So it's way past my bedtime (can't take this Daylight Savings Time stuff), but I just saw a video I wanted to share:
Oh, did I mention I'm meeting Bossy Tuesday night? Oh, yeah, I'm one of the Philly area bloggers who will be getting together to be the first official stop on her Road Trip.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sunday, March 09, 2008
WHY?!!!
I just wrote a REALLY long post as an introduction to myself for any new readers. It is great - I have LOTS of links to past posts and to the Blog Party at 5 Minutes for Mom. Every time I try to post my long post, the computer gives me an error message. ARGH!!!
Edited to add:
Look below! That LONG post I was talking about is there. It's so long I actually started it yesterday and just finished it. It wouldn't post for some reason, but now if FINALLY did. Enjoy!
Edited to add:
Look below! That LONG post I was talking about is there. It's so long I actually started it yesterday and just finished it. It wouldn't post for some reason, but now if FINALLY did. Enjoy!
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Welcome to the Party!
Let's get this party started!
I decided to join the ultimate blog party over at 5 Minutes for Mom. If you want to join, here's your personal invite! Head on over and start jumping from blog to blog to check out everyone's party post. I can't wait to meet some new bloggers. Yeah, that's just what I need, something more to distract me from all the stuff I have to do!
If you are visiting for the first time - welcome! I recently spruced up the place, redecorating the template and adding lots of new page elements. I had somehow missed when Blogger changed the way you can revise your template, but now that I figured out how simple it is, I feel like I'm adding new links or buttons every other day. Hope you like it. As for this post, I had so much fu putting in links to past posts I've written. Click on any you want to get more info about ANY topic I've written. Feel free to ask about any aspect of my life. If it is too personal, I'll just let you know, but you will probably figure out soon that not too much is off-limits!
Let me introduce myself to anyone who is visiting. My name starts with an R. I started this blog when I was a full-time SAHM, hence the title, and even though I work a lot more outside of the home now, I still view myself as a part-time teacher and part-time SAHM, so I have not changed the name of my blog even though SOME people suggest it to me every time I see them. I use this blog because it's cheaper and easier than therapy. I find that I do better when I keep a journal and write in it every day. Every time I have tried to do that in a paper journal I've only been able to keep it up for a few weeks at most. Using this blog as my journal inspires me to use it every day (well, at least more often than if it had been a book for me to write in). Be sure to look on my sidebar for a description of my "cast of characters."
I met my DH in high school. We were good friends, nothing more, for about three years before we ended up dancing together at a friend's party the summer after my first year of college. The sparks started flying; we've been together ever since.
During our first seven years of marriage I taught elementary school. As much as I loved teaching, we both LOVED the idea of having our own kids, so for five of those years we tried everything we could to conceive. Eventually our 2nd attempt of IVF was successful and I became pregnant with my two beautiful boys. My pregnancy with them turned out to be a little more complicated than I expected, but all's well that ends well. And fifteen months later we were amazed to discover that my body actually worked on its own - I became pregnant with J. The kids are two years apart. It's so hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that the boys just turned six last week and that J will be four on St. Patrick's Day.
When the boys were born, I couldn't do much of anything besides nurse and change their diapers, but as they got a little older, I needed to find alternative ways to bring in more money. Basically I started doing everything I could to use my teaching experience and still stay home with the boys. I started watching my nephew full-time and running a Moms Morning Out out of the house. I also taught part-time at the synagogue. Things got more complicated when I got pg with J, so I took a break with all that then, but once she was born we started things up again. Eventually my sister gave birth to my niece so I added her to the mix.
When A was finally diagnosed with Asperger's I told my sister I couldn't watch my niece and nephew anymore. I just needed more time to focus on him. But I kept up with all my part-time teaching at the synagogue so I could still bring in more money. This year I started teachig preschool at the synagogue 5 mornings a week as well as all the other part-time teaching I've been doing. I also started my own business providing entertainment at kids' birthday parties. And I'm STILL a SAHM for the most part when my kids are home.
Writing this post has been so much fun. I got to look through so many past posts that I have written. I know it may not have been that funny or exciting for all of you reading, but with three kids running around trying to get my attention I had to spread the writing of it over two days and it was the best I could do. For those of you visiting for the first time, I gave you a small explanation and description of my life. Hope you enjoyed it. PLEASE leave a comment to let me know you've been here - I promise to return the favor!
EDITED TO ADD:
Just read some of the fine print at 5 Minutes for Mom and realized if I wanted to win one of the incredible prizes, I needed to post which ones I like! So here are the prizes that look great to me:
1) A new blog design by Sweet 'n' Simple Design
2) A new blog design by Summer
3) A blog makeover by Shauna
I decided to join the ultimate blog party over at 5 Minutes for Mom. If you want to join, here's your personal invite! Head on over and start jumping from blog to blog to check out everyone's party post. I can't wait to meet some new bloggers. Yeah, that's just what I need, something more to distract me from all the stuff I have to do!
If you are visiting for the first time - welcome! I recently spruced up the place, redecorating the template and adding lots of new page elements. I had somehow missed when Blogger changed the way you can revise your template, but now that I figured out how simple it is, I feel like I'm adding new links or buttons every other day. Hope you like it. As for this post, I had so much fu putting in links to past posts I've written. Click on any you want to get more info about ANY topic I've written. Feel free to ask about any aspect of my life. If it is too personal, I'll just let you know, but you will probably figure out soon that not too much is off-limits!
Let me introduce myself to anyone who is visiting. My name starts with an R. I started this blog when I was a full-time SAHM, hence the title, and even though I work a lot more outside of the home now, I still view myself as a part-time teacher and part-time SAHM, so I have not changed the name of my blog even though SOME people suggest it to me every time I see them. I use this blog because it's cheaper and easier than therapy. I find that I do better when I keep a journal and write in it every day. Every time I have tried to do that in a paper journal I've only been able to keep it up for a few weeks at most. Using this blog as my journal inspires me to use it every day (well, at least more often than if it had been a book for me to write in). Be sure to look on my sidebar for a description of my "cast of characters."
I met my DH in high school. We were good friends, nothing more, for about three years before we ended up dancing together at a friend's party the summer after my first year of college. The sparks started flying; we've been together ever since.
During our first seven years of marriage I taught elementary school. As much as I loved teaching, we both LOVED the idea of having our own kids, so for five of those years we tried everything we could to conceive. Eventually our 2nd attempt of IVF was successful and I became pregnant with my two beautiful boys. My pregnancy with them turned out to be a little more complicated than I expected, but all's well that ends well. And fifteen months later we were amazed to discover that my body actually worked on its own - I became pregnant with J. The kids are two years apart. It's so hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that the boys just turned six last week and that J will be four on St. Patrick's Day.
