My faithful readers know that I have been trying to trim my pharmacy and grocery budgets by shopping sales and using coupons. Well, I will be going out of town this weekend so today's trip to Harris Teeter marked my very last shopping trip of the month! I know you're dying to find out how I did... so here are the numbers:
CVS
Total trips: 4
Subtotal: $164.52
Total out-of-pocket: $61.25
Total saved: $103.27
Percentage saved: 63%
This is about $11 over my $50 monthly budget for personal care and pharmacy items, however, I have a great stockpile going and now I can be more selective on sales. My total out-of-pocket next month should be well below $50.
Harris Teeter
Total trips: 4
Subtotal: $199.25
Total out-of-pocket: $99.10
Total saved: $100.15
Percentage saved: 50%
My total monthly grocery budget is $250, so I'd say I kicked that one out of the park! Of course it helps that I get a lot of overflow food from someone who lives down the street and can only cook in "firehouse" portions ;) And I don't do as much stockpiling of groceries just because I don't have the space for it, but I'm hoping to keep my grocery totals well below my allotment and continue to knock down those student loans with the surplus!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Jealousy!
I have a good friend who is moving to China for two years with her husband. He works in international marketing and his company is trying to break into the Chinese market (good idea!).
Man oh man am I jealous. Though I know that living in a place like China could be very lonely and frustrating it's also sure to be an incredible adventure. And think of all the traveling they'll get to do while over there! Getting to Asia is half the battle of traveling there and it's really not a trip you can do very often and still keep your sanity. So the fact that they'll have a home there (in the south, near Hong Kong) means that Cambodia, Thailand, Tibet, the Philippines, Japan, and Korea are suddenly as close as western Europe is for me! Easy peasy!
In another lifetime for me, maybe. In the mean time I'll try to remember that I do live in an international city and do my best to make the most of it.
But jeez... China for two years... lucky them!!
Man oh man am I jealous. Though I know that living in a place like China could be very lonely and frustrating it's also sure to be an incredible adventure. And think of all the traveling they'll get to do while over there! Getting to Asia is half the battle of traveling there and it's really not a trip you can do very often and still keep your sanity. So the fact that they'll have a home there (in the south, near Hong Kong) means that Cambodia, Thailand, Tibet, the Philippines, Japan, and Korea are suddenly as close as western Europe is for me! Easy peasy!
In another lifetime for me, maybe. In the mean time I'll try to remember that I do live in an international city and do my best to make the most of it.
But jeez... China for two years... lucky them!!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
ASL Test
I went in for my American Sign Language Proficiency test this morning at Gallaudet University. Nerve-wracking!!
The testing room was on the second floor of the library. Thankfully I semi-know my way around campus so getting there wasn't a problem. I checked in and told the person behind the desk that I was nervous and wondering what she could tell me about the format.
She said that the format would be conversational and is designed to test your existing knowledge of the language. She said that it tests the whole language capabilities of the signer and is naturally geared toward whichever level the signer is at.
My tester came out to get me early (I guess there was no one before me) and we went into the testing room which was set up with two chairs and a camcorder pointing at me. My test was recorded for evaluation purposes.
Things started out simple. He introduced himself and we fingerspelled our names. We told each other our deaf names and he asked me how I was doing. He asked me a little about my signing history and my work. All in sign language. No words spoken between us during the entire test.
After explaining my current work and how I came to be interested in American Sign Language, he asked me about where I live and what I do for fun. He asked me if I liked sports, and then blew me out of the water with a question about what I think should be done about the prevalence of drugs, violence, and greed among professional athletes! Eek!
I managed to steer the conversation toward hockey (what I told him I consider a 'pure' sport, mostly devoid of steroids and greed) and told him all about my beloved Niklas Lidstrom. I told him about the difference between Russian and Canadian hockey.
He then changed the subject and asked me how crime analysis and intelligence software has changed in the past five years. Another eek! I didn't manage that one very well but was somehow able to explain that, since crimes are committed by humans and humans naturally adapt to crime abatement techniquest, crime prevention software also has to change continually and that it takes a lot of training to keep up with it all.
By now I was extremely tired! There were a few more questions about travel and I mentioned that I loved to travel but have to scale it down now that I bought a condo (he gave me a 'congratulations' for that!).
