Wednesday, Crawling out

 

   Yesterday was a proper mess.  I was sore, and I was freezing all day, had a terrible headache most of the day, I convinced both mom and Hub's to leave me alone, but the phone rang constantly and the shop was over busy.  Now I did not sew a thing and I have much to do today, and I am feeling so much better.  I really dislike it when my RA flares.  It is scary, as you don't know how long it is going to last.  Spent most of the day curled up on the couch.

      I did manage to get a yummy stew made for dinner, and get some of it over to the neighbor.  I was so cold I did not want to even go across the street and I could have sent Hub's,but I wanted to check on neighbor's next appointment with the heart specialist.  I teased him about having no legs and if they took his heart I was just done.  His appointment is February 12th out of town, I am sure they will keep him for a few days, but he will be so much better once the surgery is done.  I will continue to help with meals until he is home from this and ready to get out again.  It is the least I can do and really no problem as I cook for us anyway.  When Sis was here they received many yummy desserts.  She spoiled them and then leaves me to pick up the ball. Drat her skinny self!

Sarcasm, I must be feeling better.

    Took Hub's to the eye doctor this morning, they dilated his eyes so I drove him to and from the clinic.  He has to have his lids lifted.  He gets plastic surgery, can you believe that? Most of us would love to have that done, but no.  He could care less about his looks and gets it for free. I can't wait until his sister's find out.  They will really be put out.

         
     Well mom needs breakfast, I think I can get something done today.  Dinner needs to be planned so let's get to work.

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Tuesday, Staying Up

     My shoulders are much better today.  Funny how this disease works.  I just don't get it, but I am grateful for the reprieve.

 I find myself in a funk.  Don't know if it is because Sissie is gone or I am just over tired, or lazy?  I am having to force myself to do the smallest things. But forcing I am.  Get, up, clean yourself up, water plants, feed chickens, turn over laundry, feed cats and clean the cat box, everything takes a super human effort to get it done.  Don't like this at all.

I can go make the bed, re clean the spare bath, torn apart again to fix leak, Start dinner in the crock pot,  Count my blessings, Wait on mom, get some sewing done, work on a project.  I really just want to curl up in a ball and sleep.  Do any of you ever feel this way?  What do you do?  Any advice? 'cause I could sure use some:)






     I took some pictures of the wax wraps I have been working on.  I really like them.

Here are the smaller ones I made.  Sorry Slugs yours are defective. These can cover a jar or a piece of fruit, slice onion, small bowl.



These  are larger ones that can cover a pie plate a loaf of bread or a large plate.

Here is an example of the smaller ones at work.  By the way the middle one I ordered on line (it was 8.00)  Mine work better.  I did at least 30 of these and I have enough product to do at least 60 more.  Anyone want a wax wrap for a small fee?:)

Lil sis found this in her basement, she already has this print, this one came from Sissie, it is double matted so I will hang it by the piano on this wall.  Mom had a larger version of this print in our house growing up hanging by the baby grand.  I always loved it.

 

Just a little peak at the new mirror.  Don't know when it will be hung as this is beyond hubs.  Well I need to get busy and get something done in the shop.  I hope I can keep myself motivated.

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Monday, Money saving Madness

     My arthritis is flaring especially in my shoulders.  I have been having terrible night sweats so I know the disease is on the move.  It is hard to sleep with the pain and the waterworks.  I think I am going to have to call the doctor and do something.  Crap!  Just what I need, I keep thinking it will go away.

    I will have to do taxes this week along with cleaning my desk and paying bills.  You all know how I love to do my taxes.  At least it is just the shop and personal.   The days of trying to get studio taxes done are over.  Yippee!  I don't know if we will owe or get back.  My accountant says the first two years of retirement are up in the air and then you can plan.  The fact that I had two businesses when Hub's retired made things more complicated.  Last year we had a refund.  I am praying for the same this year.


     Struggling today with a little bit of the blues, probably brought on by lack of sleep and arthritis pain.  I need to find some way of lifting my spirits.  I need to do something, clean something, work on something, do something active.  January is a long month for me and I have always had to fight the blues in the winter.  Now January has been made significantly shorter with my Sissie coming.  February is almost here and the days are getting a little longer, the sun is getting stronger.  I just keep telling myself I can do this. 

On to Monday's money saving madness the 4th week of January 2018

1.  Cooked all but one meal at home.
2. Tried to use up what we had in stock
4.  Made a large ham last the week and then some with freezer meals.
5. Stayed out of the stores as much as possible.
6.  Passed by many mark down bins and it was still hard.
7. Added several squares to my quilt project from levis I shortened.
8. Used the indoor clothes line to dry many items.
9. Hubs and I unclogged a drain and made arrangements for a friend to come and fix the last  little drip. So no plumbing cost.
10.Cleaned out the linen closet (again) and took many things to Good will and made a bag for Hub's cousin of two sets of king size sheets and a dozen assorted pillow cases.  We had way too many.  I swear linens have sex in the closet and multiply.
11.Sissie made 6 pie crusts to put in my freezer for later use.
12. Finally got a response from cell phone carrier.  A lower bill plus a $180.00 credit.  Score!
13.  Found a very baroque framed mirror that I have been wanting for the dining room.  It had to be of good size, the glass had to be beveled, it had to be of good quality.  Found the perfect mirror at a thrift store.  It was painted blue.  I paid $29.00 for a really expensive mirror.  Little sis is painting it white for me. I have been looking for this for almost two years.  But it pays to wait and get what you want.
14.  Finally tweaked the recipe for my wax wraps and made quite a few.  I love them and will post pictures tomorrow.

So how was your frugal week?  Did you do anything to save money?

