I Sold My Car!

Woo hoo! Mission Accomplished! My NZ Fund Goal has been reached!

My day was long. I had a maid FIASCO this morning--as in I woke up at the ungodly hour of 8 am, only to have no maids show up or call by 9 am. so, I call the maid company and they have NO openings for today or tomorrow. I was about to freak out on them--because I KNOW, KNOW, KNOW deep in my heart that I booked with this company on Tuesday--gave them my cc number, everything--and they had the gall to tell me that I wasn't in their records. Color me frustrated.

In the next few hours, I called every other maid company in my area, and NO ONE had anything. Around 11 am, the first company calls me back saying that they had an opening at 11:30. (Yeah, they did--MY original opening!). So the maids finally get here and spend roughly 4 hours cleaning a 1000 sq ft., 2 bed 2 bath apartment. It was a little excessive, if you ask me, but what do I know about real cleaning? My idea of cleaning is taking no more than a couple hours to wipe everything down whenever I start noticing the dirt--that method works well for me! (I haven't gotten sick yet, so I count my cleaning methods a success!). It came out to $196, and I tipped them $20 each. Boyfriend is paying for most of it, so...awesome.

At this point, 3:30, I had to rush them out of the door, because someone was coming by to check out my car at 4 (he had called this morning, in the middle of my maid-finding calls. I actually accidentally answered the call...good thing i did! And I still had to ship a few boxes and do some other errands.

I ended up 2 minutes late for the 4 pm appointment, and the dude test drove it and offered to buy it on the spot. I have to do some errands tomorrow, so i called some people up to see if they could help me out. unfortunately, most everyone is out of town this weekend, so I decided to just suck it up and rent a car for a day. The dude handed me $1300, and drove me to the car rental place. I ended up renting for $56/day--expensive! (As an aside, i've heard rental prices are going up due to economic demands and fuel prices).

I then didn't feel comfortable carrying around $1300 in cash, so I went to the bank and got some snacks for my plane ride tomorrow. by that time, it was time to meet my old co-worker who just moved here and has NOTHING, no furniture to her name. She ended up taking the last of the haul--everything--from my beside lamp to my clock radio to the coffee table and all the rugs. she even got a little overzealous and tried to take the teapot that came with the apartment (is that normal?? it was there when we moved in, and i'm not taking any chances with my security deposit).

By the time she was done moving everything, it was 7 pm, when I was supposed to meet my old roommate. I took a quick shower and went over to her place around 8. we just talked and played this bean-planting card game. It was wierd but kind of a fun game. She and her husband are my favorite people I've met in my city, so it was a good treat to be able to hang out with them on my last night here--and not have to sit in an empty apartment all night by myself.

Anyway, I'm finally at home, and semi-accomplished. Carpet cleaners are coming at 8 am tomorrow, and my bed is being picked up at 10:30. I leave for the aeropuerto at 4:30.

I'll be offline for about a week. Everyone have fun!

NZ Tally: $2107.92, with $60 more coming tomorrow...plus the security deposit and my car insurance premiums should be coming through.

Selling My Car...

Oy, busy. Sorry, this blog is going to get neglected in the next week or so. I'm finishing up my packing tomorrow and Saturday, then on Sat. I'm flying out to the MidWest for a week, for my boyfriend's birthday. Next week, I'll fly to the East Coast to hang with my family for a while. I should be back online by...next weekend? My family has a crappy internet connection so I'm not even sure I can set it up to get a wireless signal on my laptop (ew).

Hopefully, I'll apply and get my visa while i'm still living at home. I'm really looking forward to hanging out, but I may be tempted to get a temp job of some sort--I think i'll get bored and need the money.

I may or may not have sold my car today--I am still awaiting on one particular person's decision. I am HATING selling stuff--I'm grateful for the cash, but it is a PAIN in the A. People are flaky, rude, and it's just unnerving to deal with 30+ calls a day from people that may or may not even be that interested in your item. And I have a limited social tolerance, anyway--esp. for strangers. I've taken to not answering my phone, and just calling the people that leave coherent voicemails back. I'm being very bratty and random with people--I sometimes answer my phone when I'm expecting a phone call, and that lucky person actually gets an appointment to see the car. I'm not following my first come, first serve rule at all. If someone emails me in all caps, no punctuation, or incomplete, fragmented sentences, I delete the email--they are most likely going to flake, in my experience. This is probably not fair, but I have had it.

I sold my couch today--$150 more for the NZ tally!

My bed is as good as sold, but I won't count the cash til i have it in my pocket ($60). I really really hope my car sells...$1400.

Tomorrow looks like this:

8 am: maids arrive. I help them clean for 3-4 hours, in between 2-3 car showing appointments.
12 pm: I make a Post office run.
1:30 pm: show the car
2:30 pm: I buy snacks and reading material for the plane ride.
3 pm: car showing appt.
4 pm: last minute packing...call BoA to get new debit card (mine expires in August...when i'm sposed to be in NZ!)
5:30 pm: friend comes over to take stuff I don't want (coffee table, plant stands, etc.)
6 pm: show car, dump misc. leftover stuff on street for freecycling. check in for my flight.
7 pm: Meet old roomie for pizza and our last ever hangout and game night. :(


Sat:
6 am: swap meet to sell car (if it hasn't sold already)
10:30 am: sell bed; lady comes to pick it up.
11 am: carpet cleaners come
12 pm: return Cox equipment; goodwill/post office run
1 pm: hopefully someone comes to buy the car and make the 'official' trade; call to cancel car insurance/update address/get refund of premiums!
4:30 pm: leave for airport
6:30 pm: fly to MidWest
11:30: arrive in MidWest
1 am Sunday: RELAX for the next month and a half...sorta.

Slow and Steady

Each day, I get a little closer. Each day, I run things to goodwill, pack a little bit, ship more stuff home to VA, sell more stuff, or give something away.

Today, I:
--sent an email out to all my friends detailing all the 'stuff' i have available--not worth selling, but people may be interested in grabbing it before giving it away. So far, my plant stands (of all things!), my plants, my coffee table, and my vacuum are taken. Still to give away--2 end tables, a desk chair, millions of rugs, and 2 patio chairs. Freecycle will like them if no one else does...

-caulked all the nail holes and wiped down all of the walls and baseboards and cabinets, and vacuumed. The maids will now have less to do...making their rate cheaper, as it is by the hour. I hope to keep them under 2 hours.

