Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Whatever happened to that other sister we had?
Kipsy, you should talk to Momcat about the deal she got for her long distance and internet. Maybe it's available in your area.
I am debating right now whether to dust off my faded pencil-written Pasticio recipe from ten years ago and see how that works with soy milk bechamel and Morning Star Farm Crumbles OR make Tuscan White Bean Soup using frozen greens. Chip will be bringing Momcats old camera over so if I looks decent (or even if it doesn't) I can try to post a picture of it.
Darn, I guess that means I need to clean off my table...
I am debating right now whether to dust off my faded pencil-written Pasticio recipe from ten years ago and see how that works with soy milk bechamel and Morning Star Farm Crumbles OR make Tuscan White Bean Soup using frozen greens. Chip will be bringing Momcats old camera over so if I looks decent (or even if it doesn't) I can try to post a picture of it.
Darn, I guess that means I need to clean off my table...
Friday, March 27, 2009
More medical news, etc.
I completed my four treatments for Meniere's disease last Thursday and went back today to check to see if there was any hearing loss as a result of the treatments. I knew there was and in fact the hearing loss is almost total and a hearing aid won't help. There is also slight loss in my right ear (normal age deterioration) so they re-programmed my now useless hearing aid for the right ear and it does help. On the drive home I noticed an odd clicking noise and realized it was the turn indicator signal.
Other news - I now have unlimited long distance on my phone (and fax) and caller id for less than I was paying on my no long distance land line. I bundled with Charter cable and pay $60 for internet, basic cable tv and the phone. I have to re-negotiate the phone cost after a year.
Other news - I now have unlimited long distance on my phone (and fax) and caller id for less than I was paying on my no long distance land line. I bundled with Charter cable and pay $60 for internet, basic cable tv and the phone. I have to re-negotiate the phone cost after a year.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
I just got a fucking ticket
All my hard work at scrimping and saving, shot to shit.
The ticket is for "Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian in a Crosswalk." I think it was a sting or something, because there were two motorcycle cops pulling people over. I never saw any pedestrian, before during or after. I was late for an appointment (or at least I was after the ticket) but I wasn't speeding or driving recklessly. In fact when she pulled in behind me, I was really surprised, because I knew I wasn't speeding, and I had just put my new registration sticker on, so I knew it wasn't that. I haven't gotten a ticket in 30 YEARS!! I was shocked when she told me what the ticket was for. I asked her for details of what had happened, and she said that the guy was headed North across the street (I was heading West) and that he had to stop to let me go past (I was in the center-most lane of a 6 lane road.) I went back to the intersection later, and couldn't see how I could have missed seeing someone in the crosswalk there. It is so frustrating, because I never saw anything!
And now I'll have to pay a fine (I'm imagining $300, but it could be higher than that, I imagine it's considered a fairly serious infraction) plus traffic school fees and charges, both to the court and to the traffic school.
I had a friend and her husband and kids visiting on Monday, and I was making brunch for them, when all of a sudden water started gushing out from underneath my sink. So her husband and I spent the whole visit replacing pipes and washers under the sink. It took a total of 4 trips to the hardware store, and about $40 worth of supplies to fix it (and I'm still futzing with it trying to get all the leaks under control) but I saved a visit from the plumber.
Two weeks ago, I had to get the windshield wipers on the van fixed. I thought I would just live with them not working, since I only use the car to go camping in the summer, and it NEVER RAINS IN CALIFORNIA, especially in the summer, but I got caught in the rain taking my roommate to the airport, and almost got myself killed trying to get off the freeway, so I figured I needed to get them fixed. I took the car in, and at first they thought it was just the switch ($300) but that didn't work, so it was the Body Control Module, which is the computer that runs everything in the dashboard ($1000.) Well, I wasn't going to pay $1000 to fix the wipers for a car worth $2500 at the most anyway, even if I COULD afford it. So I went on-line, and apparently this is a common problem with the car, there were reports from people who had had to replace it numerous times. One guy said he just unhooked the wires from the BCM and hooked them up to a toggle switch, which I thought was genius. So I called the repair place and asked if they could do that, and they said yes. I was pissed at first, because I thought, "Why didn't YOU think of that?" When I went to pick up the car, I suggested that since this was such a common problem, they should suggest this fix to everyone, and he said they couldn't do that. They can't suggest a fix that they can't warranty, but since I had suggested the toggle switch to THEM, they could do it. They also gave me 10% off the cost. It still cost $300 but it works well enough now.
