A Sensible Dinner - Pearlieq's Journal

[Lesli54]

Good morning Pearlieq!

Not to make light of your spat last night and I know you needed to vent, but after the day I had, you really provided me with a good laugh when you mentioned getting scurvy from eating pizza every night and how you were going to slowly go mad. I really needed the laugh. Thanks. But, on a serious note, it is really amazing what stupid things can turn into a fight. I am with you on this one, I think he is lobbying to go out, but just won't say. Next time, tell him that if he wants to handle all the finances for a month then he can, but he still has to keep some money in the bank and meet all the financial goals, while trying to feed you guys. Maybe then he will realize that eating out can't always happen. Actually, I just have to mention that my husband take over the finances and he shuts up. He doesn't have time and that means that he would have to take time to learn about what all we are really paying and have to pay in the future, etc.

Glad you guys talked it out, but feel free to vent whenever you need.

Hope today is a much better day for you.

 

[pearlieq]

8/1/05 - Hello August!

9:00am

--1 LC peanut chicken
--1/2 cup peas
--1/2 cup fruit salad

Well, another day watching jobs process through the system at work. Luckily they seem to be progessing well.

DH and I talked again about the budget/eating in. We both have really different attitudes about money. My mom was an accountant and was very precise with her budgeting whereas his parents were very casual about it and tended to spend on luxuries and entertainment. When we first started dating he was in really bad shape--he's always made good money but never managed it well. Luckily he's pretty amenable to letting me run the show financially, but you make a very good point, Lesli. I really do need to involve him more (or at least threaten to ). If I got hit by a bus tomorrow I'm not sure he'd be able to manage the finances!

I can understand how he feels sometimes--he works hard and would like to enjoy some fun and entertainment from his work, but the reality is that once you pay the mortgage, utilites, insurance, student loans, and put a little aside for retirement there isn't all that much left. And that has to get divided between everything else--groceries, household goods, eating out, entertainment, travel, annual expenses, home improvement projects! There is only so much pie! Plus, my job is not at all certain, and we're going to need to repair or replace one or both cars within the next couple of years! I know we can work it out, I just think it's going to be a long, frustrating process!

TTNW: We've got an early morning today! We've got to get up and take the Metro over to the Capitol so we can get in line for tickets to the tour. Depending on what time we get, we'll either hang around until our tour starts, or go across to the Supreme Court and/or Library of Congress and catch tours there.

**********
OK, I just had to post and tell everyone how cute my cat is! I'm working in our home office today and Magellan decided to come in with me. He's taking his morning nap now, laying in a patch of sunlight on the carpet, using what I think might be one of DH's ethernet modems as a pillow! It's so darn cute. I need a camera!

11:45am

--1 oz baked nacho chips
--1/2 cup corn casserole
--1 cup sf jello

I ate all of this while staring into the fridge to try to figure out what to eat. I let myself get caught up in some reading and I got waaaay too hungry. I'm making the last of my fish sticks now, so I should have a "real" meal soon.

12:20pm

--12 fish sticks
--1 crown steamed broccoli

Time to find something to do for the afternoon. Still nothing going on at work.

TTNW: After a morning of history lectures and neoclassical architecture, DH and I will need to find some sustenance. I read that the Dirksen South Senate Office Building has a really good lunch buffet that includes several entrees and a carving station for about $11! With DC's normal prices, that's a steal! I just hope we can find it!

2:40pm

--1 SB bar
--1 1/2 oz baked nacho chips
--1 strawberry applesauce

Hungry!!!

4:30pm

--1 bowl low sugar Trix
--1 light whole wheat english muffin
--1 T light butter
--1 T jam
--1T hummus
--1 handful baby carrots
--1 oz baked nacho chips

Waaay no much snacking!

TTNW: After the govt. buildings and lunch, we're thinking of wandering over to the National Archives and the Bureau of Engaraving and Printing. Can't wait to see all that money!

7:00pm

--1 large white roll
--2 T butter
--1/4 cup croutons
--1 T ranch dressing
--1 piece lasagna

We had a buy one get one coupon for lasagna at Spaghetti Warehouse. It was also kids eat free night so service was super sloooow and it was really loud! I wound up eating way too much bread and butter just because the wait was so long for the food. We wound up paying $11 for the meal and I think we overpaid.

We went shopping after dinner for an entertainment armoire. We struck out on that, but we found the coolest cocktail table--it's 42" square cherry wood with a leather inlay. It also has 4 leather storage ottomans that store underneath the table. We're converting our dining room into a clubby-type map room and this will be perfect! It's got me inspired and I really want to get working on the house. Why, oh why, does money not grow on trees?

TTNW: I traded in some Mariott reward points for a gift certificate, so I think we're going to eat at one of the hotel's restaurants tonight.

