I like to think of myself as someone who can go with the flow, someone who doesn't let the little things bother her... and I think I'm pretty good at appearing that way... but the truth... yeah the truth is the complete opposite. See, I am a "what if" person... I like to have a strategy for every possible scenario. This way, when something happens I already know my plan... and therefore, seem calm. I plan everything, from what if I get a job in Seattle, but haven't sold my house... what if I sell the house and it takes a while to find a job... what if I get a job here in Columbus, like it, but then sell the house... you can see how this can become overwhelming. I even do the "what if" to smaller things, example: what if we go to the outdoor concert and it rains... what if we buy tickets to something and then can't go... etc.
Usually I can keep the outward feelings at bay... I can keep from having panic attacks and keep from having sleepless nights and heartburn. But then something, a trigger that makes the "what if's" take over. This morning my dryer died... in the past it was a belt that slipped, something easy that with a sweet and genuine "please and thank you" my dad would fix for less than $20. But not this time... and this was not something I had planned for... not something that had even factored into my mind as something that could happen. And now it's just all crazy in my head. Should I fix it? Can I afford to fix it? Should I just get rid of it and turn the utility room into a bedroom? Would that make it sell faster? Would that make it more desirable? I don't know. The problem is, most of these questions don't have an answer... which makes it even worse for me. I need to just make a decision... something that doesn't come easy to me.... and hope that it all works out. So wish me luck... as I try to find a way to make all the "what if's" in my head happy.
Showing posts with label budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label budget. Show all posts
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Kittie 911!!!
So today I had to take my cat to the vet for an emergency... not exactly what I was planning to do today, or what I was planning on doing with money.
See 5 years ago, Jack (my beautiful tabby) had a UTI.... it was fixed and he has been healthy since... well at least physically. He didn't like it much when he got a dad, brother rabbit, and a kid sitter cat... and decided that he was going to rebel by peeing on.... well everything. Lately he has been fine, especially after we got rid of the sofa he was particularly fond of. Then there was this past week... he decided to start peeing on a bedroom door. I figured he was just mad about something... so I didn't think much of it. Until this morning, when he peed a little blood :(.
So here I am, calling the vet getting an appointment. It wasn't as expensive as it could have been, after all it was less than $100. But still... that's 1/3 of what I make a week. It's hard sometimes thinking about these emergency situations. You don't want to think about it, and when you are on a tight budget you don't usually budget for them either. I'm hoping he will be ok in a week... luckily my best friend is a vet (3 states away)... but still a great person to call when I have questions I'm too embarrassed to ask a complete stranger. But until he's all better... please send good thoughts to my baby Jack....
See 5 years ago, Jack (my beautiful tabby) had a UTI.... it was fixed and he has been healthy since... well at least physically. He didn't like it much when he got a dad, brother rabbit, and a kid sitter cat... and decided that he was going to rebel by peeing on.... well everything. Lately he has been fine, especially after we got rid of the sofa he was particularly fond of. Then there was this past week... he decided to start peeing on a bedroom door. I figured he was just mad about something... so I didn't think much of it. Until this morning, when he peed a little blood :(.
So here I am, calling the vet getting an appointment. It wasn't as expensive as it could have been, after all it was less than $100. But still... that's 1/3 of what I make a week. It's hard sometimes thinking about these emergency situations. You don't want to think about it, and when you are on a tight budget you don't usually budget for them either. I'm hoping he will be ok in a week... luckily my best friend is a vet (3 states away)... but still a great person to call when I have questions I'm too embarrassed to ask a complete stranger. But until he's all better... please send good thoughts to my baby Jack....
Friday, June 4, 2010
How Much is Too Much?
After coming to the realization that we will most likely be chilling in Ohio for a bit longer, it's hard not to let your mind go on with life. See when we decided we were going to be making the big move we started selling off furniture, knick knacks, etc. And while it's been nice living clutter free... sometimes you start feeling more like you are living in someone else's home. That brings me to the issue of the day... what happens when you fall in love with something that you would then have to move??
