Oh I love today!
I love Christmas!
So I work a half day today...not so bad. It's quite, gives me a chance to clear my desk of all items I've been pushing around for two weeks and leave for holiday knowing I have one, maybe two things to accomplish when I return.
I love Christmas Eve, because it means grocery shopping for all my essentials for the week between Christmas and New year's. It means tonight I deliver my Secret Santa items to a few people in my building that I think will be most happy to receive it. It means I get to secretly brighten someone else's Christmas by showing there IS a Santa Claus, and knowing that makes my Christmas brighter!!
I love to day because tonight, Santa visits all the little girls and boys bringing with him not just gifts, but a solidification that you can dream, have imagination, believe in the spirit of something and unconsciously turn someone's life around, with a simple, small token of love, built into a gift.
I truly hope each and every one of you enjoy your Christmas, Kwanza, Festivus, Christmukkah, Eid, Muharram, Family Time or whatever you may celebrate at this time of year.
And as a side bonus - for the next three days, please make a conscious effort to exercise patience, understanding, and compassion to your fellow persons. Try to do one unexpectedly nice thing for someone today, tomorrow and Sunday - heck for the remainder of the year even. You never know what your one tiny kindness will do in someones life. You never know what greatness that one thing will turn into. oft times this is a time of serious depression for some people. A smile, a hello, and a please and thank you could take those depression feelings and lift them right up into happiness, joy, jubilation, or a sense of worthiness.
You are all worthy of the life you want. You are beautiful, talented people. And you matter to someone you don't even know.
There's a song I love to listen to this time of year. Most of you know or have heard Jingle Bells. it begins with dashing through the snow...
A contra melody to that one, sung at the same time, and designed to be a partner song to it goes, like this:
Have a very Happy Holiday,
May your home be filled with happiness,
May your Christmas be the very day for everyone to love and bless,
May your troubles all be tiny ones,
And your thoughts be not worth mentioning,
May your New Year's be the very best it possibly can be!
Oh hear the sleigh bells as they come around the corner,
telling all of us that Christmas time is not so far away,
Can't you hear the sleigh bells as they come around the corner,
telling all of us that Christmas time is only ONE MORE DAY!!
Marry Christmas Everyone!!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
2 Days Before Christmas
This time of year always makes me reflect on things from the past year. 2010 has been quite a roller-coaster year for me.
It's not over yet and I still feel like I have a loop-de-loop, giant hill and a long drop left to get through this year.
There are many things I have learned. I am not mentally unstable. I am not ugly. I am not in a horrible financial state. I am going through some mentally tough things. I am a beautiful, wonderful person, and even if I'm the only one that tells me, that's enough for me. I will be out of debt in 12 months, and I have the tools and support to get this done.
There's a pile of other stuff on my mind right now, as a direct result of a pile of other things that have happened. I don't want to get into it until I've decided what I'm doing about it. I'll just say, life is full of surprises.
I am greatly looking forward to 2011. I can't wait in fact. More to the point I'm looking forward to January 13th. An odd day that, but it's the first payday of the year and brings with it a realization, clarity and concreteness in my life that I'm so in anticipation of! It means I can solidify my plan for the year, and begin marching with purpose to the end of the year, and financial freedom. Oh what a great feeling that will be!
I'm done my Christmas stuff. I have a few things left to wrap for stockings. I'm hoping that this evening will see me at a movie I've been waiting to see since November with a person that keeps saying he wants to go, but when the day we pick to go gets here, there's always an excuse/reason for him not wanting to go after all. Tonight, I'm going regardless. I've learned, this week especially, that I put on hold many things I'd like to do because someone says they want to do it to, but [the date] isn't good for them. So I wait. And wait. And wait. With 2011 coming in, I'm taking back my time, my desire to be active, to do things and my happiness when I accomplish those things I set out to do. Looking back on my life over the last 10 years, I've done that waiting thing more time than I can count. I've learned though that the only person that gets upset or hurt or angry or sad is me. Never the person that said they would and then didn't. It's always me. So 2011 - I'm going to be selfish. I'm going to do only things I really want to do, and do them regardless of who is with me. I am happy on my own. It's nice to have company when completing some tasks, but ultimately I'm doing it because I want to. Me. So why can't me, myself and I go and do it? There is no reason why not!!
So 2011 is mine. For me, by me, because of me, to me. And I'll start practicing today!!
It's not over yet and I still feel like I have a loop-de-loop, giant hill and a long drop left to get through this year.
There are many things I have learned. I am not mentally unstable. I am not ugly. I am not in a horrible financial state. I am going through some mentally tough things. I am a beautiful, wonderful person, and even if I'm the only one that tells me, that's enough for me. I will be out of debt in 12 months, and I have the tools and support to get this done.
There's a pile of other stuff on my mind right now, as a direct result of a pile of other things that have happened. I don't want to get into it until I've decided what I'm doing about it. I'll just say, life is full of surprises.
I am greatly looking forward to 2011. I can't wait in fact. More to the point I'm looking forward to January 13th. An odd day that, but it's the first payday of the year and brings with it a realization, clarity and concreteness in my life that I'm so in anticipation of! It means I can solidify my plan for the year, and begin marching with purpose to the end of the year, and financial freedom. Oh what a great feeling that will be!
I'm done my Christmas stuff. I have a few things left to wrap for stockings. I'm hoping that this evening will see me at a movie I've been waiting to see since November with a person that keeps saying he wants to go, but when the day we pick to go gets here, there's always an excuse/reason for him not wanting to go after all. Tonight, I'm going regardless. I've learned, this week especially, that I put on hold many things I'd like to do because someone says they want to do it to, but [the date] isn't good for them. So I wait. And wait. And wait. With 2011 coming in, I'm taking back my time, my desire to be active, to do things and my happiness when I accomplish those things I set out to do. Looking back on my life over the last 10 years, I've done that waiting thing more time than I can count. I've learned though that the only person that gets upset or hurt or angry or sad is me. Never the person that said they would and then didn't. It's always me. So 2011 - I'm going to be selfish. I'm going to do only things I really want to do, and do them regardless of who is with me. I am happy on my own. It's nice to have company when completing some tasks, but ultimately I'm doing it because I want to. Me. So why can't me, myself and I go and do it? There is no reason why not!!
So 2011 is mine. For me, by me, because of me, to me. And I'll start practicing today!!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Indulging in a Quiet Evening
This week, I'm still alone. Le Man is still working away. Given the weekend we had, I'm glad he is away until Thursday. Gave me a chance to think about somethings.
Last night, I decided to go unplugged - except for my laundry and my Christmas tree. I picked up a book I've had sitting as a reward for finishing my course, since September. I'm already 2/.3 of the way through it. I decided last night was bubble-bath read night and began quickly making my through it. I had such a relaxing evening! I had forgotten what it's like to soak in the tub with bubbles everywhere with a really good book and really sink into the story. The author I read, writes pretty much the same style of book but it's nice to get whisked away to someone else's life for a while and turn my world off.
Tonight, while I may skip the bubble bath, I'll definitely be curling up on the couch with my blanket, a hot chocolate and this book. I'll probably have it done tonight. then I'll slog through the personal finance books I've ear-marked for this year, and feel great about the personal time I gave myself.
I think the reason I've really enjoyed it is because there isn't any extraneous sound happening. No video game waging war in the background. No excessively loud television blaring away something waging war in the background. No commercials! A book has no advertising in it. It can be put down and picked up as often as needed and the story simply rests on the pages waiting for you to come back. You can take a bathroom break and not miss anything. The only thing limiting a book is the person reading it. It makes no real noise - save for a page turning, costs nothing, if you get it from the library, and you owe nothing on it...except if you forget to take it back on time.
My family wasn't/isn't rich. My mom and I lived at the library on weekends when I was younger - best place for a kid that always asked why things were the way they were and wouldn't accept because, or I don't know as answers. In this time of life, I'd forgotten what it is like to wander the stacks of the library looking to see if the next book by a certain author is available or finding a new one.
I have a library card - I think in the New Year I'm going to start giving it a workout!
I can't tell you how excited I am to go home tonight, pick up that book, and read until I fall asleep!
Last night, I decided to go unplugged - except for my laundry and my Christmas tree. I picked up a book I've had sitting as a reward for finishing my course, since September. I'm already 2/.3 of the way through it. I decided last night was bubble-bath read night and began quickly making my through it. I had such a relaxing evening! I had forgotten what it's like to soak in the tub with bubbles everywhere with a really good book and really sink into the story. The author I read, writes pretty much the same style of book but it's nice to get whisked away to someone else's life for a while and turn my world off.
Tonight, while I may skip the bubble bath, I'll definitely be curling up on the couch with my blanket, a hot chocolate and this book. I'll probably have it done tonight. then I'll slog through the personal finance books I've ear-marked for this year, and feel great about the personal time I gave myself.
I think the reason I've really enjoyed it is because there isn't any extraneous sound happening. No video game waging war in the background. No excessively loud television blaring away something waging war in the background. No commercials! A book has no advertising in it. It can be put down and picked up as often as needed and the story simply rests on the pages waiting for you to come back. You can take a bathroom break and not miss anything. The only thing limiting a book is the person reading it. It makes no real noise - save for a page turning, costs nothing, if you get it from the library, and you owe nothing on it...except if you forget to take it back on time.
My family wasn't/isn't rich. My mom and I lived at the library on weekends when I was younger - best place for a kid that always asked why things were the way they were and wouldn't accept because, or I don't know as answers. In this time of life, I'd forgotten what it is like to wander the stacks of the library looking to see if the next book by a certain author is available or finding a new one.
I have a library card - I think in the New Year I'm going to start giving it a workout!
I can't tell you how excited I am to go home tonight, pick up that book, and read until I fall asleep!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A Reflection on my Bank Account
Today is December 21, 2010. I have $2500 in my bank account - give or take a few pennies.
On Dec. 31, 2010 I'll be receiving my last paycheck of the year. It will go into my bank account, moving my balance to a lovely $4100 (give to take those pennies). From this, I will have Rent ($467.10), Car Insurance ($141.03), RRSP ($100), Bank Fees ($12.95), and my January monthly amounts ($600) to come out. That means my bank account will be sitting at $2778.92 if I take everything out at the beginning of the month. Or I only take half my monthly stuff so my balance stays above $3000, and take the rest after the first paycheck in January.