I am just so dis-heartened, because I am trying so hard to cut back on everything, and it just seems like the universe is out to get me. I am about at my limit.
The ticket is for "Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian in a Crosswalk." I think it was a sting or something, because there were two motorcycle cops pulling people over. I never saw any pedestrian, before during or after. I was late for an appointment (or at least I was after the ticket) but I wasn't speeding or driving recklessly. In fact when she pulled in behind me, I was really surprised, because I knew I wasn't speeding, and I had just put my new registration sticker on, so I knew it wasn't that. I haven't gotten a ticket in 30 YEARS!! I was shocked when she told me what the ticket was for. I asked her for details of what had happened, and she said that the guy was headed North across the street (I was heading West) and that he had to stop to let me go past (I was in the center-most lane of a 6 lane road.) I went back to the intersection later, and couldn't see how I could have missed seeing someone in the crosswalk there. It is so frustrating, because I never saw anything!
And now I'll have to pay a fine (I'm imagining $300, but it could be higher than that, I imagine it's considered a fairly serious infraction) plus traffic school fees and charges, both to the court and to the traffic school.
I had a friend and her husband and kids visiting on Monday, and I was making brunch for them, when all of a sudden water started gushing out from underneath my sink. So her husband and I spent the whole visit replacing pipes and washers under the sink. It took a total of 4 trips to the hardware store, and about $40 worth of supplies to fix it (and I'm still futzing with it trying to get all the leaks under control) but I saved a visit from the plumber.
Two weeks ago, I had to get the windshield wipers on the van fixed. I thought I would just live with them not working, since I only use the car to go camping in the summer, and it NEVER RAINS IN CALIFORNIA, especially in the summer, but I got caught in the rain taking my roommate to the airport, and almost got myself killed trying to get off the freeway, so I figured I needed to get them fixed. I took the car in, and at first they thought it was just the switch ($300) but that didn't work, so it was the Body Control Module, which is the computer that runs everything in the dashboard ($1000.) Well, I wasn't going to pay $1000 to fix the wipers for a car worth $2500 at the most anyway, even if I COULD afford it. So I went on-line, and apparently this is a common problem with the car, there were reports from people who had had to replace it numerous times. One guy said he just unhooked the wires from the BCM and hooked them up to a toggle switch, which I thought was genius. So I called the repair place and asked if they could do that, and they said yes. I was pissed at first, because I thought, "Why didn't YOU think of that?" When I went to pick up the car, I suggested that since this was such a common problem, they should suggest this fix to everyone, and he said they couldn't do that. They can't suggest a fix that they can't warranty, but since I had suggested the toggle switch to THEM, they could do it. They also gave me 10% off the cost. It still cost $300 but it works well enough now.
I am just so dis-heartened, because I am trying so hard to cut back on everything, and it just seems like the universe is out to get me. I am about at my limit.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Yet Another Cheap Pantry Dish
Since I went out of town this weekend for a conference, I didn't stock up at GSO for my usual week of greens. Needless to say, I find myself once again with only pantry items to eat. I made our traditional Easter "family" recipe of curried eggs. I still don't have a camera to take a picture and I can't do a cost analysis like Roothy on the pantry items used but it looked very similar to our traditional favorite, was very tasty and very, very cheap.
I started some brown rice in the steamer (I added nutritional yeast and some Thai seasoning to the water to make a broth because my nephew was here and wanted some of the rice). I melted 1 Tbl of Earth Balance in a small sauce pan and added a tbl of flour to make a roux. Wisked constantly while I heated 1 cup of soy milk in the microwave (fortunately I looked at the shelf life of unopened silk on sale last time I was at GSO and bought 6 1/2 gallons). I added the milk to the roux and about a 1/2tbl or a little more curry powder and made a sauce. Last I added cubed tofu, heated thru and poured over the rice. When I make this dish not as a last minute thing, I like to saute the tofu first. You can make this much lower in fat by using less oil and 1/2 milk and 1/2 veggie broth.