When the boys were born, I couldn't do much of anything besides nurse and change their diapers, but as they got a little older, I needed to find alternative ways to bring in more money. Basically I started doing everything I could to use my teaching experience and still stay home with the boys. I started watching my nephew full-time and running a Moms Morning Out out of the house. I also taught part-time at the synagogue. Things got more complicated when I got pg with J, so I took a break with all that then, but once she was born we started things up again. Eventually my sister gave birth to my niece so I added her to the mix.
When A was finally diagnosed with Asperger's I told my sister I couldn't watch my niece and nephew anymore. I just needed more time to focus on him. But I kept up with all my part-time teaching at the synagogue so I could still bring in more money. This year I started teachig preschool at the synagogue 5 mornings a week as well as all the other part-time teaching I've been doing. I also started my own business providing entertainment at kids' birthday parties. And I'm STILL a SAHM for the most part when my kids are home.
Writing this post has been so much fun. I got to look through so many past posts that I have written. I know it may not have been that funny or exciting for all of you reading, but with three kids running around trying to get my attention I had to spread the writing of it over two days and it was the best I could do. For those of you visiting for the first time, I gave you a small explanation and description of my life. Hope you enjoyed it. PLEASE leave a comment to let me know you've been here - I promise to return the favor!
EDITED TO ADD:
Just read some of the fine print at 5 Minutes for Mom and realized if I wanted to win one of the incredible prizes, I needed to post which ones I like! So here are the prizes that look great to me:
1) A new blog design by Sweet 'n' Simple Design
2) A new blog design by Summer
3) A blog makeover by Shauna
Notice a theme?
Of course, if these are already taken, I would love a couple others, like #8 Fifty Nights of Family Fun or #58 a 6 week custom fitness plan (because you KNOW that's why I haven't been exercising, I just didn't have a plan).
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Say Cheese!
As I type this post, I'm watching Kadi's episode of Supernanny that I had Tivoed. Did any of you watch it? So neat to see someone that I kind of know (or at least feel like I know since I've read her blog). And I'm totally stealing the hearts idea - writing something positive for each child to give it to them at dinnertime. What a great way to focus on each child as an individual!
I've been thinking a lot about people's perceptions of me. Many people that see me on a regular basis will comment on my constant smile. They seem to feel that since they see a smile all the time I must just be happy all the time. It's really funny to me that people perceive me like that. I have major clinical depression. I have gone through serious bouts where I've been unable to even get out of bed. I have gone through therapy. I am on medication and accept that I will need to be on it probably for the rest of my life. I also have no doubt that over the years my medication levels will probably have to be readjusted. I constantly have to focus on my energy level and making sure I don't get overwhelmed, since those two things are usually the first indicators of having problems with the depression.
In college I read a quote by Abe Lincoln, "People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be." It really changed my life. I know for me and for many other people there is a chemical imbalance to contend with, but I also know a lot of times I have to make a choice. If I don't take care of myself, especially when I end up staying up too late, I have a hard time coping. When I have a hard time coping, I get overwhelmed. When I get overwhelmed, I end up staying up too late. And the cycle continues. If I'm tired I often have trouble getting off the couch or away from the computer. I have to push myself, make the choice, to get up and get moving. When I don't, I end up feeling so bad about myself and my day.
I make a choice to keep a smile on my face. It's not always easy; there are plenty of times where I have to make a very concious choice to take a deep breath instead of reacting, to not show my true feelings for fear of scaring my kids or my students or of alienating the people around me. I make a choice to smile. And a remarkable thing happens. Just like Anna in The King and I sings about whistling a happy tune when she feels afraid, "for when I fool the people I fear I fool myself as well," when I keep a smile on my face I often "fool myself as well" too! It's an amazing thing.
So people will continue to comment about my perpetual smile, my constant-state of happiness, and I will continue to make the choice to KEEP that smile on my face. I know I'm faking it sometimes, but I'm still making the choice. And most of the times, even if I'm NOT feeling happy, I can often fool myself into believing that things are okay.
Just watch out for those few times when you DON'T see that smile!
I've been thinking a lot about people's perceptions of me. Many people that see me on a regular basis will comment on my constant smile. They seem to feel that since they see a smile all the time I must just be happy all the time. It's really funny to me that people perceive me like that. I have major clinical depression. I have gone through serious bouts where I've been unable to even get out of bed. I have gone through therapy. I am on medication and accept that I will need to be on it probably for the rest of my life. I also have no doubt that over the years my medication levels will probably have to be readjusted. I constantly have to focus on my energy level and making sure I don't get overwhelmed, since those two things are usually the first indicators of having problems with the depression.
In college I read a quote by Abe Lincoln, "People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be." It really changed my life. I know for me and for many other people there is a chemical imbalance to contend with, but I also know a lot of times I have to make a choice. If I don't take care of myself, especially when I end up staying up too late, I have a hard time coping. When I have a hard time coping, I get overwhelmed. When I get overwhelmed, I end up staying up too late. And the cycle continues. If I'm tired I often have trouble getting off the couch or away from the computer. I have to push myself, make the choice, to get up and get moving. When I don't, I end up feeling so bad about myself and my day.
I make a choice to keep a smile on my face. It's not always easy; there are plenty of times where I have to make a very concious choice to take a deep breath instead of reacting, to not show my true feelings for fear of scaring my kids or my students or of alienating the people around me. I make a choice to smile. And a remarkable thing happens. Just like Anna in The King and I sings about whistling a happy tune when she feels afraid, "for when I fool the people I fear I fool myself as well," when I keep a smile on my face I often "fool myself as well" too! It's an amazing thing.
So people will continue to comment about my perpetual smile, my constant-state of happiness, and I will continue to make the choice to KEEP that smile on my face. I know I'm faking it sometimes, but I'm still making the choice. And most of the times, even if I'm NOT feeling happy, I can often fool myself into believing that things are okay.
Just watch out for those few times when you DON'T see that smile!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
This is the best I can do
Crazy day.
Crazy week.
Too tired to write in complete sentences.
Got kids dressed and out the door. Double-checked that the boys had on underwear AND had their pants facing the right direction (apparently this has been a problem at school - yeah, don't I feel like mother of the year).
Set up room for class today.
Met with parent for a conference.
Taught my two year olds from 9-12.
Drove my children plus my nephew to my sister's for lunch.
Left them there and went for a stress echocardiogram. Yep, nothing like stripping to my waist for a room full of women I just met, getting all hooked up with wires, being poked and prodded and holding my breath till they find JUST the right picture, walking/running on the treadmill until my heart is beating at 90% capacity (?), jumping off said treadmill and laying down immediately to be poked and prodded and forced to hold my breath while I'm gasping for air. Good times.
