No spending today (other than paying some of my monthly bills). I packed all my food, found 11 cents. I found a cheaper, but identical version of a Christmas gift I've already purchased. So I'll be returning the gift to Pier One & getting the cheaper alternative, saving $12.00!

I'm off to premake my food for tomorrow. I do better packing at night than in the morning.

Oatmeal & blueberry muffin for breakfast (already pre-made or pre-packaged).

Homemade pasta salad & other 1/2 of tuna sand for lunch.

Large salad with all the fixings for desert, plus pretzels and a banana.

In the last 2 weeks, I've received a package of microwave popcorn, a large bag of peanut m&ms, a $100.00 gift card to Walmart & a free lunch. Tomorrow, they're giving me a free flu shot.

I've been doing a lot of spending due to a weird work schedule, but I'm packing all my food tomorrow. I do need to stop for gas, but other than that, no spending for me.

I've settled in nicely in the house. I finally got all my Aunt's furniture in. I'm going to take some pictures soon, which I'll share online.

I'm still waiting for my first month's utility bills. I have estimates, but I really want to see the realistic figures...should be fun

I'm settling in the house just fine. I've yet to turn on the heat, although the temperature took a dive tonight. I'm just using a down comforter to stay warm.

I packed my lunch today and made my dinner at home. I have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

I spent $2.00 today. $1.00 for a large bottle of ibuprofin & $1.00 for a 200 count box of sandwich bags. Yay Dollar store.

I normally work 8-5 on Saturday, but I took a 1/2 day. I have a friend who runs a moving company on the side & he's going to move my Aunt's furniture for me. Some pieces will go into the basement & some will go in the living/dining room. I called around for prices & this guy is giving me at least a $100.00 break on this.

Also, I gave my storage unit 10 days notice for vacancy as their policy requires, but since I wouldn't actually be moving until after my next due date, under their policy, I would owe them another month's rent. HOWEVER, since it was just one day, they waived it. $110.00 saved due to niceness!

I am pretty proud of myself for staying organized. As I unpacked, I recycled all the boxes & put all the empty storage containers in the basement. Now I'm going through & sorting & labelling all my holiday decorations for Christmas & Halloween, as well as craft stuff, old paperwork from my aunt & other things. Everything is labeled clearly & stacked neatly. This is a HUGE deal. No one in my family has ever had an organized basement! I'm the envy of my parents.

Next big project is to tackle THEIR basement!

I would also like to mention that I had accumulated about $80.00 in gift cards from MyPoints & other promotions, which is used for things for the house & its projects. That money went a long way.

I've become very lax about discretionary spending and my goal this month is to track all money as well as limit cash usage. I have a few different office parties to contribute to in the next week, which won't help, but I'm trying to offer to contribute food, not cash. That way I can control my spending.

Hope everyone is staying warm & cozy. As the temps start to drop, I recommend hot chocolate, extra socks, cozy blankets & snuggling with animals & loved ones!

Moved into the house last week, spent 2 days moving boxes & furniture, then spent the next few days painting. I have sofas, but no endtables or cofee table. I still have unpacked boxes.

BUT, I have my own home, and I am LOVING it!!! Been spending some money, all expected, but I'm at the point that I want to wait on things, so much cash is being shelled out. I did major grocery shopping today..I was basically starting from scratch. But it helped that I had won a $100.00 gift card for Walmart. That went a long way today.

I am planning on starting back on track with my spending starting tomorrow. I am planning on eating at home & packing lunches for work. My goal is to spend as little as possible and spend a lot of time at home enjoying my space.

Here's an update of house expenses:
This week I did a lot of purchasing, all budgeted. I've been living in a single room of a house for a few years, so I had no living room stuff...nada...zip, so I had already budgeted for some furniture & electronics. A lot of these were wants, not needs, but I've been living with 7+ year old electronics in my bedroom. Don't worry I didn't go overboard. Here's the list...the figures are a bit scary.

