Remember the other day when I was saying I had to get back to the gym and that it was going to hurt? Well, I did. And it does. Yesterday morning I did some weights and a bit of cardio. This morning I took a spinning class. This evening I took a hot bath with Epsom salts and two pain pills.
I think I'd better take tomorrow off.
There are many things I should be doing tonight, including a few loads of laundry. (It's true - even bloggers need to wash their sheets and towels.) But instead I made some roasted squash and sole with much ginger and garlic, which I ate while watching last night's Project Runway episode.
(FYI, I once did some extra work on a Brooke Shields movie and she is truly an Amazonian knockout! But she was too Hollywood to eat lunch with the extras. Mercedes Ruehl, Rosie Perez and Colm Feore, however, ate at the table beside me. Yes, I am totally name-dropping. Sue me.)
Now I plan to recline in my bed with an issue of Vanity Fair. My magazine pile is threatening to topple, so I have to devote some time to ingesting all the glossy goodness.
Total debt: $3545 and a bit (So far they haven't charged me interest yet this month...?)
Spent today: $5.78 (A cup of tea and a few grocery store items.)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Call me Culture McCultureson
I don't mean to brag about my extremely cultured day yesterday, but how many of you got to wander among published literary tomes and then see a concert featuring a marimba player, an accordion suite, Don McKellar AND the inimitable Shannon Mercer?
What? No one but me? And the DP, of course, who was my partner in culture crimes for the day.
We didn't start the (capital-g) Gorgeous September Sunday in the most accomplished of manners. In fact, having missed our window of opportunity for brunch at Fresh, we made two quick breakfast stops on the way to the subway: Timmy's and Starbucks. Laden with our fast food bagels and beverages, we had to face all the medal-wearing runners returning from the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon. That's right - we couldn't get out of bed early enough to go to brunch, but they had already run 26 miles. It was a bit of a blow to our self-esteems.
But all was forgotten when we arrived at Word on the Street - our favourite of all the festivals. We're just proud book nerds at heart. After a few hours, a few purchases, and a bit of a sunburn from all the UV rays, we hopped back on the subway and headed to the opening concert of the Off Centre Music Salon series. Our tickets were graciously provided by the aforementioned diva - but only in the "Holy shit, can she sing!" way - Ms. Mercer. It was an eclectic combination of music interspersed with some readings by McKellar and another Toronto actor, Tracy Wright. For me - and perhaps I am a teeny bit biased, as I've known her for close to 20 years - Ms. Mercer was the highlight of the program, particularly her rendition of a French song cycle with lyrics based on the French labels of household pantry items. Shannon, or Bannanon as I've forever called her, is a little like Lucy Ricardo with a glorious soprano, which is a winning combination.
Anyway, when all was said and done, we returned home just in time to bid our house guest a final adieu. And then we looked around at our messy abode (not so tidy since my mom left) and heaved a sigh. Alone again. At last.
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
Spent Saturday night: $17
Spent Sunday: $22-ish
Spent today: $0 (All lies! I actually charged a $22 belt.)
What? No one but me? And the DP, of course, who was my partner in culture crimes for the day.
We didn't start the (capital-g) Gorgeous September Sunday in the most accomplished of manners. In fact, having missed our window of opportunity for brunch at Fresh, we made two quick breakfast stops on the way to the subway: Timmy's and Starbucks. Laden with our fast food bagels and beverages, we had to face all the medal-wearing runners returning from the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon. That's right - we couldn't get out of bed early enough to go to brunch, but they had already run 26 miles. It was a bit of a blow to our self-esteems.
But all was forgotten when we arrived at Word on the Street - our favourite of all the festivals. We're just proud book nerds at heart. After a few hours, a few purchases, and a bit of a sunburn from all the UV rays, we hopped back on the subway and headed to the opening concert of the Off Centre Music Salon series. Our tickets were graciously provided by the aforementioned diva - but only in the "Holy shit, can she sing!" way - Ms. Mercer. It was an eclectic combination of music interspersed with some readings by McKellar and another Toronto actor, Tracy Wright. For me - and perhaps I am a teeny bit biased, as I've known her for close to 20 years - Ms. Mercer was the highlight of the program, particularly her rendition of a French song cycle with lyrics based on the French labels of household pantry items. Shannon, or Bannanon as I've forever called her, is a little like Lucy Ricardo with a glorious soprano, which is a winning combination.
Anyway, when all was said and done, we returned home just in time to bid our house guest a final adieu. And then we looked around at our messy abode (not so tidy since my mom left) and heaved a sigh. Alone again. At last.
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
Spent Saturday night: $17
Spent Sunday: $22-ish
Spent today: $0 (All lies! I actually charged a $22 belt.)
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Saturday savings and soup
Thanks to $20 worth of free groceries (a lovely benefit of charging a whole bunch of new fall clothes), my half of our weekly shop came to only $40. And our fridge is full! In fact, I'm going to go and make some soup right now. And then I'm going to get gussied up and go out to celebrate the birthday of one of my favourite people. (Don't tell him he's one of my favourites, though. His head is swollen enough!) So there may be some drink purchases, but you'll all have to wait until tomorrow to find out about them.
It's been a lovely day full of non-special, everyday stuff. Just what I needed!
Total debt: $3545 and a bit (SO tired of this number)
Spent today: $40
It's been a lovely day full of non-special, everyday stuff. Just what I needed!
Total debt: $3545 and a bit (SO tired of this number)
Spent today: $40
Ch-ch-ch-changes
So, I haven't explained this on here yet, but my earlier proclamation about a new job was slightly premature. Sort of. As it turns out, I do have a new job, but at the same old place I was already working. Without going into all the details, let's just say that I felt very popular for a few days, right around my birthday. Not a bad way to feel! And now I'm transitioning to a my new position, which I'm quite excited about.