Set up for my final drama class (after-school enrichement class)/performance. Since we hadn't been able to finalize the show, I thought fast on my feet and created a talk show/interview performance where I had their characters tell the story with my prompting. Luckily it worked great.
Got home and made dinner for my family plus my sister and her kids (DH repaid J watching our kids earlier today by watching hers while she subbed for Hebrew School).
Helped (yay, DH was HOME!) get kids ready for and in bed.
Watched America's Next Top Model ("Wanna be on top?" - best theme song EVER!) with DH. Yes, we were too tired for anything more intellectual.
And now I'm updating my blog.
Then I'm off to bed.
I hope to have more interesting things to write about tomorrow.
For now, this is the best I can do.
Crazy week.
Too tired to write in complete sentences.
Got kids dressed and out the door. Double-checked that the boys had on underwear AND had their pants facing the right direction (apparently this has been a problem at school - yeah, don't I feel like mother of the year).
Set up room for class today.
Met with parent for a conference.
Taught my two year olds from 9-12.
Drove my children plus my nephew to my sister's for lunch.
Left them there and went for a stress echocardiogram. Yep, nothing like stripping to my waist for a room full of women I just met, getting all hooked up with wires, being poked and prodded and holding my breath till they find JUST the right picture, walking/running on the treadmill until my heart is beating at 90% capacity (?), jumping off said treadmill and laying down immediately to be poked and prodded and forced to hold my breath while I'm gasping for air. Good times.
Set up for my final drama class (after-school enrichement class)/performance. Since we hadn't been able to finalize the show, I thought fast on my feet and created a talk show/interview performance where I had their characters tell the story with my prompting. Luckily it worked great.
Got home and made dinner for my family plus my sister and her kids (DH repaid J watching our kids earlier today by watching hers while she subbed for Hebrew School).
Helped (yay, DH was HOME!) get kids ready for and in bed.
Watched America's Next Top Model ("Wanna be on top?" - best theme song EVER!) with DH. Yes, we were too tired for anything more intellectual.
And now I'm updating my blog.
Then I'm off to bed.
I hope to have more interesting things to write about tomorrow.
For now, this is the best I can do.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
I Love Suppernanny!
Trying to ignore J's cries.
She wants her toy/flashlight. I don't know where it is. She doesn't go to sleep with it every night and even has a nightlight on right now, so she doesn't REALLY need it. But tonight she has decided she needs it right now!
Even if I found it right now, I wouldn't bring it to her for fear of reinforcing the tantrum.
So now I sit downstairs and work hard on ignoring her.
When she gets out of bed I will walk her back without talking to her, ala the "Stay-in-Bed Technique" from Suppernanny.
But for now, she's staying in bed and I'm just sitting down here listening to her scream. ARGH!
****************************
Couldn't take it. Twenty minutes of crying, then A came out to complain (the three kids share a room) that he couldn't hear the radio. J stopped crying long enough to tell me exactly where the flashlight was, I brought it to her, it's now quiet upstairs. Yes, I totally caved.
**********************************************
On another note, did you check out that clip on the Suppernanny website? I started reading this really need blog named Seven Seeds, written by a mom with SEVEN kids. Her family will be on Supernanny this week! I cannot wait to watch this episode since, after reading the blog, I feel like I know her!
She wants her toy/flashlight. I don't know where it is. She doesn't go to sleep with it every night and even has a nightlight on right now, so she doesn't REALLY need it. But tonight she has decided she needs it right now!
Even if I found it right now, I wouldn't bring it to her for fear of reinforcing the tantrum.
So now I sit downstairs and work hard on ignoring her.
When she gets out of bed I will walk her back without talking to her, ala the "Stay-in-Bed Technique" from Suppernanny.
But for now, she's staying in bed and I'm just sitting down here listening to her scream. ARGH!****************************
Couldn't take it. Twenty minutes of crying, then A came out to complain (the three kids share a room) that he couldn't hear the radio. J stopped crying long enough to tell me exactly where the flashlight was, I brought it to her, it's now quiet upstairs. Yes, I totally caved.
**********************************************
On another note, did you check out that clip on the Suppernanny website? I started reading this really need blog named Seven Seeds, written by a mom with SEVEN kids. Her family will be on Supernanny this week! I cannot wait to watch this episode since, after reading the blog, I feel like I know her!
Sunday, March 02, 2008
NaBloPoMo
It used to be bloggers used the month of November to challenge themselves to write one post every day. No more shall that challenge be limited to November. Look to my sidebar on the right side! I pledge to write one post a day for this whole month. I know, I know, I missed yesterday. So sue me! I'll try to do two one day to make up for that. Sheesh - some of you are so picky!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Six Years Ago Today
I became a mom. It was an extremely long, bumpy, and eventful journey but once we arrived at the end and I recovered enough to see those two little boys in their isolettes, even with all the beeps and buzzers of the NICU, it was worth it. And now they're six. It feels like a lifetime ago since I first became pregnant.
I would love to walk down memory lane and also write about what has been going on this week, but I need to go make mac and cheese (for A) and pizza (for B), enough for all fourteen people who will be here tonight, frost their cupcakes, clean up the downstairs, figure out some way that all those people will be able to SIT while they eat . . . and, if I can squeeze it in, prep everything I need for the party I'm doing tomorrow afternoon. Woohoo - let's go!
I would love to walk down memory lane and also write about what has been going on this week, but I need to go make mac and cheese (for A) and pizza (for B), enough for all fourteen people who will be here tonight, frost their cupcakes, clean up the downstairs, figure out some way that all those people will be able to SIT while they eat . . . and, if I can squeeze it in, prep everything I need for the party I'm doing tomorrow afternoon. Woohoo - let's go!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Check out my hubby!
Today and tomorrow are the last two nights of DH's show. Here are some pictures from it - doesn't he look cute?!!!
I'm going to FINALLY see it tomorrow night. If you are local and would like to join me, leave a comment (C'mon, you local lurkers, I know you're out there!) and I'll send you the details.
I'm going to FINALLY see it tomorrow night. If you are local and would like to join me, leave a comment (C'mon, you local lurkers, I know you're out there!) and I'll send you the details.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Updating My Layout
Okay, how did I miss this? When I first started my blog with Blogger, updating or changing any aspect of it was somewhat complicated, at least for me. I wasn't too comfortable working with the HTML code, so making any revisions was a big deal to me. Blogger had made some big changes a while ago, but I pretty much ignored them. Don't ask me why. Tonight I discovered how SIMPLE it is to move things around and add cool stuff.
So....what do you think?!!!
So....what do you think?!!!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
PayPerPost
Ever hear of PayPerPost?
