RANT 2

This has been a crazy few days. Over the weekend, me and a couple of friends headed down to Orange Beach to catch a three night Panic run. Which was awesome. The beach was too cold to lay out, but we ate at some great restaurants and had out of this world beach drinks. YUMMY. However, on Sunday night at the show I lost my driver's license. I didn't think of this as a very big deal because I just bought a house in Mississippi and needed to change my license and plates over to this state. The thing that I didn't realize was that you needed to present a valid license from another state to get a new license. I am assuming this is because they want to make sure that your license hasn't been suspended or revoked in another state. This is not working out in my favor because neither the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles or the Mississippi Highway Patrol will communicate with each other to verify that I have a valid Louisiana license. Big headache and a lot of waiting on hold to no avail.

Then as I was leaving work last night around 8, I couldn't find my car keys. You guessed it, I had locked them in the car. I had to call a friend to drive me home and back to work this morning and then called Pop-A-Lock. It look the guy who came out 40 mins to unlock my car. He said he usually could unlock a vehicle in about 5 mins. So, $40.00 later, I now have my car again. I am beginning to think that God is telling me not to drive. The good thing is that I called State Farm and my insurance has roadside assistance. Thus, when I submit the receipt, they will reimburse me the expense.

First Night

Last night was the first night spent in my new house. It was FABULOUS. The funniest part was watching my dog take in the new environment. He was sniffing out every inch of that house and all I could keep thinking to myself was that he was going to lift his leg at any minute and mark his territory just like a man. :) But, my little man is potty trained and he did very well in his new home. We would wander into rooms and then sit there and whine/whimper until I would come find him. He doesn't know what to make of it, but pretty soon I am sure he will love it and the HUGE backyard. As soon as I have everything moved in and start decorating, I will be sure to post pictures. The first project(s) are the bathrooms.

Sidebar

I have updated my sidebars to reflect buying my first home. I have deleted my home downpayment fund (although it may soon be replaced by a car fund), and depleted my emergency fund. That is my first priority....getting back to saving $3,000.00. However, that shouldn't be too hard, with the goverment giving me $8,000.00 for being a first-time homebuyer. I am claiming it on this year's taxes since I owe the IRS $2,500 in taxes (which I don't have anymore - long story for another post) and paying back a loan from my grandfather for $2,100.00. All of the leftover funds, around $3,400.00 will go immediately into my emergency fund.

OFFICIAL

I am officially of HOMEOWNER! I know that I have been out of touch lately, but believe me I have been busy. You wouldn't believe the leaps and bounds you have to cross to buy your first home. So, $7,139.32 later, I now have a place to rest my head, and a hefty mortgage payment. I couldn't be more excited. TIME TO DECORATE.

Rant

WORK, WORK, WORK...is all I seem to do lately. Besides playing tennis.

I have been trying really hard to get in "swimsuit" shape before the start of summer. And I have been doing really well. As I have previously stated, I vowed to work out at least 4 times a week for lent, and I have been sticking to it. Plus, I have basically cut out all snacks and trying to stay within 1200 calories a day. I tell you what, a little exercise, does the trick. I have probably last 3/4 pounds. I just need to keep up the momentum.

Speaking of exercise, does anyone own a Bender Ball? My friend has one and she swears by it. I went to Walmart earlier this week to find one, but with no luck. I am going to check out another Walmart to see if they have one, I was just wondering if it was worth the money. I would love some abs.

Quick Update

I wanted to give a quick update on my first home buying experience. We have set a closing date for March 31st (although this date is flexible). So, the paperwork process begins. It is absolutely amazing the amount of paperwork that you have to gather to buy your first home (or probably any home). They need Verification of Employment, Verification of Rent, two forms of identification, two months worth of bank statements and savings accounts, retirement, pay stubs, previous two years of W-2's and the lists goes on and on and on and on (you get the point). So, basically my broker is my new best friend (although in my instance it is my mother so she was already my best friend).

Then, you have to order appraisals, termite inspections, home inspections, hazard insurance.

But, overall - it has been a great experience and totally worth it once I am in that new home that will be MINE.

This weekend I am heading out of town to catch a concert and basketball game with a friend. I am leaving directly after work and driving 2 1/2 hours to meet up with my friend (whose house we are staying at this weekend) and we are going to watch a concert. I am very excited about this concert because it is a great band and an even greater venue. Tickets are $15.00. Then, on Saturday we are watching an SEC basketball game (not sure how much tickets will be). Both teams are fairly good and it should be a great time. My only concern is running into the ex. It has been almost 6 months since we have split and I have been fortunate enough to have not had any encounters with him. So everyone keep their fingers crossed....