What sparked this?? A chair... A beautiful chair from World Market.... a pair would just look STUNNING with our living room set. But at just more than $300 for the set, not only would we be spending money... but would also be giving ourselves two more pieces of furniture we would eventually move. BUT that's not all... our overwhelming need to eat Sweedish meatballs has us craving a trip to Ikea. Which we can never leave without spending at least $100 on storage units, lamps, decorations and of course a few packets of Sweedish meatball sauce. Then it's not worth taking a trip down to West Chester if you are not going to stop at the Outlet Mall which means even more shopping and fun finds.
So where do you put the limit? We haven't had a viewing in more than a month... and there is no sign anyone will buy it anytime soon... so shouldn't we enjoy our time here? I mean those home improvement shows that tell you how to sell your house spend $2000-$4000 to make a house "ready to show".... so maybe those trips could be investments in the house... and maybe a little bit to my closet. After all it's important to look cute in case I ever get an interview right??
What sparked this?? A chair... A beautiful chair from World Market.... a pair would just look STUNNING with our living room set. But at just more than $300 for the set, not only would we be spending money... but would also be giving ourselves two more pieces of furniture we would eventually move. BUT that's not all... our overwhelming need to eat Sweedish meatballs has us craving a trip to Ikea. Which we can never leave without spending at least $100 on storage units, lamps, decorations and of course a few packets of Sweedish meatball sauce. Then it's not worth taking a trip down to West Chester if you are not going to stop at the Outlet Mall which means even more shopping and fun finds.
So where do you put the limit? We haven't had a viewing in more than a month... and there is no sign anyone will buy it anytime soon... so shouldn't we enjoy our time here? I mean those home improvement shows that tell you how to sell your house spend $2000-$4000 to make a house "ready to show".... so maybe those trips could be investments in the house... and maybe a little bit to my closet. After all it's important to look cute in case I ever get an interview right??
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Lessons From Mom
Happy Mother's Day!!!! Today is the best day to thank the woman who raised you. My mom did an amazing job if I do say so myself, and today I'm going to share some of her words of wisdom and lessons of life.
1. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all: Yes, I know a lot of your moms said this, but my mom really meant it. Maybe that's why I can bite my toungue when talking about my last job. There were A LOT of nice things with my job... but... not everything was great and those things... I just shouldn't talk about.
2. Be nice to everyone, because you never know who you are talking to: When I was younger I always thought that my mom was crazy talking to every woman she met in line waiting for the bathroom... the joke was she went into the bathroom and made a new best friend. But as I'm learning more and more about the need for networking I find myself at least being open to returning conversation with strangers... after all I could start talking to someone who could change my life forever.
3. How to be in love: I am a VERY lucky 20-something as my parents are not only still married, but still in love. I have two amazing role models when it comes to knowing what love is supposed to be... some give and take, some compromise, always making sure it's all cleared up before bed, going the extra mile just because... all those little things. I guess I used to take it for granted that they loved each other still, but then a few years ago I was at a friend's wedding that my parents were also at... another bridesmaid sitting next to me leaned over and said "look at your parents (dancing to a slow song, looking at each other just so)... I hope I find someone I love that much and still love them that much after all those years." That's when it hit me that their love was something special... and that's the love I hope I still have when I'm 50+ too!
4. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach: This may not work for every guy... but I know it helps me. My mom taught me how to cook great food, and how putting love in that food translates. I have always liked cooking.... but having someone I love to cook for makes me love cooking. I especially love making things I know he loves (and of course I don't cook anything I don't love too)... and waiting for that moment when he looks and me and says "it's delicious thank you sweetie."... It's not much but now I understand why my mom always worked so hard to cook dinner for us.
