{abridged}
From: Me
Date: Sun, Aug 8, 2010 at 7:57 AM
Subject: Mess
To: El Roommates
The place is a sty. We are in our 30s.
Come on, dudes. Work with me.
k
I stopped blabbing about the time I took a hit in my paycheck to sling shlongs, got new roommates, and started worrying about repaying the loans that were in forbearance. As with most of my problems, I chose flight over fight.
And then the neighbs said they were having a baby in January. I am going to be an aunt. 2x, really, because Bro #1 is also having a baby.
First fear made a brief appearance. Adulthood was no longer hiding around the corner. Instead, it ambushed me and karate chopped me in the face. Twice.
Then my fight mechanism kicked in.
I'm done bitching. Moreover, I'm done running away.
And Excel says I can move in January.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
14.24%
That's how much I got my Discover Card balance down to from 16.99%.
It's underwhelming.
At least it's something.
It's underwhelming.
At least it's something.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Fortnight
Two weeks from the last post. Whoopsies.
So my Saturn Return was from approximately end of last October to early April of this year. That makes sense, what with that barrage of change that's happened. Notably, I started dating...well, everyone, new job, new roommates, some closure with past crap, and a generally more smiley demeanor. Huzzah!
Tuesday is the first day at the new job. Status: totally nervous. Took a pay cut, a benefits cut, and a risk going into the adult industry. Hawking vibrators on a professional level will either be an epic win (that phrase is going to haunt me in a couple years when I look back at this) or just make for a good story. Either way, I'm optimistic. But nervous.
I've cut back on my spending already, but it's still not where it needs to be.
So my Saturn Return was from approximately end of last October to early April of this year. That makes sense, what with that barrage of change that's happened. Notably, I started dating...well, everyone, new job, new roommates, some closure with past crap, and a generally more smiley demeanor. Huzzah!
Tuesday is the first day at the new job. Status: totally nervous. Took a pay cut, a benefits cut, and a risk going into the adult industry. Hawking vibrators on a professional level will either be an epic win (that phrase is going to haunt me in a couple years when I look back at this) or just make for a good story. Either way, I'm optimistic. But nervous.
I've cut back on my spending already, but it's still not where it needs to be.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Churn
Like butter.
A lot - A LOT - has been happening over the last couple of weeks and I've been hesitant to speculate on the outcomes. But, one thing is solid. I got a new job.
I took a pretty significant pay cut in order to be happy. Cube life wasn't for me. The company itself is actually pretty great, and I'm happy to have been a part of it, but I need a place to be a square among nuts, not the other way around.
So, with the pay cut goes a number of things. Farewell, daily Starbucks. Farewell, parking spot #302. Farewell, La Corneta burritos and Massimo sandwiches. I loved you all. But life has brought me bigger and better things. And the impetus to live frugally.
I sell responsible sex for a living. Oh, San Francisco, I heart you.
A lot - A LOT - has been happening over the last couple of weeks and I've been hesitant to speculate on the outcomes. But, one thing is solid. I got a new job.
I took a pretty significant pay cut in order to be happy. Cube life wasn't for me. The company itself is actually pretty great, and I'm happy to have been a part of it, but I need a place to be a square among nuts, not the other way around.
So, with the pay cut goes a number of things. Farewell, daily Starbucks. Farewell, parking spot #302. Farewell, La Corneta burritos and Massimo sandwiches. I loved you all. But life has brought me bigger and better things. And the impetus to live frugally.
I sell responsible sex for a living. Oh, San Francisco, I heart you.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
A bird, a plane
Thanks to K, formerly known as Ken Justice, Superhero - I've had an easel and watercolors for about 6 months now. I've stared at them for about 5.5 months.
I was complaining (surprise!) not 3 hours ago to a different friend that I didn't have any plans for creative stuff this summer. And then, as if from some parallel universe where far away friends can read your mind and hear you sneeze (it's an anomaly in that particular universe - I don't know why the sneezing part), in swooped K who sent me this link:
http://creativelive.com/courses/watercolor101/
Free watercolor class? Heck yes, I'm in! I'll have to schedule something on my MS Outlook to make it look like I'm doing work during those hours.
I was complaining (surprise!) not 3 hours ago to a different friend that I didn't have any plans for creative stuff this summer. And then, as if from some parallel universe where far away friends can read your mind and hear you sneeze (it's an anomaly in that particular universe - I don't know why the sneezing part), in swooped K who sent me this link:
http://creativelive.com/courses/watercolor101/
Free watercolor class? Heck yes, I'm in! I'll have to schedule something on my MS Outlook to make it look like I'm doing work during those hours.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Ouch
Fun weekend. Painful Monday.
Detox begins now. Caffeine stays - I don't want to be a total monster.
Weekend: $40 - beer and other sundries.
Detox begins now. Caffeine stays - I don't want to be a total monster.
Weekend: $40 - beer and other sundries.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
All about the Lincolns
$5 increments are evil.