DH's conference has a cocktail reception and the National Theater is showing my very favorite movie, Bull Durham. I'd love to see it on the big screen in a restored theater! I hope we can make it to the show!

 

[Mykelogan]

Hi Pearlieq! (Sorry about that! Oy! What a day I have had! LOL)

Glad that you were able to talk over the financial issues with your DH. I hope that you have a great day!

Mike

 

[eeyore25]

Hi Pearlieq,

Good news that you were able to talk to DH about finances. I always hate discussing money with my DH, but I do the bills and all so I have too. I too understand the eating out/in issue. I used to love to eat out, in fact I did it every week before I started WISH. I know what that does to the pocket book!

Your cat sounds so cute!!! I hope you are having a great day!

Keep it up

 

[lillygator]

Hi!!
Did you guys find that buffet? Sounds like a grea bargain for the price.
Glad you got to talk with DH....I handle the finances as well...luckily DH hardly ever spends a dime....his ATM card not working helps a lot too!

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning Pearlieq!

So how goes it on this bright sunny day? I really like reading about DC, it gives me some ideas of places I would like to visit.

You and DH have gone a step in the right direction on figuring out how each person views money. My DH likes to spend more than me as he came from a home of business owners who were doing well for themselves and whenever something was needed his dad went and bought new. DH still likes new everything, but has come around a little. I come from a family with old fashioned values where you take care of the things you inherit, have a large garden to feed the family through the year, and are careful with your money. Thankfully, I take care of the finances. But we understand where each other comes from in terms of spending and have learned to work together on it. Not always easy. DH rarely knows what we have in the banks, but I do keep him informed of all the big expenses that come up so that he has some idea of how much is really going out. It works. Here is my solution for him if something were to happen to me and he had to take over: I have put EVERYTHING that pertains to finances, assets, insurances, retirement, deeds, car titles, paid bills, bank statements, everything that I think he will need to find, in one spot. Currently it is in one very large tote (of course, you have to clean it out periodically) and he knows that if worse came to worse all he has to do is take the entire tote down to the accountant, who will be more than happy to sit down with him and get him caught up. My guess is that it wouldn't go that far, but it will definitely help him know where everything is, what we have, and what needs to be paid. The business side is trickier, but I gave him the name of someone who can came in and figure things quickly to keep them going and get them ready for the accountant. But for now, threatening to hand it all over really does work. My DH likes to enjoy his hard work as well, that's why we bought DVC. But you are right, it doesn't stretch as far as we would like.

Hope you have a good day today!

 

[pearlieq]

8/2/06

9:00am

--1 bowl low sugar trix
--1 % milk
--1 SB bar

I know this cereal is not the most nutritious thing in the world, but darn is it yummy! I didn't even remember we had it--I'm a stockpile buyer, so it was buried behind the other row of cereal.

Thanks for the great advice, Lesli. I think storing it all together is a great idea if something were to happen. We had another long talk about it last night. I think it's possible I don't give DH enough credit for the things he does do. I've got this picture of him in my head as we was 3-5 years ago and I haven't really updated it to account for where he is now. He has matured and made a lot of progress. We're still trying to work out spending money. He spent about $60 on golf and golf supplies in the last 2 weeks. I would be fine with that if it came out of his spending money, but he uses all of his spending money to eat lunch out during the workweek and usually he isn't willing to budge on that one. So does he just get extra spending money because he chooses to spend money on lunch? Do I just need to adjust the budget so that we both get more spending money? Where does that money come from. He doesn't think that $20-30 here or there is a big deal. I say that $20-30 here and there adds up to $500 at the end of the month and we miss making our retirement contribution again.

He thinks I'm too regimented. I think he's too loose. The cheese stands alone.

TTNW: This is the first full day of DH's conference, so I've got the day to myself. I'm going to get up as early as possible and head out toward Arlington. Hopefully I can explore a lot in the morning before the crowds/heat really hit. I would love to see a changing of the guard at the tomb of the unkonwns, and then I'd love to see Lee's house. I think they might run an internal tour of the cemetery, which would be perfect.

1:30pm

--1oz baked nacho chips
--1 serving macaroni & cheese w/peas and tuna
--1 large peach

I'm now on a campaign to use up or properly store all of our perishables. Tonight its blueberry pancakes (leftovers frozen) with a ham and cheese omelet (gets ride of eggs, cheese, and ham!)

I'm going to make banana muffins, pita chips, and splenda-cinnamon roasted almonds to take with us. Hopefully that, with South Beach bars and maybe a couple of sandwiches will keep us away from airport McD's and the mini bar in the hotel room. I still need to call the hotel and find out whether we get a fridge in the room.

