Keeping Track of The Cash

Shopping, shopping, shopping! Probably one of my least favorite activities especially when it is grocery shopping. Today was three stop shopping.

Walmart was first on the list. We needed personal care items, mouthwash, soap, oil of Olay, pressed powder, toothpaste, etc. And... We needed beer. I love Lime-a-Rita beer by Budweiser. Have you tried it? It's really quite tasty. Wal-Mart does have the best everyday prices on the items I both today.

$66.00 spent at Wal-Mart

Next on the list is Walgreens. They had toilet paper on sale and I have never tried the magic eraser so I picked up one of those too. I also used some of my Walgreen points which reduced my purchase by $3.00.

Total spent at Walgreens $9.00

Now on to Winn Dixie. They had orange juice, peanut butter and jelly on sale. The peanut butter and jelly ( three of each) are going to the church food pantry. For all six we only spent $10.00.

The orange juice was 2/5.00 and the little Debbie's were 2/3.00.
Total spent $11.00

Total spent today $96.00

Out of the $400.00 cash I took out Saturday I have $200.00 left. This includes the 96.00 I spent Sunday on groceries, bowling and the thrift store.

Math Is Not My Subject

Lesson learned.  Don't try to put together a blog post at work, especially when it is math related.  Yesterday I had a lot of down time at work.  So I worked on my Net Worth for January 2013.  When I finished it, I myself was very impressed with my growing Net Worth, which should have been my first clue that something was not right.  I went ahead and posted it and it was definitely miscalculated. Thanks Sluggy and Tanner for keeping me honest.   I have corrected it and and now moving on.

Oh, and yes we are upside down in our rental house.  We refinanced before the bubble burst to put my husband through school and *poof* the market tanked!  We still managed to buy our new home 18 months ago with the upside down mortgage on the rental.  At the time I was working full time at a stable job for over 8 yrs and my income was enough to cover both mortgages.  But, oh how things change!

But, God is in control even when I am not.  So, I have learned to take it one day at a time and do the best I can for that day.  I still like to plan for the future and set goals and dates for this and that but my experience is that God takes care of my family's needs no matter how bad my math is.

That does not stop me from setting goals as I like to see the progress that I have made.  I just don't get to worked up about it when things don't always go my way.  If I did, I would pull my hair out.

Today I am going to try like heck to get at least five things listed for eBay before I take mom to her pre surgery appt and CT in Orlando.  After that, mom says she is going back to her home until her surgery on Friday.  But that can change.  If she does go home tonight, I think I can get a few more things listed this evening.  We will see......

I have to work the  rest of the week... with Friday off of course for mom's surgery.      We are hoping she is only in the hospital for a couple of days after that.

Off to take pictures for eBay..... have a great Tuesday!

Proof of my math Challenges

Tuesday's Agenda

The stress/anxiety that I was experiencing last week has since gone away.  I am feeling more in control (even though I may have no control of anything) and more importantly I can breathe!!   Last week, I was a mess!  But conversations with my mom, my husband and my kids have put many things in perspective.  It is time to move forward and enjoy each day.  I will try like heck to not worry about things I cannot control and let God handle the rest!





I have been spending a lot of time on Flickr and have uploaded almost all of my family photos to the site.  I have also joined a couple of "groups" and have spent a lot or relaxing non productive time viewing all the cool pictures.  Lately I have been fascinated with vintage signs.  The one above is of a local but out of business car dealership.  It brings back memories as the owner's son and I use to play golf as teenagers.

But on to today's list of things to get done.  This is my day off from both jobs so mom and I will be picking up my grandson and taking him to the park for a small picnic.  No doubt he will not want to eat but just play, but that is okay.

I did get my online bills paid and I just have to pass by the BrightHouse office to pay the cable.  There is also the credit card to pay, but I will send a chunk of money the end of this week when my husband and I both get paid.   The credit card balance has been creeping up and up and it is time to put a stop to that for awhile.

Mom is going back to her home tomorrow.  She has already contacted Life Alert and they will be at her house on Thursday to get her hooked up with the necklace and stuff that she will need to feel secure.   That is a relief for ALL of us! 

