I'm pretty sure if I kept a journal of my riding mower experiences everything after day one would be pretty boring. In other words, don't expect a "Day Two" post.
But let's discuss the days leading up to Day One. First there was shopping for the house and me declaring "holy crap that's a big yard, we are going to need a riding lawn mower." And The Husband condescendingly stating that he and his brothers had mowed a full acre and blah blah blah blah. Whatever, Dickhead, YOU won't be mowing this yard, nor will any of your brothers. Just me and my out-of-shape, middle-aged self. We're getting a riding lawn mower. I quietly kept my argument to myself, I would win this war.
The weeds were knee high and it was time to at least butcher them to keep the neighbors from complaining. It was easy enough but I did get very sweaty. The Husband started to back down from his notion that a half acre lot was no big deal to tame.
The following week I worked a smaller patch of very thick, very beautiful grass. THAT was a workout and it kept killing the mower. He took pity on me and then next day we were standing in Lowe's contemplating the world of riding mowers.
Neither one of us knows shit about riding lawn mowers. There was one on sale at a palatable price that had been returned for repairs. We were told it was the cadillac of the mower world. When the salesguy rattled off horse power and blade sizes and vroom vrooms and whatever else, The Husband's eyes got really wide and was completely sold. It was all fixed up and ready to go, except that we knew we were going to need a mulcher attachment, because let's be honest, bagging a half acre of grass is going to be even more back breaking than pushing a regular mower over it.
I could get into a whole rant over Lowe's decision to stop carrying mulching kits in-store and the fiasco of online ordering and getting it installed. With the help of the store manager the part was ordered and installed on our mower. It took forever and a day to get the part delivered, but pick your battles, folks. We really did land an awesome deal for this vehicle so waiting two weeks was worth it.
And then it arrived.
It sat in our garage with us pushing and poking buttons and levers and nary a sound was emitted. Once we figured out how to start the thing, both feet on peddles pushed all the way down, choke out, gas all the way up... then we had to figure out how to make it GO. I'm sure we spent close to an hour, turning it on, turning it off, revving it up, flooding the engine. He was on the phone with the store, I was online searching for an owners manual. We knew it was something basic, a special sequence or an overlooked button, but WHAT???? It turns out there is a tiny wire thing hanging out the back of the mower that basically puts it into neutral so you can push it on and off loading trailers. ooooh
I had been inside for a while and ventured out to see if Hubby had any progress. Evidently he discovered that wire thing and was speeding up and down the street! He should have stayed on it and maybe the lawn would have been properly mowed but I hopped on and was not letting go of the controls.
At first I just wanted to see how it mowed. Well hell, since I'm there, let's knock out these weeds that are a horrid eye sore. And then I wanted to see how it held up against the thick grass in the back corner - brilliantly, by the way. Suddenly I am criss-crossing the yard in no specific pattern, mowing the grass. I really should get up on my roof to take a picture of my tracks. I broke every rule of mowing. I went back over areas previously mowed, I didn't follow my tracks, I darted from one side of the yard to the other. Granted the whole thing is now mowed, and completely in under 30 minutes thankyouverymuch, but it looks like a sixth grader on crack got his hands on a riding lawn mower for the first time.
Did I mention it was raining?
Showing posts with label Shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shopping. Show all posts
Thursday, August 01, 2013
Friday, May 31, 2013
Seller's Disclosure
We found a house! Closing is in two weeks so it isn't final yet and I remain on edge that something may still happen to bring the deal crashing around my feet. Worrying is not a natural state of being for me so my anxiety level is extraordinarily high. This is not a happy place for me.
Holy cow what a process to even get to this point. As I've said before, shopping is not my forte. Combing through racks of clothing is annoying enough, walking through house after house is downright exhausting. We have bid on three different houses, each with its own set of problems. The current house is by far the most expensive and it was difficult to get the seller to come down to a palatable price.
Then came the inspections. We were confident that this was a rather clean property and actually considered forgoing the cost of inspection. Woooo, Buddy, that was a VERY BAD IDEA. We are SO glad we went ahead with the inspection. So glad.
The relator suggested an inspector he has used often with the understanding that this guy is very thorough. And he was. He pointed out every little bump, crack, and possible hiccup with the house. He even showed hubby how to operate the windows, humidifier, and dryer flue. The inspector raved about the quality of the house and said it had been cared for very well... and then submitted a list a mile long of stuff right down to cracks in the back of the fireplace.
This prompted several exchanges between us and the seller about desired repairs. What's frustrating, though, a couple of items should have been on the disclosure. I understand that no one caught the fissure in the back of the fireplace. It took a bright flashlight and craning my neck to see it. It's probably been there for over a decade, hiding in shadows. But the disclosure was BLANK. Not a damn thing listed.
The seller's agent was apologetic saying this property was in trust and that the trustee never lived in the house. oooookay...
There is a miniscule amount of termite damage that was revealed in our inspection. When we inquired suddenly a warrantee popped up, quickly. That tells me the trustee has access to information. Furthermore, we found out through an insurance agent that a claim for theft was made against the property just a few months ago - WHILE IT WAS ON THE MARKET. This pisses me off. Oh and the theft we pieced together and was later confirmed by the seller was all of the copper water lines in the basement. That's major. I don't give a damn that the trustee didn't live in the house, this theft happened on their watch. They submitted an insurance claim on it and the agent knew about it. That is dishonest.
In speaking to other relators they agree it is shady, but not illegal.
While all of this is going on one of my friends is also shopping for a house. She found a gorgeous home complete with an in-ground pool. I was happy for her, but her timing totally screwed with my anticipated move. Allllll about me, right?
Then she, too, encountered non-disclosed issues with the house. Unfortunately her seller is uncooperative (worse than mine) and refuses to repair the $10-$15,000 estimate of termite damage. That's pretty significant. There were some other major issues before the termite situation arose, also not disclosed. While termites can wield their damage rather quickly and may have not been something the owner knew about, the other items WERE festering issues.
As a seller I'm not sure what I would do in that situation. Chances are the people just don't have the cash to make the improvements, I'm definitely sympathetic with that. Yet, having a beautiful home that needs significant repairs means the price has to come down or you are stuck with a rotting, empty house. And that, my friends, is an even more expensive proposition.
I will have to keep this in mind as one day my property will have to go back on the market. It is so very important to keep a house maintained and repaired. This very reason is why I advocate that renting a house is not always a bad idea (another blog post for another day). I will be a loud reminder to fully disclose the known flaws of a house going up for sale. Yep, it might affect the price but that was your bed to make a long time ago by not keeping the property in good repair.
Holy cow what a process to even get to this point. As I've said before, shopping is not my forte. Combing through racks of clothing is annoying enough, walking through house after house is downright exhausting. We have bid on three different houses, each with its own set of problems. The current house is by far the most expensive and it was difficult to get the seller to come down to a palatable price.