Some of the things I can get -
a beer
another beer
a sandwich
a latte
new shampoo
eyeliner
three-pack of gum
chapstick
I think I spend at least 4 increments a day without feeling guilty, when I should. Motherfather.
Back on track.
Some of the things I can get -
a beer
another beer
a sandwich
a latte
new shampoo
eyeliner
three-pack of gum
chapstick
I think I spend at least 4 increments a day without feeling guilty, when I should. Motherfather.
Back on track.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Scope
Today's horoscope:
Think big when it comes to your professional goals. There are opportunities but not if you are chasing an impossible dream. Know your strengths and use what you've got to your advantage.
Doin' it.
Think big when it comes to your professional goals. There are opportunities but not if you are chasing an impossible dream. Know your strengths and use what you've got to your advantage.
Doin' it.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Crabitude
Holy crap, I've been in a bad mood lately.
Toilet - see pun above
Leaking ceiling - {something clever}
Dudes - obvs
Roommates - don't leave me!
Job - rawr
I've been dealing with all the change by eating everything. Again. So tomorrow is my first OA meeting. Hopefully that and my new cardio regiment will get me back on track to being smiley.
Note: I still smile in crab-mode. Beware the pincers.
Moolah: got my last 0% APR credit card for balance transfers and worked some magic yesterday. I also mailed in my request to Discover for a lower APR. Jeez louise, they make it difficult. But - I.am.determined.
Hearts and rainbows and puppies and unicorns.
Toilet - see pun above
Leaking ceiling - {something clever}
Dudes - obvs
Roommates - don't leave me!
Job - rawr
I've been dealing with all the change by eating everything. Again. So tomorrow is my first OA meeting. Hopefully that and my new cardio regiment will get me back on track to being smiley.
Note: I still smile in crab-mode. Beware the pincers.
Moolah: got my last 0% APR credit card for balance transfers and worked some magic yesterday. I also mailed in my request to Discover for a lower APR. Jeez louise, they make it difficult. But - I.am.determined.
Hearts and rainbows and puppies and unicorns.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Everything Dies
I've made a number of life-changing decisions based on pop culture. NYU - Felicity. California - Green Day. Brooklyn - Type O Negative. And while this is definitely not the appropriate forum to discuss my love of Peter Steele, I'm going to do it anyway.
Those that have known me for a long time would probably describe me as chipper. Cynical, yes, but ultimately chipper. I listen to pop punk and squeal at puppies. I willingly watch Spongebob. I like to wear bright colors and smile when I complain.
But, there's a dark side. Not: I'm-going-to-lose-a-hand dark side, nor some trippy-Wizard-of-Oz high school bull shit. But it exists. It's hard to describe.
Type O Negative's music, albeit often trite or somewhat uninspired, resonates with this dark side. The rhythms are slow and heavy, like a good sob. The lyrics are fatalistic and romantic, when not just straight up retarded. And Peter's vocals reverberate through my heart. His howls hurt to listen to. I want to howl like that.
Type O Negative is not mine alone - they have millions of fans around the world - many of whom I got insight into when I interned at Roadrunner Records. But, still, Peter's death feels just as real to me as I would imagine the death of a friend would. His music helped me through some of my darkest periods and will no doubt continue to inspire me for the rest of my life.
Those that have known me for a long time would probably describe me as chipper. Cynical, yes, but ultimately chipper. I listen to pop punk and squeal at puppies. I willingly watch Spongebob. I like to wear bright colors and smile when I complain.
But, there's a dark side. Not: I'm-going-to-lose-a-hand dark side, nor some trippy-Wizard-of-Oz high school bull shit. But it exists. It's hard to describe.
Type O Negative's music, albeit often trite or somewhat uninspired, resonates with this dark side. The rhythms are slow and heavy, like a good sob. The lyrics are fatalistic and romantic, when not just straight up retarded. And Peter's vocals reverberate through my heart. His howls hurt to listen to. I want to howl like that.
Type O Negative is not mine alone - they have millions of fans around the world - many of whom I got insight into when I interned at Roadrunner Records. But, still, Peter's death feels just as real to me as I would imagine the death of a friend would. His music helped me through some of my darkest periods and will no doubt continue to inspire me for the rest of my life.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
History
As far back as I can remember, I've loved rolling coins. If you're wondering if that's the hip new slang for something taboo, you'd be wrong. And dirty. Shame on you.
When I was but a wee nugget, my cousin and sister and I would eagerly await Grandpa's visit with Pig Power, a game he had fashioned out of a cardboard soda can flat. Each circle had a monetary denomination on it, the highest being $1.00. He'd give us soda bottle caps to throw at the board, and being that I was the youngest, I got to stand a foot in front of the line. We'd walk away with no more than $5, but every penny had been earned.
As we got older, Grandma and Grandpa would toss their change in coffee cans and bring them to us. Katie and I amused ourselves at the kitchen table for hours as we rolled coins. We sang songs, told jokes, relived stories from Girl Scout camp, and got our fingers dirty with the thousands of coins that passed through them.
