So sorry for the radio silence: it's partly due to legitimate busy-ness (non-stop deadlines at work, training and travel for a running trip, doctor's visits, ever-present domestic chores, a bout of covid that hung on for a couple of weeks) and partly due to me apparently preferring a good nap and Netflix binge over writing on my blog when I have some down time.
When last I posted, I was trying to recover from our June disaster-cation. I am happy to report that the rest of the summer has been much better from an enjoyment standpoint, but it has also been rather expensive. The money comes in! The money immediately goes out!
I feel like I'm living in that opening scene of the Pixar movie Up where the main characters keep trying to save for a dream trip only to have it foiled again and again by surprise expenses.
Here's a list of what we've been spending on:
1. New tires ($880) - We bought our car used in 2021. It came with a decent set of winter tires, but the treads had started to wear down. In July, we decided to bite the bullet for new ones in the hopes that we won't need to replace them for a while. I think this was a wise move but it was still painful!
2. Running trip expenses (~$500) - In early August I finally got to participate in the big stage race I'd signed up for in the fall of 2019 (it was canceled in 2020 and then in 2021 I couldn't go due to scheduling conflicts). Once at the race I didn't spend anything, but a) I drove there, so I paid for gas (eep), and b) it was a bit of a drive, so I also broke up the journey by staying at a cute, affordable Airbnb tiny house for a couple of nights.
3. Takeout ($150) - We did this twice when brain-mushingly exhausted and desperate not to cook. It was so expensive. Mostly worth it, though.
4. Sports fees for my amazing child ($300) - Not cheap, but they have several meets that require travel (including an overnight), so the cost makes sense to me.
5. My doctor's bills ($450) - I found myself in one of those situations where I had symptoms that could have been something very serious, so I went ahead with two doctor's visits, bloodwork, and an ultrasound. The diagnosis: it's basically nothing. Doctor: you must be relieved! Me: Sure! Yes! Absolutely! **cries when bills start to arrive** Insurance did chip in but I have not met my personal deductible, so I must suffer the financial consequences like a good American.
On a positive note, my kid's medical bills have been quite low now that we have met his deductible, so that's not been an issue at all.
6. Groceries ($who even knows anymore) - I have given up on trying to lower this budget line item, I think. We cook almost all of our own meals. We meal plan and make a grocery list every week. We waste almost nothing. Our town doesn't have the sorts of grocery stores (like Aldi) where you can get a real bargain. It is what it is.
On the other hand, I do love the new recipes I've been trying, and I love eating dinner with my family every night.
It's been a good summer overall -- busy at times, relaxing at times, lots of good books and outdoor time and yummy homemade food.
What about you? How's your summer been?
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