Then came the inspections. We were confident that this was a rather clean property and actually considered forgoing the cost of inspection. Woooo, Buddy, that was a VERY BAD IDEA. We are SO glad we went ahead with the inspection. So glad.
The relator suggested an inspector he has used often with the understanding that this guy is very thorough. And he was. He pointed out every little bump, crack, and possible hiccup with the house. He even showed hubby how to operate the windows, humidifier, and dryer flue. The inspector raved about the quality of the house and said it had been cared for very well... and then submitted a list a mile long of stuff right down to cracks in the back of the fireplace.
This prompted several exchanges between us and the seller about desired repairs. What's frustrating, though, a couple of items should have been on the disclosure. I understand that no one caught the fissure in the back of the fireplace. It took a bright flashlight and craning my neck to see it. It's probably been there for over a decade, hiding in shadows. But the disclosure was BLANK. Not a damn thing listed.
The seller's agent was apologetic saying this property was in trust and that the trustee never lived in the house. oooookay...
There is a miniscule amount of termite damage that was revealed in our inspection. When we inquired suddenly a warrantee popped up, quickly. That tells me the trustee has access to information. Furthermore, we found out through an insurance agent that a claim for theft was made against the property just a few months ago - WHILE IT WAS ON THE MARKET. This pisses me off. Oh and the theft we pieced together and was later confirmed by the seller was all of the copper water lines in the basement. That's major. I don't give a damn that the trustee didn't live in the house, this theft happened on their watch. They submitted an insurance claim on it and the agent knew about it. That is dishonest.
In speaking to other relators they agree it is shady, but not illegal.
While all of this is going on one of my friends is also shopping for a house. She found a gorgeous home complete with an in-ground pool. I was happy for her, but her timing totally screwed with my anticipated move. Allllll about me, right?
Then she, too, encountered non-disclosed issues with the house. Unfortunately her seller is uncooperative (worse than mine) and refuses to repair the $10-$15,000 estimate of termite damage. That's pretty significant. There were some other major issues before the termite situation arose, also not disclosed. While termites can wield their damage rather quickly and may have not been something the owner knew about, the other items WERE festering issues.
As a seller I'm not sure what I would do in that situation. Chances are the people just don't have the cash to make the improvements, I'm definitely sympathetic with that. Yet, having a beautiful home that needs significant repairs means the price has to come down or you are stuck with a rotting, empty house. And that, my friends, is an even more expensive proposition.
I will have to keep this in mind as one day my property will have to go back on the market. It is so very important to keep a house maintained and repaired. This very reason is why I advocate that renting a house is not always a bad idea (another blog post for another day). I will be a loud reminder to fully disclose the known flaws of a house going up for sale. Yep, it might affect the price but that was your bed to make a long time ago by not keeping the property in good repair.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
House Hunting
Last week was the bigass auction for work. And we are finally bearing down on a rollout date for our new database (you know, the one that was supposed to be released last September???). Needless to say when I get home I'm exhausted. So it seemed like a good time to look for a new place to live. Don't you think that was a good idea? It certainly diverts my attention away from the chaos at work!
This house hunting process is really draining. Maybe if I enjoyed shopping more this would be not quite so painful. Hubby and I stood in the appliance store last week and were discussing the different features. Finally, I gave up and said, "I'm going to pull a dude-move. As long as the refrigerator can keep my beer cold and ice cream frozen and that the oven can cook my frozen pizza, I really don't give a rat's ass." This is pretty much my attitude about buying a house.
Oh okay, maybe I have a few more opinions about the biggest purchase of my life. I love houses and have some firm opinions about style, layout, room sizes, and decor. So tromping through houses is interesting as I like seeing the inside of different houses and that may be the only thing that keeps me sane through this process.
On our first day out, the last house, the one thrown in as an after-thought, was the one we fell in love with. It didn't meet several of the must-haves on our lists but we both really, really liked it. It definitely helped us narrow down some of the other features we feel is necessary in a house. On our second tour of the house we discovered an electric issue and decided to keep looking.
Our next journey took us through fourteen different properties. Again, we found an awesome house. It had all of the must-haves and then some. We agreed, let's put an offer on it. The same day our bid was submitted we found out that the house is being put up for a bulk sale. I don't fully understand what or why that is, but in the end that house could come back as a possibility for us but we will be pitted against other people who have put offers on that house and it will be like a silent auction.
Well hell...
We left the offer on the table, but we haven't stopped looking. Clearly something amazing and awesome is still waiting for us. I'm getting a little weary of this process and we really haven't gone through very many properties.
One positive thing that has come out of this process is that despite a few angry exchanges between The Husband and myself, we actually agree on quite a bit about housing options. We really are good roommates.
This house hunting process is really draining. Maybe if I enjoyed shopping more this would be not quite so painful. Hubby and I stood in the appliance store last week and were discussing the different features. Finally, I gave up and said, "I'm going to pull a dude-move. As long as the refrigerator can keep my beer cold and ice cream frozen and that the oven can cook my frozen pizza, I really don't give a rat's ass." This is pretty much my attitude about buying a house.
Oh okay, maybe I have a few more opinions about the biggest purchase of my life. I love houses and have some firm opinions about style, layout, room sizes, and decor. So tromping through houses is interesting as I like seeing the inside of different houses and that may be the only thing that keeps me sane through this process.
On our first day out, the last house, the one thrown in as an after-thought, was the one we fell in love with. It didn't meet several of the must-haves on our lists but we both really, really liked it. It definitely helped us narrow down some of the other features we feel is necessary in a house. On our second tour of the house we discovered an electric issue and decided to keep looking.
Our next journey took us through fourteen different properties. Again, we found an awesome house. It had all of the must-haves and then some. We agreed, let's put an offer on it. The same day our bid was submitted we found out that the house is being put up for a bulk sale. I don't fully understand what or why that is, but in the end that house could come back as a possibility for us but we will be pitted against other people who have put offers on that house and it will be like a silent auction.
Well hell...
We left the offer on the table, but we haven't stopped looking. Clearly something amazing and awesome is still waiting for us. I'm getting a little weary of this process and we really haven't gone through very many properties.
One positive thing that has come out of this process is that despite a few angry exchanges between The Husband and myself, we actually agree on quite a bit about housing options. We really are good roommates.
Sunday, July 08, 2012
Sunday In My City - Cherokee Street
Up for a little antiquing? St. Louis is filled with all sorts of antique shops, but for the best cluster of shops packed together in one spot go to Cherokee Street. Even the buildings are antique! It's a great historic district and an interesting walk.
And when you're done, head over to Lemp Avenue, across from the Anheiser Busch Brewery (stop at the brewery too they have great tours with SAMPLES) and find Gus' Pretzel shop. While there are street vendors running around selling Gus' pretzels from random corners, you really need to sample these straight from the source, hot from the oven (if you get one from a street vendor, wait to eat it at home so you can pop it into the microwave for 30 seconds).