--packed my car with goodwill stuff--I'm making a run tomorrow.

--returned a bunch of cleaning supplies BF paid for. Snowflaked: $17.72 to the NZ fund.

--sold my computer. Snowflaked: $50

--showed my car to someone. Have 5-10 more people's phone numbers to call and show it to in the next 2 days. Argh.

--showed a girl my couch--she wants it and will pick it up tomorrow evening. (yay! i get my couch for one more night!) (That will be $150 more to the NZ fund!--to be added when the money is received)

--confirmed that my bed will be picked up on Saturday at 10:30 am. (that will be $60 more to the NZ fund--to be added when the money is received)

--closed my P.O. Box and changed both of my addresses. Snowflaked the $2 deposit for the P.O. Box deposit keys and also the refund on the remaining months for my Box (paid in advance every 6 mo.): $12.50 total

NEW NZ tally: $657.92

I think I can...

I'm almost there--just a couch, car, and bed away from getting rid of most of my stuff. My bed has been claimed and is supposed to be picked up on Saturday morning, so I can sleep in my awesome bed til the day I have to leave. I have several appointments for my car tomorrow, and a girl is supposed to pick up the couch tomorrow at 5 pm. So, things are lookin good on the selling front.

A maid is coming this Friday to do a move-out cleaning. It was my BF's idea, since I wouldn't let him leave without cleaning at least his disgusting bathroom. After one look at that, he declared war and said he'd pay for nearly the whole cleaning...DEAL!

I also got my rebate check from my Chase card. $50 more for the NZ fund. Tally: $577.70

Ooh--and good news. Even though I have to start taking thyroid pills (ugh), the doc didn't report it on my medical certificate. So, hopefully there will be no worries there.

My Memorial Day 08 Weekend

The craziness is coming to a close. My boyfriend left this evening at 10 pm to drive across country--sans me, who is staying to finish cleaning and packing up everything. I'll be flying out this Saturday to join him in MidWest for his birthday before heading home to the East Coast to visit my folks.

I'll miss SoCal--it has alot to offer, but it's just not for me. The weather has been beautiful, and is mocking me as I spend my days packing. One of my best friends on Earth visited me this weekend, and I've had three days of bliss, not trying to sell my stuff, show my stuff, pack, or ship boxes. Lovely. Instead, he and his boyfriend and I ran around the city seeing other friends, spending alot on dinner, drinks, and entertainment. It was really nice to get a break in the middle of all the hurrying. And--at times like these, I always feel so good about limiting my spending the rest of the time, when no one special is visiting. It makes it all worth it to be able to say that I waited and delayed my gratification on something/someone that really means something to me.

The weekend could have been more frugal--but I'm not sweating it. My apartment is a disaster area, and lacking furniture at the moment, so cooking and entertaining at home was completely out of the question. We ended up going for Mexican one night ($25 each), and out to the downtown area for the clubs and an Australian meal ($35). Drinks were not too bad--don't have the exact numbers, but I was driving both nights so less than $20 each night is a safe bet.

How was your weekend?

$15 more for the NZ tally

$15 for my nightstand today--hurrah! NZ tally: $527.70

Tonight I'm going to have dinner with an old friend from college (the lawyer, if you are familiar with my posts) and his boyfriend. I haven't met any boyfriends of this friend yet, so I'm excited to see who he chose to introduce me to--it's serious if he's parading the boyfriend around the country, for sure! Dinner will be pricey, but it should be really fun, as well.

Exposed!

It was bound to happen sooner or later...my boyfriend accidentally stumbled onto my blog while we were watching old episodes of 'Dexter' online. Every time he sees a pf blog on my screen, he asks if it's mine. So last night, of course he did that, and I glanced over and freaked out. Of course it's mine, after that reaction! And, whatever, I'm not going to outright lie about it--that seems stupid and very much against what I believe is correct behavior in a relationship.

I may ask him politely not to read my blog, but what can I really do? It's a public blog, and I can't stop certain people from reading it. I may have to cut back on the relationship updates, though. I have been dreading this moment, 'cause now I'm not completely anonymous to everyone that reads my blog--censorship may automatically occur due to that fact.

So, hello, Boyfriend. Welcome to Sense to Dollars.

The Loan from My Mom

As I've written about before, my mom loaned me $5K from her inheritance after my grandfather died to help me out while I was taking classes this year. I had about $9K of living expenses saved up, and the money I borrowed from my Mom was going to be used in cases of emergency (my health insurance deductible is $4K, my car insurance deductible is $1K, etc.). Wonderfully (knock on wood), I haven't had to use ANY of it--and I've actually added about $1K to the total over the year, in addition to adding $100 a month to my Roth. I just barely did better than treading water financially this year.

Hurrah! I'm very proud of that achievement--although I really wonder what I could have done if I hadn't gone part-time. Just THINK of how much money I'd have now!! It's almost sad--but then I think of my experiences in class, and I definitely had fun and learned alot...completely on my employers dime.

So I was talking to my mom about the loan today, and how I didn't need it now that my classes were over, and I asked her how she would like to get paid back--installments or a lump sum. She told me to 'keep it for now.' I know this is her way of trying to GIVE it to me, but she knows that makes me uncomfortable. I like to think of myself as independent, so no where does a $5K gift fit in there, esp. when I don't know how well my mom and dad are really doing financially at this point.

On the other hand, an extra $5K while moving to NZ certainly won't be a bad thing. Until I get another job, I'll most likely use that money to live! Ouch. That is going to HURT. Right now, I have about $3K in my checking account, and some of that is going to go to bills for this month (cc, electricity, cable, gas, sewer/water). The rest of it will probably be used to live while at home (but costs should be minimal--no food, rent, etc--just fun activities and gas). I hope to sell my car for about $1200-$1500, I'm expecting our security deposit back from our landlord, as well as a refund of my car insurance for the remaining months on the policy--hopefully with all that $$ I'll be able to pay for the plane ticket to NZ. I'm going to try to NOT dip into my savings for more than $1K for this move.

So, that leaves me $15K to live while I'm down there, until I find a job. So, who knows someone with a $75K/yr job in NZ??

Sold My Desk!

Now that I've got that monstrosity out of the apartment, the only heavy things I need to get rid of are the couch and bed. Unfortunately, I NEED the bed, or some place to sleep, so I've been holding off on the bed selling. The couch, however, needs to GO. I've had alot of interest, but everyone has flaked. Ugh, I HATE unreliable people. It's why I try to do what I say I'm going to do, and don't mindlessly agree to do things without thinking them through--I don't want someone to go what I go through when someone flakes on me.

