**Just found out family friend was laid off from AAA after 12 years or so. Job outsourced to India.

My dad has been struggling with unemployment most of his 50s. But, he is well prepared for early retirement, and doing just fine.

It hit me when my dad mentioned to another friend that this guy is 60. We were bemoaning his fate and how ill prepared he is for unemployment. But, for whatever reason, I compartmentalized him as much younger in my mind. When my dad said he was 60, it was just like, geez.

My dad and his friend could probably hardly be more opposite, financially. It kind of changed my mind from "poor guy," to a slight "tsk tsk." His situation was entirely preventable, really. Forced retirement at 60 is probably tough for most anyone. But "hardly a penny to my name" at 60, is pretty riduclous.

Will be interesting to see how it pans out. I won't be surprised if my parents end up helping him out.

I just read unemployment is ticking up. I see it, as I have several friends/relatives/acquaintances getting laid off from LONG TIME jobs - in recent weeks.

----------------------------------------------------

Check out this article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/26/business/help-wanted-ads-e...

The Help-Wanted Sign Comes With a Frustrating Asterisk:

The unemployed need not apply.

Really, really obnoxious and sad.

I can't really complain about my lot, but reading this, it looks like the odds of my spouse returning to the workforce any time soon? Pretty slim. It's ugly out there. Of course, I am far more worried about friends who have been out of work a long time, etc. But, yeah, it's just UGLY out there.

These rewards are completely out of control!

I just applied for Southwest Rapid Rewards card. A $99 annual fee + ONE purchase = $500 Amazon gift cards.

I usually write off any card with annual fee (when it's not waived first year), off the bat. BUT, I have made so much cash this year off credit cards, it was a very small gamble.

Rewards round up:

$600-ish deposits to ROTH IRA (Fidelity AmEx)
$1000 (maybe?) cash - not sure if Chase will honor second $500
$300 Cash - Citi
$200 Cash - Chase
$500 Amazon gift cards - Southwest Chase
-$99 fee

=$2500

If Chase flakes out on full $1000 cash, I am still up $2000 for VERY little effort.

I am not sure if I will be approved for this Southwest card - since it is another Chase card. I decided to apply, and ask them to close my Chase Freedom - *if* they deny me for that (too many Chase cards). Was going to close it anyway, but figured it was easiest to do it this way.

I will probably redeem these rewards and close all of these credit cards (4 cards - 2 for the each of us) before I consider any more reward cards this year. I think 4 *extra* cards is about my limit. Should be able to close them all by end of September, and to start anew.

{CAVEATS - we tend to charge most our bills anyway (so we don't have to do anything extraordinary to meet purchase minimums), we ALWAYS pay the balance off monthly, and our 800-ish FICOs seem unaffected by semi-frequent card opening and closings for cash rewards. Once one-time rewards are earned - we immediately close those credit cards. I was blessed to be taught how to handle credit cards versus just fearing them. That said, I don't recommend utilizing these deals if you can't treat your credit card like a debit card, or if you have to rack up expenses that you wouldn't otherwise. Then, it's no deal...}.

Nope, I didn't change my mind and go camping. But, the fam did go without me.

Sounds like they had a blast.

From a frugal standpoint, doesn't get much cheaper than a camping trip. But look at that amazing beauty! This is just a couple hours from our home - in the Sierras.

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I can't believe that summer has only 2 weeks left! I kind of equate summer with slowness, because work is pretty quiet this time of year. BUT, I suppose it's nice not having to deal with *school* stuff 2 months of the year.

When the kids are older, we might appreciate the short summers, but for now - it just goes by way too fast!

Seeing the pictures reminded me that we promised BM to go back on that big hike by family camp. Probably something we will do in September. We have time this weekend, but after being so ill for an entire week, I hardly feel up to anything like that.

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Next weekend will probably be a *take it easy* and stay close to home kind of weekend.

Weekend after that we are planning a little vacation in San Jose. Nothing really set in stone - but several things we want to do. Maybe a day trip to the beach, or a hike. A day at the water park, etc.

Our anniversary is 2 months away, so we should probably think about booking a room in Napa for that weekend. Was what we decided to do (something different and pretty close to home). Well, I better start figuring something out!

Heck, our Napa trip is about 2 weeks before our So Cal trip. Best get that figured out, too.

**Hit $3000 spending on the Chase Sapphire. Closes in a week or so - will see if I get my points on that statement.

If I get my check, will donate $250 to school and add $250 to the mortgage.

**Hit $600 on the Citi card (need $1000 or $2000). I think I will just aim for $2000 to keep it simple. (Dh got a $1000 offer in the mail after I applied - but it's easier to just stick with the $2000 than to deal with a cc company which may or may not honor anything they tell us!)

Anyway, I just set up the health insurance to pay on that card next month. Which means I just need another $700 or so. Probably will hit it by mid-August and be done with that card.

Reward = gift cards galore.

**I just applied for a Chase Freedom in dh's name. I already have one, so easier just to apply in his name to guarantee approval. But, we only have to spend $500 to earn $200 cash back. EASY MONEY. IT may pail in comparison to the $2000 or so I am expecting from our 3 other cards this year, but in the grand scheme of things, it's not so often an easy $200 reward like that comes along. I'll take it!!

Will probably put the $200 to the mortgage.

----------------------------------------------------

No, we have never opened up so many credit cards in such a short time, for rewards, in our lives. This year has been unreal. I am usually only in the game for more rare/lucrative cards. Maybe once a year or so, on average.

Still wondering how much the competition will heat up and if there will be more for the taking in 2011.

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{CAVEATS - we tend to charge most our bills anyway (so we don't have to do anything extraordinary to meet purchase minimums), we ALWAYS pay the balance off monthly, and our 800-ish FICOs seem unaffected by semi-frequent card opening and closings for cash rewards. Once one-time rewards are earned - we immediately close those credit cards. I was blessed to be taught how to handle credit cards versus just fearing them. That said, I don't recommend utilizing these deals if you can't treat your credit card like a debit card, or if you have to rack up expenses that you wouldn't otherwise. Then, it's no deal...}.

Gah!

Kids both had a mild virus recently, so when I felt it coming on last Thursday night, figured it couldn't be too bad.

One week later, I feel chewed up and spit out. Still not 100%, but getting there...

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The kids' party was excellent, so I hear.

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I also get to miss that awesome concert tonight. I suppose I could go if I really wanted to, but think I rather rest up. If nothing else, throat is REALLY sensitive and don't think I could take any smoke, etc. A co-worker walked by with some perfume on, and about knocked me over. Hard to describe - but it just feels TERRIBLE as those chemicals are breathed in and make contact with my throat.

Dh is a SAINT and has taken care of a very grumpy/sick wife all week.

For whatever reason, I planned way far ahead more than usual on the kids' party and it was far simpler than usual. All that said, dh and I were annoyed when we asked his mom to whip up box mix cupcakes (we were at hospital hours before party) and she wanted to buy some at the store. I told dh, "I rather make them right now, in my ill state, than buy that store bought crap." LOL. But had cleaned the house well ahead (some night before admittedly, *just in case* because felt sick by then). Dh had made some salsa and hummus ahead of time (for adults). The only thing we cut was the watermelon since I knew no one else would want to slice it. I figured it was a small sacrifice. (Don't ask me how on earth I am designated watermelon slicer. I hate knives and have no idea what I am doing - but everyone seems to think I do it well?) Someone made cupcakes for us, and we bought cheap pizza, as planned. Entertainment was all arranged. So, it went off without a hitch. If not for dh's family, I think he would have cancelled. So thank goodness for them coming up a little early and helping.

--------------------------------------------------

From reading all the posts lately, I can tell you all took our heat! We have never had such a PLEASANT July in Sacramento.

That said, I've been home sick running the A/C pretty hard. (The cool air feels good - well - it helped). Plus, we usually only run it downstairs most the day, but have had many days where we have been running it both up and down stairs all day. So, will see if low heat July really comes with any electric savings. Oh yeah - and how much electricity does it cost to run a bounce house for 8 hours? Will find out soon... I suppose if nothing else, it will all even out in the end.

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Frugal activities for July:

**Cancelled camping trip this weekend. Pretty bummed about it, but need to recover. Camping doesn't sound fun at the moment! Of course, dh and kids could go with my dad, but I think dh is exhausted and just wants to stay home.

**Dh will enjoy $5 concert tonight and will probably meet awesome musician. Sounds like a very intimate setting and dh was on his mailing list so is on his *guest list.* Will see what that entails!

**Library event this week - meeting lizards, snakes and all that.

**Train museum membership even next week. We invited 2 sets of friends (can bring 6 guests) and will see the awesome musician who totally flaked out on our party. (He came through with free substitute who worked out pretty well).

Still like his show - would just never hire him again. Anyway, free substitute was his mentor and did many of the same tricks - so worked out as well as it could. In the end - happy to see him perform somewhere else. Especially, free.

**In addition to all of the above, it is still good pool weather. But, geez, have we not been there since the 4th? Maybe I will feel up to the pool this weekend?

**Oh yeah - dh took the kids to see Harry Potter opening day (BM's birthday). IT costs $15. $5 x 3. So, was a nice little splurge. (I could care less - so didn't even want to spend $5, myself. I am happy to watch it on Blu Ray some day). They just went to a low priced matinee - didn't even have to wait in line. Midnight before or later that day would be another story!

