Twice a week, I have to drive about 75 miles (almost all highway) round trip for a class. It generally takes about 45 minutes each way, and easily a quarter of a tank of gas. It's costing about $60 to top up the tank these days, so the extra money that I'm getting paid for a class that's outside of my usual range isn't going as far as I'd hoped.
I usually set my cruise control to 70, and don't mind when I get passed, which is pretty often. I've been reading a lot about how lower speeds can improve mpg, so I decided to slow down even more. Yesterday, I set the cruise for 65 for most of each way.
It's hard to tell if I did save much/any gas, but I was getting passed even more than before, if that's possible. If I'd tried to go 55, I'd probably get in an accident. I remember back in the 70's, when Carter first established the 55/hour speed limit, it was to save gas, not lives. Saving lives was just a bonus. I read about one guy who went 45 on the highway, and got truly phenomenal mileage, but he said that he didn't recommend it.
Even with gas prices going crazy, I don't see a lot of people slowing down, and I wonder why that is. Habit? Time being more valuable than money?
We're planning on driving to Florida in the fall, and going straight through instead of stopping half way, as we did the past two times. I'm wondering about the value of getting there as quickly as we can versus saving some money. We'll have to see what the situation is like in a few months.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Boycotting Subway
This just doesn't make sense to me.
Subway is having a "Every Sandwich Tells a Story" contest. Yeah, that part I get.
At the bottom is the disclaimer.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Contest is open only to legal residents of the United States who are currently over the age of 18 and have children who attend elementary, private or parochial schools that serve grades PreK-6. No home schools will be accepted.
No home schools? Why not? I'm going to email them and ask why, but until then, no Subway for us! Quizno's, here we come!
Update: apparently, the grand prize is $5,000 worth of sports equipment for the winner's school. They don't want to award all that equipment to an individual family, which I understand. But even though we don't have a school to give the equipment to, we do have our co-op, as well as our Homeschool Athletic League. Either would be thrilled with a donation like that. Though some homeschoolers do operate totally independently, there are many of us who are part of various programs.
Subway is having a "Every Sandwich Tells a Story" contest. Yeah, that part I get.
At the bottom is the disclaimer.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Contest is open only to legal residents of the United States who are currently over the age of 18 and have children who attend elementary, private or parochial schools that serve grades PreK-6. No home schools will be accepted.
No home schools? Why not? I'm going to email them and ask why, but until then, no Subway for us! Quizno's, here we come!
Update: apparently, the grand prize is $5,000 worth of sports equipment for the winner's school. They don't want to award all that equipment to an individual family, which I understand. But even though we don't have a school to give the equipment to, we do have our co-op, as well as our Homeschool Athletic League. Either would be thrilled with a donation like that. Though some homeschoolers do operate totally independently, there are many of us who are part of various programs.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Trying to Do It All
We've been here before . . .
My work schedule currently:
This takes me to 18 hours a week at least (including drive time, it's 27 hours out of the house). That's a lot for me. But it will get better in June, and a lot better in July, and after August, the only class that I am likely to have will be the T/Th nights.
So when I got the email this morning that there's another German class open, of course it's tempting me. I feel like I have to enjoy this summer bounty while it lasts, because--like tomatoes--they won't be around forever.
This class isn't so far away--about 30 minutes--but the pay rate is less than the other German classes. After taxes, paying the babysitter (she's saving for a car and is happy to come over as much as I want, and the kids love her to bits), and the extra gas for the car, I'd bring home about an extra $50 a week.
I don't know if that's worthwhile. Yeah, over the course of the summer it would add up, and German classes are generally easy and fun, but it's still time out of my life. I actually found myself thinking, "Are you sure Sarah isn't old enough to watch herself and Lauren for a couple hours?" before NO came crashing in. She isn't. If I want the class, I'll pay for babysitting. In a few more years, it won't be an issue, but not now.
The question is, do I want it. We always need the money. I already have too much to do and can't keep my life straight. That's really what it always comes down to: Time vs. Money. Too Much Time = Not Enough Money. Plenty of Money = Not Enough Time.