All in all, it should be a fairly inexpensive weekend (maybe $100.00 including gas). And filled with lots of fun activities! What are your weekend plans?

BOOKS

I spend the majority of my free time that is not spent with friends either reading or watching movies. I love to do both. A good book with a glass of wine and a funny movie are two of my favorite things. That being said, I have read two great books recently - Chasing Harry Winston and Something Blue. If you are looking for a light, funny read...pick on one of those books. They are great!

Ash Wednesday

With today being Ash Wednesday and me being Catholic, I have a few decisions to make. First, what am I going to give up/do for lent. I have thought long and hard about it...debating between giving up diet coke, alcohol, cussing, etc, but I have decided to try and better my self and lifestyle and I am going to commit to working out at least 45 minutes for 4 days a week. To you fitness buffs, this might not seem like a lot, but I promise it will show results for me. I consistently sit at a desk, all day every day. And I have put on a few extra pounds this winter, which I tend to get rid of. I am also going to try very hard to drink 8 glasses of water a day and not snack just to snack. I am feeling really good about this today.

So, from now on....no meat on Friday, and lots of sweat until EASTER!!!!

I deposited $300.00 into my home down payment fund this morning. I wanted to deposit more before I actually have to close on the house, but I had to spend $300.00 in cash to pay the Home Inspector (which was completely worth it).

The home inspector found two fairly minor details that needed to be fixed in the house. (1) the fireplace needed sheet rock around the vent and (2) an electrical outlet needed a breaker. The current homeowners are fixing the problems immediately.

So, all is well on the home front. I am waiting for the current owners to find a place to purchase themselves and then we will set a closing date. The closing must take place no later than April 15th, but the later the better for me because I have to pay rent until April 31st

Rant

I feel like ranting this Thursday morning. So, here it goes......why in the world would your bring your child with the flu into the office with you? A co-worker of mine just walked in with his 3 year old son who has the flu. Come on Dad, take off work. I promise this office will survive without you for the day and we will call you if anything comes up that is an emergency. But, don't bring your contagious child into the office who runs around everywhere and touches everything. It is distracting enough to have a child in the office.......ugggshhhh....I had the flu last year and I never want it again.

Chocolate Delight

As promised, here is a picture of the cake that I made for Valentine's Day and a few pictures from Old Crow Medicine Show. I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day. This is the first year since I was 17 (I am now 26) that I have been single on Valentine's Day and I must admit that it wasn't bad. I am very fortunate to have awesome friends.

Groceries

I am planning on going with a really good guy friend of mine to a concert out of town on Saturday night. We are just friends, but it is not to have plans for V-day. This is the first year since I was 17 that I have not had a boyfriend on V-day, so needless to say, it shall be interesting. We are planning on staying the his step-brother and his wife house. Therefore, I feel obligated to bring something. And I have the best idea. I found a heart-shaped bundt cake pan at Walmart yesterday for $17.00. Then, I went to the grocery store and bought the ingredients to make the cake for $34.66. I bought enough ingredients to make 3 of these cakes plus a chocolate pie, so it really isn't all that expensive. I made one cake for work, making one cake for my mother's boyfriend, and making one cake to bring as a gift. I will have to take a picture of one of the cakes to post at a future date on this blog.

The funny part of the story is that the cake recipe is from my ex-boyfriend's grandmother. It was his favorite cake and to die for....I am just passing on the love on V-day.

I had a wonderful weekend with very little unnecessary spending. I decided to make the three hour trip to go home and see my family. My 3 year old niece was coming in town and whenever she is there I try to make sure that I am also, since it is not very often that I get to spend a lot of time with her.

Here is a short recap of what little money I spent:

Hair Cut/ Eyebrows Waxed - $100.00
Walmart for dessert ingredients - $7.13
Gas - $24.95
Coffee - $1.40

However, I ended up doing a lot more. My grandmother, mom, niece, and I went and had mani/pedis, which my mom treated us to. (Thank you MOM). It was great spending time with four generations. We had the best girl time together. My mom and I also went and watched "He's just not that into you." It was a good chick flick and I would recommend watching it, if you like movies. It was funny and not a bit depressing. I ended up staying the night at my mom's house last night and getting up at 4:50 this morning to drive back home and make it to work since we were having so much fun together. I really needed a weekend with family. Everything is in perspective when you are with loved ones.

Home Inspection

I hired a home inspector to come out to the house I am hoping to purchase to thoroughly go over the home and detect any problems. The house passed with flying colors. There were only minor, and I mean, minor, repairs to be made. That was a huge relief since the home is 21 years old. The current homeowners have done a wonderful job of maintaining the house. So, for a total of $300.00, I now have the satisfaction that I am buying a great home.