Well, the only reason I agreed to spend $150 on a magician for the kids' party is it was a super cool magician that we were super excited to invite to our private party.

So, I hadn't gotten any confirmation and nothing in the mail (as he said he would send), so I Called to confirm the party time (Wednesday) and make sure he had the correct address.

He called me back and left a message all was well. THEN, called back Thursday to say he had a scheduling problem and would not make it. He was sending some other guy (who looks like no amateur). He left a message about this. For reference, we are pretty easy to reach. He happened to call when I Was on the phone at work or something, both times.

Ugh! I was so annoyed, and then he didn't call back for 24 hours!!! So he called and left a message today that the show would be free. MEanwhile, party is tomorrow.



I honestly thought he was joking at first, when he left that message. I am so aggravated on so many levels! It's 5pm Friday night and we still haven't talked to him so I GIVE UP!!!! I had initially wanted to make clear we didn't hire *a magician.* We hired *the magician* and he has some really upset kids. Wondering if he could just come later or whatever.

But, no word, and so I give up. I ordered a bounce house rental. I now have this fear that no one will show. Not happy at all with the experience. Will probably never hire another private entertainer again.

So, we could have delighted with the free show (which I can look on the bright side). BUT, I have to get some backup entertainment. I don't want to figure out how to entertain all these kids if no one shows.

Plus, I am sick today. Am worried I will be sick tomorrow. All the more reason I *need* to keep it simple.

Anyway, all the above said, it is only supposed to be about 80F degrees tomorrow - which is about 30 degrees cooler than usual. This is probably the only bouncy house the kids will ever get, accordingly. I don't even think they'd rent to us in 110 weather - it would be like an oven! I will save $50 over original plan, in the end. & will (maybe?) get a magician and a bouncy house. I can look on the bright side when I Feel better!

Bounce house place - I was able to reserve online at 5pm, the night before. I even found a coupon code for $10 off. The kids get 8 hours of bounce bliss. So far, so good with that! Is a positive turn of events.

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OF course, to top off my day, I am sure some co-workers are rolling their eyes at my Friday sick call today, but I feel like hell. Someone called me and woke me up around 1pm from my office - for something VERY non-important. !!! What the heck?? The family was gone watching Harry Potter and I had turned off the ringer in the bedroom, but I think subconsciously I was keeping an ear out in case the magician ever called back.

& yesterday just really sucked all around, so I am pretty cranky!!

Hopefully tomorrow I can report back that the party was super awesome, and who cares about that magician anyway!

So, I e-mailed Hanes July 4th to ask for 20% discount towards an order that I placed just hours before their big "20% off site-wide" sale on the 4th.

(Mental note: Never shop day before big holiday?)

So, I didn't hear anything.

I kept thinking:

#1 - That I really should call them. That they may ignore my e-mail, but I may get farther on the phone.

#2 - That I have been spoiled by Amazon. (Last time I live chatted a Zappos rep and got an immediate discount applied - and it was in reference to a return that I hadn't even returned at that time).

Apparently, laziness paid off.

Yesterday (9 days later???), I got a reply that my account was credited.

Thing was, it wasn't.

About 24 hours after I got the e-mail, the credit showed up on my account.

My AmEx card shows credits in process, but apparently Chase doesn't. It never showed up "in process" - just showed up as a finalized transaction today. TO be fair - maybe it had been credited when they said it had.

Anyway, so though the customer experience leaves a little to be desired, I saved myself $5 with one simple e-mail.

Woohoo!!

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In other news, I am starting to drown in credit cards.

Usually, when dh and I sign up for one-time bonuses, we just get one card in our name - stuff like that. Since these bonuses were so HUGE - we had to spend a little more to get them - so put each other as authorized users on each card.

I currently have like 8 credit cards sitting in my *dead* pile. Dh's old cc he never uses, 2 sets of Chase cards I need to close eventually, and our regular AmEx (2 copies) which are on hold until we earn our Citi bonus. (Is that 7?). Plus we both have 2 credit cards in our wallets?

I don't think I've ever had this many credit cards at once before. Yeesh!

They will mostly be closed, cut up and gone, soon enough. Just want to get my rewards first!

It's still the week of birthday here, so a little busy.

We went to Six Flags Tuesday. Nothing like going to an amusement park to feel your age. Actually, I did better than usual. Last time we went to Disney, I had to take a nap, but it is open some insane amount of hours. Six Flag hours are weird (10:30 - 8:00). The weather was PERFECT, which probably helped the energy level. So, we lucked out. Weather couldn't be any better. 70F degrees at most - sunny day - cool breeze.

It's so cool at home that we haven't even been running the A/C. Kids' birthday party is usually the *hottest* day of the year - at about 110F degrees. I've been watching the weather forecast in disbelief. Says 85F, or maybe even cooler. Will see!

Actually, I am relieved we can keep some of the party outside. Usually, *outside* is completely out of the question.

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I think we are going to Disney this year. We were going to go to So Cal for LegoLand. (Kids want to go, it will be a pretty cheap trip, and they will outgrow it soon, so might as well oblige).

Dh says to me, "I don't want to Disney, though" - a few months back.

I didn't argue at the time. Kids have been spoiled rotten and have been almost every year. I personally think it is easier to appreciate things when they are a rare treat.

At some point I whined to dh that I Wasn't sure I agreed. Since I missed Disney World in 2007 and 2009. I might not have been since 2008, myself. I was a wee bit sad to skip it, though for the most part I don't think I care that much.

But, going to Six Flags sealed the deal. This one in particular started out as more of a "Sea World" and they crammed in the rides later. They layout is terrible. We theorized that it wasn't conceptualized from the ground up, like most theme parks. But, we were left annoyed by so many things at this park, that dh said, "Maybe because I have been to Disney so much the last decade - but there is just no comparison."

So, now all of a sudden he wants to go to Disney.

Will see!

We will get a free place to stay through MIL's endless timeshares, and will just drive down. Kids have free tickets to LegoLand. So, all we really have to spend money on is one-day Disney tickets, and food. FOOD will be the biggie. We decided one day is plenty for our purposes. I've done it MANY times. Never with the kids, but since it is more of a last-minute thing, and they have been 10 times already, I think we will survive. (Plus, going mid-week in October means we may accomplish more anyway).

I've never understood what was so expensive about Disney. So many times in college, etc., that we just drove down for the day. Maybe stayed one night in a shared hotel with friends. IT's not the cheapest thing ever, but doesn't have to be a 4-figure vacation, either. (I am referring to the *local* idea that Disney = 4 figures, when it doesn't have to be AT ALL! Not picking on anyone who has to fly thousands of miles to get there. The locals are pretty whiny about the expense, and it is just a 5 or 6-hour drive. So - their attitude would drive you mad).

----------------------------------------------------

We are still tweaking our San Jose *staycation.*

We were going to take the kids to Great America (where dh and I both worked many years - and met). BUT, are no longer enthused with this idea after being tossed around all the rides at Six Flags in our old age. LOL.

We will go sometime - just need to spread it out a little more for us old folgies. Maybe next year? It just really struck me since I practically lived at Great America in my youth (& was always going in on my days off to ride the rides, etc.). Ah, to be young.

We had talked about visiting Winchester Mystery House, but I priced it and the price was insane. Would be like $100 for a 1-hour tour! Whatevah! Decided the kids would appreciate that more later, anyway. Will go in a few years. (We've been several times - apparently never since our parents paid for us, as children).

For reference, I just paid $100 for an entire day at Sig Flags. Price just struck me as insane.

The water park is still a good contender. So far all we have set in stone is a free concert at our alma mater. It's looking like that and a day at the water park. Planning that the last couple of days before school starts. Sounds like a nice end to summer vacation! San Jose has a really nice water park.

The kids get a week off in October, and so that is the week we are looking at our So Cal trip.

My food saving trick is to freeze bananas for smoothies. Works in the spring/summer, anyway. Sometimes we devour them all in a day or 2, and sometimes they get forgotten, but freezing them salvages them. I always cut them up for freezing - which makes them like little banana ice cubes!

Bought a watermelon for 4th of July and so cut some up to freeze. Aaaah - divine!!!

I still have half a watermelon in the fridge so will slice some up for the family today and freeze the rest. Maybe 1/4, each.

MIL told me she expects to bring us leftover watermelon next week, as well. She was delighted at the idea of freezing it.

Of course, my friend was just telling me how she pickles watermelons (the rind?). Interesting.

For his birthday, LM wanted to go to the pool *alone.* BM as at another birthday party. In the end - swimming alone wasn't all that exciting.

Once I sign off I will make some smoothies, slice watermelon, and work on his birthday cake.

--------------------------------------------------

Our renting neighbors moved out. They had been foreclosed on and were the epitome of the Joneses.

As I watched the new "Extremely expensive cars/toys" move in next door, I briefly wondered why the renters always seemed to have the most expensive crap. I personally have no preconceived notion that *renters* are less well off - but I do think people with a lot of expensive toys are generally less well off. Has been my own experience. Our neighborhood seems to attract extremely Jonesy renters and owners.

Anyway, met the new neighbor today. VERY NICE, but the first thing he tells me is he lost his house. Well, I hadn't assumed *that.* But really, no surprise. I am continually surprised of how open people are about their financial whoas.