A standard pack of pretzel sticks is three, but I forgot to take the picture before I devoured one (and some).
And when you're done, head over to Lemp Avenue, across from the Anheiser Busch Brewery (stop at the brewery too they have great tours with SAMPLES) and find Gus' Pretzel shop. While there are street vendors running around selling Gus' pretzels from random corners, you really need to sample these straight from the source, hot from the oven (if you get one from a street vendor, wait to eat it at home so you can pop it into the microwave for 30 seconds).
A standard pack of pretzel sticks is three, but I forgot to take the picture before I devoured one (and some).
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Vindicated On My Vitamin Choice
I don't know if I've admitted it here, but I frequently tell people about my vitamin of choice. Several years ago I was feeling sluggish and thought it was time to bring a daily vitamin into my life. Comparing contents and, of course, price, it was clear that my childhood favorite, Flintstones Chewables, was going to meet my needs.
Like many things, I'm sure people think I'm being silly. I really did put a lot of thought into this choice. I was specifically looking for something with iron as well as a general hodgepodge of healthy sounding stuff. All of the adult vitamins were outrageously expensive and not all of them had the same mix of the other healthy stuff. It just made sense.
This morning I came across this bit of validation:
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/05/08/vital-savings-on-vitamins-savings-experiment/?ncid=webmail6
Like many things, I'm sure people think I'm being silly. I really did put a lot of thought into this choice. I was specifically looking for something with iron as well as a general hodgepodge of healthy sounding stuff. All of the adult vitamins were outrageously expensive and not all of them had the same mix of the other healthy stuff. It just made sense.
This morning I came across this bit of validation:
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/05/08/vital-savings-on-vitamins-savings-experiment/?ncid=webmail6
Friday, November 25, 2011
Friday Fragments - Thanksgiving Wrap Up
It's Black Friday - the crazy day to go out shopping and land incredible deals. We slept in. I do need to hit a certain store this morning, but I'm not rushing out to beat the crowds. My husband got me to do the 4am stand in line thing a couple of times and actually it was fun. We had a plan, each with a loaded list of must-have deals plotted out. We'll do it again in the future, I'm sure. Today, though, we will be retailers and I need to be bright eyed and bushy tailed, not groggy and bitchy from being awake since 3am.
On Wednesday I "surprised" my mom by bringing a birthday cake to her dance group at the mall (they meet every week for a little line dancing exercise). I say "surprise" because she suggested this several months ago and then she acted surprised when I showed up. To be honest, I've been so occupied with work and the shop that it never dawned on me to do anything special for her 70th birthday this year. I feel bad that I didn't come up with this on my own, so the very least I could do is comply with her less than suble request.
Tuesday night I baked her cake - a pineapple upside-down cake, isn't it pretty?
Wednesday night I baked the rest of the stuff for Thanksgiving dinner...
Spiced apples from a recipe my son found online Monday
-Slice and core several apples (I used up the ones left from last month's CSA box and they were getting soft). 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, grated lemon rind, juice from 1 lemon, 1 cinnamon stick (I didn't have one so I just used several teaspoons of ground cinnamon) and I added a teaspoon or two of ground cloves. VERY yummy and VERY easy.
We had a second birthday to celebrate besides my mom, so I made a requested yellow cake with chocolate frosting.
Unfortuantely I didn't have any chocolate frosting on hand, so I made it from scratch. I think it needed more chocolate.
Pumpkin Pie! I love using Pillsbury pie crusts - they're easy and already rolled out AND they bake beautifully. It's taken a bit for me to master crimping the edges, but it does look homemade.
And finally, my famous baked beans. Even my kids who never eat anything with a bean in it, dig into this stuff. It's incredibly sweet and could easily sit on the dessert table.
-chopped onions, crumbled bacon (I used three strips in this batch), about two cups brown sugar, 2 cans of pork and beans (the brand doesn't matter, just don't mix brands - I've made that mistake), 1 teaspoon of barbeque sauce, 2 teaspoons of mustard, 3 or 4 tablespoons of ketchup, and several shakes of chili powder.
And finally, a little alcohol. It didn't get added to anything, although it would be fabulous in the spiced apples. I felt more than a little like Julia Childs with my glass in hand. I had a tickle in my throat warning a cold was brewing so I battled it with my own brew. Usually I seek out vodka mixed with fruit juice, but I only had a drop left so I found this in the back of the fridge. Cured me up just fine!
We made two stops for Thanksgiving - my mom's house and my mother-in-law's house. Usually I'm pretty good about taking enough small portions that I don't feel like I'm rolling out of the house, but I royally failed yesterday. Last night required a dose of Tums before I could go to sleep.
We do have some awesome leftovers for today. I don't make anything special out of leftovers, just warm up and eat.
Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!
On Wednesday I "surprised" my mom by bringing a birthday cake to her dance group at the mall (they meet every week for a little line dancing exercise). I say "surprise" because she suggested this several months ago and then she acted surprised when I showed up. To be honest, I've been so occupied with work and the shop that it never dawned on me to do anything special for her 70th birthday this year. I feel bad that I didn't come up with this on my own, so the very least I could do is comply with her less than suble request.
Tuesday night I baked her cake - a pineapple upside-down cake, isn't it pretty?
Wednesday night I baked the rest of the stuff for Thanksgiving dinner...
Spiced apples from a recipe my son found online Monday
We had a second birthday to celebrate besides my mom, so I made a requested yellow cake with chocolate frosting.
Pumpkin Pie! I love using Pillsbury pie crusts - they're easy and already rolled out AND they bake beautifully. It's taken a bit for me to master crimping the edges, but it does look homemade.
And finally, my famous baked beans. Even my kids who never eat anything with a bean in it, dig into this stuff. It's incredibly sweet and could easily sit on the dessert table.
And finally, a little alcohol. It didn't get added to anything, although it would be fabulous in the spiced apples. I felt more than a little like Julia Childs with my glass in hand. I had a tickle in my throat warning a cold was brewing so I battled it with my own brew. Usually I seek out vodka mixed with fruit juice, but I only had a drop left so I found this in the back of the fridge. Cured me up just fine!
We made two stops for Thanksgiving - my mom's house and my mother-in-law's house. Usually I'm pretty good about taking enough small portions that I don't feel like I'm rolling out of the house, but I royally failed yesterday. Last night required a dose of Tums before I could go to sleep.
We do have some awesome leftovers for today. I don't make anything special out of leftovers, just warm up and eat.
Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Friday Fragments 11/18/11
Aaaaand let the shopping season begin!