I think that's what I'm going to do. This way I have half the months money to work with and can keep that balance above the minimum in my account until my first paycheck. This will also give me a chance to evaluate any raise coming in January, and work it through the month better, by using my first paycheck to forward the remaining money for the month.
It's only weeks away now!!
Over my holidays I'll take the time to update my blog here with my goals for the year, and for the month of January. I'll be moving some things around to make it clearer for everyone, and easier for me to track and keep track of.
On another note - I'll be coming to you with a post about a financial book I'm scheduled to finish this week, and I've read my six personal books for the year I have hoped to have done. I'll be working next week on completing a second personal finance book as well - so though down to the wire, I'll be completing that goal as well.
Further to that I will have a new balance for that debt monster I've been spinning my wheels with all year as well - and have a concrete schedule to slay that beast by years end.
You have no idea how nice it is to see a good balance in my bank account. I love love LOVE the progress I've made in that area!! Of note, I dumped my over protection from the account back in September and never looked back!! (Another form of credit bites the dust!)
All in all I'm happy with my progress - even it is more behavioural than visible on paper. I am getting so excited to be walking into the light of debt freedom!
Stay tuned for some final good things for 2010. These last two weeks are all about setting myself up for success.
On Dec. 31, 2010 I'll be receiving my last paycheck of the year. It will go into my bank account, moving my balance to a lovely $4100 (give to take those pennies). From this, I will have Rent ($467.10), Car Insurance ($141.03), RRSP ($100), Bank Fees ($12.95), and my January monthly amounts ($600) to come out. That means my bank account will be sitting at $2778.92 if I take everything out at the beginning of the month. Or I only take half my monthly stuff so my balance stays above $3000, and take the rest after the first paycheck in January.
I think that's what I'm going to do. This way I have half the months money to work with and can keep that balance above the minimum in my account until my first paycheck. This will also give me a chance to evaluate any raise coming in January, and work it through the month better, by using my first paycheck to forward the remaining money for the month.
It's only weeks away now!!
Over my holidays I'll take the time to update my blog here with my goals for the year, and for the month of January. I'll be moving some things around to make it clearer for everyone, and easier for me to track and keep track of.
On another note - I'll be coming to you with a post about a financial book I'm scheduled to finish this week, and I've read my six personal books for the year I have hoped to have done. I'll be working next week on completing a second personal finance book as well - so though down to the wire, I'll be completing that goal as well.
Further to that I will have a new balance for that debt monster I've been spinning my wheels with all year as well - and have a concrete schedule to slay that beast by years end.
You have no idea how nice it is to see a good balance in my bank account. I love love LOVE the progress I've made in that area!! Of note, I dumped my over protection from the account back in September and never looked back!! (Another form of credit bites the dust!)
All in all I'm happy with my progress - even it is more behavioural than visible on paper. I am getting so excited to be walking into the light of debt freedom!
Stay tuned for some final good things for 2010. These last two weeks are all about setting myself up for success.
Monday, December 20, 2010
A Christmas Bonus
This time of year is often received with mixed blessings - depending entirely on your situation. I'm happy to report that I am continuing to have a wonderful Christmas season. On Thursday we were paid our second of three checks. Personally I love getting three checks in December. It makes Christmas giving a little easier knowing you've got a third check.
Having said that - if you plan properly throughout the year, that third check can do a whole lot more for you than purchase your Christmas.
Christmas Bonus was also handed out this year. I'm fortunate in that I work for a company that still gives this out. It's disguised as Profit Sharing, but its still a nice chunk of unexpected cash.
So - what will I be doing with my windfall and my extra check this month? Well, I'll be leaving it in my checking account - and at the end of the month I will be watching my account closely to see if I pay bank fees this month or not. The reason I'm watching closely is that I have to check at the bank on the rules of the balance minimum to make sure I understand it. Essentially, Christmas Bonus and my extra check will be allowing me to get above that line the bank says I have to be so I don't pay them fees. This will be the first time this has happened in a number of years, and I can't wait to watch that $12.95 stay in my account this month!
Planning - as I mentioned yesterday - is what I"m doing to get my 2011 set up to be a banner year financially for me!
The first financial goal was to be at the minimum for waiving these fees. That means I will keep $155.40 more of my money in 2011. Second financial goal is to pay off my debt. This will be accomplished in part by this mysterious raise I have coming. The rest of the money will be coming form things like my mileage checks, and at the end of the year, the surplus in my medical account. Not to mention any snowballs I make during the year, and with any luck a decent tax return as well.
After that goal - I have to cancel the gym membership I do not use. What a silly thing for me to do. I have a home gym equipped with enough items to get me in shape. I have a bicycle I don't ride anywhere close to as often as I should. So why should I be tossing my money away on something I had great intentions of using but haven't made enough use of to justify the cost in my budget. (here's where I'm hard on myself over this!). That means that with the bank fees being waived, and the gym membership gone - from before - I recover another $62.57 per month!!
The last thing - and the hardest one for me - will be to cut up that last credit card I have until it's paid for. This I can't do until after the hotel for my sister's wedding - purely because they'll ask me for it when I get there and blah blah blah. Before you reply with just pay cash upon arrival - I already know that, but the convenience will be appreciated during check-in the cash will come during check out.
I'm getting really excited for 2011! Like contagious excited!
It's funny because I think this is the first year in a long time I've actually been ready to take on. Most of the time I have dread, or indifference, or fatigue or some sort of ugh moment. This time I've ready. I think it's because I'm working hard at preparing myself for everything I want to accomplish this year. It's also because I'm 12 months away from slaying the debt beast and putting that final sword through it's heart. I'm working hard on my financial behaviours.
I have a mini tantrum over tracking my spending but it works. I know it works and I've got myself handy little program that tracks it all I can see it all there on my page.
So while I'm giving myself preparedness for Christmas, it also seems that I'm receiving piece of mind, excitedness, joy, jubilence and control as surprise bonuses too!
Having said that - if you plan properly throughout the year, that third check can do a whole lot more for you than purchase your Christmas.
Christmas Bonus was also handed out this year. I'm fortunate in that I work for a company that still gives this out. It's disguised as Profit Sharing, but its still a nice chunk of unexpected cash.
So - what will I be doing with my windfall and my extra check this month? Well, I'll be leaving it in my checking account - and at the end of the month I will be watching my account closely to see if I pay bank fees this month or not. The reason I'm watching closely is that I have to check at the bank on the rules of the balance minimum to make sure I understand it. Essentially, Christmas Bonus and my extra check will be allowing me to get above that line the bank says I have to be so I don't pay them fees. This will be the first time this has happened in a number of years, and I can't wait to watch that $12.95 stay in my account this month!
Planning - as I mentioned yesterday - is what I"m doing to get my 2011 set up to be a banner year financially for me!
The first financial goal was to be at the minimum for waiving these fees. That means I will keep $155.40 more of my money in 2011. Second financial goal is to pay off my debt. This will be accomplished in part by this mysterious raise I have coming. The rest of the money will be coming form things like my mileage checks, and at the end of the year, the surplus in my medical account. Not to mention any snowballs I make during the year, and with any luck a decent tax return as well.
After that goal - I have to cancel the gym membership I do not use. What a silly thing for me to do. I have a home gym equipped with enough items to get me in shape. I have a bicycle I don't ride anywhere close to as often as I should. So why should I be tossing my money away on something I had great intentions of using but haven't made enough use of to justify the cost in my budget. (here's where I'm hard on myself over this!). That means that with the bank fees being waived, and the gym membership gone - from before - I recover another $62.57 per month!!
The last thing - and the hardest one for me - will be to cut up that last credit card I have until it's paid for. This I can't do until after the hotel for my sister's wedding - purely because they'll ask me for it when I get there and blah blah blah. Before you reply with just pay cash upon arrival - I already know that, but the convenience will be appreciated during check-in the cash will come during check out.
I'm getting really excited for 2011! Like contagious excited!
It's funny because I think this is the first year in a long time I've actually been ready to take on. Most of the time I have dread, or indifference, or fatigue or some sort of ugh moment. This time I've ready. I think it's because I'm working hard at preparing myself for everything I want to accomplish this year. It's also because I'm 12 months away from slaying the debt beast and putting that final sword through it's heart. I'm working hard on my financial behaviours.
I have a mini tantrum over tracking my spending but it works. I know it works and I've got myself handy little program that tracks it all I can see it all there on my page.
So while I'm giving myself preparedness for Christmas, it also seems that I'm receiving piece of mind, excitedness, joy, jubilence and control as surprise bonuses too!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Preparedness will be the best gift you give yourself
As Christmas approaches, I will be sitting back and enjoying the time. My Christmas shopping is done. My Christmas gifts are "wrapped" (most in reuseable bags!). My apartment is very nearly completely decorated - the tree is going up tonight and le man and I will be decorating. The rest of the rest of the decorations are up and I'm happy.
There are many things that have been happening in the world lately that leads me to think that this year I'll be giving myself preparedness for Christmas.
1) Check my car care kit in my car to make sure I have everything I'll need. With the weather turning, this will successfully ensure that I do not ever need it this season.
2) Set up my YNAB for the new year and get the budget tentatively nailed down. Tentatively because I have a raise coming but nobody will let me know what to expect.
3) Speech for sister's wedding. I'm the Maid of Honour and the MC for the celebration so I've got something to finish.
There are many things that one can do to get going int he new year. I find that I waste a lot of time that I could be better utilizing simply because I turn on the television when I get home from work. I'll be working on using my television time as a reward for accomplishing a few of my "chores" each night. I've been working on this principle for a while. As with everything there is always room for improvement on this. My day planner now includes appointments, and chores for the day. I try to give myself one thing each day on my chores list, one thing I want to do and one thing that I can do to set myself up for later in the week or the next day. This has been helping make the weekends relaxing, make my evening productive and make me feel better all around.
2011 is the year I get out of debt. 2011 is the year that I put to bed a few more of my bad habits. 2011 is the year that I pare down as well. I've been reading a few personal finance bloggers that have been moving towards a more minimal lifestyle. They have found that it keeps the mind clear, and allows one to keep their goals more focused. This is something that I'll be pondering over the next year as well.
