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Post by mojothehelpermonkey on Apr 24, 2016 15:51:03 GMT -5
Moving: FH put in his notice at work. He has a good relationship with his boss, so he already knew he was planning on moving soon. His last official day will be in the middle of May. Until then and even after then, his boss will schedule him when they are busy and stop scheduling him when he doesn't really need to be there. We are continuing to make progress with decluttering. I also did a bit more reading about the best ways to make a long distance move with cats. No matter what, it's not going to be a good time, but we are going to start acclimating them to riding in the car in their crates without ending up at the vets. I am glad we will have enough room at my mom's place for our cats to get used to each other without sharing a small space.
Wedding: We were going to put off thinking about this until after we move, but the questions keep coming. My mom, FH's grandma and few other random relatives from his side have been asking. We both want to keep it small, casual and secular, but my FH has a traditional Mexican grandma who raised him for the first year of his life and a traditional Midwest grandma. His Midwest grandma has been the most vocal about her disappointment, but in a very polite way. She reminds me a lot of my dad's mom who passed away when I was a freshman in college. Overall, I think she is just thrilled that we are finally getting married, and she won't mind too much if we don't do it at her church. His other grandma lives the furthest away and can't travel, so I think we are off the hook as far as planning the wedding around her. (That sounds cold. Just to clarify, we are going to visit this grandma in August for her birthday.)
Career: If it wasn't for the low pay and lack of benefits, I would love the editing job. I think I can start getting the higher pay rate again once we are settled and I can increase my workload. If I can do that and my FH can get a job that will provide benefits for both of us, it might make more sense for me to just keep editing.
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Post by mojothehelpermonkey on Apr 24, 2016 16:06:26 GMT -5
Just a quick update again. Continuing exercising 3x/week. Ramped up duration on it. Feel awesome afterwards. I wish exercise had always made me feel so good--I'd have a great bod! Down 1.4 lbs as of Thur, only 1.2 on Sat., then up later in the day. Weird. Anyway, I've decided to go for broke with this and try to get back into my high school/early 20's range. Some people are still very attractive with some extra weight--I just don't think that's me, and it really brings me down. I'm so stuck with so many other things in my life, this at least I can do right now. I can see this having far-reaching effects in my life--health, as well as career-wise. Some people are still very attractive with some extra weight--I just don't think that's me, and it really brings me down in a variety of ways-- more than I've ever realized. I've noticed I always weigh more as the day goes on, so if I want the scale to show the best number, I weigh first thing in the morning only. Obviously, this means sleeping for hours and hours is the best workout I get too frustrated with the scale since it seems to go up and down too much. I try to stick with how clothing fits (and cross my fingers that I start to notice a change soon to keep up motivation). I read somewhere that the average bathroom scale isn't even that accurate when it comes to differences of less than a pound, especially if you are weighing yourself at different times of the day.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Apr 24, 2016 16:54:33 GMT -5
I've noticed I always weigh more as the day goes on, so if I want the scale to show the best number, I weigh first thing in the morning only. Obviously, this means sleeping for hours and hours is the best workout I get too frustrated with the scale since it seems to go up and down too much. I try to stick with how clothing fits (and cross my fingers that I start to notice a change soon to keep up motivation). I read somewhere that the average bathroom scale isn't even that accurate when it comes to differences of less than a pound, especially if you are weighing yourself at different times of the day. Yeah, I don't know if this one is. I have heard that though. It is a body fat scale as well, and that went down 0.2%. (All the numbers were slightly better as of Thur.) I did have a big dinner last night, and was on the verge of getting my period, so it's not out of the question that my weight did actually go up like that--water weight and all. I was just hoping to get the loss up to 2 lbs, and it was going in the opposite direction.
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lurkyloo
Junior Associate
“Time means nothing now,” said Toad. “It is just the thing that happens between snacks.”
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Post by lurkyloo on Apr 26, 2016 21:00:17 GMT -5
Career: If it wasn't for the low pay and lack of benefits, I would love the editing job. I think I can start getting the higher pay rate again once we are settled and I can increase my workload. If I can do that and my FH can get a job that will provide benefits for both of us, it might make more sense for me to just keep editing. I did a little of that while unemployed and enjoyed it but it took something like 4 hours for a manuscript (~$45 compensation I think?) and the general-access assignments were always claimed immediately so it wound up not being very practical. (I was also annoyed that I didn't put full effort into the tryout piece, got a passing but not stellar score on it, and therefore wasn't eligible for bonus rates even though I got near-perfect scores on the real assignments.) It was a nice educational way to pass the time
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Post by mojothehelpermonkey on Apr 27, 2016 10:37:36 GMT -5
If you worked for the same company (AJE), they recently changed their bonus system. Now productivity seems to matter a lot more than quality. I ended up losing the bonus that I was getting for the first month, but I think I can get it back if I can increase my work load by a couple more papers a week. It is a nice way to pass the time. That is probably why it doesn't pay well. I am hoping I will eventually be able to find a full time job with benefits after we move. However, it will most likely be in a less sciencey field, so I might keep doing a paper or two a week just to exercise my brain.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on May 1, 2016 7:27:49 GMT -5
Update as of Thursday: little progress numerically, still feeling awesome after exercising though. I took my measurements, which were all up from January (expected the same)! Apparently, I need to kick this into high gear, so adding diet component (nothing structured--simply adding healthy and limiting the crappy) and more activity. weight: -0.2 lbs BMI: -.01 body fat: -0.2% body water: +0.2% I'll put this into Excel eventually, and maybe do a graph. That's assuming I start making some real progress here. The activity component of this project is also helping me keep up on housework. I have more energy and I'm looking for more things to do. Also, finished my mom's taxes. Keeping her stuff up on YNAB for the most part. I have some things to catch up on now. Going to start YNAB again for us as of today. Job front: got a call from recruiter a week ago. (did I mention this before?) She had the perfect full-time job for me. Focusing on losing weight is doing tons to ease my frustration with all of this.