Since our budget is all out of whack for the beginning of January I am not going to worry too much about it.  We will get back to the debt reduction very soon and then start working on the mortgage.  Making sure mom is happy and doing well is our primary concern for now.  She enjoys staying out here with us and we enjoy having her.  I am looking forward to her return visit!



This is another great picture of the sign at a local shopping center.  It is a old strip mall but back in the day it was the place to go!   I went to this shopping center when I was 16 with my boyfriend's (now husband) mother to pick up his birthday present which was a pair or Acme cowboy boots.  I remember it like it was yesterday!


photo credit


Here are my eBay sales for last week

Tuesday's Short List

Today is a day of off from work.  But as you know, there is always work to be done around the house. I tell ya, housework is endless and some of the times it is thankless.  But it has to be done.

Most of my Christmas shopping is completed.  Yesterday I purchased one hour photo session for my grown children and their families.  The photographer met me at work to give the the beautifully personalized gift certificates.  For $75.00 each family will get a one hour photo session at a location of their choice.

  They will also get two 8 x 10's or an 11 x 14 professional print.  And they can go on the photographer's website and select 5 Jpegs images that they can print themselves or at the drug store.  The bonus is that I will get a free 8 x 10 from  each family's session (of my choosing).  I think it is a pretty good deal!   If you are in Central Florida and are interested, let me know!  I will pass information along to ya!

I purchased a Keruig Coffee Pot for my mom for Christmas from Amazon.  Yes, these are quite expensive but it is what she wants AND I had just about enough SwagBucks to cover the purchase.     Now I am hoping like heck it will be here in time for Christmas!!


Today's list of things to do includes:

Housework:  Put up Laundry, clean out fridge, and wash the bull dog (Princess).

Christmas:  Wrap presents and see what else needs to be bought.

 eBay:         Put up previously listed eBay items in storage shed.    Early December, business was    pretty good, but now it has slowed down.  Time to clean, organized and get ready for next year.

Family:    Later this evening I will be meeting my son to give him and his wife their photo certificate early.  They have kids home from college and now would be a great time for them to get their photos done.  My son lives about an hour away, so we meet about half way.

Baking:  Sometime today I have to make an Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for my husband's pot luck tomorrow.  Easy to do and great tasting!

Me:   Relax this evening and watch White Christmas on DVR.

  Have you put your 2013 Goals together yet?  Link them up here and inspire others!

Tuesday's Short List

Today is a busy day!  I am thrilled that my obligation at the University is now over this semester.  The students will be going to clinic the next two weeks for half days.  this give them a chance to see what the next semester will hold for them.  To this day I remember the stress and anxiety that I felt when I was a student and going to the clinic for the first time.  It was absolutely terrifying.

  Woo Hoo!  It will be wonderful to be home Tuesday and Thursday evenings.  I will have time to get organized for the upcoming holidays.  The down side is that I have not done any shopping yet.  The catch is I still don't know what to get for anyone. This year has been so crazy that I really let the $500 Holiday Challenge fall flat.   In fact February of this year was the last post on getting ready for Christmas on a budget.  There is always next year!

Here is the To Do List for Today:

• Grocery Shopping:  I have a list and I am taking cash.  Will let you know how that goes!

• Pack ebay items that sold yesterday:  Usually this takes just a few minutes.  But yesterday a Ceramic Pie Keeper sold and it will take some strategic packing to ensure its safe delivery.  Also a framed needlepoint sold, again more strategic packing.  Both items will take some time!

• Find an outfit for an upcoming evening wedding on Friday.  Lord.....I am secretly praying that something in my closet FITS!!  I can't tell you the anxiety that is building just over that that!! Sheesh!!!

• Organize the rolling racks of ebay inventory.  This is an ongoing project. 

That is it for now!  Enjoy your Tuesday!


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Tuesday: Getting It Done

Lists are awesome!

There is a lot to get done today before I go to work this evening.  the Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes are collected and ready to be dropped off.  This is National drop off week and today I will be checking the boxes collected from church and friends to make sure that they are properly labeled.   I have been amazed at the generous spirit of all involved in this worthwhile mission!   Such a blessing!
 
