thank you, dear! would you believe that I'm a numbers person - but not a budget one! LOL :eek: ...

Kar - spending the gift cards was fun .. I only got grocery store and gas cards ... but heck - I didn't have to pay for neither for over a month!! helps to stay home for me too! LOL

***** UPDATE ******
okay .. dig out or dust off that library card .. .here's a book that you'll all enjoy reading ... it's partially about 'debt' .. but it's about clutter ... DECLUTTERING --->>> LOSE 200 lbs THIS WEEKEND ... just finished it last night (picked it up yesterday too) ... mostly paged thru it ... and WOW! talk about saving $$, time, and life! I wouldn't be a 'good counselor' if I didn't help you out, right?? ;)

I have fallen off the "debt diet" wagon this past week. I had company for four days due to a death in my family and I sort of took the easy way out on most things - we ate out a couple of times and I bought groceries that I normally wouldn't. Not to mention the gasoline I used being a taxi to so many people.

But it couldn't be avoided - so I am ready to get back on the diet and save some money.

I have to get my taxes done on Friday so ya'll pray for a big refund for me. I need it.

I also need new living room furniture and I'm trying to find a good deal on that. I will probably sell my old furniture but don't expect to get a lot for it. It's almost 10 years old and the cats have left their claw marks on it!

I certainly wouldn't count your circumstances as "falling off the debt diet wagon". That was a situation out of your control. Aren't you just glad that you had been on the debt diet before so that the sting of the extra expenses wasn't as bad??

On the new living room furniture, I don't know how you will feel about this idea, but it is what I have done to extend the life of mine, how about slipcovers? There are many beautiful ones for couches, loveseats and even wingback chairs. I bought mine at Target and I know you love that store.;)

Kelly - hollym is absolutely right ... this was a circumstance that you were unprepared for - but you have recognized the difference unexpected things can do alot faster than many! you're doing fine ...

the slipcover is an awesome idea - and hollym is right - there are so many colors and designs to choose from ... and then when you get bored of that color, pass it on and reward yourself with another set ..

**UPDATE**

it's amazing what we can do with our 'time' ... and make it profitable! I now have the opportunity to 'get into' the area art show this summer! I have some work to do ... I do calligraphy - I use paint brushes and ink for the 'shadowing' ...

I just have to believe in myself on an all-around basis!!

hoping everyone is working on their diet!!

we are now into Lent (40 days before passover) I think that's how it goes ... this is another time to 'cleanse' our thinking, spending, and saving!

I just read a book called 100 ways to simplify your life and I kept thinking of this thread. It really goes hand in hand with everything we've been talking about. I'm going to be working on the bookshelves over the next week. I'm getting rid of at least half of the books (we have four packed 6' bookshelves). DH just about croaked and insisted that he needs to keep all his old MBA books just in case he needs them for his next job. I just smiled :) Anyone need a financial accounting/ managerial accounting/ strategic management book?:D:p

Do you have a Half Price Books store down there?:D:eek: You could sell those and make a few bucks.

I've been doing very well. When I go shopping I go with a list in hand. If it is not on the list, it does not go into the cart. Even my DH is doing well with this.

But my DD has kind of thrown us for a loop. She is on a dairy free diet for a while and her foods are way expensive!! Guess we'll need to cut back somewhere else for a bit.

We can do this, I know we can! And having all of your support helps so much.

Been trying to get organized here.

Yesterday I went through all of the books in the house and the ones we will keep and the ones that are going to Goodwill.

Tomorrow we are tackling the closets and then making a big trip to the good will and put those receipts away for 2008 taxes.

Speaking of taxes, I got out all of the paperwork and am putting everythig together for the accountant. Gonna get em done before April 15th this year. :D

Got a little depressed when I balanced my checkbook...post holiday spending blues but I devised a budget and am sticking to it as best I can.

I love this thread thanks Vonn! Sure hope those pipes are fixed. :hug: