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Apr 19, 2011    |       29 comments

Work Lunches?

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I pack my lunch for work every day. Sometimes it’s leftovers from dinner the night before or maybe just a sandwich with fresh fruit. When I pack my own lunch, I feel less weighed down and don’t feel quite so tired in the afternoon from over indulging at lunch.

I make one exception to my pack my own lunch rule, co-worker birthdays. Traditionally, our department celebrates birthdays by taking the birthday boy or girl out to lunch at the venue of their choice. On average, we have 1 to 2 birthday lunch celebrations per month.

Typically, the lunches cost $15-$20 a plate and everyone orders a $3-$5 drink with their meal. I don’t order a drink and order the least expensive item on the menu, generally a small house salad with an ice water. When the bill arrives, it is split equally between the group and my portion is $25-$30 even though my actual share is about $6.

I would decline the birthday lunch invitations but this is very, very frowned upon and I do enjoy the meal out every once in a while – I simply hate to pay so much for it. They do pay for my meal on my birthday but I always pick a cheap kabob shop and the most expensive item is $6.95.

I know this is a common problem but I haven’t heard a good solution other than ‘suck it up and pay for it’. Anyone know of ways to combat this problem?

Apr 18, 2011    |       27 comments

The Craigslist Trifecta…

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There are three statements your like to hear buying Craigslist goods…

‘I’m remodeling’
‘I’m cleaning out my garage and don’t have room’
And…
‘My wife isn’t home and I can’t remember how much she said to sell it for but I’m sure we’ll figure something out.’

I had been watching for deals on Craigslist for much needed baby supplies for a couple months but hadn’t found anything. I’m not picky… but I’m not particularly interested in your great aunt Myrtle’s crib that is ‘in great shape – but missing a few semi-important parts.’

Then, one lucky Thursday morning, I found ‘the one’. It was a crib in the perfect color, great condition, and offered at a reasonable price.

My husband and I went to take a look on Friday and the seller said, ‘I’m remodeling our home and I want to get rid of everything. I’m storing the remodeling supplies in my garage and don’t have room for all this baby stuff. My wife is not here, but I kinda remember how much she said she wanted.’

Cha-Ching! I hit the Craigslist trifecta.

He opened his sparkling clean garage and in a carefully covered corner was a stack of baby items.

The heavens opened and I heard the Hallelujah chorus.

The seller kept piling items into my husband’s truck until we had no more room. What did we escape with?

A travel system stroller, car seat, and base, nearly brand new with all the manuals and a note that read, ‘This car seat has never been in an accident, has not been recalled, and has never been placed in a shopping cart’ (Hmm. Someone is a little OCD like me!).
A heavy duty crib and a new mattress with the manuals and the orthopedic information on the mattress.
Adorable spotless bedding for a baby boy.
A medium duty stroller for when the travel system stroller gets too heavy.
A toddler car seat that read ‘This car seat has never been in an accident and has not been recalled’.
A Red Flyer wagon with off-road tires and wood siding straight from the box.

All for $170.

The wife called just before we left. From our end, we heard…

‘Yes. They decided to buy the crib and stroller.’
‘How much?’
‘ Oops. They already paid.’
‘I gave them the other stroller and toddler seat too.’
‘Free.’
‘Oh. Well, it’s already in their car.’
‘No. That’s rude.’
‘Sorry. It’s gone honey.’
‘They are driving off right this second.’

He hung up. ‘Whelp. I’m in trouble. But it’s worth it. I’ve got space! Have a great day guys.’

And off we went.

Score!!

1 … 1,278 1,279 1,280 1,281 1,282 … 1,951