Hectic Day and Tune Ups

Yesterday, was one hectic day. From the moment, I got up, I was on the run. First, I was off to my work place, to pick up my paycheck. After which, I had to run the check to my credit union, where I paid $200 towards my car loan.

Back home, and I sit down at the computer to set up payments of $40 each towards the electric, gas, cell phone and cable/internet bills. (Man I wish I could get the rabbit ears/digital box pull in more then 2 of the 5 local stations. I mean NBC is nice, but I like CBS and ABC to. PBS, that is 2 blocks away is nice also, but still CBS and ABC are must have's to. But, I am getting sidetracked.
Next was getting my car tuned up , where I ate 2 bags of free popcorn in the waiting room at the dealership. Then straight to a neighborhood meeting, followed by a planning meeting for the dedication of the newest panels of what will be the largest mural wall in Kansas (and believed to be 2nd largest in the country).

After that, it was time to go to work. Four hours into my shift, I buy a quart of chocolate milk and TV dinner for a meal at less then $2.50. Finally, my 10 hour work day was over, and I was back home to relax and enjoy a day off.
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spending: June 24

Yesterday, I went to the Home Depot and finally got the final 14 door handles for my kitchen cabinets. In addition, I got the replacement door bell, that I have been needing to replace the broken one. The replacement one, is a wireless one, instead of the electric one (like the old one was). Over all, I spent $114 at the company that doesn't care about high gas prices (or the environment), as they only offer plastic bags to their customers. Paper bags for some reason are out. Even though, 12 million barrels of oil is used every year to make the plastic bags we Americans use. Like cutting back on the use of gas, if we cut back on the use of plastic bags, we would reduce the demand on oil and thus lower oil and gas prices.


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Spending: June 19 -- New Debt Balance

I mailed off $99.02 to Amerifirst yesterday. In a week, they should have received and posted that latest payment. I also spent about $2 for cereal yesterday.

The one thing, I shouldn't have bought, was lunch. I tried McDonald's new knock off of the Chick-fil-A sandwich. While, it looked horrible compared to the original, I must admit it tasted reasonably comparable to the Chick-fil-a brand. Still though, if I am going to spend $3 for a sandwich, I think I would prefer the original. Even, though the Chick-fil-a location, is further away.

Finally, if you missed it. My chart with No Credit Needed has been updated, as my debt has been reduced again. Yeah! Tonight, I will be using the tickets, I got last week to attend the Washburn Alumni night at the Kansas City T-Bones ball game.




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Spending: June 17, 2008

I am on the run today. However, I did want to quickly report, that the only money I spent yesterday was 72 cents for a banquet pot pie that i ate for my (7 pm) lunch at work.


I have a report on the stimulus situation, but I will have to that when I have a little more time.


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Spending: Friday June 13, 2008

Yesterday, I didn't spend anything at work. It was only my half day, so being there helped me resist buying anything.

Minor League Baseball Game

After, I left work though, I spent $45 to buy 3 tickets to next Friday nights T-Bones game in Kansas City (price includes the tailgate party, before the game). It will be Washburn night at the T-bones, and several Washburn U. alumni will be attending the game. I then received $30 from two of my friends for the other two tickets.

Bath Towels

The only other area of spending was, I went to Target and spent $9.48 to buy 2 bath towels. I had 5 bath towels, but 3 of them ripped and were nothing but rags. The remaining 2 are starting to get to the same situation, so I am beginning to replace my bath towels. The plan is to in a few weeks buy a couple more towels.
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Spending: June 11, 2008

Yesterday, the only spending was at the store (work), where I spent a total of $4.76.

Ibuprofen $1.25

Margarine $0.72

1/2 gallon of chocolate Milk $1.99

The dairy department was out of the quarts of milk and the half gallons were on sale (for an additional 60 cents. So, I bought the bigger on because it was over-all cheaper.

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Spending: June 9, 2008

Yesterday was my day off from work, but it was one of my more expensive days. The main reason was, I finally was able to pick up my lawn mower.

$36.80

Labor $27.50, Pull Rope $4, Handle $2.75 (not sure why they didn't reuse the old one) and tax $2.55.

Then I went to the store and bought some cat food for my Kat

$5.86


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Spending: June 7, 2008

OK, real quickly, as I have to get out the door, like now. Yesterday, I kind of went on what seems like a mini spending spree.
I bought breakfast (the best biscuits and gravy) from the coffee shop at Harley Davidson (only make them on Saturday's). Getting the full order, I spent $4.30 on breakfast. I know I should have only did the half order, if I was going to do this, but oh well, they were so good and kept me full all the way through to dinner last night.

