Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Sept. 19/12

Wow! I sure don't intend to stay away from blogging for so long, and before you know it, I've been away two weeks. I've read on a few other blogs that the writer just isn't as 'in to it' as they once were. I guess that describes me. I'm hoping that will change with the seasons, as I tend to stay in much more in the winter therefore giving me more time for blogging.

The repairs to the van were not that bad money-wise. I spent about $400 there for a rebuilt alternator and a new battery. The rental of a van for three days set me back a mere $180, which I think is reasonable.

I've been couponing and saving some money on groceries. I'm still throwing the odd change from my wallet into my savings jar as well. I'm knitting up a frickin storm over here too. Maybe I can post a few pics next week of what I've been working on.

I have some work to do today, submitting invoices and mileage and the like, so hopefully I will get some 'extra' pay next month. I'm planning on using the extras to beef up the Xmas fund and the Emergency fund.

I have a book review to write as well, so I'm off.

Have a fabulous day!

Monday, September 3, 2012

Murphy Strikes Again!

I knew that our van wasn't feeling so well. She'd had a few hiccups over the last little while, so I knew that I had to take care of some things sooner rather than later. While working yesterday, she suddenly and unexpectedly stopped working altogether. Darn you Murphy! This was going to be the month of putting away extra savings toward our goals, not shelling out every bit of money I have on repairs and a rental!

I have no idea what's wrong with the van. It just won't start. Insert key, turn, and hear awful clicking sound. I'm no expert, but I'm fairly certain it's not a battery thing. Nothing that simple ever happens. At least not to me. Call a tow truck. $60 - something just to tow the thing to the mechanic who won't be in until Tuesday morning. Give me strength.

I call the car rental place. I need a mini van, and I need it now. Preferably a Dodge with Stow 'N' Go seating. All the locations are already closed ( it was Sunday afternoon already) and only one is opening on the holiday Monday. I book a rental (it better be the one I want) for three days. Cross my fingers that it long enough to repair my poor van. The agent tells me I will have to give a $750 deposit and bring in my insurance paperwork, not just my pink slip, otherwise I'll be paying an additional 25% for insurance. I can already hear my bank card crying.

We beg a ride from our MIL back to our place to get our working vehicle, drive to home of colleague who has allowed us to borrow his van for a couple of hours. Take borrowed van to do work, and then drive it back. I'm already 4 hours behind schedule now. Please pass the Advil.

Needing to start the next part of work, I realise I need to eat something or I'm going to be sick. The burgers we had at this little pub on Richmond Street was the highlight of my day. They were delicious!

I finished up working somewhere around 10 o'clock last night. But there is more to be done over the next couple of days, and I have to go pick up a rental.

Towing costs, rental vehicle costs, and likely a hefty repair bill. Thanks Murphy. Just thanks.

Who wants him next?

Saturday, September 1, 2012

All the Little Things

This past week I've spent some money buying a few things for Cub because he's about to start school! He starts Junior Kindergarten on the 7th of September. I can't wait! I'm a jumble of emotions over this; excited that he's going to big kid school, but a bit sad that my baby growing up on me. He needed some things, like a new pair of running shoes (a tradition in our family), and some containers for his lunches. The school he will be attending has an all day, everyday program. What a relief it will be to our budget to not have to shell out childcare expenses anymore. I do not regret one dime that I have paid to our childcare provider. She was worth every penny!

I'm going to  be joining in on Carla's September Savings challenge. A month on focusing on one a few things will sure help me to keep our finances on track. I need to beef up our Emergency Fund and Xmas accounts, so any available money will be going to one of those accounts. I'd like to double our EF to $500 and boost the Xmas account to $300.

We already made plans to take the kids to the Western Fair one day, so that spending will be excluded. I'm going to Shoppers Drug Mart today to do some shopping (planned with coupons for the 20X the points event) so I will pick up the discounted tickets there. Gotta reduce spending where you can, right?

This year, my DD2 has decided to join Cadets Canada. I dunno how well that will go, but I do know she needs to join something. She needs to have more physical activity in her life, and the skills that she will learn through Cadets will be invaluable. Also, my sister is one of the instructors, so I know that she will be looked after and I will worry less.

I've started knitting again, not that I ever really stopped. There are so many yarns that I want to use up and so many projects that I'd love to make! Those of you who knit or sew can understand that, can't you? I've started on a hat that I will add to the stash of items that will be donated to charity. Knitting classes will be resuming shortly, and I hope to see some new faces this year. I love setting aside time in my week just for the purpose of knitting. It brings me such joy.

I've hired a lady to come help me catch up with the housecleaning and things around the home that I never seem to have the time to do. I need some of these tasks caught up so I don't feel so behind the eight ball all the time. She is supposed to be coming for eight hours today, but I haven't heard from her yet, so I'm not sure if we'll get much accomplished today or not. Plus, I still have shopping to do.

There are so many things going on or soon to be starting, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed these days. But this is my life, so I try to: