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~ the homeschool book Errata has been typed and just needs to await the end of the month, when we'll be able to afford an ink cartridge, to be printed.
~ the Celtic cross border is pinned down and I've started sewing it. I'm about 1/4 done. Phoned around about machine quilting it and the concensus is I can do it on my domestic machine. A lady offered to show me how to do things.
~ I've talked to someone about setting up a website with Paypal to sell my book on-line. They wanted $2000. That's too much. Someone suggested a website development software program, but Meghan assures me none of them have adequate security protection for handling money. So I am thinking of waiting till this fall to contact some people I know. Then I'll have some money set aside. In the meantime, I'm going to review my notes from various seminars I attended a year or so ago on website development for businesspeople. That way I'll know what I'm talking about when I actually go ahead with this. It sounds like it will be an ongoing commitment though...not a one time expense...which is bad news.
~ I learned how to turn a heel on a pair of socks. Big news this! The knitting pattern I originally got off the Internet did not make sense. My friend and I ended up back on the Net yesterday searching for sock knitting videos. We turned up Dorret Conway on You-Tube. Cool videos Dorret! You saved us! So I've started the charity sock knitting.
~ I've been checking videos donated to the church library. Some of them are questionable. Will run them by other members of the committee. The content seems okay; it's the organization producing them that has me a bit nervous. All the same, they've been free entertainment this week.
~ We had contractors painting the second storey of the house exterior this week. Paul thought he could handle the first storey. But when it came time to actually do it, he climbed up the ladder, clung for dear life, and then climbed down again. He came in with a rather hang dog look about him apologizing and saying he just couldn't do it. I commiserated with him and suggested he phone the painters again and have them come back to finish the job. It will be another $450, but it will be done. Needless to say, this led to quite a discussion about accommodation in the future. Paul says no more two storey houses. I say condominium time. But Paul seems intent on having a bungalow. I think he is worried about condo fees... I'm saying if it's a bungalow, it's going to be all vinyl. Paul says "or brick". At which I start giggling uncontrollably thinking what a brick soffit and fascia might look like...LOL! Oh well, you gotta have a sense of humour in this life!
~ We've managed to eat in every meal this week. It's been grilling season and I've been loving it. Paul thinks the grill might be low on propane though.
~ I've embarked on a grocery exile. It's been kind of fun. But I can see a big meat shopping trip coming soon. I'm a bit worried.
~ Browsing job websites looking for something I can do. Revamped my resume down to two pages and sent a copy off to an employer who takes e-mail applications. We'll see how it goes.
~ Had to go to the doctor's for a cortisone shot. They neglected to tell me they charge for it. I didn't have any cash, cheque or credit cards on me. And they only take cash or cheque. No debit. I owe them $6. Oh well, they'll have to get me next time I go in. One good thing that did come from the visit was a new recipe for grilled eggplant. Long waits in the waiting room are good for some things! To be honest, this is one of the few doctor's offices I've ever been in that actually has up-to-date magazines in it. I'm am totally impressed. And thanks to having my hardcover purse sized journal, I was able to write out the recipe without ripping up the new magazine. Aaaaah...I'm becoming soooo organized!
~ I started to knit a hat for charity when I became frustrated with the sock yesterday. But my friend pulled me back on task. Great gal she is! I'm using yarn that was given to us to knit.
~ Watching the usual library DVDs.
~ We found out the other contractors aren't coming to replace our basement windows till the end of August. This is good news. Means we have an extra month to get a smaller freezer in the basement and the big one out of there!
I'm thinking that's got to be it for this week...
Gail Vaz-Oxlade, you have no idea what you started! I've been reading "A Woman of Independent Means", and am suitably stunned by what I am learning.
Ms. Vaz-Oxlade gives seven steps to financial well-being, and they hit a nerve with me. Suddenly I understand the arguments and non-arguments Paul and I have over money. The steps to financial well-being she gives are:
1) To understand what motivates you - We are motivated by different things. I'm a big time avoider when it comes to finances. Paul is a miser. The only way to compromise was for me to do exactly as she suggested -- get more involved with the day-to-day running of our financial life. The Money Makeover managed to do exactly that.
2) Making peace with what you earn - Well Paul and I really don't have many needs, just wants. Paul has very expensive wants. I do too. Unfortunately they are not the same wants! Paul feels he deserves them. I feel I deserve mine too. Too stubborn and self-centered by half! Ultimately I am reminded that I will have to downsize and rid myself of most of my possessions at the end of my life anyway, and that I can only experience new places while I am well enough to do so. This has helped me put things into perspective, and to prioritize accordingly. And Paul needs to be more realistic about what he can do with the salary he has. He needs to learn to plan ahead, set goals, and break them down into small doable steps.
3) Determine your monetary set point - I prefer $1000 in our chequing account at all times. To me a proper set point for an emergency fund is $10,000. We've never been able to sustain these set points in the past. Thanks to the Money Makeover, we have built our emergency fund up to $9000. But Meghan, our youngest, is going to university and we will be expected to chip in. The money has to come from somewhere, and we do not have an Education Plan for her.
4) "Face the fear". My fear is of being a bag lady when I am old, or, worse yet, dependent on my grown children for support. In order to face this fear I am simply going to have to learn to support myself financially. So 'hi ho hi ho, it's off to work I go!' after 15 years of being a stay-at-home homeschooling mom. It is also motivation to complete a few Budget Booster challenges.
5) Go to 'cash only' to experience cash flow issues first hand. - This is the one aspect of our Money Makeover that we have had the hardest time with. We like to use our credit cards to rack up air miles. But truth be told, even with air miles and paying off the balance every month, it puts a stretch on our budget. Primarily because we do not track credit card expenses as they happen.
6) Put financial affairs in order - Paul doesn't believe in RRSPs, in having wills, insurance, etc. I finally forced a will on him ten years ago, when I cracked under the stress of dealing with life. I also forced a term insurance policy on him. He is severely under-insured. He was not into whole life at all. His father always told him insurance was a rip-off, and Paul staunchly believes it.
I also forced RRSPs on him by scaring him about retirement. He still doesn't believe they are worth it, and I'm afraid I agree. I've had one for over 15 years now and it hasn't earned anywhere near the 12% Gail says you can get from them. When we figured out our returns for that 15 year period, they were 5%. We've been told by financial advisor after financial advisor not to expect more than 7%. I wonder how and where she gets nice returns like 12%? I was told I don't have enough money to invest to get those kinds of returns. I get better returns taking my money to renovate my home these days! And that is exactly what I've decided to do with my inheritance. Fix the house for resale. Because we're going to need every cent from the house to live on in retirement!
7) 'Just Do It!' - This is an area where I have great difficulties. I find my medication often makes me fatigued and easily confused...and easy prey for some fast talking financial rip-off artist. I can see why older women and mental health patients are often left in poverty in old age. My mental and physical state also makes working difficult. But surely there has to be something I can do...
There is a lot more in this book than the seven steps to financial well-being. I highly recommend Ms. Vaz-Oxlade's book as a wake-up call to all women. Hopefully, at 48, it's not too late for me!
I phoned some website developers in town and determined they will charge me a couple thousand dollars to set up a website to sell my book, just using Paypal. I'm rethinking this. Even if I sold all my books, I wouldn't make a couple thousand. I think I'll check the library for books on website development and see if I can figure it out on my own.
Phoned around about machine quilting the Celtic quilt. Turns out I can machine quilt it myself. One of the ladies I phoned actually offered to show me how to pin it out and help me mark the top for quilting. She's a real sweetheart! I managed to finish the knotwork part of the Celtic cross. Just have to do the border around the cross and the quilt will be ready to sew together.
Talked to a group of friends today about going back to work and my options. It was sobering. Basically I was told unless I work 20-25 years I won't receive much of a pension. So don't bother going to work for that. So if I go back, it will be for extra cash and benefits at this point.
Also found out Teacher's Aides are on an 'on-call' basis. So I might get calls at 7:30 a.m. to be in by 8:30 a.m. I don't know if I could handle that kind of uncertainty. I'm going to look for something a bit more stable and reliable. I'm not going to narrow myself down to one area just yet.
Was also told to cut my resume to no more than one page double sided. And that most places are hiring older people because they have better work ethics. And that starting wages are up all across the board locally because they just want to attract people who will come back and work! Even Wal-mart is starting people at $11/hr. now. Well, I'm not after a Wal-mart job. I couldn't handle the standing. Still, it's promising to know wages are on the upswing.
