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Archive for May, 2014

I can do this....I don't have a choice

May 31st, 2014 at 11:16 pm

Well the only thing that makes me feel better the last few months is working out, a few people who know what to say to make me feel better, and numbers. Since I just threw up I am thinking it's not the time to work out, I already talked to my Mom, Jamie is lost and I don't feel like dragging anybody else down...so that means numbers.

I'm not going to pretend I'm all strong and awesome and gonna be ok right now....but I am gonna figure out what I need to do...so here goes.

I haven't had an actual budget in probably 10 years. Have always been frugal in all areas, so that when we wanted to buy something, we don't need to think about it, we can just buy it since we are always frugal in every area. That is going to have to change.

-I called the bank and left a message for our mortgage officer. I have called her a few months ago and discussed our situation, so she is aware that we may be divorcing and one of us buying out the other. I asked her to call me back and hopefully set up a meeting this week to get an appraisal set up and crunch some numbers. The estimate she gave me previously was $1005 for a monthly payment (I would have to go back to a 30 yr, we are currently 3 years into a 10 yr Frown ) Estimate was for 30yr loan, $150Kish, 4.25% (currently at 2.75% UGH).

-I called and cancelled cable, that will save me $50 a month. They will be shutting it off Monday. I rarely watch TV, I have plenty of DVDs and I have Netflix. If I really wanted to watch something on TV I can go to the gym, or my parents.

So here is what I have for a budget so far. Please let me know if I am missing anything or any suggestions. As I said it has been a LONG time since I actually budgeted my money.

Mortgage $1005
Heat/Air/Electric $150
Water $50
Cellphone $50
Gym $25
Internet $50
Car Insurance $50
Fuel $100
Groceries $50
Netflix $15
Going out/beer $75
Unaccounted Expenses $55
CVS $25

Total Expenses $1650

*Mortgage - this is estimated off the numbers I got from the bank a few months ago.
*Heat/Air/Electric - this is an estimate of bills for all year round. I live in ND so we have very cold winters, and very hot summers. I always hold out as long as I can on the heat and air, dress warmer cooler, use blankets or fans etc...but they are both a NEED here so that is my best estimate.
*Cellphone - I do not have a smart phone and have no interest in getting one. This is for a regular phone with unlimited talk and text. I am not willing to change that.
*Gym - There are some cheaper gyms in my area, but I am very comfortable at my gym, it is close enough to walk or bike, is open 24 hrs, and have TVs on all the machines so I could go watch TV there and enjoy the AC if I wanted. In the summer it isn't used as much, but winters here are much too brutal to not have an indoor workout venue. Would like to keep that the same, but will change if needed.
*Internet - Unlimited wireless internet. I can get most sites, including my blog at work (can't get on FB), but would not be doing that on work time. Plus the internet is one of my main sources of entertainment on nights/weekends. I would like this to cost less....not sure what other options there are here, but that is something I can look into.
*Car Insurance - Not sure how this will change, as the $50 is a monthly breakdown of what we have now for two cars. Since I will lose the dual car discount, married discount etc....it may not go down much if at all.
*Fuel - I mainly only drive to work and softball. CVS once a week. Unfortunately I live on the complete other side of town from work so biking or walking would not be an option. However it is only an 11 min drive (if it wasn't ALL uphill I could consider biking in the summer months...but alas I would never make it up all those dang hills). I usually stay at work and work OT until softball time, so no extra driving there. CVS, the mall, grocery store are all close enough that I could easily walk, rollerblade or bike as long as I don't have too heavy of a hall. I need to get my bike in riding shape. I will work on that asap. I think the $100 is a high estimate, but this way I will have a cushion in case I go out of town.
*Groceries - I don't eat much and am fine surviving on yogurt, cereal, fruit, veggies, milk and a few other staples. Already have lots of soup, noodles, rice, spices etc.
*Water - Water bill never really varies much so this shouldn't fluctuate much, or go down slightly since only one person showering.
*Netflix - This is currently at $25 for streaming and 3 DVDs at a time. I don't need the 3 DVDs, that was something DH wanted. I am not sure of the exact cost of just the streaming but I believe it is around $15 or less. I will request DH to cancel the 3 DVDs or open his own account.
*Going out/beer - This one is tricky. Hard to meet new people with out going out at least sometimes. I am going to stop buying beverages for the house (my own drinking has increased a LOT since DH left) and only have drinks after softball. One of my teams prefers to go out after the games (it's usually happy hour...and I don't HAVE to go out every week), the other always tailgates and has a few beers, MUCH cheaper then going out to a bar/restaurant.
*Unaccounted Expenses - Clothes, softball fees, hair cuts, Al-Anon donations, misc household or yard expenses.
*CVS - Since I make money off of most of the items I get at CVS, I am going to try to keep this in my budget. The $25 is actual OOP amounts, not amounts paid with gift cards or extra bucks.

Income:
My take home pay right now is $1000 every two weeks. That is after 6% goes into my 401K and $25 for health insurance. Once DH is off my health insurance, that will go down to $0. So my take home pay will be $2050 per month. That does not include any OT (I average about 7-10 hrs a week in OT which is paid at time + 1/2). I usually have about $200-$250 per paycheck in OT pay. At this time OT is unlimited (up to 12hrs a week that we are open) and it has been for some time, but there is no guarantee that will continue (however I do not foresee the OT stopping at all this year).
I have no plans of cancelling my 401K contributions. I would cancel the gym, Netflix or internet before I would stop that.

So then we have:
$2050 Income
-$1650 Expenses
=$400.00 in the Black each month

So even without OT pay, rummage sales, recycling, FB sales, a second job or a roommate....I should be ok. I will continue to work as much OT as I can, and everything I come in under budget on, plus OT pay will go to savings. I have also reached out to a friend regarding being my roommate...they are going to let me know as they are moving back to town and they aren't sure of an exact date yet. I am not for sure yet if I want a roommate or a 2nd job (I mean I don't want either of those...but you get what I mean).

I will also have roughly $15K in savings when everything is done. So if I had a month where expenses were high I have a good size cushion.

Since tomorrow is June 1, I am going to use this month as a test month for my budget.

Welcome to all comments/advise.

Dying

May 31st, 2014 at 08:09 pm

I can't take this anymore. I can' breathe, I can't stop crying. I just threw up my lunch.

How could I be wrong about someone for 12 years. Am I really that stupid?

He asked me to go shopping on Thursday, came to my softball. Been texting and calling. Things seemed good considering.

This morning I went to my 2nd Al-Anon meeeting and got my oil changed, did dishes and actually cooked a lunch. Felt good I did so many things and was productive.

Then today I talked to him on the phone and he thinks it is best for both of us to be apart for good. He is not coming back.

How could I be so wrong about everything in my life?

CVS Top 1% Saver Article!

May 30th, 2014 at 11:55 pm

I knew this was coming out soon, but with all the hub bub in my life I missed seeing it. It came out 5/14/14 and here is the link if you wanna check it out. Very cool to be mentioned (even if I am listed as Bank Gurl rather than Banker Gurl...lol).


http://www.savingadvice.com/articles/2014/05/14/1023084_ways-to-save-money-at-cvs.html

$20K Update

May 30th, 2014 at 11:18 pm

New Focus = Home Maintenance $6105/$7000

Current Balance $32,320.00
-$28.00 to ROTH IRA
+$8.00 Even Out Amount
Balance $32,300.00

ING $28,360.00
Home Improvements(cash)$440.00
HSBC $3500.00
Total = $32,300.00

Cleaned out the chest freezer

May 30th, 2014 at 10:36 pm

Continuing on with cleaning out the garage, after taking the cans to recycling, I cleaned out the chest freezer. It was a mess because it has TONS of bags of ice in it in the bottom (save ice during the year to use for snow cones at the rummage sale). I put all of the bags of ice in neat stacks now under the tray section since I won't need it at all unless it's rummage sale time. I have an ice maker in the freezer in the house, so that is what I use for daily ice use.
Before


And After

Now I can actually see what food is in there! All the bags of candy are for Halloween (NOT for me! LOL!). Got a super deal on them last year, only $1 a bag at CVS! So I stocked up since we get 300+ trick-or-treaters.
I found 3 more bags of fish from Mexico (my Mom goes there every year and brings back fish she catches) that I will cook soon. Also some deer sausage, chicken, and frozen pizzas. Now that I actually know what is in there again I can start planning some meals accordingly. Will also need to go through the pantry cupboards soon too....but I think my list is big enough for now!

Took in the recycling and emptied my piggybank

May 30th, 2014 at 10:22 pm


Took in our cans today. We get a lot of cans donated to us. Several of my coworkers give me their cans at work, plus between DH and I we have 3 softball teams that generate a LOT of cans after games. Took them in today, had 75lbs at .50 per lb totaled to $36.50 (they minus 2lbs for dirt, water and other misc that adds to your total).

Also took in my piggy bank to the bank had $56.14. Deposited $53.50 with the can money, so that totaled to $90.00. The other few dollars will go back into the pig for next time.

Normally I put all change and recycling money to the mortgage. For now I am just going to put that into the mortgage checking account and if things pan out then I will put it towards the mortgage later.

Mortgage Checking Balance = $5.00
+$36.50 Recycling
+$53.50 Change
New Balance = $90.00

To Do List Progress

May 29th, 2014 at 08:10 pm

I am so bad at adding more things to the list as I go..so even though I have checked off a lot..I have added several...oops! Tomorrow I will be running errands and getting those items crossed off.