Being prepared for certain things will help me get through the year. It will allow me to anticipate things rather than react to things.
In light of the weather turns of the last couple of weeks, I'd much rather now that I can get in my car and drive into any situation having everything I'll need with me. This will help calm my mind and allow me to move forward with my other tasks. I spoke earlier about being early for things. This is a way of being prepared. It allows you time to get to the place you want on time, or gives you a buffer of time that things like accidents from other motorists can still be planned for. If it's bad weather, this will also ensure that no matter the road conditions or the driving habits of others, you'll still get to where you are going safely, calmly and early.
What one gift are you giving yourself this year?
There are many things that have been happening in the world lately that leads me to think that this year I'll be giving myself preparedness for Christmas.
1) Check my car care kit in my car to make sure I have everything I'll need. With the weather turning, this will successfully ensure that I do not ever need it this season.
2) Set up my YNAB for the new year and get the budget tentatively nailed down. Tentatively because I have a raise coming but nobody will let me know what to expect.
3) Speech for sister's wedding. I'm the Maid of Honour and the MC for the celebration so I've got something to finish.
There are many things that one can do to get going int he new year. I find that I waste a lot of time that I could be better utilizing simply because I turn on the television when I get home from work. I'll be working on using my television time as a reward for accomplishing a few of my "chores" each night. I've been working on this principle for a while. As with everything there is always room for improvement on this. My day planner now includes appointments, and chores for the day. I try to give myself one thing each day on my chores list, one thing I want to do and one thing that I can do to set myself up for later in the week or the next day. This has been helping make the weekends relaxing, make my evening productive and make me feel better all around.
2011 is the year I get out of debt. 2011 is the year that I put to bed a few more of my bad habits. 2011 is the year that I pare down as well. I've been reading a few personal finance bloggers that have been moving towards a more minimal lifestyle. They have found that it keeps the mind clear, and allows one to keep their goals more focused. This is something that I'll be pondering over the next year as well.
Being prepared for certain things will help me get through the year. It will allow me to anticipate things rather than react to things.
In light of the weather turns of the last couple of weeks, I'd much rather now that I can get in my car and drive into any situation having everything I'll need with me. This will help calm my mind and allow me to move forward with my other tasks. I spoke earlier about being early for things. This is a way of being prepared. It allows you time to get to the place you want on time, or gives you a buffer of time that things like accidents from other motorists can still be planned for. If it's bad weather, this will also ensure that no matter the road conditions or the driving habits of others, you'll still get to where you are going safely, calmly and early.
What one gift are you giving yourself this year?
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Christmas Shopping Complete!
That's it! That's all! I'm D O N E!!
Everything is wrapped. The tree is up - not decorated but up. My apartment is beginning to look a lot like Christmas and I'm feeling surprisingly festive, even though I'm fighting (hard) against this winter cold this is threatening to take complete hold of me.
Did I go overboard - perhaps a little. Especially for le man but he's a great guy and deserves it all. Plus I know he'll use every last item I gave him. I paid cash for everything except his main gift, and the Birthday presents I've bought my family already. The small ding on my credit card isn't anywhere close to what it usually is. And because I purchased these items through someone else online I couldn't actually go to a store to pay the cash for them. I'll transfer the money over tonight, so it registers as no balance change. I can't believe I'm done though!! What a GREAT feeling!!
Everything is wrapped. The tree is up - not decorated but up. My apartment is beginning to look a lot like Christmas and I'm feeling surprisingly festive, even though I'm fighting (hard) against this winter cold this is threatening to take complete hold of me.
Did I go overboard - perhaps a little. Especially for le man but he's a great guy and deserves it all. Plus I know he'll use every last item I gave him. I paid cash for everything except his main gift, and the Birthday presents I've bought my family already. The small ding on my credit card isn't anywhere close to what it usually is. And because I purchased these items through someone else online I couldn't actually go to a store to pay the cash for them. I'll transfer the money over tonight, so it registers as no balance change. I can't believe I'm done though!! What a GREAT feeling!!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
A Well Rested Person is a...
...happier, healthier, wealthier person!
This week I'm fighting a slight cold. Why? Because le man had one last weekend, my co-worker has one now, and at least 8 students sitting with me in the exam had one. The germs are floating in the air and on the stuff I touch everyday. I have also not been getting adequate sleep in the last few days on account of trying to squeeze more information into my brain.
That being said, I know the power of rest. I understand that when you are feeling ill an extra hour a night can be just the thing for your body to do what it needs to do. If you are someone that is working out, attempting to tone up some un-toned areas, lose weight and just have a healthier lifestyle, the very best thing you can do for yourself is get 8 hours of sleep. Couple that with 3 litres of water a day and your once clunking machine [body] suddenly starts running like a corvette!
Ok I hear you - I can't get 8 hours of sleep I've tried! Really? You've tried? So you go to bed at 10pm so you can get up for work at 6am right? Ok so CSI is that important that you'll lose an hour sleep for it every night? Maybe you're a freelancer and work a full time job too...perhaps then you'll need to schedule yourself better so that you work from 6pm to 10pm and then hit the hay....but the client has me on a deadline!! To take a page from FB over at Fabulously Broke In the City know what you're are worth and plan to keep yourself healthy while you earn it.
There are a pile of excuses people have for not giving their body enough of the rest it requires to do things like repair muscle, fight infection and disease, and de-stress. Can't sleep for 8 hours? Interesting. There are many reasons why people can't rest for 8 hours. Many of them stem to the fact that you've trained your body to go without for so long it has a hard time readjusting what it did in the first place to cope without proper rest. Many more of you are so stressed out your keeping yourself awake when you need to be sleeping.
We can all come up with reasons why we can't, won't or shouldn't do something. We stop ourselves from doing all kinds of things with "I can't." Oh I can't get out of debt - I don't know how. I can't learn a new skill, I"m too old. I can't work out two hours a night, I just can't. I can't sleep 8 hours a night, I might miss something on tv! I can't...my kids... I can't....my health....I can't....my money....I can't......
I forget which great person from the past said it but the saying goes like this...
Whether you say you can't do something, or you can do something. You are always right.
If you say you can't. You can't. If you say you can, then you can - whether it's graceful and elegant or it looks like a hot mess, you will do it!
From Yoda - "Do or Do Not, there is no try".
Keep this in mind the next time you feel that cold sitting in the back of your throat and your bones are aching. You are getting sick. Add a minimum of an hour to each night of sleep until that cold passes. You'd be surprised how much faster you get over it.
For example - I slept 5 hours Sunday night and 7 hours last night. Tonight I'll be crawling into bed early to get about 9 hours of sleep. I can feel this cold beginning to take hold and I don't like it. So I"m going to sleep it out of me. As much as I can for as long as it takes. First though - I'll start with a nutritious protein overloaded dinner and lunch, and a long hot shower or bath. I'll unplug and read a book until I fall asleep - which will probably be even earlier that I think. I will enjoy it! I will be happier when I wake up because I'll know that my body is repairing me - sending my white blood cells out to track down and attack this pesky hiding cold virus.
So tonight - try going to bed one hour earlier than you do. See how you feel in the morning. You may even awake just before that alarm of yours feeling incredibly refreshed!
This week I'm fighting a slight cold. Why? Because le man had one last weekend, my co-worker has one now, and at least 8 students sitting with me in the exam had one. The germs are floating in the air and on the stuff I touch everyday. I have also not been getting adequate sleep in the last few days on account of trying to squeeze more information into my brain.
That being said, I know the power of rest. I understand that when you are feeling ill an extra hour a night can be just the thing for your body to do what it needs to do. If you are someone that is working out, attempting to tone up some un-toned areas, lose weight and just have a healthier lifestyle, the very best thing you can do for yourself is get 8 hours of sleep. Couple that with 3 litres of water a day and your once clunking machine [body] suddenly starts running like a corvette!
Ok I hear you - I can't get 8 hours of sleep I've tried! Really? You've tried? So you go to bed at 10pm so you can get up for work at 6am right? Ok so CSI is that important that you'll lose an hour sleep for it every night? Maybe you're a freelancer and work a full time job too...perhaps then you'll need to schedule yourself better so that you work from 6pm to 10pm and then hit the hay....but the client has me on a deadline!! To take a page from FB over at Fabulously Broke In the City know what you're are worth and plan to keep yourself healthy while you earn it.
There are a pile of excuses people have for not giving their body enough of the rest it requires to do things like repair muscle, fight infection and disease, and de-stress. Can't sleep for 8 hours? Interesting. There are many reasons why people can't rest for 8 hours. Many of them stem to the fact that you've trained your body to go without for so long it has a hard time readjusting what it did in the first place to cope without proper rest. Many more of you are so stressed out your keeping yourself awake when you need to be sleeping.
We can all come up with reasons why we can't, won't or shouldn't do something. We stop ourselves from doing all kinds of things with "I can't." Oh I can't get out of debt - I don't know how. I can't learn a new skill, I"m too old. I can't work out two hours a night, I just can't. I can't sleep 8 hours a night, I might miss something on tv! I can't...my kids... I can't....my health....I can't....my money....I can't......
I forget which great person from the past said it but the saying goes like this...
Whether you say you can't do something, or you can do something. You are always right.
If you say you can't. You can't. If you say you can, then you can - whether it's graceful and elegant or it looks like a hot mess, you will do it!
From Yoda - "Do or Do Not, there is no try".
Keep this in mind the next time you feel that cold sitting in the back of your throat and your bones are aching. You are getting sick. Add a minimum of an hour to each night of sleep until that cold passes. You'd be surprised how much faster you get over it.
For example - I slept 5 hours Sunday night and 7 hours last night. Tonight I'll be crawling into bed early to get about 9 hours of sleep. I can feel this cold beginning to take hold and I don't like it. So I"m going to sleep it out of me. As much as I can for as long as it takes. First though - I'll start with a nutritious protein overloaded dinner and lunch, and a long hot shower or bath. I'll unplug and read a book until I fall asleep - which will probably be even earlier that I think. I will enjoy it! I will be happier when I wake up because I'll know that my body is repairing me - sending my white blood cells out to track down and attack this pesky hiding cold virus.
