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VIP Kid update and more..

June 30th, 2017 at 01:12 pm

For Laura (or anyone else who may have been interested): I had the interview with VIP, and I thought it went well. However, the follow up email was I didn't have enough ESL experience, so they were not going to go any further with me. That was fine, but I was not happy with them. I raced home from the Detroit area that day to prep for the interview. They had my resume. They know my lack of ESL experience. I guess my point is, they should not have had me bother with the interview.

Merilee, I saw your comment on my last post. We should meet sometime. Do you do the mall walking?I am going to start Monday! I walk in the park now, but walking in air conditioning with others is appealing.

I went to parent orientation at the university yesterday. I learned a lot. My son had to stay overnight in the dorm. I will go pick him up shortly. I hope he had fun!

Also, he got a summer job at Subway. Final tally on his grad money was just over $1200. He bought a bike, lock and helmet. He is also planning on a laptop. He will put any leftover money toward books.

Next week my older son, wife and kids will be here too! I am so excited they are moving here as well. They both transferred their jobs at CVS.

My daughter is going to Wilmington, NC next week to explore the area. She has an opportunity to almost double her income if she transfers her job there. If anyone knows anything about that area, I would love to hear more (as would she).

On the financial front, I am spending as little as possible. I only have one more child support payment left. I am all set up for subbing in September, but it is that two month gap where I need to be very careful. I am trying to pick up more mystery shops and am also volunteering for some extra editing. Even with two trips to the Detroit area, I have barely used any gas. Everything is so close here, I don't think I have used more than a half tank all month other than those trips.



Anyone looking to buy a house in AZ?

June 13th, 2017 at 08:36 pm

One of my FB friends posted this home in AZ on 20 acres:

https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/az/concho/669-county-road-8235-stanford/pid_18337473/

You must see for yourself...

Settling In

June 6th, 2017 at 01:13 pm

I am starting to settle in at my new place. I finally sold my sectional on FB Maretplace and picked up a new love seat on clearance. It is so much more comfortable than my sectional!

I am trying to pick up a little more work. I started the application process with VIP Kid (Thanks again Laura for mentioning it). I also sent an inquiry to a local tutoring company. The owner is interested and is going to set up a meeting with me next week (He is out of town this week).

Mystery shopping is going well in the area. I am near everything and barely need to use my car. The mall is less than a half mile. Also within a mile are Target, Meijer, Big Lots, Aldi and more. There is also a beautiful park and library right across the street.

One of my bffs and her family drove up Saturday (100 miles) and we went to a HUGE farm market. I love that place, and it is only two miles away. This weekend I am driving down to the Detroit area to see some family and go to the same friend's daughter's grad party.

As far as DH, he pulled what I half expected. He had nowhere to go in NH, so he stayed in MI. He actually told me when I was signing my lease I needed to add him. I was furious and told him it was not happening. In the end, he found a room to rent downtown. I have had to be rude with him this past week because my patience was running out. He was not getting there is no longer a "we" without my being quite blunt. Everything is off the moving truck (He got a storage unit), and it has been returned. I helped him find a mini fridge and microwave on the Marketplace. My son agreed to help him move it in today. The fridge is kind of big, and DH can't lift it. I told him this was the last thing we were assisting him with, and he has to sink or swim on his own now.

Checking In

June 3rd, 2017 at 12:48 am

I made it to MI with no issues. It was probably the smoothest road trip for me ever. I am pleased with the apartment and the neighborhood. Otherwise, I am sore and exhausted. I will be glad when everything is unpacked and put away. I look forward into settling into a routine.

Chaos!

May 25th, 2017 at 09:11 pm

It's the calm before the storm. My daughter, her bff, bff's daughter, and my son's bff (who lives down by my daughter) area on their way up from south Florida. Tomorrow is my son's graduation. They will stay through Saturday. Then it is the final push for packing before we get the moving truck Tuesday.

At this point I am mush. I am completely mentally and physically exhausted. I spent a ton of time this week selling DH's stuff on FB Marketplace this week. I asked more than he was going to and got full price offers on all but one item. I finally had to say no more. After all, I am working on top of all of this!

