I'm starting the new year with some more home improvements and am quite curious as to the cost analysis. Started this last February but didn't really keep track of it until now...In 2011, we spent $2,722 on 936 gallons of oil heat from Jan-Dec. That's an average of $7.45 per day and 2.56 gallons per day. Given that the price varies as well as the number of people in the house (blended families with 4 pre-teens, hot water is via the furnace, and the laundry never seems to be complete), I'll elect to analyze the data on a per-deim cost analysis. We'll have to report back in one year to see how the investment has affected our investments.
Of course, the insulation was installed in February, so in my opinion, that initial investment paid off.
1. Expanding Insulating Foam in crevices in the TV room. Noticed immediately the draft is gone. However, I have to thank our resident mice for getting me to finally act on this problem...no thanks to our resident cat (who is still vying to get the last of the caged gerbils...but not the free range mice).
COST: $12 for two cans of foam
SAVINGS: tba
2. Insulating Rubber Weatherstripping along the front wood door. I love this door - but it's solid wood and conducts the cold...and it's not square. Shoved lots of insulation into the cracks but never caulked the bottom (where you could see daylight! for 11 years!!! stupid me!). Instant difference - just a few minor cosmetic adjustments, brown paint over the white caulk, additional rubber trim - but the drafty door has been conquered!
COST: $1 tube of caulk and $16.50 for three 17' sections of rubber weatherstripping.
SAVINGS: tba
3. Drafty bathroom window. Bring on the tube of caulk, as well as a pack of shrink-wrap for the window. Fairly easy to install, and I finally got to use my hairdryer...Draft gone... until the bathroom will be gutted this summer and that window and wall are started from scratch!
COST: $1.46 per window (package is $8.79 for 6 windows)
SAVINGS: tba
4. Attic insulation. This was actually completed last February, but could only look into the cost analysis over the course of this winter. Noticeably warmer overnight on the second floor.
COST: $360 (12 rolls R30 at $15 each)
SAVINGS: tba
5. Heating the house with wood from Storm Damage Compliments of Eric, we are taking advantage of Mother Nature's wrath to help heat the house. The wood was free, as we gathered much of it ourselves after the October storm, but splitting and stacking it has been a family affair. It's free wood, free labor, and time well spent with the kiddos contributing to the household. Win-Win-Win!
COST: Free (minor fee for gas for the chainsaw)
SAVINGS: tba
Totals: approximately $400 investment
Time to recoup costs: at $7.45 per day - 54 days.
Based on this analysis, our investment will be recouped by Mid-February. Hopefully Mother Nature and the Financial Gods will be kinder to us as well. Price alone, oil has practically tripled in the last 13 years...
Monday, January 2, 2012
Saturday, December 24, 2011
End of the Year Goal Analysis...
Have I made the grade? Status report after the year in review...
1) Credit cards will be paid off monthly. Well, #1 on my list was a huge bust...still working on it though....
2)Join the Do not call registry. Crossed off the first week of this challenge (pats self on back).
3)Clean out the closets and Rotate seasonal clothes. I claim to check this one off... but is a constant work in progress. Much harder to do with the kiddos because they're growing like weeds.
4) Train my kids to clean up after themselves. Alas, still working on this...it's a daily battle of wits. It's interesting to say the least, and still an uphill battle. Often debate with myself if that's a battle I'm willing to take, or just break out the garbage bags and vacuum (which enjoys eating LEGOS).
5)Extend this new mantra to my classroom. I will claim victory at this one, but am still chipping away at this, but the bug outbreak assisted as we had to clean everything prior to Thanksgiving and again before Christmas break so the exterminators can spray. A bit frightening to hear that they don't know the KIND of bugs, just hoping they stay there and not follow me home...
6)Eat through the pantry and freezer before shopping for more. Freezer was emptied and defrosted (though the power outage from the Halloween snowstorm assisted this one) and the pantry is in progress of being rotated through. Beginning to stock up canned goods for the eventual storms and power outages that will occur after this year's encounters with Mother Nature.
7)Pay bills online and automatically. Still in progress here, but making more steps to complete it.
8)Automatic savings transfers CHECK! Both the kiddos accounts and mine are automatically added to each month. Every penny counts.