Decades later, I keep my own mugs full of coins strategically placed around my bedroom. I look forward to digging through my bag and tossing the dregs of the week's purchases into the pot. I only occasionally roll them up - the last session was to distract myself from a gallon of viscous laxative I needed to drink prior to a colonoscopy - but I have succumbed to Coinstar.
For old time's sake, and possible for therapeutic reasons, I'm planning a rolling session this weekend - party of one.
When I was but a wee nugget, my cousin and sister and I would eagerly await Grandpa's visit with Pig Power, a game he had fashioned out of a cardboard soda can flat. Each circle had a monetary denomination on it, the highest being $1.00. He'd give us soda bottle caps to throw at the board, and being that I was the youngest, I got to stand a foot in front of the line. We'd walk away with no more than $5, but every penny had been earned.
As we got older, Grandma and Grandpa would toss their change in coffee cans and bring them to us. Katie and I amused ourselves at the kitchen table for hours as we rolled coins. We sang songs, told jokes, relived stories from Girl Scout camp, and got our fingers dirty with the thousands of coins that passed through them.
Decades later, I keep my own mugs full of coins strategically placed around my bedroom. I look forward to digging through my bag and tossing the dregs of the week's purchases into the pot. I only occasionally roll them up - the last session was to distract myself from a gallon of viscous laxative I needed to drink prior to a colonoscopy - but I have succumbed to Coinstar.
For old time's sake, and possible for therapeutic reasons, I'm planning a rolling session this weekend - party of one.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
My new baby
You're all - WHAT?! Bitch got a bimmer?No, assholes. I got a parking spot. 302 - that's mine. It's $180/month, which is cheaper than parking tickets, and motivation to go to the gym.
Shut up. I drive to the gym.
When I go.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Retirement
By now, you may have noticed that I'm not financially savvy. The recent purchase of a PS3 is simply a splash in the ocean of my fiscal indiscretions. *ahem* Flowery language done.
However, I'd like to take the time to thank 2003 Kristen.
Dear 2003 Kristen,
Somehow, you had the foresight to start contributing to a 401K. And while your decision to contribute $100/paycheck was an easy one, where to put that money was not. You went the safe route. The really really stupidly safe route - bonds. As you hawked handbags and then hats, your little nest egg remained little.
And then the third apocalypse of the economy came down upon the many, wiping away retirement funds and stock investments alike. But not yours, 2003 Kristen. Your ineptitude at long-term financial planning gave you a cushion like no other. Your $16,000 bucket got hit by only a .5% reduction as the market plummeted.
I'm not sure how you did it, but cheers.
Yours truly,
2010 Kristen
Seriously - who is that lucky? I've since moved that account to a Hartford LifePath 2040, where the risk is bigger now but peters out over time. I'm averaging a 3% rate of return. While I realize now how much money I could have made investing properly from the beginning, the likelihood of it having been all wiped out anyway was pretty great.
Future Kristen, I've got your back.
However, I'd like to take the time to thank 2003 Kristen.
Dear 2003 Kristen,
Somehow, you had the foresight to start contributing to a 401K. And while your decision to contribute $100/paycheck was an easy one, where to put that money was not. You went the safe route. The really really stupidly safe route - bonds. As you hawked handbags and then hats, your little nest egg remained little.
And then the third apocalypse of the economy came down upon the many, wiping away retirement funds and stock investments alike. But not yours, 2003 Kristen. Your ineptitude at long-term financial planning gave you a cushion like no other. Your $16,000 bucket got hit by only a .5% reduction as the market plummeted.
I'm not sure how you did it, but cheers.
Yours truly,
2010 Kristen
Seriously - who is that lucky? I've since moved that account to a Hartford LifePath 2040, where the risk is bigger now but peters out over time. I'm averaging a 3% rate of return. While I realize now how much money I could have made investing properly from the beginning, the likelihood of it having been all wiped out anyway was pretty great.
Future Kristen, I've got your back.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Ha cha cha
I've taken to making strange quinoa concoctions on Sundays for the following week. Yesterday's involved a bullion cube, a lot of asparagus, and an onion. Good for me, cheap, and it'll make for an interesting afternoon pee when I've forgotten that I ate asparagus for lunch.
Mildly related: I've lost 10 lbs since I realized I had a problem with food. Here's to 10 more.
Oh, and S said I need to put more of myself into this blog as it's too watered down. So, here goes:
I was texting this dude (whatever, it happens all the time) and it's the usual back and forth banter - my back being way more witty than his forth - when I surprise-attack outwitted myself.
The scene: K in her cube, estimating FTE costs associated with writing annual energy efficiency reports. One eye is on the spreadsheet, one ear is fussing with Pandora, and the others are elsewhere. I don't keep track of them.
Boy: Well, ok then, I'll see you later.
K: Seriously, I can't stop texting. My stream of consciousness gets flooded if I don't let it out.
OK fine - not amazing, but come on! I didn't even see that one coming!
And scene.
