As I said before, if I don't blog in the morning I tend to forget.... oops...

The people below us are moving out... I kind of hope no one moves in. It'll be nice to be as loud as we want, well within reason since the landlords are in the next house over. Or if we have people over not having to be quiet after 10pm or so.

I think both of them are moving out, but I'm not sure since they've been fighting since we moved in, so one of them may be staying here. There's a vent that is directly above there linen closet, so if it's open you can hear everything...
It's the same fight over and over... why did you go fishing? I wanted to do something with you.

Hmmm... my thought is if you didn't nag him all the time, and show some love instead, there is a good chance you'll get love in return. And maybe he'll take you with instead of using it as an escape from your constanting nagging.
But hey... that's just one woman's opinion : )

I'm listening to Rhapsody on the computer. (A music service that for $9.99 a month you can listen to songs, or download them for $ .79 a song.)
We have it free for two months as a trial membership. We're debating whether we will purchase it when the time is up, since we both really like various types of music.

Made a run into Madison yesterday. Had to return some throw rugs that were too big, and we got two that are the correct size.

We also went to OfficMax to get a card reader (a device to store pictures, and I think other media on?, so it doesn't take up camera space when you're not able to download the pictures to your computer, or when you're at someone else's house and you want to hook up to their computer to show them the pictures.), for free after $20 instant rebate and a $10 mail in rebate.

Goodwill also saw us making another stop with one box of picture frames, Holiday decorations and other misc. household items. We also had a bag of plastic hangers, but they didn't take them. I thought this was kind of silly... I could see if they were wire hangers, but they could have used the plastic ones in the store if nothing else... oh well.

Michael's was having a 50% off sale for custom framing, so after six years of having a print without a frame (it's a strange size, so we could never find a frame to fit), we finally gave in to have it framed. I'm embarrassed to say how much it was, but I keep reminding myself we really like the picture and it is half of the normal price...

We also stopped at Shopko and Walgreens for some excellent sale and free after rebate items. Since this is a much smaller place, I have to remember that we don't have as much storage space, so I won't be buying any extra health and beauty items, unless it is a spectacular price.

Simple/Frugal Though of the Day: Stay out of the stores and keep the shopping channels off. It's so much easier not to spend that way!

My plan for today is to tackle the laundry room. I want to clean out my craft supplies and make room on the bar in the closet to hang wet clothes. I also need to either pair down the Holiday decorations and/or find a place for the totes.

When we met up with some friends for a fishfry at Fitz's on the Lake (great fishfry...) DH brought along A Spell for Chameleon by Piers Anthony for the daughter, Paige. (We purchased it for half price at Frugal Muse.)
We heard that yesterday she was already half way through it, and needed to be pried away to watch a movie that she had picked out.... I think she likes it!
It is from a series of about 15-20 books, so she'll have a lot more to keep her occupied.

Frugal/Simple Thought of the Day: If you go to yard/church sales, and find some children's or young adult books for cheap, consider purchasing them and donating to hospitals, youth centers, your library or pass them on to a child in your life. Reading can help in many ways, and with so many loud, fast-paced activities offered up to today's youth, it's good to have a slower paced activity every now and then.

A lazy, hazy day here....

Watched School of Rock and Freddy vs. Jason last night. Really wouldn't recommend either one. I guess if they are free and you have nothing else to do...

We helped MIL move some of her stuff out of her apartment today. She's staying with her sister until she finds a place of her own. There is a whole drama surrounding her... but since she did give birth to my wonderful husband, I have to love her by default.
She's not a bad person, just needs to get herself together... I guess like a lot of people out there....

We just finished going through the paper... now I don't know what we'll do...

Frugal/Simple Thought of the Day: When you are going to do a project it's best to have a plan, but some days are meant for drifting with nothing on the agenda. Enjoy them and be happy that you are able to have these type of days from time to time...

It's been a few days, because we had a computer virus, well actually 40 of them... I got a email from Charter (our old internet provider) saying that the emails we have been sending out have had an excessive amount of viruses in them.
There was also a link to click on, and learn more...

I called DH over, and as soon as he clicked on the link, he realized he made a mistake. He instantly un-hooked us from the internet and ran the anti-virus. It checked and said we had 40.
We used AVG anti-virus, and it is supposed to check for and fix the computer if you get any viruses, but it didn't fix it, so after two full restores, our computer is back.
Needless to say, we will no longer be using AVG since it didn't fix anything.

