Ok, I have done really well this week with not buying groceries. It seems silly, but I shop a lot. Since I haven't been letting myself go shopping lately, I find myself at the grocery store. I have no idea why! Isn't it funny though ...

So, other than the veggies, alfredo sauce and chicken I picked up the other day, I haven't set foot in Publix.

On Monday, we had a chicken/pasta dish. It was made with leftover veggies I cooked over the weekend, pasta, and some chicken all mixed with some pesto sauce. It was really good.

Tuesday - I made spinach pizza. I used the alfredo sauce, mushrooms that were close to being bad, spinach that was close to being bad and chicken on a whole wheat crust. It was REALLY good and great for using up stuff that was about to be "eeww". I need to look into a recipe for pizza crust, b/c even though this was labled "thin" my daughter hated it.

Wed - My parents made steak since my brother is in town and invited us over. Free food!!!! Free food is the best, incase you are wondering.

Thur - I made chicken nachos. I made black beans and rice with it. Julie didn't really care for this, but she's getting her two year old molars in, so she's not eating much lately. I don't know what to think about that. The chicken I let soak in the taco seasoning for a couple of days, then I used some shredded cheese I grated, some sour cream, and some home made salsa. They were pretty good.

Tonight - I stopped at my mom's b/c it was pouring on the way to my house, and I didn't feel like dealing with it. She'd ordered chinese. So more free food! Then she sent my brother out for ice cream, which I ate a couple of bites of, and let my sister have the rest. Even more free food!

AND - she's taking Julie to Universal Studios tomorrow, so she wanted to watch her tonight! YEAH. It's been a good week. I only need to withdraw a $20 from my bank account to pay for rent, though I can probably wait and just mae the $20 at work tomorrow. I wish I could to to US with them, but I'll just save the money.

So, now I just have to organize and clean my house tomorrrow. I am going to come up with a list of menus out of what's left in the fridge ... though we could just go back to my parents for dinner.

I asked my roomie to pick up a gallon of milk this week (For some reason, I've been buying ALL the milk for the past two months, not fair!) and other than that, I don't have to buy any groceries. I am going to see if I can last two weeks without going to the grocery store. I went today and picked up some veggies, alfredo sauce and chicken. I didn't really need the chicken or veggies, but they will let me hit the two week no grocery bill.

I MIGHT have to pick up some bread, but I am going to try to go without it. I might either get creative and use tortillas, or not eat sammiches. Either way won't kill me.

Money is REALLY tight this week, so tight I may have to ask my mom to cover a bill. I hate to ask for her help, but I'm glad to know she is there if I need it. If I had another week, I could come up with the money, but I don't have the other week.

My plan is to get at least half a month ahead, so I will be able to take the full week off to take my sub training. The pay is really min., however, it will look good on my resume, and be good to have the little bit of money "extra" that it will bring it.

Other than that, the same old same old. My brother is in town this week, before he goes back to Iraq, so my mom wants to go to Universal Studios with him. I told her I didn't have the money to take the day off, so they said they would take Julie with them so I could work extra. I hope they do this ... I would like to get ahead one month.

Oi. I'm tired.

I get a week vacation from Juliette's daycare so my mom offered to watch Julie this week while I work as many hours as I can to try to save some extra money. Did I mention I'm broke! I always feel broke, but I had a huge bill come out of the water this week, so I had to quickly cover $200. So, this week I am saving $130, and getting to spend more time with Julie. A win win situation honestly.

So, Saturday, I worked my regular shift. I made $90, which was great. Sunday I worked my regular shift and made $106, then my manager begged me to stay and work late, so I made another $90. Then tonight my friend asked me to pick up her shift, and I figured I would make $30, tops ... and apprently since it was a full moon, everyone decided to come out to dinner, and I made $70. WOOT! I still have tomorrow and Wednesday that are my regular days, and then payday on Thursday ... so I can breathe again.

I also sold my Harry Potter book, I bought it for $17, and sold it for $15, you can't get much better than that.