Electric Deposit 180.00
(Never had electric in my own name with this particular company, so they made me make a large deposit)

Washer/Dryer/Delivery: 879.47 including a 10% discount.

Sofa, Loveseat, Tv Stand, delivery, fabric protection: Cost to me free. (Gift from parents 1568.97).

27" flat front tv on sale, with 10% coupon, 265.04 (I've searched sales for weeks on this one).

DVD/VHS Combo 69.99

Cordless phone with anwering machine and second phone: 39.99

UPCOMING EXPECTED EXPENSES:
-Paying for the first quarter on my garbage service (est 60.00)
-Starter groceries in 2 sections:
Sandwich & soda stuff to get me though the move & the first day or so. Then I'll make a big trip to Walmart & the local grocery store for staples & stocking up. I'm eating down my current stock of food, so I'll be starting completely over. Budgeted 300.00
-Closing Costs: To be determined. I have an estimate, but I'll have a more definate figure later this week.

On the bright side, I stopped by the grocery store today to pick up some soda for work & I found they had a 10 for $10.00 on Ragu pasta sauce. I really didnt want to pick up 10 jars since I'd just have to move them, but they were actually all sold out. SO I GOT A RAINCHECK. I can pick up the 10 jars AFTER the move. SCORE!!

More updates this week, then I'll probably be missing for the following week or so. Closing is the 20th, moving my bedroom the 21st, the washer & dryer are being delivered the 22nd and the sofa, loveseat & tv stand are being delivered the 23rd. So I'll probably be out of touch until the end of that week.

Still getting paperwork together for the mortgage company. The inspection went well, just a few minor things. I've been trying not to go overboard buying things for the house, but I picked up a few kitchen things (knife set, cutting boards, ect) and a few house things.

I also have been looking for a couch & love seat set. I spent all last weekend looking around. I found a set within my budget, my mom is paying for the couch & I'm paying for the love seat. I'm going back to check it out again this weekend. I'll order it and set a delivery date then.

I also need a tv stand & I'm splurging on a new tv. All budgeted, but my current tv (in my bedroom) is REALLY tiny. SO I'll keep it in my bedroom & get a new one for the living room. I have a 10% coupon for Circuit City which carries the style, brand, size & price that I'm looking for.

On Sunday, I'm going to purchase a washer & dryer and set up the delivery. I have a budget for this, but it definately helps that my parents are sears retirees & can get me 10% off. PLUS theres a 10% mail in rebate that my mom got. Its only for the purchase of 2 appliances, so my mom is giving it to me.

I am looking for paint supplies for the master bedroom. I plan on painting the first weekend I'm in the house. I'll temporarily put my bedroom stuff in the 2nd bedroom, then I'll paint the master & then I'll move.

I also 'need' to get bathmats and rugs for the bathroom. I have a master bath and a half bath. Kmart is having a sale on that kind of stuff, so I'm heading over there this weekend.

So lots of stuff to do! And its T minus 2 weeks as of tomorrow!! I am SO excited!!

I've been eating out too much lately, so my focus is to eat up what I have left in the pantry & minimize any grocery buying for the next 2 weeks. Definately doable!

I've been packing all my food and snacks all week, but I was feeling ill today & splurged on a soft pretzel & soda to settle my stomach. I think I'm going to keep pretzels at my desk for occassions like this.

I'm working on losing weight, so mealplanning is necessary, I just need to keep healthy & frugal snacks for when I'm not feeling well.

Today I had oatmeal for breakfast. Soft pretzel & banana for lunch. Then for dinner I had shake n bake chicken, baked fries and a salad. For snack I had 2 mini pepperment patties (free from a celebration at work) and popcorn.

Tomorrow:
light bagel & promise light for breakfast
oatmeal & green apple for lunch (have to eat at my desk)
sloppy joe on toast & salad for dinner

Tomorrow I have a first time homebuyers seminar 10-4:30. Its held at the local library, so when its over, I'm going to try to pick up a movie.

