Post of interest... and fear and trembling

Just read this blog post about steps a lady in San Francisco is taking to keep her life in financial control. I was surprised at how many people posted comments describing her existence as "grim." I thought this was just how people lived, ya know? I mean... I do drive to work because there is no public transit in my town that is worth the money (I spend less on the gas than I would on bus fare), I get an eyebrow wax every couple of months (tweeze in between), have a microwave, drink alcohol fairly often (click on the "Beer" tag for more on that), and buy greeting cards (50 cents at Goodwill!), but otherwise... isn't this just life?

Oh, and I joined a gym. :[ I feel like I have committed the cardinal financial sin, but hey, a girl needs SOMETHING to do all winter and it will keep me healthy and get me out of the apartment around humans. I did my shopping around first, though. I picked the gym that had a reduced rate for young adults 25 and under (first price break I've had since graduating) and included free locker space (bring your own lock) and included all classes. Stay tuned.

In absolutely awful news, I logged in to my online banking a bit ago and saw a NEGATIVE balance. I have no idea how this happened. There is a pending $115 transaction that I cannot account for. I called the fraud line and they said it could be a combination of charges and they will be itemized tomorrow morning when they change from "pending" to "posted." I'm still freaked. I can find $30 worth of outstanding checks that haven't cleared yet in my register, but nowhere near $115 unless I forgot to write in something fairly big! I did an emergency quick transfer so hopefully nothing will bounce (please, God!).

Thankfully, I get paid tomorrow. But geez. I'm smarter than this. That's why I balance my checkbook obsessively! It's not my fault... is it? :-P

I haven't fallen off the edge of the earth or even the edge of the state!

Forgive me reader for I have sinned. I have given in to the siren call of summer fun and spent more than perhaps I should. Kayaking, turnpike tolls and friendly lunches with friends all have taken their toll. Not to say that I wouldn't do it again since I enjoyed each of those activities immensely but watching my account balance creep down has been less fun.
I have therefore decided to take part in the Women in Red Pantry Challenge where for a month I'll only buy the bare essentials and eat out of my pantry. The hardest part will be finding cool days to make large batches of food since most of my pantry stock is stove top or oven food.
Of course I haven't totally abandoned my frugal ways this summer and I'm still searching for an EBay like option for selling a few items since I'm not fond of listing fees. I did manage to contact my phone company about lowering my bill so now I just have to wait for the paperwork.
I'm also now a proud adopted aunt of 2 adorable 4 month old boy kittens. Her owner (a friend of mine) will be getting said bundles of fluffy joy in a month or so when they have been vaccinated and neutered. She's planning on having a kitty shower to welcome them into her home. Normally I view all showers with a slant eye as they are often little more than money grabs but even I have gotten caught up in the excitement and will be giving toys that my own cat doesn't play with and a few home made items that I can make quite cheaply.