Reflections on 2015

If I had to quickly summarize 2015, I would say that it wasn't my favourite year. I can dissect it and find positives along the way, which I definitely need to do, but overall, there were far too many Murphy visits that threw off my budget, my plan and my mojo.

Let's start with the financial ones:
The original post is HERE from last year.

1) TFSA - $2000 - done. It was done early in the early before things started to happen.

2) RRSP - $1500 - done. This was done by summer I believe.

3) Summer 2015 - $1000. This was done early too. It was nice to have that money for our camping trip.

4) Back to school - $500. This was a reduced amount compared to previous years. The boys both started college and BTS was much different with just me. I used it to pay my professional fees and a few things for my new classroom. And some clothes I think.

5) Vehicle Plates - $1200. done

6) Xmas 2015 - $1500 - done and all used up. The two plane tickets to BC ate up a big part of it.

7) Graduation costs - $500. done. Used for prom tickets (he ended up going) as well as cap and gown pics and a supper.



I know...you're thinking...she met all her financial goals...what is she complaining about??

Well let's talk Murphy.

Murphy1 - DS2's car. Repair after repair after repair. To the tune of close to $7000, about 2/3 covered under the warrantee I didn't want to buy, regretted buying, then was glad I had bought. The kicker was that it kept having to go in....that they didn't fix everything at once, said it was all good, and then a week or two later we were back in again.

Murphy 2 - DS2's car. So it is finally running well again and a massive hailstorm beats the car to death. Almost NOTHING from those repairs was factored into the insurance.

Murphy 3 - DS1's new to him car in mid July went hunting in September and took out a massive buck. or vice versa.  We had to deal with insurance out of the country, a mess of red tape and paperwork and then the hunt for a new vehicle which wasn't even close to the price of the previous one.

Murphy 4 - DS2's non trip to the US. couldn't go due to exams. No money back. $700 ticket wasted.

Murphy 5 - DH's trip to the US - half the ticket wasted as he drove DS1's new vehicle down to him.

Murphy 6 - the Canadian vs US dollar. It's at 71.something cents right now. And I have tuition due in January and another semester of living expenses. This exchange is financially paralyzing.

Murphy 7 - My health. Stupid colitis. I was so sick in March and April. Off work. Lived in the bathroom. Steroids didn't help. Slowly got better ish. Started a new infusion med and was so excited and optimistic. Was not meant to be. Got sick again starting around Canadian Thanksgiving and it has just gone downhill since then. I am not sure what the plan might be but I can't keep on like this. I am close to needing to be off work again.

A move to a new school. Some good. Some not so good. Nothing changeable, so we adapt as best we can and move on.

Empty Nest - not really a Murphy, but still a factor

It was all overwhelming and contributed to my health problems I am sure.

Absolutely there were positives.  A new baby in the family, born safe and healthy. My son graduating from High School on the Honour Roll with a diploma in French Immersion. A few more scholarships for DS2 to help us as he headed off to school.  A trip to see DS1 in the  US.  Mom and dad still are mostly healthy.

I can't control a whole lot of Murphy so I need to learn how to control how I react to Murphy.

I can't bring my children home again full time. I have to find a way to have a life without them here (yup and that made me cry)

I definitely need to work on finding jolie in 2016.

And that, is my year, wrapped up in a new little bow.

2015 - a quick glance

This was  a really wonky year for money. Debt was at the forefront. More specifically, college money x 2 children.

The debt numbers for this year really only reflect the mortgage.

December 2009 - $70 771.99
December 2010 - $52 410.25 (down $18 361.74)
December 2011 - $40 055.29 (down $12 354.96)
December 2012 - $35 921.04 (down $4 134.25)
December 2013 - $25 925.49 (down $9 995.55)
December 2014 - $22 494.06 (down $3431.43)
December 2015 - $18 837.12 (down $3656.94)

The rest of the debt for my world is the college LOC which has been up and down and up and down. I know where it is at, but I would have to do math to find out exactly how much I added and how much I paid off. It is going to continue to be in flux for at least 2.5 more years.

