Last week I started training for a half marathon, and let me tell you I have stuck with it. The ONLY day that I didn't run was Saturday and I ran extra hard on Sunday to make up for it. It feels so good to set a goal and start progressing towards completely it. Don't get me wrong, I am still a very very very very far away from being able to run 13.1 miles, but it is the point that I made it through the first week and am not even contemplating quiting!
In other news, I had a fantastic weekend! Of course, it was expensive, but it was fantastic nonetheless. My roommate and I had friends over to cook dinner on Friday night. I ended up spending a total of $36.05 at the grocery store. Then we headed out to a local bar where I spent $8.00. On Saturday, I drove 45 mins with a friend to meet my brother and mother for dinner. We went to the casino and those buffet's are expensive. $26.00 spent. And believe me there is no way that I ate $26.00 worth of food. What a rip off, but it was to see family so I am very happy that I made the trip. I had to put gas in my car for $40.00 and then went to lunch after church on Sunday for $12.00. As if this wasn't an expensive enough weekend, I had to go shopping for a black dress for old roommate's wedding. While I didn't find a black dress I found two shirts at Banana Republic if $118.34. Ouch....
Grand total for the weekend -$240.39. Good thing payday is Wednesday!!!!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Another Goal
I have signed up to run a half-marathon with my roommate. She is a avid runner, but I can barely run a mile. Ha. We started training on Monday and once I can run for 30 mins straight we are going to kick it in high gear. We have decided to run the MS Blues Marathon. The MS Blues Half Marathon is Jan. 3rd so I should have plenty of time to get my butt in shape. I will make regular posts as I progress.
Has anyone run a half-marathon. What do I need to do to adequately train? Did you start off without ever really being a runner before? I am a little nervous now that I have committed myself, but I will feel so accomplished to complete it before 30.
Has anyone run a half-marathon. What do I need to do to adequately train? Did you start off without ever really being a runner before? I am a little nervous now that I have committed myself, but I will feel so accomplished to complete it before 30.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Sidebar Updates
It is that time of month again - time to deposit money in my savings accounts and update my sidebars! This is a great feeling. Especially, since I reached my goal of having $3,000 in an Emergency Fund. I actually have $3,152.78. Now, I must decide if I want to increase my Emergency Fund goal up to $5,000 or put any money above the $3,000 into my student loan debt repayment. I wanted to pay $10,000 in student loan debt repayment this year, and I am going to be shy if I don't start allocating more money. But, with the market the way that it is I am a little nervous to get rid of cash. Any suggestions??????
As far as my other two goals:
My travel fund is standing at $301.24 and my Gift Fund is at $426.04. My gift fund should be close to $700.00 by Christmas time, but I hope not to have to use that much. Of course, I have two weddings to attend before then.
As far as my other two goals:
My travel fund is standing at $301.24 and my Gift Fund is at $426.04. My gift fund should be close to $700.00 by Christmas time, but I hope not to have to use that much. Of course, I have two weddings to attend before then.
Friday, September 19, 2008
GIRL'S WEEKEND
This weekend I am going on a girl's weekend to the Gulf Coast. And we are all super excited. The 3 other girls that I am going with just found out yesterday that they passed the Mississippi Bar Exam and are now officially Attorneys. That being said, there is a lot to celebrate this weekend. For me, it is more of a time to get away and hang out with some good friends. And explore my new single hood.
As for the financial aspect of this weekend...I am bring $180.00 and hoping that is all that I am going to need.
Hotel Room - Comped by the Aunt (thank you dearly, without you it would be a much more expensive weekend)
Gas - $30.00
Vet to kennel my dog - $25.00
Entertainment money - $125.00 - This will be for all food, gambling, drinks, bar covers, etc. We are basically planning on going out all night and sleeping in late and relaxing by the pool all day if not too cold or raining.
As for the financial aspect of this weekend...I am bring $180.00 and hoping that is all that I am going to need.
Hotel Room - Comped by the Aunt (thank you dearly, without you it would be a much more expensive weekend)
Gas - $30.00
Vet to kennel my dog - $25.00
Entertainment money - $125.00 - This will be for all food, gambling, drinks, bar covers, etc. We are basically planning on going out all night and sleeping in late and relaxing by the pool all day if not too cold or raining.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Ambitions
After reading Fabulously Broke in the City's blog entry this morning, I decided that maybe it was time for me to make some goals for myself. I believe this will help me determine who I am and what I am capable of doing for myself. Some of the things on this list are a little scary for me personally, but they are all attainable in my mind. That being said, here are the ten goals that I would like to accomplish before turning the big 3-0!