Part of all this change - and the reason that I'm telling you this - is that I have upped my personal allowance to $100 a week, effective today. An extra $10 may not sound like much, but I think it will really make a difference in the fun factor of my life. And with winter once again approaching (Do I keep talking about that? I seem to have preemptive SAD.), a little extra money to have a little extra fun should come in handy!
No other exciting news on the money front, despite the fact that today is payday. Since I'm still waiting for a nice big freelancing cheque, I had to put the extra money from my pay onto my still plump credit card. Hopefully the cheque will come soon and I can announce a new number. I'm also expecting my first ever Google Adsense cheque, thanks to all of you who clicked on my Google ad. That will go straight to my debt, in honour of my faithful readers and clickers.
I'm soooo glad the weekend is here. I spent tonight hanging at home with our current house guest, catching up. She and I once shared a teeny, tiny windowless cabin on a cruise ship for 7 months, so we're permanently bonded for life! And she totally bought us a bottle of wine andtreated me to sushi for dinner! I'm spoiled.
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
Spent today: $3.99 (Brownies for dessert, but this money was still in my wallet from last week!)
Part of all this change - and the reason that I'm telling you this - is that I have upped my personal allowance to $100 a week, effective today. An extra $10 may not sound like much, but I think it will really make a difference in the fun factor of my life. And with winter once again approaching (Do I keep talking about that? I seem to have preemptive SAD.), a little extra money to have a little extra fun should come in handy!
No other exciting news on the money front, despite the fact that today is payday. Since I'm still waiting for a nice big freelancing cheque, I had to put the extra money from my pay onto my still plump credit card. Hopefully the cheque will come soon and I can announce a new number. I'm also expecting my first ever Google Adsense cheque, thanks to all of you who clicked on my Google ad. That will go straight to my debt, in honour of my faithful readers and clickers.
I'm soooo glad the weekend is here. I spent tonight hanging at home with our current house guest, catching up. She and I once shared a teeny, tiny windowless cabin on a cruise ship for 7 months, so we're permanently bonded for life! And she totally bought us a bottle of wine andtreated me to sushi for dinner! I'm spoiled.
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
Spent today: $3.99 (Brownies for dessert, but this money was still in my wallet from last week!)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
At last, my loves have come along
Don't you love a brand new season of your favourite shows!? I have been excited all day knowing that this evening would usher in entertainment that will carry me through the fast-approaching winter. (I know we're having gorgeous weather right now in Toronto, but before long it will be winter coat time. Mark my words!)
First I got a dose of "Ugly Betty," which was fun although not fantastic. I was mostly fascinated by Rebecca Whatshername's chubby real life pregnancy cheeks. Don't get me wrong - the woman is still gorgeous. There's just something fascinating about chubby cheeks on a former model.
Then I was reunited with the entire Dunder Mifflin gang! And Jim proposed to Pam!!! And maybe I'm a loser, because that was kind of the highlight of my day.
And even as I type, I am taping "Grey's Anatomy," because it overlaps with "The Office," which I love a little bit more. "The Office" is one of the only shows that the DP and I sit down to watch together. That and "America's Funniest Home Videos." Seriously. (OH! I made a "Grey's" pun!) But I won't get to watch "Grey's" until this weekend, so please don't post any spoilers.
And speaking of spoilers, well done to "The Office" peeps for keeping the proposal under wraps! I totally read the spoiler boards and they were all, "It's not going to happen." And then it did! In the rain!!
Why am I such a loser?
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
First I got a dose of "Ugly Betty," which was fun although not fantastic. I was mostly fascinated by Rebecca Whatshername's chubby real life pregnancy cheeks. Don't get me wrong - the woman is still gorgeous. There's just something fascinating about chubby cheeks on a former model.
Then I was reunited with the entire Dunder Mifflin gang! And Jim proposed to Pam!!! And maybe I'm a loser, because that was kind of the highlight of my day.
And even as I type, I am taping "Grey's Anatomy," because it overlaps with "The Office," which I love a little bit more. "The Office" is one of the only shows that the DP and I sit down to watch together. That and "America's Funniest Home Videos." Seriously. (OH! I made a "Grey's" pun!) But I won't get to watch "Grey's" until this weekend, so please don't post any spoilers.
And speaking of spoilers, well done to "The Office" peeps for keeping the proposal under wraps! I totally read the spoiler boards and they were all, "It's not going to happen." And then it did! In the rain!!
Why am I such a loser?
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Habit-forming 101
You know how they say it takes, like, three weeks to form a habit? Well, my mom was here for close to three weeks and I definitely formed a few habits in that time. Such as:
Forgoing the gym.
I can't recall the last time I took such an extended break from working out. Sadly I can remember shorter lapses in my physical fitness routine and how very, very, very difficult it was to get back into it all. And how painful. Tomorrow the pain begins. But then I can't go on Friday...which brings us to the next habit.
Fun leisure time takes precedence over everything else.
Listen, I love me a whole lotta fun, but to lead a productive life, the fun has to take its turn in the backseat. My health and my freelancing career need a bit of time in the spotlight.
When in doubt, eat dessert.
This isn't exactly a new habit for me, but rather a personal mission. Most of the time I'm pursuing my mission with a passion unparalleled by any other loves in my life. The rest of the time I am trying to reign in my pursuit in the name of a long, healthy life and not having to buy bigger clothes. After these past few weeks, it's time to get back on the latter bandwagon (says the girl who just ate one of mom's banana chocolate chip muffins from the freezer...).
Spend, spend, spend.
Obviously this is a habit I had managed to break earlier this year, but things got a wee bit out of control, as I've already confessed. I'm anxious for my budget reset on Friday, so I can post my numbers again for all of you to see.
So, it's time to turn the corner and create some positive habits once again.
Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to go about that?
Total debt: $3545 and a bit (I'm getting tired of this number!)
Forgoing the gym.