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on May 1, 2016 7:59:48 GMT -5
I have a lunch meeting on Monday for a teaching gig. I also have a meet and greet (potentially) at the studio I work at, and it sounds like I'll get another student there this summer. I also am going to be starting a new student this summer at home.
It also sounds like we've got a good chance of being approved for a little bit of scholarship at school. I hope so. Tuition+expected donation will run us 20% of our gross if we don't get approved.
I finished a cross stitch project last night! (2/12 done). Well, almost. It needs two beads for eyes. Going to try to do that today. Eyes attached. It's done!
Need to get a focus for charity knitting/crocheting so I finish things and get them out of the house.
I also started reading a book. Hell must have froze over. But, it's on starting a business on Etsy. So...not quite for pleasure.
I'm just trying to get more steps in every day for exercise.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on May 1, 2016 8:41:30 GMT -5
Just a quick update again. Continuing exercising 3x/week. Ramped up duration on it. Feel awesome afterwards. I wish exercise had always made me feel so good--I'd have a great bod! Down 1.4 lbs as of Thur, only 1.2 on Sat., then up later in the day. Weird. Anyway, I've decided to go for broke with this and try to get back into my high school/early 20's range. Some people are still very attractive with some extra weight--I just don't think that's me, and it really brings me down. I'm so stuck with so many other things in my life, this at least I can do right now. I can see this having far-reaching effects in my life--health, as well as career-wise. Some people are still very attractive with some extra weight--I just don't think that's me, and it really brings me down in a variety of ways-- more than I've ever realized. I've noticed I always weigh more as the day goes on, so if I want the scale to show the best number, I weigh first thing in the morning only. Obviously, this means sleeping for hours and hours is the best workout I get too frustrated with the scale since it seems to go up and down too much. I try to stick with how clothing fits (and cross my fingers that I start to notice a change soon to keep up motivation). My Weight always increases throughout the day. Always weigh in after you pee in the morning. Then try to resist the scale the remainder of the day.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on May 1, 2016 19:51:25 GMT -5
Financial
GOAL #1: Sell the MFH Complete Goal #2: Transfer 2nd Mortgage from my house that is rented out that has XH's name on it to another line of credit without his name on it. Week 2: we have emptied the crap, set up the necessities with the contractor, the cleaning lady, and the handyman. We're spending tons of money right now, so hopefully it is listed soon. I think we're on pace to list mid-February.
Week 3: Same status, just a bit further. Cleaning lady has viewed the house, handyman has started his job, contractor is supposed to start next week.
Week 13: House is listed! There have been a few showings, but no offers.
Week 15: DONE!!! This went far more smoothly than I expected. DH and I are establishing a new financial goal for this year.
Week 17: We have met with two different financial institutions. We don't have enough equity to transfer the money into the mortgage of our primary residence. This next week, we plan to take out of a presonal line of credit in both of our (DH and myself) names and then pay off the 2nd Mortgage.
Personal
GOALS: Lose 15 pounds and maintain that loss & Reduce gossiping
Week 2: down 1.5 - 2.5 pounds, which is where I was prior to Thanksgiving.
Doing okay with gossip reduction, especially with some temptations that have presented themselves with my previous employer.
Week 3: no additional weight loss. A few slips with some previous employer topics, but all have been people seeking me out. I'm trying to just listen politely and not contribute.
Week 13: weight has gone back up. I'm at least two pounds heavier than I was on 1 Jan. Gossiping-wise, I feel like I'm doing okay. It's easier when I just don't talk to adults.
Week 15: weight is back under control. Now to resume losing. Gossiping--did well in a circumstance presented last Friday.
Week 17: have lost ~1 pound. My annual blood work came back with some concerns. I'm supposed to transition to a Mediterranean eating style. Hopefully that will help with my weight loss also.
Professional
GOAL: Decide what to do with my career: stay in teaching or return to school administration
Week 2: too early to work on this. Job postings should start in the next eight weeks.
Week 3: too early to work on this. Job postings should start in the next eight weeks.
