There was a period of a few months where we only went to the grocery store for a few basic items. I still bought the newspaper and perused the sales ads out of habit, but there just wasn't money left for groceries after bills and gas for the car. No, I didn't waste away to a size two. We ate out of our pantry and freezer. I browsed my cookbook cabinet instead of the grocery ads. We mainly shopped at a fruit stand and Amish goods market on the way home for fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and eggs. We couldn't afford meat very often.
I started really paying attention to the grocery store sales. Many of these buy one get one free foods that I could purchase almost for free with coupons were full of chemicals. Pasta sauces, seasoning packets, boxed dinner mixes, even beef and chicken broth are often laced with chemical additives and MSG. I didn't realize how many modern foods contain MSG. I had mistakenly thought they did away with that when they learned that it made many people ill. Silly me...
My two year old grandaughter has been in my house all along. When she was on formula we called her the exorcist baby because she projectile vomited constantly. She was switched to every formula there was and nothing worked. However, she flourished as soon as she went on regular food. She tries all foods and eats almost everything with great gusto. She loves the home cooked meals, asks for beans, and eats tomatoes like candy. She even eats things you wouldn't expect a baby to eat like chicken with hot sauce, tacos, bean tostadas, guacamole, and spinach artichoke dip.
My five year old grandson moved in with us and for a week straight he refused my dinners and ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich instead. He only eats peanut butter and jelly, pizza, chicken nuggets, fries, apples, bananas, cereal, and corn dogs. Gradually we hope to have him taste some new dishes.
I usually drop into my produce store on the way home from work. It's the end of the day and they give great deals on everything they won't be able to sell much longer and sometimes it is just free. One day I was given an entire box of tomatoes. I brought them home along with red peppers, garlic, onion, carrots, and celery. I chopped, peeled, sliced, steamed, and ran everyhting through the food processor. Everything went into a big stock pot on the stove and cooked a long time. As a matter of fact I was cooking sauce on Halloween night when a little girl, probably around twelve years old, sniffed and asked what I was cooking for dinner. She then went down the street and marched her dad up my driveway so he could smell dinner too. My daughter tried the sauce that night, closed her eyes, and said, "Please don't ever buy jarred sauce again." I haven't bought sauce since. I cook a box of tomatoes at a time and put the sauce in freezer bags. We use it for pasta dishes and pizza. I plan to try it as a soup base too.
Goodbye coupons and grocery stores. I think I'm much better off without you.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Saturday, February 1, 2014
In the Nick of Time
This was a rough month. I emptied my savings completely and rolled all the coins and deposited everything into checking so I could pay the bills. Not even one penny was left unaccounted for. I tallied up everything I had and then added up my bills. The bills were higher than the money available to pay them. I paid what was due first and saved the three that were due in the first week of February. These were important bills, electric, water, and gas. I had another check coming so they would be paid in time, but I would still be behind enough to have me worrying over the month to come.
After all the worry, the phone call came. We had a year and a half of too many applications, a few false starts, and much careful living financially. However, now my husband is employed in another pizza restaurant! I'm excited! It's exactly what we needed and just when we needed it. Now for the long process of rebuilding.
After all the worry, the phone call came. We had a year and a half of too many applications, a few false starts, and much careful living financially. However, now my husband is employed in another pizza restaurant! I'm excited! It's exactly what we needed and just when we needed it. Now for the long process of rebuilding.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
As It Is
The winter has been cold for Florida so far. We've had quite a few nights that dip below thirty two degrees. While this is laughable compared to what other Americans face in the Northern states, we usually only have two to four days that fall below freezing each winter. Many fires are being started by cold Floridians firing up seldom used fireplaces and space heaters. We have gas heat but haven't had the gas company hook it up. I barely get the bills paid as it is. Extra gas for heating would be one bill too many, so we use space heaters too.
I sleep like the dead. I once slept through my alarm clock ringing for a very long time. As the ringer went off non-stop in the real world I simply dreamt I was working in a nuclear power facility during a meltdown. My husband can hear a flea cough on a dogs butt three streets away and it wakes him. Last night as I slept, a neighbor across the street came home at one in the morning and played their car radio loud as they sat in their driveway. This did the job to have him awake for the rest of the night. I wish that this was an isolated incident but they do similar things like have loud conversations in their backyard at three in the morning. We have another neighbor a few houses down that leaves for work at five in the morning. We know this because he sits in front of his home and needlessly revs his engine for ten, sometimes fifteen minutes before leaving.
With renting you usually find rentals like this in neighborhoods with houses all around and small yards. My parents always purchased their homes. When I was very young we lived on 138 acres on top of a small mountain. It was beautiful, peaceful, and free. When we moved to Florida we had a smaller place, only five acres, but it was still more room that I've ever had renting as an adult. I'm dreaming now of picking a state I want to live in, one with low property prices and a low cost of living. I want good soil for a huge garden and chickens. I want room to roam and lots of freedom. I want peace. For now, I have to work hard, manage the bills I have, and try to get by. Since all savings are gone we are not prepared to purchase a home yet. I think things will have to improve one day and we can begin rebuilding our lives.
I sleep like the dead. I once slept through my alarm clock ringing for a very long time. As the ringer went off non-stop in the real world I simply dreamt I was working in a nuclear power facility during a meltdown. My husband can hear a flea cough on a dogs butt three streets away and it wakes him. Last night as I slept, a neighbor across the street came home at one in the morning and played their car radio loud as they sat in their driveway. This did the job to have him awake for the rest of the night. I wish that this was an isolated incident but they do similar things like have loud conversations in their backyard at three in the morning. We have another neighbor a few houses down that leaves for work at five in the morning. We know this because he sits in front of his home and needlessly revs his engine for ten, sometimes fifteen minutes before leaving.
With renting you usually find rentals like this in neighborhoods with houses all around and small yards. My parents always purchased their homes. When I was very young we lived on 138 acres on top of a small mountain. It was beautiful, peaceful, and free. When we moved to Florida we had a smaller place, only five acres, but it was still more room that I've ever had renting as an adult. I'm dreaming now of picking a state I want to live in, one with low property prices and a low cost of living. I want good soil for a huge garden and chickens. I want room to roam and lots of freedom. I want peace. For now, I have to work hard, manage the bills I have, and try to get by. Since all savings are gone we are not prepared to purchase a home yet. I think things will have to improve one day and we can begin rebuilding our lives.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Update Continued
This is what happened. We could have repaired the roof of the RV if we could have come up with a spare eight thousand dollars. I gave up. We sold it for less than a fourth of what we paid for it and cut our losses. Someday perhaps we will have another opportunity but for now the dream is dead.
For now as we have for the past year, we go to work, we cook dinner, we stress over the bills and then we do it all again the following day. Days are full of racing to get everyone to work, the grandson to pre-k, the bills paid on time. It's all about schedules and things that have to be done. Sometimes everbodies schedules clash. It's life and it's exhausting.
This will be a very short post as the library is closing. It may be short and thrown together, but it does mean that I have blogged two Saturdays in a row.
For now as we have for the past year, we go to work, we cook dinner, we stress over the bills and then we do it all again the following day. Days are full of racing to get everyone to work, the grandson to pre-k, the bills paid on time. It's all about schedules and things that have to be done. Sometimes everbodies schedules clash. It's life and it's exhausting.
