This will be my last post for about a week, since the DP and I are heading out of town for a wee vacation. Mentally I've already left the city limits, so I'm not sure how I'm going to make it through work tomorrow. I've been playing Suzy Homemaker tonight, doing the laundry and cleaning the apartment before our departure. (I *hate* to come home to a mess.) Because I knew that there was much to be done, I couldn't resist stopping and buying some dinner at the grocery store. I know, I know! It was not in the budget. But it was tasty - chicken, scalloped potatoes and some Asian greens. Yum.
I'll do my best to keep track of things while I'm away! Take care everyone.
Total debt: $6600 and a bit (I fear there will be some interest added on before long...)
Spent today: $9.36
Weekly total: $93.13 (Not bad!)
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
I'm working it out
Yesterday evening I was out with some of the lovely ladies that I did my post-grad degree with, so my late arrival home meant that I never got around to blogging. It happens!
Anyway, I hadn't seen one of the ladies in way too long, and little did I know that she is a fellow blogger. She's also a fantastic jewellery designer! Check out her blog and drool over her creations. (Try using the links to various types of material to see some of her wares.) I am going to put "Buy pretty jewellery from pretty friend" on my post-student loan to-do list!
This evening the DP and I took a trip to the gym. Did I tell you guys that he finally joined my gym? And they're giving us a "couple's rate," so I'll actually save a couple bucks a month. PLUS I finally got them to do the proper paperwork to give me the corporate discount that I can get because of the company I work for. I looked into this last year and the guy at the gym sort on intimated that it was going to be more paperwork than the discount was worth. And for some reason I just rolled over. Just like that! (I am in dire need of assertiveness training. I seem to have an instant politeness override.) Turns out that the corporate thing saves me $2 a month! $24 a year!! That isn't small potatoes. That's, like, several cheap T-shirts at Joe Fresh!
Anyway, the paperwork is done, the DP and I worked out together tonight (way more fun that going alone), but we missed a few of the routines on SYTYCD. Luckily they re-air the show repeatedly all week long, so I'm not too worried.
Okay, I need to crawl into bed and finish "Me talk pretty one day." That David Sedaris is one fu*#ed up motherfu@%er, but he makes me laugh.
Total debt: $6600 and a bit (Gah! I'm stuck there for another week or so. I'm beginning to hate the number.)
Spent yesterday: $13.93 (Kitty litter and treats.)
Spent today: $1.05 (A single orange almond biscotti from St. Lawrence Market. Yum!)
Anyway, I hadn't seen one of the ladies in way too long, and little did I know that she is a fellow blogger. She's also a fantastic jewellery designer! Check out her blog and drool over her creations. (Try using the links to various types of material to see some of her wares.) I am going to put "Buy pretty jewellery from pretty friend" on my post-student loan to-do list!
This evening the DP and I took a trip to the gym. Did I tell you guys that he finally joined my gym? And they're giving us a "couple's rate," so I'll actually save a couple bucks a month. PLUS I finally got them to do the proper paperwork to give me the corporate discount that I can get because of the company I work for. I looked into this last year and the guy at the gym sort on intimated that it was going to be more paperwork than the discount was worth. And for some reason I just rolled over. Just like that! (I am in dire need of assertiveness training. I seem to have an instant politeness override.) Turns out that the corporate thing saves me $2 a month! $24 a year!! That isn't small potatoes. That's, like, several cheap T-shirts at Joe Fresh!
Anyway, the paperwork is done, the DP and I worked out together tonight (way more fun that going alone), but we missed a few of the routines on SYTYCD. Luckily they re-air the show repeatedly all week long, so I'm not too worried.
Okay, I need to crawl into bed and finish "Me talk pretty one day." That David Sedaris is one fu*#ed up motherfu@%er, but he makes me laugh.
Total debt: $6600 and a bit (Gah! I'm stuck there for another week or so. I'm beginning to hate the number.)
Spent yesterday: $13.93 (Kitty litter and treats.)
Spent today: $1.05 (A single orange almond biscotti from St. Lawrence Market. Yum!)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Pardon me
Every since I "updated" the look of my blog a few months ago, I haven't been getting any reports on my site traffic, even though the proper code is embedded. So I'm going to remove some of the newer elements to see if they're contributing to the problem.
Please excuse the random changes while I figure this out.
Thanks!
Please excuse the random changes while I figure this out.
Thanks!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Money in the mail
Many years ago, when I was still "earning a living" as a professional performer, I used to do extra work on movies, TV shows and commercials. Since I was a union member, I could make a decent amount of money in one day just for sitting around drinking tepid tea out of Styrofoam cups for 14 hours and then walking down a street a few times in the rain at 1:30 a.m. for an exterior establishment shot. Seriously. Generally the work was deadly boring, but the paychecks were nice.
(I refuse to do the math about what I make now in comparison to then. It would be too painful.)
Some highlights of that life included meeting William H. Macy on set (Very Nice Man!); watching Liev Shreiber play the guitar just off camera while Jeff Goldblum got down and did push ups just before they yelled action, so he would seem out of breath; and eating many a delicious buffet meal. (On set catering is generally very good.)
One of many low points: Having to be the stand-in on a sex scene where the male stand-in (who was lying on top of me at the time) tried to chat me up. Ew. Gross. No thanks.
Anyway, one hot summer night in 1999 I got called to do an overnight shoot on some U.S. TV movie called "Chippendale Murders." I can't say I was looking forward to it. There were 200 extras on set. I can't remember exactly how the rules work, but I believe only the first 10 or so extras have to be union, everyone else can be non-union. Non-union extras work for $8 an hour and don't get overtime. (At least back when I was doing it.) They were universally known to be a bit crazy, so I was dreading being stuck with so many of them all night.
However, about an hour into the evening, they put out a call that the director needed to see all the non-union girls. Turns out they needed to cast a "best friend" for the female lead in the movie.
*Oh, I forgot to mention that the movie was set in the 80s, so at this point I've been costumed in electric blue Hammer pants, red flats (before flats were cool) and a big belt. The makeup women had teased up my hair and applied some blue eye shadow. I was feeling pretty hot!
So I joked with the director - how could he not pick me! Look at my Hammer pants!!
He totally picked me.
My night changed entirely. I was suddenly whisked off to Honeyland! (That's where all the main trailers are. Much better than any extra holdings.) My hair and makeup was redone by the main hair and makeup people. I was shuttled around with the "actors" and got to eat from the Kraft truck rather than compete with 200 others for a couple of slices of white bread and peanut butter. It was a very exciting night.
My scene involved walking into a strip club with the film's leading lady, stopping at the door to make eyes at the half-dressed man, and then continuing on my way. I didn't even get to say a line, but I did get upgraded to "actor," which is a big step up from extra, let me tell you.
During the first couple of takes I was really nervous. All of the extras were on set, plus the crew, so my audience was extensive. The camera was behind us. All went well.
Next, they reversed the shot, meaning that the camera came around in front of us. I was calling upon all my years of theatre training to do a good job, chanting "be in the moment, be in the moment, be in the moment," to myself. I concentrated so hard that I walked right into the camera. In front of about 250 people. Generally there's only one person on set that's allowed to say "cut," and that's the director. When I heard the cameraman say it, I knew I had really screwed up.
I earned a nice paycheck that evening, which included a 5 year buyout, meaning that they could air the movie as much as they wanted for 5 years before they'd have to pay me anything else. Today I came home to a cheque. I am still earning money off of that one evening. Unbelievable. I've never even seen the movie, so I don't know that I even made the final cut!
It's not a big cheque, so I hardly get to do a happy dance, but considering that it's basically free money at this point, I'm not going to complain. I'm going to put some of it aside for taxes (income is income) and then I'm going to put the rest on my credit card, to help pay off my trip to the dentist last week.
If only I'd done more gigs like this one...
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $18.95 (Some food, plus I rescued my favourite dress from the dry cleaner in a timely manner to avoid his wrath.)
(I refuse to do the math about what I make now in comparison to then. It would be too painful.)