Obviously, I have no idea what I'm going to do. Again. As usual.
Edit: That was almost too obvious. While I was talking to Jeff, I realized that although I can't take on anything else right now, once the afternoon computer classes are over, I'll have a little more time again. The question now is whether the student is willing to wait three more weeks for class to start, or if they can find another instructor who can start sooner. Either way, I'm satisfied with the outcome.
My work schedule currently:
- Monday & Wednesday: German; 5 - 7; 45 minute drive (ends no later than August, possibly sooner)
- Tuesday & Thursday: German; 7 - 9; 30 minute drive (ends in June, but might be extended)
- Wednesday & Friday: Computers; 11:45 - 3:15; 15 minute drive (ends June 4)
- Tuesday & Thursday: Computers; 6:30 - 8:00; 30 minute drive (starts next week, ends June 19)
This takes me to 18 hours a week at least (including drive time, it's 27 hours out of the house). That's a lot for me. But it will get better in June, and a lot better in July, and after August, the only class that I am likely to have will be the T/Th nights.
So when I got the email this morning that there's another German class open, of course it's tempting me. I feel like I have to enjoy this summer bounty while it lasts, because--like tomatoes--they won't be around forever.
This class isn't so far away--about 30 minutes--but the pay rate is less than the other German classes. After taxes, paying the babysitter (she's saving for a car and is happy to come over as much as I want, and the kids love her to bits), and the extra gas for the car, I'd bring home about an extra $50 a week.
I don't know if that's worthwhile. Yeah, over the course of the summer it would add up, and German classes are generally easy and fun, but it's still time out of my life. I actually found myself thinking, "Are you sure Sarah isn't old enough to watch herself and Lauren for a couple hours?" before NO came crashing in. She isn't. If I want the class, I'll pay for babysitting. In a few more years, it won't be an issue, but not now.
The question is, do I want it. We always need the money. I already have too much to do and can't keep my life straight. That's really what it always comes down to: Time vs. Money. Too Much Time = Not Enough Money. Plenty of Money = Not Enough Time.
Obviously, I have no idea what I'm going to do. Again. As usual.
Edit: That was almost too obvious. While I was talking to Jeff, I realized that although I can't take on anything else right now, once the afternoon computer classes are over, I'll have a little more time again. The question now is whether the student is willing to wait three more weeks for class to start, or if they can find another instructor who can start sooner. Either way, I'm satisfied with the outcome.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
My Jalopy
Thanks to Pez for reminding me of this great word.
We have two cars; one (Buick) is primarily for whoever is driving the kids, and the other (Corolla) is mostly for whoever is driving solo. Originally, I drove the Buick only in the summer, when my MIL was driving her cute little convertible. That freedom was a wonderful thing. In the winter, if I needed the car, I had to drive Jeff to work, which was about 45 minutes each way. That meant that the kids and I would spend three hours in the car just getting him to & from work, never mind the actual errands we had to run. So a second car really made a big difference to me.
Eventually, after she and my FIL retired, they sold us ($1) the Buick. Now I had year round freedom! When Jeff asked what kind of car I would want if we got a new one, I told him that I wanted the exact same kind.
That was a few years ago, and I have to admit that I haven't done all I could to take care of it, largely because I wasn't working much since last spring and we didn't have the money. I knew the struts would need to be replaced, for instance.
This spring, I've been working a lot more, maybe 15 hours a week. Getting the car back in shape was a high priority for us, partly because the car was stalling out sometimes. It always started right back up again, but it's very unnerving to be driving along and have the car just die!
We found out back in February that the issue there was the EGR valve, but that the rear brakes were a higher priority. So we got those fixed (along with a couple other things), to the tune of $700.
Last month, I heard a squeaking sound coming from the back. That was the struts, which couldn't be put off any longer. $500 there.
This month, we were going to get the EGR valve fixed properly instead of a temp fix. Also, the front passenger door hasn't opened from the outside for about two years. It's inconvenient, but only when we're all in the car, which is about once a week on average. Oh, and I'd noticed a couple of weeks ago that the alignment was a little off.
