Friday night we watched the program on the new HGVT Green House. We enjoy seeing the new products out there and how people are trying to help the planet.

I had to chuckle when they kept acting so very self-righteous about reusing furniture and materials and shopping and flea markets and antique shops. They acted almost like it was their very own original idea!

Most folks who have to watch their pennies and even those who don't, but want to, reuse and repurpose things. When I look at my kitchen, so much of the stuff in it was bought used. Or, I inherited it from my grandmother.

We often go to antique shops. I not only like the idea of saving a little money, but the idea of buying something that was probably made in America so many years ago. I'm a little tired of all the cheaply made stuff from overseas.

It was just interesting how the commentators were singing the praises of repurposing things and how glorious it was like it was their very original idea. I think most of us reuse and repurpose if at all possible.

There's a little email making the rounds about an older lady going to the store and the cashier says something about your generation not understanding about going green because she hadn't brought her own bags. It was then pointed out how people used to buy soda in glass bottles and return them to be reused. I was thinking about all the canning that used to go on and people used and reused those canning jars for years!

I know HGTV has to sensationalize to keep the viewer interested, but some of us have been "green" in a lot of areas far longer than the network has been around.

I need to go and heat up the sloppy joes in my second hand pot and serve on my second hand plates. Just thought I'd give a few of my thoughts when it came to being green.

Givers and takers...we seem to fit one category or another, don't we? Sometimes both, but usually one is a better fit.

One gal I know lets me be both. I save our plastic containers such as cottage cheese and wash them and save them for her. She runs a small restaurant and uses them to take home leftovers for herself, her mom, and her daughter-in-law since they cannot service the stuff the next day. She said she loves having all these different sizes and she doesn't have to worry about remembering to bring back the good ones they used to use as she dashes out of the house early each morning. She said she's now using them at home to plant seeds for plants. She, in turn, has been saving me the box top things that schools use to send in for funds. I donate them to my schools and help them. So, we are both givers and takers.

Another person I know is a better taker. I save things like coupons and newspapers and give them to this person. I think they are appreciated. I usually don't mind saving these items.

I'm not a good taker. I guess I think I need to always be a giver and it is difficult to be on the receiving end. I guess we are what we are.


Otherwise, it was a nice day to be off. Our school district has designated this week as spring break. DH and I visited a friend and dropped off a birthday cake and a present and then voted, ran an errand and came home. He cleaned the siding outside and I worked on cleaning a room.

Supper was spaghetti with meat sauce made from ground chicken. I've been trying to figure out what we spent on suppers. I think tonight's was less than $7 for the spaghetti and sauce, homemade bread, salad, cottage cheese, and fruit. Last night we had beef and barley vegetable soup made in the slow cooker. It was about $7 and we have enough leftover for another meal. Sunday night I made a bruschetta with the homemade bread for a light Sunday supper. I think that meal cost less than $3. Not too bad for 3 suppers...guess I'll take that!

I haven't blogged this week due to being very tired. We started state testing last week and I spent three days of this week doing make up tests. It seems that at one of my schools, we had something that went around because there were many, many students who missed two or more of the tests.

In Illinois, it behooves a school to get all these tests made up. So, Monday I spent the day between two schools, and Tuesday and Wednesday I was at just one school because of so many make ups. One student had 8 tests to do, and of course, one cannot do all those in a day. He came Wednesday and we got a few of them completed, but the principal was going to have to finish on Thursday and Friday.

I was allowed to attend the Illinois Reading Conference in Springfield Thursday and Friday. It reaffirmed my love affair with reading and writing.

Many of the sessions are on Common Core Standards since Illinois has adopted them and they take effect 2014.

I attended sessions on writing and the Common Core and ideas on how to make writing more interesting.

Jack Gantos is an author who shared his outline on writing picture books. His first step was to have kids read lots of picture books to see how they are created and then come up with a character, setting, problem, resolution, and emotion. If you are familiar with Rotten Ralph, he's the author.

I look forward to sharing these ideas and hopefully getting students a little more interested in writing.

I can say I was very tired when we got home last night. I was glad to be able to relax. And I'm glad I get to write about my experiences.

This week has been stressful as we do state testing in our schools. We have had a lot of students absent so it is imperative to do make up tests. And that isn't easy when you realize one has to read the directions verbatim as well as allow the time allotted for each child on each test.

I slept in this morning and that was nice. We went to brunch and then to the library. I walked out with a large pile of books and 5 magazines. We then drove to a small community for a home and garden show. The community is well known for the Amish who live there.

The furniture and cabinetry displayed by these craftsman was gorgeous. It was exciting to see their beautiful works of art. We admired their wares and looked at many of the other things they had.

A mile or so out in the country is a bulk store run by the Amish. We stopped and bought some cheese, brown rice, grits, and some hard wheat flour. I spent less than $20 altogether on these items.

