There is NOTHING I love more than travel planning! Sometimes, I prefer it to the actual traveling itself! In my head, nothing goes wrong, we see everything we want to see, everything is beautiful, the weather is perfect, and we're having the time of our lives. Of course, half the fun of traveling is the slip-ups, the weird or awesome people you meet, and the best stories are from when things don't go according to plan.
Right now, I'm planning for two major trips...one to Australia & Fiji next month and one to Australia and around NZ this December. I'm planning them in tandem because the reservations HAVE to be made very, very early for the time over Christmas and New Year's, when everything gets really busy and crowded down under and everyone goes on vacation over that time period. So, dualling trips. We'll see if I can handle it! No one else in either party seems to be keen on making plans and groans when ask for input...so we're doing everything I want to do! :) Since I am a control freak, this is perfect.
I've read that there are two personalities...one kind needs to know and check out ALL of the options before making a decision, and the other just goes with the first option that they think they could be happy with. I am CLEARLY a 'maximizer.' I rather enjoy the process, too. Weighing pros and cons, pitting one option against the other, finding shortcuts to get the best of both worlds...that is definitely me. And once I make a decision, I know I'm getting the BEST that is out there and I'm so happy with it and never even think about it again, because I trust myself to make the best decision. It works for me. And for the people that come with me on trips... :)
The first part of this is making a budget for each trip...combining money and travel, two of my favorite things! Oh and the travel planning just keeps getting better.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Upgrayedd
That's TWO 'd's' for a double dose of pimpin'. :)
Capital One sent me an email and offered a chance to update my current rewards card (see below). I may just do it, after confirming that I won't lose my current accumulated rewards and that I'll accrue more points with the no-fee card. Has anyone else gotten this offer? Is it a good deal for you?
Because you're such a valued customer, we're offering to update your present card to either VentureSM or VentureOneSM.
Redeem miles for flights, cash, and merchandise with either card. You'll also enjoy all the benefits of Visa Signature.
Updating is easy, and you won't need to apply. Simply
Don't delay. Respond by January 31, 2011.
P.S. If you understand my title and first sentence, ONE THOUSAND bonus points to you.
Capital One sent me an email and offered a chance to update my current rewards card (see below). I may just do it, after confirming that I won't lose my current accumulated rewards and that I'll accrue more points with the no-fee card. Has anyone else gotten this offer? Is it a good deal for you?
Because you're such a valued customer, we're offering to update your present card to either VentureSM or VentureOneSM.
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| • | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day—$59 annual fee |
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Updating is easy, and you won't need to apply. Simply
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P.S. If you understand my title and first sentence, ONE THOUSAND bonus points to you.
Monday, January 17, 2011
On Giving Up US Citizenship
This post is pursuant to my last post about having to report my income to the IRS in the US. Even though I'm a permanent resident here in NZ, curiosity has led me to seriously research the process of giving up US citizenship. It turns out that that practice has a huge following, and it is all for one reason: taxes.
Unsurprisingly to me, there are many Americans who've 'made it' and decided to give up their US citizenship so that they don't have to report their income to the American government, and be responsible for paying a large chunk of it for taxes. Many move to St. Kitt's, an island renowned for their no-income-tax policy. Imagine that...not having to worry about taxes! What a life.
We are taught that having that American passport is more valuable than gold--it is a ticket to the promised land, nearly. But would it really be that bad to only be able to visit the US for a maximum of 90 days, in exchange for tax ease?
Right now, that question is moot for me--I make less than the foreign income exclusion amount of $92,900 per year, so don't have to worry about paying lots of taxes over what I pay here in NZ--but when I become a millionaire (it WILL happen), I can seriously see myself weighing the benefits vs cost of giving up my citizenship. I do have to deal with the headache of filing taxes every year, and with each year that passes, that practice seems more ridiculous to me. It is a time consuming, headache-inducing chore that only Americans have the 'right' to endure from overseas. I make chump change and I still have to spend two weeks a year preparing my return. America is great, but not THAT great. Really. The main complaints I have here in NZ are that things are a little bit more expensive and I can't find the kind of cheese puffs I like. Of course, I complain at great length about these things, but they are NOT major hardships by any means!
So, only time will tell what happens with my US citizenship. I was happy to get out at a time when the political scene didn't reflect my own, and I think the politics still are nowhere near I'd like them to be. Living in NZ has really made me realize how RIDICULOUS we Americans are sometimes, not just with politics, but how we act in regards to religion and basic human rights, and how intertwined that all is in our government, despite the supposed separation of church and state. (end rant) The major fly in the ointment to giving up citizenship would be not being able to vote and sway the scene back to where I'd like it to be. But, as many Americans feel, I do not feel that my vote is worth much in the current electoral process, but I do it anyway.
(P.S. On a side note, I'm only 2.5 years away from qualifying for NZ citizenship! If I am still here in 2. and a half years, you'd better believe I'm applying for it.
P.P.S. I won't really give up my US citizenship...I know how that could make people very angry with me and make me sound spoiled. I am just cranky because of tax season. I know I have until June to file because I am overseas, but I really want to get it over with. And to think, Iused to LOVE doing my taxes!)
Unsurprisingly to me, there are many Americans who've 'made it' and decided to give up their US citizenship so that they don't have to report their income to the American government, and be responsible for paying a large chunk of it for taxes. Many move to St. Kitt's, an island renowned for their no-income-tax policy. Imagine that...not having to worry about taxes! What a life.
We are taught that having that American passport is more valuable than gold--it is a ticket to the promised land, nearly. But would it really be that bad to only be able to visit the US for a maximum of 90 days, in exchange for tax ease?
