This month I had set a goal for ten no spend days. I just pulled a number out of thin air, thinking that it would be easy. Ha! Time to think again. Sunday DH went to visit his parents, which used up quite a bit of gas from the car. Does that count for spending money? I would be really interested in hearing opinions on that.

Today DD forgot some papers that needed to be turned in today, so I drove to the school and brought it to her. She's going to be a big sister for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, but it requires parental permission and a reference. Good thing I'm home today. School was just about over (20 minutes left) so she turned them in and came home with me instead of taking the bus. She had her completed first sewing class project with her; a pillowcase. I have to say she did a beautiful job.

Stephanie commented that she needed the materials for her next three projects sometime this week. As I needed to get gas and go to the bank anyhow and we were in the car already, I decided to take her to Joanne Fabrics. I don't go there often, and as Stephanie was being helped I walked around and admired all of the fabrics - I found something just perfect for living room curtains hehe - and craft items.

The woman in the sewing notions department was extremely helpful and nice. Usually I'm on the other side of the cash register, and work hard to make people leave my store happy. It's such a nice feeling to be on the receiving end of such kindness. She took a lot of time with Stephanie choosing just the right materials, and selected items to help save us money.

The total cost was around $32. The projects are for a beach bag, a windshield visor CD holder, and a pillow. Stephanie loves this class and is already looking forward to next quarter when she will be in advanced sewing. Who knew? She was very pleased to get these goodies and we had a nice time. I went to Arby's and got her a chicken quesidilla, which she proclaimed to be the best sandwich she had ever had in her life LOL.

Today was definitely a "spend" day. Each Monday I have been pulling out $100 from the toy store for gas, groceries, and allowances. Good thing we are still OK on groceries for a little while. Gas was $35 (!), her quesidilla meal and sewing notions was a tad under $40, and I gave her $10 for school lunches. Sheesh. I can only imagine what college expenses for that girl will set us back. Thank goodness for savings bonds.

Stephanie is a sophomore this year, and as she informs us every day, is something like 63 days from her 16th birthday. Do you remember how it was to be excited about a birthday? Me too! I thought I would explode waiting to be 16.

Tomorrow I return to work, afer a definitely unexpected absence. To bad I wasn't somewhere fun, like Hawaii. Taking 6 days off in a row is completely unheard of. I'm looking forward to getting back to the store. I stopped by Saturday to see how things were going and realized how much I miss being there. My breathing is almost under control but I do use the inhaler religiously.

Is this post long enought for you yet? But wait - there's more! OK, now my late-night TV viewing habits are at last revealed.

Today I cleaned out one junk drawer in the kitchen and also got rid of some old papers. I read something Sunday that really affected me about clutter. Instead of focusing on what you're going to get rid of, it's better to figure out what you want to have in a particular space. Then get rid of everything else. That advice helped me to let go of, or relocate, a lot of stuff.

Now our drawer has tape, scissors, lint roller, pens, pencils, one pad of paper, and a caddy with the batteries, paper clips and rubberbands nicely organized. That's all. I tell you what, the drawer looks nekkid.

Gone are the floating Uno cards, the electronic games sans batteries, the mini fan, and random sticker sheets. That and more went into the donation box I have sitting by the front door.

Thrown away are the dried up markers, developed film rolls, sticky Chapstick, and crumpled papers.

Relocated are the random tools, metal top to DD's lava lamp, DS's small toys, etc.

How can one clean drawer give me such pleasure? It doesn't take much these days!