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Reminds me, we were watching a comedy show last night. The guy REALLY wanted this $17 million home in New York. (His budget was initially $2500/month - which you know would buy crap in NYC). When he met with his accountant, the guy is like, "Do I really have to spell it out for you??? You have $6,000 in the bank. You can afford a $6,000 house."

So he moves in to the house.

LOL.

I just loved it. Dh and I were kind of confused at first, and he says to me, "I think this speaks to the ridiculous living situations portrayed on TV - in sitcoms and such."

*ding ding ding*

Having come from a high cost area, I am always noticing how ridiculous the homes and apartments are compared to income portrayed. It's hard to ignore. I can't even watch the Simpsons without wondering why they have such a NICE and large home. LOL.

Ah, it's extremely slow and lazy over here.

Absolutely no plans this weekend, but need to make preparations for birthday party next weekend.

I was thinking of taking the kids to their favorite buffet, but figured it was overkill with all the birthday plans already in place (Six Flags, party, etc.).

Of course, MIL will be in town today, and wants to treat us to dinner at this buffet. So, let the spoiling begin!

I've had so many days off of work (no driving) and we only have two small-ish out-of-town trips planned this month, so I it is very low spend on the gas front. Particularly compared to recent months.

Will have to look out for pizza coupons this week and find the best deal for our party. Usually with adults I am more concerned about quality, but I thinking we are just going to go with the cheapest pizza we can find.

Six Flags - looks like we can keep tickets, parking and food to about $100. Kids have free tickets, and the internet tickets are pretty reasonable (kids' pricing for adults).

-------------------------------------------------

I attended a seminar webcast today.

Meh.

I never much liked working from home, and usually I attend out-of-town seminars to spend time with family, get some quiet time, etc.

SO, I must say, the whole thing was rather "meh." I thought I might like the "no driving" aspect and the "get out of bed and show up."

Truth is I rather get out of the house, and see something different. Which is kind of funny because I am a bit of a home body. Which is probably why I don't see the joy in becoming 100% home body. Because then it's just too extreme. & pretty boring.

But, it was frugal - I will give you that.

I was listening to Dave Ramey (alright - he's grown on me, I admit it!)

Anyway, was telling someone to hoard up cash for impending birth of baby.

"Listen to Dave!!!" I was thinking, because no one ever listens to this advice.

Anyway, then I Was deflated when Dave said, "Throw it all at the debt when you get home from the hospital - everyone healthy."

Seriously?

Not what I was thinking!

Okay. To be fair, this is a "get out of debt" show. So, maybe this is the right thing to do when deep in debt. I'll give him that. (I'd personally pay off the debt before having a baby - but I suppose not everyone can possibly pull that off!)

I guess, it just seems to be the norm to get caught off guard financially when it comes to babies.

So let me break down why I think it's important to keep cash on hand when you have a baby. Ideally you have several months to save up:

**Unintended disability - I think Dave has this one covered. Save up that cash in case you end up on bed rest or unable to work.

**Health Issues with delivery - mom health issues, baby health issues - whatever. You may get some big medical bills. This seems to be Dave's primary concern.

Oh no - it doesn't end there.

**So you thought you could work, but now it's the last thing you want to do. Ooops, but you didn't save a penny and there is nothing you can do. You can't even prolong your maternity leave by one week. That's gotta suck!

**So you are working and are happy, but under-estimated how daycare was going to eat up most your paycheck.

**Clean bill of health the minute you got home from the hospital, but health issues crop up later. (PPD, anyone?)

& on and on it goes...

& honestly - who here with kids had everything go exactly according to plan? You had EVERYTHING figured out beforehand, right?

Honestly, a little cash in the bank can mean the difference between YEARS of misery and a lot of freedom and flexibility.

All that said, I think I probably dole out the same advice as Dave. I see pregnant women all the time who don't seem to consider the possibility that they might not be able to work 9 months. That really may be the main problem. Because then you just start out in the hole, and it really erodes your options. Like it's that unheard of for something (anything) to throw you off track. Unemployment? Disability? Bed rest? So, maybe that is the most important time to focus on some cash savings.

We learned the hard way. I looked forward to saving 9 months x $2500 (dh's take home) before baby arrived. What is that? Almost $23,000?

He got laid off the second I got pregnant. Which put us significantly under our savings plan. & one reason we felt this plan was important was in case I ended up being unable to work full-time to full term.

We are way super crazy overly cautious and had $30,000 in the bank. & things have been way tighter than we planned for. But I admit watching the majority of new parents with $0 in the bank - we obviously have had it pretty easy in comparison.

& frankly, baby #1 was easy peasy, but the extra cash cushion came in handy with baby #2, in our case. Everything about #1 was pretty easy. Everything about baby #2 was not so easy. & that's just one more reason not to get rid of all your cash the second you have your first baby.

But seriously, I feel like having kids is a lesson in learning that NOTHING ever goes to plan. When it comes to kids, does it ever?

**Got news that property tax assesments were released. (I always forget about that - so glad I saw).

Assessment went from $270k to $263k. Something like that.

First - a decrease in taxes is GREAT! That is a $70 annual reduction.

Second - For many reasons, I decided to use tax assesment for net worth purposes - value of home. So, yippee - I don't have to fight a large decline this year. My net worth may go UP this year? Imagine that.

Interestingly, I think assessment has been on low side, since decline (no complaints as far as tax bill) but feel it was pretty spot on this year.

For the record, I wouldn't be surprised if values sunk *much* further. I've mentioned how home prices have stagnated/kept afloat with large percent of 0% - 3% down payment programs STILL available, large number of cash investors from outside the area (& outside the country) AND maybe most importantly all that phantom inventory (tons of homes in default and in foreclosure but not listed for sale very promptly). Banks seem to be heavily controlling supply, whereas MANY more homes should probably be up for sale at any given time. I think there is largely an element of "there is only so much you can do to keep up with the avalanche" - regardless of any sly motivations. As a homeowner, it's good. As a home buyer, I personally wouldn't be impressed with the inflated sales prices.

We still maintain 25%-ish equity - which is where we started out. Lost some value, but have paid down some principal this last decade.

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**On the Chase - we only need to spend $160 more to complete our reward. I haven't filled up the van since camp, so when I fill that up - and next grocery trip - that will do it. Probably within one week.

Perfect timing. New Citi cards should arrive any day. Will switch to that one probably as soon as it arrives. Easy peasy.

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Chimichurri Shrimp

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Chimichurri-Shrimp-Skillet

This is what we had for dinner the other night. It was pretty good.

Like the one reviewer, we skipped the grapes, and felt it was a bit too much rice. But, it had an interesting flavor. Oh - no need for instant rice since you just add it in the end. We just use regular rice in those instances. IT almost seems easier to throw it in the rice cooker than to go through all the "instant rice" cooking.

I am actually not a huge fan of shrimp, but liked it. I suppose I can handle very flavorful/salty shrimp. & regardless, the rice itself was a meal. I left most the shrimp for the boys.

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**4th of July was great, and we feasted very well. Today I am eating the last of the hamburgers for lunch.

I brought the shrimp/rice to work today - to cover for tomorrow - and in case I didn't have enough food today.

Friday I have my first continuing education webcast. I am going to attend it from home. (NO GAS or wear and tear). I am excited about that.

Since we have so many leftovers, not sure when dh will cook dinner again? For the best - he apparently ended up spending almost $70 on food for 4th of July. BUT, we probably have enough food to get through 10 more days. So, works out.

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**It's cake season.

LM requested chocolate cake with melted hershey chocolate "frosting." This week - for his birthday.

BM requested red velvet cake - which is a new one. Dh found a box mix for it though - so there we go.

I like the funfetti mix + mini chip frosting, so will probably do that for the party. Cupcakes. Plus, will probably have leftover cake to get rid of at the party. Might work out well.

I admit dh bought a lot of cake mix/frosting along with the 4th of July groceries.

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Today should be last day of heat wave. Phew!

Anything can happen, but weather looks perfect for upcoming Six Flags day trip. Woohoo!

The True Cost of Your Bucket List

http://www.smartmoney.com/retirement/estate-planning/the-tru...

I thought this was a great article!

"Simply prioritizing those fantasies can help as well, allowing some adventures to be crossed off the roster. Some pros recommend identifying the rationale behind each desire, to see if a less expensive alternative might achieve the same result. If you want to spend more time with your children, for instance, a long weekend trout fishing might give you everything you've hoped for -- without the fantasy price tag."

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I suppose my pet peeve of late is every time someone in the forums mentions saving money, etc., no doubt a large number of people have to come out and say, "Live life!" "Don't forget to spend money to be happy."

It just annoys me I suppose, because who says one had to spend more to be happy? I am one of the blessed few in our society that understands this?

Bucket Lists just strike me as more of the same. The idea that a $10,000 vacation is inherently more meaningful and life affirming than any cheaper alternative. I applaud the marketing, but I personally ain't buying it.

I put this in the "living on one-income category" because we choose on a daily basis to put aside grand adventures with huge price tags so that we can focus on what is truly important. Home. Family. Relationships.

