley and the free shuttle to the airport clinched the deal. Also the rate is about $110 plus tax.

Tell KCGal that she is missed and we look forward to seeing her this summer as well.


sapphire -- Is your mom coming this year as well?