I probably should now go to GSO but I'm too full.
I started some brown rice in the steamer (I added nutritional yeast and some Thai seasoning to the water to make a broth because my nephew was here and wanted some of the rice). I melted 1 Tbl of Earth Balance in a small sauce pan and added a tbl of flour to make a roux. Wisked constantly while I heated 1 cup of soy milk in the microwave (fortunately I looked at the shelf life of unopened silk on sale last time I was at GSO and bought 6 1/2 gallons). I added the milk to the roux and about a 1/2tbl or a little more curry powder and made a sauce. Last I added cubed tofu, heated thru and poured over the rice. When I make this dish not as a last minute thing, I like to saute the tofu first. You can make this much lower in fat by using less oil and 1/2 milk and 1/2 veggie broth.
I probably should now go to GSO but I'm too full.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Hustle #4--Saving at Ikea
Ikea cabinets are well-regarded by both Consumer Reports, and kitchen designers (if you ask honest ones. Mine, in fact, has them in his own kitchen.) And they are a lot cheaper than the high-end Pohgenpols and Snaideros, and a lot nicer than the standard Home Depot standards.
But you can always do even better. For instance, once year, they have a sale where if you spend enough (typically $2500), you can get 10-20% off your entire kitchen purchase. This year, there is a sale from mid-March to mid-May, where you get 10% off a $2500 kitchen purchase, 15% off with the purchase of two appliances, and 20% off with the purchase of three appliances.
But wait! There's more! When you make an Ikea purchase using a debit card, you get a coupon for 3% off your next purchase. So, go in and pick out your cabinets, and then buy a $1.29 box of cookies (vegan, even!) with your debit card. Come back the next weekend after thinking it all over, and buy your kitchen with a 3% off coupon! This is not chump change when you are spending thousands.
Finally, pick your store carefully. Different Ikeas don't differ much in terms of the items you can buy, but do differ in the tax rates for the counties they sit in. Here, I can choose one Ikea with a tax rate of 10.25%, or another at 7.5%. Again, in the dollars we are talking, that difference is very large.
Example: say I spend $5000 on stuff. Just by exploiting the "debit card" purchase trick, and choosing the lower-taxed store, I will save $311.25 versus what I otherwise would have paid. In other words, it's like getting my dishwasher for free.
But you can always do even better. For instance, once year, they have a sale where if you spend enough (typically $2500), you can get 10-20% off your entire kitchen purchase. This year, there is a sale from mid-March to mid-May, where you get 10% off a $2500 kitchen purchase, 15% off with the purchase of two appliances, and 20% off with the purchase of three appliances.
But wait! There's more! When you make an Ikea purchase using a debit card, you get a coupon for 3% off your next purchase. So, go in and pick out your cabinets, and then buy a $1.29 box of cookies (vegan, even!) with your debit card. Come back the next weekend after thinking it all over, and buy your kitchen with a 3% off coupon! This is not chump change when you are spending thousands.
Finally, pick your store carefully. Different Ikeas don't differ much in terms of the items you can buy, but do differ in the tax rates for the counties they sit in. Here, I can choose one Ikea with a tax rate of 10.25%, or another at 7.5%. Again, in the dollars we are talking, that difference is very large.
Example: say I spend $5000 on stuff. Just by exploiting the "debit card" purchase trick, and choosing the lower-taxed store, I will save $311.25 versus what I otherwise would have paid. In other words, it's like getting my dishwasher for free.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
We Are Now Printing Money Engaged in Quantitative Easing
I can't decide whether to be disappointed or elated about the Fed's announcement that they will be buying about a trillion dollars worth of US Treasuries and Mortgage Backed Securities. These actions, known euphemistically as "quantitative easing," are really just the modern version of printing greenbacks. A lot of 'em.
