A Bowl of Cherries

I am down in the dumps. I am feeling tired, overwhelmed, depressed, etc. I don't usually feel this way. The weather is dark and gloomy and raining. Death was too much yesterday. My friend's mother and Sicily. I'm perseverating about the missing jet. A friend of mine knew a couple on the plane (a Canadian citizen of Indian descent with a Chinese wife) and they had two small children. I am a person of faith, but can't seem to find it today. I don't think any amount of rosaries is going to make me feel better today, and I might as well feel that pain and get over it.

Someone I care a lot about is experiencing the first anniversary of a death. I reached out and was shut out. I know the grief experience is different and difficult for everyone, and I hate being socially awkward and not having reassurance that I'm understood. Definitely MY problem.

My best friend is falling apart (again) and there isn't much I can do. She sabotaged the new relationship and was highly offended when the man said he was concerned about her recent bankruptcy. She then needed to point out that he lived with his sister and has four kids, which is something she is concerned about (financially). And then my brother turned up as a match for her from e-harmony. Funny, they don't like each other in real life. My brother found this so mortifying that he said he'd block her and wanted to pull a Voldemort ("never call this by name again.") Anyhow, friend doesn't have a job after 4/18 (she is a contract employee) and need surgery and thinks she will cash in her only retirement asset ($8K) to see her through recovery. She has saved $1,300 for her REHAB fund, but then just spent $300 on a refurbished computer that isn't really a need,

And my inlaws have gotten the LIFELINK ("Help, I've fallen and I can't get up") and this has depressed my husband immensely. They are getting up in years (late 60s) and don't have a sound financial plan. They just inherited $8K and had fun at the casino. They did buy my husband a snow blower with the funds, which was a wonderfully generous gift. But he is concerned about them (financially and physically). He is an only child and not handling the stress well of the job and life.

My communication with my husband is at all-time low. He's definitely morphed into someone I don't know very well, which is a shock after 24+ years together. I've gone so far as to suggest that maybe he take a weekend away and go and visit his parents. There is an upcoming retreat in April that I am encouraging him to go on. He is reluctant. He's gained weight, no energy, stress from the job, I don't know anymore.

Well, I've cleaned some of the cobwebs out of my head and might go to take a nap. I'm having 20 people over for dinner on Saturday night and am in denial about that. I guess I will worry about that later.

Signing out.

I missed posting anything about St. Patrick's Day yesterday. In the past, I always tried to share a favorite Irish blessing. In the past we've had traditional Irish soda bread and snacks and watched "The Quiet Man". Reality is yesterday was just about getting through and getting done. My girls danced early (5 PM) in a southern suburb, and I did spend $14 on six shamrock shakes on the ride home (boys came, too).

I am feeling very fragile today. My friend's mother died late last night. And then I see about Sicily Yoder, here. Another reminder of the frailty of life, and the uncertainties. And tomorrow someone I care a lot about will be facing the first anniversary of a death of a loved one. And our communication is awkward and strained, and I tried to reach out, but feel rejected. Oh, well ... I imagine one day at a time.

There is irony in life. Best friend called me four times this morning, never leaving a message. I slept badly, took the boys to school, worked out, came home and went back to bed. What could possibly be so important that she would call continually and not leave a message? Apparently both she (last "relationship" failed) and my brother are both on eharmony (the dating web site that 'highly screens and filters' your potential dates). And my brother turned up on her list of suggested matches this morning. Ugh. This is pretty bad, since neither of them like one another very much. And she thinks she'll help him by critiquing his profile. Oh, no ...

I found out that my oldest son has $180 in his scouting account - from mowing lawns every third weekend in the summer at the VFW and proceeds from wreath sales - so he will be able to attend a second week of camp. That was a very nice surprise. And we are getting a $100 reimbursement check for gas when DH drove to the Wisconsin Dells on a weekend event last month.

And if I am debating whether or not to pay the mortgage with the budget surplus, or take care of all the small extraneous goals: $250 to parochial school, $250 to soccer club, $812.50 to IRA contribution, and $500 to my tuition. There is some personal satisfaction about clearing out all these small things.

And I'm clearing out the basement. Doing a run past Goodwill when I get the kids.

OK, that is it. Clearing out my mind as well after this brain dump.

Rest in peace, Sicily!