Yesterday The Husband went grocery shopping (he thrives on this being the Coupon King). He said everyone was out in droves - of course, there is that major eating holiday just a week away. Now I have several bags of stuff to put away and I'm pretty sure I need to reorganize the freezer because he just shoves the stuff in there and my daughter who frequently reads this knows that just shoving stuff anywhere makes me twitch.
Our menu is mapped out and I have Wednesday off work - Woot BAKING DAY! Yeah I'm a little excited.
Of a little concern is my mother-in-law who rattled off everything that needed eggs in her Thanksgiving preparations. By the time she was done, she's going to require 3 dozen! I'm suspecting more than a few calories swimming in the bowls on her table. I might bring a green salad.
Do you go to any of the Black Friday sales? I've gone twice and thought it was an interesting experience. That's saying a lot for this non-morning person. Instead of being a shopper this year, I'm a retailer. But I will NOT be opening our store before sunrise. Hell no! Our little furniture consignment store will open at its regular time, but we will be offering several items on sale.
We are quickly coming up on time to put up the Christmas Tree. Do you have any traditions about putting up your tree? In my family it was just something my mom took care of. My ex's family always had a big tree decorating party and that was a lot of fun, even if I did manage to break more than my share of ornaments over the years. I've tried to keep the tradition for the kids in our own way. It's not a big party like their grandmother would host, but a small gathering. I haven't really scheduled anything yet, but I guess it's time to whip out the calendars and find a time we can mutually agree upon.
Here's my latest facebook status:
Yesterday The Husband went grocery shopping (he thrives on this being the Coupon King). He said everyone was out in droves - of course, there is that major eating holiday just a week away. Now I have several bags of stuff to put away and I'm pretty sure I need to reorganize the freezer because he just shoves the stuff in there and my daughter who frequently reads this knows that just shoving stuff anywhere makes me twitch.
Our menu is mapped out and I have Wednesday off work - Woot BAKING DAY! Yeah I'm a little excited.
Of a little concern is my mother-in-law who rattled off everything that needed eggs in her Thanksgiving preparations. By the time she was done, she's going to require 3 dozen! I'm suspecting more than a few calories swimming in the bowls on her table. I might bring a green salad.
Do you go to any of the Black Friday sales? I've gone twice and thought it was an interesting experience. That's saying a lot for this non-morning person. Instead of being a shopper this year, I'm a retailer. But I will NOT be opening our store before sunrise. Hell no! Our little furniture consignment store will open at its regular time, but we will be offering several items on sale.
We are quickly coming up on time to put up the Christmas Tree. Do you have any traditions about putting up your tree? In my family it was just something my mom took care of. My ex's family always had a big tree decorating party and that was a lot of fun, even if I did manage to break more than my share of ornaments over the years. I've tried to keep the tradition for the kids in our own way. It's not a big party like their grandmother would host, but a small gathering. I haven't really scheduled anything yet, but I guess it's time to whip out the calendars and find a time we can mutually agree upon.
Here's my latest facebook status:
Now everyone keep your fingers crossed that he actually passes the test that caused him to study at my side.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Friday Fragments - July 15, 2011
Happy Friday!!!!
Wow! What a week!
We were at Walmart... you know I could make this into a game, "Guess What QandleQueen Saw At Walmart". But here's the thing, every single one of you would lose. We saw in the parking lot the Google Maps car. Yes, the vehicle that drives around snapping pictures of your neighborhood. It was a tiny car with California plates and a HUGE, GIGANTIC contraption on top with a thing that held the cameras. Quite cool. Sorry, I failed to whip out the camera for that awesomeness.
My highschool graduating class joined with the class above and below us - not that we were a small school, my class was over 350 alone. We decided to start holding informal reunions and the first one was last Friday night. There were about 30 people there, maybe more with those who floated in and out. In case you have never attended a reunion here are the key points that will be covered in every single conversation - your kids, your job, old teachers, parties.
I spent Tuesday and Wednesday in Nashville Tennessee. Sadly it was one of those trips where the location didn't matter because I spent the entire time in meetings. Four hours in the car down and back. The coworker stuck in the back with me, proclaimed I was the most annoying person in the car. My friends will readily agree with that statement. We did get to sample some delicious food, Tuesday night at Moselles for dinner (completely awesome, but maybe not on the hottest day of the year in an old building with weak AC) and then for lunch on Wednesday at Los Tres Amigos with the biggest ever fajita quesadilla. I've promised my Nashville friends that I will return (and not four years from now) so we can properly go out and enjoy the town.
If you remember, last year my husband was trying to get a mobile pizzeria off the ground. It lifted like a lead balloon and by January we closed shop, looking for a different way to sell our pizzas. Well, that took a strange turn with our pizza equipment parked at his uncle's house and yesterday he opened a furniture consignment shop. We're very excited about this venture so keep your fingers crossed that it takes off as promised.
Make sure to visit Mrs. 4444's and all of the other people playing in Friday Fragments...
Wow! What a week!
We were at Walmart... you know I could make this into a game, "Guess What QandleQueen Saw At Walmart". But here's the thing, every single one of you would lose. We saw in the parking lot the Google Maps car. Yes, the vehicle that drives around snapping pictures of your neighborhood. It was a tiny car with California plates and a HUGE, GIGANTIC contraption on top with a thing that held the cameras. Quite cool. Sorry, I failed to whip out the camera for that awesomeness.
My highschool graduating class joined with the class above and below us - not that we were a small school, my class was over 350 alone. We decided to start holding informal reunions and the first one was last Friday night. There were about 30 people there, maybe more with those who floated in and out. In case you have never attended a reunion here are the key points that will be covered in every single conversation - your kids, your job, old teachers, parties.
I spent Tuesday and Wednesday in Nashville Tennessee. Sadly it was one of those trips where the location didn't matter because I spent the entire time in meetings. Four hours in the car down and back. The coworker stuck in the back with me, proclaimed I was the most annoying person in the car. My friends will readily agree with that statement. We did get to sample some delicious food, Tuesday night at Moselles for dinner (completely awesome, but maybe not on the hottest day of the year in an old building with weak AC) and then for lunch on Wednesday at Los Tres Amigos with the biggest ever fajita quesadilla. I've promised my Nashville friends that I will return (and not four years from now) so we can properly go out and enjoy the town.
If you remember, last year my husband was trying to get a mobile pizzeria off the ground. It lifted like a lead balloon and by January we closed shop, looking for a different way to sell our pizzas. Well, that took a strange turn with our pizza equipment parked at his uncle's house and yesterday he opened a furniture consignment shop. We're very excited about this venture so keep your fingers crossed that it takes off as promised.
Make sure to visit Mrs. 4444's and all of the other people playing in Friday Fragments...
Friday, May 27, 2011
Friday Fragments - May 270, 2011
For once my week hasn't skidded by - thank goodness!
*Friday and Saturday was spent at the store... loading up on more toilet paper than any family could use in an entire year.
