tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75089755363833339582024-03-13T05:04:08.501-07:00Life as told by ZoëAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-48216721473062901982014-05-07T18:20:00.000-07:002014-05-07T18:20:53.241-07:00WordpressI've moved to wordpress! It's a much cleaner, modern, more user-friendly platform. If you subscribe or have a link bookmarked to Life As Told By Zoe, take a second and update those to<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.rhymeswithjoey.wordpress.com/">www.rhymeswithjoey.wordpress.com</a></b></h2>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-18638844349662079282014-04-08T15:09:00.002-07:002014-04-08T15:18:09.729-07:00Goals: quarterly update<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">This has been one crazy quarter. I accomplished quite a bit and can now shift my focus. I changed some things around and added a couple others.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;"><i><u>MENTAL</u></i></b><br />
<i><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;" /></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">Language intensive project: study 1 language for 3 months per language (ASL, French, German, Spanish) </span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">FAIL</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;"><strike>Possibly enroll in school in September (depends on financial aid and financial situation midyear)</strike> </span><i style="font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">postponed until 2015</span></i><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;"><i><u>PERSONAL</u></i></b><br />
<i><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;" /></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">Accomplish 3 side tasks at work per day </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">CHECK</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">Visit ABQ </span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">IN PROGRESS <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/rhymeswithjoey/return-to-the-land-of-enchantment-2014/">{link}</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">Take a trip with my Little </span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">IN PROGRESS <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/rhymeswithjoey/north-cascades-wine-tasting-tour-2014/">{link}</a></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;"><i><u>FINANCIAL</u></i></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">Progression goal:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">Pay off immediate debt </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;">CHECK </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;"> >> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; text-decoration: line-through;">Save 3 months expenses</span><span style="color: purple;"> postponed until after 100% debt free</span> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">>> Begin attacking student loans </span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">IN PROGRESS</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">ADDED:</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;"> Save $40 a month for tuition</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;"><i><u>PHYSICAL</u></i></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">Run a 5k </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">IN PROGRESS </span><span style="color: #666666;">(</span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Coming Soon; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 28.079998016357422px;"><b><a href="http://www.komeneasternwashington.org/">Race for the Cure</a> & <a href="https://www.thecolorrun.com/spokane/2014-08-03/">The Color Run</a>)</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;"><strike>Run a half marathon</strike> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">CHANGED </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">Run a 12k (<a href="http://www.bloomsdayrun.org/">Bloomsday</a> 12k & </span><b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: large; line-height: 28.079998016357422px;"><a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/race/334CD96F-31FD-42BD-897D-CDF9C2A0E970/sandia-mountain-shadows-trail-run-10k--5k">Sandia Mountain Shadows Trail Run</a> 10k</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">Run 3-4 times per week </span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">FAIL </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">Drink 4 cups of water per day </span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">FAIL</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">Limit sugar intake </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><span style="color: red;">FAIL</span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;"><i><u>SPIRITUAL</u></i></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">Participate in 2-3 bible studies</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d;">CHECK </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10859216-a-confident-heart">{1}</a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18126882-living-so-that">{2}</a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17773326-limitless-life">{3}</a> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">Practice yoga once a week </span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">FAIL</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">Listen to two spiritual messages per week </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">CHECK <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dave-ramsey-show/id77001367?mt=2">{1}</a> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jillian-michaels-show/id418368811?mt=2">{2}</a></span><br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-67892404411621639432014-04-06T02:54:00.002-07:002014-04-06T15:44:56.268-07:00Budget: 5 March - 5 April<br />
Man I really need to make blogging more of a priority!<br />
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Recap for 5 March:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIrDQ8AW_wU0OgWDelkGMSZb_2-LHl6TZRSv7nww4q97V1jLqpcCqDImIKpXOSk4JZL99F9-DjwIZ4Bda2vhBryP96_hsGxC431gqYV2szOwiD1pvuEJ5zyk4fRc3T7ajtebGM4CXe_Tm/s1600/5march.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIrDQ8AW_wU0OgWDelkGMSZb_2-LHl6TZRSv7nww4q97V1jLqpcCqDImIKpXOSk4JZL99F9-DjwIZ4Bda2vhBryP96_hsGxC431gqYV2szOwiD1pvuEJ5zyk4fRc3T7ajtebGM4CXe_Tm/s1600/5march.jpg" height="292" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to zoom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I went WAY overbudget for this one, but mistakes happen (even a few months in a row).<br />
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Recap for 20 March:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qSguVZCWqQGeATqPFvrtRC3ZmLNACqeuS8uB7WNATjo1U8UU14y2cW9fl5SQhk4lwbKjLQPb9_q3efERbDSDwdxgv1Iioo1P6bfBjFhFXO3d_XPNK2LDBYACKMWRtlX-7jY6uwfI6fS_/s1600/20+March.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qSguVZCWqQGeATqPFvrtRC3ZmLNACqeuS8uB7WNATjo1U8UU14y2cW9fl5SQhk4lwbKjLQPb9_q3efERbDSDwdxgv1Iioo1P6bfBjFhFXO3d_XPNK2LDBYACKMWRtlX-7jY6uwfI6fS_/s1600/20+March.jpg" height="226" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to zoom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was super stoked for this check. After quite a few payperiods of going overbudget, I finally buckled down, paid my pet deposit, and even made an extra payment to Dentist 2, leaving my balance at $101.<br />
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Projected for 5 April:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5ydFxPsIumGXuR6pVlCtz24zmk1neLI86NKCkqxbT6fcn-F2xBiXtpFX4Kb2J-WmEZUHNujLdOfSvlDyTqBTJXDMGXA_pWw48u8ci98daje7bwvXLr4bqb_DR8ggZt4w0NidQF6ZsG_u/s1600/5+April.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5ydFxPsIumGXuR6pVlCtz24zmk1neLI86NKCkqxbT6fcn-F2xBiXtpFX4Kb2J-WmEZUHNujLdOfSvlDyTqBTJXDMGXA_pWw48u8ci98daje7bwvXLr4bqb_DR8ggZt4w0NidQF6ZsG_u/s1600/5+April.jpg" height="302" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to zoom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
EXPENSES<br />
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I sold my iPhone to Virgin Mobile when I switched, and finally received my $50 credit, which came in handy because I need to pay Verizon for January.<br />
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I'm running a couple races in the next couple of weeks, so I tacked the registrations onto this check so I could get them out of the way.<br />
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INCOME<br />
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At my workplace, we get a bonus for perfect attendance per quarter (every 3 months). It's pretty tough to get, but I've managed to work hard enough to get it for the past two quarters in a row. I also got a raise so that will be on the next paycheck. Hard work pays off, quite literally!! I'm super excited.<br />
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DEBT<br />
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Ohmigod, ohmigod you guys!!!!! I AM SO FREAKING EXCITED to pay off this last $101. I'll be adjusting this budget to accommodate my "reward", which I'll share when I decide what I'll do.<br />
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SAVINGS<br />
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Whoa we haven't seen this category in a while, have we?! Since I got the raise, I'll be accommodating about $20 a paycheck to get a head start on tuition. It scares the wits out of me to think about going back to school, but also excites me at the same time.<br />
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I'll also be saving for a trip to my hometown (Albuquerque) in October.<br />
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The strings of debt are slowly, but surely, being cut down. If I can do it, YOU can do it too.<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-27657211779805825302014-03-11T00:27:00.001-07:002014-03-11T00:31:06.269-07:00One step at a time<br />
I have a big dream list. Sadly I can't do most of it now, either due to work restrictions, money, or time -- otherwise known as Life Circumstances.<br />
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I've had to delay school for quite a while, once because of debt, once for love and now for debt once more. When I moved to Washington, I was planning on moving back to Arizona and finishing my degree at NAU, starting in fall of 2015. When Riley and I ended things, my plan was kaputt and I had to make some decisions. Then I got into my dental debt.<br />
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I made the decision to stay in Washington, mostly because moving is expensive and a pain in the ass. Also, there's really no place I'd rather be right now. I made a series of steps I need to take, no matter how long it takes to do them.<br />
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STEP ONE is paying off my "smaller" debt (the step I'm currently on).<br />
STEP TWO is saving for my two trips this year (July and October).<br />
STEP THREE is paying off my student loans and calling <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/">Dave </a>for my debt free scream.<br />
STEP THREE POINT FIVE is applying for scholarships.<br />
STEP FOUR is attending community college using grants, scholarships, and my paycheck.<br />
STEP FOUR POINT FIVE is saving everything I can for step five.<br />
STEP FIVE is transferring to university using grants, scholarships, and my paycheck/savings.<br />
STEP SIX is graduating debt free and getting a teaching job.<br />
STEP SEVEN is funding grad school for library science.<br />
STEP EIGHT is finally doing all the things I can't do now.<br />
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That's a lot of steps, and I'm only on step one. The other day I let my brain skip to step four and naturally, I freaked the hell out. I sent myself into a panic and got extremely discouraged when I added up the numbers and compared it to my income.<br />
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But what I was really doing was throwing a tantrum that I can't have my cake and eat it too; I'd have to delay my Wants, and, prioritize what's really important (school and staying debt free).<br />
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Even though I really have 3 years of coursework left, I may have to take some time off school to save. To most people, this sounds stupid. School is important, yes, but as a teacher, I won't be making much money, and if I want to do all the things I want to do, there's no way I can support myself and do those things on a teacher's salary. As much as I want that degree, I want to be financially free when I graduate even more.<br />
