2 posts tagged “new beginnings”

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.

Stayed home from work today - 2nd day into this migraine and I knew if I didn't stay in bed all day it would get even worse.  I have court tomorrow, thank God I prepared for it ahead of time.

So it was a pretty yucky day.  Mostly slept with my head packed in ice, only got up to walk the dog and to try to eat something.  Feeling a bit better now - my head seems to be pulling itself back togther.  Still really nauseous though.

In other news, I joined eHarmony.  It's time I start dating.  Really.  Even though I'm still in love with Mr. Wonderful, I need to start focusing on mysellf and moving on.  I don't want to spend Christmas wishing I were with him.  I don't want to be celebrating New Year's stuck in the same situation as last year.  He and I are still talking.  I just can't cut this cord.  I am starting (finally) to resent him a bit.  The more he gets on my nerves the more I pull away, which causes him to persist and get on my nerves a little more.  Sigh.  I do believe that we are two people who, when together, are incredbily dysfunctional.  I think that someday we will finally end up together.  But until then, it's time to live my life.

I joined eHarmony once before, met some pretty great guys off of it.  One I dated for a few months, but I ended it because I was becoming interested in someone else (which didn't go anywhere).  It's kind of nice and reassuring to log on every day and have a match and see someone who is actually interested in me.  I was signed up for it when Mr. Wonderful and I first broke up (like, oh, a year ago) but I just wasn't ready to do it.  I think I'm ready this time.  I don't want to be alone.  I don't want a boyfriend just to have a boyfriend -- I don't feel desperate (yet, ha).  I feel...motivated.