Now it'll be more money spent, but with how much many people in America depend on computers (us included), it will be money well spent.

I used my scum buster to clean the toilet yesterday, and once I again I must mention how happy I am with it... there was a ring around the toilet because of hard water, and I had scrubbed on it with a rag, but it didn't help much. After using the scum buster it's almost completely gone.
I also cleaned around the rim of the toilet, where more hard water and sh** (literally as well as not...) collects and it got a lot off. Just using a rag and my scrubbing power does virtually nothing compared to this little machine.
**Not affiliated with the scum buster at all...**

After figuring the numbers, we should have FIL paid off in full by November. When I told DH this, he became very happy. Hopefully it will be sooner, which I think it will be, but I wasn't able to figure it out exactly because DH had recently gotten a raise, but he has taken time off for being sick and the move, so I'm not entirely sure how much his checks will be.
Plus I don't know how much our phone/internet bill will be. I figured higher then it should be, and the first three months will be less then normal because of a special price deal.

There will also be rebates, eBay selling, and possibly raises/bonuses that will come our way, which we will also put towards the debt.
I would like to shoot for September...

Frugal/Simple Thought of the Day: Don't only plan out your goals in your head, but write them down (and how you are going to achieve them) and hand them somewhere (fridge door, bathroom mirror, etc...) that you will see them everyday. Subconsciously your mind will find ways to help you, even when you are not thinking about it.

After our errands in town, we went for a 40 minute walk with three large hills thrown in. My legs were tingley when we got back. But hopefully we'll be going again today, as long as it doesn't rain.

DH said he wants to take pictures of all the beer cans along the way and make a collage. I think our 40 minute walk will be more like two hours if he stops to take a picture of every one. It's scary to think that people are drinking beer while driving down the road...

I'm finally catching up on laundry. We had extra towels and rags from cleaning while moving in and out. Plus I washed two extra sheet sets so they would be clean when I give them to Mom or Goodwill.
We put a lint trap on the washer hose, and after five loads it already needs to be cleaned out. I hope it's just because this is a new washer and more powerful then the other one, so it's cleaning deeper, and it will soon stop producing so much lint. Otherwise we'll be going through a lot of zip strips when we take the filter off to clean it...

I used the scum buster to clean the shower doors yesterday. They look a lot better, but I still have to go over them again. It took me about 40 minutes to clean them, they were filthy...

Mom and Joe may be coming down on Saturday to see the place, so I want to get it as finished as possible. Mom was going to bring her leather recliner down to give to us, because it hurts her back. We told her yesterday that we would take it. But when she calls again, we're going to tell her no, because there really is no place to put it.
As much as we may want to say yes to nice free stuff, we're going to have to be more careful now with a place about 1/4 the size of the house.

Frugal/Simple Thought of the Day: It's been awhile since I mentioned how great your local library is... Make sure to use this wonderful frugal tool, as often as possible.
Have you hugged your librarian today?

We were going to go grocery shopping yesterday, but Spyros came home tired and achey (not sick achey, chiro. achey...), so we'll be going today.
Along with shopping we have to stop at the hardware store to get a clamp for the dryer, so I can do laundry. And we have to stop at the florist to get some flowers delivered to the realtor that helped us when our realtor was on vacation.

It's a beautiful sunny day out. I did yoga again this morning, and realized I like doing it in the morning because the sun is coming up for the day. Plus it relaxes me, and will hopefully keep my anger/annoyed emotions in check.
Not that I'm anger and annoyed all the time, but....

I really want to finish the rest of the apartment, so this is going to be short, and I'm actually going to get off the computer after I post this....

Simple/Frugal Thought of the Day: We all love our computers, well not everyone, and not all the time, but.... Take a break every half hour to get up and stretch. Take the longest route to the water cooler, or even better (if you're able) go outside for a few minutes for some fresh air and sunlight.

It has begun again.... exercising that is.

I know, how many times have I started and stopped? But... it's getting to be Spring so the nice weather is wonderful to be in, and my 10 year class reunion is in August, and I would like to look a bit more toned before then.

Exercise schedule:
Yoga when I wake up, since it's best to do on an empty stomach or two hours after you have eaten.
Walk with Spyros after lunch. (My Dad was walking/exercising for 20 minutes right after he ate, and he was slimming down.)
Evenings will include stretching, crunches, push-ups, etc...

And after I've been walking/exercising for a month, I would like to start running again. I was on the cross-country team in high-school. I was the worst runner, and the only reason I was on the team was because it was a small school and they wouldn't have enough girls to form a team if I wasn't on it, but I did enjoy it so.

We really need to go grocery shopping. We have no fruit in the house, but we do have carrots, lettuce, potatoes and onions.
I would like to start making some more cabbage, so if anyone has any good recipes....

Frugal/Simple Thought of the Day: A great way to clean out your cupboards is to prolong your shopping trip for a week or more. Sure your meals may consist of baked beans, corn, blueberry muffins, and pineapple slices, but it's healthy and you are using up the canned/boxed food before it goes bad.

We just finished organizing our clothes in the bedroom. We have one huge box (the size of about 3 medium boxes) for Goodwill, and we had a garbage bag full of ripped or stained clothes (kept for working around the house, but we really don't need that many...) that we brought down to the burn barrel.

They burn their garbage here, and recycle every possible category. (Brown, green, clear glass, tin, aluminum, etc...). It takes a little extra effort, but I think it's wonderful.

DH is playing with his new camera... he should be amused for hours!

I have decided that all the windows need to be washed, so I think that will be the project for tomorrow. DH may have to help with the outer windows though.

We are already doing better with not eating out as much. Since we're farther out in the country, it's not as appealing to jump in the van and get something to eat.
Last night we were hungry, but don't have much to eat (we really need to go grocery shopping...). We talked about dining out, but it seemed like too much effort, so we made mac 'n' cheese instead.

I was very proud of DH because when we went to Shopko to get some pillows, they gave us two huge plastic bags. When we changed the garbage he used one of the bags as a garbage bag. I hadn't even thought of this.

Simple/Frugal Thought of the Day: Even if you are as frugal as you think you can be, a new set of eyes may be able to find things that you are missing.
If your partner is not into frugal living, but you have children (or neices/nephews), see if they can come up with any new ideas. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Things around the apartment are shaping up very nicely... We got the washer and dryer yesterday. (Laundry is going as I type.) And a nice surprise, the camera was in, so we didn't have to wait until Tuesday or Thursday.

I had been looking for maroon shams or pillowcases to go with the new comforter, and found some pillow cases yesterday. We also needed darker curtains for the bedroom and living room, and fortunately I found some I liked right away. We have to go back and get three more panels, and I decided in the living room valances would look better, so we need to get three valances.

It's been about five years since the windows were we live have had curtains on them, and I rather like it. I have always been very picky about curtains, so at the old house all we had up were blinds, because I never saw curtains I liked (plus they are sooo expensive, but the ones I found were on sale).
But DH hates putting up blinds, and said "No more!", and besides being dust collectors, they are more difficult to clean then curtains.

After I ask DH to show me how to link pictures, I'll post some so you can see the old place and the mess in the new place.

It's a gorgeous, sunny day out. Perhaps after we get back from town, we'll go for a walk....

Frugal/Simple Thought of the Day: Go out and enjoy the first day of Spring. Perhaps you have a free zoo nearby, or some other outdoor activity. Now would be a great time to get out and stretch your muscles after the long winter months.

I woke up at 5:55 am. I still make a wish, like I did when I was younger, whenever a clock reads the same hour and minutes. Does any one else do this? I'm not even sure why I started...

Today will be a busy day. We're picking up the washer and dryer, and while at Best Buy we are going to pick up a warranty that we hadn't before, and we need to ask them if we got the correct item for a rebate. (The sku number is different on the item then the receipt, even though it printed out a rebate receipt....)

We also need to get some curtains for the living room and bedroom (or some material to make some), I want to pick up some plants (we have a lower window with a ledge that is perfect for cats and plants), and some other stuff.

Another part of the saga of our moving....
Spyros and I took two trips on Friday with help from BIL and his friend. Then Saturday TJ came over around 10 am to help all day. Eric came to our place after work (around 3pm), then Addie came over around 5pm. We were so beat that we stopped around 8pm.
We were so tired that we feel asleep around 8:30pm and didn't get up until 8am...

We started up again around 9am. TJ and Addie got to our house around 10am. They left around 4pm, and we were still going. BIL came over just before they left and helped for about an hour. DH and I stopped at 7pm (so I could watch a new Charmed), and then we went back to the house at 8pm to clean and take the last bit of stuff.
At 10:30pm we were finally finished!!!

TJ, Addie and Eric were big helps. Thank you all again...
Unfortunately BIL wasn't as big of a help, and there is a big drama surrounding that, needless to say I was very miffed at him, but it's done and over.