$60 more for the desk (they didn't want the desk chair, so now I get to post THAT separately on craigslist!).

My last day at work is tomorrow. Unfortunately, it's not all fun and games. I have to give a presentation on data assessment (of all things) and train a myriad of people how to do what I did in the job. It's surprising how much I did regularly, actually--I always felt like I didn't do much that was worthwhile or completely self-explanatory. I am getting a potluck lunch, though--people are being very nice, I think because they are glad that I'm not dragging them to the usual spot.

Oh...and I received a check from fatwallet--$16.15 (that was already added into the total).

NZ tally: $512.70

Maybe I Should have Spent More on a Newer Car

I am about to sell my '98 car, and I have all the paperwork of everything I've done to it in the past four years. I decided to calculate it all up today--the grand total for this car, oil changes, smogging fees, everything except registration, fees, parking tickets, car tags, insurance, and gas is:

$4,966.49.

Holy smokes! that's over $110 a month--$1350 a year--just for maintaining that car! Is this normal, or should I have spent a little more to reduce the 'old car' costs?

The only thing that consoles me is that car payments are usually more than $113 a month, and I'm not paying interest on this amount over several years...and this car was paid for IN CASH and was the best I could afford at the time. I shopped around alot before I found this one. I guess I could have traded up once I got a good raise. Oh well. Now I have to recoup some losses by selling this baby!

Bought for $2750. Trying to sell for: at least $1500.

What I've Bought and Sold My Belongings For

used TV-$40 at Goodwill, got $20 for it (-$20)
used dresser--free, got $10 for it (+$10)
new table/chairs--$38, got $20 for it (-$18)
new flip video--$0 gift, got $100 for it (+$100)
new shelf--$40, got $10 for it (-$30)
used TV stand--free, free (0)
used VCR--$20?, got $15 for it (-$5)
new DVD player--$50, got $30 for it (-$20)
new Chair futon--$100, got $45 for it (-$55)

Total Loss (not including gift): $148 --Not bad for renting all that stuff an average of 2 years.

[EDIT] Sold Later:
used computer--$150, $50 ---BOUNCED CHECK
used couch--$175, $150 ($25)
new bed--$200 (?), $60 (-$140)
used nightstand--$15, $15 (0)
used desk--$50, $50 (0)
used car--$2750, $1300

Maybe the market downswing is making people more prone to buying my cheap items, but I'm learning that some items kind of hit a depreciated rock bottom price and are always worth that, until they fall apart completely. For example, my nightstand was $15 at a furniture rental place that retired it when it started looking too beat up, and I can easily sell it for that amount, even though it is a little scratched up and came dented on one corner. Ditto with the couch and desk. I actually MADE money on my dresser, which someone gave to me for free. I also noticed that the things I tend to lose the most money on are NEW--most of the used items retained their selling value pretty well--and actually for the number of buyers I had for most of the items, I have a feeling I could have sold them for more. This is why it is VERY smart to buy things used and at low cost if you aren't staying in the same place for more than a few years. Just another lesson learned...

Upset

The doctor called today and left a voicemail about my blood test results rolling in for my NZ medical certificate. They're not all complete yet, but he said, "there was one surprise--you have low thyroid production and will have to take pills for the rest of your life." and then hung up. OMG.

Talk about a shocker--what a terrible way to inform your patient. In his exam last Friday, he also noted that I have a heart murmur, mitral valve prolapse. It's not a big deal usually, but it can be in rare cases. So some of my weekend was spent worrying about that, and I've just come to terms with my 'heart condition,' only to worry about this new revelation. WTF.

These tests weren't even required by the physical form! I called him back and got the exact numbers so I can do some research, and hit up my best friend (who is a doctor in NYC) to explain everything and give somewhat of a second opinion. (I LOVE that I can come to him with anything medical; he is the smartest person I know and has saved me multiple trips to the doctor. As an aside, my other best friend from college is a lawyer, so I'm pretty set...) It turns out that most of these tests were just done because he tests ALL his (elderly) patients this way. I hope I'm not going to end up paying muchos of dollars just to hear that I'm sick and can't go to NZ. Besides the taking a pill every day issue, I'm upset--really upset--that maybe they won't let me in now. And if the living-in-NZ dream wasn't enough to kill, that means that the boyfriend and I will break up due to my inability to live in the country that he's in--there's no way we can do the thousands of miles away thing. Double whammy.

My sister, also, is making some stupid choices as of late. My frustration with her is at an all-time high.

sorry for the whining! I think it will all end up ok in the end, and I'm ...glad?...that he caught it now, but it was kind of an emotional day. There are still lots of good things going on:

1) I sold my table and chairs, and maybe have a buyer for my car.
2) $20 more for the NZ fund! Tally: 452.70
3) There's whisperings at work that my going away luncheon is going to be a big deal. I opted for a never-done-before potluck instead of the usual gross, tired spot, so I'm excited that I'm helping people be frugal instead of paying $20 for a slice of awful pizza. Everybody hates the normal spot, anyway...
4) I'm almost done with work!
5) My best friend (the lawyer, see above) is coming to visit this weekend! Yay! AND I get to meet his new(ish) boyfriend I've been hearing so much about!
6) My friend that I went to grad school with (and is now a professor) wrote me back about the time he got his master's in New Zealand. He still keeps in touch with masses of people, and a few of them are in Auckland. He's going to get back to me about who to contact, and gave me his name to drop down there--I'm really hoping that having a strong network of contacts down there expedites the job process...it's a huge relief to know that I won't be going in completely blind.

Ten Bucks and 5 Vials of Blood Closer

I sold my dresser ($10) and shelf ($10) today. hurrah! $20 more to add to my NZ Move total. I also got $3 in survey money. $432.70 5/19/08

I just ordered $50 from my cashback cc. It comes in SO handy...

I also gave FIVE vials of blood after fasting for 12 hours for the blood tests required for my medical certificate.

I get to do the blood tests all over again for my exit physical at work on Wednesday--each batch of test results are non-transferrable for the other one. I'm certain I will faint after giving that much blood in three days, though.

Long's refused to give me money back. i'm taking it to corporate...when I have the time (??).