Week 13: There are two jobs posted within a 30 minute-one-way commute. One is part time and would be another $25K/year pay cut. I've decided not to apply for that. The other I am qualified for on paper. I used to work there however, and I'm just not willing to join the dysfunction again. It is 2x my current income and a higher level than I was before I was laid off. I just don't think I'd be happy with the position in this particular organization though. So, right now, I'm staying as a teacher for the next school year.
Week 15: An elementary principal-ship has opened up sixty driving minutes away. Our lives are content at the moment, and with the sale of the MFH, the urgency to increase my income is significantly reduced. Adding two hours of car time per day to my life is not appealing at the moment. So, staying in teaching as of right now. Week 17: No new administrative job postings with in a 30-minute one way commute.
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Post by mojothehelpermonkey on May 4, 2016 16:46:43 GMT -5
Moving - I scheduled the cats for a vet appointment to get their health certificates, so we can travel with them. I was hoping to bring them in sooner, but the certificate has to be issued within 10 days of travel. I also took them for a ride in the car this morning. It was easy getting them in their carriers because I surprised them during nap time. It wasn't a long ride, but they both handled it well. However, my older cat did give me one of those "WTF was that all about" looks when we got home.
Wedding - It keeps getting bigger, but I am glad that so many people from my FH's family are excited about it.
Career - I am thinking about applying for a government job that I saw posted. I meet the minimum qualifications, but I think it would still be a long shot, as it involves working in a completely different environment than my previous jobs. Also, if I did get it, it could complicate our plan to visit FH's grandma this summer. I will probably still give it a shot.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on May 9, 2016 9:30:16 GMT -5
Late for the check-in. There was only one day last week that I wasn't up on everything--Wednesday. Down 0.1% with the body fat that day. I'm working way too hard to be right where I started. It pisses me off that I lost more weight not trying at all, and eating/drinking whatever the hell I wanted! (This is a tough week with 3 celebrations, though.) New strategy: Watching the food intake more closely. Up the water/veggie intake. Downloaded myfitnesspal and using it. In general, I'm not good at tracking myself, but so far it is going okay. Starting today, I'm increasing activity level throughout the day. Well, I'm not progressing with the weight loss, but my posture is greatly improved. Energy level is much better than it was. Nutrition is improved (also, year to year cholesterol levels are improved slightly). IBS-like symptoms are pretty much non-existent now. So, there's lots of other benefits, just not the one I really really want.
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Apple
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Post by Apple on May 10, 2016 19:53:52 GMT -5
I had to put all of the savings goals stuff this month toward car repairs, but, I finally have my pickup running again, can return my parent's car they let us borrow when DS's car quit, and half the stuff was just basic maintenance anyway (new battery, oil change...) We have enough saved between the two of us (DS and I) to cover his first year of college since he's doing it at the community college and staying home for one more year. If he can knock out his freshman year this summer (he has passed tests for 7 or 9 AP classes), then he'll go away to college as a junior, and that could really help save since he wouldn't be required to live in a dorm with a food plan. I've been thinking I need to do something during my night shifts while I'm watching movies, and I think I've decided to completely hand stitch a quilt. I have some jeans I've been saving to make a quilt "some day", so we'll see if I'm up to hand stitching that (if not, I'll have to use a machine to sew the blocks together). I think it would be pretty relaxing, but still productive, and will create something "made with love". I want to do the jean one first since it will be less "exact"--it will give me time to perfect my stitching so that the next quilt is even better. Not sure that was a goal, but it's a nice way to pass the slow times at this new job
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on May 12, 2016 23:32:48 GMT -5
1. Improve our financials
b. Rebuild my teaching business It sounds like the after school program is a sure thing. Need to get some paperwork over to them next week. Pay isn't as great as what I'm paid for teaching at home. But, it would allow me to drop my other part time job in the fall. I started another student at the studio.
c. Save
2. Health a. Exercise Goal is to get 5K steps in a day. Not as great as ners, but it's a good average. I'm either doing 8K steps or 2K. Shooting for something in the middle seems good.
4. Start working through my stash. I need to think on this more. I have limited time, not enough, actually...and not enough arms.. I have too many choices for charity knitting, and I'm struggling to find a system that works. So, right now I'm flitting. I might have another cross stitch finish soon. Done with UFO/WIP #3 for the year for cross stitch. And I have to figure out how to fix my hardanger piece.
5. Work on our House a. Declutter Getting more baby stuff out of the house b Repair Garage springs broke; had to replace. c Update: Most time will be spent outside so our yard does not look like a pit.
