Today is March 31st, no surprise, the LAST day of March (spending synopsis coming soon!) I went on a
'budget hiatus' for the month of March. In some ways it did work, and in others...I still stopped myself from spending too much. And maybe on something that is becoming kind of necessary, unfortunately.
I have had a hard time eating lately, what with the XBF drama. Whenever I'm upset, my appetite is the first thing to go. I get this horrible nervous ball in the pit of my stomach and it feels like my throat closes up (how fun, I know), and eating just...doesn't work. During my last breakup, I was skin and bones after about a month of that nonsense. This time, I'm trying to take care of myself a little better. I keep buying these Charlie's smoothies whenever I feel like I'm too distraught to eat much. They are really yummy, contain no added sugar or preservatives or juice concentrate, and contain 2 servings of fruits, so I'm pretty happy with that.
Lately, it's been really hard because XBF was in the States for a conference last week, and before he left, he admitted that he's having a hard time dealing with the break up, and misses some parts of me a little bit. I don't think I needed to hear that, somehow it made it worse...even though that's what I wanted to hear!
And now his sister and her husband are in town, and they are all completely ignoring me. I'm in their wedding photos for goodness' sake, but when they came over to our house, it was like I was a ghost. They didn't even say hello back when I greeted them...
I mean, I know they have no reason to be nice to me anymore now that we're broken up, but being civil to me in my own house isn't out of the question, is it??
I thought that was weird...that's weird, right?
Anyway, sorry for that diversion, but what I was saying was that I maybe need a blender or something to make my own smoothies, so I get some nutrients when I'm feeling particularly down. I went and looked at them in the stores, even picked one out for $60--but when I went to go buy it, I couldn't spend the money. I don't even know if I'm going to be here that much longer (haven't gotten my permanent residency yet), so I felt like it wasn't justified if I was only going to use it for 5 months or so. EVEN on my budget hiatus, I couldn't spend $60.
I think sometimes I thwart my own good intentions!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
More Refund Mania!
Yesterday I visited the grocery store that charged me twice for the same (expensive) item. Luckily, I had enough time this time to get my refund from the S-L-O-W manager (dontcha love it when their mistake costs you an excessive amount of your time for them to correct it?).
$10.99 back in my pocket!
Today I went back to the eye doctor to look around for some new frames and to get a refund of the $45 they overcharged me when my pupils were dilated last time. No Fair taking advantage of me like that!
$45 back in my pocket!
AND, last but not least, last week the dentist (i'm so sleepy today I almost wrote 'tooth doctor') company gave me back my $95 for the crappy cleaning they did!!
P.S. I also am transferring $4336 to my (permanent) savings account at the end of this week. This represents 3 months of savings (Jan - Mar 2009). An average of $1445/mo!
$10.99 back in my pocket!
Today I went back to the eye doctor to look around for some new frames and to get a refund of the $45 they overcharged me when my pupils were dilated last time. No Fair taking advantage of me like that!
$45 back in my pocket!
AND, last but not least, last week the dentist (i'm so sleepy today I almost wrote 'tooth doctor') company gave me back my $95 for the crappy cleaning they did!!
P.S. I also am transferring $4336 to my (permanent) savings account at the end of this week. This represents 3 months of savings (Jan - Mar 2009). An average of $1445/mo!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Win $100!
Tasha over at Betcha 100 Dollar (formerly 'Tasha Gets Money Smart') is holding a giveaway of $100 for the person that guesses her debt total correctly at the end of 2009. Go on over, make your guess, and WIN $100 (New Zealand)!
Save Money, Save the Earth--Part II
Yesterday, I wrote about Earth Hour, today I write about saving electricity.
When I moved from a tiny one-bedroom apartment to my two bed apartment last November, my electricity bill jumped from $40 to over $130. OUCH.
I had a hunch the increase was due to the larger refrigerator, the hot water heater, microwave, and clothes washer.
There's not too much I can do about the fridge (not about to turn the settings down too low...I am very scared of food poisoning!), and the microwave switch is in a very awkward place (turning it on and off would involve me climbing on the kitchen counter), so I attempted to do something about the clothes washer and the hot water heater.
NZ outlets come equipped with handy-dandy on/off switches beside each of their sockets, which i LOVE. why don't they do this in the US?? I have seen them in some hotels, but not in any houses...
I now turn off the clothes washer when it isn't in use, with the handy-dandy socket switch. I've cut my washes down to about once every week and a half (but XBF uses the thing like every other day, so...not sure what good I've done there).
The hot water heater is located in a wooden box in the bathroom. there's a tiny trap door on the bottom of one of the walls of the box, but unfortunately it's blocked by the clothes washer. So I had to unhook the washer, manually move it to the middle of the bathroom, and crawl on my hands and knees with a flashlight to even gain access to the trap door. Once I got it open, I discovered that the water heater has nothing like our US temperature controls. There's no handy 'vacation' mode, no 'WARM' or 'HOT.' There are all sorts of dials and valves in there, but I was afraid to mess with too many of them. Lucky for Google, I did some research and I think I've discovered the temperature controls. I experimented with it for a good two weeks before I put the washer back in place (unfortunately XBF and I had a few cold showers during that time frame), then just gave up since it seemed like I was always turning it back up to the original setting.
I also have been turning off the power strip that I plug my reading light, computer charger, and phone charger cords into every night after going to bed. I've heard that chargers pull a lot of energy even when not in use.
The TV also has an LED light that stays on unless you turn the TV power switch off. The tv can be totally off--no sound, no picture, but that LED remote light will remain on unless the button is pushed off. I've been trying to remember to push that off as well.
So, in light of all these changes, I've eagerly anticipated the arrival of my electric bill for last month, and received it this week: down from $132 in January, $117 in February, for Feb 17-Mar 17, our bill is $88! Hurrah!
It inspires me to do more--maybe I can turn the hot water heater down even further? Do less laundry? We already hang-dry all of our laundry, so that's not an issue. With winter coming, I have a feeling that the bills are going to get a bit higher...I may need to buy a small space heater for my room, as well.
What else do you suggest to do?
When I moved from a tiny one-bedroom apartment to my two bed apartment last November, my electricity bill jumped from $40 to over $130. OUCH.
I had a hunch the increase was due to the larger refrigerator, the hot water heater, microwave, and clothes washer.
There's not too much I can do about the fridge (not about to turn the settings down too low...I am very scared of food poisoning!), and the microwave switch is in a very awkward place (turning it on and off would involve me climbing on the kitchen counter), so I attempted to do something about the clothes washer and the hot water heater.
NZ outlets come equipped with handy-dandy on/off switches beside each of their sockets, which i LOVE. why don't they do this in the US?? I have seen them in some hotels, but not in any houses...
I now turn off the clothes washer when it isn't in use, with the handy-dandy socket switch. I've cut my washes down to about once every week and a half (but XBF uses the thing like every other day, so...not sure what good I've done there).
The hot water heater is located in a wooden box in the bathroom. there's a tiny trap door on the bottom of one of the walls of the box, but unfortunately it's blocked by the clothes washer. So I had to unhook the washer, manually move it to the middle of the bathroom, and crawl on my hands and knees with a flashlight to even gain access to the trap door. Once I got it open, I discovered that the water heater has nothing like our US temperature controls. There's no handy 'vacation' mode, no 'WARM' or 'HOT.' There are all sorts of dials and valves in there, but I was afraid to mess with too many of them. Lucky for Google, I did some research and I think I've discovered the temperature controls. I experimented with it for a good two weeks before I put the washer back in place (unfortunately XBF and I had a few cold showers during that time frame), then just gave up since it seemed like I was always turning it back up to the original setting.
I also have been turning off the power strip that I plug my reading light, computer charger, and phone charger cords into every night after going to bed. I've heard that chargers pull a lot of energy even when not in use.
The TV also has an LED light that stays on unless you turn the TV power switch off. The tv can be totally off--no sound, no picture, but that LED remote light will remain on unless the button is pushed off. I've been trying to remember to push that off as well.
So, in light of all these changes, I've eagerly anticipated the arrival of my electric bill for last month, and received it this week: down from $132 in January, $117 in February, for Feb 17-Mar 17, our bill is $88! Hurrah!
It inspires me to do more--maybe I can turn the hot water heater down even further? Do less laundry? We already hang-dry all of our laundry, so that's not an issue. With winter coming, I have a feeling that the bills are going to get a bit higher...I may need to buy a small space heater for my room, as well.
What else do you suggest to do?
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Save Money, Save the Earth--EARTH HOUR 2009!
I just participated in the 2009 Earth Hour here in NZ. NZ is the first in the world to participate. All over the world, Earth Hour is from 8:30 to 9:30 pm on Saturday, March 28. You are to turn off all your lights for just that one hour (I extended the idea and turned off all the electricity that I could, as well). The pictures are astounding.
I read a book by candlelight and took a walk around my darkened city...what are YOU going to do?
I read a book by candlelight and took a walk around my darkened city...what are YOU going to do?
Refund Mania!
I received my refund from my teeth cleaning yesterday! One refund down, two to go!
We had our Ultimate Frisbee finals on Wednesday, and we won in our division! Kind of fabulous, considering only three people on our team had, at the beginning, ANY kind of experience throwing a frisbee in the last 15 years! To celebrate, we went out Friday evening (last night) for drinks and dinner. I had lots of fun, but of course, I've turned into this social monster who is desperate to keep the evening going until 4 am, so was disappointed when people called it a night early at 11 pm. super-lame, if you ask me--I was promised a crazy night. I think I just don't like to come home to an empty house, with nothing to do...loneliness has kind of started to taint everything I do.