I'm disappointed for conflicting reasons. Reason #1 is that expanding the money supply leads to inflation--which is great for people who owe money, but is rotten for people like me who have no debt and save. Still, given the amount of money that is being destroyed because of the falling value of assets across the board (houses, stocks, you name it), this is the only thing the Fed can do. Indeed, it's the main lesson that we learned from the Depression: avoid a deflationary spiral at all costs. A little bit of inflation is a good thing. Even a lot of inflation is not a particularly bad thing, especially compared to deflation--which knocked this country flat on its ass for twelve years, and took a massive World War to begin to recover from. Inflation is easy to control, even if the medicine is very unpleasant. But deflation? Once it starts, it takes a miracle to stop it.
But this leads to disappointment Reason #2--a trillion dollars doesn't seem like nearly enough. This country has lost about a trillion dollars just in the value of homes, and the declines probably haven't ended yet. It seems to me like the Fed needs to print more like three trillion; anything less is pissing in the wind.
In sum: I'm still pretty scared. But I'm glad Bernanke is acting like an adult and doing what is necessary, even if it is politically unpopular.
I'm disappointed for conflicting reasons. Reason #1 is that expanding the money supply leads to inflation--which is great for people who owe money, but is rotten for people like me who have no debt and save. Still, given the amount of money that is being destroyed because of the falling value of assets across the board (houses, stocks, you name it), this is the only thing the Fed can do. Indeed, it's the main lesson that we learned from the Depression: avoid a deflationary spiral at all costs. A little bit of inflation is a good thing. Even a lot of inflation is not a particularly bad thing, especially compared to deflation--which knocked this country flat on its ass for twelve years, and took a massive World War to begin to recover from. Inflation is easy to control, even if the medicine is very unpleasant. But deflation? Once it starts, it takes a miracle to stop it.
But this leads to disappointment Reason #2--a trillion dollars doesn't seem like nearly enough. This country has lost about a trillion dollars just in the value of homes, and the declines probably haven't ended yet. It seems to me like the Fed needs to print more like three trillion; anything less is pissing in the wind.
In sum: I'm still pretty scared. But I'm glad Bernanke is acting like an adult and doing what is necessary, even if it is politically unpopular.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
A video tour of the deplorable state of my kitchen/dining room, what I hope to accomplish with a renovation, and how much I hope it will cost:
I just got an estimate for the pipework--undoubtedly the most expensive of the tasks--for $13,500. More than I hoped for, but less than I'd feared. I'm pretty sure I'm going to do it; it would remove the pipes throughout the apartment, which are the worst feature of the place. I priced the new cabinets (Ikea, naturally) at $900. I could install them myself (because there's really only three: the dishwasher cabinet, the tiny cabs to the left of the stove, and the tall cabinet next to the fridge.) I'd pay to have the sink installed and the new counter--I'm guessing the total price would be about $1000 for that. The dishwasher and new range are kind of a wildcard--I could spend a lot ($2000), or almost nothing (maybe $200 buying used). The price to knock out the walls would be, I'm guessing, $1000. Lighting and adding a few electrical sockets, add in another $1000. Add in miscellaneous supplies like paint and wall patch for projects I'm doing myself ($250?), and the total comes to $18,000-20,000.
There are other things I'd like to do sooner rather than later. I'd like to repair my fireplace ($2-3,000); the woodwork needs a lot of attention and there's painting to be done. Eventually, I'd like to spruce up the bathroom a bit ($2000?) and improve my lighting throughout (another $2000?) It feels weird to me that when all is said and done, I will have spent about as much fixing my place up as I spent purchasing it in the first place ($42,000), but the rational part of me remembers that that is an irrelevant consideration.
What do you guys think? Any advice for me?