Right now, that question is moot for me--I make less than the foreign income exclusion amount of $92,900 per year, so don't have to worry about paying lots of taxes over what I pay here in NZ--but when I become a millionaire (it WILL happen), I can seriously see myself weighing the benefits vs cost of giving up my citizenship. I do have to deal with the headache of filing taxes every year, and with each year that passes, that practice seems more ridiculous to me. It is a time consuming, headache-inducing chore that only Americans have the 'right' to endure from overseas. I make chump change and I still have to spend two weeks a year preparing my return. America is great, but not THAT great. Really. The main complaints I have here in NZ are that things are a little bit more expensive and I can't find the kind of cheese puffs I like. Of course, I complain at great length about these things, but they are NOT major hardships by any means!
So, only time will tell what happens with my US citizenship. I was happy to get out at a time when the political scene didn't reflect my own, and I think the politics still are nowhere near I'd like them to be. Living in NZ has really made me realize how RIDICULOUS we Americans are sometimes, not just with politics, but how we act in regards to religion and basic human rights, and how intertwined that all is in our government, despite the supposed separation of church and state. (end rant) The major fly in the ointment to giving up citizenship would be not being able to vote and sway the scene back to where I'd like it to be. But, as many Americans feel, I do not feel that my vote is worth much in the current electoral process, but I do it anyway.
(P.S. On a side note, I'm only 2.5 years away from qualifying for NZ citizenship! If I am still here in 2. and a half years, you'd better believe I'm applying for it.
P.P.S. I won't really give up my US citizenship...I know how that could make people very angry with me and make me sound spoiled. I am just cranky because of tax season. I know I have until June to file because I am overseas, but I really want to get it over with. And to think, Iused to LOVE doing my taxes!)
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Pretty Sure the IRS Doesn't Accept "No One Told Me" Payments
I was complaining to two youngin's last night (23 and 24 years old) about having to do my American taxes every year, even though I live in New Zealand. It is a HUGE pain in the butt, and I usually end up spending several weekend nights poring over exchange rates and making up excel sheets to explain each income category on my return. The US is the only country that requires you to report your income even when you are living in a different country, and therefore, not reaping the benefits of any paid tax. I seriously begrudge the US for this policy. Uncle Sam is a greedy bastard.
Anyway, their reaction to the complaining was pretty priceless: they both wide-eyedly said they'd NEVER done their US taxes, ever, despite one of them having a part-time job all through college, and the other having a part time job through college, plus a full time job here in NZ for the past year and a half. Then one of them said, "No one ever told me that I had to file a return."
Uh...WOW. I told them that I'm pretty sure you have to file if you make more than $600. That is still true, right? And if you get a W-2, it is pretty solid evidence that you need to file.
Ah, youth. I remember those days, when I always thought that someone else was to blame for me not knowing things. Yeah...nope, it will always come back to bite you. I hope they don't get into trouble for being ignorant!
Anyway, their reaction to the complaining was pretty priceless: they both wide-eyedly said they'd NEVER done their US taxes, ever, despite one of them having a part-time job all through college, and the other having a part time job through college, plus a full time job here in NZ for the past year and a half. Then one of them said, "No one ever told me that I had to file a return."
Uh...WOW. I told them that I'm pretty sure you have to file if you make more than $600. That is still true, right? And if you get a W-2, it is pretty solid evidence that you need to file.
Ah, youth. I remember those days, when I always thought that someone else was to blame for me not knowing things. Yeah...nope, it will always come back to bite you. I hope they don't get into trouble for being ignorant!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Cheese Miracle
I've had a horrible problem since moving to NZ: I can't eat normal pasta, the red kind, which is much healthier than the white sauces.
By that, I mean, I make pasta, add veggies, spices, and sauce, and have a relatively cheap, quick, and healthy meal (the golden trifecta!) for myself for days to come. It is a great go-to recipe that is extremely simple and makes a lot of food. But it hasn't tasted good to me since moving to NZ--and I've tried SOOO many combinations and veggie mixtures and sauces. Maybe it is because I started cooking more since moving to NZ and haven't really made that much pasta (I was a huge fan of the freezer section in the US), or maybe, as I thought, I just didn't know how to add which spices to make it better. I even dumped loads of grated parm on the mixture to help it in the right direction. But no matter what I tried, I haven't been able to make it past a few forkfuls of it before I concede defeat--after a few bites, I just can't force myself to eat anymore of it, and it (shamefully) usually went to waste in the trash.
Last night, after seeing a coworker with what looked like really yummy pasta for lunch last week, I tried with renewed vigor, this time with some turkey mince (ground turkey) that I find delicious. Again, defeat. I have 3 tupperwares full of pasta that I just can't eat more than a few bites of, even when I'm starving. Diets should market this stuff, it is so unappealing after 3 bites!
Today, however, out of desperation, I tried yet another strategy: add cheese. Not grated parm, not real parm, just slices of the edam block melted in the microwave.
And guess what?! it worked. Just plain old edam. Cheese is amazing. I'm so happy my cooking isn't so bad after all. I can add a great recipe to my recipe book now, and add a cheap, healthy meal to my rotation, and knock part of one of my 2011 to-do lists off (add three new recipes to my rotation). Yay for cheese!
By that, I mean, I make pasta, add veggies, spices, and sauce, and have a relatively cheap, quick, and healthy meal (the golden trifecta!) for myself for days to come. It is a great go-to recipe that is extremely simple and makes a lot of food. But it hasn't tasted good to me since moving to NZ--and I've tried SOOO many combinations and veggie mixtures and sauces. Maybe it is because I started cooking more since moving to NZ and haven't really made that much pasta (I was a huge fan of the freezer section in the US), or maybe, as I thought, I just didn't know how to add which spices to make it better. I even dumped loads of grated parm on the mixture to help it in the right direction. But no matter what I tried, I haven't been able to make it past a few forkfuls of it before I concede defeat--after a few bites, I just can't force myself to eat anymore of it, and it (shamefully) usually went to waste in the trash.
Last night, after seeing a coworker with what looked like really yummy pasta for lunch last week, I tried with renewed vigor, this time with some turkey mince (ground turkey) that I find delicious. Again, defeat. I have 3 tupperwares full of pasta that I just can't eat more than a few bites of, even when I'm starving. Diets should market this stuff, it is so unappealing after 3 bites!
Today, however, out of desperation, I tried yet another strategy: add cheese. Not grated parm, not real parm, just slices of the edam block melted in the microwave.
And guess what?! it worked. Just plain old edam. Cheese is amazing. I'm so happy my cooking isn't so bad after all. I can add a great recipe to my recipe book now, and add a cheap, healthy meal to my rotation, and knock part of one of my 2011 to-do lists off (add three new recipes to my rotation). Yay for cheese!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Energy and Goals
It seems like I only have enough energy to concentrate on getting one part of my life settled at a time. Right now, it is working out. I'm doing pretty well on my plan and I think I've settled into a routine. I come home from work, don my workout clothes and either go for a Couch to 5K run (I like Week 1 a lot, I'm not striving for distance, I just want a consistent, light workout & I can always run faster and then move up to Week 2 when necessary.) or go to either a dance or martial arts class. On one of the weekend days, I play tennis with coworkers fairly regularly, although last week I was playing on a new court with a new racket and SUCKED. I was much worse than when I first started, about two months ago (off and on).
My ideal plan is to do my Couch to 5K runs 3 x a week, a dance class on one of the weekdays, then another dance class on Saturdays, and tennis on Sundays (since most places don't offer dance classes on Sundays). I would also like to fit in a martial arts (or kickboxing!), yoga or pilates class or stretch class somewhere in there for the remaining day left. Actually, I need to find something that will work my upper body, since I never do that, and I'm a total weakling in the arms. Any ideas?
As far as cost, that is the good part. I found a deal on grabone for $3.50 dance classes for 10 classes, so I have 9 weeks of that left on my card. Last year, I bought another 10 class card from a different dance school, and I have 8 weeks (of one class per week) left on that. My couch to 5K runs are free, although boring because I am pretty limited as to how far or where I can go in a half an hour (half an hour there, half an hour back). I do try to go to different places each day, but I'm running out (haha) of routes. I also don't like to stray too too far from my apartment, because I am still not sure which neighborhoods are OK for a single girl to be running in and which are not (West and South Auckland, not ok, right?). I wish there were a track nearby so I could keep track (haha) of my distances.
So, I probably would only pay for one class a week, the martial arts or yoga/pilates class or upper body toning, yet to be determined.
OTHER 2011 GOAL UPDATES:
I'm also doing really well showering instead of taking a bath every day. WTF was I doing?! Showers are perfectly nice. I was so lazy.
I'm still doing horribly on putting away my computer at night. I am on a bad schedule where I just lay there til 4 or 5 am, sleepless. (Last night, in lieu of surfing the internet, I re-read my old journals. BAD IDEA. I ended up stalking people from my past on the internet. The two nights before, I read my book until 4 am or worked on various work projects. I just love staying up late, internet or not...) So even though I put my computer away at midnight on the dot, thanks to my internet filter software, I always end up pulling the computer back out a few sleepless hours later. I have GOT to get this under control!
I'm great at moisturizing, SPF-ing, eating a salad every day, and eating breakfast.
Oh, I signed up for Bonus Bonds today! Yay, lottery!
So I guess my plan is to get my workout habits established, then work on the internet and staying up late thing? That should correct my schedule for work, and then I could work on getting my social life together. Blah. Being good and doing what you are supposed to for your health and well-being is so hard. It is too bad that I started down the path of least resistance in the first place.
My ideal plan is to do my Couch to 5K runs 3 x a week, a dance class on one of the weekdays, then another dance class on Saturdays, and tennis on Sundays (since most places don't offer dance classes on Sundays). I would also like to fit in a martial arts (or kickboxing!), yoga or pilates class or stretch class somewhere in there for the remaining day left. Actually, I need to find something that will work my upper body, since I never do that, and I'm a total weakling in the arms. Any ideas?
As far as cost, that is the good part. I found a deal on grabone for $3.50 dance classes for 10 classes, so I have 9 weeks of that left on my card. Last year, I bought another 10 class card from a different dance school, and I have 8 weeks (of one class per week) left on that. My couch to 5K runs are free, although boring because I am pretty limited as to how far or where I can go in a half an hour (half an hour there, half an hour back). I do try to go to different places each day, but I'm running out (haha) of routes. I also don't like to stray too too far from my apartment, because I am still not sure which neighborhoods are OK for a single girl to be running in and which are not (West and South Auckland, not ok, right?). I wish there were a track nearby so I could keep track (haha) of my distances.
So, I probably would only pay for one class a week, the martial arts or yoga/pilates class or upper body toning, yet to be determined.
OTHER 2011 GOAL UPDATES:
I'm also doing really well showering instead of taking a bath every day. WTF was I doing?! Showers are perfectly nice. I was so lazy.
I'm still doing horribly on putting away my computer at night. I am on a bad schedule where I just lay there til 4 or 5 am, sleepless. (Last night, in lieu of surfing the internet, I re-read my old journals. BAD IDEA. I ended up stalking people from my past on the internet. The two nights before, I read my book until 4 am or worked on various work projects. I just love staying up late, internet or not...) So even though I put my computer away at midnight on the dot, thanks to my internet filter software, I always end up pulling the computer back out a few sleepless hours later. I have GOT to get this under control!
I'm great at moisturizing, SPF-ing, eating a salad every day, and eating breakfast.
Oh, I signed up for Bonus Bonds today! Yay, lottery!
So I guess my plan is to get my workout habits established, then work on the internet and staying up late thing? That should correct my schedule for work, and then I could work on getting my social life together. Blah. Being good and doing what you are supposed to for your health and well-being is so hard. It is too bad that I started down the path of least resistance in the first place.
Financial Goals In the Year 2000...
and eleven. :) Gotta love Conan! Oh man, I miss the days when Andy was the sidekick on the show.
My bosses will review me in February, and I am supposed to get a raise commensurate with inflation at that time, so I expect a slight bump in income next year (1.5%). Not to mention another bonus (if I'm lucky!). My bosses also expect to renew my contract for another two years in August 2011, so I should have another ~$42K coming my way in the next year (God willing). I need to come up with a plan for that money, and some more goals!
My bosses will review me in February, and I am supposed to get a raise commensurate with inflation at that time, so I expect a slight bump in income next year (1.5%). Not to mention another bonus (if I'm lucky!). My bosses also expect to renew my contract for another two years in August 2011, so I should have another ~$42K coming my way in the next year (God willing). I need to come up with a plan for that money, and some more goals!
In 2011, I will:
-Save ~$12,500 to various goals:
1) $3K to a 2012 US Trip Fund.
2) Increase long term savings to $415/mo from $340/mo, equaling ~$5K total ($255/mo to Roth; $80 to House DP; $80 to Europe trip)
3) $2,500 to my Wants list. It's time to upgrade the wardrobe and some electronics.
4) Fill my $5K Move back to US fund (currently stands at $3K).
-Spend less than I earn.
-Continue to put 2% of my salary towards Kiwisaver (with 2% salary match!).
-Diligently track every penny.
-Find a way to track vacation expenses better; figure out a way to report it (as part of monthly spending with a special category, maybe?).
-Buy some Bonus Bonds!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Itinerancy
I'm in the midst of travel planning for Oz and Fiji, and I probably need some advice.
Any problems with this itinerary in Feb - March?
Auckland to Melbourne, cost ~$215 NZD
3 days in Melbs (ideas for activities?)
Melbourne to Cairns, $130 NZD or so
drive from cairns to brisbane over 11 days (too short? long?), stopping in townsville and the whitsunday islands for some great barrier reef action. hanging out with some koala bears, too. car rental $225 Australian each.
brisbane to nadi, fiji, $364
7 days or less in fiji
fiji to auckland, $328.
Total for car rental and flights: ~$1350. That leaves me $2,650 for food, accommodation, gas, and activities for 3 weeks in Oz and Fiji. Do-able?
Hope things settle down in Brissy and the northland area soon...poor aussies! droughted then flooded.
Any problems with this itinerary in Feb - March?
Auckland to Melbourne, cost ~$215 NZD
3 days in Melbs (ideas for activities?)
Melbourne to Cairns, $130 NZD or so
drive from cairns to brisbane over 11 days (too short? long?), stopping in townsville and the whitsunday islands for some great barrier reef action. hanging out with some koala bears, too. car rental $225 Australian each.
brisbane to nadi, fiji, $364
7 days or less in fiji
fiji to auckland, $328.
Total for car rental and flights: ~$1350. That leaves me $2,650 for food, accommodation, gas, and activities for 3 weeks in Oz and Fiji. Do-able?
Hope things settle down in Brissy and the northland area soon...poor aussies! droughted then flooded.
Monday, January 10, 2011
2011 Non-Financial Goals
Last year my main goal was to floss every single day. It actually isn't hard, but the daily aspect of it made it a challenge. How did I do? Well, after a fun night out in a new city (uuuh, Vegas), I just plain forgot to do this. I flossed the next morning to make up for it. Other than that, another night while camping in a very cold area, I think I was too tired to get up after I realized I had forgotten, but flossed the next morning again. There is maybe one other evening that I cheated like that, but definitely no more than 3 times over the course of the entire year. I'm happy with that, esp. since I always flossed the next morning to make up for it. There were many times where I almost forgot and was very tired, but made myself do it because I didn't want to break my year-long streak. 362/365 = a very solid A, I think!
I love simple, daily activities that have a lasting impact on your health or happiness or wealth, like flossing. Small changes that do BIG things: less than 30 seconds of your life a day in exchange for YEARS of your life later. What other kinds of activities are like that? I'm looking for answers.
Along the same vein, I've been reading about the 80/20 rule. Basically, 20 percent of my habits probably contribute to 80% of my problems. I've identified the main habit that is the MOST hurtful to me:
I stay up too late surfing the internet. It is hurtful because it causes a domino-effect on my day:
1) This causes me to feel groggy at work the next day or waste most of the day sleeping.
2) This makes me feel guilty for sleeping late or being lazy at work.
3) This makes me work much later at night until I'm so ravenous I have to stop and go home.
4) Sometimes I eat crap at work because I'm so hungry around 5-6 pm.
5) Usually by the time I get home, it is too dark to go outside and run, plus I have to eat right away so that takes up another hour even if I get home when it is light outside. So now I'm fat AND tired.
6) The cycle continues.