I can't recall the last time I took such an extended break from working out. Sadly I can remember shorter lapses in my physical fitness routine and how very, very, very difficult it was to get back into it all. And how painful. Tomorrow the pain begins. But then I can't go on Friday...which brings us to the next habit.
Fun leisure time takes precedence over everything else.
Listen, I love me a whole lotta fun, but to lead a productive life, the fun has to take its turn in the backseat. My health and my freelancing career need a bit of time in the spotlight.
When in doubt, eat dessert.
This isn't exactly a new habit for me, but rather a personal mission. Most of the time I'm pursuing my mission with a passion unparalleled by any other loves in my life. The rest of the time I am trying to reign in my pursuit in the name of a long, healthy life and not having to buy bigger clothes. After these past few weeks, it's time to get back on the latter bandwagon (says the girl who just ate one of mom's banana chocolate chip muffins from the freezer...).
Spend, spend, spend.
Obviously this is a habit I had managed to break earlier this year, but things got a wee bit out of control, as I've already confessed. I'm anxious for my budget reset on Friday, so I can post my numbers again for all of you to see.
So, it's time to turn the corner and create some positive habits once again.
Does anyone have any suggestions on the best way to go about that?
Total debt: $3545 and a bit (I'm getting tired of this number!)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The cost of fun
In the wake of my mom's visit - I drove her to the airport this afternoon, sadly - I've been left to think about how much tourist attractions cost and what's actually worth the coin. For example...
The CN Tower: $21.99 just to ride the regular elevator, walk the glass floor and look at the city from way up high. If you want the full meal deal, it's $32.99. Crazy! My mom and I spent no more than 15 minutes looking around at the top and then another 15 minutes in line to get back down the elevator. And that was on a random Monday afternoon. I can't imagine how annoyed I'd be to spend the money and fight major crowds to see out the windows and then spend an hour and a half in line to get back down.
Verdict: Thumbs down.
Maid of the Mist: $14.50 for a souvenir plastic poncho and a 20 minute boat ride INTO NIAGARA FALLS! This is an adventure that offers excellent photo ops and a free shower, in case you forgot to freshen up beforehand. I challenge anyone to remain indifferent when they're experiencing this natural wonder.
Verdict: Thumbs up.
Casa Loma: $17.00 to tour the castle in the city. It's a pretty spectacular building and there are gorgeous gardens. Plus you can climb right to the top of the tower and look out over the city. But it still seems a little steep, especially since there isn't a waterfall in sight.
Verdict: Thumbs down.
Butterfly Conservatory: $11 to wander through a tropical forest FULL of butterflies. Butterflies that land on your shoulder and whiz by your head and float along beside you. Butterflies of every colour that happily pose for every single photo you wish to take.
Verdict: Thumbs up.
Final verdict: Toronto sucks tourists dry! Head outside the city for amazing and affordable attractions.
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
The CN Tower: $21.99 just to ride the regular elevator, walk the glass floor and look at the city from way up high. If you want the full meal deal, it's $32.99. Crazy! My mom and I spent no more than 15 minutes looking around at the top and then another 15 minutes in line to get back down the elevator. And that was on a random Monday afternoon. I can't imagine how annoyed I'd be to spend the money and fight major crowds to see out the windows and then spend an hour and a half in line to get back down.
Verdict: Thumbs down.
Maid of the Mist: $14.50 for a souvenir plastic poncho and a 20 minute boat ride INTO NIAGARA FALLS! This is an adventure that offers excellent photo ops and a free shower, in case you forgot to freshen up beforehand. I challenge anyone to remain indifferent when they're experiencing this natural wonder.
Verdict: Thumbs up.
Casa Loma: $17.00 to tour the castle in the city. It's a pretty spectacular building and there are gorgeous gardens. Plus you can climb right to the top of the tower and look out over the city. But it still seems a little steep, especially since there isn't a waterfall in sight.
Verdict: Thumbs down.
Butterfly Conservatory: $11 to wander through a tropical forest FULL of butterflies. Butterflies that land on your shoulder and whiz by your head and float along beside you. Butterflies of every colour that happily pose for every single photo you wish to take.
Verdict: Thumbs up.
Final verdict: Toronto sucks tourists dry! Head outside the city for amazing and affordable attractions.
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
Monday, September 22, 2008
One last mom moment
One for the road.
(Setting the scene) After we had finished dinner on Friday night, I was applying some lipstick and saying how I wanted to make sure I looked good, because I never know who I'm going to run into at theatre events.
Mom: "You're really grey under the eyes. You must be tired."
Me: (With much sarcasm) "Gee, thanks!"
Mom: "I'm not saying anything bad! I'm just saying you look really tired!"
Badum bum.
(Setting the scene) After we had finished dinner on Friday night, I was applying some lipstick and saying how I wanted to make sure I looked good, because I never know who I'm going to run into at theatre events.
Mom: "You're really grey under the eyes. You must be tired."
Me: (With much sarcasm) "Gee, thanks!"
Mom: "I'm not saying anything bad! I'm just saying you look really tired!"
Badum bum.
Wonderful weekend
I'm back! My extended vacation with my mom is finally coming to an end. It's been totally terrific and I have been unbelievably spoiled. Especially once I returned to work last week and she took over cleaning the apartment and making us dinner. As she says, "Every woman needs a wife!" So true. Coming home tomorrow night, after she has washed all the sheets and taken flight en route to Vancouver, will be a sad affair. Who's going to enjoy the rest of SATC with me? Who's going to make me delicious meals and baked goods? Who's going to give me a good reason to put all thoughts of budgeting aside?
Ah, but budgeting must once again enter the picture. Even though my next house guest is arriving on Wednesday morning, I will have to start counting the coin and confessing all to the likes of you guys. Because I've gotten a little off-track during this month of excess.
