So said KG when I responded to his "I've been adapting my driving habits" with "yeah, I stopped taking the scooter to work for three days and took the bus instead."

No, I'm not THAT broke. I just have too few dollars chasing too many goals. Story of my life. If it were just the emergency fund I'd say 'I'm done, hallelujah!'

I told him I do stick to a budget, and the money I saved not taking the scooter I could put to use on a breve at his establishment. I tipped nicely: his barista said "I forgot what size breve you usually have." Way to coach the baristas into treating the regulars right, KG!

Someone I work with is logging 80+ hours. Two others are logging 60+ hours. On a good week I manage 50+. It does not help that my spouse does 50+... he gets six dollars extra, while I get 1.5x or 2x when I work tomorrow. Meanwhile I want my $5200 vacation, my $10K windows, my $13K emergency fund, my $3750 Roth IRA contribution for 2007, my $4800 fireplace insert, and my $6500 extra in mortgage payments, and my $2000 trading account. Want want want.

I made the mistake of riding my scooter in a squall to work today. The gas money I saved I ended up spending hiking the house temp up to 75 so I can thaw out in my pajama pants. SHOULD HAVE TAKEN THE CAR.

I have set one of my dishtowels on fire today. Go, me!