This past week, I wasn't feeling well. Among other things, I was having horrible cramps. As I was lying in bed bemoaning womanhood and all sorts of stuff, Paul asked me if there was anything he could do. When I mentioned a hot water bottle would be nice, but we didn't own a hot water bottle, he disappeared into the kitchen. Soon he came back with an ingenious creation: he poured uncooked rice into a clean sock and then put it into the microwave for about a minute. It was deliciously warm and heavy enough that it gave the perfect amount of pressure. When I was done with it, I just needed to wash the sock and Paul can wear it again! Paul said we could probably cook and eat the rice too, but I guess I don't trust the cleanliness of his socks. :-)

Be sure to go over to Crystal's blog and check out all of the other Frugal Friday posts!

Crystal at Biblical Womanhood is hosting a weekly "column" on Frugal Fridays. I thought it doesn't hurt to jump on the bandwagon, and frugality is an area where I need vast improvements. I figure I will probably be listening more than posting, but hopefully this will help me get better at spending unnecessary money!

My Frugal Friday tip is about avoiding the cost of gas. My husband takes the train to work every morning, even though it adds about a half hour to his trip. We have found that to be an excellent way to save money. It costs $3.50 round trip, which is probably the same as he would spend in gas. It also saves on parking costs downtown, wear and tear on the car, and on routine maintenance associated with driving like oil changes. It is also better for the environment - less emissions, less gas being used, less traffic on the road. Another hidden benefit is that he can spend the entire time in the train in the Word and in prayer!

Once he starts fulltime at the place he is now (right now he's considered contract), he will be given free train passes so that will make it even cheaper! It's been a great situation so far, and I encourage other people to consider public transportation. A lot of people in this area view it as a method for low-income people to travel, which might be true, but that shouldn't make you too proud to use it - especially when it's a fairly clean, reliable, and safe environment.