I also bought a bottle of coke, first time in a few days, for $1.39. On the way out the door (from work) as I was heading to the house, I bought some sweet potatoes for dinner at 99 cents a pound, I got just over two pounds. Along with the peanut butter (store brand) I spent $5.72 on groceries.

As, I was driving home, I stopped and put $20 of gas in the gas tank. Next week, I hope to completely fill the tank as I expect at least 1 if not 2 checks from other sources. It will be so nice, to have a full tank of gas again. OK, I better go, today, I am making every effort to not spend a single dime.

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Spending: More Monthly Bills and Root Beer Floats

This morning I left for work, bright and early. After a late at work. Thankfully the storms were not nearly as bad as they were forecasting. On the way into work, I stopped by McDonald's and bought a sausage biscuit, for $1.07 (with tax).

As I mentioned yesterday, I had some bills scheduled, through my online bill pay, to be paid this morning. Those bills were as follows:

Amerifirst Home Improvement $101

T MOBILE $50

Water Bill $20


Then as I was leaving the store at noon, today, I bought a bottle of Root Beer for 68 cents (on sale) and a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup for 50 cents (also on sale). Tonight, I am making root beer floats. MMM-MMMM good.


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Spending: Bills Today

I logged into my Credit Union's website, and seen that my paycheck had been deposited. As with every paycheck, I also seen a withdrawal of $200. That $200 goes to that same credit union to pay for my auto loan. They automatically withdraw the money as soon as my direct deposit hits. Saving me time and effort to stay on top of this debt. On top of that it saves me interest charges as well.

In addition, I used my online bill pay service at the Credit Union to send Cox Communications $100 to bring that bill current (and pay the next bill as well). I am also driving to North Topeka this morning and paying that insurance premium of $342.10.

Then tomorrow, several more of my bills will be paid via my online bill pay. More on that tomorrow.

I really need to get my car washed, but with the rain and potential severe weather (possible tornado's) forecasted, I think I will wait until tomorrow (at least) on that as well.

It feels good, as I start to finally get the bills under control and still have a little breathing room. However, I must remember to save that extra money for a rainy day (and for vacations, wants, etc). As I get caught up, likewise I get caught up with the debts as well. Thank you, Jesus, for that.


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Spending: Getting Started to Make Corn Dogs

Sunday, before I left work I spent 17.24, plus $20 cash back. Most of the items were stuff to make my homemade corn dogs. I ended up making 24 corn dogs for $3.69 (.26 for the skewers), not including the oil. The oil is a little harder to figure. Because it can be used over and cook a lot more then the 24, that I cooked. The oil cost would be about $2.33, however that goes even lower, as I cook more corn dogs.

Eggs 1.35 (.22)

Milk 2.89 (.16)

Vegetable Oil 6.99 ($2.33)

Tongs .71

Paper Baking Cups .95

2 pkgs Always Save Wieners @.78 (1.87)

Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix .59 (1.18)
Tax 1.20
Total 17.24
Prices in () are prices to make up the jiffy corn muffin mix and corn dogs.


Monday (yesterday), I went by the store and bought 2 pkgs of paper towels. Total cost after tax was $2.15 cash. Before, making the corn dogs (and after leaving the store), I went to Perry, KS to visit an old friend. A friend that I haven't seen for several years.



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Spending: Stupidity and Pre-Planed Cooking Collide

Yesterday, I spent about $10. Way more then I planned, but I have to be honest with my readers about it to.
I bought a package of orange slices. The candy not real oranges. I know they are unhealthy, but I had a real taste for them, yesterday. I also bought for breakfast one of McDonald's chicken biskits. I wanted to see if they were as good as Chick-fil-a's. They weren't! I am going to assume, the other Chick-fil-a knock off, is also better at Chick-fil-a then at McDonald's.

In addition, since I left my water bottle at home (I know stupid) I spent 75 cents to buy a quart of water. Nice thing is that it has a sports bottle top, so that I can easily reuse it, when I start using more tap water. So not all bad there.

Then, when I left work I bought 2 boxes of Au Gratin Potatoes that were on sale for $1 each and a package of 100 mini skewers. Since I don't know where to get pop cycle sticks (w/o buying a bag of caramels), I bought these to use to make homemade corn dogs (1.09).