I never had either until I read about it on one of the frugal living blogs I've been using as research on ways to .... well, live more frugally! I don't even remember which one it was now - I've been reading so many of them recently to get new ideas. In addition to trying to figure out new ways to cut our expenses, I'm always searching for additional ways to bring in more income. PayPerPost might be a great way for me to earn some money!
I just signed up. This post is my first attempt to earn money. If I'm doing it correctly (and it doesn't seem that complicated, so I THINK I am) I will earn twenty dollars. Yes, you read that right, twenty dollars just for letting you know about PayPerPost!
From what I understand, there is a big list of "opps" or opportunities for me to look through and possibly select. The opportunities are all from various websites and advertisers who are looking for other ways to get the word out about their site or their articles or even their product. The opps specify how much they will pay you. It looks really easy and profitable.
And when I'm finished this post, I will receive $20. I'm almost giddy! Well, not quite, but I'm excited about it. At first I was thinking that my minimum fee would be $20, but most of the opps seemed to be for less than that, so I'll have to see if that's typical or not. I'm thinking for now I'll take any money I make from this to go towards my list of things to buy for around the house. For example, I just rearranged the furniture (AGAIN) in my living room and am now looking to buy a white nine cube storage unit to help organize our entryway. Since I have something similar in the dining room for much more money that I got from IKEA, I think it will help pull the rooms together nicely. In any case, right now it's on sale for $40 - significantly cheaper than the bigger one I have already! I'm really looking forward to splurging on this.
As soon as I get the $ from PayPerPost I'll be able to let everyone know how quick and easy it actually was. Hope this works out just like I expect it to! Don't worry, I'm not going to be doing these types of posts all the time, but it might be nice to be able to earn some money from this blog!
One of the requirements is that I include this link:
drive traffic
Edited to add:
Just saw a way that YOU can make some money too! Just click on this button:
and review this post. You make money AND I make money. Win/win!!!
I never had either until I read about it on one of the frugal living blogs I've been using as research on ways to .... well, live more frugally! I don't even remember which one it was now - I've been reading so many of them recently to get new ideas. In addition to trying to figure out new ways to cut our expenses, I'm always searching for additional ways to bring in more income. PayPerPost might be a great way for me to earn some money!
I just signed up. This post is my first attempt to earn money. If I'm doing it correctly (and it doesn't seem that complicated, so I THINK I am) I will earn twenty dollars. Yes, you read that right, twenty dollars just for letting you know about PayPerPost!
From what I understand, there is a big list of "opps" or opportunities for me to look through and possibly select. The opportunities are all from various websites and advertisers who are looking for other ways to get the word out about their site or their articles or even their product. The opps specify how much they will pay you. It looks really easy and profitable.
And when I'm finished this post, I will receive $20. I'm almost giddy! Well, not quite, but I'm excited about it. At first I was thinking that my minimum fee would be $20, but most of the opps seemed to be for less than that, so I'll have to see if that's typical or not. I'm thinking for now I'll take any money I make from this to go towards my list of things to buy for around the house. For example, I just rearranged the furniture (AGAIN) in my living room and am now looking to buy a white nine cube storage unit to help organize our entryway. Since I have something similar in the dining room for much more money that I got from IKEA, I think it will help pull the rooms together nicely. In any case, right now it's on sale for $40 - significantly cheaper than the bigger one I have already! I'm really looking forward to splurging on this.
As soon as I get the $ from PayPerPost I'll be able to let everyone know how quick and easy it actually was. Hope this works out just like I expect it to! Don't worry, I'm not going to be doing these types of posts all the time, but it might be nice to be able to earn some money from this blog!
One of the requirements is that I include this link:
drive traffic
Edited to add:
Just saw a way that YOU can make some money too! Just click on this button:
and review this post. You make money AND I make money. Win/win!!!
Barely coughing anymore
I'm finally returning to the land of the living!!! Woohoo! Thanks to my DH, who took care of the kids all afternoon yesterday (allowing me to go to bed at 4) and took over again today as soon as he got home at 6 so he could give them dinner, baths, and put them to bed, AND my incredible sister, who had me bring all the kids to her house for the entire afternoon so I could rest, I no longer have the pain and pressure filling and surrounding my head and the heavy weight on my chest. What a relief!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Good Night
Taught today. Mistake. Totally wore me out.
DH got home at 3:30. SOOOOOOooo glad to see him. I went upstairs and went to sleep propped up in bed. Woke at 8 only because my bladder was so full it hurt. Peed, went downstairs to eat a little, and am now ready to go back to bed. I got a sub for tomorrow. Luckily the party I was going to do tomorrow has been rescheduled for Friday because the birthday boy got sick too. That makes Friday a very long day, but at least helps me out for tomorrow. Now besides getting the kids to school I only have to teach my drama class at 4 tomorrow afternoon - not bad. Have to e-mail a few more people about tomorrow and then I'm back to bed.
DH got home at 3:30. SOOOOOOooo glad to see him. I went upstairs and went to sleep propped up in bed. Woke at 8 only because my bladder was so full it hurt. Peed, went downstairs to eat a little, and am now ready to go back to bed. I got a sub for tomorrow. Luckily the party I was going to do tomorrow has been rescheduled for Friday because the birthday boy got sick too. That makes Friday a very long day, but at least helps me out for tomorrow. Now besides getting the kids to school I only have to teach my drama class at 4 tomorrow afternoon - not bad. Have to e-mail a few more people about tomorrow and then I'm back to bed.
Cough. ZZZZZzzz. Cough.
And now I have to REALLY suck it up. School starts again today. I'm going to get a sub for Hebrew school tonight, but I think it's just too hard to get a sub for my little guys today, so I'm going to go in and demonstrate how to do the "elephant cough" the right way. What? You don't know what the elephant cough is? That's how we teach the kids to cough: put your arm across your face so you end up coughing into the inside of your arm, on the other side of your elbow. Do it right and it looks like you're making an elephant trunk. Cute, huh. So I'll be showing them all how Miss R "elephant coughs" all morning long. And I'll be washing my hands a lot.
I know I have to suck it up, so I'll just take a moment now to whine and complain. Then I'll be done and ready to face the rest of the day.
I know I have to suck it up, so I'll just take a moment now to whine and complain. Then I'll be done and ready to face the rest of the day.
- My chest hurts from all the coughing I've been doing.
- My nose is red, raw, dry, and sore.
- The house is a mess because I have not been able to stay on top of it for the last few days.
- My neck hurts from both all the coughing and from attempting to sleep sitting up, forcing my neck to rest at an unatural angle.
- I am still coughing a lot - though I think the cold medicine has finally started taking effect. I'm sure I will need to take another dose by nine or so. I can take another dose at 11.
