MittenKitten
Well-Known Member
Home of the Circus
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:12:58 GMT -5
Posts: 1,070
|
Post by MittenKitten on Feb 29, 2012 12:01:09 GMT -5
The Controlled/No Spend thread is undergoing an overhaul as we get back to the fundamentals of the thread while still maintaining the camaraderie that keeps us coming back and makes us successful- even if not initially.
Not sure if weekly captains will happen but we will try.
Here is this month's Controlled/No Spend Thread as promised. Please post your goals for the month if you would like me to include them in the bi-Monthly update. For the new people there are no real set rules here, you set your own. The basic goal most if not all of us have are to keep track of the days we don't spend and hopefully by that work on saving money. Some are looking to put it into savings others to pay down debt. For some they only count the day as a no spend day if they spend nothing at all. Others will count it if they keep their total under $5. Some count all spending others only count a certain part of their budget. For example I personally take $400 out of the the bank in cash for everything that is not related to vehicle expenses (like gas, oil changes, insurance etc) or the house (mortgage, utilities, HOA) If I spend out of the $400 I count it as a spend day (although if it is less then $5 I usually count it as a no spend day.) You set your own rules. Any questions feel free to ask. You can post your no spend days daily or whenever you want, just put it in bold at the top with the first number being the number you want me to record. If you are doing daily then: Today (or yesterday) $0 Spend day More then one day at a time: 4/31 days $0 Spend Which translates into 4 out of 31 days in December have been no spend so far. Some use the bigger number as their goal number so do 4/15 No spend Days which means they have a goal of 15 no spend days this month.
CSD: Controlled Spend Day BFF: Best Friend Forever DH/DS/DD/DSS: Dear Husband, Dear Son Dear Daughter, fiance, boy friend, Dear Step-Son DIL, MIL, BIL, SIL: Daughter in law, Mother In Law, Brother in Law, Sister In Law NKCW: No Killing Co-Worker Day (could also be no kill DH NKDH etc) MOAN: Moving our a$$ Now aka exercising NS or NSD: No Spend or No Spend Day NEO: No eating out HTH: Hope This Helps KWIM: Know What I mean FWIW: For What It's Worth IMHO or IMO: In my Humble Opinion or In My Opinion Getting Nitzed is a now slightly outdated term referring to when you have a long post and MSN cuts you off so its in two posts instead one. Having a Startsmart Day is referring to when you have 20+ things on your must get done in a day and you accomplish them. Sharing the Simple Lifestyle aka Toasty; Single Mom-KY aka Smokey; MittenKitten aka MK; Pt_In_NY aka Pointy; Red2Black aka R2B2. The Boy is Sheila in Cali's son. the boy or Mowgli is Nsinglet's son Blue is Red_Wagon's DH TBear is MizBear's older niece. ZBear is MizBear's younger niece.
Every week we try to have a question of the week (QOTW) and challenge of the week (COTW) related to the question.
Honeylioness had a wonderful answer I think really defines WHAT we are about:
"I will admit that during my first two months of lurking, I wondered just how in the WORLD someone could not spend any money at ALL for 25 days? Did they just pay all their bills one day a month, and that same day do the food shopping for the month? Like many new to the concept I saw it as horribly, and restrictively, black or white – an opinion first based merely on the name of the thread.
But once I came to understand that it was not so totalitarian and was more about finding a way that worked for you to track your spending and any “leaks” in the wallet, it has felt more like a tool and less like a punishment. I wish I could say that I have paid off five extra years from the mortgage, or now have an EF of six months take home – but alas that would not be true.
What I do have however is a better awareness of where my “leaks” are, what are my hot buttons that make me want to spend on things I really don’t need or really cannot afford right now. And an awareness of the fact when I AM spending money. I think that awareness is key to learning a new behavior or paradigm. Just like lumberlady(a member that hasn't been a regular lately but is still a much loved part of our community), some of us have had to look hard in the mirror and acknowledge that we had a problem. Until people can do that, be it an addiction to alcohol or drugs or credit cards ….. they will never really GET it."
Thanks Honeylioness!
|
|
MittenKitten
Well-Known Member
Home of the Circus
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:12:58 GMT -5
Posts: 1,070
|
Post by MittenKitten on Feb 29, 2012 12:02:56 GMT -5
Question of the Week: How do you handle saving for things you know are going to come up in the future that are large expenses?
