Judicious June Controlled/No Spend Thread

[azmom]

7 NSD I am claiming yesterday as a no spend day even though technically I spent $18.63 at the grocery store (5lbs of boneless chicken breast and 5.5 lbs of ground chuck). I used the cash I took out of the ATM and I already counted that money and day as a spend day. So there! That means I have $51.13 for the remaining nine days.

[startsmart]

okay, no farmer's market for me! it is absolutely POURING down rain here and there's no end in sight. Also thunder and lightening so the dogs are freaking out. Nixon is happy in his crate, wilson is hiding under my desk and Jackson keeps crying as he sits next to me. Wimpy dogs!

So I'm just working through my emails, cleaning on breaks and trying not to get annoyed that I already watered the lawn this morning and now will be missing my two afternoon walks!

[reeneejune]

I hope everyone that went to the Black Hills are having fun. I spent my first full day of vacation getting a bunch of things done, but have no fear, I spent my morning in bed finishing a book. I living 2 blocks from the library! On this evening's agenda, I'm going to get my laundry done and hopefully use the big tables at the laundromat to cut out the skirt and pair of shorts I promised Grandma before her trip next week. It will depend on how busy the laundromat is. Tomorrow my DOM and I (and possibly my sister) will be driving over to visit my brother, who is now in Pendleton, OR. Yes my fellow seamstresses, I'll be going to the home of Pendleton Woolen Mills. And if I'm nice, I might actually manage to talk mom into stopping there between visiting hours.

And a juju/prayer/whatever request. The veterinarian my sister works for has finally succumbed to the floundering economy and has severely cut back her hours. She's always been a saver, and her husband has a good job, but she's never had to job hunt before. She was hired there right out of high school (they approached her about working there) and they paid for all of her training. She's excellent at what she does, but there aren't many vets in the area to begin with and they're not willing to move. So it looks like a career change for her. She's only 25, so it's not like she's been there forever, but 7 years is still a long time. Right now I'm trying to gently nudge her towards the idea that $9 an hour and no benefits isn't a great job offer. Especially when minimum is $8.50 an hour here. Oy vey. I just hope she listens to me, even a little bit.

[muttleynfelix]

I'm back from my extended weekend at my parent's. Sunday night we spent at a Bed and Breakfast and had a great time. The place was really nice, but I have to say the place the recommended for supper was not that good. I guess living in the "south" (not completely the south, but compared to Northern IL it is0 has changed what I consider good food. Oh it was ok, just not a $20 steak for DH and the bacon wrapped Sea Scallops weren't that special. I expect more for $60 (with a margarita and tip). But we had fun. WE did some hiking on Sunday on our way up to that town. Then we chilled at the B&B. We read on their porch, played croquette, then went out to eat. After we went to eat, I took DH to where I went to summer camp as a kid, then over to see the statue of Chief Blackhawk. Monday we took a 2 hr canoe trip then on the way back to my parents we did a little shopping. That was where I completely busted the budget. But I've been making due with 1 bra for work since I stopped pumping at working 5 months ago!! Yeah, not cool. It took me forever to find a bra that fit me good (and wasn't a pushup ... why in the world would someone need a push up in a 34 D, seriously people lets use our brains!). So, I bought 2 bras, a new sports bra, an outfit for my Grandma's 90th b-day party in August, and 2 t-shirts, plus an outfit for DS for Grandma's party. It wasn't completely fabulous sales... I spent $150, ugh. I did need the clothes. I had a hard time packing for the trip because I couldn't find shirts that fit that weren't 10 years old and or holey. Anyway, I'm back at work today and I better get going.

Have a great day all. Enjoy Black HIlls those of you who are going.

[dakota4600]

Muttley- Yeah on the B&B. It is so relaxing to just get away. I'm thinking it is time for DH & I to do another night away after his surgery, even if it is just to the local B&B where we stayed on our wedding night. Ever since I stopped nursing I can't find decent bras either, plus I am the same size as you and finding any bras in that size is hard. I swear before I wore bras for years and they were comfy and fit well. Now it seems after a few months they are stretched out or the underwire starts poking through. I've had a few big spends on clothes recently too, because nothing fits well anymore. I had lost about 5 pounds then this weekend with my parents put most of it back on. Ugghhh!

Reenee- Prayers for your sister. Hope you get to stop at the Woolen mills.