- I'm SO SO SO tired. Couldn't stop coughing until about midnight, and woke up coughing terribly around 6:30 or so. Not bad, but definitely not enough. Especially since I have not had enough sleep the last few days.
- Blech!
Okay, that being said, I'm doing much better!
Anybody else watch the Today show this morning? I heard a mom talk about this GREAT web business she started in October, kind of a Netflix for toys. What a great idea!!!
Alright, time to get moving. I'm not dying anymore, but I may be sleepwalking.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Cough!
Did you know that my fake Nyquil medicine I took wears off after SIX hours? That ended up being at 4 AM. I knew to the minute when it wore off because I suddenly could not stop coughing. I did eventually doze off on the couch with my near empty tea cup in my hand, but not for long, so basically have been up since 4. Cough, cough.
I was able to get a babysitter that is with the kids now. She's here until 12, so pretty soon I just need to suck it up. I'm going to take a long hot shower in a moment and take some more medicine. After I give the kids lunch I need to take them on a couple errands: first to drop off my holter monitor to the cardioligist's (hopefully they will give me some answers soon!), then to the dollar store to see if I can get some more supplies for the party I'm doing on Wednesday, then to the produce store to get some fruits and veggies, then to Rite Aid to pick up some medicine. Ugh. I'm hoping I can convince the kids that this is a big adventure and they need to be Mommy's helpers. Cross your fingers.
I was able to get a babysitter that is with the kids now. She's here until 12, so pretty soon I just need to suck it up. I'm going to take a long hot shower in a moment and take some more medicine. After I give the kids lunch I need to take them on a couple errands: first to drop off my holter monitor to the cardioligist's (hopefully they will give me some answers soon!), then to the dollar store to see if I can get some more supplies for the party I'm doing on Wednesday, then to the produce store to get some fruits and veggies, then to Rite Aid to pick up some medicine. Ugh. I'm hoping I can convince the kids that this is a big adventure and they need to be Mommy's helpers. Cross your fingers.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Sniff, sniff, cough, cough
Ugh.
I'm dying.
I know I'm not. I know I'm being a total baby. I know I'm exaggerating my symptoms only to get much needed sympathy. I know I'm being totally insensitive and ingrateful to the fact that I DON'T actually have a terminal disease, it's just a cold, suck it up, there are people out there that have it much worse than I do.
But I'm still dying.
DH is doing a show right now. It's getting great reviews, I can't wait to see it, how fabulous for him that he is getting such positive recognition.
But.
He was there last night while I was dying, but still had to get the kids ready for bed. To be fair, he had been in charge of them ALL day, not just them but also my niece and nephew to help out my sister who has been so wonderful in helping us out with child-care whenever we have needed it. Instead of spending the day in bed as I should have, I went out and worked on the laptop at my favorite coffee place. I managed to plan out preschool for the next two weeks, plus type the newsletters to send home, plus revise my Religious School plans AND type a newsletter to send home for that too. It was good, even though I forgot to bring tissues and had to rely on at least three dozen of their cardboard-like napkins to blow my nose.
He's preparing for his matinee right now. I had promised to get up with the kids today, but since I was dying, he volunteered not just to get up with them but to also let me stay in bed until the last possible minute before he had to leave at 11:30.
He's a good person.
But, bottom line, I'm dying and the kids keep nagging me for food and drink, claiming its time for lunch or some such nonsense, and I'm the only one here who can get it for them. Though A just walked by with one of the snack containers I had in the snack box (I've filled the box with lots of kid-sized portions of various snacks they like to eat), so maybe they'll all just get food for themselves. Naaah, I don't think that will work.
On the plus side, I found some medicine in the closet that I took and I GUESS it's helping a little, even though my chest still hurts from congestion.
My heart is still jumping around inside my chest, but the good news is I just did yet another 48 hour holter test (where I get all wired for sound with five leads on my chest and a Walkman size recorder thingy that I keep in my pocket) and this time my heart decided to perform. Every time I've done this before my heart has decided to behave impeccably, going ba-bump, ba-bump, ba-bump just like it's supposed to. I made the mistake of praying that my heart would DO the funky thing it does when the monitor is actually on, so it did. Oh, did it. Normally it will jump/skip a beat/whatever about six times in an evening once in a while. That would be a "bad" night. Apparently God answered my prayers by making my heart REALLY jump around so there would be PLENTY of funky beats for the cardiologists to analyze. Plenty. As in around 35 extra beats that make me gasp and jump all day long on Friday. Fun. Lots of fun. And even though the monitor is off now, my heart still thinks it needs to be doing step aerobics or something, so even though I'm sitting calmly at the computer, every once in awhile my heart decides to make me jump out of the seat.
It's a good thing I was wired for sound Thursday - Saturday because otherwise I would have called the doctor to ask what the heck was going on! I return the monitor tomorrow, so hopefully the doctor will soon be able to say THIS is what's going on. That would be nice. Especially if he says either, "This is actually no big deal; just learn to live with it and try to ignore it." OR "This is actually no big deal; just take this pill every day and it will stop giving you that jolt every once in a while out of the blue." Honestly, either would be fine.
Okay, I've put off making them lunch and getting them drinks long enough. Here I go.
I'm dying.
I know I'm not. I know I'm being a total baby. I know I'm exaggerating my symptoms only to get much needed sympathy. I know I'm being totally insensitive and ingrateful to the fact that I DON'T actually have a terminal disease, it's just a cold, suck it up, there are people out there that have it much worse than I do.
But I'm still dying.
DH is doing a show right now. It's getting great reviews, I can't wait to see it, how fabulous for him that he is getting such positive recognition.
But.
He was there last night while I was dying, but still had to get the kids ready for bed. To be fair, he had been in charge of them ALL day, not just them but also my niece and nephew to help out my sister who has been so wonderful in helping us out with child-care whenever we have needed it. Instead of spending the day in bed as I should have, I went out and worked on the laptop at my favorite coffee place. I managed to plan out preschool for the next two weeks, plus type the newsletters to send home, plus revise my Religious School plans AND type a newsletter to send home for that too. It was good, even though I forgot to bring tissues and had to rely on at least three dozen of their cardboard-like napkins to blow my nose.
He's preparing for his matinee right now. I had promised to get up with the kids today, but since I was dying, he volunteered not just to get up with them but to also let me stay in bed until the last possible minute before he had to leave at 11:30.
He's a good person.
But, bottom line, I'm dying and the kids keep nagging me for food and drink, claiming its time for lunch or some such nonsense, and I'm the only one here who can get it for them. Though A just walked by with one of the snack containers I had in the snack box (I've filled the box with lots of kid-sized portions of various snacks they like to eat), so maybe they'll all just get food for themselves. Naaah, I don't think that will work.