Bedroom
(X)Laundry
(X)Clean Mirror
(X)Dust Furniture
Bathroom
( )Shower
( )Toilet
( )Sink
( )Mirror
( )Sweep
( )Mop
Office
( )File
( )Move 2013 files to permanent file
( )Clean toys
( )Mark toys
( )Enter Coke Points
( )Enter Special K Points
(X)Wash and pack new storage bins
( )Vacuum
Kitchen
(X)Wash Dishes
(X)Clean off counters
( )Clean off table
(X)Clean oven
(X)Clean microwave
(X)Wash Towels
(X)Clean out fridge
(X)Organize Freezer
( )Sweep Floor
( )Mop Floor
Living Room
( )Pick up
( )Use furniture wash on chairs and couch
( )Wash end tables and TV Stand
( )Vacuum
Landing
( )Make Calendar for June
( )Put away shoes
( )Sweep
( )Mop
Garage
( )Clean out
(X)Get pop cans organized
( )Take pop cans to recycling
( )Sweep
( )Spray out garage
( )Organize Chest Freezer
Yard
(X)Mow Lawn
(X)Clean Hot Tub
( )Clean out rock bed and lay plastic
(X)Take garbage and recycling to curb
Other
(X)Al-Anon Meeting
( )2nd Al-Anon Meeting
(X)Cancel Trip
(X)Buy Coke at CVS
(X)Pay MDU bill
(X)Wax Eyebrows
(X)Paint toe nails
( )Take short and jeans to tailor
( )$50K - $100K Updates for WIR
( )$100K Updates for WIR
(X)Pay mortgage
(X)Grocery shopping
( )Count change and take to bank
( )Get bike in working order
( )Pick out new glasses
( )Oil Change
Workout Everyday
(X)Saturday - Run to Al-Anon
(X)Sunday - Run
(X)Monday - Shape DVD
(X)Tuesday - Softball
(X)Wednesday - Kayaking
( )Thursday - Softball
( )Friday
( )Saturday
( )Sunday
Fun
( )Go play Bingo
( )Go to some rummage sales
( )Go to a movie
(X)Watch and mail 3 Netflix
(X)Read Book on deck
( )Eat Ice Cream!

June 2014 Mortgage Payment

May 29th, 2014 at 06:34 pm

June 2014 Mortgage Payment

Balance $90,875.00
+$208.26 Interest
-$1218.88 Regular Payment
-$64.38 Principle Payment
-$0 Mortgage Checking Principle Payment
New Balance $89,800.00

Would like to be excited to be under $90K....but obvi I can't be. Actually made my stomach hurt to write out such a tiny principle payment check. This is my 75th payment on the mortgage and the smallest principle payment we have ever made. Frown Until everything is figured out with me and DH I am just going to pay down to the next hundred dollar mark to keep my numbers OCD in check. If things work themselves out later we can always make bigger payments down the line, but for now it's safest to keep more money in savings.



Mortgage Checking Balance = $5.00

Escrow Savings Account = $1430.00

And that's all she wrote.....

May 27th, 2014 at 04:00 am

Here is my reward for working so hard this weekend. Smile

New areas to focus

May 27th, 2014 at 03:48 am

I started a new ab routine today, it's one of those 30 day dealies...it is set to start on June 1st, but I thought why wait another week, might as well start today! So I did that and an ab cardio video that I haven't done in a long time.

Was thinking a lot about things to focus on and the 3 I am really thinking for now to keep me busy and upbeat is #1 Physical Fitness, #2 Lawn Care and Improvement and #3 Cooking.

I am already very active, but would like to work on some areas, namely my abs, that is my "problem" area, so I am excited for this 30 day challenge to get a good kick start.

The lawn/yard work is never ending. Honestly my yard is terrible. I have several rock beds that are completely overrun by weeds. Lots of yellow patches, a spot where a stump got pulled out so now it's just a big circle of dirt....I mean I really could do yard work everyday for hours and never get it all done. So that will be a good hobby for me to get into.

I would like to do at least one night a week where I make a new dish. When I went to a BBQ this weekend I didn't have much notice, and was texted to "Just bring some chips or something" I had like an hr to get ready and decided to whip up a noodle salad instead of grabbing chips and everyone loved it so that made me happy. Smile So I thought that would be something fun to focus on and make me feel good.

Keeping Busy Busy

May 27th, 2014 at 03:47 am

Tried to stay as busy as possible this weekend...still had a lot of hard moments, today was really bad and broke down several times. Just hits me out of nowhere even when I am busy doing something.

Well anyways...I went out Fri, Sat and Sun night with a guy friend. He knows I am separated and I appreciate very much that he is trying to keep my occupied. I would be worried spending so much time with someone that they may get the wrong impression about what I am looking for, but since I am 14 inches shorter then him (!!) I think I am safely in the friend zone...lol. I had fun and have also met a new girl friend through him too, she doesn't know anything about my personal situation, but has been actively texting me and inviting me to things and invited me to go kayaking today. So that is good!

Been super active all weekend on getting things done. Got the hot tub cleaned out and refilled, lawn mowed, 3 loads of laundry, cleaned out the fridge (took out all the shelving and wiped everything down), cleaned the freezer, cleaned the microwave, washed the dishes, took out the recycling, watched 3 Netflix movies, painted my toe nails, ran 10 miles total, did 45 mins of ab workouts today, washed out some new storage bins I got and moved around some of the CVS stuff to use them most efficiently.

I think cleaning out the fridge is my favorite household chore. Something very therapeutic about it to me. Only had to throw 3 things, 2 containers of half used sour cream and 1 banana Chobani yogurt (GROSS!). Nothing to toss in the freezer, found some halibut I forgot was in there so hoping to make that soon!


Happy Memorial Day!