Start- sorry about the rain. My Dakota is a big baby when it comes to storms, cameras, fireworks, big trucks, pretty much everything.

[startsmart]

Muttelyn- while the sales may not have been great it sounds like you found the things you NEED and therefore it was a smart purchase IMO. 1 bra just doesn't do it. Glad you had fun out with DH, how was leaving DS for the night?

Dakota- mine don't like the thunder and especially don't like crashing tree limbs. The good news is that I move the tree limb out to the green waste container so the trash guys should pick it up today. AND there's a farmers market one town over tonight where my cousin is playing in a band so I'll still get my fresh veggies.

dogs- Nixon has discovered Wilson's hiding spot under the desk and they're both under there wrestling. I really need to clean up in the office so they don't destroy anything!

[azmom]

8 NSD

Hey has anyone talk to Honey?

[muttleynfelix]

startsmart - Leaving DS was interesting. I thought he would do great all last week and then he was pretty clingy and fussy on Saturday and I was like oh no and I started to lose my confidence. But Sunday we made sure to leave before he laid down for a nap and he waved at us as we left and then we forced ourselves to say he was fine and he was. We got back after his nap on Monday and while he was very happy to see us, he didn't like freak out that we had left him. And yes 1 bra certainly doesn't cut it, although I am very careful with it and as soon as i get home I put on a sports bra or anytime I go out in the field at work I change my bra along with my clothes.

dakota - What got me on the bras was how narrow the straps were on most of them. I'm so use to a half inch strap width (or so) that anything smaller just drives me nuts. The more substantial bras don't seem to go down to a 34 in band width which is stupid. Bra shopping is definately something you can't do with a toddler.

[startsmart]

Bra shopping is definately something you can't do with a toddler.

lol! I once had to go with my mom and grandma to get grandma fitted (she had alzheimers) and that was an experience!

At one point I hand her a bra and she says "does this go on my butt?" Mom and I still talk about that trip!

Glad you were able to have time without DS and he didn't freak out!

[muttleynfelix]

The first week of May I started contributing to our savings again. Just $10 a week to my variable expenses. Today I checked that savings account. We have added $90 to that account! Woohoo. At the same time I started contributing $10 a week to my Roth IRA and DH's Roth IRA! It isn't a lot, but it adds up. In July, we have to crack down on our spending because I'm going to have to withdraw some money from savings to pay off last month's CC. I need to plan better and not say no big deal, like I've been saying for the last 2 months because it is a big deal.

[mizbear]

Needed a break from the computer. Nothing really to report. Have just skimmed so far- but I will say this- I hate bra shopping, I have never liked it. And hate it even more now that I am the size I am- what I wouldn't give to be a 34B with a 22 inch waist again...

[mizbear]

reneejune- So right on the benadryl advice - KARMA to you!
mk- PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE be careful about food allergies. My DM suddenly developed life threatening food allergies to seafood (both fish and shellfish), mushrooms and eggs almost overnight.
3cats- I like it!

if anyone talks to sbcaligirl- tell her congrats!

red- it will get better.

I hope honey is doing well.

Nieces coming for 3 days- and I need to get things done...

[3catslady]

24 NS/CSD, 5 EOD. Only one more day to make my goals and I will be happy anyway. If I don't make my goal by 1, I will still be happy but I don't foresee any spending tomorrow except for the laundromat which is budgeted.

[mrslynch]

so i know i don't stop by and chat that often anymore, and i'm sorry for that but i had to share this with someone before i freaking explode. no, i'm not pregnant because that's most likely a physical impossibility but...
i logged into facebook at little while ago (thanks to azmom for reminding me that i need to do that once and while) and saw that one of my all-time favorite bands is playing a show. in baltimore. on a friday. for FREE!!!!!!
i am so excited i can't contain myself!!!!

[3catslady]

Please pray for my brother. He is addicted to cell-phone sexting. He is ruining his marriage and his life.

[sheilaincali]

3cats- going to send you a pm.

[shanendoah]

Update: 13 NS + 12 CS = 25 of 26
Just checked my first post of the month, and as long as today is an NSD, I will meet my goals exactly. If I miss by 1, like 3cats I will be happy.

mrsl I've been reading both blogs, so I forget you're not here. But yay for favorite bands playing free concerts nearby!

