Chugging Along

Not much going on because I can't afford anything right now. I spent my entire month's writing money on a Kindle, which should come tomorrow or Monday. I used to be an avid reader, especially on vacation when I would devour 7-8 books in two weeks. Vacation is coming next month and my luggage will be lighter without having to tote books. Not to mention how cool it will be to use for reading in airports or on the plane. I always carry my laptop and camera in my carry-on; it's nice to know I won't be toting a book too. I love my gadgets! In my truck I always listen to an audiobook on my MP3--I can't STAND commercials!

Two of my daughters have exciting news: Erika worked at a production assistant for the big Superbowl halftime show, and Kat has been promoted to manager at her job.

Back to writing so I can earn mo' money!

Money Making Ideas!

Sometimes I amaze myself. Not often, but sometimes.

I came up with two ideas that I think can raise some bill-paying money this year. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this, but I'm a pretty good singer and have recorded two CD's as fund-raisers for our Church. I am going to do a Christmas CD and this time, the funds will be raised for the purpose of paying off debt. The other idea I'm keeping to myself for right now, but it is a product that I will sell on the internet--probably facebook--that I have made before but have always given as gifts. My daughter gave me a great idea on how to improve on it and should be a great selling feature. Hopefully, the money will just rain down!

OOOH, I'm so excited!

Bill Paying Day

Normally, I would be grocery shopping this morning, but eight or so inches of new snow have given me all the ammunition I need to just stay home. If I can't be on a trip somewhere warm in January, I'd just as soon stay in my warm den.

I always buy groceries before paying my bills, but this month I am going to do the opposite, which means sticking to a limited amount of money for groceries. I think this is a good month to do that, since the freezer has meat left from last month's shopping.

I need to change my spreadsheet around to reflect the new credit card charges I made in New Hampshire, which might be a bit depressing, but I have to face it instead of ignoring it if I ever want to pay it all off. I don't like having some money socked away for an emergency--like the trip to Dad's--and having to use my credit cards instead. Right now, however, I don't have a penny set aside, which tells me that I really need to write a lot a build up my paypal account and my checking account.

Off to write checks to pay bills and then to write, write, write!

You Guessed it - Mistake #2

I had been back home from my visit with my father when my bonus mom went in for back surgery. Dad was alone and although there were plenty of people around in their building that he could call if he needed to, he was having a tough go of it. I offered to go out and take care of him and he took me up on my offer. I left the following day, again taking my credit card since I had no money in my checkbook and $48 in my paypal account. Hubby gave me $50 cash. I filled up on the way, arriving with the gas light flickering on. For the next ten days, I took care of Dad, which actually turned out to be a wonderful experience. I had grown up without him in my life and knew very little about him, so it was great to learn about his childhood, how he met my mother, his reaction when I was born, different jobs he'd held... We talked a lot and I was surprised at his willingness to be both totally honest and to talk about the hard stuff we all have hidden deep down. In the afternoons, he would take a long nap and I would go off exploring Concord. My first surprise was a Border's, which is like a strong magnet to me. I walked out with three new writing books and a new charge on my credit card bill. Ug.

Through the ten days, I went shopping every afternoon. Sometimes I spent nothing, but most of the time I saw something I just couldn't resist. By the time I left, I had added probably $200 to my bill. Talk about buyer's remorse! Now I need to redo my spreadsheet and figure out how I'm going to squeeze it in by year's end.

For what it's worth, $200 was a bargain to shell out for the experience of getting to know my dad and to have the honor of taking care of him during what are probably his last weeks. For that, there is no remorse, only gladness.

Mistake #1

I drove to New Hampshire the day before yesterday to visit my ill father and took my credit card out of it's hidey-hole "just in case". Yep, I used it. I didn't get paid from my writing job so I didn't have gas money so I filled up on the way down and on the way back. Also used it in the liquor store; stuff I would normally buy in Maine, but without the sales tax. So I added to my balance and feel guilty about it, but I'm not going to dwell on it. I'll add a little extra in the monthly payment to make up for it.

I hope there won't be a Mistake #2.

364 days to no debt! Happy New Year!