May 26th, 2014 at 04:31 am

Happy Memorial Day to all who serve, who have served, and the friends and family of all who sacrifice so much! Thank you for your service to our country! You are so appreciated everyday!!

Special prayers to my Grandpa in heaven.


I am not sure who all have been in the service from this site, but THANK YOU to Mooshocker and enjoy this day with your family!

To Do List Progress

May 26th, 2014 at 04:22 am

Lots left to do, but made good progress on a few items. Hitting the hay early tonight and hopefully can get a lot done tomorrow.

Bedrooom
( )Laundry
( )Clean Mirror
( )Dust Furniture
Bathroom
( )Shower
( )Toilet
( )Sink
( )Mirror
( )Sweep
( )Mop
Office
( )File
( )Move 2013 files to permanent file
( )Clean toys
( )Mark toys
( )Enter Coke Points
( )Enter Special K Points
(X)Wash and pack new storage bins
( )Vacuum
Kitchen
(X)Wash Dishes
(X)Clean off counters
( )Clean off table
( )Clean oven
( )Clean out fridge
( )Organize Freezer
( )Sweep Floor
( )Mop Floor
Living Room
( )Pick up
( )Use furniture wash on chairs and couch
( )Wash end tables and TV Stand
( )Vacuum
Landing
( )Make Calendar for June
( )Put away shoes
( )Sweep
( )Mop
Garage
( )Clean out
( )Get pop cans organized
( )Take pop cans to recycling
( )Sweep
( )Spray out garage
( )Organize Chest Freezer
Yard
(X)Mow Lawn
(X)Clean Hot Tub
( )Clean out rock bed and lay plastic
( )Take garbage and recycling to curb
Other
(X)Al-Anon Meeting
(X)Cancel Trip
(X)Buy Coke at CVS
(X)Pay MDU bill
( )Wax Eyebrows
(X)Paint toe nails
( )Count change and take to bank
( )Get bike in working order
( )Pick out new glasses
( )Oil Change
Workout Everyday
(X)Saturday - Run to Al-Anon
(X)Sunday
( )Monday
( )Tuesday - Softball
( )Wednesday
( )Thursday - Softball
( )Friday
( )Saturday
( )Sunday
Fun
( )Go play Bingo
( )Go to some rummage sales
( )Go to a movie
( )Watch and mail 3 Netflix
( )Read Book on deck
( )Eat Ice Cream!

CVS Deals Week of 5/25/14

May 25th, 2014 at 08:23 pm

I am going to try to do my CVS deals at the beginning of the week so if anyone wants to do the deals they can too!

All of this for only $1.98!! $68.07 worth of merchandise!! Should make $34.08 in Profit!!



Colgate MaxFresh Toothpaste 6.0oz (Bought 6)
Regular Price $3.99 Each
-$1.00 Sale Price Each
-$2.00 off 2 Mfr Coupon (3)
*Received $2.00 EB on Each
Final Price = .01 Money Maker Each!!
(Marked $2.50 each for rummage sale)
*ETA - Sold 1 on FB on 7/25/14 for $2.50
*ETA - Sold 3 for $2.50 each at 9/4/14 rummage sale
*ETA - Sold 2 for $2.50 on FB on 12/1/14
Profit = $15.06!!

Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash 1 Liter Bottles (Bought 6)
Regular Price $6.79 Each
-$1.80 Sale Price Each
-$2.00 off $10.00 Oral Care Purchase CVS CRT (2)
*Received $4.00 EB on Each
Final Price = 4 for Free and 2 for .99 Each!!
(Marked $3.50 each for rummage sale)
*ETA - Sold 6 for $3.50 each at 9/4/14 rummage sale
Profit = $19.02

Mars Candy (Bought 3)
Regular Price $1.19 Each
-.44 Sale Price Each
*Received .75 EB on Each
Final Price = All 3 Free!!
(Kept these)

Banker Gurl : Man of the House

May 24th, 2014 at 10:25 pm

Well yesterday I worked 10.5 hrs, carried 24 12pk of pop from my car to my basement, then I used a sump pump, lawn mower, extension cord, and fuse box by myself....then I crushed a beer can on my head.
Haha JK, but I did have several delicious Cheladas while I cleaned the hot tub.
So pretty and clean!!!


So after work I found the correct switch in the fuse box and turned off the hot tub (I have never touched the fuse box before). I got out the sump pump (which I have never used before) and put it in the hot tub so that it could pump out the tub while I was mowing the lawn. I had some trouble getting it to work...so I am holding it in the water for several minutes and messing with it trying to get it to kick on...one of the hoses came off while I was doing that, and then suddenly it decides to kick on before I get the hose back on and COMPLETELY soaks me from head to toe! Sprays everywhere, mostly in my face...I am fighting with it trying to get a grip so I can get the hose back on and after the initial shock of getting rocked in the face I am laughing so hard the neighbors probably thought I lost my mind...damn that was funny. Def could have been on AFHV.

So I got that going and while its pumping the tub I mowed the yard. Once I was done with that I went and got my suit on and cleaned the tub which was nice cause it was a beautiful 83 degrees here last night. Brought out some tunes and listened to the Beach Boys Greatest Hits and enjoyed my adult beverages. It was enjoyful. Smile

All that took a few hours and I felt very studly when I was done! Plus was a good start to the Monster To Do List.

Mega Run and my first Al-Anon Meeting

May 24th, 2014 at 10:04 pm

Very intense morning! Last night I was so nervous about my run and the meeting. This morning I woke up and was still nervous. Just tried to focus on the run so that I wouldn't be so nervous about the meeting. Got up and got moving....the official FB status of the day.

"Going for a 6 mile run, if you see my laying on the side of the road....DNR
Unless you have ice cream, then by all means do what you can."

The run went good. The hills were killer, but with the right tunes I can dig through almost anything. "Taking Care of Business", "We are the Champions", "Low Rider" and "We will rock you"...plus a smattering of Michael Jackson helped me through. I ended up being there about a half hr early. I do not remember the last time I felt so nervous (probably 6 yrs ago when we were sitting in the drs office to find out why we weren't pregnant Frown ). I felt like I was going to start crying if anyone even looked at me. I was surprised that I was the youngest person there by about 30 years. Everyone was SO SO nice and awesome. I still felt nervous and tearful but they tried so hard to make me feel comfortable. I am very glad I went and I do think I will continue to go in the future. It felt good. It felt safe. They tried to give me some materials to take home, I said I can't take them right now, I ran here and I have to run home. They said oh that is good that you ran here and did something good for yourself...I said that isn't why I ran here...I ran here cause I was worried I would leave...and I knew if I ran here I would be too tired to run back right away, but if I drove I could just keep going right past and not stop...they thought it was funny...not sure if they thought I was joking, but I really was serious.

Then I had to run another 3 miles home...this part was mostly (at least the first 1.5-2 miles) downhill, but now running into the wind...and on JELLO legs. By the time I got done running downhill and had to run on flat ground again I was spent. But made it home in one piece and a respectable time for a non-runner type (I am an athlete, but not built really built for running...lol). My body is going to HATE me tomorrow...lol.

MONSTER TO DO LIST

May 24th, 2014 at 09:36 pm

I was hoping to just take a pic of my list to put it on here but it's too tiny of print....I only work 2 of the next 9 days so here is the PLAN! (It's a little ridiculously thorough...but I love checking things off when they are done. Smile


Here we go...
Bedrooom
( )Laundry
( )Clean Mirror
( )Dust Furniture
Bathroom
( )Shower
( )Toilet
( )Sink
( )Mirror
( )Sweep
( )Mop
Office
( )File
( )Move 2013 files to permanent file
( )Clean toys
( )Mark toys
( )Enter Coke Points
( )Enter Special K Points
( ) Wash and pack new storage bins
( )Vacuum
Kitchen
( )Wash Dishes
( )Clean off counters
( )Clean off table
( )Clean oven
( )Clean out fridge
( )Organize Freezer
( )Sweep Floor
( )Mop Floor
Living Room
( )Pick up
( )Use furniture wash on chairs and couch
( )Wash end tables and TV Stand
( )Vacuum
Landing
( )Make Calendar for June
( )Put away shoes
( )Sweep
( )Mop
Garage
( )Clean out
( )Get pop cans organized
( )Take pop cans to recycling
( )Sweep
( )Spray out garage
( )Organize Chest Freezer
Yard
( )Mow Lawn
( )Clean Hot Tub
( )Clean out rock bed and lay plastic
( )Take garbage and recycling to curb
Other
( )Al-Anon Meeting
( )Cancel Trip
( )Buy Coke at CVS
( )Pay MDU bill
( )Wax Eyebrows
( )Paint toe nails
( )Count change and take to bank
( )Get bike in working order
( )Pick out new glasses
( )Oil Change
Workout Everyday
( )Saturday - Run to Al-Anon
( )Sunday
( )Monday
( )Tuesday - Softball
( )Wednesday
( )Thursday - Softball
( )Friday
( )Saturday
( )Sunday
Fun
( )Go play Bingo
( )Go to some rummage sales
( )Go to a movie
( )Watch and mail 3 Netflix
( )Read Book on deck
( )Eat Ice Cream!

Super Awesome Deal of Coke Products - Hurry Ends Today

May 24th, 2014 at 09:00 pm

I should've posted this earlier in the week, hopefully you still have time to run in to CVS if you are a Coke drinker!


Coke Products 12pk (Bought 24)
Regular Price $5.00 each
On sale for 4/$12

When you spend $30 on select products you get a $10 CVS Giftcard!

And the regular price goes towards that limit, not the same price.

So if you buy 12 - 12pks, you pay $36, and get back 2 $10 GCs ($20). Making your price $16 for 12/12 packs...that equals $1.33 per 12 pack, or .11 per can!!! What a great price!!! I drink Coke so this a great price for me and I pack my Cokes and bring them to work rather then paying .75 a can at the vending machine. I got 12 Cokes and then 12 mixed of Diet Coke, Mello Yello Sprite and Cherry Coke for the rummage sale. I sell them for .75 each at the rummage sale and they fly out of here!