I must go now for DH to use the computer, otherwise he may go into fits of withdrawl...

Frugal/Simple Thought of the Day: Make sure to handsomely reward those that help you during your move. We took TJ and Addie out for lunch, and when Eric gets back from his road trip to Texas (he plays in a polka band, and during this trip they are stopping in three different states to play), we'll have him over for dinner.
We would have made TJ and Addie dinner, but we were all starved, so the timing worked.

Thought I forgot about you? No, just finally got the computer up and running today.

The house is officially sold! We've been at the apartment since Sunday night, but still have more to do before it becomes a home.
The apartment is about 2/3 of the way complete in having things put away, but the garage hasn't even been touched yet.

Monday, after the closing we went to buy a washer, dryer, and a digital SLR (fancy camera for DH). We had cash and were ready to offer it to a store in exchange for these items, but do you think we could find a store that had them all (if any...) in stock?

Best Buy first. They didn't have the camera. They had the dryer, but not the washer. Were told the camera may be in on Tuesday.
We went to American next, they too had the dryer but no washer.
Kennedy-Hahn (an appliance store) was the last try. All of there washers and driers were at least $50 more then the other two stores, so we didn't get either one.

We went home because I was near crying from frustration...
DH went into town on Tuesday (for his chiro appointment) and to see if the camera was in. It wasn't. While he was there though, he ordered the camera, washer and dryer. Since this was the only way to gurantee that they would come in.

So we should be getting the washer and dryer tomorrow (which is a good thing, because we have a pile of laundry in the corner of our room), and the camera is supposed to be in either Tuesday or Thursday.

But today when we were checking our mail, we saw that someone is still trying to get rid of a washer and dryer, but people aren't coming to pick it up, like thay say they will. So DH wrote them, and perhaps, we'll get one for free, and then we'll tell Best Buy to keep the washer and dryer, and give us back our money!

I'll write more about the move tomorrow. Don't want to make you read too much in one day....

DH needs to have a tissue sample taken from his gums. (The specialist is submitting this to the insurance, so we'll know how much we would owe. I thought this was nice. But it has to get done, so no matter what the cost, we'll pay it.)
There is some kind of gum disease that can effect your eye sight (don't know the specifics... the body is just a wonderful, awe inspiring thing...), and they want to make sure this isn't the kind.

Well... story time is over today boys and girls. Stay tuned tomorrow for the next episode of This Sold House.
Until then, this is your sponsor wishing you a frugal day.

I'm so excited. I just can't hide it...
The Pointer Sisters was one of the tapes we would listen to in the van when I was growing up and we were taking long trips. MeatLoaf, Julio Iglesias, .38 Special, and Oldies Compilation tapes were also in the mix.
We had some fun trips...

One time we went to go find The Light. It's a place in Michigan were lights appear at night. Many different scientists have studied it, but they still can't figure out what it is. Some say it's swamp gas, some say aliens, and still others think it's a ghost looking for someone.

Anyway... one time we went, with a van load full of kids, and we stopped to get our bearings and take a stretch. Shortly after we got out, we heard a chainsaw start up...
Needless to say we all piled back in quickly and left for home, scared out of our wits. We ended up telling ghost stories all the way home, and had a wonderful time.
Thinking back now, the chainsaw as most likely just someone cutting up wood for the winter months... We were after all in a wooded area.... but one never knows!

The moving began yesterday. BIL and one of his friends came over. We loaded up the van and pick-up truck, and were off. We came back and they helped us load both up again, but then they had to take off. So Spyros and I drove the vehicles to the place, unloaded, and decided that was enough for one day.

We were actually able to take quite a bit over. Most of the garage stuff is there, and all the boxes in the hallway. We also took most of the cabinet food over, and I filled up a suitcase each time with clothes still on the hanger, so I could just hang them up as soon as we got there.

I have a crockpot full of chili simmering away, waiting for today's move to begin. We're picking TJ up as soon as DH is done delivering mail, and then Alex (BIL) is supposed to be coming over around Noon to help also. Eric (DH's co-worker) will be coming after he gets done with work (not sure when, between 2-5pm), to help also.

We should be able to get everything moved today (except our matress), that way we have all day tomorrow to clean up the house. Then Sunday night we sleep at the new place...

Due to internet hook-up I probably won't be posting again after today, until Wednesday... unless we stop by the library to use their computers. One good thing though, we're able to get DSL!!! DH is very, very happy about this.

