Read the fineprint!

I was planning on receiving my Ebates cash earned this month on August 15th. I was curious as to why the dollars weren't posting to my PayPal account. Then I found this:

Purchases Posted Between -- Big Fat Check Sent
Jan 1-Mar 31 -------------- May 15
Apr 1-June 30 ----------------Aug 15
July 1-Sept 30 ----------------Nov 15
Oct 1-Dec 31 ------------------Feb 15

Now I know. My purchase that pushed me over the minimum payment didn't get credited until July 15th.

It's all good though - I'll get the money in November. At least now I know the dates. :-)

Thought it might interest you too.

If you haven't signed up yet - do it now, before Christmas Shopping gets underway! You can save up to 25% (or get rebated ;-)) - from Ebates.

5 Times The Legal Limit!

Recently, we were advised that our state and school will be conducting random drug tests on any and all athletes. This is not a school thing so much, but a state thing. So, the school has no idea when the tests will take place. Until they are there.

We were given a huge list of "no-no" drugs. Most of which I have no idea what they are. I think that is a good thing. :-)

The one I did know was Caffeine. I was first shocked that this one was even on the list. I always believed that they were looking for illegal drugs and steroids. I'm kind of wondering if they are wasting our time and money on a caffeine search.

Anyway, the football coach also pointed this out. Probably because every child has a caffeine diet anymore. Coffee, Pop, Tea, and now the aweful energy drinks!

A big favorite for kids is Mountain Dew. I can't drink the stuff. Too thick and sweet for me. Of course, I avoid pop as much as possible anymore. Just seems like a wasted drink - financially and physically.

What the coach said about Mountain Dew really blew my mind. Mountain Dew has 5 Times the legal limit of caffeine in it.

Holy Cow! I do not buy this drink in my home and I think if you have kids - this would be one to keep out of your house. Along with the energy drinks.

IPass Check

All is good! After the discussion on talk radio yesterday about the I-Pass and rental cars, I was a bit worried.

After we loaded the rental van for vacation - I just grabbed my I-Pass for traveling. I never thought to register the rental.

And why do they do this? I mean, I pay for the tolls either way - so give me a break.

Anyway, I see all tolls, even on the Turnpike, are accounted for.

So, I may have slid by this time.

Quick Think Fast!

The world as we know it is ending. The only way to save humanity is to head to another planet. There is no time. Assuming the ones you love are also making it on your evacuation trip,

what 1 thing do you take with you?

What can't you live without?

To me, this is one of the hardest questions posed. I mean, after my family what materialist item can I not live without? Honestly, my mind was running through a list that would require many rockets to get it all where I was going:

• Running shoes
• Computer
• Cellphone
• Toothbrush
• Toilet Paper
• Music
• Pictures

You get the idea. There are so many things in the world I can not live without. Or at least it feels that way. Then throw in the extra issues from a new planet like - no cell towers, different electrical sources, etc. - I just have no idea what would even be useful after leaving.

This site formulated my question: Operation Immortality: Leave your mark. Save Humanity. They have a free online game called Tabula Rasa, that is much along these lines.





Anyhoo - I think I know what I would have to bring, if humanity was to continue:

I would most likely do the most evil things without my coffee. :-) That would just be terrible for humanity. **crossing fingers and toes that the new world has coffee beans***

I know will miss my computer, telephone, car..... okay, pretty much my entire existence here on earth. :-( Coffee may be the only thing that holds me together. Of course, only if everyone I know and love is with me.

Ut-oh..... what about my dog? Or books? What if I can't read?

Do you see what I mean? This is an impossible choice!!!! No one is safe, if I don't have it all!

Talk Radio - News You Can Use

What I learned today on my travels - thanks to WGN Talk Radio.