To do list for May

(please ignore)

THIS WEEK'S URGENT MOVES:
MISC:
--get zoo tix (wrote K)
--call insurance co re: claims
--sell books
--call midas re: guarantee transfer?
--call tire place re: guarantee transfer?
--post desk and computer on craigslist (done)
--post balcony chairs
--post couch (done)
--post bed
--post nightstand (done)
--post endtables
--post car (done)
--make post office run
--make goodwill run
--get air mattress--email H and D
--practice pack to get weight down
--notify electric/gas co of end of service
--clean entire apt.
--return cox materials
--give C coffee table, vacuum
--change of addy x 2
--turn in po key/cancel--refund?
--cancel car insurance/get refund
--get security deposit back
--order more BC pills before moving

--post dresser (SOLD!)
--post shelf (SOLD!)
--post folding table and chairs (done) SOLD!
--notify cox of end of service DONE

WORK:
--present data assessment review
--teach AB GIS stuff
--return H&S equipment
--clean out desk, computer
--exit physical WED.

VISA:
--get packet of medical certification
--get FBI certification
--organize boyfriend evidence
--send packet

--ONGOING--
-HEALTH- (mental and physical)
--walk or run in the park for at least a mile EVERY DAY; DO NOT get eaten by a mountain lion (there are signs posted all around the trails about small females and mountain lion attacks!)
--work 20 hours a week
--floss

-ORGANIZATIONAL-

URGENT:
--get paperwork I want to scan together
--go to work and scan in all papers, .pdf everything

NON-URGENT:
--talk to mom about paying her back--schedule? use free money revolution account?

-FOR NZ MOVE-

URGENT TASKS:
--receive FBI background check by 6/15/08

ORGANIZE:

--list of things to fix/do to car before selling: oil change DONE, fluid/tire check (DONE), fix dent? fix side view mirror?, wash and detail (DONE), brakes (DONE), tires balanced and rotated (DONE), afix P, D, N, notation in correct place, A/C refill (DONE), call DM to detail and to find buyers; kelly blue book value = ~$2500; are midas (brake & battery)/ discount tires guaranteed through companies even through car transfer?

FINANCIAL TASKS:

--figure out what to do about bank account once in NZ. keep?
--figure out when to cash it out, if ever--with no fees, no need to do so, AND can maintain flexibility when visiting the US
--make list of addresses to change/accounts to stop pulling from bank account

HEALTH INSURANCE:
--get vision insurance? checkup before leaving the country--new contacts? glasses?

PAPERWORK:

--make scrapbook for immigration--proof of relationship: photos, letters, phone call documentation, texts? get plastic sleeves and use 3-ring binder; gather B and me photos (with dates) and print them out


MISC--after applying for a visa:
--compare costs to buy SIM card and GSM phone vs. a rate-calling plan in NZ for cell phone calls
--install Skype
--get microphone and hearing device for Skype
--compile ideas for international calling
--WHAT SHOULD I BRING??
--contact everyone I know in NZ or has lived in NZ (murray, chris, bruce)--5/21/08 contacted Chris

Car Trouble and Medical Debt

I feel like I'm getting hosed in every direction. First the one hour photo debacle--i'm actually going to call the manager in a minute to complain before I pick up the photos so s/he can instruct the employee to give me a discount when I get down there.

This morning, I got my car looked at, oil changed, A/C refilled, tires balanced and rotated, and a full inspection. They called me back and said that my battery needed replacing, for another $100. Now, I know that batteries cost much less to replace than $100, but they had my car, and I didn't have time to waste taking it somewhere else, PLUS they said that it may not even last another day. Maybe it was a tactic to get me to buy, but it worked. I also didn't want to bug my boyfriend again to pick me up from another auto place--he just had some dental surgery and is popping vicodin whenever he doesn't have to drive somewhere. So, for all those reasons and more, I just paid out the majority of my tax rebate to Midas--$368 gone. I did make them keep my old battery and test it out in front of me (I know it was my battery 'cause I put a little sticker on it for exactly these kind of situations), and it was indeed shot. So I feel a little better about it, but man...that hurts.

I hope to make that money back when I sell my car this week or next. I still need to spend some time cleaning and washing it--then I can post pictures on craigslist and send out an email. My friend and co-worker has agreed to fully detail my car and take it if I don't sell it by the 31rst, in which case he'll get a cut of the selling price. He has 4 kids and is barely making it out here, and plus he's been a really good friend, so I don't mind if he gets more than a nice chunk of change for doing me a favor--I know he'd do it for free. I'm thinking 10% of whatever the selling price is (~$1500 for now) as a base, plus half of the profit over $1500 if he sells it for more than the base price. So, if he sells it for $2000, he gets $150 + $500/2 = $400. That's a pretty awesome deal, right? I've researched similar cars on craigslist, consulted Kelly Blue book, and $1500 is close to the bottom price I think I could get. I'll advertise it for slightly more, since people on clist like to haggle ($1750?) and see if anyone bites...

I also haven't gotten a bill for my checkup in March, but the health insurance website lists 2 claims, for which I'm responsible for about $200. I really thought there wouldn't be a charge for the services (I thought they were covered!) so now I need to fight the insurance company about this. Yuck.

Problems...