Today's Short List:  

• Gather and organize Shoeboxes  (almost got it done)

• Mail eBay Packages

• Call Vanguard about my 401kRollover

• Go to mom's before work and sit with dad while she gets some running around done

• Try to list 5 more items on eBay    

I have also been working on organizing my eBay shed in the back yard.  due to the intense summer heat the metal shed has been impossible to stay in for very long.  Now that the weather is cooling off, I have been able to spend more time in there getting stuff organized.. I have a lot of stuff in there, but it is nice to actually get some organization to the chaos. 

I have also been considering doing The Color Run 5k in January.  But every time I seriously consider it, this picture comes to mind :)  
 

 

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Tuesday Thoughts and Goals

  It has been a busy morning around here.  My grandson spent the night so my daughter and son could get away for a night at the beach.  With all that is going on with my parents it seems we all need a break from reality.  Mom and dad are doing pretty good.  Hospice is in place and are taking care of my dad and his needs.  This does give mom peace of mind.

 Dad is still at home and that is where he will spend the end of his days.  Mom wants to honor him in that way.  She is still taking care of him 24/7, but this is her desire.  We offer to help, stay over, and she only calls when she absolutely needs something.  I do respect and admire my mom for taking such good care of my dad.

But, there is that moment of bitterness when I am convinced that my mom will wear herself out to the point of exhaustion and collapse BECAUSE she wants to do it all.  But, we have to honor her wishes and just support her the best way we can, at least until she wants more help.

 This afternoon is jam packed with things to do before work at the college. 

• Mail packages for eBay

• Take more Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes to Church to be filled

• Dental appointment.( I have a great dentist/hygienist)

• List 3 more things on eBay. ( already listed 10 items early this morning)

• Make plans to go to the Pumpkin Patch with Caleb!

Hope you all have a great Tuesday!!

Here are my latest eBay Auctions!


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Tuesday's Short List

  

 I am off "today" but do have to work this evening at the college.  On the days when I don't have to go to work till the evening, I can get a lot of things done around the house.  I won't have much time this morning to get my usual amount of things accomplished.  The reason for that is I will be heading to mom's to join her when she meets with Hospice today.

  My dad's primary care recommended that we talk to Hospice because dad has so much wrong with him and he is refusing to go to the hospital.  His doctor said he would "direct admit" him so he would not have to stay in the Emergency Room.  Dad said "No Way!  If you (doctor) can't help me, then what can the hospital possible do?"  My dad is set in his ways and refuses to listen to reason, and my mom "enables" him to do it. 

I will head down early, pick up lunch for me and mom and then we will meet with Hospice ( I have a lot of questions for them and will write blog about the visit)  then I will leave for work at the college.  I should be home by 9 PM tonight.

My short list for then next few days is as follows:

• Mail packages at Post Office
• Fold Laundry ( before it wrinkles and I have to "dry" it again)
• walk dogs
• plan dinner for husband

 So there you go.  This list is a "daily" list and I think I can get it all done!

 Last week's list....

Here are a few things I tried to accomplish last week... TOTAL FAIL!

• Plan menu for next week  FAIL

•  Work on Ebay mileage for September (so behind in this) FAIL

• Balance checkbook ( am now using a checkbook register, before I was not) PASS

• List 25 more items this week HALF FAIL

•  Weed out front flower bed and get now bushes FAIL

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Tuesday's Mini Goals and Remembering

 Does it seem like it has been 11 years since the World Towers went down?  Remembering those who lost their lives that day and their families.   Of course I remember exactly where I was when the event happened.  And I watched the event play over and over on TV for days.  It was all I could watch....in total disbelief.    Prayers for our nation.  Amen.



Today is another day of errands and getting things done.  For my part time job at the college, I have to get my medical history up to date.  This includes vaccinations.   Yesterday, I was able to get in to see my doctor for a physical and a flu shot.  Today I am off to the county health department to start my MMR (measles mumps rubella) series of shots and Varicella (chicken pox) series of shots.  Yeah, not looking forward to that at all.