On the plus side, I found some medicine in the closet that I took and I GUESS it's helping a little, even though my chest still hurts from congestion.
My heart is still jumping around inside my chest, but the good news is I just did yet another 48 hour holter test (where I get all wired for sound with five leads on my chest and a Walkman size recorder thingy that I keep in my pocket) and this time my heart decided to perform. Every time I've done this before my heart has decided to behave impeccably, going ba-bump, ba-bump, ba-bump just like it's supposed to. I made the mistake of praying that my heart would DO the funky thing it does when the monitor is actually on, so it did. Oh, did it. Normally it will jump/skip a beat/whatever about six times in an evening once in a while. That would be a "bad" night. Apparently God answered my prayers by making my heart REALLY jump around so there would be PLENTY of funky beats for the cardiologists to analyze. Plenty. As in around 35 extra beats that make me gasp and jump all day long on Friday. Fun. Lots of fun. And even though the monitor is off now, my heart still thinks it needs to be doing step aerobics or something, so even though I'm sitting calmly at the computer, every once in awhile my heart decides to make me jump out of the seat.
It's a good thing I was wired for sound Thursday - Saturday because otherwise I would have called the doctor to ask what the heck was going on! I return the monitor tomorrow, so hopefully the doctor will soon be able to say THIS is what's going on. That would be nice. Especially if he says either, "This is actually no big deal; just learn to live with it and try to ignore it." OR "This is actually no big deal; just take this pill every day and it will stop giving you that jolt every once in a while out of the blue." Honestly, either would be fine.
Okay, I've put off making them lunch and getting them drinks long enough. Here I go.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Sniff
Ugh.
I'm sick.
Crumpled, used tissues surround this laptop.
I should be spraying everything with Lysol.
My head is stuffed - my sinuses, my nose. My eyes are burning, My nose is red and sore.
Blech.
And yet I have three kids sucking on their lollipops, dancing all around me, talking at the top of their lungs. It's bedtime. Finish the damn lollipops - it's time for bed!!!
I have lots more to write, but must respond to J who is repeating, "Boys, look at me in the inside of the house!" over and over and over again. Seriously. At least twenty times so far. Oh my gosh - stop it already!!!
Okay, just gave them all the one minute warning, whether they're finishes their lollipops or not. I'm just mean that way.
Hmmm...any way I can just snap my fingers and find them all changed, teeth brushed, and in bed instantly?
For the record, in case you're curious, it didn't work. Because the idea sounded really, really good and I thought it couldn't hurt to try.
Alright, one minute's up, time to get out of this chair and get them all ready for bed. I love my kids, but man, I sure would love a sick day right about now.
I'm sick.
Crumpled, used tissues surround this laptop.
I should be spraying everything with Lysol.
My head is stuffed - my sinuses, my nose. My eyes are burning, My nose is red and sore.
Blech.
And yet I have three kids sucking on their lollipops, dancing all around me, talking at the top of their lungs. It's bedtime. Finish the damn lollipops - it's time for bed!!!
I have lots more to write, but must respond to J who is repeating, "Boys, look at me in the inside of the house!" over and over and over again. Seriously. At least twenty times so far. Oh my gosh - stop it already!!!
Okay, just gave them all the one minute warning, whether they're finishes their lollipops or not. I'm just mean that way.
Hmmm...any way I can just snap my fingers and find them all changed, teeth brushed, and in bed instantly?
For the record, in case you're curious, it didn't work. Because the idea sounded really, really good and I thought it couldn't hurt to try.
Alright, one minute's up, time to get out of this chair and get them all ready for bed. I love my kids, but man, I sure would love a sick day right about now.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Friday Fatigue
7:00 AM - I am woken from a sound sleep by three children jumping on my bed saying, "Mommy, Wake up!" over and over again. To their credit I DID ask them to help me get out of bed on time today (what was I thinking?) but WHAT a rude awakening.
7:20 AM - Actually dragged my body out of bed and into the shower. Challenged the kids to get dressed before I finish my shower (we race every morning).
7:35 AM - Now that all four of us were dressed we headed downstairs were I quickly made everyone's breakfast, reminding them that our goal was to leave the house by 8:00 (so the boys could have time to play at my friend's house who drives them to school MWF). I set the timer for 15 minutes for everyone to eat.
7:50 AM - Began begging/nagging/encouraging the kids to MOVE: clean up from breakfast, brush hair and teeth, wash faces, put on coats, get their school bags, etc. all while I finish getting ready for the day ahead by packing lunches, applying makeup, brushing my own hair and teeth.
8:15 AM - Headed to the car
8:20 - Dropped the boys off at friends' house
8:25 - J and I arrived at school and headed to my room to finish setting up my room for today.
8:55 - Dropped J off at her classroom and began working with my first two kids.
9:00 - 12:00 - Worked with my group of two/three year olds to help them make their own challah, decorate a brown bag to bring said challah home, use words to take turns and ask for things, sing and dance to new songs, read stories, celebrate Shabbat with the whole school, enjoy an oneg Shabbat (a snack of grape juice, challah, and the oh so traditional Pirate Booty) back in our room, and then run and play outside for recess time.
12:00 - 2:00 -Lead a Parent/Child Shabbat lunch, service, craft, and snack
2:15 - Arrived at home. Pushed kids to do their regular to do lists and then lay on the couch to have some "Quiet Time" - totally necessary for them and me.
2:45 - Sat down to blog.
Here's the plan for the rest of this LOOOONG day:
Fold one load of laundry and put it away (it's being "fluffed" as we speak - well, as I type)
3:25 - Go pick up friend's daughter from her second preschool (E. picks up the boys from Kindergarten a few times a week and brings them to school, I pick up E's daughter on Fridays and keep her with us until around 7:15/7:30)
Make deposits at two banks (or "Lollipop Stores" - just depends on who you ask
Respond to two inquiries about parties (one phone call, one e-mail)
Make potatoes and cooked carrots (only vegetable we have in the house right now - I'm overdue to go to Produce Junction) to bring with me to Shabbat dinner at my parents'.
Fold and put away next load of launry
Clean kitchen counters (they're not too bad right now so shouldn't take too long)
Clear off dining room table (also not too bad)
Pick up crap in living room, including the pile of pretzels that spilled out of one of the boys' schoolbags
Get all four kids to use the potty, put on their shoes and coats, and into the car.
Go to my parents' for dinner and help get everything set up for all of us, all while refereeing the six kids (my niece and nephew will be there too)
"Sit" for dinner: make sure all the kids say the blessings as we light the candles and bless the food then work with my sister to cut up and pass out food to all of the kids. Try to eat a bite or two before one or two of the kids needs something else.