We drove back into town and parked and went through a couple of the shops. One is an antique shop. It was fun looking through all the items. This one seems to have the largest display of kerosene lamps (new and used) that I have ever seen. One had the base that looked like a vase with handles on both sides and grapes that were in 3D relief. Neither DH or I have ever seen one like that. After poking through we bought nothing, but had a nice time. We walked down another block and saw a drugstore with an old fashioned soda fountain.

The soda fountain is made of marble. We each had an ice cream cone and sat at one of the tables and admired the pop bottle collection along the walls above the shelves. These were mostly older bottles and some were unique.

We arrived home and I baked a loaf of bread that I had mixed together and made chicken parmigiana. I can say I'm tired and dreading moving the clocks forward for daylight savings time, but I had a wonderful day with my wonderful hubby.

Sometimes I think I grew up pretty naive.

I certainly didn't have the "Leave It to Beaver" family. I was fortunate to attend a parochial elementary school only because at that time, there was no tuition charged.

In my mind, I just thought everyone grew up like me.

I remember in 8th grade we had an art and talent show. Anyone could exhibit anything.

I liked to draw and paint and I thought I would use a hymn verse and illustrate it.

I worked hours on it. And in my innocent way, I was very proud of it. I took it to school to have it on display that evening.

We went to the show after school. As we walked around and looked at all the other items on exhibit, I realized then I was really different.

Most of the craft items were made from kits and looked very, well shall we say, professional. At least as professional as a grade school item can look. They all looked very, very nice. The raw materials were new when they started, store bought, and everything looked very "perfect."

Over to the side, almost hidden, was my painting with the hand printed hymn verse. You see, when I wanted to do the painting, I didn't know what to paint on so my dad suggested I paint on a piece of cardboard. He cut out a piece of cardboard and that is what I painted on. We didn't have a frame or anything for it. If you looked on the back, you could see what product the box came from.

It looked pretty sad compared to all these other exhibits.

It was then I realized we were poor. We used what we had because there simply wasn't the money to go buy extra things like canvas or special drawing and painting supplies. I thought everyone but the very rich did the same. And I didn't think I knew rich people before this.

I had used the paints we had at home and they were left over from when my folks had painted used bicycles that my dad had fixed from old parts and sold. The painting was glossy. And then I saw it as gaudy and ugly.

I started looking at what others were wearing and then seeing the faded clothes I had on. It never bothered me before, but then I realized I didn't look like others or live like others. And I could then tell by where my project was and how it was treated, it was shameful to be poor.

I hope I never have or never will treat another person or their creations like that because I remember my heart aching at that moment and my face flushing with shame.

Of course nothing was said to me, but I knew then I was different.

A few years back, a friend of mine and I talked about when we realized we were poor. I remember she said it was when she was in high school. And she remembers how it made her feel.

Although our blogs and this site are about saving money, I hope we never think it is shameful to be poor or treat someone less because of it. Somehow, after reading many of the blogs and posts, I don't think that is the case. I just hope fewer children have to feel as badly as I did that spring in eighth grade.

We went to the library and on the new arrival shelf was a book about being debt free by Gail Vaz-Oxley. One chapter talked about how our friends influence the way we spend.

I would say to a certain extent that could be true. I think it also can be said that some of us no longer bow to peer pressure. I would think that many folks on the SA site have chosen a different route.

Years ago it was tough when my friends in high school, most who had parents who had more money than mine, would tell me about this and that their parents bought them. Or the trips they were going on. I couldn't keep up with the Joneses so to speak then, and I choose not to now.

Yesterday we had a teacher inservice day and although we had an hour for lunch (unheard of for teachers), part of that time was also travel time because we came from different schools in the morning, to a larger school in the afternoon to all meet together. I packed saltines, peanut butter, apple, and a Thermos of water. Most of the folks who had to travel and set up stopped and bought sandwiches and soda.

It was interesting because one person watched me slather the peanut butter on the saltines and then said that she was jealous of my lunch...it seemed that I was getting an intrinsic joy of putting the peanut butter on the cracker in such a way.

I thought about it for a moment and realized she was right. I like saltines and peanut butter. I remember in college when my snacks were that and when I ran out of peanut butter (and money), it was just saltines. But, I also thought this little exercise gave me some control - not only of my spending and eating, but I "controlled" how I would spread the peanut butter.

Pretty weird for such a simple lunch!

Someone asked me why I brought my lunch and I just said I was trying to save money and the conversation then went to how overpriced "fast food" sandwiches were.

I don't ever think I'll be the one giving peer pressure to the spenders, but for one brief moment, I was the one they were jealous of with my simple lunch!

Bet you are wondering what "BIM SIM" represents...

A little background... DH and I both have some arthritis. As a result, it often can be painful to do things. But, most doctors and apparently medicine advertisers agree that one shouldn't stop doing things because you have arthritis. One commercial says, "a body in motion stays in motion" so I decided we needed to have a saying or slogan to remind each other. So, I thought BIM SIM (body in motion stays in motion)was something we could say to keep each other going.