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I've felt the chains of student loans and other debt. I've added to the amount of money I've spent on debt the past few years and it makes me sick what I could've done with that money if it hadn't been going in other pockets besides mine. It makes me sicker to think about the amount of debt I would be going into if I were to take loans vs. the average teacher's salary. I'd be poor forever and never get to do what I want.<br />
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Sometimes it's hard to remember I have my whole life ahead of me. I can't compare my life to others. I can only compare it to mine. I don't have to travel while I'm young. I don't have to finish college in four years. If I'm patient, stay focused on the now with the future in mind, and work hard, things will fall into place. It's okay to be a little different.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0reJ9hHlqUAM3fLZxQ1Bcs3TjwYtaOxCyL9LdkSV8Ldh6XBeBDetI25yb5Yq73zD2p8Xik7mbE_SYNXkJsqfRAsbozhLKfOnh79wvYmfq8sarJ4G5ShZ7sNZBpyNKu6UWz7jbhS3ZKMMn/s1600/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0reJ9hHlqUAM3fLZxQ1Bcs3TjwYtaOxCyL9LdkSV8Ldh6XBeBDetI25yb5Yq73zD2p8Xik7mbE_SYNXkJsqfRAsbozhLKfOnh79wvYmfq8sarJ4G5ShZ7sNZBpyNKu6UWz7jbhS3ZKMMn/s1600/photo1.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-32931430784484341782014-03-10T23:56:00.003-07:002014-03-10T23:56:35.696-07:00Budget: 5 March <div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">5 March </span>payperiod<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvs2R25Tx407zMChoVVg48USRpgr1XmButbNetx0APq-z5JHFqMByWIG93wqb9fBNFP5s3tcDPzYm1Itma9NXABBgBIi_GLj-cyTEwFzFmnEcisgSmDJcH4Q8YueEtLsV_xtniyvqO0b-/s1600/5+march.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvs2R25Tx407zMChoVVg48USRpgr1XmButbNetx0APq-z5JHFqMByWIG93wqb9fBNFP5s3tcDPzYm1Itma9NXABBgBIi_GLj-cyTEwFzFmnEcisgSmDJcH4Q8YueEtLsV_xtniyvqO0b-/s1600/5+march.jpg" height="318" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to zoom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Because my birthday is this Thursday, I'm throwing a party for my friends. What's a birthday party without cake? I probably overbudgeted for it, but I'd rather over budget than underbudget. I really wanted a Frozen-themed cake like these:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OW3T95gMzaP77BfZbNq9y2b-iWDfLRJ9LDdZWLQ06j1G3sIv-Sb7WREtucZbbdrr87Au80nDVrVwlX26pt50RCfVS1ejTMK21xw_H5scRu3bYPNt-EgupN11hSqXSElWHbbqZ4TNBBCG/s1600/olaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OW3T95gMzaP77BfZbNq9y2b-iWDfLRJ9LDdZWLQ06j1G3sIv-Sb7WREtucZbbdrr87Au80nDVrVwlX26pt50RCfVS1ejTMK21xw_H5scRu3bYPNt-EgupN11hSqXSElWHbbqZ4TNBBCG/s1600/olaf.jpg" height="400" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/216946907023866354/">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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But I can't find anyone who can do it (or any other Frozen cake) ANYWHERE. So I'm settling for my all time favorites: cookies and cream ice cream cake and chocolate covered strawberries. MMMMMM.<br />
<br />
My boyfriend (Eric), his mom, and I went to the casino and I won some cash. Unfortunately, I forgot my wallet in a Safeway shopping cart and some dirtbag decided to take the $90 that was in there as a finder's fee. At least they turned in the rest of my wallet and didn't take my cards.<br />
<br />
I have to tell myself they needed it far more than I did, and I did have to remind myself several times that it wasn't budgeted for a Need (it was budgeted for a date night). I still had $90 (I won quite a bit) to spend on us though. (I was forbidden to spend it on bills, even though it probably would've been safer that way HAHAHA).<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;" /><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-58134628514933819152014-02-27T13:46:00.000-08:002014-02-27T13:46:18.842-08:00Budget: 20 February<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Coming Soon'; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 28.079998016357422px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">20 February </span><span style="color: #666666;">payperiod:</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqaDZYdTaiXMUQITEEateKUd8oyPNVOMiCZijD_XqlTW7C9lizkHTMTuGCdW47qfNeDsscCKbxnJhdVQb3ngE2M0J_mpphY_NIrx4Fi3sjomRTHVP7t9DHEl-wNGwYf9vVVVK7IwUAjei/s1600/zoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqaDZYdTaiXMUQITEEateKUd8oyPNVOMiCZijD_XqlTW7C9lizkHTMTuGCdW47qfNeDsscCKbxnJhdVQb3ngE2M0J_mpphY_NIrx4Fi3sjomRTHVP7t9DHEl-wNGwYf9vVVVK7IwUAjei/s1600/zoe.jpg" height="208" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to zoom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="color: #666666;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">EXPENSES</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: #666666;">
Glorious, glorious $275 rent. </div>
<div style="color: #666666;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #666666;">
I decided to spend a little money on myself, my cat, and my friends. While the money could've definitely paid off a lot of my remaining Dentist 2 debt, I believe in rewards and after over that wonderful $1000 payment (and being 85% done with this portion of the debt), I decided to blow some money.</div>
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<div style="color: #666666;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">DEBT</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: #666666;">
I'll be tackling those awful things called student loans next (after saving up for some fun stuff). I've been carrying them around, paying $100 a month, for the last 4 years. I'm done. Goodbye, student loans. You won't be missed (or replaced).</div>
</div>
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-7212953193321918462014-02-19T09:38:00.000-08:002014-02-19T09:38:08.027-08:00Budget: 5 February <br />
<br />
I drafted this post right after payday, but apparently forgot to click "publish". All this time I thought it was posted! I edited it so it's updated, but some AMAZING news is in here.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
Recap of the <span style="color: #3d85c6;">5 February</span> payperiod:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIVx6XgQzRA10x4gTeBCQL4DqLrNTfqs5bB_8rWUZRdk7QGUqEhSJlK_0axp2771582mcX6UxQhq547iSQO5XxMYiL4_p5rttaTsmotB9Lg3pCuXp82RmvEbuXseseBEQTHXwazfSAGEI/s1600/5+feb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIVx6XgQzRA10x4gTeBCQL4DqLrNTfqs5bB_8rWUZRdk7QGUqEhSJlK_0axp2771582mcX6UxQhq547iSQO5XxMYiL4_p5rttaTsmotB9Lg3pCuXp82RmvEbuXseseBEQTHXwazfSAGEI/s1600/5+feb.jpg" height="238" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to zoom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">EXPENSES</span><br />
<br />
I got a roommate, so expenses are beautifully cut in half. Paying rent this month will be glorious.<br />
<br />
I got rid of my phone insurance. I have an iPhone 4 and will need to upgrade to replace it if anything happens to it, so I'm saving about $12 there.<br />
Currently planning on inheriting my boyfriend's phone and making the switch to Virgin Mobile. More on this next month.<br />
<br />
I did get renter's insurance. It has been on my To Do list for months and when a guest inadvertently made me believe my apartment building was on fire when the fire was actually a block down from my place, I acted quickly and got the insurance.<br />
I split food and household for this month, because I have no idea what I'm going to need to buy for household and I have a feeling it may end up being pricey.<br />
Internet is lowered due to roommate, but utilities is not, since the utility bill would be just for me.<br />
As seen above, I was a little happy with my card this month, so Emergency Fund gets repadded.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">DEBT</span><br />
<br />
I had a petsitting job this month, so that gave me $340 extra in income. I made sure to budget for expenses so I didn't fudge up everything, like last time.<br />
<br />
I got $499 back on my tax return, so add that to my normal $175 payment, the $275+ from having the roommate, and the $200 or so I will have left over after petsitting = $445 balance left on Dentist 2.<br />
<br />
I'm pretty sure the accounts payable secretary fell flat out of her chair when I started making these payments. Up until now, I have only made $25 payments because of the snowball.<br />
<br />
Hello Freedom, I'm Zoë. I think we should be friends.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-40285790741745413462014-01-24T00:33:00.000-08:002014-01-24T00:33:09.870-08:00Budget: 20 December - 20 January<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.</i><br />
<i>Zig Ziglar</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
I totally forgot to post the last payperiod update, so this is a superpost.<br />
<br />
I went way overbudget the last couple of months. *cringe* More money, more problems, indeed.<br />
<i><br /></i>
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Recap of <span style="color: #3d85c6;">20 December payperiod</span>:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6DwElyfih1IfoWzZ1IL5GQPBGVL2bSAUwtM-tZbRc3q3qSFvuVh_hCjBqbTIVrCjMT6t72OILcRpU5bYDny8-cq-W3kzp9CK2XR6to1VEMJU-ZR1yDH5Cz35MV5sx_7y071KPaBHA_qE/s1600/20+dec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6DwElyfih1IfoWzZ1IL5GQPBGVL2bSAUwtM-tZbRc3q3qSFvuVh_hCjBqbTIVrCjMT6t72OILcRpU5bYDny8-cq-W3kzp9CK2XR6to1VEMJU-ZR1yDH5Cz35MV5sx_7y071KPaBHA_qE/s1600/20+dec.jpg" height="324" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Click to zoom}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Well the good news is, I paid off Dentist 1 and part of my Medical CC. </div>
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The bad news is, I went WAY overbudget by being impulsive and lazy during my petsitting stay </div>
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(that wasn't a very good week for me, mentally) </div>
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You live and you learn.</div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
Recap of<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 5 January payperiod:</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT-epkSv_NxitmrIUtg2ytcivx03FFQ_1a76OOb-J8lqXqeyT4n7XxsEHM_41Akbo1CTljEcqy6vl8i1ha6Ep86MextJ_nq0ZO7ez_Ix7eQzppGhQhw5I3KMzG69YhIaA_AX3aYO9RC0z/s1600/5+1an.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT-epkSv_NxitmrIUtg2ytcivx03FFQ_1a76OOb-J8lqXqeyT4n7XxsEHM_41Akbo1CTljEcqy6vl8i1ha6Ep86MextJ_nq0ZO7ez_Ix7eQzppGhQhw5I3KMzG69YhIaA_AX3aYO9RC0z/s1600/5+1an.jpg" height="300" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Click to zoom}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Baseboard heaters = money suckers. Snuggle up buttercup, because those suckers are not getting cranked anymore. I bought a heater to keep me and the kitty meow cozy.<br />
<br />
It was also pointed out to me that the formula I was using for the "difference" section was incorrect, so I changed that to reflect ACTUAL (minus) BUDGETED to show how much I was over or under budget (thanks for pointing that out, Nancy).<br />
<br />
Food was overbudget due to me deciding to do this detox. I was nodding off at work after 9 hours of sleep and 6 cups of coffee. I had played with my sleep and exercise schedules and finally concluded it <i>had</i> to be my diet. So I found a detox online and I had to buy all these groceries. Then I realized the detox was not the right one for me. I finished it, but still had a ton of food left over. Which isn't terrible, considering it was all vegetables and fruit and I've been able to spread it throughout the month.<br />
<br />
Corduroy was having issues in his Fecal Fort (catbox). That was solved by a bigger box. I plan on getting him one of those cabinets, so I just hope it fits.<br />
<br />
I totally forgot to account for prorated charges in the internet department. I adjusted for next month's budget.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hot dog, this is an exciting two months!!! With the snowball minimum payment process, I paid off yet <i>another</i> creditor and be free of that debt. Since I got my holiday pay with this check, I applied (most of) that toward my last non-student loan debt. WHOOHOO!!!!!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">20 January </span>payperiod:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KO7qqSRcIrWo_EqiolKQ4_dzWUAFxFfthRgDZd2FiCirhSjA4GsUAp7G2oAY8Mf1rSLb5WTBYQ0ARltlzNUO2qSx_wCF9zbekH8-_VBBz0A1qNb-wGoL-1mGPdkJig2zI71jRgO-Xo91/s1600/20+jan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KO7qqSRcIrWo_EqiolKQ4_dzWUAFxFfthRgDZd2FiCirhSjA4GsUAp7G2oAY8Mf1rSLb5WTBYQ0ARltlzNUO2qSx_wCF9zbekH8-_VBBz0A1qNb-wGoL-1mGPdkJig2zI71jRgO-Xo91/s1600/20+jan.jpg" height="230" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Click to zoom}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Notice something different? Like lower rent.....?<br />
