Spent all your cash on girlie drinks and shattered dreams again this weekend, didn't you? No worries - Thriftster gives you the lowdown on cheap stuff to do until Paycheck Friday.

Monday: Start the week out on a socially responsible note with the Houston Grand Opera at the Museum of Fine Arts Brown Auditorium (1001 Bissonnet St.). The event is honoring writer Leah Lax and who interviewed hundreds of Houston immigrants from around the globe and contributed to the HGO's The Refuge based on local immigration experiences.

Tuesday: Feeling funny, punk? Head over to Rudyards (2010 Waugh) at 9pm for their Comedy Werkshop at 7pm. Free entry, no drink minimum - cheer for the real comedians and throw your pint glass at the ones that suck.

Wednesday: A fan of Lolita? The New Gallery (2627 Colquitt) is holding a photography show with images based on scenes from the book that look at the 'archetype child/woman issue'. A lovely, if not somewhat provocative, look at coming of age.

Thursday: Art and parties go well together - hit the Art on the Avenue Art Show preview tonight at Winter Street Studios ( 2101 Winter St.). Music, food and fun make this a cheap way to take yo' mamma out all night.