Have an I-Pass, EZ-Pass or other electronic device to pay tolls? - Beware of a couple things. Any vehicle you use it in, needs to be registered - Even Rental Cars - OOOPS I missed this one. Although, they do not check every vehicle, if the transponder fails to record the toll, they will match up your plate picture and charge your account accordingly. If the vehicle isn't registered - a ticket goes out. You can get out of it, but why have the hassle?

You'd think rental car folks would share this tidbit with you. Hmmm.

The next 1/2 of this is, if your transponder miss reads, you need to look into replacing it. In Illinois, this can be done for free at Jewel Grocery Stores, or with the Toll Way Department.

Next item of HUGE interest to my Fellow American's.

Want to be the first to know who Obama has selected to run with? Send a text message from your cellphone to 62262 (Spells out Obama). You'll be notified before the announcement - or they say so.

Obama has an automated response, asking for your zip code. After submitting he asks if you want to become part of the Obama Mobile Campaign - I replied with the Y. :-)

Even if you aren't a supporter - good way to keep up on Political News.

My daughter has a new admirer, that I approve of.

Does anyone play Bingo anymore? This is one of my all time favorite games. As a child, my brother and I used to play for colored marshmallows. Yes, we bet with the rainbow. :-)

Then, when I had a family of my own, I invested in a really cool Bingo game. You know, with my own cage to roll the call pieces in. The kids always spat over who would be the caller. We had hours of fun at the kitchen table with this one.

Bingo is the only game, that it doesn't matter how smart you are, anyone can win!

While on vacation, a young 2ND cousin of my daughters, fell head of heals for her. It was so cute. And she is one of those people that love hanging with young folks. So they both had an awesome time coloring with sidewalk chalk and just messing around.

Anyway, I got an email that this little man wants to send my daughter a "love" letter. Too Cute! So, my daughter wants to send him something.

We were scouting out things and found
Disney Bingo at both Amazon.com & Drugstore.com. Plus, if you don't like online ordering, they have it at Best Buy, Kohl's, JC Penney, and Barnes and Noble. It's under $20. Pretty darn affordable. May be a good Birthday or Christmas Gift.

Although, with Ebates and other cost savers, it may be best to send from one of these sites. More research is necessary though.

Looks like fun to me.



Don't you love technology! I may grab one of these for my neighbor girls for Christmas too. Affordable fun all the way. And who doesn't like DISNEY????

If I was their parent......

When an Olympic Hopeful is training for their day in the sun, they spend big bucks. Or should I say their families do. Training that most times spans to their 1st grade days.

I'm sure there are those that receive help to become a hopeful in the Olympics, but my guess is the majority take the financial punch for this once in a lifetime event.

So when the judges make blatant errors in scoring - I can't help but get steamed. I know life is not fair. These kids work hard though - and they will never be free of that day. Forever they will carry the burden of being robbed of their Olympic Gold. Shame on the Olympic Judges for placing that grudge.

Fairness would alleviate the burden.

Does this type of thing happen every Olympics? Have I just been free of this knowledge from my lack of interest?

If I was a parent of the one robbed, it would break my heart for my child. I would be a spit fire out of control.

GO USA!!!!!

Although - I doubt any human could beat that arrogant BOLT! He is so good - too bad personality is lacking, he would get huge endorsements as the "fastest man alive". I, personally, wouldn't buy anything this arrogant fool endorsed!

Go Kart Racing!

I'm still amazed how a vacation stays with you! Or is it just because it is all new for me? Maybe regular vacationers leave it behind when they return home. I'm still talking to family daily and reminiscing about our days together. Like I told my parents, they gave us a week that created a lifetime of memories.

We've already been discussing our next trip. Yea! Things are just so fun together. We all bring up different fun things to do. Ideas we are currently mixing up; helicopter ride, rafting, canoe or kayaking, and even possibly go-karting and other options of Wildwood attractions.

Morey's Piers are more geared to a younger crowd, which thankfully, we are not anymore. Although, all of us have a lead foot that would enjoy go karting. The beaches and water park are also a huge draw for this crew. Something about water, just makes everything good. Much like ice cream. :-) Making Morey's an option for a family beach vacation idea.

