Out:
property taxes nzd354.49

I am starting to sort some of my older books, and those I'll probably never read, to donate to the Regent book sale in June. My goal is to fit them all into one bookcase in my living room. At the very least, get rid of one for every one the comes in (library book sale coming up soon.)

I am looking into a new way of saving money - when you save on a purchase at a sale or by using vouchers, etc, put the money saved into my change jar. I don't want to overdo it from my $20 a week or I will just wind up having to take more money from the bank and I don't see the logic in that - I transfer any money left in my checking to my EF. But I will make a game of trying to get as much as possible for a lower price and see how much I have left over.

Went to the dentist for a chackup, nzd135.00. Unfortunately she discovered a cavity which means I am up for more expense, But it's worth it. I want to hang onto my teeth for as long as possible - so better cut out sugar.

In: 289.17

Out:
oil 5.00
salt 2.00
knit group 1.00

I donated the rest of my mohair to the knit group in exchange for 2 balls of acrylic. Think it was a net loss, and I will definitely use what I got.

Out:
laundry powder 3.00

I use the concentrate and it lasts me for ages. The last box I bought was nearly a year ago - I do the washing twice a week.

Out:
bread 1.00
peanut butter 2.29
sultanas 1.99
tomatoes 1.20

Today at Artsenta I was given a bag of oats. After I've finished them I'm going to ask my doctor to check my cholesterol levels not that she's ever said there's cause for alarm, but I like to know the numbers.

I am becoming a little bit shaky on my nzd20.00 a week for groceries. I spent $13.00 from my Play jar on fruit for tomorrow's bbq. I wiil try to stop myself borrowing from envelopes and jars in other categories.

I got 2 more free books today: the original Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Stevenson, and A Visitation of the Plague by Defoe. I don't generally read fiction but I make an exception for the classics.

It isn't as hot atm as it was in India but the humidity makes it harder to cope. I bought myself a new pair of sandals nzd45.00. The weather is predicted to turn cold and wet over the weekend. Hope it holds off as I've a bbq on Sunday.

I'm back. India was wonderful, beautiful, maddening and challenging as always. Full of contrasts, ancient temples by modern highways, incredible riches next door to appalling squalor. I'm torn btween weeping over so much suffering, and rejoicing at the resilience of the human spirit. The children in the villages were very happy to see us and they loved the hats.

I had nzd400 left over which I put in my EF; halfway to my goal. For groceries I bought
bread 2.38
red peppers 2.81
bananas 3.29
tomatoes 1.76
carrots 1.45
broccoli 1.49
avocado 1.69
bread rolls 1.38

I went over my $20 food budget for the first time. I have no money left in my envelope and I spent nzd9.07 from my check account on groceries.

It's a Christmas miracle! I went to buy fresh veggies for tomorrow and the price hadn't shot way up, 1.99 for a lettuce, 2.99 per kilo for tomatoes and 2.49 for 3 avocadoes.

I could have sworn I paid the plumber's bill online last month but apparently not. I received a friendly reminder and can't find the transaction on my bank statement, so nzd67.28 out of my House maintenance account.

I don't often buy substitute meats as they are so expensive, but with Christmas coming up I shelled out nzd6.99 for some vegetarian sausages. With steamed cauli and carrots and fried potatoes, that will be my Christmas meal.

The feasting has already started, I went to a barbecue for lunch. My rule with the goodies is only one of each, so I had a small piece of cake, some tropical trail mix and lots of bread rolls and coleslaw. With cutting back on sugar this year I really noticed the sweetness in the salad dressing. Even the grapes were almost too sweet. So I won't be having dessert on Dec 25. I shall have crackers and hummus instead.

I am still having problems getting my visa. I was sent a request to fill out yet another form and pay a further nzd160.00. I still don't know if I'll get it before New Year, if it doesn't arrive before then I will have to cancel the trip. I keep repeating the Serenity Prayer to myself, which is useful when dealing with all things Indian.

I forgot to take a reusable bag to the supermarket today, so had to get a plastic one. They are doing away with single use bags from January 1, so I must remember in future or I will have to buy another one.

Bought:
peanut butter 1.99
bread 1.00
broccoli .99
cauliflower .99
lettuce 1.99
mushrooms 2.37
avocadoes 2.49
tomatoes 1.35

I received my lastest power bill from Contact, which says I have a credit of nzd66.24, so nothing to pay this month. Not sure where that came from but I'll take it.

I bought some thermal underwear from Orphans Aid for nz5.00. Still in the packet! Never been worn! It pays to look for these things in the off season.

I have used up all the colored double knitting yarn in my stash. I have a load in neutral shades but it requires something to jazz it up a bit, so I bought a bag of green oddments in the thrift store for 50 cents.