In no particular order. . . .
1. Go skydiving: My cousin recently did this and absolutely loved it. She is the cousin that could convenience me to do anything and we would have fun at it. She actually called and asked me if I wanted to go with her on my 26th Birthday, but I already had plans and she lives 6 hours away. Now, I wish that I would have gone. But, it is never too late to give it a shot.
2. Travel abroad: Another regret that I have is never going international during my college studies. I was signed up to go, then September 11 happened and my parents did not want me to leave the Country. While understandable, I definitely want to take a European vacation by the time that I am 30. Additionally, my aunt and uncle live in Korea. My father and step-mother are planning to go visit them sometime in the year 2009 and I would love to go with them.
3. Scuba Diving: The past June I went to the Bahamas for the first time. I looked into getting scuba certified and going scuba diving with the "ex", but we didn't have enough time. I would like to get scuba certified in the States within the next couple of years and take another trip to a beautiful location and go scuba diving.
4. Reduce student loan debt under $80,000. I know that $80,000 is still a lot of money. And if I thought that I could possibly reduce my student loan debt within the next 3 1/2 years to less than $80,000 I would definitely strive for that goal. I just don't see how it is possible with all the other ambitions that I have and want to accomplish.
5. Own a house and put at least 20% down. With the amount of student loan debt that I currently have, it is impractical to own my own house. I would be spreading myself financially too thin. But I hope that I can save at least 20% for a down payment and own a house by 30.
6. Be bar certified in D.C. I am qualified to be bar certified in Washington D.C. I just have yet to take the required time and get all my application paperwork and money in to the commission. Not to mention, that it requires traveling to D.C. to get certified. I have never been to D.C. and cannot wait to go.
7. Go white water rafting.
8. Open a Roth IRA. I know, I know. Many of you are probably reading this and cannot believe that I do not already have one. But, I plan on opening one this year and contributing $5,000/or the maximum for every consecutive year.
9. Buy a new car. My car is currently 7 years old and has $88,000 miles on it. It is still in good working condition, but I want a new one.
10. Own a piece of furniture not previously owned before me. What girl doesn't want something that she has picked out solely for herself.
What are some of the goals that you want to accomplish for yourself??? You never know, I may add to my list based on your suggestions.
In no particular order. . . .
1. Go skydiving: My cousin recently did this and absolutely loved it. She is the cousin that could convenience me to do anything and we would have fun at it. She actually called and asked me if I wanted to go with her on my 26th Birthday, but I already had plans and she lives 6 hours away. Now, I wish that I would have gone. But, it is never too late to give it a shot.
2. Travel abroad: Another regret that I have is never going international during my college studies. I was signed up to go, then September 11 happened and my parents did not want me to leave the Country. While understandable, I definitely want to take a European vacation by the time that I am 30. Additionally, my aunt and uncle live in Korea. My father and step-mother are planning to go visit them sometime in the year 2009 and I would love to go with them.
3. Scuba Diving: The past June I went to the Bahamas for the first time. I looked into getting scuba certified and going scuba diving with the "ex", but we didn't have enough time. I would like to get scuba certified in the States within the next couple of years and take another trip to a beautiful location and go scuba diving.
4. Reduce student loan debt under $80,000. I know that $80,000 is still a lot of money. And if I thought that I could possibly reduce my student loan debt within the next 3 1/2 years to less than $80,000 I would definitely strive for that goal. I just don't see how it is possible with all the other ambitions that I have and want to accomplish.
5. Own a house and put at least 20% down. With the amount of student loan debt that I currently have, it is impractical to own my own house. I would be spreading myself financially too thin. But I hope that I can save at least 20% for a down payment and own a house by 30.
6. Be bar certified in D.C. I am qualified to be bar certified in Washington D.C. I just have yet to take the required time and get all my application paperwork and money in to the commission. Not to mention, that it requires traveling to D.C. to get certified. I have never been to D.C. and cannot wait to go.
7. Go white water rafting.
8. Open a Roth IRA. I know, I know. Many of you are probably reading this and cannot believe that I do not already have one. But, I plan on opening one this year and contributing $5,000/or the maximum for every consecutive year.
9. Buy a new car. My car is currently 7 years old and has $88,000 miles on it. It is still in good working condition, but I want a new one.
10. Own a piece of furniture not previously owned before me. What girl doesn't want something that she has picked out solely for herself.
What are some of the goals that you want to accomplish for yourself??? You never know, I may add to my list based on your suggestions.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Purge
Sunday was a house cleaning day for the roommate and I. We decided after church and lunch to both meet back up at the house and spend the afternoon cleaning. And boy did it turn into a project. I decided that cleaning meant purging my closet of all the clothes that I have either (1) not worn since the beginning of the year or (2) have never worn. I was particularly surprised at how many clothes that I had in my closet that still had the price tags on them. You know, the ones that your grandmother gives you for Christmas that you would never be caught dead in. Well, after several hours, I ended up with approximately $1,000 worth of clothes to donate. I made sure to donate whole outfits. Someone is going to get really lucky. Most of the clothes were in pretty good shape, either just did not fit me the way that I would have liked, were too big, or were just not my style. My closet still seems a little cramped, but I am happy to be getting rid of the clothes that I purged.
Mission for the week: get the bags to goodwill and keep track of my tax credit.
Side note: I am well aware that I could probably sell the majority of the clothes on Ebay. Especially, the ones with the price tags. However, I do not have the time or energy to list all of the clothes, package them up, and ship them out. Call me lazy, but I would rather just donate them.
Mission for the week: get the bags to goodwill and keep track of my tax credit.
Side note: I am well aware that I could probably sell the majority of the clothes on Ebay. Especially, the ones with the price tags. However, I do not have the time or energy to list all of the clothes, package them up, and ship them out. Call me lazy, but I would rather just donate them.
Meal Plan Monday
Now that things have started to settle down, I am going to try and get back in my old routine of planning my meals a week in advance. So, here is my menu plan for this week:
Monday - Banana Foster French Toast (it is left over from brunch yesterday).
Tuesday - Pork Chops with dirty rice (my old roommate is coming over to hang out)
Wednesday - Leftover pork chops and dirty rice
Thursday - Noodles and Tomato Juice
Friday and Saturday - going out of town with three girl friends. Eating out (coming out of my travel fund).
Sunday - Noodles and Tomato Juice
Monday - Banana Foster French Toast (it is left over from brunch yesterday).
Tuesday - Pork Chops with dirty rice (my old roommate is coming over to hang out)
Wednesday - Leftover pork chops and dirty rice
Thursday - Noodles and Tomato Juice
Friday and Saturday - going out of town with three girl friends. Eating out (coming out of my travel fund).
Sunday - Noodles and Tomato Juice
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Made it Through Another Weekend
I made it through another weekend, but I can officially say that I am broke. Going out all the time is very hard on my pocket book. I have not been doing well on making the rational, pinch the pennies, decisions. I am afraid to even type the amount of money that I spent this past weekend. Here is goes:
Friday:
Gas before the hurricane: $40.00
Wine for dinner: $14.50
Dinner: $63.00 (One of the best 5 course meals that I have ever had and completely worth it).
Drinks after dinner: $17.00
Saturday:
Lunch: $12.00
Sunday:
Donation: $3.00
Brunch: $20.00
Grocery run: $45.23
Total weekend spending: $214.73. Ouch.....Not to mention there are two more weekends left in September. I have got to get myself in control. This week I am going to try and do dinner and lunch at home until Friday and then me and three girl friends are heading to the Coast to the casino. I doubt that we do a lot of gambling. Just plan on laying out by the pool and checking out the bars at night. I am really looking forward to a weekend away. I am thinking that this next weekend will have to come out of the travel fund. That's why I say for travel, right? What did everyone else do that was fun for the weekend?
Friday:
Gas before the hurricane: $40.00
Wine for dinner: $14.50
Dinner: $63.00 (One of the best 5 course meals that I have ever had and completely worth it).
Drinks after dinner: $17.00
Saturday:
Lunch: $12.00
Sunday:
Donation: $3.00
Brunch: $20.00
Grocery run: $45.23
Total weekend spending: $214.73. Ouch.....Not to mention there are two more weekends left in September. I have got to get myself in control. This week I am going to try and do dinner and lunch at home until Friday and then me and three girl friends are heading to the Coast to the casino. I doubt that we do a lot of gambling. Just plan on laying out by the pool and checking out the bars at night. I am really looking forward to a weekend away. I am thinking that this next weekend will have to come out of the travel fund. That's why I say for travel, right? What did everyone else do that was fun for the weekend?
