Thanks to largely cooperative weather, I feel like I've been doing really well not using my heat much yet this year. There was one day a few weeks back when I turned it on, but I promptly turned it off again the next day when temps warmed up considerably.

It seemed as though I've been keeping the heat off longer this year. And so I struck out to check here on my blog.

Here are the dates I turned on heat in the previous three years:

2010: Oct. 2
2009: Oct. 12
2008: Oct. 19

So I'm doing pretty well this year, but by no means have I set any records...yet. If I can keep the heat turned off past next Wednesday, I will then have exceeded my heat turn-on dates of the past 3 years.Except for that ONE day I had it on.

Other news:

Yesterday I did a focus group and took home $65.

The day before that, I checked in as part of the nutrition study I'm in and took home $100. I've also signed up for "jury research." A company in my area recruits people like me to "hear" actual lawsuits, presented by the attorneys in the case. You then file a verdict and discuss the case with your fellow jurors. It's a 4-hour deal and you get $100 plus they feed you dinner. I've registered, but won't know if I'm chosen for two upcoming cases until and unless they call me. I would love to do this.