I was trying to think about what I did by myself before I was coupled up, over two years ago, and I couldn't remember. I think I went shopping alot, watched TV, and was in a time zone where I could call my friends pretty regularly. I don't remember being really lonely, somehow I filled my time to my satisfaction--I must be able to do that again, right?
Seriously, what do people do by themselves? It's like I've lost the ability or creativity to do anything other than surf the internet, clean, and watch movies and TV shows online. :) Haven't been inspired to paint lately...maybe I'll take up crocheting?
________________________________________
Spending: I didn't end up spending money on anything last night, even though I offered multiple times to pay for rounds or food to keep the night going. Cost of disappointment: $0. :)
We had our Ultimate Frisbee finals on Wednesday, and we won in our division! Kind of fabulous, considering only three people on our team had, at the beginning, ANY kind of experience throwing a frisbee in the last 15 years! To celebrate, we went out Friday evening (last night) for drinks and dinner. I had lots of fun, but of course, I've turned into this social monster who is desperate to keep the evening going until 4 am, so was disappointed when people called it a night early at 11 pm. super-lame, if you ask me--I was promised a crazy night. I think I just don't like to come home to an empty house, with nothing to do...loneliness has kind of started to taint everything I do.
I was trying to think about what I did by myself before I was coupled up, over two years ago, and I couldn't remember. I think I went shopping alot, watched TV, and was in a time zone where I could call my friends pretty regularly. I don't remember being really lonely, somehow I filled my time to my satisfaction--I must be able to do that again, right?
Seriously, what do people do by themselves? It's like I've lost the ability or creativity to do anything other than surf the internet, clean, and watch movies and TV shows online. :) Haven't been inspired to paint lately...maybe I'll take up crocheting?
________________________________________
Spending: I didn't end up spending money on anything last night, even though I offered multiple times to pay for rounds or food to keep the night going. Cost of disappointment: $0. :)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Complaining Pays Off, In More Ways Than One
When I complained about my dental visit a little while ago on this blog, I also put my sentiments into a letter written on the Lumino site feedback form. I very nicely explained my disatisfaction with my visit, and how horribly inept I found the dentist's technique to be.
I hate to get anyone in trouble at their job, especially someone that was nice to me and really tried, and honestly, I wasn't sure that anything would come of my complaint...but I felt that I needed the company to know how I felt, and hopefully the complaints would add up to some change if others felt the same way.
Anyway, I got a phone call today from the head office of Lumino. They read my letter, were trying to figure out what to do, and sincerely apologized for my experience. Not only that, they decided to run it by their head manager, who managed all the offices on the North Island of NZ, and she tentatively approved refunding my cleaning fee of $95. (I didn't ASK for that specifically, btw--I said that I was happy with the other portions of my visit, but not the cleaning, and said that I hoped that they'd take my complaint into consideration, as I was moving on to another dental office for my next visit.)
So, I gave them my bank details over the phone (which isn't taboo here in NZ, btw--EVERYONE that pays you and that you pay have your bank details, but payments have to be initiated by YOU). They are also sending me my X-rays, since I wouldn't be coming back to their office.
Apparently the head manager was going to meet with them and they'd discuss my letter sometime this week to try and improve the situation.
WOW! I may stand corrected on my view of NZ businesses in general and the Lumino company in specific--this is certainly the largest reaction I've gotten from any company that I've complained to. Usually, I get a $25 gift card and a form letter on the rare occasions that I truly feel inspired to complain!
I hate to get anyone in trouble at their job, especially someone that was nice to me and really tried, and honestly, I wasn't sure that anything would come of my complaint...but I felt that I needed the company to know how I felt, and hopefully the complaints would add up to some change if others felt the same way.
Anyway, I got a phone call today from the head office of Lumino. They read my letter, were trying to figure out what to do, and sincerely apologized for my experience. Not only that, they decided to run it by their head manager, who managed all the offices on the North Island of NZ, and she tentatively approved refunding my cleaning fee of $95. (I didn't ASK for that specifically, btw--I said that I was happy with the other portions of my visit, but not the cleaning, and said that I hoped that they'd take my complaint into consideration, as I was moving on to another dental office for my next visit.)
So, I gave them my bank details over the phone (which isn't taboo here in NZ, btw--EVERYONE that pays you and that you pay have your bank details, but payments have to be initiated by YOU). They are also sending me my X-rays, since I wouldn't be coming back to their office.
Apparently the head manager was going to meet with them and they'd discuss my letter sometime this week to try and improve the situation.
WOW! I may stand corrected on my view of NZ businesses in general and the Lumino company in specific--this is certainly the largest reaction I've gotten from any company that I've complained to. Usually, I get a $25 gift card and a form letter on the rare occasions that I truly feel inspired to complain!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Overcharged!
Since Friday, I've been overcharged for not one, not two, but THREE purchases that I made. Part of it was because I went to the eye doctor and my eyes were dilated for 3-4 hours (THAT made for a fun afternoon at work!).
so, purchase #1: eye doctor--Exams are $45, and fully covered by my employer since I use a computer for more than 80% of my work. I get reimbursed, so I handed over my debit card, tried to punch in the correct numbers on the keypad (at this point I still couldn't read), and grabbed the receipt. Normally I would have read the price being charged on the keypad thingie, but this time I couldn't.
When I looked at my receipts for the day in the evening, like I always do, I noticed that I was charged NINETY dollars! They charged me for my eye exam TWICE.
I called, and when I go back to try on frames (I couldn't see well enough to tell what looked good after my exam), they'll refund my money. (potentially) Yay #1!
Purchase #2: I bought a bag of dried fruit as a snack that had a sign for $2.50 on sale. I got to the register and they charged me the original price of $3.99! Nuh-uh, not on my watch! Luckily you could see the sale sign from the register so it was easy to prove my point. Yay #2!
Purchase #3: I was in a hurry at the grocery store (to catch the free bus, I have to do all of my shopping in 15 minutes), and on the phone with my dad when I checked out. I thanked the cashier and ran to catch the bus (which sadly left without me...it was full, so I had to walk the 45 minute walk home with 25 lbs of groceries...again). I reviewed my receipt once I was at home, and noticed that I got charged for my size 14 chicken TWICE! $10.99 gone. I called New World, and they said to talk to customer service next week when I came in and they'd refund my money. (potentially) yay #3!
It really makes me wonder how many times I haven't noticed that I've been overcharged for something here in NZ! It certainly makes me want to be more vigilant and hawk-eye the cashier from now on!!
so, purchase #1: eye doctor--Exams are $45, and fully covered by my employer since I use a computer for more than 80% of my work. I get reimbursed, so I handed over my debit card, tried to punch in the correct numbers on the keypad (at this point I still couldn't read), and grabbed the receipt. Normally I would have read the price being charged on the keypad thingie, but this time I couldn't.
When I looked at my receipts for the day in the evening, like I always do, I noticed that I was charged NINETY dollars! They charged me for my eye exam TWICE.
I called, and when I go back to try on frames (I couldn't see well enough to tell what looked good after my exam), they'll refund my money. (potentially) Yay #1!
Purchase #2: I bought a bag of dried fruit as a snack that had a sign for $2.50 on sale. I got to the register and they charged me the original price of $3.99! Nuh-uh, not on my watch! Luckily you could see the sale sign from the register so it was easy to prove my point. Yay #2!
Purchase #3: I was in a hurry at the grocery store (to catch the free bus, I have to do all of my shopping in 15 minutes), and on the phone with my dad when I checked out. I thanked the cashier and ran to catch the bus (which sadly left without me...it was full, so I had to walk the 45 minute walk home with 25 lbs of groceries...again). I reviewed my receipt once I was at home, and noticed that I got charged for my size 14 chicken TWICE! $10.99 gone. I called New World, and they said to talk to customer service next week when I came in and they'd refund my money. (potentially) yay #3!
It really makes me wonder how many times I haven't noticed that I've been overcharged for something here in NZ! It certainly makes me want to be more vigilant and hawk-eye the cashier from now on!!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
It's Saturday
Crazy--another week gone. One of my good friends here left on Friday, forever. Another good friend is traveling to Sydney. XBF is at a conference in the States, and my officemate is gone traveling around the North Island with his roommates. So, I'm flying solo this weekend.
--I need to go to the library--i'm running out of reading material.
--Need to catch the bus to the grocery store...get some supplies (I'm SO going over budget on groceries this month--snacks are KILLING me!)
--Need to re-submit my 1040; i made a mistake on the first one (still get refunded the same amount, but I forgot to declare my IRA rollover moneys--0% taxable, but still...)
--if i have the time/patience, i want to shop for some workout gear. I can't see my 'lines' in Pilates class, due to all the baggy t-shirts and pants I wear to workout in.
--I may get a little painting in.
--Probably a good workout, as well.
I know not a lot of people have the problem of filling up empty time, most of us are SO busy. But a lot of times these days I find myself staring at an empty day, wondering, what should I do? and not in an 'anything is possible, I could do ANYTHING' sort of way...more like, how can I distract myself from noticing I don't have plans for AN ENTIRE DAY? Most of the time I just go into work. I wish I could bank the extra time for when I'm busier!
--I need to go to the library--i'm running out of reading material.
--Need to catch the bus to the grocery store...get some supplies (I'm SO going over budget on groceries this month--snacks are KILLING me!)
--Need to re-submit my 1040; i made a mistake on the first one (still get refunded the same amount, but I forgot to declare my IRA rollover moneys--0% taxable, but still...)
--if i have the time/patience, i want to shop for some workout gear. I can't see my 'lines' in Pilates class, due to all the baggy t-shirts and pants I wear to workout in.