A friend has offered to send me job hunting website links. I'm still waiting... I think I'll do a google search tomorrow for some sites. I may just pop up to Meghan's room tomorrow morning and ask her. She's been looking for work for awhile.
Speaking of Meghan, she was called in on short notice today. With any luck she'll be called in on a regular basis. I sure hope so! She needs the money badly. Paul and I were just lamenting how we were going to pay our credit card bills and hers by the end of the month. We agreed to cover her card for the cost of the flight east, the deposit on residence, and the application fee for the university she's going to. This is going to be a real stretch to get her there and all the bills paid!
Me - Set up retreat on budget and search Bible for guidance. (Crown Ministries.org
) - DONE!
Cut Spending Challenge - Overall I've done pretty good with this. I'm back on track with little frugal tips around the house. It's been a challenge because increased pay and the inheritance are tempting us. We are thinking about redoing the budget again. I mean, just because it's there, doesn't mean we have to spend it...right?!
Both
Set starting budget together - DONE and we constantly revise it too. The weekly budget meetings have helped us stay on top of rising food and gas prices by adjusting our budget.
Use Budget Binder and jar system - DONE and working.
Freeze credit cards and debit cards - Put away several times...those slippery devils find their way back into our clutches time and again! Right now they are getting us through to the next pay day. We spent too much on credit card in June.
Review simple living notes. Watch the rest of “Simple Living”
. - DONE!
Me
Write down what bills are due when - DONE!
Figure out how to use Quicken
– P teach - I'm still learning, but I'm a lot better at it than I used to be!Set up Quicken to record allowance - Well, this was a flop. I am so far out on this...
Set up Office-in-a-box in file drawer by computer - DONE!
Re-organize financial files in P's office - DONE!
Record transactions in Quicken for full month - Paul and I decided to take turns doing it together.
Paul
Find a way to reduce bank fees – consolidate accounts? Change type of account? - DONE!
Cut Spending Challenge
Paul
Plan lunches for himself so he doesn't have to buy them at work. - DONE!
Both
Pantry inventory. Show Paul how to do one. - DONE!
Plan menu and grocery shop once for the entire week. - DONE! However, we are finding it cheaper to shop locally. When we do so we walk to the store, which limits how much we can bring home. So I've been going to the local store every day or so...usually for under $10 worth of food each time. With the increase in food prices at the other store, the two are now comparable.
Discuss budget once a week in pleasant atmosphere. - DONE!
Brainstorm ways to eat cheaper. - DONE!
Shop Farmer's Market in summer and fall. - Tried it this summer already, but it's more expensive than the organic food market! So we're just going to eat organic for things we eat the skin of, and then buy the rest at the regular grocery store.
Try the 100 km. diet for summer/fall. - Funny how this is so much more expensive than eating food shipped thousands of miles...We are not doing it.
Me
Eat smaller portions - DONE! This has been working for the most part...but I find we snack more. This isn't altogether a bad thing for me. I tend to snack on healthier food than Paul does.
Create a two week rotation menu - DONE! Actually a four week rotation menu was created...along with a master grocery list for the foods, and a 3 month stockpile list.
“Red Meat Free Week” once a month. - Skipped this because Meghan won't take vitamins etc. to stay healthy on a meat free diet.
Advertise for a smaller used freezer on-line. - DONE! No bites, but since then we've found lots for sale used on-line. We've been window shopping in the stores and think we've found the size we want. It should cost us about $100 used.
Cut Spending Challenge
Both
Cleaning schedule. Set one up and stick to it! Modify Flylady
. - this is an abysmal failure right now. Paul just doesn't get around to it. I can't really do it with my back issues. A friend mentioned maybe buying a lighter vacuum...a Dirt Devil. I checked them out at Canadian Tire. They certainly seem much lighter than that heavyweight Hoover I have in the basement! And they're only $100 or so. I'm saving up for one real soon.
Me
Learn how to do stain removal. - Friend have been helping teach me this.
Cut Spending Challenge
Both
Medical costs...ways to get medicine, Co-enzyme Q10 cheaper. Research alternative medicine we can try for free. - I am finding if I exercise properly I can cut down my need for meds. I am also finding paying the acupuncturist ahead for 'x' number of visits results in a 10% discount. I am also using different professionals and para-professionals for the same problem because, the way Paul's work health insurance works, they pay the first $200 of bills per type of professional you see. So I get the first $200 of the massage therapist paid, the first $200 of the acupuncturist, the first $200 of the physiotherapist...etc. I'm starting to learn how to play the game.
Have a “No Drive Week” once a month. - DONE! The increase in the price of gas has helped. I've been more tempted to sit at home and do things. Or to walk to do errands.
Me
Start practicing meditation every morning. - Well I tried this a few times, but it sure is not an every morning thing with me. I need more work on this.
Research cheap/free ways to exercise in winter. Do one this week. - I was doing okay with this, but I am so discouraged with my lousy back and arm. Both are feeling a bit better now, and I have a new exercise mat to use. So I'm hoping to get back into this.
Exercise DVDs. Use every day. - Lack lustre success. Who has time? But I need to make time to do this or walk. Walking has been big since spring.
Carpool to church - Not too bad. I drive to church on Sundays, but when I go for other events, I often car pool.
Cut Spending Challenge
Both
Clothing – Go through wardrobe and come up with different combinations for outfits. - DONE! I have a lot of clothes now...
Figure out upcoming clothing needs/costs for next 6 months. - DONE! and met. I won't need clothes unless something wears out now.
Me
Sew up fabric in basement before buying clothes...what do I have that I can use? - working on this.
Budget Booster Challenge - Budget Booster challenges have morphed into me finding a job this fall. Meghan is going to university and soon we'll have an empty nest. Someone will have to pay for her education, and our retirement. However, I am still looking into the craft end of things.
Both
Hobbies – Brainstorm ways to do hobbies cheaper - DONE! I am using up what I have...or finishing what's started. So far, so good.
Brainstorm ways to make hobbies pay for themselves. - craft sales, Internet - DONE! I had Meghan pay for the supplies for her boyfriend's quilt. I am stitching Christmas ornaments to sell. I also have some ideas on other craft sales to sell other things I make.
Price display equipment for fibre work at craft sales. - We decided not to do sales that require display equipment. Paul didn't want me to spend the money on this. I decided to wait until I had enough inventory built up to go to a craft sale. Then worry about it. So far it isn't a problem...
Roll change to deposit in bank. - DONE!
Me
Track time during the day - DONE!
Create a daily schedule to include exercise, frugal activities, & fibre work and stick to it. - I hate schedules.
Research starting a business. W.E.S. and Embroidery Canada articles. Talk to friends in the business. - DONE! It looks like I'll be doing some on-line things.
Come up with a list of things to sell at local craft sales. - DONE!
Set weekly goals for fibre work and DO IT! - I just avoid things when they go on a list. I find it best if I just pick up something from wherever I'm sitting and work on it. I have a project in every corner of this house...or rather, room of this house!
Pull together a resume - DONE! It's 4 pages long, so will definitely need to be whacked into shape, depending on the job.
Future Plan Challenge - This has been more of a challenge than I thought it would be. Paul doesn't like to plan ahead. I think it's because he doesn't like to be disappointed. He doesn't think it's worth looking at doing anything unless there's money in the bank to do it. I think you need to plan ahead to be sure to save enough so you have enough money you can do it later! Hmmm... I think I've finally talked to him about setting a few goals to work towards.
Both
Create a dream folder/collage of all the things we want in life. - DONE!
Plan expenses for next 6 months and put in budget. - Done for the first part of the year, but we fell down on the second half. Now we're playing catch-up.
Re-assess January expenses and come up with more money saving strategies to try. One new strategy per week. - DONE! I've been working on this by staying tuned to Frugal Village boards. Lots of ideas posted there.
Attend an auction to just look, not buy. Looking at furniture. Specifically dining room tables. - Paul doesn't want to go to an auction. He's afraid we might get taken.
Paul
Make a list of all renos that need to be done to the house to sell it. - DONE! We're having some of them done this summer.
Research cost of doing renos. Write down estimates. - DONE! See above.
Future Plan Challenge
Both
De-clutter stuff we don't want in the house. De-clutter one room/week using PROCESS
. - We're working on this. It's an ongoing process.Empty sewing unit and sell, or re-use in basement. - This is a hopeless cause. We can't empty it without sewing up some of the stuff...to sell maybe?