Clean up dishes, toys, children.
Change my three into their pjs.
Go home.
Put kids in bed.
Collapse.
7:20 AM - Actually dragged my body out of bed and into the shower. Challenged the kids to get dressed before I finish my shower (we race every morning).
7:35 AM - Now that all four of us were dressed we headed downstairs were I quickly made everyone's breakfast, reminding them that our goal was to leave the house by 8:00 (so the boys could have time to play at my friend's house who drives them to school MWF). I set the timer for 15 minutes for everyone to eat.
7:50 AM - Began begging/nagging/encouraging the kids to MOVE: clean up from breakfast, brush hair and teeth, wash faces, put on coats, get their school bags, etc. all while I finish getting ready for the day ahead by packing lunches, applying makeup, brushing my own hair and teeth.
8:15 AM - Headed to the car
8:20 - Dropped the boys off at friends' house
8:25 - J and I arrived at school and headed to my room to finish setting up my room for today.
8:55 - Dropped J off at her classroom and began working with my first two kids.
9:00 - 12:00 - Worked with my group of two/three year olds to help them make their own challah, decorate a brown bag to bring said challah home, use words to take turns and ask for things, sing and dance to new songs, read stories, celebrate Shabbat with the whole school, enjoy an oneg Shabbat (a snack of grape juice, challah, and the oh so traditional Pirate Booty) back in our room, and then run and play outside for recess time.
12:00 - 2:00 -Lead a Parent/Child Shabbat lunch, service, craft, and snack
2:15 - Arrived at home. Pushed kids to do their regular to do lists and then lay on the couch to have some "Quiet Time" - totally necessary for them and me.
2:45 - Sat down to blog.
Here's the plan for the rest of this LOOOONG day:
Fold one load of laundry and put it away (it's being "fluffed" as we speak - well, as I type)
3:25 - Go pick up friend's daughter from her second preschool (E. picks up the boys from Kindergarten a few times a week and brings them to school, I pick up E's daughter on Fridays and keep her with us until around 7:15/7:30)
Make deposits at two banks (or "Lollipop Stores" - just depends on who you ask
Respond to two inquiries about parties (one phone call, one e-mail)
Make potatoes and cooked carrots (only vegetable we have in the house right now - I'm overdue to go to Produce Junction) to bring with me to Shabbat dinner at my parents'.
Fold and put away next load of launry
Clean kitchen counters (they're not too bad right now so shouldn't take too long)
Clear off dining room table (also not too bad)
Pick up crap in living room, including the pile of pretzels that spilled out of one of the boys' schoolbags
Get all four kids to use the potty, put on their shoes and coats, and into the car.
Go to my parents' for dinner and help get everything set up for all of us, all while refereeing the six kids (my niece and nephew will be there too)
"Sit" for dinner: make sure all the kids say the blessings as we light the candles and bless the food then work with my sister to cut up and pass out food to all of the kids. Try to eat a bite or two before one or two of the kids needs something else.
Clean up dishes, toys, children.
Change my three into their pjs.
Go home.
Put kids in bed.
Collapse.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Bragging About My Hubby
Got this meme from MommyChicky and figured I really needed to do it to show the world (or at least the ten of you that read this blog) how wonderful my DH really is, even if I do get frustrated with his schedule from time to time.
Brag About Your Husband
What is his name: DH
How long have you been married: Almost 13 years
How long did you date: Four years - we were engaged for two of those years
How old is he: 35
How old are you: 36 (I know, I robbed the cradle)
Who eats more sweets: While I do eat my fair share of sweets, I'd have to say that he wins out in this category.
Whose parents do you see most? I'd say it's equal. Most weeks we have dinner with my parents on Friday nights for Shabbat and get together with his parents for dinner on Sundays (DH brings the kids there and hangs out all afternoon, I join them around 4:30).
Who said I love you first: I think it was him, but the feeling was definitely mutual!
Who is taller: Him.
Who can sing better: DH has a wonderful sounding voice, but has trouble hearing the pitch sometimes. So....without sounding too conceited....me.
Who is smarter: We are both smart about different things.
Who does the laundry: Mostly me.
Who does the dishes: DH is in charge of running the dishwasher at night and emptying it in the morning. I load it with dishes throughout the day.
Who pays the bills: Me.
His guilty pleasure: Watching TiVoed episodes of Cops, watching DVDs of Family Guy, The Simpsons, and Star Trek over and over and over again.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed: Me.
Who mows the lawn: DH.
Who has more friends: Between my local Flylady group, my synagogue, and the two different mom groups I am in, I would have to say me.
Besides you, who is his best friend: I think he considers his friend D. to be his best friend - they've been friends since they were about seven or eight!
Who cooks dinner: Me
Who is more stubborn: Me, but I'm really working on it!
Who kissed who first: I still remember it so clearly in my mind, even though it was almost 17 years ago! It was definitely mutual, but I waited for him to initiate it.
Who asked who out first: He did. And because he wanted to make sure it would be perfect, he made sure to ask me what kind of flowers I liked and what type of food I liked to eat. So cute.
What was your first date: We ate dinner at ChiChi's (Mexican food) and then saw The King and I at a local community theater.
Who proposed: We knew we were going to get married early on in our relationship, but since we were so young we didn't make it offical for a couple years. His parents allowed us to use the stones in a diamond ring that had been in their family for a long time to work with a jeweler and design our own engagement ring. I told DH that even though we both know it's a sure thing, I would not consider it official until he got down on one knee and asked with the ring. I made very clear to him that I thought proposals in public places like restaurants were the most romantic. I knew even then that it's better to speak up about those kinds of things than leave it to chance. It's not like I spelled everything out to him, just hinted at what I wanted. Even with all that, he still managed to totally surprise me when he actually did it. It was amazing, I cried, so romantic, we were engaged. So, in short, he did.
Who has more siblings: Me - he's an only child and I have both a brother AND a sister. My sister has done what she can to make him get a sense of what it would have been like to grow up with an annoying younger sister (Love you, J.!).
What is your favorite thing about him: I'd say top of the list is he makes me laugh (one of the first things that attracted me to him). We both have a very similar sense of humor - weird and twisted. We've been together first as friends for three years, then dating for two years, then being engaged for two years, and now married for almost 13 years - that's almost twenty years altogether, and I still enjoy just talking and laughing with him. At this point in our lives together, I'd say another quality that is close to the top of the list of favorite things about him is what an amazing father he is. I love watching him play with the kids. I know I was only supposed to name one thing and have already named two, but I just have to add one more. I love that no matter what the problem is, he really listens to me about it so we can work together to solve it, or at least make it more manageable. He also totally respects what I do as a SAHM and is in awe with all that I do to make the household run somewhat smoothly (as well he should be) and understands that when he in not teaching, it is only fair that we each shoulder the parenting responsiblities equally. I know, that was one more thing. What can I say? I love him. Neither one of us is perfect (and wouldn't it be boring if we were?) but he is still my partner for life, my best friend, the person I want to grow old with, the father of my children, and my true love. What else is there?