My dad has been gone 14 years. The last few years of his life he was bedridden. He had arthritis and although his doctor told him to keep moving and walking, he said it hurt too much. I'm sure it was painful. On the rare occasions I did get him out and moving, he would comment the next day he felt like he could move better. But, it didn't last. It is a sad saga...he wound up with bedsores because he wouldn't get up and walk, but sat all the time. His bedsores became so bad the doctor gave him antibiotics, but unfortunately they were too strong and he became dehydrated and very ill. He was hospitalized and was making recovery as the hospital put him through physical therapy. However, he chose to quit going and as a result, he got the point he couldn't walk. It was a vicious circle in a way. He had also had a lot of mini strokes so I don't think he was really able to think through things at this point, so his judgment wasn't the best.

That being said, I don't want to have the same problems, so the reminder of getting up and moving is always good. I guess I could say it could save me money if I take care of myself. BIM SIM

Tomorrow is the big heart day. If you are a teacher, you may have a aimilar experience...elementary kids really take this day seriously. I have seen street smart sixth graders get really hurt if they didn't get a Valentine from every single one in class. I think it just shows how we all desire to be thought of.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

When I was growing up, my folks would often encourage me not to use certain things and keep them for "good."

As my mother aged, she admitted that wasn't always the best advice. She said she crocheted and embroidered a lot of things and wouldn't use them, but instead kept them for "good," which meant she was saving them for use on a special occasion. However, as these things aged, they started to go bad. A lot of the things she worked so hard on started to fall apart. All that work and anticipated pleasure for naught because she never had the joy of using them.

I didn't inherit a lot of things from my grandmother, but I did get a tablecloth that fit a card table and 4 napkins. They are linen and have a design cut out and embroidered around the design. For years I would take them out of the cedar lined chest, wash them, iron them, and put them back. Then it dawned on me, these were my grandmother's and I never saw her use them. My mom never used them. And since I don't have children, chances are they won't get used unless I do.

So, I pulled out the tablecloth and I have it on a small table in my sunroom. I like the tablecloth and enjoy seeing it.

As for the napkins, we use them. Not for special days either. I use a lot of cloth napkins and they are in the stack to be used. Whatever placemats or tablecloth they go with, they get used.

I ironed them last night and thought that I'm getting far more enjoyment out of using them, than having them stored away.

Years ago Erma Bomback who normally wrote humorous articles did write a serious one. I believe it was when she was diagnosed with a terminal disease. She pointed out that life was for living and it was OK to use those things. I remember her saying she didn't use a rose shaped candle because it was for a special time, but wound up in a box in the garage where it melted.

A few years ago I donated my "good" China to be given away to a family that could use it. I think I used it maybe two or three times. It wasn't the most expensive, but I remember buying into the notion that when one married, they should have two sets of dishes -- every day and the fancy stuff. And, I didn't want to use the fancy stuff in case I would break a piece or chip it.

My dishes are my dishes. Some are chipped. I've broken a few through the years, but I like the pattern and feel I'm making better use of these stuff I have if I use it, instead of saving it.

I ironed a tablecloth last night. I never used to use cloth tablecloths or napkins, thinking it should only be when we have company. Well, I've decided we are worth the trouble of having a pretty tablecloth and napkins.

There isn't too much I'm keeping for "good" anymore. We don't have fancy dinner parties. I'm not a gourmet cook or chef. If folks come to eat at my house, hopefully they come for the hospitality and not the fancy dishes or flatware or napkins.

Perhaps it is part of my mind set of being content and finding pleasure in what I have.

I know in some cultures there are supposedly signs that it was a good meal if the folks who partook burb or belch. Kind of gross, in my book.

Usually people say it was good or rave about this or that if it really tickled their fancy. Not every meal is a gourmet feast, at least not around here. Sometimes it is just sustenance. But there are days when one wonders, how was it?

I have concluded in our house it HAD to be a good meal if I fill up the dishwasher.

OK, I'm being silly here, but we laugh about the fact the meal often is pretty good if we have enough dishes to fill up the dishwasher. I realize that really means nothing for taste. Our dishwasher is actually a source of a lot of teasing in our household.

Years ago when we bought new cabinets, I had borrowed lots of books from the library to pick out the cabinets and style I wanted. We visited some of the stores too. I didn't change the layout or anything because it worked and also because moving plumbing and electrical unless it was absolutely necessary was a huge expense. I was just thrilled to have drawers that opened correctly. The drawers on the old cabinet had been "stapled" together and as they aged, they would twist and I couldn't get them to open. I would have to take everything out of the drawer, then wedge that puppy out, take a hammer and try to straighten it. It made cooking a pain in the patootie to say the least.

When we were planning on the new cabinets, I teased my hubby that we should splurge and get two dishwashers. I was basically playing, but it has become a joke when the dishwasher is full and we have stuff left over. I won't run the dishwasher unless it is full so that means sometimes the second day we have dishes leftover.

