Wednesday, July 25, 2007

what I did

Isent this dog just awesome looking? I have always wanted one of these dogs. I once worked for a lady that showed these dogs and she use to wash them in Nexus!

Anyway, what I did to earn that ticket. Jakes mom and sister were coming into town. So I told Jake to borrow one of our cars because it would be cheaper then him renting a car. However the car that had the base sticker on it had expired tags. So we switched the plates and I told Jake that if he got caught that I did not know him!

Jake returned the car to me and I had asked Jake to switch the plates on the car. Well he did, but I for got that he did. So I asked Ambers boyfriend Sam to switch the plates around and he did.

I had to run Amber to work. So I grabbed my keys. I figured I was only going a few blocks so I would not need my purse. As I was dropping Amber off someone called me and asked me to pick up their stuff for Ambers yard sale.

O.K. I take one of the back roads down by the lake. That way it will be quicker. That was when I got pulled over for going 5 miles over the speed limit. Then he asked to see my licence. I did not have it. I was then asked for proof of insurance and registration. I gave him those items.

When the officer comes back he charged me with going 5 miles over the speed limit, no licence, my insurance card was expired so the officer so kindly add on now proof of insurance, and finally driving on expired plate that belonged to another car.

Rusty just looked at the ticket and shook his head. I guess I will not be getting any play money for a long while.

Martha asked me how I manage to keep our bills down and how I stretch  our money when I feed so many people.

1. On Friday night I usually make something that can feed mass amounts of people and feed them very cheaply. Such as chili and bread. The marines are responsible for dinner on Saturday night. The usually all pitch in and someone will go buy some steaks and chicken or whatever. Then Sunday morning breakfast is usually egg's, any left over steak, toast and if we have any hash browns.

2. I do not buy any alcohol. I do not drink, so if the marines want booze then that must buy their own.

3. I never buy any new clothes. I shop yard sale and thrift stores. I actually like their clothes better.

4. The girls are given $200 at the start of the school year and they must buy everything they need for school. The only thing I buy is school supplies and bra's. This has really helped the girls learn how to budget the money. Both of the girls are still using the same back pack's that they bought 3 years ago. They have also discovered that payless shoes work just as well as the expensive shoes. As for Ryan. I just buy him clothes as they are needed. Boy's clothes are so hard to find at yard sales and thrift stores!

That is about all I can think of. I am just all around cheap. Because I am cheap we have been able to pay off all of our cars. We own 3 of them. I have been able to buy the jumbo washer and dryer. I am just cheap and I save all of my money.

Today my goal is to finish all the laundry and to get our bedroom scrubbed down. I also have a lot of stuff to put up in the rafters. ICK. I hate getting up there.

Dustin stopped by last night. He was bring me some stuff from another marine. The stuff was suppose to be for Ambers yard sale, but man one of the tables that he brought I think I am going to keep. It has a marble top on it! Shit I could sell just the marble and make a small fortune.

Dustin was laughing when he got here. It was only 9 p.m. and I told him to be quiet when he came in. Everyone was in bed already. He just so shocked that our house was that quiet. During the week we are really dull people.

The marine that was sick is not doing much better. She keeps going to b.a.s. but they won't let her see a doctor. I finally told her that they cannot refuse her that right. The marine does not want to cause waves, but I am about to cause some. Some of these Navy guys get on power trips and think that they control the marines.

Well nothing is getting done by me sitting here. So I better get moving. I still need to figure out what I am making for dinner.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

You aren't cheap, you are smart. It sounds like you have everything down to a science but changing the licence plates is only something you would think of. lol I can't wait to read your journal everyday to see what you are up to. Paula

Anonymous said...

It's not called "cheap' it's called "thrifty" LOL
That poor girl needs to see a doctor. Hope she feels better.
~Annie

Anonymous said...

Frugal is a nice word for it too :-)

Anonymous said...

You forgot to mention the fact that you are in California jacks that ticket up twice as high as it would have been anywhere else in the US, right?!
I like the word frugal better than cheap!
Traci

Anonymous said...

I would never even think to change license plates! LOL!
Hope you have a good day. At least Rusty didn't get too mad about the ticket.
Pam

Anonymous said...

what I wanna know is why is everyone up in your business? you have to be one of the most generous free spirited women out there and just a good person...I hate the fact that you feel you have to explain yourself ...
just irks me...
hugs
Lyn

Anonymous said...

((((((((((((HUGSTOYOU)))))))))))))I think you a gret person,sharing a house with the marines,I think you are a blessing.Have a nice evening.

Anonymous said...

I think I'm pretty cheap... I'm all about clearance racks and thrift stores and all that. But then I'll think nothing of spending $80 on dinner for me and the boys... but when I have to be thrifty, I'm really good at it. I used to make double duty dinners... purposely cook enough for two days... that always helped save. I did a lot of non meat dinners - black beans and rice, tomato sandwiches, grilled cheese, spaghetti without meat... that always helped. wow... I can't believe all those tickets...
*shakes head* Poor girl! We need to start a Kelli Defense Fund.
*Hugs*
heather

Anonymous said...

Woo Hoo you go girl. Saving money is a great thing. I was gonna say when all the army guys use to come to my house everyone brought stuff and it was more than plenty. I'd been wanting steaks one time, but would never buy them and one of the guys walked in with 30 steaks he said feed everybody keep the rest for yourself... I loved that guy. Good thing I was happy and married at the time to his best friend..Hehehe.
Take care, Chrissie

Anonymous said...

I wish I could learn to save money....I know people that can take 5 dollars and buy 10 dollars worth of stuff where me on the other had will have 5 bucks end up spending 10...LOL! Hugggs, Robin

Anonymous said...

I don't think you are cheap, rather, frugal!  The food schedule sounds like it works and everyone pitches in...you're not getting stuck with anything!  You enjoy having people around, but then you need your down time, too.  I like reading you because you are honest and open :)
xoxo ~Myra

Anonymous said...

Oh no...another ticket! I hope you didn't get into too much trouble. Thats how I like to shop...thrift stores. :o) I love them....I can find things there so much cheaper and what I like, not whats in style. :o) I hope the sicj Marine can get to the doctors....thats so not right of them. You have a good day! :o)
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Kelli, I love those dogs, sorry about the ticket, Hugs Lisa

Anonymous said...

oh my on the ticket. That really sucks. Those dogs are really beautiful. I hope you have a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

dear Kelli
hugs! Iam so glad that your marine is better!
wow you are great to save so well and I really think that we need to focus on that as a nation. I applaud totally the fact that you two as parents teach your kids to save and live wisely! youare great!
love,nat

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed this post.  I am so sorry you got pulled over!  And as for your ideas for stretching dollars, I like how you do it.  It's great that you can open your home up to so many people (who really appreciate it, I know) and still keep on budget most of the time.
Lori