For example I have two that are on my mind, 1 is a different vehicle for DF as I know his will need to be replaced in the next 2-3 years. In that same time frame DS#1 WILL need braces. So I figure we need $15-$20K for those items. That is what part of our tax refund will go towards, a fund for them.
Challenge of the Week: To look at the major items you will need to replace in the next 5 years and start planning on how you are going to pay for them. If you have already planned then I challenge you to put money into those funds.
|
|
startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
Posts: 4,445
|
Post by startsmart on Feb 29, 2012 12:25:08 GMT -5
MK- thanks for all that you do. I am in constant awe Goals for March:1) 15 NSD, front loaded in the first 3 weeks 2) Safe trip to Arizona for client work 3) Go to the gym every day It's going to be a fun month, I promise myself that! Mom is visiting this weekend, I'm working on the ceilings still, Grandpa's birthday is today (he's 21!), I have 3 potential new contracts to close and, saving the best for last, I get to spend 2 weeks with Blue Eyes on a working vacation. Yep, that makes me giddy. We are still sorting out travel, where to stay, a side trip to LA and so much more but spending 2 weeks with my best friend is making me smile so it's going to be a good month! I'll be back with final February numbers soon!
|
|
sapphire12
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:02:12 GMT -5
Posts: 1,211
|
Post by sapphire12 on Feb 29, 2012 14:10:45 GMT -5
I'm back for March after being MIA for a few months. I've had family issues, literally life and death. Things are stabilized for now.
Good news 1. My mother and a good friend are cruising in South America; Panama Canal was the highlight. 2. I finished phase I of redecorating my master bedroom. 3. I am 99% finished decorating my family room. I am waiting on my sofa to be delivered. I saved money by moving a picture that I had yet to hang in my living room to my family room. This picture added color to the room and it takes up a bit of white space on a wall. Yeah. 4. For the winter, I relocated to a smaller bedroom in my house. This is by far the best financial decision I have made in a long time. Moving into the smaller bedroom gave me great perspective on many, many things. It also saved me money on heat. So as long as I am in this house, I will reside in two different bedrooms; sort of like those people with residences in different states. ;D 5. I finally hung my papyrus prints from Egypt on the wall. They've only been professionally framed since 2008. Geez. 6. I finally developed and hung up pictures from my trip to Asia in my sitting room. This was only a year delay in getting the pictures done.
Goals: Exercise consistently for the month. This means working out at least 3 times a week.
QOTW: I have two major trips planned this year -- San Francisco in July; China in October. I have a major home improvement planned this year.
AOTW: Amazing it's the major goals that get me geared up to stop shopping and save like crazy. I also have managed to have an over-funded EF. Yeah.
|
|
moneysquirrel
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 13:12:39 GMT -5
Posts: 1,912
|
Post by moneysquirrel on Feb 29, 2012 17:44:35 GMT -5
I'm in again for the month.
Question of the Week: How do you handle saving for things you know are going to come up in the future that are large expenses? I usually put some money aside from each paycheck for those items. I do this routinely for those once-a-year type items as well. I add extra money to those areas that the need is pressing but try to routinely add a little into each section. I would like to build up the sections like small EFs for each area a lot prior to my retirement in several years.
Challenge of the Week: To look at the major items you will need to replace in the next 5 years and start planning on how you are going to pay for them. If you have already planned then I challenge you to put money into those funds. I know that within the next five years I may need to replace my car. I have started a new car fund but really need to begin to increase the amount I place in it each month. It is one of the categories that I divide money into.
sapphire -- glad things are getting back to normal in your life. Tell your mom hi from me.
|
|
mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
|
Post by mizbear on Feb 29, 2012 18:53:20 GMT -5
QOTW- Because of the restrictions on what I can have in assets, I have started saving for these things in cash.
COTW- My glasses will be the major thing to replace- twice in the next five years- I would love to have Lasik surgery done. I would also love to have something done to fix my teeth- but I will be satisfied by having working glasses. I also try to make sure I can have a few extra dollars for whatever. I am still looking into retirement options, EoL planning and that sort of thing too.
|
|
Rocky Mtn Saver
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 9:40:57 GMT -5
Posts: 7,461
|
Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Mar 1, 2012 9:16:52 GMT -5
I think I might try this thread this month. I don't have much in the way of spending leaks, but I'm curious to see how many days I don't spend money. Or, I guess I should say 'how many days I can avoid spending money!
|
|
MittenKitten
Well-Known Member
Home of the Circus
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:12:58 GMT -5
Posts: 1,070
|
Post by MittenKitten on Mar 1, 2012 10:22:48 GMT -5
Rocky: Welcome! Always glad to see new faces!