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Saturday, Sissie is gone,plumbing problems:(

I did not want to get up today as I knew Sissie would not be here.  I have a headache, don't know why.  Hubs comes down stairs and asks me to come upstairs as he is having a problem with his shower.  He is trying to unclog it and water is bubbling up all over the spare bath.  Of course I had to figure out that it was coming from the spare bath sink and his shower sharing a drain.  I made him snake the line and use the forced water hose more than once.  We were up stairs hollering at each other between bathrooms.  I was running outside to turn water on and off.  Finally after taking/breaking the goose neck not his fault as it was old and rusty, we got the water flowing and now he has to go get parts to replace under the spare bath sink.  He wanted to call a plumber and I said no.  He can figure this out.  So far between the two of us we have.

I came down stairs and mom says,"Why are you yelling at each other?"  I guess it scared her.  But I explained that it was yelling directions back and forth from different bathrooms. On!  Off! Now! As hub's is deaf and we are running water we were yelling pretty loud.

I am going over to Lil sis's to get my hair cut and colored.  Then I will find something for mom and I to do today.

Our cell phone provider finally got back to me and we have been over charged for a long time on mom's flip phone.  We were being charged for a smart phone.  Mom can no longer use her phone so I went to cancel it and they wanted me to pay out a contract I never signed.  Mom's phone was purchased out right.  I don't know if it was a dishonest employee who wanted to get more credit or what. So I was credited $180.00 and I did not have to buy out any contract.  They were very nice and apologetic, plus my bill will finally drop by over $60.00 a month.  Score!

I am off to enjoy my day!

Have a great and productive day, staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim
 

Friday,I did it,I made my goal and then some!

Here it is my savings sheet all crossed off!  I have been able to save over $1000.00 this month to put towards my home /sewer loan which stood at $7,999.00 at the beginning of the year and now stands at $6,573.12.  I completed this with work done in the shop and money from budget savings, grocery savings,getting rid of a few unwanted things.  Let me tell you it all adds up.  Eating out of the pantry, not buying groceries, staying home and not buying gas, not frittering money away on things I don't need.  Also making mom pay her share.  I have lowered our power bill by just turning off lights and it has been a warmer winter.  Having a good emergency fund for the car repair kept me from having to scramble the budget.

This has not been easy.  I have had to tell myself no a hundred times.  I like to shop, I like to look for bargains.  I tell myself I am saving money, when in reality I am spending money. Except for meat, cat litter and diet coke(my vice), fresh fruit, and dairy  I have not bought any other groceries.  It is such a great start to the new year.

I will not be able to do as much next month, so I am super excited about this.  I feel like my goals will be doable.  This chart was fun.  I am going to start a new chart today and hang it in my shop over my cash box.  The chart was set up for saving $1000.00 in a year, but I did it in a month.  Hubby was shocked!  Heck, I was shocked.

     I was able to complete much work in the shop and I have three bridesmaid dresses to do today.  My Sissie leave tomorrow early and I will so miss her.  We are going out to dinner tonight as a family.  It has been decided that Sis will come home every 2 months (depending on her business schedule) to help with mom and on mom's dime.  Sissie has helped me so much, she has also really worked her tail off at Lil sis's.

     Well I need to get to work.

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Thursday, A day off for fun!

     Yesterday, we three girls and mom took a day off.  Lil sis took a day from her office. I left the shop with Hubs and we all went out shopping and to lunch.  It was a very nice day full of laughs.  I tried to spend some money, but mom paid for everything ( weird huh?) Then we went to TJ Maxx and sis had a gift card and as she never shops there she paid for my candle and then left me with the residual card.  So even though I paid $16.00 for hair dye and hair supplies, I made up that money in the gift card. Little sis will do my hair and that is a $80.00 savings.  I did not go out with this in mind but it worked out that way.  Score!

     I really think mom loves her wheel chair.  We are able to go and she was so thrilled, I am also hoping to be able to take her on walks on the levy.  Hub's and I like to get out in the evenings and we can take her now.  It just gives her more freedom to go and not get so tired.  It is also easier on all who take care of her.

     I have so much to do in the shop today as I have not been very productive this week.  Sis and I are also going to clean out the linen closet and make trip to Good will.  We are getting rid of clutter and things I do not use.

     Hoping after I get my sewing done to work on a few projects this evening.  We will see.

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

    

Tuesday,Changes I have made

I have instituted many changes this last year to try and speed up my debt payoff.  There are three very important  things I can tell anyone trying to get out of debt. First, it will take time. Second, it will take some hard work.  Third, you will have to make changes in your life.



    There are so many stories and Pinterest posts about getting out of debt.  They are short, sweet and brightly colored.  You can spend all day reading them and in the end still not have paid off any debt.  They may inspire you, they are also fun to read, but unless implemented they are just short, sweet and brightly colored advertisements.  Paying off credit card debt, car payments, medical bills, and making a house payment involve  time.  Cars are financed for 4-6 years now some are 7 years Ugh!  Houses can take 20-30 years now to pay off.  This is a long time, a long, long time.  Thinking you are going to only be struggling with debt for a few short months is a pipe dream, you will need to be in this for the long haul.

     If you really want to get out of debt you will have to work hard.  You will have to work more.  You will have to find ways to stretch your dollar and they will require ingenuity and sacrifice. This might require you to give up things that make your life easier or more pleasant.

      You might love your cleaning service, but that $88.00 a week adds up.  Cleaning the house yourself is a drag and it means you will have to free up at least 4 hours of your weekly schedule.  It will also allow you to save $344.00 a month, to put toward debt.

     It is much easier to stop and get take out or eat at a restaurant than to go home and cook a meal.  You will need to spend time and effort cooking and cleaning up after you cooked.  Throwing away a few containers or bags from take out is so much easier.  Better yet leaving the restaurant you have nothing to throw away.  If you decide to eat at home, running to the store after work to pick up things to make dinner will save you some money, but now you have the time at the store, the time cooking, the time cleaning up.  The best alternative for saving money eating out, would be to plan a menu, have a good pantry, and cook ahead.  All of those things will take your time,  and guess what?  You still get to clean up!  If you truly want to get out of debt you will work harder, plain and simple.
There is no magic, just effort.


      I think the hardest part of trying to get out of debt (at least for me) is changing your mind set.  You have to start thinking of money in a new way.  For me money has always been something you spent.  You get money, you spend it.  If you run out of money you can spend more on credit.  It is fun to spend money,it is entertaining.  The only thing I ever learned to wait for was my next paycheck so I could spend more money. With this mindset you will eventually reach a point where the money owed is more than the money brought in and this will lead to extreme stress.  You can blame the
government, your employer, your health, your mother, your husband(my favorite) but in reality the problem is probably you.  Change is hard, habits are hard to break and reality is no fun.  If you want to get out of debt you have to change.

     



     Changes I have made in the past years to help me get out of debt.

1. patience, it will take years, how long was that car loan again?
2. learn to enjoy saving money instead of spending
3.  Realizing that you really have enough
4. Stop using money and shopping as entertainment.
5. Play games to save money ( my pig change bank, my money saving chart, snowflaking)
6. Read books on savings money and blogs on saving money
7. Learn to enjoy cooking
8. take satisfaction in seeing how little you can spend to make a great meal.
9. Get joy out of finding ways to save.  Second hand book stores, and libraries are great resources to help you save money.  Learn to enjoy perusing them.
10.  Quit wasting time.  Do something.  If you get the itch to go spend, get busy doing something else.  Make cookies, go for a walk, clean something, develop a cheap hobby that will also become a gift for someone.  Make yourself useful.  Plan a strategy for saving more money.
11.  Little amounts of money add up. So find ways to not waste money.
     a. try not to waste food, cook less or eat those leftovers
     b. plastics, paper, and cleaning items do add up.  Learn to reduce and reuse.
     c. Use what you have, shop your closet, your pantry, your craft cupboard.  I bet you have things in there that you can use today to keep from spending money tomorrow.
     d.  Stay out of stores  (this one really works for me)
     e. Coupon only on the things you will use and need.
     f.  Have a little extra to stock up on a good deal, but only if you really need it.
     g. Use less than the recommended amount (except with hemorrhoid meds buy the good stuff and use as directed:))  nuff said.
     h.Find ways to help others, when you bless others the world and your Heavenly Father open up the heavens to bless you.
12. Stop blaming others, you did this to yourself.  Yes, there were circumstances beyond your control but you made it worse, admit it and move on.
13. Find new ways to earn money if possible.
14.  Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

     I could go on and on and don't worry I will :)

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Monday, Money saving madness

          I am so excited to report that my ice maker is fixed.  The light that was broken (Hub's) on my new range hood is fixed.  The sprayer on my sink is fixed.  (cost part at home depot $11.99)
I was so frustrated with Hub's and should not have been.  I should be kinder,but I get so tired of him not being able to fix even the tiniest thing.  He has no confidence and it drives me crazy, but when he does try to even change a light bulb he breaks something.  Example: Stove hood light.  I really get down in the dumps as I start reliving this fiasco of a life, with his inability to earn a decent living and my having to work so hard to make up for his lack of effort.  I get angry and relive every feeling and sorrow and episode.  Now he is incapable of changing a light bulb.  I don't think it is fair.  What does God want me to learn from this?  Why am I being punished?  What did I do wrong?  Am I going to have to pay for every little job that has to be done the rest of my life?  This means I will work forever?

      I just paid a $136.00 bill to get the garage door fixed.  Because Hub's could not replace the battery.  The screw was too small and his hands were shaking so bad.  He told me to call a repair man as it was broken. I could have fixed it if he said what was wrong.  But then I would have been angry with him.  I absolutely hate having to stand by him every time he does the tiniest thing.I know this sounds terrible, but I am so capable, and when something stumps me, I research and try again, I don't give up. Now I face paying these fix it bills or doing every D%$# thing myself.  I just get discouraged and tired, then angry and I cry.

     So in the heat of my frustration and light went off in my mind.  Call Stillman, (hub's nephew)  I called and I was beside myself, I told Stillman how I felt and I asked him what I could do to help me get over this dilemma, as it was not going to go away.  I had to laugh at his reply,  "From now on before you get to this point, you are going to call me."  Yes his exact words.  He came over Saturday night and had every single thing fixed in less than an hour.  I am so blessed. I am also a cranky wife and an impatient wench.

 Finished another set of pillow cases.  I love these as they look so Swedish.  I still have to put lace trim on then and wash them.

 I made a new apron for myself out of the scraps from the napkins.  My Sissie was laughing at me, using every last piece I could find.

Here are the new napkins, I was able to make 12 large and six smaller napkins.  This is where napkins are stored.  ready to grab as you go.


I really don't know where the weekend went.  But I do know that many great things that made me very happy got done. Sis spent a good part of the weekend helping Lil sis put away Christmas.  It is a big, big job.  I have not been over to help and I feel a little guilty, but I have so much I want to get done here.  And I will get over there this week for sure.







Money Saving Madness 3rd week of January 2018

•  Cooked all meals at home from scratch
• Tried to use things from freezer and storage as much as possible.
• Finally a butter sale limit 2 and I think sis and I have both gone at least 6 times.
• Made new napkins at a cost of less than $1 a piece.  I rarely use paper towel unless it is for grease.
• Made an apron with scraps, Don't waste
• Turned the collar on one of Hub's expensive flannel shirts
• reused cottage cheese containers for leftovers.
• purchased .10 embroider floss at good will
• Used my clothes line for heavy flannel shirts and hubs heavy pants, also sheets and pillow cases
• Added several more squares of denim from pants I altered to help make a car quilt
• Completed another hand made gift under$5.00 
• Walked buy many bargain bins without looking and when I looked I did not buy. *sniff* I loves me a bargain.
• Negotiated a better price on car repairs
• went through old pillow cases and pulled beautiful lace and trim from Sweden off old stained cases.  I will reuse on cases I am currently making.
• Found a huge mistake on our cell phone bill.  This has been going on for many months and they have to call me back with a fix.  (READ YOUR BILLS OFTEN)
• Had Hub's nephew come over to fix three broken items in kitchen, I altered some new drapes for him and mended some suit pants.  This cost me no money! 