We just had a weekend FULL of events. Events that cost money... But sometimes that's how life goes. Here's what we did:
Friday
The weekend dawned with a mother-daughter trip to Winners, where my mom bought the DP and I some early Christmas gifts. Namely a beautiful tall vase (for gladiolas), a proper muffin pan (because my flexible ones caused a major Yorkshire pudding spill) and an awesome new frying pan with a lid (because we're trying to live without Teflon for fear of ingesting carcinogens). We carried all of our purchases across the street to my favourite diner and met an old friend of mine for dinner. Or, in my case, the Big Breakfast. (If I can get away with eating syrup for supper, I do it.) Apres my syrup-soaked sausages, we headed over to see the inimitable Sharron Matthews. I have been a fan of this woman since I saw her do Falsettos at The Tarragon Theatre in the mid-90s. Her show was hysterical and she was gorgeous and remembered my mom, which made my mom's night.
Saturday
The DP and I dragged our slightly atrophied bodies to the gym first thing and did something approximating a workout, just so we could say we'd done it. (We've been too busy eating pies baked by my mom to go to the gym. Sad, but true. And yummy.) Then all of us took the new car (Did I mention the DP got a Honda CRV? I love it!) to Alliston.Why Alliston? you ask. Well, one of the DP's university pals and his lovely wife own an incredible bed and breakfast in that area. A bed and breakfast that was once a homestead of T.P. Loblaw - the man that revolutionized grocery shopping to the experience we know today. (Loblaw is a distant relative of the DP's friend.) Anyway, the Ontario Heritage folks were there to erect a plaque in honour of Mr. Loblaw, so there was a lovely ceremony and then lots of time in the late September sunshine with excellent folks and their gorgeous babies. Oh, and then we went for sushi.
Sunday
We all got up bright and early for a wee road trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls. The weather wasn't really cooperating, but at least there weren't torrential downpours. We enjoyed the incredible landscaping in NOTL, but only stopped for a little lunch and a bunch of fudge before heading on to the falls. Having listened a little too closely to the Weather Network, which promised sunshine and high temperatures, Mom and I found ourselves purchasing souvenir Niagara sweatshirts just so we wouldn't be shivering all afternoon. (So much for my vow to NEVER purchase any sort of souvenir outerwear!) Our ride on The Maid of the Mist was awesome! And our trip to the Butterfly Conservatory blew me away. All in all, a fantastic time.
But I'll admit it - I'm broke. I need to put a stop to all outgoing cash until I get caught up at the end of the week. So once my budget resets on Friday, I will once again post all of my expenditures. Until then, I'm hanging on to the few pennies in my purse.
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
Ah, but budgeting must once again enter the picture. Even though my next house guest is arriving on Wednesday morning, I will have to start counting the coin and confessing all to the likes of you guys. Because I've gotten a little off-track during this month of excess.
We just had a weekend FULL of events. Events that cost money... But sometimes that's how life goes. Here's what we did:
Friday
The weekend dawned with a mother-daughter trip to Winners, where my mom bought the DP and I some early Christmas gifts. Namely a beautiful tall vase (for gladiolas), a proper muffin pan (because my flexible ones caused a major Yorkshire pudding spill) and an awesome new frying pan with a lid (because we're trying to live without Teflon for fear of ingesting carcinogens). We carried all of our purchases across the street to my favourite diner and met an old friend of mine for dinner. Or, in my case, the Big Breakfast. (If I can get away with eating syrup for supper, I do it.) Apres my syrup-soaked sausages, we headed over to see the inimitable Sharron Matthews. I have been a fan of this woman since I saw her do Falsettos at The Tarragon Theatre in the mid-90s. Her show was hysterical and she was gorgeous and remembered my mom, which made my mom's night.
Saturday
The DP and I dragged our slightly atrophied bodies to the gym first thing and did something approximating a workout, just so we could say we'd done it. (We've been too busy eating pies baked by my mom to go to the gym. Sad, but true. And yummy.) Then all of us took the new car (Did I mention the DP got a Honda CRV? I love it!) to Alliston.Why Alliston? you ask. Well, one of the DP's university pals and his lovely wife own an incredible bed and breakfast in that area. A bed and breakfast that was once a homestead of T.P. Loblaw - the man that revolutionized grocery shopping to the experience we know today. (Loblaw is a distant relative of the DP's friend.) Anyway, the Ontario Heritage folks were there to erect a plaque in honour of Mr. Loblaw, so there was a lovely ceremony and then lots of time in the late September sunshine with excellent folks and their gorgeous babies. Oh, and then we went for sushi.
Sunday
We all got up bright and early for a wee road trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls. The weather wasn't really cooperating, but at least there weren't torrential downpours. We enjoyed the incredible landscaping in NOTL, but only stopped for a little lunch and a bunch of fudge before heading on to the falls. Having listened a little too closely to the Weather Network, which promised sunshine and high temperatures, Mom and I found ourselves purchasing souvenir Niagara sweatshirts just so we wouldn't be shivering all afternoon. (So much for my vow to NEVER purchase any sort of souvenir outerwear!) Our ride on The Maid of the Mist was awesome! And our trip to the Butterfly Conservatory blew me away. All in all, a fantastic time.
But I'll admit it - I'm broke. I need to put a stop to all outgoing cash until I get caught up at the end of the week. So once my budget resets on Friday, I will once again post all of my expenditures. Until then, I'm hanging on to the few pennies in my purse.
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
Friday, September 19, 2008
MIA
Sorry for my lack of blogging, but it's all-mom-all-the-time at my house right now. I believe she's home baking for us as I type this...
Anyway, I should be back to regularly scheduled blogging early next week.
Miss you all!
Anyway, I should be back to regularly scheduled blogging early next week.
Miss you all!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Thoughts...?
Does having my mom in town visiting for the first time in more than a decade give me permission to skip going to the gym? Particularly if we're trying to make our way through the entire SATC canon before she heads home?