<br />
I bit the bullet and decided to get a roommate. I can't deny the math any more. As much as I love living on my own, having a roommate will exponentially open doors to me being debt free, which, in turn, will allow me access to fulfilling my dreams. Debt freedom date: Spring 2015<br />
<br />
He moves in at the beginning of February. I'm finally getting around to paying my pet deposit, since he has a dog.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Tax season is upon us! I'm super excited to file my taxes, because I know I'm getting at least some money back from student loan interest. I know I'm getting a stipend for my health insurance, but that will be placed in a special account and only used for that, since it completely covers my premium for a year. Thanks Obamacare :o)<br />
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<br /></div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" /><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-71566787504161604832014-01-20T11:45:00.000-08:002014-01-20T13:23:54.046-08:00Cute commuter crap<br />
There's a constant controversy between commuters and cyclists. I respect both, since we're both on two wheels and going somewhere.<br />
<br />
I am <i>not</i> a cyclist. I don't ride for races or long distance touring (yet).<br />
<br />
Some people are confused when I wear (gasp) regular clothes -- even dresses and skirts -- on my bike instead of the blinding highlighter colors and padded pants.<br />
<br />
What else would I wear?<br />
<br />
One of my favorite blogs, <a href="http://bikeyface.com/">Bikeyface</a>, is a bike commuter blog and hits this laughable question bang on the nose:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3708/11059588974_1bac406693_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3708/11059588974_1bac406693_o.jpg" height="578" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
{<a href="http://bikeyface.com/">http://bikeyface.com</a>}</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2824/11059590424_526a59a971_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2824/11059590424_526a59a971_o.jpg" height="392" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{<a href="http://bikeyface.com/">http://bikeyface.com</a>}<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One of the biggest conundrums of commuting is finding <i>necessary </i>things like reflectors or lights that don't cost and arm and a leg and don't make me look like I'm going to race the Tour de France, especially as a woman.<br />
<br />
I have a whole Amazon Wish List full of fun reflectors and lights, so I'm sharing with you some of my favorites I've added and/or bought.<br />
<br />
(This post is completely unsponsored and just my opinion on these products.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-large;"><b>FunFlector Reflectors: Tags & Stickers</b></span><br />
<br />
I am so in love with these tags. They're cute enough to be a backpack zipper pull or hang on your bag, but they're also effective.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51B2plWeOIL._SL1500_.jpg" height="200" width="200" /><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51opImeHwgL._SL1500_.jpg" height="200" width="200" /><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61P30L%2BFTRL._SL1000_.jpg" height="200" width="200" /><br />
Available on<a href="http://www.funflector.com/"> www.funflector.com</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=funflector">www.amazon.com</a><br />
<br />
Funflector also has stickers and slap bracelets. While I probably won't wear the slap bracelets on anything but a night run, I definitely want to add the stickers to my helmet.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41mpxRo1q2L.jpg" height="185" width="200" /><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31UkKDAGd0L.jpg" height="102" width="200" /><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZaWWnlfIL.jpg" height="164" width="200" /><br />
<br />
Available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_sporting-goods?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Fun+Reflector&node=3375251">www.amazon.com</a><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b>PoCampo Reflective Bird Pin</b></span><br />
<br />
How discreet is this??<br />
<br />
<img alt="Reflective Bird Pin | Po Campo" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/82/b4/92/82b4921b96ce2b69fd5bf31b15fac564.jpg" height="226" width="320" /><img src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzClqUSV6kxbTIGZhPRvOeHBtE-16sxO3lVw4XO5w-lwPnoYSx" /><br />
<br />
{<a href="http://levelovictoria.co/blogs/news/10777929-christmas-gift-guide-our-top-10-must-haves">photo credit</a>}<br />
<br />
Available on<a href="http://www.pocampo.com/"> www.pocampo.com</a><br />
<br />
Whimsical pin by day, reflective pin by night. This little guy does a double duty.<br />
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<b style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></b>
<b style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: xx-large;">PoCampo Reflective Bandana</b><br />
<b style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></b>
I use bandanas to cover my face when it gets too cold to breathe outside. This is be perfect for commuters like me, or who don't wear helmets, but also wants some added visibility.<br />
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<img alt="Reflective Bandana | Po Campo" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/90/59/a9/9059a9e4d2a7e4697943f391b5c6b321.jpg" /><br />
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Available on <a href="http://www.pocampo.com/">www.pocampo.com</a><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b>OneTwoThreeSpeed Reflective Helmet Bows</b></span><br />
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<img alt="Pink Reflective Bike Helmet Bow by onetwothreespeed on Etsy, $18.00" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/04/f0/19/04f01900eb1e45fc64cbdba1a627fc20.jpg" height="133" width="200" /><img alt="Red Reflective Bike Helmet Bow" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/6016580/il_570xN.345322611.jpg" height="134" width="200" /><img alt="Blue Reflective Bike Helmet Bow" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/000/0/6016580/il_570xN.345441426.jpg" height="134" width="200" /><br />
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Sensing a theme here with double duty?? I'm absolutely in love with these. They look like a simple bow on your helmet but at night they reflect just as well as those ugly hi-viz vests. Plus, you can buy multiple and attach it to your back rack, bag, or front basket. And they spice up an otherwise bulky, ugly, boring commuter helmet.<br />
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Available on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/onetwothreespeed?ref=l2-shopheader-name">www.etsy.com</a><br />
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<b style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: xx-large;">LeBands Reflective Nonslip Headband</b><br />
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<img alt="reflective non slip headband great for running, walking, biking at night .picture shows it reflecting" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/012/1/7606490/il_570xN.414266950_2w83.jpg" height="240" width="320" /><img src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/014/0/7606490/il_570xN.426826122_h5zx.jpg" height="240" width="320" /><br />
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Okay, I admit, I love this more for running (I usually wear my helmet), but it was too cute to not share for those who do not wear helmets.<br />
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Available on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/120014886/reflective-non-slip-headband-great-for?ref=sr_gallery_22&ga_search_query=reflective+headband&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_type=all">www.etsy.com</a><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b>Bookman Light Set</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/410ujL55AHL.jpg" height="200" width="200" /><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41F6c%2Bb1rLL.jpg" height="200" width="200" /><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41WrIDiubqL._SX385_.jpg" height="200" width="199" /><br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YbU7L-l7L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YbU7L-l7L.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41yxm1Af45L._SX385_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41yxm1Af45L._SX385_.jpg" height="200" width="199" /></a><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31-sJ4lMHoL.jpg" height="200" width="200" /><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YbU7L-l7L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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These are all the rage in The Netherlands, where there are more bicycles than people (and cars). They're fun little bandy lights available in multiple colors that are easy to take on or off your bicycle and come in sets of two (one front white light, one rear red lgiht). You can even stack them to get 360 visibility. Apparently they're really bright (I haven't bought any.......yet) but I'd put them more in the "be seen" category.<br />
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Available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_sporting-goods?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Bookman&node=3375251">www.amazon.com</a><br />
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<b style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: xx-large;">Nite Ize SpotLit and PetLit Lights</b><br />
<b style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></b>
<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71zv2JagBuL._SL1500_.jpg" height="320" width="164" /><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61HuyKEOcwL._SL1320_.jpg" height="320" width="158" /><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61NmMaJSieL._SL1500_.jpg" height="320" width="154" /><br />
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There are two products here, one for dogs (cheaper) and one for humans. I see no reason why the dog light can't be used if you don't own a dog. These, much like the FunFlector reflectors, can be put on your bag or a rack for added visibility. They're very small (about the size of a housekey), but even a small light is better than nothing.<br />
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Available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_pet-supplies?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Nite+Ize&node=2619533011">www.amazon.com</a><br />
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<b style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: xx-large;">Nite Ize SpokeLit Lights</b><br />
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<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61LUQiKlpWL._SL1500_.jpg" height="200" width="138" /><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71wPZpxNjwL._SL1000_.jpg" height="188" width="200" /><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71CFz1WgwPL._SL1500_.jpg" height="191" width="200" /><br />
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I have these in red on my bike. They work pretty well for being seen, since they move with your spokes and get driver's attention, but the battery can die quickly (20 hours of steady, 24 in flashing). I'd recommend buying batteries for these in bulk and to always make sure they are turned off when you're done riding. They are fun to have on the bike, and add a rare side visibility that most lights don't offer.<br />
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Available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_sporting-goods?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Nite+Ize&node=3375251">www.amazon.com</a><br />
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<b style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: xx-large;">Petzl E91 Tekkina Headlamp</b><br />