What the hell, I'll shoot for the stars: 6. Read something other than blogs and messageboards.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on May 13, 2016 10:08:48 GMT -5
Still exercising/doing yoga every day. Watching caloric intake with Myfitnesspal. It's surprising how quickly it adds up. Starting to see very mild results in all categories, but it's glacial for sure. Didn't help the night my mom called me at 3:30 am, not realizing it was the middle of the night. With my insomnia, yeah, I didn't get any more sleep that night. Considering that, and I had my anniversary, mother's day and my birthday all within 1 week, it's amazing I didn't gain some weight, so I'm calling it a win for this week. Goals for this week-- --Keep up diet & fitness regimen. Continue to up the activity level with housework throughout the day. --Update resume since completing QB class, and apply for 2 good full-time jobs I saw for the hell of it. DB is currently laid off, so may be workable for a while, especially the one job located 1 mile from my house and 2 miles from my mom's house. Also, I think there may be a new mandate to bring in interpreters to Dr appts if requested. That could potentially be very helpful. Mom's not doing as well, in general, so maybe close to time to get her in a home. --Restart YNAB for mom's stuff. I don't know why I can't seem to keep up on it. I'm probably sort of ADD, to tell you the truth.
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Post by mojothehelpermonkey on May 19, 2016 17:41:21 GMT -5
Moving - Less than 2 weeks to go. We are pretty much done deciding what we are taking and what needs to go. I posted some things on Craigslist today and managed to sell my dresser. We are going to try to schedule a time for the veterans' charity to come take some of our furniture and kitchen stuff next week. My friend is also going to come over next week to see if she wants anything. Wedding - When I was going through my books, I found a card/letter that my friend gave me for our college graduation almost 14 years ago. I read it again, and it was mostly him worrying about never seeing any of his friends again after graduation. We are still in touch, but I haven't seen him since his wedding to another one of our friends over 6 years ago. Anyway, I am planning on inviting both of them to our wedding. Career - I saw a lab coordinator position posted in the area we are moving to. I don't want to get my hopes up too much, but it seems like a it could be a good fit.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on May 23, 2016 10:52:59 GMT -5
Still making slow progress. I think I'm looking a little better. The calorie counting has caused me to eat a lot healthier. It wasn't my main objective, but it is a nice side benefit. No progress on anything else.
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lurkyloo
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Post by lurkyloo on May 23, 2016 19:06:19 GMT -5
I nagged DH into getting my iPad screen fixed and hanging the pictures in the living and dining rooms so they're not lying/propped up all over. That counts, right? Actually, the house is slowly looking better. I have my eye on a rug for the living room, and I love the upstairs hall rug and entry hall shoe rack...sooo much better and easier to keep clean. Need a new scarf-ish window treatment in the LR/DR too; the current one is an eighties-tastic floral pattern carefully coordinated to the (vibrant blue-green) shades on the DR chandelier. (Haha, need a new chandelier too!) DS is signed up for the next session of gymnastics and two weekly swim lessons...one of which will involve me leaving work an hour early on Thursdays. Anything to burn off some of that energy! Dr and dentist appointments are scheduled. His party has sort of exploded...nearly all of the neighbor kids are coming, so I'm expecting 15 kids with four still to respond. The Evite is frankly kinda embarrassing; only 6 responses of which 3 are no's (out of 4 total no's!) so it looks awful and hopefully no one cares but me. Work is going better, albeit with room for improvement. And I bought a scale that actually works...had been using one that's always off 20 lb or so. I think I was happier with that one; I could pretend it was off more than it is
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on May 23, 2016 22:28:10 GMT -5
Financial GOAL #1: Sell the MFH Complete Goal #2: Transfer 2nd Mortgage from my house that is rented out that has XH's name on it to another line of credit without his name on it. Complete
Goal #3: Push to have PMI removed from our primary residence's mortgage. Goal #4: Establish a new plan for paying off all debt except for primary residence and rental house mortgages by 2022. Week 2: we have emptied the crap, set up the necessities with the contractor, the cleaning lady, and the handyman. We're spending tons of money right now, so hopefully it is listed soon. I think we're on pace to list mid-February. Week 3: Same status, just a bit further. Cleaning lady has viewed the house, handyman has started his job, contractor is supposed to start next week. Week 13: House is listed! There have been a few showings, but no offers. Week 15: DONE!!! This went far more smoothly than I expected. DH and I are establishing a new financial goal for this year. Week 17: We have met with two different financial institutions. We don't have enough equity to transfer the money into the mortgage of our primary residence. This next week, we plan to take out of a personal line of credit in both of our (DH and myself) names and then pay off the 2nd Mortgage. Week 20: We have completed the transfer of funds. I am still waiting for a "paid in full" letter and refund check for the overage payment. I'm frustrated that I had to put the money in DH's name. I didn't want that. However, it was more important to DH that my XH couldn't hold this over my head anymore. This is done now, and I am relieved.
Personal GOALS: Lose 15 pounds and maintain that loss & Reduce gossiping Week 2: down 1.5 - 2.5 pounds, which is where I was prior to Thanksgiving. Doing okay with gossip reduction, especially with some temptations that have presented themselves with my previous employer. Week 3: no additional weight loss. A few slips with some previous employer topics, but all have been people seeking me out. I'm trying to just listen politely and not contribute. Week 13: weight has gone back up. I'm at least two pounds heavier than I was on 1 Jan. Gossiping-wise, I feel like I'm doing okay. It's easier when I just don't talk to adults. Week 15: weight is back under control. Now to resume losing. Gossiping--did well in a circumstance presented last Friday. Week 17: have lost ~1 pound. My annual blood work came back with some concerns. I'm supposed to transition to a Mediterranean eating style. Hopefully that will help with my weight loss also. Week 20: Down three pounds from Jan 1 weight. Not the miraculous amount I wanted by now, but I'm also not trying that hard.
