I received my student loan check this week and was able to pay some bills that have been waiting patiently. Unfortunately, it all seems to go so fast. It is beyond depressing to have a $1400 check in your hand one day and nothing the next because it all went to pay the bills.

I am looking forward to earning a real paycheck on a regular basis and being able to save and spend on fun stuff as well as paying the bills.

It is also time to buy my holiday gifts since my Xmas Club money was just transferred to my savings account. I do alot of shopping at www.Lakeside.com for the holidays (especially for the kids and little things for teachers). I can also earn points thru MyPoints at Lakeside which I like.

Check them out - great prices but get your order in early because they tend to sell out fast. I have never had a problem with them, but if you wait to order when it is close to the holidays, I have heard complaints that shipping was too slow.

Our town just opened a new Target and a new Kohl's. Before we had to drive 40 minutes to get to the closest of these stores. I love Target, but they stopped carrying the type of saline I use for my contact lenses. When they decided to stop carrying it a few years ago they put it on clearance for 75% off and I bought as much as they had left.

I still love Target for clothes for my daughter. I have never shopped in Kohl's before so I will have to go check it out when I get a chance...maybe this weekend.

In case anyone is wondering, school is pure hell. :P