If you've never been to Philadephia, or even if you have been, you haven't truly experenced the City of Brotherly Love until you meet with the Parking Authority.
A & E has been running a series called Parking Wars. It is HYSTERICAL. I laugh like a fool the entire time because it really is the way it is. I could watch it all day. I mean, it's exactly how the people are down here. Sigh.
I have a cold. Yuck.
Thank God for the neti pot!!!! My dogwalker actually introduced me to the neti pot. He's a kiwi. I thought he was out of his mind the first time he showed me the pot.
Then I realized it would probably be really easy for me. When I vomit, it comes out my NOSE and my mouth.
EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW.
So there's a well developed passageway there. Anyway, the last cold I had I used the neti pot. I SWEAR it cut my cold time in 1/2. It was awesome. Amazing. Getting all that gook out and no sinus infection, which is what I usually develop when I get a cold.
I wish I could do it all day!
I've spent the entire weekend with my dog and my cat and very little human interaction. I'm very lonely. As much as I need personal time (and I do, believe me), I need some quality human interaction at least once every 24 hours. I'm actually looking forward to work tommorrow because I'll be surrounded by people.
But I am at least 75% responsible for my lack of a significant other. I have spent an extremely long time getting over my ex and trying to get over Mr. Wonderful. I just have to accept that. I genuinely believe that I am almost totally there. I want a relationship of my own. I am ready to trust someone again.
Mr. Wonderful has continued to sniff around. On Thursday we met for coffee and I told him to knock it off. That our last tryst was a massive lapse in judgment on my part and that I was not going to get swept up in him again only to end up hurt and alone. I have so much love to give. I want to give it to someone who actually cares.
Anyway.
Yesterday Dash (the dog) and I walked down to the Italian Market to go grocery shopping. It was so much fun! Saving money by eating in is actually FUN. I got 1 lb green beans, 5 oranges, 1 bunch of parsley, 2 red onions, 1 lb of cherries, 2 lbs of red potatoes, a box of strawberries, and 4 bananas for only $8.00! I could have bought a lot more and I don't know why I didn't...Dash had a blast looking at all of the meat. I wast tempted to pick up some lamb, but I need to continue to work on my cooking skills. Last night I cooked up some potatoes and steak. This morning I made up hashbrowns and an omelette. There is a nice spice place in the Market that I wanted to go into, but couldn't with the dog. Next weekend maybe.
But the COOLEST new purchase (only $11.95) is a milk frother to make lattes. I LOVE IT. it is SO much fun. I don't even want to go to coffee shops anymore. It's more fun (and tastes better) to make my own coffee drinks. I've made so many lattes this weekend the forther has already paid for itself.
Last night I watched Michael Clayton. What a great movie. I kept thinking (as I sipped my latte) while it was awesome to have Dash curled up on my lap watching the movie with me, it would be more awesome to have a guy sitting next to me as well.
It'll come together. I've got a lot going for me. I think I finally believe that, deep down. I was actually thinking about that while I hung a hanging basket in my kitchen last night (I'm going stir crazy, I'm tellin ya). I was really impressed with myself. Me and my drill and my hanging basket that is now showing off all of that produce I bought.
Well, sort of. Since I'll be eligible to re-consolidate/re-sell my $90,000 worth of government-backed loans to Direct Loans in July of this year (and then enter into the Income Based Repayment/Public Interest Loan Forgiveness Program), I decided to forbear on my Sallie Mae owned loans that are currently serviced by XPress Loan Servicing. I figured since I'll have almost $150,000 (which accounts for the interest on the principal) forgiven after 10 years (the 10 years starting in July), I may as well take a break from paying and put my normal monthly payments of $1070 to my credit card debt. This way, I'll have a substantial amount of the credit cards paid off by the time July rolls around and with the Income Based Repayment Plan, my $1070 monthly payments will be reduced to approximately $700.