I just got an estimate for the pipework--undoubtedly the most expensive of the tasks--for $13,500. More than I hoped for, but less than I'd feared. I'm pretty sure I'm going to do it; it would remove the pipes throughout the apartment, which are the worst feature of the place. I priced the new cabinets (Ikea, naturally) at $900. I could install them myself (because there's really only three: the dishwasher cabinet, the tiny cabs to the left of the stove, and the tall cabinet next to the fridge.) I'd pay to have the sink installed and the new counter--I'm guessing the total price would be about $1000 for that. The dishwasher and new range are kind of a wildcard--I could spend a lot ($2000), or almost nothing (maybe $200 buying used). The price to knock out the walls would be, I'm guessing, $1000. Lighting and adding a few electrical sockets, add in another $1000. Add in miscellaneous supplies like paint and wall patch for projects I'm doing myself ($250?), and the total comes to $18,000-20,000.
There are other things I'd like to do sooner rather than later. I'd like to repair my fireplace ($2-3,000); the woodwork needs a lot of attention and there's painting to be done. Eventually, I'd like to spruce up the bathroom a bit ($2000?) and improve my lighting throughout (another $2000?) It feels weird to me that when all is said and done, I will have spent about as much fixing my place up as I spent purchasing it in the first place ($42,000), but the rational part of me remembers that that is an irrelevant consideration.
What do you guys think? Any advice for me?
Where I get my greens
Ingredients:
1/4 pound organic Spring greens ($1)
1/4 English cucumber ($.25)
1/2 large avocado ($.60)
2 small tomatoes ($.50)
2-3 baby bells or 1/2 red bell pepper ($.25)
1/4 c. good quality balsamic, salt, pepper ($.10)
Total: $2.70
Sometimes, instead of avocado, I'll put in 1/4 c. garbanzoes, 1/8 c. pistachios or walnuts, 10 cured black olives, or a crumbled veggie patty. I don't put oil on the salad--the fat from the avocado (or its substitutes) is enough, and the salad is already pushing 400+ calories. None of these substitutions changes the price substantially. I buy pretty much everything from Costco. I eat a salad like this about four days a week (in other words, as long as it takes to go through the lettuce. I usually hit Costco twice a month, so I buy two one-pound containers of lettuce each time--if its pack date is fresh enough. You gotta be careful at Costco.)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Where do you get your greens?
Like most vegetarians I know, I'm worried about getting enough vegetables. Non-vegetarians are always concerned that I'm not able to get enough protein but just like the general American population I probably get too much protein. I go though more than a 1/2 gallon of soymilk, 2 14 oz packages of tofu, a loaf of whole wheat bread, pasta, tons of beans etc, etc, etc a week. What I don't eat enough of is true vegetables. (Corn and potatoes don't really count) I have finally made it a rule that I HAVE to eat a plate of collard, mustard or turnip greens a day. My favorite cheap food store, Grocery Store Outlet, always carries pre-washed bags of at least one and usually all three kinds of greens for just 1.99 a bag. I was amazed when I looked at how good they are for you. I always prepare them the same way (saute onion, garlic, then nutritional yeast and a cup of water add greens, cover, cook till done) but if get really bored I might play around with adding other things or spices. Yesterday I had mustard greens but added an orange bell pepper to the onion. It was absolutely fabulous, the sweet peppers contrasted the bitter of the greens and the savory of the NY perfectly. The day before I had turnip greens, which are my least favorite, but I added some tumeric after the greens had been cooking a while and then some leftover cubed tofu. It looked like that indian dish with spinach and paneer cheese and was delicious. The tofu absorbed a good portion of the the broth and softened the bite of the turnip greens. I'm definately going to start experimenting more, especially since I could then count the first as THREE servings of vegetables and the second as a complete meal. Unfortunately, greens are a real hard sell to most people and an aquired taste so I doubt I'll win over any converts with my exciting recipes.
Next, I'm going to work on getting a variety of veggies into my diet on a DAILY basis.
Next, I'm going to work on getting a variety of veggies into my diet on a DAILY basis.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Kitchen Rehab Dilemma
So for years--years--I have been planning to fix my kitchen. It's really in an appalling state. I've always planned on doing the work myself, and it's just plain not getting done. The alternative is to pay to have someone do it for me. The difference would probably be on the order of: less than $5000, versus probably more like $15,000. Yes, I should do it myself and save $10,000. But it's been 12 years. Realistically, I'm never, ever going to do it.