 I have to say that this is the first year that the weight  of debt and impending expenses have weighed on my like it did back prior to July 2008 when I started this blog. The tailspin of the Canadian vs US dollar certainly is  a big factor.  Adding a second child to college didn't help.

I have 2.5  years left of DS1's time in College and 1.5 of DS2's course. Not sure if DS2 will take classes after that.

I suspect that I will just have to work to survive this time and regroup when it's all over.  Neither can apply as a single independent until they have been out of High School for four years. Apparently DH and I make too much money for them to qualify for anything now.

Like Dory, I will have to just keep swimming, just keep swimming, and hope the boys appreciate this when it's all over.

A year of snowflakes

Snowflakes make me feel powerful. They make me feel in control. Pretty awesome given how infinitesimal each little flake can be. Snowflakes remind me not to fritter away the little bits, or the bigger ones. Snowflakes remind me I have the power create change.

This year was  a big year for flakes. The biggest of them all thus far, honestly.  $8064

Remember this is not all NEW money. Some was in my regular budget and repurposed.


Where did my flakes come from? Well $642 came from the change I rolled this past year. Some of it came from my income tax return, combined with the extra I got for being able to claim some of DS1's college. So $2000 came from income tax return.   $1200 of it came from a long awaited backpay when we finally signed a contract after close to two years without one.

The remaining snowflakes came to $4222. I honestly can't list offhand all the sources for that. Some was returning bottles and cans. Some was skimming leftover money from my weekly budget to reallocate towards goals or debt. 



In 2014 the snowflakes were $3112
In 2013 the snowflakes were $3671
In 2012 the snowflakes were $3136
In 2011 the snowflakes were $4350
In 2010 the snowflakes were $5070
In 2009 the snowflakes were $4295

Ah the power of something so fragile.

A year of change

I continue to believe in the power of change...the rattling money kind, that is.

(I seem to be typing this with one hand, as my maine coone cat insists this is her snuggle time)

It goes in a jar and once a month I count it, and roll it, if there enough of any kind. Then off to the bank I go and put it towards debt, or a savings goal.

Last year my total rolled change was $512.

Not bad for a year of rolling. Not my highest amount either though. Just shows how much I use cash, and if I keep, or spend, the change.

This year, it felt like a lot of months didn't have enough to roll.

January - $0
February - $80
March - $0
April - $100
May - $20
June - $85
July - $92
August - $150
September - $0
October - $0
November - $30
December - $85

So the grand total for the year is $642

More than I thought, actually.

This money generally went to mini goals or debt repayment.

I haven't yet decided if I will put all my change towards a specific goal, or just allocate it month by month, because sh&t happens.

In theory, I COULD decide that the change goes towards "Back to School" as it would get me at least halfway towards that goal by August 1.  Hmmm something to think about.

And with that

they are both gone.

House already feels empty. Our female cat was ticked and went to her cat house and started whipping her toys out.....her way of letting people know she is unhappy.

I drove 5 hours today. An hour there and back to pick DS1 up from the inlaws. They are so good to him. The brothers all hugged him. Her mom hugged him and started crying saying "I don't know how you do this."

Then we drove to the city and dropped him off. I watched him go through security and then made the  trip home. 

I made DS2 spaghetti and meatballs for supper and helped him pack.

And just now he has driven off. He will get to his place around 10 PM tonight. He always picks the darkest, coldest times to drive.

DS1 is due to arrive at his home airport by 11:30, if there are no delays in his connecting.

Gosh it was good to have them home but it went far far too fast.

Wrapping Up Christmas

Another holiday season is over and in the memory chest here. It went far, far too fast.

DS1 and DD got home from her place on the evening of the 23rd. We spent a quiet evening together watching The Scorch Trials.

On Christmas Eve morning, we went to my nephew's new house and had brunch. He did up sausage and bacon, and served up eggs  on toasted English muffins with béarnaise or hollandaise sauce. He did a great job.

We came back here for the afternoon and then headed off to my sister's for Christmas Eve Supper. Her kids were all going to the other side for Christmas Day. We played games, they opened their presents and I got to see my three cute great nieces. DD is incredibly good with kids, so that bodes well for the future. Far future :-)

DH and DS2 made it back from BC and joined us there for a few hours.  DH headed home by 10 and the kids and I got home about 1 AM

It would be the only night everyone was in the house together. 

Christmas morning, we opened up the stocking things I had for the kids, and the cats.  Below is a picture of one of our cats. She made DS2 work to get her in his lap. She loves him dearly but was miffed he was away so she would circle  hm and look at him and when he called her, she would lift her nose up and away to show she was displeased. Finally she jumped up and curled up contentedly in his lap with her new feather toy.

We did Christmas brunch at my parents' and then came home. DS1 and DD left to go to her home, DS2 went to play video games and DH went to see his sister. I had a couple hours of alone time to veg out and clean.

Supper was a quiet affair back at my sister's house with just mom and dad, sister and her husband, and us. DS2 was maxed out on people and exhausted from him trip so he stayed home and napped. Half way through supper I remembered that one of my friends was alone for Christmas Day. Her kids were at their dad's. I texted to see if she wanted to join us but she said she wasn't 'company ready'. I took a plate (ok several) over to her and had a good visit. We work in the same building but are lucky if our paths cross once a week. Big, busy place. I was glad I had taken food to her. She was sad and it helped.

A quick run back to sister's to finish cleaning up and then we came home.  DS2 and I hung out for awhile and it was a quiet night of watching CSI reruns.  I didn't buy myself a book or go to the library before the holidays, darn it.

Today was the first time I have ever gone out for Boxing Day Sales. DH went once, a few years ago, when he got new pots for the kitchen. I have low tolerance for crowds of people. I had money set aside though in case some dishes came on sale. We have been using the same ones for 24.5 years now. They weren't fancy when we got them at our wedding, but over the years they have scratched up and we have lost a few here and there. DH and I found a set for $80 that had 34 pieces. Very plain. Not cheap but not expensive ones either. I just can't afford that.  We got to the register just in time. One person ahead of us. Literally 120 seconds later, there were no fewer than 20 people waiting  in line. DH counted for me because I was curious.

So this morning we boxed up the old stuff and washed and put away the new ones, adding a bit of contact paper to the bottoms of the cupboard as it is worn too.

This afternoon I headed over to the school to print off some tax documents DS1 needs to take back with him, and our printer is temperamental.

A roast is in the oven and DS2's clothes are in the laundry, and it is just another winter night for me, but at least I have one child home, for one more night.

Gifts of Christmas past

We got talking Christmas Eve about the best Christmas presents we were ever given... not in value...not in experiences......but in longevity. You know, those practical gifts that don't really give that feeling of luxury necessarily, but turn out to be well used and appreciated over time.

Here are my top five, in no particular order.

1) my mixmaster. I think, without looking, it's a sunbeam. I received it when the boys were little little. There aren't any fancy attachments. Bowl and beaters. But it's been well used and made lots of cookies and cakes and loaves for my boys.

2) Duffle bag. My sister got us these probably 23 years ago. We had no kids at this point and DH and I each got these black leather duffle bags.  Those suckers have come with us  on infinite hockey and camping trips. Just the right size to toss a few things in and off you go. The leather  is wearing in places, like on the handles, but the zippers keep on zipping on. I used mine 2 weekends ago on our road trip for curling with the team.

3) My Keurig. All environmental issues aside, it has been one of the most used gifts I have ever received. We never have a ton of company, and that coffee pot sat on the counter, unused for so long. Too big to make a pot in the morning, or it would just go to waste.