Sapphire: So glad you are back! Sounds like you got a lot done.
Kept DS#2 home from school, he isn't throwing up any more but still a little out of it. He was NOT happy when he had to come with to drop DD off at preschool.
Today will be a spend. I am having my shoulder looked at finally. It's only been 11 months since I injured it. Will be interesting to see what the doc has to say.
|
|
mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
|
Post by mizbear on Mar 1, 2012 10:39:21 GMT -5
I am going to try for 10 NS this month. Take baby steps back in. My budget month actually starts tomorrow when I get paid.
|
|
pointy
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 18:27:35 GMT -5
Posts: 141
|
Post by pointy on Mar 1, 2012 18:23:28 GMT -5
Goals for March: 22 NS and 28 No QVC Days...
|
|
ses
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:18:37 GMT -5
Posts: 654
|
Post by ses on Mar 1, 2012 19:08:14 GMT -5
I'm in again. Once again I am aiming for as many NSDs as possible.
Good to have you back Sapphire! I hope you will have less drama the next few months. Where in China? The photos of your room were beautiful.
Welcome Rocky. Did you have to deal with the stormy weather earlier this week? Fast but nasty.
Mizbear--cash around the house always scares me. Have you considered travelers checks or a prepaid/preloaded credit card?
MK-about time you had your shoulder looked at.
Question of the Week: How do you handle saving for things you know are going to come up in the future that are large expenses?
Challenge of the Week: To look at the major items you will need to replace in the next 5 years and start planning on how you are going to pay for them. If you have already planned then I challenge you to put money into those funds.
Once again, I had to chuckle at how appropriate these topics are to me right now! You ladies must have a direct line to my mind (what little there is left).
I have been discussing these same topics with my friends M & E as they are preparing for retirement.
I have all income deposited into my primary savings. This serves as a short term EF up to $5,000. Then I transfer a set amount to my checking account for monthly expenses. From my checking account I transfer $600 to a second checking account (even at another bank). This account is for those annual expenses that we all know are going to come along--taxes, insurances, medical expenses and other fixed expenses. I have a few other accounts as well.
My long term (12 mos.)emergency fund plus enough to pay the catastrophic copay on my health insurance is invested in my brokerage account. Since I have a short term EF readily available I feel comfortable with my major EF being a little harder to get at.
My short term EF is easy to access at my local bank.
I also have a Household EF. It is set at $5000 which is my deductible for my homeowners' insurance. This is to cope with plumbers, electricians .... It is also the account that holds the funds from the insurance company whenever I have to deal with them. Since I just completed several major construction and repair projects, this is the account I am working on filling up again this year.
I also have an account I call "Trips and Toys." This account is funded mostly from my part time (very part time right now) job and any funds left each month when I come in under budget. In theory this is my "whim" spending money, however, I have trouble spending any money without mulling it over for weeks at a time.
When I finish refilling my House EF that money will go back to my Automobile fund. I hope I will not need to get a new car for a looong time. My current car is ten years old, in excellent condition and just turned over 81,000 miles. I also take car repairs and maintenance funds from this account.
|
|
mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
|
Post by mizbear on Mar 1, 2012 20:09:04 GMT -5
ses- Cash on hand in large amounts is not my choice- but I can recount one time that it did come in handy. Before I got sick, I still had cash on hand from my days waiting tables and bartending when I had switched jobs. Then 9/11 happened. I was at the grocery store with $300+ worth of merchandise and couldn't use my card. I didn't have my checkbook. The ATM wouldn't work. I literally had to go to the bank and write a check and take money out. I remembered I still had an emergency reserve from when I was waiting tables and pulled it out for neccessities. I am trying to figure out how to work the whole assets and saving thing though. I will definitely look into the options you offered up though.
Now I have some really great news and have to share it with someone or I will burst! I have been keeping my eye out for good condition, low cost, foreclosures in town in good neighborhoods. The last few I have looked at have been out of my price range, or the timing has been off, needed too much work, yada yada yada. Well, I found a good condition, 3 br, 2ba home in foreclosure for $19,000. I am making some calls tomorrow so I can get a pre-approval from the bank, get a walk through, an inspection, etc. Well, actually the first call I am making is a family friend who is in real estate. He always tells us the truth if a place is no good. If everything works out, I can buy this place, make some repairs and updates and still pay less a month than what we are paying now.