TTNW: After Arlington, I'm going to keep going on the Metro toward Pentagon City (great minds, Christin!) to the mall. I'm sure there'll be some decent lunch option there!

4:30pm

--the rest of the mac & cheese w/tuna & peas!

Starving!

TTNW: After some fun at the mall, I want to head to the DEA museum. It doesn't look very big, but it does look interesting and fun. It's a topic I find fascinating. After that, depending on what time it is, I may try to swing by the Kennedy center and catch a tour. Then, back to the hotel to meet up with DH and get a quick rest!

7:00pm

--2 cheese sticks
--2 beef & cheddar sandwiches
--1/2 order fries

Well, the fast food strike is over. Or not over, just temporarily interrupted. I ate too much, but otherwise I'm OK with it. The cheese sticks were not my idea, DH came home with them and somehow they jumped into my mouth.

TTNW: After a brief rest at the hotel, DH and I will strike out by Metro again to catch a comedy show. We have a dinner/show package for an Improv showcase--they have several local comedians come in for 8-minute sets and the winner advanced to the semi-finals. We love stand-up, so it should be a very fun night!

9:30pm

--2 1/4 chocolate chip bars

I wanted something sweet so I made up a half batch of chocolate chip cookies and baked them as bars in a 7X11. The first one was too cakey, but I figured I hadn't let it cool long enough. The second one, 45 minutes later was still too cakey. I tried one last corner of a piece when they were fully cool and they were still too cakey. So, they got packed up to go to work with DH tomorrow. They're not bad, they're just not what I wanted and therefore not worth the calories.

 

[rcyannacci]

Hey! Looks like you had a good week with eating. My DH and I have had some of the very same financial decisions. We created a strict budget with each of us getting a certain amount of spending cash a month...I've done really well sticking to my amount (if I go over one month, I make up for it the next month), but DH tends to go over each month and then somehow justifies starting over with a clean slate again (grrr...) But, then again, he is the one working 40 hours a week while I write and teach with a more flexible schedule...so what are you going to do? Anyway, glad you made up.

Your DC trip sounds great! Just a hint...if your DH is anything like mine, they will spent hours upon hours in the Air and Space museum. If you can't take it anymore, the new American Indian musuem is next door and absolutely gorgeous! It's worth seeing for the architecture alone. BTW- the Am. history museum is my fav. too, along with the Nat. Art Gallery. Oh, and on one of your free days while your DH is conferencing, shopping at the Pentagon City Mall is fun. You can get there easy on the Metro, Pentagon City station.

Hope you have a good day!

 

[eeyore25]

Hi,

I hope you make it today before the crowds and heat. And most of all, I hope you have a great time!!!!!

Have a great day! Keep up the good work!

 

[Mykelogan]

Hi pearlieq!

Just came by to say hi and you made me spit my water ouT! "The Cheese stands alone." I know that you were referencing something very serious but the way that comment flowed so naturally in your train of thought broke me up with laughter.

I hope you are having a great night! Good ideas on how to avoid the McDs Monster at the airports!

Mike

 

[Jane E.]

Pearliq, hope you're enjoying Washington DC. We visited there several years back and had a great time; however, I've never done so much walking in my life. My younger son loved seeing Ford Theater & the house across the street where Lincoln died. Its amazing that the theater is still standing after all of these years. My favorite was visiting Arlington. I loved seeing the changing of the guards. Have fun, walk lots & be sure to drink lots of water!

 

[Cruise04]

You sound like you are doing very well this week pearliq. I can't remember when you leave for DC but I hope you have an awesome time. I went there for the first time a year ago with dd's class and it was awesome - I want to go back again because we did everything just way too fast!!!! Have a great trip!!!!

Keep on
Chris

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi pearlieq!

Looks like you are doing a great job this week! Keep up the good work!

Hope you're having a great time in D.C.! Take care!

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning, Pearlieq!

Great job packing up the baked goods right away. You did great yesterday, even though the fast food strike got an interruption. Now just ask yourself, did you crave it the same as before or have the cravings lessened a great deal. And after not having it for a while, does it still taste really really good, or is it more of a "it just tastes good"? I know when I stopped eating fast food (not that it was hard to do in the boonies), I got to the point where eating it just didn't taste good and weighed me down.

I hear you about the DH spending the little here and there, thinking it is only a little. Mine does that, but he is getting better. Unfortunately, I think he still spends too much at times. If your DH has done better than in the past and has learned alot from you, then you both deserve some credit. One thing that we did when we got married was sit down and develop a budget. After that, we took a percentage of each person's paycheck and put it in the "family" acct to pay all the budgeted expenses. What was left over from the paychecks was that person's spending money. Of course, mine is less than DH's since I make less, but I don't mind, after all I have less contributed to the family acct as well. It has worked very well (although we probably need to revisit the budget again). Also, there have been times when we both have used our "spending" money to cover family expenses as we chose. So it is a little flexible. But DH NEVER asks me for money from the family acct, he knows better.