OT Hours

May 23rd, 2014 at 11:59 pm

I did awesome with my OT this week. Ended up at 11.75 hrs! Love that extra padding on my paycheck!

I checked my OT hours for the year and I am already at 146 hrs! My total OT hours for the whole year last year was 136...wow! So I am on pace to put in about 350-360 hours! I like my job and I LOVE time and a half $$$, so is nice that so much OT is needed. I will take it as long as they offer it!

401K hit $35K

May 23rd, 2014 at 08:24 pm

I checked my 401K balance today and it is up to $35K! Whoot! I was looking at my "retirement" topic entries and I saw last year in March, so only 15 months ago, I was at $25K and was excited for when my 401K balance would pass my age....oops guess I missed that milestone...lol. I am guessing that happened somewhere in the fall. Chugging along!

The last few days

May 23rd, 2014 at 04:45 pm

The last few days have been ok....Wednesday sucked...started getting texts from DH at 5:30am (hello I am sleeping!) and they were not nice. Didn't text him back for the rest of the day cause I don't need to be talking to someone that talks to me like that.

Then yesterday he surprised me by showing up to watch my softball game. He only stayed about 45 min or so, but I still thought it was very nice that he came. Thursday evening is when we had planned that he will go to the house (because I will be gone for softball) and do laundry, get groceries, movies, anything else he needs at his place so we have a set time and I won't be home. So he left and went to the house to finish his laundry, when I got home he was still there because his laundry wasn't dry yet. He had cleaned the kitchen, washed the dishes and fixed a lock on a door that I had been having trouble with since he left. Smile So that was great! He then asked me if I wanted to go to dinner since it was happy hour. So we went and had some half price appetizers and drinks. He ordered a water with his drink. So that was also good.
Unfortunatley everytime we see each other it just leaves me very sad cause then I go home alone and wonder what happened to our lives....cried the whole drive home..ugh. Frown But overall it was a good interaction between us so I need to focus on that part and remember that this is going to be a sloooooooow process.

TGIF everyone, hope you enjoy your long weekend!!

Wish me luck

May 23rd, 2014 at 05:38 am

Saturday morning I am going to my first Al-Anon meeting. I am nervous. And to be honest I just don't want to go. But I need to. So I am planning a run there....Something that motivates me to go. It is 3 miles each way. And on the way there is almost completely up (STEEP) hills. This is a decent run for me, and where I live is completely flat (I will have to run about a mile before I start running up hill) so this will definitely be challenging. But 6 miles! I am excited! I can do it!!

Randoms

May 22nd, 2014 at 02:14 am

I hit a HR last night at softball! YEAH! To be fair...it was not over the fence...however I burned the center fielder and ran all the way home! YEAH!

I made food today. Granted it was in the microwave....but that is the most I have done to find nourishment in 10 days. (I did make an amazing salad for tailgating at softball, but didn't eat any of it when I made it). If I am hungry (which doesn't happen much these days) I have a yogurt, cereal or grab a slice of cheese or sandwich meat...So that is a step that I actually put something in a bowl an heated it up.

I went to the library and got some books to read. Gonna go sit with one in the hot tub soon. That will be nice and relaxing!

My electric/heat bill came yesterday and is down $50 from last month. I haven't watched TV (other then Netflix in bed) since DH left. Haven't had the heat on in weeks (even though I've been FREEZING) and been keeping mostly everything off.

I checked our Discover Card today and it is on pace to be almost $1000 less then last month. Crazy. I knew we overspent, but $1000 drop in one month is ridiculous. The eating obviously went down significantly, and gas (because we aren't driving to the casino) not sure what else....the statement cuts on 6/2 so I am excited to see what the final total is. Possibly we saved enough on the CC bill to cover all of the costs of DHs apt? That would be great!

I have been working as most OT as I can this week. Should be around 11+ hrs by the end of the week (the most I can work is 12.5 since that is the most the office is open). Next week I only work 2 days (Monday is holiday and then I had Thursday and Friday off for a trip for me and DH...UGH). Anyways....since I am only working 2 days I won't be working much OT.

Also making a MONSTER list of things to do next week since I have that time off. So MUCH to do!

$1.53 for all of this!

May 22nd, 2014 at 01:41 am



Xtra Laundry Detergent 45oz
Regular Price $2.99
-.50 Sale Price
-$1.00 CVS CRT
Final Price $1.49!
(Keeping this)

Lady Speedstick (Bought 3)
Regular Price $1.27 each
-.32 Clearance Price Each
-$3.00 CVS CRT ($3.00 off any 2 Speedstick)
Final Price -.15!! Money Maker of .05 each!!
(Keeping these, they are great for my softball bag gym bag, traveling, etc.)

CVS Brand Metallic-Pro 3pk Toothbrush
Regular Price $3.19
-$3.00 CVS CRT ($3.00 off $3.00 CVS Brand Oral Care)
Final Price .19!!
(Marked $2.00 for rummage sale)
*ETA - Sold for $2.00 at 9/4/14 rummage sale
Profit = $1.81

Final Price for everything - Just $1.53!!

Flowers

May 19th, 2014 at 02:08 am

Found these on the side of my house while I was mowing the lawn. Surrounded my weeds and mess. Made me smile.