Some highlights of that life included meeting William H. Macy on set (Very Nice Man!); watching Liev Shreiber play the guitar just off camera while Jeff Goldblum got down and did push ups just before they yelled action, so he would seem out of breath; and eating many a delicious buffet meal. (On set catering is generally very good.)
One of many low points: Having to be the stand-in on a sex scene where the male stand-in (who was lying on top of me at the time) tried to chat me up. Ew. Gross. No thanks.
Anyway, one hot summer night in 1999 I got called to do an overnight shoot on some U.S. TV movie called "Chippendale Murders." I can't say I was looking forward to it. There were 200 extras on set. I can't remember exactly how the rules work, but I believe only the first 10 or so extras have to be union, everyone else can be non-union. Non-union extras work for $8 an hour and don't get overtime. (At least back when I was doing it.) They were universally known to be a bit crazy, so I was dreading being stuck with so many of them all night.
However, about an hour into the evening, they put out a call that the director needed to see all the non-union girls. Turns out they needed to cast a "best friend" for the female lead in the movie.
*Oh, I forgot to mention that the movie was set in the 80s, so at this point I've been costumed in electric blue Hammer pants, red flats (before flats were cool) and a big belt. The makeup women had teased up my hair and applied some blue eye shadow. I was feeling pretty hot!
So I joked with the director - how could he not pick me! Look at my Hammer pants!!
He totally picked me.
My night changed entirely. I was suddenly whisked off to Honeyland! (That's where all the main trailers are. Much better than any extra holdings.) My hair and makeup was redone by the main hair and makeup people. I was shuttled around with the "actors" and got to eat from the Kraft truck rather than compete with 200 others for a couple of slices of white bread and peanut butter. It was a very exciting night.
My scene involved walking into a strip club with the film's leading lady, stopping at the door to make eyes at the half-dressed man, and then continuing on my way. I didn't even get to say a line, but I did get upgraded to "actor," which is a big step up from extra, let me tell you.
During the first couple of takes I was really nervous. All of the extras were on set, plus the crew, so my audience was extensive. The camera was behind us. All went well.
Next, they reversed the shot, meaning that the camera came around in front of us. I was calling upon all my years of theatre training to do a good job, chanting "be in the moment, be in the moment, be in the moment," to myself. I concentrated so hard that I walked right into the camera. In front of about 250 people. Generally there's only one person on set that's allowed to say "cut," and that's the director. When I heard the cameraman say it, I knew I had really screwed up.
I earned a nice paycheck that evening, which included a 5 year buyout, meaning that they could air the movie as much as they wanted for 5 years before they'd have to pay me anything else. Today I came home to a cheque. I am still earning money off of that one evening. Unbelievable. I've never even seen the movie, so I don't know that I even made the final cut!
It's not a big cheque, so I hardly get to do a happy dance, but considering that it's basically free money at this point, I'm not going to complain. I'm going to put some of it aside for taxes (income is income) and then I'm going to put the rest on my credit card, to help pay off my trip to the dentist last week.
If only I'd done more gigs like this one...
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $18.95 (Some food, plus I rescued my favourite dress from the dry cleaner in a timely manner to avoid his wrath.)
Sunday, June 22, 2008
I could tell you how to solve the problem(s)
Quick pre-bed post for me. Just wanted to let you all know that the tea was incredible! Smells heavenly and tastes divine. I am saving it for special occasions, so I don't use it up too fast.
Was very disappointed by the reality show I was eagerly anticipating this evening. The contestants were fantastic, but the show itself didn't seem to have anything to do with what it's supposed to be accomplishing. Sad, really, since the first two episodes last week were quite slick and enjoyable. Why does Canadian television sometimes get it so wrong?
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $19.53 (more groceries...)
Was very disappointed by the reality show I was eagerly anticipating this evening. The contestants were fantastic, but the show itself didn't seem to have anything to do with what it's supposed to be accomplishing. Sad, really, since the first two episodes last week were quite slick and enjoyable. Why does Canadian television sometimes get it so wrong?
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $19.53 (more groceries...)
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Tea for two and two times tea
It was a lovely, lovely day. A nice lazy morning with the paper and a cup of tea followed by a gym visit. Then lunch with the DP and off to meet a dear old friend for another cup of tea.
We decided to avoid the chains and try something completely new, so we met in a somewhat sketchy area of Dundas West to go to a place called Ella's Uncle, which I found online. It was a charming little indy place, with just a few stools in the window and nary a bathroom. (The indy restaurant across the street let me use their loo, thank goodness!)
My friend bought my tea and some cookies for us to share before I could even pull out my wallet. It was very sweet and generous. She even brought me some incredible loose tea from a place called Tealish. Here is the flavour that she gifted to me:
Walnut Ave - Green Tea
A sweet and rich green tea blend that is one of our most popular. Walnut Ave. green tea is a blend in honour of the coolest street in Toronto, Walnut Ave. – home to the Tealish modern tea boutique! The blend features fine organic green tea with walnuts, almonds, pineapple bits, coconut shreds, and brittle bits. An absolutely delicious infusion with an incredible aroma and a sweet nutty aftertaste. This green tea is amazing and many of our customers say that it’s like dessert in a cup!
People, I cannot explain to you how amazing it smells! The DP and I are saving it for a Sunday morning treat. I'll let you know how it is. I suspect it will be heavenly! (Thank you tea gifter, for both the tea and the conversation.)
After a trip to my local library branch - where I picked up Douglas Coupland's >The Gum Thief and Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking for my upcoming holidays - I did a bit of grocery shopping and then came home to watch a sappy, girly movie that I didn't have to rent, because one of our wonderful neighbours offered to lend me their copy. So I watched and folded laundry and worked on the big Sudoku in the paper (which I screwed up) until the DP returned home from his tea date with his friend. After a quick recap of our afternoons, I went back to what I was doing and he made me dinner. Not a bad deal, eh?
Afterwards we finished a movie that I'd picked up at the library early last week. It's a stylish film created entirely with green screens that was sadly boring. It took us three sittings to get through it.
And now it is Saturday evening. Traditionally we are supposed to be out whooping it up, but instead we're each at our computers in the office with our sometimes cranky cat on the sofa behind us and the new Coldplay album playing. Not exciting perhaps, but happy making for me right now. What more can I ask for?
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $17.34
We decided to avoid the chains and try something completely new, so we met in a somewhat sketchy area of Dundas West to go to a place called Ella's Uncle, which I found online. It was a charming little indy place, with just a few stools in the window and nary a bathroom. (The indy restaurant across the street let me use their loo, thank goodness!)
My friend bought my tea and some cookies for us to share before I could even pull out my wallet. It was very sweet and generous. She even brought me some incredible loose tea from a place called Tealish. Here is the flavour that she gifted to me:
Walnut Ave - Green Tea
A sweet and rich green tea blend that is one of our most popular. Walnut Ave. green tea is a blend in honour of the coolest street in Toronto, Walnut Ave. – home to the Tealish modern tea boutique! The blend features fine organic green tea with walnuts, almonds, pineapple bits, coconut shreds, and brittle bits. An absolutely delicious infusion with an incredible aroma and a sweet nutty aftertaste. This green tea is amazing and many of our customers say that it’s like dessert in a cup!
People, I cannot explain to you how amazing it smells! The DP and I are saving it for a Sunday morning treat. I'll let you know how it is. I suspect it will be heavenly! (Thank you tea gifter, for both the tea and the conversation.)
After a trip to my local library branch - where I picked up Douglas Coupland's >The Gum Thief and Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking for my upcoming holidays - I did a bit of grocery shopping and then came home to watch a sappy, girly movie that I didn't have to rent, because one of our wonderful neighbours offered to lend me their copy. So I watched and folded laundry and worked on the big Sudoku in the paper (which I screwed up) until the DP returned home from his tea date with his friend. After a quick recap of our afternoons, I went back to what I was doing and he made me dinner. Not a bad deal, eh?
Afterwards we finished a movie that I'd picked up at the library early last week. It's a stylish film created entirely with green screens that was sadly boring. It took us three sittings to get through it.