Well, I have a contract on a house!!!!!!!!!!!!! My first home, I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!! I got pre-approved for financing on Tuesday and things have been going smoothly since then. The pre-approval process was a little more difficult than I had expected. Not that it took much effort on my part, but they are really looking at the applications to make sure the purchaser will be able to afford their living arrangements. This is really the first thing that I have noticed where I was effected by the economy. Two years ago, it would have been a piece of cake to get financing. Now, all the details have to be ironed out before they will pre-approve you.

Next step, home inspection!

UGGGGGGGHHHHHH

I thought that my life was moving along rather harmoniously. I have been drama-free and loving it. That is until last night.....my roommate and I are in the worst possible fight EVER. I am really probably going to loose it within the next three months that we have to live together. She is a traitorous B. She has just recently been separated from her husband (I say recently, since May when she moved in with me.) Trying to be a good friend and a good roommate, I have introduced her to all of my friends and helped her build connections with them. I found out last night that she has been making plans with them and telling them that I am too busy to hang out. Then she comes home and gushes about how much fun she has been having. How scandalous. How dare you try to exclude me from my own friends, which clearly you would not have if it wasn't for me. I have tried to be a true friend to you...but no more. Has anyone dealt with a similar situation? I am dumbfounded someone could be so cruel at 30. GROW THE F UP.

Buying a House

I have been seriously looking at the housing market and houses in my area over the past month or so and I have decided it is time to buy. I placed on offer on a house yesterday and received a counter-offer this morning. I am extremely excited about the possibility of owning my own home. All the details are definitely not ironed out as we have not agreed on a price, as I intend to make a counter-offer to their counter-offer ( it that considered another offer?).



This seems like the perfect place. It is in a decent neighborhood, less than 2 miles from my office, and immaculately maintained. The house was built in 1989 and has been upgraded gradually over the past 13 years (that's how long the current owners have owned the place.) Don't get me wrong, there are still some minor things that need to be done, i.e. the dishwasher and oven are 21 years old. But, otherwise, I love this house.

I am just worried that I am being a little hasty on making my decision. I only have about 3.5% of my down payment saved, which will deplete my emergency fund. However, my current lease expires at the end of April and I want to buy a place to move in before then. The current owners have yet to find another house, so they would be willing to stay in the house until April and then leave. That means that I will not have double rent and I can continue to save!

I will update as the negotiations continue....

Weekend

My weekend went from one extreme to the other. On Friday night I decided that I needed ME time and stayed home watching movies by myself. It was very relaxing and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. My Saturday was rather productive. I started off taking my dog for a walk, went and picked up my dry cleaning, decided to go to the mall and use some sales coupons from Limited, and then headed to drive around neighborhoods looking at houses. Afterwards, I met a friend at the movies to watch Bride Wars. This is when my Saturday took a turn for the worse. I decided to go to a friend's house for a cookout. This led to going to a very high priced bar for drinks and then two other bars for more drinks and dancing. Needless to say, I got home around 3 in the morning, intoxicated, and discovered that my roommate had fallen asleep with the oven on and a pizza burnt to a crisp. Sunday was unproductive. I felt bad, went to a friend's for another cookout and played the Wii. I liked myself better Saturday morning. I have a tendency to over drink and spend too much money when I go out.

I also liked being in a relationship better. That is when I was in control of my feelings and emotions. Right now I am a mess. I am ready to settle down. Enjoy the company of that special someone and not have to go out and mingle with people. I am ready to go to dinners, watch movies and spend quality time outside of bars. But where am I going to meet this person if I hoard up in my house????

Gut Feeling

Have you ever woken up and just had this feeling that something was going to happen. Well, that happened to me yesterday morning. While walking to get in my car yesterday morning to go to work, I had this gut feeling that my car wasn't going to start. It has been unusually cold over the past few days, and I just thought that my battery was going to be dead. I was wrong. It cranked right up and I headed to work. After lunch, a co-worker came into my office and informed me that I had a nail in my rear, right tire and that air was slowly leaking out. Aha, I knew something was going to go amiss with my car today. We proceeded to take the car to a tire shop for them to plug my tire. I thought, well there goes $30 I wasn't planning on spending. The tire place was packed so I went back to work and they were supposed to call me when my tire was fixed. Around 3 hours later, no phone call. I called up there to check on my car and was informed that the tire machine had shredded my tire and the replacement was just arriving so it would be about 30 more minutes. I was dumbfounded. No one had called me to tell me there was a problem. They just ordered a new tire. Long story short, I ended up paying nothing and getting a brand new tire.