*Sunday we took my mother-in-law to the casino. The Husband and his mom both came back with winnings. I lost almost everything. I was playing 3 card poker - turns out I like it a lot. The table games intimidated for a long time but I'm glad I've been encouraged to play. Of course I lose all of my money, but I have fun... and that is my only reason for going.
*Ian spent Tuesday on a class field trip to Hannibal, Missouri - Mark Twain's hometown. I've taken the kids a few times, but Ian doesn't remember going so it was good he got to make the trip. It's a quirky little town with a lot of houses converted into museums. They're small with skinny stairwells and low ceilings. Ian commented on the low ceilings too. He also got to spend some quality social studies time at the arcade!
*Yesterday at work I was able to get a server set up. It needed a lot of special configuring requiring a consultant and I am sooooo glad he was on the phone working through this. I never would have conquered that by myself. Now the fun stuff begins getting all of our users set up in the system. This is truly geeky fun in my world.
Memorial Day is Monday and it's time to extend our gratitude to those who serve and protect our nation and take time to remember those who died in that service. Thank you to all.
Join Mrs. 4444's at Half Past Kissing Time to share the bits and pieces of your world
*Friday and Saturday was spent at the store... loading up on more toilet paper than any family could use in an entire year.
*Sunday we took my mother-in-law to the casino. The Husband and his mom both came back with winnings. I lost almost everything. I was playing 3 card poker - turns out I like it a lot. The table games intimidated for a long time but I'm glad I've been encouraged to play. Of course I lose all of my money, but I have fun... and that is my only reason for going.
*Ian spent Tuesday on a class field trip to Hannibal, Missouri - Mark Twain's hometown. I've taken the kids a few times, but Ian doesn't remember going so it was good he got to make the trip. It's a quirky little town with a lot of houses converted into museums. They're small with skinny stairwells and low ceilings. Ian commented on the low ceilings too. He also got to spend some quality social studies time at the arcade!
*Yesterday at work I was able to get a server set up. It needed a lot of special configuring requiring a consultant and I am sooooo glad he was on the phone working through this. I never would have conquered that by myself. Now the fun stuff begins getting all of our users set up in the system. This is truly geeky fun in my world.
Memorial Day is Monday and it's time to extend our gratitude to those who serve and protect our nation and take time to remember those who died in that service. Thank you to all.
Join Mrs. 4444's at Half Past Kissing Time to share the bits and pieces of your world
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
More Toilet Paper
If you recall, I have a LOT of toilet paper stashed at my house. The Husband (aka Coupon King) landed a killer sale a few years ago and loaded up on 12-roll packs - lots - enough to last years.
Another sale and coupon frenzy converged so we loaded up on 10 more packs. And then he went back to the store the following day and bought ANOTHER 10 packs. Quick math here equals 20 packs of toilet paper, 12 rolls each, meaning we just bought 240 rolls of toilet paper.
Before lugging all of that to our special storage space in the basement I counted what we already had on hand. 10 more packages. So that makes a grand total of 360 rolls of toilet paper on top of what is sitting in the bathroom closet - at least another six rolls.
HO-LEE-CRAP!
Another sale and coupon frenzy converged so we loaded up on 10 more packs. And then he went back to the store the following day and bought ANOTHER 10 packs. Quick math here equals 20 packs of toilet paper, 12 rolls each, meaning we just bought 240 rolls of toilet paper.
Before lugging all of that to our special storage space in the basement I counted what we already had on hand. 10 more packages. So that makes a grand total of 360 rolls of toilet paper on top of what is sitting in the bathroom closet - at least another six rolls.
HO-LEE-CRAP!
Monday, May 09, 2011
Grandma Buys a Crib
Have we established that I'm not a power shopper? Not a Maven Of Killer Deals? That I rarely darken the doors of any store, maybe once or twice a year? And that includes grocery stores since my husband has taken over those duties (the little coupon loving man that he is).
Yeah, so for little ol' me to find a deal worthy of any mention is rather stupendous. Beginners luck or something of that nature.
So let me brag about my Saturday...
I started off at Kohl's with $40 Kohl's Cash in my pocket and a gift card found in the back of my wallet for an unknown amount. After an hour I found khakis and a belt. The gift card was worth four dollars and change. I waltzed out of there spending $1.40. Of course I didn't have enough cash on me (surely you jest) so I had to charge it.
Then I connected with a friend who said something about hitting the Penny's outlet store that's closing in Jamestown Mall. OMG I could have a day-long conversation about the collapse of America's shopping malls. A little corner of my heart is sad over the death of this institution and this particular mall was my teenage hangout. But anyway... I found a crib for $70!
Just the day before I told my husband to keep an eye out for baby items in the sales circulars. I'm not exactly loaded with cash so I can't commit to a big item for the kids, but hopefully something in the $50 - $100 range? He pulled up a couple different stores and we were both shocked at the prices of stuff. So when I called him that I found a crib in my price range he agreed, I had to buy it. Of course he's still giving me shit about how much money I spent, but he knows I landed an awesome deal.
I confirmed with my future daughter-in-law that a crib is needed. No sense in plunking down money on a gift that someone else is committed to buying, right? She said she had a hand-me-down, hand-me-down crib without any hardware. Well, that can't be safe, all of the old cribs are being recalled. Yes, they needed this crib. Her daddy was able to pick it up that night and it is now set up and ready to go.
It's not quite a surprise as I like my gifts to be, but at this magnitude some things don't have to be a surprise. They're happy and that's all that matters.
Ta Da! My first act as a Grandma!
Yeah, so for little ol' me to find a deal worthy of any mention is rather stupendous. Beginners luck or something of that nature.
So let me brag about my Saturday...
I started off at Kohl's with $40 Kohl's Cash in my pocket and a gift card found in the back of my wallet for an unknown amount. After an hour I found khakis and a belt. The gift card was worth four dollars and change. I waltzed out of there spending $1.40. Of course I didn't have enough cash on me (surely you jest) so I had to charge it.
Then I connected with a friend who said something about hitting the Penny's outlet store that's closing in Jamestown Mall. OMG I could have a day-long conversation about the collapse of America's shopping malls. A little corner of my heart is sad over the death of this institution and this particular mall was my teenage hangout. But anyway... I found a crib for $70!
Just the day before I told my husband to keep an eye out for baby items in the sales circulars. I'm not exactly loaded with cash so I can't commit to a big item for the kids, but hopefully something in the $50 - $100 range? He pulled up a couple different stores and we were both shocked at the prices of stuff. So when I called him that I found a crib in my price range he agreed, I had to buy it. Of course he's still giving me shit about how much money I spent, but he knows I landed an awesome deal.
I confirmed with my future daughter-in-law that a crib is needed. No sense in plunking down money on a gift that someone else is committed to buying, right? She said she had a hand-me-down, hand-me-down crib without any hardware. Well, that can't be safe, all of the old cribs are being recalled. Yes, they needed this crib. Her daddy was able to pick it up that night and it is now set up and ready to go.