Rummage Sale Inventory

May 19th, 2014 at 01:22 am

I personally love seeing pics of peoples stockpiles..so here are some for you to see! This is all items for the rummage sale, however they could function as my personal stockpile should I need them. I recently got some new bins (from an online garage sale forum) so re-organized everything.

I keep everything in one closet in an extra bedroom so it isn't taking up too much room. The crates on the left have shampoo, conditioner, and bodywash. The boxes on the right are Menards items (I really need to get back into getting those too!). And then all the bins are nice and organized and labeled. Everything is marked for the sale before I put it into the bins, so when it is time for the same all I have to do is move it out to the tables. We have an entire "Health and Beauty" area at our sales!



The Razors Bin.


The Medicine Bin.


The Toothpaste Bin.


The Feminine Products Bin. (Trust me...I know it's weird to sell some of this stuff at a rummage sale...but if I can make money on it, and it isn't illegal, I will! And I have yet to find something I couldn't sell. We have previously sold a toilet seat...and a condom machine...seriously never know what people will buy! LOL)


The Oral Care Bin.


The Nailpolish Basket.


The Make-up Bin.


The Make-up Rack (I love this! Great for people to browse!)


The Nail Care and Gel Polish Bin.


The Hair Dye and Perfume Bin.


The Bar Soap and Lotion Bin.


Here are some pics from my personal stockpile (not for sale). Most of my stockpile items are kept where they are needed (toothpaste, lotion, tampons etc in the bathroom. Shampoo, Conditioner, Bodywash, Razors, in the linen closet, food in the pantry) but what doesn't fit there goes in this shelving unit (which I got for free off the curb!!)

My life would make a great sitcom..wish someone else could be the star...

May 19th, 2014 at 01:11 am

Last night DH asked me to come over. But he didn't ask till late I was in bed and tired. And I don't want to be chasing him around like that. If he wants to see me he should ask to come over and see me. Or invite me to dinner not text me to come over at 10:30 at night. Frown So I slept crapping. Couldn't fall asleep forever, woke up at 2am, woke up at 4am, woke up at 6am.

Well today bites.

Woke up feeling like it could be good. Silly me.
I mowed the back yard, good. Productive.

It's my Mom's BD, so went to eat with my family. Invited DH, but he was busy (he had a graduation party for one of his athletes, so he did have a legitimate excuse, but since I haven't seen him in a week it still sucked). Lunch was good. Afterwards we went to one of my bro's house and played a pool tournament. We drew names to see who would play who..I got my Dad for the first round (which is who I would be most worried about), he got ahead of me right away, but I came back and won, then beat older bro in semi finals and my step-mom in the finals (she shouldn't have been in the finals, but younger bro accidentally hit in the 8 ball early in their game). So that was fun to be the champ! But my mind felt pre-occupied the whole time. My older bro has 2 kids, a 4 year old and a 6 month old. I love my niece and nephew. But when you want kids, and you don't have them, and you don't know if you ever will....it's just so hard to be around them. If you don't have kids YET and you know someday you will, then it's great and you can play and enjoy them and know you get the fun without the responsibilities. But not knowing if that will ever happen just eats me up, and everytime I smooch on my baby niece I feel like my Mom and Dad and brothers are looking at me with sad eyes and it kills me.

Got home feeling terribly depressed. Feeling sad about babies....and then so hard to come home knowing the person that is supposed to be there waiting for you isn't there. Figured the run worked alright yesterday. Try it again. Decided to ride bike instead cause I had a coupon for a free bag of chocolate chips, so I was going to ride my bike to the grocery store. Haven't taken my bike out yet this year. Went to the shed to get it out and a MOUSE scared the bejesus out of me! Pretty sure I probably scared the neighbors with my girly screams. Spiders - fine. Snakes - no problem. Mice - Absolutely not! UGHHHHH GROSS!!!

Cleaned by bike up, packed a bag with my keys, phone and coupon. Locked up the house. Got on my bike....tires that appeared ok when I pushed on them sank to the ground as soon as I climbed on. SIGH. OK so NOT going to ride my bike then. I already have workout clothes on, might as well run then. Unlocked the house, put my bike in the garage. Set my bag with my keys, phone and coupon on the counter by the door, set my watch, walked out and locked the door.
YUP. LOCKED OUT OF THE HOUSE....AND NO PHONE. AWESOME. So I walked across the street to the neighbors and called DH to come unlock the door.

As I said I haven't seen him in a week. He came over right away and let me in. Was nice and gave me a hug but it just made me feel worse cause now I am at the point where I don't know if I want him to come back or not. I really don't know anymore. If he made the changes he needed to make...and came back...would I really be happy? I don't know. And that is the worst feeling.

Looking at things in perspective (kinda) and channeling agression

May 18th, 2014 at 02:38 am

So I tried hard to get myself out of my funk today. I don't want to be a Debbie Downer...and nobody wants to read a blog by a Debbie Downer...so how about just buck up. Ok.

I cleaned, did 2 loads of laundry, vacuumed, worked on my blog, moved around some retirement investments, marked some things for the rummage sale and mowed the lawn. So then I felt productive...but not really any perkier.