I'm off to do more moving stuff before we begin the day's activities.

Frugal/Simple Thought of the Day: Make sure to drink enough water, everyday. While soda may taste good, it does nothing good for you. Plus it's a lot more expensive then tap water with a filter system.

We went up to Stevens Point yesterday to pick up my Step-Dad's truck. It was a nice little visit.

Then we got back to some annoying news. Dh's normal days off from Kwik Trip are Friday and Saturday. He had asked his boss (Randy) if he could take vacation days on Sunday and Monday. He asked for them off about a month ago.
Randy has been out from work for about three weeks due to gout in his toe, and he just put the schedule for next week up yesterday.

So he has had plenty of time to make the schedule (so it should have been up sooner), and Spyros even called him to remind him about the vacation days.

DH looked at the schedule and saw that he has to work Friday and Saturday to make up for not having Sunday and Monday off as vacation days.
Needless to say we are P*ssed. Spyros has never taken a sick day from Kwik Trip in the 2 1/2 years he's worked there. But since he took some this week, Randy decided to screw him over....

DH was able to find someone to take his shifts Friday and Saturday, so we can still move as planned. And we do have numerous wonderful friends coming to help, so it should still go smoothly.

Did I mentioned we're p*ssed? Okay.... I will take a deep breath and push it out, so the weekend/move is the enjoyable one that it should be : )

After we returned from Point, we went into town to get the cat litter boxes, shower curtain, etc... and my scum buster!!! I am so excited. This little tool should make cleaning the tub, counters and more, so much easier.

Today we're going to do some cleaning, pack up some more stuff, put some stuff into the back of the pick-up, and just relax before the big day.

Simple/Frugal Thought of the Day: Really take the time to enjoy an orange (or if you don't like oranges, some other fruit...) Not only the smell and taste, but the different textures and how it looks.
Oh, and... I heard once that there is no word that rhymes with orange.

DH is feeling better today. He was able to take off of Kwik Trip last night (after much struggle by his wonderful co-worker, Eric), so he got a good night's sleep.

We're probably going to run to town today to get some things for the new place (new shower liner, cat boxes) and a scum-buster to make our cleaning of this house and our new place much easier.
I've been wanting one for a long time, but never got around to getting one.

I got a few Simple Living books from the library yesterday. One of them is Simple Pleasures Collected by Seton, Taylor and Greer.
We don't buy too many books, and the ones regarding frugality or simple living really have to move me, but I am going to purchase this one from eBay (and I'm not even half way through it...)
I love to go through certain ones a few times a year to get inspiration and to keep me on track.

The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn, Frugal Luxuries by Tracey McBride and The Simple Living Guide by Janet Luhrs, are three books that I also have in my collection, and really enjoy re-reading.

Hopefully after the move I will finally get around to revamping this blog. I want to ad some links and a few other surprises. If there is anything that you would like to see, let me know...

One of the things I will miss about this place is the blonde squirrel that frollicks in the yard across the street. Whenever I'm on the computer, I'm always entertained by her doings.
We've had a lot more wildlife (mainly birds) who have been sticking around our yard. Spyros noticed three robins this morning and said, "They wouldn't be so casually sitting there if Talia was still alive." (Talia was our cat who died in Sept.)
How true, how true....

Baby Kitty is getting more crazy as the weeks go by, most likely crazy for Spring... This morning I went out to catch DH before he left (too late...) and he bolted out the door. I brought him back in, and he's been meowing and howling for about an hour now....
I usually try to open the window for him, but it's just too cold today.

Simple/Frugal Thought of the Day: Check to see if any farms (if you're lucky to have any in the area) offer a program where you pay so much for the growing season and you can pick up a box of veggies and fruits once a week or every other week.

There was an article in our paper recently talking about this, and there are two farms nearby that participate. We're going to get a membership this year. Perhaps going in with MIL, depending if the amount of veggies/fruit is too much for us to use before it spoils.

I just got off the phone with the realtor, and it's official... We are good to go!!!

So we'll start moving stuff in on Saturday, (with the help of many good friends and possibly BIL). Sunday night we'll be staying at the new place, and Monday we close.

We should be getting $2865 back after closing fees, etc.. Which means, we'll have a nice chunk to give to FIL right away to start paying off our debt.

I am so happy and excited. I can feel the creative juices already beginning to flow.

We have tons to do today. Library, MIL's (to pick up coupon inserts), tons of calls to make, (cancelling utilities, making appointements to set-up services, landlord).

