I don't know how I dropped off the face of the earth for so long. I reread some of my old entries and realized most of these things I was planning, saving for have already occurred. Now I have a new set of issues.

We updated our kitchen earlier in the year (floors, countertops, appliances) and thankfully I didn't amass any debt in the process.

We built a detached garage for T back in January. It turned out amazingly well. We left the interior unfinished, but plan to drywall in the coming months.

We have two new dogs now! Our beloved Woody died in July 2006. We now have two year-old dogs. Scout, our Chesapeake Retriever and Remi our Jack Russell mixed breed rescue pup. Scout is the source of many a financial surprise as he has had three interesting injuries/health issues that required multiple vet visits. We love our furbabies, but unplanned vet bills are not fun!

I will explore living with high maintenance puppies in my next entry.

Since rising gas prices are a constant nowadays, check out this website.

For cheap (and I use the word loosely) gas prices in your area, visit http://www.gasbuddy.com.

Enter your zip code, or search by city, state to find the lowest priced gas stations. The site references US & Canada too.

Good reference before you fill up the tank.

No matter how much I try, I can't get thru the workday without spending a dollar or two, or five.

I've tried bringing my own snacks and bottled water, but inevitably sometime during the day the lure of the vending machine, or a restaurant is too much.

I work in a downtown area, which makes it too easy to access stores and restaurants. If I had to get in my car to go somewhere I probably wouldn't spend.

Plus, I ride the bus to work, so that cuts out the car factor completely. All the money I'm saving on gas is probably being donated to the great restaurants that I just can't pass up once or twice a week.

Note: Salsaritas is giving $.50 refills on their drinks all day, every day if you buy their 32 oz plastic cup for $1.39. I've had this cup for over a month and rewash it, so I can continue to get my cheap Dr. Pepper refill at least once a day.

I know this is adding up, not to mention the mornings when I'll throw in an order of their hash brown potatoes with the refill.

I'm not only hurting my pocket, but my waistline as well. : )

Any tips for willpower?