Friday Five Faves - Vol. 15

Another week gone in a haze of smoke detector beeping. I almost started freaking out when the microwaved beeped to let me know my food was done. I have developed a weird tick for beeping sounds.

I don't even want to comment on what happened, but I will since I know you're all in suspense. We had, packed away in some random box, a carbon monoxide alarm from Puyallup. In a random act of incompatability, it had a low battery and somehow signaled to all 5 smoke detectors that it was low, causing all of them to beep.

After calling an electrician who installed new smoke detectors, we found the real issue. Once we took the batteries out of the carbon monoxide alarm, they all stopped.

I don't even want to tell you the bill we got for new smoke detectors we didn't need. It would totally kill the buzz from the peace and quiet last night. You could call this a very expensive smoke detector test.

Onto the Top 5 for this week. Because we have an offer on the house, I thought I would focus this Friday Five Fave on the things we'll be able to do without that HUGE mortgage payment.

1 - Grocery shopping. I know, you shouldn't show all your cards right off the bat. To come out strong with this type of thing as #1 is just plain crazy talk.

To save money, we've had to shop at a sub-par grocery store. The meat section leaves something to be desired. The produce doesn't last two days. It's safe to say our eating habits have been severely hampered by this. Now I get to shop at my favorite grocery store. They sell wonderful produce, my favorite kind of milk (yes, different brands taste different to me), and a meat section that I could stand in for hours. It's safe to say that I'm completely, 100% excited to make this change.

2 - One yard. For 18 months I've had the Puyallup's yard in the back of my mind. We don't get over there often, so when we visit we have weeds that are almost as tall as the fence. Thank you Western Washington rain. So when we do visit, it's exhausting because of all the work that has to go into the yard.

Now, we only have one yard to focus on. I can plant tulips, roses, herbs and various other flowers. I'm beyond excited to be able to garden in the spring.

3 - Target. This is, by far, my favorite store. I've had to avoid this store in the last year and a half because I have been known to buy things that I may or may not have needed right away. It also has a children's clothing section that is stocked with kicky outfits. It's my go-to store when I want to wander and browse. In some ways, it's like a little haven when I need to get out of life into the aisles of fun purses, cute jewelry and new CD's.

I can now wander around this store, taking in the sights and smelling the popcorn from the snack bar. It will be good to be back.

4 - Eye brow waxing. For as long as I can remember I've had a problem with the brows. When I was younger it was almost impossible to determine if I only had one or if there were two, separate ones on my face. Then I discovered waxing. Sure it's a little painful, but when you have a forest to pluck, pouring hot wax and then ripping it off is the only way to go. I have tried electrolysis on my brows. I have to be completely honest, it could be a form of torture that helps the insurgants find those terrorists. After two hairs, you're ready to spill your life's secrets just to make the pain stop.

Now, I can pay someone to rip hair off my face all at once rather than hair-by-hair. Bring on the wax I say!

5 - Lessons for Zoe. Because she doesn't attend daycare, I try to find things that would allow her interaction with other children. Because of her age, that usually happens in the form of some class. Our local YMCA has several classes that would be great for her. Additionally, so does Gymboree Play & Music. I'm very excited to get her participating in music classes. The girl loves her some music.

I know this sounds like I can't wait to spend money, but I'm more excited about a return to "normal." We haven't had any discretionary income for almost 2 years. This is the first time that we will, as a family, be able to enjoy some of life's comforts. Despite what is happening in the economy, we will be able to rest at night. That should be my #1!

Happy weekend all.