So tonight - try going to bed one hour earlier than you do. See how you feel in the morning. You may even awake just before that alarm of yours feeling incredibly refreshed!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Why It Pays To Be Early
It's safe to say I could have used one more day to really learn the material for the exam. I did really well on the Multiple choice part - decent on the fill in the blank part - but could have done better on the short answer section. I'm pretty confident I got a 75% on the exam. That would give me an 85% in the class as a final mark. I'm happy with that - but you know I could have done better.
Hey - it's a personal thing! I know the marks aren't going to be worth anything in the real world (i'm already working in it) but its a sense of personal accomplishment ya know? I had a chance to get a 95% in the class - so for each thing I got wrong on the exam cost me overall percentage points. I"ll just have to make sure for my next course I structure my time a little better is all.
To be fair, a friend of le man who is going through a very rough period in life, needed some vent time so i gave up my Friday night to accommodate him in our home, vent, enjoy some friendly company and talk out what he needed...it's one of those things that I knew was coming, and I don't mind giving up my study night to help him out - but that's the time I needed to get my marks up to where I wanted. I'm hard on myself, and I like to see how high I can get those marks and still have a life, and work full time. It's pride I guess - but to take one course, work full time, curl one night a week, have Gail club 2 tuesdays a month, hit the gym twice a week, and spend one night a week on a date, it's fun to see how well I can do with all that going on. Plus it makes me feel slightly superior to my class mates (10 years younger or more) who only have school and what he/she is doing on Friday night and yet STILL can't find time to do their work!
I digress. The real reason for my post is about being early.
I wrote that my exam started at 9:30am yesterday. It actually started at 9am! I'm one of those people that makes sure i"m at the exam building and room an hour before my exam. So arriving at 8:30, with the intention of doing a quick last minute review was obviously cut short. Because I stayed in London with my best friend and her husband (I've been staying with them since I started this degree when necessary - she's one of the best people to have close by when you are striving for a goal - isn't afraid to let me have a break then push me back to the books), I was able to get a ride onto campus yesterday morning. I'll tell you the streets in London were icy!! So icy in fact that as we were waiting in line to turn onto campus we watched a car slide into the snowbank, a girl not paying attention attempt to perform a stop that on dry pavement would have seen her a dime's width away from the car in the snowbank...she didn't make the stop. She pushed them farther into the snow bank, the force of the collision sent her into the van in front of us and had us breathing hard thanking goodness that we weren't hit either. They didn't require a witness (thankfully for me) and we were off to campus. Scary!
So because I panic and get to the room early I avoided the disaster of being a half hour late to my exam yesterday morning. I managed to write it in an hour and fifteen minutes - and was mentally tapped when I handed it in! As a result I was able to complete my Christmas shopping while the parking lots were still empty from shoppers, while the stores were blissfully quiet and the last items I needed were waiting patiently for me to purchase them.
Another reason I was glad I was early in the stores - 4 people came in looking for the items I had just purchased - but since I was early I got the last ones...IN THE CITY!! I managed to get everything I needed for the last of my Christmas stuff in under 2 hours, including driving time, and also enjoy an afternoon of Farmville and reading and a little nap, before I went to dinner with another friend and returned home last night!
I'll continue to really listen to my inner person when she panics a little and wants to be early for everything. I've been able to learn information I may have missed out on because of it, avoid accidents, stress and missing an exam because of it. I've even had the inside scoop on other things because I arrived early for things. And not to mentioned gotten the last [fill in the blank]!
Start giving yourself the time you need to get to places 10 minutes before you are supposed to be there. It can give you a leg up, or even both your legs back!
Hey - it's a personal thing! I know the marks aren't going to be worth anything in the real world (i'm already working in it) but its a sense of personal accomplishment ya know? I had a chance to get a 95% in the class - so for each thing I got wrong on the exam cost me overall percentage points. I"ll just have to make sure for my next course I structure my time a little better is all.
To be fair, a friend of le man who is going through a very rough period in life, needed some vent time so i gave up my Friday night to accommodate him in our home, vent, enjoy some friendly company and talk out what he needed...it's one of those things that I knew was coming, and I don't mind giving up my study night to help him out - but that's the time I needed to get my marks up to where I wanted. I'm hard on myself, and I like to see how high I can get those marks and still have a life, and work full time. It's pride I guess - but to take one course, work full time, curl one night a week, have Gail club 2 tuesdays a month, hit the gym twice a week, and spend one night a week on a date, it's fun to see how well I can do with all that going on. Plus it makes me feel slightly superior to my class mates (10 years younger or more) who only have school and what he/she is doing on Friday night and yet STILL can't find time to do their work!
I digress. The real reason for my post is about being early.
I wrote that my exam started at 9:30am yesterday. It actually started at 9am! I'm one of those people that makes sure i"m at the exam building and room an hour before my exam. So arriving at 8:30, with the intention of doing a quick last minute review was obviously cut short. Because I stayed in London with my best friend and her husband (I've been staying with them since I started this degree when necessary - she's one of the best people to have close by when you are striving for a goal - isn't afraid to let me have a break then push me back to the books), I was able to get a ride onto campus yesterday morning. I'll tell you the streets in London were icy!! So icy in fact that as we were waiting in line to turn onto campus we watched a car slide into the snowbank, a girl not paying attention attempt to perform a stop that on dry pavement would have seen her a dime's width away from the car in the snowbank...she didn't make the stop. She pushed them farther into the snow bank, the force of the collision sent her into the van in front of us and had us breathing hard thanking goodness that we weren't hit either. They didn't require a witness (thankfully for me) and we were off to campus. Scary!
So because I panic and get to the room early I avoided the disaster of being a half hour late to my exam yesterday morning. I managed to write it in an hour and fifteen minutes - and was mentally tapped when I handed it in! As a result I was able to complete my Christmas shopping while the parking lots were still empty from shoppers, while the stores were blissfully quiet and the last items I needed were waiting patiently for me to purchase them.
Another reason I was glad I was early in the stores - 4 people came in looking for the items I had just purchased - but since I was early I got the last ones...IN THE CITY!! I managed to get everything I needed for the last of my Christmas stuff in under 2 hours, including driving time, and also enjoy an afternoon of Farmville and reading and a little nap, before I went to dinner with another friend and returned home last night!
I'll continue to really listen to my inner person when she panics a little and wants to be early for everything. I've been able to learn information I may have missed out on because of it, avoid accidents, stress and missing an exam because of it. I've even had the inside scoop on other things because I arrived early for things. And not to mentioned gotten the last [fill in the blank]!
Start giving yourself the time you need to get to places 10 minutes before you are supposed to be there. It can give you a leg up, or even both your legs back!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Exam Day!
This morning while this post is visible to you, I didn't write it this morning. Took a break Saturday night to post something for you all to read while I'm writing my final.
This is the last course I'm taking in 2010. I'm super happy with that! I'm also happy with my performance so far in this course and will be looking forward to sharing with you how I do.
I'll be taking with me a book I want to finish and my iTouch to get fixed at the store on campus when I'm done this exam. I thought these would be great rewards for completing my course - and they'll help me zone out while my brain resets!
I'll probably also take a nap, and enjoy a dinner with a good friend after everything.
My to do list also includes sourcing out my Mom's Christmas present while I'm in London.
So - while you read this, send positive exam vibes. I begin writing at 9:30am this morning!
I hope you are all having a great morning so far, and that your weekend was relaxing and productive.
This is the last course I'm taking in 2010. I'm super happy with that! I'm also happy with my performance so far in this course and will be looking forward to sharing with you how I do.
I'll be taking with me a book I want to finish and my iTouch to get fixed at the store on campus when I'm done this exam. I thought these would be great rewards for completing my course - and they'll help me zone out while my brain resets!
I'll probably also take a nap, and enjoy a dinner with a good friend after everything.
My to do list also includes sourcing out my Mom's Christmas present while I'm in London.
So - while you read this, send positive exam vibes. I begin writing at 9:30am this morning!
I hope you are all having a great morning so far, and that your weekend was relaxing and productive.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Spontaneous Friday!
It's Spontaneous Friday. I'm going into major study mood this evening, and won't be resurfacing until Tuesday.
There are these things called Flash Mobs. They are a really interesting way to get people to participate in different things. I've seen them be used for protest, for dance, for charity but never for this.
The link I'm sharing requires you to turn your sound on - the louder the better and watch.
Truthfully I was really moved by the performance. Moved enough, that the joy in my heart came pouring out of my eyes. I'm a bit of a sentimental.
Today I bring you Spontaneous Christmas Flash Mob!
There are these things called Flash Mobs. They are a really interesting way to get people to participate in different things. I've seen them be used for protest, for dance, for charity but never for this.
The link I'm sharing requires you to turn your sound on - the louder the better and watch.
Truthfully I was really moved by the performance. Moved enough, that the joy in my heart came pouring out of my eyes. I'm a bit of a sentimental.
Today I bring you Spontaneous Christmas Flash Mob!
Thursday, December 09, 2010
What would you do with Three Days off?
So it's snowing like m ad in some parts of Ontario. London has been closed for three days now due to an overwhelming amount of snow. This has slightly affected me in that my class at the University was canceled. it has the potential to affect me further as my final exam is schedule for Monday at 9am. If they got more snow and end up being blanketed again this weekend, I may not have to write that exam on the scheduled day - fine with me as it'll give me more review time!
it got me thinking - and reminiscing about days gone by. What would you do with three days off work? Would it affect your paycheck?
I'm a salaried employee - so the time off would not change my bottom line at all. Believe, me I have a bunch of things I'd have liked to do with these last three days. I have 9 chapters of material to get through before Sunday (review day) and I'd have made an excellent dent in those by now. If not be nearing completion of the first time through the material. Combine that with the 9 chapters from the first half of the course and I've got a ton of material to review. My three days would have been spent plowing through this material and feeling like I could walk into any exam and write a near perfect one.
So - let's be hypothetical (and for those Londoner's reading this - what is your story from this snow storm? Did you get to work?)