4) My fitbit. That was last year. I do go through spurts of wearing it, but it really makes me think about how much I move. Much more so than my pedometer used to, as that sucker fell off lots.

5) A coffee mug I got for Christmas my first year of full time teaching. Not a Christmas one. Just a white one with simple script saying "For everything, thank you" on it.

Frost

 

This is my outdoor view right now. Everywhere you look....thick, gorgeous hoar frost.

Wishing I had a better camera to capture the beauty. This is from my tree in the backyard.

Tuesday

A low energy day today. Funny how they seem to go super high then super low. Gotta love steroids.

I honestly went from jammies to shower to new jammies today.  On the bright note, I spent no money.

I did my traditional filling in of my Mom's Calendar.

I really don't need it like I used to. It's really more for a house full of people. Apparently I am not ready to let go of it right now. I also bought one for each of my nieces who have families. They hadn't seen them before and loved them.

DS2 sent me a few pics from his trip. Rained most of today and  was cold. They went out in the zodiac and caught some crab. Last night they went into Victoria and saw the lights and shopped a bit.

Two less happy pieces of news. My mom's step sister is 'anytime now' as her kidneys have shut down. My mom is feeling bad as she always meant to visit and call more, but didn't.  The father of one of my former student's passed away Saturday night from a massive stroke. He was a very good man. Just waiting on news of when the funeral will be.

Appreciating family tonight from my quiet little house.

Mahhhhvelous Monday

So glad to see my energy level is back up today.

As of right now, I am officially alone for three days, and I am kind of ok with that :-)

I know, all I do is talk about empty nest syndrome, but I know DS2 is having a  wonderful time in BC and DS1 is only an hour away at DD's house. I texted her mother with a 'tag you're it'. She is a great person to coparent with.

I am taking advantage of the energy and getting a few things off my list. Oil change. Groceries. Stocking stuffers. check check check

At home I got into jammies early (I laugh as it's only 7:30 here and I have been in them awhile.  I took a paper and made 30 little slips and created 15 visible and 15 invisible cleaning or sorting tasks, each of which is small enough to get done in 10 min or less. I have HGTV on and I draw one visible, do it, and then draw an invisible.  Logic would dictate - make a list of everything you need done in 'x room and do them, but I am not feeling logical tonight.  I already have two big garbage bags full  - one of trash and one for donation. 

I actually think I may head to the school for a bit tomorrow and literally get my to do marking list in piles and start to make my way through. I know I'll feel better getting things off my list there.

Perhaps I shall hit up the library and find a great book to spoil myself with.

It feels like ages since I was at school. really it's been four days. funny how that extra day really makes the difference.

Have a wonderful night everyone.

Quieter Sunday

I was honestly surprised by my energy level this past week. It came to a screeching halt today when I woke up super tired and feeling like I had been  on a week long bender, with a little colitis thrown in for good measure. There was a lot of HGTV, some Canada Jr hockey and Netflix.

I made some cookies for the kids and made up tacos for his supper as per his request. There was another hockey game last night but it just wasn't in the cards for me. Too bad really as there was a shoot out last night. Fans bid on the registered players. The winner player's bidder wins a portion of the money.  There were five special guest shooters last night - DS and four of his alumni from their year.

I listened on the radio but it was happening at the same time as the post game interview with the coach so it was tough to hear a lot of details.  I was so pleased to hear the emotion in the coach's voice as he spoke about how good it was to have 'his boys' home again. 

DS2 sent me a few more pics tonight. He said it sure rains a lot there. They venture out, but quickly get soaked.  Here are some pics from the deck of their house, and from Port Rupert Harbour.  DS is in one of the pics looking at the boats.

It was SO nice not to set an alarm tonight. Blessed.

Snowy Saturday

After my quiet coffee this morning, I whipped up a batch of banana muffins. Something about the smell of home made baking or cooking that makes me feel productive and domestic. The kids were still sleeping so I puttered about quietly up here until the house woke up.