A few more comments traded back and forth abot travel, and we were done! Twenty minutes or so and it went by fast. Test results (in writing) should be here mid-next week.
Whew!
The testing room was on the second floor of the library. Thankfully I semi-know my way around campus so getting there wasn't a problem. I checked in and told the person behind the desk that I was nervous and wondering what she could tell me about the format.
She said that the format would be conversational and is designed to test your existing knowledge of the language. She said that it tests the whole language capabilities of the signer and is naturally geared toward whichever level the signer is at.
My tester came out to get me early (I guess there was no one before me) and we went into the testing room which was set up with two chairs and a camcorder pointing at me. My test was recorded for evaluation purposes.
Things started out simple. He introduced himself and we fingerspelled our names. We told each other our deaf names and he asked me how I was doing. He asked me a little about my signing history and my work. All in sign language. No words spoken between us during the entire test.
After explaining my current work and how I came to be interested in American Sign Language, he asked me about where I live and what I do for fun. He asked me if I liked sports, and then blew me out of the water with a question about what I think should be done about the prevalence of drugs, violence, and greed among professional athletes! Eek!
I managed to steer the conversation toward hockey (what I told him I consider a 'pure' sport, mostly devoid of steroids and greed) and told him all about my beloved Niklas Lidstrom. I told him about the difference between Russian and Canadian hockey.
He then changed the subject and asked me how crime analysis and intelligence software has changed in the past five years. Another eek! I didn't manage that one very well but was somehow able to explain that, since crimes are committed by humans and humans naturally adapt to crime abatement techniquest, crime prevention software also has to change continually and that it takes a lot of training to keep up with it all.
By now I was extremely tired! There were a few more questions about travel and I mentioned that I loved to travel but have to scale it down now that I bought a condo (he gave me a 'congratulations' for that!).
A few more comments traded back and forth abot travel, and we were done! Twenty minutes or so and it went by fast. Test results (in writing) should be here mid-next week.
Whew!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Wanting More
Why is it that we (I) are never satisfied with what we have?
When I first moved to Washington, DC I had an apartment about eight blocks from the metro. It was a fifteen minute walk; not bad. The first time I moved, I cut the distance in half. Four blocks felt like nothing! I was at the metro in less than ten minutes!
My condo is a tiny bit over one block to the metro. Technically it's one block but then you have to cross the street and walk up the driveway to get to my front door - maybe an extra 30 seconds (if that). Not bad! It's about five minutes, super easy, and probably a closer distance than any parking space I could get if I had a car.
But now, when I get off the metro elevator I find myself looking longingly at the rowhouses right across the street. How night it would be to live right across the street from the metro!
What is wrong with me? I practically AM right across the street. I'm far closer to the metro than probably 90% of city residents. I'm closer than I've ever been. It's NOTHING. So why do I still find myself wanting to be closer still?
Never satisfied.
When I first moved to Washington, DC I had an apartment about eight blocks from the metro. It was a fifteen minute walk; not bad. The first time I moved, I cut the distance in half. Four blocks felt like nothing! I was at the metro in less than ten minutes!
My condo is a tiny bit over one block to the metro. Technically it's one block but then you have to cross the street and walk up the driveway to get to my front door - maybe an extra 30 seconds (if that). Not bad! It's about five minutes, super easy, and probably a closer distance than any parking space I could get if I had a car.
But now, when I get off the metro elevator I find myself looking longingly at the rowhouses right across the street. How night it would be to live right across the street from the metro!
What is wrong with me? I practically AM right across the street. I'm far closer to the metro than probably 90% of city residents. I'm closer than I've ever been. It's NOTHING. So why do I still find myself wanting to be closer still?
Never satisfied.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Great Game
The Wings outplayed but could not outscore the Capitals last night. We played a tight game offensively and defensively, but are just having one of those seasons where nothing is going our way. Even the Capitals players said after the game that their win was pure luck!
I wish the Wings came to town more than once per year. But I will take what I can get!
My ASL test is this Saturday. I thought it was next Saturday, so I haven't practiced.
Other than that I am trying to get back on the wagon after a weekend of emotional eating. It doesn't help that my apartment looks like I robbed a liquor store (thanks to the case of assorted alcohol I took home from my grandparents' house!) The sign test has been weighing on my mind - I am not ready - so I'll be glad to have it over. I don't expect to be scored as proficient but I hope that my agency chooses to develop my skills.