--I may get a little painting in.
--Probably a good workout, as well.
I know not a lot of people have the problem of filling up empty time, most of us are SO busy. But a lot of times these days I find myself staring at an empty day, wondering, what should I do? and not in an 'anything is possible, I could do ANYTHING' sort of way...more like, how can I distract myself from noticing I don't have plans for AN ENTIRE DAY? Most of the time I just go into work. I wish I could bank the extra time for when I'm busier!
Friday, March 20, 2009
The Secret to Being Rich
When you were little, how did you deal with money? I find that it relates alot to how we view money as an adult.
I used to just collect dollar bills for the heck of it, to be able to shove it in my sister's face, and go NA-NA! BE JEALOUS! (Sometimes, I was a mean sister.)
But what was I asking her to be jealous OF? Having money? That's pretty lame. It was what having that money represented. All the toys, books, etc. that could be BOUGHT. THAT was what she was jealous of, what I had in my hot little grubby hands.
I didn't have the 'Keeping Up With the Jones'" mindset, I had the "Potential To Keep Up With the Jones' syndrome. As in, I could buy whatever I wanted with that money--I COULD have anything, but I chose to keep it to have that jealousy and self-assurance of potential.
I didn't really need to worry about financial security as a kid--I had my parents for that. I was given an allowance (fifty cents a week?), and more often than not, I kept it. Not for one specific thing, just to HAVE it. It had no rhyme or reason to exist for me--I just wanted it to feel rich. All the books or toys wouldn't have made me feel wealthy; just money.
The high of having a new toy or book or thing often faded very quickly. and then, i'd be left with no money, and a lame toy or a book i'd already read. I understood that as a kid, but I didn't understand the concept of spending on that which makes you happy. I thought money itself, the possibility of having what you wanted, could make you content.
I also had a flashback recently of something I was discussing with my mom as a child. I was about 10, saving so much of my money, and it seemed SO SIMPLE. All you had to do was KEEP it when Mom or Dad gave it to you for doing chores, getting good grades, etc. How easy is that??
I think I then asked my mom how come everyone wasn't rich, if it was so easy to save money. JUST KEEP IT. I remember her laughing and trying to explain to me that food and the house cost money, but it went in one ear and out the other. I wasn't interested; I'd figured out the secret to being rich.
In some ways, it really IS that simple: just keep the money. Of course, I've now learned about interest and liquid savings and the stock market, but the idea is still the same!
Have I improved since age 10? Well, I amass money now for the security, but once I feel safe, then what? I have my 6 month EF in place, no debt, but no other real plans or goals immediately in my future. I need to get crackin with a PLAN.
I used to just collect dollar bills for the heck of it, to be able to shove it in my sister's face, and go NA-NA! BE JEALOUS! (Sometimes, I was a mean sister.)
But what was I asking her to be jealous OF? Having money? That's pretty lame. It was what having that money represented. All the toys, books, etc. that could be BOUGHT. THAT was what she was jealous of, what I had in my hot little grubby hands.
I didn't have the 'Keeping Up With the Jones'" mindset, I had the "Potential To Keep Up With the Jones' syndrome. As in, I could buy whatever I wanted with that money--I COULD have anything, but I chose to keep it to have that jealousy and self-assurance of potential.
I didn't really need to worry about financial security as a kid--I had my parents for that. I was given an allowance (fifty cents a week?), and more often than not, I kept it. Not for one specific thing, just to HAVE it. It had no rhyme or reason to exist for me--I just wanted it to feel rich. All the books or toys wouldn't have made me feel wealthy; just money.
The high of having a new toy or book or thing often faded very quickly. and then, i'd be left with no money, and a lame toy or a book i'd already read. I understood that as a kid, but I didn't understand the concept of spending on that which makes you happy. I thought money itself, the possibility of having what you wanted, could make you content.
I also had a flashback recently of something I was discussing with my mom as a child. I was about 10, saving so much of my money, and it seemed SO SIMPLE. All you had to do was KEEP it when Mom or Dad gave it to you for doing chores, getting good grades, etc. How easy is that??
I think I then asked my mom how come everyone wasn't rich, if it was so easy to save money. JUST KEEP IT. I remember her laughing and trying to explain to me that food and the house cost money, but it went in one ear and out the other. I wasn't interested; I'd figured out the secret to being rich.
In some ways, it really IS that simple: just keep the money. Of course, I've now learned about interest and liquid savings and the stock market, but the idea is still the same!
Have I improved since age 10? Well, I amass money now for the security, but once I feel safe, then what? I have my 6 month EF in place, no debt, but no other real plans or goals immediately in my future. I need to get crackin with a PLAN.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Trying.
I had my Pilates class today. Very, very basic--I didn't even break a sweat. Is that normal? I think, if I end up liking it, I'm going to have to find a more intense class.
in any case, it was a nice break in the middle of the day. I feel like I got a little more done than I would have without it. I still can't concentrate on anything to save my life--I try and try to break things into sizeable chunks, but I end up just putting off the most important work. Kind of backwards, but at least I get SOMETHING done. I'm afraid that if I tried to work on the major task I've been given, I'll end up just staring off into space... also, i think my theory is that if i get all the little stuff done, i can really make headway on my major project. but the list of little stuff keeps getting extended. BF stress, family stress, friends moving away stress (the first of the three friends I've made in NZ thus far is moving away tomorrow...the rest will follow in the next month), with maybe a little illness as a topping, is taking its toll.
In the meantime, I've been raving about the dance class that I went to earlier this week. I think that had an unintended effect, though, because this girl that I dislike at work heard about my raving from another coworker, and is thinking of joining. Crap. gotta learn to keep my mouth shut...I really hope she doesn't show up next week. I haven't really disliked someone for so long--although I am usually particular about whom I really say I like, I at least can have a good time with most people with no problems--so it's a weird feeling. I don't like it too much. I hope it doesn't show, and that I can get over it soon!
EDIT: That 'girl I don't like?' ended up being cheaterette! Something about her...
_____________________________
Spending:
$4.90 eating out (6" sub at subway--was running late for Pilates class and didn't have time to thaw out my frozen ham slices! lame excuse...)
in any case, it was a nice break in the middle of the day. I feel like I got a little more done than I would have without it. I still can't concentrate on anything to save my life--I try and try to break things into sizeable chunks, but I end up just putting off the most important work. Kind of backwards, but at least I get SOMETHING done. I'm afraid that if I tried to work on the major task I've been given, I'll end up just staring off into space... also, i think my theory is that if i get all the little stuff done, i can really make headway on my major project. but the list of little stuff keeps getting extended. BF stress, family stress, friends moving away stress (the first of the three friends I've made in NZ thus far is moving away tomorrow...the rest will follow in the next month), with maybe a little illness as a topping, is taking its toll.
In the meantime, I've been raving about the dance class that I went to earlier this week. I think that had an unintended effect, though, because this girl that I dislike at work heard about my raving from another coworker, and is thinking of joining. Crap. gotta learn to keep my mouth shut...I really hope she doesn't show up next week. I haven't really disliked someone for so long--although I am usually particular about whom I really say I like, I at least can have a good time with most people with no problems--so it's a weird feeling. I don't like it too much. I hope it doesn't show, and that I can get over it soon!
EDIT: That 'girl I don't like?' ended up being cheaterette! Something about her...
_____________________________
Spending:
$4.90 eating out (6" sub at subway--was running late for Pilates class and didn't have time to thaw out my frozen ham slices! lame excuse...)
In the Ultimate Finals
Seriously...how do I get myself into these things? the normal car driver that takes us to our ultimate frisbee games was too hungover to drive today, so i had to bus it to and from the game. and I HAD to go, because they had to have a girl on the field at all times in order to play. all for a game I don't even really like!
I think i was just mad because i didn't have a choice to NOT go to the game, NOT take the bus, NOT skip out like 3 other people did. It was really hot and humid and gross, and I kept nearly hyperventilating. the bus ride was particularly awful. I drank on St Patty's day, too--AND made it to both of my early morning meetings and the game. a few of my coworkers skipped out on both the meetings and the game due to their hungovery-ness. (i made that last word up)
i'm guessing this is a situation where 'taking it for the team' applies.
OK. enough complaining. We won the game, 12-8, against a team that beat us once before! this moves us up in the standings (which, honestly, i really don't give a flying F about--I mean, really, am I putting that on my resume??)! I caught a frisbee while running! (for me, that's improvement...you have NO IDEA how klutzy i am! :)
My pilates class is tomorrow...i'm betting it's not nearly as awesome as my Pussy Cat Dolls dance class (how COULD it be??), but I'll at least check it out to cross it off of my to-try exercises list.
__________________________
Spending:
$5 game
$6.40 bus fare roundtrip
$19.40 snacks
I think i was just mad because i didn't have a choice to NOT go to the game, NOT take the bus, NOT skip out like 3 other people did. It was really hot and humid and gross, and I kept nearly hyperventilating. the bus ride was particularly awful. I drank on St Patty's day, too--AND made it to both of my early morning meetings and the game. a few of my coworkers skipped out on both the meetings and the game due to their hungovery-ness. (i made that last word up)
i'm guessing this is a situation where 'taking it for the team' applies.
OK. enough complaining. We won the game, 12-8, against a team that beat us once before! this moves us up in the standings (which, honestly, i really don't give a flying F about--I mean, really, am I putting that on my resume??)! I caught a frisbee while running! (for me, that's improvement...you have NO IDEA how klutzy i am! :)
My pilates class is tomorrow...i'm betting it's not nearly as awesome as my Pussy Cat Dolls dance class (how COULD it be??), but I'll at least check it out to cross it off of my to-try exercises list.