So last night's meal must have been good because not only was the dishwasher full, we had to wash a couple things by hand.

Ah, if only life was that easy!

Have you seen the new Foodnetwork show called "Pioneer Woman?" I watched it this week and was interested because although I knew she blogged, I hadn't really delved into it.

I guess I thought she would be cooking on a cook stove in a long dress. What a surprise to see a very modern and large kitchen.

It was an amusing program as she cooked for 15 and had pork, augratin potatoes and a slaw. Real food that filled a plate and it wasn't a contest.

I know competition is a big deal, but to be frank, I'm tired of all the contests on television. I never cared for shows like Fear Factor and some of the cooking shows are bordering on scary when they show bizarre ingredients.

I think Foodnetwork has figured decided that everyone loves competition.

Well, I for one am tired of it. I watch the shows to learn new techniques, new recipes, and sometimes to be entertained. I'm not saying there shouldn't be shows like Chopped or Next Foodnetwork Star, but why is it almost all the programs are going for that? I can't watch most of the programs during the day because I *ahem* work. If I didn't, I couldn afford the basic cable I have.

So, on the weekend during the afternoon and evenings when I can watch, all there seems to be are those shows that compete.

So, seeing Pioneer Woman was both refreshing and interesting. Although not a true pioneer, perhaps her title is being a pioneer of being someone who cooks in a society that usually doesn't.

Now that I'm back to work, I won't be watching as much television which is both good and bad, but that's not what this blog is about.

What I've noticed is that in many of the food commercials, the folks have pretty fancy kitchens. For example, the new KFC commercial has a stainless stove that looks like a professional type. Hmmm...a chef who regularly gets KFC?

Some of the heat and eat snacks show pretty luxurious kitchens too...pretty darn fancy for heating stuff up in the microwave.

I wonder if the folks who make these commercials think we all have fancy kitchens or if they think we all want fancy kitchens. Very few have laminate countertops. Most have granite.

I don't have granite...part of it the cost, but part of it is also if we did spring for it, it would overimprove the kitchen for the neighborhood we live in.

Am I the only one who is noticing these commercials? Are these subliminal messages to the consumer?

I know there's a cliche' that you can never be too thin or too rich...

I won't even go on about the slender part, but the money part, I have an opinion.

We turned on the television to watch something while we ate our lunch. I don't care for football so dh turned on HGTV and they are having a series or programs of Million Dollar Room or Outdoor Spaces or...

Anyway, they were showing a kitchen. Now, I'm kind of partial at looking at kitchens because I like to cook. The island stone alone was $50,000. There are folks who don't spend that much on a house.

In other house they showed a bedroom with his and hers and hers closets. She had two different rooms that each held 500 shoes. How many shoes can someone wear? Plus, there was a craft room with a wrapping station. The hostess said on some of these rooms, they actually cost millions.

In another episode (yeah, it's like seeing a train wreck, we couldn't stop watching), this guy had an outdoor space where he brought in sand from the Bahamas that cost him between $75,000 and $100,000. Just for the sand and the barge travel.

I don't want this to sound like sour grapes, but geeze, doesn't this seem like a bit overwhelming? And, where does one go from here after all that?

After seeing the luxurious kitchens, I commented, I bet they don't even cook in these fancy dancy places.

As for a wrapping station, if they have that kind of money, why not just pay to have these items wrapped in the first place. Wouldn't want to break a nail or get a paper cut!

So, I'm glad dh has turned on football, because the glamour was just getting to be a little much.

We celebrated New Year's by having an early dinner. Our favorite restaurant has a loyalty program and we had some money coming, so we splurged and had steaks. Yum!

As we were leaving, an older couple had already gotten into their car. It was an older Crown Victoria. That baby was shined up and looked pristine. Not a speck of rust or dirt. I bet the inside was as clean.

DH said you can tell that an older person owns it because they know how to take care of things.

How sad. But true. How much money can one save by taking care of things? I have some pots that belonged to my grandmother. I am sure they are over 50 years old. She took care of them and I've taken care of them and we have both gotten good use of them.

That being said, how many things are made nowdays that can last? A friend of mine said when she and her hubby went television shopping, they mentioned that their "old" television of over 7 years was going out and the sales clerk said they were lucky to have gotten that much time out of it -- things aren't made to last, but to be replaced.

Our bodies are also examples. If one eats right, exercises, and tries to stay content, usually the body lasts far longer than if one parties, smokes, and is angry all the time. Not always, but usually.

I would say taking care of things can help save money. I know many of the items in my kitchen are old -- Pyrex and Corningware especially because my family or someone else took care of them. They are serving me well.

So, even if the businesses expect me to replace things, I'm going to continue taking care of things to try and get the best use out of it. Hopefully it will pay off for me by saving some money as well as less to throw out.

As I'm catching up on some blogs, I was reading CB in the City and how one felt when the other gifts were grander and more expensive.

