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Monday, June 30, 2008~ Please stop hogging summer:-) And some questions for you ~ |
Okay all you lower 48'ers. You're being a bit selfish and I'm asking you to share a little of the warmth with us Alaskans, please. We've only been to 70 degrees a couple of times...and unfortunately, May and June are typically our nicest months. I hope this doesn't mean that we don't get any summer. Please, Please...share! :-) See, we get way too much winter to have a year without summer. I don't think we could bear it if we can't get stocked up on our vitamin d. Then there's the problem with the garden...see, it won't grow without sunshine....even if we do have 24 hour daylight. When the daylight is behind clouds, it really doesn't help:-(
Okay, enough on that subject...All is well here. I do have a question or two to pose to you-all.
1. I would like to use less ziploc bags and more containers. But, I don't want the made in China cheap plastic containers, and I have very little money to spend. I've been saving jars from spaghetti sauce and other sauces. Have any of you ever wrapped a sandwich in waxed paper? Does it stay fresh? I do reuse bread bags from when I buy bread. I'm just looking for some cheap and creative alternatives.
2. Do any of you work from home? What do you do? I really don't want a sales job, but I'd love to do just about anything else. I waitress at a local cafe and have off and on for several years, when I'm needed. They are getting ready to relocate and it would be at least an hour drive for me. So, that won't work much longer. I love waitressing, but I have noticed such a decline in the number of customers..I assume because of the economy. I'm not making near the money I used to anyway. I do have a couple of side things that help. I am a raw milk coordinator for the area. What that means is that I pick up everyone's milk and earn mine for free. I also sell extra eggs so my chickens can pretty much pay for themselves. I also have a small vitamin business, but I have such a hard time selling. I know how much the vitamins help me and I love to talk about it....but only if people show an interest. I also tell people how to find things for cheap or free so they dont' need me, really. LOL
I need to work for another year and a half at least. My husband has just switched careers and is now an apprentice. He will get out of his apprenticeship program and get almost an $8 raise a year from November. We just have to hang on that long. I'd love to revamp the Alaska Railroad apprenticeship program to something that's more workable...but they don't ask me:-)
I would love to hear what you do to help your budget. I have cut back in every way possible, so just saving won't do it. Really, Gene's wage is way low...we qualify for lots of public assistance but I'd rather work. Any suggestions would be fabulous! There are tons of work at home ideas online, but I don't have the time or money to weed through the scams. I just want to know of things that are tried and true.
THANKS for the input!
Tan |
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Monday, June 30, 2008 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by gokings13 |
I am sitting in Indiana, in a sweat shirt and jeans, on JUNE 30th............must be global warming? OH I forgot, it's called 'climate change' now..........HAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAH
Ok, I will dismount the soap box.
I wait tables too, have for 25 years, and guess what the first thing is that people quit doing when money gets tight?? They quit eating out!!
Gone are the 25% tips!!
What are you trying to store? Reusing bread bags is a great idea! Have you priced out buying bread -vs- making it? If it were cheaper to make it, then I would suggest making it and freezing it and using what you need (cut the loaves in 1/2, use half freeze the other)...........
WFH. No thanks. I did it once (an inside data entry job) and it stunk. 90% of WFH deals are scams...........be real careful.
Laura |
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Monday, June 30, 2008 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by GypsyFarmGirl |
Sorry I dont wanna share at the moment as my garden is growing just nicely thanks.lol anyhoot I chat with ya later, have a great evening.
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Monday, June 30, 2008 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by smmagers |
| Take it. Take some of our heat!! I live in So Calif and we are in the 100's!! It is to hot. God Bless, mj |
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Tuesday, July 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment |
| Posted by tractorchick72 |
Hey Tan, I'll share a little bit, about 20 degrees maybe? LOL That would put us in the 70's which would be perfect! It's been really hot here and I don't like it :o( LOL Since we have no trees for shade, it gets so hot in the house and not much seems to help! Okay enough whining! Hopefully I'll catch you on IM soon!!
Tricia |
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Wednesday, August 6, 2008 - Suggestions for making ends meet |
| Posted by WildThings |
I found the livingonadime.com website helpful in some respects. There are other articles online to help us save and earn.
Would there be something you could make and sell at a local farmers market? I saw another lady online was making some unusual food products unique to your area. Could you make and sell? Do you forage or hunt for food? Food is a big expense for sure.
We created an online directory years ago aimed at a certain profession which did very well when we had our attention turned to it. What kind of other services might you be able to provide? I met a lady once who did medical billing for a company out of So Cal while living in AK. Could you coordinate an online business with family or friends? I have a book geared to kids that has ideas for making money. I am not sure if they would work for you in your area. Could you farm-sit or be a caretaker? In our area, caretakers for those with disabilities and seniors are always in demand.
I think that the internet would be a great source for ideas for sure. I have more ideas but have to go do the evening chores now. : )
Many blessings,
Michele |
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