Now, if I could get some sleep, that would be great. But, my mom is having a garage sale this weekend, and I haven't even started looking for all of the stuff I know I can sell. There is a ton, and it would be fantastic to make even more money. I don't understand how Juliette and I have so much stuff!

Today will be a no spend day. Yesterday should have been, but I needed gas. Since I needed gas, I went ahead and picked up some more meat *I cooked A LOT* and some big girl panties for Julie. We're going to try the potty training thing this weekend. I'm thrilled! I hope it works. For about two weeks worth of pullups, through school, Nana's and my house, the total cost is around $30, less if I can get a coupon and a sale. However, pullups aren't often on sale, since every kid I know seems to be in them right now. I just can't get her to go #2 on the potty, I even caught her doing it last night, and I tried to get her to go on the pot and she said "No, I like going in my diaper." UGH! Sometimes I think children are sent here to torture us.

I am also picking up a shift today, so "extra" money. YAY! I am not working this weekend, so it's really not anything extra, and with how much money I am behind at this point, I am cringing a bit, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I have to go and get the princess up. Wish me luck, she is not a morning person.

Or maybe just a couple of months ...

I haven't been having the best of times with keeping to my budget, but not the worst of times either. I spent $30 last week on groceries, and we still have food left! I had to go out and buy milk today, but it was on sale at CVS ...

Roommates ... are problematic. It's not going well, so badly that I think I am going to start a countdown as to when I can move out. SIGH.

So, I've been hunting for a new job ... and working at Cracker Barrel while it happens.

But, then I got to thinking. What if I don't get into the 9-5 work schedule again. I hated how stressed I was, didn't really like working too much ... and the commute. SIGH.

So, I was thinking about staying at Cracker Barrel full time. I've made almost as much in one week that I did in two weeks at the full time job. I'm less stressed, the commute is right down the roaad. And did I mention I have the day off?

Not to mention, I am going to start school again later this week. When would I have time to go to school and work two jobs?

So, I'm thinking about subbing as well. Of course, it's almost summer, so there isn't a need for the next couple of months. And the pay is pretty dismal, not much more than min wage .. but it would pay for gas and food, both important. CB would more than pay for everything else.

I don't know if it's a good idea, but it's something I am looking into. Unless of course, I get an amazing job offers, but my phone isn't ringing off the hook with people begging either.

So, I did something crazy and unexpected, I quit one of my jobs. The higher paying one. I won't get into it too much, because it's a lot of drama and everything ... but boy, let's just say I wish I could have lasted a little longer with my bosses horrid comments.

So now, I'm struggling. I don't like this feeling! I've had a couple of interviews, and am now just waiting to hear back from someone. ANYONE. Hello, can you hear me? I need a job!

So, since my last post ... I've had a birthday, got my hair cut really really cute, quit my job and realized now more than ever, I HAVE to get better at saving money.

I don't want to ever worry about money again, and I'm worrying now. Stretching, saving and hoping.

Did I mention we sign the lease for our townhouse TOMORROW? I am going to be living with my friend and her boyfriend. We found an amazing little townhouse, big enough for the four of us, for a great deal.

Oh, and I start some distant learning classes on 4/30. Does anyone else feel a panick attack coming on? I feel like I'm drowing, but I know everything will come together soon.

I went ahead and opened a bank account last night, though I am really serious about doing this year as "cash only" as possible to make myself more aware of my money. See, I'm getting a great return in this year and I can't wait to have it direct deposited into my account. PLUS, since I'm living with my friends when I get the new place *possibly* it will make me feel better being able to sock money into an account.

Speaking of the above, my friend and her boyfriend asked if I would be interested in renting a house with them. I am more than ok with the idea ... since it will mean that my rent will be around $300-400 a month, instead of $700-800. We're looking at either three or four bedrooms, so that Julie will have her own room. We might have another friend of ours in the fourth bedroom, or we might keep it as "the boys playroom" as we jokingly call it since her boyfriend and all of our friends are really into playing video games and we would never be able to watch tv in the living room. It looks like the move out date would be April, and since it's not looking like I will be able to find a place open before that ... it looks like the best decision.