It was a great day for starting that never tackled 'to do' list for the house. I altered between visible things and invisible. Visible meaning anyone visiting would notice, like dusting or cleaning the toilet or a load of laundry. Invisible meaning things that I know no one would probably notice but me (or my mother)...the pen drawer, the spice cupboard, my purse.

I hit the liquor store for the very short list of things for the holiday season - a bit of wine, some Baileys, some mudslides and a couple of wine gifts for DD's parents. I made sure to use up the last of two gift cards I had received for that store in June of last year.  For those outside of Canada, alcohol is super expensive up here compared to our US neighbours.

My splurge for the day was Murphy's Oil Soap ($4.99). As I cleaned out  each cupboard, the oak gets a good scrubbing with that to remove a bit of grease and make it look healthy again. That's been on my to do list for at least a couple years.

I made a promise to myself that I would drink a boatload of water every day. Safe to do since I am at home much more and can make it to the bathroom if colitis rears her b*tchy head.

It was nice to have some baking ready when my nephew stopped by to return a crock pot, and I could feed him something fresh out of the oven.

DD's family came into town for the hockey game. We went for supper before hand (man I wish my house were bigger) and headed off to the game. I used my husband's season ticket and the kids used some passes I got from a board member a couple months ago, so that was free.  It was fun to see DS visiting with other former team members and team fans.


DS2 sent me a couple pics from his trip. They went to the Juan de Fuca Strait early this morning to watch the sunrise and the waves coming in. They also headed to the forest to see the Redwoods.

First day of the holidays

Actually began Thursday night....

I had had precious sleep Wed night as the steroids woke me up about 2 AM and would not let me drift off again.

Morning began and I spent 4 periods with my class and then, with my co coach (the real coach), we headed off with the senior curling team to a community about an hour away. It was great to watch four different schools come together for a little bonspiel before the holidays. We laughed (and laughed) on the way home. I got back to my empty house (well ok the kitties were there) about 8 PM. DH was already gone on his Christmas gift from me trip to Victoria to see his brother.

DD (DS1's girlfriend) arrived about 8:04. She and I would be heading into the city to pick up DS1 at the airport around 12:15 AM.  We hung out and chatted and waited for DS2 to get home, only to get texts from DS1 that his connecting flight in Minneapolis was delayed. and then delayed. and then delayed. He has flown  home three times from college and he has yet to have a flight without issues.

DS2 finally arrives home and we begin power doing laundry as HIS flight leaves at 11:20 on the 18th, to join his father in BC. (that  DS's gift from his mama). The three of us had a good visit and watched Planes, Trains and automobiles, then off to the city went DD and I.

DS1's flight finally came in about 2 AM, and he quickly cleared customs and zoom home we went. We got to the house about 3:45 AM and he was bouncing about, so glad to be there and happy to see the cats. DD and I just laughed, watching him. I headed off to bed for about 2 hours sleep before I had to wake up to get DS2 going.

By 9 AM DS2 and I were up, ready and done the 1.5 hour drive to the city. This is the first  time he's flown alone, but after a couple questions, he was fine.  I watched him go through security and then my exhausted butt started the drive home again.

By 10 AM a text came from DS2 saying the plane he was waiting for was delayed in Calgary.

By 11 AM I was back in my city and stopped at a couple places to get gifts and then home I went.  DS1 and DD had gone out for lunch. He was missing REAL A and W as he called it.  I had a little 45 minute nap then headed off to the bank, the post office and grabbed a few groceries. DD wanted my home made sweet and sour meatballs, rice etc. Grandma was excited to hear this and offered to make home made buns and a raspberry pie if we wanted to bring the main course over to eat at her place.

By 3:30 PM, DS got a call with a little voice asking if "Uncle" could come visit him at gram's. My niece was doing a whistle stop through on her way to the city and her son adores mine. So over we went for a quick visit and a game of ministicks.