Well, the rear driver's side tire has had a slow leak for a while. I've been adding air to it periodically, but knew it would need to be repaired or replaced. Last night, after a birthday part about 45 minutes away from home, it was again a little low, so I put some more air in it. As I was putting the hose away, I could actually hear air coming out of the tire! Holy cow, was I nervous on that drive home. Once we got back, the tire looked maybe a little lower, but this morning, it was flat as a pancake. Jeff put on the spare, and we got it to the garage.
I told the guy that I'd like to get the EGR valve, the tire, the alignment, and the door fixed, but this month's car budget was only $500. He said he'd see what he could do.
When he called me back, he said that the rear trailing arms were also really rusty, and were a higher priority than the EGR valve. In order to stay on budget, the EGR valve & door will have to wait until next month. The tire, alignment, and rear trailing arms will be fixed.
I told him that I was worried about the car being a money pit. Honestly, I love that car, but the money I'm sinking into it is frustrating. He reminded me that I'd put a lot of this off for too long, and that it's still cheaper than a new car. He said that with a little more preventive maintenance, I should be able to get two more winters out of this car.
That's good--it gives me a goal to shoot for. Still, I hate the thought of a new car.
And then there's the Corolla, which is also a jalopy and needs a fair bit of work as well. Um, I'll think about that tomorrow.
Edit: I got out for $400 today, and next month will be about $300. Apparently, the EGR valve is lower priority than I realized, though there are other things to do in order to get it to last the two years.
We have two cars; one (Buick) is primarily for whoever is driving the kids, and the other (Corolla) is mostly for whoever is driving solo. Originally, I drove the Buick only in the summer, when my MIL was driving her cute little convertible. That freedom was a wonderful thing. In the winter, if I needed the car, I had to drive Jeff to work, which was about 45 minutes each way. That meant that the kids and I would spend three hours in the car just getting him to & from work, never mind the actual errands we had to run. So a second car really made a big difference to me.
Eventually, after she and my FIL retired, they sold us ($1) the Buick. Now I had year round freedom! When Jeff asked what kind of car I would want if we got a new one, I told him that I wanted the exact same kind.
That was a few years ago, and I have to admit that I haven't done all I could to take care of it, largely because I wasn't working much since last spring and we didn't have the money. I knew the struts would need to be replaced, for instance.
This spring, I've been working a lot more, maybe 15 hours a week. Getting the car back in shape was a high priority for us, partly because the car was stalling out sometimes. It always started right back up again, but it's very unnerving to be driving along and have the car just die!
We found out back in February that the issue there was the EGR valve, but that the rear brakes were a higher priority. So we got those fixed (along with a couple other things), to the tune of $700.
Last month, I heard a squeaking sound coming from the back. That was the struts, which couldn't be put off any longer. $500 there.
This month, we were going to get the EGR valve fixed properly instead of a temp fix. Also, the front passenger door hasn't opened from the outside for about two years. It's inconvenient, but only when we're all in the car, which is about once a week on average. Oh, and I'd noticed a couple of weeks ago that the alignment was a little off.
Well, the rear driver's side tire has had a slow leak for a while. I've been adding air to it periodically, but knew it would need to be repaired or replaced. Last night, after a birthday part about 45 minutes away from home, it was again a little low, so I put some more air in it. As I was putting the hose away, I could actually hear air coming out of the tire! Holy cow, was I nervous on that drive home. Once we got back, the tire looked maybe a little lower, but this morning, it was flat as a pancake. Jeff put on the spare, and we got it to the garage.
I told the guy that I'd like to get the EGR valve, the tire, the alignment, and the door fixed, but this month's car budget was only $500. He said he'd see what he could do.
When he called me back, he said that the rear trailing arms were also really rusty, and were a higher priority than the EGR valve. In order to stay on budget, the EGR valve & door will have to wait until next month. The tire, alignment, and rear trailing arms will be fixed.