Mildly related: I've lost 10 lbs since I realized I had a problem with food. Here's to 10 more.
Oh, and S said I need to put more of myself into this blog as it's too watered down. So, here goes:
I was texting this dude (whatever, it happens all the time) and it's the usual back and forth banter - my back being way more witty than his forth - when I surprise-attack outwitted myself.
The scene: K in her cube, estimating FTE costs associated with writing annual energy efficiency reports. One eye is on the spreadsheet, one ear is fussing with Pandora, and the others are elsewhere. I don't keep track of them.
Boy: Well, ok then, I'll see you later.
K: Seriously, I can't stop texting. My stream of consciousness gets flooded if I don't let it out.
OK fine - not amazing, but come on! I didn't even see that one coming!
And scene.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Bumps
I'm thinking about tracking my spending against my emotional (in)stability.
Variables could include: caffeine intake, weather, lady-cycle, menfolk, exercise, time of year.
There's definitely something statisticky in here, but I'd need Mike P to help me figure it out.
This weekend: Cheap. Really! I even cooked a quinoa thing so I'd have lunches and dinners.
Things are gonna change, I can feel it.
Variables could include: caffeine intake, weather, lady-cycle, menfolk, exercise, time of year.
There's definitely something statisticky in here, but I'd need Mike P to help me figure it out.
This weekend: Cheap. Really! I even cooked a quinoa thing so I'd have lunches and dinners.
Things are gonna change, I can feel it.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho
I checked out Mint today, as I do every once in a while. When I first started using Mint, it was a horrible reminder of what a fuck-up I've been. Now, it's a nice reminder that penny by penny, I'm chipping away at old mistakes.
I did a quick bar graph of my credit card debt over the last five months. There's a tiny tiny dip, but it exists! I've reduce my credit card debt by 10+%! Granted, if I hadn't continued to make credit card purchases I'd be further along, but I'll take what I can get.
The bad news: I've rekindled my love affair with Starbucks. Actually, I'm lying. I never let SB go. SB is a sacrifice I just can't make.
I did a quick bar graph of my credit card debt over the last five months. There's a tiny tiny dip, but it exists! I've reduce my credit card debt by 10+%! Granted, if I hadn't continued to make credit card purchases I'd be further along, but I'll take what I can get.
The bad news: I've rekindled my love affair with Starbucks. Actually, I'm lying. I never let SB go. SB is a sacrifice I just can't make.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Roommate Woes
Quiet roommate wants out. Actually, quiet roommate is on his way out in 6 days. He told us 2 days ago. I'm thinking quiet roommate doesn't jive well with not-as-quiet-roommates.
Unrelated: I'm going to Burning Man this summer!
Also unrelated: I'm starting corporate softball tomorrow!
Seriously unrelated: Tee hee
Lately: more $ than I should have
Unrelated: I'm going to Burning Man this summer!
Also unrelated: I'm starting corporate softball tomorrow!
Seriously unrelated: Tee hee
Lately: more $ than I should have
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Horror!
Today's horoscope:
Impulsive acts and overspending will create a difficult situation. Before you do something you'll regret, turn your attention to something productive and industrious. The choice is yours so settle down and get to work.
Why, I never!
Impulsive acts and overspending will create a difficult situation. Before you do something you'll regret, turn your attention to something productive and industrious. The choice is yours so settle down and get to work.
Why, I never!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Shell Game
My balance on my Discover card is $10,625.64. I cut it up months ago, and I've asked for reduced APR. I'm going to call and ask for a bigger reduction.
I'd been making payments of $250/mo since August, incurring finance charges of ~$156 monthly. When I checked my statement this morning, Discover let me know that if I made minimum payments, I'd end up paying over $30,000 in the next 28 years. I'm not that much of an idiot, but I found it interesting that they also suggested I up my monthly payments to $379 so at most I'd shell out $13,636.
So I've moved some things around.
Dear Baby Jesus, please let me find the end of my debt one day soon. I promise to be nice to strangers, even creepy ones.
Love,
k
I'd been making payments of $250/mo since August, incurring finance charges of ~$156 monthly. When I checked my statement this morning, Discover let me know that if I made minimum payments, I'd end up paying over $30,000 in the next 28 years. I'm not that much of an idiot, but I found it interesting that they also suggested I up my monthly payments to $379 so at most I'd shell out $13,636.
So I've moved some things around.
- Thank you work, for the bonus that let me close out my Citicard account, which I'd been paying $300/mo
- Added $250 to my Discover card payment for a total of $500/mo
- Increased my Blue AmEx payment from $165/mo to $250 (thank you, raise at work). Current balance is ~$4,500. Card also has been cut up but I use it for the occasional parking ticket fine.
- US Bank: has 0% interest through the end of 2010, so I'm making minimum payments of $65/mo. Balance is $6,424.
Dear Baby Jesus, please let me find the end of my debt one day soon. I promise to be nice to strangers, even creepy ones.
Love,
k
Friday, March 12, 2010
Ohai!