Please keep all paws crossed.
|
|
moneysquirrel
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 13:12:39 GMT -5
Posts: 1,912
|
Post by moneysquirrel on Mar 1, 2012 22:04:08 GMT -5
Update: 1 NS Day
Rocky -- Welcome to our group.
SES -- Stay safe in this weather. Glad you are helping your friends navigate the murky waters of retirement planning.
Mizbear -- Good luck but remember to be careful. I try to keep some money in cash because of hurricane season. One thing Katrina brought home was that without power several things will not work -- cash registers and ATMs among others. I try to put aside a little in cash each paycheck for hurricane season. Once I reach a comfortable level than I will redirect that little amount into a dedicated EF.
MK -- glad you are getting the shoulder checked out. Take care of yourself.
|
|
financialpeace
Familiar Member
Joined: May 17, 2011 16:10:54 GMT -5
Posts: 554
|
Post by financialpeace on Mar 2, 2012 10:07:13 GMT -5
Goal: 15 NSDs
Question of the Week: How do you handle saving for things you know are going to come up in the future that are large expenses?
I figure out how much I am going to need and when I will need it by. I then figure out how much I need to save each month to have enough. I treat that amount as a monthly bill. I like to have separate savings accounts for different things.
Challenge of the Week: To look at the major items you will need to replace in the next 5 years and start planning on how you are going to pay for them. If you have already planned then I challenge you to put money into those funds.
I don’t own a house yet, so I don’t have any concerns there, but I know my husband is probably going to want (definitely not need) a new truck within the next few years. I have a new truck savings account that has an automatic deposit every month.
|
|
mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
|
Post by mizbear on Mar 2, 2012 15:22:19 GMT -5
Today was a Spend day. I spent planned money and then went over on a CD for my contests. I talked to my real estate contact and he has me at a starting point.
1S
|
|
redwagon
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:16:11 GMT -5
Posts: 2,642
|
Post by redwagon on Mar 2, 2012 15:31:25 GMT -5
Hey peeps. I gave up on February as I had a proofreading project and didn't have much time to check in. Might keep up this month, might not. Work just gets busier and busier.
As for savings, we have a "house" fund and a "car" fund and an EF, and most things come out of that. I also have a spreadsheet of house projects and estimated costs and how close we are to being able to actually afford said project.
Going up to Foxwoods this weekend with the girls, should be fun. Getting a much-needed massage. It's going on my CC and I don't care. I need a weekend of fun and relaxation! Plus I have money coming in from freelancing that I've decided is for me. So there. lol.
|
|
startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
Posts: 4,445
|
Post by startsmart on Mar 3, 2012 11:58:04 GMT -5
2 NSD so far in March. I'll be spending today as I am finally replacing my phone and may need to buy the charger/cover on Amazon. Blue picked everything out and has a list of the apps to install ($10 so it should be too bad). Also going over to celebrate Grandpa's 84th bday as soon as mom gets into town.
I'm hoping to keep the rest of the weekend low to no spending worthy. I have a ton of projects to work on at the house and all the supplies I need. I might make (another) batch of lentil soup to continue cleaning out the pantry and all the food I've got that needs to be consumed before it goes bad. Oh, and I have pasta as well! Yay, we should not need to go out to eat.
Well, I'm off to finish cleaning up before Mom gets here, it's always a last minute rush to put things away and such.
Happy Mindful Spending weekend!
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 4, 2024 11:13:33 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2012 10:08:58 GMT -5
Good Morning ladies.
Yesterday I was helping Goose (nickname for my DH) clean the basement for our upcoming move and I found all the Christmas cards from you all from a few years back (does that make sense? I am still on my 1st cup of coffee). I reread through them all and it made me miss you ladies so much. I vowed to myself right there to get back into this thread.
I am sure you all remember that I moved from Michigan to Kansas (was I on this thread when I did that? Maybe not). Anyway, Kansas has been a mixed bag for us. I am so ready to move on. We just found out that we are going to get to experience a move of a lifetime. We are moving to ITALY in June! I am so crazy excited. Anyway, that brings me to the challange questions for the week.
I handle large expenses by transferring money into ING. I have 5 different accounts with them and I divide money up into the appropriate catagories. I have a EF, Car fund, Vacation, Family clothing, and Orthodontics accounts. We are hoping to have about $15K in savings by time we move to Italy (huge goal). We currently have about $6K. Our income tax refund will go straight to savings and whatever I get for my van will go to savings as well.