I told him that I was worried about the car being a money pit. Honestly, I love that car, but the money I'm sinking into it is frustrating. He reminded me that I'd put a lot of this off for too long, and that it's still cheaper than a new car. He said that with a little more preventive maintenance, I should be able to get two more winters out of this car.
That's good--it gives me a goal to shoot for. Still, I hate the thought of a new car.
And then there's the Corolla, which is also a jalopy and needs a fair bit of work as well. Um, I'll think about that tomorrow.
Edit: I got out for $400 today, and next month will be about $300. Apparently, the EGR valve is lower priority than I realized, though there are other things to do in order to get it to last the two years.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Sewing Starts
Got the Serger back, yay!
I've made a reasonable start--I sewed the patches on Lauren's Daisy tunic, fixed a zipper on Sarah's 2006 Easter dress, and made these:
I didn't finish the hems other than to serge them, and they're considerably shorter and less baggy than regular karate pants, but they'll do just fine.)
I've made a reasonable start--I sewed the patches on Lauren's Daisy tunic, fixed a zipper on Sarah's 2006 Easter dress, and made these:
I didn't finish the hems other than to serge them, and they're considerably shorter and less baggy than regular karate pants, but they'll do just fine.)
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Top of the list
Counting Beanbags
My nephew's 2nd birthday is coming up, and I think I'm going to make these. The hardest part will be finding little print/animal fabrics to use for the counting appliqué fronts.
That, and explaining to the girls why their karate pants still aren't done. Official word is that I'm waiting for my Serger to come back from the shop. Unofficial word is that I try to do too much at once.
My nephew's 2nd birthday is coming up, and I think I'm going to make these. The hardest part will be finding little print/animal fabrics to use for the counting appliqué fronts.
That, and explaining to the girls why their karate pants still aren't done. Official word is that I'm waiting for my Serger to come back from the shop. Unofficial word is that I try to do too much at once.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Jonesin' for Sewing
There are so many sewing projects I'd love to be working on right now.
- Cloth napkins. I hate going through paper napkins so quickly. This would be a fast, easy, useful project, and I think I have fabric I could use already.
- Little Boxy Pouch. So cute! Looks quick and easy to make. I have plenty of fabric, but don't think I have any extra zippers. Also, I have no idea what I would do with it once it was done. Suggestions?
- Grocery Bags. I hate the mountains of plastic bags we go through. The pocket on the side also means that I could fold it up and keep a few in my purse or the car--less likely to forget them that way. Supplies: I'm sure I have appropriate fabric downstairs.
- Baby Quilts. I have no upcoming baby showers (though the girls' dance teacher is due with her second baby next fall), but I could always be a blanketeer. I don't currently have any appropriate fabric for this project, but supplies can be had for about $10 if I find a good sale.
- The Un-Paper Bag. I love the size and shape of this bag. I really love the leather handles. Maybe once a few more paychecks come in, and we get the car and oven fixed, I'll splurge on supplies for that one. A cute summer bag.
- Shoulder bag. Looks fun and practical, but a little slouchy. Not at the top of the list right now.
- Totes for the kids to take stuff to the pool this summer.
- Summer clothes for the kids. When we were looking for Easter dress fabric, they saw a lot of cute summery fabric (think bumblebees, watermelon, frogs, etc.), and I promised we'd make some sun dresses & other clothes.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Easier Than Expected
I went in to talk to the principal this morning, and he pretty much agreed to exactly what I asked. So I'll be making about the same amount of money, but instead of being gone from 7:30 AM to 2PM, I'll be gone from 11:30 AM to 3PM. I'd much rather be gone in the afternoon than the morning, and mornings are when we get most of our schoolwork done, so I'm hoping it will be a better situation.
Thanks for all the good wishes!
Thanks for all the good wishes!
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Can't remember the last time . . .
I locked my keys in the car.
I was at my German class tonight, getting ready to leave, when I realized I'd locked the car door, then set the keys down, then looked at some paperwork, then got out of the car. Without the keys. So I had to call Jeff and get him to come unlock the car. No biggie, except that particular student lives 45 minutes away from us, and class wasn't over until 7. So the girls went to bed around quarter to ten tonight.