And now it is Saturday evening. Traditionally we are supposed to be out whooping it up, but instead we're each at our computers in the office with our sometimes cranky cat on the sofa behind us and the new Coldplay album playing. Not exciting perhaps, but happy making for me right now. What more can I ask for?
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $17.34
Weekend mornings are lazy...
Good morning all.
I realized last night that I forgot to post my weekly total on Thursday. It's higher than it should be. I have no excuses, just frustration. And a renewed sense of focus. Hopefully.
Didn't post yesterday because I got home late from a BBQ with friends. It was one of those nights when you laugh so hard it sort of physically hurts. I love that. It's pretty much free.
Total debt: $6600 and a bit (I fear I'm stuck here for a while)
Overdue weekly total: $127.95 (Ouch!)
Spent yesterday: $12.95 (on wine for the BBQ)
I realized last night that I forgot to post my weekly total on Thursday. It's higher than it should be. I have no excuses, just frustration. And a renewed sense of focus. Hopefully.
Didn't post yesterday because I got home late from a BBQ with friends. It was one of those nights when you laugh so hard it sort of physically hurts. I love that. It's pretty much free.
Total debt: $6600 and a bit (I fear I'm stuck here for a while)
Overdue weekly total: $127.95 (Ouch!)
Spent yesterday: $12.95 (on wine for the BBQ)
Thursday, June 19, 2008
New hair and the same old stress
Before I get to the story of my new haircut, I must first tell you all about the crappy, crappy start to my day.
First thing this morning I logged on to my benefits website, to see what was going on with my massage claim from last week and yesterdays dental claim. And what I saw was not good. My massage claim wasn't registering the full amount and my dental claim was only registering at about 10% of what I paid!
So the first thing I did when I arrived at work was call to make some enquiries. And the news was not good.
The massage claim discrepancy was just because there is a yearly deductible, so that's understandable. Provided I use up the rest of my allotment, I'm not too concerned. Besides, it's not a huge deductible, so even though I do not have any extra money right now, it's not going to break the bank. The problem with the dental claim, which I thought would be completely covered, is that I'VE ALREADY MAXED OUT MY DENTAL FOR THE YEAR!!
Pardon me, but Fuck.
It was the goddamn root canal.
I'm so behind money wise right now. Far enough behind that there will not be a loan payment tomorrow. And I really, really hate that. I'm so stressed about it that I feel like I'm wearing a lead blanket around my shoulders. I know that it's not so awful in the grand scheme of things, but it feels big today. I don't want to lose momentum. I want there to be an end to this debt, so I can work towards stuff rather than just pay for my past.
Anyway, on to the hair.
I knew that it needed to be cut, but I couldn't conceive of spending my normal small fortune at this point in time. (Thank goodness or I would feel even more panicked tonight!) So I made an appointment at the Aveda Academy around the corner from my office. They're students! They have two levels of students, so I picked the higher one, because if I was going to trust myself to a not-quite-professional, I wanted one as close to professional as possible!
It was the longest haircut of my life. An hour and 45 minutes. And the right side is definitely shorter than the left side. And the whole thing is shorter than I intended it to be. But it's still a pretty good haircut. The DP likes it. He says I look like a Russian spy. I think he means that in a good way. Have a look on the left and let me know what you think!
Oh, and the best part - it was a third of what I usually pay. Just $30! (Although it sort of feels like a million dollars right now because I'm feeling behind, but I know that it was a good deal.)
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $42-ish (My hair and some sushi for lunch, since I didn't bring anything from home.)
First thing this morning I logged on to my benefits website, to see what was going on with my massage claim from last week and yesterdays dental claim. And what I saw was not good. My massage claim wasn't registering the full amount and my dental claim was only registering at about 10% of what I paid!
So the first thing I did when I arrived at work was call to make some enquiries. And the news was not good.
The massage claim discrepancy was just because there is a yearly deductible, so that's understandable. Provided I use up the rest of my allotment, I'm not too concerned. Besides, it's not a huge deductible, so even though I do not have any extra money right now, it's not going to break the bank. The problem with the dental claim, which I thought would be completely covered, is that I'VE ALREADY MAXED OUT MY DENTAL FOR THE YEAR!!
Pardon me, but Fuck.
It was the goddamn root canal.
I'm so behind money wise right now. Far enough behind that there will not be a loan payment tomorrow. And I really, really hate that. I'm so stressed about it that I feel like I'm wearing a lead blanket around my shoulders. I know that it's not so awful in the grand scheme of things, but it feels big today. I don't want to lose momentum. I want there to be an end to this debt, so I can work towards stuff rather than just pay for my past.
Anyway, on to the hair.
I knew that it needed to be cut, but I couldn't conceive of spending my normal small fortune at this point in time. (Thank goodness or I would feel even more panicked tonight!) So I made an appointment at the Aveda Academy around the corner from my office. They're students! They have two levels of students, so I picked the higher one, because if I was going to trust myself to a not-quite-professional, I wanted one as close to professional as possible!
It was the longest haircut of my life. An hour and 45 minutes. And the right side is definitely shorter than the left side. And the whole thing is shorter than I intended it to be. But it's still a pretty good haircut. The DP likes it. He says I look like a Russian spy. I think he means that in a good way. Have a look on the left and let me know what you think!
Oh, and the best part - it was a third of what I usually pay. Just $30! (Although it sort of feels like a million dollars right now because I'm feeling behind, but I know that it was a good deal.)
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $42-ish (My hair and some sushi for lunch, since I didn't bring anything from home.)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Smilin'
Good news! I tried out a new dentist today, since it was time for a cleaning and I'd vowed not to return to crass Mr. "Are you a pole dancer?" again. I went to the DP's guy and am happy to report that everything about the visit was enjoyable. Well, as enjoyable as going to the dentist can be.
The chair massaged me during my cleaning. How good is that!?
Plus my bag of free stuff included not only a new toothbrush and floss, but also a full-sized tube of toothpaste! That's the kind of swag a budgeting girl can get behind. Now if I could just find someone to give me a new tube of my favourite Kiehl's straightening lotion...
Speaking of hair, I have to tell you all something. I'm getting it cut tomorrow. When I last got it cut, I neglected to think about the long-term consequences of the style I chose - namely that having short hair on the back of my head requires upkeep to prevent an involuntary mullet. I've been struggling to style my almost-hockey-hair for a couple of weeks now and finally determined that getting it cut is the only answer.
But you all know how expensive my stylist is. Which is why I normally try to wait as long as possible between visits. When I've got ponytail hair, this isn't a problem.
I don't currently have ponytail hair.
Anyway, I pondered how to proceed, particularly given the fact that I really don't have $100 to spend on my hair right now. And I came up with an idea. Hopefully it's a good one!
But I'm going to save the story for tomorrow...
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $0
The chair massaged me during my cleaning. How good is that!?
Plus my bag of free stuff included not only a new toothbrush and floss, but also a full-sized tube of toothpaste! That's the kind of swag a budgeting girl can get behind. Now if I could just find someone to give me a new tube of my favourite Kiehl's straightening lotion...
Speaking of hair, I have to tell you all something. I'm getting it cut tomorrow. When I last got it cut, I neglected to think about the long-term consequences of the style I chose - namely that having short hair on the back of my head requires upkeep to prevent an involuntary mullet. I've been struggling to style my almost-hockey-hair for a couple of weeks now and finally determined that getting it cut is the only answer.
But you all know how expensive my stylist is. Which is why I normally try to wait as long as possible between visits. When I've got ponytail hair, this isn't a problem.
I don't currently have ponytail hair.
Anyway, I pondered how to proceed, particularly given the fact that I really don't have $100 to spend on my hair right now. And I came up with an idea. Hopefully it's a good one!
But I'm going to save the story for tomorrow...
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $0
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Sales be gone!
My budget willpower was put to the test today. I returned from my lunch date and was accosted by my lovely desk mate. She'd come across a major sale at an outlet near the office and was very excited to share her discovery with me. So a couple of hours later we took an "I don't smoke" break and headed over.