You wake up Monday morning to a meter of snow. You turn on the radio - the schools are closed, the University and Colleges in your town are closed, no public transit is running and your mayor is strongly urging businesses to close until later this week. So what do you do?
Realizing plows haven't cleared your street, you understand there is little hope of getting through on the streets to work. Call your boss to let him/her know and he/she says stay home, enjoy your day, relax and rejuvenate, we'll discuss the time off when things get back to regular winter operation. Ok - little worried about that but it's not like I can walk to work either - 30 minutes in a car in regular weather is 4 hours on foot or more.
So what do you do? For some it's a nice thing to enjoy a coffee and warm breakfast. Play with the kids. Maybe put on the snowpants and attempt to shovel some of that white stuff away from sidewalks and paths and driveways. Perhaps this leads to snow angels and snowball fights. Maybe you put in a movie and cozy up under a blanket and veg out.
Like I said - I'd be studying. And happy to do so...since I wouldn't have to think about work and could concentrate in a quiet apartment. Believe me I'd love this - the stress would lift knowing I reviewed better than if I had to work and try to do it at night. Second thing, I'd also be able to wear comfy clothes all day, take breaks and enjoy some of the Christmas shows on at night. If I didn't have school I'd be reading my way through a couple of books, snuggled into bed with some soft music in the background. Maybe watching a movie or something like that and simply enjoying the laziness of the weather and the day. I'd also decorate my house for Christmas, enjoy a hot chocolate and generally relax my way through the time. Perhaps also I'd get a little stir-crazy and clean out my closet too.
For me, being on salary, days like snow days are great - it's getting paid to be completely me at home without anyone there to tell me to get back to work.
it got me thinking - and reminiscing about days gone by. What would you do with three days off work? Would it affect your paycheck?
I'm a salaried employee - so the time off would not change my bottom line at all. Believe, me I have a bunch of things I'd have liked to do with these last three days. I have 9 chapters of material to get through before Sunday (review day) and I'd have made an excellent dent in those by now. If not be nearing completion of the first time through the material. Combine that with the 9 chapters from the first half of the course and I've got a ton of material to review. My three days would have been spent plowing through this material and feeling like I could walk into any exam and write a near perfect one.
So - let's be hypothetical (and for those Londoner's reading this - what is your story from this snow storm? Did you get to work?)
You wake up Monday morning to a meter of snow. You turn on the radio - the schools are closed, the University and Colleges in your town are closed, no public transit is running and your mayor is strongly urging businesses to close until later this week. So what do you do?
Realizing plows haven't cleared your street, you understand there is little hope of getting through on the streets to work. Call your boss to let him/her know and he/she says stay home, enjoy your day, relax and rejuvenate, we'll discuss the time off when things get back to regular winter operation. Ok - little worried about that but it's not like I can walk to work either - 30 minutes in a car in regular weather is 4 hours on foot or more.
So what do you do? For some it's a nice thing to enjoy a coffee and warm breakfast. Play with the kids. Maybe put on the snowpants and attempt to shovel some of that white stuff away from sidewalks and paths and driveways. Perhaps this leads to snow angels and snowball fights. Maybe you put in a movie and cozy up under a blanket and veg out.
Like I said - I'd be studying. And happy to do so...since I wouldn't have to think about work and could concentrate in a quiet apartment. Believe me I'd love this - the stress would lift knowing I reviewed better than if I had to work and try to do it at night. Second thing, I'd also be able to wear comfy clothes all day, take breaks and enjoy some of the Christmas shows on at night. If I didn't have school I'd be reading my way through a couple of books, snuggled into bed with some soft music in the background. Maybe watching a movie or something like that and simply enjoying the laziness of the weather and the day. I'd also decorate my house for Christmas, enjoy a hot chocolate and generally relax my way through the time. Perhaps also I'd get a little stir-crazy and clean out my closet too.
For me, being on salary, days like snow days are great - it's getting paid to be completely me at home without anyone there to tell me to get back to work.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Waste vs Debt Part Three
I gave you some back story into my recycling ways yesterday, in Part Deux. Today you'll understnad why I started there.
I've been living on my own for 4 years now. Well ok, away from my family. I moved back with them for 2 years after I graduated college. Before that I was living closer to school for 5.5 years. During my time away, I lived in a city that didn't have an extensive waste program. You know, it still doesn't! As such my waste began to rise, and so I noticed did my debt.
While at home I worked. I began doing a job when I was 8 years old. We started by delivering the Pennysaver. It wasn't much money, but when you are 8 years old and your allowance is $5 per week, bringing in an additional $8 per week seemed like you were rich beyond words! I graduated to delivering the Toronto Sun. I had two routes, and my sister had one. I did this until I was 15 - and even then kept it for a year split with my sister.. At 15 I started working for a grocery store, that I stayed with part-time until I was 29. I've had contract and full time positions since 20 doing various other thins, but I always kept working at this grocery store. I managed to save enough money to send myself to New York City at age 12 - no help from my parents, to Florida when I was 17, no help from my parents, and pay for my first year at University - no help from OSAP, even though I qualified and received full funding. I was smart with money back then. I saved like a packrat. I loved watching the balance on my account climb into ranges I'd be happy to see again. I had smart investments - GIC's and BONDs back then.
Then I moved out on my own at school and thins changed. My recycling habits were slackin because the program in the city I lived wasn't anywhere close to as extensive as the one I came from. I was at school and the world shrunk to the bubble on campus and my immediate life. I wasn't at home so i had more control over myself - so I thought. What happened was this.
I accumulated school debt...not so bad...though truthfully it bothered the heck out of me. I accumulated a little bit of personal debt. Not too bad but the bothering feeling was beginning to wear off. For a few summers I came home, worked my tail off to save the money I'd need to live on for the next 8 months AND pay off the credit card I foolishly got.
With the switch to college, I didn't have to spend as much on school, and I was able to gain co-op placements in my field for experience. Not too bad, and really helped when the government came knocking wanting their OSAP back because I didn't guess enough on my applications. I managed to pay back every cent they wanted before the end of the first semester in each of the two years this happened. Thanks to co-op and my stellar saving. After 5 years of school - 2 University and 3 College, I left with $12,000 worth of school debt (second year and a bit of first year.) I had been smart with the money the government was giving me - putting 10% into savings to grow for just such a repayment. I left school, put a chunk down on my debt. I was fortunate enough to have grandparents help me out by paying off the remaining $10,000 before the interest kicked in.
The loan program states that you have to begin paying your debts back. Interest on the amount borrowed begins the first day of the month immediately after your last qualifying month of classes. If you finish and on paper graduate in December, your interest starts accumulating January 1. If it's April, then May is the first month of interest. If you make payments up to and including the amount owing in the same month as your last class, you owe no interest and the loan is straight dollar for dollar. The more you put down before interest starts, the less you owe in interest as a whole. It's in the fine print of your loan agreement and is under utilized by everyone with loans. Here's the other thing - paying your loans on their schedule can be written off on your taxes for a while. Though you really have to think about making a lump sum payment before the clock starts to make sure you can handle the payments once it get's going.
What happened after that was this - they gave me part of that payment as a graduation gift, and I had to pay back the other part. I sat down with then and worked out a plan to have them paid back in a year. I wasn't working full time right after graduation, but having kept that part time job at the grocery store, allowed me to work Full Part-time hours (24 scheduled with call ins) So although I wasn't a full time employee, I was able to work a minimum of 24 hours and some weeks 30 hours until I got a full time job. My first year home, I paid my grandparents back the $6,000 I owed them, AND paid off the $4,000 credit card they didn't know about. Everything seemed to be going well.
My waste was down, my debt was down.
The thing I noticed is this - when my waste was up, my debt was climbing. When I was able to recycle more, my debt was tiny or gone.
I'm on my own again - in an apartment that has a basic recycling program but not much else....my waste is back up and gosh - look at that debt monster!!
So - here's a challenge for my readers. It's Wednesday. Evaluate your waste. What can you recycle, what can you reuse? Evaluate your life. What can you purge and what do you really need to keep? Pear your self down a bit. The ability to clear out the clutter will actually be a mental exercise as well - allowing you to clear the mental clutter and focus on your goal. My debt free date is December 2011 - the exact date is Dec. 29, 2011. I think I can do better than this. I think I can figure out how to waste less, purge some and pay off more. What can you do to get yourself that much closer to debt free? If you already are, are there thins you can purge from your life to make it less cluttered and more easy living? Are there things you can do to improve a habit or behaviour that you aren't doing now?
I've been living on my own for 4 years now. Well ok, away from my family. I moved back with them for 2 years after I graduated college. Before that I was living closer to school for 5.5 years. During my time away, I lived in a city that didn't have an extensive waste program. You know, it still doesn't! As such my waste began to rise, and so I noticed did my debt.
While at home I worked. I began doing a job when I was 8 years old. We started by delivering the Pennysaver. It wasn't much money, but when you are 8 years old and your allowance is $5 per week, bringing in an additional $8 per week seemed like you were rich beyond words! I graduated to delivering the Toronto Sun. I had two routes, and my sister had one. I did this until I was 15 - and even then kept it for a year split with my sister.. At 15 I started working for a grocery store, that I stayed with part-time until I was 29. I've had contract and full time positions since 20 doing various other thins, but I always kept working at this grocery store. I managed to save enough money to send myself to New York City at age 12 - no help from my parents, to Florida when I was 17, no help from my parents, and pay for my first year at University - no help from OSAP, even though I qualified and received full funding. I was smart with money back then. I saved like a packrat. I loved watching the balance on my account climb into ranges I'd be happy to see again. I had smart investments - GIC's and BONDs back then.
Then I moved out on my own at school and thins changed. My recycling habits were slackin because the program in the city I lived wasn't anywhere close to as extensive as the one I came from. I was at school and the world shrunk to the bubble on campus and my immediate life. I wasn't at home so i had more control over myself - so I thought. What happened was this.
I accumulated school debt...not so bad...though truthfully it bothered the heck out of me. I accumulated a little bit of personal debt. Not too bad but the bothering feeling was beginning to wear off. For a few summers I came home, worked my tail off to save the money I'd need to live on for the next 8 months AND pay off the credit card I foolishly got.
