I suppose that I'm speaking of the "mental saddle" rather than a monetary saddle. I was in an odd funk and didn't really help that I was sleep deprived, my daughter's classmate passed away and it was all out of whack. I spent way too much time analyzing myself and came to no clear conclusions about anything. All I can do is work with what I have now, despite where I came from, and I do have a direction where we are going, so it will be fine. And surprisingly, most of my angst came from comparison with others and not being fearful of the future.

DH and I were at our parish's volunteer appreciation dinner on Saturday. Our volunteer work deals with the parish, rather than the school. In fact, the drama of the school volunteer work last year has me volunteering in no capacity over there (though I do go in and read to the 2nd graders and I do help out at the parties, I'm just not a planner ) Anyhow, at the dinner I had the unpleasant experience of having one of the parents that isn't high on my list of favorites glom on to me. She was dateless, asked if she could sit with me. We joined my husband's fraternal brothers and their wives. What I learned from this is: it is best to be a helper with a humble heart.

I spent some money from the budget on myself. A $19 dress and $28 pair of boots at Old Navy. And $10 on a new pair of jeans and a Jones New York sweater at Goodwill (I had a 25% off coupon for my birthday). I was surprised how a few new items can spruce up one's opinion of oneself. I have to be immune to conversations about personal shoppers at Nordstroms who call when your favorite designer sends items in your best colors. Can't let those turkeys get you down.

I paid the last of the high school tuition on Friday, $770, paid and done! Wa-hoo! I am pleased about that!

Thought that it was time to revisit some money-management techniques and theories. This time I'm tackling The Money Saving Mom's Budget, I bought the book and regretted the purchase because I should have gotten it from the library. Anyhow, here are the 7 main principles ("Rules for Financial Success"):

#1: Set big goals and break them down into bite-sized pieces
#2: Streamline your life and cut the clutter
#3: Set up a realistic, workable budget
#4: Take the cash only challenge
#5: Use coupons
#6: Never pay retail
#7: Choose contentment

When DH and I did the steps to financial freedom through our church, there were 7 steps too. I wonder are most of the programs 7 steps? Just an odd curious wonder ...

Spending should be low today, pet store for crickets and meal worms for the bearded dragon, lunch meat and coffee at Aldi's. It was a nice, long weekend. Conferences on Friday went well: all kids are doing well, the reading specialist is making good predictions about oldest son's success. The girls participated in a service project on Sunday, and the moderator said how nice it was that my older daughter (the sponsor) accompanied the younger daughter (Confirmandi) and they clearly are devoted to one another.

So, now I will take daily steps to maintain a positive attitude and make wise money decisions to support our future financial goals.