I'm still in limbo about my time at the school, but it should be resolved by Friday.
I was at my German class tonight, getting ready to leave, when I realized I'd locked the car door, then set the keys down, then looked at some paperwork, then got out of the car. Without the keys. So I had to call Jeff and get him to come unlock the car. No biggie, except that particular student lives 45 minutes away from us, and class wasn't over until 7. So the girls went to bed around quarter to ten tonight.
I'm still in limbo about my time at the school, but it should be resolved by Friday.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
What am I thinking?
Last week, I decided that working the two days at the school was taking too much out of me, and negatively affecting our school work. So I decided to quit. I didn't like it; I don't want to quit because something is hard. Also, I made a commitment, and they are counting on me. In spite of that, once I made the decision, I actually felt lighter. I felt so happy, it surprised me. But I also felt like that was an indicator that I'd made the right decision.
Yesterday morning, I called to see if the morning class was available, which she thought it was (my regular contact is on vacation and I talked to the woman covering for her). She had it listed as a Tuesday/Thursday class, which I'd originally said I couldn't do, because of our co-op. She said she'd see if they were willing to switch days, and I told her that if they weren't, I'd work it out for T/Th (there are only two more regular co-op days, and I could get a friend to drive the kids, then meet them up there a little late).
So. Then I started thinking. This is where the trouble started, of course.
"If I took this new morning class on T/Th, I could stay on at the school. Wow, that would take me up to 23 hours a week once the other night class starts. More if my ESL student can meet. That's nuts. But I don't want to leave the school in the lurch, and it's only two more months. And those classes really take a lot out of me. But it would be steady work again in the fall, when my other classes usually dry up." On and on, ad infinitum.
So here's what I've decided. I'm going to call the principal and tell him that I can't continue as before. I need at least a little more money, and I need the schedule to change. I appreciate that I'm getting paid for prep time, but I need those hours at home. The ball will be in his court, and I'll feel better about it. If I do continue there, the next two months would be really hard, but I'd get through it.
Yesterday morning, I called to see if the morning class was available, which she thought it was (my regular contact is on vacation and I talked to the woman covering for her). She had it listed as a Tuesday/Thursday class, which I'd originally said I couldn't do, because of our co-op. She said she'd see if they were willing to switch days, and I told her that if they weren't, I'd work it out for T/Th (there are only two more regular co-op days, and I could get a friend to drive the kids, then meet them up there a little late).
So. Then I started thinking. This is where the trouble started, of course.
"If I took this new morning class on T/Th, I could stay on at the school. Wow, that would take me up to 23 hours a week once the other night class starts. More if my ESL student can meet. That's nuts. But I don't want to leave the school in the lurch, and it's only two more months. And those classes really take a lot out of me. But it would be steady work again in the fall, when my other classes usually dry up." On and on, ad infinitum.
So here's what I've decided. I'm going to call the principal and tell him that I can't continue as before. I need at least a little more money, and I need the schedule to change. I appreciate that I'm getting paid for prep time, but I need those hours at home. The ball will be in his court, and I'll feel better about it. If I do continue there, the next two months would be really hard, but I'd get through it.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Stupid Conscience
I'm working quite a bit these days, and about to pick up two more evenings. When I got an email yesterday about an early morning class, I told my contact that I was swamped and couldn't take on anything more.
After classes today, I'm wishing I hadn't. I'd forgotten how exhausting teaching groups of school kids can be. And those classes run from 8 until 1:30. Not all of that is class time; some is prep, which I still get paid for, which does help. But it eats up pretty much my whole day, especially since dance and scouts (and more work) are in the afternoons and evenings.
The prospective class, in addition to being adults (who generally want to be there, or at least hide it pretty well if they don't), is from 7 to 9 AM. That time wouldn't eat into our school day very much at all.
Also, the pay rate is about 2 and a half times what I'm making now. I'd bring home about the same amount, but for four hours of work instead of eleven. (For a while, I was giving 40% of my take-home pay to a babysitter, but that issue is cleared up now, and I think our parents will be able to take care of it.)
