In a continuation of my previous post, for those searching for budgeting software and a new way of looking at your money, check out YNAB Pro. The 4 Rules are enough to turn most people's finances around, and the software is enough, simple, and as far away from overkill (like Quicken or Money) as you can get. Unlike the other software mentioned a moment ago, you'll actually use all the features!

Anyway. I've been noticeably absent because I've been helping mom paint her house. Oy. The eaves alone were enough to give me a back and knee(s) ache. Perching on a step ladder and/or the edge of a planter bed can't be good for you. Not to mention that the wasps were eyeing her eaves as their promised land. I think I knocked down at least 3 new nests. Thankfully the black widows that have sometimes taken up residence were much absent. (I can't stand spiders. *shudder*)

Gary lucked out and spent the weekend in Vegas hiking Red Rock Canyon. He *claimed* he had a trade show to attend early this week. Mmhmm. Suuuuure. You just didn't want to paint. ;)

Next weekend is the Balboa Rendezvous, so I will be relieved of duty...or AWOL, depending on who you ask!

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Now playing: Ella Fitzgerald - That Old Black Magic
via FoxyTunes

Happy Easter!

It was a quiet day this year as far as Easter goes. We haven't done an easter reunion in several years now, but quiet is good.

When not working on work stuff this last week, I've been working on straightening out my financial situation. I started to do this last year about this time as well, but it all went to hell in a hand basket with an unplanned root canal (stupid braces) and the death of my father, who lived in England. Now that I've somewhat recovered from those two items, I'm focusing again on getting an emergency fund built up and getting out of (bad) debt. I've found a couple of good sites from laypeople, most notably It's Your Money. From reading up, it seems my problem last year was launching into the reduction part without establishing a beginner emergency fund. Not that the emergency fund would have covered the whole of my troubles, but it would have made a small dent.

I think Gary's gotten tired of coming home from work to find me camped out in front of my computer, hashing out a budget that takes into account as much as I can think of.

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Now playing: Michael Bublé - Home
via FoxyTunes