     Well I need to take mom to Lil sis's and then I need to get busy in the shop.

Have a great and productive day, staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Saturday, I love me a Saturday!

     Here it is my favorite day of the week.  I think it started when I was a child with Saturday morning cartoons.  We four musketeers would sneak a can of my mom's soda and hide it  behind the blue sea trunk in my grandmothers bedroom.  Why that spot I don't know?  Then we would gather together in front of our black and white TV.  We would sit close as no one as up to tell us it would hurt our eyes.  We were a tight group from tallest to smallest and we would pass the soda back and forth taking small sips and making it last as long as we could.  I don't ever remember arguing about programs or someone taking too much soda.  It was just a great childhood bonding time.  I think my parents were grateful for the opportunity to sleep in and grandma was already at the restaurant.  It was is a good memory.

     Sissie and mom are out doing errands and I am just enjoying the time of not worrying about mom and planning my day of doing nothing important.  No shop bell ringing, no customers.  I get to do what I want and it is lovely.

     Yesterday Sis cleaned my fridge:)  Happy dance. I made two homemade pizza's for dinner, with a nice tossed salad.  I started my napkins and I will finish them today.  The shop was busier than I thought it would be.

     Mom is feeling better and getting mean again.  I had a total break down yesterday concerning mom's mean mouth.  I usually let her rude nasty comments just slide off my back.  Maybe having Sis hear to hear them embarrassed me or I get tired of being accused of not taking good care of her.  I just blew, and it was ugly.  I cried and upset myself.  Lil sis says I need to call mom on the carpet more often, but I am a peace maker.  Well yesterday I called her on about 5 miles of carpet.

Kim losing her cool

Did you know that?

I never cook, I am a bad cook and mother never gets a decent meal?

I am sooooo perfect, I am  never at fault? ( said with sarcasm when I was trying to resolve a fight between two family members)

She has asked for a dvd player in her room thousands of times, in fact every day and she is ignored?

Yada, yada, Kim is bad, lazy, stupid, belongs to the wrong religion, has a no good husband, saves too much money, spends too much money, never cleans the house, cleans too much.

The list goes on and on.  I know she is an old demented woman, but I do have feelings and her comments hurt.

     Sis and I are going to attack my linen closet today, and I am going to make sweet rolls, then work on projects.  Lil sis will take mom later today, so maybe sis and I can have some time to ourselves.  Maybe?

     Well I am off to enjoy myself, What are you going to do with your Saturday?

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Friday, Bad car, good week!

No a front to people who sell cars. We have a person we deal with for cars at the Subaru and the Nissan place and we love them both and they need to make a living also, but I don't want to buy a car right now.Add caption

     Well here is the car situation.  We paid $106.00 to have the Subaru dealership tell us the car needed new gaskets, new spark plugs, wires, air filter, all belts to the tune of $2,619.00.  As I would never have a dealership fix my car that was not under warranty I took it to a mechanic that my neighbor recommended.

     The dealer ship started to fudge on the new gaskets, that are $2000.00 of the above bill because they were trying to get us to buy a new car.  And well.... maybe we could hold off on that....... and just trade the car in......blah, blah, blah.

     New mechanic saw the list of the dealership, and called back with.  You need new spark plugs, but your wires look brand new, you do not need belts.  I blew out your air filter is is fine. You do have a small leak in the front head gasket, but it could go like that for years.  They said they checked your brakes but I see that you are under 2% in the back and 4% in the front,  Your brakes need to be done now or you will be replacing the shoes.  So we trusted him and we had a bill of $450.32 yesterday for a tune up, new cabin filter, oil change and fill, and new brakes all around.  We will watch car for leak and I can tell you it is.  Drat!

     The problem with replacing a gasket is the labor, The part is only $35.00

You have to pull the water pump and the timing belt needs to be replaced, and if you put back old original parts they often muck up with the jimmy and you end up back replacing those parts.  So we are looking at about $700-1000 in future repairs.  But for now I will watch it and save and drive mom's car if I need another car.  It is hard for me to see almost $600.00 coming out of my emergency fund that I have to replace and then to think that I may have to do this again twice over.  I want to use my money to pay down debt.

     For those of you who have been following my journey for the past (forever) years, see how calm I am about this dilemma.  A few years ago I would have been crying, pulling my hair, and would have gone into a deep depression and probably gone out and spent $700-100.00 on crap to make myself feel better.  I am growing up.
 

     Although the car has been discouraging, the week I have spent with my Sissie has been lovely. I have been able to really put out the work in the shop and have seen mother rally some.  Today I have a couple of pairs of pants to hem and one dress to take in and a jump suit to revamp, then one more bridesmaid dress.  So if I get busy I may be able to get to a few projects I want to work on here.

• make new napkins for the kitchen.  Mine are several years old and gross and I have the material all ready.
• redo my wax cloths with a new recipe
• work on scrap car quilt if possible
• clean the fridge, Ugh

     Guess which one won't get done :)

Have a great and productive day, staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Thursday,Organizing mom.. and the car:(

    I was finally able to get all of mom's meds done last night.  Lil sis handles mom's meds, but this is causing problems now.  Lil sis works full time and I am often the one that takes her to her appointments.  So as I usually see the doctors, I should know the med schedule.  We have started to have confusion and It is just better for me to take this over, so I know what is going on.  I now feel confidant about this and that is a relief.  I also purchased a wheel chair for mom last night and I will get another sometime today.  That way each of us has one.  Mom has to use the chair to go outside the house.  She is too unstable to get around with a walker.  She can use a can and the walker in the house.  It is a decision we have come to as a group and we did not give her a choice.  I think mom may be relieved.

     It seems that having Sissie here makes these decisions easier. They had to be made and mom seems to be taking them rather well.  Which surprises me.  But Sis has her ways with mom that I don't.  Lil sis can get mom to do things I can't get her to do also.  We each have our gift so mom is very lucky.  It would be nice if she was a little more grateful, but when you are losing control and function every day, it must be scary.