I will keep everyone posted on the results.
I wish the Wings came to town more than once per year. But I will take what I can get!
My ASL test is this Saturday. I thought it was next Saturday, so I haven't practiced.
Other than that I am trying to get back on the wagon after a weekend of emotional eating. It doesn't help that my apartment looks like I robbed a liquor store (thanks to the case of assorted alcohol I took home from my grandparents' house!) The sign test has been weighing on my mind - I am not ready - so I'll be glad to have it over. I don't expect to be scored as proficient but I hope that my agency chooses to develop my skills.
I will keep everyone posted on the results.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Out of Town
Heading out of town this weekend. Will post an update if I can find a wifi spot... otherwise... catch up with me Monday evening!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Decision
Well this decision was bound to come sooner or later. It was not easy to make but I feel a bit of relief having made it.
In order to meet some of my financial resolutions (namely take out a big chunk of my student loan debt and save more towards retirement) I have determined that it's necessary to move to an every-other-year travel schedule.
For approximately the past seven years I have been fortunate to take a significant and complex overseas trip every year. In fact I took two of these trips in 2009 if you count that I was in Iceland for half the day on January 1, 2009 and then in the UK in September of that same year.
I've been to Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Arctic. And I have no intention of stopping traveling. I just need to increase the length of time between trips.
It makes me sad to say this as I had planned to visit Sweden and Russia this October, but alas, the mature decision has prevailed.
Slow and steadywins the race builds the travel portfolio. Other things are important now, too, such as building wealth in my home and making responsible decisions.
In order to meet some of my financial resolutions (namely take out a big chunk of my student loan debt and save more towards retirement) I have determined that it's necessary to move to an every-other-year travel schedule.
For approximately the past seven years I have been fortunate to take a significant and complex overseas trip every year. In fact I took two of these trips in 2009 if you count that I was in Iceland for half the day on January 1, 2009 and then in the UK in September of that same year.
I've been to Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Arctic. And I have no intention of stopping traveling. I just need to increase the length of time between trips.
It makes me sad to say this as I had planned to visit Sweden and Russia this October, but alas, the mature decision has prevailed.
Slow and steady
Friday, January 08, 2010
Ahh...
I'm back online, at least temporarily. It's been frustrating to have my laptop in the shop, but hey. The laptop is free and the service is free. So I can't complain - and I get what I pay for ;-)
It's cold and blustery outside and I'm claiming tonight as my own. I'm knee-deep into the 1970's era I Claudius TV series. I love the novels (Robert Graves) and the series, while a little Shakesperean in production, is engaging and suspenseful. I also have a stack (and I mean STACK) of novels that are just waiting to be cracked open. I just can't read fast enough these days.
As part of a health kick-start I've cut out sweets and, during the week, alcohol, for two weeks. This is the end of week one and things are going swimmingly. My workouts have been varied and rock-solid in terms of consistency. I'm eating clean. I feel good. I broke my rule last night and had one beer (but only one!) out with my cousins. I made sure to eat a healthy dinner at home first and avoided the greasy bar food. Clothes are fitting the way they should and some of my upper body muscles are starting to pop.
And now, of course, the update you've all been waiting for - couponing! Heh. I had a pretty good week this week, starting with a trip to CVS. I saved $40 off a $75 tab (final total - $34.18, total saved, $40.38) plus I earned $15 in "Extra Care Bucks" (used as cash off a future total) along with a coupon for $5 off my purchase of $25 or more. The next CVS trip, if planned well, should be close to free.
Harris Teeter was doubling coupons up to $1.98 this week and I scored some good deals there. Notably, Dannon yogurts were on sale as 10 for $4. I had a $1 coupon (that doubled to $2 at checkout), which means I got ten yogurts for $2, or $0.20 each.
After coupons I also got two boxes of 20 Hefty tall kitchen bags for $1 ($0.50 each). So that was a pretty good deal.
I messed up on the Lysol, though. Lysol wipes were on sale 2 for $4 and I had two $1 coupons which double, making the items free. But I got the wrong kind of Lysol wipes and ended up paying about $8 at checkout- the coupons worked but wipes weren't the ones on store sale. Oh well.