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<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81eBDtxeaSL._SL1500_.jpg" height="78" width="200" /><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81qIl5hfFnL._SL1500_.jpg" height="76" width="200" /><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81EB8OvACeL._SL1500_.jpg" height="79" width="200" /><br />
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I know this is supposed to be a list of things that <i>don't</i> make you look like a commuter, but I've found that a headlamp really helps with riding at night or in winter. I wear my headlamp in conjunction with my (ugly, but effective) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MWRJR8/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Planet Bike front light </a> and also when I run. The nice thing about these headlamps is that they're colorful (and therefore, less "cyclist" looking) and they help you see things from the sides like that annoying dog that always chases you.<br />
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Available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_sporting-goods?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Petzl&node=3375251">www.amazon.com</a><br />
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What are your favorite reflectors or lights? Do you think there is such a thing as "too much"?<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-40855535226458140722013-12-31T19:00:00.002-08:002013-12-31T19:01:08.174-08:00The Resolution Chair<br />
My sisters and I created a tradition when gathering with friends for New Year's Eve.<br />
Everyone writes out their resolutions and stand on a chair (figuratively or literally) and reads them to the party.<br />
It's goofy, fun, and your friends and family can hold you accountable throughout the year on your goals.<br />
(Consider this my public Resolution Chair)<br />
<br />
I have an action plan on some of these that are a little more progressional (like the language intensive project, paying off debt, and running)<br />
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<b><i>MENTAL</i></b><br />
Language intensive project: study 1 language for 3 months per language (ASL, French, German, Spanish)<br />
Possibly enroll in school in September (depends on financial aid and financial situation midyear)<br />
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<b><i>PERSONAL</i></b><br />
Accomplish 3 side tasks at work per day<br />
Visit ABQ<br />
Take a trip with my Little<br />
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<b><i>FINANCIAL</i></b><br />
Progressional goal:<br />
Pay off immediate debt >> Save 3 months expenses >> Begin attacking student loans<br />
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<b><i>PHYSICAL</i></b><br />
Run a 5k<br />
Run a half marathon<br />
Run 3-4 times per week<br />
Drink 4 cups of water per day<br />
Limit sugar intake<br />
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<b><i>SPIRITUAL</i></b><br />
Participate in 2-3 bible studies<br />
Practice yoga once a week<br />
Listen to two spiritual messages per week<br />
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To track how I'm doing, I printed off goal tracking sheets from <a href="http://www.myloveforwords.com/printables/">My Love For Words</a> (and I'll likely give a quarterly update to hold myself accountable).<br />
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While I <i>hope </i>to accomplish most if not all of these within the year, if I don't, <i>I'm not a failure </i>(and neither are you if you don't accomplish all your goals).<i> </i>Sometimes life takes over and priorities change. The importance is in the effort and in the journey.<br />
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What are your goals for the year? How many of your goals did you accomplish from last year? <a href="http://rhymeswithjoey.blogspot.com/2012/12/i-resolve.html">I had 12</a>!!!<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-71653837797054253872013-12-22T18:32:00.002-08:002013-12-22T18:37:44.562-08:00Budget: 20 December<i><br /></i>
<i>A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.</i><br />
<i>Colin Powell </i><br />
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Psst.........guess what.</div>
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I did it again.</div>
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Another one down.</div>
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But before we go over that here's a recap of <span style="color: #3d85c6;">5 December payperiod</span>:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMXJw6e-Jy76Cw3Es1w3UHNZp1dqwNeq3A-B2FCTB9Q-ZcKOhmNG9GKdPZB-I-Tw2Fx5Umjbqb69ppRPmDECzvhmQZ1ajZd0-ppu30NO_mrz6vKa4J-mTSuvcP3EnLqJ0lzJyM0ZNYD7B/s1600/budget1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMXJw6e-Jy76Cw3Es1w3UHNZp1dqwNeq3A-B2FCTB9Q-ZcKOhmNG9GKdPZB-I-Tw2Fx5Umjbqb69ppRPmDECzvhmQZ1ajZd0-ppu30NO_mrz6vKa4J-mTSuvcP3EnLqJ0lzJyM0ZNYD7B/s640/budget1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to zoom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I expected this month to be a little over budget. </div>
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I actually had a bit of anxiety with all the spending I was doing. I had to buy cookie cutters and a rolling pin to make the cookies I gave to friends and coworkers as gifts; I had the money my mom sent; I had my Nutcracker gift money. Even though a lot of that didn't come out of my budget, alarms went off in my head. </div>
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I guess that's a good thing right??</div>
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I did mess up and forgot my insurance hadn't been pulled out of my account, so I had to pull money out of my emergency fund to cover that (and then I pulled out too much. Whoops.) </div>
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Thankfully, I have a petsitting job that was able to refund that.</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">20 December payperiod:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">EXPENSES</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVz-5LwNFRMri47_tCQUU9VDTiDhIy8E7UZ0Y0sGgqe_E4H-bHuDhnffM4do7lWYsbCtOgk5SraOhhxCk4xZ4OIVVPYDQSzNy42gjN4dQVMnEuvNutcvkutB6PMnmAXoWXCUUo0E1LjDW/s1600/budget1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVz-5LwNFRMri47_tCQUU9VDTiDhIy8E7UZ0Y0sGgqe_E4H-bHuDhnffM4do7lWYsbCtOgk5SraOhhxCk4xZ4OIVVPYDQSzNy42gjN4dQVMnEuvNutcvkutB6PMnmAXoWXCUUo0E1LjDW/s640/budget1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to zoom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Got a bit of extra in my check this month. Yeah buddy. I did pick up a petsitting job and didn't make it a priority to make food to take with me back and forth, so I grabbed some fast food and called it a day.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">DEBT</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOumL0l8DQvRzcikB5X4JVro4dvsQ4PdDk93psTE_HVQM3T44GsYYP27UoRBjwGKs4VwSYLMJI4EpsXpdxVgr3I5YE9pO6gJOEDjf1WbmlZgLxeFkGT7q0t44FhnvTmmnUmuYr379rGTlj/s1600/budget1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOumL0l8DQvRzcikB5X4JVro4dvsQ4PdDk93psTE_HVQM3T44GsYYP27UoRBjwGKs4VwSYLMJI4EpsXpdxVgr3I5YE9pO6gJOEDjf1WbmlZgLxeFkGT7q0t44FhnvTmmnUmuYr379rGTlj/s640/budget1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to zoom</td></tr>
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<br />
Can I just squeal for a second??<br />
<br />
Since I got my petsitting job, I was able to completely pay off dentist 1, which means I've paid off 1/3 of my immediate debt.<br />
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By January, I will (hopefully) have that medical credit card paid off, which will put me at about 50% paid off.<br />
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WHOA.<br />
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Wasn't I just complaining this was all slow going?<br />
<br />
Take that, debt. BAM.<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;" /><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-3245582267442723082013-12-19T22:48:00.003-08:002013-12-20T00:07:51.270-08:00My Big Fat Lesson in Patience<br>
I am far from a patient person.<br>
<br>
I hate waiting. I hate being on hold. If I want something, I want it *now* and God have mercy on whoever gets in my way.<br>
<br>
I noticed yesterday that this debt journey and my hobbies have really taught me how to be patient.<br>
<br>
When I started running, I was slow. Like 15 min miles slow. (I walked a lot). As I ran more regularly, I no longer have to cut a full hour out my day <i>just </i>for the run.<br>
<br>
When I started learning languages, it was really frustrating to understand more than I spoke. The sooner I got over the embarrassment of making mistakes, the faster I improved.<br>
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When I started learning how to knit, it took me <i>forever</i> to figure out how to stitch. (Whoever said casting on was the hard part <i>is a big fat liar</i>.) I almost gave it up.<br>
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As much as it hurts, I have to <i>save up</i> for the stuff I want to do (such a revolutionary concept). I can't <i>just put it on my credit card</i>, because I'll have to pay it off eventually, and it makes me feel like a dog chasing it's tail.<br>
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I wanted results <i>now</i>. I still do. Sadly, there is no magical genie to grant my three wishes.<br>
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But the more I'm patient, the more I'm surprised with a gift.<br>
<br>
When I made the commitment to the Dave Ramsey Baby Steps plan, I had just moved into a new apartment. I had so many petsitting commitments, I was able to pay off my deposit, build up my emergency fund, and seamlessly transition into paying off my debt snowball.<br>
<br>
An old lady at the store bought me a few sets of knitting needles two days after I had canceled a Craigslist transaction for knitting needles. (She tried to buy me 5 sets, I put three back, and the sneak put another set on the conveyer belt at the last second)<br>
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A couple decided to pay for a toy and a week's worth of food for Corduroy after I had given up on trying to buy him a new toy for Christmas.<br>
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The day I decided I wasn't going to Nutcracker this year, a friend gifted me the money for tickets (<i>and </i>my boyfriend said he was going to surprise me with them anyway).<br>
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A couple tipped me the money to go to a football game I had told my friend I couldn't afford to go to.<br>
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When I realized (and surrendered) to the fact I had a few months on the air mattress, a couple friends were generous enough to gift me the money for a new mattress.<br>
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After I decided I would wait until my debt was paid off to get furniture, a friend gave me a chair.<br>
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I've been incredibly blessed by friends, family, strangers, and the grace of God during this process and I can't wait until I can give back. Maybe being patient isn't so bad after all.<br>
<a href="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1390515_10152108026047384_36576151_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1390515_10152108026047384_36576151_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-89779482746825318862013-12-17T17:05:00.000-08:002013-12-17T17:05:21.492-08:00How I do it: winter bicycling<br />
The number one question I get asked when it's made known that I ride my bicycle everywhere is:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">"WHAT WILL YOU DO IN THE WINTER?"</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAq5yLNoXar1u8tBfdLBOaGrO41f4l2LZ_LgCuCGwPY1Ptv17S0QrdAXOKIyeJ7qFb4GC-UmvM5v5oudyaYGTBFJJwTi1A3Y-PSEPmPTF3RUDLpCyrxdwjBAqEDLjzVBtSsDzq_J_qDJv/s1600/photo+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAq5yLNoXar1u8tBfdLBOaGrO41f4l2LZ_LgCuCGwPY1Ptv17S0QrdAXOKIyeJ7qFb4GC-UmvM5v5oudyaYGTBFJJwTi1A3Y-PSEPmPTF3RUDLpCyrxdwjBAqEDLjzVBtSsDzq_J_qDJv/s400/photo+%25284%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<br />
A lot of people mention my scooter (pictured in my bio on the right) and wonder if I will ride it in the winter. That, my friends, is a big fat NO.<br />
<br />
My scooter, as fun as it is, is definitely a fair weather vehicle for me, since it's a lot more damaging if I crash on the scooter compared to my bicycle.<br />
<br />