     We took the car into the shop yesterday. I do not know what the outcome will be. But we have to face the fact that the car has 150,00 miles on it and it will require major work. We put the new clutch in for $950.00. Now we are putting in  another large sum of money.  We may possibly be facing another couple of thousand in the near future.  So now we could be spending $4000.00 on a car that is not worth $4000.00 It is a 2010 model.  We are also making at least a year and 4 months of car payments.  We just have decisions to make and I don't ant to buy a new car. I don't want to buy a newer car,  I don't want a car payment.


     We do have mom's car as a back up and I will do everything I can to keep from adding any new debt to my life.


     In the mean time look at my #'s.  I am down $500.00 on the studio loan.  The house sits at $46,601.38.  I also paid $450.00 to the Sewer loan and hope to be able to get that below $7,000 this month.  It will depend on the car.

     So that is where we stand.  I feel good about the progress.  I am a little deflated about the car but that is what the emergency fund is for.

     I just sent Sis and mom out to lunch and mom was so excited.  I need to run some money to our personal bank today.  So I am off.

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Wednesday, Oops!

Here is a picture of Sissie and I.  I am not sure who killed who.  She worked herself to death all of Monday and then between jet lag and working like a slave all of Tuesday, I think I might have broke her.

I on the other hand  I had such a great day Monday, I thought I was really on top of the world. Tuesday was just a lesson in frustration.  I had a specialist appointment that led to x-rays of my sinuses and discussions of maybe not taking the drug I am currently on as its side affects are too severe.  The problem is I really like this medication, it is the best one I have ever taken.  I am not traveling several hundred miles to sit in an infusion center have poison dripped into my veins.  I am not injecting myself into the stomach with a needle on a weekly basis.  I am not vomiting or spending days on the toilet.  I do get many headaches from sinuses and exhaustion, but of all the meds I have been on this has the best outcome with the least invasive side affects.  But here I am fighting a horrible headache all day long.  We will see what the specialist says tomorrow about my new treatment plan.

The shop was busy today and I could hardly get anything done.  I was constantly interrupted and I felt like crap, plus I was at the doctor and hospital all morning.  I just wanted to crawl in bed and sleep to get away from the pain.  I just keep telling myself this too shall pass.

Mother was very weak today, but she ate well at dinner.  We are going to pick up meds for her tomorrow  and buy two small wheel chairs.  I am going to look on Craigslist and advertise for a elevette for our stairway.  As the stairs are a straight shot and a standard run, I should be able to find one used.

Sissie was able to get all my backed up ironing done.  But look what I did to her....:)

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Monday, Sissie is here and Money saving madness

     My Sissie is here and all is well.  She hit the ground running at noon here and already I can feel the affects.  My heart rate has gone down some I am sure.  Mom was thrilled to see her.  It was very cute.

     We had a mock Christmas with Lil sis's daughter last night and it was lovely.  I was up early stuffing a turkey and making a couple of pumpkin pies.  Then I went to the airport and brought Sis home.  Sis started to make mom's bed and I was sitting on the computer.  Mom hollers at me, "get up and help your sister make my bed, you haven't done a thing all morning!"  Yes this is my life.  All three of us girls had a good chuckle over that one.

     Well Sis has been up since 5:30, buzzing around like a bee.  I love it, I don't have to buzz I can just be.  She will be on mom duty and I will catch up in the shop. Can I tell you the relief I feel?  Words cannot express.

Monday Money Saving Madness

1. Ate all meals from home.
2. Ate from pantry stock with just a few purchases to complete
3. Tried to stay out of stores as much as possible
4.  Ignored after Christmas goodies, the candy and chocolate were hard to pass up.
5. Saved at least 1.5 cups of crushed sweetened shredded wheat at the bottom of the bag for muffins later.
6. Used cottage cheese and thrift ed containers to take foods to neighbors.
7. Pulled pie crusts and frozen pumpkin from the garden to make pies.
8. Home made french bread, and pop overs for breads for dinner and breakfasts
9. used reusable covers for dishes to cut down on plastic wrap.
10. Worked on projects for gifts, with things I had on hand.Used my inside clothesline for many laundry items.

Used things on hand in shop for some sewing and for many projects.  No trips to Joanns!

Well I am off to spend a day in the shop, and uninterrupted day in the shop.  How will that be? I will tell you tomorrow!

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Saturday, Busy weekend

     Yesterday was a whirl wind of activity.  Between mom and the things I wanted to get done it was a dead run all day long.  I started with trying to get a few things done in the house.  We took our car into get a guesstimate on repairs (I can't blog abut it now.) I needed to get my nails done, Hub's and I needed to make a cheese and cracker plate for a retirement party, I had to get mom to Lil sis's.  I needed to get something over to neighbors as we would be gone during the dinner hour.

     I came rushing into the house yelling at Hubs to come and help me.  I was throwing together some broccoli a beef for the neighbors and Hubs was helping make the cheese plate.  He gets a phone call and he is needed down at the high school right now!  SO now I get to complete dinner, feed, mom, deliver dinner and make cheese plate.  Oh also pack mother for the weekend.  We have to leave for the retirement party at 4:00 as it is a hour drive.  Luckily Lil sis took off work early and she came to get mom.  Lil sis was having the week from He!!.  Her office was flooding and as we have so much flooding here you cannot get a cleaning company to save your soul. poor Lil sis has been bailing water and dealing with this mess all week.  So I decide I will come and get mom at her house after the party.

     Hub's and I arrived home about 9 and I went directly to Lil sis's.  She was so behind and had to pick her daughter up at the airport at mid-night.  So we put mom in a chair and forbid her to move and went upstairs.  I put away 4 large baskets of clothing, Made her bed up with clean sheets, while she scrubbed her bath and gave her dog a bath.  I heard a crash and then "HELP".  I knew mom had fallen again.  I try not to swear, but here we are running like a couple of mad fools trying to get things done and mom has to get up and cause drama.  I threw down my cleaning cloth and cussed.  Lil sis was shocked,as she was vacuuming and did not hear the fall but she knew by my action that something was really wrong.

