July 2009

A Lot of Work For One Stupid Coupon

Submitted by Jenny on Fri, 07/31/2009 - 00:36

I recently went for almost two years without paying money for shampoo or toothpaste. In the fall of 2007, before the word "recession" was an excuse for almost all behavior, I went on a kick to save money on groceries and toiletries. I quickly found a list of websites that told me which local stores had the lowest promotional prices on specific items, and also which circulars contained coupons on those some items, so that I could combine coupons with specials.

The Ex-Husband from Eat, Pray, Love Tells His Side of the Story

Submitted by Jenny on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 17:04

I have to admit that I am having a really hard time getting into Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir "Eat, Pray, Love." I bought this book several months ago. I can tell you exactly where I am in the book without giving away any spoilers. My bookmark is stuck after the author's divorce and shortly after her arrival in Italy. She is planning to take Italian lessons in Rome. After she leaves Rome, she will travel to India and Bali. I can't tell you what will happen after that.

The Grey Suit (Professionalism and How to Treat People)

Submitted by Jenny on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 22:43

I entered the Johnstown business world wearing a grey, pinstriped, unlined Wal-Mart suit that cost me about $35.

Two Money-Saving Ideas

Submitted by Jenny on Mon, 07/20/2009 - 22:15

Tonight I thought of two random money-saving ideas that I would like to pass along.

Revisiting Somerset and Bedord Counties: The Whiskey Rebellion

Submitted by Jenny on Mon, 07/20/2009 - 14:57

Back in 1994 when I was still in high school, my hometown of Berlin, PA decided to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Whiskey Rebellion. Plans were made for a big festival. The event was to include, among other things, an essay contest for the school kids, a race, and of course a parade. I was in the Berlin Brothersvalley High School Marching Band at that time, so I would march in it. This was to be a very big deal.

Revisiting Bedford County: Shawnee State Park and the Ship Hotel

Submitted by Jenny on Mon, 07/20/2009 - 11:27

Bedford County, PA still looks pretty much the way I see it in old pictures and in my mind. At Shawnee State Park, the little swing still sits in its secluded picnic area at the top of the hill overlooking Shawnee's lake and beach. I have a 30-year-old picture of that same swing set, with me and my sister and my dad posing in front.

Nice Things that Jonathan Did; Frabel Glass at Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh

Submitted by Jenny on Thu, 07/16/2009 - 22:36

Last weekend, Jonathan took me to see flowers and butterflies and shop for shoes.

Did Anybody Watch the CBS Series "Harper's Island?"

Submitted by Jenny on Thu, 07/16/2009 - 22:25

So I just learned the meaning of the word "bifurcation", and I have Wikipedia and "Harper's Island" to thank for that. No, I didn't watch all 13 episodes of of this horror/thriller mystery. I viewed the first three episodes, by which time I had completely lost interest. I just didn't think that the acting was that convincing or the storyline that engrossing. Then we cancelled our cable.

Do You Think That People Are Getting Angrier With Each Other?

Submitted by Jenny on Sat, 07/11/2009 - 22:44

I like to read internet message boards. It's my trashy pleasure. I started out by reading money management boards. I learned how to use coupons effectively and reduce my grocery bill, but then I stopped reading those kinds of boards.Now I just read the ones that don't have much redeeming value. I don't watch television (Jonathan and I canceled the cable last month because we haven't turned on our television in months) or read People magazine. I haven't really followed much of the Michael Jackson death coverage. No, instead I like to unwind by reading about the opinions of total strangers.

Dreaming About My Day Job

Submitted by Jenny on Sat, 07/11/2009 - 00:26

Do you ever dream about your job? I do, sometimes. I work in the insurance industry. One night I dreamt that my office insured a bunch of employees who were bitten by vampires. In my dream, my office provided Workers Compensation coverage for the affected employees, but the policy had a Vampire Exclusion. Therefore, all of the claims related to the vampire incident were being denied. I woke up just as my office was being sued over the lack of coverage due to the Vampire Exclusion.