Its been a series of ups and downs. My best friend and brother are both single, and their dating woes happen to coincide at the same time. It does make me tired, especially when I haven't much to contribute. I did give my opinion on best friend's situation (new relationship/difficulties). DH pointed out that I was completely wrong and there are tons of red flags. So I let her know what DH's views were, she thanked me for caring enough to pass on the male's perspective, and ultimately what she does is up to her. Brother is newly single and on eharmony and looking for "the" one in earnest, but is there really just one?

I am thankful for two new babies: one friend from church had baby #5 (in seven years - that's me and my spacing so I'm rather nostalgic about the whole thing). It was a girl named Alice (who joins Lucy, Mae, Frankie, and Vincent). And my xSIL (brother's xwife) just had baby boy #2 Myles, who joins Wesley. And another friend is due this week.

Saw the show yesterday, Heartbeat of Home. By the creators of Riverdance. Just loved it. And my girls are inspired and love to dance. And so all in all, well worth the money. We went out to eat afterward as a treat. I'm not stressing so much about money that one meal out will frazzle me. Was happy to see that tenant paid an additional $75, so I'm still ahead.

We're having a big group over for dinner next Saturday (new pastor, associate pastor, two families were friends with, and I invited my favorite friend from church who makes things fun!) so my goal for the week is to clean the house/organize the basement/plan the menu, etc.

So, it's going with the flow, and wishing everyone peace and good days.

I was going to blog about DH's paycheck hitting, and his bonus (taxed at 40%) coming in two weeks early, and how happy I was to pay off the $1,000 remaining balance for my younger daughter's tuition. And how I am fighting the urge to make another mortgage payment and pay the other small goals amounts off with the 3/28 paycheck. But then I saw the our Banker Gurl is having a rough time.

And I just wanted to say that I love this little corner of the cyberworld called SA. I've been here forever (in several different blog versions) and I like that we can hold each other up when encouragement and support are needed.

I am glad that I am part of this community. That is all.

I am sort of immune to the Hump Day references on Wednesday (one FB friend weekly reminds us with pictures, etc.) I'm dubbing today DUMP DAY because of the snow. Or SLUMP DAY because no one in my family is adjusting well to the time change. I figured to combat the mood I was headed toward, I'd put my robe on, grab my camera, and go out on the deck to revel in the beauty of nature. Here is my favorite pic:



(Sorry, not sure how to flip? If anyone knows and can tell, please share)

We're in the middle of Irish dance performance season. I spent $19 on new socks. I made a mistake in the checkbook by $300 not in our favor. I missed the fact that some bill pays had a later pull date, I assumed they were already paid and then the day they were pulled I was poor.

The price of gas is going up. I may have to start playing the grocery game again with coupons and sale ads.

I am up to my ears in paperwork. For my own return to school (on March 31), and my younger daughter's transfer (for next year). And sending out resumes for my husband's job search. We have the finite end date. DH is considering a less demanding position so he can balance that with school. I'm not worrying too much because the whole point with my return to school is so I can get a job and earn real money. I was offered the chance to go full-time with our diocese as an admin assistant (what I do in my volunteer life, not in my previous professional life) within the diocese office 30 minutes away from home. Thankfully we are not to the point where I felt I needed to go that direction. So, onward we muddle.

I've worked on the budget and it this is the month for paying off things (tuition to all schools/IRA contributions/etc.) April will mean we can come up with some new goals.

Well, I hope all my fellow Midwesterners are staying safe from the snow. And everyone else is safe and happy, too.

End note: Fitness Challenge - I am doing extremely well - I have taken one day off in twenty one consecutive. I'm liking the stepper and bouncing between that, the elliptical, and treadmill. DH commented this morning that I'm looking smaller from behind. And I'm a bit firmer, too.

Well, I'm parting with some funds in order to do things that are important and exciting for my kids. We are an Irish dancing, soccer family, meaning the girls are Irish dancers, and the boys are all soccer players.

For Mother's Day (happening two months early), I am going with my two daughters to see "Heartbeat of Home", by the creators of Riverdance. My girls had a whole argument written out as to why we should go see it. Compelling argument is younger daughter wants to dance professionally (Irish) and wouldn't it be great for her to be inspired. And because I loved Irish dance so much, I started them in classes eleven years ago. Anyhow, we paid roughly $44 per person and are going to a matinee show next Saturday at the Oriental Theatre.