Monday, February 04, 2008
Frugal Living
I've said that money is tight a few times. I have a budget worked out that if we stick to, we'll be okay, but as everyone knows, it's not fun to stick to a budget and you really need to have self-control and commit to it. But my current financial goal is to not only stick to the budget but even try to come in under-budget each month.
The first step was to look at the last few months' spending in every category and edit the budget to be more realistic. For example, I had budgeted $150 each month for gas, but when I analyzed what we actually were spending I was shocked to discover it was around $400 each month! Damn those high gas prices!!! So that was one spot I needed to adjust.
But now that I have a more practical budget, I need to work on cutting down any extra spending, constantly asking if we REALLY need it right now or if it can wait.
I planned out inexpensive meals for the month yesterday. The first step for me was to create a list of meals that I can make without even looking at a recipe and that the kids all eat.
I put the meals in four categories: Meat, Chicken, Breakfast, and Pasta/Vegetarian.
I decided on a category for each day of the week: Mondays = Pasta/Vegetarian, Tuesdays = Meat or Chicken, Wednesdays = Breakfast, Thursdays = Homemade pizza (we make this together with veggies), Fridays = Shabbat dinner at my parents' - I bring a hot vegetable and a side dish, Saturday = "Buffet" of leftovers, Sunday = Dinner at my in-laws'.
I'm purposely only going to do a meat/chicken meal once a week to save on expenses (and of course will only use stuff on sale). Breakfast for dinner is another really cheap way that I like to do a meal. And I'm really focusing on using what we have at home and avoiding impulse buys or "quick trips" to the store, trying to make do with what we have at home. After planning out our meals for the month, I went ahead and ordered them from Genuardi's since they had just sent me a "Welcome Back" postcard for free delivery. I bought it all for $200, minus the meat which is cheapest at Giant so I'll buy that this weekend. The groceries won't be delivered until tomorrow afternoon, so we needed to "make do" for breakfast today and tomorrow. I made a big pot of oatmeal for the kids and I with the last of our milk, the last of our raisins, chopping up almonds into it to add more protein to it, and sweetened it with the last of our brown sugar. And the kids actually ate it!!! Well, I really had to stress how much sugar I put in it and how sweet it was, blah, blah, blah, but that at least got them to try it. When DH was disappointed that the groceries wouldn't arrive until tomorrow since it contains the bagels he eats for breakfast (he feels the need to eat in the car since he leaves for work so early), I just made up an egg sandwich for him and packed it up for him to grab tomorrow morning.
Tomorrow the kids and I will go to Produce Junction and stock up on fruits and vegetables, which can usually last us for about two weeks. I'm pushing the kids to eat the fruits and veggies for snacks, which is not only healthier, it seems to fill them up more than snacking on the pretzels and crackers that I put out in their "snack box." I can usually buy produce for less than $40 that last for two weeks, so that's about $80 a month. But it's only worth it if I make sure we eat everything we buy. In the past we've bought stuff that has gotten pushed to the back of the fridge and forgotten that I eventually have to toss. Last month I managed to actually use up everything we bought - no waste!
So my frugal goal for the month is to see if we can get by on LESS than $400 for the five of us, including produce, dairy (we normally go through two gallons every 2 - 3 days), and meat.
Anyone else have any frugal tips on food that don't require too much time?
The first step was to look at the last few months' spending in every category and edit the budget to be more realistic. For example, I had budgeted $150 each month for gas, but when I analyzed what we actually were spending I was shocked to discover it was around $400 each month! Damn those high gas prices!!! So that was one spot I needed to adjust.
But now that I have a more practical budget, I need to work on cutting down any extra spending, constantly asking if we REALLY need it right now or if it can wait.
I planned out inexpensive meals for the month yesterday. The first step for me was to create a list of meals that I can make without even looking at a recipe and that the kids all eat.
I put the meals in four categories: Meat, Chicken, Breakfast, and Pasta/Vegetarian.
I decided on a category for each day of the week: Mondays = Pasta/Vegetarian, Tuesdays = Meat or Chicken, Wednesdays = Breakfast, Thursdays = Homemade pizza (we make this together with veggies), Fridays = Shabbat dinner at my parents' - I bring a hot vegetable and a side dish, Saturday = "Buffet" of leftovers, Sunday = Dinner at my in-laws'.
I'm purposely only going to do a meat/chicken meal once a week to save on expenses (and of course will only use stuff on sale). Breakfast for dinner is another really cheap way that I like to do a meal. And I'm really focusing on using what we have at home and avoiding impulse buys or "quick trips" to the store, trying to make do with what we have at home. After planning out our meals for the month, I went ahead and ordered them from Genuardi's since they had just sent me a "Welcome Back" postcard for free delivery. I bought it all for $200, minus the meat which is cheapest at Giant so I'll buy that this weekend. The groceries won't be delivered until tomorrow afternoon, so we needed to "make do" for breakfast today and tomorrow. I made a big pot of oatmeal for the kids and I with the last of our milk, the last of our raisins, chopping up almonds into it to add more protein to it, and sweetened it with the last of our brown sugar. And the kids actually ate it!!! Well, I really had to stress how much sugar I put in it and how sweet it was, blah, blah, blah, but that at least got them to try it. When DH was disappointed that the groceries wouldn't arrive until tomorrow since it contains the bagels he eats for breakfast (he feels the need to eat in the car since he leaves for work so early), I just made up an egg sandwich for him and packed it up for him to grab tomorrow morning.
Tomorrow the kids and I will go to Produce Junction and stock up on fruits and vegetables, which can usually last us for about two weeks. I'm pushing the kids to eat the fruits and veggies for snacks, which is not only healthier, it seems to fill them up more than snacking on the pretzels and crackers that I put out in their "snack box." I can usually buy produce for less than $40 that last for two weeks, so that's about $80 a month. But it's only worth it if I make sure we eat everything we buy. In the past we've bought stuff that has gotten pushed to the back of the fridge and forgotten that I eventually have to toss. Last month I managed to actually use up everything we bought - no waste!
So my frugal goal for the month is to see if we can get by on LESS than $400 for the five of us, including produce, dairy (we normally go through two gallons every 2 - 3 days), and meat.
Anyone else have any frugal tips on food that don't require too much time?
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