Oh, hey there Citi card. You and me, we've got history. You started as a 0% APR Balance transfer card, and ended up costing me $300 in late payment charges because you changed the due date and I didn't notice.
Well, I've got news for you. We're done. You - me: kaput. Take this $1528.42 and consider it a farewell.
Spending: out of control. New friends, new gifts. Need to get back on the frugal train.
# of active credit cards with balances: 4.
Total balances: ~$21,000 (down $6K from the summer).
Monthly credit card payments: $1000
Goal: Credit card balance of $10K by 12/31/10
Well, I've got news for you. We're done. You - me: kaput. Take this $1528.42 and consider it a farewell.
Spending: out of control. New friends, new gifts. Need to get back on the frugal train.
# of active credit cards with balances: 4.
Total balances: ~$21,000 (down $6K from the summer).
Monthly credit card payments: $1000
Goal: Credit card balance of $10K by 12/31/10
Thursday, March 4, 2010
2.8%
That's the amount of my raise!
Been traveling for work, so my expenses have been low.
Back in a bit.
Been traveling for work, so my expenses have been low.
Back in a bit.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Hoo hoo hee hee
Oh man oh man oh man!
I got to the second round of interviews for a higher-level position at work. Amazing what that can do for the spirits - and possibly the wallet. (Errrr, hypothetical wallet since it just goes into my bank account and then right back out to my bills anyway.)
The posish - Supply Chain (Ooooowheeeeeee! my one true love) Supervisor (Managing people! I heart people!)
I'm just going to stay excited for a while. Dig it.
The weekend: surprisingly little. $25? Beer.
I got to the second round of interviews for a higher-level position at work. Amazing what that can do for the spirits - and possibly the wallet. (Errrr, hypothetical wallet since it just goes into my bank account and then right back out to my bills anyway.)
The posish - Supply Chain (Ooooowheeeeeee! my one true love) Supervisor (Managing people! I heart people!)
I'm just going to stay excited for a while. Dig it.
The weekend: surprisingly little. $25? Beer.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Food, glorious food
Here's a new one. My acupuncturist suggested I go to Overeaters Anonymous. It's free.
My immediate reaction: I know I'm overweight, but am I that bad?
My next day reaction: Ok, I'll look at it.
My right now reaction: Ok, I have to go, but I'm embarrassed.
It's the OA Questions that got me thinking I actually have a problem. That, and everyone I know seems to know I like being rewarded with cookies.
My immediate reaction: I know I'm overweight, but am I that bad?
My next day reaction: Ok, I'll look at it.
My right now reaction: Ok, I have to go, but I'm embarrassed.
It's the OA Questions that got me thinking I actually have a problem. That, and everyone I know seems to know I like being rewarded with cookies.
- Do you eat when you’re not hungry? -Well, yeah. If I don't finish those Thin Mints, someone else might.
- Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason? - If you're assuming that the new season of Lost is "no apparent reason," then yes.
- Do you have feelings of guilt and remorse after overeating? - I always chalked that up to being raised Catholic.
- Do you give too much time and thought to food? - Is thinking about it all the time too much time?
- Do you look forward with pleasure and anticipation to the time when you can eat alone? - Less people to share with!
- Do you plan these secret binges ahead of time? - Me and a row of Oreos. Tonight. Shhh.
- Do you eat sensibly before others and make up for it alone? - Sometimes. Sometimes I don't eat sensibly in front of others.
- Is your weight affecting the way you live your life? - I can't shop at Urban, if that's what you mean.
- Have you tried to diet for a week (or longer), only to fall short of your goal? - About once a month.
- Do you resent others telling you to “use a little willpower” to stop overeating? - I resent their skinny asses.
- Despite evidence to the contrary, have you continued to assert that you can diet “on your own” whenever you wish? - Well who else is going to make me do it?
- Do you eat to escape from worries or trouble? - Food understands me in ways you never will.
- Have you ever been treated for obesity or a food-related condition? - Not yet. Nor do I want to be.
- Does your eating behavior make you or others unhappy? - Me.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Health bomb
I've had this sinus thing for more than a week. I self medicated for a bit, and when it wasn't going away I went to a real doctor who said she couldn't do anything for me since it was viral. Just drink fluids, take pain medicine, etc. I almost cried.
(Aside: I "almost cry" a lot. I do it when I'm frustrated. It's left over from my tantrum-throwing younger years.)
The same day I was scheduled to meet with an acupuncturist for the second time. She chalked my sinus woes up to grief.
...
But, actually, it kind of makes sense. She was working on the grief stuff the week prior, and may have "unleashed a dragon." Think about it: when you cry, it's all sinus stuff. So if she managed to unleash something emotional, it could very well be tied to my face cavities. What the hell. She stuck about ten needles in my face and 45 minutes later, I had a new outlook on life and Eastern medicine.
I'm not 100% healthy, but I'm a hell of a lot better. My checkbook, not so much. $185 for two sessions, although health insurance should cover 70% of this - I just have to figure out how to submit a claim.