And for Father's Day, my husband and sons are going to see the Chicago Fire play, but their season is just starting and we'll get those tickets next month. I can't even argue because they are counting down the days to the World Cup.

So, there you go. We're gifting ourselves with experiences.

I've been exercising every day: elliptical, treadmill, or stepper. Every day for seventeen days. Forty cumulative miles, 170 steps (enough to go to the top of the Eiffel tower, Big Ben, and the Great Pyramid of Giza).

I'm definitely getting smaller. I'm also watching what I'm eating. Eating less in general, and more good stuff. In an effort to have a wardrobe that is current, I'm realizing that I will need to spend some money. I found a cute striped nautical dress at Old Navy for $11.99. And today I spent $19.99 on another striped dress (Jones New York at Sam's Club - MSRP $60). Both can be dressed up with nice jewelry or down with a denim jacket and casual flats.

I've also got the list of things that people will need for the spring/summer, and I'm also checking out things on clearance when I'm out.

I have $5 coupon off of $5 or more at Kohls. Not sure what to spend that on. Something from the list.

We're cutting down on recreational spending by using the library for listening, viewing, and reading options.

Everything is on autopilot. I'm working the post-employment budget numbers now. We now the final departure date is 8/31 - and 14 weeks of severance brings us almost through the end of the year. March is definitely aggressive goal-wise: $1,000 remaining high school tuition, $250 remaining grade school tuition, $250 remaining soccer tuition, $500 for my tuition, and $812.50 for the remaining Trad IRA contribution. I also factored in another mortgage payment, too. I think it is all do-able. Then in April, we'll get serious about the upcoming goals for 2014-2015 (tuition/etc).

Off to catch up on the blogs.

Well, yesterday was my 12th consecutive day at the Y, with 34.47 miles cumulative. I'm feeling good, sleeping better, not wanting to have a mid-day nap at 3:00 when the kids are all coming home, and I am usually awake until 9:15 (I wait for my girls to come home from dance two days a week).

Today my goal is to do some crunches (haven't even remotely tried those in forever. I don't even know what is a reasonable goal. I imagine however many I can muster up. And I am going to try the stepper today at the Y rather than the elliptical or treadmill. I'm not very coordinated, so any success on the stepper will be welcomed. I've been warned by a friend about working out everyday. I'm not sure how I feel about that advice.

Saturday night was the Blue & Gold Cub Scout dinner. It wasn't our turn to run it, but the den behind us has only one scout and the three of us that ran it last year ended up running it again this year. We were supposed to be at a 40th birthday party for one of our best friends, but didn't go because of this. I was bummed the whole night. Then to add insult to injury I ended up with two calls for directions on how to get to the friend's house. I need to win the battle on "Saying No and Meaning No". The party was an hour away so doing both wasn't an option. I am not loving the volunteer work with Scouts anymore. The Cubmaster is difficult to work with and I am not sure where this brain dump is even going ... Benefit of helping out at dinner, a huge amount of wonderful chicken pasta leftovers came our way. Will be eating that through tomorrow. (Again, the perception of large family on modest income always gets the leftovers).

All the bills are paid for March. Had a lot of zeal and took care of everything. Will end up having to cut it close until next payday. Oh well, I forgot to budget in sticker for license plate and the dog is in need of grooming. There goes $150 real quick.

So that is the way the band marches on ...

Well, since I've left my funk behind I've been to the Y seven consecutive days in a row and averaged 3 miles each. I was sick yesterday and limped along with a 9:40 minute mile. I'm going to run a 5K for a charity I like to support on May 18. I am seeing the benefit of having goals and like the sense of feeling of accomplishment.

I am returning to school. I have a Masters in Science of Clinical Psychology which I haven't done much with in the past. I've become involved in a group of survivors of spiritually abusive childhoods, and have decided to move in that direction as far as a specialty. I'm taking three classes the quarter that starts 3/31 (ending 6/6). I'll be taking Intro to Pastoral Care, Pastoral Ethics, and Sexual Ethics and the Family. I'll be at a seminary very close to home.