    I dashed down the stairs and mom is on the floor in the kitchen.  Lil sis is right behind me.  Now we start with the "what happened, are you all right, where does it hurt, why didn't you call us, what did you need, with many many stern Moms thrown into the mix.  Well she wanted something to eat. We discover a banana with a bite out of it on the floor and a banana peal on the other end of the kitchen,  The silver ware drawer is opened.  I told her I was wasn't going to pick her up.  She was as far down as she could get and she was not hurt.  She could just lay there until we got our work done. Lil sis handed her a banana, I got a jello cup out of the fridge and gave it to her.  I told her to eat it on the floor.  Lil sis and I are laughing and we turn to go upstairs (we are pretending).  We hear this small voice,  "Can I have a pillow?"  me, "NO!"  "Can I have a blanket"  her voice getting very weak..... Lil sis turned around and we picked her up and took her back to her chair.  In my mind I am cussing. &^%$#@.  I finished upstairs and came down and cleaned the kitchen.  It was 11:30 at night so I packed mom into the car and we went home.

     I was exhausted and needed to go to bed.  I put mom to bed and then went to face my messy kitchen.  Someone (hubs) had stopped the dishwasher mid cycle, so I could not put any more dirty dishes in it.  (drat!)  I just cleaned every thing up and left the dirty dishes soaking in hot water and went to bed.  I was done.



I don't think today will be much different, But my Sissie is coming tomorrow and I will be saved.

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Friday, conversation with mother...

    Kim,"Mom we forgot the keys to Lil sis's house, I told you to remind me to get those before we left.  Now we have to go back and  get the keys.

     Mom, " Just go to Lil sis's she might be home."

     Kim, "No, mom she is at work."

     Mom, "Why? Isn't today Friday?"

     Kim, "No mom it is Thursday."

     Mom, "Oh, I thought it was Friday and she has Friday's off."

     Kim, "No mom, she does not have Fridays off, she has Mondays off.

Now mom goes quiet, she is getting frustrated as she realizes her memory is going, she is struggling so I make light if this by teasing her.

  Kim, "You know mom if you had reminded me to pick up the keys we would not be retracing our steps, You know how forgetful I am. Why didn't you remind me?"

   Mom, ( looking straight at me in all seriousness) " How are you ever to grow up to be responsible if I have to tell you everything?"


     Yes these are my moments with mom.  I am trying to get her to brush her teeth and do something with her hair.  I just got her out of the shower and dressed , her bed made and I need to feed her before I run an errand.  Hub's has a retirement party to go to and we have to leave here at 3:30 or so.  Between packing mom and getting her over to Kelly's, making a cheese and crackers tray for party, taking dinner over to the neighbors before we leave, and 110 other to dos, I don't know when I will get any sewing done.  Frustration is building.  Ack!

Have a great and productive day, staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Thursday, Well I never!

     Last week a customer came into the shop with 3 pairs of jeans to hem.  She also had a coat that was her husbands that she had grabbed out of the car as she realized it had a hole under the arm.  She appeared to be a rancher.  She smelled like a rancher as in kind of a silage cow smell.  Not off putting, just that smell of working around animals.  I thought nothing of it.  But my shop continued to smell like animals.  As the days went on I started to look for this smell.  It was okay, but whenever I walked by her pile the smell seemed to be worse.  I checked it out but could find nothing.  Finally I got to her work and I picked up the jacket again.  It reeked.  I decided to hurry and get it done and then bag it so I would not have to deal with it any longer.  As it was ripped out under both arms, I had to get into the lining and open the coat up.  When I put in on my lap I about passed out from the stench.  I realized there was something in the pocket so I pulled out............  A bag of doggie doo, doo.  All wrapped up in a cute little pink plastic bag.

I immediately dumped it out side and decided to wash the coat and then hug it to dry.  I had to fumigate the entire shop.  People please check your pockets.  Unless there is money in them of course:)

Have a great and productive day, staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim 

Wednesday, Bleeding money... and projects!

This is how I feel right now, except I think this toilet is cleaner than mine ( don't worry my sister is coming)

Let's see, we have had to lay out extra money over and over again in the last 30 days.  I can't say the New Year is the problem as these have been on going problems.  I am trying to fix them one at a time but they seem to be cascading like the money out of this bucket. 

I so want to be able to pay extra money on the Sewer loan bill and every time I think maybe I can another problem rears its ugly head.  I just don't need one more extra expense right now.  I don't need two or three extra expenses either.  But they seem to be finding their way to my door step, much to my dismay and frustration.



Here is the outlay:

1. Garage door opener fixed.  The door to the shop,kind of a necessity. $113.50. 
2. Dog bills:  $156.00
3.  Rug cleaning from dog.  (Just the large area rug)  $137.32
4. Hub's traffic ticket $136.00


It seems no matter how careful I am I have these unexpected bills. And there are more in the future that are coming.

1. Need to clean the carpet down stairs, from the flood during rain storm and dog.
2. Refrigerator water/ice is not working ( has not been working for months on the to do list.
3. Water sprayer in kitchen has a leak

But worst of all my car's check engine light just came on along with the cruise control and the ABS lights.  Car seems to be running fine but it does have 142,000 miles on it.  I am dreading the expense.
Crap, crap and double crap!

Here are some picture of projects I have been working on for Christmas gifts, and birthday gifts.

 These are some dish towels I have been working on for a birthday gift. I used Joanns coupons at 70% off and free embroider floss or .10 at second hand store making this gift under $10.

                                        Pillow cases I am making for a gift. I already gave a set of these away for Christmas.

                                          

                                        This was my first attempt at renewing my skills so not very pretty but functional.

I did this set for the spare room upstairs and the single blue for mom's room at Sis's house.