__________________________
Spending:
$5 game
$6.40 bus fare roundtrip
$19.40 snacks
Monday, March 16, 2009
Totally FORGOT to mention my dental visit!
I went to the dentist last Friday. It was HORRID. I would have thought that a dentist serving the entire university would have been pretty great (from what I could tell, it was just him manning the whole show--there was only one chair in the entire office). It's not like he didn't have practice, you know?
I have to say that going to the dentist in NZ was the second-worst dental experience of my life. The first occurred with SmileCare in San Diego. For the love of all that's holy, DO NOT EVER (and I mean EVER) go there. I will have to remember to post my synopsis of my experience there at a later date.
I've also had some AMAZING dentists. Dr Keri Do in Honolulu has my eternal love. Forever. I started flossing for that lady, just because I couldn't handle her disappointment in me when I told her I usually forgot. LOVE LOVE LOVE her.
So. Right, back to NZ. I walked in, ok with my estimate of $100--$50 for the required X-rays, $50 for the checkup. When I ask about the cleaning, though--all of a sudden, a checkup DOES NOT INCLUDE a cleaning. What on earth? I've never heard of that nonsense. Suddenly my quote jumps to $195--the cleaning is an extra $95.
Fine. You know what? It's been a year since my last checkup (ahem, and cleaning) that I got for $16 (grr), so I just grinned and opened my mouth.
I now have major cuts and bruises all inside of my mouth due to this guy's ineptitude. He was armed with this tiny saw that he ran through the gaps in between my teeth...but he also ran it through most of my gums, as well. *Whimper* And I KNOW he didn't clean parts of some of my teeth--this guy had some horrible technique. Some teeth? he covered them about 12 times, pressing hard, usually on my already bleeding gums. Other teeth got barely a glance-over, were like the lost teeth of Atlantis. He never switched his chair to the other side of my mouth, either.
Well, it's no WONDER people here don't go to the dentist! It's a freaking massacre, taking place wholly in your mouth.
When I asked my Kiwi friends for their recommendations, no one had any--most Kiwis just don't go until there's an emergency. Which is apparently why dentists here are so good at cosmetic dentistry, but not preventative dentistry. Well, that, and the cost of it.
In any case, is there a BBB in NZ? 'Cause I have something to report...
Next up, an eye appointment this Friday. Work is covering up to $245 of the cost ($45 for exam, the rest is for frames and lenses). My glasses are 5 years old. that is 95 in spectacle years. I've worn them almost every day, all day since getting them! Plus, my prescription has changed, I'm sure of it! I wonder if Zenno, or whatever that online optical store is called, accepts foreign prescriptions?? I'd love some cheap prescription sunglasses as well...
I have to say that going to the dentist in NZ was the second-worst dental experience of my life. The first occurred with SmileCare in San Diego. For the love of all that's holy, DO NOT EVER (and I mean EVER) go there. I will have to remember to post my synopsis of my experience there at a later date.
I've also had some AMAZING dentists. Dr Keri Do in Honolulu has my eternal love. Forever. I started flossing for that lady, just because I couldn't handle her disappointment in me when I told her I usually forgot. LOVE LOVE LOVE her.
So. Right, back to NZ. I walked in, ok with my estimate of $100--$50 for the required X-rays, $50 for the checkup. When I ask about the cleaning, though--all of a sudden, a checkup DOES NOT INCLUDE a cleaning. What on earth? I've never heard of that nonsense. Suddenly my quote jumps to $195--the cleaning is an extra $95.
Fine. You know what? It's been a year since my last checkup (ahem, and cleaning) that I got for $16 (grr), so I just grinned and opened my mouth.
I now have major cuts and bruises all inside of my mouth due to this guy's ineptitude. He was armed with this tiny saw that he ran through the gaps in between my teeth...but he also ran it through most of my gums, as well. *Whimper* And I KNOW he didn't clean parts of some of my teeth--this guy had some horrible technique. Some teeth? he covered them about 12 times, pressing hard, usually on my already bleeding gums. Other teeth got barely a glance-over, were like the lost teeth of Atlantis. He never switched his chair to the other side of my mouth, either.
Well, it's no WONDER people here don't go to the dentist! It's a freaking massacre, taking place wholly in your mouth.
When I asked my Kiwi friends for their recommendations, no one had any--most Kiwis just don't go until there's an emergency. Which is apparently why dentists here are so good at cosmetic dentistry, but not preventative dentistry. Well, that, and the cost of it.
In any case, is there a BBB in NZ? 'Cause I have something to report...
Next up, an eye appointment this Friday. Work is covering up to $245 of the cost ($45 for exam, the rest is for frames and lenses). My glasses are 5 years old. that is 95 in spectacle years. I've worn them almost every day, all day since getting them! Plus, my prescription has changed, I'm sure of it! I wonder if Zenno, or whatever that online optical store is called, accepts foreign prescriptions?? I'd love some cheap prescription sunglasses as well...
Fall is Coming, Down We Go
Suddenly, the weather in NZ is FREEZING. I wore two jackets last night for my 10-minute walk to work! Last week, it RAINED during our entire Ultimate Frisbee game, and I got soaked and could barely feel my hands for an hour afterward. Even a hot bath didn't completely warm me up.
I also feel like crud--that sick feeling pretty much went away when the weather was warmer, but now it has come back. I'm dizzy, can't think or concentrate, have trouble talking/forming coherent sentences, and a weird lump in my throat...the works, and I'm pretty sure it's hypothyroid.
If I get PR, I will have access to discounted health insurance through work and a whole new range of doctors--ones that may take my symptoms seriously. Wow, it'd sure be nice to see how I feel after treatment, at least knock that off the list if it doesn't work, you know?
Anyway, I find myself snacking more than usual, probably to keep my energy up and do some comfort eating. Last night I bought some garlic pizza bread. Don't worry, i'm also eating more than the recommended 5 serviings of fruits and veggies as well.
Does anyone else get the winter blahs? It feels like it's WAY too soon to pull out the fleece jacket already!
________________________
Snacks:
$7 groceries--garlic pizza bread
$8 groceries--milk and oreos :) having a flashback to childhood...
I also feel like crud--that sick feeling pretty much went away when the weather was warmer, but now it has come back. I'm dizzy, can't think or concentrate, have trouble talking/forming coherent sentences, and a weird lump in my throat...the works, and I'm pretty sure it's hypothyroid.
If I get PR, I will have access to discounted health insurance through work and a whole new range of doctors--ones that may take my symptoms seriously. Wow, it'd sure be nice to see how I feel after treatment, at least knock that off the list if it doesn't work, you know?
Anyway, I find myself snacking more than usual, probably to keep my energy up and do some comfort eating. Last night I bought some garlic pizza bread. Don't worry, i'm also eating more than the recommended 5 serviings of fruits and veggies as well.
Does anyone else get the winter blahs? It feels like it's WAY too soon to pull out the fleece jacket already!
________________________
Snacks:
$7 groceries--garlic pizza bread
$8 groceries--milk and oreos :) having a flashback to childhood...
Thursday, March 12, 2009
This is Not a PF Post
I don't talk alot about this on my blog, but as I'm trying to enrich my life through some hobbies, it's only natural that I focus on the expenditures that make my life worthwhile. Finding new music is one of them, photography another, and most recently, painting.
Tonight I spent some time searching for new music on GNOD (global network of dreams), and found some fantastic stuff.
Among them, the Fleet Foxes. I can't get this song out of my head--it's my new favorite. In other words, it's a Must-Share, and consequently, a Must-Buy. At least 99 c (or whatever the cost of this song is) is going to be spent on Amazon pretty soon...
If you like The Shins, this is a sure-fire winner for you!
(Note: go down to the bottom of the post to click on the link to the song. I don't condone this, but if you click on the link in IE, you can download the song; if you click on the link in Firefox, it opens up a tab where the song is played in Quicktime.)
Tonight I spent some time searching for new music on GNOD (global network of dreams), and found some fantastic stuff.
Among them, the Fleet Foxes. I can't get this song out of my head--it's my new favorite. In other words, it's a Must-Share, and consequently, a Must-Buy. At least 99 c (or whatever the cost of this song is) is going to be spent on Amazon pretty soon...
If you like The Shins, this is a sure-fire winner for you!
(Note: go down to the bottom of the post to click on the link to the song. I don't condone this, but if you click on the link in IE, you can download the song; if you click on the link in Firefox, it opens up a tab where the song is played in Quicktime.)
The Selfish Choice
One of my best friends called me today, absolutely smashed (and probably high as a kite). He begged me to come back to the US. It remains a very tempting prospect, indeed.
However, yesterday I met with my boss, and she had written me into her project budget for next year for at least half-time. My company has to fill the rest of the time up with something (other than admin work, I hope). My boss suggested that I become a research assistant and help out with the millions of projects that are going on. She also expanded my duties in her project to include some pretty fun learning opportunities (going out in the field, collecting samples, maybe some lab work processing those samples??, as well as tasks other than database entry. HURRAH!). There isn't room in her budget for the $2000 raise that I asked for when I started, though. I'm going to have to talk to my company's side of things in order to get that, I think.
So, as long as I love my job and can legally work here, I'm here to stay.
My time budget experiment is just telling me what I already know: a) i sleep WAY too much (10-12 hours a night??) and b) I waste ALOT of time on the internet. Could those things be related, or is a) because I'm STILL not getting enough iron (or am an untreated hypothyroid?)
Good news, XBF is acting like less of a jerk lately. He seems to be making an effort to not treat me like c-rap. I'm still trying not to care.