The DC trips sounds fun. Have a great day!

 

[pearlieq]

8/3/05 - 2 more days till DC!

8:00am

--1 SB bar

My hip hurts this morning! I've been having trouble lately with hip of whatever side I favored during the night being very sore! So far I really haven't found an effective stretch or anything to work it out either.

To answer your question, Lesli, it wasn't so much that I was craving it. I just wanted it. And it tasted incredible! I just wish I hadn't given my knee-jerk order. I could easily have done with one sandwich and fewer fries. And maybe kept it to one of the surprise cheese sticks. Aside from the cravings (which don't seem to have hit again so far!) my biggest problem is just ordering too much food. I need to keep my head in the game and remind myself that Arby's is not disappearing off the face of the Earth and therefore I only need one sandwich because if I really wanted another I could have one tomorrow!

I might actually have work to do today! I also have more "getting ready" chores. Tonight will be our last night eating in. I like the house clean when I get home from a vacation. The cleaning people are coming tomorrow, so after that, no more cooking! I've got almost all of the laundry done, so I just need to get that upstairs and then get all the papers together.

TTNW: Another early morning--I'm going to head out to the National Zoo! I have to read up again to so I get off at the right Metro Station. Apparently the zoo is on a hill and if you get off at the wrong station it's a long, uphill walk! I can't wait to see the pandas and explore everything else in the park!

11:00am

--3 eggs, plus one yolk
--2 pieces light bread
--1 1/2 T light butter
--1 T jam
--1 large peach
--1 cup 1% milk

I really like this light butter! Most margarines and reduced-fat butters are downright scary but I've had really good results with this Land o' Lakes light with Canola Oil. It's worked great in cooking and I can even eat it straight on toast, etc. without cringing! Yay!

TTNW: I'll probably catch some lunch at the zoo, but food service options do seem kind of limited there. Maybe I'll venture out into the surrounding neighborhood and see what I can find.

1:00 - 4:00pm

--1 bowl frosted mini wheats
--1 applesauce cup
--2 pita chips
--7-8 almonds

I think that might be it. I did a lot of cooking--I made some Splenda cinnamon almonds and pita chips.

TTNW: After the National Zoo I might make my way over to the National Cathedral. I've been there a few times and it never gets old. It's just so beautiful and so peaceful.

7:15pm

--2 Manwich sandwiches on light wheat buns
--2 servings carrots au gratin
--8 pita chips
--1 1/2 T hummus
--1/3 large cantaloupe

The carrots were an experiment--the recipe needs some tweaking. We finally got Bride & Prejudice from Netflix--I saw it 3 times in the theater. It's just so light and fun! We also rearranged a bunch of furniture. I think the rooms will come together well when we're done.

TTNW: There is a social event with DH's conference. Depending on what the event is and if I'm allowed to go we'll see what happens. There's an ESPN Zone very close to our hotel. We really want to eat there--maybe we'll do it this night.

TTNW:

 

[Storygirl]

Good morning!!! I hope work goes fast for you...

Enjoy preparing for your trip! I love your TTNW (although I always read it as "ta ta for now" for some reason ) and am really looking forward to hearing all about your trip when you get back (and while you're there!).

Have a great Wednesday!

 

[rcyannacci]

I need to keep my head in the game and remind myself that Arby's is not disappearing off the face of the Earth and therefore I only need one sandwich because if I really wanted another I could have one tomorrow!

I so hear you!!! Isn't it funny what we do to ourselves? Sometimes I have these very logical discussions with myself about what I'm going to eat and why, and then later realize they were motiviated by something entirely different. It must be some sort of survival "hard-wiring" that tells us to keep eating what's available in case it's not available tomorrow.

The zoo sounds great! DC is such a great place to just wander around...and you'll get lots of exercise with all that walking. Plus, the metro is so clean (well, in comparison with other subways/trains).

Have a great day

 

[kardiebelle]

Have a great day today. I hope your hip feels better. Do you have a extra pillow? I sleep with one between my legs everynight. It relieves the stress that gets put on the hips and back. You should try it. I know that things don't work for everyone but it is worth a try. Have fun getting ready for your trip.

 

[eeyore25]

Hi Pearleq,

Hope you have a great time at the zoo!!!

Hope you are having a great day!

keep up the good work!

 

[Mykelogan]

Hi Pearlieq,

Just popping in late to say I am glad you had a good day and hope that you have a great Thursday!

Mike