The cost of the shots is a bit of a shocker.  The MMR will total out at about 200.00 for both and the Varicella will be another 150.00 for both.  Budget buster for sure!  Well, budgets are always having to give and take.  I wonder is the shots are a tax deduction since they are work related?

Then it is off to the dog groomer for our Papillion, Cricket.  She is getting a bit to shaggy and needs a clipping. Another budget category I forgot to put in the budget.   There is going to be a lot of revision in the budget this month.

After the shots and the groomer, I will come back home, put dinner in the crockpot and list a few things on eBay.  And then off to work at the college.

All in all, it is going to be a busy day!

Hope you all have a great Tuesday!











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Tuesday's Things to Do

 I had the day off today, due to the weather.  Boo!!!  But with the extra time I was busy with eBay listing some vintage clothes.  Listing clothes in NOT my favorite thing to do because there is more research and time involved.  Today was the perfect extra day to get some of that done.

While I was out hitting the garage sales on Saturday, one of the houses had a "Back to the Future" Delorean car in his yard.  It was not for sale as he still drives it to and from work.  He let his garage sale shoppers take pictures in his car!  Such a hoot and I could not resist!

Tomorrow is a day of errands.  I have to stop by the gastroenterologist to pick up the prep for our up coming colonoscopies.   We are both having the procedure the day after Labor Day.  What a way to spend the weekend!!  We were suppose to have it done when we turned 50, but that was two years ago.  My primary doctor is pretty adamant that we get it done.


Have to hit the grocery store to pick up a few things for the rest of the week, but that should be it for tomorrow.

What do you have planned for tomorrow?

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Today's Short List

The day is half over and already a lot has been accomplished.   I packed up two orders for eBay customers, and I am still looking  for a scarf that was purchased.  As of yet, I  have not found it.  It is definitely somewhere in the garage.... I hope.
  Now you can see why the organization of the eBay/garage is so important.  I will lose money if I can't find my inventory.  ((Sigh))

Both dogs were dropped off at their designated destinations.   Cricket (the papillion) is already back from her grooming appointment.  This was the first time we tried a privately owned business as opposed to always going to Petco.  We are very pleased with the results and the price.  It will be $12.00 dollars cheaper to get her clipped each month.  And we are supporting local small business owners.  That is important too.

Princess will get picked up at 3:00 PM today.  Hoping she is doing okay so far. 

Time to pack my husband's lunch, as he will be leaving in about an hour.  That leaves me the evening and afternoon to work on eBay and cleaning.  Oh.... I get the remote all to myself too!  Gotta love that! 

Hope your Tuesday is going well!!

Checking In Tuesday: Feeling Normal

Add caption

This past weekend was busy and productive.  The bathroom remodel is still underway.  The lighting was finished up by my son.  We put a light (waterproof) in the shower ceiling, this definitely brightens things up.  The second coat of paint has been applied.  Now, my husband has has to install the vanity and toilet and that should be it.  He is finishing it up a little bit each day after work.  I have been finishing up my mom's room and now am working on my dad's room.  We are ordering a recliner (just like the one he has at his house) this week.  If and when they do come out to stay with us, we want the transition to be a smooth as possible.

 Spring is definitely here and the weather is beautiful.   Most of the weekend was spent outdoors cleaning up the yard and pulling weeds.   My grandson was visiting with us Saturday and stayed the night.  I tell ya, when he is here, not much gets done at all.  After he went home Sunday afternoon, I was able to get back in the Spring Cleaning groove and tidy up the garage which is now home to my eBay business.   I have come to the conclusion that it is just about impossible to "tidy up" other people's junk.  And I say "junk" in a good way.  That "junk" can be quite profitable and helps me to support my family.  But, there is just no good way to make it all look neat.  At least I know where everything is!
 

I hope your week is wonderfully productive too!

Check out my Weekly Goals at Happy Girl Collectibles.  I am on a mission to get organized!

Andrea at So Over Debt has provided her helpful hints on how to decorate on a budget and not OVERspend.  I love her personalized artwork!  Beautiful stuff!

Aloyssa at My Broken Coin shares her mom's personal story on being a mail order bride. Can you imagine how much guts it took to put it out there and be a mail order bride? 