Right now, Julie and I are living with my friend Kim and her husband Hans. They have a six year old son named Brad, who Julie is literally falling in love with. It's so cute. The only complaint I have with it is the drive. I'm spending about double what I usually do in gas weekly. But, I had to get out of my parents house before World War Three started. Long story short, my mother is bipolar ... and I honesly couldn't handle being yelled at any longer for little things. Like Julie accidentally dropping her dinner on the floor ... or spilling her milk. It just got to be too much, so my friend offered us her guest room ... and it's working right now.

I swear, everytime I turn around there is more drama in my life. That is something I am going to work on ending. I wonder if it ever goes away.

Tuesday, my friend invited me out to dinner, and then paid, which was awesome. Our server was a friend of mine who I love to death, so I left him a huge tip since I wasn't paying for dinner anyways. I've been buying lunch and breakfast sine I feel so weird about cooking at my friends place, but I think I am going to buy a few things for lunch this week to save some money.

Sunday is my sister's birthday, and I feel bad since my parents didn't give me enough warning, I won't be able to get off work. She'll be nine, so I don't think she'll honestly miss me. I have to think about something to get her, she wants something for her Ninentdo DS ... kids and there expensive gift ideas.

My birthday isn't until March, but I got this wild hair up my bumm to plan a weekend trip to Disney for my birthday.

So, I called Disney, mainly for kicks and giggles to see what the price would be for a Savannah room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. My birthday is during "peak" season, since it's usually college spring break weekend. $325 a night! Seriously?!?!?! Off peak, it's about $200 a night ... which is a lot of money, but $325 for a night is crazy. SOOOO, unless I go for a value resort, I don't think I'm staying at disney. HAHA.

Oh, and $325 is Florida resident, it's close to $500 a night without ... ouch!

For my birthday, I might go ahead and get the tattoo I've been eyeing for awhile. It shouldn't be more than $150, and I've been putting it off b/c I didn't want to spend the money. $150 sounds like a steal after my failed Disney dream.

Oi!

My coworker is leaving our company and I was thinking about taking her old job. It's something I could really enjoy doing, but I'm not sure if I want it.

With everything going on right now ... looking for an apartment and potentially moving as soon as an apartment comes available ... I don't think I am the right person to take it right now. It's not something I can concentrate on learning ... and it's a lot of things to learn.

So then she went into this speal about possibly moving on with the company when we expand in a couple of months. BLAH. And then the yearly raise in March. BLAH again. Sorry, I don't like having a carrot dangled in my face.

I'm seriously thinking about looking for a new job. My boss is so .. .unprofessional. But again, now's not the right time. When is it the right time?

I know I'm always going to have horrid bosses .. I'm just hoping it's better when we're not all in the same small room.

My boyfriend and I have decided to look for and move into an apartment by Feb. I'm going nuts trying to find a place for us to live.

Most of the places around here have no openings. I can't believe the amount of apartments in the area, and NO OPENINGS. I fell in love with this place tonight, until the lady told me that it's $999 a month. Are you serious?!!? For an apartment? We were looking at a place for $650 a month that's only 100 sq feet less, but it doesn't look like they are going to have any openings when we need it. Argh!

Then comes the part of where to live. Michael wants to live in a different part of town. But, I think I want to stay here b/c I am in LOVE with Julie's daycare. It's amazing, and he doesn't really understand the point of it. I told him it was sad that I was willing to drive more than an hour out of my way to drop her off at this amazing daycare and then all the way back to work ... and do it again on the way home ... only b/c he doesn't want to live with traffice. Hello! What planet are you living on that there is no traffic. SIGH.

It's a silly fight, but I think I am going to win. I have to worry about my daughter, so I win.

Sigh, it's late. I have no idea why I am still awake.

I've been doing horrid about saving money this week.

Now, whenever someone I know does something insanely stupid, I try not to say anything.