I can't help but wonder, if we (my immediate crew), would have had nearly as much fun if we were alone. I doubt it.

Ouch that hurts the mommy ego!

True, though.

Sinking Networth

It is that time of year again. The time when spending is at full speed. It starts early Spring and just steadily increases paces until it blasts apart in early September. I believe August & September to be, historically, our most costly months. Well surpassing Christmas, if you can believe that.

As I helplessly watch our networth decline, I am trying to see the positive. The biggest positive, we have money in the bank for these annual bills.

I did not move any money to retirement or savings this month. In fact, besides my Residual Stream Creation, I saved nothing.

The main reason for no savings transfer - I received the bill for the new A/C unit at the commercial property. At just over $3500, it cleared out our paychecks from the checking account.

The good news - we didn't finance this purchase.

The bad news is after vacation and our regular expenses we are sitting at $4005 on credit cards, $3510 on the line for college (with more to come), and $10,304 to be paid in property taxes in 2 weeks.

Total $17,819 (currently)

The plan - I will be transferring funds from both ING & HSBC savings accounts to cover these bills. I'm trying to determine how to get the most interest and avoid the most paying of interest. Although, I do not have the strength to run to the last minute. Most likely I will initiate transfers by Monday of next week.

I have $2066 due to me receivables at this moment for some of the debt above. Hopefully, I will have these dollars in my account by early September. That will leave me with $15753 or so to pay.

My first transfer will come from ING for $7400 (My goal to leave a balance that earns me a penny a day - just because). This will mean I need $15753 -7400 = $8353 more to pay in full.

Which means I will head to HSBC and transfer out $6570. I want to leave a bit over my last estimate tax payment needed in January. $8353 - $6570 = $1783 will be the left over damage.

If it wasn't for that a/c dying I would have made it, even with vacation. :-)

I estimated another $2400 on the N.C. vacation coming up. I now estimate about $3000 more in college payments this month. Leaving us with a debt load of $7183. Since we were pushing $30k last year at this time, this seems minor. Plus, we will have taken 2 vacations. Yay! WE are moving forward!

Even after rolling the ZERO percents back into the line, if I can't find another quality Zero Percent opp, we would still be better off. Without making anymore payments to the Zero Percenters (which we will), rolling it all in we would have an LOC balance of $23,131.

I know for a fact the one Zero % card will be paid in full prior to time running out. I also know for a fact, that we will continue to make payments on the other until time ticks away. Which will decrease the above to $19,815.

Maintaining a minimum of $1k payments a month on the line until the roll into time, the balance at roll time will be $16,815.

I should be able to squeeze another $850 a month from our income into this debt each month. Yet, I find it is best to not hold my breath. Tenant's could bounce checks, things break, life is a circle of unexpected events.

I do know that I will push all dollars I can to this debt prior to the election. We all know the Federal Reserve will raise rates when our New Democratic President wins office.

I wrote a book

I can only write about it, because I tried reading it to my step-mom and couldn't stop laughing when I heard her laughing. I'm not talking little chuckles of 'oh, that's cute'. I'm talking belly shaking, tears in your eyes, can't breathe laughing.

My Grammy asked me to write when I left. And being my father's daughter, I will - my way.

We all received a beautiful reminder of our trip as a gift. The girls anyway - guys got shirts. Although, Grammy didn't stay with us 24/7 - she was around a lot. Most of the time laughing. She thinks our section of the family is nuts.

Like I said, it was a full week of jokes and laughing. Honestly, if we were at a party - all of you would gravitate to us. Together we are all pretty powerful. We feed off each others jokes and laughter. I guess like most families - except we are a Polish/Italian mix of loud!!!!

So many hilarious things happened on vacation. So, I compiled them into my first ever Fiction Novel. One of my projects since I returned.