My 'done' to do list--for Reference Only

-DONE-
--oil change/new wiper blades/back brakes checked/pricing on A/C refill/fluid and tire pressure check. DONE
--await confirmation from Feds about tax return (DONE!)
--research health insurance--covers OB-GYN appt completely? No--$35 plus 30% of procedures and labwork--who is 'in-network'--have list. or should I just go to student health ($50/appt)? DONE and DONE
--get new bc prescription/gyn checkup DONE
--use REI rebate--order water reservoir DONE
--cancel REI cc DONE 4/7/08
--move music to laptop (Status: TRYING...it needs a firmware update for Vista, which reformats the hard drive, meaning I lose all my music unless I transfer it to a Windows XP computer first...SO ANNOYING! 4/5/08) DONE 4/6/08
--order 3 mo. supply of BC sent in prescription and doc info 4/2/08; order shipping 4/7/08 received
--update CV/resume for Research job by 4/27 DONE but job not open still
--get bank account with NO fees, direct deposit, or minimums required, WITH ATM card (now advertised on Bank of America website) APPLIED 3/29/08--confirm no fees for existing customers--or keep current account and make ING 'direct deposits' every month?
--apply for capital one cc (NO international fees!) DONE 3/24/08 received card and confirmed no foreign transaction fees 3/29/08
--get cv from work DONE
--get new passport/passport pictures DONE sent 4/3/08 received passport!
--can i transfer my bc prescription to a pharmacy in NZ? (answer: NO--action: stock up on BC pills/gap June-August/see doctor upon arrival in NZ)
--get dental insurance, have checkup (GOT DENTAL CARD 3/29/08 Made dental appt. 4/1/08; dental appt 4/8/08 DONE)
--figure out if i should keep paying for my US health insurance while in NZ so there's no gap in my coverage (for pre-existing conditions) (Emailed NZ Insurance rep 3/28/08, 4/2/08, 4/3/08) cancel once NZ travel and health insurance kicks in
--write resignation letter for work (DONE!)
--check that dental insurance is cancelled (DONE!)
--drink 3 water bottles full of water a day (60 oz); ?? probably notfind better option for water (hard polycarbonate?) (REI?) DONE ordered 4/14/08
--write letter to cancel dental ins.; fax before May 1 DONE
--cancel dental insurance before May 08 DONE
--print out documents for NZ entry DONE
--police--fingerprints (DONE 5/13/08)
--doc appt--x-ray an health review DONE
--cancel physical appt with doctor #1 DONE
--confirm physical appt with doctor #2 DONE
--study DONE
--friday return key DONE
--chest x-ray for moving to new zealand? health requirements? proof of good citizenship--police certificate? DONE

--make post office run DONE
--dinner with old roommies DONE
--turn in science Dept. key DONE 5/16/08
--make physical appt. DONE
--get FBI background check (fingerprints 5/13/08) dONE
--send FBI background check DONE
--charity for April: anti-puppy mill organizations DONE 4/14/08
--charity for May: DONE
--make time budget (No TV weekend-3/29/08-3/30/08)
--think about upping my charity budget to $50/mo. DID Mar 08
--go through closet DONE
--go through papers in desk DONE
--explore external hard drive options (can i use my mp3 player??); get rid of old computer; pack up files/start packing, shipping boxes home to VA--DONE
--make list of things to sell (bed, nightstand, dresser, couch, end tables, coffee table, shelf, lamps?, folding table and chairs)--DONE
--make list of things to keep--DONe
--make list of things to give away--DONE
--make list of things to trash--DONE
--Get blood taken DONE 5/19/08
--get chest xray's signed off DONE 5/19/08

One Hour Photo Is A Lie

I was up all last night studying for my 8 AM (gasp!) final, so i am a bit of a grouch today, and not in the mood to take any guff. I dropped off some leftover 35 mm film at Long's last night while getting a prescription for my boyfriend after his SIX hour dental surgery (!!!). I put the film in the 1 hour photo slot last night and went in at noon today to pick it up...but it wasn't done. I had to get passport photos done, anyway, so I asked when I could expect the photos back. She quoted me a time of 6 pm! I asked, Single Ma-Style, Well, can I get a discount since it won't be ready in AN HOUR? The girl proceeded to laugh and tell me that "1 Hour photo processing", as it is called on every surface, ha ha, DOESN'T mean that the photos will be done in an hour.

WHAT??

Yes, she went on to explain, when you pay for "one-hour photo processing," you are paying for long's to process the photos on-site, instead of sending it off.

Am I stupid, or did 'one-hour processing' actually mean one hour back in the day? It used to be that the one hour stuff was more expensive, but you got the instant gratification of photos in about an hour while you shopped or did errands.

I'm just sayin...I could've dropped the film in the 24-hour processing box last night and gotten it at the same time as the one hour. And I'm paying MORE for the privelege. Now how does that make sense, in any universe??

This is the kind of stuff that drives me bat-$hit crazy.

Quick Update and Life Without TV

I know all of you are waiting on the edge of your seat to see how we're dealing with the TV issue. It still feels like there is somewhat of a void, esp. when sitting on the couch, where we used to watch TV. I go to turn it on mindlessly, automatically, and then realize It isn't there.

The boyfriend still misses it as background noise, and while eating meals--at least, that's all he'll admit to. Not sure I believe it, as he was up until 2:30 am last night watching "Chuck" on *ahem* different websites...AND he was waiting roughly an hour and a half for the sites to download/buffer/whatever they do for only fourty minutes or so of actual show.

I like not having it, but I will admit that I miss it as a mindless time-filler for when i'm alone at home and eating, or just need some noise in the house, or am bored. With a little searching on the intenet, I've been able to keep up with all of my shows--we sold the tv RIGHT before all the season finales...doh!

Luckily, the internet really does have everything...i haven't had to wait more than a day to view shows that were on the night before. America's next top model--yup; gossip girl--yup; tila tequila, the office, the hills, beauty and the geek...yups across the board. (Yes, I realize that I'm brave to admit these choices, I'm SUCH A GIRL, and should be ashamed. Now that I've been properly chastised and apologetic, let's move on.) I don't even know if the websites are legal, though--i even saw some movies that are out in theaters on the sites--how do they DO that??. I guess I should be more careful about that stuff, but I didn't download anything or sign up for any programs, so hopefully everything's kosher.

As a quick update, I had my final today, and it went ok. I know I did better than most of the kids in the class, so that's all that matters for the grade. I could have studied more, but oh well, it's done. I mailed my FBI letter--$1.61 and took some boxes to the USPS--$24.75. I have lots more to mail, but it's a good head start. i also have my physical for my NZ visa application later today. I had to get MORE passport photos for it! crazy. I also sent a few boxes to goodwill with the boyfriend, and dropped a donation box of books and cd's off at the library.

With my final out of the way, and rapidly approaching 'as much as I can do for now' on the NZ visa application, I can finally focus on moving, selling stuff, and finishing up work this week!

Can't...Shop...

I really needed to get out of the house today after studying all day, and ended up trying to use the gift certificate to Old Navy that my boyfriend had laying around and offered up to me. I really, really tried to muster up enthusiasm and even tried on some shoes and looked at the clearance racks, but alas...I can't spend money on myself. Especially clothes--for some reason I think about all the stuff I have in my closet and drawers, and my will to shop just *poofs* away. After all, I don't have a job anymore (well, at least not after next Friday), and who is lookin at me, anyway?? If someone judges me on my appropriate-but-boring gear, well, I just don't care to hang with them. This attitude worries me a little 'cause I'm going to be hanging with my boyfriends' family in a few weeks, and I really don't want to look dud-ish or like I'm not trying for them. It's almost like I'm trying to make a point--accept me with my old clothes, or I deem you shallow.