I go faster on the scooter, meaning if I crash, it's more likely I'll get hurt. Not to mention body repairs that would need to be done for damages to the scoot. The roads are <i>atrocious</i> with ice, slush, snow, etc. and people generally drive like crap.<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">"BUT DON'T YOU GET COLD?"</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
I generate the power on the bicycle, so even though it takes me a few minutes (like 2-3) more to get somewhere compared to the scooter, I'm cozy and warm. I dress as if it is 5-10 degrees <i>warmer</i> than it is outside, to compensate for the bodyheat generated from pedaling.<br />
<br />
By the time it takes me to get to work (6 minute ride), most people are barely finishing up warming their car and scraping their windshield. Since I live only a mile away from work, even if I did own a car I would probably still ride my bike. It wakes me up, it's a lot more fun than navigating traffic, and I get 2 miles of cardio roundtrip.<br />
<br />
I wear normal clothes while commuting, so I don't really do anything different in the winter. Even when I drove a car, I would pair jeans with thermals or a dress with fleece lined tights, because I'm usually cold at work. I normally wear fuzzy socks and boots and I have a down-filled vest I wear under my trench coat, which is about the only difference I make.<br />
<br />
My fingers, toes, and ears get the coldest, so I wear a combination knitted convertible gloves, leather gloves, a headwrap or beanie depending on the temperatures. Throw on a scarf and I'm good to go.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sZpeWiiCzP_OwmnWV4OQ5hg0JUwmdz85GvVXeh77Fw8xrm-qpU9YUpOhvi6QEAwRYPnirqn0Ot_b2d77Eu9OmlhQOUuuuT4quf-m2J6n4y98ooCgd7AeOnWzKurr3zSFtY4M0JK8M5P3/s1600/photo+(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sZpeWiiCzP_OwmnWV4OQ5hg0JUwmdz85GvVXeh77Fw8xrm-qpU9YUpOhvi6QEAwRYPnirqn0Ot_b2d77Eu9OmlhQOUuuuT4quf-m2J6n4y98ooCgd7AeOnWzKurr3zSFtY4M0JK8M5P3/s320/photo+(7).jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Give you one guess on my favorite color.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've traveled like this in freezing temperatures and did just fine. I'll wrap the scarf around my face if it's really cold.<br />
<br />
I'd have to <i>double </i>that on the scooter since I'm not only not moving my body, but the self-powered wind chill from going 25 mph makes it 10-20 degrees <i>colder</i> than what it already is outside. It's simply unpleasant.<br />
<br />
It does get darker earlier in the winter, especially in Washington (3 p.m.!? REALLY?!) so I have to make sure I'm visible. I have a motorcycle jacket from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/GoGo-Gear-Womens-Military-Motorcycle/dp/B004QF0CYO/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_2">GoGoGear</a> that has a reflective belt, so in the winter, I wear the belt with my regular trench coat. I don't wear the motorcycle jacket on my bicycle because of the padding.<br />
<br />
I had bought some cheap lights when I bought the bike, but they are part of the "be seen" category and I can't see much in the dark even with them on. I did buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00152R8Q6/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1">SpokeLit</a> lights a while back, which have helped with being seen as well.<br />
<br />
But since <i>I</i> can't see, I bought a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MWRJR8/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Planet Bike 5 LED light</a> and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027H2GAQ/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Petl Tekkina</a> headlamp (which I double for running) with the money my mom gave me for Christmas.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCf5iswjPESklPSraJ9eQakZxvwAo1itVSo-bE5lQIvm3zA1AGTGPx3dimMLgGSZbA2lfy_fqGJDsWucziELQifr5x9zHsHWTm7T3HUl-RepNX9sGOlA4aBEeIkG0Diab-bqVqL-RaU2UG/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCf5iswjPESklPSraJ9eQakZxvwAo1itVSo-bE5lQIvm3zA1AGTGPx3dimMLgGSZbA2lfy_fqGJDsWucziELQifr5x9zHsHWTm7T3HUl-RepNX9sGOlA4aBEeIkG0Diab-bqVqL-RaU2UG/s320/photo.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excuse my just-showered-I-got-presents goofy look</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OrCBBGD1ArbDPKQm3UCnZ_csfz0y9ZVdw5IoldipHM2NIJZxk0Y-a_Npn_gtOAearmMPgt2WhUeyqiaXwDRNKKLXd6Dqij-SJp_tkNwsEjKOXtoyFsdKeXDLCDRDmhJu6wS2bjHcG_Yr/s1600/photo+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OrCBBGD1ArbDPKQm3UCnZ_csfz0y9ZVdw5IoldipHM2NIJZxk0Y-a_Npn_gtOAearmMPgt2WhUeyqiaXwDRNKKLXd6Dqij-SJp_tkNwsEjKOXtoyFsdKeXDLCDRDmhJu6wS2bjHcG_Yr/s320/photo+(2).jpg" width="238" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZttwbvMynmJCzoy3RmfECJOb8Y_ZXczQ37YMkxN6UywhxfdfgfGwDRWDJLVw9ICSmKThhhekPK6okxh-PtywYuxMFtaHsuDrcVat9mXy7nJzTj0DjzeMA6PzIOHVNJsSQqfeW8PepFQCv/s1600/photo+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZttwbvMynmJCzoy3RmfECJOb8Y_ZXczQ37YMkxN6UywhxfdfgfGwDRWDJLVw9ICSmKThhhekPK6okxh-PtywYuxMFtaHsuDrcVat9mXy7nJzTj0DjzeMA6PzIOHVNJsSQqfeW8PepFQCv/s320/photo+(1).jpg" width="238" /></a> </div>
<br />
You can see in the rightside picture how much brighter the new light is compared to my dinky one. I'll use the dinky one as a blinking light for visibility (ditto on the taillight)<br />
<br />
I have a current obsession with getting more lights and reflectors, which <a href="http://amzn.com/w/2TA53YUZ81LNG">my Amazon Wish List</a> shows.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">"WHAT ABOUT WHEN IT SNOWS?"</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
Snow tires for scooters: $125 per tire + install costs ($50+)<br />
<br />
Bicycle tires: $44 per tire + install costs ($16)<br />
<br />
I have a pair of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001C65KWY/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Klondike tires </a>I just bought that should be good for a few years. I've gone over some black ice with them and didn't even feel a difference.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7emszJzJ0vtzfmu4qmMEQSD_QznwdRCrhlq3kyCFC-NNfUhcjVbd-AMT-to_amOWA-bohlU-L8J59ZJBM5PiIMphsLnHwHaJ9Bcq6VCovcAaRI0AV2sg0gARCZZoT8KdvTEFUWx25nIo7/s1600/photo+(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7emszJzJ0vtzfmu4qmMEQSD_QznwdRCrhlq3kyCFC-NNfUhcjVbd-AMT-to_amOWA-bohlU-L8J59ZJBM5PiIMphsLnHwHaJ9Bcq6VCovcAaRI0AV2sg0gARCZZoT8KdvTEFUWx25nIo7/s320/photo+(3).jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosie is quite studly with her new tires</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have a pair of SnowTrax I got from Costco I'll put over my boots if I know it's going to be extra icy. I also use them for running. They're <i>fantastic.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_TaVT-ik-_-TzVz2JPfzalXMWkqSJ3FlD2N8Do082o-0o5ZKHdxbDQ67lc4KJFEamaYMaEffvkTjUewhc9eV_NVhgiHJL1eTFAO1M2-IITkjkAgT9ff67fI2-EA0BWqPIe4QnX3G1jgP/s1600/photo+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_TaVT-ik-_-TzVz2JPfzalXMWkqSJ3FlD2N8Do082o-0o5ZKHdxbDQ67lc4KJFEamaYMaEffvkTjUewhc9eV_NVhgiHJL1eTFAO1M2-IITkjkAgT9ff67fI2-EA0BWqPIe4QnX3G1jgP/s320/photo+%25285%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I happen to <i>love </i>riding my bicycle in bad weather. It's a lot of fun and I love how quiet the world is when it rains or snows. I love being out <i>in</i> it rather than just driving through it. Plus the lack of dealing with traffic is pretty awesome. I have much less road rage compared to when I ride my scooter.<br />
<br />
Winter riding is EASY, it just takes a little preparation. I'll save my scoot for warmer weather.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpZ0k6idl88M1I4QN0PnLE49cNkq1I6ykypmuASHqlHaA6526dCyFT28ygtCR7RoSq0B8TQPaSvTuNOKM6UVgAGNzigA0IOPssN_8_SvALJrtyu4FT4jdNPj4gBITTbR9HILU_RAOSs1W/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpZ0k6idl88M1I4QN0PnLE49cNkq1I6ykypmuASHqlHaA6526dCyFT28ygtCR7RoSq0B8TQPaSvTuNOKM6UVgAGNzigA0IOPssN_8_SvALJrtyu4FT4jdNPj4gBITTbR9HILU_RAOSs1W/s320/photo.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No hi-viz spandex clothes here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-33444169261741081312013-12-16T14:11:00.001-08:002013-12-16T14:36:59.539-08:00That time I realized I'm a runner<br />
When you start running for the first time, it's easy to fall into this perception that you're not a "real" runner because you don't have crazy pace times, marathon medals galore, and never take time off. Or because you go slow and walk most of your "run". Or because you don't <i>look</i> like a runner.<br />
<br />
While I knew that because I laced up my Adidas and <i>ran</i>, I was a runner, I never really embraced the title completely. I never felt the *need* to run. It was just something I did because it was convenient for my lifestyle.<br />
<br />
Until it got cold. And by cold, I don't mean 20's or 30's. I mean single digits with a "feels like" negative digits.<br />
<br />
I went for one run when it was in the low 20's and my t-shirt semi-froze to my stomach. No joke.<br />
<br />
After that I decided I wasn't going outside until I had the wonderful technology of base layer moisture-wicking clothing. My mom gifted me some cash to get winter wear.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I decided I would do Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred. I was motivated for the first week, and then I got bored.<br />
<br />
Nothing against Jill. She kicks my ass with that workout, but that's when I really realized I was a <i>runner</i>.<br />
<br />
I missed being outside. I missed the changing scenery and the ability to wander in my thoughts. When I was doing the video, I'd actually look outside and miss the new circuit cue. Whoops.<br />
<br />
I started craving running, much like I crave certain foods at a particular time. I noticed my emotions went haywire and my normal started dipping into a depression, which snowballed into lack of motivation to do anything, really (who noticed a lack of language intensive stuff??)<br />
<br />
It was weird.<br />
<br />
When the clothing I bought came, I ripped it open like a crazy person and immediately put them on. I believe my boyfriend's exact words were "so I guess you're going for a run?"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJtPoQmp8fFIriYVfVHn30AjaxiGPoyA-96D4S62D77-87ahyphenhyphenw9pRwdm_wPfKj9vDCB8bjgBmEcc7OfM3eDeXZuJZ6Rjc4Lvp8e3QDBylhpzHqfeMHLBAsAiGq9PbAtacMjiWpwpLuUL5/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJtPoQmp8fFIriYVfVHn30AjaxiGPoyA-96D4S62D77-87ahyphenhyphenw9pRwdm_wPfKj9vDCB8bjgBmEcc7OfM3eDeXZuJZ6Rjc4Lvp8e3QDBylhpzHqfeMHLBAsAiGq9PbAtacMjiWpwpLuUL5/s320/photo.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full body shot with new jacket and leggings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Displaying photo.jpg" height="320" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=8faff697ee&view=fimg&th=142fd6fcb1d895bc&attid=0.2&disp=inline&realattid=e79fe1ae71f67714_0.1&safe=1&attbid=ANGjdJ9wmYpth0R-fLy-0Nc0ykBIqbUBf3BB0VL3NPsKqYpPbtjNDcbafF1nughzQsrdhINvP2niVYZeQ7fxz51D6s06T94P3gI9SIatadRg078am4keKgg0usSDC64&ats=1387231438312&rm=142fd6fcb1d895bc&zw&sz=w1254-h557" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="236" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really love this pocket feature!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM55BI31ssPluvkycy4kwLrB6V53HnaWkG3eqgyz7FQcEIMIXg8tBaIHiee8beVu2GcpBJlt4v5kTsSnLZu7ZJFX03CxE9eVLk7pCRXW42mVyIcBzhk-_7bkhuznjL8_l5UdkcLO4NO_NI/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM55BI31ssPluvkycy4kwLrB6V53HnaWkG3eqgyz7FQcEIMIXg8tBaIHiee8beVu2GcpBJlt4v5kTsSnLZu7ZJFX03CxE9eVLk7pCRXW42mVyIcBzhk-_7bkhuznjL8_l5UdkcLO4NO_NI/s320/photo+%25283%2529.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The haul minus one pair of leggings<br />
(still in the mail)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
I was out the door 15 min later and I got a new personal best at 11:30 min/mile in 32 degrees in the snow.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpSGrlUiOIlGN7Q9-HhyS6AUhoRvpoJ2sY319KLut70mM1FQWQlmNpjq7JXkLdyDXGSNqXumfuJyMGyXSNB52xHN-8-_7aE_bprxfQkimz4fruMwFNuXO-rdlwD_iFtBwVeRi_b6fjUCt/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpSGrlUiOIlGN7Q9-HhyS6AUhoRvpoJ2sY319KLut70mM1FQWQlmNpjq7JXkLdyDXGSNqXumfuJyMGyXSNB52xHN-8-_7aE_bprxfQkimz4fruMwFNuXO-rdlwD_iFtBwVeRi_b6fjUCt/s320/photo+%25281%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I ran 3.04 miles total. Mile 4 is really 0.04 of a mile.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now I can use my tights and thermals for bike commuting and not freeze. Thanks, Mom!<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-11329620745849055332013-12-08T17:01:00.000-08:002013-12-08T21:20:21.819-08:00The unknown<br />