What should I do? Help!
What should I do? Help!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Car Trouble
I'm glad to see this blog has come back to life!
As you may recall, I had budgeted $500 for the year for my lousy 2001 Toyota Prius. As is usual, the thing has let me down badly. I got the Terrifying Exclamation Point in Triangle light, and took it into the dealership. They quoted me well over $3000 to fix an incredibly long list of ailments--including YET ANOTHER "computer" at around $800 for the part. (The last one went bad two years ago--naturally, they only offer a one-year warranty.) I complained--heartily--and demanded they file a "claim" with Toyota, as the car has needed, not including usual maintenance items like brakes/rotors, tires, oil changes, tune-ups, multiple $250 batteries and the like, well over $15,000 in full-on repairs in the time I have owned it (six years).
The transmission alone was a $10,000 fix. Keep in mind that the Prius transmission is not like other fidgety and breakable hydraulic transmissions. The Prius transmission, which is far more impressive than their hybrid battery, should outlast us all. If it breaks, it is because it is a design defect or a manufacturing defect--and indeed, in my trials and tribulations with the tranny, I found many Gen 1 Prius owners with catastrophic failures of their transmission. After a full month with no car and about forty hours of my time (including several costly fed-exes), Toyota did me the "kindness" of agreeing to replace the transmission for a mere $2500. God bless 'em.
Anyway, after complaining to the dealership about the latest $3000+ worth of insults, they said they'd get back to me. They didn't, and now they aren't even returning my calls. (I am thinking of stopping payment on the $98 "diagnositic" fee I paid them.) I took the car to my favorite nondealership fix-it place, and he repaired everything for $2000--though he didn't, and can't, touch the "computer." (Why the big difference? Just as one example: the dealership claimed the CV boot was "torn"--cost to replace, about $250. My guy said a simple bracket had come loose instead. Cost to replace, about $15.)
So I'm way, way off budget for car repairs now. It's still cheaper to fix than buy another car, of course, but it makes my eyes water to keep paying and paying on this lemon. Toyota's short sightedness is really remarkable. I've had numerous people ask me about whether they should buy a Prius, because with my long-term ownership, I'm in a good position to report on reliability and costs. I have always simply told the truth: that things--expensive things--go wrong with it with frightening regularity, and it is never less than an ordeal to deal with Toyota. I know that I will never, ever buy from Toyota again. And I know that at least two friends who had been thisclose to buying a Prius changed their minds based on my experiences.
As you may recall, I had budgeted $500 for the year for my lousy 2001 Toyota Prius. As is usual, the thing has let me down badly. I got the Terrifying Exclamation Point in Triangle light, and took it into the dealership. They quoted me well over $3000 to fix an incredibly long list of ailments--including YET ANOTHER "computer" at around $800 for the part. (The last one went bad two years ago--naturally, they only offer a one-year warranty.) I complained--heartily--and demanded they file a "claim" with Toyota, as the car has needed, not including usual maintenance items like brakes/rotors, tires, oil changes, tune-ups, multiple $250 batteries and the like, well over $15,000 in full-on repairs in the time I have owned it (six years).
The transmission alone was a $10,000 fix. Keep in mind that the Prius transmission is not like other fidgety and breakable hydraulic transmissions. The Prius transmission, which is far more impressive than their hybrid battery, should outlast us all. If it breaks, it is because it is a design defect or a manufacturing defect--and indeed, in my trials and tribulations with the tranny, I found many Gen 1 Prius owners with catastrophic failures of their transmission. After a full month with no car and about forty hours of my time (including several costly fed-exes), Toyota did me the "kindness" of agreeing to replace the transmission for a mere $2500. God bless 'em.
