We Almost....

We almost got another dog yesterday. A pure bread female Great Pyrenees named Siah. She is 9 months old. She was living with a quadorpalegic (sp?) that she outgrew. Someone else adopted her.

I saw her ad on Craigslist on Thursday afternoon....and just had a "feeling". I am kind of sad that it did not work out, however....we are really not ready for another dog.

So we wait again. I'm not in a hurry.....it was only her I was interested in.

Awwww....

The Economy Sucks...Good Thing I'm Cheap

I was reading an article recently about the economy. I've been very tuned into this issue because my family is feeling the crunch big time recently. We've been pinching pennies as much as possible to make up for spending close to $600/mo. on gasoline, $550-$600/mo. on food, $350/mo. on heating our house and many others. The article I was reading was posted last week on msn.com. It was basically talking about how each "class" is downsizing their spending. People that normally shop at Nordstroms and Dillards are shopping at Kohls and TJ Maxx. People who normally shop at Kohls and TJ Maxx are shopping at Wal-Mart. People that normally shop at Wal-Mart are shopping at Dollar General stores. It said you will be seeing more Lexus' and Mercedes parked in Wal-Mart or Target parking lots. I'm seeing it.

I grew up in a very financially tight home. I'm use to pinching pennies. I've had a few stints of financial freedom in my life.....which was nice, but most of my life I've been just making ends meet. I'm not complaning about that either. It made me who I am....CHEAP! Wait, I prefer FRUGAL.....that sounds better. I'm not cheap as in....I rip off people on tips....or I buy lower quality items because I don't want to spend the cash on good quality.

The definition of FRUGAL is: economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or sparing; not wasteful: a frugal manager. <---this is me.

I have the ability to find "deals" on things that we need. I find it more fulfilling to get a GREAT top at the DAV Thrift Store for $3.00 than to get the same top at the mall for $65. It's been a LONG time since I've been willing to spend $65 on a top. Don't get me wrong- I like the mall too.....but I head directly to the clearance rack for my buys.

I believe the economy is in a downswing....I see the evidence every day.....but I hope that the people of the U.S. will buck up and answer the call to be more frugal and wiser with their money so we can get through this recession.

Spring?

I think Spring is on it's way......but I could be wrong. This week we are supposed to have weather that is nice- 62 Tuesday and 66 Wednesday! I hope that does not change. Sunday, we took Sumo and Lizzy to Loose Park for a nice long walk. As you can see, Lizzy has on short sleeves. This is one of the 1st times in a long time we could be outside without a coat!

I'm looking forward to the trees growing green leaves and the flowers blooming. I'm NOT looking forward to being miserable with spring allergies...BUT it'll be worth it. I'll just dope myself up as usual. I'm also looking forward to turning off the heater and not using the air for a few months. I'm hoping we can last until July....we'll see. It can get pretty hot in June sometimes. Even if we only make it April & May w/o using heat or air that'll make me happy. Just bring on the warm weather!!!

Jewel got her Drivers License!

I'm a very proud mom today!

A change of heart

Jeff and I decided to buy our house about a month ago. It's in need of a lot of repairs...but we figured that we love the house and the location so much that it would be worth it. Well I've had a change of heart...and so has Jeff. Considering the current state of the economy- I don't think it would be wize to buy a home that needs so many repairs. We would never get back what we put into it. So- we started thinking about buying a smaller home. Something with 3 bedrooms...2 baths...and a full basement. We can finish the basement ourselves- and even ad a fence to the backyard for Sumo if we found a house that did not have one already. This weekend we drove around neighborhoods looking at different homes. I am pretty happy anywhere in Prairie Village.

I'd LOVE to move into a house that does not need any repairs! I love where we live right now, except for the fact that there are many, many things that need attention. Leaks, crumbling front porch, extensive landscaping, plumbing issues, water problems.... there are many things I could ad to the list. I'm sad when I think about moving again...and I really think that if our house was in better shape there would be no question about wether we wanted to buy it...of course we would! Jeff and I need to make a wise decision about what house we buy. I think we are on the right track now.

The Oscars

Ok now that the previous distraction has been addressed.....

I love the Oscars! I know what everyone says..."Stuck up celebrities patting themselves on the back".....I know I know....and I agree to some extent. But I still love watching them. I love most award shows for that matter. But the Oscars are different. They are the best, the #1 honor an actor/actress can receive. I love seeing all of the stars glammed up and looking their best (you know they starved themselves, waxed, pulled, dyed, tweaked and stuffed their selves into their dresses/tuxes). I love seeing the genuine surprise of the underdog winning....even the big stars can't help but get overwhelmed when they win. I love the speeches....even the unknown people like "sound editing" and "set design". I saw a lot of unknowns last night win...that's really cool. Left, is one of my favorite actors....Johnny Depp....he was nominated for best actor for his role in "Sweeney Todd"...I have not seen it yet- but Lizzy has and she said it's really good. I'll have to rent it when it comes out. He did not win- but I'm not sure he deserved to considering his company.

Ok, it has to be said.....

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sleepy

I went out last night to entertain a few co-workers from out of town. I was not out late but I had a drink and it's made me feel kind of sickly today. It's reminded me why I don't drink...haha I guess I have to be reminded every once in a while. Now- I'm sleepy.

I'm on day 45 of being a non-smoker. Not one puff. I almost caved last night when I felt a tiny bit tipsy from my drink....but I didn't. I'm proud of myself.

Dinner tonight to say goodbye to a friend that's being let go. She's a nice person. The company I work for is letting her go after 8 years because they are closing down the AL office. The one remaining person is going to work from home now. I feel sad for her, but I guess that's life. You can never feel completely secure with any job.

I went to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch! Mmmmmm one of my favorite places to eat. I only ate half my food- remembering my diet! My whoe family is on a diet right now...we are all doing well so far. Eating right and excercizing. Feels good.

Sumos Bath...and oh yeah it's Valentines Day too!

Yesterday early evening Jeff and I took Sumo to have a bath at Petco. He only gets to have a few baths a year so he was ready! In fact, this is only his 2nd "real" bath since he's been too big for the sink. Akitas are extremely clean dogs- so only 2-3 times per year is necessary. Anyway, he's been blowing his coat for over a month now ....I've been cleaning hair (Vaccuming, Swiffering) every single day at my house just to keep up with it. I knew he was on the tail end (no pun intended) of his shedding so I decided to get him in for a bath. You should have seen that room after we used the blowdryer on him! There was hair on the walls and probably the cieling! Anyway, he looks terriffic and I think we got most of the loose hair off of him.

Today is Valentines Day! I made Jeff a picture- I think he liked it. I'm going to go home and make a nice dinner for the fam and tell them over and over how much I love them. V-Day is not just for couples...it's for family too.