So. It seems I need to establish some sort of daily habit like flossing which will make me put down my computer at a reasonable hour. There are other, contributing factors:
I take baths instead showers in the evenings. This habit is hurtful because it:
1) wastes money and time and water. I tend to read or zone out in the tub, extending my time in there by up to an hour or more sometimes!
2) I have a roommate, so I have to be careful when I take my baths so that it doesn't interrupt his schedule or need to use the 1 bathroom we have in our apartment. This usually means I wait until he goes to bed to take my bath, which means I take it very late. Then comes the wet hair problem!
3) I can't go to bed before my hair dries, otherwise I get a cold. (It never fails, I don't know why this is, but it happens every. single. time.)
3a) I stay up later, justifying my computer use while my hair dries.
3b) I can't go to work with wet hair, so I need to shower in the evenings (my hair takes 2-3 hours to dry--it is very very fine and for some reason holds onto moisture very well. My hairdresser said that is how it is sometimes, my hair isn't damaged or anything, in fact the exact opposite--probably because I NEVER use heat instruments like hair dryers or curling or flat irons on it, ever.)
3c) I don't own a hair dryer and refuse to subject my hair and hearing to unnecessary damage.
To be held accountable, I will do the following in 2011:
1) I will take showers instead of baths in the evenings, unless I need to soak sore muscles (eg, after a looong hike or other strenuous activity) by 9 pm. (June update: started off well, back to old habits)
2) Shut off my computer by 11 pm, midnight on weekends. (yes, this is early for me). No ifs, ands, or buts. I HAVE to get everything done by 11. No excuses. Whew. This one will be HARD. (June update: started off well, back to old habits)
3) Turn off my light by midnight, 1 am on weekends. (June update: started off well, back to old habits)
I have started some good habits in 2010, though, aside from the flossing, that I will continue to do:
4) Eat breakfast. I have started eating breakfast. It probably isn't the healthiest breakfast in the world, but it is something. (June update: 100% It is now a habit.)
5) Moisturize. I have started using night cream in the evenings, and under-eye cream occasionally. I am in my 30's after all, and am starting to see wrinkles, although everyone tells me I look like I am 18. I use an SPF-containing lotion in the AM after washing my face, and a night cream in the PM after washing my face. I also use a facial exfoliator in the shower every day.
6) Daily, hour-long exercise. I do some sort of activity for an hour a day--walking, running, whatever.
I also want to start dressing better, more age-appropriately, and looking the part of the professional I am--but first I need to identify what exactly my style is and work around that. To that end, I want to start a sort of 'Style book' for myself--where I cut out or otherwise save the looks and styles I like, whether it be for architecture, clothing, or interior design. I know when something looks 'right' on me, or when I love something, but I don't know what defines my style, or if there are themes or layers in my taste. I'd like to get to know myself better in that regard.
1) Finish my will, etc. I got this halfway done this year. (June 2011: everything is drafted. Just need a notary's signature and to transfer everything into my revokable trust when I go home this August.)2) Update my passwords list; make copy for mom and dad's fireproof safety vault. (June 2011: doing well--need to give the updates to Mom and Dad)6) Get dental checkup and cleaning. DONE7) Get eye appointment checkup and contacts? (June update: got contacts)8) Look into LASIK and whether I am eligible. price compare? (June update: started the process, need to look into prices, maybe when I go home in August)9) File US taxes in April. DONE10) Make 2 new friends (phone number and making plans after initial or several encounters.) (June update: this was done with at least 6 new people, although many of them moved away soon after. Does that count?)11) Go out on 1 date. (June update: done.)15) Make and finalize itinerary for Oz in Feb. DONE16) Make and finalize itinerary for possibly Fiji in Jan. N/A31) Finalize plans for trip home in summer 2011 (US summer). See friends in Northeast; see friends in Hawaii. (June update: done. No trip to Hawaii, but a trip to NYC is in the books.)
38) Organize music.
Any other tips?
I love simple, daily activities that have a lasting impact on your health or happiness or wealth, like flossing. Small changes that do BIG things: less than 30 seconds of your life a day in exchange for YEARS of your life later. What other kinds of activities are like that? I'm looking for answers.
Along the same vein, I've been reading about the 80/20 rule. Basically, 20 percent of my habits probably contribute to 80% of my problems. I've identified the main habit that is the MOST hurtful to me:
I stay up too late surfing the internet. It is hurtful because it causes a domino-effect on my day:
1) This causes me to feel groggy at work the next day or waste most of the day sleeping.
2) This makes me feel guilty for sleeping late or being lazy at work.
3) This makes me work much later at night until I'm so ravenous I have to stop and go home.
4) Sometimes I eat crap at work because I'm so hungry around 5-6 pm.
5) Usually by the time I get home, it is too dark to go outside and run, plus I have to eat right away so that takes up another hour even if I get home when it is light outside. So now I'm fat AND tired.
6) The cycle continues.
So. It seems I need to establish some sort of daily habit like flossing which will make me put down my computer at a reasonable hour. There are other, contributing factors:
I take baths instead showers in the evenings. This habit is hurtful because it:
1) wastes money and time and water. I tend to read or zone out in the tub, extending my time in there by up to an hour or more sometimes!
2) I have a roommate, so I have to be careful when I take my baths so that it doesn't interrupt his schedule or need to use the 1 bathroom we have in our apartment. This usually means I wait until he goes to bed to take my bath, which means I take it very late. Then comes the wet hair problem!
3) I can't go to bed before my hair dries, otherwise I get a cold. (It never fails, I don't know why this is, but it happens every. single. time.)
3a) I stay up later, justifying my computer use while my hair dries.
