Discovered another small error, but this one was in my favor: I have $26 more than I thought, so I'm really only $19 short.

Still taking the stuff back, though. Would like a little cushion, small though it may be.

I didn't spend too much time agonizing over my financial screw-up. For once, I had a "I'll figure it out" attitude, then went about my business.

As I was unloading my groceries, there were three things that I decided I'd take back. I won't feel all that deprived over it because they're items I do need, but I don't have to have now. One is the room heater (I have one, but it doesn't get hot enough); one is the makeup bronzer (I can get this later); one is the peppermint soap. At WF, it's way too expensive. I can get it cheaper elsewhere.

It all adds up to a little over $41...ain't that a kick in the head?

I canceled my hair appointment with apologies. It bugs me to cancel that because of the roots, but oh well...it was either shoes or hair and I've already worn one of the shoes.

I'm cool.

AND THAT LOAN IS STILL PAID OFF!!!

I realized I forgot two things at the grocery store: eggs & gf salad dressing.

I spent 13.31 and 9.77 respectively.

Then I got home to check my receipts and realized I added wrong in my checking account.

Too good to be true. I'm 131 short. So I'm canceling my hair appointment tomorrow and will do that next time. Still leaves me 46 short. I have a week or so to come up with the 30, and I can redeposit the 16 cash I have.

I don't regret paying off the loan, and I don't regret the new clothes. But I'm mad anyway. If I hadn't made the error, which is all too often, there are a couple of bills I could've put off - like my cable bill or the yoga CD.

Hrrmph.

That magic number is now - ta da - $2343.66, down from $4083. That means I've paid $1739.34 of that #.

That Magic Number is a number of past debts or quickly coming up debts that desperately need to be paid before I can get myself on a strict budget and spending plan. As it is now, I'm always scrambling to pay for what is about to be cut off, what will be turned over to collections or law enforcement, what will be automatically deducted out of my account, what must be paid.

I'm looking forward to a day when I can save up for something, when I can plan for expenditures and have savings for those I can't plan.

It won't always be pretty, but it will be stable for the first time in about 3 years.

To continue with everything else:

36.23 at Whole Foods
33.80 on gasoline, which should last the entire 2 weeks
89.43 at Walmart, which is food, a clock for my yoga room, another heater for my yoga room, a little sparkle makeup.

AND YIPEE THAT LOAN IS PAID OFF COMPLETELY!!!

I allocated 85 for my roots and hair cut.

This leaves me about 40 for the next two weeks. Not much, but I'll make it work.