Professional GOAL: Decide what to do with my career: stay in teaching or return to school administration Week 2: too early to work on this. Job postings should start in the next eight weeks. Week 3: too early to work on this. Job postings should start in the next eight weeks. Week 13: There are two jobs posted within a 30 minute-one-way commute. One is part time and would be another $25K/year pay cut. I've decided not to apply for that. The other I am qualified for on paper. I used to work there however, and I'm just not willing to join the dysfunction again. It is 2x my current income and a higher level than I was before I was laid off. I just don't think I'd be happy with the position in this particular organization though. So, right now, I'm staying as a teacher for the next school year. Week 15: An elementary principal-ship has opened up sixty driving minutes away. Our lives are content at the moment, and with the sale of the MFH, the urgency to increase my income is significantly reduced. Adding two hours of car time per day to my life is not appealing at the moment. So, staying in teaching as of right now. Week 17: No new administrative job postings with in a 30-minute one way commute. Week 20: One job that is an 80-min drive one way. Pay would be $12K more than I'm scheduled to make next school year. That doesn't seem worth the drive time and gas money. Another job is a 60-min one way drive. The pay would be worth it, but the time commitment for the job (high school principal) combined with the drive would severely hinder my parenting. I only have three years left with my baby. I'm really looking at staying in teaching next year. DH is actually now pushing for this. He likes that I only work 50 hours per week and have a two minute commute. He's decided that our quality of life is better this way than with me being at my "full potential" for my career. This is a big breakthrough for him. I'd prefer more money, but I do want to be able to parent well the next three years.
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Post by mojothehelpermonkey on May 24, 2016 19:53:57 GMT -5
I nagged DH into getting my iPad screen fixed and hanging the pictures in the living and dining rooms so they're not lying/propped up all over. That counts, right? Actually, the house is slowly looking better. I have my eye on a rug for the living room, and I love the upstairs hall rug and entry hall shoe rack...sooo much better and easier to keep clean. Need a new scarf-ish window treatment in the LR/DR too; the current one is an eighties-tastic floral pattern carefully coordinated to the (vibrant blue-green) shades on the DR chandelier. (Haha, need a new chandelier too!) DS is signed up for the next session of gymnastics and two weekly swim lessons...one of which will involve me leaving work an hour early on Thursdays. Anything to burn off some of that energy! Dr and dentist appointments are scheduled. His party has sort of exploded...nearly all of the neighbor kids are coming, so I'm expecting 15 kids with four still to respond. The Evite is frankly kinda embarrassing; only 6 responses of which 3 are no's (out of 4 total no's!) so it looks awful and hopefully no one cares but me. Work is going better, albeit with room for improvement. And I bought a scale that actually works...had been using one that's always off 20 lb or so. I think I was happier with that one; I could pretend it was off more than it is I found an old scale when I was cleaning, and I immediately lost about 5 pounds. I can't imagine why I put it in the closet in the first place. Clearly it is superior to other scales.
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snapdragon
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Post by snapdragon on May 26, 2016 11:27:41 GMT -5
2016 Goals
Financial -
1 ) Pay off the 2nd Mortgage.
--- I am now under 4K. It looks as though I should be done in September. I am seriously working on it.
2 ) Put $1000 into savings this year.
--- On track. Once the 2nd mtg is paid this will be ramped up.
Personal -
3 ) Meet with friends at least 3 times this year.
--- Talking with the BFF's about when. Still in talking mode -- I need to make some calls this week.
4 ) Start a game night with work friends
--- Game night is on for June 3 at my place. Now I just need to clean.
5 ) Try a new recipe every month.
--- Nothing has caught my interest yet.
6 ) Go out of state on vacation this year. -- For myself not to visit Mom.
--- Talk of California or seeing the Grand Canyon for the fall.
7 ) Work on decluttering the house.
--- Must get stuff out of the house this weekend.
8 ) Check out a different podcast every few months - I am starting with Welcome to Night Vale and Lore.
--- Lore is fun and interesting and I am now on episode 74? of Night Vale. I have also been listening to Jim Harold's Campfire.
9 ) Walk more.
--- Still hasn't happened. But I was out last week cleaning the property with 2 others and got a workout. Also getting ready to break out the bike now that I have a helmet.
10 ) Play with my paints. --- Not happened yet.
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Apple
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Post by Apple on May 26, 2016 21:10:14 GMT -5
This month was pretty bad with spending...
In addition to the car repairs earlier this month, for one annual bill I somehow only accounted for half, so didn't put any aside for savings this month to cover the short fall (I increased the amount budgeted for next year).