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Spending: P.T., Uniform, T. P. and a Lawn Mower

Medical

Today, I had off from work. Which was welcomed, considering I have spent so much time at work the last few weeks. The first thing I did was go to my final physical therapy appointment. Since, it was my final appointment and I have exercises and stretches to do at home, I bought 5 feet of therapy band so that I could do some of those. That cost me $5. However , since the insurance won't pay that, I got a receipt, so I could explore the possibility of it being a medical deduction (perhaps a reader, would know if it is acceptable).

Uniform

I purchased the printing of my "Asst. Store Manager" name badge today. I should receive it in about 3-weeks. (cost: $8.98 plus .67 tax = 9.65). Again, I will save this receipt, to deduct as part of my uniform expenses.

Toilet Paper

I stopped by the store on the way home and picked up a package of T. P. (cost $1.29/w tax).

Lawn Mower Troubles

I went to mow my yard today, and the pull cord snapped. How much is that going to cost me? According to the repair place, about $25. The bad thing is, I need the yard mowed NOW, and they act worse then the big box stores when repairing computers. It will take a week. Jeez, that's why I prefer the small local owned businesses. When I need a computer repaired today, it might cost an extra $10 or $20, but unlike those box stores they make an effort to repair simple things the same day. I still would like to get an electric mower, instead of this gas powered thing, I bought used a month ago.

Thankfully, I received my tax disbursement check today (from People's Telecommunications). I placed it in my main savings account, which is for my bills. Normally, this check would have gone into the account, where try to save up for my taxes, insurance payments and my emergency fund. I figure, insurance helps cover certain emergencies, so having these in the same fund makes perfect sense. But, this time, since my insurance payment is due, I put it in the account that I will be writing the check from. It will remain in the savings for a few days, and then I will transfer online to the related checking, when I can afford to actually write the check. At this point, I am $50 short ($75 if you can trust the $25 figure above).

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Spending: $1.92 and No Soda Pop Again

Yesterday, I again made it through the day with no soda pop. I did however, start my day out with two glasses of iced tea. Yes they were southern style, the only way to drink it. My fellow northerners, just don't know what they are missing when they don't add a little sugar.

I was going to buy a name badge (have one printed) for work, but I didn't have my debit card in my wallet. That is something, I can take care of today, while I am out for my physical therapy appointment.

I did buy a small package of hamburger (just under a pound) for a $1.92 (w/ tax). The burger was on sale for $1.99/lb and will be used to make hamburger gravy today.


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Spending: $22.15 - No Soda Day

Yesterday, I managed to avoid drinking any soda at all. I did spend some cash, but not for anything to drink. Nor did, I eat anything during my 10 hours at work.

At closing, I bought 2 loaves of bread that was marked down to 50 cents each. I put one of those in the freezer, for future use. In addition, I also bought a 3 pack of Kettle corn for $1. Popping up a bag, when I got home to eat before going to bed.

As I drove home, I stopped by the Kwik Shop, and put $20 of gas in the tank.

All in all, I spent $22.15.

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Spending: $0 Day and my Water Struggle

Well, yesterday at work, I avoided spending any cash at all. I had planned to stop at Kwik Shop and purchase some gas, but forgot and drove right past after getting off work.

Any way, it was difficult not to purchase anything, especially a coca-cola or quart of milk. I was drinking water all day, but felt thirstier then I ever had, when I was drinking Coke like it was water.

I know it is healthier for me, but drinking water is a huge challenge for me. Today, I plan to set out my sun tea jar on the front steps. So that I can brew some fresh tea and have that instead of pop. That will help replenish some of caffeine urge, but it wont replace that fizz that I crave. That's OK, though, because once I can cut that back, I can work on cutting the caffeine back.


image from: Dave Away From Home
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Spending: Catching Up

I need to bring my spending diary up to date. It's been a few days, since I posted it.

Saturday:

$1.39 - bottle of coke
Took one of my frozen dinners to work, I made up the other day, to eat at lunch. I also drove out to best buy to purchase a converter box (since my coupons expire on May 30). Which ended up being another $24.46 after tax, even with the $40 coupon.

Sunday:

I bought 2 12 packs of coke (on sale 3/$9) for a total (with tax) is 6:45.

Monday:

I was off work, so I went by a store closing sale, to see what they had left. Even though I wasn't planning to, I ended up buying a 4 pack of what has to be the world's best root beer. A root beer made, just 45 minutes from where I grew up in east central Kansas. A root beer, that is never on sale. So, when I seen it was 20% and only one pack was left, I grabbed it. Setting me back $2.74 ($3.19 -0.64 +0.19 tax).