Lately friends and family in New Mexico and Arizona have been asking me things like:<br />
<br />
How long are you going to be up there?<br />
("there" as in Washington)<br />
<br />
Where do you want to end up?<br />
<br />
What city is your ideal place to live?<br />
<br />
Will you ever move back?<br />
<br />
I've lived in three cities in my 23 years, and each one was perfect for the stage of my life I lived there for.<br />
<br />
As an adolescent, I've changed so much (from 18 to now) and I have so many goals I want to accomplish, it is impossible to say where I want to end up.<br />
<br />
Especially with everything that's happened in the last year, I've learned nothing is permanent. And, with so much ahead of me in the next few years, I have no idea how to answer these questions other than "we'll find out".<br />
<br />
And I truly mean <i>WE</i> as in YOU <i>and </i>ME, because if you asked me 6 months ago what I'd be doing right now, I told you I was hella excited to go to Europe in February and move back to Arizona in summer.<br />
<br />
But then <a href="http://rhymeswithjoey.blogspot.com/2013/08/clearing-air.html">this</a> happened, so my life took a giant 90 degree turn. Which isn't necessarily bad, just unexpected. But it really drove the nail in that plans usually get messed up.<br />
<br />
I'm not sitting here doing nothing. I do have goals, plans, hopes, dreams that I'm working toward. I just don't have a deadline anymore.<br />
<br />
It's a fine line between "this is where I'd like to be" and "this is where I HAVE to be (and if I'm not there by then, I'm a failure)". <br />
<br />
As for my ideal city, Albuquerque was a great place for me to grow up; Flagstaff was a great place to start my independent life; Cheney is a great place to rebuild my life.<br />
<br />
Who knows where life will take me to the next ideal location?<br />
<br />
(Hint: <i>I don't</i>. That's part of the adventure.)<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-90512651326668927222013-12-07T12:57:00.000-08:002013-12-07T13:05:25.054-08:00My Christmas traditions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br />
Christmas may not be my absolute favorite holiday, but I do love it quite a bit.<br />
<br />
I get crazy into the Christmas spirit: I wear my Santa hat at work, I immerse myself in Christmas music (forcibly at work,and usually classical or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ella_Fitzgerald">Ella </a>and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Armstrong">Louis </a>on my own time), and I enjoy the gorgeous lights everyone puts up, making the frigid temperatures a little easier to bear.<br />
<br />
Since I was a kid, I've either been in or seen a production of The Nutcracker. My favorite is still<a href="http://www.keshetdance.org/performance-schedule/"> Shira Greenburg's Nutcracker on the Rocks</a> by Keshet Dance Company in my hometown, Albuquerque. It's not your grandmother's Nutcracker (though I, of course, enjoy that one too).<br />
<br />
My mom and I used to light a candle (electric) in the window to symbolize the warmth and security of the family and also to show loyalty to the family members who aren't present in the home, for whatever reason.<br />
<br />
Before he died, I would buy my dad chocolates from See's Candies every year.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luminaria">Luminarias </a>are a huge New Mexican tradition, which I used to hate, but now I absolutely love.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamale">Tamales</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polvor%C3%B3n">polvorones</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bizcochito">biscochitos</a>, and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/04/dining/posole-offers-a-december-warm-up.html?_r=0">posole </a>are also staple foods in any New Mexican home around Christmas time (get recipes for these <a href="http://www.itsatrip.org/albuquerque/cuisine-dining/recipe/holidayrecipes.aspx">here</a>).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/e4/48/a3/e448a3501be532ef3b07ef41b8309bc0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Christmas tamales" border="0" height="212" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/e4/48/a3/e448a3501be532ef3b07ef41b8309bc0.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tamales<br />
{<a href="http://theprojecttable.blogspot.com/2011/12/tamales.html">source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://rroberts.photoshelter.com/img/pixel.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://rroberts.photoshelter.com/img/pixel.gif" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Traditional Spanish Polvorones (Christmas Cookies)" height="217" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/6e/68/e2/6e68e2f97fb7f9f8264215f620f0bd91.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polvorones<br />
{<a href="http://www.spain-in-iowa.com/2009/12/12-days-of-sharing-spanish-christmas/">source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Authentic NM Biscochitos recipe by Gabrielas Kitchen" height="240" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/5d/d6/9a/5dd69ae6459d95dcece6d7ab4f410631.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biscochitos. THE best Christmas cookie ever<br />
{<a href="http://gabrielaskitchen.com/2009/11/15/biscochitos/">source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSjH0ba56-jQ_A9GyxQZrhxvcQMNekFIi1-X9MnmX13uB-uyVQa6LVuaptsXKau33JM8FA3L0NyYKySxR2uYVMHQncDDbI72YeNmp9Kx2whb1m0c2VFghOPopjl53jsWaFRaYZAlLTocb/s1600/b966a6bbc303717ffa276a1ed9e58d70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSjH0ba56-jQ_A9GyxQZrhxvcQMNekFIi1-X9MnmX13uB-uyVQa6LVuaptsXKau33JM8FA3L0NyYKySxR2uYVMHQncDDbI72YeNmp9Kx2whb1m0c2VFghOPopjl53jsWaFRaYZAlLTocb/s320/b966a6bbc303717ffa276a1ed9e58d70.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luminarias in Old Town Albuquerque<br />
{<a href="http://www.go-newmexico.com/Albuquerque-NMDT-Luminarias-Old-Town-MN.jpg/">source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="213" src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2013/12/04/dining/04KITCH_SPAN/04KITCH_SPAN-articleLarge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posole <br />
{<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/04/dining/posole-offers-a-december-warm-up.html?_r=1&">source</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's become a personal tradition of mine to read <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Christmas_Carol">A Christmas Carol</a> during the month of December, and, of course, watch every (good) Christmas movie known to man.<br />
<br />
A new tradition I started this year was the <a href="http://rhymeswithjoey.blogspot.com/2013/11/first-5k.html">Jingle Bell 5K</a>, which I will continue.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite activities in the Spokane area is going to see the <a href="http://www.symphonyassociates.org/christmas-tree-elegance-2013-schedule/">Christmas Tree Elegance </a>at The Davenport Hotel. It's pretty spectacular to see the different themes and ways a Christmas tree can be decorated. Also, a raffle to win prizes is always fun, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcDcxGRkKzZzFopg3cUJZmxGI87EwYPY61rYGuBCYOuY5892bfnW38AzBu9mYDCM9xuxaLp3zxY9QopN4ixyc-cQefrqvL9MaAcPe9CAq_GuFnFEQzshguwJyMfEsJqO1zhnciXA66FAj/s1600/IMG_4144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcDcxGRkKzZzFopg3cUJZmxGI87EwYPY61rYGuBCYOuY5892bfnW38AzBu9mYDCM9xuxaLp3zxY9QopN4ixyc-cQefrqvL9MaAcPe9CAq_GuFnFEQzshguwJyMfEsJqO1zhnciXA66FAj/s200/IMG_4144.JPG" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXFDp1ZvpJBkt3ibPuVpy1gkW0O_ARzdNVZahsNWKLiEy6C7C6EQxSossA61S4VFzrbM92EPghnZfY257tD8UB43zYETLjT7xnLeJF3iPxy7sWFvHNS48jmoPsYB2bYyu3wOb49kMKEU0/s1600/IMG_4146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXFDp1ZvpJBkt3ibPuVpy1gkW0O_ARzdNVZahsNWKLiEy6C7C6EQxSossA61S4VFzrbM92EPghnZfY257tD8UB43zYETLjT7xnLeJF3iPxy7sWFvHNS48jmoPsYB2bYyu3wOb49kMKEU0/s200/IMG_4146.JPG" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvjp1mLhOwQPGKLjdbJSsEQ54vhoiJjE28tNM-H4nZs2rVEH1Jp0pQrV_NLE1W8e1862JxAUFDIKW10udiR87R1D9-V7i2zH9SqlnGKH6sLsb5Kvo08IqY_vPM3Zpy_-2WaccpY3khn0x/s1600/IMG_4148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvjp1mLhOwQPGKLjdbJSsEQ54vhoiJjE28tNM-H4nZs2rVEH1Jp0pQrV_NLE1W8e1862JxAUFDIKW10udiR87R1D9-V7i2zH9SqlnGKH6sLsb5Kvo08IqY_vPM3Zpy_-2WaccpY3khn0x/s200/IMG_4148.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>
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The last few years, I've worked Christmas Day so others can spend time with their families. I figure, since I'm so far from home, and I'll be spending Christmas watching movies alone at home<i> anyway</i>, why not work and make some well-needed holiday pay?<br />
<br />
What are your holiday traditions?<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;" /></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-16220134525027096912013-12-06T14:35:00.001-08:002013-12-22T15:36:54.837-08:00Budget: 5 December<br />
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Before I go over the numbers, my friend sent this to me:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwAVZJ-dO2Q1-POATgXo-mWk712VDvXHO8ezk5ogg75ry74E35kUcxRIiy0TXfvuQi2nO6pdp9Orc6f2OjYCRpAQM_airPYCYm5-U1FTCtnA9coqE3Uc7nCTTS0xzk9S5luXJPlT132Pz/s1600/dave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwAVZJ-dO2Q1-POATgXo-mWk712VDvXHO8ezk5ogg75ry74E35kUcxRIiy0TXfvuQi2nO6pdp9Orc6f2OjYCRpAQM_airPYCYm5-U1FTCtnA9coqE3Uc7nCTTS0xzk9S5luXJPlT132Pz/s320/dave.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Caty is my "debt sponsor". Much like an alcoholic needs a sponsor, I believe people in debt do too. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wrote in <a href="http://rhymeswithjoey.blogspot.com/2013/11/is-that-light-at-end-of-tunnel-train.html">this </a>post how hard it's been lately mentally. November didn't really help, since I had barely enough to cover everything and nothing left over. </div>
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Recap of <span style="color: #3d85c6;">20 November payperiod</span>:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWgw6m3d5uoq3zfiTxIOG08arVDbcJR1E4OKpYn-z3TA4uNmcw-bIRXMDPOE7mfygY001AXLs_ntsax7_F9RthaNKCgyR9WPPkq4ay22v0X-5-kJDxU6Q0PNT2XC-0WXxWbEuyLH41CNw/s1600/20nov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWgw6m3d5uoq3zfiTxIOG08arVDbcJR1E4OKpYn-z3TA4uNmcw-bIRXMDPOE7mfygY001AXLs_ntsax7_F9RthaNKCgyR9WPPkq4ay22v0X-5-kJDxU6Q0PNT2XC-0WXxWbEuyLH41CNw/s640/20nov.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to zoom<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yikes. I'm so glad to have the peace of mind of having my emergency fund, so if I need to dip into it to make my rent and payments, I can.<br />
<br />
I honestly don't even really acknowledge the paychecks of the 20th, since expenses pretty much eat up the entire check.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">5 December payperiod:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">EXPENSES</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEP-QPQdJ8qm9IN_oSU9Ho3ToellluRYwccLKsDanCtV1UuiTxq8felUq1dbBzyb4bjBr8d2NMmBCcENm1SnCDyqT3mlRZzp19xaQfTC6jhbzKrMwhyAvuq3w2zuKW3p7P2JWx9VmaArN5/s1600/expenses20nov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEP-QPQdJ8qm9IN_oSU9Ho3ToellluRYwccLKsDanCtV1UuiTxq8felUq1dbBzyb4bjBr8d2NMmBCcENm1SnCDyqT3mlRZzp19xaQfTC6jhbzKrMwhyAvuq3w2zuKW3p7P2JWx9VmaArN5/s640/expenses20nov.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to zoom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My utility bill is slowly creeping up to what I have budgeted for it. Corduroy has a cold and the vet said he might just have it from not being warm enough (which made me feel like a bad owner).<br />
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I had to raise my food/household budget due to Corduroy's wet food, need for litter, and I also am making Christmas cookies so I had to raise it a bit to get the ingredients.<br />
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I was incredibly blessed to receive a gift to go see The Nutcracker: a 14 year tradition. The seats were super high up, but thankfully, the theater is well built and we still had excellent view, especially since we were in the center. This is the second time I've seen the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CC4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.statestreetballet.com%2F&ei=bE2iUp3pNIrQkwX_5oGIBg&usg=AFQjCNHbrIE39LRz5rYyzbKkOZmrL_c9qw&sig2=CQf978N1YTVnCd4ALzVbDw&bvm=bv.57752919,d.dGI">State Street Ballet</a>, and they always put on a good show.<br />