Hey, Grammy wanted me to write - so I write.

My step-mom hung up on me! She was laughing too hard when I was reading it too her.

It's a work of fiction, based on our zanniness. Hopefully Grammy laughs too! Cause it is headed out in the mail tomorrow.

A taste of what others are saying about my novel (on the back cover) -

"Touches the human spirit...it is amazing." - USA Garbage Today

"A heartwarming tale of toil and achievement. You find yourself rooting for the heroine as the author grabs your heart and refuses to let go." - Publishers Dreaming

"One of the first novels I ever read." - People for literacy

"Spoken in the language we all speak." - In the Hills Hot Press

"A terrifically funny writer." - Grumpy old man on street

"I'll never look at the jellyfish quite the same way again." -Sea World Employee

"Finally, a tale that places the Catholic Church in the right light" - Pope John Paul XXXX

"If only we had the powers to promote peace like [insert main character name], we would end all war." - USA Secretary of Defense

"I just loved how I was such an inspiration with my dedication in the book." - Barbara Wa-Wa

"I can't wait to get this group on my show." - Jerry Springboard

"How come the story didn't have anyone of color, besides [insert character name]?" - O

Hope no one takes offense to the above - it is all in good fun. Laughing at ourselves it was keeps us going on this wonderful journey called life.

Hold on to your britches, cause if folks that laugh live longer - we's gonna be 'round forsa long time!

OMGosh! I'm on the home page

I am not a writer. As anyone who reads my ramblings knows. I basically say what is on my mind. Not always getting warm responses, but such is life.

I actually believe different views build a more exciting world.

Anyway, I just received an email from Helium, one of the writing sites. Way back when I wrote an article about the DaVinci Code and The Passion. Of course, 100% my opinion, but something I felt compelled to do.

I'll be, if the folks at Helium didn't put me on the Home Page. I'm at the bottom of the page and go by the name Laundry Queen. How cool!

I wish I was a more talented writer, I love Helium.

I've referred NO ONE and referrals only come through their emailing system on site. Meaning they don't provide me with a link to share. :-( Anyhoo. I have earned over $50 on this site. And if you are interested in giving it a go, for fun and maybe some cash - email me and I will send you a link.

More for the wealthy

You have a medical crisis. You, your spouse or child has been diagnosed with Leukemia, or some other life threatening disease. What happens next?



Let's say, it is you that is sick. This could be a tremendous burden on your family. With not only the loss of your earnings, but the piling medical bills and co-pays. Even if you have never experienced a situation of grave consequence like this - you can almost feel the weight of my words on your shoulders.



At least I can, as I type this.



Last weekend, we attended a benefit for a person in our community. Someone that is connected through marriage to one of the wealthiest families in our area. And it brought back memories of 2 benefits we attended prior for life threatening issues. Although, those 2 people had more distant connections from the wealth.



Meaning, like us, they know these people, but they weren't married into the blood line at any point.



This most recent benefit, to help the sick persons family while working would not be possible, was huge. I would guesstimate over 1k people attended. Which is huge for my little area. Including some very connected people.



Now, don't get me wrong. We paid over 2x's the value of our tickets and the tickets of all our employees. We didn't walk in to be cheap - we went to help. And in all honesty, we had a fabulous time. How could you not with so much being offered?

• 9 hours of live band entertainment - from multiple bands that were fabulous


• dunk tank, with our favorite county sheriffs, mayor and other folks to finally pay back. :-)


• Food - unbelievable amount of roasted pork.


• Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine


• Silent Raffles - with awesome gifts!


• Life Auction with items like 4 person golf outing with a very famous retired quarter back. It included drinks and food. The package went for almost $2k. Wow. There were many items at this level.


• Unlimited BUD products


• Bud Girls to serve and for the male's eye candy.

I could go on, but you get the idea, this thing was huge. The kind of event that would rival the cities festivities for any organized plan.