I gave in to buying Lost Season Two on dvd. $34.00. But I REALLY love the show & I stopped watching after the first season due to working nights. So now I get to catch up. I really can't wait.
I'm helping my mom prepare for an interview on Sunday. She worked for the same company for 30 years, so she's feeling a little overwhelmed.

Monday, I have off work, so I'm meeting the realtor to look at some houses in the morning. In the afternoon, I"m participating in a survey. $50.00 for 1 hour work plus 10 minutes drive time. My mom hooked me up with the research company...thanks Mom!!

Watching & waiting as houses come up for sale. It's just taking a while, but I'll find something soon, I hope. In the meantime, I'll keep searching & keep on my realtor. I'll keep everyone updated.

On a side note, I went to Walmart yesterday...I was able to get the oatmeal I eat daily for 1.97/box (normally $3 to $4), granola bars 2.00 (normally 2.50 on sale), and generic crystal light for 1.76/pack. Great prices & tastes just as good as the name brand. I also found the packs of McCormick Sloppy Joe mix that I use all the time for .98...normally 1.48 at my local store...and it NEVER goes on sale. I will never buy any of these items at my regular grocery store prices again.

Right now, every penny counts. I really am trying to save up for a laptop & I don't want to dig into my house money.

Today was a no spend day. Packed all my food at work, watched a movie from the library tonight. Will make another library stop tomorrow. And I already pre-made lunch for tomorrow. All I have to pack in the morning is snacks.

My goal is to spend NOTHING until Saturday. I keep making these kind of goals and then completely blowing them. But I WILL keep up with my non-spending. The only thing I will spend on is gas. I know I won't make it to the weekend without refilling. So I am planning on filling up tomorrow. But thats it, nothing until Saturday.

Here's my meal plan for the week:

Tues Lunch: tuna sandwich & salad
Tues Dinner: shake n bake chicken, baked potato, salad
Wednesday Lunch: shake n bake chicken & salad
Wednesday Dinner: pasta with meat sauce
Thursday Luncheanut butter sandwich, salad
Thursday Dinner: blt & baked potato
Friday Lunch: salad
Friday Dinner: lemon chicken and baked fries

I wear glasses, but I prefer contacts. However, I haven't worn contacts in about a year due to general laziness and cheapness. With my new job, my vision insurance runs per calander year. So what I plan to do is go to the eye doctor in october, november, get the eye exam, the contact exam, and get contacts. Then in january, I will order glasses. That will carry me through the next year. I will be so happy to have contacts again!

Recap of this week: spent more than I wanted, but am working on my eating habits & losing weight. So I've 'invested' in some healthier foods, which can be a bit more expensive. On the upside, I've lost 3.5 pounds this week. I'm hoping to average about 2-3 pounds per week. My goal is to lose 45 pounds. So off to a good start.

Met with a realtor and applied for a mortgage in last 2 weeks. Everything looks good--no surprises. The hard part is going to be finding the right house in my price range. Housing is outragious in my area, and there are few listings in my price. So its just waiting for something to open up. My realtor is keeping an eye out & so am I.

Things have been crazy for me the last few weeks...I took my final for the last graduate class I will ever have. Got an A...yay. Now I can truthfully say I have 2 MBAs! Plus, I just finished my 6 week training at work on Friday. I had a whole bunch of family stuff go on this weekend too. Not so fun.

I made it to the grocery store sunday & planned my food out for the week. I'm limiting myself to 1 soda a day which has both health and financial benefits.

Today I had oatmeal for breakfast, salad with a few chicken strips for lunch, pretzels for a snack and sloppy joe and wheat pasta, with salad for dinner. Yummy. I premade pasta salad to take to work tomorrow and Wednesday. And I"m having chicken tomorrow night for dinner.

I spent no money today & my goal is to not spend at all this week. Definately doable.

I've been doing lots of research, online, through other people and through library books on buying a house. I've made the decision to go ahead with the homebuying process.