__________________________________________________
Spending:
$32.20 Eating Out (yummy thai food with some sexy company!)
However, yesterday I met with my boss, and she had written me into her project budget for next year for at least half-time. My company has to fill the rest of the time up with something (other than admin work, I hope). My boss suggested that I become a research assistant and help out with the millions of projects that are going on. She also expanded my duties in her project to include some pretty fun learning opportunities (going out in the field, collecting samples, maybe some lab work processing those samples??, as well as tasks other than database entry. HURRAH!). There isn't room in her budget for the $2000 raise that I asked for when I started, though. I'm going to have to talk to my company's side of things in order to get that, I think.
So, as long as I love my job and can legally work here, I'm here to stay.
My time budget experiment is just telling me what I already know: a) i sleep WAY too much (10-12 hours a night??) and b) I waste ALOT of time on the internet. Could those things be related, or is a) because I'm STILL not getting enough iron (or am an untreated hypothyroid?)
Good news, XBF is acting like less of a jerk lately. He seems to be making an effort to not treat me like c-rap. I'm still trying not to care.
__________________________________________________
Spending:
$32.20 Eating Out (yummy thai food with some sexy company!)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Good News?
I don't want to jump the (nail?)gun here, but I talked to my dad in the hospital today, and it seems like he's better. As in, not going to die in the next two weeks. So, that's a relief.
For those of you needing a de-brief: about a month and a half ago, my dad accidentally shot himself in the thumb with a nailgun--only a flesh wound, he cleaned it himself, didn't need stiches or whatnot, and went about his business. A few days later, he landed in the hospital with a MRSA (deadly drug resistant bacteria) infection in that thumb. They removed the infection through surgery, and waited while treating with antibiotics. Infection came back. They did MORE surgery to remove more of his thumb and the infection, and waited with more drugs. He finally went home, they put a pick line in to his arm to administer the 8 week course of antibiotics required. A nurse came by every day to check on him and give him drugs. Then this happened. Ok, now you're all caught up! Hopefully that is the END of the story!
I had transferred a bunch of money into my checking account, ready to pay for a flight home with NZD cash if necessary, so now I have all this MONEY at the ready. I want to transfer it back but at the same time, a part of me thinks that will just be jinxing the whole deal. So it stays put for now, for my Murphy-trained brain to settle down.
--------------------
Spending:
$5 Ultimate game (we won, 10-6) (ALLOWANCE)
For those of you needing a de-brief: about a month and a half ago, my dad accidentally shot himself in the thumb with a nailgun--only a flesh wound, he cleaned it himself, didn't need stiches or whatnot, and went about his business. A few days later, he landed in the hospital with a MRSA (deadly drug resistant bacteria) infection in that thumb. They removed the infection through surgery, and waited while treating with antibiotics. Infection came back. They did MORE surgery to remove more of his thumb and the infection, and waited with more drugs. He finally went home, they put a pick line in to his arm to administer the 8 week course of antibiotics required. A nurse came by every day to check on him and give him drugs. Then this happened. Ok, now you're all caught up! Hopefully that is the END of the story!
I had transferred a bunch of money into my checking account, ready to pay for a flight home with NZD cash if necessary, so now I have all this MONEY at the ready. I want to transfer it back but at the same time, a part of me thinks that will just be jinxing the whole deal. So it stays put for now, for my Murphy-trained brain to settle down.
--------------------
Spending:
$5 Ultimate game (we won, 10-6) (ALLOWANCE)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
No News
I haven't heard anything about my dad, despite multiple phone calls to various relatives, begging for info! I'll update if I hear anything...
$15.80 spending (smoothies, snacks, and pasta for dinner)
I'm obsessed with these Charlie's honest smoothies (see here), but they are super expensive. I need to find the 1 L bottles and buy them to cut down on the expense. In the corner convenience stores, they are up to $4.50 for 300 mL! In the grocery store, they are about $5.50 for 1 L. What a ripoff!!
Anyway, in other news, I have a little meeting with my boss tomorrow, who wants to go over my options for the next fiscal year, and whether they can count on me to stay another year (hells, yeah!).
I've also been inspired by Jim at Bargaineering, and am in the process of conducting a time audit. I need to learn how to manage my time better...just like spending, you can't get a control of something unless you know your starting point.
blogging time: 10 minutes!
$15.80 spending (smoothies, snacks, and pasta for dinner)
I'm obsessed with these Charlie's honest smoothies (see here), but they are super expensive. I need to find the 1 L bottles and buy them to cut down on the expense. In the corner convenience stores, they are up to $4.50 for 300 mL! In the grocery store, they are about $5.50 for 1 L. What a ripoff!!
Anyway, in other news, I have a little meeting with my boss tomorrow, who wants to go over my options for the next fiscal year, and whether they can count on me to stay another year (hells, yeah!).
I've also been inspired by Jim at Bargaineering, and am in the process of conducting a time audit. I need to learn how to manage my time better...just like spending, you can't get a control of something unless you know your starting point.
blogging time: 10 minutes!
Sunday, March 08, 2009
The Saga Continues
We all thought it couldn't get worse, and could only get better. But life has a way of smacking you upside the head, proving just how stupid you are.
My dad is back in the hospital.
Sigh. It seems that the stint they put in to administer the antibiotics to his bloodstream has become infected, and now the bacteria is in his blood. A few days ago, he started running a fever. The nurse coming to clean his wound and give him antibiotics noted it, took blood to run cultures, and called the doctor and made an appointment for the next day. The next day, my dad had a blood pressure of about 70/40--very, very low. He should have been in a coma. The doctor immediately admitted him into the hospital.
Today, his blood pressure is still worryingly low, and he isn't feeling any better despite the high powered drugs they are giving him.
They currently don't know if this infection is MRSA (the drug-resistant bacteria) or not. All I know is, this originated from a tiny flesh wound on his thumb, and has ballooned into this life-threatening, very scary thing. It is so ridiculous that something that every day can kill you like this, and so fast!
I'm prepping to fly home if this gets any worse.
_______________________
Spending:
$15 fun activity (allowance)
$9 alcohol (allowance)
$3.20 snacks (groceries)
$58.38 groceries
My dad is back in the hospital.
Sigh. It seems that the stint they put in to administer the antibiotics to his bloodstream has become infected, and now the bacteria is in his blood. A few days ago, he started running a fever. The nurse coming to clean his wound and give him antibiotics noted it, took blood to run cultures, and called the doctor and made an appointment for the next day. The next day, my dad had a blood pressure of about 70/40--very, very low. He should have been in a coma. The doctor immediately admitted him into the hospital.
Today, his blood pressure is still worryingly low, and he isn't feeling any better despite the high powered drugs they are giving him.
They currently don't know if this infection is MRSA (the drug-resistant bacteria) or not. All I know is, this originated from a tiny flesh wound on his thumb, and has ballooned into this life-threatening, very scary thing. It is so ridiculous that something that every day can kill you like this, and so fast!
I'm prepping to fly home if this gets any worse.
_______________________
Spending:
$15 fun activity (allowance)
$9 alcohol (allowance)
$3.20 snacks (groceries)
$58.38 groceries
Friday, March 06, 2009
Is NOW the time to panic?
I've avoided freaking out TOO much about the economy, in the sense that I still bought shares in my Roth last year when the market took a little dip (doh! it went back down again shortly thereafter...), but uh...this article is making me think twice.
When I invest in stocks, even index funds, etc., I know I'm taking a gamble. It still hurts when stocks lose value, but I gambled that money away, in a sense. When my liquid cash reserves are threatened, though--no, that's too far, the scale has been tipped, my line crossed, etc. I count on that money to sustain me in a true emergency. Even if it doesn't gain interest, I want to know that my principal is absolutely protected and available whenever I may need it. Threatening the safety of my safety net is unacceptable, and makes my stomach drop and my head spin in complete and utter PANIC!
The FDIC was created after the first Depression to help in situations like we are currently in. What good does it do to have it if it's just going to go belly-up like the banks? It becomes, in effect, a false security blanket, and I even wonder if that makes the banks take MORE risk, because they believe that their customer's money is protected by some other entity.
I suppose the good news here is that I don't have a lot of money in US banks anymore--my US bank account is down below $3K, and most of my money is in NZ banks, which are not FDIC-insured (or the Kiwi equivalent of that). That doesn't mean I'm prepared to lose it all, though!
If you are an Aussie or Kiwi, this article may assuage your concerns.
Is anyone else freaked out about this prospect?
When I invest in stocks, even index funds, etc., I know I'm taking a gamble. It still hurts when stocks lose value, but I gambled that money away, in a sense. When my liquid cash reserves are threatened, though--no, that's too far, the scale has been tipped, my line crossed, etc. I count on that money to sustain me in a true emergency. Even if it doesn't gain interest, I want to know that my principal is absolutely protected and available whenever I may need it. Threatening the safety of my safety net is unacceptable, and makes my stomach drop and my head spin in complete and utter PANIC!
The FDIC was created after the first Depression to help in situations like we are currently in. What good does it do to have it if it's just going to go belly-up like the banks? It becomes, in effect, a false security blanket, and I even wonder if that makes the banks take MORE risk, because they believe that their customer's money is protected by some other entity.
I suppose the good news here is that I don't have a lot of money in US banks anymore--my US bank account is down below $3K, and most of my money is in NZ banks, which are not FDIC-insured (or the Kiwi equivalent of that). That doesn't mean I'm prepared to lose it all, though!
If you are an Aussie or Kiwi, this article may assuage your concerns.
Is anyone else freaked out about this prospect?