Anyhow, I wanted to wish you all a safe holiday weekend. If nothing else I will check in late next week after I "back in the mitten" (MI).

Question for those who are landlords or renters

May 16th, 2017 at 07:54 pm

I am being told I have to leave the electricity and water on in my name for 5 business days after I leave. Is this normal? It is not in my lease, but it is on the checkout list I received when I gave my notice. I talked to the property manager and told her I am not comfortable for paying for a place I no longer live in legally after the 31st. She was polite, but she said this is standard and I won't receive my deposit if I turn the utilities off early. This house is owned by an individual not a company. I also have no idea if anyone will be living here in those five days. I know when I moved in, it was one day after the other tenant left.

Facebook Marketplace Success

May 13th, 2017 at 07:49 pm

I never paid attention to FB Marketplace before. I rarely use the FB app, but I ran across the marketplace recently and put stuff up on it this morning. We made $275 dollars today! Within minutes, I had replies for two dressers, and old kitchen table and chairs and a gas grill.

I am waiting on the person to pick up the table and chairs, but the others showed up within an hour. This is so much easier than a garage sale or Craigslist.

This is stuff that my husband owned for years, so it is his money (although he gave me $40 for putting it all up).

Now I need to look around and make sure I don't have anything else I personally need to sell.

Updates-Non financial

May 8th, 2017 at 12:48 pm

I had my regular job this weekend but no mystery shops, so I did some major packing. A lot of my stuff was never unpacked. However, I had went through all the boxes, so I had condensed some boxes into smaller ones and taped them back up.

I got rid of a few more things. DH got rid of a ton of stuff (mostly clothes and books). We also had my son and his friend bring the dressers downstairs to the garage. I am going to put those and the kitchen table up on FB Marketplace. They are antiques that are DH's, and he does not want them. I have always hated the style (very big and bulky). I am hoping someone who loves antiques will want to refinish them. I told DH he might not get much, but I am hoping he gets something, as he needs the money.

We still have three weeks, but we really HAD to get this stuff done. The house is up for rent, and I have to allow potential tenants to walk through.

The big news is my older son, his wife and my grandkids are moving too! They will be in the same apartment complex. I am so excited! I will have to be very careful with the budget with the grandkids so close. They are currently in Florida as well but 600 miles away. They will join us in MI in mid-July.

When you have moved, have you given away or sold what you didn't want/need?

Updates-Non financial

May 8th, 2017 at 12:48 pm

I had my regular job this weekend but no mystery shops, so I did some major packing. A lot of my stuff was never unpacked. However, I had went through all the boxes, so I had condensed some boxes into smaller ones and taped them back up.

I got rid of a few more things. DH got rid of a ton of stuff (mostly clothes and books). We also had my son and his friend bring the dressers downstairs to the garage. I am going to put those and the kitchen table up on FB Marketplace. They are antiques that are DH's, and he does not want them. I have always hated the style (very big and bulky). I am hoping someone who loves antiques will want to refinish them. I told DH he might not get much, but I am hoping he gets something, as he needs the money.

We still have three weeks, but we really HAD to get this stuff done. The house is up for rent, and I have to allow potential tenants to walk through.

The big news is my older son, his wife and my grandkids are moving too! They will be in the same apartment complex. I am so excited! I will have to be very careful with the budget with the grandkids so close. They are currently in Florida as well but 600 miles away. They will join us in MI in mid-July.

When you have moved, have you given away or sold what you didn't want/need?

More car expenses

April 29th, 2017 at 02:01 am

Last week my check engine light came on. Over 700 dollars later ($722.81 to be exact), it is fixed. I have put over $2000 into my car the last few months. However, a lot of that was regular maintenance. I have replaced two tires, the rear brakes, a control arm, two sensors, a coil, had an oil change and a tune up. I am going to get the transmission fluid flushed before I hit the road, and I hope that is the last of it for awhile. My car is a 2010 Santa Fe, and I hope to have it last at least two more years. I will need to replace the other two tires before winter, but that "should" be it for the year other than oil changes.