Sam at Financial Samuari has a guest post from Rachel.  She shares her experience on being unemployed.  I can so relate!

Karl at Cult of Money has an interesting perspective of How to get a Sweet-ass Government job!  

Joe at Retire By Forty is leaving corporate America and becoming a stay at home dad.  Joe has laid the groundwork for his success at stepping out of his career.  Good for you Joe!

Tying Up Loose Ends Tuesday

So far it has been an easy day around here.  Dinner is done, I changed up the menu and made spaghetti casserole.  Mom had her radiation therapy this morning and came home and took a three hour nap.  She hates to admit that she is tired, but the nap is certainly a giveaway.   Tomorrow mom will be going to her first outpatient rehab appointment.  It took this long as there was not an opening, but she is looking forward to getting back to rehab again.  The week after she will be going to occupational rehab as well.  This is where she will be evaluated to see if she can again drive.  That is what she is hoping for. 


Mom is claiming her independence, and by that I mean she is not wanting to move in with me and my husband.  At least not right now.  She feels she is strong enough to  take care of my dad and herself and she is hoping to drive again.  Well, that is fine.  I totally understand not wanting to give up your independence, at least not until you absolutely have to.  


We have come up with a somewhat feasible solution.   That is to set up house for everyone at both of our houses.  We will have a king size bed here and at out home.  And they will still have their bedrooms here and we will set up the same out there at our home.  This way, it is not necessarily such a final move for anyone.  There will always be an out.  And this will be easier in that we won't be moving furniture every couple of months. 

Cricket,our Papillion

Princess our bulldog

My husband and I will be probably moving back out to our home in mid February.  We are going to wait for the end of the radiation treatments and see how mom is feeling.  I am looking forward to going home and seeing my "girls" again.  My daughter is taking care of them, and she is ready for me to take them home too. 

On a side note, I am starting a new challenge tomorrow...... please check back tomorrow and see what it is all about :)  


Have a great rest of the day!

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Tying Up Loose Ends Tuesday

lantern festival

  
We are working on getting back to normal, or at least or new normal.  Everyday is different around here, with an array of doctor's appointments for both my mom and dad.  Mom is definitely getting stronger and is able to do more around the house.  She starts her radiation treatments tomorrow so we shall see  how much that is going to affect her strength.   We see her primary oncologist today and I a few questions written down to ask her.  We also see her radiation oncologist tomorrow and I will be asking him the same questions too.    I think tomorrow I will post the questions I asked and their answers.... might be interesting. 


  Yesterday marks the start of yet another challenge. I have joined Erika at Newlyweds On A Budget Weight Loss Challenge.  The goal is too lose at least 10 pounds in 12 weeks.  In order to help me keep track of my calories I have started using LiveStrong Calorie Tracker.  There is also an app for your phone ($2.99) that helps you to figure out and track your calories, water consumption and calories burned with exercise.  It is a great way to keep track, and easy to use. 

Yesterday I did list some items on Craigslist to sell.  Mostly vintage Christmas decorations....  

 You never know what people will buy..... and hopefully someone will want these items.    


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photo credit: cJowers

Tying Up Loose Ends Tuesday

flea market flowers

This is a busy week for mom.  She has a week full of appointments, four of them in fact.  This morning she is at an appointment at MD Anderson cancer hospital getting fitted for her radiation mask.  One of her golfing buddies is taking her.  The radiation therapist should be scheduling her sessions as well, so we can better plan the next few weeks. 

retrieved from NCI 

 

 

This mask will keep her head stable during treatment.  It will
also help the radiation therapist direct the radiation to the proper area.  Luckily she is not claustrophobic.  I don't know if I could do it, this mask kinda freaks me out.  We have three other appointments this week, her primary physician, her neurosurgeon, and then her annual mammo,dexascan and chest xray.  


Tomorrow, my daughter and her family will be coming down to stay with my dad while we go to the neurosurgeon.  My daughter has the night off from work so she has offered to stay the evening while my husband and I have a night out.  We are going to try to get to the movies and a late dinner.  I am very excited about this!  

