What A Summer

Oh boy what a whirl wind of a summer....  In June my daughter got married, I also quit my job and of 7 years in order to start a new job with weekends and Holidays off.  My Mother-in-law had a heart attack at the end of June, so that was back and forth to the hospital about 40 miles away.  She is doing much better now after the surgery and recovery.  In July I started my new job, still commuting and beginning to think I was too old to be starting over in a career.  I have learned a lot and also a lot about myself. 
I did not have empty nest syndrome for very long at all...  In July my step-grandson who is 12 moved in with me.  I got his room all set up in my daughter's old room.  And he just settled right in.  It is different taking care of a kid again....  strange how after a certain age they just become so self efficient, but so very nice.
In August my car was wrecked after a 17 year old girl ran a stop sign and just plowed right in to me. I am still working on recovery, and am in physical therapy.  Car wrecks suck...  not only financially, mind you my car was paid for, in super working condition,  and I loved it.  Well in the blink of an eye that all came to an end.  I had a rental car for a week and a half.  Then I drove my husbands Jeep for another week and a half.  I was having such a hard time shifting the gears, I just had to go and buy another car.  Come to find out through physical therapy the reason for the pain while shifting gears was dislocated ribs...  that the doctor did not notice. 
In September my mother-in-law had another bad spell and was pretty laid up due to a herniated disc in her back and she will be having surgery soon. 
I just want you all to know that at my age it is challenging to take care of the elders and the young ones in the family along with working and trying to recover from a car accident.  I am hanging in there and take one day at a time.  I think as I am getting older my compassion for others is better than I ever remember it before. 
I worked at my job for 2 1/2 months and now have been transferred to my home town....  no more commuting for me.  I can't wait to save the gas money and put that to a much better use.  I can't wait to come home for lunch.  No more eating junk or fast food, and not having to pack a lunch is going to be wonderful.  I am also looking forward to the free time (not driving).....  It looks like with all the changes that took place in a 4 month time period have been life altering, but I am really looking forward to these next 4 months. 
Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!

November

Holy cow!!! November already?? I just got used to writing 2010, it will probably take me 11 months to get used to writing 2011 (weird thinking about it). I spent my days off this week out of town at a training seminar for work. My class was "Building 9-1-1 Life Bridges to Suicidal Callers" It probably sounds a bit shocking to the ordinary people in the world, but it was informative, powerful and moving. Seriously, I have a lot more compassion and tolerance for the mentally ill now. The only problem with being out of town on my days off, is that when I got back late Tuesday night....I had to go to work on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I do not have any left overs to pack in my lunch (insert sad face here). I did make some tuna fish and I have cans of soup so I am okay for the time being, but I sure am craving some home made food. I am looking forward to my days off to catch up on housework, laundry and cooking,
Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!

Making the Most of Every Dollar

I have pretty much recovered from what-ever ailments I was suffering from....and now I am suffering from a money ailment. I got hit with a 407.00 bill that I was not expecting. This is going to be a super tough month for me. I must say that the fall canned food sale was such a fabulous idea and I am so glad that I stocked up on what I did. I figure my grocery bill be very minimal...because it has to be. My bills will only get the minimum payment this month, so that I can have gas money to get to work for the rest of the month. It is terribly hard at times to make that paycheck stretch for the entire month. I only have 2 paydays before Christmas and really I am not even stressed. I plan on having a simple Christmas, and already have most of my gifts anyway. Another great feeling of planning ahead. I am trying so very hard to make the most of every dollar, not just this month but always.
Have a Fabulous & Frugal Day!!!!

Online Banking

I am completely annoyed with my bank. I am anal about getting on my account everyday and checking the balance and balancing my payments that have hit the account. I have not been able to log on since Friday, and this being a long weekend the bank was not open on Monday. I called the bank on Tuesday and had my pin number reset....and it is still not working. I know I should not be stressed, there is money there but I just can't stand not being able to look at my account. I will be calling the bank again in the morning, and by the way I hate talking to people on the phone when it can be taken care of on the internet. This is such a catch 22 for me.