3cats: Sending good thoughts to your family. If this is new and unusual (obvisouly its been going on a while, but if this is behavior that seems out of character for the person you've known all of one of your lives), you should really insist that your brother get a check up by his doctor. Strokes can have a major impact on impulse control and mini strokes often go undetected until the person is in for something else. (My MIL has had a couple mini-strokes since her accident.) And besides strokes, there are other issues that can cause brain chemistry changes that result in major behavioral changes.
And whether or not its medical, he also needs some counseling.
As for his wife, I know that you love your brother and want to support him, but if his wife chooses to leave him over this, I hope you will be supportive of her, as well.

[startsmart]

mizbear- I got to visit with sbcaligirl last night and her DD is adorable! I'll even forgive that within 2 minutes of holding her she pooped and needed a fresh diaper! ;D Good to catch up though!

3cats- I second shenan, definitely suggest having a medical check up and counseling if your brother is willing. Remember you can always provide a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen which are so needed in a difficult time.

Yesterday was long! I didn't get home until after 9 and ended up awake until nearly 1am. I've been getting up before my alarm to put the dogs out and start my day so it may be a LONG day.

Really not looking forward to the holiday - already rednecks are shooting off fireworks at all hours and my dogs are not really happy with that.

[mizbear]

cats- I 3rd the advice on DB

start- Yeah- aren't rednecks wunnerful!

mrsl- That's great- which band???

start- That's cute about lil'caligirl! ;D

[redwagon]

Dakota - the cosmosphere sounds fun! glad mini-D enjoyed it!

Renee - you're allergic to grass? You can't put your feet in the grass? How horrible! Glad your life-threatening reaction was caught in time (or so I assume...)

Bees - enjoying the Bee stories. You guys are helping to validate my fears.

muttley - glad your weekend was rejuvinating! And I hate that about pushups!! I'm a 34DD (or so Intimacy says, but I've never had bras fit better!) and at Victoria's secret half of them are pushup. Umm no thanks, big enough already! I probably should get some new ones, myself. It's been a year. And yeah on the savings! Slow and steady!

mizbear - I was allergic to tunafish as a child. I seem to have outgrown it, and people now try to get me to eat fish. I'm always torn between saying I don't like fish (I don't, the smell makes me nauseus) or that I'm allergic (even though I can eat without reaction now, when I've caved and tried...blech!). My mom keeps telling me it can come back at any time and she's probably right... nice to know someone else out there is allergic! again, validating my fears.

mrslynch - I'm so excited for you!! Free concerts are the best!!! Have a blast!!

3cats - :-( Wishing him recovery

Hope the black hills is/was fun! Not sure when that wraps up.

So blue and I went and picked up the new car on Saturday (the longest chunk of time I saw him last weekend)! It was a process, and I ended up missing the first half of the bachelorette party I was going to (bye bye $44 for prepaid bus tour tix), but I LOVE my car. Like, ridiculously. My first car, Betty the blue banana (don't ask), was a 1986 Chevy Nova. I was the only one of my friends to have a car, and she became like the sixth friend in our little group. We went everywhere in her. When I was upset about something, I'd go drive out in the farm areas of Connecticut to blow off steam. I could find my way anywhere in her, sans map, sans GPS. We just clicked. I loved her. When she started misbehaving and it was time to let go (aka sell her) I bawled like a baby. My stepdad knew where she was going (some teen boy) but wouldn't tell me. Not sure if he thought I'd steal her.... And since, I've had 3 cars: Chloe the Creamy Filling (my friend came up with these names), the Red Beast (my name, less fun), and Zelda (short form of Esmerelda, because my current camry is a green color, aka emerald, aka esmerelda... my brain works funny). They have all been good cars. But I did not love them (sorry, cars). But now, now I remember what it's like to really FEEL the car, to enjoy it just for driving's sake, to just want to get in and go somewhere just because. I didn't realize how much I missed that feeling. I feel like I've driven her my whole life - she rides like a dream. I realize this is long-winded and most of you probably think I'm nuts, but I used to love driving more than anything, and now I have that again. We have a ton of driving this weekend (family party out east on the Island, then up to my folks' to drop Zelda by my brother (he's "buying" her though I'm not sure I'll actually get paid, which is fine), then two hours to friends, and then 4 hours back down home) and I'm PSYCHED that we are taking the new car (and the Camry for part, obvi). She gets 35mpg average, so she'll be our long-trip car unless we're bringing something big that we need the CRV for (his name is Darth). And she's cheapest in her class! And I got 0% for 60 months financing! As you can probably tell, I'm happy and excited. I feel like I made a smart, well-thought out decision and it's turned out better than I hoped. I didn't get just a new car. I got a part of me back. LOVE. I do need to come up with a name though. The license plate has 99 in it, so I'm considering Agent 99 (get smart, anyone?). I might have to pester my old friend to come up with a name. His were always the best.

