Two Steps Back

Looking at our project's running total, I have to admit we're not doing so well. At this point, even if we spend only our allotted $20 a week for the rest of the year, we will end about $200 over budget. (On the other hand, that's still about $1800 less than we spent last year.) Considering recent weeks, it doesn't seem likely we'll completely adhere to the budget for four more months, but we're going to try.
This morning on the way to work Jeff and I agreed to rededicate ourselves to spending less on eating out. I think we got off track during our trip to the beach in June and things just snowballed from there. It's sort of like being on a diet. Once you splurge on a dish of cake and ice cream, it's hard to reign in your appetite for sweets. We fell off the budget wagon and just seemed to say "what the heck" after that. Couple that with a stressful beginning to the school year and a multi-state 14-hour driving trip, and we just hit our breaking point. Hopefully we can climb back aboard this week, though I have to admit we've spent nearly $20 already between Mickey D's on college night and early morning cups of coffee at QT. However, we did make a little progress in that we remembered to pack a cooler full of drinks before heading to our son's evening class a second time. (If only we had put the cooler in the back seat instead of the trunk!)

With mixed feelings I consider our predicament. On one hand, I'm happy Jeff suggested we try to tame the spending beast again. On the other, I know that means I have to plan meals for each night of the week. Perhaps I should remember my early project strategy of picking up some frozen meals to eat in lieu of fast food. After all, fish and fries in the oven is better than Long John Silver's considering I get to wear my pajamas to dinner. (I know. You've heard this before, but I'm trying to psych myself up here, so cut me some slack.)

This weekend shouldn't be a problem for us since we're hosting a get together for some of the new and returning faculty. My department consists mostly of staff new to the school, so we're hoping to do a little bonding. In addition, my mom sent me an article featuring cool and unusual snack foods, so that should get me started on the nibbles. (Right now, I'm think sesame teriyaki chicken fingers along with hummus and pita chips.) In addition, we've been doing a good job with lunches. Even on days we don't have leftovers, Jeff packs a PBJ along with a piece of fruit or some yogurt to keep us going through the afternoon. Our son has even helped out by fixing himself snacks before evening classes so he's not tempted to beg for a burger on the way. I guess, all things considered, we'll be alright after all.