As much as I hate President Bush, I would give him a big wet smackaroo for signing this bill into law. It is going to make such a huge difference in my life. Although I wish the law were retroactive (considering that I have 8 years of public service under my belt already), I'll take what I can get. Of course, we'll see if the loan forgiveness ends up being taxable at the end (probably will).
Last night I finally got a response for a part-time waitressing job. I hope I get an interview. I responded to a craigslist post for a new restaurant that's opening right near my apartment. How awesome would that be? She responded by email and asked for my phone number. Cross your fingers.
On Saturday my night court duty went smoothly. I actually only ended up working 9-12, but will get the entire $175 check. Wahoo!
So, $500 will go to Washington Mutual Credit Card tommorrow. $14 to Discover for the backpack I bought. $200 to MBNA for the balance transfer. I get a little obsessive/stressed about my cash flow because I'm always worried about bouncing my student loan payment. At least for the next few months I can keep throwing $ at the credit cards and not worry about that. So far, I've paid $5,777 towards my credit card debt. I can't tell you how AWESOME that feels.
Yesterday I went up for Fosters because I needed a mat for my kitchen sink (I don't have a dishwasher). What a cool store. I purposely only brought $40 with me and left my debit card at home. It's amazing how different a shopping experience is when you only have cash to pay for things. I know that if I had had a credit card, I would have spent a lot more money. But I'm very happy with what I bought - a sink mat, a good scrubber, a eurosponge (I'm trying to cut down on my paper towel use and this brand promises to last through 17 rolls - we'll see!), a neat container in the shape of an onion to hold onions to keep them fresh and so that they don't stink up the fridge (I couldn't resist it was so cute and only $3.50), and a scrubbie that ended up being a total waste of money because it ripped apart after only one use. I usually get my sponges at the dollar store, but was getting tired of the fact that they rip apart so easily. Oh well.
Today I have off for President's Day. The day will be spent cleaning. Serious cleaning. Like baseboards being wiped down, appliances being moved, etc.
I know I've said this before, but I can't tell you how fantastic all of this feels. It's like the rest of my life (except for the love part) is starting to come together. Just from the simply act of getting control over my finances. I've gotten more organized, have learned to cook some really great dishes, have more energy, and less headaches (although maybe that's attributable to the new medication).
Things are coming together.
Not being able to engage in retail therapy right now SUCKS.
Due to recent poor choices, I have been feeling really SHITTY. I'm trying not to be too hard on myself but I'd be lying if I didn't say I was really disappointed in myself. I had been doing so well.
Anyway, it also sucks not having a Valentine. Valentine's Day to me is a big deal. It just is. I'm tired of defending why. And this year (again) I don't have a Valentine. Unless my dog counts.
When I feel sad, I want to buy things. Anything. And I actually did buy something online today, although it was paid for with a giftcard that I had gotten for Christmas. I got an LL Bean bookbag for only $12.95 and free shipping. Since I'm no longer spending money on public transportation and I'm walking to work, I wanted a comfortable bag to carry my stuff in. For some unbelievable reason, my mother threw out all of my and my sister's backpacks that we used in college. Grrrrr. I've gotten very tired of using my Whole Foods bag to carry all of my crap to work in. It's not very comfy.
I found myself staring at my computer screen at work today thinking about how normally I would have jetted over to the Gap or some other stupid store and bought some new clothes. Or over to this adorable little Dog Boutique and gotten Dash a valentine's day gift.
But I didn't. And I didn't know what to do with myself. This reminds me of how I felt when I stopped drinking when I was feeling down. Now I see that I just substituted that for shopping. So now that I'm not doing that, what the hell else do I do? Dealing with emotions head on really SUCKS.
It's been a few days now that I've been in this blue funk, a funk that is a direct result of my encounter with not-so-Mr.-Wondeful. I need to pull myself out of this and fast. Otherwise it'll become a vicious cycle.
