1. brought my car in for major servicing; it cost $380 something, not too bad, plus got my snow tires on, but there's been a small hole in my muffler for about a year now and i guess it's about time to get it fixed (for another $300). So going back to the dealer in a week. I could let it go longer, til the road salts make it worse, but the more things i can get out of the way now, before the new job starts, the better, i think.

2. Linens n Things: got some 'dryer balls' which supposedly reduce energy use cus they bounce around in there and create more air space, drying your clothes more quickly. I'll let you know what i think. Also got 2 very nice curtain rods for upstairs bedrooms.

3. Bob's: i got one of those $10 coupons, but in the past got snagged by them cus there's hardly anything in the store for $10 or less, so you end up spending $ regardless. But this time they had a lot of yummy holiday candy by the register, so i got some dark chocolate raspberry truffles and some preserves which i otherwise woudln't get, so a treat for me for just $1!

4. Stopped at Walgreen's and got the free after rebate mineral foundation. Also some Vit. D.

5. The dealer has a shuttle service to area stores, so while they worked on my car, i did some shopping at Kohl's. Got lots of unmentionables which i could use for the new job + a sweater on sale and a mini food processor for those small jobs. I had a big heavy one that my grandmother had owned but i broke a piece of a blade when i tried using it for some cheddar balls at Thanksgiving. Also got the same exact black leather shoes ($30) as the pair that my dad's dog Bailey ruined when i was there, chewing on the heels. My dad insisted on reimbursing me, but they didn't cost anywhere's near the $60 he gave me.

5. Did a 25-minute walk around the block in the blustery late afternoon. A neighbor coming home from work yelled out that i "sure was dedicated to be walking today." I'm trying not to go to blubber as usually happens each winter.

Planning on doing some quick bread baking tonight.