<br />
Even though I had a gift for The Nutcracker tickets, to get two, I decided to dip into my entertainment budget and forfeit the remainder ($9).<br />
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I commute by bicycle in the winter, and I'm a little behind in the game to getting my snow tires, but I finally ordered them on Amazon, and they should actually be waiting for me when I get home from work today. I will have to go to my bike shop to have them installed later this week. Take that, ice!!<br />
<br />
I think I freaked out my mom a little with mention of the local weather (single digit lows, and I work the late shift) and my lack of winter clothing and gear: base layers are necessities. She -- as mothers do -- sent me money she probably needs so I could get some clothes, lights, and pepperspray. Once I get them all, I will be able to run to my heart's content, even on days I work the morning shift, and feel confident riding home after the sun goes down. I was specifically verboten to use the money for debt, but I did end up getting pretty much everything I absolutely needed (knocking out about half of my Amazon Wish List). Thanks mom!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">DEBT</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatDaIJrKe9NkzsvnURjVhOqhyphenhyphenWM1xyiY8z_-stxQXLYTBajILkNnNlYDx5UqGM6k7XnyNJFFVy9LCu3CcZT7KeVrtI-QB4b3a2EVgGERFSHbU3tT7bkvTHXzzCwbrvAGMwPCknhXpHLOW/s1600/deb5dec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatDaIJrKe9NkzsvnURjVhOqhyphenhyphenWM1xyiY8z_-stxQXLYTBajILkNnNlYDx5UqGM6k7XnyNJFFVy9LCu3CcZT7KeVrtI-QB4b3a2EVgGERFSHbU3tT7bkvTHXzzCwbrvAGMwPCknhXpHLOW/s640/deb5dec.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to zoom<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm stupid excited to have my personal credit card paid off and to be working on Dentist 1. Once they're paid off, I'm going in for a cleaning to celebrate (and paying out of pocket). The $125 payment is glorious to see. It should be paid off by January, if my numbers are correct, and everything works out the way I expect it to.<br />
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<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-962703193507163312013-12-03T15:07:00.001-08:002013-12-04T14:19:04.448-08:0030 (Holi)Day Shred<br />
Since I ran the Jingle Bell 5k last month, I've been looking for a way to knock off a few inches and build some muscle.<br />
<br />
Bonus points if it's free and doesn't make me go outside during this cold snap: 19 degree highs with wind. No thanks. Not with my lack of winter wear. I won't go running until I can get the gear I need to prevent frostbite. Fingers crossed that there's a big check in the drawer at work for me on the 5th.<br />
<br />
I've done Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred before (I've never finished the entire program), and it is TOUGH. Taking one look at the before/after pictures I find on Google Search is enough to get me signed up though. I'm determined to finish the 30 days.<br />
<br />
Today was Day 2. I woke up sore and, after giving it a little more than I did yesterday, I'm sure I won't be able to sit without wincing tomorrow. Jill knows how to work the body, which I'm okay with.<br />
<br />
Hopefully this keeps off all the extra holiday pounds I've yet to indulge in. MyFitnessPal keeps me in check on my snacking (the bane of my waistline).<br />
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Corduroy (my cat) isn't too pleased about my new fitness regimen though. I'm sure he'd rather snuggle and watch New Girl instead.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MYXDs_j8t3yDPFtJntmFhMIyc_8zr7gbVbdr525HBCHXXqyIDJT3T6d4C6qiv52Gqviw3uyUCZJnGJlpA2agv5jMMglA0btIpSMTkTxwinnlPwXKnZIjVf78Yc1kA1zA5H6HGlE_2zw8/s1600/1461185_10151907377627054_134648198_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MYXDs_j8t3yDPFtJntmFhMIyc_8zr7gbVbdr525HBCHXXqyIDJT3T6d4C6qiv52Gqviw3uyUCZJnGJlpA2agv5jMMglA0btIpSMTkTxwinnlPwXKnZIjVf78Yc1kA1zA5H6HGlE_2zw8/s400/1461185_10151907377627054_134648198_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-64747360875195590042013-11-28T19:38:00.000-08:002013-11-28T19:38:01.366-08:00{Enter cliched Thanksgiving title here}<br />
Can you believe December is TWO days away? I'm freaking out a bit.<br />
<br />
Not because I have a huge Christmas list to shop for, but because 2013 seriously slipped away. Wasn't it just summer?? Can it be summer a few days after Christmas? That'd be fantastic. I'm cold and winter hasn't even really started.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I worked a wonderful 12 hour shift today. Before you start throwing me a pity party, let me just say: I VOLUNTEERED because I like working holidays for three reasons:<br />
<br />
1) I don't get to go home, since I live $500 away and -- obviously -- don't have money to travel right now.<br />
<br />
2) I like having the satisfaction (or maybe illusion) that I helped others be able to celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas with their families instead of having to work.<br />
<br />
3) Time and a half pay is a glorious, glorious thing.<br />
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<br />
Just a few things I'm thankful for:<br />
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I'm thankful for my job and the people I work with and for.<br />
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I'm thankful I have my health and for all that I have, since I know it could be much, much worse.<br />
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I'm thankful for the upbringing I had to give me the strength to endure and grow from the things I've had to go through.<br />
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I'm thankful I can lean on my mother, who is the strongest woman I know, when I am frustrated (which is more often than you think).<br />
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I'm thankful for the direction my life is taking me, since I can see success in the horizon.<br />
<img src="http://d22zlbw5ff7yk5.cloudfront.net/images/stash-1-50b27bcb8aa60.gif" /><br />
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This year, I want you to ask yourself do you have a grateful heart year round? Do your actions show your gratitude? <br />
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It's so easy to fall into the habit of consumerism and wanting what we don't have (I do it, we all do it, we're human). Having nice things is great, but as long as we go back to being thankful for what we have (materialistic and non-materialistic) and work towards bettering ourselves, <i>that's what's important. </i><br />
<br />
I think gratitude is really accepting how things are now, and realizing that we don't need X Y or Z to be happy. Happiness isn't a destination, it's a state of mind. I think gratitude and happiness go hand in hand.<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving (or Thanks<i>living</i>, as I heard someone call it today)<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-42087563073302578012013-11-22T23:36:00.003-08:002013-12-22T15:36:54.847-08:00Budget: 20 November<br />
Recap of the <span style="color: #3d85c6;">5 November payperiod</span>:<br />
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I ended up <b>$66</b> over budget on my vet bill, which was $20 less than I thought I was over. Corduroy is doing well and happily switched to wet food to prevent this problem from happening again. I saved the $20 by returning the cat food he didn't need and used the store credit to buy food he did need, which was on a buy one/get one special. SCORE. Good thing I didn't open the bag.<br />
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As announced, I have officially paid off my credit card. Yesterday, I got the statement with that glorious "Current balance: $0.00" that I've been waiting to see. Ah glorious freedom.<br />
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I did get a gift from a friend that refilled my Emergency Fund. Since it was taken out and refunded within a few days, I didn't feel it was right to track it as income and then expense it out. It would just be confusing. So I left it out.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">20 November payperiod:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">EXPENSES</span><br />
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Well, paying off debt isn't easy. There's bound to be some payperiods where I barely squeak by. This is one of them. Luckily there was a little left over from my last check to pad this one, so no dipping into the Emergency Fund again. Whew. The second half of the month is always more scarce, due to my rent.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">DEBT</span><br />
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These student loans are really annoying. I just want them to go away. Yuck. I looked at my statement and I'm paying 40% interest every month, which makes it a very slow process of paying them off completely.<br />
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How do people do this for years? I don't understand it. I never want to be in debt again.<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-84434950643227666242013-11-18T22:23:00.002-08:002013-11-19T00:02:04.478-08:00Is that light at the end of the tunnel a train?<br>
As positive as I am most of the time, sometimes I get super overwhelmed with how far I have to go. On my budget sheet, I don't have my loans as part of the Debt Snowball (DS). I'm still paying minimum payments and I'm by no means planning on keeping them, so why not add them to the snowball??<br>
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If I had my student loans as part of the DS, I would be a lot less positive about this process.<br>
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To date, I've paid off about 1/3 of the non-student loan of the DS. It started around $2700 and it's down to $2075 within 4 months.<br>
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Lump my student loans into that and it's a lot less significant with an balance of $9700. Ew. Not as exciting and a little sad.<br>
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My biggest frustration is I feel it's not moving as fast as I'd like it to, so I can get to bigger and better things that will propel me forward in my life instead of hold me back looking at the things I want through a glass window.<br>
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Last time I did this, I was working 60 hours a week at two jobs, making around $21k a year and, since I had less expenses and was making bigger payments, I had a <i>lot</i> of spending money (that in retrospect could've been saved but oh well).<br>
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Big difference from now where I'm working 40 hours a week (if I'm lucky) and give myself a strict fun money budget of $30 a month that goes <i>FAST</i>. I can't increase that, and I have expensive tastes when it comes to entertainment (I'm looking at you wine tours). I have some good friends that help me out, so I shouldn't complain, but sometimes it really sucks when you just want to pay for <i>them</i> for once. I get giddy when I pay, because I do like to treat people. I just <i>can't right now</i>. It kills me.<br>
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I never ever <i>EVER </i>want to go through this process again. I won't always make meager $18k a year, but I'll be damned if my future bigger salary is distributed to debt collectors each month (no matter how nice my dental offices have been). I want my money to be <i>mine</i>.<br>
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I have SO much I want to do, but cant because I'm broke. I still need to finish my undergrad, establish a teaching career, travel the world, get a dog, and -- most reluctantly -- buy a car. Being a kindergarten teacher won't exactly come with a huge salary, so being debt-free <i>from the start </i>is the only way I'll enjoy those things.<br>
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Maybe it's the winter blues and the Christmas shopping my friends are doing that I can't join in on. I <i>know</i> it's partially because I can't visit my family or have anyone visit me until after this is over.<br>
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It might also slightly be because I'm tired of knowing my potential and not being able to fully demonstrate it.<br>
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It'll be over before I know it and the world had better be ready for me unchained.<br>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;">Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-12518235055197778292013-11-16T18:32:00.002-08:002013-11-17T23:20:33.254-08:00First 5k<br>