Oooh - state refund came in yesterday. It's all going to Europe expenses from last summer. Woo!
Last two days: $10 for misc caffeine/snicky snacks.
(Aside: I "almost cry" a lot. I do it when I'm frustrated. It's left over from my tantrum-throwing younger years.)
The same day I was scheduled to meet with an acupuncturist for the second time. She chalked my sinus woes up to grief.
...
But, actually, it kind of makes sense. She was working on the grief stuff the week prior, and may have "unleashed a dragon." Think about it: when you cry, it's all sinus stuff. So if she managed to unleash something emotional, it could very well be tied to my face cavities. What the hell. She stuck about ten needles in my face and 45 minutes later, I had a new outlook on life and Eastern medicine.
I'm not 100% healthy, but I'm a hell of a lot better. My checkbook, not so much. $185 for two sessions, although health insurance should cover 70% of this - I just have to figure out how to submit a claim.
Oooh - state refund came in yesterday. It's all going to Europe expenses from last summer. Woo!
Last two days: $10 for misc caffeine/snicky snacks.
Monday, February 8, 2010
LESS, Less, less!
Sunday morning was the best! I opened up some mail from DLS (the provider of much of my grad school loanage), and they've allowed me 10 month reduced-payment forbearance. This is progress, people.
Here's my new plan for the remainder of 2010:
a) pay off car, making regular payments. Payment is done in October.
b) student loan payments are now reduce from ~$700/mo to ~$300/mo. Use excess money to pay down credit cards with highest APRs (Discover and Citi Mastercard).
c) Once January 2011 rolls around, I'll have freed up my car payments, and that money can go back into my student loans.
What have I learned? If you don't ask for help, you probably won't get it.
This weekend: $30 - cabs.
Here's my new plan for the remainder of 2010:
a) pay off car, making regular payments. Payment is done in October.
b) student loan payments are now reduce from ~$700/mo to ~$300/mo. Use excess money to pay down credit cards with highest APRs (Discover and Citi Mastercard).
c) Once January 2011 rolls around, I'll have freed up my car payments, and that money can go back into my student loans.
What have I learned? If you don't ask for help, you probably won't get it.
This weekend: $30 - cabs.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Evil Incarnate
I requested a balance transfer to the new credit card (US Bank, if anyone's wondering) - but 75% of the way through the online process, I realized that if I requested my entire balance to be transferred, it would max the new card because of the 3% transfer fee. So I stopped payment.
It only gets more boring from here, trust me. I had to call the credit card company because the $6500 I requested to stop didn't actually stop, and with that 3% charge, I'd be over the $6500 balance. Seriously, shouldn't they tell you these things? Had I gone forward with the $6500, I would've lost my 0% interest for 12 months.
Credit cards are evil.
Yesterday - $3.10 Soy Latte.
It only gets more boring from here, trust me. I had to call the credit card company because the $6500 I requested to stop didn't actually stop, and with that 3% charge, I'd be over the $6500 balance. Seriously, shouldn't they tell you these things? Had I gone forward with the $6500, I would've lost my 0% interest for 12 months.
Credit cards are evil.
Yesterday - $3.10 Soy Latte.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Shakin' it
The last week has been a blur - work's finally picking up, my extra curriculars are no longer dormant, and I have a posse. Yep, me. A posse. Don't fuck with this.
I spent much of the weekend laughing - Planet Booty at Blue Macaw on Friday, Lucha Libre on Saturday, and Sunday was just funny.
As for money stuff, I found out that Citi is allowing me to put my students loans in forbearance for 6 mos (private loans) and 12 mos (federal loans). During this time, I'll still be responsible for the interest, although I can have it roll over to the principle if for some reason I can't make the payment. Two years of grad school have taught me not to do that, though. I'll be paying off the interest.
I also grabbed a 0% interest credit card (for balance transfers) that I'll move some of my debt over to. I'm hoping that between my tax refunds, the temporarily reduced student loan payments, and better management of my finances, I'll be able to reduce my credit card debt by $10,000+ this year.
Wish me luck.
The weekend: $100 - groceries, Mexican wrestling, getting my groove on, bacon-covered donuts
I spent much of the weekend laughing - Planet Booty at Blue Macaw on Friday, Lucha Libre on Saturday, and Sunday was just funny.
As for money stuff, I found out that Citi is allowing me to put my students loans in forbearance for 6 mos (private loans) and 12 mos (federal loans). During this time, I'll still be responsible for the interest, although I can have it roll over to the principle if for some reason I can't make the payment. Two years of grad school have taught me not to do that, though. I'll be paying off the interest.
I also grabbed a 0% interest credit card (for balance transfers) that I'll move some of my debt over to. I'm hoping that between my tax refunds, the temporarily reduced student loan payments, and better management of my finances, I'll be able to reduce my credit card debt by $10,000+ this year.
Wish me luck.
The weekend: $100 - groceries, Mexican wrestling, getting my groove on, bacon-covered donuts
Monday, January 25, 2010
Meat Candy
I wasn't sure how to break it to you, so I'm just going to come out and say it: I spent $40 on brunch on Saturday.