This will be a very short post as the library is closing. It may be short and thrown together, but it does mean that I have blogged two Saturdays in a row.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Overdue
There is no way to sum up over a year in one post so I will not even make the attempt. It's been a year with a lot of rapid changes,many struggles, and some good times as well.I have no idea where to begin so I'll just start a long ramble and see if it all sort of falls into place.
We moved to another rental home a bit further from work in a slightly better neighborhood for less money, although utilities are a little higher so it balances out. The old house was damp and dismal and had two small window unit air conditioners that were supposed to cool the entire house. The bedrooms were miserably hot. The new home has higher ceilings, brighter walls, ceiling fans, and central air.
For a brief few days we thought it might be an empty nest home as youngest had moved to another state to stay with "friends." She needed a rescue after they were through stealing her $1500.00. Expensive lesson learned. Luckily she was able to get her job back and the experience gave her the kick in the butt she needed to realize she needs to get independent on her own. She signed up for classes at the local community college.
We still survive with one vehicle. Eldest daughter and grandson are staying with us temporarily until she gets a few bills paid down and gets back on her own. Her vehicle has been broken down, so my husband is the taxi driver/babysitter/housekeeper/everything. We have no savings left whatsoever, so it is pretty dangerous living.
We have a large closet in our bedroom, large enough for all of our clothes, some other odds and ends, and those last six boxes we were meaning to unpack. An air conditioner leak took care of some of the items for us as it leaked into some of the boxes before we noticed it. Leaning against the boxes was a canvas tote with my laptop in it. Yes it did get wet. I have no idea how bad the damage is because the port where the power cord goes in needs repair. I haven't used my own computer in a long long time.
We moved to our new home in the Spring and excitedly put in a small garden. Our ornamental plants did well. The herb garden survived a little while, long enough season a few meals, but not long enough to warrant the cost. The vegetable garden died a horrible death, and did not produce one edible vegetable. Florida gardening has always been difficult for me.
Well, that's a start on something I have been meaning to get back to for an entire year. I intend to stop at the library very Saturday that I can and get a post up.
We moved to another rental home a bit further from work in a slightly better neighborhood for less money, although utilities are a little higher so it balances out. The old house was damp and dismal and had two small window unit air conditioners that were supposed to cool the entire house. The bedrooms were miserably hot. The new home has higher ceilings, brighter walls, ceiling fans, and central air.
For a brief few days we thought it might be an empty nest home as youngest had moved to another state to stay with "friends." She needed a rescue after they were through stealing her $1500.00. Expensive lesson learned. Luckily she was able to get her job back and the experience gave her the kick in the butt she needed to realize she needs to get independent on her own. She signed up for classes at the local community college.
We still survive with one vehicle. Eldest daughter and grandson are staying with us temporarily until she gets a few bills paid down and gets back on her own. Her vehicle has been broken down, so my husband is the taxi driver/babysitter/housekeeper/everything. We have no savings left whatsoever, so it is pretty dangerous living.
We have a large closet in our bedroom, large enough for all of our clothes, some other odds and ends, and those last six boxes we were meaning to unpack. An air conditioner leak took care of some of the items for us as it leaked into some of the boxes before we noticed it. Leaning against the boxes was a canvas tote with my laptop in it. Yes it did get wet. I have no idea how bad the damage is because the port where the power cord goes in needs repair. I haven't used my own computer in a long long time.
We moved to our new home in the Spring and excitedly put in a small garden. Our ornamental plants did well. The herb garden survived a little while, long enough season a few meals, but not long enough to warrant the cost. The vegetable garden died a horrible death, and did not produce one edible vegetable. Florida gardening has always been difficult for me.
Well, that's a start on something I have been meaning to get back to for an entire year. I intend to stop at the library very Saturday that I can and get a post up.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
The Downward Slide
It's been a difficult few months, and I really haven't written about it yet. It's been basic drudgery and work around here lately and I have not tracked down wifi to update my blog. Sorry, nothing cool and upbeat to report on.
The water damage to the rv was too severe for us to afford to fix it. We are now trying to sell it so we can finish paying it off.
Our savings is completely wiped out now due to another dilemma...... When Tropical Storm Debbie blew through a few months ago my husband drove to work in very bad conditions. He was one minute late and they fired him.
He has been unemployed for up to two weeks before, but never three months! It has been difficult. He made the decision to go to a truck driving school because the only jobs we have seen advertised lately are medical and truck driving. He went to a school a few hours away. He was using the car we helped our son purchase in better times. The engine blew on his way home for the weekend. He missed some school because of it and ended up selling it to a junkyard for $300.00. The following week he had to take my car and leave me without transportation.
We've weathered all the setbacks. The bills are paid, the pantry is stocked, and employment is in the near future. These times shall pass eventually. Hope everyone is doing well out there.
The water damage to the rv was too severe for us to afford to fix it. We are now trying to sell it so we can finish paying it off.
Our savings is completely wiped out now due to another dilemma...... When Tropical Storm Debbie blew through a few months ago my husband drove to work in very bad conditions. He was one minute late and they fired him.
He has been unemployed for up to two weeks before, but never three months! It has been difficult. He made the decision to go to a truck driving school because the only jobs we have seen advertised lately are medical and truck driving. He went to a school a few hours away. He was using the car we helped our son purchase in better times. The engine blew on his way home for the weekend. He missed some school because of it and ended up selling it to a junkyard for $300.00. The following week he had to take my car and leave me without transportation.
We've weathered all the setbacks. The bills are paid, the pantry is stocked, and employment is in the near future. These times shall pass eventually. Hope everyone is doing well out there.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
The Good the Bad and the Wet
Last night was lovely. Youngest daughter decided she wanted to invite the other grandparents and their daughter for dinner. She cleaned and shopped and cooked. We gathered near the kitchen table laden with a vegetable tray, a cheese tray, a chip and cracker tray and several dips. While we nibbled she slipped salmon, catfish, and cod into the oven. (She wanted to accommodate every ones tastes.) It was very sweet. Dessert was a three layer chocolate and strawberry checkerboard cake decorated with fresh strawberries that she baked that morning. It was fun. We almost never entertain. Work schedules and laziness get in the way. She did a wonderful job, the conversation flowed, and it was just a perfect evening.
We did enjoy our last rv trip. These trips are sort of learning expeditions for us. We still do not know how to work everything. We don't know the proper terminology or the right way to hook things up. The first time we went out we explained to the workers at the park that we had no idea what we were doing. They very kindly helped us hook up everything. We learned that we had too short a water hose to hook up to most rv sites, and we did not have the right end to our sewer hose to set up at a camp properly. We bought the new items we needed so could use the water on this second trip. On the second trip I discovered that our hot water heater does not work.
We have also known from using the rv at home as well as the park that when running the air conditioner on high it flips a circuit both in the rv as well as the house or other energy source. The circuit breaker box also heats up. I don't think it is supposed to do that.