In the next 5 years we will need to buy me another car. I am not shipping my van to Italy since it will cost almost the same to just buy a hoopty in Italy after we arrive. I plan to sell the van and put that money into savings. The van is paid off so I won't be taking a big financial hit.
Ok, Goals for this month. Since I am just coming back, I really want to just try to get as many NSD as possible. I had hoped to pay off Goose's Capital one card by the end of the month, but my Dog needs to go to the vet tomorrow and we are looking at a bill of about $574-$698 (that is the quote they gave us), so it looks like that goal will have to be cut in half. I will probably only get about $800 paid off. I want to also cut back on eating out. I have been spending a fortune there again because I am tired after work and just want to eat...not cook.
NSD-As many as possible Pay-$800 towards Credit Card MOAN-20 days. NEO-20 days
|
|
Rocky Mtn Saver
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 9:40:57 GMT -5
Posts: 7,461
|
Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Mar 4, 2012 11:02:03 GMT -5
LOL, well no no-spend days so far! It's all been pretty tiny expenditures, like a bottled drink, but I've bought something each day so dar. Anywho, I'm helping care for my mother after surgery this week, so maybe that'll help.
|
|
moneysquirrel
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 13:12:39 GMT -5
Posts: 1,912
|
Post by moneysquirrel on Mar 4, 2012 12:44:42 GMT -5
Update: 2 NS Days and 2 CS Days
Angel -- Welcome Back. Great news about Italy. I love visiting Italy. Plus the added bonus that so many other countries are so close to it that you can visit the entire continent without major problems. Rocky -- Sometimes it takes months to get used to the concept of NSDs. The main thing is to become more aware of our spending habits. For example my two CS days were expected spend days - one gift purchase the other day and gas/groceries today. If I buy anything else today that CS will become a S day because I don't expect to have to get anything else and if so it is not a planned expenditure.
|
|
3catslady
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
|
Post by 3catslady on Mar 4, 2012 14:28:50 GMT -5
I am in for March and I have 1 goal, to put $20 in savings each week I don't have a bill to pay and since I pay most of my bills on the 1st, I should be able to get $40-$60 in there by the end of the month. I have the electric to pay on the 21st and the sewer to pay on the 15th. Other than that, I am going to get as many NSD's as possible. There will only be 2-3 EOD's and the rest of the money should be put in savings at the end of the month. There will be a tip for the day my DSIL and I go out to eat but that will be from my cash stash. GOALS; $60 IN SAVINGS 2-3 NEO DAYS AS MANY AS POSSIBLE IN NS DAYS So far this month I have 4 NSD, 0 EOD and $0 in savings.
|
|
MittenKitten
Well-Known Member
Home of the Circus
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:12:58 GMT -5
Posts: 1,070
|
Post by MittenKitten on Mar 4, 2012 14:35:17 GMT -5
Update: 2 NS Days. This month may be a tough one. I am going out tomorrow night and Wednesday night! Although it will get better after that! Angel: Glad to see you back. Oh that travel would be SO exciting. What an experience for the whole family! Hope the puppy will be okay! What will you do with the dog while in Italy? Went to my sister's for my niece's b-day party yesterday. I helped prep for it and she had both my parents and my dad's wife over, along with 7 of my niece's friends. So the kids played and did a couple of crafts, had pizza, cake and ice cream. Then my sister is really upset that my dad and his wife didn't mingle with the 3 grandkids..... My sis always has problems with my dad and it gets old. If you had just had the family they would have had more of a chance to mingle. But they probably wouldn't have with the kids..... Had niece spend the night at our house. Niece really doesn't want to include DD so that always creates problems and get's on DF's nerves. But hey at least the kids are playing and NOT watching a screen.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 4, 2024 11:13:33 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2012 15:29:47 GMT -5
Mitten, we are taking the dog to Italy with us. He says he wants to fall in love with a French Poodle... ;D
We have to pay to ship him, but IMHO leaving him behind isn't an option.
I had a gigantic spend day today. We had to go grocery shopping. Goose and I are dieting. I am Eating Clean, and he is doing the P90x diet, and it just cost us $300 for a week of groceries. It will feed us breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 2 snacks a day. It still HURT to pay that.
Now we are getting ready to go to a neighborhood BBQ. I start my Eating Clean tomorrow. Hopefully I get home early enough to make my breakfast and lunch for tomorrow.
|
|
startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
Posts: 4,445
|
Post by startsmart on Mar 4, 2012 19:51:36 GMT -5
I managed to avoid spending this weekend and put the phone on hold for a few more weeks.