It's not quite a surprise as I like my gifts to be, but at this magnitude some things don't have to be a surprise. They're happy and that's all that matters.
Ta Da! My first act as a Grandma!
Friday, May 06, 2011
Friday Fragments - May 6, 2011
Holy McFudge, it's Friday isn't it???
I don't know what day it feels like but it sure is a strange day.
A coworker is leaving us today as she ventures into a new career and is starting nursing school this summer. Deep sighs. We'll miss her.
The Husband encouraged a shopping trip to Kohl's. He felt we needed to buy new pillows for every bed in the house because the price is right and while we're at it, let's replace some of those raggedy towels! I also managed to squeeze in a few wardrobe additions and then I have the Kohl's Cash to spend this weekend --- wooooo!!!! These trips are big deals to me because I'm such a non-shopper and I always manage to find something I like. Hopefully I can find a decent pair of khakis, but who knows what I will walk out with.
Sunday we gathered at my mom's house for a combo Easter/Birthday celebration. Ian turned 14 on Monday so he got birthday cake and a few cool items. It sucks getting older - gift cards and practical gifts have replaced toys.
I learned the name possibilities for the coming grandbaby - I approve of both options. You realize that I plan to drown you in baby cuteness when he or she finally arrives.
Saturday Ian and I dyed eggs. They were expired eggs that we had hard boiled a few days before. It was a complete waste but we got the joy of dying eggs. Before we left for our shopping extravaganza we poured several of the colors together and dropped two already dyed eggs in to sit for several hours. I am SO doing this from here on out. That was fun. I then piled them up in a basket and took them as a center piece for Sunday's dinner.
I don't know what day it feels like but it sure is a strange day.
A coworker is leaving us today as she ventures into a new career and is starting nursing school this summer. Deep sighs. We'll miss her.
The Husband encouraged a shopping trip to Kohl's. He felt we needed to buy new pillows for every bed in the house because the price is right and while we're at it, let's replace some of those raggedy towels! I also managed to squeeze in a few wardrobe additions and then I have the Kohl's Cash to spend this weekend --- wooooo!!!! These trips are big deals to me because I'm such a non-shopper and I always manage to find something I like. Hopefully I can find a decent pair of khakis, but who knows what I will walk out with.
Sunday we gathered at my mom's house for a combo Easter/Birthday celebration. Ian turned 14 on Monday so he got birthday cake and a few cool items. It sucks getting older - gift cards and practical gifts have replaced toys.
Saturday Ian and I dyed eggs. They were expired eggs that we had hard boiled a few days before. It was a complete waste but we got the joy of dying eggs. Before we left for our shopping extravaganza we poured several of the colors together and dropped two already dyed eggs in to sit for several hours. I am SO doing this from here on out. That was fun. I then piled them up in a basket and took them as a center piece for Sunday's dinner.
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Extreme Couponing
We coupon.
Back when I was a young 20-something I would spend Sunday morning pouring through the Sunday ads, clipping, alphabetizing, and clearing out expired coupons. I would take my little pack to the store every week and was quite proud of myself for saving a few dollars.
At some point that all came to an end. We stopped subscribing to newspapers and two little children underfoot required far too much attention to allow me to lounge on the couch and leisurely clip my coupons in any organized or coherent manner. I kept forgetting to bring my pack of coupons and when I did bring them, most were expired because I hadn't kept up with the dates. It became too much work.
Then I ended up marrying a new guy, one who believes saving money is his singular goal in life. What's not to love about that??? He took couponing to a new level. Not only does he clip coupons, but he actually PLANS our grocery trips! What a concept! This goes much beyond just having a list and a general idea of the stuff that's getting low. He also goes to multiple stores to maximize his savings, knowing exactly what is to be purchased there and no impulse buys. This is the point I stepped back and let him take the reigns. If grocery shopping is left to me, I'm going to just one store and I'm guaranteed to pick up more than a few items not on the list.
To maximize our coupon opportunities I swap coupon fliers with two coworkers. I don't clip coupons anymore. Now I'm the mule, the transporter.
We started watching the new TV show "Extreme Couponing" hoping to pick up new tips. The fact that you can BUY extra coupons online is interesting and he's looking into that. The no-brainer concept of buying extra newspapers is also intriguing. For the most part the TV show is just fascinating - getting $600 of product for less than $20! It's also interesting to see inside people's homes where every nook and cranny is devoted to nearly hording style accumulations.
Comparing our stash next to the people on TV it's clear we are amateurs. We have a healthy stock in our basement, but it hasn't consumed the house... yet.
The TV show has brought the conversation forward and now more coworkers are getting into the couponing craze. I just set up a box to collect coupon fliers and I guess I will be coordinating the back and forth exchanges. This just might get to be overwhelming - we'll see.
Bottom line - don't throw away your unused coupons. Somebody wants them.
Back when I was a young 20-something I would spend Sunday morning pouring through the Sunday ads, clipping, alphabetizing, and clearing out expired coupons. I would take my little pack to the store every week and was quite proud of myself for saving a few dollars.
At some point that all came to an end. We stopped subscribing to newspapers and two little children underfoot required far too much attention to allow me to lounge on the couch and leisurely clip my coupons in any organized or coherent manner. I kept forgetting to bring my pack of coupons and when I did bring them, most were expired because I hadn't kept up with the dates. It became too much work.
Then I ended up marrying a new guy, one who believes saving money is his singular goal in life. What's not to love about that??? He took couponing to a new level. Not only does he clip coupons, but he actually PLANS our grocery trips! What a concept! This goes much beyond just having a list and a general idea of the stuff that's getting low. He also goes to multiple stores to maximize his savings, knowing exactly what is to be purchased there and no impulse buys. This is the point I stepped back and let him take the reigns. If grocery shopping is left to me, I'm going to just one store and I'm guaranteed to pick up more than a few items not on the list.
To maximize our coupon opportunities I swap coupon fliers with two coworkers. I don't clip coupons anymore. Now I'm the mule, the transporter.
We started watching the new TV show "Extreme Couponing" hoping to pick up new tips. The fact that you can BUY extra coupons online is interesting and he's looking into that. The no-brainer concept of buying extra newspapers is also intriguing. For the most part the TV show is just fascinating - getting $600 of product for less than $20! It's also interesting to see inside people's homes where every nook and cranny is devoted to nearly hording style accumulations.
Comparing our stash next to the people on TV it's clear we are amateurs. We have a healthy stock in our basement, but it hasn't consumed the house... yet.
The TV show has brought the conversation forward and now more coworkers are getting into the couponing craze. I just set up a box to collect coupon fliers and I guess I will be coordinating the back and forth exchanges. This just might get to be overwhelming - we'll see.