Now, this week I am going to work on being better about not spending anything at work.
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Spending: $0! -- Meals For Future frozen

I didn't buy anything to drink at work. I was able, for once, to slip out for lunch. Came home, at more of my potatoes, carrots and meatballs. All in all, I ate 2 meals from what I put in the Crockpot. When I got home from work, at 10:30 pm, I dished up 5 more meals and put them in the freezer for future use.

In addition, I found a recipe for homemade corn dogs. Even the little bit size ones. Think I might make my own, sometime in the near future. It does mean However, I will have to buy ingredients that I have never had in this house. Like cornmeal and baking powder. My biggest thing is all the oil, I will have to use for the deep fat fryer. Then again, maybe I can make several dozen of them at once to make that oil go a lot further.

* 1 cup milk
* 2 medium eggs
* 1/4 cup oil
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 1/3 cups corn meal
* 2/3 cup flour
* 1 to 1-1/2 pounds hot dogs
* flour for dusting (about 1/2 cup)
* Hot Fat for Deep Frying
* Popscicle sticks

In a large bowl combine the milk, eggs, oil, sugar and salt. Mix it very well. Sprinkle in the baking powder, corn meal and flour. Stir it all up to make a slightly thick batter.

Take your hot dogs and dry them off on paper towels. Dust the hot dogs with flour, coating them completely. The cornmeal batter won't stick to the hot dogs unless they are coated in flour. The batter just slides right off of the wieners naturally slick outsides. Shove popscicle sticks into the flour coated hot dogs. Set the hot dogs aside.

While all of this is going on, it's a good idea to get your hot fat to heating up. You want the temperature to be about 375°. Allow the fat to preheat so it is almost smoking by the time you are ready to add the corn dogs.

Now, to coat the floured hot dogs with batter you have two choices. You can swirl the hot dogs in the bowl of batter until they are coated, and then drop them into the hot fat. If this is a little difficult I know of an easier way. Scoop some of your corn meal batter into a narrow jar or cup which is as tall as your hot dogs are long. Fill the jar or cup about 3/4 of the way full. Dip your hot dog into the batter while you hold onto the stick. Swirl the hot dog to coat it evenly. Be careful or the batter will overflow. Raise the wiener above the cup and let any excess batter drip off. Quickly place the battered dog into the hot fat. The fat will bubble up and cook the outside of the batter, making the corndogs the exact same shape as the ones you buy at the store.

Only fry a few corn dogs at a time. If the corn dogs crowd each other they don't fry very well. I only fry 2 or 3 at a time. Turn the corn dogs when the bottom side is well browned. Use tongs to remove the cooked corn dogs from the fat. Allow them to drain on paper towels. Repeat the process, coating and frying a few at a time, until all of the corn dogs are cooked. Refill the narrow jar or cup with batter from your bowl as necessary. Continue until all the hot dogs are coated or until you no longer have enough batter to coat the hot dogs efficiently.

If you don't want to waste any unused batter, it can be dropped by small spoonfuls into the hot fat, and fried until brown. Serve these along side the corn dogs.

If desired, you can make small corn dogs by cutting hot dogs into thirds, or quarters. Poke a toothpick up into the end of the hot dogs. Coat and fry them as described above. These are nice for fancy days, and for kids parties. Provide plenty of ketchup and mustard for dipping.

This recipe makes about 12 to 14 corn dogs.

- From the Hillbilly housewife

Tomorrow, I only work 6 hours, my "half-day."
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Spending: 1 soda at work. Meat and Vegies for the next few days.

All I bought last night was a Coca-Cola ($1.39). That is until I was closing. At which time, I bought some hamburger and carrots $8.82) to make some homemade potatoes, carrots and meatballs.

So before I went to bed, I peeled and sliced up some potatoes and carrots, and made some meatballs, and put them in the Crockpot.

I have to say I hate how high hamburger is getting, but it is still cheaper then eating out. So what can I do. Thank God, today is payday. I will be interested to see what I actually get in my paycheck since my raise (and promotion) 2 weeks ago.

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Spending: Gas, Trash bags and Salt

Since, I didn't work Monday, I didn't spend anything. Last evening however, I somehow made it through the evening without purchasing a soda pop and/or a snack. I did however, purchase 40 30-gallon trash bags (2.99) and a bottle of Loretta Sea Salt w/ grinder ($1). All in all, I spent $4.29 before leaving the store.

As I was driving home, I stopped at the convenience store and put $10 of gas in the Thrifty mobile. Meaning overall I spent a whopping $14.29. Now, my car's gas tank is almost full.


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