I'm connected to these folks and think they are all spectacular. Not by blood mind you. :-) I doubt I could get such a big benefit, if I was the ailing party.

Which got me thinking of the other 2 benefits I attended. They made a decent sum of cash. At the time, I truly believed it to be a huge amount. Now, I know how untrue that thought was.

I guess, the thing that isn't sitting right with me, is the other two needed the help more. They didn't have the family wealth, or self-built wealth. Not that this person isn't worthy, but they were in a better place to start, including better insurance with a government job.

Even in illness, your financial footing may be more in line with who you know and what can be done, then what you deserve. The wealthy sick, get wealthier - the middle class drop to lower class.

Personally, except for the entrance charge for tickets at this event, we dull out an equal amount of cash for all events. We generally, take cash and when the cash is gone, we are done.

I'm just curious - have any of you seen the value of wealth when relating it to charitable functions?

One perk from tenant late fees

A couple dollars were received in late fees from the tenants. I found myself wonder what to do with this un-budgeted money. I could:

• reimburse myself for cash I pushed into the property in vacant times.
• let it ride as a cushion in the account, which is a money market account, paying nearly nothing anymore.
• or, use it for property taxes due the beginning of the month.

I already have the dollars for taxes in savings at HSBC & ING. I also made it without the cash I plopped into the company so far. And the thought of riding the dough on an almost invisible interest rate makes me crazy.

So, this morning I left the NSF fee in there, making it technically no effect on me. And I used all but $3 dollars to pay extra on the principal of the mortgage. Rounding my loan to even zero's in the tens, ones and cents. With this being a commercial loan at 6.25%, I really feel like I am gaining something for my stress from this.

The payment I made was for $168.09. This saves me 2.9¢ in interest expense every day. SWEET! That $10.59 a year in savings, may not be much, but to me it is a step towards freedom. Without a pinch on the pocketbook. Since, my loans and bills were covered and their late fees amounted to extra income for the company.

Walgreens Today!

With coupons in hand I headed to Walgreens today. I'm going to separate my spending into 2 sections - 1 for regular purchase and 1 for Drug Store Gaming. Because I can, so there!

Regular Purchase:

I bought 4 boxes of Fiber One Chewy Bars - YUMMY. I pay $2.50 a box at Walmart. Walgreens had them on sale for 2/$4. And I had a 50¢ off coupon from the Sunday paper.

Total = $7.58 (tax included)

Would have cost $10.02 @ Walmart

Saved $2.44 . 24% savings!!!

Drug Store Game:

• 4 Bags of Hershey Bliss Candy's (for Gramps - Mr. Chocolaholic) - 4/$12 - 2/$2 coupon in Easy Saver & 4/$1 coupons from Hershey online = $4.00 for 4 bags. These also have a rebate - Spend $10 get $5 back - so I will get this later.


• 2 Packs of Extra Gum - On sale 59¢ each (Regularly $1.19) - $1.18 - B1G1 coupon $1.19 = <1¢>


• 4 8-ct Bic Pens on sale 2/$1. $2 - 2/$1 off coupons = $0.00 FREE!!!


• 2 Aquafresh toothpaste on sale for 2 for $2.19 - 2/75¢ off coupons = 69¢ for both.


• Pert 2 in 1 shampoo & conditioner - $3.79 - $2 off coupon = $1.79. There is a rebate for $3.79, making more money for me to look forward too.

Total Spent Out of Pocket - $6.98 (with tax) This is like only paying for Gramps Candy!

Expected Rebates = $5 (Hershey) + $3.79 (Pert) = $8.79 + 10% = $9.66

BOO-BOO CONFESSION - My last trip to Walgreens I earned $3 on rebates. I did log it on the system, but with vacation I forgot to finalize. They emailed me that a rebate will be sent, but no bonus of 10% :-(. The worst part - I couldn't use my last $3 on this purchase.