3b) I can't go to work with wet hair, so I need to shower in the evenings (my hair takes 2-3 hours to dry--it is very very fine and for some reason holds onto moisture very well. My hairdresser said that is how it is sometimes, my hair isn't damaged or anything, in fact the exact opposite--probably because I NEVER use heat instruments like hair dryers or curling or flat irons on it, ever.)
3c) I don't own a hair dryer and refuse to subject my hair and hearing to unnecessary damage.
To be held accountable, I will do the following in 2011:
1) I will take showers instead of baths in the evenings, unless I need to soak sore muscles (eg, after a looong hike or other strenuous activity) by 9 pm. (June update: started off well, back to old habits)
2) Shut off my computer by 11 pm, midnight on weekends. (yes, this is early for me). No ifs, ands, or buts. I HAVE to get everything done by 11. No excuses. Whew. This one will be HARD. (June update: started off well, back to old habits)
3) Turn off my light by midnight, 1 am on weekends. (June update: started off well, back to old habits)
I have started some good habits in 2010, though, aside from the flossing, that I will continue to do:
4) Eat breakfast. I have started eating breakfast. It probably isn't the healthiest breakfast in the world, but it is something. (June update: 100% It is now a habit.)
5) Moisturize. I have started using night cream in the evenings, and under-eye cream occasionally. I am in my 30's after all, and am starting to see wrinkles, although everyone tells me I look like I am 18. I use an SPF-containing lotion in the AM after washing my face, and a night cream in the PM after washing my face. I also use a facial exfoliator in the shower every day.
6) Daily, hour-long exercise. I do some sort of activity for an hour a day--walking, running, whatever.
I also want to start dressing better, more age-appropriately, and looking the part of the professional I am--but first I need to identify what exactly my style is and work around that. To that end, I want to start a sort of 'Style book' for myself--where I cut out or otherwise save the looks and styles I like, whether it be for architecture, clothing, or interior design. I know when something looks 'right' on me, or when I love something, but I don't know what defines my style, or if there are themes or layers in my taste. I'd like to get to know myself better in that regard.
Other non-financial goals...kind of a to-do list for 2011:
3) Back up computer when I go home and at Christmas.
4) Make recipe book (or Word doc, really) of meals. Include: turkey meatloaf (yum!), lemon pasta chicken (double yum!), BBQ chicken (sauce recipe), crockpot chili recipe, stir-fry with noodles recipe, etc.
5) Learn 3 new good recipes for my rotation.
12) Suggest 6 game nights, either at my place or elsewhere. March 25, May something, June 3, July 9, Aug. 13,
13) Finish visiting all Auckland volcanoes.
14) Make and finalize itinerary for Mom and sister's visit to NZ/Oz. (June update: done, just need flights to/from NZ for them, and to book Green Island trip when the time is closer--better discounts that way! Oct update: flights booked, all except Green Island trip booked)
17) Attend zumba class once a week.
18) Attend dance classes once a week (stretch/hip-hop/etc.).
19) Try a gluten-free diet for one week.
20) Check out audio tape of german from the library.
21) Finish my 1.5 L bottle of water a day.
22) Write in gratitude journal once a day.
23) Take career-enhancing class or workshop.
24) Get back to my 15 minute method.
25) Read 1 enriching/learning book a month.
26) Devote 1 hour a day to working out.
27) Cleanse face in AM and PM and apply night moisturizing cream or sunscreen as appropriate.
28) See a nutritionist. October 2011
29) Dermatologist mole mapping.
30) Hire a personal trainer.
As discussed above,
32) Floss daily.
33) Shut off computer by 11 pm.
34) Take showers instead of baths unless I need to soak muscles.
35) Eat breakfast.
36) Make a 'look book' for myself.
37) Dress up once per week.38) Organize music.
Any other tips?
Saturday, January 08, 2011
A Year In Review
It's a week into 2011 (WOW, where did the time go?!), and here's what my spending looks like for 2010:
Income (Salary, after tax): $41,187.89. I received a bonus this year, a slight raise, as well as a reduction in income taxes (but an increase in Goods and Services taxes).
Budgeted: $27,444
Actually Spent: $24,127 (not including travel)
$11,340 on rent
$3,668 on groceries
$706 on internet
$962 on electricity
$704 on eating out
$732 on charity
$514 on cell phone (replacement for an actual broken phone, skype subscription, vodafone, and v8)
$152 on medical
$5,350 on misc
I LOVE that I spent less than $25K, excluding travel. I'm not sure why, but I love that figure. It certainly isn't a low figure, but I think it is good for a reasonable lifestyle for one person. My main financial goal will be to spend less than $25K in 2011.
Miscellaneous purchases:
Alcohol: $313.96
Entertainment: $578.46. Music and movie downloads, rugby games, plays, books, lumosity
Fees: $140.76. Stupid tax, mostly--$125 for losing a friend's car key; 10 for my bankcard/credit card annual fee; 2009 NZ taxes.
Fitness: $236. zumba classes, dance classes, work out pants
Gifts: $309.56
Goods and Wants: $2,243.70. Clothing, household items, electronics, necessary or just wanted, justified items...you name it, it goes here. Probably the most 'misc.' category of them all!
Transportation: $231.35. Busfare, cab fare, ferry rides, parking.
Travel: $3,176.29. Includes everything from tolls to gas, rental car fees to camp or hostel fees.
Work: $7.38. This was for busfare to a talk I had to go to for work, and for some t-squares I needed.
What I spent on my two favorite expenses in the world: Travel and Savings for Travel Funds:
Savings in 2010: $14K
Income (Salary, after tax): $41,187.89. I received a bonus this year, a slight raise, as well as a reduction in income taxes (but an increase in Goods and Services taxes).