Decided to go for a run. How can you feel bad when you finish a run? I can't. So unless I ate it on a curb and fell or something it would be a good fix. Normally when I run I listen to music, but today I didn't. When I was working on my blog I had been marathon watching "Who the f#*! did I marry" on Netflix (ironic I know). When I was running I thought "Wow look..you didn't marry a murderer, a rapist, a pedophile, a criminal, a wife beater..etc." Weird to think like that but for whatever reason it made me feel "Hey things could be worse...all those people are ok now. They had horrible things happen to them and they dealt with them, they survived, they are happy again." And then I thought I didn't marry any of those things, I married a liar, a cheater, and an alcoholic. And the I got MAD. But I was running...so what can you do? You just keep running....so that's what I did....got home. Stopped my running watch. PR by 3:44!!!!!! I took almost 4 minutes off of my best time of running a 3.5 mile loop. WHAT! Apparently I run amazing when I am pissed! LOL I was so happy with my awesome run! And then I puked. LOL Maybe overdid it...but it felt great. So there. I made myself happy.

Disclaimer - Not trying to throw DH under the bus here and make it sound like everything was his fault. I am not perfect in any form of the word...that was just how I was feeling while I was running.

CVS Deals Last 2 Weeks + 90% Clearance Bin

May 17th, 2014 at 11:38 pm

Last week...



Neutrogena Acne Bar Soap (Bought 2)
Regular Price $3.18 each
*Received $10.00 EB
Final Price -$3.62 Money Maker of $1.81 each!
(Marked $1.50 each for rummage sale)

Fruit of the Earth 4oz Lotion (Bought 3)
Regular Price $1.27 each
-.32 (25% Clearance Price Each)
-$2.00 CVS CRT ($2.00 off 2 Lotions)
Final Price .28 Each! (Free on CVS GC)
(Marked $1.00 each for rummage sale)
*ETA - Sold 3 for $1.00 each at 9/4/14 rummage sale
Profit = $3.00

There is a LOT of travel size items that are on clearance at my CVS stores. You may want to check out that aisle!

Easter Kids Play Makeup Packs (Bought 3)(Not pictured)
Regular Price $3.00 each
-$2.71 Clearance Price
Final Price .29 Each (Free on CVS GC)
(Marked $1.50 each for rummage sale)
*ETA - Sold 2 for $1.50 each at 9/4/14 rummage sale
1 left to sell

------------------------------------------------------

This week: 90% off bin!

Spent $8.00 for $72.19 worth of merchandise (this include the Venus Razor that was not on clearance) and should be able to sell for a profit of $32!



Maybelline Color Show Polish (Bought 6)
Regular Price $4.39
-$3.95 Each Clearance Price
Final Price .44 Each (Free on CVS GC)
(Marked $2.00 each for rummage sale)
*ETA - Sold 1 at 9/4/14 rummage sale
5 left to sell

Fergie Nail Polish
Regular Price $3.59
-$3.23 Clearance Price
Final Price .36 Each (Free on CVS GC)
(Marked $3.00 each for rummage sale)
*ETA - Sold for $3.00 at 9/4/14 rummage sale
Profit = $3.00

Sensationail Gel Polish
Regular Price $11.99
-$10.80 Clearance Price
Final Price $1.19 (Free on CVS GC)
(Marked $5.00 for rummage sale)

Maybelline Eyestudio Eyeshadow
Regular Price $9.99
-$9.00 Clearance Price
Final Price .99 (Free on CVS GC)
(Marked $3.50 for rummage sale)
*ETA - Sold for $3.00 on 6/18/14 on FB.

Maybelline Master Smoky Eyeliner
Regular Price $8.29
-$7.46 Clearance Price
Final Price $.83 (Free on CVS GC)
(Marked $3.50 for rummage sale)

and then after the 90% off bin this deal on Venus

Venus Spa Razor
Regular Price $11.99
-$1.00 Mfr Coupon
-$4.00 CVS CRT ($4.00 off $10 Shaving Purchase)
*Received $5.00 EB for purchasing 1 Venus Razor
Final Price $1.99! (Free on CVS GC)
(Marked $7.00 for rummage sale)
*ETA - Sold for $7.00 at 9/4/14 rummage sale
Profit = $7.00

May 2014 Savings Update

May 17th, 2014 at 11:15 pm

May 2014 Savings Update

Regular Savings:
Home Maintenance ING $6110
Cushion $3350
HSA $10,800
New Patio Door (cash) $440
Escrow $2155
September 2014 $1820
Short Term Emergency Fund $1020 - Complete
Long Term Emergency Fund $2020 - Complete
New Car $10,300 - Complete
Vacation $3150 - Complete
Anniversary Cruise $3400
Total Regular Savings = $44,565.00

Retirement Savings:
Retirement Hold Account $1700
Roth IRA $9100
Rollover IRA $815
401K $33,500
403B $24,700 (est)
Total Retirement Savings = $69,815.00

Total Savings $114,380

Up $2305 from last month!

Confused on how savings is up this last month...but I'm not gonna argue!


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