Beware of serious venting of current financial situation. (You have been warned.)
it has been a favorite past time to think what would I get if I won the lottery. When I was little I used to compile a list of all the things I would buy..new cars for everyone in my family, travel, travel, travel, buy a new house, probably some pretty extravagant stuff..nowadays, all I can think about is I would pay off all of my debt and then save the rest..okay, maybe I would travel a bit..but, first I'm paying off EVERYTHING. I've been trying to use a new system to keep me accountable, but..it still hasn't worked this month. The system is for spending money I'm always going to use cash. Well, I slightly broke it with an absolute necessity, but I had to do it. I used my debit card to get gas and I had to fill up three times already this pay period from going up to Maryland to visit my mom. And I am definitely going to have to fill up a few more times before the end of the month because I drive around all the time with my second job. I really wish they paid me milage!! The frustrating thing is that I just don't get paid enough money. the world is becoming more and more expensive and because of the state of education these days, our salary is getting cut more and more. I am just about finished with this profession. Its pretty sad that I love what I do, but I really can't afford to do it anymore. I'm thinking about going into healthcare..I've been told I have a natural knack for physical therapy..so, perhaps I'll look into it.
In one of my favorite books, the heroine is getting a lecture from her father about her finances..and this is something has always stuck in my mind when it comes to my debt, he says "you need to either spend less or make more money" and it totally makes sense but, incredibly hard to accomplish..right now, I am just about down to the bare minimum with what I am spending. I am trying to be more thrifty when I choose the products that I purchase, and have been avoiding going out to eat like the plague..but, I just don't make enough money. Its really pathetic to look at my bank account after all my necessary bills are paid. Another thing that will alleviate the financial pressure is getting a roommate. Hopefully that will be rectified by this summer. :) I only have one more year left on my car...but, maybe I should bite the bullet and sell it and get a super cheap car, then I don't have to worry about a car payment anymore. So, the answer to my financial problems is that I have to do what I have to do to get through this month, and then hunker down and not spend any money while looking for a new job. I dream of having one job that has benefits that I pays me enough to survive plus some. Who knows if it will ever happen. Its definitely not going to have in the environment that I am in right now.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Hello 1.1.11
So instead of calling it a my New Year Resolution, I've created a 2011 To Do List. I feel like that is an easier way to accomplish my goals when I am able to check it off a to do list. So...
2011 To Do List
#1. get my head around my finances/budget/saving $$$
#2. train for a race/run a race
#3. reread all of the Harry Potter Series before the last movie comes out
#4. take the GRE/ apply to P.T.A program
#5. travel for my 30th bday (need ideas)
#6. move to Durham! (June)
#7. cook
#8. visit Heather & the girls in London.
#9. Find myself Spiritually
#10. 8 hours of Sleep per night (I don't know if this will be accomplished, but I'm going to try.)
#11. Declutter
I've already started to work on #2. I got up this morning and walked 3.2 mi. I figured I need to slowly work my way up to running because I don't want to burn out early on. I've joined this walk a marathon in 30 days challenge for January..so, I figure thats a good kick off and then I'll move back to couch to 5k. The only race that I have committed to running so far is the Run for the Money in Gastonia in April. I figure that is enough time to train. I'm on the lookout for a race in ATL as well. The walk was really nice..I walked through a neighborhood near my apt...it really reminded me of the town that I grew up in, Sleepy Hollow. There were minimal sidewalks, all the houses were at least 10-15 years old, actual yards surrounding the houses, and funny enough some of the streets were named the same as Sleep Hollow. Hickory Hollow, Laurel Hollow..if I saw Hillcrest Dr, I was going to have to check to make sure that I was actually in North Carolina and not Illinois..
The other one that I've started is Harry Potter. Its nice to go back to the beginning. I figure this will get me back into the swing of wanting to read for pleasure.
Going to go work on #11.
2011 To Do List
#1. get my head around my finances/budget/saving $$$
#2. train for a race/run a race
#3. reread all of the Harry Potter Series before the last movie comes out
#4. take the GRE/ apply to P.T.A program
#5. travel for my 30th bday (need ideas)
#6. move to Durham! (June)
#7. cook
#8. visit Heather & the girls in London.
#9. Find myself Spiritually
#10. 8 hours of Sleep per night (I don't know if this will be accomplished, but I'm going to try.)