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Another Story from Today
On my way back from my PR interview, I took the bus. It was an hour and a half long ride (even though my cab ride was about 20 minutes!). A kid, about 7 (later i learned he was 7), got on not too long after I did, paid his fare, and sat down. I was talking to my mom at the time, so I didn't really pay much attention to him.
A little while later, the bus driver gets upset and starts asking this kid some questions--I thought he was going to kick him off the bus! But no, the kid stayed in his seat.
Some time later, a bunch of loud 13-16 year olds (I'd guess) got on the bus. The bus driver pulled the kid's shirt and half-dragged him off of the bus, and started talking to him. I couldn't hear what was going on (too loud) and there were a bunch of people in front of me, standing in the aisle, so I didn't see this, but I *think* the bus driver yelled at the kid or did something to upset him, because when the kid got back on the bus and took his seat, he instantly started sobbing.
Two girls from the 13-16 year old group got up and started comforting him. I could only hear snatches of conversation, but I gathered that he was 7, supposed to meet his mom somewhere, or go home, and didn't have enough money to get there, he needed $X but only had $1. He was crying so hard he could barely stay in his seat. The girls were telling him that they'd take care of him, it was ok, etc., but still he cried.
The bus driver got up, had dialed a number on his cell phone, and handed it to one of the girls, saying, 'Speak to this guy about the kid.' The girl told the guy on the phone that she had {kid's name} on bus 1282 on route 089, he should come meet the bus somewhere or do something to get him. After talking for about five minutes, the girl suddenly looks at the phone and says, "He says we have the wrong person. He hung up!"
and the kid sobbed on.
I mean, what was going on here?? I was so confused. A) you let your kid take the bus alone at 7 years old? is this normal? B) you don't give him a map or schedule or extra money? C) he doesn't know his phone number, or whatever male in his house answering to that number doesn't care enough to come and get him??
WHOA. I really wasn't sure what to do, but I had an important meeting at work to get to before the business day ended, so I had to go. I decided to give the girls taking care of him some money. So, when I got off on my stop, I gave the girls all the change I had--$3 in coins--and told them to give it to him if it would help.
Hopefully he found his way home. :( Poor kid.
Spending:
$31.90 cab fare (misc)
$20 shoes (is this allowance or misc?)
$6.50 bus fare (misc)
$3 to little kid (charity??)
A little while later, the bus driver gets upset and starts asking this kid some questions--I thought he was going to kick him off the bus! But no, the kid stayed in his seat.
Some time later, a bunch of loud 13-16 year olds (I'd guess) got on the bus. The bus driver pulled the kid's shirt and half-dragged him off of the bus, and started talking to him. I couldn't hear what was going on (too loud) and there were a bunch of people in front of me, standing in the aisle, so I didn't see this, but I *think* the bus driver yelled at the kid or did something to upset him, because when the kid got back on the bus and took his seat, he instantly started sobbing.
Two girls from the 13-16 year old group got up and started comforting him. I could only hear snatches of conversation, but I gathered that he was 7, supposed to meet his mom somewhere, or go home, and didn't have enough money to get there, he needed $X but only had $1. He was crying so hard he could barely stay in his seat. The girls were telling him that they'd take care of him, it was ok, etc., but still he cried.
The bus driver got up, had dialed a number on his cell phone, and handed it to one of the girls, saying, 'Speak to this guy about the kid.' The girl told the guy on the phone that she had {kid's name} on bus 1282 on route 089, he should come meet the bus somewhere or do something to get him. After talking for about five minutes, the girl suddenly looks at the phone and says, "He says we have the wrong person. He hung up!"
and the kid sobbed on.
I mean, what was going on here?? I was so confused. A) you let your kid take the bus alone at 7 years old? is this normal? B) you don't give him a map or schedule or extra money? C) he doesn't know his phone number, or whatever male in his house answering to that number doesn't care enough to come and get him??
WHOA. I really wasn't sure what to do, but I had an important meeting at work to get to before the business day ended, so I had to go. I decided to give the girls taking care of him some money. So, when I got off on my stop, I gave the girls all the change I had--$3 in coins--and told them to give it to him if it would help.
Hopefully he found his way home. :( Poor kid.
Spending:
$31.90 cab fare (misc)
$20 shoes (is this allowance or misc?)
$6.50 bus fare (misc)
$3 to little kid (charity??)
THE Interview
The college I went to touts itself as THE University, with 'the' pronounced like 'thee' and emphasized dramatically. It's pretty funny that they take themselves so seriously. Today there was THE interview. THE interview that decides my fate in the next couple of years, or at least, the place I'm spending that fate. So I think this interview was worthy of the 'THE.'
I went on my emergency shoe run today, and was able to find semi-decent shoes for $20. Not bad, right? And they can be used for other events, so I'm happy. As I was buying them, I flash-backed on my perfect pair of shoes that usually accompany me on occasions such as THE interview. I could have sworn that I'd brought them back from VA, but that time was so hectic--I just can't remember if they made it here or not in my suitcase. Certainly, if I'd have been thinking, they would have been packed!
Ah, well. Bygones. I had time to take the bus, but it would have been cutting it too close, so I decided to take a taxi. I got to Immigration at 1:30 pm today (my interview was at 2). I checked in, ate my lunch, randomly ran into someone I knew from work there, and prepped myself as 2 pm came...and went. And then 1:45 came and went. I got back in line, waited ten more minutes, and asked the receptionist if my case officer (CO) knew I was around. She didn't--they hadn't called her to let her know that I was there! So much for getting there EARLY.
Anyway, I needn't have worried, my CO was really super nice about my appt being so late. She took me to get my visitor's pass to pin on my shirt and sign in their log book near the reception desk, and then we went in an elevator upstairs (3rd floor? 4th? can't remember). (I'm including a lot of details for those that may go through a similar experience in NZ, and for those that are simply curious as to what a residency interview is like!) I don't remember what we talked about, probably the weather (wet and windy) or something, and where I was from in the US. Small talk. She led me into a room with a large, empty desk with a computer and some styrofoam cups of water on it, sat down on one side, and I took the other. She started talking about how I shouldn't be nervous, we'd just chat and she'd ask me questions from her list. She would take notes on my answers, so she'd be typing as I talked. I was to talk slowly and clearly to help her take notes. She said it would take about an hour.
After that kind-of rough start, I was pretty calm about the whole thing. There are a list of questions on the New Zealand Immigration forums from people who've been through this sort of thing, and I had gone through them a million times to prepare myself. Plus, the CO was really nice, about my age, actually, and said 'cool!' to alot of the things I said. Very encouraging.
List of questions:
What do you like about NZ, as opposed to Australia, say, that makes you want to move here?
Why are you moving to NZ right now?
Do you have friends or family in NZ?
What sort of support would your friends give if you were without a job?
If your current job were to end, could you find skilled employment?
What have you done to look for skilled employment?
What companies would you apply at to find such employement?
What would you do if you could not find a job in your desired field?
What sort of difficulties do you expect to face in NZ?
What would you do if you faced one of those obstacles?
Where do you want to live long-term?
What is your long-term plan?
What support do you have in NZ?
Do you have any further comments or questions for me?
...among others that I do not remember. There was a LOT of questions about what I'd do if my current job ended, which I had an excellent answer for. I tried to pull out my bank statements and talk finance (I just CANNOT help myself!), but she didn't want to see that I had a '6-7 month emergency fund' and was 'living off of 2/3 of my salary, but could sustain myself on 1/2.' :) If I were a CO, and my interviewee had been in the country for 8 months, I would want to talk budgets...! But that's just me.
I showed her some pictures to show what I've been up to the past few months, me with friends, me traveling, me with BF, etc.
After that, she printed out the list of questions with her notes on them, had me look it over to correct any mistakes, and had me initial and sign the document. She said that she would make a decision in 1-2 days, but it would then go to her manager, who would review my file and get back to me in 2-6 months (there is a backlog)! She led me back downstairs in the elevator, I gave back the visitor's tag, and signed out.
So...for now, I've done what I can! It's all out of my hands and in fate's (or rather my CO's).
I went on my emergency shoe run today, and was able to find semi-decent shoes for $20. Not bad, right? And they can be used for other events, so I'm happy. As I was buying them, I flash-backed on my perfect pair of shoes that usually accompany me on occasions such as THE interview. I could have sworn that I'd brought them back from VA, but that time was so hectic--I just can't remember if they made it here or not in my suitcase. Certainly, if I'd have been thinking, they would have been packed!
Ah, well. Bygones. I had time to take the bus, but it would have been cutting it too close, so I decided to take a taxi. I got to Immigration at 1:30 pm today (my interview was at 2). I checked in, ate my lunch, randomly ran into someone I knew from work there, and prepped myself as 2 pm came...and went. And then 1:45 came and went. I got back in line, waited ten more minutes, and asked the receptionist if my case officer (CO) knew I was around. She didn't--they hadn't called her to let her know that I was there! So much for getting there EARLY.
Anyway, I needn't have worried, my CO was really super nice about my appt being so late. She took me to get my visitor's pass to pin on my shirt and sign in their log book near the reception desk, and then we went in an elevator upstairs (3rd floor? 4th? can't remember). (I'm including a lot of details for those that may go through a similar experience in NZ, and for those that are simply curious as to what a residency interview is like!) I don't remember what we talked about, probably the weather (wet and windy) or something, and where I was from in the US. Small talk. She led me into a room with a large, empty desk with a computer and some styrofoam cups of water on it, sat down on one side, and I took the other. She started talking about how I shouldn't be nervous, we'd just chat and she'd ask me questions from her list. She would take notes on my answers, so she'd be typing as I talked. I was to talk slowly and clearly to help her take notes. She said it would take about an hour.
