WEEK 70

GREETINGS & SALLYTATIONS!

Frugal or cheap? Has anyone ever called you cheap? Man, I can’t stand that word. I consider myself frugal. Here’s what Webster’s has to say: “frugal: economical in use or expenditure: prudently saving or sparing, not wasteful, requiring few resources, meager.”

To me, being frugal is just being smart, living within your means, being wise with money. I see nothing wrong with this. I just had another lecture from friends about my dining habits. I will browse the menu for the best value, this is true. My eyes light up when I see that “2 for 20” option. Or, how about the “all you can eat” opportunity? I should really eat what I crave but you can get full on $7 as well as on $15, do you know what I mean? I don’t know what’s wrong with me as I’m very generous with others but “frugal” with my own needs.

I refuse to pay full price for anything and I’m sure many others are the same way; that is just using common sense. Anyway, I just want to tell the world, or whoever is reading this, I am not cheap. Amen.

Man, that felt good. There’s a perk to writing this column, I can get this stuff that’s been bothering me out there. Who needs therapy?

Okay, diet chat. I was not frugal with food choices. I am still celebrating my birthday and of course this means meeting at various local eateries. I have to give a big thumbs up to probably one of the best Reuben sandwiches I’ve ever had. I feel I am a Reuben expert, so, please take note. Mary’s Morsels, a quaint little restaurant in downtown Eveleth serves up the best Reuben I’ve ever had. The meat and bread are both bought locally and oh so fresh. Kudos. I’ll be back. So, a few too many social engagements has put undue pressure on the zipper. Who needs a scale? Just zip your pants, that’s the best indication of your progress. You can’t eat out three times without balancing out the exercise. Every meal out should be a double workout at the gym. I’m reading a new diet book, “The Simple Diet.” Again, this diet makes total sense but as with every diet book on the market, they seem to forget weekends. Someone needs to write this book, “Monday-Friday until 5 p.m. Diet.” That’s reality.

I was asked to come and speak at a local nursing home. What an honor. I read a bit from my column, an Erma Bombeck book, and shared some personal stories. I told them how lucky they all are that I do not work in a nursing home but in a library. I shared my story of my “one day” job in a nursing home where I filled over 100 urinals with ice and spoon fed a “visitor.” Oh, we had a few chuckles. My dream career was shattered in just one day back in the late 70s. I promised the audience I would return when I lose 10 pounds and I heard a lady comment under her breath, “Like that will ever happen.” Oh, I’m still chuckling. I think that’s enough inspiration for me, to show that group of listeners, I will do it.

Dating updates: Zippo. Nada. Zero. Nothing. I’m patiently waiting to hear from Metro Man for a future date. I’m stuck here on Date # 7. Unlucky # 7. I wonder if I’m the only girl on the planet who “counts” her dates. How pathetic. Maybe this shows a sign of insecurity?

I’m just so darn thrilled I made it past one and done; two and through; three and flee; four out the door, the list continues. I’m proud of hitting the seven mark. I can wait...I went and cut my bangs again with work scissors (being FRUGAL). So, this cut will take a good 2 weeks to heal. The good news is I saved $15 on a haircut, bad news is I can’t go in public until it grows back.

Well folks, I will close it up for now. I did gain weight this week. As always, I’ll take it off for next week’s column. Miss Yo Yo Peterangelo will be back with weight loss news next week. Hold the press!

Sally Peterangelo is Director of the Mt. Iron Public Library and lives in Virginia, MN.