Sell stuff on-line or hold a garage sale. Gift away what doesn't sell. - DONE! We had a garage sale and gave the rest to the Salvation Army.
Future Plan Challenge
Both
Redo wills and power of attorney. - Paul keeps putting this off. It badly needs to be redone.
Review RRSPs. - DONE!
Me
List all renovations and estimated costs. - DONE!
Both
Make a decision as to which renovation to tackle first...together! DO IT! - DONE! Paul is painting the outside of the house.
Plan next day the night before. - Aaahhh...I forgot about this one. I guess we're kind of doing it. I look at my schedule the night before...
Create a schedule for refinishing furniture. Put supplies in budget. - This has been delayed and delayed and delayed. Lots of other activities happening.
Future Plan Challenge
Me
Look at the art side of fibre work. Talk to people re: exhibitions, etc. - NOPE
Paul
Cost out move. Assume 3 bedroom condo/apt. - NOPE. I've been looking, but Paul isn't serious...at least not for another five years.
Both
Discuss budget once a week in pleasant atmosphere. - DONE! I'm finding it helps to take Paul on a walk or out to tea or to make it a pleasant part of a day somehow.
Life Lesson Challenge - This has been great for focusing me on all the resources God has given me that are sitting around in this house. In order to make wise use of them, I better get cracking and finish a few projects!
Both
Have an “Electricity Free Night” - DONE!
Me
Continue doing Morning Pages - No time.
Personal retreat re: Mom. Death and dying in March. - Did one on the Holy Spirit instead.
Mini-retreats at home every month. - Not every month, but I am doing longer Bible studies now.
Finish a project that's been a long time in the making. - I'm working on finishing quilts and knitting projects around the house.
Find a cheap legal way to get good quality Christian music into the house. - DONE! I downloaded a bunch off the Net, purchased some at a concert for a deep discount, and borrowed some from the library and put it on my computer.
Relationship Rescue Challenges - This has been rocky off and on, but I think we've finally sorted it out. Paul just is really depressed in late winter. He needs breaks every now and then from work. I find if he's stressed, he resists any ideas I have to go have some fun. He just doesn't feel like it. One thing we've found we like to do is put puzzles together. I think I will be visiting garage sales for more for the winter months.
Both
Get creative! Set budget for entertainment and try to do as much as you can with it. Plan some fun. List 3 ways we can have fun for free this month. Pick one and make it happen this week. - DONE! This is working out better now summer is here and Paul is in a much nicer frame of mind.
Dining out – brainstorm ways to decrease costs of dining out. Do one this week in conjunction with free entertainment challenge. Each make one supper meal/week. Can work together if they want. - DONE! Our solution has been to go out for tea every now and then, but eat meals in.
Do something nice for each other once a week. - Well, I'm doing it. All Paul has to do for me is to keep cuddling me and I'll be happy!
Learn to give each other massages. - Well between his back problems and my back problems there's been no massages given by us, but plenty by professionals!
Motorbike is a trust issue...rent a motorbike for a day trip...just to try. A fear that has to be faced. - This died a natural death when I found out my cousin was in a motorcycle accident just a few weeks ago. My desire to ride a motorcycle has mysteriously (?) vanished.
Dance classes - NOPE! The year isn't over yet...
Pick one thing in the house that needs repairing off a list and do it together. - NOPE...actually Paul has been more active in this department since spring.
Plan an adventurous inexpensive vacation. - DONE! We went to Winnipeg. Not as cheaply as we could have, but definitely cheaper than a lot of people do! I figure it was less than $150/day for our stay...including sightseeing, meals and accommodation. Now the stuff we bought threw it over that amount a bit, but it was stuff we were planning to buy in Winnipeg anyway...not souvenirs.
Paul do what J does a week and J do what Paul does a week. - Ah no...
Exercise 3x per week together. - Paul backed on this rather quickly.
Do one renovation project per month together on P's 3 day weekend. - Nope. Paul didn't want to. He wants someone else to do the work now.
Journal feelings about changes/challenges and share with each other at the end of each week. - DONE! That's what this blog and my thread on Frugal Village are all about...journaling for everyone to share in my experience and get an idea of how things can be done.