I really have fallen in love with embroidery, it keeps my hands agile while I watch TV late at night.  Also it is not expensive so far.  I have been able to pick up floss fro practically nothing at second hand stores.  The cases I purchase at Ross or TJ max on closeout for $4-5.00.  If you can catch bi-mart sales you can get pre printed cases for $6.00.  All of these make lovely gifts.










Well I need to go put new linens on mom's bed, also make dinner for us and neighbor, he is a mess again.  Poor darling.  The shop has been busy today and I have not even started to reach my quota.

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Tuesday, Some things I have been working on.

     I have been experimenting with things that will make my kitchen  I guess more or less "green".  It is not that I am that concerned about the environment as a passion, I just must have been born green.  I have always been one to recycle, reuse, cut down and re-purpose, I guess I saw it as a challenge.  Anyway here are some bowl  and cake pan covers I made.  Some are plastic and some are cloth.  They can all be washed in the machine and the plastic dried on the clothesline. The nice thing is I was able to get this piece of clothe for .10 cents at a thrift store, I had bias tape and elastic so not much $ outlay.  I have enough plastic material to make at least 15 more of these.   You can get boxes of 20 disposable bowl covers at the dollar store and I love them but the mill rate is so low on the plastic they can't be reused.  I will never completely eliminate saran wrap but this will sure cut down on the use of it.  Plus I fight with plastic wrap, it hates me and it clings to itself and I get so frustrated with it at times.  Also do you see my new composting bucket for chicken scraps?  It was a Christmas gift and I love it.  Usually there was an unsightly bowl on the counter waiting to be taken out to the coop.

I also wanted to switch out my Fiesta ware for my grandmothers Fransican ware dishes.  I loved the Fiesta ware but it was very heavy and with the arthritis in my hands and wrists getting so bad I was having trouble with many of the larger items.  Even the dinner plates were getting dropped.  So I needed to switch to lighter dishes.  The Fiesta went to my youngest daughter.  I also disliked the remnant I had pulled from my stash 2 years ago to make valances for the Kitchen. I think I was just so desperate to get something done in the mess.  Anyway I switched the fabric in my kitchen out with new of course on 75% off at Joanns.  I think it goes well with the dishes and just adds a pop of color to a very  BLUE space.

I like the contrast of the blue and white with the brighter fabric.

 I moved most of the flow blue to the dining side of the kitchen.  Now I just have to make new napkins and I already have the material.  We have used cloth napkins for as long as I can remember.  But after a few years they get a grease smell and need to be tossed. You can't see the chair pads but I just recovered the old ones.

I have been working on wax wraps but the ones I made earlier need to be tied or need a rubber band to secure them.  I also noticed that they don't keep out air as the block of cheese I covered was hard at the end.  So back to the drawing board.  I think I have the problem worked out now I just have to implement the new design.  Pictures to come!

I have seen we sites that show the elimination of paper towel.  I did not buy paper towels for years.  It was just one of the things you can eliminate when you have next to nothing to spend.  I did not miss them.  My extended family would complain when they would come and buy a few rolls, but after things have become easier I succumbed.  As old habits die hard I can keep a roll of paper towels for months.  I just use a sponge, or a rag.  Paper towel is for grease clean up and disgusting things like chicken blood.  See the pretty new cover on an old potholder?  It just brightens up the kitchen.





I can take a project off my list finally, the dishes have been switched and the kitchen revamped.

Yesterday ,Hub's and I took our large expensive area rug from the front room down to be dry cleaned.  Our dog in her last few days was not so kind to this rug.  But it had to be cleaned and Sissie is coming so I had better get to work, she is a spotless housekeeper and ultra organized, I am a true slob at heart.  The two bedrooms and the upstairs bathrooms are really scuzzy.

I might be able to get to them today after I get my sewing in the shop done.  Oh and dinner coked for my old neighbor who just got out of the hospital with double pneumonia.

So if you want to eliminate waste in the kitchen :

• quit buying disposable containers and go to jars and left over containers from cheese and things.
• reduce paper towel usage as much as possible, or look on the net to make reusable paper towels.  
• Go to cloth napkins and wash them
• Use reusable covers that can be washed for cake pans and bowls and leftovers.
• Wax wraps are wonderful and so easy to use (at least the one I paid $8 for *ugh*) But I have not been stymied, I will master this skill.

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Monday, Money saving madness & My Sissie is coming!

    

I just had to show you the picture of my very talented cat.  She embroiders beautifully.  This is an activity she does while watching TV as she can't just sit and watch TV.

I emailed Sis last night and gave her a run down of mom's condition.  I just felt that she should see what we are dealing with as some decisions will need to be made and things done that neither Lil sis and I want to do alone.  I am so excited and relieved.  My Sissie is coming, I have a new spring in my step.  Yikes my house is a mess.  But that is okay I will leave it for her:)

Mom fell again at Lil Sis's house in the bathroom.  She was left to brush her teeth and such.  Now we will not leave her alone in a room when she is on her feet and moving, she is just too unstable.  She will be so thrilled to see Sis.

Lil sis took her for the weekend, but I went and got her on Saturday as Lil sis was trying to paint some ceilings in her house, and then mom fell.  I did have Lil sis come pick mom up Sunday when Hub's and I went to church and then I went back and picked her up, so Lil sis could continue working.

I hope to get something accomplished today, I feel like I am on a treadmill of the undone.  Nothing is finished and I have so many little things I want to close the door on.  I am very messy and unorganized, just running from one project to the next.  I hate it when I get this way and I am sure it is brought on by stress with the mom situation.  I ping pong around like a ball in a pinball machine.  My brain firing left then right.  Maybe if I locked myself in a room and wasn't allowed to leave until I was done with said room?  I don't know.  But when Sis comes she will whip my butt into shape.  Relief thy name is sister.