Wow. The sale was 50% off the lowest ticketed price on the already low outlet prices. We're talking stacks of super soft t-shirts for less than $10, summer dresses for $25 and a gorgeous float cocktail dress that was originally $145 down to $45.
I didn't need any of it. I wanted nearly all of it. Including a purple jewel-toned spring coat for $40.
But I'm happy to report that the budget locks are back on. I find that not spending money is a habit that I have to get into, just like spending can become a habit.
It would have been fun to come home with a big bag of inexpensive treasures, but it will be way more fun to one day get to declare that I'm debt free on this blog!!
I SO want to impress you all...
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $3.55
Wow. The sale was 50% off the lowest ticketed price on the already low outlet prices. We're talking stacks of super soft t-shirts for less than $10, summer dresses for $25 and a gorgeous float cocktail dress that was originally $145 down to $45.
I didn't need any of it. I wanted nearly all of it. Including a purple jewel-toned spring coat for $40.
But I'm happy to report that the budget locks are back on. I find that not spending money is a habit that I have to get into, just like spending can become a habit.
It would have been fun to come home with a big bag of inexpensive treasures, but it will be way more fun to one day get to declare that I'm debt free on this blog!!
I SO want to impress you all...
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $3.55
Monday, June 16, 2008
I'm a consumer, you're a consumer
The DP and I saw this shirt at The Gap the other day. It struck me as the biggest piece of bullshit ever. It's just more crap masquerading as some sort of deep message about materialism. I was offended.
Of course, we were at the mall because the DP was in need of some new summer clothes and a shirt to wear to the Much Music Video Awards, so we were busy being consumers. But at least we knew what we were doing. We weren't fooling ourselves or anyone else. The t-shirt just seemed so bogus.
But then just now, at the end of a little walk (must enjoy the extra hours of daylight while we can), we stopped into this bookstore just a few doors down from our apartment. It's mostly inexpensive remainders, but like any room filled with books, it has this beautiful feeling of possibility about it. Something about a bookstore makes me want to live a fuller life, be a more rounded person.
And I wanted to buy everything. Even though I own plenty of books I've never read and am an active member of the Toronto Public Library system. (Just picked up a David Sedaris that I haven't read yet. Can't wait!)
So I'm just as guilty as the dumb Gap shirt and I should probably get down off my high horse now.
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $8.97 (a few groceries and a Monday morning treat)
PS. I didn't buy any books, but then the DP asked me if there was anything I wanted. I declined at first (I don't generally let him buy me stuff just for the sake of buying me stuff), but then spotted a book at the counter called "What would Barbra do? How musical theatre changed my life." How could I say no to that?
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Dad's Day
Tonight is a big TV night for me, so I thought I'd try to blog beforehand.
Had a crazy weather day - three thundershower intervals between sunny blue skies. Weird. Luckily I headed out before any of the active weather this morning on a big run. It was the perfect morning for it - sunny and warm, but with a bit of a breeze. The route took me through all sorts of gorgeous trails and then spit me out in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
For those of you not in the know, MPC is a huge place. And it all looks the same. By this point in my outing, I had run for about a half hour and been walking for almost another half hour. In the sun. With no water. I was pretty done, but had no clue how to find my way out.
What I did stumble across was a gorgeous garden area with fountains, a little greenhouse and a waterfall. It was obviously the area for people who have been cremated. And it was beautiful. I took a little moment and strolled through, trying not to look too inconspicuous in my sweaty gym clothes. I silently wished all the fatherly souls a Happy Father's Day and I remembered how lucky I am to still have a dad who is healthy and happy.
It turned into a nice detour. And eventually I found Yonge Street and stumbled home, where the DP was waiting with a big glass of water.
And now I must leave you, because I need to prepare for the Tony Awards! It's my favourite night of television. New show tunes. I'll never stop being that geek, so don't even try to tell me it's not cool!
Total debt: $6600 and a bit (I'm getting tired with the 6000s already)
Spent today: $1.48 (I used $5 worth of Optimum points, so this was all I had to pay for some drugstore essentials!)
Had a crazy weather day - three thundershower intervals between sunny blue skies. Weird. Luckily I headed out before any of the active weather this morning on a big run. It was the perfect morning for it - sunny and warm, but with a bit of a breeze. The route took me through all sorts of gorgeous trails and then spit me out in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
For those of you not in the know, MPC is a huge place. And it all looks the same. By this point in my outing, I had run for about a half hour and been walking for almost another half hour. In the sun. With no water. I was pretty done, but had no clue how to find my way out.
What I did stumble across was a gorgeous garden area with fountains, a little greenhouse and a waterfall. It was obviously the area for people who have been cremated. And it was beautiful. I took a little moment and strolled through, trying not to look too inconspicuous in my sweaty gym clothes. I silently wished all the fatherly souls a Happy Father's Day and I remembered how lucky I am to still have a dad who is healthy and happy.
It turned into a nice detour. And eventually I found Yonge Street and stumbled home, where the DP was waiting with a big glass of water.
And now I must leave you, because I need to prepare for the Tony Awards! It's my favourite night of television. New show tunes. I'll never stop being that geek, so don't even try to tell me it's not cool!
Total debt: $6600 and a bit (I'm getting tired with the 6000s already)
Spent today: $1.48 (I used $5 worth of Optimum points, so this was all I had to pay for some drugstore essentials!)
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Do-overs and dry cleaning dilemmas
Okay everyone! I'm finally sitting down without threat of electrocution to blog. I realize I've been away for a few days. And I must admit - things have gone a little off the rails.
Not counting my recent spate of random credit card purchases, I've been playing a little fast and loose with cash.
It started with the decision a few weeks ago that it makes more sense for me to charge the groceries rather than the DP, because my points earn us free groceries. In theory it's good, but as far as using "cash only," it becomes a little confusing. On a good day, I try to remember just to leave my money in the bank until after grocery shopping day and the DP gives me cash, which I automatically deposit and then I go online and pay the charge and voila.
Well, it turns out that it's much harder for me to keep track of that all important $90 per week this way. Either I don't deposit the DP's money right away or we deduct his amount from something that I owe him...
Then this week I went to see my massage therapist (Who I highly recommend. If anyone is looking for someone great - he's it!), which is covered by my insurance. Normally I would just charge the treatment and then pay it off as soon as the claim goes through. But my MT just changed locations and now can only accept Visa and cash - not my MC. So I had to find money to give him.
All this to tell you that I haven't done such a good job of keeping track of receipts and stuff in the last week or so. Rather than try to log the days that I've missed here on the blog, I'm just going to start over again from today. Everyone gets at least one do-over, right?
Oh, and I wanted to tell you all how much my dry cleaner hates me. Seriously. I've always been one of those people who dutifully bring things in to be dry cleaned, but never get around to picking them up. Sometimes I forget, sometimes I'm lazy and oftentimes I just don't feel like spending the money. (When someone has to give a speech at a dry cleaning convention, and they want to open with a joke, I bet I'm the punchline. Or, at least, people like me.) All of my previous dry cleaners have been polite enough not to mention that they've had my black pants for three months, even though they probably have a security camera photo of me tacked up in the backroom in which someone has drawn a thought bubble above my head that reads, "Maybe I'll pick these up when I've finally secured a ticket to travel to the moon!" Or something funnier. Something that dry cleaners would say.
Anyway, my current dry cleaner cannot not mention how long it's been. And I feel so guilty! Like my single hanger of wool blend black trousers is causing him to toss and turn at night in worry that the owner will never retrieve them and pay him his $7.29!
So when I went in yesterday to pick up the offending black pants, I tried to circumvent his chiding by owning up straight away. With a lie, of course. I claimed I had completely forgotten where my pants were! (Now he probably thinks I'm a little slutty, too...) But still, still he had to say, "Since, May, eh?" in a very judgemental tone. Why? Why!?
(And don't tell me to go to another dry cleaner. The one across the street is the rich persons cleaner, with a flat screen TV over the reception desk. Last year they charged me $54 (!!!) to clean two cotton summer dresses. Truth be told, I just brought them in because they're a bitch to iron. It was a dark day. I asked the woman twice if they had double-charged me. She looked at me with pity in her eyes. That's what I get for living in a fancy neighborhood!)