It's all good though! I like this game! I like it a lot.

Help I Can't Get Up!

I fainted instantly! I have a rather large goose egg on the back of my head. The room is still spinning. I am still spinning in disbelief!

I logged in this morning, as usual to my bank and was delightfully surprised to see that the tenant that only made a partial payment, went to the bank and deposited the rest. SWEET! They even put in the late fees. I guess in their case, as I suspected, it was just a financial squeeze and not a way of life.

This is why I did not issue a 5 day demand for them. They have paid me "almost" as specified. I'm hoping, if things get ironed out to do something for them at Christmas time. Like a gift card and possibly a rent reduction.

I know, this is unheard of, but if they are going to be good tenants - I want to keep them. These kinds of moves can make for HAPPY tenants, which to me are priceless after all I have been through.

I received a text message yesterday from the new tenants where I was promised payment today. It was not in the account at this time.

When I returned from picking up the boys from football and taking them to Taco Bell, I checked my accounts again. As I was logging in to the system, I closed my eyes and whispered a prayer.

Honestly, this is what I did. As much for them as myself. I wouldn't wish financial hardship on anyone.

When I opened my eyes, my world went black. That is when I fell on my hardwood floors. I would have cried, if I wasn't so darn elated. They paid the rent, the NSF charge and $25 dollars in late fees. Okay, they shorted the late fees by $25, but I'm happy to see an effort. If the effort continues I may eliminate the rest of the late fees.

Or if for some miracle of the day, they chose to pay these dollars later, my gratitude will turn those dollars into an Aldi (if they have them) or a Walmart gift card so they can get some groceries.

In my perfect world, I can give back. I just need to know they will do their part. I've been screwed so many times. If I can pay the bills and have something left, I'd rather give it to them all.

Ever since first becoming a residential landlord, I've had one little dream. Kind of goofy, but something I would want to do. I have always wanted to be the type of landlord that brought over turkeys on Thanksgiving and gave Gift Cards on Christmas.

Maybe some day, my little property will break even or become profitable and I can do what my soul wishes to do.

Pontiac Supercharger?

I love driving fast. Take after the old man, I guess. When I was younger, his handle on the C.B. radio was Rocketman. That was back when it was unique. It was so overused later.

My in-laws are selling their supercharged Buick. The car looks great, but it is costly for someone to run, with a lead foot. It is a wonder tickets aren't flying around here more often.

There was a day, when I would have loved to have my Pontiac loaded with a supercharger. If memory serves me correctly, it was some time prior to the $3+ per gallon of gas. I've become the old lady that drives with cruise. No accelerations that take me above 2000 RPM's.

I'm not fun anymore!

There is a saying in my household, when referring to what our vehicles can do - Just cause you have the power, doesn't mean you have to flaunt it. Generally, they are referring to me and my DH. The kids do far less burnouts then either of us. WE are so BAD!

I know I don't have to flaunt it, but .............

Imagine the fun of being supercharged!

A Package From NORDY's

I was so excited to see that box on my front porch, when I got home yesterday. As I was backing into my garage, I couldn't recall placing any orders. By the time I made it into the house, I was convinced it was something business related.

AKA - Not fun!

As I was walking through my home and office to the front door, I felt like I always do. That Yippee! tingling. I am such a lover of packages in the mail.

I about had an accident in my pants when I read my name on the label. And a heart attack was on the verge when I saw Nordy's in the return name. For obvious reasons, I do not shop there. Okay, I do shop there, just don't purchase much. Financially it is a place that hurts. The most I bought in the last month was a MAC lip gloss. And that came with a discount - shhhh..

Can't tell anyone, my little sissy gets it for me. She is in their management training program and loves NORDY's extremely much.

While on the beach, my little sissy kept pulling out her BEACH SHEET, which was twice the size of my over sized BEACH TOWEL. I was so envious! I would have bought one while on vacation, but they were sold out. :-(

This package came from Mall of America, with love from my little sissy.