It started raining last night and has continued all day. The sky is grey, there are puddles forming in the back yard, and the dog is refusing to go out in it unless absolutely necessary. My husband brought me to the living room to show me the wet spot all along the front of the couch where she dried herself off after using the restroom very quickly this morning. Clever dog. I normally love grey skies and rain. Especially when the rare moment strikes when I have the house to myself and can listen to the rain fall in peace with no other sounds.
As I said I normally love rain and grey skies. Today I opened the door to the rv, walked the short length from the cab to the bed in the back. I surveyed the drips from the skylight and air conditioner in the front. I saw the light fixture filled with water and dripping. I felt the puddle of water on the rug between the table and the couch and noticed that it trailed back to the front of the bed. I have to admit I dropped my head to the dogs shoulder and cried. We sat on the couch for a few stunned moments before getting buckets to catch the drips and try to save what we could. I only have the basic insurance for the tag. I have just started to rebuild my savings. I used everything to purchase this rv. I have no idea how much this is going to cost. I'm crying again.
We did enjoy our last rv trip. These trips are sort of learning expeditions for us. We still do not know how to work everything. We don't know the proper terminology or the right way to hook things up. The first time we went out we explained to the workers at the park that we had no idea what we were doing. They very kindly helped us hook up everything. We learned that we had too short a water hose to hook up to most rv sites, and we did not have the right end to our sewer hose to set up at a camp properly. We bought the new items we needed so could use the water on this second trip. On the second trip I discovered that our hot water heater does not work.
We have also known from using the rv at home as well as the park that when running the air conditioner on high it flips a circuit both in the rv as well as the house or other energy source. The circuit breaker box also heats up. I don't think it is supposed to do that.
It started raining last night and has continued all day. The sky is grey, there are puddles forming in the back yard, and the dog is refusing to go out in it unless absolutely necessary. My husband brought me to the living room to show me the wet spot all along the front of the couch where she dried herself off after using the restroom very quickly this morning. Clever dog. I normally love grey skies and rain. Especially when the rare moment strikes when I have the house to myself and can listen to the rain fall in peace with no other sounds.
As I said I normally love rain and grey skies. Today I opened the door to the rv, walked the short length from the cab to the bed in the back. I surveyed the drips from the skylight and air conditioner in the front. I saw the light fixture filled with water and dripping. I felt the puddle of water on the rug between the table and the couch and noticed that it trailed back to the front of the bed. I have to admit I dropped my head to the dogs shoulder and cried. We sat on the couch for a few stunned moments before getting buckets to catch the drips and try to save what we could. I only have the basic insurance for the tag. I have just started to rebuild my savings. I used everything to purchase this rv. I have no idea how much this is going to cost. I'm crying again.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Singing Naked in the Church Choir...An Introduction to my Sister
No big news today. We have the RV out for a short weekend getaway at a campground. I'm relaxing in my quiet RV enjoying the silence and taking the chance to write while my husband catches a swim.
We have to take advantage of these weekends when they present themselves because my husband works every weekend and now that I work at a bank I get every weekend off. I work days and he works nights. We communicate through a notebook chore list on the kitchen table. He managed to get this weekend off because they are playing the cut your hours down to nothing game where he works. For a long time he had 50 hours, when the new owners took over there was no more over time so it dropped to 38 to 40. Then there was a pay cut and now he has 23 hours. It's lucky I found full time employment when I did. Oh well, enough grumbling, something will turn up. Things always fall into place.
I decided to veer off the frugal path and do something completely different today. I'd like to introduce my sister. I won't give away her age because she is sensitive about that but our ages are so separated that she could have been the mother. ;) She claims she likes to be described as a woman of indeterminate age. My parents raised four children in one state and then moved and accidentally had me. When they describe their childhood it is completely different than the one I had. They had a different environment and lifestyle. It's strange how that turned out.
My sister is definitely a people person. She has a huge bright smile and wherever she goes strangers gather around to hear her stories. She gets invited to all sorts of gatherings, churches, red hat society luncheons, amputee support groups. Several individuals have told her she is inspirational but she doesn't believe so herself.
She has had her share of problems, diabetes, car wreck, amputation, heart bypass surgery... Throughout it all she gathers her mishaps and failings and oddities and shares her stories. She even managed to have a group of friends and family laughing at our nephews funeral. I do not have the same gifts she has.
My sister was very active in her church and she loved singing in the choir. One day she was rehearsing with the choir on a hot and muggy day. It was terribly hot combined with an air conditioner that was on the fritz and my sisters poor health. She kept wiping at the sweat and complaining of feeling faint. Someone in the group suggested that she go to the restroom and remove her clothes and put the full length long sleeved choir robe back on. After wiping at her sweat a few more minutes she decided to try it.
The church filled and they were half way through with their service when the minister said, "You know what, it's unbearably hot. You guys don't have to keep those heavy robes on. Go ahead and take them off."
Everyone refused and suffered through the rest of the service. You see, the entire choir knew my sister was naked under her robe.
We have to take advantage of these weekends when they present themselves because my husband works every weekend and now that I work at a bank I get every weekend off. I work days and he works nights. We communicate through a notebook chore list on the kitchen table. He managed to get this weekend off because they are playing the cut your hours down to nothing game where he works. For a long time he had 50 hours, when the new owners took over there was no more over time so it dropped to 38 to 40. Then there was a pay cut and now he has 23 hours. It's lucky I found full time employment when I did. Oh well, enough grumbling, something will turn up. Things always fall into place.
I decided to veer off the frugal path and do something completely different today. I'd like to introduce my sister. I won't give away her age because she is sensitive about that but our ages are so separated that she could have been the mother. ;) She claims she likes to be described as a woman of indeterminate age. My parents raised four children in one state and then moved and accidentally had me. When they describe their childhood it is completely different than the one I had. They had a different environment and lifestyle. It's strange how that turned out.
My sister is definitely a people person. She has a huge bright smile and wherever she goes strangers gather around to hear her stories. She gets invited to all sorts of gatherings, churches, red hat society luncheons, amputee support groups. Several individuals have told her she is inspirational but she doesn't believe so herself.
She has had her share of problems, diabetes, car wreck, amputation, heart bypass surgery... Throughout it all she gathers her mishaps and failings and oddities and shares her stories. She even managed to have a group of friends and family laughing at our nephews funeral. I do not have the same gifts she has.
My sister was very active in her church and she loved singing in the choir. One day she was rehearsing with the choir on a hot and muggy day. It was terribly hot combined with an air conditioner that was on the fritz and my sisters poor health. She kept wiping at the sweat and complaining of feeling faint. Someone in the group suggested that she go to the restroom and remove her clothes and put the full length long sleeved choir robe back on. After wiping at her sweat a few more minutes she decided to try it.
The church filled and they were half way through with their service when the minister said, "You know what, it's unbearably hot. You guys don't have to keep those heavy robes on. Go ahead and take them off."
Everyone refused and suffered through the rest of the service. You see, the entire choir knew my sister was naked under her robe.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Regal Savings
I've recently reorganized my coupon system. I had tried just keeping the inserts and clipping them as I used them. I stopped when I noticed I wasn't really saving as much as I used to when I used the envelope system. I bought new envelopes, new organizers, and little tab things so I could mega-organize into even more categories. This saves me time because after I make my shopping list I can grab what I want quickly without wading through too big a stack to get the coupons I need. Now I spend less time and save more.
My first big shopping trip after the reorganization was amazing. I was out of a lot of items around the house and there was a big sale at a local grocery store. I saved an even hundred dollars off the regular price, almost half my bill. Of this total saved, $71.85 was the sale price discount and a whopping $28.15 was my coupon savings. I paid $114.82 for a trunk load of food and household items and had to place some of my order on the backseat of the car when I ran out of room. To top it off this grocery store also has a fuel program and many of the items had extra fuel savings as well so I earned enough points to be able to bring two vehicles to the gas station and fill them up for thirty seven cents. No, not thirty seven cents per gallon, thirty seven cents period! My gas was free I just paid a small amount for tax.
It wasn't enough to earn me a spot on Extreme Couponing, not that I would want to, but the cashier clapped her hands when she saw the savings and the couple behind me in line gave me an appreciative "Wow!" It was a nice change from grumbling and eye rolling. We can thank the economy for that. I'm still Rodney Dangerfield with the younger set though. When I told the kids they just said, "That's great mom." in a monotone and kept their gaze on the computer or the cell phone. I get no respect. :)
My first big shopping trip after the reorganization was amazing. I was out of a lot of items around the house and there was a big sale at a local grocery store. I saved an even hundred dollars off the regular price, almost half my bill. Of this total saved, $71.85 was the sale price discount and a whopping $28.15 was my coupon savings. I paid $114.82 for a trunk load of food and household items and had to place some of my order on the backseat of the car when I ran out of room. To top it off this grocery store also has a fuel program and many of the items had extra fuel savings as well so I earned enough points to be able to bring two vehicles to the gas station and fill them up for thirty seven cents. No, not thirty seven cents per gallon, thirty seven cents period! My gas was free I just paid a small amount for tax.
It wasn't enough to earn me a spot on Extreme Couponing, not that I would want to, but the cashier clapped her hands when she saw the savings and the couple behind me in line gave me an appreciative "Wow!" It was a nice change from grumbling and eye rolling. We can thank the economy for that. I'm still Rodney Dangerfield with the younger set though. When I told the kids they just said, "That's great mom." in a monotone and kept their gaze on the computer or the cell phone. I get no respect. :)
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Another Restart
How do I start an update so vast? I suppose I will just have to jump right in feet first.
Downtime has vanished. There is so much to do and seemingly no end in sight to the evil chore list. We've started the sorting and packing up of a lifetime accumulation of junk. We're not hoarders but my husband and I have both decided we don't want to be bound by stuff. It's an ongoing battle. I ruthlessly tackled my book collection first. I packed what I absolutely have to have into the shelves in the RV. The rest is boxed and ready to go. I knew everything else would be a piece of cake after the books. Now the bookshelves are mostly emptied or filled with random junk mail, newspapers, and empty shopping bags. It's a sad looking messy house that I hate to come home to. However, we are in the midst of a transition so I will have to be patient.
Tragedy struck in March. My nephew passed suddenly and unexpectedly at the too young age of forty. I couldn't find the words to express the sorrow felt by the family. He was an outspoken man who always sought fun and joy in his life. His mother lost her son and her best friend at once. He was also a single father to his fifteen year old son. In his passing he repaired a rift with some warring family members. Everyone gathered, dropped their differences, and were sadly reminded that life is indeed too short.
My brother is attempting to recover from back surgery. My sister just had a short stay in the hospital. Hmm, what other news is there? Is there any good news? Well actually....
I am no longer a part time grocery cashier. I have full time employment at a local bank, which was also conveniently the bank I already used. It's a completely different world. I am enjoying my first ever three day weekend of which my husband will be able to spend one day with me. He needs to find new employment next.
I'll stop here and keep it short so that I come back soon with more. I'll try not to be away for so long but I do try to keep my site upbeat. When I'm feeling far from positive it is so difficult to come up with a post. Too many dark days have passed since long ago in February.
Downtime has vanished. There is so much to do and seemingly no end in sight to the evil chore list. We've started the sorting and packing up of a lifetime accumulation of junk. We're not hoarders but my husband and I have both decided we don't want to be bound by stuff. It's an ongoing battle. I ruthlessly tackled my book collection first. I packed what I absolutely have to have into the shelves in the RV. The rest is boxed and ready to go. I knew everything else would be a piece of cake after the books. Now the bookshelves are mostly emptied or filled with random junk mail, newspapers, and empty shopping bags. It's a sad looking messy house that I hate to come home to. However, we are in the midst of a transition so I will have to be patient.
Tragedy struck in March. My nephew passed suddenly and unexpectedly at the too young age of forty. I couldn't find the words to express the sorrow felt by the family. He was an outspoken man who always sought fun and joy in his life. His mother lost her son and her best friend at once. He was also a single father to his fifteen year old son. In his passing he repaired a rift with some warring family members. Everyone gathered, dropped their differences, and were sadly reminded that life is indeed too short.
My brother is attempting to recover from back surgery. My sister just had a short stay in the hospital. Hmm, what other news is there? Is there any good news? Well actually....
I am no longer a part time grocery cashier. I have full time employment at a local bank, which was also conveniently the bank I already used. It's a completely different world. I am enjoying my first ever three day weekend of which my husband will be able to spend one day with me. He needs to find new employment next.
I'll stop here and keep it short so that I come back soon with more. I'll try not to be away for so long but I do try to keep my site upbeat. When I'm feeling far from positive it is so difficult to come up with a post. Too many dark days have passed since long ago in February.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Austerity Measures at Home
I've just read through a long list of blogs I used to enjoy on a regular basis. I really miss the connection of regular blogging and will probably break down and pay for internet quite soon. I don't miss the television at all, or the phone, but the lack of internet is sorely felt. With only one vehicle, it is difficult to find the time when transportation is available to go somewhere else to use the internet. I just have to put up with the inconvenience until I am suitably caught up financially to splurge on connection.
While leaders propose "austerity measures" to pull their countries through the recession, so do we individuals propose our own plans to our families to pull through tough times. Some of us plant fabulous gardens, others coupon, some subsist on lots of bean and rice dishes, and many just go without certain things that others take for granted. Lately it's as if I've gone back in time to when I was even poorer. I once walked everywhere, never had a phone or television, and rented the most horrible of dumps. This wasn't because I was saving up for something or getting out of debt. I didn't know what debt was at the time, I was just incredibly poor. Now however, I have a goal in mind. I have a few more big payments to make on this bill so I can get it down to a more manageable figure before I add more bills to my month. Ten more payments and the RV will be paid off and I will be debt free once more.
Speaking of the RV, I've spent a few days cleaning it out and dreaming. The more excited I get the more stressed my husband gets. He comes home and I show him a list of things we need to do, and other things we may need to purchase and then he can't sleep that night. I need to tame my enthusiasm so he can take things slower and calmer. If I could find a way to take off tomorrow I would. I guess it's the big change that worries at his subconscious.
Times up, I have to run. Until next time, I'll ask you this: What austerity measures have you proposed to your family to help get through a rough patch, or to survive the recession?