Today I met with a real estate agent, who went through all the local first time home buyer programs with me, helped me pick one. The house prices and mortgage payment he came up with based off my income and debt (which only consists of my student loan) is almost exactly what I had come up with through my own research. But the program has a better rate than I expected! It is based off credit, but according to the program prerequisites, as long as my FICO is more than 680, I qualify for that rate. (My FICO is over 700).

So Monday I will be calling that program to get a preapproval started. Next Saturday the agent & I are going to tour some houses.

I was very nervous about going to meet with him! I had several referrals for him and his company, so I was comfortable with my choice. But, I think I was afraid he'd tell me that I couldn't do it...unfounded fear, but mainly due to doing this by myself. We talked about some of my concerns and he was very patient with my questions. He also gave me some very good information--some I had alredy found out in my research, but its very reassuring that he is saying things I knew to be right for me.

So I am in super frugal mode. I don't want to spend any uneccessary money. I'm making lists of things I have for the house, things I'll need and things I want.

Tonight my nephew is sleeping over. My roommates are out of town, so he's enjoying running around without bothering anyone. We watched XMen (a movie I already own). I made spaghetti (his favorite meal other than McDonalds). Now he's sleeping and I finally am sharing my good news!

Tomorrow I'll clean the house (make it nice for the roommates to come home to). I have laundry and schoolwork. I'm going to make some of my premade meals. I have to skip the sloppy joe & spaghetti sauce that I was going to make and freeze. THe advertisement for the cheap ground beef was misleading. I'll wait til there's a better deal. After all that, then I plan to watch a few library movies & relax.

I'll keep you updated on my progress. I'm happy & nervous about my decision. I did talk to my parents about this and they've been very supportive. It means a great deal to me. Plus, its nice to know that they think I'm making the right decisions.

I've been finishing my 6 week training for my new job, while completing my 7 week graduate class. I've been sick too. So I spend a good portion of my time sleeping. I've been lazy & buying lunch too. So more spending than I'd like, but not too much.

Today I stopped off at the grocery store. I was very good...I got just what was on my list: chicken that was on sale, sherbert, a 2 liter bottle of soda, and french fries. The chicken was a great deal--12 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts for $11.00. Thats 12 meals for me. I separated & bagged the chicken to freeze. Tomorrow I'll be stopping at a different grocery store to take advantage of a sale on ground beef. I'll spend Sunday making up sloppy joe and meat pasta sauce to freeze, as well as making a pasta salad to eat though the week.

I paid back my tuition reimbursement in full as well as paid my last tuition payment to my school. So now all my money is going directly to savings for my house! Yay!

My training & class both end next week. Then I'll have to turn my attention to my living situation. My roommates are going to be moving in a few months. I have a lot more to say about this, but I'll save it for later this weekend.

One more thing---I decided to do the alternate schedule at work. Tuesday through Saturday with 10% shift diff. Thanks for your input in my previous post. It was appreciated!

1. Bring all food to work and school.

2. Spend under budget in groceries, spending and gas.

3. Transfer my 401k to an IRA

4. Sign up for 401k at new job

5. Contact mortgage broker (referred by friends as being good). Get a firm opinion on mortgage payments and house prices. (Have already done the research, just want to hear it from a professional). Weigh options of starting buying process now or waiting one more year.

6. Make decision whether or not to switch work schedule from Monday-Friday to Tuesday-Saturday to get 10% shift differential. If decide to purchase house, will definately do. A few extra hundred dollars a month for doing the same job and the same hours will definately be beneficial. (The additional income is not necessary for me to support a mortgage payment, but it will be nice to put a few extra bucks to do things around the house or put in savings).

7. Pay off school bill. Last class, last tuition payment. Woo hoo!

After four complete no spending days, I finally dipped into my cash today. No spending at work, but I did have dinner out. $6.45. Plus I got a few 10 packs of pens & white out at KMart $3.95. I bid on two sets of antique postcards on ebay (to be framed as christmas gifts--$7.00 for 8 postcards, will frame 3 & put rest in small organizer).