#11. Declutter
I've already started to work on #2. I got up this morning and walked 3.2 mi. I figured I need to slowly work my way up to running because I don't want to burn out early on. I've joined this walk a marathon in 30 days challenge for January..so, I figure thats a good kick off and then I'll move back to couch to 5k. The only race that I have committed to running so far is the Run for the Money in Gastonia in April. I figure that is enough time to train. I'm on the lookout for a race in ATL as well. The walk was really nice..I walked through a neighborhood near my apt...it really reminded me of the town that I grew up in, Sleepy Hollow. There were minimal sidewalks, all the houses were at least 10-15 years old, actual yards surrounding the houses, and funny enough some of the streets were named the same as Sleep Hollow. Hickory Hollow, Laurel Hollow..if I saw Hillcrest Dr, I was going to have to check to make sure that I was actually in North Carolina and not Illinois..
The other one that I've started is Harry Potter. Its nice to go back to the beginning. I figure this will get me back into the swing of wanting to read for pleasure.
Going to go work on #11.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Clarity is what I need.
There is just something about the stretch of road between Gastonia and Atlanta. The drive there brought on so many memories..as I left North Carolina and entered South..I just got so reminiscent about the good old days of college. One of my best friends is from right outside of Atlanta and I would often make this trek with her down to her parents home. We had certain customs that we always had to fulfill on our trips down. It was like an itch that had to be scratched..the first one came as I drove through Gaffney, SC. As I drove past the Watertower that was painted and fashioned like a peach..I saluted it! Every time we drove past the peach it had to be saluted. It was unheard of to not salute the peach. It was a custom that we started freshman year and continued to this day.
As we traveled we always listened to our favorite tunes..in college is was NSYNC, Third Day, Rascal Flats, Kelly Clarkson, etc...this time around I listened to my Glee playlist and various Christmas songs..it was pure bliss. It made the trip bearable. As the I counted down the exits and got closer to the stateline between Georgia and South Carolina..I had to turn on Georgia on my Mind by John Mayer..that was always a custom to play as we crossed over the border..which is always perfect for the situation. I wanted to make it as far as I could so I didn't stop at my usual exit 149 the Commerce exit..but, instead I stopped at 129 when my gas tank glared at me when a red light to state that it was in need of substance..I really regretted not going to Commerce perhaps I wouldn't have had to worry so much had i stopped for gas there.
My Thanksgiving weekend was almost completely perfect. I stayed with my friend at her parent's house just like old times. I got there just before the appetizers on Thursday..I'm on a bit of a limited diet but, I ate what I could because for heaven's sake, ITS THANKSGIVING! We ate way too much, but it was just perfect. The weekend was filled with eating, shopping at 3 am, sleeping in the middle of the day, HARRY POTTER, texting, watching flash mob videos, discussing the awesomeness of Sarah Addison Allen, listening to her father talk which makes me laugh every single time, forced football viewings, (500) days of Summer, walking around a monastery that has an AWESOME bonsai garden (I need to take pictures next time), making cookies, driving around the town blaring various songs including Marry you, Grenade, Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars, the entire Glee Soundtrack, and then old favorites sprinkled through out the the weekend..ie, we pulled out an old mix cd that I made for her in college named "Mellow Yellow" which was RANDOM. It had everything from Incubus to Kelly Clarkson, to the Beatles, to Knock Three TImes. I don't know what I was thinking when I made that cd..I must have been writing my thesis. The only downfall of the whole weekend is I lost my cell phone. I was completely desperate for it..but, as it turned out I ended up leaving at the CVS around the corner from her house. I didn't find this out until I was almost home...but its okay that I left my phone..It gave me the opportunity to really think about my life, what I want, and what I need to do to get what I want.
As I drove North on 85, and got caught in the aftermath of "rubberneckers" of three different accidents..which actually caused my trip to go from a 3.5 hour trip to over 6 hour ride. I'm exhausted now..but, the ability to travel all those miles without anyone to talk to, it gave me the time to think about what is lacking. This is what I've decided. I need to be surrounded by people who wholeheartedly support me. I don't have that in my life right now. I feel like I need to move to get that support. I do have excellent friends where I live, but they are not selfless. I just think that friendship means to put your friends before yourself when they are in need. I strive to be that way..it hurts to know that I don't have many people surrounding me that have same philosophy. I had a really rough day today, but it could have been so much easier if I had their support. But, I made it through because I did what I had to do..so not going to complain..just going to mentally make a note and start looking for new opportunities. I also thought about how I need to finish my teaching degree..I have to do it for myself. I am never going to be happy or content with myself if I allow myself to just let this opportunity to go away without even trying. So I am going to look into MAT programs, and at least apply..if I can't do it..then at least I can say that I tried. I'm thinking schools in Durham, Georgia, and Maryland. I am so ready for change. With that thought, I need to crash. G'Night.
