Tomorrow is payday which is especially exciting this time around because I am getting paid for my unused sick time from last year. We only get 40 hours of sick time a year and I managed to reserve 16 hours. Not bad considering I have 2 children who bring home various germs and illnesses each year. That should be a nice added bonus to help offset my heating bill this month.

I am also expecting some money from my medical reimbursement plan. I think I have about $250 there. I am going to use some of that to pay the dentist for DD check up and xrays and then apply the rest towards my debt reduction plan.

Unfortunately my budget doesn't leave a lot of room for additional debt reduction this pay period. I am going to scrimp in every category that I can. I think I can get by under my food budget. I have been introducing 3 new recipes to my family a week for the past 2 weeks and they aren't going over so well. I am about ready to give up and go back to grilled cheese and hot dogs!

DS turns 3 next week and is really coming along with potty training. I will be glad when he is completely out of pull-ups/diapers. Haven't decided on the menu for the family party yet. I will probably make his cake myself and pick up some ice cream. I am thankful that he is not at the age when you feel obliged to have a "friends" party!

Tonight I am going to sit down with my bank statement and review the month of December. I wasn't being as budget conscience then so it should be a real eye opener. I am hoping to track my monthly expenses as well as daily/weekly. I am thinking if I am more aware of my money and where it is going I will be less likely to waste it.

Not much else going on here. I have managed to make it to the gym 3 times a week in the last 8 week a total of 6 weeks! There were 2 weeks when I was only able to go twice. Not too bad! I was afraid when I joined that I wouldn't use it and it would be a waste. So far I am proving myself wrong!