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Living Arrangements Part 2
I heard back from the realtor and they will let me sign a seven month lease. That works out great for me. I have plenty of time to find the "perfect" place and I will not be stuck by the "ex" for too much longer. The roommate is willing to relocate. She has no personal preference on where we live, but wants to live together. That is good news for me. Everything is working out fine. I tend to worry for nothing. Thanks again for all your comments. They really help me rationalize things.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Living Arrangements
Yesterday after work, my roommate and I meet with the new real estate agency that has taken over managing our duplex. The new agency wants us to sign a 12 month lease, but I am not sure that I want to sign more than six months. My concerns are linked to the "ex." Conveniently or inconveniently now, the "ex" lives approximately five houses down from me on the same road. Therefore, we are both forced to drive by the other's house everyday. While this is not a problem so much right now, once either one of us starts dating again, I think it will become a big problem (at least for me). I am sure that he will start dating again before I do because I am not emotionally ready right now.
Anyways, I am now stuck with the decision on whether I want to move out now or sign a new 12 month lease. While me moving makes the most sense - the "ex" owns his house, he actually bought his house first, and I took a job that now requires me to commute 20 mins each way - the rent is very reasonable, it is not an apartment, a can have my dog, and it really helps to have a roommate to split all the bills with me. I LOVE the place that I am living in at this point in my life. I just hate the fact that I cannot get over the "ex" because he is right there. I am terrified of the day that I notice a girl at his house.
I am just really not in the mood to make life altering decisions right now. I need time to process all the things that are happening in my life and make a sound decision on what I WANT. That is way I would prefer to sign a six month lease. I have tried negotiating with the real estate agency. They are supposed to cal me back to let me know if they agree with my terms. I refused to sign the new 12 month lease yesterday while I was at the office because I am not sure that is the best decision for me.
Anyways, I am now stuck with the decision on whether I want to move out now or sign a new 12 month lease. While me moving makes the most sense - the "ex" owns his house, he actually bought his house first, and I took a job that now requires me to commute 20 mins each way - the rent is very reasonable, it is not an apartment, a can have my dog, and it really helps to have a roommate to split all the bills with me. I LOVE the place that I am living in at this point in my life. I just hate the fact that I cannot get over the "ex" because he is right there. I am terrified of the day that I notice a girl at his house.
I am just really not in the mood to make life altering decisions right now. I need time to process all the things that are happening in my life and make a sound decision on what I WANT. That is way I would prefer to sign a six month lease. I have tried negotiating with the real estate agency. They are supposed to cal me back to let me know if they agree with my terms. I refused to sign the new 12 month lease yesterday while I was at the office because I am not sure that is the best decision for me.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Hard Night
Last night was a very hard night for me. I had a very productive day at work and wanted nothing more than to go home, work out, eat dinner and relax. Well, things did go as planned, but were made worse by the "ex." I got home to discover that the "ex" had delivered all of my belongings from his house to my room apparently while I was at work. This was made worse by him not even leaving a note. I have not heard ONE word from him since he called it quits. If it hadn't sunk in that we were no longer a couple, it is bright and clear now. M.E.N.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Weekend #2
This past weekend was weekend #2 being single. The weekend started off great. I got home from work, ate dinner, and got ready for a big night out. I meet up with a few friends and we headed out to the bar where I successfully only spent $10.00. Then it was time for bar #2. This bar wasn't as great as I thought that it would be although I had a good time. It just wasn't my scene anymore (would have loved it at 21). Ended up having a guy buy my drinks and therefore didn't spend a dime. Headed home and went to bed.
Saturday was pretty busy. I slept until almost eleven, which is unheard of for me. I then headed to meet three girlfriends for a day out. We went shopping and all ended up buying nothing. Afterwards we went for snow cones. Fun times. When I got home, I wasn't really in the mood for going out. Therefore, the roommate and I decided to go rent movies. If you haven't seen Charlie Bartlett, it is a must. The funniest movie I have seen in awhile.
On Sunday, I went to church, had lunch with the roommate, played tennis, and then watch another movie - all before 5:00. Afterwards, I was bored silly. I am not used to having free time and it is really hard on me. I don't like being idle because my brain works overtime and I need to stay busy. This was by far the hardest day for me since the "ex" and I broke up.
All in all, it was a relaxing weekend. Although, I cannot believe that I am going to say this - I was actually looking forward to coming back to work on Monday. This weekend I am going to try and stay extra busy.
Saturday was pretty busy. I slept until almost eleven, which is unheard of for me. I then headed to meet three girlfriends for a day out. We went shopping and all ended up buying nothing. Afterwards we went for snow cones. Fun times. When I got home, I wasn't really in the mood for going out. Therefore, the roommate and I decided to go rent movies. If you haven't seen Charlie Bartlett, it is a must. The funniest movie I have seen in awhile.