Yesterday, my husband was out at out house ripping out the old bathroom (tub, toilet, vanity) and getting it ready to put a shower in that is user friendly for my parents.  With my son's help he was able to get all the old fixtures and stuff out of there.  He has a friend at work that does tile work, and we are hoping he has time to put our shower in.  My husband could do this but he really has NO time since we are living with my parents now.  My husband can put in the toilet and vanity, so we won't have to hire that out.

The dinner that one of the church members brought last night was absolutely delicious! A lovely salad, Chicken Tetrazzinni and a tasty spice cake.  I love her church family!!

 

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Tying Up Loose Ends Tuesday

Today has been a day of errands and last minute things to do before the surgery tomorrow.  I picked up my grandson and took him to visit with my mom (his great grandma or "Gigi).   We stayed there for about two hours and then headed home.  After I dropped him off, I stopped off at Target to pick up some new sweatpants and shampoo.

Then, I went to a wonderful little Thrift Store downtown.  They have a policy that you can "borrow" certain medical equipment for as long as you need it.  With the upcoming arthroscopic knee surgery I was told that I would probably need a walker for a couple of days.  I think that would be better than crutches.  I am not that graceful on crutches.   As it happens, they did have some spiffy walkers on hand and were nice enough to lend it to me.  The owner just said bring it back when you don't need it anymore.  I didn't have to sign for it or leave a deposit.  How nice is that??

A few more things to do this afternoon.  I am still trying to pack those Samurai swords.  Never again will we list something that big.  To much hassle to pack it up.    Regardless, the swords will be packed and shipped today.  I am tired of looking at them.

A couple loads of clothes and some last minute grocery shopping this afternoon and that should be it.  Hope you all are having a great Tuesday!

And don't forget about Carla's Giveaway.  You can be a winner no matter what!

Tuesday Thoughts

Today is my half a day at work. I will be going home around noon and I am looking forward to it. I have been struggling with an upset stomach fir mist of the weekend. It might have been food poisoning, because I was really, really sick!! Yesterday, I was having issues with my diverticulitis flaring up. I am now on clear liquids and have felt so much better.

I will have to clean when I get home as I have an exterminator coming later today. It seems our hone us having an influx of German roaches!! Yuck!!! Can't wait to get rid of them!!

Hope you all have a productive day today

Lisa

Tuesday Thoughts

Today was an absolutely beautiful day outside and at work.  I did not spend much today, toll money and that was only 1.00 dollar.  I packed my lunch so I did not have to run out to get lunch.  Tuna and salad, with yogurt and cheerios for a snack.  That is my favorite snack lately.  I had wanted to get to Walgreens to get more of the Dove shampoo deal, but I ended up taking a friend home from work.  There is always tomorrow.... 

~~~Tuesday Highlights~~~

• Beautiful weather once again
• Avoiding confict at work
• Being able to hang up clothes outside

Tuesday Tallies

Yesterday was going to be a no spend day, we ate breakfast at home. I prepared Steel Cut Oats with fresh strawberries. The steel cut oats have a great texture and a nutty flavor and are a GREAT source of fiber.

I packed my lunch, tuna with chopped lettuce. Celery sticks, fresh strawberries, yogurt with cheerios and crackers. Through out the day, I snacked on most of it. I tend to nibble while I work, this keeps me from pigging out at the end of the day.

After work, we went downtown to the park to go on a walk. We took our dog, she lurves to walk and sniff! So after that, we decided to hit a drive Wendy's drive through window for a quick dinner. I tried their new fish sandwich and it was pretty good. I think I like McDonald's fish sandwich better.

We spent 16.05 on dinner (charged on Marriott Rewards Card, money to be transferred today) and I almost forgot about the tolls for the expressway!! I spent 4 dollars yesterday on tolls! It is so much easier to get around town when you use the tollroads... I have my tollroad account linked to my Marriott Reward card too.

Almost forgot, I did stopt at the thrift store and found a used phone with working caller ID for 2.00 dollars. Paid cash for that.

~~Tuesday's Highlights~~

• Beautiful weather
• walked twice, at least 2 miles I estimate
• great conversations with friends