This month every little bit extra is going in savings for the move. I have the money for the rent, deposit, truck, gas and one night in a hotel. However, I know I will need to fill my fridge from scratch. I also know other things will likely pop up. I am working extra admin hours this month, so that will help.

Other than that, not much new here. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Happy Easter

April 16th, 2017 at 04:25 pm

Happy Easter! Not much happening here. I am working. We were allowed to take the day off, but I saw no reason to do so. I have no plans, and I do not get paid for being off. My son was invited to a cookout at a friend's house. Since our time here is winding down and I had nothing special planned, I encouraged him to go. It is a beautiful day, so I may go for a walk on the beach when he gets home with the car.

My Easter spending was about $30, although $21.98 was Amazon credit. Once again, I dipped into the credit I saved up, but it made more sense than sending gifts to the grandkids from a brick and mortar store. I would have spent cash and had shipping costs. I have Prime, so shipping was free. I also took the slower shipping so I would get $5 credit toward Prime Pantry shipping (usually $5.99). The rest of the cash was candy/Cheezits for my son's Easter bucket. He will be 18 this summer, so I wanted to do one last Easter gift before he is an adult. I also saved money by not getting Easter themed candy. I got him a regular Lindt white chocolate bar and Reese's.

I hope you all enjoy your day.


A Day in the Life of Mystery Shopping

April 13th, 2017 at 05:53 pm

Some of you have noted interest in the past, so I thought I would share a day of mystery shopping. This isn't everyday, but I could do this type of day at least three times a week. The times include the shop and the report. This is my agenda for tomorrow:

1.) Breakfast at Sonic:

Pay: $10 (Originally $5, Bonus $5)

Reimbursement: Up to $7.80 (It's enough for a complete meal. I will probably take my son to school, and he can eat it beforehand. I am trying to avoid fast food.)

Report Easy, no narrative

Total time for this shop: 30 mins

Time for payment: 30 days

2.) Local Credit Union for a typical transaction:

Pay: $10 (This is low pay for a bank shop, but I need to go there anyhow.)

Report: Easy, one section of narrative

Total time for this shop (Assuming no long lines): 15 minutes

Time for payment: 6 weeks

3.) Ross (Clothing store)

Pay: $24 (Originally $14, Bonus $10)

No reimbursement (purchase and return-I will go to Fed Ex. which is near Ross and then return the item.)

Report: Easy, no narrative

Total time for this shop: 45 minutes

Time for payment: 30 days

4.) Fed Ex

Pay: $25 for a package pick up (No idea if there is actually anything of value in the package. The tracking says it weighs 1 lb.)

Report: Moderate, some narrative

Total time for this shop: 30 minutes

Time for payment: 2 weeks

5.) Hot Head Burritos

Pay: $0

Reimbursement: $15 (It will be enough to cover two burritos and two drinks.)

Report: Moderate, some narrative

Total time for this shop: 45 minutes

Time for payment: 5 weeks

I took this shop because it is my son's favorite place. I rarely do reimbursement only shops.

These shops are all local (5 mile radius).

I will make $69 cash and up to $22.80 in reimbursements. With the shops and driving, I am expecting 4 hours of work at most. I can't do the burrito shop until 5 PM, so I will go home and do the other reports and go back out for that shop.

Sidebar Update

April 1st, 2017 at 04:38 pm

Since my son isn't getting a car right away, we took part of the check from the accident and fully funded the moving fund.

As far as Amazon savings for the laptop fund, it is down from $127 at the last update. I bought a few needs. I needed printer ink, a new screen protector for my phone and an AP Physics book for my son. I was down to $97 and some change at one point, but have built it back up a bit and now back up to $113.

The weight loss is on track. I was down 11 pounds last check (early this week). I have just under two months to lose another 14, so it can be done.

I Officially Have a Place!