While leaders propose "austerity measures" to pull their countries through the recession, so do we individuals propose our own plans to our families to pull through tough times. Some of us plant fabulous gardens, others coupon, some subsist on lots of bean and rice dishes, and many just go without certain things that others take for granted. Lately it's as if I've gone back in time to when I was even poorer. I once walked everywhere, never had a phone or television, and rented the most horrible of dumps. This wasn't because I was saving up for something or getting out of debt. I didn't know what debt was at the time, I was just incredibly poor. Now however, I have a goal in mind. I have a few more big payments to make on this bill so I can get it down to a more manageable figure before I add more bills to my month. Ten more payments and the RV will be paid off and I will be debt free once more.
Speaking of the RV, I've spent a few days cleaning it out and dreaming. The more excited I get the more stressed my husband gets. He comes home and I show him a list of things we need to do, and other things we may need to purchase and then he can't sleep that night. I need to tame my enthusiasm so he can take things slower and calmer. If I could find a way to take off tomorrow I would. I guess it's the big change that worries at his subconscious.
Times up, I have to run. Until next time, I'll ask you this: What austerity measures have you proposed to your family to help get through a rough patch, or to survive the recession?
Friday, January 13, 2012
Everything's Coming Up Roses
A long time has passed since I have even been online. This post will be just a brief update to let everyone know that I am in fact still alive, and there is exciting news.
The first bit of exciting news is another grocery company bought the one I work for. What this means is the location is staying open and everyone keeps their jobs. They were also nice enough to let us know immediately. It happened that morning and that afternoon they let all the workers know what happened. So far it has been a positive experience.
My husband delivered a pizza to a couple that lives a few miles away. He made a comment about their RV, and the man said, "Hey, it's for sale." My husband kept his number and told me about it.
After our debts were paid, our credit card company sent us these checks in the mail. We could use the checks for anything we wanted and it would be interest free for one year. My husband didn't want to do it at first. We were debt free and still had some emergency funds in the bank. Finding out my job was secure set his mind at ease and he signed a check for me. We bought that RV!
The year ahead will be busy. I figured out exactly how much I need to pay each month to have the debt paid off in eleven months. It will not be a problem for us at all. We also have to build our emergency fund back up before we can do any traveling. We also have one more daughter at home who needs time to get back on her feet. It will be a very busy year.
I'm writing this from my eldest daughters home, because she has internet in her new house. She and my son are doing well so far. I may get internet myself, but it will be a while. I have too many chores and financial goals at the moment to allow myself the extra expense or distraction.
For the time being I will be scrubbing my home, getting rid of clutter, and working every extra shift I can so we can get rid of that debt and rebuild our savings. I will return to more regular blogging at a later date, I just don't know when. I have to get comfortably caught up.
I hope everyone is having a fantastic new year!
The first bit of exciting news is another grocery company bought the one I work for. What this means is the location is staying open and everyone keeps their jobs. They were also nice enough to let us know immediately. It happened that morning and that afternoon they let all the workers know what happened. So far it has been a positive experience.
My husband delivered a pizza to a couple that lives a few miles away. He made a comment about their RV, and the man said, "Hey, it's for sale." My husband kept his number and told me about it.
After our debts were paid, our credit card company sent us these checks in the mail. We could use the checks for anything we wanted and it would be interest free for one year. My husband didn't want to do it at first. We were debt free and still had some emergency funds in the bank. Finding out my job was secure set his mind at ease and he signed a check for me. We bought that RV!
The year ahead will be busy. I figured out exactly how much I need to pay each month to have the debt paid off in eleven months. It will not be a problem for us at all. We also have to build our emergency fund back up before we can do any traveling. We also have one more daughter at home who needs time to get back on her feet. It will be a very busy year.
I'm writing this from my eldest daughters home, because she has internet in her new house. She and my son are doing well so far. I may get internet myself, but it will be a while. I have too many chores and financial goals at the moment to allow myself the extra expense or distraction.
For the time being I will be scrubbing my home, getting rid of clutter, and working every extra shift I can so we can get rid of that debt and rebuild our savings. I will return to more regular blogging at a later date, I just don't know when. I have to get comfortably caught up.
I hope everyone is having a fantastic new year!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Bah Humbug!
Hello everyone! I've missed blogging but there just hasn't been much time for driving about chasing WIFI when there is so much work to be done. My husband and I have been picking up as many shifts as we can and the putting all spare money into car repairs. Nothing major has happened, we just make sure to maintain our beloved '94 Honda Accord so we can keep him as long as possible. We just replaced an axle and will be having another one replaced tomorrow. After suffering through most of the summer thinking we couldn't afford to get the air conditioner fixed, we found out it was a worn hose and had that repaired. Next up is an oil leak repair but we have to save up a few hundred and get a day off because that will be a big job. We also will need tires fairly soon. Regular maintenance and not ignoring needed repairs keeps older cars on the road longer.
Disorganization kills! I haven't paid a bill late in several years. I've been in control and organized. Recently my sister visited and she wanted to shop for the babies one day so we went shopping. I hate the hoopla surrounding the winter holidays so I tend to avoid stores completely during this time. I grabbed what I was going to buy for the grandbabies so I wouldn't have to go to the store again until January. Since I wasn't prepared for a shopping trip, you guessed it, I didn't have cash on me. That was okay because I had a credit card I hadn't used in a long time and I was buying a just a few things so I could pay it off in full when the bill came. Well, the bill came and was placed on a random piece of furniture and then fell behind it. I ended up paying it off nine days late and am thoroughly disgusted over it. That's a $25.00 fee for being sloppy and a hit to my credit. I'm foot stomping mad at myself over this but the bill was paid and I will completely ignore the stores until well after the holidays.
I've worked retail in various positions for two decades. You see the very worst of human nature during the holidays. I've seen fist fights, public beratings, sighs and eye rolls in line when it just isn't moving fast enough. I hate seeing people becoming even more rude and angry. Many seem to have this expectation of how things are supposed to be, and they just get angry at the world when things go wrong. Running all over town to try to create the picture perfect Hallmark, Martha Stewart, Jimmy Stewart, Norman Rockwell holiday will only stress you out. Let go of the crazy expectations and just have a good time your own way, after all you can never please everyone.
Stores drive me insane in November and December. Places become packed with crazed shoppers and those awful holiday songs are playing at full blast everywhere you go. As you push your buggy and hum along just remember the workers are not listening to a few songs while trimming the tree and eating cookies, no we are bombarded with the same set of songs all day, every day we work, over and over. We go mad by the end of the season.
I don't understand Black Friday. It is just stuff. No amount of stuff is worth my camping out in a parking lot and fighting other people. It isn't even worth pushing through crowds to get something I really want. I'll buy what I need in October and skip shopping in November and December. That's how I keep myself sane.
My eldest daughter and my son recently found a home in the neighborhood that they can afford to rent. It is walking distance to her work which she needed because she doesn't have a car. January first my youngest daughter and her baby can move into the bedroom and the house will be a little less crowded and hopefully a tad more quiet. I wish them well and hope it really works out for them. It's been a rough year for everyone.