     On to Monday Money Saving Madness:
1. Cooked all meals from home, with ingredients from storage.
2. Ate out on Saturday when I was with the two younger girls, but D# 2 Paid, see they are growing up!
3. Purchased meats on a great mark down and sealed them in the freezer.
4.Continued working on projects to save money in the kitchen, Wax wraps, reusable covers, cloth napkins.
5. When I was in a store and I managed to be in one 5 of the 7 days*&^%$, I was able to walk by all the great after Christmas sales and only buy what I came for.  It was very hard.
6.Did my deep breathing exercises 4 times last week and already can feel the effects on my lungs, saving me from going to the doctor again.
7. Took all food scraps to the chickens.
8. Ate almost all of our leftovers.  Only a little rice went to chickens.
9.I am really trying to concentrate on turning lights off as I leave a room, and not running water when it isn't necessary. I do suffer from lack of light this time of year so I do turn on more lights then usual.  I just forget to turn them off.
10. Used my clothesline Hub's put up several times and I love it for sheets and kitchen aprons,

 towels.

Well I am off to set the world on fire and get something done.  I have plenty to do in the shop, but first I will get dressed and strip the beds up stairs and finish up the kitchen.  Pictures coming I promise.

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Friday, In love with..

I am in love with the new food saver Hub's parents gave me for Christmas. I have wanted one of these for a long time but have never wanted to spend the money.  Now that I think of it Hub's parents always send every family a check for Christmas.  But for the past several years they have bought us a really nice expensive gift also.  I have received my bosch mixer and my wheat grinder,my new dehydrator a nice sized check to help with the kitchen remodel.  Hub's mom always wanted me to remodel that awful kitchen.  They have purchased leaf blowers and nice outdoor equipment for hub's also.  For two of the most frugal people I know it is over the top generous. I hope the other kids don't find out I think there will be jealousy.  It makes me wonder why?

     Anyway I segue, This is such a neat tool for separating large packages of sale meats and freezing.  I will also use it for piecrusts, and spaghetti sauces and veggies from the garden.  It will save money on freezer burn and spoilage.  Yippee!!

     I have a horrible headache today which is why this post is so late. I took some medication at the wrong time this morning and I have paid for it all day.  Won't do that again.  Lil sis just came to get mom for the weekend.  Mom is failing so rapidly it scares me.  I think we are going to have to go to a wheel chair very soon. I just get teary thinking about it.  I could tell when Lil sis picked her up she was shocked by her behavior and her ability to walk.  I guess it is such a slow progression for me I don't notice it as much.  I hate it, I just hate it and I don't hate many things, but this is so hard and awful.  To watch a vibrant, talented, intelligent person, just waste away in mind and body.  It is heartbreaking and very, very hard.  Blow nose now.

     Now for the rest of you enablers.  Not one of you chastised me for buying the meat at the store.  Just because I got three wonderful London Broils for less than $3.00 a piece does not mean I should not be reprimanded.  Oh, don't' forget the package of three New York steaks for $2.54. And the extra pound of cod. Okay, so maybe I was just wanting to use my new toy. Justification, I am very good at it.:)

     The shop was very busy today of course because I had a headache and needed to get several things finished up.  It always happens to get very busy when I am not feeling super chipper. But my excuse for forgetting was....

     Hub's had a bad choking episode last night and we were on alert to get to the ER for about three hours.  Finally he was able to pass the food.  I told him he had until 10 pm and then he was going to the hospital.  So I see another surgery soon.  He is being very careful.

     I have to get upstairs and finish the kitchen, I have so many interruptions it is hard to get anything done.

Have a great and productive day staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim

Thursday, Really?

      I toddled around yesterday working on cleaning up projects only to make bigger messes.  Am I the only one to do that?  My mom used to say it has to get bad before it gets better, but I feel like a match is the only thing that is going to save me.

     I had planned on sweet potato sticks, green bean, baked cod and corn bread for dinner.  While I was prepping dinner I was still working on my kitchen swap dishes project so every thing is a mess.  Every counter is covered and I am trying to assemble a meal.  I ran downstairs to pull the cod out of the freezer and it was spoiled.  I mean SPOILED.  IT smelled so bad.  How does frozen fish spoil?  I had Hub's look at it and he said somehow it had un thawed and then was refrozen, he could tell by the package.  I have been known to pull things out of the freezer looking for something and then putting them on the hood of the car or his work bench.  He will come along and pop them back in.  I really have no idea how it went bad, but when fish is bad you know it is bad. 

     Now I am stuck for dinner and as I am munching on a piece of lefsa I thought take your antibiotic now so you can eat later.  I had one pill left and remembered that I needed to pick up the rest of my antibiotic as I had only received 5 pills last weekend ( pharmacies ran short)  Drat and double drat!  No fish and I have to go to the store.  I complained to Hub's and he said go buy another pound of cod and pick up my meds AND quit fussing.  But, but, but you don't understand, I will have to go into a store and I will spend money.  So here is my weakling self at the grocer/pharmacy yesterday.

     I resolved to only go to the Pharmacy, but I had to walk by cart after cart of marked down Christmas things and CANDY.  Me loves candy.  But I stayed strong  I looked but did not buy.  Now I am standing in line at the pharm window and killing time on my phone.  Let's see what Ibotta and checkout51 are offering.  Wow look! I could earn almost 5.00 on stuff we use , like fruit and veggies, eggs.  These offers end today, I really must use these offers.  No, no you do not have to.  You will save 5.00 to spend $20.00?

     When I got to the window I was told it would be 10 minutes so I went in search of cod, which I found frozen on sale, so I bought a 2 pound bag.  Then I continued down the meat aisle and found 5 packages of good steaks marked 75% off.  Sorry I bought them.  I just could not pas up a package of New York steak strips for $2.33.  SO my total at the store was $22.19.  I am medicated, but I think I need a different medication.  What would you have done? Slap me.....


     I made such a mess yesterday and today I have to clean it up and I don't want to.  I swear I need a keeper.

     So I am failing utterly a this challenge and I am only 4 days in......  any advice, go ahead and be cruel.

Have a great and productive gay staying positive while you are in the negative.

Kim