Okay, so today we had another expensive grocery shop, but the cupboards were kind of bare, so it makes sense. Plus we went to the movies - to see a funny new Canadian film called "Young People F**cking." It was co-written and directed be a very talented guy that I went to high school with, so we were happy to go out and support it in its opening weekend. If you're looking for some serious laughs (and a teeny bit of nudity, but not nearly as much as you'd expect from the title), go see it!
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $71.95
Not counting my recent spate of random credit card purchases, I've been playing a little fast and loose with cash.
It started with the decision a few weeks ago that it makes more sense for me to charge the groceries rather than the DP, because my points earn us free groceries. In theory it's good, but as far as using "cash only," it becomes a little confusing. On a good day, I try to remember just to leave my money in the bank until after grocery shopping day and the DP gives me cash, which I automatically deposit and then I go online and pay the charge and voila.
Well, it turns out that it's much harder for me to keep track of that all important $90 per week this way. Either I don't deposit the DP's money right away or we deduct his amount from something that I owe him...
Then this week I went to see my massage therapist (Who I highly recommend. If anyone is looking for someone great - he's it!), which is covered by my insurance. Normally I would just charge the treatment and then pay it off as soon as the claim goes through. But my MT just changed locations and now can only accept Visa and cash - not my MC. So I had to find money to give him.
All this to tell you that I haven't done such a good job of keeping track of receipts and stuff in the last week or so. Rather than try to log the days that I've missed here on the blog, I'm just going to start over again from today. Everyone gets at least one do-over, right?
Oh, and I wanted to tell you all how much my dry cleaner hates me. Seriously. I've always been one of those people who dutifully bring things in to be dry cleaned, but never get around to picking them up. Sometimes I forget, sometimes I'm lazy and oftentimes I just don't feel like spending the money. (When someone has to give a speech at a dry cleaning convention, and they want to open with a joke, I bet I'm the punchline. Or, at least, people like me.) All of my previous dry cleaners have been polite enough not to mention that they've had my black pants for three months, even though they probably have a security camera photo of me tacked up in the backroom in which someone has drawn a thought bubble above my head that reads, "Maybe I'll pick these up when I've finally secured a ticket to travel to the moon!" Or something funnier. Something that dry cleaners would say.
Anyway, my current dry cleaner cannot not mention how long it's been. And I feel so guilty! Like my single hanger of wool blend black trousers is causing him to toss and turn at night in worry that the owner will never retrieve them and pay him his $7.29!
So when I went in yesterday to pick up the offending black pants, I tried to circumvent his chiding by owning up straight away. With a lie, of course. I claimed I had completely forgotten where my pants were! (Now he probably thinks I'm a little slutty, too...) But still, still he had to say, "Since, May, eh?" in a very judgemental tone. Why? Why!?
(And don't tell me to go to another dry cleaner. The one across the street is the rich persons cleaner, with a flat screen TV over the reception desk. Last year they charged me $54 (!!!) to clean two cotton summer dresses. Truth be told, I just brought them in because they're a bitch to iron. It was a dark day. I asked the woman twice if they had double-charged me. She looked at me with pity in her eyes. That's what I get for living in a fancy neighborhood!)
Okay, so today we had another expensive grocery shop, but the cupboards were kind of bare, so it makes sense. Plus we went to the movies - to see a funny new Canadian film called "Young People F**cking." It was co-written and directed be a very talented guy that I went to high school with, so we were happy to go out and support it in its opening weekend. If you're looking for some serious laughs (and a teeny bit of nudity, but not nearly as much as you'd expect from the title), go see it!
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $71.95
Friday, June 13, 2008
The apocalypse
Major thunderstorm occurring, so I probably shouldn't even have my computer on. Tune in tomorrow!
More to come...
This is just a quick apology - I was MIA last night. We were out test-driving more cars until 9pm and then we grabbed a quick bite downtown (Sweet potato fries at Fresh!), so we didn't even walk in the door until after 10pm. Way too late to blog. I only had time to wash my face and read a couple pages of my book before crashing.
Tonight I'll do a little double update to make up for it!
Tonight I'll do a little double update to make up for it!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
So you think you can blog
This is going to be a brief post because I'm very tired. A workout followed by a glass of wine with dinner has left me incredibly depleted. Plus I've just discovered the merits of "So You Think You Can Dance," so I'm a little preoccupied.
*Brief Aside*
Why do all the girls on the show have such weird names? Or such weirdly spelled names? Comfort? Rayven? Kherington? Katee? Kourtni? Is it a prerequisite or something? And what about their legs? I could do lunges for the entire two hour duration of the show and I wouldn't even be an ounce closer to having legs like that. AND what is with that Mary judge!? She's like a SNL parody. In fact, she'd almost be impossible to parody because she's so much larger than life to begin with! It would just be an impersonation.
*Aside finished*
So the DP and I bought a Heart & Stroke lottery ticket. Foolhardy? I don't know. At least it's a donation to a good cause. And the odds are 1 in 3.
Imagine. What a good blog entry that would be. I'd like to win the early bird draw for $300,000. Just enough to pay stuff off and put a substantial down payment on a nice house.
If you could all cross your fingers, I'd really appreciate it.
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $5.98 (just a couple little groceries)
*Brief Aside*
Why do all the girls on the show have such weird names? Or such weirdly spelled names? Comfort? Rayven? Kherington? Katee? Kourtni? Is it a prerequisite or something? And what about their legs? I could do lunges for the entire two hour duration of the show and I wouldn't even be an ounce closer to having legs like that. AND what is with that Mary judge!? She's like a SNL parody. In fact, she'd almost be impossible to parody because she's so much larger than life to begin with! It would just be an impersonation.
*Aside finished*
So the DP and I bought a Heart & Stroke lottery ticket. Foolhardy? I don't know. At least it's a donation to a good cause. And the odds are 1 in 3.
Imagine. What a good blog entry that would be. I'd like to win the early bird draw for $300,000. Just enough to pay stuff off and put a substantial down payment on a nice house.
If you could all cross your fingers, I'd really appreciate it.
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $5.98 (just a couple little groceries)
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Spendy Spenderson's in town!
Today I made the wrong wardrobe choice. And, in the end, I paid for it. Literally.
If you live in the GTA, you know that in the last few days we have welcomed the word humidex back into our vocabularies and started to sweat out some of the city toxins that built up over our long winter. Summer has arrived. Parts of it have been glorious, such as waking up early on Saturday morning and eating breakfast in my nightie on the balcony, or a late evening walk in the warm rain with the DP.
Other parts are not so good.
We do not have air conditioning. Actually, let me rephrase that: We have a brand new, unopened air conditioning unit sitting in one of our closets. It came as part of the apartment, but installation was not included. (A year later this still does not make sense to me.)
For many hot months last year we debated about which window it should go in and then made half-hearted attempts to find someone to install it. (We are not handy people.) Eventually fall arrived and we stopped being stinkin' hot. And as the leaves changed colour and we received our first hydro bill, we made a decision.
The air conditioner would live in the closet. Better for the environment. Better for our bank accounts. Better for our gorgeous, unspoiled view of the city.
And even as we've become reacquainted with the humidex, I've remained confident in that decision. Until this morning.
We had no choice but to close the windows almost all the way during last nights raging storm, to avoid it actually raining in our apartment, so we woke up in a little hot box. I proceeded to choose my new denim skirt (second wearing already, so the CPR factor is working its magic) and a cute little sleeveless top. Off I went into the blissfully fresh summer morning. Sure it was a tiny bit on the cool side, but after more than 12 hours of sweltering, it was perfect.
And extensive subway delays on a packed train meant that I was comfortable all the way to work.
But things took a turn for the worse as the morning progressed. Sitting at my desk I was chilly. Nothing my desk blanket couldn't cure! (Yes. I have a blanket at my desk. I do not enjoy excessive AC or wimpy heating.) But then lunchtime arrived.