I have no defense. It's impossible to rationalize the spending. I can say, however, you go to Mission Beach Cafe and get a side of bacon and then come back to me and tell me how much you spent.
The rest of the weekend was way more under control. An OKC dude (dead bodies guy) took me to see Eddie Izzard on Saturday night, and on Sunday I met with a couple guys starting a comedy workshop. All in all, a success.
The weekend: $80 - a little of this, and a lot of that.
I have no defense. It's impossible to rationalize the spending. I can say, however, you go to Mission Beach Cafe and get a side of bacon and then come back to me and tell me how much you spent.
The rest of the weekend was way more under control. An OKC dude (dead bodies guy) took me to see Eddie Izzard on Saturday night, and on Sunday I met with a couple guys starting a comedy workshop. All in all, a success.
The weekend: $80 - a little of this, and a lot of that.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Inept
I work for a large enough company that it has an Employee Assistance Program. This EAP offers help in a number of areas (from the death of a pet to divorce to adopting children, etc) - and financial planning.
I called yesterday.
1) A doctor answered the phone. "Oh, uh. Hi. I actually just need help with debt."
2) Forwarded a few times after he figured out that I wasn't going to jump off a building.
3) Talked to an automaton who then emailed me an excel sheet that I have to fill in with all my debt and interest rates and stuff.
4) Filling it out now.
5) Need to email it back.
6) Then they call me back again and schedule a phone meeting with an adviser in 2-3 weeks out.
Well, it's free for now, so I may as well utilize the service. I'll be back with a review in 14 business days or so.
Yesterday - $7: coffee and mini donuts for my coworkers.
I have resigned myself to never being skinny. Suck it, stringbeans.
I called yesterday.
1) A doctor answered the phone. "Oh, uh. Hi. I actually just need help with debt."
2) Forwarded a few times after he figured out that I wasn't going to jump off a building.
3) Talked to an automaton who then emailed me an excel sheet that I have to fill in with all my debt and interest rates and stuff.
4) Filling it out now.
5) Need to email it back.
6) Then they call me back again and schedule a phone meeting with an adviser in 2-3 weeks out.
Well, it's free for now, so I may as well utilize the service. I'll be back with a review in 14 business days or so.
Yesterday - $7: coffee and mini donuts for my coworkers.
I have resigned myself to never being skinny. Suck it, stringbeans.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Faith No More
Here are the things I'm not good at:
Yesterday: $0, but I was really angry about it. Stupid cleanse.
- diets
- self-control
- self-restraint
- exercising
- cleaning
- financial management
- laughing
- eating
- blogging
- baking
- bluntness
- breathing
- walking
- shopping
- chit chat
- explaining
- infuriating
- Scrabble
Yesterday: $0, but I was really angry about it. Stupid cleanse.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The Cleanse
1/17 - Day 1. Fail. Went to Kat's birthday party and gorged on cheese.
1/18 - Day 1, redux. Fail. Did the salt water flush, and made one lemony drink. Opted to hang out with S/A, ate a Reuben, made coconut brownies. Maybe not a total fail - that sandwich was amazing.
1/19 - Day 1, part trois. Decided to let myself eat bits of a clif bar today since I know it's going to be rough. At work - have 4 servings of lemony drink for the rest of the work day.
The Long Weekend - $80. Reuben, gifts, coffee, cleanse ingredients.
1/18 - Day 1, redux. Fail. Did the salt water flush, and made one lemony drink. Opted to hang out with S/A, ate a Reuben, made coconut brownies. Maybe not a total fail - that sandwich was amazing.
1/19 - Day 1, part trois. Decided to let myself eat bits of a clif bar today since I know it's going to be rough. At work - have 4 servings of lemony drink for the rest of the work day.
The Long Weekend - $80. Reuben, gifts, coffee, cleanse ingredients.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Eventful week
NPR, two bouts of TRX at the Krav Maga gym, a clean bill of health, open bar at S's office party, a visit with LA-K, and the last few days before I start the lemon cleanse.
Yes, the cleanse. The bad for your body and emotional state cleanse. Listen, it needs to happen. Naysayers may nay away, but I'm doing it. Again.
Yesterday: $10 coffee and sandwich
Yes, the cleanse. The bad for your body and emotional state cleanse. Listen, it needs to happen. Naysayers may nay away, but I'm doing it. Again.
Yesterday: $10 coffee and sandwich
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Forbearance
I got uber confused by a letter from Citibank I received yesterday. It looks like my federal loans are in forbearance, but they're not. I don't get it. So I called and asked what I can do to make the smallest payments now while I get my shit in gear, and the guy said I can request forbearance for a year at a time without penalization - that's what it's there for.
So, that's cool - that's about $16,000 if I can get it to hold off for another year (not including interest, which I'd be responsible for). The Citiassist loans I have from undergrad and grad I still have to pay monthly, but I can handle that. It's on a graduated repayment plan - yeah, it's the worst kind. In the long term I'll end up paying more over time. But since I keep accruing parking tickets, I need the help I can get now.