Will my fitness forever suffer? Or can I bounce back from the my-mom's-still-on-vacation-so-I'm-going-to-eat-like-I'm-on-vacation-too-and-not-do-any-formal-exercise fest?
I've worn new outfits two days in a row now. I'd forgotten how much I LOVE to wear crisp, new clothes. I could get used to this!
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
Spent today: Sorry, my head is currently buried in the sand. I'll get back to you next week!
Will my fitness forever suffer? Or can I bounce back from the my-mom's-still-on-vacation-so-I'm-going-to-eat-like-I'm-on-vacation-too-and-not-do-any-formal-exercise fest?
I've worn new outfits two days in a row now. I'd forgotten how much I LOVE to wear crisp, new clothes. I could get used to this!
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
Spent today: Sorry, my head is currently buried in the sand. I'll get back to you next week!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Everything is better with gravy
A perfect end to a wonderful week of vacation: My mom made an amazing roast beef and Yorkshire pudding dinner. Yum.
Back to work tomorrow, but my mom is sticking around for another week and a bit, so it will still be part-time vacation. We're only a few episodes into the third season of our SATC marathon, so I'll have to come home each night and park it in front of TV.
The blogging may still be sporadic while she's here, but I'm working on keeping a closer reign on the finances. I promise!
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
Spent today: $52-ish (Groceries)
Back to work tomorrow, but my mom is sticking around for another week and a bit, so it will still be part-time vacation. We're only a few episodes into the third season of our SATC marathon, so I'll have to come home each night and park it in front of TV.
The blogging may still be sporadic while she's here, but I'm working on keeping a closer reign on the finances. I promise!
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
Spent today: $52-ish (Groceries)
Friday, September 12, 2008
The perfect purple purse
Remember a while back when I was complaining that I needed a proper gym bag? And then more recently when I was coveting a purple purse? Well, in a continued I'm-on-vacation-and-it-was-recently-my-birthday spending spree, I combined the needs and wants and purchased the deep purple version of this gorgeous gym bag:
I love, love, love it. I love the extra shoe pouch on the bottom. I love the inside pocket for wet gym clothes. I love the it will fit my gym stuff, my lunch and my work stuff. I love every little bit of it! My mom contributed to the cost, sweet woman that she is. And I do plan to stop the spending spree very soon and get back to reality and the purpose of this blog: Paying off the debt! Promise.
But not tomorrow. We've got plans to see a film festival movie first thing in the morning. It's a musical theatre documentary, so it's got TAMMY stamped all over it.
Only two more days left in my vacation! It's been swell, but I'm gearing up for a return to the real world.
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
Spent today: Shhhh... I'm in denial.
I love, love, love it. I love the extra shoe pouch on the bottom. I love the inside pocket for wet gym clothes. I love the it will fit my gym stuff, my lunch and my work stuff. I love every little bit of it! My mom contributed to the cost, sweet woman that she is. And I do plan to stop the spending spree very soon and get back to reality and the purpose of this blog: Paying off the debt! Promise.
But not tomorrow. We've got plans to see a film festival movie first thing in the morning. It's a musical theatre documentary, so it's got TAMMY stamped all over it.
Only two more days left in my vacation! It's been swell, but I'm gearing up for a return to the real world.
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
Spent today: Shhhh... I'm in denial.
...the old man is snoring...
Um, what's with the rain for end of my vacation? Thank goodness mom and I are completely immersed in a Sex and the City marathon, because we may not want to venture too far for the next few days. And we wanted to go to Niagara Falls! Maybe next weekend, if Mother Nature cooperates.
Anyway, this is just a quick note to complain about the weather and introduce the new and improved number:
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
Spent today: I'm on vacation, remember?
Anyway, this is just a quick note to complain about the weather and introduce the new and improved number:
Total debt: $3545 and a bit
Spent today: I'm on vacation, remember?
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Raise your voice
Last night, after a hiatus of almost seven years, I attended a music rehearsal. And it felt like coming home to the most familiar, comfortable, happy place.
When I stopped performing in early 2002, I needed to go cold turkey. Like breaking up with a boyfriend, I needed to put away all the good memories and point my ship in an entirely different direction. Two years went by and I found the path that I needed to be on - publishing - and hurtled myself down that road with every ounce of energy and enthusiasm I had. And I loved it! Who knew that there was so much passion within me for something other than sheet music and slightly smelly costumes?
And I didn't miss performing at all. Not the nomadic lifestyle, not the nervous poo-inducing auditions, not the constant judgement.
But I did miss singing. For about 13 years, I sang every day. Ten years of voice lessons, a degree in music theatre performance and a short, but sweet, professional career requires it.
Then there was silence. Nothing more than an occasional tune around the house or car ride chorus. Until now.
I've joined a choir. A lovely big group of people who love to sing. And the music is great - strong, classical pieces. (When I first started looking for a choir, I feared Andrew Lloyd Webber medleys.) The nerves I had walking in last night, because I worried my sight-reading skills had atrophied and that I'd perhaps forgotten how to "do" the whole choir thing, were for naught. It all came back to me easily. And joyfully.
With my beloved high school music teacher's voice in my ear, I sat up straight and watched the conductor. I found the right systems and bars when prompted. I spit out the consonants and breathed properly.
My only mistake: I forgot to bring a pencil. (Sorry, Mr. P!)
The choir will cost me $200 for the yearlong membership, but I think it will be the best money I've spent in ages.
Total debt: $3795 and a bit
Spent today: We're just heading out now! Distillery, here we come.
When I stopped performing in early 2002, I needed to go cold turkey. Like breaking up with a boyfriend, I needed to put away all the good memories and point my ship in an entirely different direction. Two years went by and I found the path that I needed to be on - publishing - and hurtled myself down that road with every ounce of energy and enthusiasm I had. And I loved it! Who knew that there was so much passion within me for something other than sheet music and slightly smelly costumes?