9) The year of the backyard vacations. Not achievable as Natalie convinced me to journey down to AL during the summer. Enjoying hunkering down at home though, spending quality time with kiddos and day trips around the Valley. Hiking is now a new favorite - when the kids are in the mood and the dogs need the exercise. Also trying to convince them that Geocaching is fun...
10) Assault the piles of junk. They do seem to multiply...like Gremlins...with water. Still in progress, but don't know if taking on a room at a time is the strategy or if I should just move at will with the garbage bag in hand.
So, after one YEAR, the list is progressing but still has a ways to go. I think I'll reevaluate for 2012 and set myself some goals, both superficial (as this list seems to be full of the 'stuff' that I have accumulated) and metaphysical. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
1) Credit cards will be paid off monthly. Well, #1 on my list was a huge bust...still working on it though....
2)
3)
4) Train my kids to clean up after themselves. Alas, still working on this...it's a daily battle of wits. It's interesting to say the least, and still an uphill battle. Often debate with myself if that's a battle I'm willing to take, or just break out the garbage bags and vacuum (which enjoys eating LEGOS).
5)
6)
7)
8)
9) The year of the backyard vacations. Not achievable as Natalie convinced me to journey down to AL during the summer. Enjoying hunkering down at home though, spending quality time with kiddos and day trips around the Valley. Hiking is now a new favorite - when the kids are in the mood and the dogs need the exercise. Also trying to convince them that Geocaching is fun...
10) Assault the piles of junk. They do seem to multiply...like Gremlins...with water. Still in progress, but don't know if taking on a room at a time is the strategy or if I should just move at will with the garbage bag in hand.
So, after one YEAR, the list is progressing but still has a ways to go. I think I'll reevaluate for 2012 and set myself some goals, both superficial (as this list seems to be full of the 'stuff' that I have accumulated) and metaphysical. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Emoticons and Drawings... White Christmas
★*˚°。°*。°*。★*˚°。°*。°˚°★*˚°。°*。°*★*˚°。°*。°*★
° *_██_*˚ °。°/♥ \*˚°。°*。°*★*˚°。°*。°*★*˚°。°*。°*★
˛ . (´• ̮•)*. 。*/♫.♫\*˛.* ˛ _Π_____*˚°。*。°*❤*˚°。°*。°*★
. ° ( . • .) ˛° . /• '♫ '•\.˛*./_______/~\*˚°。°*。°*°*❤ ˚°*★
.* (.. '•'..) *˛ ╬╬╬╬╬˛°.｜田田❤｜門｜╬╬╬╬╬*˚°。°*。°* ♥
★*˚°。°*。°*。★ MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! ★ Warm hugs, lots of love to everyone and the glow of flickering candlelight. May you all be blessed with good health, food, warmth and shelter. Enjoy your family and friends. Many wishes for a more prosperous New Year
° *_██_*˚ °。°/♥ \*˚°。°*。°*★*˚°。°*。°*★*˚°。°*。°*★
˛ . (´• ̮•)*. 。*/♫.♫\*˛.* ˛ _Π_____*˚°。*。°*❤*˚°。°*。°*★
. ° ( . • .) ˛° . /• '♫ '•\.˛*./_______/~\*˚°。°*。°*°*❤ ˚°*★
.* (.. '•'..) *˛ ╬╬╬╬╬˛°.｜田田❤｜門｜╬╬╬╬╬*˚°。°*。°* ♥
★*˚°。°*。°*。★ MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! ★ Warm hugs, lots of love to everyone and the glow of flickering candlelight. May you all be blessed with good health, food, warmth and shelter. Enjoy your family and friends. Many wishes for a more prosperous New Year
Saturday, November 19, 2011
On the road again...
Heading back from a whirlwind of a trip to our nation's capital with the eighth grade. Always an adventure, always in flux, but after recuperating, I can say was a successful trip.
Overall, my question becomes though: "what is our goal". I think that I have some personal goals that I could like our students to reach - how they fit into the world, how they fit into history, how they fit into our country... and respecting those who came before them. It is overwhelming when you think of the enormity of what is available in DC, and I think that it is unfortunately impossible to see it all, but being able to form it around a theme would be wonderful. Getting everyone to agree on a theme will be the challenge.