This weekend, I have to go to the pet store for cat food & litter and to the grocery store. On Monday, I get paid, so I'll be paying all my bills then. I'm planning on keeping up the packing for work. Its really cutting down on my cash usage.

My computer is dying quicker than I anticipated. I'm really trying to do research and shop around. Once my last class ends mid-August, I'm going to look into a part time job.

That'll help pay for the computer & put a little extra towards the house savings. I'm planning on getting some rough mortgage figures in August. See where I really stand. Then I'm going to make the decision to start the buying process, or to look into an apartment for one more year.

So far so good! Fourth no spend day in a row. I already have tomorrow's food all planned out. Once I get through, its smooth sailing to the weekend.

Yet another no spend day. Three in a row. Tomorrow's the toughie because I have work from 8-5 then class from 5:30-10. I'm packing all my food & planning to leave my cash at home. That way I won't be tempted. Friday will be no problem. I've had a lot of temptation, but the willpower has held strong!

No spending again today. Packed everything to work. Came home for dinner. Planned my food for tomorrow. Feeling very good about this. If I can make it through Friday without buying anything food or otherwise, I'll be happy.

No money spent today. Packed food for work, came straight home and made dinner. I'm completely on plan for my diet.

As I said before, my goal is to not spend any money this week. So one day down and four to go. Definately not going to be a problem.

I'm waiting for my next paycheck on the 31st. It will be my first full paycheck of the new job. I have a good estimate of what my take-home pay will be after taxes, medical & 401k, but I really want to get the exact figure. I can't wait.

Well, off to study for my midterm. I'm also going to do some cleaning. Probably will end up doing the cleaning first. I'm a procrastinator. Then I'm heading off to bed early. Good night all.

I went to the grocery store today, mainly for salad stuff and a few staples. Spent $20.63. I am stocked up on everything I need. So now I can make breakfast, lunch dinner & snacks from the pantry. I have no plans this week because I have a midterm on Thursday & need to study.

So I am planning my meals & sticking to it for diet & budget purposes. I haven't been doing that well with either in the last week or two.

So from Monday to Friday, I will not spend any money at all. I am filled up on gas, all my bills are paid. I can definately do this. I'll keep you guys updated.

I spent 43.07 at Acme today, including 2 quarts of oil for my car. I mostly got veggies, chicken, ground beef and pasta. My most expensive item was olive oil. VERY expensive. I'm going to hit Walmart later this week or next week and when I do, I'm going to price there.

Acme had their 10 for $10 on solid white albacore Tuna Fish in the can, but they were out. So I got a rain check.

Out of what I got at the store and what I already had in my pantry, I'll be able to get over 2 weeks of meals in. I would make a mid week run for more salad stuff next week though.

Here's my plan for this week:
Breakfasts will be mostly oatmeal, apples and canned fruit.
Lunches: Tuna salad, regular salads, pasta salad, mixed with leftovers.
Dinners: Sloppy joe, spaghetti with meat sauce, shake n bake chicken, and sides of green beans, peas, baked potatos & what I call baked fries (healthier version of my biggest weakness).

As a single person, I split up my portions & freeze what I can, but since I like my stuff as fresh as possible, I repeat meals in the week. So Monday & Wed I'll have Sloppy joe & probably have it for lunch one day too. The shake and bake chicken will be Tuesday dinner & Wednesday lunch and possibly Friday dinner too.

Then next week & can do them again, with some new additions--probably beef stew and some lemon chicken. My goal is to not spent any money at work for food. But I am allowing myself 1 meal out with some friends. Probably be doing Salad Works--$7 for a salad, but will be able to split it into 2 meals.

Still working on the prescription issue. And I don't know if I've mentioned it, but when I left my previous employer, I was to pay back my tuition reimbursement. But since this is a new policy for them since they were bought out, they don't know how to go about having me pay them back. Its been over 3 weeks since I've resigned and I've had dozens of phone calls, but they have yet to let me pay them back. I'm getting very fustrated and very worried. They're handling this very badly & I could see them saying that I wasn't going to pay them back & putting it on my credit bureau or trying to charge me interest. The only thing that I have to combat that is a letter & several voicemails from my previous manager stating that they are still working on the situation. I just want it handled right away. UGH.

