Originally uploaded by ragde2507.
With ever increasing petrol prices 1 is always trying to find ways to curb spending in order to offset this growing weekly expense. I, not having to drive regularly anymore, also need to curb my spending after reasonably hefty expenditures in the last month or so. It all started with my groomsmaning and related activities, then followed by things that weren't really that necessary, like more new clothes, books, etc. Now that I've kinda decided to take a yr-end trip to HK & surronds, that can only mean for $$. So, my first step of curbing expenditure starts with spending less on things that I can spend less on, and the 1st sacrifice, da dog. Yes, da dog. I'm not really cutting back that hard. he's still getting his main meal,evening snack, plus his usual duty as a garbage disposal on things like apple cores, broccoli stems, carrot tops and the odd pieces of fruits. In all, he's eating more than he should, really. But in recent yrs, the $$ of dog food has gone up quite a fair bit. Back in the days when B started living with us, we could easily feed him for around $1 a day. Now, it's more like $2. I know, I know, $2 is still very cheap, but if you add it up his annual bill would be doubled to what he cost a mere 5 yrs or so ago. In an attempt to battle purse strings, & for his health, no more store bought snack biscuits!! Instead of the $15 a box doggy treats, it's home-made doggy biscuits. Considering all the ingredients (a stick of unsalted butter, 89c; a 1kg bag of self-raising, 87c; 3 eggs, next to nothing; an owner's love & care & the 6+ dozen doggy biscuits out of the oven, priceless), it would only cost 10% to make as many treats as store bought! & all done while watching 1 (albeit very long) Rome final between Federer & Nadal. What a bargain. Taste-test result? It's a 'swallow straight down, no need for chewing' gooood!!
Just so u know, I'm not just cutting back expenses on others. I'm also cutting back expenses on myself. Like, no more clothes & accessories (until the next big sale, at least :P), & spend more time writing PhD & planning Dan's cellar party instead of the customary end-of-the-day 15 min shopping trips. So far so gd.
Update on TV-quarium II: finally went to Parklea & ordered the tank. Should arrive in 2 wks. No need to hurry really. The happy couple is not expected back to report for regular duties for another couple of wks, & then it's months of looking for a new place before finally settling in. I'm guessing I have until the end of the yr to finish the project. Easy...
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