Budgeted: $27,444
Actually Spent: $24,127 (not including travel)
$11,340 on rent
$3,668 on groceries
$706 on internet
$962 on electricity
$704 on eating out
$732 on charity
$514 on cell phone (replacement for an actual broken phone, skype subscription, vodafone, and v8)
$152 on medical
$5,350 on misc
I LOVE that I spent less than $25K, excluding travel. I'm not sure why, but I love that figure. It certainly isn't a low figure, but I think it is good for a reasonable lifestyle for one person. My main financial goal will be to spend less than $25K in 2011.
Miscellaneous purchases:
Alcohol: $313.96
Entertainment: $578.46. Music and movie downloads, rugby games, plays, books, lumosity
Fees: $140.76. Stupid tax, mostly--$125 for losing a friend's car key; 10 for my bankcard/credit card annual fee; 2009 NZ taxes.
Fitness: $236. zumba classes, dance classes, work out pants
Gifts: $309.56
Goods and Wants: $2,243.70. Clothing, household items, electronics, necessary or just wanted, justified items...you name it, it goes here. Probably the most 'misc.' category of them all!
Transportation: $231.35. Busfare, cab fare, ferry rides, parking.
Travel: $3,176.29. Includes everything from tolls to gas, rental car fees to camp or hostel fees.
Work: $7.38. This was for busfare to a talk I had to go to for work, and for some t-squares I needed.
What I spent on my two favorite expenses in the world: Travel and Savings for Travel Funds:
Travel in 2010: $11,177
Spent $2,215 on a trip around the top 2/3 of the South Island of NZ (Saved for in 2009)
Spent ~$1,600 NZD on a trip to Vanuatu (Saved for in 2009)
Spent another $304 on 3 days on the southern portion of the south island (Dunedin, Milford Sound, Te Anau)
Spent $502 on 4 days in Northland NZ; seeing Cape Reinga
Spent $6.5K NZD on a trip to the US--east coast, west coast & a two week trip around the southwest ($3.5K of this was saved last year)
Spent $360 on gas, car rental, bike rental, and accommodation for New Year's Eve trip to Raglan and New Plymouth (not counting eating out or food or alcohol costs); technically the cost of this was split between December 31, 2010 - Jan 4, 2011).
Savings in 2010: $14K
$4,080 on long-term savings ($340/mo)
$3K on 2011 US Trip
$3K on my Move back to US fund
$4K to Australia trip
Non-Financial 2010 Goals
I want to create a page on my blog where I can keep these goals on the forefront of my blog (and mind), but I can't figure out how to do it in blogger. I know several blogger blogs have these, but I can't seem to.
Maybe that should be one of my goals: learn html? :)
Anyway, I'll just create a post here and put it on my sidebar somewhere for quick reference instead. I'd really rather have a page link at the top of my blog, but the sidebar will have to do.
1. Finish will, revocable trust, power of healthcare, and power of financial attorney docs (I signed up for a free kit with Suze Orman several months ago). Finish in 2011.
2. Ask friend to be executor, mom to be the power of attorney and health. Or get a quote for a lawyer to do it. Finish in 2011.
3. Decide where I want my ashes to be distributed/kept. Done in 2010.
4. Create a document that my family can access with all of my passwords, etc. Google docs? Done in 2010.
5. Ask about discount on TOWER and Southern Cross insurance through work. *DONE* Otherwise, go with Accuro. Done in 2010.
6. Assess and buy affordable yet full coverage medical insurance by February 27. Cancel old insurance. *DONE*
7. File US taxes—start looking into filing and how to calculate income in 2009. Include ChaCha income for 2009. *DONE*
8. Make 2 new friends. (This is counted by getting their phone number and making plans after the initial or several few encounters.) Done in 2010. Two new PhD students.
9. Go out on 1 date. (This is a stretch goal...I'm not really looking but I should keep my options open, yeah?) Sort of. It's complicated.
10. Establish a game night at my apartment (or rotating around) 1x month by December. Sort of. Had game night a number of times but nothing official.
11. Invite two coworkers to join game night. Done.
12. Enjoy Pacific Island vacation by researching free or cheap things to do; bring paper and stationary to donate to the local schools. (Feb) *DONE*
13. go to expensive experience on Pacific Island (Feb) *DONE*
14. Check into malaria concerns for Pacific Island; make doc appt (Jan) *DONE*
15. visit all 49-52 Auckland volcanoes. To finish in 2011.
16. Make plans for next Christmas and new year’s so that I am not celebrating alone again! (by August). Half done. Xmas--no plans. NYE--plans made in November.
17. Rearrange living room, with consent of roommate. Moot; apartment being sold.
18. Decorate living room and bathroom to be more homey, with consent of roommate. Moot; apartment being sold.
19. Find a way to scare birds off of our balcony. Or ants. Done.
20. Take a yoga class at a place that will accommodate my field work schedule. Done
21. Take a pilates class at a place that will accommodate my field work schedule. Done
22. Read a book on effective communication. To complete in 2011.
23. visit doctor about thyroid and any other concerns. Yes but nothing came of it. revisit in 2011.
24. Try a non-gluten diet for one week. 2011.
25. get wrist brace for carpal tunnel *DONE*
26. brush up on Spanish; check an audio tape out from library. 2011.
27. learn german; check audio tape out from library. 2011.
28. drink 62 oz of water (or milk/juice) per day. Done; reoccur in 2011.
29. start gratitude journal; write down 5 things I loved about my day. 2011.
30. finish decorating my room with favorite pictures; organize desk/wardrobe/nightstand/shelves; post pics to blog. Moot; house being sold.
31. take photography or cooking class. Nope.