After that kind-of rough start, I was pretty calm about the whole thing. There are a list of questions on the New Zealand Immigration forums from people who've been through this sort of thing, and I had gone through them a million times to prepare myself. Plus, the CO was really nice, about my age, actually, and said 'cool!' to alot of the things I said. Very encouraging.
List of questions:
What do you like about NZ, as opposed to Australia, say, that makes you want to move here?
Why are you moving to NZ right now?
Do you have friends or family in NZ?
What sort of support would your friends give if you were without a job?
If your current job were to end, could you find skilled employment?
What have you done to look for skilled employment?
What companies would you apply at to find such employement?
What would you do if you could not find a job in your desired field?
What sort of difficulties do you expect to face in NZ?
What would you do if you faced one of those obstacles?
Where do you want to live long-term?
What is your long-term plan?
What support do you have in NZ?
Do you have any further comments or questions for me?
...among others that I do not remember. There was a LOT of questions about what I'd do if my current job ended, which I had an excellent answer for. I tried to pull out my bank statements and talk finance (I just CANNOT help myself!), but she didn't want to see that I had a '6-7 month emergency fund' and was 'living off of 2/3 of my salary, but could sustain myself on 1/2.' :) If I were a CO, and my interviewee had been in the country for 8 months, I would want to talk budgets...! But that's just me.
I showed her some pictures to show what I've been up to the past few months, me with friends, me traveling, me with BF, etc.
After that, she printed out the list of questions with her notes on them, had me look it over to correct any mistakes, and had me initial and sign the document. She said that she would make a decision in 1-2 days, but it would then go to her manager, who would review my file and get back to me in 2-6 months (there is a backlog)! She led me back downstairs in the elevator, I gave back the visitor's tag, and signed out.
So...for now, I've done what I can! It's all out of my hands and in fate's (or rather my CO's).
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
I Have No Sensible Shoes
Seriously, i know women have this stereotype of buying too many shoes, but I am not a party to that myth. I have:
one (1) pair of hiking boots (which have made three of my toenails fall off after hiking about 20K one day--I need a new pair, obviously)
one (1) pair of Adidas sneakers (I wear these EVERY DAY)
and
one (1) pair of going-out black wedge sandals (super hot, but I now cannot wear them due to the state of my toes...)
I can't wear ANY of these shoes to my interview tomorrow, and I JUST noticed this. At 7:40 pm tonight. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, closes by 8 pm in Auckland, so there is no hope for fixing this tonight. If I were in the US, I would have been in Target by 8 pm, shopping until about 10 pm. Hmm, do I REALLY want to move to NZ? (Yes I do! even with no shops after 8 pm...that's how i know I love this place!)
The interview is described as 'semi-formal'--which I'm taking to mean, CANNOT WEAR SNEAKERS. I've planned on wearing khakis and a polo, with a blazer over top. Is that semi-formal enough??
Apparently when I went home for Xmas, I brought all of my comfy shoes with me, and left them in VA to fit my hiking gear within the weight limits.
C-rap.
So, I guess, tomorrow I will be spending some money on an emergency pair of shoes suitable for my outfit. Jeez. As if I weren't stressed enough, I have to go shoe-shopping with a time limit? :)
I suppose if I don't make the bus, i can just call a cab. For $40. Um, ok...so THAT is how planning saves you money, folks--don't plan, and you may end up going emergency shoe shopping and taking cabs in order to stay in the country.
On a happier note (one of my resolves for Lent is a twist on J. Money's resolution to give up complaining--I want to balance my complaining out with happy stuff...), my team won their Ultimate Frisbee game tonight (YES I KNOW I should have been shoe-shopping instead of playing!). I not only caught the frisbee multiple times during this game, but ALSO passed quite successfully. And we scored a point on one of those passes. I'm not convinced that I know what I'm doing yet (the rules are SO confusing), but I may be getting a tiny, tiny, fraction-of-a-skill-level better.
Other goodies: today I was able to give some advice to a coworker--she's having a hard time with Immigration and our company.
I think I now totally understand how to play Euchre.
I started to learn how to play bridge from another coworker, which was fun and interesting, as well as challenging.
--------------
Spending:
$5 to drop in on the Ultimate Frisbee game (ALLOWANCE)
one (1) pair of hiking boots (which have made three of my toenails fall off after hiking about 20K one day--I need a new pair, obviously)
one (1) pair of Adidas sneakers (I wear these EVERY DAY)
and
one (1) pair of going-out black wedge sandals (super hot, but I now cannot wear them due to the state of my toes...)
I can't wear ANY of these shoes to my interview tomorrow, and I JUST noticed this. At 7:40 pm tonight. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, closes by 8 pm in Auckland, so there is no hope for fixing this tonight. If I were in the US, I would have been in Target by 8 pm, shopping until about 10 pm. Hmm, do I REALLY want to move to NZ? (Yes I do! even with no shops after 8 pm...that's how i know I love this place!)
The interview is described as 'semi-formal'--which I'm taking to mean, CANNOT WEAR SNEAKERS. I've planned on wearing khakis and a polo, with a blazer over top. Is that semi-formal enough??
Apparently when I went home for Xmas, I brought all of my comfy shoes with me, and left them in VA to fit my hiking gear within the weight limits.
C-rap.
So, I guess, tomorrow I will be spending some money on an emergency pair of shoes suitable for my outfit. Jeez. As if I weren't stressed enough, I have to go shoe-shopping with a time limit? :)
I suppose if I don't make the bus, i can just call a cab. For $40. Um, ok...so THAT is how planning saves you money, folks--don't plan, and you may end up going emergency shoe shopping and taking cabs in order to stay in the country.
On a happier note (one of my resolves for Lent is a twist on J. Money's resolution to give up complaining--I want to balance my complaining out with happy stuff...), my team won their Ultimate Frisbee game tonight (YES I KNOW I should have been shoe-shopping instead of playing!). I not only caught the frisbee multiple times during this game, but ALSO passed quite successfully. And we scored a point on one of those passes. I'm not convinced that I know what I'm doing yet (the rules are SO confusing), but I may be getting a tiny, tiny, fraction-of-a-skill-level better.
Other goodies: today I was able to give some advice to a coworker--she's having a hard time with Immigration and our company.
I think I now totally understand how to play Euchre.
I started to learn how to play bridge from another coworker, which was fun and interesting, as well as challenging.
--------------
Spending:
$5 to drop in on the Ultimate Frisbee game (ALLOWANCE)
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Gearing Up
I'm starting to get nervous about that Immigration interview in two days (Thursday). Mostly, about getting there. It takes about an hour and a half for me to get to the interview site from my house, and I don't do well with buses, so I'm going to pack my lunch, try to catch the early bus, and eat lunch while I wait an hour for my interview to start. Then catch the bus back. I'm going to miss most of the day from work, and I've let my bosses know. The google maps say it should only take about 20 minutes by car to get there, but a) i have no car and b) it costs $45 each way by taxi. The bus (and $6.50) it is!
If I get rejected from Immigration, I have to move back home to VA in August when my permit expires. I just don't see another way--I can't get another work permit through XBF, since we aren't partners anymore. I'm too old for the 'working holiday' permit, since I'm 30 already (the cutoff is 30). All the other avenues are out, either due to my salary (under $55K) or the length of time of my work contract (less than 2 years).
Oh man, alot is suddenly riding on this interview...before, I had the back up of being able to renew my partnership visa through BF, but now it's do or DIE. (or move).
No spending today!
If I get rejected from Immigration, I have to move back home to VA in August when my permit expires. I just don't see another way--I can't get another work permit through XBF, since we aren't partners anymore. I'm too old for the 'working holiday' permit, since I'm 30 already (the cutoff is 30). All the other avenues are out, either due to my salary (under $55K) or the length of time of my work contract (less than 2 years).
Oh man, alot is suddenly riding on this interview...before, I had the back up of being able to renew my partnership visa through BF, but now it's do or DIE. (or move).
No spending today!
Monday, March 02, 2009
The Tax Man Cometh
When I double-checked my hand-calculations with the TaxCut free-file software online, I discovered that I am eligible for the Saver's Credit, for contributing $3100 to my Roth IRA in 2008! Hurrah!
That reverses my fate, and I now am going to get $103 BACK in a refund instead of owing the US Treasury a cool $97. WHEW.
I don't know what it is--$97 isn't that much money, but I really, really don't like oweing money on my taxes.
I also am getting $31 back from California (HAHAHA, yeah right I'm getting a refund...maybe in 2020!).
Anyway, I'm just happy not to owe. And finally, contributing to my retirement funds pays off a little--Lord knows when I'm going to be seeing a gain from my actual funds!
Spending:
$9 office supplies
$170 Pilates and Pussy Cat Dolls dance classes! so exciting!
That reverses my fate, and I now am going to get $103 BACK in a refund instead of owing the US Treasury a cool $97. WHEW.
I don't know what it is--$97 isn't that much money, but I really, really don't like oweing money on my taxes.
I also am getting $31 back from California (HAHAHA, yeah right I'm getting a refund...maybe in 2020!).
Anyway, I'm just happy not to owe. And finally, contributing to my retirement funds pays off a little--Lord knows when I'm going to be seeing a gain from my actual funds!
Spending:
$9 office supplies
$170 Pilates and Pussy Cat Dolls dance classes! so exciting!
Sunday, March 01, 2009
February 2009 Spending Review
In February, I was out of Auckland for 15 out of the 28 days for work/play. Some of this time was spent with free lodging, food, and transportation, and some of it was spent paying for campsite fees, snacks, dinners out, gas, and for a car rental.