And I didn't miss performing at all. Not the nomadic lifestyle, not the nervous poo-inducing auditions, not the constant judgement.
But I did miss singing. For about 13 years, I sang every day. Ten years of voice lessons, a degree in music theatre performance and a short, but sweet, professional career requires it.
Then there was silence. Nothing more than an occasional tune around the house or car ride chorus. Until now.
I've joined a choir. A lovely big group of people who love to sing. And the music is great - strong, classical pieces. (When I first started looking for a choir, I feared Andrew Lloyd Webber medleys.) The nerves I had walking in last night, because I worried my sight-reading skills had atrophied and that I'd perhaps forgotten how to "do" the whole choir thing, were for naught. It all came back to me easily. And joyfully.
With my beloved high school music teacher's voice in my ear, I sat up straight and watched the conductor. I found the right systems and bars when prompted. I spit out the consonants and breathed properly.
My only mistake: I forgot to bring a pencil. (Sorry, Mr. P!)
The choir will cost me $200 for the yearlong membership, but I think it will be the best money I've spent in ages.
Total debt: $3795 and a bit
Spent today: We're just heading out now! Distillery, here we come.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The seal has been broken
So... remember yesterday when I said it was hard to spend money after not spending it for so long? Well, I got over that today. Waaaaaaaaayyy over it.
I shopped like I've never shopped before. Seriously. I spent the birthday money that I had. Then I spent the birthday money that I suspect is still on its way via Canada Post. Then I spent some of the money I'd put aside for this week with my mom. And then I started on credit.
Never have I purchased so many pieces of clothing in one day: 3 bottoms and 8 tops. Pretty much an entire new fall wardrobe. Luckily it's all mix and match and it goes with what I already have in my closet. I love every piece.
Now listen, I am not a hopeless budgeter! I'll be able to pay off much - if not all - of the credit later this week. And I have a chunk of freelance money coming my way before long. Of course, if I hadn't shopped like a maniac, all that money could have gone towards my debt, but sometimes we need to take a little breather from the harsh light of reality and Live a little. Right?
Mom quote of the day: "You look fabulous in everything you try on!" (Gotta give the mom some props - she does know how to make me feel like a million bucks.)
Total debt: $3795 and a bit
Spent today: You do not want to know!
I shopped like I've never shopped before. Seriously. I spent the birthday money that I had. Then I spent the birthday money that I suspect is still on its way via Canada Post. Then I spent some of the money I'd put aside for this week with my mom. And then I started on credit.
Never have I purchased so many pieces of clothing in one day: 3 bottoms and 8 tops. Pretty much an entire new fall wardrobe. Luckily it's all mix and match and it goes with what I already have in my closet. I love every piece.
Now listen, I am not a hopeless budgeter! I'll be able to pay off much - if not all - of the credit later this week. And I have a chunk of freelance money coming my way before long. Of course, if I hadn't shopped like a maniac, all that money could have gone towards my debt, but sometimes we need to take a little breather from the harsh light of reality and Live a little. Right?
Mom quote of the day: "You look fabulous in everything you try on!" (Gotta give the mom some props - she does know how to make me feel like a million bucks.)
Total debt: $3795 and a bit
Spent today: You do not want to know!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Mom quote of the day
In a fitting room as I'm trying on a dress: "You're really going to have to start wearing padded bras again."
Thanks.
Thanks.
They say it's my birthday!
Quick birthday blog moment.
All is wonderful in the world of me. My scheduled birthday picnic was rained out yesterday, but everyone congregated at our apartment for some snacks and a truly awesome homemade angel food cake with homemade whipped cream, chocolate sauce and raspberry coulis made by my best friend's lovely husband. (I would upload a photo, but Blogger is being difficult!)
And last night my mom and I went to see my dear friend do her first ever solo cabaret. She was AMAZING! I was so proud.
Today was much walking - shopping with birthday money. Turns out that it's hard to spend birthday money when you're so used to not spending money! But I did get a dress thus far. Afterwards we took a trip up the CN Tower, which is an expensive tourist destination, but my mom had never been.
Now we're snuggled up at home, watching SATC. (One of my gifts from the DP was all six seasons!) We're supposed to go out for a fancy meal, but I'm thinking that I'd rather order in at home. It might be PJ time. (I know. Just like Kim Mitchell, I am a wild party.)
Total debt: $3795 and a bit
Spent today: It's vacation time, people. I'm turning the other cheek.
All is wonderful in the world of me. My scheduled birthday picnic was rained out yesterday, but everyone congregated at our apartment for some snacks and a truly awesome homemade angel food cake with homemade whipped cream, chocolate sauce and raspberry coulis made by my best friend's lovely husband. (I would upload a photo, but Blogger is being difficult!)
And last night my mom and I went to see my dear friend do her first ever solo cabaret. She was AMAZING! I was so proud.
Today was much walking - shopping with birthday money. Turns out that it's hard to spend birthday money when you're so used to not spending money! But I did get a dress thus far. Afterwards we took a trip up the CN Tower, which is an expensive tourist destination, but my mom had never been.
Now we're snuggled up at home, watching SATC. (One of my gifts from the DP was all six seasons!) We're supposed to go out for a fancy meal, but I'm thinking that I'd rather order in at home. It might be PJ time. (I know. Just like Kim Mitchell, I am a wild party.)
Total debt: $3795 and a bit
Spent today: It's vacation time, people. I'm turning the other cheek.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Quick hit
Here's how I know my mom is in town:
"What a cute dress! But you're like me - brown is not your best colour."
But seriously, so far, so fun. Going to see Evil Dead: The Musical tonight. A week of vacation is fast approaching.
Counting my pennies for y'all is going to be pretty impossible. However...
Total debt: $3795 (A new and improved, lower number!)