My future self will probably be annoyed with my present self. However, future self, if you're reading this, I still have a 401K that I max for matching potential. So there. I do kind of have my head on straight.
Yesterday and Day before: $20 - cofee and Walitin D
So, that's cool - that's about $16,000 if I can get it to hold off for another year (not including interest, which I'd be responsible for). The Citiassist loans I have from undergrad and grad I still have to pay monthly, but I can handle that. It's on a graduated repayment plan - yeah, it's the worst kind. In the long term I'll end up paying more over time. But since I keep accruing parking tickets, I need the help I can get now.
My future self will probably be annoyed with my present self. However, future self, if you're reading this, I still have a 401K that I max for matching potential. So there. I do kind of have my head on straight.
Yesterday and Day before: $20 - cofee and Walitin D
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
KQED
I submitted a story to my local NPR radio station for their Perspectives spot. While I was recording it this morning at the station, I realized two things:
a) my voice doesn't sound nearly as weird as I thought it did
b) holy crap, they're disorganized.
If you want to listen in, my blurb airs on Friday.
I get a $65 stipend for the piece, which they suggest giving back to the station. It is a non-profit, after all. I, however, am going to give mine to the Mental Health Association of San Francisco.
Yesterday: $6.50 - soup (which is ridiculous, since I made a giant pot of soup the day before).
a) my voice doesn't sound nearly as weird as I thought it did
b) holy crap, they're disorganized.
If you want to listen in, my blurb airs on Friday.
I get a $65 stipend for the piece, which they suggest giving back to the station. It is a non-profit, after all. I, however, am going to give mine to the Mental Health Association of San Francisco.
Yesterday: $6.50 - soup (which is ridiculous, since I made a giant pot of soup the day before).
Monday, January 11, 2010
Break out
I see a direct correlation between the amount of money I spend and the state of my face. Current face situation is grim - 4 blemishes in various stages around my mouth and nose. I'm breaching 29 and I still break out like I'm 14. On a scale of 1 to awesome, I'm a 9.
Good news - I called the dentist to see why they charged my $90 and they're going to file the x-rays as something else so the insurance pays for it.
Bad news - I went on a shopping spree over the last two weeks with money I sort of have, but should have spent paying back various sources of debt. (There's an interesting description - sources of debt. As if, in some way, I am not the alpha source of debt. Ahoy, Captain Passive!)
Meh news - Slayer was cancelled so I got my ticket money back. Yay?
Bad news - two parking tickets.
Good news - got my $100 rebate money for the Palm Pre I bought in October.
Last 4 days - I don't know. $200? I suck.
Good news - I called the dentist to see why they charged my $90 and they're going to file the x-rays as something else so the insurance pays for it.
Bad news - I went on a shopping spree over the last two weeks with money I sort of have, but should have spent paying back various sources of debt. (There's an interesting description - sources of debt. As if, in some way, I am not the alpha source of debt. Ahoy, Captain Passive!)
Meh news - Slayer was cancelled so I got my ticket money back. Yay?
Bad news - two parking tickets.
Good news - got my $100 rebate money for the Palm Pre I bought in October.
Last 4 days - I don't know. $200? I suck.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Boring Life
You know what makes me happy? 7 pairs of tights and 3 pairs of shoes from Target for $97.
But you knew that already.
I went a little nuts yesterday with the purchases. I also got the new Katamari Forever. O.M.G. Love love love love love. Nope, I don't have a PS3 but a boy I'm seeing-ish does, so I invited myself over to play. I'm awesome.
Yesterday: $200 - Target, Game Stop, La Traviata take-out
But you knew that already.
I went a little nuts yesterday with the purchases. I also got the new Katamari Forever. O.M.G. Love love love love love. Nope, I don't have a PS3 but a boy I'm seeing-ish does, so I invited myself over to play. I'm awesome.
Yesterday: $200 - Target, Game Stop, La Traviata take-out
Monday, January 4, 2010
The edge
I had a lovely New Year's with Z, A, I and a bunch of others up in faux-Tahoe. You know when you look at the map and the part that goes from grey to green to indicate mountains and stuff? We were right on the edge of green.
Not only did I repeatedly get my ass handed to me in Bananagrams, I ate a month's worth of calories in three days. Oh, Costco artichoke dip - I will marry you. I will eat you and then I will marry you. Oh, and that banana crème brûlée I whipped up? Not too shabby.
Overindulgences aside, I spent about $120 in food and fuel over the last 5 days.
Huzzah for 2010!
Not only did I repeatedly get my ass handed to me in Bananagrams, I ate a month's worth of calories in three days. Oh, Costco artichoke dip - I will marry you. I will eat you and then I will marry you. Oh, and that banana crème brûlée I whipped up? Not too shabby.
Overindulgences aside, I spent about $120 in food and fuel over the last 5 days.
Huzzah for 2010!
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