I've Stopped Buying Groceries

So... the last two weeks, I've played a game with myself. I've stopped buying groceries.

Why? Because I spend about $200 every time I go to Sam's, and I think--for what? Really? $200?! It seems crazy. I have enough basmati rice to last a year. The same goes for oatmeal.

I've had enough. Time to stop the insanity!

Just two weeks ago, I spent about $200 and was actually surprised. I was amazed at how out-of-touch I was with reality. I thought I had about $100 of groceries in my cart, but nope... it was double that. So, I decided I was going to start using what I had in my pantry.

How's it going? Well, tonight, I took my basmati rice and added butter, broccoli and cheese... next up, chicken sausage with basmati rice, onions, and olive oil. Not bad! I also gathered all of my veggies (potatoes, celery, carrots, onions, and garlic) to make vegetable soup.

Now, we're on a roll.

I make a bunch of food so that I don't have to cook for the rest of the week. I can eat the same two things all week long and so can Jim. I might make a bunch of tuna salad for him during the week, and then have one or two options for him for dinner. I do the same with me... usually, it's a cheese tortilla for lunch, soup or chicken for dinner. Our poor (future) kids... they're going to hate leftovers by the time they grow up.

The only problem with cooking late at night...is EATING late at night!

Anyway, I should add that in this game of ours, we can buy staples. Today after work, Jim rode the scooter to Dillons and bought $16 worth of groceries. Milk, eggs, bread and toilet paper. I think that's the first time Jim's been grocery shopping by himself since we've been married! Of course, I really think he wanted an excuse to ride the scooter...

My Other Job(s)

Well, I think I've lost my mind, but I am now in the midst of trying to find "extra" work so I can make "extra" money.

We are going to Korea in the fall, and that means I need to save about $3000 in about 12 weeks. I have some money already saved, but you know, it's just never easy to save what- you- need, when you need it!

So, my first extra job: Dog sitting.

I start Friday.

The funny thing is that I posted an ad on Craigslist. It said something like, "Young professional, looking for extra money, not weird, just need cash fast for an out-of-country wedding..." At least, that was the gist.

When I showed up at the woman's house, she already knew it was me. We have mutual friends, and I think we may have even met before. What a small world! Her dogs are really sweet, too, so I'm thankful for that.

I look at this like a fun experiment. We'll see what happens!! OH, and if you have someone who needs a dog sitter, email me!

P.S. I still hate this economy. I'm not buying any more suits until 2010.

Economy Scrooged Me This Holiday.

It's been a while since I let a week go by without a post. I'm tired. Who's with me?

We're not celebrating the holidays with presents this year. Why? Because it's too darn expensive!

I bought Jim something, but I can't tell here, otherwise, he'll read it and find out. However, I did decide to make some "gifts in a jar". I checked out a book at the library, and then I made jars of cookie dough with it. It's a really cute gift, and it was made with a lot of TLC.

My friend and former roommate, Megahn, turned me onto this concept when she sent me a book from this series that had recipes for instant drinks (like hot cocoa, coffee, etc.) It was such a thoughtful gift, and I was so excited because she sent it to me in the mail!

I'm also making a few breads this year, but I really haven't found much time to do that either with the house-buying stuff.

Anyway, Happy Holidays.

United Airlines Went From Ok to Bad to Sorta Bad

What the heck is going on with the airline industry?

Wait.

I mean, what the heck isn't going on with the airline industry?

I get it. The economy's crap. And the airlines can't seem to earn a profit. Let's move on.

I understand that some companies need to change your flight itinerary. But what's wrong with giving some folks a heads up? UA changed our flights to Hawaii. I found this out two days ago (thankfully, I called just to check in.) Apparently, UA added a stop AND delayed our arrival by two hours.

TWO HOURS? Uh, I don't think so.

After a lengthy conversation, we got it changed again. We still have the extra stop (SGF to Denver to San Francisco to Honolulu...) but at least we'll arrive at 2:50 p.m. instead of the 5 p.m. arrival time UA had given us.

Today, though, my travel agent called. She said UA canceled our flights.

Wh-wh-what?

We got it all figured out with UA, and they even ended up giving us $200 worth of vouchers, but GEEZ. I said to one of many operators, "Look, man, you do not want to mess with a bride three days before her wedding. Okay?"

If all goes well, then I'll be happy...