What this means for my family is: my oldest daughter is getting her license. The kids will be in charge of Mondays, getting homework done, dinner on the table, and then to various activities. Thankfully everything is in a 1 mile radius. It will be an interesting exercise and I'm very anxious to see what doors are opened for me by this move.

Well, since we've got a large family (and I think perceived as being in the modest income range) we always get the left over from parish functions. My husband was a chaperone with the Scouts this weekend at a water park in the Wisconsin Dells. We ended up with 20 snack size bags of chips, 48 water bottles, 30 juice boxes. Then we got a call from our friend (the other chaperone) that we didn't get the deli items. 3# of ham, 1.5# of turkey, and 1.5# of roast beef. Sandwiches are on the menu for the rest of the week.

And I was shopping with my parents yesterday and they bought me a new winter coat (white wool for warmer weather). A $200 Liz Claiborne down to $29.97. I would have purchased it for myself, but my mom said to consider it an Easter gift. I'm doing much better accepting help and gifts.

It is freezing here in the Midwest. With more snow predicted. Tired of this!

Since I've spent less time worrying about money, replaced that worry with better management, I've had more time to deal with other things.

I'm down 8# and 4#s away from the 120s. I've clocked 11.75 miles after four consecutive days at the Y.

And I went out for dinner tonight with my best friend. (Even that relationship is doing much better, though I did need to take a break, but this time I actually told here where I was coming from and how the relationship was making me feel). Anyhow, I ate at a Mediterranean restaurant and spent $8.65. And I drank water.

So, all continues to remain good!

Looking back at my last post: my couch cost $104 at Goodwill. I couldn't be more pleased with it, and I'm rearranging what I have to pull in a more cohesive look.

Financially speaking,
* Paid $6,000 to prepay property taxes on primary residence
* Paid March's mortgage, so next payment due 4/15

I was going to take care of a bunch of extraneous stuff, but those are smaller and can be taken care of in dribs and drabs and have open-ended due dates.

DH is still in the job from hell, but we are actively looking for a different position. He's put out two resumes for jobs he'd like (one further away, but smaller start-up) and one at a hospital he could commute to by train. The job I was interested in was taken and they asked if I was interested in full-time, not at this point. He's told his boss that wants out as soon as possible. His work is almost done (creating the model that implemented budget from old company to new company). We know that his school schedule for the fall will be M and Th 7:30-9:30 and his courses are easier to begin with (Old Testament, and New Testament)

My younger daughter hasn't been happy at the present high school. She shadowed at her other alternative and was quite positive about it. She'll be trying out for the dance team there in June and I know what the costs will be for that. We're holding off on a custom solo dress for her, older daughter is in the process of designing one. I had concerns about funding, but we paid top dollar for Siope Rince out of Ireland that they tend to hold their value. I will be able to cover the expenses after the sale of these two (but they need to wear them through St. Patrick's Day). Til then it is $100/month. It helps to work with a friend.

We've said no to some things lately just because of the budget. My I-don't-love-to-read son will NOT be joining the after school book club at $75 for a six hour program. My oldest son won't be running track with the 6th grade. He already plays soccer (all my boys do, and that is it). We skipped a $250 horseback riding camp for the Scout. My oldest daughter is fine about work study in the summer to defray school tuition next fall. She's also looking to drilling in Irish Dance to help defray the cost of a mission trip with the school.

I've moved past perseverating on every dollar and am making wiser choices. I'm shopping more often for less items (maybe not wiser with my time, but I am finding that a purpose and plan do propel one forward). I find that "the list" concept is working for my family.

Money tidbits, in closing, "found" $46 that DH and I left in two American Express Accounts when they were Money Exchange. Made $160 dog sitting for my brother, and then used those funds for a weekend waterpark excursion for oldest son and DH with the Scouts.

So, that is it - in a nutshell. Off to catch up on the blogs, and hope that all is well with all!

I spent $75.17 at Aldi's yesterday and worked the menu plan around what I had on hand. DH has taken the girls to their dance class which is on Chicago's South Side. We had a basketball game for oldest son, and all the homework is done.