I've also seen quite a few online discussions in recent years about how throwing money away (money you don't have) on bucket list type items is overly encouraged. Usually a large sea of "You will never regret that $10k debt for that dream vacation with your spouse/parent/loved one." Really??? In those discussions, to disagree is to be immediately labeled as "jealous." Really speaks to the maturity of these groups. I'd beg to differ. Jealous is not the word that comes to mind - I have had amazing travel opportunities in my own life. They just don't mean that much to me in regards to my relationships and loved ones. They are shiny/expensive things, where my fondest memories are generally the cheapest and simplest. It's extraordinarily easier to find happiness when you realize how important the simple things in life are.

**Having friends over for dinner tonight. We had made loose plans and then both went on vacation. & I was extraordinarily lazy all weekend thinking maybe they made other plans. But got a call late last night that they still plan to come. So, will just get some hamburger, hot dogs, etc. Watermelon and chips. We don't have a BBQ but will make do and try to be 4th of July-ish.

Block party fell apart so neighbor invited us over for steaks on the barbie, but I wasn't sure if it was a pity invite and if our friends would show. So, oh well!

Will hang out buy the pool, eat dinner, and watch the neighbors shoot off fireworks.

This morning will have to run around a bit to get ready.

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I made an order on Hanes for some needed clothing items yesterday. Of course, today I got an e-mail about how everything was 20% off. Isn't that ALWAYS how it goes? I e-mailed and requested the discount. Will see. Never hurts to ask!

Bought some party favors for the kids' birthday. Nothing much. I kind of despise them and often don't do them, but I thought getting magic wands would be cute. Just hoping they aren't so cheap they immediately fall apart.

Someone gave me a black hat (like a ball cap) that said "Wicked" - in regards to the play. I really like it. Black is my favorite color. & it was free. That said - there is the inevitable questions about if I am in Wicked. (??? - I get that a lot - very weird). Or how I liked it, blahblahblah. Anyway, I'd survive, but I happened to see that HBO Game of Thrones was selling a black cap too. Well, I'd much rather get all those questions about Game of Thrones. SO, more allowance money spent... It was easy to find a 20%-off coupon, at least. Must be a BIG sale day.

(P.S. We cancelled HBO since the show has ended. Was a nice splurge - but generally we watch all HBO on Blu Ray or netflix, after that fact. I'd be fine with that for G.O.T - season 2 - not sure on dh. Well, for $5/month maybe he could sway me to add a couple of months of HBO. BUT, supposedly we are dropping cable in the fall. Crossing my fingers!!!).

Dh needs to take the kids for some birthday shopping. Not only their birthdays this month (BM still need to get a gift for LM), but a lot of BM's friends have July birthdays.

Oh yeah - and MIL paid for our Family Camp trip - so I donated $100 to the camp. It is a non-profit and they are always raising money for this and that. I carded that yesterday because I knew it would help us get the bonus faster. Next year I will probably just have it come from online bill pay. Had to use PayPal - and I despise PayPal.

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I suppose it is not all spend spend spend. I just deposited 10% of my monthly earnings into our ROTHs, and 10% into cash savings.

I also paid all the credit cards. What a pain! $500 or so left to spend on the Chase. So, hopefully once the Citi card arrives we can just switch over to that one. When done, we can close both cards and go back to just using 3 on a regular basis. (We usually use ONE on a regular basis, but AmEx has the best rewards and is often rejected by retailers. & there is the Target card. 3 hasn't been too much to manage. But this temporary 4/5 cards business is a little annoying). I just pay them all off the first of the month, except the big one which I pay much closer to the due date (maybe one week early). So the way I have simplified is not to worry about due dates, etc. I just pay most of them the second they close for the month (all around the 3rd).

Dh called Citi and they waived the annual fee, per paper mail offer. Woohoo!

First, saw this cute little craft project:

Ice Cube Sail Boats

http://alphamom.com/family-fun/crafts/sail-into-summer-with-...

So, we made these yesterday (VERY easy and all supplies on hand!)

They melted fast so may look more pretty than be sturdy toys. But, still kind of fun.

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We found another free event for July - Train Museum event (we are members) and that super cool magician will be performing again. That was where we saw him last year. He is the one we hired for the kids' birthday - so they may get to see him twice this month.

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Dh went to the grocery store, and we all rejoiced, because the pantry was getting pretty empty! That said, I was surprised he only kept it to $100. He made a good haul.

He also brought home a smoothie bounty (yogurt, bananas and frozen juice), so we will have some smoothies to deal with the heat. We already have lots of frozen fruit on hand.

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My reading goal was only to finish the Game of Thrones series this year. It is MASSIVE.

But, getting an eReader has really put me on a reading tear.

I just added it up and I already read 8 books this year. Including three Game of Thrones books.

SO, I am thinking of upping my reading goal to 24 books per year.

I LOVE my nook.

I actually read 3 memoirs. & in addition, half-read 3 books that I decided not to finish. 3 Game of Thrones books, plus started the Hunger Games. The writing was good on Hunger Games, but it was hard for me to wrap my brain around. I have to borrow the third book from the library (Dh had books 1 & 2 - paperbacks free from Scholastic). Might as well see how it finishes. I am excited to see the movie. & curious how the Trilogy ends.

I am waiting for one library ebook, but I suppose it's time I go sing up for a bunch more. I don't want to overdo it and have too much to get through, but at the same token - I have nothing else to read! Our library does not allow renewal of ebooks, so if you miss it and you don't have time - you miss it. I guess you just ask for it again, then. But I find it hard to get in a groove. With paperbacks, you just renew them until you get around to finishing them.

I couldn't tell you what it is - but apparently it's feast or famine with me and books. I do think the eReader got me excited about reading again. Both that and Game of Thrones.

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Today we will probably lounge by the pool, sip smoothies, and play with our ice boats. Aaaaaaahhhhhhh... If I am good I may hit the gym. Too hot to do much outside but swim. But I am also still in "watch LM like a hawk" mode by the pool so not too much exercise to be had there.

That said, he was swimming so well yesterday, that I think we will skip swim lessons this year. Every time I take him to the pool he seems to remember some swimming skill. I am relieved for that. He just needs more practice is all.

Lucky me!

Thanks, Chase!!

& so goes $500 to the mortgage.

I was going to deposit my paycheck today and pay the mortgage, so, good timing.

I was willing to wait a few more days to pay the mortgage + $500, but now I don't have to.

That means, $850 to principal.

I had wondered briefly if I had been offered the $1000 deal from Sapphire, anyway. Who knows - I threw the mail version of the offer in the trash without looking at it.

Yesterday I signed up dh for the Citi card - worth $500 in gift cards after annual fee. I decided to take the annual fee since I got so much from the Chase card. Was a small price to pay for the big rewards. & I have a $500 check in the mail - on its way to me from Chase!

I signed up yesterday since I saw the deadline was 6/30. I almost didn't because I thought something better may come along.

Of course, this morning I noticed the paper mail invitation I had set aside. 1 - to remember. 2 - to see if it was a better offer.

Indeed it was! Annual fee waived!! Plus, we only have to spend $1,000 in 3 months to get our reward.

So, if they charge the annual fee, I have an offer code to ask them to remove it. Woohoo. I suppose we will call and ask when we get the card - make sure we only have to spend $1,000.

It looks like I can probably turn these rewards into $475 Amazon gift cards. I was expecting to get much less after fees, etc. Some of the gift cards sites are paying 95 cents on the dollar if you exchange other cards for amazon cards.

It was funny because at first dh thought I should settle for $175 cash. We were arguing a bit. I was telling him "How had is it to sell a gift card? I am going to at least try the gift card thing for $100 and go from there. We will see how it goes. If it is too much hassle - we can take the cash." Of course - once I saw the amazon exchange rate - now he wants me to get $475 in Amazon cards.

Of course, now that we don't have to pay the annual fee, $300 cash, with the push of a button - sounds pretty sweet.

We've got some time to think about it...

Rewards round up for 2011:

$1000 Cash - Chase
$ 600 to ROTH - Fidelity AmEx
$ 475 Amazon gift cards - Citi

It's only 6/30 - the year is only half over - we'd both sign up for another card (each) without a thought. Is it too much to hope for more enticing rewards in 2011? I am curious what the rest of the year brings! IT's already been a record year though, so I will be content if the rewards frenzy ends...

{For reference - we tend to charge most our bills anyway (so we don't have to do anything extraordinary to meet purchase minimums), we ALWAYS pay the balance off monthly, and our 800-ish FICOs seem unaffected by semi-frequent card opening and closings for cash rewards. Once one-time rewards are earned - we immediately close those credit cards. I was blessed to be taught how to handle credit cards versus just fearing them. That said, I don't recommend utilizing these deals if you can't treat your credit card like a debit card, or if you have to rack up expenses that you wouldn't otherwise. Then, it's no deal...}.

The *heat wave* last week made camp bearable. So, we ended up going.

The weather was just perfect the whole time. The snow was absurd probably a week ago, but it had been melting rapidly in the heat. A lot of the snow melted while we were there.

This morning the kids told me they had seen snow falling all night from the windows at their top bunks. I thought they must be mistaken, but shortly after, more snow blessed us. Thankfully, we were getting the heck out of there. (Hadn't exactly brought that kind of warm clothing!) So a perfect end to a perfect little vacation.

I think turnout was a little small because of the snow/weather situation. Which made it an extraordinarily pleasant camp.

I was wary because we were the first group in. But, so many of the staff had been there so many years, everything ran perfectly smooth.

I don't know if it was because of lower turnout, but they also served us drinks on the patio and kept a tab. Like a 5-star resort.

Down side? The big hike was snowed in. To top if off, dh decided to take BM yesterday, anyway (many adults had braved it - though got wet feet), but BM ended up mildly ill. With red eyes, just hoping that it is not pink eye AGAIN! Pink eye seems to never end. I promised him we could wait since last time it just went away. IT doesn't seem to be getting worse... (Anything but MORE eye drops!!)

I also considered allergies, but he completely lost his appetite. Free food for 3 days - and my kid loses his appetite. Of course! (My kids are generally bottomless pits). Of course, accordingly, his lack of appetite was very unsettling. But in the grand scheme of things - seemed like a pretty mild virus. Well, he doesn't let that kind of thing slow him down usually. & he was not happy that we would not let him hike like that!

Anyway, then the cold and rain came in last night anyway. So, we told him that we could probably go back and do the hike any time. Maybe we will go back in a month when the trail is more dry! There is public parking in camp for this particular hike - and it is only a 90-mile drive from our home.

At home, it will be about 75F degrees today, but it is supposed to be near 100F on Friday. The weather continues to be crazy and unpredictable.

Oh - the snow. It was "melt when it hits the ground" snow. But, it was exciting all the same. Will share some pictures later. I am so relieved we didn't get stuck in mud. So concerned about the mud situation, and then it rained/snowed for 12 hours straight (overnight). We slip and slided out of camp - not exactly fun - but we survived!

Vacation was super awesome because SIL came. Which means, MIL was all up in her business, and I barely saw her the whole time. To the extent she probably thinks I was avoiding her or whatever. I wasn't consciously, and don't mind her in small doses. But, also, the kids were old enough to do their own thing, and it was an extraordinarily relaxing vacation. Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh... Lots of sleeping, reading, hiking, vegging out.

Two years ago, when BM was in Kinder, he was invited to a party for every one of his classmates. Just about. The invites were endless, and the whole class was invited, of course!

This year there were no birthday parties in Kinder. Zero. Zilch. Nada.

Kind of weird.

I think dh was annoyed when the kids and I decided to do one combined birthday for the kids. We always do, and had discussed separating them this year. BUT, the kids were pretty gung ho on having one party, and I encouraged them since it would probably be a lot cheaper. IF nothing else, I made clear it was 2 modest parties, or one party of better means. "You can pool your resources," I told them. They chose one big bash.

I am glad it worked out that way. BM is Mr. Social and usually has pretty good birthday party turnouts - even in the middle of summer. Plus, he wants to invite everyone, which increases the odds that some will show (& will not be on vacation). LM, on the other hand, wanted to invite 4 kids from his class. & NONE can make it.

Though I am relieved that we combined the parties (with family), it does make it ackward with presents, I guess. For next year we may just have to do a class party during the school year to increase the odds of a decent turnout. I don't know - more thought will need to be made.

I voiced aloud to my friend about the lack of birthday party enthusiasm - that just dried up with only one year in between kids. She told me that everyone was doing family parties these days and just bringing cupcakes to class. I presume that is due to the economy. Because the parties we go to are generally across the board over-the-top. I suppose in the midst of endless foreclosures, a $300 party is out of the equation for the 6-year-old. As with everything, it then just becomes "all or nothing." If you can't go ALL OUT, then no party? Really? I think it's kind of a sad state of society. (This isn't exactly Beverly Hills or anything - thus the guess of a $300 price tag - but I don't know since when a birthday party wasn't complete without a bounce house rental or something like that. The parties of today resemble nothing of the simple parties of my own youth. Plus, I am thinking of the 0-6 year-old crowd. I have less disdain for the *bounce house party* for older kids who will actually remember their parties).

We generally do pretty modest birthday parties. Years 1-5 were pretty much hang out and eat cake and ice cream. The funny thing is we always get compliments. How nice to have such a simple party! Yet it is something few seem interested in attempting.

This year is a mixture of simple and fancy, for us. We did hire a magician at $150. But the thing is I only have one party and I don't mind splurging a bit. We also don't really do much in gifts (kids will be drowning in them from family and so on). So I don't mind splurging a bit. BUT, that is about the extent of it. I'll make some "instant" cupcakes and order some cheap pizza. & that is all I have planned. As with anything, why make it more complicated than it has to be???

I suppose that next year we will probably do a pool party. I don't remember the cost to reserve our HOA pool/clubhouse, but from the past I remember it was dirt cheap. It may only be a deposit - it is probably free. If I recall correctly. We show up with some food, and a party is born. Easy peasy, right?

If people are really making the hard choices, financially, I applaud them for that. But, I don't particularly see the hard choices being made. Over and over I see little sense of middle ground when it comes to financial choices. It always seems to be all or nothing, and birthday parties have gone the way of "all or nothing," it seems.

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I was just talking to BM about his e-vite and he mentioned his "maybe" friend RSVPed yes for 6 people. 6 people? What? LOL. (I saw the "maybe" but not the "6 people.")

I had actually put his name only on the evite because his younger twin siblings are in the same grade as LM - and I figured that made it clear that only the eldest child was invited. (The younger kids are not in the same class and don't particularly know each other).

I just checked - and he was right. Problem is both our neighbors RSVPed yes for the whole family (of course they would) as did several relatives. Plus a couple of family friends. Several of the classmates RSVPed one yes, in comparison. But reviewing the evite I See why they felt comfortable replying yes for the whole family - since so many others did.

Note to self: When you just want to invite the kids - don't send an evite where everyone can see the RSVPs.

Oh well - this will be a packed house on party day!

IT was an extraordinarily odd year in that there was no need to shift wardrobes until practically July!!

So, I did the deed today, and was rather pleased with the outcome. Dh was trying to tell me that "BM only has 3 pairs of shorts." I knew he had 2 pairs we bought for track (Casual) and 2 pairs that I had bought specifically because they were casual, but could work for school uniform. In the end I found 5 pairs - not including what was in laundry. Meaning - he doesn't need any more! Shorts are easy with my kids - they grow up but not out. So they have a pile of shorts that would otherwise be SEVERAL sizes too small. But the pants are not as forgiving since they become "flood pants" so quickly with the rapid growth.

BM's wardrobe looks threadbare compared to LM. For LM I have all the clothes that MIL bought for BM (though she never listens to me as far as size). So TONS of clothes that BM never even wore (too SMALL), that I kept for LM. There are always hand-me-downs from relatives and friends (usually BM's friends). & then, to top it all off - I buy LM something once in a while just so his wardrobe is not 100% hand-me-down. It's not like it matters or he cares - but it's fun to spend $10 here and there and to know he is not lacking for anything. Of course we can splurge on something new here and there since I never need to buy him much otherwise.

Anyway, due to the sheer volume of clothing, I set aside everything labeled 3 & 4. Even though many items still fit.

I hit the sweet spot with the kids. BM can pretty much hand his clothes directly to LM, any more. No more storing things in between. The "in between" bin now merely contains a handful of size 7 pants. & the only reason they are there is because he has so many size 6 pants (no room for more pants in his drawers!). Anyway, in past years, "in between" was maybe 2-3 bins full. That said - "sharing clothes" can get kind of confusing. As it becomes less clear what belongs to who, as their sizes converge. I am sure at some point they will simply be the same size. Even their shoes are only one size apart any more - and they keep putting on the wrong pairs because they look the same.

BM, on the other hand, did outgrow all his pants, so I will buy him a couple of pairs of jeans to get through summer. But, he's got some flip flops that still fit, and plenty of other clothing. So, for summer shopping - 2 pairs of pants is pretty easy. I think we can swing that!

As far as when school starts, I will hit the hand-me-down exchange closet. I never have before - left it for people who needed it more. BUT, now that I have clothing to contribute - I will see if I can just do an even exchange. All the XS clothing in exchange for size 8 pants for BM. Unless he is up to size 9 by fall. I swear I just bought size 7s about 6 months ago. But alas, they are getting way too short!

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I ended up splurging on myself last night. My year-o-date allowance expenditures was only about $20 as of yesterday. I hit Target merely to get some white t-shirts for camp (tie dye) but got sucked in by all the summer clothing. Truth is I only have one pair of shorts that really fit well, anyway. Which is fine for most the year. It's always pre-vacation that I become aware about how minimal my summer wardrobe really is. (In comparison, for work I have one wardrobe for all year. A/C in the summer = wearing sweaters to work all summer). On the weekends, one pair of shorts suffices. Plus, I tend to hole up inside rather than go out in the heat, anyway.

For $100 I bought:

-2 shirts for tie-dye (was going to return one after getting more opinions - but dh encouraged me to just do both).

-Leggings for $7 (could use for the wardrobe)

-2 pairs of shorts

-2 VERY causal pairs of shorts (for around the house)

I could have easily lumped a lot of this into "needed clothing" category. But, since my allowance spending has been so little this year, I will just toss it to the allowance category. Not entirely altruistic since I am sure I have pushed the envelope in the past with, "I need that!" I figured it probably evens out in the end.

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I've got one large bag for Goodwill. Will set it out next time a charity comes by. (I just missed a pick up for last week). I went through my closet and grabbed about 10 things to donate, as well.

There is probably a lot of stuff in my closet I Would never miss. But, it has been working well to just grab a handful of things (very quickly) every time I have a bag for charity. Or, every time I buy more clothing. Best not to over-think it. I just get rid of whatever I am in the mood to get rid of. There are several items I was reluctant to give up on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd pass. But on every pass, it gets easier!

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Anyway, the long and the short of it is that if you went through my older child's clothing, you'd think it was pretty minimalistic. But, if all you saw was LM's wardrobe, you'd think I was a shopping fiend!

But I think we did well.

Last night we got Free dinner #10 or so for the month. I had forgotten about that one - volunteer appreciation dinner at the public TV station. Every year is better than the last. I'll have to post some pictures later - fancy schmanzy!

After attending almost 9 years in a row I will say it was a very small turnout compared to usual, and a really small raffle also. Of course, maybe it was just last year - seemed to be far more raffle items. Usually odds are good enough to win something, but didn't win last night.

Of course, spent $20 on babysitting, so was not free.

Looks like there may be a big neighborhood 4th of July party, so we may be able to string out the parties/celebrations/lots of free food into a bit of July. (Last year we were asked to bring plates - and there was SO MUCH food. I wouldn't mind bringing something more substantial - but I am sure we will get far more than we put in - if anything like last year).

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We had the luck to leave town when the triple digits hit, so did not run the A/C much this week. I believe that our electric bill will reflect a huge decrease compared to last June. May was not that impressive (compared to last May) but June will reward us for *lower than normal* temps. I hope! If not, it's because our A/C is so efficient. Sometimes it's hard to improve on. Which is certainly not a bad thing!

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I do not believe that we will need groceries or gas until the 1st, either.

That said, we do need to pick up some sun screen, mosquito spray, white t-shirts (tie die), etc. for camp. I hadn't thought much about any of that until today. The kids have some grungy looking white polo shirts for school that I decided to take this year. (I personally don't do white - too much hassle - and lord knows why dh insists on some white t-shirts for them. But glad we can find another use since they are more grey than white any more. Plus some sort of other stain - they are rambuctious boys - and seem to attract permanent marker marks if nothing else - don't ask me how or why). I may look for a white tank top or something different, for myself. Though waiting until the last minute I may stick with a plain old men's shirt again - is probably the 4th to add to my wardrobe - why I wanted to choose another style this time.

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I was poking around my Chase reward today and was able to squeeze a $5 Olive Garden gift card out of my old Chase card. Last time I looked I could not find anything to redeem for less than 1000 points - so I think this was new. I am glad I looked. If this was all I could redeem - is worthwhile - and I don't remember the last time we went to O.G.!

While poking around I realized I can probably redeem $1030 cash when all is said and done - with the Sapphire card. $1000 with the bonus points, but $3000 charged = $30 cash reward, in addition. I didn't catch that part before.

I will have to sit down and pay the July bills tonight and see where we are at. But so far, so good. (Well - I put everything in Quicken. Then I set everything to pay on their due dates. How it relates to June is I pay off the June credit cards in July - so why I sit down ahead of time to make sure it all balances and that I didn't do anything stupid!)

July is also going to have to be a low-spend month, outside of "vacation" type purchases, which comes from our short-term savings. We are on track to not spend our entire vacation budget this year, anyway. Well below budget. Since no big trips planned. Even LegoLand = free admission and free hotel. The food always adds up for us since we can't be as uber frugal as we are at home. & food will make up the bulk of the vacation budget. Food and random adult admissions - the kids seem to have free admission to everywhere.

The weekend was quiet, and very nice!

Lots of reading, lots of kids playing in the backyard, and lots of vegging by the pool. We also made our first smoothies of the year.

LM has remembered all of his swimming skills. Just took some time. Still not overly strong in the water, so would still like to do lessons. "When?" is the question. Maybe some time in July. But in the meantime, I am glad to see it all coming back.

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"Vacation Plans" for this week? We are FINALLY making it to the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. First, it is expensive. Two, it's usually crowded beyond belief. Three, it's kind of a pain to get to.

BUT, we are making the trek this week. Going mid-week since it should be a little more bearable with the crowds.

In the end, I found a 20% off coupon code, and it really isn't that expensive when all is said and done. Almost 20% off for getting tickets online, so maybe paid 40% off the initial prices I looked at a while back. Phew!

On the flip side, gas is adding up very quickly with driving logistics. We are pretty much taking a huge detour south to pick up my dad - and have to drive the van, accordingly. But, may save us hours of sitting in traffic - so may work for sanity. I am hoping we can just drop my dad off at the train and drive straight home. We haven't discussed that part yet, but will work it out. Driving him home too, still beats meeting him there - traffic-wise.

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I finally looked at my calendar and worked everything out. Signed up for all my continuing education seminars, etc. & then narrowed down when it made sense to take vacation time.

Chose a day between the kids' birthdays where we will go to Six Flags on a week day. They've got free tickets to use up.

I narrowed down one week that would work for a trip to So Cal. Maybe the last week before school starts up.

If I do so, that makes all my vacation days as time off with the kids. But, I did have 2 weeks surgery recovery (kids in school) where I laid around and didn't do anything. So, I think I can forego a vacation of REAL down time. I usually look forward to a little quiet time at home.

I had already requested a week off in October (with the kids) since it is the only week they get off during the school year that I can get off. The rest being during tax season and all... So, I suppose that can be a bit of a down time-y type vacation. We were thinking road trip, but the weather has been so wacky. IT was kind of an iffy time, and who knows how that will pan out. If we do a road trip, we will probably wing it. It would also be nice if the weather was nice enough to camp, etc. (versus freezing cold). Since camping could really keep our costs down. I don't think we will really know until the time approaches. Of course, it just occured to me that a Plan B could be to drop off the kids with Grandma a few days, since that is like a week after our anniversary! We could maybe do both - road trip with kids + weekend getaway alone.

So, who knows. But, it feels good to have all my dates planned out. I like looking at all the time off from "work work" on my calendar. January - April is *work* 6 days a week. & the rest of the year really averages about 4 days a week when all is said and done. I've got all these Mondays and Fridays off for seminars, for one. & we actually get holidays the rest of the year. & then there is all the vacation time. Ah, MUCH more relaxing!!

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If you noticed my side bar, summer really did arrive. 100F+ degrees today. This is the June I know and hate! Eh, it's not do bad. It's the summer I know and am used to and why I don't see why working is such a big deal. What else am I going to do from 9-5 but hole up indoors anyway. With the A/C! Outdoor activities resume in the evenings and in the early mornings when it is bearable outside.

The kids have been going to the dirt cheap city day camp, but are sitting out these three-digit days. I've never been thrilled that it is outdoors, because of our ultra hot summers. Why I never signed them up before. But, still is a good deal if we only take them on cooler days.

Okay, almost, but not quite.

I am well on the way to $600 Fidelity (Cash) rewards this year.

I took a small detour from this card to get the Chase Sapphire $500 bonus.

I did see a promo for Citi for that could be translated into about $450 cash. BUT there was an initial annual fee of $125. So I scratched this one.

However, I just popped onto MyMoneyBlog this morning, and was probably one of the first to see that I could convert my $500 reward from Chase into $1,000.

I followed the instructions and e-mailed Chase, asking to match a new bonus they are offering to specific customers. They wrote me back in just a couple of minutes. Even better, they will just give me 50,000 bonus points when my statement closes this month. (No waiting until I spend $3,000 - the initial reward was supposed to take 6 weeks after you spend the $3,000). Woohoo!

I am thinking of taking $125 of my $1000 reward to have dh apply for the Citi deal.

& that is how I will make $2,000 on credit rewards in 2011, without hardly lifting a finger. (Okay - maybe closer to $1900 with the fee - but the year is young. More offers are sure to entice!!!)

It literally took me one minute or so to apply for the Chase card through my existing account. It then took me about 30 seconds to cut and paste the e-mail request (& edit slightly) that I sent to Chase this morning. Spend credit cards as would otherwise, and wala. EASY MONEY!

This is also tax-free money, by the way!

For the Sapphire bonus:

http://www.mymoneyblog.com/follow-up-chase-sapphire-preferre...

I will apply for the Citi card once we are well on our way to rest of Chase bonus. Have to get that one out of the way first, since Citi requires $2k spending in 3 months. (& anyway, maybe something better will come along in the interim. Though $300-ish net back from Citi is a pretty sweet reward in the grand scheme of things!!)

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As an aside, I was going to get off my lazy butt and cancel my Chase Freedom card this morning. I think I will wait until I get these bonus points now. Since I told them in my e-mail I Was such a loyal customer. If I had cancelled it first, not sure it would have mattered. (Maybe they would want to entice me to stay, even more). But just funny that I hadn't gotten to that. & now I will wait a bit before I get to it.

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This $$ will go a LONG way to my overly aggressive mortgage goal for this year. I didn't really think it was possible, but now it is.

I was also going to apply for a $250 bonus to donate to the school. Before all this. So I may still give $250 for the school. That's a tax deduction on tax-free money. Rest will probably go to the mortgage, though I may wait until the end of the year to decide for sure.

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2011 is going down as a record year for credit card rewards! I can usually earn $500 - $1000 pretty easily, and I don't shun EASY money. But, this is far better than usual.

I got dh's auto insurance renewal and was able to sign up for the low mileage discount for him.

His premiums had reduced $70 per year, anyway. When I get the paper bill I will look at what changed. Woohoo!

I then got a $20 up front discount for signing up for the low miles discount. It's State Farm "Drive Safe and Save" which I mentioned recently. Before you had to drive less than 7500 mils or so per year to get any discount, but if you sign up for this program they have a tiered savings program. Since we drive about 10k miles per year, each car, will have a chance to save 5% - 10% off our premiums.

I signed up my van before, but had to wait for the other car's insurance to renew.

Before we moved to Sacramento we had just turned 25. I remember our auto insurance was next to nothing (neither of us had collision insurance either, with our OLD cars). We moved up here and it immediately doubled. I could quickly see why. I drive different here. Everyone is CRAZY. I wouldn't label Bay Area drivers as the best and the safest, but when I am there it's TOTALLY different. People are polite there. Here? God forbid you try to merge. People rather run you off the road. Literally. God forbid you drive the speed limit, etc. Everyone is in some insane huge hurry - no idea why. & just little patience when anyone gets in their way.

Thus, I understand the high insurance.

So, to see dh's auto insurance drop below $300 per semi-annual renewal, is pretty sweet! Was $400 just a couple of years ago - and this car hasn't had collision in many years either. So, it's just the liability insurance. We are probably paying more than we were a decade ago, still. But it's getting better.

Saw a bunch of people walking down the street in their swim suits, so decided to go to the pool last night (on a whim). Good call. I started to worry it would probably be too cool, etc., but it was actually still pretty warm - even when we left closer to 8pm. Just LM and I since BM had track practice.

At first, LM remembered nothing. But after some time he got more comfortable in the pool. For example, he seemed to recall relaxing and floating as a way to catch his breath. But that didn't come to him for about 1/2 hour. I may encourage dh to sign him up for swim lessons next week (if possible). Otherwise, will probably have to wait another month with vacation plans, etc. I am leaning against paying for more lessons for BM. Couldn't hurt, but LM clearly needs another round. (Or maybe it will all come back to him with some practice? Which is fine since doubt we can get into lessons for a while anyway). I do hope this is the last year to pay for swim lessons. We should have done them sooner (indoor pool) but it's been so BUSY!

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I officially have a 1st/3rd grader. HARD to believe! I feel like they will be asking for the keys for the car, any day.

I am surprised it took this long, but dh deeply offended a parent on the "PTA." I never guessed it would happen like this. Surprised it took this long because he is very opinionated. But, for whatever reason has been laying low. Anyway, is it "PTA" or "PITA"? I never got the mommy politics (which are pretty awful when you consider the hormones and lack of sleep - early on), but this is apparently more of the same. More mommy politics I guess. I'll take office politics any day.

Today was last day of school so maybe it's good. Feelings can fester over the summer. Dh is going to drive me nuts next year. This year was bad enough - hearing all about the BS. It all came to a head this weekend, it seems. Just google PTA and it seems to be a story as old as time. PTA appears exclusionary but then complains that no one helps. We've learned no input is welcome unless you are in charge. I am worried dh will take that challenge and run a fundraiser next year. Oy vey! I don't think the other side is all roses, for sure. But I am rather taken aback how very well regarded and important people are apparently rather "insane" and "childish." I mean, these are really people who have done a lot of good - so didn't expect this.

Anyway, it's all a game. Hell if they really want dh to run a fundraiser anyway. Be careful what you ask for.

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Chicken Cordon Bleu

I was at the store grabbing beef for hamburgers over the weekend, and noticed all this fancy pre-made stuff. Like Beef Florentine, etc., etc. Not bad really. I think the Florentine cost little more than the raw meat. Just have to cook it.

So Sunday night we tried the Chicken Cordon Bleu. Yum! $10-ish for a meal for 4. Was small for 4, no doubt, but we heated up some rice and made it a round meal.

I did go to Farmers Market Saturday and stocked up on salad fixings. Radishes, sprouts, lettuce, etc.

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This post is random. It's been pretty go go go here with kid activities and such. So, haven't been too posty. Went to an event at the library, 3 BBQs, and a track meet the last few days.

I tried to renew my library card (Expired 2008 apparently), but theit computer system was down. Probably for the best, because I did not realize until days later than I had taken my San Jose library card (circa 1980s?). The color of the card is the same. I could just see it now - "
please re-activate my card - for a city 2 hours away."

So, once I realized I tried my real card and my login still worked online. Then I saw it expired 2008. Will try again to get that worked out next weekend. I assume I have to show up in person. & I have to get another card for BM - his is long lost.

It's not that I haven't been to the library or anything in so long. It's just that it's easier to check out books under dh's card and have them pick up books for me while I am at work, etc. That said, with this whole ebook thing, two is a crowd. I can check out more books if I get my own card back up and running.

Homes have been selling fast in our neighborhood. $200k is the tipping point for the smaller homes. Anything priced $199k will apparently sell in minutes. Even short sales.

I saw a house sell like ours for $286k or so (exactly what we paid?). I couldn't see an extra large yard or anything that would set it apart. Price seemed very high. Others maybe sold $250k-ish. Usually $250k is pretty safe if the smaller ones sell $200k. So, weird.

Anyway, all that said, don't think I can count on a property tax decrease this year. But, who knows.

I have mentioned over and over how I keep reading that most buyers in the region are investors. MANY foreign investors. They pay cash for homes. Ironically, this was very similar to things in the real estate run up. Few around here actually buy homes to live in.

Though I have the feeling the housing market is very heavy in rentals at the moment, I am just starting to see the evidence of that in our own neighborhood. The short sales that all just sold are now all up for rent. Immediate neighbor who has never had problem finding tenants? Will see this time around. Her price is still cheaper than the rest, so bodes well for her. $2000 to rent a 4-bedroom home? Really??? Will see on that one. These things continue to surprise me. In the short run. (I expect disaster in the long run).

I am no fan of the heat, but at least with the heat I know what month it is.

Of course, that said, the weather changed in a flash. (ugh - no transition!) But, for the most part I am embracing it.

I washed a pile of fleece figuring I maybe really wouldn't need it again until fall. & I suppose it's time to evaluate the kids' wardrobes.

I was dissapointed to see that our electric bills was not much lower than average, for May. Maybe 8% lower, at most. Though I recall many heat waves in May, I suppose that is not the norm.

We did turn on the air last night. Certainly has got to be a record - June 9th - first AC of the year! I wouldn't say it has been that hot, but when I went up to bed it was sweltering upstairs. Flipped on the air about 20 minutes to make it bearable for sleep. Of course, house cooled off overnight.

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The last few days of school are upon us, so many activities are going on.

I can't believe I will have two all-day grade-schoolers. LM goes to school an extra 45 minutes next year, so no huge adjustment. We learned that he thrives on a schedule. That part, I didn't expect. I really thought he'd have a tough transition to Kinder. Now, somehow the year is over. Next year I will also sign the kids up for daycare, for some added flexibility. Not that they will go often, but I just didn't want to add that on top of a whole new experience for LM last year so we never signed up or utilized this past year. IT had been kind of nice and handy for drop-in care the year before - we had signed BM up due to uncertainty over dh's recovery from surgery, and did utilizie it sparingly.

I've gotten so many requests for money this week, and have been very *bah humbug* about it. Next year I am going to tally it all up. I may be extra scroogey and say no to every single request and add the amounts to my mortgage instead. Will see. Just this idea I had, since I mostly thought all this stuff was done. Last minute requests are really my pet peeve.

BM is on track for perfect attendance. LM is perfect minus one day. I think he is outgrowing his asthma (mostly expected to outgrow from family history, but asthma/allergies are terrible in the region so wasn't so sure). Anyway, all those germs all year and I've never seen him healthier. We paid our dues - first year of preschool/daycare was a nonstop sick hell. Everyone told me, "Then you won't have to go through that when they start grade school." I am pleased to say this was true.

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Next week I will take some time off for last days of school stuff (2 BBQs, for one - I will take the free food).

Following week we are taking a day off to go to a museum.

The week after that is vacation.

Then, we have 2 weeks to prepare for the kids' birthday party. I sent out invites today - wanting to get those out before school was out. Almost forgot.

We still need to pick a day to go to Six Flags (got some free tickets). Will take a mid-week day off to hopefully avoid crowds. Probably some time around their birthdays.

Pool is open so will resume lazy day sat the pool. It's been far too cold up until now, which has been ridiculously unusual.

So, it's starting to feel like summer.

Anyway, I look forward to the next 4 weeks or so of work being pretty light. A bunch of 4-day workweeks, etc. The weather has made it hard to execute my vacation lifestyle (generally May through November). But, we can try again now.

Not sure if it makes much sense, but I have some thoughts about this:

Does Busier Job Equal Happier Marriage?

http://blogs.wsj.com/juggle/2011/06/06/does-busier-job-equal...

"Working moms tend to be happier with their marriages when they are shouldering heavy workloads on the job"

"However, when dads’ on-the-job workloads rise, both they and their wives tend to become less satisfied with their marriages"

This doesn't help my reservations about my spouse returning to the workforce...

Gotta run, but will comment more later.

Frugal Doings:

Found the Silicon Valley Target family concert dates. Bummer, since they are Sunday nights. BUT, is before school starts so maybe we can make it work. Will probably pick one night to go. Either "Disney" or "Movie Blockbuster" themed - I am sure there will be some overlap between the two concerts. Not only are these concerts free, but have free ice cream, and are at our University alma mater. So, I am excited about the experience as a whole.

We've seen the Sacramento Symphony Target concerts but had to pay a bit to get in, and wasn't quite as directed to the younger kids. But, if those fit our schedule, we may do one too. I believe the kids were free at least.

Dh has quite a few Scholastic volunteer shifts this upcoming week. I believe he settled on 4 hours per teacher and 8 hours for the school. (Plus 8 hours towards buying whatever his heart delights). Truth is we need to purge some books - I am not as thrilled about that part, though books are the primary gift for the kids any holiday. More than just books - often video games, activity books, etc., etc. That said, dh did purge some books from the bookshelf recently. Maybe for the first time ever (outside baby books we bought before our Scholastic days). I'd say we could purge more.

I've got so much time off and free food (BBQs, etc.) coming this month that the $0 spending has been easy. Not that I am having a no-spend month (I don't like extremes). I just figured it would be easy to spend $0 on food this month. Vacation plans being up in the air is bad for our plans though. That was 3.5 days of free food. Was planning on saving a lot of groceries, too. The budget would be best if camp is not cancelled!

Anyway, I kicked myself for probably not having enough food at work today (forgot to bring anything), so just went to BK for a $1 menu item. Woman there handed me a pile of coupons. It's been a while since someone has handed me a pile of coupons. I could clearly tell why - who comes through to just spend a dollar, right? & puts it on a credit card? Funny thing is strict budget or no, I'd probably order the same thing regardless. Not wanting their french fries and over-priced soda has little to do with anything but my taste and appetite. Well, and their over-priced sodas...

Well, it was a reminder that I can still splurge on a lunch.

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So, Joan asked an interesting question a while back when I mentioned a mix up between us and another family struggling financially. She legimitimately asked if we *looked poor* or could be *mistaken as poor* by the impression we give off. In this case, was just an e-mail mix up.

But, I think this is an interesting question. Why, if someone is frugal, are they perceived to be so cheap that they must stick out and have a miserable life? Not that Joan was saying all that. BUT, I do find that people treat me VERY different on the internet at times, than they do on real life.

The truth is, we fit in QUITE well. Very well. To the point where most people think we are just rich tightwads. Because clearly it is ridiculous that we would watch our pennies so much. (To most people, they don't seem to understand the cause and effect. I'd sum it up as saving money on stuff we don't care about so we have more to spend on the stuff we do care about).

These are the things people will never notice:

**How much stuff we buy used, hand-me-down clothes, hand-me-down furniture. We are big fans of *barely used* goods. I can assure you that no one would ever know if we didn't tell.

**That we eat most our meals at home.

**I delight in finding birthday presents that look REALLY expensive but only cost $5-$10 (on deep discount, of course).

**That when we vacation we make frugal choices - like drive and stay at Motel 6. No one sees that - all they know if that you went to some exciting destination they couldn't afford (i.e. they couldn't afford flying too and staying at a luxury hotel - usually what that seems to mean).

**That I don't spend a fortune on beauty products. Online this is met with *horror.* In person I am often told, "Well - you are lucky you don't *need* it." As if everyone needs hundreds of dollars of beauty products and spa treatments to pass in society.

I do admit everyone thinks we just buy used cars because we are ridiculously cheap (and crazy). They couldn't possibly fathom how much we save (since we are usually told that *old cars cost more*). At the end of the day, my car doesn't come up much anyway. Few people do seem to notice the car situation. Likewise, the few friends I drive around in my van know we paid cash for it and they can't wrap their brain around that anyway.

I admit we are in a unique position since we moved to a low cost area. So, this translates into maybe owning in a prestigious neighborhood, while having the lowest mortgage of anyone we know. Most assumptions are we are about to foreclose like 95% of our neighbors, that we are rich, or that we made a fortune on Bay Area real estate. The truth is that a $300k house feels extremely reasonable to us compared to what we are used to, and that we put 25% down, never borrowed against the home, and have a low fixed mortgage rate. The home was a lateral move from a $290k-ish condo we made no money on. No one else seems to comprehend how we could not be upside down. To be fair, buying price is ALWAYS assumed to be much higher than we paid. We bought the house because it was an awesome deal. Since it was new construction, we locked the price in much lower to what it was even worth when we eventually moved in. For a while (years), when the models were still open, everyone would comment, "I could never afford this neighborhood" after stopping to tour the models. But they seemed completely deaf when we would laugh and reply, "neither could we at THOSE prices."

Then there is the whole *hubby stays home* thing. No one will accuse us of being poor as long as that is a fact. You have to be lucky and rich to manage that, of course. Do you think all of our Joneses type friends can even fathom living on one income? If I opened up my tax returns I think most my friends would faint dead away.

I think for the most part we can figure out how to have whatever we want, cheaper. Whether it be a good eduction (primary or college), a reliable car, a nice home, or whatever it may be. One interesting thing with the kids is dh's love of video games and the prevalence of them around the house. Yes, I'd think it would probably be ridiculous to give my 5-year-old a brand new Nintendo DS, but both kids have a DS and a PSP at their disposal. Cost? Free. As such, they fit in quite well with all the kids and their new game systems.

I remember one day when LM was younger and we were waiting at one of BM's extra-curricular classes. I pulled out a zip lock just bursting at the seams full of games for his Leap Frog. I looked at it, probably for the first time, and thought, "Where the hell did all these games come from?" I had probably paid for just a few games over the years. I was keenly aware that other people must be thinking I was carrying around thousands of dollars of games around, when really it was probably no more than $100 to us.

Anyway, it isn't really hard to fit in. I've got a college degree, a nice home, reliable cars, furniture, appliances, clothing, etc. IT all looks the same as what everyone else has got, for the most part. I can assure we paid very little compared to average for most of the things we own.

So, I had to giggle a bit to myself when Joan asked, though I Wasn't surprised at the question. I think if our passions were different, and we didn't have the whole benefit of the low cost of living thing, my experience may be very different. I think also we are very moderate. I can think of a few people who are stingy to an extreme. Some have come across very poor when they weren't poor at all. I can't imagine ever being so extreme - in either direction.

I am curious about other's experiences in these type perceptions.

I was extremely pleased to see that the ebook selection at our library has increased dramatically since December. (I hadn't looked the past many months since I have been knee-deep in my series). I requested several ebooks that I am waiting for - chosen from just browsing the library selection.

The only book immediately available was "Strength in What Remains," by Tracy Kidder. Absolutely riveting from page 1, and since the book is only 250 pages on my nook, so will go by in a flash. "Game of Thrones" had set the bar very high and got me out of a long reading lull. I worried about the bar being set high, but realized a lot of that will be offset by reading normal length books that don't take such a huge commitment. I hadn't thought about it until I open this ebook and saw the 250 pages. "Pfffft - I can read that today," I thought when I saw that.

We did sign up the kids for the library's summer reading program.

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We ate well yesterday.

MIL/FIL really wanted to go to the culinary school for lunch. So, we went yesterday. The school is closed 6 weeks or so for summer, so good thing we went. Works out, since we probably wouldn't go with the kids out of school anyway. No lunch dates for 2 months, probably. Though with their summer camp we can maybe swing some early lunch dates, alone.

MIL insisted on paying because "they are retired, after all." ??? Because being retired means you have more money? Since they are young in retirement, my worry is very minimal, but for the long run, I do worry if they really know what they are doing. Their savings is probably far higher than average, and they have a huge home asset to tap. BUT, they entrust all their money to an expensive brokerage. At current, MIL seems to be extremely optimistic (thinks she will never touch principal and will leave us their nest egg - so she says). FIL just retired, and seems extremely wary. To the point he has told us he is "not necessarily retired" - as if he expects to have to go back. Anyway, it's interesting to watch their extreme opposite reactions to retirement.

For reference, my parents' nest egg seems to be about double the in-laws, and they are far more cautious. They certainly aren't planning to leave us any of it! My parents are a bit younger, and my dad is still looking for work anyway. Writing on the wall seems to be forced retirement for my folks. MIL certainly comes across overly optimistic, in comparison.

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Vacation plans are up in the air. Camp is closed, camp is open. Who knows? Sun came out yesterday. Things are back to *normal.* Forecast just calls for sun. Phew! That said, not sure how 65-degree-days equate to snow melt when it comes to shady areas with 9 feet of snow. I don't have the experience to know, but sounds like 2 weeks is pretty optimistic. MIL claims they are bulldozing snow out, but they have to figure some drainage or something so the non-shoeveled snow doesn't leave the entire campground a giant mud pit. I don't foresee any hikes this year. Shoveling out camp by itself sounds like a HUGE task. But, if they make it bearable (cars not sinking in mud), then it will be an experience!

We've decided if it does get cancelled that we will just do our own thing. Probably stay home, since we will need more notice to get a free place to stay in So Cal. But, will see what we can throw together at the last minute. I'd probably rather stay home and plan for a more frugal trip for later. Will see.