My bf found 2 quarters in the parking lot today. He gave it to me & I put it in the change jar. Every little bit counts. Everything has value.

It was my 4 year anniversary at work. Wow how fast time flies. They did my eval a couple weeks ago. I'm up $1.27/hr, +$50/payck. I should be kicking in more to the EF.

Sometimes I can barely tolerate this job. But then I think....it could be worse. Atleast it's safe.

Changed the allocations on my 401K to something conservative. I think I lost about 12 last year. Rather stick that money in a CD where it will be +2.5%than -35% or whatever. Can't just pull it out without penalty. Scary...I'm going to need that money to retire. Feel like I'm just gambling with it.

Trying to stock up on emergency supplies. I didn't even have a single flashlight in the house! I got two at Target - the kind that winds up & doesn't need batteries. One of them has AM/FM radio & it gets a weather alert station. It can charge cell phones but it doesn't work for mine. The plug doesn't fit! Too bad. This would have been one kick @ss flashlight!

Since we get an extra paycheck this January, decided to put $400 into savings rather than just $300. Last year, I was able to put in $600 a month, but now I've got car payments and braces. Braces should be coming off in a few months, they said.

On Christmas, I received $40 from my grandparents, that went into the pot. Then I deposited 2 survey checks - one for $50 and the other $10.

On 12/28, I was a bridesmaid at my friend's wedding and got a nice little windfall. I received $100 in a red envelope and $1 in another red envelope. So I just got paid for being a bridesmaid. Wasn't expecting that!

I have a feeling this will be a good year. I'll just continue everything I was doing before. I feel more focused. Maybe it's because of everything that's going on. Recession can be a good thing.