In this morning's paper, reporters talked to those who were out and about yesterday and so many said how they were out buying things they didn't get for Christmas and wanted.

I'm not going to get real preachy here or anything, but somehow Christmas has become a one uppance on gifts and if you don't get what you want, then by golly, go get it!

It's kind of sad when we measure the pleasure of Christmas by the gifts we receive.

When I was growing up, my mom would buy things on sale and wrap them up. She liked seeing lots of gifts under the tree. I understand her reasoning, but as a 16 year old, receiving Pepto-Bismol and an Oil of Olay knock off wasn't exactly very thrilling. Especially when a friend would call and go over her list of things her parents gave her...I figure it must have been hundreds and hundreds of dollars. And, as a teenager, it was difficult to listen to her go on and on and be excited for her.

I admit my husband is very generous. He always has been and remains today. But, I don't sit there and look at the stuff and say, "gee, why didn't you get me this?" I am pleased he thought enough to buy me what he bought me.

When I was little my grandmother didn't have a lot of money. I knew she bought me something like a toy or outfit, but then she would give me some fudge and peanut brittle -- they were always good. So good, that's how she made money -- by making it and selling it during the holidays. I know I didn't get to eat a lot of it, but I remember receiving them. Interesting enough, I don't remember the other Christmas gifts she gave me.

Don't think I'm criticizing the bargain hunting of the day or days after Christmas. I was out in the frenzy for a bit buying cards and wrapping paper for next year.

But, I'm just commenting that society has made Christmas a time for taking overall. Perhaps Ebenezer (the unchanged one) and I can have coffee and discuss it.

I opened up Yahoo this morning for my email and saw a news report that shoplifting is up this Christmas season.

Last night on the world news they reported that people were running, pushing, shoving, and even shooting over some Air Jordan's that were on sale.

Another story was a guy who decided to shoplift a $79 VCR, except he picked the wrong time -- the store was sponsoring a Shop with a Cop event. The guy admitted what he did was stupid, but not once did he say he was sorry he stole something.

Bah. Humbug.

All this insanity for stuff. I like things, but I'm not going to get in a fight for a pair of shoes, no matter how trendy they are.

On the positive side, they did an update on the report about "angels" who paid off other folks' layaway. Very uplifting and inspiring that they didn't give their names and hence no credit.

Our local food pantries reported that demand was certainly up and the one we support reported they gave out over 380 Christmas baskets. There were other agencies who also gave out baskets. Our town has over 70,000 folks and then there are little towns nearby. what a great need in this economy.

I think this puts it in perspective...I don't want to guilt anyone into thinking they shouldn't buy presents for their friends and family. I know I did and was the happy recipient of some nice things.

But, fighting to get a pair of shoes and the news report said that most were listed on Ebay soon after...

I hope the news is good at your home and that you have a wonderful Christmas and that you are satisfied with what you have and have the contentment of a group of loving family and friends!

Merry Christmas!

Remember the line in "Miracle on 34th Street" when they talk about commercialism...and Peanuts had the same thought.

Well, when these movies were written, Christmas wasn't as commercial as it is now.

I remember as a kid, right around Thanksgiving, Santa would ride a Norelco razor down a snow covered hill, and I knew Christmas was coming. The stores didn't rush Christmas by putting things out in June, and maybe I didn't hear the retailers guilting people into shopping to help the economy.

Nowdays it appears the stores are putting Christmas items out in the summer...even candy. I am thinking how "fresh" those chocolates can be if they are sitting on store shelves in July and August. I know chocolate has a decent shelf life, but...that means they made the stuff even earlier.

And, of course, Chia has to bring out their pets. I'm not trying to make a poltiical statement, but is there anyone else out there who thinks a Chia Obama is a bit crass? What next, a Chia Lincoln, complete with beard?

It's always exciting to receive the first Christmas card and then go to the mailbox and see who else we get cards from.

The church services with the lighting of the Advent candles also tell me Christmas is coming as well. And I like the cards and candles a whole lot better than the Chia pets and months old candy.

I wonder how Scrooge would react to this commercialism.

Are we the only folks who have problems with buttons? I'm not talking about buttons on the phone or remote, but those fastening devices on clothes.

Last year my husband purchased a very nice coat -- it was on sale, but wasn't a casual coat. It's not super dressing, but a happy medium. He wears it because it is warm and looks a little nicer than the every day coat he has. Now, he bought it near the end of the season last year so he hasn't worn it much. Last night he pointed out that the buttons were already becoming loose.

It seems like most of our clothes with buttons, I'm always having to secure them after a couple of wearings. Are we the only ones?

The saying "a stitch in time saves nine" might mean less sewing, but my stitching means I don't have to search for new buttons for lost ones. Or purchase them. And believe me, if you have to purchase new ones, they are pricey for such little things.

Oh, bother!

My spam folder said it had 5 emails. After last Saturday's money saving offers, I thought I'd peruse it and see what other goodies I can turn down.