My shopping-itis comes in spurts and waves, but it seems to have vanished for the past year or two. I used to spend about $200 every fall and spring on clothes to spice up my wardrobe a bit, but...not this year. I'm boycotting shopping because I *gasp* find it boring and pointless.

Especially if i'm going to have to pack it up in a week and a half, anyway...

But what has happened to the girl who'd plan her nail polish to match the next day's outfit? Or the girl who'd dream sketch her perfect skater/surfer girl outfit and then the perfect going-out-on-the-town outfit during class? I almost feel like I'm losing a bit of myself by losing some of my materialism. But really, I can't tell if I'm getting less materialistic or losing self-esteem and confidence. After all, if you care about yourself, you take care of your appearance. Agh, I just can't tell anymore...

Up Studying

My petrology final is on Friday morning, and I haven't touched my notes yet...ugh. I just can't get motivated, not with a) work b) moving c) selling everything d) seeing everyone 'one last time' e) visa application and everything it entails!

Today we went and saw an old coworker during a long lunch. She just had a baby a few months ago, and we've heard HORRIBLE things about the kid--it won't shut up! And indeed, it screamed the entire time we were at her house, and she looked EXHAUSTED. wow, that really is the best birth control ever. I can't believe every mother I know went through that...i think i'd die of sleep deprivation. or go crazy and kill myself. I'm really serious.

so, anyway, i'm a few steps closer to moving to New Zealand today. I printed out my cover letter and packaged up my FBI fingerprint check, to be returned with a great big 'no record' stamp by 6/15/08, to my parents' house. I cleaned out my old computer, and will be placing it on craigslist soon. Soon after that, my desk can be placed on craigslist, and then my shelf.

I have about 3 boxes that are ready to be shipped. The two boxes I sent a couple of weeks ago have arrived at home already.

I made another physical appointment (tentative), this time with a more professional doctor. They also said that my insurance will most likely cover the physical, saving me a couple hundred bucks. I called my insurance today, and they also said that it should be free or close to it ($35 copay?). Awesomeness!

NZ tally update: $409.70 5/13/08
I received a reimbursement check from work--$4. I also found about two bucks in change in my work drawer. Not alot, but every bit helps. :) I just requested a check from fatwallet ($16.15). I got a $16 from my dental insurance premium. I received my $50 gift card in the mail--but I'm only counting $15 towards the tally 'cause I used most of it for a special dinner for my boyfriend. I also ended up donating the $25 sitting in my revolution money account, so instead of pulling it out of my checking account, I'm snowflaking the money. Tally 5/8/08: $331.55

Tomorrow morning i have my exit physical for work. ugh.

My first costs of moving

I thought it would be helpful to readers to list out what my costs for moving to another country. Obviously, other people's moves are going to cost different amounts depending on how and what they pack, save, ship, donate, sell, etc.

If I itemized, I've probably donated several hundred dollars worth of wall decorations, tubs, bins, furniture, books, dvds, cds, etc. to Goodwill already.

A few weeks ago, I spent $17.86 by sending some packages of books by media mail to my parents' house on the East Coast.

This week, I'll be shipping some boxes of clothes, some travel souvenirs I cherish from New Zealand, Hawaii, and Thailand, and my precious rocks (I have shelves and shelves of ...you guessed it...rocks. they're pretty and each tells me a story and reminds me of who I was with and where I was when I collected it! However, they are very heavy. Not fun to ship!).

Other than that, I bought my one-way plane tickets to MidWest and the East Coast for $125 and $276, respectively. Tix to Hawaii and NZ are gonna be about $3K. Wowsers!

I got my FBI fingerprint card and had fingerprints placed on it for $21 at the local police station today. NZ immigration requires a police certificate (with FBI background check! scary!). That will be another $18.

NZ Immigration also requires a health certificate. Apparently my health insurance doesn't cover physicals or X-rays, so this will be out of pocket, to the tune of $300 to $400 buckaroonies. Ouch.

I also bought some caulk to fill in the nail holes in the walls of my apartment. $4.75. I had a gift card to CVS, though, so I actually didn't have to lay out any cash for that.

I'll keep ya updated on further costs...

To My Mother: Thank You!

To all the moms out there, have a great day. To all the kids, do a little something for your moms. :)

On the Your Money board at msn money, there's a thread about the best money advice you've ever gotten from your mother. Some of it is good--the quote, "A man is not a plan." is common; some of it was learned through Mom's bad example.

As for my mom, I'd say that she was a VERY positive financial influence. She was in charge of our allowance, assigning our chores for money, etc. But I think the most influential example she gave me was when we were out shopping. Particularly with clothing items, she would ask, without fail, "Will you USE this? Do you really NEED this? Where will you wear this? With what items that you already own will you wear this?" She was also a master of the sales rack at JC Penney's--still is, much to my chagrin on Christmas Day (she does NOT understand my taste in clothes). :) I owe much of my frugality to her.

So, on that note, I will call my mom and see if she has gotten my card I sent this week.

What advice did YOU get from your mom about money?

Our Dependence on Television

Oy. Boyfriend sold the TV yesterday evening, so our next 3 weeks are TV-free. It was a bittersweet parting. It was his TV, so I knew he'd complain if I told him to hold off on the TV selling...

Oh HO, how the tables have turned. he always complained about ME always having the tv on...but now he is having a really hard time without it. It's only been one day, for goodness' sake! It turns out he misses it as a background while doing other things. I, on the other hand, watch my 1-2 shows/day while I'm eating dinner/vegging after work/school and cut it off (with dvr, this takes ~40 min for an hour show, and ~20 for a half hour show...).

We keep going to turn it on, and have to remember it's not there as an easy time-filler. what to do now??

So. Much.

I'm glad it's out of the house--I can spend the next 3 weeks actually getting stuff DONE! and it'll be good to wean me off--my family in VA doesn't have cable, and we will most likely NOT have tv in NZ.

Hurrah! the time suck is gone!

(now what to do about internet...cause THAT is my real weakness).

Time To Leave

Although I just wrote a post about the money I 'saved' today, I may spend more this evening...One of my best friends from work (he doesn't actually work there anymore) is in town from San Fran this weekend, so I'm sitting at home right now waiting for him to call from the airport so I can go out! My boyfriend isn't as close to him, so he's out with some of our other friends to a house party. I could go to the house party til my friend calls, but I have no interest in going...is that bad? I mean, some of our married friends act like we're crazy to enjoy doing separate things, or act like I'm crazy for not 'keeping tabs on' my boyfriend. Do guys really need that? I mean, I trust him, and I like being by myself and doing my own thing alot of times.