With the switch to college, I didn't have to spend as much on school, and I was able to gain co-op placements in my field for experience. Not too bad, and really helped when the government came knocking wanting their OSAP back because I didn't guess enough on my applications. I managed to pay back every cent they wanted before the end of the first semester in each of the two years this happened. Thanks to co-op and my stellar saving. After 5 years of school - 2 University and 3 College, I left with $12,000 worth of school debt (second year and a bit of first year.) I had been smart with the money the government was giving me - putting 10% into savings to grow for just such a repayment. I left school, put a chunk down on my debt. I was fortunate enough to have grandparents help me out by paying off the remaining $10,000 before the interest kicked in.
The loan program states that you have to begin paying your debts back. Interest on the amount borrowed begins the first day of the month immediately after your last qualifying month of classes. If you finish and on paper graduate in December, your interest starts accumulating January 1. If it's April, then May is the first month of interest. If you make payments up to and including the amount owing in the same month as your last class, you owe no interest and the loan is straight dollar for dollar. The more you put down before interest starts, the less you owe in interest as a whole. It's in the fine print of your loan agreement and is under utilized by everyone with loans. Here's the other thing - paying your loans on their schedule can be written off on your taxes for a while. Though you really have to think about making a lump sum payment before the clock starts to make sure you can handle the payments once it get's going.
What happened after that was this - they gave me part of that payment as a graduation gift, and I had to pay back the other part. I sat down with then and worked out a plan to have them paid back in a year. I wasn't working full time right after graduation, but having kept that part time job at the grocery store, allowed me to work Full Part-time hours (24 scheduled with call ins) So although I wasn't a full time employee, I was able to work a minimum of 24 hours and some weeks 30 hours until I got a full time job. My first year home, I paid my grandparents back the $6,000 I owed them, AND paid off the $4,000 credit card they didn't know about. Everything seemed to be going well.
My waste was down, my debt was down.
The thing I noticed is this - when my waste was up, my debt was climbing. When I was able to recycle more, my debt was tiny or gone.
I'm on my own again - in an apartment that has a basic recycling program but not much else....my waste is back up and gosh - look at that debt monster!!
So - here's a challenge for my readers. It's Wednesday. Evaluate your waste. What can you recycle, what can you reuse? Evaluate your life. What can you purge and what do you really need to keep? Pear your self down a bit. The ability to clear out the clutter will actually be a mental exercise as well - allowing you to clear the mental clutter and focus on your goal. My debt free date is December 2011 - the exact date is Dec. 29, 2011. I think I can do better than this. I think I can figure out how to waste less, purge some and pay off more. What can you do to get yourself that much closer to debt free? If you already are, are there thins you can purge from your life to make it less cluttered and more easy living? Are there things you can do to improve a habit or behaviour that you aren't doing now?
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Amazing Christmas Gift for all the Ninja's out there
FB over at Fabulously Broke in the City has a great contest running right now. A company in England has Ninja Star coat hangers as a give-away on her blog. Head over there to enter to win for that Ninja in your family.
Le Man would have one of those excited children moments if he opened these in his stocking for Christmas this year. Since I am the Christmas Ninja in our house, just being able to do a stocking without him knowing is Ninja styles enough. Plus I'm constantly sneaking up on people with my perfected Ninja Walk so I'd be over the moon to proudly display these in my front hallway upon which to hang my Ninja coat.
Le Man has always been a huge fan of Bruce Lee. He has read his books on life philosophy as well, so what better way to reward his Ninja life practices then hang Ninja Stars in my house.
Head on over and see if you can be the lucky winner!!
Le Man would have one of those excited children moments if he opened these in his stocking for Christmas this year. Since I am the Christmas Ninja in our house, just being able to do a stocking without him knowing is Ninja styles enough. Plus I'm constantly sneaking up on people with my perfected Ninja Walk so I'd be over the moon to proudly display these in my front hallway upon which to hang my Ninja coat.
Le Man has always been a huge fan of Bruce Lee. He has read his books on life philosophy as well, so what better way to reward his Ninja life practices then hang Ninja Stars in my house.
Head on over and see if you can be the lucky winner!!
Waste vs Debt Part Deux
I had a thought today. Looking back on my childhood and young adult hood when I still lived at home I noticed something.
When I was 8 years old, my mom used to buy a magazine for me called OWL. I loved it. It was all about saving wildlife, and ways to cut out your waste at home. it showed you what was happening in other countries and challenged you to make your home and environment better. A challenge was issued, way back then, for kids to send in ideas of how they could make their environment, community or the world a better place. Out of that challenge came some fantastic things...Think Craig and Mark K (the kids who at 13 started one of the largest charities for saving children in Africa - if I could only remember their last names - featured on Oprah and many other things...it was started in this challenge). Anyways, at the time of this challenge my school and many in my region had abandoned the recycling programs and were wasting tons of material every year. Enter 3 8 years olds trying to help their environment out and voila, many accolades later the recycling program in the schools is bigger than ever and more prominent than ever. What happened from that is the our City expanded it's recycling program and a wave began where students went home to do what they could at home and so on and so on.
It was nice to win awards from YTV, OWL, WWF and the like. it got me thinking. Watching the impact of what I was trying to do when I was little, ripple through my family. They were my biggest supporters and also the ones that really got into the program - after a bunch of scoldings from me at first.
Here's what happened...a family of 5 went form putting 2 garbage cans full of waste onto the curb, to one shopping bag of garbage a week. It took a few years to gt down to this but that's what happened for many of the years I was at home. Most of which - funny enough - was actually kleenex...we are an allergic bunch!
A couple of years ago a new program entered my city...the green bin. With the addition of the green bin, we now put out 7 recycling bins of stuff each week - and one small garbage bag...still but for different reason. We also have a few containers of yard waste that go with that seasonally.
What I found funny was when we started doing this recycling thing, everyone groaned about it...it was tedious to get going, but now it's second nature. I've been gone so long I still "forget" about the green program. We composted before the green bin started, so now we have a way of getting rid of organic items that we wouldn't put in our composter.
Here's how things have shaped up since:
1) We reduced our garbage stream, and reused and recycled everything
2) As we got better at this the debt lad my mom had began to be easier to handle
3) She got herself back out of the debt that my father had put her in
4) We found ways to make gifts for people that didn't cost hardly any money
5) Planning for Christmas started Boxing Day that same year - taking advantage of the rock bottom prices of certain items - like fabric for reusable bags.
6) The debt disappeared like the garbage did
7) Packaging choices were made not only for the good inside but the level of waste/recyclable material it carried.
8) My family (mother, grandparents) sit with no debt whatsoever - and have done so for 5 years now
9) My mother has been mortgage free for 5 years as well
This is a two part article - I've got some revelations about my own situation that compare to the above that I'll be talking about in Part Three tomorrow...
When I was 8 years old, my mom used to buy a magazine for me called OWL. I loved it. It was all about saving wildlife, and ways to cut out your waste at home. it showed you what was happening in other countries and challenged you to make your home and environment better. A challenge was issued, way back then, for kids to send in ideas of how they could make their environment, community or the world a better place. Out of that challenge came some fantastic things...Think Craig and Mark K (the kids who at 13 started one of the largest charities for saving children in Africa - if I could only remember their last names - featured on Oprah and many other things...it was started in this challenge). Anyways, at the time of this challenge my school and many in my region had abandoned the recycling programs and were wasting tons of material every year. Enter 3 8 years olds trying to help their environment out and voila, many accolades later the recycling program in the schools is bigger than ever and more prominent than ever. What happened from that is the our City expanded it's recycling program and a wave began where students went home to do what they could at home and so on and so on.
It was nice to win awards from YTV, OWL, WWF and the like. it got me thinking. Watching the impact of what I was trying to do when I was little, ripple through my family. They were my biggest supporters and also the ones that really got into the program - after a bunch of scoldings from me at first.
Here's what happened...a family of 5 went form putting 2 garbage cans full of waste onto the curb, to one shopping bag of garbage a week. It took a few years to gt down to this but that's what happened for many of the years I was at home. Most of which - funny enough - was actually kleenex...we are an allergic bunch!
A couple of years ago a new program entered my city...the green bin. With the addition of the green bin, we now put out 7 recycling bins of stuff each week - and one small garbage bag...still but for different reason. We also have a few containers of yard waste that go with that seasonally.
What I found funny was when we started doing this recycling thing, everyone groaned about it...it was tedious to get going, but now it's second nature. I've been gone so long I still "forget" about the green program. We composted before the green bin started, so now we have a way of getting rid of organic items that we wouldn't put in our composter.
Here's how things have shaped up since:
1) We reduced our garbage stream, and reused and recycled everything
2) As we got better at this the debt lad my mom had began to be easier to handle
3) She got herself back out of the debt that my father had put her in
4) We found ways to make gifts for people that didn't cost hardly any money
5) Planning for Christmas started Boxing Day that same year - taking advantage of the rock bottom prices of certain items - like fabric for reusable bags.
6) The debt disappeared like the garbage did
7) Packaging choices were made not only for the good inside but the level of waste/recyclable material it carried.
8) My family (mother, grandparents) sit with no debt whatsoever - and have done so for 5 years now
9) My mother has been mortgage free for 5 years as well
This is a two part article - I've got some revelations about my own situation that compare to the above that I'll be talking about in Part Three tomorrow...
Monday, December 06, 2010
A Whimsical Sort of Day
The snow is beginning to stay on the ground. This morning there were shades of snowy grey in the clouds, and a light dusting of snow on the ground( having been spared the 3 inches others in Ontario received). It makes me think of peace, calm, serenity. it makes me want to stay in a big fluffy bed, with big fluffy socks and flannel pj's, a huge cup of hot chocolate and a good book and hibernate this way until the spring thaw begins.
Today's thoughts are running a bit on the whimsical side of things. This is in part due to the fact that I've been reading a lot of headlines and banners for things like: "What would you do with $10,000 dollars?" And hearing about peoples good fortune for gaining an opportunity with found money.
Today I'd like to speculate about some things. We have radio stations that give away money for being the correct caller, and contests that have you being able to "Beat the Bank" for cash. So today I thought - let's speculate what I'd do with $10,000.