Disorganization kills! I haven't paid a bill late in several years. I've been in control and organized. Recently my sister visited and she wanted to shop for the babies one day so we went shopping. I hate the hoopla surrounding the winter holidays so I tend to avoid stores completely during this time. I grabbed what I was going to buy for the grandbabies so I wouldn't have to go to the store again until January. Since I wasn't prepared for a shopping trip, you guessed it, I didn't have cash on me. That was okay because I had a credit card I hadn't used in a long time and I was buying a just a few things so I could pay it off in full when the bill came. Well, the bill came and was placed on a random piece of furniture and then fell behind it. I ended up paying it off nine days late and am thoroughly disgusted over it. That's a $25.00 fee for being sloppy and a hit to my credit. I'm foot stomping mad at myself over this but the bill was paid and I will completely ignore the stores until well after the holidays.
I've worked retail in various positions for two decades. You see the very worst of human nature during the holidays. I've seen fist fights, public beratings, sighs and eye rolls in line when it just isn't moving fast enough. I hate seeing people becoming even more rude and angry. Many seem to have this expectation of how things are supposed to be, and they just get angry at the world when things go wrong. Running all over town to try to create the picture perfect Hallmark, Martha Stewart, Jimmy Stewart, Norman Rockwell holiday will only stress you out. Let go of the crazy expectations and just have a good time your own way, after all you can never please everyone.
Stores drive me insane in November and December. Places become packed with crazed shoppers and those awful holiday songs are playing at full blast everywhere you go. As you push your buggy and hum along just remember the workers are not listening to a few songs while trimming the tree and eating cookies, no we are bombarded with the same set of songs all day, every day we work, over and over. We go mad by the end of the season.
I don't understand Black Friday. It is just stuff. No amount of stuff is worth my camping out in a parking lot and fighting other people. It isn't even worth pushing through crowds to get something I really want. I'll buy what I need in October and skip shopping in November and December. That's how I keep myself sane.
My eldest daughter and my son recently found a home in the neighborhood that they can afford to rent. It is walking distance to her work which she needed because she doesn't have a car. January first my youngest daughter and her baby can move into the bedroom and the house will be a little less crowded and hopefully a tad more quiet. I wish them well and hope it really works out for them. It's been a rough year for everyone.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Zilch Nada Zip Zero
That's what I owe, nothing. November 17, 2011 I mailed my last payment to the last company I owed. I've been looking forward to this time for what seems like forever. I predicted an earlier payoff but then things happened and it didn't work out. I'm not saying I'll never need credit again, however, I'm going to enjoy this debt free status while I'm here. If you see a woman with a silly grin on her face walking past the shops without stopping, that would be me.
Good luck to all of you traveling the same path of debt reduction. It will happen, and your day will be grand as well. ;)
Good luck to all of you traveling the same path of debt reduction. It will happen, and your day will be grand as well. ;)
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Suckerpunched
I am privy to "top secret" information that I am definitely not supposed to know. It was lucky that one of the lower level managers overheard a conversation and came to me with the information. I am stunned at this point, just numb and wondering what to do first. This changes my plans to some manner. The store I work in will be closing in January. According to the conversation it's a done deal and they will not be telling the employees until the end. There have been lots of corporate visits and locked door meetings in the managers office. You can tell something is up.
This month I will be debt free, so I have finances in line. My savings are not big enough to sustain me for a prolonged period in my current housing. I don't have a fancy place, just a cheap rental house. I would definitely have to downgrade if I were to survive a longer period of unemployment.
I had a job offer as soon as I mentioned this to a friend of mine. She said she knew how I worked and I would have the part time job in a second but it is in another county and I would have to purchase another vehicle first. I know this position will probably be filled before I have a vehicle lined up. There are a few other part time positions here and there but none close to home. Savings will have to give way to more transportation and we may have to move.
The last family meeting we had, I suggested a move out date of October 2012 and everyone agreed. They are not ready yet. I have to consider my son and daughter who have jobs here but not enough money saved to move on. This is a dilemma I didn't anticipate. I was expecting to keep doing the same thing until October and then make plans to do something completely different.
I've worked part time for so long, and the hours have been so low that unemployment would not be enough to live on if I were unemployed for an extended period. I feel I have to make some fast changes to stay afloat.
I've always been the one at the counter cashing the unemployment checks for my customers and offering words of encouragement. I've always said, "This is a great job during the recession because people still eat." My stomach is in knots and my mind is reciting that famous speech/poem "First they came..." because that is how I feel at the time.
First they came for the construction workers,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a construction worker.
Then they came for the factory workers,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a factory worker.
Then they came for the office workers,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't an office worker.
Then they came for me,
and there was no-one left to speak out.
I know, totally tacky to steal that quote. It was from a much more devastating time and my worries are tiny compared to what was faced by so many back then. That just sums up how I feel about the situation in general. I have been affected by the recession previously but not as much as so many others have. So many more have lost work and not been able to find work. Many have lost their savings, their home, their health. I feel I've been almost smug thinking it wouldn't happen to me. I felt safe in my little nook waiting for better times to arrive so I could jump off into something else. Now I have to rethink everything and create swift new plans.
I'm at the edge of the pool of unemployment dragging my big toe through the water, waiting to dive in. Those of you already having a swim, "How's the water?"
This month I will be debt free, so I have finances in line. My savings are not big enough to sustain me for a prolonged period in my current housing. I don't have a fancy place, just a cheap rental house. I would definitely have to downgrade if I were to survive a longer period of unemployment.
I had a job offer as soon as I mentioned this to a friend of mine. She said she knew how I worked and I would have the part time job in a second but it is in another county and I would have to purchase another vehicle first. I know this position will probably be filled before I have a vehicle lined up. There are a few other part time positions here and there but none close to home. Savings will have to give way to more transportation and we may have to move.
The last family meeting we had, I suggested a move out date of October 2012 and everyone agreed. They are not ready yet. I have to consider my son and daughter who have jobs here but not enough money saved to move on. This is a dilemma I didn't anticipate. I was expecting to keep doing the same thing until October and then make plans to do something completely different.
I've worked part time for so long, and the hours have been so low that unemployment would not be enough to live on if I were unemployed for an extended period. I feel I have to make some fast changes to stay afloat.
I've always been the one at the counter cashing the unemployment checks for my customers and offering words of encouragement. I've always said, "This is a great job during the recession because people still eat." My stomach is in knots and my mind is reciting that famous speech/poem "First they came..." because that is how I feel at the time.
First they came for the construction workers,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a construction worker.
Then they came for the factory workers,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a factory worker.
Then they came for the office workers,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't an office worker.
Then they came for me,
and there was no-one left to speak out.
I know, totally tacky to steal that quote. It was from a much more devastating time and my worries are tiny compared to what was faced by so many back then. That just sums up how I feel about the situation in general. I have been affected by the recession previously but not as much as so many others have. So many more have lost work and not been able to find work. Many have lost their savings, their home, their health. I feel I've been almost smug thinking it wouldn't happen to me. I felt safe in my little nook waiting for better times to arrive so I could jump off into something else. Now I have to rethink everything and create swift new plans.
I'm at the edge of the pool of unemployment dragging my big toe through the water, waiting to dive in. Those of you already having a swim, "How's the water?"