I've spent the past hour in the kitchen. This is what is cooking up:

Monday's Dinner: Meatloaf and baked potatoes

Tuesday's Dinner: Stew and vegetables

Wednesday's Dinner: Grilled cheese sandwiches, soup and salad

Thursday's Dinner: Oriental chicken stir-fry

Lunches for DH:

Monday: Beef barley soup made in the Vitamix

Tues-Fri: Black beans and rice

The kids are straighforward sandwich, snack item, and fruit (grapes or apple slices)

I'm not feeling well, still fighting a cold and sinus head-ache, so my parents are coming to the resuce again with Little Ceasar's Pizza when everyone gets home and my mom is helping my daughter with her final "Catcher in the Rye" project.

Personal point of interest:

I had a difficult relationship with the parent of my daughter's friend several years back. Since I volunteer much more within the parish office and less in the school, my contact with her has been sporadic and faded to something cordial. She called yesterday in a state about her daughter, wanting the gossip and adivce. It is Turnabout Time, and she (the daughter) has gone against her parents' wishes and invited a boy of anothe race. We're not people concerned with things like that - and my daughter is conidering a vocation as a Sister and not interested in boys other than friends at this point. I was able to be polite, advised to know what the desired outcome would be after she has *the* talk with her daughter tonight. I refrained from gossip and kept the entire topic to myself. I've been reading up on the role of the deacon's wife. I think I'm coming up with some good parameters for my interactions.

Well, my "worrying about money" mentality, was followed by a "poor me, I dislike my home décor." I had the envy bug after seeing one friend's brand new paint/carpet/living room suite and another friend's kitchen redo with new granite counters and backsplashes and article of furniture from Target that I liked. After the "How will I feed my family?" quandary (self-imposed, of course), I was a bit begrudging on having to love what I have for the next long while. DH and I already discussed less expensive alternatives to new matresses, like a $200 mattress topper from Kohl's with the new chilling technology (down from $399 or $499).

About my current living room: I've been in my house ten years now. We went from 900 square feet to 2,450 square feet with little to no furniture. I ended up with a collection of expensive, impractical oddities that didn't work in my biological father's English-inspired estate. Below is what has been in my living room and I have never liked it. It has inspired some interesting conversations. No, we are not Buddhist, we are devout Roman Catholics. No, we are not recreational hookah smokers. Etc.

Here is the item:



Wednesday I decided to drop off some donations at Goodwill. I fell in love with the sofa below. It was someone's custom selection from Walter E. Smythe, an upper end furniture place here in suburban Chicago. Loved everything about it. My donation got me a 30% off coupon, so I bought the sofa. And here it is.



How much do you think I paid for it?

Our whole world essentially knows that we are on the brink of unemployment. We've gotten lots of prayers and some job opportunities forwarded to us, plus requests for resumes. And since we've been (sort of) reunited with biological father, he offered to pay our insurance once we're fourteen weeks out of last date and severance has ended. It's not quite so nerve-wracking, but scary nonetheless.

Yesterday one of our friends through Scouting gave DH a big bag of winter ware items that their sons outgrew: gloves, wool socks, etc. We'll be able to use all of it.

DH was a kitchen helper at the Klondike for the Scouts yesterday and brought home two huge Ziploc baggies of chili leftovers from lunch. We've got enough of the mild chili for two dinners and four lunches for DH. We ended up giving the hot/spicy chili to my stepdad. We had a lot of snow and stepdad said if DH picked up the snowblower at my parents' house, he'd be able to use it for our driveway and our rental unit (long story, single mother moved in five years ago and DH does the lawn and shovels for her). So in 45 minutes he ended up with both properties done and shoveled.

So, I'm thinking that I'll bake some muffins tomorrow to share with our hand-me-down giving friend, and cornbread muffins to go with the chili for us and my parents.

Feeling pretty content with the circle I have.

I left January very determined to make the most of February, financially speaking. I declared it a low-spend month, buying only what was needed, keeping a judicious eye on the grocery spending that seems to be creeping up, etc.

I was unhappy to see that oldest son was in need of a new winter coat, one specifically designed for cold weather wear. I managed to miss this point because he wears a sweatshirt and fleece winter wear (North Face) to school because he doesn't have recess and is only in and out of car or bus and the building. Well, the Klondike for the BoyScouts was today. I bought the prerequisite long underwear for $8.97 at Walmart, and didn't balk at that.