It's no speculation really. That $10,000 would go into my chequing account. I would get giddy at the balance for a little while. Simply logging into my account just to see that big number there. But here's what I'd do with it...
1) I'd leave a portion of the money in my checking account, to build the accessible cash to $5,000 and have a decent easily accessible emergency fund there. (This would be about $2,000 of the $10,000)
2) Drop the rest right onto that debt.
See that bar over there-------->
That bar that barely moves because I haven't been updating and I"ve been spinning my wheels on it for a little while? Yep that bar would MOVE. Currently (according to the statement I just received) I have $24,000.00 of debt. $8,000 from $24,000 is $16,000!!! And then I'd pay this sucker off before the end of this year!!
Yep I can eat up $10,000 pretty darn quick in my current financial state.
Let's fast forward exactly one year....
In one year's time I'll be very nearly completely done with my debt. We're talking like maybe $2,000 left if I've done my calculations right. So $10,000 in a year would be split this way:
1) PAY OFF THE DEBT!! ($2,000)
2) Leave $2,000 in my checking account for buffer ($2,000)
3) Max out my TFSA ($5,000)
4) Drop the last $1,000 onto my RRSP and increase my tax return for the year after.
Personally I like this version better but hey, I can't complain. I'm on track to be debt free by the end of December 2011. What a lovely Christmas present that will be!!
I told you it's a whimsical sort of day. Happy Winter Wonderland to you all!
Today's thoughts are running a bit on the whimsical side of things. This is in part due to the fact that I've been reading a lot of headlines and banners for things like: "What would you do with $10,000 dollars?" And hearing about peoples good fortune for gaining an opportunity with found money.
Today I'd like to speculate about some things. We have radio stations that give away money for being the correct caller, and contests that have you being able to "Beat the Bank" for cash. So today I thought - let's speculate what I'd do with $10,000.
It's no speculation really. That $10,000 would go into my chequing account. I would get giddy at the balance for a little while. Simply logging into my account just to see that big number there. But here's what I'd do with it...
1) I'd leave a portion of the money in my checking account, to build the accessible cash to $5,000 and have a decent easily accessible emergency fund there. (This would be about $2,000 of the $10,000)
2) Drop the rest right onto that debt.
See that bar over there-------->
That bar that barely moves because I haven't been updating and I"ve been spinning my wheels on it for a little while? Yep that bar would MOVE. Currently (according to the statement I just received) I have $24,000.00 of debt. $8,000 from $24,000 is $16,000!!! And then I'd pay this sucker off before the end of this year!!
Yep I can eat up $10,000 pretty darn quick in my current financial state.
Let's fast forward exactly one year....
In one year's time I'll be very nearly completely done with my debt. We're talking like maybe $2,000 left if I've done my calculations right. So $10,000 in a year would be split this way:
1) PAY OFF THE DEBT!! ($2,000)
2) Leave $2,000 in my checking account for buffer ($2,000)
3) Max out my TFSA ($5,000)
4) Drop the last $1,000 onto my RRSP and increase my tax return for the year after.
Personally I like this version better but hey, I can't complain. I'm on track to be debt free by the end of December 2011. What a lovely Christmas present that will be!!
I told you it's a whimsical sort of day. Happy Winter Wonderland to you all!
Friday, December 03, 2010
A Reflective Friday
I've been reading some blogs lately that have been running the gambit between despair, and venting. I am amazed at the fixation with certain things that happen to people, including myself. For example, i was having a mental conversation with myself in the shower this morning that basically had me fuming over what someone else is doing with their money - or not doing as the case may be. I found it interesting that I was getting so upset over this - as I don't have any control over it!
I came to the conclusion that the reason I was getting so frustrated by their handling of money, is because ultimately I'll be hearing the inevitable sentence - "Don't get your hopes up, there's no money for Christmas."
It drives me bonkers when this appears in the conversation surrounding a celebration or fete. Here's the thing though. If things are tight, I don't need to know. You know why I don't need to know, because now I'm upset. I'm upset because yet again I get to hear about how badly you handle money, and that you want a pity party and forgiveness for being such a bad handler of money. Regardless of what your financial situation is - do not let these words, or anything similar slip for your lips this holiday season.
Here's why:
The first thing that goes through another person's mind is serious disappointment. The next thing is frustration because, perhaps they've just gone and found something really great for you - that could have blown their budget, was probably something they couldn't really afford either, but they were willing to sacifice something else somewhere else to do it. The next thing is hurt, because ultimately you know when [fill in a stationary celebratory day that doesn't move dates regardless of the year] is and you couldn't figure anything out? Plus, seriously it's a cop-out. If there isn't any money for something, make something, go somewhere, or create a lovely experience instead. Pre-empting anything with "I don't have a lot of money" puts the receiver in a very awkward space. You don't have any money - but you got me something so I should feel grateful not bad for receiving whatever the gift/experience was....but I should forget that you thought of me last minute, so this air freshener isn't really personal, but something you thought I'd deal with because you preempted it with "I don't have any money."
If you hadn't said anything - cooking me a lovely dinner at home would have been a perfectly wonderful experience, because it means we got to spend time together and had a lovely dinner together - instead by telling me you don't have any money first, you've tarnished the natural flow of the evening, and the memory of the night because I'm secretly wondering how much thought actually went into it, and understanding that the pizza and chips and movie you went to last night because you wanted to, wasn't in your budget either, but that you come first and I come...way down your list...
Pre-empting with " I don't have any money" also shows to the person you are saying it to that you think it's ok to use an excuse for not thinking of something else to do, or making them feel like the entire ordeal is trying to solicit a feeling of sorry, or pity, or that you're expecting someone to say, that's ok it's on me then. How many times have you done this to get another person to part with their money instead?
Mom's and Dad's - kids are smarter than you think. If you set a tradition of doing things like baking or cooking dinner, playing boardgames and doing puzzles at Christmas, it won't matter when money is tight so you can't get them an iPOD this year, they're only getting new socks and pajamas. The point is they won't know when there isn't lots of money and when there is, because the traditions are what they will remember.
Things were tight in my house most of my life. I couldn't tell you, because we always got one thing from our list from Santa each year. We baked cookies together, or went to a Church play, or drove to a new town to see Christmas lights, or visited neighbours, or skated at the park as a family. My mom was really good at giving her time to us, rather than all kinds of shiny new things. For the longest time we made our gifts for people - I thought they were way better than any old store bought something. It wasn't until more recently that I discovered it was because there wasn't any money.
Funny though - the little there was, was used to take the family to a play a little more into the new year...and give them a couple more weeks to rub those pennies together for a nice dinner at home, or sometimes even one out before the play.
To this day I couldn't tell you everything we saw - or even what happened during most...but I can tell you we did it as a family and those were the best gifts I can remember...it wasn't the year we got My Little Pony's (I saw pictures before I remembered) or the year that my sister got lipstick for the first (again had to look at pictures) time.
Put some thought into your holidays this year. Start a tradition that you do every year and keep doing it. But for goodness sakes, do not ever utter the words..."There isn't enough money for Christmas". it isn't and has never been about the money. It's about the creative thoughts and actions you do around this time of year that stick with you. You'd be surprised what $10 and some serious imagination can do for someone at the holidays.
I came to the conclusion that the reason I was getting so frustrated by their handling of money, is because ultimately I'll be hearing the inevitable sentence - "Don't get your hopes up, there's no money for Christmas."
It drives me bonkers when this appears in the conversation surrounding a celebration or fete. Here's the thing though. If things are tight, I don't need to know. You know why I don't need to know, because now I'm upset. I'm upset because yet again I get to hear about how badly you handle money, and that you want a pity party and forgiveness for being such a bad handler of money. Regardless of what your financial situation is - do not let these words, or anything similar slip for your lips this holiday season.
Here's why:
The first thing that goes through another person's mind is serious disappointment. The next thing is frustration because, perhaps they've just gone and found something really great for you - that could have blown their budget, was probably something they couldn't really afford either, but they were willing to sacifice something else somewhere else to do it. The next thing is hurt, because ultimately you know when [fill in a stationary celebratory day that doesn't move dates regardless of the year] is and you couldn't figure anything out? Plus, seriously it's a cop-out. If there isn't any money for something, make something, go somewhere, or create a lovely experience instead. Pre-empting anything with "I don't have a lot of money" puts the receiver in a very awkward space. You don't have any money - but you got me something so I should feel grateful not bad for receiving whatever the gift/experience was....but I should forget that you thought of me last minute, so this air freshener isn't really personal, but something you thought I'd deal with because you preempted it with "I don't have any money."
If you hadn't said anything - cooking me a lovely dinner at home would have been a perfectly wonderful experience, because it means we got to spend time together and had a lovely dinner together - instead by telling me you don't have any money first, you've tarnished the natural flow of the evening, and the memory of the night because I'm secretly wondering how much thought actually went into it, and understanding that the pizza and chips and movie you went to last night because you wanted to, wasn't in your budget either, but that you come first and I come...way down your list...
Pre-empting with " I don't have any money" also shows to the person you are saying it to that you think it's ok to use an excuse for not thinking of something else to do, or making them feel like the entire ordeal is trying to solicit a feeling of sorry, or pity, or that you're expecting someone to say, that's ok it's on me then. How many times have you done this to get another person to part with their money instead?
Mom's and Dad's - kids are smarter than you think. If you set a tradition of doing things like baking or cooking dinner, playing boardgames and doing puzzles at Christmas, it won't matter when money is tight so you can't get them an iPOD this year, they're only getting new socks and pajamas. The point is they won't know when there isn't lots of money and when there is, because the traditions are what they will remember.
Things were tight in my house most of my life. I couldn't tell you, because we always got one thing from our list from Santa each year. We baked cookies together, or went to a Church play, or drove to a new town to see Christmas lights, or visited neighbours, or skated at the park as a family. My mom was really good at giving her time to us, rather than all kinds of shiny new things. For the longest time we made our gifts for people - I thought they were way better than any old store bought something. It wasn't until more recently that I discovered it was because there wasn't any money.
Funny though - the little there was, was used to take the family to a play a little more into the new year...and give them a couple more weeks to rub those pennies together for a nice dinner at home, or sometimes even one out before the play.
