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Sharing wandering thoughts. some on money, some not

July 24th, 2012 at 08:30 pm


* Last week was a busy one with Round 2 of VBS (though we missed two days during the week), band camp, concert at pool, day into Chicago so the girls could see their California cousin, birthday party, Lacrosse camp, dance class, evening VBS for younger daughter, potluck dinner also associated with VBS. I am a homebody at heart and it takes me several days to recover from constant goings. I did two loads of laundry yesterday, opting to hang the clothes out to dry rather than run the dryer. Not sure how much money or electric it will actually save, but every little bit helps I suppose.

* The gas budget was blown with the constant driving last week of sometimes up to three evening activities on the same day. The price of groceries seems to have risen steady, too. Most of the things I buy at Sam's Club jumped $.50 to $1.00 each. Feeling the money pinch again, and figuring that I need to economize more on the meal planning and freezer cooking.

* Did a major declutter or things. The dreaded middle room has improved immensely. I've got a big amount of things to share with our friends who we regularly hand things down to. I've also got another mini dumpster run, and two boxes and three big bags of things for Amvets. Getting ready to tackle some problem areas in the family room. (Legos, legos, everywhere) - Harry Potter lives on the table in my living room and it will be time to displace him elsewhere.

* I'm realizing that I'm getting burned out in the volunteer capacity that I am presently in (co-coordinator of the summer programs at our parish). I've done it for four years now, and am ready to retire. It will be time for me to have the difficult conversation with the Director of Religious Ed, so she can plan for next year. I am thinking about volunteering in some capacity with the Adult Faith Formation group. I've been invited to a dinner on 8/1 to discuss the future of the committee, and I was suprised that they thought of me, but flattered and at the same time realize that this might be God opening a window when I've closed a door. DH was asked about being on the Parish Board three months ago and he had to decline a seat on the Pro-Life Committee (he's 90% committed to that cause, with the 10% being grey matter as in his opinion "nothing is truly black and white")

* We've been invited to spend the day with a family we know at their summer house on Lake Michigan in the state of Michigan (90 minutes from where we live). I accepted the invite. I'm not usually social, 45 minutes-1 hour is usually enough, but I do like the mother and the father is my DH's Assistant Leader in Scouting. They are educated (she's a Gynecologist and he's high up in the CIA) and older parents to an only child. And then we are less educated parents with lots more kids. I suppose I should stop worrying about what we don't have in common and "chill". My latest encounters with people that I know very well has left me a bit tired, I'm surprised at the cattyness, the gossip, the self-righteous, etc. I don't even think that it is because I'm being overly sensitive, I'm just disappointed in the way people are acting and treating others.

* August: Free haircuts at JCPenney's for kids going into 1st - 6th grade; that will save me some $ on the boys. See the website if you've got a JCP salon near you. I've got three paychecks to cover the last installment of the real estate tax. Money looks OK, though I feel that I've got to be a bit more disciplined on the money that is going out.

* I made the $3,250 tuition payment to my older daughter's high school. It felt nice to make that payment BEFORE the start of school and the balance we owe is $1,500. Smile

* Goals for the remainder of the year: Extra money adds up to about $6,000 ($1,500 x Sept, Oct, Nov and Dec). I'm thinking it should be allocated like this:
$1,000 to credit card debt, $1,000 to savings, $1000 to next year's real estate taxes, $750 toward high school tuition, $750 toward grade school tuition, $1,500 unallocated)

* Whew, if you're still here reading and you haven't been lost, isn't that a lot to dump?

2 Responses to “Sharing wandering thoughts. some on money, some not”

  1. frugaltexan75 Says:
    1343171133

    You sound like you have had a lot going on recently! I'm like you - more of a homebody and more comfortable with short amounts of time spent with others. I do make myself get out of my comfort zone once in awhile (like the recent meetup!!) and almost always find it worthwhile. (The meetup would definitely be one of those times!)

    I hope your time with the family in Michigan goes well!

  2. My English Castle Says:
    1343189353

    It does sound busy! Thanks for the haircut tip. I'll check it out. I'm an avid clothes line gal, but I have NO idea how much it actually saves. I'd love to see even a ballpark estimate.

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