However, when he put his normal winter coat on it wasn't going to work. Too short in the sleeves and not covering him butt (though he had snowpants). I had to agree it was woefully inadequate. Off we trudged to Kohl's with my $100 bill for suitable wear. At least we found a Columbia wind chill resistant jacket in the next size up that he could wear for the next two years. Cost $55. I was very enthusiastic about size and color and the fact he can use next year.

I got $10 Kohls dollars at checkout. I was happy about that.

Our tenant paid $70 extra toward her shortened rent payment on the 15th. I came out better than even and went to the bank today to get another $100.

I was one happy shopper and saver.

OK, freezing here in the tundra of the Midwest, I've got reading/studying/crafting kids, a sick dog, and not a lot of motivation to do much. Got the taxes done yesterday (goal for the week).

Here is how we did for January:
* Did pay $1,500 to tuition
* Did pay $1,750 for February's mortgage (next due 3/15)
* Did stay within budget for utilities
* Did pay $1,000 for prepay property tax (scheduled to auto withdraw on Friday's payday)
* Did pay $875 to Traditional IRA for 2013 (as above, scheduled to auto withdraw on Friday)
* Did manage to open a Barclay's saving account with $25
* Did manage to keep my $100 from the beginning of the month (my grandma sends me $100 a month 'to use as needed') Anyhow, it is tucked away in the only surviving antique canister from some distant relative

I did manage to underestimate a long list of things: lenses, ink, pinewood derby supplies, tickets for the Father-Daughter dance, t-shirts for turnabout week for a charity, $50 for class ring deposit, $20 for a belt and dress pants for DH who remains tubby. *sigh*

Goals for Feb

[_] $2,000 for prepayment of real estate taxes from monthly income
[_] $4,980 for prepayment of real estate taxes from federal tax refund
[_] $500 for saving account for DH's educational expenses for upcoming year
[_] Stay on budget for living (gas/groceries)
[_] Stay on budget for utilities
[_] Manage to add $100 cash to canister

I am pleased that it is a short month. I am pleased that I am driving less. I will have the opportunity to make an additional $150 caring for my brothers' dogs when he is out of town. Not sure how to allot those funds.

Non-financial goals:

I am hopeful for more energy to get some bigger tasks done around the house (deal again with the dreaded basement). I would like to make it to the Y at least three times a week. I would like to have an accurate list of what the kids will need for spring and start looking at Goodwill for said items.

Stay warm for those in the bitter cold temps.

Frigid weather allowed for us to be housebound, and I took the opportunity to do our taxes. (Not very complicated given 1 W-2, one statement for interest, mortgage interest, and student loan interest.

Our situation for refunds:

$4,981 for federal
$479 for state

Plan for funds:

Federal goes right to property tax prepayment

State: open separate account for DH's education expenses (anticipated $500 first year).

Feeling hopeful about our finances. Looking forward to end of week so I can do a monthly wrap-up.

Definition of winsome: cheerful and engaging.

I was most definitely NOT winsome this past week. Feeling more like myself today after a decent sleep and some alone time yesterday reading some light fluff. I've been immersed in "The Catcher in the Rye" with my 10th grader, and Greek mythology with my 6th grader. The 9th is reading "A Lesson Before Dying" which is pretty heavy, too.

DH has gained weight since he's been in the stressful position (started in July). He's not working out at all and while I've been cooking healthy, he's stress eating. He needed to look nice in business casual for a function today with his fraternal organization. He inherited a blue sport coat from my stepdad which works (if unbuttoned), but he grew out of his khakis. Thankfully, our Goodwill lets you return clothes that don't fit for a credit. 40s didn't fit. But I exchanged for 42s which worked (relief!). The cost was $4.99.

But then he needed a belt. I needed to grocery shop for a few items before the polar vortex returns later today. So I went to Target. His belt cost $14.99.

I suppose the lesson is you win some and lose some. I *am* happy for the $4.99 pants, and I did look at belts at the GW, but there wasn't the right size/color/style/condition.

I am hopeful that DH will lose some weight and move towards fit and healthy again, but not much I can do about his lack of motivation.

So, be theme for today is win some and lose some.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day. Stay warm and safe.

Well, this was the first pay period living on the post-employment budget. I managed to make it with $.25 in the account.