I'm hoping to start looking for a mortgage and house soon, so I've been making lists. Since I'm single, I'm very worried about getting in over my head & I'm trying to think of all the possible things that I will need to do/buy up front.

Currently, I know I will need funds for:
-earnest money
-down payment
-moving costs (for the inherited furnature)
-emergency fund (3 mos income),will also
have some funds in the form of cds and 401k
-money for deposits on utilities (this can be costly in my area)
-appliances (depending on the house deal, I might need washer/dryer, fridge)
-groceries, cleaning supplies
-lawn mower
-paint & supplies
-small fund for minor repairs
-carpet cleaning (necessary due to allergies)
-blinds(if not left by prev owners)
-furniture for family room--most immediately I would need a sofa, tv stand & tray tables to be used as end tables--all else can wait)

My current savings total is $20894.09 (not including 401k).

I've decided that I'm going into deep frugal mode. I need to get in that mode because when I do buy the house, my cash flow will be tight (not strained, but I do not want to take away from any money going to savings during that time).

I plan on taking on a roommate after the first few months in the house. Having a roommate will give me some extra funds to do upgrades, create a larger savings and will give me someone to hang out with

During the next week, I begin training at my new job. I'm also in the middle of my last graduate class. I will not be looking into mortgages, but once the training & class are over, I plan to start.

In the meantime, I'm taking a look at my lists, prioritizing things, really digging into wants versus needs, and looking into ways to save on my list.

Today is a no spend day. I need to go to the grocery store, but I'm waiting until tomorrow to check out the work situation-is there a fridge? A cafeteria? Any supplied lunches? (thats been known to happen with this company). Once I get a feel, I plan to go to the store tommorrow night. I'll stock up and take all my food---no eating out.

Since I've been off work this week and last week, I have really been watching my spending. Not doing too bad either.

Today I indulged a bit, though. I went to the Thrift store to look for some Christmas gifts, found a nice stocking. Since mine ripped last year, this will replace it. It was knit, just like my old one. 99 cents spent there.

I spent 6.50 on vending machine snacks and a sandwich for dinner at school.

I also applied an extra 161.50 to my credit cards. Normally I carry no balance, but I have a small one (from tuition expenses) that I'm trying to pay off before the due date without touching my savings. So far so good.

I revamped my budget to new paydates on the 15th and 30th. Everything will run smoothly. Once I have the paydates down, I'm going to have to shave a few things to put more to my 401k.

Tomorrow, I will get a haircut. Normally I go to a salon, get highlights and a nice cut. But tomorrow, I'm going to a local Hair place. Much cheaper, we'll have to see how the cut fairs. I'm forgetting the color for now.

Since I won't be receiving a full paycheck from my new job until July 30th, I used my 'extra' paycheck from June to pay all of my July expenses. This checked included overtime & incentive, which was why I was able to do this.

I paid ahead everything that I could. I put the amount to pay things at certain times of the month in my savings account. I have a set amount in my checking for a full month of gas, groceries and spending money.

Since I'll be starting a 6 week training program at the same time that my 8 week class starts, I know I'll be busy for the next month or two. So while I'm off and have free time for the rest of the week, I'm planning on stocking up on some things like groceries, cat food & litter.

I'm taking the rest of this week to do all of my laundry, ironing, mending and planning of my work wardrobe. I will also be doing my meal planning & heading to the grocery store this weekend for a big trip.

I also bought a book for my new class for 121.50. I was unable to buy it cheaper online since it is a bound notebook, not a copyrighted textbook. So I bought the book & workbook, but I'm planning on making photocopies of it and then returning the book. I've had this professor before, we don't even use the book all that much. So photocopying would be a lot cheeper. Theres about 200 pages, so at 10 cents per copy, I'll be paying $20.00 instead of $121.50. I'm very excited by this idea. Big savings!!