March 27th, 2017 at 08:36 pm

I ended up with a different apartment than the first I mentioned. This one had more bang for my buck. For $745, the complex has a business center, fitness center, outdoor and indoor pool. The indoor pool was a HUGE draw for me because I like aquacise so much. It is within a few miles of the first place, and it is a good area.

I am so close to so much shopping which is a plus. I hate spending money, but I sure love earning it via mystery shopping! I also figured now that my son is without a car for awhile, it is nice this is on the bus line.

My anxiety level is a lot lower now. I hated the feeling of not knowing where in the heck I was going to live. Now I can relax a bit.

Bad News/Good News

March 22nd, 2017 at 01:10 am

First the bad, my son totaled his car this morning on the way to school. It appears his brake line had some kind of leak. He did not get ticketed although he hit the car in front of him. Since the car is 20 years old they opted to total it already. He is not hurt, and he only took the bumper off the other car. That was odd because he drove a huge Chrysler and the other car was a small Toyota. My son is pretty upset. He loved his car. I reminded him cars can be replaced but people cannot.

Onto the "Good" news....Geico worked fast. They already looked at it and told me they appraised it at $2200 which is more than double what he originally paid for it. However, we put work in it. In the end he just about evened out. I am pleased with the amount. I just wish it never happened.

It is going to be serious pain, but we are going to try and keep one car for the next two months. I will drive him to and from school. He works within walking distance. DH works late afternoons so it can be done. After we get to Michigan we can decide on a car.

Michigan Trip Recap

March 18th, 2017 at 12:27 pm

The Michigan trip was a success. My grandson got to see snow for the first time (He's four) and LOVED it. Watching him play in it was worth the trip. He was so good on the trip. I miss him terribly already.

I went to the Lansing area with my friend and her husband on Tuesday. We looked in a few areas, and in the end I decided on an apartment in a quaint town just west of Lansing. They had the cutest little main street type of downtown within walking distance. Also within a mile in the other direction was Meijer (in my opinion a better quality Walmart with groceries in the Midwest) and the typical chain fast foods, gas stations, etc. I need to do my taxes since I am self-employed and then officially apply for the apartment. I am going to take care of it all this week. Best of all the rent is $710 with gas, water/trash and sewer all included. The apartment is 2 bedrooms/1 bath.

As I mentioned previously, this was originally my daughter's trip and I tagged along. I gave her $150 from an overpayment for the cable/internet (A long story and hours of calls, but I finally got it) for gas/car wear and tear and the hotel. Other than that, I spent the following:

$12-A cake for my daughter's half birthday (Her card on her real birthday never arrived)

$10-Cracker Barrel for my dinner on the way home

$3-Toy for my grandson on clearance at Kmart going out of business

$3-Wendy's for my grandson

$ 32 gas for my friend for the Lansing trip, and I used my card once on the road for gas ($1.92 in Northern Tennessee!)

$5 Tip at lunch when out one day

$5 (approximate can't find receipt) for coffee on the way to Lansing. I also picked up a soda for friend's hubby.

$15-Arby's for 6 of us before we got on the road. My son gets half off, so it was pretty cheap considering.

Total =$85


Our meals were all covered for the most part with the hotel breakfast and my family members. My dad took us out twice. My uncle was also up from Florida and took care of a meal. Another uncle bought us lunch another day. My grandma also bought lunch one day. My parents also cooked a lasagna one night.

On a side note, my son's trip with his dad got canceled. His dad was supposed to fly in from CT and they were going to drive my son's car to the Gainesville area to see his dads father. The Nor' Easter ruined that. His dad couldn't get another flight out until Friday and they were due back on Sunday anyhow, so he just got a refund instead.

Non financial brain dump...

March 8th, 2017 at 01:17 pm

I am incredibly anxious this week. It's not like I haven't been aware for many months I am going through nearly every major life change this year. However, with the trip to MI This week, it really is hitting me hard.

I don't want any regrets. I know when I moved here, it wasn't the best decision. Overall, it worked out but in retrospect it wasn't a great decision.

I KNOW moving to MI is good for us. For one, after research my moving there will get my son in-state tuition this year. This is going to save thousands! I also know it is never a bad thing to be near friends and family.