$10,000 Emergency Fund
$15,000 House Reno Fund
$30,000 New Car Fund
We have $9000 in the Emergency Fund. We have an automatic deposit of $300 twice a month into that account. If we have extra money, it goes there. The big difference between before the Money Makeover and after is that before we were always pilfering from the EF to cover expenses, so it never built up. We haven't drawn on it since the Money Makeover began in January. That's a big success for us. However, we may have to pull from it to pay Meghan's university tuition fees this fall.
I decided to fund house renovations from my inheritance up to $15,000. After that we pay for them from family funds. This just seemed so much easier. Paul was umming and hahing about renos. But whether we stay or sell, certain things have to be done! So it may as well be now as later. And I'd rather enjoy the house the last few years I live in it, if we sell it. This way we will not be borrowing money from the bank for renos. I am also banking on getting back what I put into renos if we sell the house.
The car fund has yet to be started...but we're thinking about it. Another reason for me to go back to work.
Not bad for six months. Not bad at all...
My goal now is to stitch Christmas ornaments for sale and to get a website up and running to sell my book. So...prod me to get the work done!
Other frugal activities...
~ we've been eating leftover frozen pancakes (heated of course!) for breakfast.
~ I found cucumbers on sale at the grocery store this week, so I've made some mayonnaise and we've been having cucumber sandwiches for lunch.
~ rather than heat up the house, I bought Bakery Thrift Store bread 10 loaves/$8 and stored it in the freezer. When I thaw it in the microwave it's nice and moist like freshly baked bread. We were also able to pick up tortillas, pita bread and bagels as part of those 10 loaves.
~ suppers have been grilled or otherwise homemade.
~ entertainment has come from friends and the library. A friend loaned me a DVD and a book. Another came over to knit. Paul and I've been watching lots of library DVDs in the evening. I've been reading library books.
~ I've been walking places rather than taking the car on errands. When I do take the car, I've been trying to do multiple errands. I've also been choosing routes with as little stop and go as possible.
~ Meghan has a job...again! We're emphasizing she get at least one part time, preferably two, for the next month or so before she has to fly to university. I'm making it a habit to ask her every day what she did to earn money that day. Whether it's write on an essay for a scholarship application, stitch a Christmas ornament for sale, or apply for a job. I just want her to get in the habit of thinking positively that she can provide for her own dreams and goals.
~ My friend who came to knit showed me a place to get free knitting patterns on-line. The sock pattern she showed me allows you to design your own sock.
~ Paul and I have been looking at used freezers on sale on-line. We're going to go that route, rather than buy a new one. We'll need to check model numbers carefully though. We want an energy efficient one.
~ I figured out our retirement income and it isn't pretty. Hence the comments about going back to work. I also figured out our expenses the next year. It doesn't look good. Paul doesn't seem overly happy with my decision.
~ I've been reading "A Woman of Independent Means" by Gail Vaz-Oxlade. That's what started this kick about money right now. I figured out Paul's true hourly wage at just over $11/hour. He works a 36 hour week. We don't live on much. Your true hourly wage is your annual salary minus taxes and fixed expenses. Whatever is leftover is what you have to live on. When Paul retires, his pension is only 40% of his income. Meaning he'll have to take his CPP early (Canadian Pension Plan - a federal pension). But even with the CPP (only about $5000-6000/yr) and his pension, we'll be earning just over half what he does now. This is just not viable.
~ I worked on Meghan's boyfriend's Celtic quilt. Finally have the center piece all pinned. Today I want to work on sewing it. I hope to have the top complete by next week. Don't know how I'm going to finish it. I may have to try machine quilting it myself...despite the small harp area of my sewing machine. This could be really interesting...
~ I checked out the grocery store within walking distance and found organic produce to be the same as the store we normally go to, which is an 11 km round trip drive. The next week or so I'll be checking to see if prices go up there too, and how they compare to the store further away.
~ Paul and I decided to up the grocery and transportation budgets. We simply can't make it cover the 25% increase in groceries since January. And the horrendous price of gas.
~ My new 2" foldable exercise mat came. It's great! I am so excited. I can hardly wait to get it downstairs to do something. In fact, I'll be doing that next. I tried it yesterday when it arrived and it was great. No back pain while doing Pilates.