By 4:30, we went over to my oldest sister's for  a quick visit (she's the one with MS). She is alone a lot and was happy for the visit.

By 5 PM, DS2's flight had finally got to Victoria, several hours late.

By 5:30 we were back at gram's for a delicious supper and a great visit.

By 6:30 we were back home and everyone crashed for a quick nap.

By 8PM I was up and making an appy as DS and DD were heading over to a nephew's house for an ugly sweater party. DH texted to say that DS2 had had a big turkey supper  and was crashed by 6PM BC time.

By 9 PM I drove the kids over to the party and nestled in on the couch at home. I should have been exhausted,  yet I sat here, in a weird state of "I should be doing something", so I spent a half hour marking  a social assignment. Silly girl.

I picked the kids up at 1 AM.

I am certainly glad I sacrificed one of my earned days off for Friday's adventures. No clue how all highway driving would have worked out, if I had tried to work too.

Money spent:
Gas for Two trips to the city - $75
parking at airport - $10
groceries - $80
gift shopping - $120

Now it's just after 8 AM. It's dark outside. My little tree lights are on, the cats are curled up on the couch, and the house is quiet, except for my fingers clicking on here, my coffee sipping, and HGTV on in the background.

Let the holidays begin!

Home for the day

I knew when I woke up, things weren't right. I woke yesterday with a plugged ear and things felt off all day. During the night I woke up several times feeling bed spins dizzy. I hoped it would be gone before alarm, but no such luck. 

I got up and showered because sometimes that just resets the balance when I am not feeling well. Nope.

So off I went to work, fingers crossed I could get a sub. It was still early, before 8, so hopefully there were subs available. This is my first sick day in my new building. We are fortunate to not have to call our own subs.

I after a few quick texts, I found someone to take my new supervision. That is our responsibility to find.  I started gathering things, just in case a sub was found and to my surprise, one was there by 8:45.  I spent an hour total, getting things ready for the sub and then home I went.

Sleep, and nap,  tea and home made turkey soup. I managed a couple loads of laundry and overcame my "I should be DOING something' by writing out my list of things I need to do before the boys come home next Thurs night.

I am very grateful for sick days. I don't use them often, but I appreciate they are there for days like this.

A quieter Christmas

It's definitely going to be  a quieter Christmas this year, both in my little house, and in my larger family group.

This is the year that most everyone is going to 'the other side' for Christmas - the spouse's family.  I am honestly not sure who is even going to be around.

DS1 is flying in after midnight on the 17th/18th and will be home for one week. DS2 is flying out to BC to visit his uncle, and make some  connections with folk in the resource and environmental law world. His uncle used to work with the federal government for fisheries and can introduce DS to a few of them and get a tour of operations.  DH flies out on the 16th and DS on the 18th. (so two trips into the city that day for me to get kids to and from the airport)

The trip is DH and DS2's Christmas gifts from me so there won't really be much beyond stockings for them to open. DS1 bought his Christmas gift down in the US on Black Friday, after calling me first to see if it was ok. So he has his gift.  Something about not having pressies to open makes me a little blue.

DS2 and DH will be home after midnight on Christmas Eve. DS1 will be celebrating at his girlfriends that night as they go to mass and do their presents. So it will be a solo Christmas eve for me.

I didn't buy a tree this year. I dug out the little three foot artificial mom got me a few years ago and it will go up on a corner table in the living room.

I need to snap out of my blues. I have a lot... a LOT to be grateful for and a lot of folk out there are having a tough Christmas.

Off to the school I go to do another round of marking and planning.   Have a great Sunday everyone.

*****************************************************************
It was a productive day. I got everything ready at school for the door decorating contest tomorrow. The kids just need to cut and assemble and get creative. I chose for our door theme the book "The Mitten Tree".

 

It's a great story of an older woman who watches the kids board the bus each day and spies a young man without mittens. She knits him some and leaves them in the tree by the bus stop. He is so excited to find them the next morning. Seeing that joy, she continues to knit and leave mittens until she runs out of yarn, her joy building from the joy she sees in the kids. She comes home one day to find a basket of yarn on her doorstep ; a gift from the children she made so happy.

 

I hit Walmart, mostly with blinders on, so I wouldn't buy anything I wasn't going there for. It was tough.. I went to do four pictures at the photo center and get one frame. One of the pics and the frame is for my mom and dad for Christmas. It's of my boys. It's all she wanted. Two others I put in frames I have had at home sitting here, waiting, for at least 6 years. DH was born in a house with bare walls and can't stand things up. Almost like each nail is driven right into his brain or something. I persuaded him, with great difficulty, to finally let me put up pics of the kids, and one lovely 'family ' saying wall décor my sister gave me about 3 years ago. It feels SO good to have something on that wall.

 

I decorated the wee little tree and it stands on a corner table now. I found some nice, tiny ornaments, in the ornament box, so I didn't have to buy any to scale. I must have put it up last time with nothing on it. sad lol

 

My mom had given me a lovely clock for my birthday in the fall, and I swapped it out for the very plain one in the kitchen.

 

As penance for his nail driving marathon (10 min), I sat and watched some Gold mining show with DH. They all seem the same to me.

 

I am anxious for the week ahead, mostly because no matter what I do, I can't stay caught up with the marking and the planning. When everything is differentiated, there  are often five or six different assignments for each subject happening every day. Gets a bit overwhelming. I spent four hours there today, and about five yesterday and I barely feel like I made a dent. I have some very weak kids in my class and at least three who can't read beyond a grade 1 level. It makes it super tough.

 

I am curled up now with my two kitties and a glass of red and working on appreciating all the little things I have. 

Where the money stands

as of December 5th



Debt
Mortgage - $18 837.12
College LOC - $14 844.91

Total Debt - $33 682.03



Savings/Planned Spending
TFSA/EF - $7100
RESP - $10 600
RRSP - $10 976
Plates - $1100 (goal met)
XMAS -500

A small dent was made in the LOC. DS1 shared the news though that he probably will have to take both spring and summer sessions of class this year. That means a) he's not working and b) full cost of tuition and his living there.

Being budget consious this week

I would have to say that I did a good job of smacking myself on the back of the head last week and getting myself back on track, at least with the jars.

I took out my money on Wednesday night for grocery/household, gas, spending and entertainment. My tank was empty so the gas money was pretty much all used. The spending money $20 was my limit if I wanted coffee or something from our cafeteria. The entertainment money $20 was put into a jar I have set aside for Christmas groceries. I learned last year I needed that extra bit.

The groceries ...... I got the items DS2 wanted for his 2 meals at home, checking my pantry first. It felt good to feed him well. He took all the leftovers back with him, quite happily.

DH looked wistfully at the boxes of things I was sending back with DS (along with food stuffs from grandma). He told DS, "we only get groceries when you are home". Totally not true.

I picked up a few things on Sunday for lunches for the week and to make soup Sunday night.

I talked with DH about menus for the week and we went through the freezer in the fridge to see what was there. I pulled everything out, tossed what was freezer burnt and said "Ok here is what we have...what do we want to make?" 

I packed lunch each day this week. I brought coffee from home. I really should map out what lunch groceries cost and work out how  much a meal it costs.

There wasn't a ton left of the $180 weekly grocery/household money after that. Every time I wanted to grab Tims in the morning or run to our cafeteria (which has delicious food) this week, I kept saying "You only have X$$ left. Are you sure you want to spend that?" It helped.

There was a lot of self talk this week.

Today is the last day. I am left with enough $ to go pick up the cheap conditioner I need and some 'feminine stuff' and then I'm pretty much out.

Here's to another week of being strict with myself.