Part of my anxiety is driving in March. The weather can be a factor. Luckily, I don't see any major storms on the horizon. Please pray and/or keep us in your thoughts the weather is decent for us on the trip there and back.

When I get to MI, I am going out with my cousin house/apt hunting to see if us sharing a place is viable. That may not work because of where she needs to live. It is further from Lansing than I prefer. I am also going to Lansing for a full day to look at places there.

In the end, it isn't like I would ever be homeless if I don't find something before the move. I can put my stuff in storage and stay with my parents for a month or two. However, I would have much more peace of mind if I have a place of my own to move to on June 1st.

On the marriage front, DH is freaking out that he will be homeless. However, he has made no effort or progress. It seems he expects me to take him in if nothing falls in his lap. I can't do it anymore.

Savings Update

March 4th, 2017 at 12:39 pm

Moving fund is up to $700. It would be more, but I needed to put over $400 into the car for a control arm.


The laptop fund is up to $127 (Amazon). I recently cashed out for $25 on Swagbucks.

Class Action Lawsuit-New car or parts in last 20 years

March 3rd, 2017 at 12:44 pm

You might be eligible to get in on this if your car or part qualifies. You must have proof of purchase. The deadline is March 16th.

https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/351624-automotive-parts-price-fixing-class-action-settlements/

My car qualifies!

I applied for a job...

February 18th, 2017 at 05:41 pm

It's funny how much Google knows about us. I was looking at my Google feed and came across an interesting seasonal job opportunity. A testing company is hiring for test scoring. They have remote work and location work available. They are opening a location within walking distance of my parent's house. Since I am moving to MI soon, I applied. I said I was available for the remote and location work. I talked to my parents, and they said I could stay with them during the times I am doing the seasonal work onsite if I am hired.

My editing job is flexible, so it would not affect my regular work at all. I have done some volunteer test scoring before. I really enjoyed it. I will let you know if it pans out.

By the way, my daughter asked my son if we could take my 4 year old grandson on our road trip to MI next month. He and his wife agreed. It will be interesting. However, I am excited to spend the time with him.

Savings Update

February 10th, 2017 at 12:26 pm

I am up to $92 in Amazon credit for the laptop. I accrued the following so far this month:

$5 Mobile Meter
$1 Mplus Rewards
$10 Media Insiders
$25 Cross Media Panel

The moving fund is up to $550 after a small deposit from me and money from my son from his paycheck.

Explanation of the Two Trips on Sidebar

January 31st, 2017 at 02:22 pm

I updated my sidebar. I thought I would explain the two trips. A few weeks ago my daughter decided she was going to drive up to MI in March. My grandma isn't in the best of health, so she wants to see her asap. She was going to do the drive on her own. Her best friend is going, but she doesn't have a license.

Anyhow, we talked, and in the end I decided to join her and help drive. I am paying the difference in gas for her to swing over to the far end of the panhandle to pick me up. Basically, everything figured in, my portion going to run no more than $200. We are driving straight through. We have a place to stay and most, if not all, of our meals are covered. My uncle will be in town from Florida too and insists on covering meals. My parents also tend to want to feed us. We are packing food for the car. I have a refund coming from the cable company (another nightmare story) and will use that money for this trip. In addition to helping my daughter drive and seeing my grandma, I want to look at towns where I am considering living. This takes the burden off sending friends and family to do it for me.

The New Hampshire trip is not set in stone. One of my close friends is getting married Labor Day weekend. I really want to go, but she knows about the major move and totally understands if I cannot make it. I will see how the move all works out and decide in June on that one. I won't do it unless I can cash flow it from regular spending and any potential leftover moving fund money.

I also wanted to note the moving fund is just the cost of moving our stuff. I already have money set aside for first month's rent and a security deposit.

Laptop Fund Etc.