5. Treat others how you want to be treated: I may not follow this to a T... ok I've changed it quite a bit. I do treat others how I want to be treated... but this also helped give me the strength to cut people out of my life who don't treat me well. I've transitioned this to... "if you don't want to be around me don't... and if I don't want to be around you.... good bye." It may sound mean, but I used to be so focused on wanting EVERYONE to like me that I would stress myself out and depress myself. Once I realized that I just need SOME people to like me my life changed.
6. How to take care of someone when they are sick: I hate being sick... it's horrible... but my mom, a licensed RN, is an amazing nurse. She would make your favorite "sick" food which for me is lime jello with pears, gingerale, and cinnamon toast. My mom would make me take a nap, make me take it easy... when I was 10 this was annoying... but a few weeks ago I was sick... and what did I do... I took it easy and took naps... who knew she was so smart! Then when Shaun got sick I was able to take care of him... making him things he loves and making sure he took it easy.
7. How to drive: Yes, my mom taught me how to drive... she has WAY more patience then my dad and is better at staying calm when telling me I'm getting too close to the other car. And yes, my mom still helps me drive sometimes when we are in rush hour traffic and she thinks I'm going to crash... but I know it's just because she cares. But it's more than just learning how to drive... by teaching me this she taught me how to leave. I'm sure reading this she is wishing she never taught me now and I would stay in Ohio forever... but the freedom that comes with driving is the same feeling you get when you move out of the house and for me soon out of the state. I think my mom should be proud... how many people can teach their children the feeling of freedom?
8. Exercise is FUN.... when you have someone to do it with: I am by no means "in shape."... never have been. But that didn't stop my mom from getting me to try... I did basketball, dance classes, tennis... whatever it took my mom was 100% behind me. I am not athletic and didn't always play, but she was there... every game cheering me on and that made it worth it. Now, she still cheers me on... many mornings we call each other up, lace up our tennis shoes and go walking around the block while we talk on the phone. It's a great chance to talk about whatever while getting in a little exercise. We know it's not going to get us to drop 40 pounds or anything... but it gets us up and out of the house... and it's great.
9. How to budget: This has saved me on several occasions. I'm not going to say that I am amazing with money, because if I was I would be a millionaire! But, I'm not broke, I don't have credit card debt, I still own my house (knock on wood for the past few things there). Yes... I am tight with money, but who wouldn't be on unemployment... but I can budget. My mom used to have to budget for a family of 6! Thanks to her I know how to go shopping and I am able to pay the bills and still do some stuff I like. Heck without my parents teaching me about putting money in savings and what not I wouldn't have had the credit score to be able to buy a home at 23... without a co-signer. That's right... my parents are great with money.
10. Last but surely not least: How to be a mom: Ok, so I'm only a mom of 2 cats and a bunny, and unlike children I can leave them for 2 days and just put out food and clean litter and they are good. But I like to think I am a good cat mom... and when/if the time comes I'll be a good mom. I do NOT have as much patience as my mom... sometimes looking back at fights with my brother I feel I should nominate her for sainthood... but I feel my mom did such a great job that I will be able to do so as well.
I know it sounds simple... all little things... but it's those little things that will stick with you for life and it's those little things that all add up to make one amazing woman.... a mom. I love you mom!!!
1. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all: Yes, I know a lot of your moms said this, but my mom really meant it. Maybe that's why I can bite my toungue when talking about my last job. There were A LOT of nice things with my job... but... not everything was great and those things... I just shouldn't talk about.
2. Be nice to everyone, because you never know who you are talking to: When I was younger I always thought that my mom was crazy talking to every woman she met in line waiting for the bathroom... the joke was she went into the bathroom and made a new best friend. But as I'm learning more and more about the need for networking I find myself at least being open to returning conversation with strangers... after all I could start talking to someone who could change my life forever.
3. How to be in love: I am a VERY lucky 20-something as my parents are not only still married, but still in love. I have two amazing role models when it comes to knowing what love is supposed to be... some give and take, some compromise, always making sure it's all cleared up before bed, going the extra mile just because... all those little things. I guess I used to take it for granted that they loved each other still, but then a few years ago I was at a friend's wedding that my parents were also at... another bridesmaid sitting next to me leaned over and said "look at your parents (dancing to a slow song, looking at each other just so)... I hope I find someone I love that much and still love them that much after all those years." That's when it hit me that their love was something special... and that's the love I hope I still have when I'm 50+ too!
4. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach: This may not work for every guy... but I know it helps me. My mom taught me how to cook great food, and how putting love in that food translates. I have always liked cooking.... but having someone I love to cook for makes me love cooking. I especially love making things I know he loves (and of course I don't cook anything I don't love too)... and waiting for that moment when he looks and me and says "it's delicious thank you sweetie."... It's not much but now I understand why my mom always worked so hard to cook dinner for us.
5. Treat others how you want to be treated: I may not follow this to a T... ok I've changed it quite a bit. I do treat others how I want to be treated... but this also helped give me the strength to cut people out of my life who don't treat me well. I've transitioned this to... "if you don't want to be around me don't... and if I don't want to be around you.... good bye." It may sound mean, but I used to be so focused on wanting EVERYONE to like me that I would stress myself out and depress myself. Once I realized that I just need SOME people to like me my life changed.
6. How to take care of someone when they are sick: I hate being sick... it's horrible... but my mom, a licensed RN, is an amazing nurse. She would make your favorite "sick" food which for me is lime jello with pears, gingerale, and cinnamon toast. My mom would make me take a nap, make me take it easy... when I was 10 this was annoying... but a few weeks ago I was sick... and what did I do... I took it easy and took naps... who knew she was so smart! Then when Shaun got sick I was able to take care of him... making him things he loves and making sure he took it easy.
7. How to drive: Yes, my mom taught me how to drive... she has WAY more patience then my dad and is better at staying calm when telling me I'm getting too close to the other car. And yes, my mom still helps me drive sometimes when we are in rush hour traffic and she thinks I'm going to crash... but I know it's just because she cares. But it's more than just learning how to drive... by teaching me this she taught me how to leave. I'm sure reading this she is wishing she never taught me now and I would stay in Ohio forever... but the freedom that comes with driving is the same feeling you get when you move out of the house and for me soon out of the state. I think my mom should be proud... how many people can teach their children the feeling of freedom?
8. Exercise is FUN.... when you have someone to do it with: I am by no means "in shape."... never have been. But that didn't stop my mom from getting me to try... I did basketball, dance classes, tennis... whatever it took my mom was 100% behind me. I am not athletic and didn't always play, but she was there... every game cheering me on and that made it worth it. Now, she still cheers me on... many mornings we call each other up, lace up our tennis shoes and go walking around the block while we talk on the phone. It's a great chance to talk about whatever while getting in a little exercise. We know it's not going to get us to drop 40 pounds or anything... but it gets us up and out of the house... and it's great.
9. How to budget: This has saved me on several occasions. I'm not going to say that I am amazing with money, because if I was I would be a millionaire! But, I'm not broke, I don't have credit card debt, I still own my house (knock on wood for the past few things there). Yes... I am tight with money, but who wouldn't be on unemployment... but I can budget. My mom used to have to budget for a family of 6! Thanks to her I know how to go shopping and I am able to pay the bills and still do some stuff I like. Heck without my parents teaching me about putting money in savings and what not I wouldn't have had the credit score to be able to buy a home at 23... without a co-signer. That's right... my parents are great with money.
10. Last but surely not least: How to be a mom: Ok, so I'm only a mom of 2 cats and a bunny, and unlike children I can leave them for 2 days and just put out food and clean litter and they are good. But I like to think I am a good cat mom... and when/if the time comes I'll be a good mom. I do NOT have as much patience as my mom... sometimes looking back at fights with my brother I feel I should nominate her for sainthood... but I feel my mom did such a great job that I will be able to do so as well.
I know it sounds simple... all little things... but it's those little things that will stick with you for life and it's those little things that all add up to make one amazing woman.... a mom. I love you mom!!!
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