DH just returned from the PO. He is a sick little bunny. The sub is nice enough to run both routes today, since (Linda) the other mail carrier is also sick today.

So I must go to give DH the love and attention a sick man needs.

Oh Happy Day!!!!!

DH is sick... head cold, sore throat, achy. With the move this weekend I hope he gets better by then. I just hope I don't catch it from him later this week, and then become sick over the weekend.

One of the lesser joys of Spring, with all the temperature change, the body goes flukey. It also doesn't help when really sick people come to work coughing, sneezing, and touching everything....

It's super hard for DH to find someone to take his shift at Kwik trip since he is the only person on third shift. He wanted to last night but two of the guys who could come in for him were out of town and his boss has been out for over a week due to gout.
Just one of the many reasons why it will be wonderful when he can quit Kwik Trip.

Yesterday MIL came over and we had cheesey-broccoli soup. She stayed for a few hours and we chatted. Ever since her divorce about seven years ago she has been constantly spiraling downward. She's tried a few times to pull herself back up (getting proper meds for her body ills and depression, taking care of her finances, changing her living arrangements, etc...) but has failed everytime.
She's trying again, and as long as she follows up on what she said she is going to do, she will hopefully start to get on with her life.

After she left we watched Underworld (borrowed from Mom and Joe), then Spyros was off to bed.

Today I'm going to be going around the house and finding everything that I can put out for the trash, since tomorrow will be the last trash day before we move.

We need to find a place to bring some chemicals (lawn, wood stain, hinge lubricant, ect...)

We also need to make some calls: Realtor, Phone Co., House Insurance, etc...

Will be a busy day, so I bid you ado.

Frugal/Simple Thought of the Day: Keep the Earth looking pretty by taking the items you know your garbage men won't pick up (differs in areas, but: large TVs, couches, etc...) directly to the dump instead of having it sit by the curb for weeks, or even months.
And don't forget about Freecycle. Instead of taking three 5 gallon containers of paint which were half used (or more) to the chemical place, we put it up on Freecycle and it was gone by that evening.

50 First Dates was amusing, I would watch it again, but I would not go to the theater to see it again. They raised the price another $.50. Needless to say, unless the show is a wonder in special effects, I doubt we'll be going to the theater any time soon.

While we were at TJ and Addie's house before the movie started, we played Jenga, which was the first time I played. I was definately the least skilled player! We also talked about getting together for an ongoing poker night (or maybe sheep's head or canasta...) I am looking forward to that...

We did end up getting the drafting table. It is a sturdy piece of art all by itself. It's larger then I thought, but it should still fit into the apartment. It has three drawers on the side and a large drawer (for your paper prints) in the middle. I can see many hours of artistic talent being produced on this table.

We still haven't heard in regards to the assessment. DH and I both agree that not hearing is probably better. We'll be calling Jeff (our realtor who is finally getting back from vacation) on Monday to see what's up.

Don't have too much to do today. We'll be taking the drafting table out of the van and cleaning it up some. Most likely packing some more, and we still have two episodes of Alias to watch before it's due back at the library.
I thought it was the complete second season, but it's only the first disc with four episodes on it. This is good though, because we wouldn't have had time to watch the whole season.
Now I just need to remember to reserve disc two...

DH found an acorn and brought it home for Little Girl (and to take pictures of it.) She had a smaller acorn that she loved playing with, but we can't find it. Though I'm sure we will when we're moving furniture around. I can hear her right now batting it around and chasing after it.

No Thought of the Day since I'm off in thinking world trying to make sure everything gets done for the move...

I just got done crunching the figures for the debt that we have, and I came up with $19500. This of course does not include the mortgage. Nor does it include car payments (we own ours free and clear) or credit card debt (since we pay off the balance completely ever month.)

What this does include is money owed to FIL, three student loans (which was less then I thought!), and a hospital bill.

After the closing, we can pay the hospital bill off right away ($250), then we can get started on our debt to FIL.

Since I am not entirely sure how much we will be spending a month with internet and phone service at the new place, I can't get an exact figure, but.... we should be able to put between $700 to $1000 a month towards the debt.
I can not even begin to describe how good this feels!!!!

We should be able to pay off all of our debt in less then two years. It could even be closer to one if we really buckle down...

Besides going to look at the drafting table this evening, we're also going to be going to a movie (50 First Dates), with a friend. This is not normally one we would be to see in the theater (instead, waiting until it came to the library), but it should be funny.

The dreary, rainy weather has begun again on laundry day... But that's okay because I haven't started hanging clothes out yet. I love these kind of days, and last night I laid in bed just listening to the rain fall.

Thought of the Day: As terrifying as it can be, take time to add up all your debt, and make a plan to start decreasing it. To keep yourself motivated, try keeping a running total of how much you pay off (and have left), and put it in a place you see it every day. (We put ours on the fridge.)

I know those big numbers can be very stressful, but when you start focusing on what needs to be done, it will be all the sooner that the extra stress will start to go away.

Mary Hunt is an author that I found to be helpful in reducing debt. Go to your library and check out The Complete Cheapskate , Debt-Proof Living, Debt Proof Your Holidays or Debt-Proof Your Kids

I have been thinking about getting a part-time job, for some time now. I had applied last October at the library to shelve books, but I didn't get the job. (Our library seems to hire only family of employees or students working towards, or who already have, a library science degree.)

I saw an ad for a daycare center called Braids and Britches in Marshall, which is 17 miles away. The hours were from 3-6pm Monday through Friday. This would have worked out well because Spyros lays down around 2pm, so I would still be able to spend the same amount of time with him.

After taking a look at taxes and gas costs, we decided that it really wouldn't be worth it. In the ad, it encouraged highschool students to apply, so we figured the pay rate wouldn't be over $8, probably closer to $6.50. I would have to make at least $10 an hour to have it be worth my time.

Perhaps after we get settled from the move, and if the ad is still in the paper, I will inquire about the pay....

I watched Kingdom Hospital last night. I have enjoyed about half of Stephen King's books and movies. (Cats Eye still creeps me out. The last story with the little girl, Drew Barrymore, and that tiny monster who tries to suck her breath out. When I was younger none of my stuffed animals could be on the floor when I went to sleep because of that movie...)

Anyway, it was okay, but how many times can you use the storyline of a building being built on top of a graveyard or old building site where something horrible happened? Well... I gues it would have to be a lot!

I will probably continue to watch it for awhile, to see if it gets any better...

On Freecycle there is an electric dryer, and if the person in line before us doesn't end up getting it, it'll be ours. That means we'll only have to get a washer for the apartment.

Tomorrow we're going to be looking at a drafting table that we saw for sale in the newspaper. DH and I both want to start painting, so we'll use it as an easel. Plus DH draws and I can use it when making cards.

Frugal/Simple Thought of the Day: Since I've been a bit chilly today... instead of reaching for the thermostat, grab a sweater and a pair of socks... the socks will also help you polish your wood floors (if you have any...)

An update on the front page story for the Wisconsin State Journal.
I had mentioned yesterday that there was an article about Freecycle, and that 5 of the 10 items mentioned that were given away had been ours, and the microwave a different guy gave away is sitting on our counter....

Anyway, DH checked his email yesterday and the writer of the article had emailed him Monday (for the Tuesday article), after he had already checked his email.
She wanted to talk with him. If he had read the email and gotten ahold of her, our names would have been in print, and the way the article had been written, the majority of it would have been about us....

When DH wrote her back, he said that if she ever did any more articles on Frugality or Simple Living, we would be more then happy to help.

Since the article came out, the membership to Madison Freecycle has more then doubled!!!!

The house assessment is tomorrow at 9am. As long as that goes well (which we both think it will), we'll be that much closer to closing.

A college friend emailed to let me know that she has started selling Avon. I know a lot of people can make good money doing this, but I wonder if it can ever compare to back in the 50's-60's.
You didn't have Walgreens, Target, etc... offering quality cosmetics and body care. I know Avon isn't as expensive as a lot of items out there, but at the box stores (Target, etc.... stores that are all laid out similar), you can get your product right away and most likely at a very competitive cost.

I think the appeal of Avon and MaryKay is that there is still personal interaction. For me, the parties are okay, but I would rather just have a representative come over, and have it be one on one. The thing that I don't like about parties is the pressure to have a party yourself, and to go to a friend's party even if it's for something you don't use.

I asked her to send us a brochure and to recommend (if they have anything) for Spyros's super dry, weather-beaten hands.
I am also curious to see what they have available since I haven't looked at a booklet in years. Plus if I can help out a friend, all the better.

I was looking through last year's Family Circle Christmas issue (free from the library magazine exchange), and I came across an article about buying gifts from different charities and organizations. The receiver gets a nice gift and the organization gets money for their cause.