Okay, sorry. I'm done. :-)

Oh! Home Depot called and they want to install our new doors on Saturday! Yay! We thought it'd be like a month since they said they were backed up, but I guess not! woohoo!

And blue comes back home tomorrow night, and hopefully he'll be home for a while. Luckily he'll have some days off coming up to help him get his sanity back. the cats have been great though, extra affectionate. Boomer actually sat in my lap. He hasn't done that in like six months.

[mrslynch]

red--i name cars, too. my first car, a honda accord, was named mabel. my second car, a green blazer, was named the green monster. my current car is nameless right now. i'm leaning towards dirty shelly. she's filthy and shelly is just a fun name.
mizbear--the band is better than ezra
shanen--thanks for reading! i read your blog as well. you are so informative!
3cats--hugs to you

[azmom]

9 NSD That's right I am officially on a roll. I didn't spend a single solitary dime yesterday. How could I? I have been to busy reading Mrs. Lynch's blog (my new obsession). I love the recommended blog links too. I love the human and realistic point of view. It has given me the umph to keep blogging and more importantly buckle down on our finances. Because I finished reading my stack of books, and after Mrs. Lynch review of the Girl's Guide to Homelessness I knew I wanted to read it. So the other day I looked it up at the library and the computer said in route 2 copies. So I put a hold on it. It came in yesterday and guess what it is brand spanking new! I am one of the first persons to check it out of the library. How cool is that? Really, it is the little things that excite me. Anyhow, I read seven chapters last night. I'm trying not to totally neglect my family but it will be hard. It has been an emotional read because I know that type of physical and emotional abuse all too well from my own mother. I find her sarcastic, dry humor the same as my own coping mechanism so it makes it tolerable without totaling curing up in a ball and crying my eyes out!

I have to get the kitchen and restroom cleaned and myself showered and dressed. I have a meeting at 1 and DH is taking the afternoon off of work. I think I need to hide my computer and my book!

Any word on the July Thread....Just Do It July perhaps
~Happy No Spending~

[shanendoah]

mrsl: which one? :-p I actually am assuming the budget blog. Sometimes I have a hard time keeping straight which ones I need to update and when.

azmom: I'll be getting a July thread up today. We'd been talking about doing something with firecrackers (like cracking down on the budget) I think. I'll try and find something good.

[shanendoah]

July thread is up. And just FYI, coming up with good names that fall in the character limit is HARD. So if you hate the name, let me know and we can figure something else out.

[redwagon]

it's cute!

[muttleynfelix]

Love it! Good Job Shanen.

[mizbear]

I like the name!

I name my cars too- although admittedly- my first truck was named "Trouble"- for all it caused. The truck I replaced it with was Midnite Madness (also known as The Truck with Hips- a Chevy S-10 Sportside in Navy blue), then there was Mom-mobile (green Malibu- I traded after less than a year because I hated it- and the ex went out and bought a new truck while I was loaded up on pain meds), and the Purple Flirt (a Hawaiian Blue - Purple Mazda B2500 pickup). The white truck was never named because it had been my grandfather's and I couldn't do it. My Yaris is now known as "The Mouse" it's the 5 door hatchback model in grey. It does sort of look like a little mouse.

I am in a really bad mood right now because I didn't get into the music competition. Sucks. Yet they took someone who can't sing- and everyone in 5 counties knows this.

[singlemomky]

Complete & utter fail at tracking for June - I have no idea what my numbers are I WILL do better in July.

[sheilaincali]

I am in with Smokey. Fall of the tracking wagon the last week or so of the month. Need to hop back on for July.

[shanendoah]

Final Update: 14 NS + 12 CS = 26 of 26

Yesterday was a Gas Only NS, maeaning I used 3 of the 4 allowed last month.