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Random Stuff
So far so good, life is much calmer and a bit quieter at the working poor household. Family members are not up til three in the morning chatting on the computer, or watching movie after movie. One person even tidied the living room without being asked! A few are still mad at me, but they can just get over themselves. This was a call for household help from an exhausted matriarch (Am I old enough to be called a matriarch?), and the savings from getting rid of that bill can be used towards those scary heating bills that I know will be coming. It does get cold in Central Florida and my usual one space heater in the bedroom will not work with babies in the house.
I was happy to see that Kmart was doubling coupons last week. No-one doubles coupons where I live so when they choose to offer this once or twice a year it's a big deal. They didn't have great sales to match but they were doubling so I shopped. I picked up some household cleaners and paper products. Most of it was products that I actually use that I was running low on. A few were items I wanted to try. I didn't do too bad but I noticed I actually do better at regular grocery store buy one get one free sales. I don't think I'll be lured to the next double coupon event unless I really need something.
The baby had her first big bath today in her new pink tub. She was pleasant throughout the entire experience. It did take two of us to get the job done. Grandmother to hold her fairly still and mother to scrub. The baby has long skinny arms and legs that wriggle constantly whether upset or happy. Luckily, she's happy most of the time.
I found an older RV for a third of the price of the one we were wanting to purchase before. Hey, I can look can't I? It looked like it was in really good shape, but my husband isn't ready to start looking again yet. When we do find one we have to be careful, we don't have much money, and neither one of us has any mechanical abilities. Therefore, we can't be looking at fixer-uppers.
I was happy to see that Kmart was doubling coupons last week. No-one doubles coupons where I live so when they choose to offer this once or twice a year it's a big deal. They didn't have great sales to match but they were doubling so I shopped. I picked up some household cleaners and paper products. Most of it was products that I actually use that I was running low on. A few were items I wanted to try. I didn't do too bad but I noticed I actually do better at regular grocery store buy one get one free sales. I don't think I'll be lured to the next double coupon event unless I really need something.
The baby had her first big bath today in her new pink tub. She was pleasant throughout the entire experience. It did take two of us to get the job done. Grandmother to hold her fairly still and mother to scrub. The baby has long skinny arms and legs that wriggle constantly whether upset or happy. Luckily, she's happy most of the time.
I found an older RV for a third of the price of the one we were wanting to purchase before. Hey, I can look can't I? It looked like it was in really good shape, but my husband isn't ready to start looking again yet. When we do find one we have to be careful, we don't have much money, and neither one of us has any mechanical abilities. Therefore, we can't be looking at fixer-uppers.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Extreme Measures
I have a little problem in my house where everyone is not working together at a steady pace to keep the household running smoothly. I'm extremely frustrated with this, and feel like a fraud. I've written about house sharing situations and how to deal. It has worked out for the most part. Lately, however, there has been a distinct lack of co-operation. I am deeply exhausted and something has to give.
I'm going to be horribly mean. Yes, my decision will make it more difficult for me to pursue my interests, but I have to do something. Tomorrow morning I will be canceling my cable, Internet, and home phone. I will be forced to keep minutes on the track phone, and to blog at the library or a parking lot with WiFi after work. My husband will really miss his football. Perhaps without the electronic distractions all members of the household will find time to pursue work and help keep the house somewhat clean. I'm not asking for perfectionism, just to have the house comfortable and for everyone to show up at work.
That's enough of me griping. I just wanted to explain what is happening so when mail is unanswered for a few days you know why. I'm already down to once a week (if that) writing. In the fast paced world of blogging I'm surprised that readers keep coming back. A big "Thank You" to everyone who stops by my little blog.
I'm going to be horribly mean. Yes, my decision will make it more difficult for me to pursue my interests, but I have to do something. Tomorrow morning I will be canceling my cable, Internet, and home phone. I will be forced to keep minutes on the track phone, and to blog at the library or a parking lot with WiFi after work. My husband will really miss his football. Perhaps without the electronic distractions all members of the household will find time to pursue work and help keep the house somewhat clean. I'm not asking for perfectionism, just to have the house comfortable and for everyone to show up at work.
That's enough of me griping. I just wanted to explain what is happening so when mail is unanswered for a few days you know why. I'm already down to once a week (if that) writing. In the fast paced world of blogging I'm surprised that readers keep coming back. A big "Thank You" to everyone who stops by my little blog.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Wasting Time
First an update. Daughter and granddaughter are home and doing well. Also, my husband still has a job for now. Still trying to catch up on sleep, and create a positive living environment in our cramped quarters. Life is exhausting.
Thank you to all who have read, lurked, commented, or e-mailed. I appreciate all of you even if I don't respond in a timely fashion.
I really don't have the energy to write at this time, but there are plenty of topics being covered elsewhere. Feral Homemaker wrote an excellent article about work and how some workers are becoming slavishly devoted to their jobs in order not to be fired. She's right when she says you can be fired anyway.
My advice, go in, do the best at whatever it is that you do, then go home. Do not put in free over time, or work yourself into medical problems. A job does not define you. Some employers are taking advantage of the workers who are so worried about being unemployed that they will do anything to prove their loyalty.
Economize, follow a tight budget and boost your savings if you can. Be ready for emergencies because there is no guaranty that you will escape the next layoff.
Read her original post here: http://feralhomemaking.blogspot.com/2011/10/bad-advice.html
Single Mom Rich Mom dared to ask the question of bloggers, "Are we wasting our time?"
I like to think with my blogging that I am opening a conversation each day (or each weak or month) and connecting with others. I daydream and wonder sometimes if I will ever have one of those "a ha" moments when I realize all of this was leading up to something big. Then I fall asleep or drag myself into work. Have to be realistic.
Read her thoughts here: http://singlemomrichmom.com/blogging-time-suck/
Thank you to all who have read, lurked, commented, or e-mailed. I appreciate all of you even if I don't respond in a timely fashion.
I really don't have the energy to write at this time, but there are plenty of topics being covered elsewhere. Feral Homemaker wrote an excellent article about work and how some workers are becoming slavishly devoted to their jobs in order not to be fired. She's right when she says you can be fired anyway.
My advice, go in, do the best at whatever it is that you do, then go home. Do not put in free over time, or work yourself into medical problems. A job does not define you. Some employers are taking advantage of the workers who are so worried about being unemployed that they will do anything to prove their loyalty.
Economize, follow a tight budget and boost your savings if you can. Be ready for emergencies because there is no guaranty that you will escape the next layoff.
Read her original post here: http://feralhomemaking.blogspot.com/2011/10/bad-advice.html
Single Mom Rich Mom dared to ask the question of bloggers, "Are we wasting our time?"
I like to think with my blogging that I am opening a conversation each day (or each weak or month) and connecting with others. I daydream and wonder sometimes if I will ever have one of those "a ha" moments when I realize all of this was leading up to something big. Then I fall asleep or drag myself into work. Have to be realistic.
Read her thoughts here: http://singlemomrichmom.com/blogging-time-suck/
Monday, October 3, 2011
She's Arrived!
It happened on 10-02-2011 at 12:21 pm. Second grandbaby came kicking and squalling into the world at six pounds and three and a half ounces and a month early. Sadly her lungs needed a little more help and she had to be transferred to another hospital an hour away. It looks like my daughter will be discharged today so she can be reunited with the baby. She felt no contractions until the end when the baby was slipping out.
