Crockpot Site

I got a new crockpot with my some of my Christmas money this year. It is one of my goals to cook more in my crock pot, especially since Isabelle comes home from daycare ravenous. I have discovered this site: A Year of Crockpotting. This lady resolved to cook in her crockpot every day for a year! There are some great ideas on this site…I can’t wait to use it. I’m thinking about the BBQ Chicken and Cornbread casserole for tomorrow night…

Bad Economic News

The last couple of days have been very difficult at work. I have been ay my company for 8 1/2 years, and I have never seen the economy quite like this. We went from being crazy busy just 4 months ago to not having much work at all, much less having work that pays. Yesterday was the worst day ever for layoffs. My company laid off seven people. I am blessed to still have a job, but it is pretty scary to think that at the beginning of October, we had 57 employees, and now we only have 42. I know that many firms have split or gone under in this economic climate, and I am praying that this will not happen. It is scary, especially when I consider that Zach and I are in the same industry, and both companies are struggling.

For my friends that were released yesterday, I am so sorry, and please know that you are in my prayers.

If you are an elected official, please use your authority to fix the economy. I am sorry if you are “inheriting” this mess, but we Americans are looking to you for help. Mr. Obama, this plea is directed to you especially. This is a plea from all of us little people.

The result of Triples January 09

I forgot to post how much money I saved at the Harris Teeter triples. I went 4 times over triples and spent $84.52. I know that’s a lot of money, but there were several items that we needed, like toilet paper, paper towels, and feminine products, that don’t normally get too cheap. My husband also went on one of the trips, which also messes me up (the savings that trip was only about 50%). But if I had paid full price on the items I bought over those 4 days, I would have spent almost $255!! That means I saved 67%, and other than produce, eggs, and milk, we should be set for a while for groceries.

We are also writing down everything that we are buying this month to get a better handle on our budget. It will be interesting how much we spend and how much we can save.

The next Exam

I have registered for the next ARE exam. I will be taking Schematic Design on February 13. And yes, I realized that day was Friday the 13th before I signed up. I hope to hear the results of the exam I took in December some time in the next couple of weeks.

The Schematic Design exam is different from the others in that there are no multiple choice exams. It is 2 different graphic vignettes. It is also the longest exam at 6 hours. I was looking for a change, though. Those multiple choice exams are rough!

I’ll keep you posted on the results, as I get them!