That's all I can remember for this week. I feel I'm certainly coming along with my Money Makeover. The one area that has been a real challenge to me has been the Budget Booster Challenges. I hope I am finally getting them under control. I am feeling a real sense of direction.
I have been trying to make loop errands whenever possible. I've had to go to the church several times to finish the work on the church library. It reopens to the public this Sunday. Thankfully I have two other people working on the project with me. It means things get done even if I'm not there, which I must admit is very nice. People are already snooping the shelves and displays we have up, commenting on books they'd like to take out. I have one more shipment of books coming. I just couldn't leave the stewardship section with only two books in it. The money for these will come from my allowance.
We've been eating in most of the week. I ate a light supper out Thursday night by myself...for $7. I paid out of my allowance. I just didn't want to cook supper for one. I can see why single seniors eat out so much. It is just a lot of bother to cook a meal for one, and then have to eat it all week to use it up!
We've been using the indoor grill a lot. I like it, but I don't have to clean it. Paul says it's a bear to clean. I think he doesn't like waiting till it cools. He wants to do it right away. Hmmm....I'll have to try cleaning it myself some time and see if it's really that bad. I am certainly trimming down by not having food with sauces and processed soups etc. in them.
I saw my fitness specialist this week and she thought I looked really good. I didn't have the heart to tell her I'd actually put on 8 pounds in two months! My weight has shifted due to more walking now spring is here. I don't know why it does that, but it does. Come winter I'll start to puff up again.
I've been walking places. I walked to the optometrist to have the nose piece on my glasses replaced. They did it for free. I walked to the stitch-in year end potluck. I took fruit...something I could eat. I also took a small luncheon plate to keep me from overindulging. I limited myself to one plate of main course food and one plate of dessert. I didn't double layer anything, and I made sure half my dessert plate was fruit. I had one glass of punch, and then drank water with my meal. I'm not doing very well with my diet, but at least I try on occasion and don't overindulge as much as I used to.
Meghan has been admitted to the university of her choice...at the other end of the country. We are busy getting her organized. She's applied for residence and picked her courses. Now to coordinate accommodation so she can take advantage of the seat sale heading that direction in August. She has to connect with a friend for that because she wants to stay with her friend until residence opens. We are also encouraging Meghan to get a job...any job...just to earn spending money for while she's down there. She has just enough money for her 'must have' expenses, but no money for fun things.
I picked up a tape recorder for $20 the other day. I was going to take piano lessons when I came back from Winnipeg, but both the teacher and I decided we were too busy this time of year for this. I had a program called "Put Your Hands On The Piano and Play' that I'd bought for the girls when we were homeschooling. Neither of them ever used it. It is a cassette program. I am thinking I'll try it myself. My teacher looked at it and said it would be good for me to do this summer, so I'm going to work my way through it and see how I do. I also have some piano theory books I inherited from my mom that I want to work through. Who says life is boring?! I just have to look around at what I've got and use it!
I am lax with laundry these days. While I adjust temperature and water level for the wash, I have not been hang drying. Paul is redirecting the dryer vent back outside for the summer months. It just makes it too humid in the summer to have it directed indoors. In winter we redirect it indoors, put a pair of old pantyhose over the end to filter out the lint and crap, and plug the hole in the wall with a very tightly wound old towel. It keeps the house more humid and warm. Both big issues in winter here. I do not recommend this approach for humid climates. You'll just cause mold to grow indoors. But here on the bone dry prairies this is a good solution to 10% humidity in winter.
I picked up a plate stand 40% off at Micheal's for a decorator plate I purchased in Winnipeg. It looks nice displayed with it. I also noticed wall hanging plate hangers at Micheal's when I was there. I'll be back some other week, with a coupon, to purchase one of those. I have several plates just laying around because I have no way to hang them securely.
Lots of 'free' meals this week. A free lunch from a friend, a free dessert for the end of choir practice for the year, the potluck, and a free dessert from another friend. I consider myself very blessed. People are very generous towards me. I only hope I am the same way towards them when the opportunity presents itself.
We're heading to Winnipeg on vacation. We've been warned to take dryer sheets in our pockets to protect against mosquitoes. I'm going to try it.