First, I had some "budget busters": contact lenses ($57) and printer ink. These ordinarily wouldn't have made a dent in the cash, but we started the pay period with a purchase of two new tires for DH's minivan ($189 at Walmart). Then the printer (that I just purchased the new ink for) died, had an Error Code associated with a paper jam. Stepdad took it home, disassembled, put it back together and it is working now. Crisis averted. So, I am figuring where and when to budget for those items in the future because the need for these items remains constant.

I am not disciplined enough to combine Week 1 and Week 2 funds. Back to cash in envelopes for specific weeks/categories. The last time I tried to do cash, I ended up having to raid all cash across all envelopes for a $385 car repair (brakes) back in November.

There will *always* be something. Saturday starts with another new tire for my minivan.

I can't be fretting over needed purchases. It's just not worth it. I did have to buy my daughter a copy of "Cather in the Rye". The $6.99 had microscopic print, so I opted to spend $15 and get her a book with much easier to read print.

My menu planning and grocery shopping wasn't as successful as I thought it would be. I am going back to the basics with one week at a time. We're eating at my parents' house on Saturday and I think Steak N Shake on Sunday (have a gift card) so it is really a matter of a few meals. Definitely one crockpot. We're eating more fresh produce which is more expensive, and my husband is using his Vitamix (hand me down from MIL) with more regularity. The favorite drink so far is sweet potato/apple/banana/milk/honey/nutmeg. Even my pickiest of eaters like it. We tried to sneak spinach in, but the color gave it away.

Off to work on my meal plan/shopping list. I have the ads and coupons and might give it another go.

Goals for tomorrow's funds (pay day and rent):
[_] $1,750 for mortgage
[_] $181 for living Week 1
[_] $186 for living Week 2
[_] $400 for utilities
[_] $25 to Barclay's account
[_] $100 to retirement
[_] $30 to education

And on a side note, I am seeing how generous my children are with their own personal money. We were at Jewel and my youngest (Prince of the Generous) asked for gum. Cost $1. I pointed out that we could make a $1 donation (Jewel has the placard at checkout where you can donate $1, $3 or $5 for meals for the hungry). He was very cheerful and agreed. And the next time I was going, he had me wait and gave me another $1.

And I'm trying to continue my hobby of cross-stitch on a limited budget - using free patterns and stash on hand. I'm not really loving the small things I'm finding to do. I did find something I *really* love (The Boys Are Back in Town by Just Another Button Company). I showed it to oldest son. He came back with enough cash ($15) for me to buy the set of buttons and pattern.

So, life is pretty good, despite the $.25 in the checking account. Now to be a good steward of my $181 for Week 1. (And it needs to include a gift for stepdad - and a cash donation for a birthday party son is attending). Oh well, I can do it!

In an effort to move towards simplicity and intentional living and more natural/less processed life, I am hoping to purge the chemicals I'm bringing into the home through cleaning products and pre-packaged/processed food. I am a tabula rasa for this new experience and am looking for practical advice and true and tried recipes (to aid in my success!).

Anything that anyone can share?!

This new year is bringing exciting new opportunities for my family, so I thought that I'd create and debut a new blog. My goal is to keep is fiscally and financially focused and use it as a place to set and track goals. I have been so inspired by seeing how many of your track little flakes into money avalanches, and I hope to join in the success.

January is the last of our three paycheck months, so I was working with a total income of $7,300 (includes rental property income).

Goals for January 2014:

[x] $1,500 to outstanding tuition (high school, grade school, soccer)
[_] $1,750 to pay February's mortgage payment (meaning next mortgage payment will be due March 15, 2014)
[_] $1,500 to prepay property taxes on primary residence
[_] $1,200 for living expenses through 2/13 (roughly $200 a week, but this will be less post-employment, using one car)
[_] $250 to savings (10% of this accomplished)
[_] $800 for utilities
[_] $160 ($15/week for education and $100 to retirement)

Progress on Goals and Frugal Smartness:

* Paid $1,500 to tuition
* Started Barclay's Dream Account with $25
* Paid cash for new tires and adjusted biweekly spending amounts to reflect this
* Have $125 cash in the "spare cash in house fund"
* Had a productive shopping trip to CVS using sales and coupons to build up stockpile, saving 66% on total bill and yielding $4 ECB
* Since no groceries (other than milk and produce) are required, I threw out the sale ads for this week because nothing is needed