Okay. So let's focus on some positive things:
1. I got on the list to do night court this saturday - for only 3 hours worth of work I'll make $175 after taxes
2. I just finished some work for someone and that should net me anywhere between $1500-2500.
3. I didn't buy anything today despite feeling lousy!!!!!
4. I have continued to stick with my budget and bring my lunch to work.
5. I will have $1000 tommorrow to pay towards my credit card balance.
6. I have an ING CD that will mature at the end of the month that I can cash out and put towards my debt.
7. I've become better friends with someone at work who I've always wanted to be better friends with.
8. I managed to return all of my library books on time and not incur a late fee (this is a feat in and of itself)
9. I have off on Monday for President's Day!
10. All new LOST tonight! Wahoo!
11. Today I finally got to meet the man who had been incarcerated for 8 years for a homicide he didn't commit - and I'm the lawyer who won his case on appeal and got him released. Value: Priceless.
That helped a bit, I think.
Not too much going on. Did see the neurologist yesterday, who still is unsure exactly what is causing my headaches. He has tentatively diagnosed me as having atypical cluster headaches. I have to say that for now I disagree with hiim, but as long as he's going to do something that will either 1) prevent them or 2) give me a good treatment when they happen, he can call them whatever he wants.
For now I'll be starting a blood pressure medication and ultram as needed. He also wants me to try an oxygen treatment for when the headaches happen. Cross your fingers.
I just signed up with this neat service that I came across on one of the personal finance blogs I read. I just got my approval and am updating my profile. We'll see if it leads to any extra side income. I'm still trying to find a part time job, without much luck. I don't know why no one wants to hire me. I put an application in at a relatively new restaurant that opened up, so hopefully that will lead to something.
For me, the weekend actually started on Thursday afternoon when I went to the ER. I started getting another headache on thursday afternoon, and since the reports from my MRA weren't finished, the nurse on call at the headache clinic recommended that I go to the ER. Since it wasn't confirmed whether or not I had an AVM, I didn't want to take the risk of a rupture if I did. Plus, I wanted something for the searing 8 hours of pain I was about to endure.
I got to the ER at 1 pm but didn't get to see a resident until 8 pm. It was pure insanity. There was a woman who came in with signs of a stroke who waited almost as long as I did. That's how backed up they were. Welcome to Killadelphia. They gave me touradol for the pain, which barely even took the edge off.
Anyway, FANTASTIC news is that by that time my MRA results came back and they were NORMAL. WAHHOOO. I can't begin to tell you how relieved I am. I mean, aside from the obvious reasons, the cause of my headache is really getting narrowed down. I have an appointment on wednesday with my neurosurgeon, so hopefully he'll have some more answers. If it is occipital neuralgia, hopefully I'll be on track to prevention and pain refief. The ER sent me home with a steroid pack (yucky) and a big dose of Depakote (aka Depadeath).
Needless to say, I haven't spent any money this weekend :) Actually, that's not true. Yesterday I bought pet food. But that's in the budget!
So, my parents came to the ER and then took me to their house where I recovered over the last few days. The headache was finally gone by Saturday, although I do feel a bit of the burning sensation starting up again in the base of my head.
On a better note, my tax refund was deposited into my acount on Friday and was immediately transferred to my ING savings account. It kills me not to put that towards a credit card, but I know that I need to start building an emergency fund since I won't be relying on credit cards anymore.
I really can't begin to tell you what a huge relief (and how liberating) this has all been...finally getting to the clinic, finally getting a hold of my finances, learning about finance and investing...I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. It feels like anything is possible.
I thought I'd give a little update on my finances. I decided to follow total money makeover plan after reading Dave Ramsey's book (that I checked out of the library, of course). If you can get past the Christian slant of his show, it's quite entertaining and informative. So, when my tax refund comes (which better be soon since I filed 2 weeks ago online) the money will go directly into my emergency fund instead of to a credit card. That kind of kills me, but I do see the value in it, especially since I have gone off of credit cards.
So here's the low down:
Chase Amazon account: $7, 149 (getting ready to transfer balance to 0% interest card)
Chase Visa: $2,074
Washington Mutual: $2, 239 (down from $3,000, with another $300 payment pending)
Gap Visa: PAID OFF $1750
American Education Services: about $100,000
Xpress Loan Servicing (servicing my Sallie Mae loans): $43,000
Savings: $120 in ING CD
Checking account: $800 (but I do get paid today yay!)
Today a speaker from some law school is coming to our office to discuss the new Loan Forgivenes act passed last year. I'll defintely be bringing my calculator to see how I'll be affected. I'm desperately hoping it will lower my $1070 a month loan payments.
I signed up for some weekend work shifts (aka Night Court) to bring in an extra $200. It's suprising what a big difference that makes in my paycheck. I was hoping to get a shift for some weekend prison client interviewing, but I didn't get to the sign up sheet in time. I'm still looking for some additional part time work, but having a hard time finding it. I've been trying to spread the word that I'll do basic tax returns.
Today I plan to take some more clothes over to Buffalo Exchange so I'll have some pocket change for the weekend.
I did my budget for this month, and it looks like I'll have about $600 after bills are paid to go towards credit card payment. The longer I do this, the more horrified I become at how carefless I've been with tracking my money.
Well, I'm about to head off to have my MRA of my brain and neck. I'm nervous. I'm anxious. And what sucks is that I won't find out if it is normal or if there is an AVM until my appointment on the 6th.
Ugh.
UGH.
I've worked my budget so that I have aalmost $800 a month to pay towards my credit cards. Now, that's some serious frugal living. How awesoime will it be when I have $800 extra dollars a month to just put into savings?!?!?!?!!!! Anyway, I'm now paying off my Washington Mutual (evil people) card. Hopefully that will be completely gone in another 2 months.
So far, the cat has been put on lower quality food. It bothered me at first, but them I reminded myself that our family cat lived almost 19 years on Friskies and she was just fine. The dog, however, is still eating the $1.79 cans of Merrick. But I am switching to making my own dog biscuits/treats, which are ridiculously easy. Chicken livers/giblets are only .79 at the supermarket. So I just cook them up or add some flour and bake them and he gobbles them up. I'm still going to splurge every now and then for a Flossie, though.
I can't begin to tell you how much $ I've saved by bringing my lunch and not buying Starbucks. It's a strange feeling to go through an entire day and not spend any money. It's quite easy to do. I'm sure millions of people have been living financially responsible for years and this is no suprise to them. But to me, it's all still new.
I'm still selling on eBay (check out my stuff I'm girlandadog). Right now I'm pretty much just trying to sell off all of my books. Over the weekend my father gave me some old books to sell to see if I could get anything for them. My parents have been inspired by my leaf turnover and are beginning to "downsize" themselves. My father must have 1,000 books (and he's actually read them all). All hardback. I'm pricing some of the antique/rare books, but so far I don't think I'm going to get much for them unless I start the auctions at .01, which is always kind of risky for something that is actually worth something.
Still selling my clothes at a nearby consignment shop as well, although that really doesn't make any money. I've basically been using whatever cash I get as my weekly cash (which I'm actually not spending, but it's cash on hand in case I need it).
The only major expense I've had is a medical expense - I finally had my appointment at the headache clinic, which had an out of pocket uninsurable cost of $400. I'm okay with it, because the headaches have gotten really serious. The neurosurgeon feels that I may have an avm. Best case scenario is that one of the major nerves leading to the brain is inflamed/pinched. I have an MRA scheduled this week. In the meatime, he gave me a nerve block (needle inserted into my brain stem area, FUN), which didn't really help that much. Hopefully it won't be the worst case scenario, which would mean I'd have to go out on disability for awhile and only get 60% of my pay.
I'm worried, but I'm more relieved that I finally found a doctor who took me seriously and didn't just brush me off saying that my "migraines have changed."