No overtime on the last two paychecks, so nothing extra to set aside this month (this next paycheck will have some overtime pay, so that will be nice).
I increased my Roth contributions to move some of the money out of my savings account. It comes out of my paycheck, so I'll move an equal amount from savings to checking each month to cover the short paycheck, and then scale the Roth back down after I have what I want moved.
Quilting now has its own line item in my budget... I have enough stuff to get me started now, so hopefully will reduce spending there now (there was a great deal on batting and some other stuff I needed, so I got enough for a few quilts). I want the quilts to be all hand stitched (at least the ones for those close to me), but my mom is going to loan one of her extra sewing machines to me for other stuff, so at least I don't have to spend more money there!
One of my coworkers is leaving, so I'm taking his schedule, which will give me more nights than I do now, and will also allow me to take off 16 days in a row for 16 hours of vacation instead of 14 days off. I'm really excited about that change. I'm about 1000x happier than I was this time last year. It's amazing all the things that turn around after you escape a bad job situation. The longer I'm out of it, the more things are falling into place for me.
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Post by mojothehelpermonkey on May 29, 2016 18:52:40 GMT -5
Moving - We are leaving in 2 days. We are both stressed out and exhausted, but I think we will get everything done in time. We were able to sell or donate almost all of our furniture. I left a pile of stuff in front of the vacant house at the end of the alley and most of it is gone now. The cats have their health certificates, and I got some anti-nausea pills, just in case. Surprisingly, our most nervous cat is the only one who has not been stress grooming. She has been hiding in her carrier in the closet for the last few days. I have lived in San Diego for the last 14 years, and FH has lived here since he was in high school. Getting ready to leave has been emotionally exhausting too, especially for FH. We have seen his family more in the last month than we usually do in a year, and last night we had a BBQ for our friends. Wedding - My cousin and her husband drove down from LA for the BBQ, and it was great to see them. She said that they will have no problem making it to LV for our wedding, and her sister might even be able to come from AZ. She is a single mom with 4 kids, so I don''t want her to feel obligated, but I hope she can make it. First we have to plan the wedding though. We have been focusing on moving first, and so far all I have done is start making a playlist for the reception. Career - I applied for the lab coordinator position. Unfortunately, I heard that the university just made some big cuts, so now a lot of employees are in a situation where they were laid off and are now reapplying for their old jobs. Oh well, at least I won't get my feelings hurt if they don't contact me.
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Lizard Queen
Senior Associate
103/2024
Joined: Jan 17, 2011 22:19:13 GMT -5
Posts: 14,659
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Post by Lizard Queen on May 31, 2016 10:12:17 GMT -5
Good luck, Mojo! Hoping this new start for you brings everything you hope for!
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Lizard Queen
Senior Associate
103/2024
Joined: Jan 17, 2011 22:19:13 GMT -5
Posts: 14,659
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Post by Lizard Queen on May 31, 2016 10:22:04 GMT -5
Still keeping up with all my workout sessions and calorie tracking. My weight dropped precipitously last week. Should've posted on Friday, as I was down to my best numbers ever since the 2nd kid. Backtracked a bit over the weekend. I'll post Friday's numbers anyway, as, like it or not, that's going to be my new reference point: 166.8#, 26.5BMI, 34.8%bodyfat & 46.0%bodyH2O.
(DH weighed in too, with results that make me envious, but he left him lamenting the fact that he was only 6% bodyfat back when he graduated high school! I'd love to get to where he is now, except for the weight, of course.)
Other stuff, gotta get my ass back in gear for everything. Time for a major paperwork filing session!
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Lizard Queen
Senior Associate
103/2024
Joined: Jan 17, 2011 22:19:13 GMT -5
Posts: 14,659
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jun 4, 2016 20:27:57 GMT -5
This Friday brought across the board improvements: 165.8#, 26.3bmi, 34.2%bodyfat & 46.3%H2O. I'm nearing some intermediate goals. Dug out my old pilates reformer & rebounder Thursday, and experienced a new level of soreness since the start of this thing. It's all good, though. Got my mom's bills done. I think we're buying a minivan. Not thrilled with it, but it's okay. (The price was lower, due to age/mileage.) Means I really should get back to work sooner or later. We've got the cash, but decreases the cushion. Worried that it might derail my weight loss scheme, and I'm getting way too old to stop now. Guess all I can do is try!
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giramomma
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Feb 3, 2011 11:25:27 GMT -5
Posts: 22,161
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Post by giramomma on Jun 5, 2016 8:42:48 GMT -5
1. Improve our financials Moving nicely. Received scholarship $$ that I asked for the kids' school. I'm all set up for teaching in an afterschool program next year. We'll see what happens. I haven't quit side job 2 because I like it, and I don't know for sure what the teaching situation is going to be until next fall. I actually put money in our savings accounts. Felt good.
2. Grad school. I'm feeling good enough about finances that I can think about studying for GREs again. I also don't like where my department is heading, and my desire to pull a Dark is getting more and more frequent.