I can't wait for our next vacation. But for now, this baby will be helping me sun in the back yard.

Everyone Needs Friends!

Whether, in person or on the blogsphere, it warms your heart and makes you a better person by connecting with others. That is why there are so many blogs. You can speak your mind and journal your life, while connecting with others that feel the same or offer up an alternative view to the world in which we all share.

Sometimes, it amazes me how we are all the same, regardless of where we have been.

I've just been nominated by Beachgirl, at Beachgirl's Budget Blog, for this blog award. Thank you so much, Ms. Future Attorney! I'm still amazed by all you do, every time I read your blogs!

Here are the rules of the award:

1. Put the logo on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded it to you.
3. Nominate at least 5 other blogs.
4. Add links to these blogs on your blog.- Don't forget this step. This is great free advertising!
5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.

Here are a few of some of the great blogs I frequent out there: (it's so hard to chose!)

• Basenji Mom
• Common Cents
• Chief Family Officer
• Pants in a Can
• Dog Ate My Finances

IDOR - Illinois Department of Revenue

I thought I would send a compliment out to the IDOR folks. Seems, when it comes to government entities, compliments are not in abundance. And in all honesty, I have had the most awesome folks help me with issues for work - both at IDOR and the IRS.

I don't think either division is set up to be tough - most are willing to help and our personable, if you are. Wow, just like real life. :-) Whodathunkdit?

Yesterday, my caller i.d. showed that I was getting an "Out of Area" call. Generally, I click the phone on and then off when I see this. I do not have time to waste with telemarketers. I have no idea why I answered and spoke yesterday, but I'm glad I did.

This really helpful and personable woman was on the line. She asked for me. Yet, I was still skeptical - need I remind you of all the collection calls I have received for that girl with MY NAME. Thank goodness, they stopped.

I was shocked by the call, when she said it was the Illinois Department of Revenue. Although, I do get calls, this one was not expected.

I was pleased and frankly impressed, when she said I made 2 tax deposits and wondered if one was in error. She would cancel it, if it was in error, before it hit my bank on the 15th. How sweet!

Now, the deposit was not in error. I was paying a bit early, but it was good.

Ever since the call, I have thought that the was a wonderful move by IDOR. What if your computer program, like Quick Books, accidently sent out 2 payments. The dreadful - Oops, I double clicked. In a small business, this could kill cash flow and stiffle a business.

Cheers to the Illinois Department of Revenue, for looking out for the people!

Rubber Stamps - 50% OFF!

Do you use deposit stamps? Address stamps? I do and the Rubber Stamps I'm looking at right now, are with RED Print and say PAST DUE! Although, secretly I'm wishing for a Green - PAID!

Welcome to the life of a desperate landlord. Could that be the next television hit? At this rate, I won't be in anything that glamorous from land lording. More likely to be a guest of Barbara Walters as she questions what pushed me over the edge.

On a happier note, one of our construction vendors has a nice little stamp that says TAKE A DISCOUNT OF $XXXX.XX. I like that one too! I would like to send it out, but until folks pay on time - discounts will be non-existent.

That's how I roll!

In order to get your discount, if you choose to order a nice stamp or an evil and demanding one use code:

Stamps50 - 50% Off Small Rubber Stamps

That will make them more affordable. Stamps are only good when the budget is balanced. :-)

I also have stamps with words like - FILE, SCAN and PAID. I like my stamps they make my life easier and help me keep organized.

Coming Clean on Wasting Money, So You Don't Have Too!

You guessed it, confession time. I know I waste money, being human it is to be expected. Being human also pulls me to be better then I am. Almost to the point of addiction.

Back in June, I did not hide the fact that I made the very expensive purchase of Alli, from Walgreens. I couldn't believe how many of you were doing your best to warn me of the side effects. I still turned a deaf ear. I ........ I just ...... want to be thin and sexy.