January 30th, 2017 at 01:49 pm

I have started a laptop fund. I am going to purchase a new laptop with what I obtain in Amazon funds over the next few months. Assuming my current laptop lasts, I plan on getting the new one in June after the move. I hope to earn around $400 in Amazon gift cards by then. My current laptop is 3 and half years old and has minor issues. I hope to keep it as a backup.

I will have enough from Cross Media (formerly known as Screenwise Trends) for another $25 later in the week. I just added $20 from my daughter. She gave me an Amazon card for my bday. She insisted even though we normally only do birthday cards. My current total is $51.

On the birthday note, my youngest baked an amazing blueberry muffin cake. It is the best cake I have ever had! I also got a nice card from my oldest son and his family.

I am afraid the aquacise classes weren't so frugal this month. I absolutely need to go today and tomorrow. Even with those visits, it will only be four visits (It's $25 a month for unlimited classes. They are offered M-F) for the month. I was sick earlier in the month, and after that I had a huge work project. I feel so out of shape. I really need to get back to that routine!

Have a great week everyone!


Car Update Etc.

January 17th, 2017 at 03:51 pm

I am slammed with work lately. I am not complaining. It is good for the budget. Today is especially busy. The only reason I am here now is I have 15 minutes before a phone meeting, so I don't want to get into the middle of any work projects at the moment.

I had the two tires replaced on the car on Saturday. I also got an alignment. The total was $306.26. DH agreed to pay $120 toward it.

On a side note, I am proud of my son. His father got him an Auto Zone gift card for Christmas, so my son decided to tackle his own brakes. This is the first time he has done anything on a car. It took most of the day yesterday, but he got it done with no issues. I asked DH to make sure he got the car jacked up safely and to check on him periodically. He asked DH a couple of questions, but he did all the physical work himself. He wants to tackle spark plugs next. He will do his and mine.

I haven't spent any money since Saturday and don't plan on it until Thursday. I wish I could have five day streaks every week! Time to go sign in for my meeting. Have a great day everyone!

I need to diversify my savings!

January 13th, 2017 at 10:25 pm

I keep my savings accounts with Capital One 360. I have separate accounts for an emergency, short term savings and my moving fund. I have a debit I don't use with them that I can transfer the money to if I were to need money immediately.

Earlier this week I had a log in message to call Capital One. They think someone tried to sign into my accounts, so they froze all of them and cancelled the debit card. As luck (or lack of) would have it, I got a slow leak in one tire and a flat on another today. I only keep an extra $100 in my regular checking, and I just paid all the mid month bills a few hours before this happened.

I will use the credit card to cover the tires and pay it off when the money is freed up. But this got me thinking about what to do with all my savings going forward. This money is frozen for up to 10 business days.

To top it off the girl I spoke to in their security department said she would try to free up one of the accounts immediately, and I could go to the ATM. I asked her what I was supposed to do because the debit got cancelled. She said I should just be able to punch in my account without a debit card. I was without words at how crazy it was she thought that could be done. She admitted after a couple of minutes it wouldn't work.

I could kick myself for getting rid of my second credit card (Long story, but I was ticked off with the company). With one card, I am limited in an emergency without access to savings. I am definitely going to start keeping more savings in my main credit union account. I am also seriously reconsidering Capital One altogether at this point.

2017 Goals

January 2nd, 2017 at 02:15 pm

As I said yesterday, with the move in June it is difficult to set some goals for the whole year. However, I want to be able to reflect back next year, so I am going to give it a shot.

Goals before the move:

Declutter: This is pretty easy since I already started. I don't own a lot and may even finish this goal in January.

Continue improving health: I will continue with the aquacise classes, and I am only shopping the outside aisles of the grocery store. The exception are household goods and coffee.

Save for the move: We are putting away $75 per week for the move. I am also contributing bonuses and snowflakes.

Goals from June forward:

Continue the health goal.

Come up with a long term savings plan: Once I know how mystery shopping works out up north (I will still do it, but I am afraid bonuses won't be as plentiful in a more populated area) I can make a plan more easily. I also want to sub, and I need to see how often I am called.

Volunteer: I think I mentioned I am joining my friend and her family in volunteering for Game on Cancer.