I'm really glad I'm leaving this town. Honestly, I was at dinner with everyone I still know here this evening, and while I like everyone and they're fine people, they just...don't...get me. It drains me of all my energy being with them, and I'm always counting the minutes til I can leave. This happens almost every time I'm out with them, actually...but I don't know anyone else here, and it's too late to get to know anyone new. Yargh.

I talked to most of my (REAL) friends on the phone this afternoon/evening (while I was supposed to be studying (oops)), and yeah--it was a good reminder that there ARE people out there who I really, truly enjoy, and who enjoy me. I just don't get that from ANYONE here in my city. Save my boyfriend and my old roommate, who lives 45 min. away now. Ick. Time to leave...!

What I Did Today To Save Money

Since I'm on a quest to save up or just plain SAVE money, I've become much more aware of my choices.

1) I called my dental insurance company and asked when/if I could expect my May premium back. I had paid for 2 months in advance, but cancelled before the first month was up, having had all my dental needs fulfilled. So, I can expect $16 in the mail soon. I need to add that to the NZ tally when I receive it.

2) This one is actually one where I spent money, but not as much money as I could have. I previously made flight reservations from my city to my hometown for May 31. But, I then realized that my boyfriends' birthday was June 4, and it would be the last time I'd see him before I moved down to New Zealand. I want to spend time with him and his family, and I want to spend his birthday with him. So, the flight change fee was $75, and the new flight options bumped that up to either $160 or $90. After asking the boyfriend, I opted for the cheaper flight. I did still spend money, so I'm not sure that counts. I also had to make ANOTHER flight for the second leg of the journey (I have to get from the MidWest to the East Coast, after, all)--that was another $124.50.

Sold!

Updates in BOLD

Just now, I FINALLY got a buyer for my dvd player to call me back. This week, I've made $150 on craigslist, $34.55 from my change, $2 that I found whilst cleaning out drawers, and $66 from selling my CD's. I also received $9 in Pinecone Research Survey money and $10 from an ING referral. This adds $271.55 to my Snowflake NZ tally! NZ tally 5/8/08 (cash in hand): $331.55

$$ FROM SELLING STUFF ON CRAIGSLIST:
Last week, I made $60--$45 from my futon chair sale, and $15 from my VCR.
This week, I've made $150--sold my TV ($20), TV stand ($0), flip video camera ($100), and dvd player ($30).

I also hope to post:
my old computer, $40
my desk, $40
a shelf, $5
my nightstand, $10
my dresser, $10
my bed, $40
my car, $1000

That should net me roughly ~$1300. I hope it all sells! People are really flaky so far. I've missed my evening run/walk every day since last week 'cause people have said they were coming by between 6:30 and 8:30, and they didn't.

MISC. $$:
I still have $25 sitting in my Revolution Money Exchange account. I was hoping someone else I owe money to would sign up and then I could pay them $25 less of my own moneyby using that bonus money, but they haven't so far. I think I'll get my mom to sign up and pay her back her $5000 that way (making it $4,775!). I'll count that $25 in my tally when I get it out. I actually donated the $25, so instead of using cash in my checking account, I'll add it to my tally!

I have around $15 sitting in my inbox dollars account, but I have to have $30 in my account before I can get it out. Sigh.

I'm expecting a $50 Von's gift card from redeeming my hotel points. UPDATE: They called me Tuesday and said they had sent it but it had been sent back. argh. They took my home address. Hopefully it'll get here before I have to move...there are no Von's in my home state or New Zealand. I'll only count $15 towards my tally 'cause I used the $50 to make my boyfriend a dinner.

And...my adsense account is still on the fritz. I still really don't know what's wrong with it, and the google people aren't emailing me back. hrmph.

Found $2 in one of my purses! I'm adding it to the tally.

SOLD!
DVD player, $30 (SOLD!)
TV, $20 (SOLD! 5/5/08)
TV stand $5 or free with purchase of any of the above two items (Given Away)
Flip Video camera, $100 (SOLD! 5/6/08)

$$ FROM SELLING OTHER ITEMS:
I need to take my CD's to a store and sell them. I hope to make about $25-$40 off of them. They are my FAVOURITE CD's, but now that I have an mp3 player, I don't really listen to CD's anymore. (Did you notice that I used the UK spelling of 'favorite?' I'm gearing up for NZ.) $66


$$ FROM CHANGE:
Today I rolled some coins. I have at least $20 in quarters. I HATE that coinstar takes an almost 10% cut. I don't have use of anything on Amazon or the other gift cards--I'd really rather have the cash. My strategy is to roll the high-value coins (quarters and dimes), deposit those directly into my bank, and put the rest through coinstar. That way they still take a cut, but it's much less proportionally. Rolling quarters is much easier than rolling pennies and nickels, anyway. $34.55 total

Snowflaking My Way to New Zealand

It's interesting--when I first thought about moving to NZ, I envisioned a huge dip in my savings account to fund it. Now, though, I think I'll add a sidebar counting how much money I make from selling items and taking surveys in my quest to become a New Zealander.

$$ FROM SELLING STUFF ON CRAIGSLIST:
Last week, I made $60--$45 from my futon chair sale, and $15 from my VCR.

Still for sale:
DVD player, $30 (six offers)
TV, $20 (SOLD! 5/5/08)
TV stand $5 or free with purchase of any of the above two items (Given Away)
Flip Video camera, $100 (SOLD! 5/6/08)

I also hope to post:
my old computer, $40
my desk, $40
a shelf, $5
my nightstand, $10
my dresser, $10
my bed, $40
my car, $1000

That should net me roughly ~$1300. I hope it all sells! People are really flaky so far. I've missed my evening run/walk every day since last week 'cause people have said they were coming by between 6:30 and 8:30, and they didn't.

$$ FROM CHANGE:
Today I rolled some coins. I have at least $20 in quarters. I HATE that coinstar takes an almost 10% cut. I don't have use of anything on Amazon or the other gift cards--I'd really rather have the cash. My strategy is to roll the high-value coins (quarters and dimes), deposit those directly into my bank, and put the rest through coinstar. That way they still take a cut, but it's much less proportionally. Rolling quarters is much easier than rolling pennies and nickels, anyway. $34.55 total

$$ FROM SELLING OTHER ITEMS:
I need to take my CD's to a store and sell them. I hope to make about $25-$40 off of them. They are my FAVOURITE CD's, but now that I have an mp3 player, I don't really listen to CD's anymore. (Did you notice that I used the UK spelling of 'favorite?' I'm gearing up for NZ.)