After this past Christmas and having received lots of gifts from my Dad, Step-mom and Step-sisters, DH and I both agree that with the Frugal/Simple life we want to live, this is not something that we want to continue to do.

My Mom and Step-Dad on the other hand, did the opposite. (Past Christmas at their house was always filled with gifts too.) Mom made us an afghan and a pair of slippers each. We also got a pair of PJs and a box of candy.
This was the perfect amount. Of course if we just spent time together with no gifts that would be just as great.

I want to write a letter to Dad, Step-mom and Stepsisters expressing how we want to incorporate our simpiler life into a more simple Christmas. But if they are still reluctant to give up the gifts, besides homemade gifts or great sale items, I would enjoy giving gifts from charities.

Hmmm... Any thoughts? Do any of you celebrate the Winter Holiday Season without giving gifts or just homemade ones, or possibly just an ornament exchange?

Frugal/Simple Thought of the Day: Don't be afraid to speak your mind, you never know what positive things may come about because of it. Although it may not always turn out for the best, at least you can feel good because you tried, and you won't have to keep asking, "What if?"

We made the front page of the Wisconsin State Journal!

Well, our names didn't appear in this article , but still...

One of the two microwaves that Jim Scully, gave away is in our house right now. And in the newspaper article, but not online, there is a list of 10 items that people have given away, and five of those items were ones we gave away.
How cool is that!!!!

We're feeling optimistic again, about the house selling. This is one roller coaster ride that I don't want to do again. When we buy a new place, it better be the one we staying in until we die, or get carted off to the lunny bin!!

The wing-back chair, I'm still shaking my head.... I know he picked that just because he thought we wouldn't say no to it. Humans are such strange creatures. I would have had respect for him, if he had just said, "Okay, you called me on it. Let's go back to me taking the safe and you not fixing anything else."

We went to Menard's yesterday to check out water heaters, etc... and I got two 21 drawer organizers ($4.96 each, but $1.98 each after rebate). They will be perfect for holding my stamp/craft supplies. Now I just can't wait to set up a crafting space.

Walgreens was another stop for us. We got a free after rebate item (Addidas body wash), and a few other good sale items. I have enough deodorant now to last me at least a year.

One of my simple pleasures is stocking up on great priced items. But with any good thing, balance is essential. Buying enough to last to the next good sale or when we have some extra money, can be diffcult to do or keep track of. That's where a Price Book comes in handy.
If you keep track, you'll start to see the sale cycles very clearly. That way if you still have a lot of over-stock on an item, but you notice a great sale, you can check to see if you will have enough to last until the next sale.

While getting items we use, for a good price is essential for us with our Simple/Frugal living, we also don't want to clutter our living space. Having just enough (balance) is what we strive for.

Frugal/Simple Thought of the Day: In honor of Thoreau's: Simplify, Simplify... I say: Balance, Balance.

How very strange....

Lori (realtor) called and said that they no longer wanted the safe, but wanted us to fix everything. So essentially we called their bluff.
We said, "If they don't want the safe, fine, but we are not fixing anything."
About six hours later with us fuming about their nerve today, DH decided to call Lori back to see if anything new had come of the negotiations.
The buyer said we didn't have to fix anything as long as he can have the safe and the maroon chair.
Spyros asked, "Does he mean the dentist chair?"
Lori goes, "No. His realtor asked him that too, and the buyer said the other maroon chair."

No here comes the strange part... he is talking about the 10 year old (not even close to an antique) wing-back chair. The chair is still in decent condition, but the arms are starting to fray a little, and the cat has puked on it a few times... (Not that you can tell, but we know. And DH told me that the cat had peed on it once when we lived in Stevens Point, and I was at work. It doesn't smell, but still...)

We said fine. He can have the safe and the chair and we are not fixing anything.

I think he picked this item because it is in the corner of the living room, and obviously not a chair that we use often. And he needed to make it seem like he is getting more, after having called his bluff. Strange, but as long as there is no more nit-picking and the house sells.

By the way, Thank You to everyone who has sent positive thoughts our way. We do appreciate it!!! And I know you all will be thankful when I stop writing about it.

Thought of the Day: I don't know if it's simple and it can be frugal if not played for money... Learn how to play poker, you never know when you'll need to be able to call a bluff, or bluff in a situation yourself.
Once we move I think I'm going to organize a monthly/weekly poker game. It's about time I learned how to play!!!