On Sunday, I went to church, had lunch with the roommate, played tennis, and then watch another movie - all before 5:00. Afterwards, I was bored silly. I am not used to having free time and it is really hard on me. I don't like being idle because my brain works overtime and I need to stay busy. This was by far the hardest day for me since the "ex" and I broke up.
All in all, it was a relaxing weekend. Although, I cannot believe that I am going to say this - I was actually looking forward to coming back to work on Monday. This weekend I am going to try and stay extra busy.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Wednesday Night
Another night out with the girls and another $20 spent. I know that I cannot keep doing this forever, but right now it is so much fun and exactly what I need.
I also went to the grocery store and spent $36.09. Hopefully I have enough groceries for lunch and dinner to last until next Wednesday.
I also went to the grocery store and spent $36.09. Hopefully I have enough groceries for lunch and dinner to last until next Wednesday.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Going Out
I always thought being in a relationship was tough on my pocketbook. The "ex" and I had plans every weekend (usually traveling somewhere) and ate out a lot. Even when we weren't eating out, we still prepared lunches and dinners everyday, but being single again is just as expensive. Last night my roommate and I went out for dinner and drinks. We had a great time chatting and enjoying ourselves. My total at the end of the night was $10.58. While that is not too bad, if it becomes an every night occurrence it could start to catch up to me. I just don't want to sit at home and "think." I am relatively young -26, single, and hoping to discover how to be alone.
I am not sure what I have planned for tonight, but I am going to lunch with a friend. Then tomorrow, I am treating myself to a mani and pedi. I plan on hitting the town this weekend and need to look HOT. So, as of now, my blog is going to be about the cost of being single and discovering myself. Don't worry, I won't forget about savings and retirement, but they will just be on the back burner for a few weeks.
I am not sure what I have planned for tonight, but I am going to lunch with a friend. Then tomorrow, I am treating myself to a mani and pedi. I plan on hitting the town this weekend and need to look HOT. So, as of now, my blog is going to be about the cost of being single and discovering myself. Don't worry, I won't forget about savings and retirement, but they will just be on the back burner for a few weeks.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
First Weekend Single
I had a really good weekend staying busy and trying to remember that I am now officially SINGLE. On Friday night, I decided to stay in town and go out with the old roommate. The party that she basically had to "drag" me to ended up being a lot of fun. I met several people that she works with and their friends. It was great to get out of the house and not have to sit at home worrying that my life is a disaster. I even met a HOTT Ortho doctor. While he didn't get my number, I had a good time visiting nonetheless and he wasn't hard on the eyes. A welcomed distraction!
On Saturday morning I drove home in just enough time to get ready and head to the La Tech/Miss State football game. If you can believe it, La Tech beat Miss State 22 - 14. It was a close game that had the stadium packed until the very last hike of the football. Afterwards, it was late so I headed back to my mother's house to visit.
On Sunday, the family drove over to Shreveport to go boating and cook out for the Labor Day holiday. I attempted to wake board and got up on the very first time. This is something new for me because until this weekend I would have never attempted to wake board. I was too much of a chicken and afraid of failure. But I DID IT!
Monday morning, I got up early and headed back home. I wanted to leave Louisiana before the hurricane affected the northern area where I am from. Good thing I did too because my parents have been stuck without electricity, and I am at work. Once home, I had four friends come over for drinks and to play games. It was another welcomed distraction. I cannot allow myself idle time right now. I need to put myself out there and hope for the best. Thanks for all the support lately from my great readers......Even though I don't know any of you personally, your words work incredible miracles. They soothe my heart and let me know that I am not alone in my feelings.
On Saturday morning I drove home in just enough time to get ready and head to the La Tech/Miss State football game. If you can believe it, La Tech beat Miss State 22 - 14. It was a close game that had the stadium packed until the very last hike of the football. Afterwards, it was late so I headed back to my mother's house to visit.
On Sunday, the family drove over to Shreveport to go boating and cook out for the Labor Day holiday. I attempted to wake board and got up on the very first time. This is something new for me because until this weekend I would have never attempted to wake board. I was too much of a chicken and afraid of failure. But I DID IT!
Monday morning, I got up early and headed back home. I wanted to leave Louisiana before the hurricane affected the northern area where I am from. Good thing I did too because my parents have been stuck without electricity, and I am at work. Once home, I had four friends come over for drinks and to play games. It was another welcomed distraction. I cannot allow myself idle time right now. I need to put myself out there and hope for the best. Thanks for all the support lately from my great readers......Even though I don't know any of you personally, your words work incredible miracles. They soothe my heart and let me know that I am not alone in my feelings.
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