Of course, it is important to me that the kids realize the sacrifice that veterans made to establish and maintain this countries liberties. The war memorials and Arlington National Cemetery are always my favorite places to visit to have that moment of awe. Unfortunately, for me, the fast paced aspect didn't allow for that quiet moment to soak it in. I'm continuously kid-wrangling.
Pausing a moment to reflect is especially important for our town in the past several years, and nationwide important in election years. Being able to reflect on where we've been will help in planning for where we're going. I think that we as a society tend to forget that. The media certainly helps facilitate much of the negativity. But kids are so impressionable and are becoming much more of a 'sound bite' generation that they don't study the big idea. That really concerns me.
I also have decided that I am very scattered, but have high energy during trips like this. My goal for next year is to script that energy into something that can be in hand for other teachers. I don't really think about it, but others have said that I do a 'good job' at it, so I really should get it on paper. Maybe I do have a future as a tour guide! The high energy though does come at a price. I'm spent...and sick. My body has hit a wall and I need to sit back and take care of myself to gear up for what the next week has to bring...
Overall, my question becomes though: "what is our goal". I think that I have some personal goals that I could like our students to reach - how they fit into the world, how they fit into history, how they fit into our country... and respecting those who came before them. It is overwhelming when you think of the enormity of what is available in DC, and I think that it is unfortunately impossible to see it all, but being able to form it around a theme would be wonderful. Getting everyone to agree on a theme will be the challenge.
Of course, it is important to me that the kids realize the sacrifice that veterans made to establish and maintain this countries liberties. The war memorials and Arlington National Cemetery are always my favorite places to visit to have that moment of awe. Unfortunately, for me, the fast paced aspect didn't allow for that quiet moment to soak it in. I'm continuously kid-wrangling.
Pausing a moment to reflect is especially important for our town in the past several years, and nationwide important in election years. Being able to reflect on where we've been will help in planning for where we're going. I think that we as a society tend to forget that. The media certainly helps facilitate much of the negativity. But kids are so impressionable and are becoming much more of a 'sound bite' generation that they don't study the big idea. That really concerns me.
I also have decided that I am very scattered, but have high energy during trips like this. My goal for next year is to script that energy into something that can be in hand for other teachers. I don't really think about it, but others have said that I do a 'good job' at it, so I really should get it on paper. Maybe I do have a future as a tour guide! The high energy though does come at a price. I'm spent...and sick. My body has hit a wall and I need to sit back and take care of myself to gear up for what the next week has to bring...
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Get into the groove
The summertime loose schedule was wonderful - it seemed that I was able to get chores done at my leisure, yardwork and exercise when I wanted to, a feeling of satisfaction as I could immerse myself in a book or craft project.
Now, the school year has thrust itself upon me. Commandeering the classroom, the homefront, and the scout pack is a juggling act in and of itself. But while that is a true balancing act I still need to ensure that I can keep a balance for myself.
Back to the AYF way of thinking - the Four-Fold way of life: PMSR - physical, mental, social & religious. As the weather cools off, I do notice that my physical self slows down (no more mowing lawn, less geocaching, less gardening and hauling plants) but I still need to find ways to motivate myself through the winter. Mentally, keeping the monotony of school (perpetually being in the 8th grade...) at bay is a challenge. The same problem can be twisted around to become fresh and exciting for both the students and for myself. Socially, even though my social circle is actually fairly small, I need to solidify my friends vs. my colleagues. Talking shop at social events does need to be limited. I'm quite guilty of that myself. My religious side is one that is definitely becoming more spiritual as opposed to a physical location. Finding peace with my contributions to the larger society is one way that I have found a way to get in touch with my spiritual self. Meditation, slowing down to enjoy the small things, appreciating nature and the little quiet that I have with a cup of coffee are becoming more and more precious. It's interesting to me to see how my perspective has changed in the last few years. What is important: self-preservation, family, standing your ground for what you believe, health. Looking ahead while learning from the past.
Now, the school year has thrust itself upon me. Commandeering the classroom, the homefront, and the scout pack is a juggling act in and of itself. But while that is a true balancing act I still need to ensure that I can keep a balance for myself.