So let's see, at Harris Teeter this week my subtotal was $116.85. After coupons and store sales I spent $53.23 which is well under my weekly grocery budget! And I have food, home care, and cleaning supplies that will last a very long time.
I guess you could say that I'm on a financial health quick-start to go along with my physical health quick-start. It feels good.
It's cold and blustery outside and I'm claiming tonight as my own. I'm knee-deep into the 1970's era I Claudius TV series. I love the novels (Robert Graves) and the series, while a little Shakesperean in production, is engaging and suspenseful. I also have a stack (and I mean STACK) of novels that are just waiting to be cracked open. I just can't read fast enough these days.
As part of a health kick-start I've cut out sweets and, during the week, alcohol, for two weeks. This is the end of week one and things are going swimmingly. My workouts have been varied and rock-solid in terms of consistency. I'm eating clean. I feel good. I broke my rule last night and had one beer (but only one!) out with my cousins. I made sure to eat a healthy dinner at home first and avoided the greasy bar food. Clothes are fitting the way they should and some of my upper body muscles are starting to pop.
And now, of course, the update you've all been waiting for - couponing! Heh. I had a pretty good week this week, starting with a trip to CVS. I saved $40 off a $75 tab (final total - $34.18, total saved, $40.38) plus I earned $15 in "Extra Care Bucks" (used as cash off a future total) along with a coupon for $5 off my purchase of $25 or more. The next CVS trip, if planned well, should be close to free.
Harris Teeter was doubling coupons up to $1.98 this week and I scored some good deals there. Notably, Dannon yogurts were on sale as 10 for $4. I had a $1 coupon (that doubled to $2 at checkout), which means I got ten yogurts for $2, or $0.20 each.
After coupons I also got two boxes of 20 Hefty tall kitchen bags for $1 ($0.50 each). So that was a pretty good deal.
I messed up on the Lysol, though. Lysol wipes were on sale 2 for $4 and I had two $1 coupons which double, making the items free. But I got the wrong kind of Lysol wipes and ended up paying about $8 at checkout- the coupons worked but wipes weren't the ones on store sale. Oh well.
So let's see, at Harris Teeter this week my subtotal was $116.85. After coupons and store sales I spent $53.23 which is well under my weekly grocery budget! And I have food, home care, and cleaning supplies that will last a very long time.
I guess you could say that I'm on a financial health quick-start to go along with my physical health quick-start. It feels good.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Resolutions
1. Grow hair
2. Be more encouraging to my friends; less lecturing
3. Spend less time on the internet in the evenings
4. Make a huge dent in my student loans
What are your New Year's Resolutions?
2. Be more encouraging to my friends; less lecturing
3. Spend less time on the internet in the evenings
4. Make a huge dent in my student loans
What are your New Year's Resolutions?
Monday, January 04, 2010
I hate technology... and it's mutual
Between my computer catching a virus and me not being able to figure out how to make my iPod work... let's just say I feel really old and inept right now.
A girlfriend, much more experienced in these things, has assured me that the iPod issue is not mine, and so I have an appointment at the Apple store today after work. I had fully intended to bring my laptop so the tech could see the iTunes setup, but now, of course, my laptop is the property of my company's IT department - who can't tell me how long it'll take for them to re-image the machine.
Being offline all weekend actually wasn't too bad - and a great way to start the New Year. So I'm looking on the bright side and making lemonade, all that jazz. In the scheme of things I really have nothing to complain about!
A girlfriend, much more experienced in these things, has assured me that the iPod issue is not mine, and so I have an appointment at the Apple store today after work. I had fully intended to bring my laptop so the tech could see the iTunes setup, but now, of course, my laptop is the property of my company's IT department - who can't tell me how long it'll take for them to re-image the machine.
Being offline all weekend actually wasn't too bad - and a great way to start the New Year. So I'm looking on the bright side and making lemonade, all that jazz. In the scheme of things I really have nothing to complain about!
New Year Catch-Up
I'm way behind on posts at this point; I was hoping to have a resolution post, a fitness post, and some photos up by now but my computer caught a virus and I've been offline since Thursday afternoon!
Hopefully the IT gurus will be able to fix it or at least give me a temporary replacement... so stay tuned!
Hopefully the IT gurus will be able to fix it or at least give me a temporary replacement... so stay tuned!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
