DAY OCHO

Another normal day. Except it was FOOD DAY at work, so I didn't have to bring in or buy lunch. I brought in my guacamole and it was a hit, except I was binge eating all day. However, no one brought in any HOT FOOD this week, so it was a bit dissapointing.

OBSERVATION/GOAL: Next FOOD DAY, I will bring in a plate to use (as in a REAL, washable plate). There were disposable paper and styrofoam plates to use, and they were small. And people would make several trips. So, this essentially leads to people grabbing a few small items and then throwing away their plate, then going back later and getting ANOTHER plate . . . Even when trying to be conscious of my waste, I used three plates. And the napkins! I am so messy so I go through napkins/paper towells so quickly. At home, I use/reuse a kitchen towell with my meals instead of paper towells, so perhaps bringing in a cloth towell for my "messes" would be another way to "minimize."

I also had my monthly chiro appointment, which I walked to (less than a block). My old chiro made us change into gowns for our adjustments; my current one doesn't. Which makes SENSE and saves energy/water that it would take to WASH several gowns every day. Paper is used on the part of the table where our heads go, and that is then thrown away (like in a doctor's office) . . . I guess this is part of the competing interests between sanitation and preservation . . . Don't really know what to say about that (Except: last time I was at the gym, they didn't have the buckets with disposable wipes out anymore, and I saw a worker wiping down all the machines . . . perhaps they are going to change to reusable cloths and spray disinfectant?).

Then, I had to go to the doctor to have my leg looked at. I could have walked had my LEG NOT HURT FROM WALKING (it's about 5 blocks away), but I just drove . . . plus, it was close to being a time where I wouldn't have had to return to work. Again, same general observations: the use of paper products to "sanitize." But I again didn't have to change into a gown (it seemed like in the past you would ALWAYS have to change into a gown for ANYTHING . . . I think they only time I have to now is for the dreaded yearly exam . . . ). It's just a hard balance to strike between sterilty and environmental concerns . . .

Last night, I made the DRIVE to DSM (all highway, so better mileage) to go to dinner with some friends. At the onset of dinner there was mention of my dinner being covered, but I said not to worry about it b/c I had already been treated to a birthday dinner and the other birthday girl hadn't yet, so I was okay with treating myself. Although I was near all the shopping places, I did NOT shop after!!!

Total Expenses: $32 (two $10 copay plus $12 for dinner)

DAY SIX

This day was my birthday.

And in true birthday fashion, I did not spend too much!

I made an appointment over lunch to get my eyebrows waxed. I absolutely HATE plucking them myself and would much rather have hot wax applied and ripped off than having each little hair pulled out individually . . . and it also is a "service" so paying someone to do it for me puts some money in their pockets and helps support them. SEE!!! Services!!! I wasn't able to tell if she used reusable cloth or throw-away paper to do the waxing (my eyes were closed!) but that would be a good way to SAVE resources. Of course, I have no idea if the used wax with hair stuck on it would be washable, but it's worth the thought! I also don't know exactly what the "wax" was comprised of . . . different places I have gone to have used different substances--some using "wax substitutes."

Salons are such a weird area . . . you are paying for a service, but for a lot of those services products are used that might not necessarily be so good for the environment. And there are SO many natural beauty techniques and ingredients for products! Might be worth looking into "green" salons.

Then, I was hungry and again did not have any quick fixes so I went to HyVee and bought a bag of Flat Earth chips . . . overpriced, but sooo good. And "natural." I dipped them in leftover ranch dressing I had from the day before's lunch. And I got a candybar . . . I needed my sweets!!!

I left work early and took a nap on my couch with the door open . . . I am not going to turn my AC on at my apartment AT ALL. I only have a few more weeks there, so I think I can pull it off--though I do love being COMFORTABLE.

Then, I drove (necessary evil when you live 25 miles away) to DSM for birthday dinner. I am glad that 2.5 years ago and made such a responsible choice in buying my car based on its mileage!!! I can't even imagine how much money I've saved on gas . . .

Dinner was good (bought for me) and we sure did eat all the chips that Mexican restaraunts automatically put on the table! I was so full from the chips/salsa/queso/margarita that I only had ONE BITE of my dinner, but I brought it home so I have lunch today! (Will be discussed tomorrow). But of course--STYROFOAM.

Total Expenses: $19 ($16 for brow wax)

DAY THREE: BALLS OUT

Yesterday morning started off with a trip to Walgreens. I had photos to print-off and pick-up for Emily's bachelorette party gift, and I also picked up colored index cards and stickers for the project. The stickers were only fifty cents, or else I wouldn't have bought them! I did buy a cheese danish for breakfast, though. BOO URNS. The stuff I got for the gift was pretty inexpensive, then I went ahead and got $20 cash back for spending money for the night.

I headed over to Karen's for the party. The gift went over very well! Karen made a lot of appetizers, so I stuffed myself on them so I would spend less on dinner. I was very responsible at dinner. There was guacamole and salsa for the table to share, and a bunch of us shared pitchers of margaritas and sagria. I ordered a cheap tamale appetizer for my meal and it was really good. My total bill was $12, which included a 20% gratuity, but I added another $1 anyways . . . tipping is an area where I will not scrimp, as it directly benefits the server and is what they LIVE ON!!! And if I spend more than I plan on, it's better for that money to be spent on SERVICES rather than GOODS that I don't necessarily need. I can live with that.

I used my cash at the first bar and probably bought more than I should have, but it was a special occassion and I wanted to make sure I was "giving back" since others had paid for my drinks at dinner. I spent $3 on the jukebox just to hear "Sandstorm" by Darude (you can pay extra and have your song play immediately), but that was because of a joke with Emily so I HAD to do it.

At the next bar, I spent the rest of my cash on a photobooth picture, but again--totally necessary given the situation! Just wish the photobooth was cheaper . . . but memories are PRICELESS. Then I used my debit card to buy drinks for me and Anna, but the total with tip was under $15 (not bad, considering I got a vodka red bull and a "standby drink"). And I had them run my card instead of keeping it open so I wouldn't spend anymore.

Total Expenses: About $45 . . . not bad at all for a gift, dinner, AND drinks at two bars. Well done.