Achievement #1: I’m going to list this here, because it feels biggest. I organized our receipts, pulling out any which came after July 23rd (when we returned from our honeymoon). Then I organized them into an Excel file with different spreadsheets for “Grocery and Pharmacy,” “Housing,” “Our Dates,” “Business Purchases,” and “Joann Fabrics.” Then I put in data from each receipt–the date, the $$ spent, the location, and a general description of the purchase.

We spent the most on “Housing,” rent and utilities. I was taken aback by how much went to groceries, but we spent a lot in late July getting the kitchen stocked. I’m a cheap date, though next time we should record the metro fare…but it was, at most, $14 total. Borders for 2 cups of coffee. Bought myself about $175 in business clothes this month, makes sense since I’m starting out and didn’t really have anything except a suit. No Joann purchases, but I do like to get stuff there, so I figured I’d add a sheet for it. Maybe an hour’s work…I’m very psyched about it!

Achievement #2: Grocery shopping completed. We spend $30.33, and saved $.94 by using our Giant card. Also spent comparatively less by buying all Giant brand when possible. This food should mostly last us into next week.

Achievement #3: Looked a bit into Roth IRAs after reading Get Rich Slowly’s articles on them (link is to one of the most basic). Planning to do that in a few months after employment. Hopefully I’ll get the job Friday and that’ll make it easier.

Non-financial Achievement #1: Edited Mr. Micah’s article. Didn’t take too much time, but I think it was helpful. I feel good about doing that, since he edits my work and my cover letters. Definitely deserves something in return.

Non-financial Achievement #2: Took in suit pants at the waist while reading Terry Pratchett. Enjoyed myself. Also have been decorating jeans with crazy quilting of leftover fabric. Think there might be a market for it?

Bonus:
Last, I’m going to include the recipe I used for Baked Lentils with Cheese (and vegetables!). We love it, and it’s not that expensive to make. It says that it makes 6 servings, but it lies. My husband and I have already eaten six servings worth and we’re still only about halfway done. Note: this is very filling, so it’s best only to serve yourself half a bowl’s worth.

Preheat oven to 375 F
Combine in shallow 9″ x 13″ baking dish (or any baking dish)
1 3/4 c. lentils (rinsed)
2 c. water
1 whole bay leaf
2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper (I used 1/2 t.)
1/8 t. thyme
1/8 t. oregano
1 medium chopped onion (more if you like onions, Mr. Micah doesn’t)
2 cloves garlic, minced.
2 c. canned tomatoes

Cover tightly and bake for 30 min.
Uncover and stir in
2 large carrots chopped thin
2 stalks celery, chopped.

Bake covered 40 minutes.
Uncover and stir in:
1 chopped green pepper
2 T. finely-chopped parsley
2 1/2 c. shredded/grated cheese (this can also be on top). We used Monterey Jack.

Bake, uncovered, 5 minutes. Or, if impatient like me, 2 or 3.

Now I’m going to watch a rerun of Bones as a reward to myself. And quilt the jeans. And then maybe read some Pratchett. Or a book about finding meaning at any workplace.

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