Couldn't very well bring my desk blanket out into the world.
AND THE WORLD WAS FREEZING!!
I was so cold. Cold enough that I had to walk with my arms awkwardly crossed across my chest in a way that only other women can truly understand. Cold enough that I couldn't conceive of sitting at my desk for the rest of the afternoon or going out for my apres work coffee date with a former colleague!
Cold enough that there was only one solution: I needed to buy a sweater.
Clearly I've broken some sort of budgeting seal, because suddenly I find myself buying, buying, buying. Today it was a sweater. (I chose something basic and functional. It actually does fill a hole in my wardrobe and I was a lot more comfortable after putting it on.)
I'm not entirely sure how to break the bad new spending habit that I've acquired, except to follow Gail Vaz-Oxlade's advice: Live on cash. I think I need to take my debit card and credit card out of my wallet for a while, at least until I break this cycle.
And obviously I need to embrace the most important rule of dressing in this country: Layer! Layer! Layer!
Oy.
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $3.45 (Plus my $35 sweater!)
If you live in the GTA, you know that in the last few days we have welcomed the word humidex back into our vocabularies and started to sweat out some of the city toxins that built up over our long winter. Summer has arrived. Parts of it have been glorious, such as waking up early on Saturday morning and eating breakfast in my nightie on the balcony, or a late evening walk in the warm rain with the DP.
Other parts are not so good.
We do not have air conditioning. Actually, let me rephrase that: We have a brand new, unopened air conditioning unit sitting in one of our closets. It came as part of the apartment, but installation was not included. (A year later this still does not make sense to me.)
For many hot months last year we debated about which window it should go in and then made half-hearted attempts to find someone to install it. (We are not handy people.) Eventually fall arrived and we stopped being stinkin' hot. And as the leaves changed colour and we received our first hydro bill, we made a decision.
The air conditioner would live in the closet. Better for the environment. Better for our bank accounts. Better for our gorgeous, unspoiled view of the city.
And even as we've become reacquainted with the humidex, I've remained confident in that decision. Until this morning.
We had no choice but to close the windows almost all the way during last nights raging storm, to avoid it actually raining in our apartment, so we woke up in a little hot box. I proceeded to choose my new denim skirt (second wearing already, so the CPR factor is working its magic) and a cute little sleeveless top. Off I went into the blissfully fresh summer morning. Sure it was a tiny bit on the cool side, but after more than 12 hours of sweltering, it was perfect.
And extensive subway delays on a packed train meant that I was comfortable all the way to work.
But things took a turn for the worse as the morning progressed. Sitting at my desk I was chilly. Nothing my desk blanket couldn't cure! (Yes. I have a blanket at my desk. I do not enjoy excessive AC or wimpy heating.) But then lunchtime arrived.
Couldn't very well bring my desk blanket out into the world.
AND THE WORLD WAS FREEZING!!
I was so cold. Cold enough that I had to walk with my arms awkwardly crossed across my chest in a way that only other women can truly understand. Cold enough that I couldn't conceive of sitting at my desk for the rest of the afternoon or going out for my apres work coffee date with a former colleague!
Cold enough that there was only one solution: I needed to buy a sweater.
Clearly I've broken some sort of budgeting seal, because suddenly I find myself buying, buying, buying. Today it was a sweater. (I chose something basic and functional. It actually does fill a hole in my wardrobe and I was a lot more comfortable after putting it on.)
I'm not entirely sure how to break the bad new spending habit that I've acquired, except to follow Gail Vaz-Oxlade's advice: Live on cash. I think I need to take my debit card and credit card out of my wallet for a while, at least until I break this cycle.
And obviously I need to embrace the most important rule of dressing in this country: Layer! Layer! Layer!
Oy.
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent today: $3.45 (Plus my $35 sweater!)
Monday, June 9, 2008
Melting on Monday
Apparently I am not a very reliable weekend blogger. Good to know!
Thankfully we finally had a weekend grocery shopping trip that didn't completely break the bank. I actually had more than a few bucks leftover for important stuff. Like brunch.
Other things I spent my money on this weekend included, tea, a card for an upcoming holiday (that needs to go in the mail...), extra groceries and ice cream (we are sans air conditioning, by choice).
Today at lunch I made a pilgrimage to what has quickly become my favourite store - Joe Fresh - and purchased yet another new t-shirt. In my defence, it is just the right shade of green to go with a summer skirt that I have been trying to match forever, so the $10 was worth it. (I really wanted some pjs, too, but I resisted!)
Also, I got a little insurance money today that I've already paid off, so my weekly total might have a few extra bucks in it. I'm going to take a trip to the drugstore and pick up a few things I can never justify. Like eye-makeup remover.
Okay, pardon the estimates! I wasn't as careful as I should be...
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent in the past three days: $60-ish
Thankfully we finally had a weekend grocery shopping trip that didn't completely break the bank. I actually had more than a few bucks leftover for important stuff. Like brunch.
Other things I spent my money on this weekend included, tea, a card for an upcoming holiday (that needs to go in the mail...), extra groceries and ice cream (we are sans air conditioning, by choice).
Today at lunch I made a pilgrimage to what has quickly become my favourite store - Joe Fresh - and purchased yet another new t-shirt. In my defence, it is just the right shade of green to go with a summer skirt that I have been trying to match forever, so the $10 was worth it. (I really wanted some pjs, too, but I resisted!)
Also, I got a little insurance money today that I've already paid off, so my weekly total might have a few extra bucks in it. I'm going to take a trip to the drugstore and pick up a few things I can never justify. Like eye-makeup remover.
Okay, pardon the estimates! I wasn't as careful as I should be...
Total debt: $6600 and a bit
Spent in the past three days: $60-ish
Friday, June 6, 2008
Whiny wine
Summer is not a fun time to be on a budget.
Today was the first truly hot day. The kind of day when you really could leave the house without a jacket and not have to worry. The perfect day to meet up with your friends after work and have dinner on a patio.
Except that dinner on a patio costs money.
So what did I do? I went to the gym, since I've already paid for that privilege. I went to the library, to get some free magazines out, since I can't afford new ones. I went to the wine store and bought a big bottle of wine, which was as close as I could come to cocktails on a patio.
And then I came home.
Are you depressed yet? Because I know I am.
And the annoying flip side to that depression is that today is payday and I'm just as upset that I had to spend a few hundred dollars paying off my credit card rather than reducing my debt further. I sill made a decent loan payment, but it could have been better. Not that I think I made any mistakes with my credit card purchases - the new denim skirt is fantastic - but taking away from my planned payments makes me feel further away than ever!
Maybe I just need to suck it up and accept that it was all those fun, impromptu patio dinners that got me into this position in the first place.
Total debt: $6600 and a bit (No more $7000s!)
Spent today: $13.95 (Hello, wine!)
Today was the first truly hot day. The kind of day when you really could leave the house without a jacket and not have to worry. The perfect day to meet up with your friends after work and have dinner on a patio.
Except that dinner on a patio costs money.
So what did I do? I went to the gym, since I've already paid for that privilege. I went to the library, to get some free magazines out, since I can't afford new ones. I went to the wine store and bought a big bottle of wine, which was as close as I could come to cocktails on a patio.
And then I came home.
Are you depressed yet? Because I know I am.
And the annoying flip side to that depression is that today is payday and I'm just as upset that I had to spend a few hundred dollars paying off my credit card rather than reducing my debt further. I sill made a decent loan payment, but it could have been better. Not that I think I made any mistakes with my credit card purchases - the new denim skirt is fantastic - but taking away from my planned payments makes me feel further away than ever!
Maybe I just need to suck it up and accept that it was all those fun, impromptu patio dinners that got me into this position in the first place.
Total debt: $6600 and a bit (No more $7000s!)
Spent today: $13.95 (Hello, wine!)
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Denim-tastic
Oh the mall can be a dangerous place!
My lovely desk mate and I went on a shopping mission at lunch, because she wanted to spend a store credit at Forever XI. Even when I'm in budget mode, I do love to peruse the racks. Clothes are just so much fun! (In some ways I haven't changed that much since the age of 11 when I discovered glossy mags full of pretty togs and wanted to own it all.)
