Too long...I know

...so interesting fact as I sit here and enjoy my Mocha Frappuccino ice cream, I wonder, how many calories am I ingesting?

For 1/2 cup (or a 1/4 of the container) is 220 calories and 13 grams of fat. (And yes, I really did only eat half a cup! It is back in the freezer as I type this!) Now how does that compare to the actual drink?

For a Grande it is 380 calories and 15 grams of fat when made with 2% milk and whip cream! No whip and skim milk changes it to 260 calories and 3.5 grams of fat (but not as delicious!).

Now I don't know about anyone else but I would rather eat than drink my calories and trust me when I say that this ice cream is worth it!

I was sad when my $2/1 coupons expired! I thought I used all of mine but then found out after they expired I still had some in my stash! So sad since Kroger has these on for $2.50 each so I was buying them for $0.50 each! So worth it!!!!

I know I was supposed to be posting my savings and coupons but with work, school and football, life has been busy! I am keeping all my receipts and I will have a tally at the end of the month, for sure!

So I have been back at work for a month now and it really is like I never left. Work is ever changing and I have am now on a different team since being back and my dept is different now. So many changes and I am not sure how this is going to effect me career wise. There just does not seem like there is room for growth anymore and I am scared of being stagnant. I am 33 years old and do not want to be doing this job into my 40s. When I started there, I expected to be much farther along in my five year plan than I am now. My three year anniversary is November 6th and all I have done is become a Master Rep and my manager is 9 years younger than me....then again so is my closest friend right now...:-)

I love the company I work for but even as one of the top companies in our industry we are struggling. I shouldn't complain, my husband has it far worse. We don't even know how long his company is going to last. We are preparing to become a one income family if we have to. We are also preparing for him to go back to school. I think he has found something that he really wants to do and I am so happy for him. I had my time, now it is his turn.

To help the cause I will really be honing my couponing skills. Getting organized and buying the loss leaders at the stores. I will also be trying to cook more. Since I have been back at work we have had takeout only twice! Once was Little Cesaer's and once was TGIFriday's that I only paid $3.24 because I had an $8 off coupon! That is huge for our family because Monday's were always $1 Hamburger meal nights at McD's and Friday was pizza night! Those combined were $15-20/week depending on if we got one or two pizzas. Grocery shopping has been significantly less and Ethan has been eating more so I am seeing my pantry start to dwindle...

...well baby is getting up for his middle of the night feeding...hope everyone has a great weekend!

It's been a while...

...I am back at work..my first full week and I stayed the entire 40 hours! That in itself is an accomplishment. I thought for sure I would be applying for VTO (voluntary time off) whenever the opportunity presented itself. I felt that I would be doing my family a disservice by going home early. Chris and I have many financial goals that we would like to accomplish by December so I should not be taking time unpaid "just because"

...the kids have also started school. Kids. PLURAL. I have two in school now. WOW! Tristan seems to be adjusting well. Scared me a little bit since his teacher called me around 11 am this morning but it was just cause he was missing his Alphabet Book. When I saw her name on my phone, I thought something happened and my heart jumped up in my throat...He did have his binder signed because he was throwing wood chips at recess but other than that, I am told he is adjusting well. I have to give him a little leeway since this really is his first structured environment. He never had the chance to go to Pre-School like Ethan nor did we ever have daycare. My Tristan is a very smart boy and I know he will do well. Today, he picked a flower for his teacher...yes, this would be my little charmer...

...I must say that I am very proud of Ethan. He is being such a GREAT older brother and I really do not tell him that enough. He looks out for Tristan and he really is happy to have him at school with him. It is still hard for the boys in the morning and you can hear Ethan telling Tristan that they both have to get ready for school. It really is so cute.

...for Chris and I...I think this adjustment is going to take some getting used to. I am not sure what to do to make this easier for him on Thursdays and Fridays. I can't imagine what it will be like if he goes back to having weekends off instead of Monday and Tuesday nights! Currently, he is the one dealing with football practices and dinner...almost makes me want to switch my shift back to days. But, I really do like nights..or I guess I should say evenings. This shift is MUCH less stressful than when I worked days and I really do like the people down here. I remember being so scared to come to this team. Scared of the new manager, the people...and now, I can't imagine why...

...and I really need to get back to better couponing. I have been getting some decent deals lately at Walgreens with their $5/$25 deals and so many Register Rewards. They needed to do something when they took away their rebate program and I appreciate their efforts to keep us couponers happy...I think with being at work during this shift, I should be able to do more research and really search the deals. I am working on a better organization system as well as a teaching method for both beginners and intermediate couponers. I do not consider myself an expert yet, though I know many of my friends turn to me for help, they should see how some others do it! WOW! I have not made it on TV nor radio so I guess I am not an expert..YET! Please notice the emphasis...LOL

...well thanks for listening to my rant...I know I haven't been keeping up like I wanted. I will try to be better about it...

Happy Friday EVERYONE!