Spend a lot of time with family and friends: This won't be an issue being so much closer. It will be nice not to run around and see who I can fit in on a short trip!

Wardrobe: I read so many posts this morning and got this idea from someone else (I am sorry I can't remember who right now, but thank you for the idea!). I really need to start putting more effort into dressing nicer. Since I am losing weight and don't want to drag more than I have to on the move, I will put more effort into this post-move.


I think all of these are very doable. I guess time will tell for sure!

Happy New Year!

January 1st, 2017 at 03:02 pm

Happy New Year! After a lot of soul searching this past year, I knew I needed to surround myself with positive people, live life with more purpose and spend more time with family and friends. I was prepared to follow my son (for the most part) to wherever he decided to go to college. I am so glad he chose MSU. I head home for good (a 100 miles give or take) on June 1st after 19 years. And yes, it is for good because I am getting too old for the major moving adventures. I know the year won't be perfect or without challenges and major changes, but overall it should be a great year!

Financially, my son and I are saving aggressively for the move. I will set long term goals later in the year when I am settled in Michigan.

I hope this year brings only the best for my fellow SA'ers.

Snowflakes Etc.

December 22nd, 2016 at 09:06 pm

Christmas Day it will go in the 70s here, but I still am seeing snowflakes! I have done very well this week.

I got a $5 Amazon through a new app I downloaded (Mobile Meter).

I just cashed out $22 on Pinecone. I took $15 in cash, got a $5 Starbucks card and also got a $2 Virtual Visa card.

The best part was the freebies/discounts for TMobile Tuesdays this week! I got a free sub, a free pair of hat and gloves (I was only supposed to get one or the other, but she gave me both), two pairs of socks through Zappos, and half off a Boxed.com order.

I cannot believe how expensive Zappos is. I had a $25 credit and free shipping. All I could afford were the two pair of socks! Boxed.com was also free shipping and $10 off at least $19.99. I spend $11.98 out of pocket for a case of Gatorade and a 30 pack of Sun Chips. I would have never paid the full asking price, but I thought that was a good deal. All items were already delivered too.

Like I said, as adults we don't exchange Christmas gifts, so I guess all that was Christmas to myself!

Christmas Plans Changed

December 20th, 2016 at 01:37 pm

Christmas plans have completely changed. My stepson called and said it is too far to drive from his in-laws in the Jacksonville area to see us in the Panhandle. He said the drive is too much with kids. He wanted us to come to him. I do not have the time off, and my son and his friend both have flights here the 26th and 27th. DH took time off and was going to take the car to go see him. I told him that was not happening. My car needs work and is okay for short drives temporarily, but it needs to two tires, a tune up, an alignment and possibly fuel injectors. I already planned to do this in January. Mind you DH didn't want to pay for any of the work because we are splitting up in a few months. I couldn't do it this week even if I wanted to. The money is in Capital One and by time I transfer it, the work wouldn't be done in time.

So, DH is renting a car and leaving Christmas Day and coming back by the 29th. I understand not wanting to drive several hours with kids, but I am a little ticked. This was not an issue when the original plans were made. DH and I don't mix finances, but the general idea of having to rent a car and get a hotel room irks me considering it was sprung on him last minute. In the end, I realize it is a moot point to let it bother me. It doesn't affect me personally. I just don't get others' line of thinking at times

My Christmas celebration will be on the 27th with my son and his best friend. His friend's flight arrives in the morning. We will do a Christmas dinner (I am off that day), and I will give them their gifts. I will have the house to myself Christmas Day. I suppose if I feel cooped up at any point, I can go see a movie.

Scholarship Award

December 16th, 2016 at 10:56 pm

My son got his award letter today! MSU has granted him 11 k per year in scholarship money and a one time study abroad scholarship (up to 5k). He already has 1500 from back in elementary school. Dr. Ben Carson sponsored that one. I remember he had to write an essay. He won that in 4th grade. He has also been applying for obscure scholarships he's found FastWeb lately. I am so incredibly proud of him. His hard work is paying off for him quite well!


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