"What a cute dress! But you're like me - brown is not your best colour."
But seriously, so far, so fun. Going to see Evil Dead: The Musical tonight. A week of vacation is fast approaching.
Counting my pennies for y'all is going to be pretty impossible. However...
Total debt: $3795 (A new and improved, lower number!)
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The big news
Okay, I am seriously multi-tasking right now, trying to watch the season premiere of "America's Next Top Model" (against my better judgement) and clean the bathroom. And blog. And celebrate!
Celebrate? you ask. Yep. This happy blogger got a new job.
I am very excited, although it is bittersweet, since there are many people and things I will miss at the place I'm leaving behind. But life is for moving forward and I am ready for new challenges.
This, of course, has been the source of all the limbo of late. And the last few days have been fraught with anticipation. But two sleepless nights led to a financial revelation:
Why am I putting aside tax money from my freelancing in a high interest savings account that doesn't earn me as much as I'm paying in interest on the last of my loan? Why don't I use that money and then replace it when the debt is gone?
So that's what I did.
Total debt: $3995 (Feel free to whoop with joy!)
Spent today: $9.80 (A few groceries and a 60 cent fine at the library!)
Okay, okay! I then spent $19.20 on celebratory pizza, even though I only had 24 cents left in my wallet. But I knew there was some cash in my bank account...
Back to the bathroom. Mom is arriving in less than 24 hours!
Celebrate? you ask. Yep. This happy blogger got a new job.
I am very excited, although it is bittersweet, since there are many people and things I will miss at the place I'm leaving behind. But life is for moving forward and I am ready for new challenges.
This, of course, has been the source of all the limbo of late. And the last few days have been fraught with anticipation. But two sleepless nights led to a financial revelation:
Why am I putting aside tax money from my freelancing in a high interest savings account that doesn't earn me as much as I'm paying in interest on the last of my loan? Why don't I use that money and then replace it when the debt is gone?
So that's what I did.
Total debt: $3995 (Feel free to whoop with joy!)
Spent today: $9.80 (A few groceries and a 60 cent fine at the library!)
Okay, okay! I then spent $19.20 on celebratory pizza, even though I only had 24 cents left in my wallet. But I knew there was some cash in my bank account...
Back to the bathroom. Mom is arriving in less than 24 hours!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Checking in
Here's a quick post to tell you three things:
#1. I *may* have some news tomorrow. It's looking very, very good, but you'll have to wait until tomorrow for the details.
#2. Just two more sleeps until my mom arrives, so I'm giving you all fair warning that the blog posts may not be as frequent as usual while she's living in our office/spare room. I'll do my best! And I'll be working with more than my normal weekly budget - remember how I put a few hundred away a while ago for my week off next week? Well, I'll be spending it!
#3. I didn't spend any money today. Rock on!
Total debt: $4765 and a bit
Spent today: $0!
#1. I *may* have some news tomorrow. It's looking very, very good, but you'll have to wait until tomorrow for the details.
#2. Just two more sleeps until my mom arrives, so I'm giving you all fair warning that the blog posts may not be as frequent as usual while she's living in our office/spare room. I'll do my best! And I'll be working with more than my normal weekly budget - remember how I put a few hundred away a while ago for my week off next week? Well, I'll be spending it!
#3. I didn't spend any money today. Rock on!
Total debt: $4765 and a bit
Spent today: $0!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Dear 43
A few days after my birthday in September 1998, I sat down a wrote a letter to myself. It started: Dear 33. Not overly long, but a couple of double-spaced, handwritten pages about who I was at 23 and who I hoped I'd be at 33. Then I sealed it up and put it in my underwear drawer marked "Open on September 8, 2008." It came with me to a few different apartments, always ending up back in my underwear drawer. I would often hold it up and wonder what I had written to myself.
A month or so ago I started to worry about what I would find within it. Would all of my hopes and dreams at 23 have translated into reality? Would I find myself disappointed with my life on my birthday? So, on a random Sunday afternoon, I opened it.
Thankfully, I was charmed by my 23-year-old self and reminded that the essential things that make me who I am don't really change, even if the numbers of candles on the cake increase. My current life path is completely different than the one I was on ten years ago, but what I want from life is pretty much the same. And it turns out that I'm doing a pretty good job of getting to where I want to be.
So this morning, with the apartment to myself and my birthday a week away, I sat down with a cup of tea and wrote a letter to myself at 43. Just a glimpse of who I am, what I'm doing, and what I hope to be when I next read it. This time I included something about my finances - that's new! I sealed it up, along with the first letter, and marked the envelope "September 8, 2018."
Bring on the next decade.
Total debt: $4765 and a bit
Spent today: $0 (But I still feel guilty, because I at soooo many chocolate chip cookies. Blech.)
A month or so ago I started to worry about what I would find within it. Would all of my hopes and dreams at 23 have translated into reality? Would I find myself disappointed with my life on my birthday? So, on a random Sunday afternoon, I opened it.
Thankfully, I was charmed by my 23-year-old self and reminded that the essential things that make me who I am don't really change, even if the numbers of candles on the cake increase. My current life path is completely different than the one I was on ten years ago, but what I want from life is pretty much the same. And it turns out that I'm doing a pretty good job of getting to where I want to be.
So this morning, with the apartment to myself and my birthday a week away, I sat down with a cup of tea and wrote a letter to myself at 43. Just a glimpse of who I am, what I'm doing, and what I hope to be when I next read it. This time I included something about my finances - that's new! I sealed it up, along with the first letter, and marked the envelope "September 8, 2018."
Bring on the next decade.
Total debt: $4765 and a bit
Spent today: $0 (But I still feel guilty, because I at soooo many chocolate chip cookies. Blech.)
Over the shoulder boulder holders
First off, I would like to invite any gentleman readers who are squeamish about lady's underpinnings to skip to the bottom of this post. I understand and I won't be offended.