I walked into town today and when I got there realised I'd forgotten my wallet with all my money and my bus card. So I had to walk back home in a fine Scottish mist. At least I stayed out of the thrift store since there was no point looking without any money. So frustrating to see a bargain and not be able to buy.

I booked my bus to Christchurch Airport, nzd44.00. Counting sleeps until the day of departure.

I finally manged to negotiate the High Commission of India's website and complete my visa application. Cost nzd225. Now I am having cold sweats in case it is rejected and I can't go on the trip. To thumb my nose at the bogeyman I had lunch at the Indian Spice restaurant. Bombay aloo mmmmm

Forgot to blog yesterday but nothing much happened. Today I bought:
can tomatoes .79
2 cans peaches 1.98
lettuce 1.99
potatoes 1.14
cucumber 1.49
avocado 1.79
broccoli .99
peppers 5.99
bread 1.00
bananas 2.99
tomatoes 1.99

Pouring with rain today so I stayed home and ate far too much avocado on toast. In the afternoon it eased off a bit so I dodged over to New World and stocked up on canned and dried legumes because they are a cheap source of protein and I like 'em. nzd10.74.

Bought travel insurance, nzd175. Rang Work & Income to let them know when I'm out of the country. They said because I'm away for less than 4 weeks, my benefit will still be paid. Nice! I should come back to a nice heap o' change in my checking.

Out:
bread 1.00
strawberries 1.99
bananas 2.99

I got on the bus this morning and the driver said the machine wasn't working, so I got a free ride. nzd1.92 saved.

Spent 1.10 on carrots.

I got the plumber's bill - nzd67.28.

Payday. nzd289.15 in.

Out:
tomatoes 2.49
zucchini 2.25
avocado 1.99
lettuce 1.99
cauliflower 1.99
flour 1.59
tangeloes 1.26
soy milk 2.29
dates 1.99

I bought more B12 from the pharmacy, nzd22.00.

DS has high cholesterol and is finally taking an interest in healthy eating. He has cut out red meat, but still wants to eat fish and chicken, is complaining about the amount of stem on broccoli and is asking me the best way to cook oatmeal. Small steps but promising. Considering the length of time it took me to finally become fully vegan I can't expect him to convert overnight. I am doing my best not to overwhelm him with vegan propaganda. Softly, softly, catchee monkee.

Bought:
2 cans beets nz2.00
pasta .75

Our minister is a keen Labour Party supporter so tonight I was invited to a quiz nite fundraiser. I'm not all that interested in politics but it was a fun evening. Our team came third and our minister won 2 bottles of wine in the raffle so he was happy.

My jars are apparently working as intended; I paid for evening out of my Play jar and had a bowl of kumara chips (sweet potato fries). As it was virtually a donation I suppose I could have taken it from my Give jar but it didn't seem right.

My cellphone has no money on it so I made a call from a payphone, 1.50. I had 50 cents left over so thought I'd see what I could find in the supermarket. There was nothing below .69, even the instant noodles are done up in packs of 10. Oats were on sale at 1.69 but I have plenty at home so only bought one bag. I also bought a can of spaghetti in tomato sauce, .69.

The water I'm drinking is not ideal when it comes straight from the tap, but if I leave it to sit for a while the taste is alright.

Bought:
bread roll .69
bread 1.00
strawberries 2.99
tangelos 1.17
mushrooms 1.94
baked beans .70
nutritional yeast 4.99

Not really hungry today. I had a bread roll in town which tasted pretty bland. The rest of the day I ate fruit. I find I am eating my food more slowly and mindfully.It took me 30 minutes to eat an apple savoring every bite. The strawberries were a disappoinment. They had been speed ripened rather than naturally by the sun and were quite tart. The banana was delicious and the dates pure ambrosia.

Maybe I could start a new career as a food writer?

Breakfast this morning was oatmeal and sultanas soaked in soy milk. At lunch I wasn't very hungry so just had an orange and a few gluten free crackers. For dinner I cooked my favorite: pasta, red peppers, canned tomatoes and half the last can of chickpeas. I prepared the usual amount but it was too much. I couldn't finish it. After meditation I had a handful of cashews and dried cranberries. My tastebuds are incredibly sensitive now, I can really taste just a little bit of sugar or salt.

I walked into town and had photos taken for my visa application, 19.99. Why do official photos always look like criminal mugshots? A friend saw it and said "That doesn't look like you!" Either she or the camera is lying. I also went to Veggie Boys and bought:
broccoli 1.99
potatoes 1.04
avocado .99
I decided not to continue with the All Saints produce bag as I like choosing my own produce. Also All Saints tend to be a bit limited in their variety.

Out
soy milk 2.49
rice crackers 1.29

I was given a ticket for the Returned Services Choir. Great singing but the chairs were really uncomfotable, I got a backache.