MISC. $$:
I still have $25 sitting in my Revolution Money Exchange account. I was hoping someone else I owe money to would sign up and then I could pay them $25 less of my own moneyby using that bonus money, but they haven't so far. I think I'll get my mom to sign up and pay her back her $5000 that way (making it $4,775!). I'll count that $25 in my tally when I get it out.

I have around $15 sitting in my inbox dollars account, but I have to have $30 in my account before I can get it out. Sigh.

I'm expecting a $50 Von's gift card from redeeming my hotel points. I hope that comes soon! I'll count that when I receive it, as well.

And...my adsense account is still on the fritz. I still really don't know what's wrong with it, and the google people aren't emailing me back. hrmph.

Found $2 in one of my purses! I'm adding it to the tally.

NZ tally 5/7/08 (cash in hand): $216.55

My Weekend After Quitting

Friday night was an emotional roller coaster. To cheer me up, my boyfriend took me out for a late night appetizer/drink combo. Yummm, nachos and special dip plus a giant peach margarita bigger than my head!

Unfortunately, alcohol nowadays (i'm rapidly approaching 30) tends to give me a headache an hour after I drink it...and lasts at least 24 hours. Talk about extreme hangovers. Friday was no exception. I was popping advil all day saturday. Saturday morning my boyfriend and I met one of his friends who'd driven down to have breakfast with us. We then hit up an old co-worker's wife's birthday barbeque. Yum, tri-tip!

Today was just filled with...8-10 full hours of copying cd's so I could sell them this week, and don't have to haul them cross-country. My other plans for this week include backing up my the new pics and music on my laptop and hard drives, cashing in my coins, clearing off my old computer, empty it of my personal files so I can sell it/give it away, and posting it and my desk for sale on craigslist, in addition to my video camera, dvd player, tv, and tv stand.

I somehow spent...zero dollars the past three days! Hurrah!

I Quit!

After nearly four years of working at my very first 'real job,' I quit on Friday. It's something I've been moving toward for a while (what with taking classes this past year and going part-time), but just really decided to do fairly recently.

I actually went in to quit on Thursday, but my supervisor had left already. So, Friday evening he sidles up to my cube to chat, like normal, and he asks what my plans are for the summer. He'd had a really horrendous day, with many crazy issues and things going wrong, so I had decided up until that point to wait until next week to quit. However, when he asked me that question, I couldn't lie--just couldn't--so I told him we needed to go into his office to talk. He seemed shocked, but also was incredibly cool about everything. We chatted for about an hour about why I was leaving (NZ, hate SoCal's social scene, and dad's illness/family issues), and what the company could do better. He took all my suggestions to heart, and agreed with me on everything--so hopefully I'm leaving the company better off than when I started.

All in all, I'm relieved. It really doesn't feel like I thought I would--I thought I'd feel happy and elated and AWESOME. Instead, afterward, I felt sad and emotionally drained, and like I wanted to cry. I still feel that way a little bit. I think it's just hitting me, that I'm changing my entire life and have to start over...FOR REAL. SoCal just isn't my scene, and I really did try to 'make it' here...but it's just not happening. Even if the boyfriend wasn't leaving, I would have left SoCal. It was just a matter of time.

It's so different from leaving school--something that always has an endpoint, a finishing. Leaving a job sucks. And I'm realizing that it isn't the people I hate, it's the work I had to do--and so conflicting emotions abound.

As an aside, my boyfriend ALSO quit my company Friday. It really was just a coincidence, but that means that THREE people in my <40 person office quit IN THE SAME WEEK. And three more people have quit in the past 2 months...CRAZY.

On a happier note, I was paid AND received my rebate deposit on Friday, so it was a BIG day.

Now what?

Selling Your Stuff: A Countdown Primer

A countdown of a few lessons I've learned today while selling furniture and electronics on Craigslist:

6) People like PICTURES. I don't even bother with ads without pictures when I'm skimming the for sale sections, frankly. Exactly what are they buying? What does it look like in real life, not the store ad version, but in your home? Make sure the lighting is ok, the picture isn't blurry, and the item looks attractive.

5) People like LINKS. Again, what are they paying for? If you are selling something for a bargain, link to an ad site listing the various prices for the item you are selling, so they can compare, or state that your price is the lowest you found on craigslist.

4) People like to know the MOTIVATION behind the selling. Is it too gross to have in your house anymore? Or are you just moving?

3) People like to be treated FAIRLY. Set the price fairly by looking at similar items for sale, but a little higher than what you actually want to get. I think most people try to haggle at least a little bit.

2) People like EASY. Set your price in EVEN numbers--preferably evenly divided by 20. Pricing things in the same manner as denominations fall ($1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100) makes everything so much easier. Don't do $55, do $60. That way, also, the buyer is less likely to haggle you down TOO much, 'cause neither of you has exact change... Think about it--do YOU carry four ones, a couple of fives, tens? No, I think most people are sure to have a couple of twenties, but probably not the exact combination of an odd seller's price.

And all this leads to the number one lesson for placing ads:

1) People like TRANSPARENCY. Sure, they can click the link to draw the conclusion that they are getting a deal, but also TELL them this. People like being told exactly what kind of a deal they are getting, and why YOUR item is special. Emphasize the attributes of your item ("non-smoking, non-pet, non-bedbug household," "the item was meticulously taken care of," "works great," etc.). If it is not clean, clean it, and state this in the ad. Be friendly, approachable, literate, exact in your spelling and grammar, and state your terms clearly ("Cash Only." "You must pick up." "You'll need a truck and two buff guys." etc.). Be upfront about anything major about it that doesn't work, but try to turn it into a positive for the buyer if possible ("The VCR on the TV doesn't work anymore, but that does not interfere with normal TV watching. However, I have a separate VCR for sale that I will include with the TV for half price.").

So that's it. I've perfected this method of writing craigslist ads over the years, and I've gotten great results.

Oh, and one more tip--don't let your ad get buried--place it right after work, when people are getting home, and make sure to repost it every few days, so more people see it.

Happy Selling!