My eldest daughter and I had our work schedules covered so we could be here for her. My husband needed today's morning shift covered so he could be there for the grandbaby. His new boss complained and said he couldn't do it. My husband said his grandbaby was in the hospital and it was important. He never takes time off from work unless it is vital. The boss complained and said it was a huge bother, then said his boss was not going to be happy but they would try to cover it and call him back. They never called back, so my husband had to call them instead and they said the owner hired someone new to cover the shift. We'll see if he still has his job when he goes back.
My eldest daughter and I had our work schedules covered so we could be here for her. My husband needed today's morning shift covered so he could be there for the grandbaby. His new boss complained and said he couldn't do it. My husband said his grandbaby was in the hospital and it was important. He never takes time off from work unless it is vital. The boss complained and said it was a huge bother, then said his boss was not going to be happy but they would try to cover it and call him back. They never called back, so my husband had to call them instead and they said the owner hired someone new to cover the shift. We'll see if he still has his job when he goes back.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
More Musings from the Hospital
For the Time Being...
I'm sitting in here again, day six. Even though the work hours are very light at this time because business is down, I gave today's shift to a co-worker. I still haven't had a proper nights sleep. I'm really feeling it today. I have no energy and almost feel drunk. If I don't get sleep soon....
It is hard to see your child in a hospital bed, even if they are 21 and just resting and waiting to give birth. The doctor has estimated the babies weight to be around six pounds, and after the ultrasound they did when she arrived at the hospital they let her know it's a girl. The waiting is the hard part. Her room is in front right by the nurses station and she has already watched several families come through the door, scream for a while and leave the next morning with a newborn mewing softly like a kitten. I'm exhausted and she is bored. My husband is tense and sleep deprived as well. There is just too much to do, too much to be accomplished, and too little money coming in to the household. Okay, that's enough of me complaining.
Jinx
I should never had said anything when I did, but a year and a half ago I bragged about becoming debt free within a few months. I was so excited about my shrinking debt that I had to share. The bills were dwindling, the student loan was finally off my back and there was just one credit card. That's when Chloe (our dog) became even more ill. She needed hospitalization and more frequent medication and a very expensive specialized diet. I'm not complaining because she needed it and it had to be done, she was family after all. Too frequently there wasn't enough cash to cover her care and quite a bit of it went on credit. We even opened a new account for her final hospitalization thinking a miracle would be performed that would buy us a little more time with her. I'm not upset I used credit at all, I just feel I may have jinxed myself a bit by calling myself almost debt free too soon.
I keep track of my total debt each month and I can almost taste it. When I saw $1500.00 in black ink I smiled. Soon after I was giddy when I wrote the figure of $1200.00. Now it is at $869.00 and I am trying to get rid of it as soon as possible. I can't wait to see zero.
RV Lust
I know that I will never remain debt free forever. There are some large ticket items that I may need to purchase on credit. Recently I decided to see how good my credit was and see if I qualified for a loan. I know, I really should reach zero first, and there is a lot going on in my household, but... I have wanted an RV for a long time.
I want an RV with a burning passion. I wouldn't mind living small, and I want more travel in my life. We can do the types of jobs we do anywhere. Also at this point with a full house, a night owl two year old, and soon to be a squalling newborn, it would be really nice just to park it in the driveway and get a full nights sleep.
We went to the dealership just to look, and then we fell in love. We test drove, discussed, and then decided to fill out the paperwork just to test the waters and see what shape our credit is in now. We had a bankruptcy in the past because of a bad housing decision, and poor budgeting choices. I had no idea where we stood credit wise. Turns out we were at 710 and 719, not bad but still too close to the bankruptcy so we were turned down. They said if we tried again in a few months we could probably be approved. It's okay because it's nice to know we are almost where we want to be.
I plan to try again in six months to a year and have it paid off before we do any extensive traveling. It may keep us here longer in the land of no jobs and low pay, but I don't want to take a chance and go anywhere when I have more than just a few thousand in debt to keep up with, unless of course I have a fabulous job waiting for me.
My husband tells me to stop lusting over RV's. He tells me I stare at them when we pass one on the road, and I need to quit. Sigh, I'll have one one day.
I'm sitting in here again, day six. Even though the work hours are very light at this time because business is down, I gave today's shift to a co-worker. I still haven't had a proper nights sleep. I'm really feeling it today. I have no energy and almost feel drunk. If I don't get sleep soon....
It is hard to see your child in a hospital bed, even if they are 21 and just resting and waiting to give birth. The doctor has estimated the babies weight to be around six pounds, and after the ultrasound they did when she arrived at the hospital they let her know it's a girl. The waiting is the hard part. Her room is in front right by the nurses station and she has already watched several families come through the door, scream for a while and leave the next morning with a newborn mewing softly like a kitten. I'm exhausted and she is bored. My husband is tense and sleep deprived as well. There is just too much to do, too much to be accomplished, and too little money coming in to the household. Okay, that's enough of me complaining.
Jinx
I should never had said anything when I did, but a year and a half ago I bragged about becoming debt free within a few months. I was so excited about my shrinking debt that I had to share. The bills were dwindling, the student loan was finally off my back and there was just one credit card. That's when Chloe (our dog) became even more ill. She needed hospitalization and more frequent medication and a very expensive specialized diet. I'm not complaining because she needed it and it had to be done, she was family after all. Too frequently there wasn't enough cash to cover her care and quite a bit of it went on credit. We even opened a new account for her final hospitalization thinking a miracle would be performed that would buy us a little more time with her. I'm not upset I used credit at all, I just feel I may have jinxed myself a bit by calling myself almost debt free too soon.
I keep track of my total debt each month and I can almost taste it. When I saw $1500.00 in black ink I smiled. Soon after I was giddy when I wrote the figure of $1200.00. Now it is at $869.00 and I am trying to get rid of it as soon as possible. I can't wait to see zero.
RV Lust
I know that I will never remain debt free forever. There are some large ticket items that I may need to purchase on credit. Recently I decided to see how good my credit was and see if I qualified for a loan. I know, I really should reach zero first, and there is a lot going on in my household, but... I have wanted an RV for a long time.
I want an RV with a burning passion. I wouldn't mind living small, and I want more travel in my life. We can do the types of jobs we do anywhere. Also at this point with a full house, a night owl two year old, and soon to be a squalling newborn, it would be really nice just to park it in the driveway and get a full nights sleep.
We went to the dealership just to look, and then we fell in love. We test drove, discussed, and then decided to fill out the paperwork just to test the waters and see what shape our credit is in now. We had a bankruptcy in the past because of a bad housing decision, and poor budgeting choices. I had no idea where we stood credit wise. Turns out we were at 710 and 719, not bad but still too close to the bankruptcy so we were turned down. They said if we tried again in a few months we could probably be approved. It's okay because it's nice to know we are almost where we want to be.
I plan to try again in six months to a year and have it paid off before we do any extensive traveling. It may keep us here longer in the land of no jobs and low pay, but I don't want to take a chance and go anywhere when I have more than just a few thousand in debt to keep up with, unless of course I have a fabulous job waiting for me.
My husband tells me to stop lusting over RV's. He tells me I stare at them when we pass one on the road, and I need to quit. Sigh, I'll have one one day.
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