The first one is for an electronic cigarette...and I'm so special I'm one of the few who had it offered to me. Well, since I don't smoke, guess I don't need an electronic cigarette to stave off my cravings for nicotene. Saved a chunk of money there, I bet.

The second is about my order was received. What order? I haven't ordered anything. It has a link with a p.o. number. Well, sorry, I didn't bite on this one. I'm not sure what they think I ordered, but I'm not going to click to find out either. I saved money by not ordering in the first place.

Two others have something to do with cars, with one being a humongous sales. Maybe they figure I'll need a bigger car after buying the Viagra or something. Nah, I just hit delete on those. I'm not in the market for a new car so I think my cost savings just went up on that too.

One doesn't have a subject or even a sender. Guess a ghost sent it. Well, it is probably written in invisible font and I'm not opening it up to see what was sent...it might be too scary!

With my email addy, it isn't easy to tell what gender I am, so I guess the spammers are just trying to see if they can hook me with something. They don't call it it phishing for nothing!

That's my chuckle over the stuff in the spam folder...

I open it up every few days just to check and clear it. Well, one company sent me two emails about my preapproval for a credit card...within 30 minutes of each other. The first one was at 5:49 a.m. and the second was after 6 a.m. Sorry, I have no intention of responding that early in the morning for a credit card. See, I saved money right there by not replying and taking them up on that wonderful offer and going out and spending money on the credit card!

There were two identical emails for penis enlargement and the subject line was Christmas is coming! Well, not being male, I don't have a penis so I don't really need to enlarge anything I don't have. I'm not really sure what that has to do with Christmas unless it is a gift you give yourself, that is, if you have the equipment. Fortunately, I can save money here too since I don't need that part of my anatomy enlarged.

In that same vein, there were two emails also with the subject line Christmas is coming and they were for Viagra. Well, again, I don't really need Viagra...see paragraph two if you skipped ahead. I saved money again! I'm getting richer by the second!

The latest email in my spam folder stated it was warning me that someone ran a background check on me and that they looked up my arrest record and I need to click on their url and find out who. Well, my arrest record is pretty short. I had a speeding ticket about 8 years ago. I deserved that ticket, so I'm not grousing about it. But, my record is pretty small -- I live a pretty simple life -- so I think I'll pass on finding out who ran a background check on me. I am pretty sure they will want me to pay for the privilege of finding out who supposedly checked my criminal background. Nah, I think I'll save my money and not purchase that little treat either.

Well, I say it has been a prosperous morning here at the computer. I saved a ton of money by not investing in their schemes. And, I had a chuckle besides!

I'm sitting here enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee, thinking how truly blessed I am.

I got up early to put on the turkey breast. I put it in a slow cooker because it keeps is moist. For whatever reason, although we have had a frost, we still have fresh herbs. I will admit the sidewalk was cold before 6 this morning as I pranced out there to pick some to put with the turkey. The reason I know the sidewalk was cold was because I was barefoot. I didn't want to open the closet door and awaken my hubby. Needless to say, I didn't tarry!

Last night we had brinner -- ham and eggs. That ham was what we had left over from a ham steak Monday night. We found this wonderful ham steak at Aldi and I baked it in a glaze Monday after work and we had it for supper with sweet potatoes. It was a big hunk of meat and I hate to let things go to waste. I cut up some of it and made ham and beans for dh's lunch on Tuesday and then the rest was last night's meal. I think I made that piggy squeal with all those uses.

That aside, I was sitting here looking at my kitchen. I just peeled a bunch of potatoes and I still have some left over. My shelves appear to be groaning with all the things I have in my pantry. I am indeed blessed. Two friends sent me a beautiful flower arrangement for my table. I like flowers, but being cheap, I don't usually spend money for them for myself.

I need to spend more than one day a year being grateful. I can choose to save money because I have more than enough to cover expenses. I have plenty to eat and plenty to wear and I have a warm house to live in with heat and cooling as needed.

I have a wonderful husband who is a delight. I have caring and thoughtful friends who brighten my days. My job is both challenging and interesting and I am indeed, in today's economy, fortunate to have a full time job that pays decently. I live in a country that allows me many freedoms. I saw a picture on Facebook of troops eating and it said something to the effect of Thanking the troops. Amen to that. If you'd like to send a free thank you to the troops, here's an url for it: http://content.mkt922.com/mson/2011/11/23/u364Polza0o1/index.html

So, while I'm gobbling my dinner, I need to pause and realize how fortunate I truly am. I hope you have a blessed day, whether it is Thanksgiving where you live or a nonholiday. And, my feet warmed up pretty quickly after I got back in the house!

Can you believe Thanksgiving is a week away? Where in the world has this year gone?

We are looking forward to the day of feasting, but I'm also looking forward to a day of rest. It's been a wild beginning of the year and things haven't stopped at work. Right now my schools are working on school improvement plans -- documents that are required by the state stating what we need to work on.

I have a lot to be grateful for...I have a wonderful husband, a terrific home, a good job, and delightful friends. I live in a world where I can choose what to eat and what to wear. My brother and I have been working on a relationship -- we didn't have anything to do with each other for many years because of our mother.

As you head into the American holiday, pause and think about the good things in your life. We all have bad and good, but for this moment, try to think about something good. It won't make your pocketbook fuller, but it might make your heart happier!

OK, the title is misleading, we don't have any pumpkins...but here in Central Illinois, I think we will get a frost tomorrow night. We've come close a few times in the past two weeks, but with the rain we've had and the sudden temperature drop, I think our garden will succumb!

Last week on Halloween we were chuckling that usually by this time dh has removed the garden because it has frosted...I said wouldn't it be something if we still had tomatoes and bell peppers on Thanksgiving. Looks like we are coming close. We aren't getting a bumper crop of anything, but we are continuing to use what we get. I will miss the herbs too. We have them in large pots on the sidewalk and we don't have any place to store them during the winter. I have frozen some of them, but although they are OK that way, they aren't the same as fresh ones.

Well, I guess if there's frost on the pumpkins or tomatoes or herbs, I will be grateful I have a warm house to be in!

I was sitting in a grade level meeting early this morning at one of my three schools and fundraisers came up. Many of the teachers said they were hesitant to offer another fundraiser because the kids sold candy a month ago and last week they asked for things for a cookout. One teacher who is also a parent said that he thought another fundraiser was going to burn the parents out.

Another teacher said the same thing. So instead of trying to raise money, they put their heads together to figure out ways to make the money that was raised go farther! I was happy to see some common sense prevailing.

A friend of mine is always grousing she doesn't have any money. She works hard and that is true. But, when the time between her pay days is here, she often has to do without or borrow money to buy necessities like gasoline for her car.

Years ago she had to live hand to mouth. Part of it was because of some circumstances, but part of it was because she was trying to live a dream. As a result of that, when I suggest she check out money saving sights like this one, she tells me she already knows how to save money.

Anyway, just last week she was worried about putting gas in the car so she could get to work. I guess she found the money and apparently has gotten paid in the mean time because she ordered a Halloween Costume and it is being Fed Ex'd to her.

I don't say anything because I know she will get angry.

But what I'd really like to ask if she needed that Halloween Costume. I guess in her mind she would say yes, but I guess I'm too pragmatic. Putting gas in the car, paying my bills, and having food would be priorities.

Guess I'm so boring I'm scary!

I know a few of us has written about the show Extreme Couponing.

I am wondering if it is all fiction or if folks are not good at addition. I know one can save some money using coupons. I feel great if I save a few bucks off my bill. I never get a ton of stuff free though. A lot of the coupons are for items we don't buy. I'm not saving money if I buy stuff I'm not going to use.

We were watching an episode last week and this family was "saving" to move out of their bad neighborhood and wanted to move to Hawaii. She had a huge stockpile.

As the story went on, it said she bought either 200 or 300 newspapers. Our little paper here in town costs over a dollar on Sunday so even if they get theirs for a dollar, that's still quite a few bucks to shell out for coupons.

As the program progressed it talked about how the family helped and how their had a huge stockpile of items...laundry detergent, toothpaste, fruit drinks, soda pop, etc.

This shopping trip took 9 hours from start to finish and at the end, they closed the store as they loaded a trailer with their haul.

Pretty cool on the surface, eh?

But then my dh and I were discussing it. Did they have to rent the trailer? And who wants to spend 9 hours in the grocery store? Not to mention all the time and effort and money for those coupons? Did they really save anything?

I guess I wonder about that stockpile...does any of that stuff go bad before they can use it? And if they are saving to move, wouldn't it cost extra to move all that stuff?

I guess being a pragmatist isn't a good thing. I'm wondering how they are coming out ahead...she spends fortune to get the coupons, they stockpile all that stuff so it looked like they spent money on new shelving, and then the trailer...Did they really come out ahead?

Our water heater started making weird noises about 2 hours ago..and about an hour ago, started dripping water.

Seems it has worn out...or rusted out or something. We called the plumber and he said that water heaters only last 7-8 years. He told us what to do to shut things off. He isn't sure if he can't get to us immediately because the company they buy water heaters don't like to answer their phones "after hours" because he said they said they didn't like getting calls from plumbers in the middle of the night.

Well, what's wrong with that picture? Does this company think that the plumbers purposely wait until the middle of the night to call for a water heater because they like getting calls in the middle of the night? I would assume that if a plumber is calling in the middle of the night it is because a customer called them.

Anyway, I had read in Consumer Reports that water heaters normally last 18-20 years. Ours lasted 13. The plumber said that for a water heater that is really longer that it should have, because most only last 7-8.

Well, you know where our money will be going...

I'm warning you, this is a rant...

This has been a week where we have been hit up by kids and fundraisers.