Back to the AYF way of thinking - the Four-Fold way of life: PMSR - physical, mental, social & religious. As the weather cools off, I do notice that my physical self slows down (no more mowing lawn, less geocaching, less gardening and hauling plants) but I still need to find ways to motivate myself through the winter. Mentally, keeping the monotony of school (perpetually being in the 8th grade...) at bay is a challenge. The same problem can be twisted around to become fresh and exciting for both the students and for myself. Socially, even though my social circle is actually fairly small, I need to solidify my friends vs. my colleagues. Talking shop at social events does need to be limited. I'm quite guilty of that myself. My religious side is one that is definitely becoming more spiritual as opposed to a physical location. Finding peace with my contributions to the larger society is one way that I have found a way to get in touch with my spiritual self. Meditation, slowing down to enjoy the small things, appreciating nature and the little quiet that I have with a cup of coffee are becoming more and more precious. It's interesting to me to see how my perspective has changed in the last few years. What is important: self-preservation, family, standing your ground for what you believe, health. Looking ahead while learning from the past.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Summer, it was nice knowing you...
Time flies when you're having fun. Summer has come to a close as we hunkered down for Hurricane Irene - fortunately, a bust around here, but other places are seeing swollen rivers and cars bobbing downstream like rubber ducks. Dangerous - and hopefully, people took precautions and aren't being stupid.
The kids are excited that they have an extra day off (call it a snow day for lack of another term) but I'm surprised that the delay isn't posted online on either the school site or the television station. We received a phone call on Saturday from the Superintendent, enough to ease my mind prior to the storm, but I assumed that the television stations didn't post it yet...focusing more on the canceled church services and shelter openings. However, it is now Sunday evening and it still isn't posted. Of course, the kids were expecting to go on Tuesday anyway...so maybe it will show up on the scroll tomorrow.
As for summer, it was a blast - busy, busy, busy. Still have a long list of items that weren't accomplished, but did get through many of the little items on the list. Throwing in the towel on some of the items that I am perfectly capable of, but choosing not to (painting rooms, major cleaning), I think I'll give in to the hiring squad. I can't do it all of course, but would like to have a clean house for more than 10 minutes.
Awaiting the onset of fall weather to make the switch for seasonal clothes. Might be able to get a few more weeks out of the summerish items before packing them up and finding the wool sweaters and snow boots. And then I'll be eagerly anticipating the next real snow day!
The kids are excited that they have an extra day off (call it a snow day for lack of another term) but I'm surprised that the delay isn't posted online on either the school site or the television station. We received a phone call on Saturday from the Superintendent, enough to ease my mind prior to the storm, but I assumed that the television stations didn't post it yet...focusing more on the canceled church services and shelter openings. However, it is now Sunday evening and it still isn't posted. Of course, the kids were expecting to go on Tuesday anyway...so maybe it will show up on the scroll tomorrow.
As for summer, it was a blast - busy, busy, busy. Still have a long list of items that weren't accomplished, but did get through many of the little items on the list. Throwing in the towel on some of the items that I am perfectly capable of, but choosing not to (painting rooms, major cleaning), I think I'll give in to the hiring squad. I can't do it all of course, but would like to have a clean house for more than 10 minutes.
Awaiting the onset of fall weather to make the switch for seasonal clothes. Might be able to get a few more weeks out of the summerish items before packing them up and finding the wool sweaters and snow boots. And then I'll be eagerly anticipating the next real snow day!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Pollen + Car = new paint job
So Mother Nature emptied her dustbuster on the neighborhood and covered everything in a fine layer of yellow pollen. Though I enjoyed the new color of my car, I also totally appreciate the fact that she turned on the water works yesterday to give everything a shower. Unfortunately, that might screw up some outdoor plans for the next few days, but if it keeps the temperature down, lets the new grass grow, and sets the future up for some nice gardens, I'll be OK with that. Now, if I could only get the gutters fixed so they aren't bowing in the middle...
I used to wake up at 4 A.M. and start sneezing, sometimes for five hours. I tried to find out what sort of allergy I had but finally came to the conclusion that it must be an allergy to consciousness. - James Thurber
Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet. - Roger Miller
Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" - Robin Williams
The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful. - e. e. cummings
Constant dripping hollows out a stone.- Lucretius
I used to wake up at 4 A.M. and start sneezing, sometimes for five hours. I tried to find out what sort of allergy I had but finally came to the conclusion that it must be an allergy to consciousness. - James Thurber
Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet. - Roger Miller
Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" - Robin Williams
The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful. - e. e. cummings
Constant dripping hollows out a stone.- Lucretius
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