My boss bought a house she CANNOT afford, on an ARM mortage at that. Seriously?!

For the past month I've had to listen to her talk about this stupid house. Blah blah blah, my NEW house.

They signed on it this week. Since coming back to work, she's done nothing but look at ways to make the rest of her bills cheaper. Now, this is normally a good thing, but I'm talking about listening to "Hey, can I get a quote please" for four days.

Sigh. I can't say I never make stupid money mistakes. I am very good at making stupid money mistakes. I just cannot believe the stupid money mistakes people make.

Yeah, I thought it was a cute idea. Here's more than you'll ever need to know about me.

1. I love being single. So much in fact that I decided in five years, man or no man ... I'm having another child. It takes one man to ruin all the hope of any other man ever. How sad is that.

2. I remember no pain from my daughters birth. I was on six shots of drugs by that time ... and was honestly really messed up. I just remember thinking that my daughter looked like an alien. I can't wait to tell her that story when she gets older.

3. I've been to Disney more times than I can count. Julie's been 11 times. There is nothing like walking on Main Street and seeing the castle ... it takes my breath away everytime.

4. When I retire, my dream is to work at Disney. I want to be the Fairy Godmother.

5. In my day, I've met Tinkerbell and a girl who played Mickey Mouse. I love going to parties in Orlando and meeting the actual castmembers. Girls, all the princes are gay. Prince Charming hit on my friend ... it was the saddest night of my life ... but hillarious none the less.

6. I'm terrified of moving to fair away from my parents, but can't wait to leave.

7. My biggest fear is that Julie will hate me one day, for her grandparents and father living so close, but having nothing to do with her.

8. She's started screaming "Daddy" at night or when she's in trouble. It makes me want to break down and cry everytime she does it.

9. I hate text messaging, b/c I use improper grammar and it's just easier to misspell words.

10. I've almost gotten married twice, once to the man of my dreams, he's still a good friend. I was going to be an airforce wife. The second time was to Julie's father ... I'm really glad I didn't think it was a good idea at the time.

11. When my daughter is asleep at night, she looks just like her father. Amazingly so.

12. I have no idea what I want to do when I "grow up". I'm thinking about going back to school in the fall, but I honestly have no plans on what I want to do when I get there. That terrifies me.

13. I hate washing dishes. I think every house should have a mandatory dishwasher ... but a really good one. There should be no prewashing of dishes.

14. I love signing. I can't play an instrument to save my life. I tried the violin, guitar, and clarinet. Couldn't figure it out. Give me some sheet music and the key, and I'm gold.

15. I've sang in the Candlelight Processional about 9 times. I've never watched it ... but it's amazing. If you're ever at Disney for Christmas, go see it. It's unbelievable.

16. I was in show choir in highschool. The choir where they sing and dance ... none of my friends could get over that. I was the metal head rock girl ... in choir. I still laugh at their looks when I would sing for them. Nothing like hearing a choir girl singing Tool. It's hillarious.

That's about it ...

I have finally sat down and thought more about Christmas, and what Julie will be getting from me. I'm so happy to say that she'll be getting no toys that need batteries from me this year!

Now, if my parents would only listen. They plan on getting her a Dora the Explorer ride on jeep. I can see this ending badly.

Tonight after work I'm stopping by the consignment shop and picking up some new clothes for her. She really needs a couple more pairs of pants, especially since they are going to go to North Carolina for the week this Saturday.

I have to think of something to do with myself since I'll be home alone for 9 days.

So a good friend of mine is getting married Novermber 11th. She's actually the fourth marriage so far this year, but the first wedding I'm actually going to attend.

I'm terrified.

First of all, I don't do well at weddings. I'm not big on the whole "OOOHhh, I haven't seen you in YEARS!" thing.