To this day I couldn't tell you everything we saw - or even what happened during most...but I can tell you we did it as a family and those were the best gifts I can remember...it wasn't the year we got My Little Pony's (I saw pictures before I remembered) or the year that my sister got lipstick for the first (again had to look at pictures) time.
Put some thought into your holidays this year. Start a tradition that you do every year and keep doing it. But for goodness sakes, do not ever utter the words..."There isn't enough money for Christmas". it isn't and has never been about the money. It's about the creative thoughts and actions you do around this time of year that stick with you. You'd be surprised what $10 and some serious imagination can do for someone at the holidays.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Pay Day and December Finances
Today is my first pay day in December. I am fortunate in that I receive three this month. Usually at this time of year our company issues a bonus. It will probably be in the next paycheck (if they are doing that this year). This payday I receive a reimbursement for my traveling. As well this is the first paycheck that the only deduction is the Federal Tax.
Lots of things happen with my money this year. First, I finished I have two partial gifts left to get for Christmas after yesterday. All my friends are done. My mom had one other thing, but I'm still looking for the best option of that item. I"ll firm up on the 13th of December. Next payday will determine the gift for le man. If there is a Christmas bonus, I'll use that to purchase his gift. If there isn't then he'll get option two (less money, still a desired item). Once those two dates pass I'll be done. And by done I mean done done!!
So - expense check will stay in my account to cover off the two extra tanks of gas this month, and reimburse the Christmas gifts I purchased yesterday, increasing my balance to such a state that I'll have a lovely buffer by months end. I'll be shifting my debt payment after I deposit my cheques today. I"ll be removing my variable expense money today as well. All $600 of it.
All in all December is going to be a great finance month!!
Oh and I completely forgot about a GIC that matured that is sitting in my ING account right now. I'll crunch some numbers late this month to determine if I should move it to my chequing account (increasing the buffer a little more) or if I can move it to my TFSA and leave it there. The last unplanned expense for me is that of my sister's bachelorette - scheduled for Dec. 27! Perhaps this money will be able to fund that two days, and have a little left over for buffer.
All in all I feel really good this year. Last year, things were tight, I was much less in the know with my money and much less organized about everything.
Things to accomplish this month:
1) Buffer in checking account to banish bank fees!
2) Finish last two gifts for Christmas
3) Study hard for my final exam and put to rest this class
4) Get Christmas tree up and decorated.
5) Christmas the apartment!
6) Stay on budget and enjoy the month!!!!
Oh and in other happy news.....
I wrote a lab final for the class I'm taking. The marks came back already and I received the highest mark in our lab section on the exam - 97% I feel super about the result and really felt I understood all of the concepts. I'm even fairly sure about the question I didn't get right! This puts a 92 in the class into tangible reach!!
Stay tuned for a fabulous December everyone. I wish you clarity in your finances and joy in your hearts for each and every day of this month!!
Lots of things happen with my money this year. First, I finished I have two partial gifts left to get for Christmas after yesterday. All my friends are done. My mom had one other thing, but I'm still looking for the best option of that item. I"ll firm up on the 13th of December. Next payday will determine the gift for le man. If there is a Christmas bonus, I'll use that to purchase his gift. If there isn't then he'll get option two (less money, still a desired item). Once those two dates pass I'll be done. And by done I mean done done!!
So - expense check will stay in my account to cover off the two extra tanks of gas this month, and reimburse the Christmas gifts I purchased yesterday, increasing my balance to such a state that I'll have a lovely buffer by months end. I'll be shifting my debt payment after I deposit my cheques today. I"ll be removing my variable expense money today as well. All $600 of it.
All in all December is going to be a great finance month!!
Oh and I completely forgot about a GIC that matured that is sitting in my ING account right now. I'll crunch some numbers late this month to determine if I should move it to my chequing account (increasing the buffer a little more) or if I can move it to my TFSA and leave it there. The last unplanned expense for me is that of my sister's bachelorette - scheduled for Dec. 27! Perhaps this money will be able to fund that two days, and have a little left over for buffer.
All in all I feel really good this year. Last year, things were tight, I was much less in the know with my money and much less organized about everything.
Things to accomplish this month:
1) Buffer in checking account to banish bank fees!
2) Finish last two gifts for Christmas
3) Study hard for my final exam and put to rest this class
4) Get Christmas tree up and decorated.
5) Christmas the apartment!
6) Stay on budget and enjoy the month!!!!
Oh and in other happy news.....
I wrote a lab final for the class I'm taking. The marks came back already and I received the highest mark in our lab section on the exam - 97% I feel super about the result and really felt I understood all of the concepts. I'm even fairly sure about the question I didn't get right! This puts a 92 in the class into tangible reach!!
Stay tuned for a fabulous December everyone. I wish you clarity in your finances and joy in your hearts for each and every day of this month!!
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
What do you want for Christmas?
Seems like an easy enough question right? Something you get asked this time of year?
Each year my family puts together a list of things that we need for Christmas. Some of those things are wants that we haven't filled, but most are items that we need - like a crock pot, or tea towels, or bath towels or something.
Years ago it was things like grocery gift cards, or textbooks, or pots and pans.
Every year we get the same question.
Being newly into my 30's, I can honestly say that this year I don't have need of anything, and I want very few things.
One thing on my list - that I'm not actually expecting to get - is a new, upgraded digital camera, with sure-shot, zoom, most adult features that would allow me to take better quality pictures of the things I see, and maybe be able to get them printed for framing and hanging. Currently my digital camera makes this difficult - as it is from when they first came out so the pixels are few, the quality is poor, and the ability to really capture the fame is frustrating at best. Le man and I hike, visit provincial parks, walk the Bruce Trail, kayak, enjoy the Butterfly Emporium and do all kinds of things in nature. I also have a pretty good eye for shots we'd like to turn into wall art, but haven't really the ability to yet.
This is the only thing I actually want this year. So much so that when my family asked, I mentioned the camera I want, but that the price is way more than I expect any one person to pay, and since I'm not exactly sure of the model and packages I want, I would simply save my money for it. This was inevitably met with the most logical of follow up questions: "Well then what else do you want?"
Ummm.....
I don't really have anything else that I want. I'm really into the experience right now. For example, I love attending plays and musicals and theatre - so I would love tickets to something at Stratford or Shaw or Toronto or Brampton or London or St. Jacobs or Kitchener Theatre shows. Obviously this is difficult as it's really personal preference for the show one may want to attend. Except I think these are the best things anyone could give me. Or take me to the Science Centre when there's a great exhibit in town (Harry Potter, Dinosaurs, Marvel Comic, Human Body to name a few). Why not send me to the Zoo? Or to a restaurant you know I'd like?
Yes these are more expensive items. But that's when you get another family member together and say - this is what she wants, lets all go in for it. So I only open one gift from three of you, instead of one gift from each of you. It isn't the number of gifts I get, but the quality of the experience and lasting memory from it that I want. I'd rather a day with my mom for lunch and theatre, than 10 physical items I can't put anywhere or use properly, that I'll end up donating to someone or something 3 years from now.
This year I don't want for anything - even the camera really because mine will do until it breaks and I don't need for anything either. the look on their faces when they see what perfect item I've found for them this year is more of a gift to me than the candy or undies in my stocking.
I love that I'm at a point in my life where the tangible item isn't what I want or need. I want the memory of doing something special with someone I love that I can look back on and say "Hey remember that play? Wasn't that great?!"
I urge you this Christmas to find something that is less tangible than an object to receive or give for Christmas. You may just start a tradition that lasts for years to come, or a memory that keeps returning.
Each year my family puts together a list of things that we need for Christmas. Some of those things are wants that we haven't filled, but most are items that we need - like a crock pot, or tea towels, or bath towels or something.
Years ago it was things like grocery gift cards, or textbooks, or pots and pans.
Every year we get the same question.
Being newly into my 30's, I can honestly say that this year I don't have need of anything, and I want very few things.
One thing on my list - that I'm not actually expecting to get - is a new, upgraded digital camera, with sure-shot, zoom, most adult features that would allow me to take better quality pictures of the things I see, and maybe be able to get them printed for framing and hanging. Currently my digital camera makes this difficult - as it is from when they first came out so the pixels are few, the quality is poor, and the ability to really capture the fame is frustrating at best. Le man and I hike, visit provincial parks, walk the Bruce Trail, kayak, enjoy the Butterfly Emporium and do all kinds of things in nature. I also have a pretty good eye for shots we'd like to turn into wall art, but haven't really the ability to yet.
This is the only thing I actually want this year. So much so that when my family asked, I mentioned the camera I want, but that the price is way more than I expect any one person to pay, and since I'm not exactly sure of the model and packages I want, I would simply save my money for it. This was inevitably met with the most logical of follow up questions: "Well then what else do you want?"
Ummm.....
I don't really have anything else that I want. I'm really into the experience right now. For example, I love attending plays and musicals and theatre - so I would love tickets to something at Stratford or Shaw or Toronto or Brampton or London or St. Jacobs or Kitchener Theatre shows. Obviously this is difficult as it's really personal preference for the show one may want to attend. Except I think these are the best things anyone could give me. Or take me to the Science Centre when there's a great exhibit in town (Harry Potter, Dinosaurs, Marvel Comic, Human Body to name a few). Why not send me to the Zoo? Or to a restaurant you know I'd like?
Yes these are more expensive items. But that's when you get another family member together and say - this is what she wants, lets all go in for it. So I only open one gift from three of you, instead of one gift from each of you. It isn't the number of gifts I get, but the quality of the experience and lasting memory from it that I want. I'd rather a day with my mom for lunch and theatre, than 10 physical items I can't put anywhere or use properly, that I'll end up donating to someone or something 3 years from now.
This year I don't want for anything - even the camera really because mine will do until it breaks and I don't need for anything either. the look on their faces when they see what perfect item I've found for them this year is more of a gift to me than the candy or undies in my stocking.
I love that I'm at a point in my life where the tangible item isn't what I want or need. I want the memory of doing something special with someone I love that I can look back on and say "Hey remember that play? Wasn't that great?!"
I urge you this Christmas to find something that is less tangible than an object to receive or give for Christmas. You may just start a tradition that lasts for years to come, or a memory that keeps returning.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)