There. I said it. Darren said it (with some excitement in his voice...:::::::::shock::::::::::. It must be true. And I'm training myself to embrace it.

That doesn't mean I'm going to rely on Darren for ALL things monetary. I plan to be as frugal as needed, so that we can do the finer things in life.  Here's the plan:
   
1. I have applied to be a substitute teacher for two local school districts. One isn't hiring right now, and one is looking at my application.  I am really excited about this.

2. I have signed up for several pay-to-blog companies.

3. We will eat at home as often as possible. Now, that seems pretty basic, but we get so busy that we tend to eat out a LOT. I went through our bank accounts, and since my surgery, we have spent over $4,000 dining out. SINCE MAY! Now, we have a weekly budget that covers lunch out with our post-church lunch crowd, and then one or two meals out if needed. If I'm not spending 20 hours a day in front of the computer, then I can cook a good meal. I'm stunned! I just went to the store and bought food for 3 dinners, and spent LESS than 1 dinner out!
4. I am known for my lists and my organization plans and schedules. I am going to come up with a format and use them, tweak them. That will keep me busy!

5. I will go to the library for books. And I will actually READ! I can't wait to start reading again!

Does that sound like it will work? I really hope it does. We've estimated the money it's going to take to work on the things we need to do around the house (replace the porch rails, put a blacktop runner in the backyard for the camper, buy new furniture) and we still want to go on vacation to see Pattie, and a cruise next year, but I honestly think we can do it.