As we traveled we always listened to our favorite tunes..in college is was NSYNC, Third Day, Rascal Flats, Kelly Clarkson, etc...this time around I listened to my Glee playlist and various Christmas songs..it was pure bliss. It made the trip bearable. As the I counted down the exits and got closer to the stateline between Georgia and South Carolina..I had to turn on Georgia on my Mind by John Mayer..that was always a custom to play as we crossed over the border..which is always perfect for the situation. I wanted to make it as far as I could so I didn't stop at my usual exit 149 the Commerce exit..but, instead I stopped at 129 when my gas tank glared at me when a red light to state that it was in need of substance..I really regretted not going to Commerce perhaps I wouldn't have had to worry so much had i stopped for gas there.
My Thanksgiving weekend was almost completely perfect. I stayed with my friend at her parent's house just like old times. I got there just before the appetizers on Thursday..I'm on a bit of a limited diet but, I ate what I could because for heaven's sake, ITS THANKSGIVING! We ate way too much, but it was just perfect. The weekend was filled with eating, shopping at 3 am, sleeping in the middle of the day, HARRY POTTER, texting, watching flash mob videos, discussing the awesomeness of Sarah Addison Allen, listening to her father talk which makes me laugh every single time, forced football viewings, (500) days of Summer, walking around a monastery that has an AWESOME bonsai garden (I need to take pictures next time), making cookies, driving around the town blaring various songs including Marry you, Grenade, Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars, the entire Glee Soundtrack, and then old favorites sprinkled through out the the weekend..ie, we pulled out an old mix cd that I made for her in college named "Mellow Yellow" which was RANDOM. It had everything from Incubus to Kelly Clarkson, to the Beatles, to Knock Three TImes. I don't know what I was thinking when I made that cd..I must have been writing my thesis. The only downfall of the whole weekend is I lost my cell phone. I was completely desperate for it..but, as it turned out I ended up leaving at the CVS around the corner from her house. I didn't find this out until I was almost home...but its okay that I left my phone..It gave me the opportunity to really think about my life, what I want, and what I need to do to get what I want.
As I drove North on 85, and got caught in the aftermath of "rubberneckers" of three different accidents..which actually caused my trip to go from a 3.5 hour trip to over 6 hour ride. I'm exhausted now..but, the ability to travel all those miles without anyone to talk to, it gave me the time to think about what is lacking. This is what I've decided. I need to be surrounded by people who wholeheartedly support me. I don't have that in my life right now. I feel like I need to move to get that support. I do have excellent friends where I live, but they are not selfless. I just think that friendship means to put your friends before yourself when they are in need. I strive to be that way..it hurts to know that I don't have many people surrounding me that have same philosophy. I had a really rough day today, but it could have been so much easier if I had their support. But, I made it through because I did what I had to do..so not going to complain..just going to mentally make a note and start looking for new opportunities. I also thought about how I need to finish my teaching degree..I have to do it for myself. I am never going to be happy or content with myself if I allow myself to just let this opportunity to go away without even trying. So I am going to look into MAT programs, and at least apply..if I can't do it..then at least I can say that I tried. I'm thinking schools in Durham, Georgia, and Maryland. I am so ready for change. With that thought, I need to crash. G'Night.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Chocolate Soy Milk
sounds so good right now. Ever since I found out that I was going to have my gall bladder out, all I can think about is food. Its not like its going to be the end of the world when it is gone, but I know that for a short period I don't think I am going to want to eat anything. I have always been a food lover. I think its my Chicagoland roots. Food is apart of the culture there. We are the birthplace of McDonald's (well, as we know it..not the original food stand, but the chain was started in IL.) Chicago hot dogs, pizza, not to mention just great restaurants everywhere that you go. So how could you not be obsessed with food when you have GOOD food at every corner. I've heard that after you have your gall bladder out, your taste buds change..which could totally be a farce...but still I can't imagine life without my favorite foods. Indian food, popcorn, sushi, spaghetti...taste buds do not change your opinion of these foods! French fries you can go along with pizza..I need to kick both of those habits.