Don't all of you?

I'm still struggling with the scale number. Intellectually, I know that is ridiculous, but there is this emotional voice in my core that is stronger then any intellect. So, I shut you all out and I dared to take Alli.

Blocking out all the terrible issues that could come from this product.

If that isn't obsession and addiction, I have no idea what is. I moved on the hopes that I could report back here that I saw big, even huge results. Something that would give others the hope I so desperately wanted.

Being overweight, by any percent, is such an emotional punch in the gut.

Turning my back on you all, I through myself into the Alli program. Even though I believed I eat pretty good. I am human and enjoy a piece of cake and even ice cream. So, there is always room for improvement. Without changing my diet, because of my already in place eating habits,

I began and continued using Alli till leaving on vacation.

I kept working out. Running on my treadmill. Riding my bike. Enjoying my regular active lifestyle. I even maintained a positive attitude that this would be the needed addition to push me over my plateau.

Working at home, I didn't feel I would have an issue with the nasty things you warned of.

In fact, I never saw a huge increase of gas or loose bowls. No spotting or other icky side effect. I never noticed any changes. Including, sad to say, the scale dropping. Leaving me to feel that I was scammed by Alli. :-(

Do Not Buy Alli

I feel confident in saying that Alli is like most other pushed "helpers". Think Hoodia, yep, I fell for that one too. I'm an idiot.

Learn from me. Save your dough. Someday, maybe that scale number will be nothing to me. I wish!

Solve our Illegal Immigration Issues TODAY!

I have to say, I wish I lived in Arizona. Although, more than that I wish each and every state in America would enact the same stiff laws. This would immediate correct our illegal immigration issues and encourage the illegals to become 1 with our country and it's people.

Isn't that what America is about!

In Arizona, they have laws that go after the businesses. No more wasting dollars chasing folks that change their names like others that change underwear.

JEFFREY KAYE: Arizona is one of five states to have adopted so-called employer sanctions. The penalties are stiff. The first offense is a 10-day license suspension.
RUSSELL PEARCE: Second offense, revocation. Go find another state to do business in, because it won't be Arizona.

If we place the same tough laws across the board our illegal's issue will be resolved. Plus, we will force business to raise wages to a "livable" wage.

This is not to say that we would make the transition smoothly. As with any major change, there is to be growing pains. Many business will find that they need to close or downsize. Making way for the rebuild and restructure. In the long run, it would cost a whole lot less of our tax dollars and create real money in the form of paychecks for the American People and those that come here through legal means.

We need to stop wasting our dollars chasing these folks down. There are more of them then us. Eliminate their earning potential and they will either conform to our beautiful country or they will leave. Either way creating more money in kitty for our tax paying citizens.

If the boys running for the top dog office really wanted this issue fixed - they would do it. Of course, that would hurt them and their buddies who hire illegals to nanny and do their yard work. Just another proof that they care little about the American people and are only focused on the me and my good ole' boys.

$1600 for a 1 Bedroom

While in Jersey I scoped rentals with my sister. She relocated there last year and is still living with family.

I wished I was wearing Depends, when I saw the prices of apartments.

How do young people get out on their own at these incredibly high prices? $1600 didn't even include utilities. WOW!

A comparable unit in my area, would cost between $600 and $800 a month. This is a huge difference, when considering that incomes are very similar. Something little sister did not take into account prior to moving. Most likely because of the family safety net.

Jersey does have the perk of no Sales Tax on Necessities.

From my calculations, the savings would not be enough to make a substantial difference though.

I went into a local Target to grab a few things and again shocked.

My Fiber One Bars were 11¢ more in Jersey. Which amounts to 9¢ more then what my Sales Tax would cost in Illinois. We are charged 1% on food. Everything but fuel is more expensive in Jersey. And based on our usage, month to month, we would not save enough to counter the other costs.

I guess this is the price of living with a piece of Paradise.