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?