So, let's sum up.
Instead, I feel stressed and guilty because my own life is pretty much a shambles right now (our school work is really suffering right now, and the house is a wreck).
After classes today, I'm wishing I hadn't. I'd forgotten how exhausting teaching groups of school kids can be. And those classes run from 8 until 1:30. Not all of that is class time; some is prep, which I still get paid for, which does help. But it eats up pretty much my whole day, especially since dance and scouts (and more work) are in the afternoons and evenings.
The prospective class, in addition to being adults (who generally want to be there, or at least hide it pretty well if they don't), is from 7 to 9 AM. That time wouldn't eat into our school day very much at all.
Also, the pay rate is about 2 and a half times what I'm making now. I'd bring home about the same amount, but for four hours of work instead of eleven. (For a while, I was giving 40% of my take-home pay to a babysitter, but that issue is cleared up now, and I think our parents will be able to take care of it.)
So, let's sum up.
- Less stressful
- Better pay rate
- Better time of day
Instead, I feel stressed and guilty because my own life is pretty much a shambles right now (our school work is really suffering right now, and the house is a wreck).
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Saturday, March 08, 2008
This week's goals
besides planning out my classes for work, I will complete a rough draft of the website I said I'd do, and finish these:
I need to fiddle with the collars, hem them, and do buttons /buttonholes. No telling if the clothes they'll wear under them at Easter will be made by me or not. I think they're turning out cute so far!
Monday, March 03, 2008
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Best Baby Shower EVER
I went to a baby shower today for one of Jeff's cousins. At a SPA. Sadly, the mother-to-be lives out of state and couldn't be there, so the grandmother-to-be opened the presents. We all got manicures & massages, had champagne, and Chicken Caesar Salad (or salmon) for lunch. Heaven!
I made my first baby blanket as part of our gift:
It's cute, and wasn't very difficult or very expensive, but if I ever make another one, I will either find my quilting ruler or buy a new one. I am not precise enough with scissors to get really even squares, which are necessary for the "prairie points" around the outside.
I made my first baby blanket as part of our gift:
It's cute, and wasn't very difficult or very expensive, but if I ever make another one, I will either find my quilting ruler or buy a new one. I am not precise enough with scissors to get really even squares, which are necessary for the "prairie points" around the outside.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Working
For the past few months, I've been working very little. Like, "six hours a month," little. In some ways, it's been nice--lots of time at home. In other ways--financial ways--it's been the pits.
Now the pendulum is swinging back in the other direction. Just today, I started teaching computers at a local private Christian school. It'll be 11 hours a week, which is a nice chunk, and it's only a ten minute drive. The downside is that the pay rate is considerably less than what I usually make.
Next week, I'm starting a German class. That'll be four hours a week, but it's at least a 45 minute drive. I usually won't go farther than half an hour, and they knew that, so I managed to get an extra $10/hour out of them.
I'm also trying to get my evening adult computer classes running again. That one is about half an hour away, though I don't know how much it will pay. I'm hoping it will also be four hours a week.
So if everything pans out, I'll be looking at 19 hours (over two days and four nights) a week. That's kind of nuts for me, especially considering that co-op takes up most of another day. I think I'm going to go look at once-a-month-cooking sites again . . .
Now the pendulum is swinging back in the other direction. Just today, I started teaching computers at a local private Christian school. It'll be 11 hours a week, which is a nice chunk, and it's only a ten minute drive. The downside is that the pay rate is considerably less than what I usually make.
Next week, I'm starting a German class. That'll be four hours a week, but it's at least a 45 minute drive. I usually won't go farther than half an hour, and they knew that, so I managed to get an extra $10/hour out of them.
I'm also trying to get my evening adult computer classes running again. That one is about half an hour away, though I don't know how much it will pay. I'm hoping it will also be four hours a week.
So if everything pans out, I'll be looking at 19 hours (over two days and four nights) a week. That's kind of nuts for me, especially considering that co-op takes up most of another day. I think I'm going to go look at once-a-month-cooking sites again . . .
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