With company coming I'm going to try some simple grilling recipes. We have a vegetarian family coming from the U.S. and some relatives from Sweden, and possibly a good friend from Alberta. I bought a grilling cookbook last year by Better Homes and Gardens. Most of the recipes have weird ingredients we can't get, or that are really expensive. But in-between all that stuff, if you search for it, there are simple grilling recipes. Paul has been talking about a new grill. I'm thinking it might make a nice Father's Day gift for him...either that or fix the car. The thing is, our yard is not secure and I don't trust my neighbors enough to think it will stay there long. We've had people break into our garage before and steal things.
I've also decided to try using hydrogen peroxide for disinfectant to clean my counters and cutting boards. Apparently it's supposed to be better than bleach. It can also be used to whiten teeth.
I want to transplant my indoor parsley, which never amounted to much, outdoors. And I want to transplant my draceana plant this weekend. It's a tall indoor one.
I need to do another pantry inventory and come up with a summer menu plan. I am planning to add to my stockpile as things come on sale. Could be interesting. Might not have the money, with all the extra mouths to feed this month. I'd like to get some quick meals mega-cooked and in the freezer. Also some baking for Paul and Meghan.
We need to get back to weekly budget meetings. I need to get back to looking at Crown.org's scripture references for financial management. Still haven't finished them. Keep getting sidetracked.
I talked with some friends about our freezer dilemma. You remember. Can't get it in and out of the basement unless it goes through the window, which it won't be able to do after the construction guys are done here. They suggested we actually buy two smaller freezers. That way, when we downsize, we can get rid of one. Excellent idea! I think I can pick up smaller freezers on-line for reasonable prices.
I'm back to planning a cleaning schedule. Instead of one morning every week, I'm going to split it up so I do about 15 minutes of puttering around the house in-between sitting and sewing, etc. My thoughts are that this would be easier on my back and more might get done. I'm looking at ordering a Flylady duster as well. I have a ton of de-cluttering to do this month. I skipped last month totally. Sigh... It all catches up with you eventually.
In our discussions Paul and I have enumerated many things we'd like to buy. I want to sit down with him and draw up a plan. We started on the blender thing, but he just dropped it for some reason. We also need a new crock-pot, a stereo, a working cassette deck, a popcorn popper, and a new grill. Some of those items can be picked up at garage sales. I'm going on the hunt tomorrow.
I also am going to need my Bible study, meditation and retreats. I'll be lucky to fit a retreat in at all this month, what with everything else going on. But ideally I'd like to take at least half a day for one.
I need to turn my linen pants into capris...tomorrow probably. I want to sew up some of my fabric as well...Right now I'll settle for sorting it before company comes...I'll have this weekend and 3 days before company comes when we get back.
I have lined pants which it has come to my attention, can be charged with static. I read that if you pin a safety pin in the seam this doesn't happen. I'm going to try it this weekend.
I want to finish some projects. I'm preparing some to take to Winnipeg with me. It's a 6 hour drive. Might take some books to read too, come to think of it. I'll be taking those infamous project sheets with me to track my time.LOL And while we're in Winnipeg I want to do some shopping.
I'd like to refinish some furniture, but that might be hard. Will probably leave it for July...seems like June is full enough.
I'm thinking it might be time for picnic season.
Need to find a wheeled seat for weeding the garden. I can't bend and weed anymore.
Trying to practice making sweets with stevia. Need to be able to turn out something decent by the time company comes! I think I'll spend time working on Lemon Meringue Pie. Everyone likes that.
I am also resurrecting my diet and exercise journal. Not keeping it is just encouraging me to be lax. I also need to get more exercise. To that end I got out for a couple of short walks today.
While at garage sales tomorrow, I will also be checking for jigsaw puzzles. Paul likes to do them. Our splurge for entertainment, we hope, will be symphony tickets this fall. We'll see. We really need to buy them now, and frankly, our money is used up for this month.
I'd like to try the newer bikes out now. Ours are almost 30 years old. They've changed a lot since then. I'm debating whether to buy a new bike and bike with Paul, or to just give up biking altogether. This is low priority. I wouldn't cycle much anyway.
I still have to get the jewelry photos onto a CD!
I need to pull the photos of my older sister's family from Mom's albums and send them down to her. I also need to continue work on the family photo albums of our siblings and parents' marriage to get to her.
And I plan to practice the piano daily!
There! That's not much for June, is it?! Sigh...one step at a time...
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