Anyway, after complaining to the dealership about the latest $3000+ worth of insults, they said they'd get back to me. They didn't, and now they aren't even returning my calls. (I am thinking of stopping payment on the $98 "diagnositic" fee I paid them.) I took the car to my favorite nondealership fix-it place, and he repaired everything for $2000--though he didn't, and can't, touch the "computer." (Why the big difference? Just as one example: the dealership claimed the CV boot was "torn"--cost to replace, about $250. My guy said a simple bracket had come loose instead. Cost to replace, about $15.)
So I'm way, way off budget for car repairs now. It's still cheaper to fix than buy another car, of course, but it makes my eyes water to keep paying and paying on this lemon. Toyota's short sightedness is really remarkable. I've had numerous people ask me about whether they should buy a Prius, because with my long-term ownership, I'm in a good position to report on reliability and costs. I have always simply told the truth: that things--expensive things--go wrong with it with frightening regularity, and it is never less than an ordeal to deal with Toyota. I know that I will never, ever buy from Toyota again. And I know that at least two friends who had been thisclose to buying a Prius changed their minds based on my experiences.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
More Medical News
I had the first of four treatments for my Meniere's disease this afternoon. It really wasn't too bad - the worst part was having to lie still for 20 minutes afterward - it was more like 45 minutes because the nurse forgot me! The four treatments are given over two weeks and then we wait and see if I need any further sessions. The doctor is going slow in order to preserve what hearing I have in my left ear. At this point I would gladly sacrifice the hearing in order not to have any more vertigo episodes.
The trip to Egypt and Jordan was great and I am glad I went because the older I get the less likely I am to be able to travel let alone survive 16 hour plane rides. My three half days with Ben were the highlight. Every one knew Dr. Ben and were only too happy to show us around their particular dig or site. I got to see the Queen's tomb (a pyramid) which was only discovered 6 weeks ago - and a dentist's tomb that was found nearby. I also spent 2+ hours in the Cairo museum with Ben showing me (and explaining) the best items. The museum is a hodge podge, badly lit with sparse explanations. I had spent 2 1/2 hours with our tour group and still only touched the surface. I had studied a catalogue before I went so I knew pretty much what I wanted to see. A portion of the King Tut stuff was in Dallas and I had been to see it before I left also.
Petra was the site to see in Jordan. Unfortunately the horse and cart Edie and I rode in collapsed after a few feet - falling over and hurting Edie's leg and I bumped my head and knee. The horse got up after a few minutes and seemed okay. Edie went off to the hospital but I went on in another cart - fearing another collapse every minute. Not as great as the pyramids but definitely worth the trip.
I am putting together my pictures, brochures, postcards etc. and it should be a hefty tome. I bought very few souvenirs - trying to be a good cheap sister - and I don't have room for more stuff. I bought a galabeya (dress), stone necklace, papyrus scarab painting, enamel frog and tons of postcards. I never saw any scarab bracelets like mine and everyone wanted to know where I got mine.
I'm glad to be back. I will write more as things occur to me.
The trip to Egypt and Jordan was great and I am glad I went because the older I get the less likely I am to be able to travel let alone survive 16 hour plane rides. My three half days with Ben were the highlight. Every one knew Dr. Ben and were only too happy to show us around their particular dig or site. I got to see the Queen's tomb (a pyramid) which was only discovered 6 weeks ago - and a dentist's tomb that was found nearby. I also spent 2+ hours in the Cairo museum with Ben showing me (and explaining) the best items. The museum is a hodge podge, badly lit with sparse explanations. I had spent 2 1/2 hours with our tour group and still only touched the surface. I had studied a catalogue before I went so I knew pretty much what I wanted to see. A portion of the King Tut stuff was in Dallas and I had been to see it before I left also.
Petra was the site to see in Jordan. Unfortunately the horse and cart Edie and I rode in collapsed after a few feet - falling over and hurting Edie's leg and I bumped my head and knee. The horse got up after a few minutes and seemed okay. Edie went off to the hospital but I went on in another cart - fearing another collapse every minute. Not as great as the pyramids but definitely worth the trip.
I am putting together my pictures, brochures, postcards etc. and it should be a hefty tome. I bought very few souvenirs - trying to be a good cheap sister - and I don't have room for more stuff. I bought a galabeya (dress), stone necklace, papyrus scarab painting, enamel frog and tons of postcards. I never saw any scarab bracelets like mine and everyone wanted to know where I got mine.