This is your last warning.
Okay, here we go.
Despite several years of experience working for the largest lingerie chain in the country, I entered my 20s with a false sense of bra knowledge. When the old ones wore out I would drag myself to the mall, hole up in a dressing room with a dozen or so in what I believed to be the right size (36B) and then choose the ones that fit the least badly.
Does that sound familiar to anyone?
A few years ago, I experienced a bra rebirth. On a whim, a dear friend took me to Secrets From Your Sister where they gave me a professional fitting and helped me pick out some bras in my actual size (32D!). It was incredible. At first it was hard to get used to bras that fit so snugly, because my crappy old moulded cup bras were barely touching my body, but in the end I was extremely happy. The bras are definitely more expensive - no 5 for $25 sales to be found - but the quality (and the customer service) made the prices understandable.
Anyway, quite a while ago now, I lost a bit of weight. Not a ton, but enough that the snazzy, non-moulded cup bras got a little baggy in the cup area. They were not only unattractive, but also just not wearable under most of my clothes. So I'd been resorting to the old bras in my drawer, with cups that were also bigger than the boobs I have to fill them. It was kind of pathetic and if I'd been hit by a bus my mom would have been embarrassed for me.
All this to explain why the credit card got exercised yesterday. I hit my breaking point and went to get a couple of new ones. (32C this time.) It took all of 15 minutes to choose two, because the salesperson was so attentive and on the ball. She took another quick measurement of me and then she personally joined me in the fitting room (after I'd changed each time - get your mind out of the gutter) to adjust the straps and give me her opinion on how every model fit. It was incredible! So I got one basic beige bra that has convertible straps, so it can also be a halter or a criss-cross, and then one (Dad, cover your eyes) sexy black lace one. AND since I was a returning customer visiting them in their new location, they gave me 20% off the more expensive of the two! All in all, it cost me $147.35, but I believe it was well worth the money.
I finally threw out the old gross ones. Some of the old, non-gross ones I will hang on to and donate. The store actually has a "Dead Bra Day" on February 13th when you can bring in a used, but not too used, bra that they can donate to a shelter, and you receive 20% off a new one!
After my happy lingerie experience, I strolled across Bloor to Spadina Station - Bathurst Station was a sea of disgruntled people trying to get to the CNE and desperate for their first taste of Tiny Tom Donuts. It was a gorgeous, sunny Sunday in the city and I stopped to pick up some grapes from a fruit stand ($4.75) and a card ($4.47) from S.W.A.K. Then I did a little drugstore run before I arrived home, where I got almost everything on sale: toilet paper ($3.99 from $7.99), deodorant ($2.99 from $4.99), shave gel ($2.99 from $4.99) and tampons ($4.99 from $8.99). Okay, I also splurged on a full-price magazine, but I couldn't resist!
Total debt: $4765 and a bit
Spent yesterday: $32.50 (Plus that credit card charge.)
I'll try to write a quick blog about today a little later!
This is your last warning.
Okay, here we go.
Despite several years of experience working for the largest lingerie chain in the country, I entered my 20s with a false sense of bra knowledge. When the old ones wore out I would drag myself to the mall, hole up in a dressing room with a dozen or so in what I believed to be the right size (36B) and then choose the ones that fit the least badly.
Does that sound familiar to anyone?
A few years ago, I experienced a bra rebirth. On a whim, a dear friend took me to Secrets From Your Sister where they gave me a professional fitting and helped me pick out some bras in my actual size (32D!). It was incredible. At first it was hard to get used to bras that fit so snugly, because my crappy old moulded cup bras were barely touching my body, but in the end I was extremely happy. The bras are definitely more expensive - no 5 for $25 sales to be found - but the quality (and the customer service) made the prices understandable.
Anyway, quite a while ago now, I lost a bit of weight. Not a ton, but enough that the snazzy, non-moulded cup bras got a little baggy in the cup area. They were not only unattractive, but also just not wearable under most of my clothes. So I'd been resorting to the old bras in my drawer, with cups that were also bigger than the boobs I have to fill them. It was kind of pathetic and if I'd been hit by a bus my mom would have been embarrassed for me.
All this to explain why the credit card got exercised yesterday. I hit my breaking point and went to get a couple of new ones. (32C this time.) It took all of 15 minutes to choose two, because the salesperson was so attentive and on the ball. She took another quick measurement of me and then she personally joined me in the fitting room (after I'd changed each time - get your mind out of the gutter) to adjust the straps and give me her opinion on how every model fit. It was incredible! So I got one basic beige bra that has convertible straps, so it can also be a halter or a criss-cross, and then one (Dad, cover your eyes) sexy black lace one. AND since I was a returning customer visiting them in their new location, they gave me 20% off the more expensive of the two! All in all, it cost me $147.35, but I believe it was well worth the money.
I finally threw out the old gross ones. Some of the old, non-gross ones I will hang on to and donate. The store actually has a "Dead Bra Day" on February 13th when you can bring in a used, but not too used, bra that they can donate to a shelter, and you receive 20% off a new one!
After my happy lingerie experience, I strolled across Bloor to Spadina Station - Bathurst Station was a sea of disgruntled people trying to get to the CNE and desperate for their first taste of Tiny Tom Donuts. It was a gorgeous, sunny Sunday in the city and I stopped to pick up some grapes from a fruit stand ($4.75) and a card ($4.47) from S.W.A.K. Then I did a little drugstore run before I arrived home, where I got almost everything on sale: toilet paper ($3.99 from $7.99), deodorant ($2.99 from $4.99), shave gel ($2.99 from $4.99) and tampons ($4.99 from $8.99). Okay, I also splurged on a full-price magazine, but I couldn't resist!
Total debt: $4765 and a bit
Spent yesterday: $32.50 (Plus that credit card charge.)
I'll try to write a quick blog about today a little later!
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