There are a few things going on that are taking some money from my plan. I figure that since I’m blogging about what I’m doing well I should also admit to some weaknesses. Otherwise, I’m not being completely honest with myself.

1. I fell for a few more of those book clubs. Stinkin’ stink! Luckily, they have low requirements so after buying two books that I want and would buy anyway, I can cancel. I really have a weakness for books, in case you hadn’t noticed. I’m good about responding so I don’t get the ones they automatically send, so that’s a plus. It’s very easy for me to go on the Internet when I receive a mailing and decline the choices for the month — much easier and cheaper than filling out the little reply card, getting a stamp on it and mailing it back, hoping it gets there on time. This really is something I need to watch. I’ve been spending more on books than on stitching lately, which is strange.

2. I’m going to the Rush concert tonight! They are my favorite band and the last two times they’ve come to town I haven’t been able to afford it. I haven’t been to a concert in probably 10 years. I didn’t think my friend and I were going to be able to go (long story), but she knows someone who knows a Ticketmaster broker and got us some really good seats. We’re actually in seats, not on the lawn. Of course, I had sticker shock when she told me the price – $125! However, I’ll pay her when I get paid next Friday (she’s OK with that) and I’ll have a great time. It’s more than I like to pay for a concert, but it’s my favorite and I probably won’t go again for another 10 years. How the heck do people afford paying for a bunch of these concerts every year?

3. I may be going to Seattle in August. My sister and I were trying to get together in September. One idea was for her to fly out here and we’d go to Gettysburg for and extended weekend, also visiting Antietam. I’m planning on doing this anyway, but by myself I’m going to stay in an inexpensive place for one night, possibly two. If we both went we’d stay longer. Anyway, a friend of hers is also trying to get together with her sister, who lives in Baltimore. So, they thought it would be fun do do a sisters thing for a few days in Seattle. Now, Seattle in August — how lovely will that be compared to the icky Philly weather that time of the year? Plus, I’ve never been there. My sis has offered to use some of her airline miles for my flight, which is a big help, but I’ll still need to bring a few hundred dollars for spending money and to help with the rooms. It’s not definite, and with all the goofy schedules it’s very possible it won’t happen.

4. I NEED NEW GLASSES! I’m getting these in August. If I do nothing else, this has to be done. My glasses are 10 years old. I’m sure I need a new prescription and my frames are getting all chipped. Now, in the past I’ve gone to places like LensCrafters and have done OK. This time, I think I’m going to spend a little more and go to my friend’s eye doctor who is spectacular. It will cost more, but I’m going for two reasons: 1. I’m getting older and want to be sure my eyes are taken care of so I can continue with my needlework hobby without problems; 2. This guy bought a snowglobe in Dallas for me to give to another friend’s son when he heard that I was collecting them after his shelving broke and his whole collection was destroyed. I don’t know — I really appreciated the fact that he did this for me and my friend’s son, both of whom he’d never met, and I feel that I want to give him my business.

So, that’s what I’m going to be spending money on over the next month or two. The good side? If I actually do all of the above (Seattle is a big question mark at the moment), I will have the cash to do it! I won’t have to put anything on a credit card. The only “payment” will be my usual “thank you” for my sister. She makes good money and likes to bring me out to see her and ends up putting the flight on her miles and such. I usually end up making her something nice for her apartment, as she appreciates the needlework but doesn’t do it herself.

Also, I will still be able to pay off that other settlement offer I received. I’m paying that when I get paid next week and can swing it, even with the $100 I’m paying my friend for the Rush ticket. My savings will take a hit, though — I’m not taking any money that I already have in savings, but I’ll be putting less in.