Its been a while.

baselle - thanks for the info on price book software for the PDA. I will do some research...

Things have been sort of busy here. Vacation is still on my mind, even its several weeks later. Could have used another month or two. I keep joking about early retirement and have actaully checked out several books from the library on the topic. Sigh...it will be a while yet before I am able to exercise that option. But a girl can certainly dream - and take action to make it happen.

On the money front -
- I have paid my Discover off in full. A combination of balance transfer and real cash for the loose ends. I am debating whether or not to cancel it. I could see if I can get a better rate on a balance transfer for another card, playing them off each other. If I cancel it, I am down to two cards. One (MBNA) with a balance I can pay off in 5 months. The other, (ATT) with a balance to pay off within a year. I am waivering because I'm afraid I will close a door that will not be easily re-opened. Not sure why I think that...will have to think about it a bit more.

- The momentum of incurring more debt has slowed, actually has come to a halt. Overall debt has been hovering at an all time high for some time now. Its like a ball that you throw up in the air. Its at the highest point of its arc and is about to start falling back down to earth at an amazing speed. My goal is to be free within a year.

- My desire to spend has vanished. I still yearn for a new wardrobe and go through every catalog that comes to our house. I mark off the items I want and drool for a while. Then I put the catalog away for a couple of days. Eventually, the catalog ends up in the trash because its become clutter and I'm too lazy to go through the hassle of ordering, waiting, recieving the items and then having to send them back; repeating the process until I find something that fits. I am saving myself sooo much money this way.

- Been going to the library A LOT lately to find books on money, investing and the psychology of wanting and buying. We usually walk which is also good for our health.

- work is going very well. I am full time again and sooo looking forward to the first paycheck which will reflect that increase (the 15th) A huge chunk, nearly all of it, will go to the MBNA cc.

- house remodelling continues. DH and I just took a van load of clothes and things to a church group who will distribute the items to people in need. It is a good feeling to know these items will be used rather than ending up in a landfill. We've been doing this for about a year and a half now and are starting to see the difference. We are not collectors or clutter bugs; stuff just has a way of accumulating. DH and I decided enough was enough and have begun a campaign to not let it happen again. Success is ours.

Those are the highlights. No details on spending, because the majority of days have been no-spend. I've gotten in the routine of bringing food and drink from home, doing things around the house for entertainment and cooking when time allows. Sounds sort of boring, but my prize to myself for paying everything off is going to be a trip. Right now I am considering Brazil....