3. Health What's this?
4. Start working through my stash. Found another cross stitch project to work on that hold my attention. Knitting from stash is taking a back seat. Doing a "summer camp" knit along sort of thing, just to learn something new. I do have to buy yarn for each new project. One, though, is going to be a christmas present. So there's that. But, I did teach myself a simple lace pattern, so I'm proud of myself.
5. Work on our House Going to get estimates to replace flooring in upstairs bathroom this week. DH is looking at getting dehumidfier repaired or replaced. My flower beds look like crap. Working on that.
6. Read something other than blogs and messageboards. What's this?
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Post by mojothehelpermonkey on Jun 8, 2016 15:55:13 GMT -5
Moving - We did it! The cats did not enjoy the trip, but they are starting to settle into the new place. My cats have only lived in small apartments, so it took them a couple of days to get used to living in an big, creaky house, but last night they were having a good time chasing each other around. We have a lot of clutter to clear out of the attic and garage, but we still have plenty of room here. The cat's have their own room, I have an office, and FH has a game room. My mom also got a garden started for us with tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, and cabbage. We are adjusting to living in a small town. I love how quiet it is, but the only restaurant in town stops serving breakfast at 11 am, even on weekends. Also, I don't eat meat, so we will have to drive at least 30 miles for me to eat a good meal. We plan to do more cooking at home though. We had to check a few stores before I could find a place that sells the crazy foods I like, like lentils and goat cheese. Also, when I called to set up the internet, they initially said it could take up to a week for it to get turned on. FH's brother joked that the only person who works there must be on vacation this week. Maybe that's true, but at least he made a quick stop by to turn it on before he left town because we had service by the end of that day. I also appreciated that a real person answered the phone right away, instead of the 10+ minutes of automated menus and hold music that I had to sit through when I tried to cancel my service in San Diego. Wedding - No progress here. Career - I was rejected for the lab coordinator position within 4 business days of the closing date. It was a bot reply that said they went with someone more qualified. My brother's friend already has some job leads for FH, so maybe I can just be a SAHM to the cats for a while until something else comes up.
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lurkyloo
Junior Associate
“Time means nothing now,” said Toad. “It is just the thing that happens between snacks.”
Joined: Jan 8, 2011 11:26:56 GMT -5
Posts: 6,070
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Post by lurkyloo on Jun 13, 2016 22:07:34 GMT -5
Still here. Still alive. DS' birthday party was great. Couple of fairly minor blips (no tractor on the John Deere theme cake? One last minute RSVP and two unexpected siblings meant I thought I was short a goody bag and felt really awful about it...) but everyone had a great time. Thank you notes: 2/3 done; still working our way through opening the remaining presents. Doctor appt done! Dr thought DS is perfectly normal (and that the early intervention people REALLY try to qualify kids for their program...so since they didn't qualify him, there's really nothing wrong ) He's huge; 94th percentile on height and 99th on weight. Dentist done! DS screamed the whole time they were looking at his teeth. At least that made it easy to see them... Dad visit: Nice to see him, and he and DS got along great. DS saw him on arrival, said Hi Grandpa and went for a hug...then turned around and went straight to the Keurig to make him a cup of coffee Teacher year-end gifts done. I went with cash; seems they've changed the rules on Visa/MC-type gift cards and I didn't leave myself enough time to order Amex ones without paying for expedited shipping. Weight: trending slowly downward, largely because I don't get around to eating dinner most nights Money: I need to cut back a little on optional spending...been an expensive month. Nothing I really regret though. Potty training: DS is currently on a slight upswing in interest in using the potty. Physically he's ready to be trained; it's a matter of being willing. House: Just don't much care anymore. I do some chores regularly, but have insufficient time/motivation/interest to get various others done. On the bright side, Dad's visit meant I was highly motivated to scrub down the downstairs bath with bleach I love him dearly, but only a masochist would share a bathroom with him. Work: Going ok technically. I'm frankly a little worried our admin assistant is going to go postal--been pissed off and passive-aggressive about it for months now, and I heard a story from a coworker that I'm going to have to report to the boss because already-crazy behavior has escalated to a point that can be considered harassment. Bedtime!
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 21:04:44 GMT -5
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Jun 14, 2016 17:45:12 GMT -5
Financial
GOAL #1: Sell the MFH
Complete
Goal #2: Transfer 2nd Mortgage from my house that is rented out that has XH's name on it to another line of credit without his name on it.
Complete
Goal #3: Push to have PMI removed from our primary residence's mortgage.
Goal #4: Establish a new plan for paying off all debt except for primary residence and rental house mortgages by 2022.
Plan is complete; now we just have to follow the plan. Week 2: we have emptied the crap, set up the necessities with the contractor, the cleaning lady, and the handyman. We're spending tons of money right now, so hopefully it is listed soon. I think we're on pace to list mid-February.
Week 3: Same status, just a bit further. Cleaning lady has viewed the house, handyman has started his job, contractor is supposed to start next week.
Week 13: House is listed! There have been a few showings, but no offers.
Week 15: DONE!!! This went far more smoothly than I expected. DH and I are establishing a new financial goal for this year.
Week 17: We have met with two different financial institutions. We don't have enough equity to transfer the money into the mortgage of our primary residence. This next week, we plan to take out of a personal line of credit in both of our (DH and myself) names and then pay off the 2nd Mortgage.
Week 20: We have completed the transfer of funds. I am still waiting for a "paid in full" letter and refund check for the overage payment. I'm frustrated that I had to put the money in DH's name. I didn't want that. However, it was more important to DH that my XH couldn't hold this over my head anymore. This is done now, and I am relieved.
Week 22: We do have a plan for Goal #4. I still need a "paid in full" letter. I need to contact the mortgage holder for our primary residence. I tried to that a two weeks ago, but the branch I went to was not helpful.
Personal
GOALS: Lose 15 pounds and maintain that loss & Reduce gossiping
Week 2: down 1.5 - 2.5 pounds, which is where I was prior to Thanksgiving.
Doing okay with gossip reduction, especially with some temptations that have presented themselves with my previous employer.
Week 3: no additional weight loss. A few slips with some previous employer topics, but all have been people seeking me out. I'm trying to just listen politely and not contribute.
Week 13: weight has gone back up. I'm at least two pounds heavier than I was on 1 Jan. Gossiping-wise, I feel like I'm doing okay. It's easier when I just don't talk to adults.
Week 15: weight is back under control. Now to resume losing. Gossiping--did well in a circumstance presented last Friday.
Week 17: have lost ~1 pound. My annual blood work came back with some concerns. I'm supposed to transition to a Mediterranean eating style. Hopefully that will help with my weight loss also.
Week 20: Down three pounds from Jan 1 weight. Not the miraculous amount I wanted by now, but I'm also not trying that hard.
Week 22: I was down four pounds, but I'm back up to a 2.5 - 3.0 pound loss. I've been doing well with not talking to people.
Professional
GOAL: Decide what to do with my career: stay in teaching or return to school administration
Week 2: too early to work on this. Job postings should start in the next eight weeks.
Week 3: too early to work on this. Job postings should start in the next eight weeks.
Week 13: There are two jobs posted within a 30 minute-one-way commute. One is part time and would be another $25K/year pay cut. I've decided not to apply for that. The other I am qualified for on paper. I used to work there however, and I'm just not willing to join the dysfunction again. It is 2x my current income and a higher level than I was before I was laid off. I just don't think I'd be happy with the position in this particular organization though. So, right now, I'm staying as a teacher for the next school year.
Week 15: An elementary principal-ship has opened up sixty driving minutes away. Our lives are content at the moment, and with the sale of the MFH, the urgency to increase my income is significantly reduced. Adding two hours of car time per day to my life is not appealing at the moment. So, staying in teaching as of right now.
Week 17: No new administrative job postings with in a 30-minute one way commute.
Week 20: One job that is an 80-min drive one way. Pay would be $12K more than I'm scheduled to make next school year. That doesn't seem worth the drive time and gas money. Another job is a 60-min one way drive. The pay would be worth it, but the time commitment for the job (high school principal) combined with the drive would severely hinder my parenting. I only have three years left with my baby. I'm really looking at staying in teaching next year. DH is actually now pushing for this. He likes that I only work 50 hours per week and have a two minute commute. He's decided that our quality of life is better this way than with me being at my "full potential" for my career. This is a big breakthrough for him. I'd prefer more money, but I do want to be able to parent well the next three years. Week 22: Another job only 20 minutes away opened up. I used to work in that district. The last year I worked there, I cried almost every week because of the dysfunction. The grade levels of the school were great, but it is still in major dysfunction. So, Decision made. I will stay with teaching for this next year.
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Apple
Junior Associate
Always travel with a sense of humor
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 15:51:04 GMT -5
Posts: 9,938
Mini-Profile Name Color: dc0e29
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Post by Apple on Jun 16, 2016 22:19:21 GMT -5
DS got his grades up in time! He now qualifies for the Oregon Promise, which will pay quite a bit of his community college tuition (around two semesters, hopefully). That will save me some money there!
This month's overtime money won't be set aside for his college though (goal was 90% of overtime to college savings). I had some unexpected bills and things come up, and covered them fine with slush funds, but I want to get the money back in those budgeted line items because I know I have stuff coming down the road (tires, etc). I'm almost "low man" on overtime after this month though, so I should see more time headed my way. Now that I only work seven days in two weeks, an overtime day is pretty painless.
Work is going great! I've lost a little weight without really trying yet, and I'm already much healthier than I was this time last year (fewer migraines, stomach issues are almost completely resolved, and stress levels are nice and low).
I haven't kept up on YNAB this month, but I was kind of putting it off until I worked a night shift, which I'll do this weekend. It gives me something to do to fill the time.
I have the stuff I need to get a good start on quilting now, so I will back down my spending there, and looking forward to seeing something progress there.
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