Anyway, our trip through Forever XXI made me feel both old and fat. (I guess XXI was more than a decade ago in my world, plus I do have these womanly hips...) But a side trip to RW and Co on our way back through the mall was my undoing.
I bought a new denim skirt. I've been on the lookout for months, since the one that I currently have (which I happen to be wearing today) was purchased 7 years ago. I still love the style (although those womanly hips of mine might be a tad bit bigger than they were during my dancing days on the ship), but the denim itself has faded in an unattractive way. I still pull it out sometimes, but it now looks sloppy rather than sophisticated.
Anyway, I finally found a replacement. For a mere $48. I still need to try it on with everything I own and ascertain if it is indeed the denim skirt of my dreams, but I have a feeling it's going to be staying.
Despite the big con of this purchase - namely that I am spending money that should be going to my debt - there are many pros:
- Denim goes with everything, so this will allow me to wear all my colourful, patterned shirts during the summer when it's too hot for actual jeans.
- Denim is all season, so I can wear the skirt with tights in the winter
- It's a nice, flattering dark denim wash, so I will no longer have unfashionable denim fading that causes fashionistas on the subway to look at me with pity in their perfectly lined eyes.
- It's more comfortable, meaning I won't feel like a sausage when I wear it. (I currently feel a little like a sausage...)
PLUS I like to think of the CPR factor. That's Cost Per Wear for the uninitiated. When you buy something as flexible as denim, you are able to wear it so many times that the cost becomes amortized over each wearing, reducing it to mere pocket change.
There you have it. Don't think I didn't have my eye on a half-dozen cute tops as well, but I didn't even try those on! Despite this recent lapse, I really am trying to hang on tight to the budget wagon. I'm getting closer and closer to being under $5000... That will be a fine day indeed.
Total debt: $7036 and a bit
Spent today: $1.78 (Plus the skirt on credit, I know, I know.)
Weekly total: $92.58 (And all those credit card charges...)
My lovely desk mate and I went on a shopping mission at lunch, because she wanted to spend a store credit at Forever XI. Even when I'm in budget mode, I do love to peruse the racks. Clothes are just so much fun! (In some ways I haven't changed that much since the age of 11 when I discovered glossy mags full of pretty togs and wanted to own it all.)
Anyway, our trip through Forever XXI made me feel both old and fat. (I guess XXI was more than a decade ago in my world, plus I do have these womanly hips...) But a side trip to RW and Co on our way back through the mall was my undoing.
I bought a new denim skirt. I've been on the lookout for months, since the one that I currently have (which I happen to be wearing today) was purchased 7 years ago. I still love the style (although those womanly hips of mine might be a tad bit bigger than they were during my dancing days on the ship), but the denim itself has faded in an unattractive way. I still pull it out sometimes, but it now looks sloppy rather than sophisticated.
Anyway, I finally found a replacement. For a mere $48. I still need to try it on with everything I own and ascertain if it is indeed the denim skirt of my dreams, but I have a feeling it's going to be staying.
Despite the big con of this purchase - namely that I am spending money that should be going to my debt - there are many pros:
- Denim goes with everything, so this will allow me to wear all my colourful, patterned shirts during the summer when it's too hot for actual jeans.
- Denim is all season, so I can wear the skirt with tights in the winter
- It's a nice, flattering dark denim wash, so I will no longer have unfashionable denim fading that causes fashionistas on the subway to look at me with pity in their perfectly lined eyes.
- It's more comfortable, meaning I won't feel like a sausage when I wear it. (I currently feel a little like a sausage...)
PLUS I like to think of the CPR factor. That's Cost Per Wear for the uninitiated. When you buy something as flexible as denim, you are able to wear it so many times that the cost becomes amortized over each wearing, reducing it to mere pocket change.
There you have it. Don't think I didn't have my eye on a half-dozen cute tops as well, but I didn't even try those on! Despite this recent lapse, I really am trying to hang on tight to the budget wagon. I'm getting closer and closer to being under $5000... That will be a fine day indeed.
Total debt: $7036 and a bit
Spent today: $1.78 (Plus the skirt on credit, I know, I know.)
Weekly total: $92.58 (And all those credit card charges...)
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Baby, you can't drive my car
Tonight the domestic partner and I took our first trip to look at cars. His old car took its last ride around Christmas and we've been trying to figure out how to go about buying another one since then. Well, in truth, he is the one buying the car. Sadly, as you all know, I do not have the means to help buy a car at this time. Even though I will benefit greatly from this new car, I can't contribute. I really, really, really wish I could.
He probably should have picked a richer girlfriend before domestic partner hood set in. Now he's stuck with me.
Anyway, he has a really good idea of what he wants, but he's never taken a test drive, so we headed to a downtown dealership to do some reconnaissance.
And we found Cecil.
A rather hefty man with a bright red blazer, Cecil wasn't all that friendly upfront. But when I asked him about the pin on his lapel, which I recognized from my childhood, we discovered that he'd spent 35 years in the air force.
We bonded when I told him that I spent my first ten years on air force bases.
Now the domestic partner and I know the following things about Cecil:
- Where his daughter was born
- How his wife died
- How a "squadron coin" works
- His daughter's name (my middle name!)
- That he has a grandson
- That he has a girlfriend
- That he's going to Cuba on Sunday to be his best friend's best man
- How his best friend proposed to his girlfriend
- All the places he's lived overseas
- What he did in the air force
- How old he was when he joined the air force
- More stuff that I've already forgotten
The domestic partner and I did not test drive the car.
But we do have an appointment to do so on Saturday morning. Do you think Cecil might give us a deal because of our shared military experiences?
Total debt: $7036 and a bit (Can't wait until Friday when it will be under $7000 for good)
Spent today: $1.73 (Cup of tea on the way to meet Cecil, I mean test drive a car...)
ps. Dad, do you know about squadron coins?
He probably should have picked a richer girlfriend before domestic partner hood set in. Now he's stuck with me.
Anyway, he has a really good idea of what he wants, but he's never taken a test drive, so we headed to a downtown dealership to do some reconnaissance.
And we found Cecil.
A rather hefty man with a bright red blazer, Cecil wasn't all that friendly upfront. But when I asked him about the pin on his lapel, which I recognized from my childhood, we discovered that he'd spent 35 years in the air force.
We bonded when I told him that I spent my first ten years on air force bases.
Now the domestic partner and I know the following things about Cecil:
- Where his daughter was born
- How his wife died
- How a "squadron coin" works
- His daughter's name (my middle name!)
- That he has a grandson
- That he has a girlfriend
- That he's going to Cuba on Sunday to be his best friend's best man
- How his best friend proposed to his girlfriend
- All the places he's lived overseas
- What he did in the air force
- How old he was when he joined the air force
- More stuff that I've already forgotten
The domestic partner and I did not test drive the car.
But we do have an appointment to do so on Saturday morning. Do you think Cecil might give us a deal because of our shared military experiences?
Total debt: $7036 and a bit (Can't wait until Friday when it will be under $7000 for good)
Spent today: $1.73 (Cup of tea on the way to meet Cecil, I mean test drive a car...)
ps. Dad, do you know about squadron coins?
Raindrops keep falling on my head
I didn't quite finish yesterdays post until just now. Here it is:
I don't like a rainy day. Unless I am allowed to curl back up in bed with a good book and a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies. In that case, rain is welcome. Generally the only thing that gets me through the rest of the rainy days is the fact that I can wear a good pair of jeans and a cozy turtleneck sweater, which is definitely a preferred outfit in my world.
So you can just imagine how I feel about hot rainy days.
By far, this is my least favourite kind of weather. I would rather venture out in a blinding snowstorm than face the gross wet humidity of days like today. (Although, considering the lingering winter we have only just gotten rid of, perhaps I shouldn't push my luck.)
There is no such thing as a good outfit on a day like today. You are doomed to have wet feet and legs if you dress for the heat, or just be sweaty if you dress for the rain. Neither option appeals to me.