Secondly, I'm not girly. I don't own ANYTHING to wear to this blasted thing. I'm going to have to spend around $200 on a dress, I've already started looking. Then there's shoes ... and possibly having to get my hair done. I wish I could do it myself ... but we'll see. Not to mention shoes. *ok, so I'm girly enough to be exicited to buy new shoes*

Then, there's the bridal shower. I have to get her a present for this as well, don't I?!?! JEESH. She wants me to make her a scrapbook, which is cute ... since she doesn't realize it'll cost around $200 to do the whole thing. Sorry, but I would be reluctant to make my own sister's wedding scrapbook, let alone a friend.

I'm just freaking out. I can't be horrid and not go .. it's just not my style. I'm so very happy for her ... but just worried about the money.

I'm thinking about asking a good guy friend if he'll go with me, and then we could at least go halfsies on the present. Free drinks ... I'll keep reminding myself that it's open bar, and maybe I'll be able to make it to the day.

To do list:

1. New windshield wipers. Bad. This has to be done this weekend, since they were literally falling apart during the rain storm I had to drive through on the way to work.
2. Oil change. This can probably wait about a week or two, but I would like to get it done as soon as possible. I have had the car for a long while, and haven’t had the oil changed yet. I’m sure it’s do. I’d like to get it done by the end of next week.
3. Pay car insuance. $323.
4. Pay car payment $220
5. Pay hospital bill.
6. Pay bill for doctor at hospital.
7. Pay bill for doctor’s office.
8. Pay bill for after hours clinic.
9. Make list of all bill’s due, and when.
10. Finish budget folder.
11. Fill out paperwork for daycare.
12. Take paper for Julie’s daycare to notary.
13. Clean out car.
14. Vacuum car.
15. Clean Julie’s car seat.
16. Take at least one box of Julie’s clothes down to the consignment shop.
17. Make list for things for Christmas.
18. Pay storage shed.

I think that’s enough to keep me busy for the rest of the week. I really should add “find my cell phone” to that list, but considering I have no idea where on Earth I left it … I don’t want to think about it right now.

I need to also put in my calendar two weeks from now to call about Julie’s flu shot.

So, this week I didn't do entirely well. But, I have started getting on track. I'm down to nickles and dimes in my account, and terrified something is going to go through before I work this weekend and make some money.

I'm hoping this weekend is busy, so that I actually make money. And somehow I'm supposed to make it out to the soccer fields tomorrow and back on barely any gas. I haven't figured out how that is going to happen yet.

Have you ever had one of those days where you just weren't sure you were doing the right thing. I wanted to quit my job today b/c my manager literally told me I had to pick the job over my daughter. I've never been so furious in my life.

My daughter is more important than anything in my entire life. Money will never change that. But, I have serious doubts leaving her at her cruddy daycare and going to a job that my boss doesn't seem to care about her.

It just honestly, wasn't a good week.

I just keep having to tell myself that next week is going to be better.

Goals for next week:
Sat - Gas *$40*. Julie needs some more pj's, and some shorts, though I am not sure if I am going to buy them this week or next. I am going to try to do my grocery shopping tonight after work. Clean out car, it really needs to be vacuumed. I need to head over to JoAnne's for some velcro to fix Juliette's careseat if I can't find the velcro I bought a couple of months ago.

Sun - Grocery shopping for my parents after work. Bank trip. Deposit the money so I don't spend it. Sunday I'm also going to start my $20 challenge.

Mon - Finish organizing bills. Go through the rest of Julie's clothes, plan trip to consignment shop for hopefully later in the week.

Tues and Wed, no plans to spend any money at all!

Thursday - Pick up cake for baby shower at work ... I also have to pick up a gift.

Friday - No spend day.

I'd like to keep up with this. I'm off to create a sheet to keep track of my bills.

Amanda

Wow! Let me first say that the words of encouragement were wonderful. Secondly, let me apologize, I literally fell asleep last night while writing that blog. I don't know what happened to me, I woke up and I hadn't finished my post.

Day 2. I knew today I would have to spend some money. Tomorrow is a potluck at work .... I think this one is the fourth in about two months. I've done every possible "cheap" things for potluck; chips, macaroni salad, sodas ... yeah. I had to spend money this time. I went for lasagna, but I honestly didn't feel like making one from scratch. So, Stouffer's got about $11 from me. I also had to buy some diapers. Jeesh! I can't wait until Juliette is out of diapers!!!!!