So far: 4 NSD
|
|
mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
|
Post by mizbear on Mar 4, 2012 21:03:58 GMT -5
1S, 2NS
Big to-do list this week as we finish up at DGMs hopefully. I am going to ask a mod to close the DB, DM thread as I do not wish to discuss him any longer. He is now homeless and I have made it clear that he will not jeopardize my lease at my apartment by hanging out here constantly.
|
|
sapphire12
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:02:12 GMT -5
Posts: 1,211
|
Post by sapphire12 on Mar 5, 2012 7:26:16 GMT -5
Happy Monday all.
Fri -- I had the carpet cleaned. I donated a truckload of stuff to Salvation Army. Sat -- I had lunch with friends, then I went grocery shopping, which was a CSD. Sun -- I chilled most of the day and had dinner with my dad. I didn't spend any money yesterday, so I have 1 NSD. Mon -- I did Pilates at 3:15 this am. I am expecting to go home after work and crash. I created a budget for San Francisco over the weekend and as of today, that trip is fully funded. Yeah.
Rocky -- it sometimes takes a couple of months to actually get a NSD. In the process you are aware that you are spending money and might actually spend less, even if you don't achieve a NSD just yet. mizbear -- Hugs and much support to you concerning your DB. SES -- Thanks for the compliment. My China itinerary includes stops in Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, a Yangtze River cruise and Hong Kong. I'm excited. Angel -- welcome back. I'm excited for you that you get to live in Italy; how cool is that? MK -- family dynamics are interesting. Moneysquirrel -- How are you doing? Mom gets back sometime tomorrow night. She's flying on Continental/United and the merged airline implementation didn't go without flaws this weekend. Yikes. start -- How are you doing? 3cats -- good luck with your goal! I'm sure you will make it.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 4, 2024 11:13:33 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2012 7:32:37 GMT -5
Sapphire---how exciting that you get to go to San Francisco AND Hong Kong. I LOVE both of those cities. Have you been to Hong Kong before? The airport is AMAZING! When we got back we actually found out that it was ranked #1 in the world that year. I would love to go back some day!
Moneysquirrel, you are in New Orleans right? We were there very briefly in July to go on a cruise. For some reason I just remembered that you live there. I wish I would have been able to see more of the city, but we had so little time.
|
|
sapphire12
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:02:12 GMT -5
Posts: 1,211
|
Post by sapphire12 on Mar 5, 2012 7:37:14 GMT -5
Angel -- Hey there. I've been to Hong Kong before and loved it. I have not been to the airport before. I will fly into the Hong Kong airport on this trip. I was impressed with the Narita Airport in Tokyo; it was so peaceful and serene, so now you have me excited to see Hong Kong's airport. I've also been to San Fran before. It's sort of a fluke how it worked out that I am going to both places in the same year.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 4, 2024 11:13:33 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2012 7:42:36 GMT -5
Angel -- Hey there. I've been to Hong Kong before and loved it. I have not been to the airport before. I will fly into the Hong Kong airport on this trip. I was impressed with the Narita Airport in Tokyo; it was so peaceful and serene, so now you have me excited to see Hong Kong's airport. I've also been to San Fran before. It's sort of a fluke how it worked out that I am going to both places in the same year. I LOVE San Francisco too. Funniest thing happened to me there. I was riding on the public transit and I was standing in the aisle holding a strap that came down from the ceiling. I was just standing there looking at the city as it went by and some old guy just came up and LICKED my arm!!!! Seriously just licked my arm. I turned to him and said, Welcome to San Francisco?" I couldn't believe I got LICKED! I just laughed and used a lot of antibacterial gel on my arm. I love to travel and I can't believe God/Universe is finally giving me the chance of a lifetime to LIVE IN ITALy!!!! I keep pinching myself to make sure I am not dreaming. Ok, I need to get ready for work. We have a 7th grade field trip today so I get to wear comfy clothes. 53 more days of school!!!
|
|
sapphire12
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:02:12 GMT -5
Posts: 1,211
|
Post by sapphire12 on Mar 5, 2012 7:46:25 GMT -5
Angel -- Ick. However, I'm sure he meant you no harm. LOL. Italy has fabulous things to do. Italy is also a good place to take off to see other parts of Europe. 3 months to go. I know someone else who was stationed in Italy and loved it. The wife has retired from her job and is planning a month-long excursion to Italy. Her DH has retired from the military, but he is still working his second job, so he won't be gone for that extended time period.
|
|