I'm glad to be back. I will write more as things occur to me.
Monday, March 9, 2009
February Cheap Update
Well I only spent @ 500 less than I made in February. I lost the sheet of paper where I had the exact figures but I think that's about right. I did look at my spending and realized that about 200 of the 500 was unnecessary things like a couple of lunches out and a few trips to Safeway because I was too lazy or forgot my lunch. I also spent a bit on dinner ingredients for a trip to Bonny Doone that I wouldn't otherwise have done. (I made Cincinnati Chili Mac from one of Nava Atlas' cookbooks, really good) I also went to Saver's twice and spent about 100 on both trips on clothes I didn't need that was definately unnecessary.
Other than that I did stick to my "pantry" diet with the only exception of fresh greens and soy milk. I checked out a library book called "The Tropical Vegan Kitchen" and cooked a delicious Cuban Black Bean soup for [M]'s birthday that was fantastic. I had traded with Chip for 2 cans of refried beans for 2 cans of diced tomatoes so I wouldn't have to go to the store. (I'm making that count as "eat from the pantry" even if it's someone else's pantry) The recipe called for black refried beans which I have 3 or 4 cans of and needed to get disapeared, a can of coconut milk, the afore mentioned diced tomatoes and cilantro, (I substituted oregeno). It also called for vegatable broth but water worked fine and I added 1/2 onion and a can of corn (which I also needed to get rid of). It was even better the next day. Anyway, this book just came out and you guys should check it out at your library. I am especially looking forward to trying some of the Thai dishes.
Other than that I did stick to my "pantry" diet with the only exception of fresh greens and soy milk. I checked out a library book called "The Tropical Vegan Kitchen" and cooked a delicious Cuban Black Bean soup for [M]'s birthday that was fantastic. I had traded with Chip for 2 cans of refried beans for 2 cans of diced tomatoes so I wouldn't have to go to the store. (I'm making that count as "eat from the pantry" even if it's someone else's pantry) The recipe called for black refried beans which I have 3 or 4 cans of and needed to get disapeared, a can of coconut milk, the afore mentioned diced tomatoes and cilantro, (I substituted oregeno). It also called for vegatable broth but water worked fine and I added 1/2 onion and a can of corn (which I also needed to get rid of). It was even better the next day. Anyway, this book just came out and you guys should check it out at your library. I am especially looking forward to trying some of the Thai dishes.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
I'm A Bad Blogger
I don't have a handheld devise to get online. I have to use my super slow dial-up when I can squeeze out a couple of minutes of computer time at home. I haven't been good about my resolutions either. I started putting on weight when I cut out Diet Coke because I snacked instead. So I'm back off the wagon (or is it on? I can never remember). I keep the plastic bottles and recycle them and I drink from cans at home. I do try to cut back.
For lent this year I gave up sweets and TV. I also do Wild Wednesdays where I only eat things that come from the earth directly (fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds) on Wednesday. Nothing processed - no bread or grains since I wouldn't eat a grain that hasn't had something done to it. It's only been a week and a half, but so far so good. I'm on Spring Break this next week. Yay! Rabies shots for all the animals since I will actually have time to take them!
I am dog tired. I got back from Houston last night about midnight and THEN lost an hour from the time change. I skipped Sunday school this morning, but I had to sing in choir at church. I brought a black belt home with me from Houston, though. :-)
For lent this year I gave up sweets and TV. I also do Wild Wednesdays where I only eat things that come from the earth directly (fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds) on Wednesday. Nothing processed - no bread or grains since I wouldn't eat a grain that hasn't had something done to it. It's only been a week and a half, but so far so good. I'm on Spring Break this next week. Yay! Rabies shots for all the animals since I will actually have time to take them!
I am dog tired. I got back from Houston last night about midnight and THEN lost an hour from the time change. I skipped Sunday school this morning, but I had to sing in choir at church. I brought a black belt home with me from Houston, though. :-)
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