So after the spending tomorrow and Thursday, I'll only be spending on gas and groceries and some spending cash for the rest of the month: a total of $355.00 unil July 30th. Definately doable!

So I stopped at the atm in the Walmart to get some cash. I requested $200.00. It gave me the money in five dollar bills, but only gave me $195.00. There was no way to prove that I was given less than the receipt said. That totally bites.

On the upside, my roommates rented Grandma's Boy. Very funny movie. My roommates also are having surf & turf for dinner and I'm invited...Steak, Alaskan crab legs, shrimp, and corn. Yummy. I have very generous roommates.

Since I've been 'unemployed' this week, I've indulged myself with sleeping in, watching movies, reading books, napping and generally being very lazy. I had a followup on my colonoscopy...the good news is that my polyp was not pre-cancerous. So now I'm on meds for my stomach & I don't have to go back to the doctor for a year. Thank goodness!

I've got my 3 month supply for meds to last me between the job change. My new medical coverage will start up in mid July. My original doctors appointment was for next Wed, but when I realized that my current insurance would end today (the 30th), I called and asked them to move my appointment, and they fit me right in yesterday. So I paid a $25.00 coapay instead of a $110.00 appointment fee. Good move!

I'm waiting for my 401k rollover information from my employer. I want to get that started right away. I'm eligible for my 401k with my new employer right away, but company matching doesn't start until 1 year of employment.

My check engine light came on in my car. I have no check oil light, and my oil is very low, so I'm going to fill it up today. Hopefully, thats the reason for the check engine light. Please, Please!

I've been taking advantage of the library a lot recently. I probably sound like an addict, but I recently rediscovered the Library & its a great way to entertain myself for free.

I've been reading recent posts about soda specials. I love both Coke & Pepsi & will only buy soda when its the 4 for $10 special for better (of 12 packs). My grocery store had a special of 5 for $10, so I got 5 & I'll be going back tomorrow. I'd rather stock up now, then pay 4 for $10 again in a month.

Money is tight right now, because I don't want to dip into savings and my first paycheck from the new job won't come until the 30th of July. With my last paycheck from my previous employer, I was able to pay all my expenses for July and leave money for gas, groceries & spending. I just have to be good---no big restaurant bills. So my goal for July is to not dip into my savings. Easier said than done, but I'm going to really try.

First, I had a colonoscopy yesterday. (Ima Saver, I really feel you on that junk we had to drink as prep...it made me sick to my stomach). They found one polyp and hemmoroids. Nothing too scary.

Now for the REALLY good news!! I had my interview today & they offered me the job within hours of the interview. The pay isn't much different than what I am currently making and there is no oppurtunity for incentive, but the job is more interesting, less stressful and has much more oppurtunity for advancement. I'm really excited that I got the position.

I start July 10th, but will take a few vacation days from my current position to get my background check, fingerprinting and drug test taken care of. Lots to do when applying for a position with a bank. Then I'll put my notice in late next week. Since my current employer has a noncompetative policy, when I announce that I will be working for a direct competitor, they will ask me to leave and give me my two weeks paid. It'll be a mini vacation before starting the 6 week training.

There's lots to do now. I'm really watching my money since I'm not 100% sure yet when my pay days are going to be yet. I also have to move money from my ING account to my checking so when I put my notice in, then I can write them a check for my tuition reimbursement for this year. I have to pay it back under a new policy that began 2006. Even for that short a time, its been beneficial to use the Tuition Reimbursement. It was basically an interest free loan. I took the money that I would have paid to school and earned interest in my ING account instead. Now I will pay it off.

The only downside is that my final two classes will have to be paid directly by me. I'll either have to pay for it out of my house money, or put it on my credit card and pay it off within a few months. I really hate to touch that house money, but we'll see.

