whether or not I had enough cash for unplanned purchases. Rewind seven weeks ago, I would have dreaded having to spend money the last four days prior to payday. I would wonder what the balance of the checking account would be if those forgotten checks came through (our school and activities hold checks for long periods of time). It wasn't a big deal to run to the store and buy the $8 bag of frozen ravioli (large) and $25 for pizzas from Pizza Hut when we entertained friends last night. The cash was there, in the wallet. It wasn't a big deal to run through the drive-thru and get my daughter a large chocolate shake after being trooper and having blood drawn.

Last night we had our limbo-Seminarian friend over as well as my best friend. A third guest bailed at short notice. My best friend came bearing a Yahtze game for the kids, as well as a dozen Dunkin Donuts for dessert. We had the best time crammed around our dining room table playing Yahtze in teams. I send our friends home with leftovers and it was a really nice time. I'm embracing Christian Hospitality, which in my translation, means spending quality time with family and friends without worrying about having the best food, the best dishes, the cleanest house, the most well behaved kids. I found that I had a nice time, no pressure. The conversation was good. My kids love to have company that is "family friendly" and wanted to know we'll have another get-together like it.

The bills are paid. Our bank gives the first cashier's check of the month free, I paid the tuition that way. Still paying $500 per month on the credit card (double the minimum). Still able to take care of the extraneous stuff. Still chipping away at the medical bills, spreading them out over four months - most of the places are fine with that. Our state refund balance check came and our EF is at ... $12,250. If you could see me now, you'd see a big ole smile on my face!!

My goal for October is to have $1,250 left over - should be a bit tight, but doable given the third paycheck. I feel that I can be doing a bit better in the grocery department. The crockpot will be out in full force now that it is getting colder here. Still no heat turned on, but close as it was 65 in the house this AM!