Here's how I fared:
Average monthly income (net annual salary divided by 12): $3242.20
Actual Income in February: $2984.60 (two paycheck month, fortnightly payments)
Spent: ~$2319.39 (some of it was in USD, so I used the very rough conversion rate of 2:1, NZD:USD)
Breakdown:
RENT: 912.5/912.5
Food 275.35/300 (UNDER $24.65)
Electricity/Internet 106/135 (UNDER $29)
Eating Out 115.5/100 (OVER $15.50)
Charity 0/50 (UNDER :( $50)
Cell phone: 209/30 (OVER $179)
Medical 0/60 (UNDER $60)
Misc 701.04/180 (OVER!!! $521.04)
Total: 2319.39/1942.50 (OVER $376.89)
So I was under in groceries, predictably, because my food was taken care of for at least two weeks of February. I was over in the eating out category due to all my road trips. For the charity category, I still need to make a payment to the NZ make a wish foundation--I attended a concert last weekend for free. BF is paying for internet while I pay for electricity--this balances out enough for us to do that (we have a high speed internet connection).
I'm OVER in the cell phone category because I renewed my Skype subscription for a year. That was about $120 NZD (~$59 USD). However, it's good for a long time, and is about $10 NZD/mo. Well worth it, I say! I also topped up my skype dollars ($25 USD/50 NZD), my v8 phone card ($20 NZD), and my vodafone pre-pay account ($20 NZD).
Since my appointment this past week was free, as were my prescriptions, I have NO medical bills for Feb. However, this will change in March, because I have a dentist appointment ($100) and will have to pay to renew my medical insurance through XBF ($222.50 for 6 months). I eventually need to get my eyes checked, as well. I'm pretty sure my prescription has changed, I need new glasses, and I want to get some prescription sunglasses. That is going to be costly!
The big OVER in February was my Miscellaneous category! Holy smokes, over $500 over! What on earth did I spend it on?
--$116.25 gas for rental cars
--$216.40 rental car
--$69 new airmat sleeping pad (aaah, worth every penny!)
--$25 microfleece camp towel
--$21 ski lift up to ruapehu
--$105 blackwater rafting and seeing glowworms (it is scary to jump backwards off of a waterfall in a dark cave!!)
--$26 internet access at the beach
--$16 tent fees at campsite for one night
--$8 hot pool entrance fee
--$40.67 painting supplies
-- $9 watch battery
--$37.77 alcohol
--$10.95 ecostore shampoo in coconut and vanilla scent (yummy!)
Some of the misc could also be considered as part of my 'allowance' category, but I haven't quite mastered separating those out yet. For example, would gas for the rental car that I rented for work be considered 'misc' or a treat-type of thing?
If my allowance is only for 'treats,' then I'd guess that only my watch battery at $9 and possibly the shampoo could be considered true miscellaneous costs. The rest would have to be frivolous allowance stuff!
My weaknesses are as obvious as ever: groceries, phone, and misc. I have a feeling that if I start really analyzing that 'misc' category and separating out my 'allowance' treats, it will go down considerably. The phone cost is what it is--I barely talk to my friends and family in the States or in NZ as it is, so there's no reasonable way to cut that back unless I become mute. Groceries...sigh. I had my groceries paid for for two weeks of Feb, and I barely made it under my cutoff. I'm going to HAVE to learn how to cook, aren't I? and analyze the sale flyers, if they have them here.
For next month, March, I've already decided it would be a budget-hiatus month, in which I limit spending to my income, not according to my budget. Kind of a 'free-for-all.' This will help me figure out if I should change my spending amounts in each category as well--what do I naturally spend my money on?
Here's how I fared:
Average monthly income (net annual salary divided by 12): $3242.20
Actual Income in February: $2984.60 (two paycheck month, fortnightly payments)
Spent: ~$2319.39 (some of it was in USD, so I used the very rough conversion rate of 2:1, NZD:USD)
Breakdown:
RENT: 912.5/912.5
Food 275.35/300 (UNDER $24.65)
Electricity/Internet 106/135 (UNDER $29)
Eating Out 115.5/100 (OVER $15.50)
Charity 0/50 (UNDER :( $50)
Cell phone: 209/30 (OVER $179)
Medical 0/60 (UNDER $60)
Misc 701.04/180 (OVER!!! $521.04)
Total: 2319.39/1942.50 (OVER $376.89)
So I was under in groceries, predictably, because my food was taken care of for at least two weeks of February. I was over in the eating out category due to all my road trips. For the charity category, I still need to make a payment to the NZ make a wish foundation--I attended a concert last weekend for free. BF is paying for internet while I pay for electricity--this balances out enough for us to do that (we have a high speed internet connection).
I'm OVER in the cell phone category because I renewed my Skype subscription for a year. That was about $120 NZD (~$59 USD). However, it's good for a long time, and is about $10 NZD/mo. Well worth it, I say! I also topped up my skype dollars ($25 USD/50 NZD), my v8 phone card ($20 NZD), and my vodafone pre-pay account ($20 NZD).
Since my appointment this past week was free, as were my prescriptions, I have NO medical bills for Feb. However, this will change in March, because I have a dentist appointment ($100) and will have to pay to renew my medical insurance through XBF ($222.50 for 6 months). I eventually need to get my eyes checked, as well. I'm pretty sure my prescription has changed, I need new glasses, and I want to get some prescription sunglasses. That is going to be costly!
The big OVER in February was my Miscellaneous category! Holy smokes, over $500 over! What on earth did I spend it on?
--$116.25 gas for rental cars
--$216.40 rental car
--$69 new airmat sleeping pad (aaah, worth every penny!)
--$25 microfleece camp towel
--$21 ski lift up to ruapehu
--$105 blackwater rafting and seeing glowworms (it is scary to jump backwards off of a waterfall in a dark cave!!)
--$26 internet access at the beach
--$16 tent fees at campsite for one night
--$8 hot pool entrance fee
--$40.67 painting supplies
-- $9 watch battery
--$37.77 alcohol
--$10.95 ecostore shampoo in coconut and vanilla scent (yummy!)
Some of the misc could also be considered as part of my 'allowance' category, but I haven't quite mastered separating those out yet. For example, would gas for the rental car that I rented for work be considered 'misc' or a treat-type of thing?
If my allowance is only for 'treats,' then I'd guess that only my watch battery at $9 and possibly the shampoo could be considered true miscellaneous costs. The rest would have to be frivolous allowance stuff!
My weaknesses are as obvious as ever: groceries, phone, and misc. I have a feeling that if I start really analyzing that 'misc' category and separating out my 'allowance' treats, it will go down considerably. The phone cost is what it is--I barely talk to my friends and family in the States or in NZ as it is, so there's no reasonable way to cut that back unless I become mute. Groceries...sigh. I had my groceries paid for for two weeks of Feb, and I barely made it under my cutoff. I'm going to HAVE to learn how to cook, aren't I? and analyze the sale flyers, if they have them here.
For next month, March, I've already decided it would be a budget-hiatus month, in which I limit spending to my income, not according to my budget. Kind of a 'free-for-all.' This will help me figure out if I should change my spending amounts in each category as well--what do I naturally spend my money on?
(sp)Ending
I'm sad that Alone Weekend is ending.
Last night got a little lonely, but today went by in a flash! ...mostly because I had to walk an hour and a half from the grocery store--the last free shuttle from New World grocery store was full. :( I was REALLY annoyed, because NW is the most expensive grocery store in Auckland, and I would have just gone to the other, cheaper store had I known that I would have to walk home.
I thought about getting a cab or taking the bus home, but 1) the cab would have been really expensive, and 2) I had NO IDEA which bus I'd need to take to get back to my house, and those maps/timetables at the busstop were no help, either. Plus I didn't have any change on me.
In light of saving money, I could really only do what I did: schlep with $70 worth of groceries home. Man, did I regret buying that sack of potatoes! I had to stop every five minutes because my arms would go numb from the bags. And then, when I got home, XBF asked me why I didn't get the delivery service from Foodtown? BECAUSE IT'S NOT FREE, and he had said he didn't want to go in on it with me to reduce the delivery fees when I suggested it last November, THAT'S WHY. Ugh.
So I'm in a bad mood again, and hope that that little incident didn't negate all the peaceful Zen that the alone time was supposed to impart for my work week.
OK, calmness needs to happen. I have to still clean the house a little bit, our landlord is inspecting it tomorrow!
Groceries: $70.28
Last night got a little lonely, but today went by in a flash! ...mostly because I had to walk an hour and a half from the grocery store--the last free shuttle from New World grocery store was full. :( I was REALLY annoyed, because NW is the most expensive grocery store in Auckland, and I would have just gone to the other, cheaper store had I known that I would have to walk home.
I thought about getting a cab or taking the bus home, but 1) the cab would have been really expensive, and 2) I had NO IDEA which bus I'd need to take to get back to my house, and those maps/timetables at the busstop were no help, either. Plus I didn't have any change on me.
In light of saving money, I could really only do what I did: schlep with $70 worth of groceries home. Man, did I regret buying that sack of potatoes! I had to stop every five minutes because my arms would go numb from the bags. And then, when I got home, XBF asked me why I didn't get the delivery service from Foodtown? BECAUSE IT'S NOT FREE, and he had said he didn't want to go in on it with me to reduce the delivery fees when I suggested it last November, THAT'S WHY. Ugh.
So I'm in a bad mood again, and hope that that little incident didn't negate all the peaceful Zen that the alone time was supposed to impart for my work week.
OK, calmness needs to happen. I have to still clean the house a little bit, our landlord is inspecting it tomorrow!
Groceries: $70.28
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