Bottom line - don't throw away your unused coupons. Somebody wants them.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Underpants
Being a rather frugal sort of person, I'm not one to load up on lots of clothing when I have perfectly good clothes hanging in my closet and tucked away in my dresser. Add to that I'm not particularly fond of spending hours upon hours browsing store shelves and you get a person with a drab wardrobe. I make sure to purchase items that will hold up for the long term and are practical, outlasting the latest trends.
That definitely includes undergarments. I'm not going around in hole-laden panties, but they've been well loved and are starting to fray. The little elastic strings having been popping loose and I am frequently grabbing a pair of scissors to trim them away. I got fed up and decided it was time to hit Walmart and seek out a new multi-pack of practical, cotton drawers. I pluck the sexiest of the lot trying to avoid the plain white granny panties. Yeah, that's how I roll.
It's almost REFRESHING to wear new undies. There's almost a spring to my step. Clearly I waited too long to make this purchase. I mean who writes an entire blog post about the joy of wearing new knickers (the Brits totally have the best word for it, don't they)?
That definitely includes undergarments. I'm not going around in hole-laden panties, but they've been well loved and are starting to fray. The little elastic strings having been popping loose and I am frequently grabbing a pair of scissors to trim them away. I got fed up and decided it was time to hit Walmart and seek out a new multi-pack of practical, cotton drawers. I pluck the sexiest of the lot trying to avoid the plain white granny panties. Yeah, that's how I roll.
It's almost REFRESHING to wear new undies. There's almost a spring to my step. Clearly I waited too long to make this purchase. I mean who writes an entire blog post about the joy of wearing new knickers (the Brits totally have the best word for it, don't they)?
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The New Economy Size Package
Have you noticed the different sizes in packaging?
Maybe?
No?
Yesterday I was reading blogs and at Patchwork Times she was discussing this very issue. She pointed out the reduced size of toilet paper rolls. Well, this struck a chord in my little heart. A few years ago I was driving across the state and pulled into a Wendy's for the requisite roadtrip stop. I came out of the bathroom brandishing a fresh strip of toilet paper at my travel companions, indignant at the reduced width. I swear it was barely wider than register tape. No one seemed to understand my disgust, but maybe they were still trying to process why I was flailing toilet paper around.
If you look at the toilet paper at home, notice how there is ample room on the roll. Can you remember a time when there was less space, side to side, on that spindle?
Does anyone remember buying a FIVE pound bag of sugar? Do you even know that you are now buying a FOUR pound bag?
Someone else pointed out that ketchup and salad dressing bottles are skinnier. Okay, that one threw me for a loop. No, I had not noticed, but you can bet I'm taking note now.
I had suspected for a while that chips and cereal have extra air pumped into their bags. I have noticed that cereal boxes are MUCH skinnier. They're the same height as the old boxes, but they are very much narrower.
Does anyone remember not too long ago when everything was super-sized with "30% more!" or bundled packs "for your convenience"? Then after the sale the prices slowly crept upwards beyond the original price? Penny by penny those prices creep. Yes, that we noticed, but it was slow and gradual and we adapted. But there is a point where customers retract and stop buying a product because the price is too high so the manufacturers have to do something else to increase their profit margin.
This repackaging crap is their latest ploy. I would never begrudge someone making a profit, but this is outright greed. Consumers need to speak up and react. But this is another quiet adjustment that many people just do not "feel" and therefore will not flood the consumer lines with complaints. And that, folks is exactly why it will continue. We don't FEEL screwed so we won't speak up.
In the meantime, everyone scratches their head wondering how the hell their grocery bills are so much higher than just a few years ago.
Maybe?
No?
Yesterday I was reading blogs and at Patchwork Times she was discussing this very issue. She pointed out the reduced size of toilet paper rolls. Well, this struck a chord in my little heart. A few years ago I was driving across the state and pulled into a Wendy's for the requisite roadtrip stop. I came out of the bathroom brandishing a fresh strip of toilet paper at my travel companions, indignant at the reduced width. I swear it was barely wider than register tape. No one seemed to understand my disgust, but maybe they were still trying to process why I was flailing toilet paper around.
If you look at the toilet paper at home, notice how there is ample room on the roll. Can you remember a time when there was less space, side to side, on that spindle?
Does anyone remember buying a FIVE pound bag of sugar? Do you even know that you are now buying a FOUR pound bag?
Someone else pointed out that ketchup and salad dressing bottles are skinnier. Okay, that one threw me for a loop. No, I had not noticed, but you can bet I'm taking note now.
I had suspected for a while that chips and cereal have extra air pumped into their bags. I have noticed that cereal boxes are MUCH skinnier. They're the same height as the old boxes, but they are very much narrower.
Does anyone remember not too long ago when everything was super-sized with "30% more!" or bundled packs "for your convenience"? Then after the sale the prices slowly crept upwards beyond the original price? Penny by penny those prices creep. Yes, that we noticed, but it was slow and gradual and we adapted. But there is a point where customers retract and stop buying a product because the price is too high so the manufacturers have to do something else to increase their profit margin.
This repackaging crap is their latest ploy. I would never begrudge someone making a profit, but this is outright greed. Consumers need to speak up and react. But this is another quiet adjustment that many people just do not "feel" and therefore will not flood the consumer lines with complaints. And that, folks is exactly why it will continue. We don't FEEL screwed so we won't speak up.
In the meantime, everyone scratches their head wondering how the hell their grocery bills are so much higher than just a few years ago.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Not Much
I don't have much to post today, just trying to keep another perfect month of posting every day. I did make it to Kohl's, the only plan that came through for the day. Three new blouses and a pair of slacks should be enough to spruce up my wardrobe for a few more months. I was starting to feel like I was wearing the same clothes every week to work.
Come back tomorrow as I will be posting pictures from the lake - nothing incriminating. Sorry.
Come back tomorrow as I will be posting pictures from the lake - nothing incriminating. Sorry.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Friday Fragments - July 30, 2010
Yay! Time for Friday Fragments when we get to share all the pieces of our lives.
*Birthday Month has come to an end. My Birthday Party Blog Hop was a tremendous failure. NOBODY participated. BOO! On the upside, I figured out how to set up a blog hop AND I'm not defeated. There will be more. I have an idea for a regular one, so we'll see.
*Last weekend was the Friend's Trip to the lake. It did not fail to deliver and as always I came home relaxed - the whole goal of a good vacation. There's just something to sitting in the water to erase all of your tension. Or maybe it's laughing your ass off. Whatever, it works. Also, like every year, I came home with a rash. I swear it's a mild form of poison ivy and everyone asks if maybe it's something I pick up in the gross lake water. Well, no, it's always on the back of my upper thighs, sometimes with a distinct line where my swimsuit sits. This year I also had it on my back just above my swim suit. The best I can figure there's a weak amount of poison ivy oils on one of the seats on the boat because it is very much restricted to areas where I sit and shows up almost immediately after a boat ride. Fortunately it doesn't spread and it's not very severe. In the future I hope I remember to sit on a towel.