I stopped off at the library today & picked up a few movies. I got Jarhead, Tristan + Isolde, Murderball, and Glengarry Glenross. I have yet to see any of them.

I didn't need books as I'm rereading Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series since I should be getting the newest book in the series soon. I ordered it on Amazon. I highly recommend the books, they're very well written and funny.

I would also like to mention that I recently borrowed Murder on the Orient Express from the library. Its a very clever movie based on an Agatha Christie novel. It has a lot of familiar faces and is very well acted. So if you want something different to watch...I definately recommend it.

Well, off to pack dinner for work. I'm going in for a half a day. I took the 'morning' off for my interview. The hardest part about going to work now is just being able to keep my mouth shut until I'm ready to actually give my notice.

Lots of overtime work this week. Hit the library on lunch since I've been reading a LOT lately. I pre-made my dinners for tomorrow and Wednesday. I just have to get up and make a lunch sandwich in the morning and pack a bunch of healthy snacks. I'm working 8a-9p tomorrow, so I want to be prepared for the long day.

I have that interview on Thursday. If it goes well, I'll have another interview next week. I hope they'll be flexible with that because I'm having some major tests done on my stomach on Monday & will be out of it until Tuesday. They're sedating me for most of the process.

If this new job pans out, it actually works out nicely for me medically. I just ordered my 3 month supply of medications from the mail order pharmacy. So by the time the new insurance kicks in, I'll just be running out.

I REALLY hope it pans out, but its wait and see.

Things have been crazy this week, but I'm taking the time this weekend to relax. My nephew's teeball team was in a parade this morning. Free entertainment, very fun.

This afternoon, I went to a department store with my parents. They were going for something specific and brought me along for my opinion. As we were leaving, I passed through their housewares section. They were having their "white sale".

I'll admit, I got suckered right in. I've been wanting (not needing) 2 new pillow cases and some towels. I ended up with 2 pillow cases, two bath towels, two hand towels and two wash clothes for under $25.00. I bipassed the flashy styles, bright colors and pretty details and went for the right size (big & fluffy), good quality and universal color. These will be with me long term. I haven't bought new towels in over 9 years.

Tonight, we ordered take-out. Really worth it, and planned for it, so no guilt.

I'm heading to the movies tomorrow, for the matinee. A few bucks, but no popcorn or soda, so my budget won't take much of a hit. I'm planning to head to the library tomorrow, to stock up on books and movies.

Lots of overtime starting, I plan on putting 6-8 hours in next week, then 10+ hours the following 2 weeks. I would do more next week, but I have a doctors appointment, so I can't do much more.

I'm making a big meal plan for the week, packing as much as possible for work and school. I'm going to do some big cooking. I'm going to try to make beef stew and sloppy joe to freeze, as well as meat sauce to add to pasta. Then I'll interchange these 'freezer' meals with frozen dinners, salads, sandwiches and soups.

I'm going to bring a few snacks to just leave at my desk at work, like oatmeal, pretzels, granola bars, and microwave popcorn. And because of my caffine addiction and stomach problems, I will bring a few sodas in and some lemonade mix. Planning ahead is key when I have a tight schedule.

Today I helped my dad clean out part of his garage...its stuffed FULL. I had a whole bunch of storage bins in there that I took over to my storage unit, so except for a bookcase in the basement, I have nothing left at my parents house.

Tomorrow one of my roomies is having a party here for his cousin's high school graduation. So we're going to be invaded by family for a few hours. In exchange for the invasion, I get to eat TONS of free homemade food and get at least 2 days leftovers out of it.

Monday will be my day of rest and laundry. Plus some grocery shopping. I started a diet last week and will set up a meal plan for the week.

Spent a little on eating out this week, really trying to cut down. Being on the diet helps. I just got a little lazy this week because of working some overtime, which is finally being offered again at my work. I'm finding it VERY hard to be motivated to even work a normal 40 hour week, must less overtime. So I'm forcing myself to think about buying my own house, just to get through those extra hours. We'll see how long I last.