For a long while, I was buying cases of Pampers. The pampers are great ... they are thin and she doesn't leak - they are $18.88 a case at walmart for 92 diapers. The white cloud diapers are $14.92 for 92, though they are a lot thicker. This kind of works out better for us since she's such a tiny girl her clothes fall off. Right now, we're going through about 6-7 diapers a day, well during the week. I hate to say this, but I think her daycare teacher is either using too many diapers or she's stealing them. Seriously. At home, she goes through about 4-5. Maybe I don't change her enough .. but I have serious doubts about the teacher. Anyways, I bought the diapers ... and we have wipes to last till about the end of the month.

Is it bad that since I have only been taking 7 diapers a day to her daycare, that she went from using 7 a day *plus going through some mysteriously* that she is only changed 4 times a day. I didn't think this would be that hard, taking my child to daycare.

I was also bad and bought myself a shirt, but in my defense I have about five outfits for work. There are five days in a work week, and one of them is a casual day. I'm sure you all can do the math on this, I wear a lot of the same clothes! It's ... bothersome.

I'm working right now on getting Julie's clothes together to take them to the consignment shop. There is a girl at work who's pregnant and due in December who is interested in the highchair, travel system and excersaucer. I'm so exicited! I'm going to take pictures of them this week and take them to work ... hopefully she'll buy them. If not, my mom is planning on having a yard sale near the end of this month, maybe I can get rid of them then.

My best thing of the day ... everyone at work ordered sushi. I almost caved. But, I held out .. and my manager *who always eats with her eyes* ended up having an entire roll extra ... mmmmmmmmm, sushi. And even better, free sushi!

So, no ... today wasn't great. I know that sometimes I have to spend money, but there is this evil place called "Walmart" perhaps you have heard of it. They have everything you could ever possibly want but not need, under the same roof. I literally have an impossible time going in there and not spending $50. Tonight, I spent $45.02. I've learned that it's cheaper and easier to go to CVS for milk, it's $2.99 a gal over there. We go through about a gal of milk a week. At walmart, it's $3.29, plus ... I'll spend an additional $47 on junk. Everytime.

The part that is honestly going to be the hardest for me is actually sticking to a budget. Working out the kinks, the fact that I owe quite a bit of money to a number of people ... it's going to take time. If it means staying out of stores ... that's what it means.

When I was staying home with Julie *I was working nights while my mom watched her* we'd go to the store for fun. Yes, fun. I didn't want to stay in the house all day, so I'd head over to Target to walk around, spend some time. Yeah ... spend about $45, then grab some starbucks. Ack. It's a really good thing I had to get a day job.

Now, even though I'm paying an arm and a leg for day *$140 a week* I'm not spending all the money in the store. So, maybe it's a good thing.

Another goal for September, either decide if I can deal with keeping Julie in the daycare for the next four months *The program I want to get her in doesn't accept until they're two* or switch her now. If I switch her, do I go home daycare or to another facility (that honestly sounds like a horrid word).

Off till next time. Thanks for reading.

Amanda

I really need this to work. To be able to get out of debt, to see the light.

A back story.

My daughter is what some people would call an "accident", but I kindly refer to her as a "SUPRISE!" I didn't want kids until I was thirty, and wellllll ... I'm 22. She came a little early, but I honestly wouldn't have it any other way.

Her father left when she was five months old. I've never seemed a dime from him, and every day I struggle wondering if it will be worth it in the long one. I haven't come to ao decision about it.

Right now, we're living with my parents, which I hate. I've inherited their awful money sense, and I can't stand it anymore. And the sad part is ... I can't get out of debt while living here. I don't understand how this is possible.

My goals for the rest of September are to be able to get all of my bills and debts in ONE location. To be better organzied in this process. To have at least 10 no spend days. I also hope that last week was the last overdraft fee I'll ever pay.

Can I do it?! I honestly hope so.