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I did it.<br>
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I ran a 5k.<br>
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I donned my AOII letters and dashed through Riverfront Park. Then I danced at the finish line.<br>
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Maybe it was the three days off work I had, or possibly the Christmas music pumping in my ear, or even my AOII sisters cheering my name on the sidelines that gave me that OOMPH I needed, but it was a really great run. I'd been "<a href="http://www.runkeeper.com/user/rhymeswithjoey/profile">training</a>" for it for about a month and since I usually run around 3 miles when I run, it was a lot less intimidating.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJoAN0CJTdQdkRR48LvHCfqYmPqlQ4OHxADeq7dMn_kW3xjsCOi4OEQsPsNw7XW9uiOyfcIUpsr8y5VsHsJZZSFaFkEOAK_pbOrCraSsk_ewTxb4MY6z6Hk7JtGBu9yNvQXzovKFzx8pX/s640/blogger-image--476240857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJoAN0CJTdQdkRR48LvHCfqYmPqlQ4OHxADeq7dMn_kW3xjsCOi4OEQsPsNw7XW9uiOyfcIUpsr8y5VsHsJZZSFaFkEOAK_pbOrCraSsk_ewTxb4MY6z6Hk7JtGBu9yNvQXzovKFzx8pX/s640/blogger-image--476240857.jpg"></a></div><br>
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Even though I didn't run all week, I consistently ran 12 minute miles on 3:1 intervals, though there was a 6 minute non-stop stretch in there.<br>
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<a href="http://www.arthritis.org/programs-events/jingle-bell-run/">Jingle Bell</a> is something I think I'll continue to do every year. Supporting <a href="http://www.arthritis.org/">Arthritis Research</a> is my <a href="http://www.alphaomicronpi.org/">women's fraternity</a>'s designated philanthropy and I have a lot of friends and family -- young and old -- affected by this awful disease. I'm sure you do too, since it's the #1 cause of disability in the US, affecting 1/5 adults and over 300,000 children.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIpTZcQRPrHqn8XQYtCTY-E5dZMT5Lh_-t5ADa-nFF-oh03ziTWIoMkT34sHnHemOuXoKicJkZx5RQ48bzig1WAfNdyzx3F85U2o-yI5Pz2mT7sFRYte7ZEJhga240SjnO186Pgpph9tV/s640/blogger-image-308841257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIpTZcQRPrHqn8XQYtCTY-E5dZMT5Lh_-t5ADa-nFF-oh03ziTWIoMkT34sHnHemOuXoKicJkZx5RQ48bzig1WAfNdyzx3F85U2o-yI5Pz2mT7sFRYte7ZEJhga240SjnO186Pgpph9tV/s640/blogger-image-308841257.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div>Next running goal is to run nonstop for a mile and build on the miles from there. <br><div><br></div><div>How was your weekend?<br>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;"><br>
<br></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-63661927669744602552013-11-15T18:45:00.004-08:002013-11-15T18:45:25.065-08:00Language intensive: ASL Week 2<br />
This week I covered <a href="http://lifeprint.com/asl101/lessons/lessons.htm">lessons 6-10 in ASL 1</a>. Topics covered through vocabulary included numbers 101 to 1 billion+, cardinal and ordinal numbers, time and colors, food, clothing, animals.<br />
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I was surprised on how quickly I picked up the word order and <a href="http://lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/grammar.htm">grammar </a>of ASL, since that is normally something I struggle with other languages. It is much easier for me to pick up ASL grammar for some reason! It is very different from English and reminds me a lot of German or Spanish grammar.<br />
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One way I know I'm picking up a language (instead of merely recognizing words/signs, etc) is I begin to divert from the "script" during a lesson and put together sentences on my own using what I know.<br />
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For example, <a href="http://lifeprint.com/asl101/lessons/lesson07.htm">Lesson 7</a> covers food and my work serves cookies for guests in the evenings. I learned the sign for cookie, different types of cookies, etc. Should I have a Deaf guest, using what I know, I can tell them that we will have chocolate chip cookies at a certain hour for them. That particular sentence is not something I learned as vocabulary from ASL U, but it is showing several things:<br />
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I am remembering vocabulary from past lessons<br />
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I am not only comprehending grammar, but able to accurately use it in sentences I create<br />
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I can apply the language to my life instead of sticking with topics only covered in lessons<br />
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Part of the lessons includes reading a story in ASL gloss and being able to sign it and understand it.<br />
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I don't believe grades directly translate to comprehension, but I do have 100% on every quiz and test, so I'm' at least retaining the material presented. The <i>true</i> test is when I can talk to someone more advanced in ASL than I am and be able to communicate with them.<br />
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I put together a little video so I can watch myself sign and see where I can improve.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gt="" height="315" iframe="" lt="" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/NG1qkHxmpZE" width="560"> <br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;" /></iframe><br />
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What do you think?? Let me know if you see anything that I can improve, if you're familiar with ASL.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-22589199076131014792013-11-08T21:19:00.000-08:002013-12-22T15:36:54.842-08:00Another one bites the dust: Budget 5 Nov<br>
I really understand why Dave Ramsey recommends the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debt-snowball_method">Debt Snowball method</a>. I just paid off "Personal CC" and it feels EXTREMELY good to cross another debt off my list. Two in less than a month. I am on fire.<br>
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Recap of the <span style="color: #3d85c6;">20 October payperiod</span>:<br>
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I completely eliminated my birth control expense because I am eligible for the Planned Parenthood of Washington's <a href="http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ppgnw/take-charge-23291.htm?__utma=1.1828905976.1383970435.1383970435.1383970492.2&__utmb=1.21.10.1383970492&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1383970492.2.2.utmcsr=google|utmccn=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=(not%20provided)&__utmv=-&__utmk=193958957">Take Charge</a> program. This program gives eligible persons access to healthcare and contraceptives if they don't have insurance or if their insurance doesn't cover it. This program saves me over $250 a year just in birth control (not to mention annual exams, which can run around $300 without insurance).<br>
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That's a huge chunk of change.<br>
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So I transferred the birth control costs to "miscellaneous" since I needed some household items.<br>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">5 November payperiod</span>:<br>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">EXPENSES </span><br>
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What's line #7? INTERNET. Whoa buddy. Of course, my bill will certainly not be $100 a month. I needed a wireless router ($50) and the connection cost (plus my first month's bill) is the reason it's such a large expense. But I did it. I HAVE INTERNET, PEOPLE.<br>
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I haven't announced it (until now), but I did end up with a cat (check out my <a href="http://instagram.com/rhymeswithjoey">Instagram </a>to see him). One who got <a href="http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_crystalluria">crystalluria </a>and a <a href="http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/cat-urinary-tract-problems">UTI</a> -- common problems in cats, especially males. I thought ahead, was misinformed by the clerk on costs, and ended up about $80 over budget in vet bills. I only had to pull a small amount of cash ($50) from my Emergency Fund to cover the overage, but it was quite unpleasant. No such thing as a free pet hahaha.<br>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">DEBT</span><br>
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As I stated, I can now cross off "Personal CC" from my list, thanks to the debt snowball cumulative minimum payment of $100 and an extra fluff of $12.14.<br>
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Next up is paying off Dentist 1: current balance $270.75 with a (cumulative) minimum payment of $125, however I will have to go back and fill up my Emergency Fund to $500.<br>
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Two debts down, three to go.<br>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y529/rhymeswithjoey/Life%20as%20told%20by%20Zoe/sig.jpg" style="width: NaN%;">Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09114347073019557171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7508975536383333958.post-18609746048637743362013-11-06T15:59:00.001-08:002013-11-06T22:38:56.846-08:00Language intensive: ASL Week 1<br />
American Sign Language is one of the most unique and fun languages to learn. As a visual and gestural language, it definitely catches more attention when mentioned in conversation that you sign (or are learning sign).<br />
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<img alt="Why we need to learn american sign language" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/1c/48/80/1c4880205c1cf9c9704cb0a18abc09dd.jpg" width="500" /><br />
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I started learning sign as a kid. I don't remember where I learned the ASL alphabet, but wherever I did definitely planted the ASL seed in my brain to love this language and its community. I took an ASL class when I was a kid, but the teacher was Korean and I couldn't understand him, so I asked my mom to stop taking me. In high school, I started learning on my own again, stopped practicing, and then had to pick it up again shortly after I left college.<br />
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Which leads me to where I am today.<br />
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Currently, I can introduce myself, check a guest into the hotel, and handle most hotel related issues completely in ASL if they sign slowly.<br />
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So that's cool. But I want complete fluency. So I'm taking an online course through <a href="http://www.lifeprint.com/">ASL University </a>by Dr. Bill Vicars to review/gain vocabulary and increase comprehension . I also watch <a href="http://abcfamily.go.com/shows/switched-at-birth">Switched at Birth</a> on ABC Family and watch Deaf vlogs on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube </a>and <a href="http://www.deafvideo.tv/">DeafVideoTV </a>to help with comprehension and maybe pick up some new signs.<br />
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I've been at it for about a week and I've gotta say, I'm proud of how much I've actually remembered from the past. I've just gotten through Unit 1 (out of 3), which contains Lessons 1-5. Lessons 1-3 were a lot of review and 4-5 has been a lot of new material for me.<br />
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I finally got internet this week so less trips to the library and more time at home will allow me to schedule language exchanges <i>hopefully</i> with Deaf people (read <a href="http://lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-layout/culture1.htm">here </a>about the "d/Deaf" thing). There's a <a href="https://plus.google.com/communities/117021348126795052161">sweet community</a> on Google+ for language learners. All of my languages are on there, but ASL is one of the least frequent with Hangout practices.<br />
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For now, the videos Dr. Bill puts out on every lesson help somewhat, since he holds a conversation with another student, but I firmly believe there is no substitute for real time conversation when learning a language.<br />
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