Ultimately, its my poor eating habits that have created the problem with my gall bladder. I hope this surgery can help kick start a healthy relationship with food. Time will only tell..another thing that I love and better not disappear after the surgery..SODA!! Especially...Pepsi Max and Diet 7up. There is just something about the bubbly carbonated sweetness. So, this upcoming week I'm going to go out for indian, eat popcorn when I'm watching some telly, and who knows what else. Who knows how long its going to take me to eat normally without getting sick. Man, I hope this doesn't ruin Thanksgiving (clearly my favorite holiday). I think I'm going to just push through the pain and enjoy the holiday anyways. :D
Ultimately, its my poor eating habits that have created the problem with my gall bladder. I hope this surgery can help kick start a healthy relationship with food. Time will only tell..another thing that I love and better not disappear after the surgery..SODA!! Especially...Pepsi Max and Diet 7up. There is just something about the bubbly carbonated sweetness. So, this upcoming week I'm going to go out for indian, eat popcorn when I'm watching some telly, and who knows what else. Who knows how long its going to take me to eat normally without getting sick. Man, I hope this doesn't ruin Thanksgiving (clearly my favorite holiday). I think I'm going to just push through the pain and enjoy the holiday anyways. :D
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Prompted.
Assignment: Look up your horoscope and write how true it is.
My horoscope via iGoogle:
The Moon links up to sensuous Venus in your personal chart, bringing out your most seductive, pleasure-loving side today. So plan to spend some time with someone close - or to entertain at home, as someone you meet now could play a major role in your existence. Because you are so open, others are drawn to you by your ease and charm and life should go your way.
I was given this prompt by a fellow blogger friend of mine, who was listening to me rant and whine about the fact that no one is following me or reading my posts. She said, "but you don't post often." I told her that I need a purpose to write and I just don't have one right now so she said "look up your horoscope and write how true it is."
I've always loved looking at horoscopes..I remember when I was in middle school, I loved to get Seventeen or YM and read my love horoscope. I would dream and hope that it would come true. It never did, which made me cynical about love and horoscopes in general. So, I was not surprised when I just looked at the horoscope from iGoogle and it basically talked about how I'm going to get lucky tonight. I am all by my lonesome tonight. BUT..perhaps the writer of my horoscope got it wrong by a day. I am going on a blind double date tomorrow..one can hope that this is what the horoscope was referring to as "as someone you meet now could play a major role in your existence." Right? I've only ever been on one other blind date and that was a bit of a disaster. The guy was drunk and smelled like a carton of cigarettes and I swear he was trying to scrape the back of my throat with his tongue..oh why did I let him get that far..so, tomorrow's date should be much more civil. We are going to the Renaissance Festival in CLT which if it doesn't work out, then at least I get to say I finally made it to the Renaissance Festival for the first time in 10 years. So, ask me tomorrow if the horoscope is relevant to my life. Til' then..
My horoscope via iGoogle:
The Moon links up to sensuous Venus in your personal chart, bringing out your most seductive, pleasure-loving side today. So plan to spend some time with someone close - or to entertain at home, as someone you meet now could play a major role in your existence. Because you are so open, others are drawn to you by your ease and charm and life should go your way.
I was given this prompt by a fellow blogger friend of mine, who was listening to me rant and whine about the fact that no one is following me or reading my posts. She said, "but you don't post often." I told her that I need a purpose to write and I just don't have one right now so she said "look up your horoscope and write how true it is."
I've always loved looking at horoscopes..I remember when I was in middle school, I loved to get Seventeen or YM and read my love horoscope. I would dream and hope that it would come true. It never did, which made me cynical about love and horoscopes in general. So, I was not surprised when I just looked at the horoscope from iGoogle and it basically talked about how I'm going to get lucky tonight. I am all by my lonesome tonight. BUT..perhaps the writer of my horoscope got it wrong by a day. I am going on a blind double date tomorrow..one can hope that this is what the horoscope was referring to as "as someone you meet now could play a major role in your existence." Right? I've only ever been on one other blind date and that was a bit of a disaster. The guy was drunk and smelled like a carton of cigarettes and I swear he was trying to scrape the back of my throat with his tongue..oh why did I let him get that far..so, tomorrow's date should be much more civil. We are going to the Renaissance Festival in CLT which if it doesn't work out, then at least I get to say I finally made it to the Renaissance Festival for the first time in 10 years. So, ask me tomorrow if the horoscope is relevant to my life. Til' then..
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