*With work and the lake weekend I haven't yet visited the kids in their new house. I'm hoping to make a trip out there this weekend. I'm very excited to see how they've transformed the house from Granny's into their own (my two oldest and their significant others have moved into my former MIL's house). This is a very solid move into adulthood and I'm sure they'll make it a successful living arrangement.
*My grandma is also moving - into the memory care unit. Grandma's dementia is getting progressively worse. My mom has been losing a lot of sleep worrying about her mother so hopefully this will help. Now we have to worry how she will accept living a roommate. All bets are on "not at all". She is a very paranoid little woman convinced everyone is out to steal her stuff - and that was before the dementia kicked in. She has chased nurses out of her room with her cane and does everything she can to lock her door almost to the point of being a fire hazard. Getting a roommate is going to be interesting.
*For my birthday the coworkers went all out and completely blocked my desk. It took nearly a half hour to clear away the crap just so I could sit down! I'm slowly moving the rest of it away. They also took me out to Qdoba for lunch - YUM. Then hubby and my mom took me out for dinner - another YUM. It was a very nice day - YAY!
*I can't believe school is starting in just a few weeks! We have doctor appointments and shopping to get in next week. But first I think I'm going to take care of a little ME shopping. I cannot express how much I adore Kohl's with their coupon weekends and Kohl's Cash. Add that to a giftcard from my mom - WOO HOO!
*Birthday Month has come to an end. My Birthday Party Blog Hop was a tremendous failure. NOBODY participated. BOO! On the upside, I figured out how to set up a blog hop AND I'm not defeated. There will be more. I have an idea for a regular one, so we'll see.
*Last weekend was the Friend's Trip to the lake. It did not fail to deliver and as always I came home relaxed - the whole goal of a good vacation. There's just something to sitting in the water to erase all of your tension. Or maybe it's laughing your ass off. Whatever, it works. Also, like every year, I came home with a rash. I swear it's a mild form of poison ivy and everyone asks if maybe it's something I pick up in the gross lake water. Well, no, it's always on the back of my upper thighs, sometimes with a distinct line where my swimsuit sits. This year I also had it on my back just above my swim suit. The best I can figure there's a weak amount of poison ivy oils on one of the seats on the boat because it is very much restricted to areas where I sit and shows up almost immediately after a boat ride. Fortunately it doesn't spread and it's not very severe. In the future I hope I remember to sit on a towel.
*With work and the lake weekend I haven't yet visited the kids in their new house. I'm hoping to make a trip out there this weekend. I'm very excited to see how they've transformed the house from Granny's into their own (my two oldest and their significant others have moved into my former MIL's house). This is a very solid move into adulthood and I'm sure they'll make it a successful living arrangement.
*My grandma is also moving - into the memory care unit. Grandma's dementia is getting progressively worse. My mom has been losing a lot of sleep worrying about her mother so hopefully this will help. Now we have to worry how she will accept living a roommate. All bets are on "not at all". She is a very paranoid little woman convinced everyone is out to steal her stuff - and that was before the dementia kicked in. She has chased nurses out of her room with her cane and does everything she can to lock her door almost to the point of being a fire hazard. Getting a roommate is going to be interesting.
*For my birthday the coworkers went all out and completely blocked my desk. It took nearly a half hour to clear away the crap just so I could sit down! I'm slowly moving the rest of it away. They also took me out to Qdoba for lunch - YUM. Then hubby and my mom took me out for dinner - another YUM. It was a very nice day - YAY!
*I can't believe school is starting in just a few weeks! We have doctor appointments and shopping to get in next week. But first I think I'm going to take care of a little ME shopping. I cannot express how much I adore Kohl's with their coupon weekends and Kohl's Cash. Add that to a giftcard from my mom - WOO HOO!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
The Basement Grocery
He says he hates to shop, yet every week my beloved scans through the newspaper ads carefully cutting out coupons. He watches for the best deals and spends his days off hopping from one grocery store to the next. He may hate shopping, but he does love getting a deal. Saving money is his favorite pastime.
When I moved into this house, before my coupon crazy husband entered my life, I reveled in the fact that there were shelves in the basement. That for once, I could finally stock up on a few necessary items as my previous houses never had ample storage. Little did I know that in a few years these shelves would be quivering under the weight of our latest booty.
I take great pleasure in picking on my husband for his shopping adventures. The endless supply of toilet paper amuses me to no end. Between coupons and some store sale last spring, he brought home all that his little minivan could carry. We have enough toilet paper to wipe our asses for quite some time. This picture was taken just a few days ago and hardly a dent has been made in our supply. I thought it would take us a year to go through that much toilet paper, but it looks like I may be wrong. It will be much longer.
Before I get all smug over the toilet paper frenzy maybe we should peek at the shelves.
Notice the over-OCD manner of neat rows, labels pointing forward?
Yeah, that would be MY illness rearing its ugly little head - the compulsive need for order. At least my husband and I have complimentary illnesses? When we move I have dreams of a real, honest-to-God pantry. Can you imagine the damage we could do with one of those??? And yes, I'm pretty sure we'll need a few shelves in the basement to catch the overflow.
My daughter finds the current storage room extremely hilarious. And is a little envious. Her little apartment dwelling self swears she's going to come to my house to do her shopping. We've started referring to that corner as "The Basement Grocery Store".
When I moved into this house, before my coupon crazy husband entered my life, I reveled in the fact that there were shelves in the basement. That for once, I could finally stock up on a few necessary items as my previous houses never had ample storage. Little did I know that in a few years these shelves would be quivering under the weight of our latest booty.
I take great pleasure in picking on my husband for his shopping adventures. The endless supply of toilet paper amuses me to no end. Between coupons and some store sale last spring, he brought home all that his little minivan could carry. We have enough toilet paper to wipe our asses for quite some time. This picture was taken just a few days ago and hardly a dent has been made in our supply. I thought it would take us a year to go through that much toilet paper, but it looks like I may be wrong. It will be much longer.
Before I get all smug over the toilet paper frenzy maybe we should peek at the shelves.
Notice the over-OCD manner of neat rows, labels pointing forward?
Yeah, that would be MY illness rearing its ugly little head - the compulsive need for order. At least my husband and I have complimentary illnesses? When we move I have dreams of a real, honest-to-God pantry. Can you imagine the damage we could do with one of those??? And yes, I'm pretty sure we'll need a few shelves in the basement to catch the overflow.My daughter finds the current storage room extremely hilarious. And is a little envious. Her little apartment dwelling self swears she's going to come to my house to do her shopping. We've started referring to that corner as "The Basement Grocery Store".
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