Which is why I wimped out at lunch and opted to not walk to the gym in the rain.
However, I was desperate to get away from my desk for a bit, since we are finally experiencing a bit of a lull at work, which is great on one hand, but makes the days realllllly long on the other.
Where did I go? Why Winners, of course! The three feet between their door and our door means I didn't have to wear a jacket OR put up my crappy umbrella. Perfect!
Not perfect. I pulled out the credit card AGAIN! However, it was not an impulse purchase, but something I truly do need. And for a fabulous price. I finally got a decent umbrella. $9.99, ladies and gents. It's one of the cane umbrellas, meaning I can't stuff it in my purse, but it also isn't going to turn itself inside out if a gust of wind thinks about attacking it. It is a pretty teal blue colour with wee white polka dots. I feel justified in the buying. (And I swear the credit card will be emptied on Friday and put to rest for a while.)
Had a little outing this evening - went to a $4 movie with one of my lovely coworkers. We saw the new Narnia film and it was really enjoyable! Although the tiny theatre was very noisy. I think there were a couple of language classes on an outing, which meant many whispered (and not so whispered) translations. Oh well. For $4 I cannot complain.
And I'm happy to say that it was raining when we emerged, so I got to put my new umbrella to the test! It was impressively sturdy and much larger than my other umbrellas, so I was a happy camper indeed.
Total debt: $7036 and a bit
Spent today: $12.55 (plus the charged umbrella)
I don't like a rainy day. Unless I am allowed to curl back up in bed with a good book and a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies. In that case, rain is welcome. Generally the only thing that gets me through the rest of the rainy days is the fact that I can wear a good pair of jeans and a cozy turtleneck sweater, which is definitely a preferred outfit in my world.
So you can just imagine how I feel about hot rainy days.
By far, this is my least favourite kind of weather. I would rather venture out in a blinding snowstorm than face the gross wet humidity of days like today. (Although, considering the lingering winter we have only just gotten rid of, perhaps I shouldn't push my luck.)
There is no such thing as a good outfit on a day like today. You are doomed to have wet feet and legs if you dress for the heat, or just be sweaty if you dress for the rain. Neither option appeals to me.
Which is why I wimped out at lunch and opted to not walk to the gym in the rain.
However, I was desperate to get away from my desk for a bit, since we are finally experiencing a bit of a lull at work, which is great on one hand, but makes the days realllllly long on the other.
Where did I go? Why Winners, of course! The three feet between their door and our door means I didn't have to wear a jacket OR put up my crappy umbrella. Perfect!
Not perfect. I pulled out the credit card AGAIN! However, it was not an impulse purchase, but something I truly do need. And for a fabulous price. I finally got a decent umbrella. $9.99, ladies and gents. It's one of the cane umbrellas, meaning I can't stuff it in my purse, but it also isn't going to turn itself inside out if a gust of wind thinks about attacking it. It is a pretty teal blue colour with wee white polka dots. I feel justified in the buying. (And I swear the credit card will be emptied on Friday and put to rest for a while.)
Had a little outing this evening - went to a $4 movie with one of my lovely coworkers. We saw the new Narnia film and it was really enjoyable! Although the tiny theatre was very noisy. I think there were a couple of language classes on an outing, which meant many whispered (and not so whispered) translations. Oh well. For $4 I cannot complain.
And I'm happy to say that it was raining when we emerged, so I got to put my new umbrella to the test! It was impressively sturdy and much larger than my other umbrellas, so I was a happy camper indeed.
Total debt: $7036 and a bit
Spent today: $12.55 (plus the charged umbrella)
Monday, June 2, 2008
Call me Chef Tammy
Okay, tonight I understand better why we spent so much money at the grocery store on the weekend. It's because I got a bee in my bonnet to try a bunch of new recipes. Last night it was super tasty quinoa and shrimp salad. Tonight I made salmon burgers with peach salsa and cinnamon raisin bread pudding for dessert. All healthy recipes and all very yummy. But a little on the pricey side - although I always save some for lunch the next day.
Oh well, I guess if I'm not challenging my taste buds with restaurant meals, I at least need to make something interesting at home!
Now if you'll excuse me, my bread pudding is just about done...
Total debt: $7036 and a bit
Spent today: $2.80 (Monday morning treat. I couldn't resist!)
Oh well, I guess if I'm not challenging my taste buds with restaurant meals, I at least need to make something interesting at home!
Now if you'll excuse me, my bread pudding is just about done...
Total debt: $7036 and a bit
Spent today: $2.80 (Monday morning treat. I couldn't resist!)
Sunday, June 1, 2008
It never gets easier
Apparently I'm having a hard time sticking to my blogging on the weekends. Luckily it's because I've had lots of fun stuff to do!
After a morning trip to the grocery store with the domestic partner (where we had our second expensive grocery week in a row - even with the $20 worth of free groceries that I had earned), I headed out to Dance, Dance, Party, Party for the first time ever with one of my oldest friends. So Much Fun. I felt like a little kid at a playground burning all my extra energy. A total steal of an event for $5!
Last night we went out to celebrate another friend's birthday. Since this lovely lady lives in our neighbourhood, it couldn't have been easier to get to the event. It was literally at the restaurant closest to our house! We had a great time.
This morning I headed out with my old friend again, this time with her wonderful husband and gorgeous kids in tow, to watch her little girl's last dance class for the season. So cute! I probably took two dozen pictures.
Anyway, lots of fun stuff, but much money stress this weekend. After the groceries, I was only left with about $35 for the rest of the week. And I still needed to pick up a prescription (I have to pay the dispensing fee) and some other indispensable drugstore items. Plus DDPP. And I have plans on Tuesday night that I did not want to cancel, since I've had to cancel repeatedly on this person for various reasons. So when I went out to pick up the drugstore stuff today, I panicked and took out my credit card.
I'm not overly concerned, since I'm getting another freelance check next week, plus it's my big loan payment next week, so I can always borrow a bit from that to get my credit card back to $0. (Don't panic! It's only at a couple of hundred right now.)
But I hate to take anything away from the important thing I'm trying to accomplish! I must reign in our grocery shopping next weekend. I'm not sure why we're buying so much! Berry season?
Total debt: $7036 and a bit (DAMN INTEREST!! Back to the 7s, but just for the week.)
Spent yesterday: $60-ish
Spent today: $15.50-ish (Not including the charged stuff.)
After a morning trip to the grocery store with the domestic partner (where we had our second expensive grocery week in a row - even with the $20 worth of free groceries that I had earned), I headed out to Dance, Dance, Party, Party for the first time ever with one of my oldest friends. So Much Fun. I felt like a little kid at a playground burning all my extra energy. A total steal of an event for $5!
Last night we went out to celebrate another friend's birthday. Since this lovely lady lives in our neighbourhood, it couldn't have been easier to get to the event. It was literally at the restaurant closest to our house! We had a great time.
This morning I headed out with my old friend again, this time with her wonderful husband and gorgeous kids in tow, to watch her little girl's last dance class for the season. So cute! I probably took two dozen pictures.
Anyway, lots of fun stuff, but much money stress this weekend. After the groceries, I was only left with about $35 for the rest of the week. And I still needed to pick up a prescription (I have to pay the dispensing fee) and some other indispensable drugstore items. Plus DDPP. And I have plans on Tuesday night that I did not want to cancel, since I've had to cancel repeatedly on this person for various reasons. So when I went out to pick up the drugstore stuff today, I panicked and took out my credit card.
I'm not overly concerned, since I'm getting another freelance check next week, plus it's my big loan payment next week, so I can always borrow a bit from that to get my credit card back to $0. (Don't panic! It's only at a couple of hundred right now.)
But I hate to take anything away from the important thing I'm trying to accomplish! I must reign in our grocery shopping next weekend. I'm not sure why we're buying so much! Berry season?
Total debt: $7036 and a bit (DAMN INTEREST!! Back to the 7s, but just for the week.)
Spent yesterday: $60-ish
Spent today: $15.50-ish (Not including the charged stuff.)
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