I get the fundraising idea...I'm a teacher and schools and organizations are trying to raise money.

But, it has gotten to the point where some folks know no shame in my book.

We were out for a walk the other day and the neighbor girl stopped us and asked us politely to buy something for Girl Scouts. I had no problem with that. We know her and we are friends with her family. She was polite and thanked us for our order.

We were at Lowe's last weekend and there was a group of Boy Scouts at the exit asking if we wanted to buy stuff. We politely said no and they were courteous and didn't push it. I can live with that.

Tuesday the doorbell rings and it is a little boy and his mom. He's selling popcorn for Boy Scouts. I don't know either him or mom. I do think these folks ought to at least let us know where they are from -- if they are from our neighborhood, it would be nice to know. We bought some very overpriced popcorn. We figured we'd be equal opportunity -- Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.

We've had other folks stop us and ring the doorbell in the past few weeks as well.

However, the kicker was we went to eat for a belated birthday celebration for my husband with another couple on Tuesday. Two girls ran up to our table and asked us to buy a a box of chocolates. I have no idea who they were and where they were from. We declined and they repeated the request. I told them no again, and one asked why we wouldn't. I was honest -- I told her that I had just bought some popcorn off of a Boy Scout earlier that evening. I guess I was the first person to tell her no. I guess some folks would say I'm mean, but I figure I've bought off of two kids this week and I have different organizations and charities I support. I really don't want to purchase overpriced junk from children I don't know. I have a budgeted amount of money for things and right now chocolates aren't on my list. And as for giving them as a gift, if you've ever opened a box of these fundraising chocolates, it is almost all packing and few chocolates...it makes one look cheap! I may be cheap, but I'd prefer not to look that way for gifts.

So, I guess Scrooge better move over, because I may have just bumped him out of his cheapo place.

Last night we went to a "cookout" of sorts -- it was catered and we each paid so much for our meal. The purpose was not great culinary experiences, but fellowship with church members.

The host and hostess proudly showed their home. It was beautiful and everything seemed new and perfect. The light carpets weren't stained or anything. Everything was beautifully displayed. The furniture all matched and everything seemed decorator perfect.

Overall, it was a good evening, except for the feeling when I walked in my home. Everything seemed so so so, well, shabby.

I don't know if it was because I was extremely tired or if it was just overwhelming to see a perfect house. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't jealous they had this lovely home and they were generous to share it with us.

Just in comparison, I felt like my house didn't compare. One bathroom in their house was bigger than the bedroom I have my computer and store my office supplies and my teddy bear collection.

They had one large storage area with shelves and everything was tidy and straightened up.

Other than my kitchen appliances, most of the things in my home are old or older. Lots of flaws, nicks, and scratches around here. A lot of my dishes are second hand because I collect Blue Willow and I buy at second hand stores, Ebay, antique shops, and garage sales.

Most of my doilies and tablecloths are either hand me downs from my mom and grandmother or things I have bought second hand.

After a good night's sleep, waking up, I realized that so much of my life isn't for show, but for my pleasure. I like having the tablecloths that I feel I can use so if they get spilled on or soiled, the world doesn't end.

The desk where my computer sits is an old school desk I bought from the school district for $20 and spent less than $20 refinishing it. It's not beautiful and perfect, but boy, is it sturdy. It has dovetail drawers. It's the perfect size for my small room and it stores quite a bit.

My dining room table is oak and there are scratches on it, mostly from my clumsy antics. The first scratched I cried over. The second became a badge of honor of sorts.

As for my friends from church, I am pleased they have a lovely home. I enjoyed visiting there and seeing their gorgeous things and huge home. Last night I was dissatisfied with what I had, which is bad. I think it makes me think I need more. Heaven knows I have plenty of stuff.

But, I like my sweet, shabby home. As I cleaned the bedroom and put out the quilt that has been washed numerous time and is showing a little wear, I think of the comfort that quilt provides on a cold winter night. Would bright colors and perfect machine quilting make it any warmer? Probably not. And, my home isn't a show place, so I don't need a perfect home. I need to remember I have more than enough and be satisfied with what I have. I am not the type of person who has to have everything match and be decorator perfect. And, with that in mind, I need to make sure I’m not anywhere near a store when that feeling of dissatisfaction hits.

The school year is in full force and it seems some of the folks that are in supervisory positions love meetings. I had a meeting yesterday morning and another yesterday after school. Tomorrow there are three scheduled for about the same time after school. I had to prioritize which was the most important. I'm sure someone won't be happy, but you do what you have to do.

So far we do not have a teacher contract. This does not upset me at this point. I'm working, I'm getting paid, and in our city's economy, this is a very good thing. But, I am hearing rumblings of some folks who are griping...

I guess I'm a fairly realistic person. No contract is going to please both sides entirely. And there has to be some given and take. With money being in short supply, we should feel blessed we are employed.

So, although I'm being busy pulled to all these meetings, I know how entirely fortunate I am to have a job.