2018 - A Reflection of my BEST in 2018

2018 was grrrrrrrrrrrrrreat!  This year started quiet, then got nasty, and ended up FANTASTIC! So, 2018 was really a great year. I decided to skip the Year-In-Review with all the photos. That seems too much like bragging and boasting.  I am not into that nonsense... anymore.  LOL!

This is my BEST of for 2018. My "BEST" reflects being strategic and commitments.  Here are my bests in 2018:

• Sam's Club- for sensible and frugal shopping.
• Sam's Club gas station- Best competitive gas prices.  Long lines move fast.
• Raj - my Amazon Locker
• My fantastic new Facebook Friends from Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Summerlin and other states who share a passion for Las Vegas.
• My decision to take an unplanned 6 month respite, as a commitment, to relax and chill.
• Thoughtfulness in doing online comparison before grocery shopping:  FairPlay Foods, Food4Less and now Pete's Fresh Market.
• Creativity in operationalizing Central Chicago Events Page on Facebook. Lots of fun stuff in the central area of Chicago.
• My favorite show- Ancient Aliens.
• My favorite celebrity chef cooking shows.
• My commitment to fitness and health... daily powerwalks.

Wishing every reader a Happy New Year in 2019!!!!  Cheers!!

FOLO on Christmas

A new FBF just posted a comment about the differences between being alone and being lonely.

I assume the comment was related to Christmas Day as this is the ONLY day when most merchants and businesses are closed.  So, such feelings can happen easily, leading to sadness.  Here's my take:
There is a difference between being alone and feeling lonely.  I think everyone understands that point, if not Google the definitions.

Lonely:
Since nothing is open on Christmas, the best thing to do is PLAN for this day.  Even if venues are open, who would want to being out all alone on such a festive holiday?  Not me! This is what I recommend:
#1. Go to church in the morning. Churches are usually open, so it will not be a whole solitary day.
#2. Plan to cook your favorite meal at home, nothing major, just something enjoyable.
#3. Select your favorite movies... DVD's, Netflix, Amazon Prime movie, or Google Play.
#4. Grab your preferred bottle of wine.
#5. Have some popcorn to snack while enjoying your favorite movies.
#6. STAY OFF SOCIAL MEDIA!!  Folks are inconsiderate and will be posting photos of get togethers. No need to get caught up in FOLO... "Feelings Of Losing Out".

That's a plan that will work for being lonely on Christmas Day.

Alone:
Now, for those who enjoy being alone, Be Careful!!!  Being alone, can easily transition into feeling lonely on Christmas Day.    My advice is to avoid doing anything that will result in awkward feelings of being alone on this holiday.  Hence, I recommend doing the following:
#1. Plan the day for staying at home.  No need to go out and end up feeling awkward being alone on Christmas.
#2- Have your meal planned out with your preferred bottle of wine.
#3- Plan for your favorite TV, cable, streaming movies.
#4- STAY OFF SOCIAL MEDIA!!!  No need in risking a transition into loneliness.

In either case, make sure to have a plan on Christmas!!!

Living the Frugal Lifestyle in 2018

I have enjoyed a nice 6 months of relaxing as a retiree.  This was my very first time EVER of relaxing while not working.  In order to do this as a retiree, I had to cut spending and live a very FRUGAL lifestyle for the past 6 months.  

A person has to be very mindful, strategic and smart to live a frugal life.  Being frugal does not mean being cheap.  Frugality reflects critical thinking to successfully cut unnecessary material costs.  Here's what I did during the past 6 months:

• Take the bus instead of driving.
• Created social media activities that kept me busy and away from the local casino.
• No dining out.  Low cost healthy meals are planned and prepared every week.
• Grocery shop carefully at Food4Less and FairPlay Foods.
• Always prepare a grocery shopping list and stick to it. Target generics to save money.
• No more Binny's!   I purchase my wine and vodka at Sam's Club.
• Sam's Club is big time for me with purchases of soaps, water, wine and paper products.
• Take the bus Downtown and engage in free events that I promote.
• Purchase gasoline at Sam's Club.  Long lines, but cheap!!!  Worth the wait.
• Stay active by powerwalking and treadmill at fitness center.
• For holidays, go to my preferred meat market for low cost meat, poultry and fish.

Alas, my 6 month respite is over and its back to work in less than 1 month.  However, I learned a lot during this time. I will continue my frugal lifestyle.  But, life is for living and I do plan to continue my Las Vegas visits... but not as often.  Casinos are too tight, but I love that entertainment city.