32. take a painting class Nope.
33. knit another scarf or a hat or booties for friend’s kid OR crochet a blanket. Nope.
34. improve chess level by 1 OR keep playing with Lumosity. Nope.
35. Spend fifteen minutes a day on my 8 topics (ie my 15 minute method). Nope. See 2011 goals.
36. Fulfill all work goals. Done. and more.
37. Stay hopeful and positive; never ever ever EVER give up. Act the way I want to feel. trying.
38. remember that the perfect is the enemy of the good. Trying.
39. limit internet to 2 hours per night. Nope. See 2011 goals.
40. join a pay as you go dance class. Done! have 8 classes paid for left.
41. read (or re-read) 25 of top 100 best literature books. Nope.
42. review grammar and writing rules. Done; need to do it again!
43. find 3 new healthy, cheap, easy dinner recipes. Learned one recipe for BBQ chicken that is delish. Probably not healthy, though! bbq chicken, turkey meatloaf, lemon pasta, oh yeah.
44. be more conscious of the health of various food and drink items that I consume each day, and research the foods I eat and how they are processed. sort of. still trying. continue through 2011.
45. Dream about settling down: identify what I want my life to look like in a few years when I move back to the US and settle somewhere permanently. Done. I know what I want to do now.
46. eat an apple, a banana, and a salad at least 5 days a week. Find healthy snacks. Started eating hummus and whole wheat pita for snacky 3 pm time (eliminate need for the Drawer of Inappropriate Starches). Sort of. Salad every day; most days a few fruits.
47. walk >20 minutes a day. Done. am walking/running an hour a day now. continue through 2011.
48. put on sunscreen at least 6 days a week (if going outside). March update: doing well on this (I have a lotion with SPF 15 in it that I put on every morning). Done. continue through 2011.
49. take a vitamin and iron pill at least 6 days a week. April update: need to get back to this. Nope.
51. Learn basics of cooking. Slowly but surely. 2011
52. Learn 2 new recipes for crock pots. Done. didn't really like them.
53. Get dermatologist mole check. 2011.
54. hire a personal trainer for 1 session. 2011.
55. hire a nutritionist. 2011.
50. FLOSS EVERY DAY. JUNE update: So far, I'm at 100%! Done (see goal update, pending post)
Mattress Mystery
Agh. I feel like I am in Crazytown, an alternate universe, somewhere where common sense does not exist.
The roommate has been out for almost a month now, and it still isn't over. There is a missing mattress, which was in her room when she moved in. While I was traveling in August-September, she bought a new bed, moved it in her room, and did God knows what with the original mattress, which is now missing. She told my landlord that she would replace it with her boyfriend's extra mattress, and landlord said, cool, wrap it in plastic and store it in the garage or somewhere safe, that is fine (new roommate has bought a bed and is using it).
So how is any of this my problem? Well, she apparently has no way to get the mattress over to our garage, and now is asking me to go half-sies on renting a trailer to move the stupid mattress.
Um...excuse me? How in any universe, parallel or not, is this my financial or otherwise responsibility?? Yeah, it's not. She keeps asking if I know what happened to it, but of course, I don't--when I got back from my trip, I just assumed she had bought a bed frame for the existing mattress, not a whole bed. She keeps blaming it on our evicted neighbors for stealing the mattress, but they moved out last April and nothing has ever been stolen from our garage, so that doesn't hold water. Some of the people I've told about this think she sold the mattress or gave it to her friend and is lying about it. I have no idea; at this point anything is possible!
She also refuses to 'run around the city' getting plastic to wrap the mattress in.
Whatever. The landlord is holding her bond until she does all of this. Ex-roommate keeps asking me to lie and tell landlord that the replacement mattress is there, but I refuse. I am not going to tell landlord to release the bond until every little thing of hers is out of the house (her broken huge-ass TV and lamp are still around) and that mattress is safely stored in plastic in our garage. And you'd better believe I'm not going to pay to move that dumb mattress. I didn't lose it and it is not in any way my fault or responsibility it is missing, but it will be if I lie to my landlord and ex roommate doesn't do what she needs to do. I will be the one left in the lurch, paying to buy a whole new mattress when she cuts and runs after getting her bond back. At this point, her bond is the only thing still tying her to her responsibilities here, and I am not going to give it up that easily.
It just seems like there is a 'right' way to deal with this kind of stuff: own up to your responsibilities and make amends where necessary, and a 'crazy' way: blame everyone else but yourself and refuse to cooperate, and she takes the crazy way every time.
I will lose a huge group of fun acquaintances over this nonsense, but I don't care. I can't deal with this ridiculousness any longer.
The roommate has been out for almost a month now, and it still isn't over. There is a missing mattress, which was in her room when she moved in. While I was traveling in August-September, she bought a new bed, moved it in her room, and did God knows what with the original mattress, which is now missing. She told my landlord that she would replace it with her boyfriend's extra mattress, and landlord said, cool, wrap it in plastic and store it in the garage or somewhere safe, that is fine (new roommate has bought a bed and is using it).
So how is any of this my problem? Well, she apparently has no way to get the mattress over to our garage, and now is asking me to go half-sies on renting a trailer to move the stupid mattress.
Um...excuse me? How in any universe, parallel or not, is this my financial or otherwise responsibility?? Yeah, it's not. She keeps asking if I know what happened to it, but of course, I don't--when I got back from my trip, I just assumed she had bought a bed frame for the existing mattress, not a whole bed. She keeps blaming it on our evicted neighbors for stealing the mattress, but they moved out last April and nothing has ever been stolen from our garage, so that doesn't hold water. Some of the people I've told about this think she sold the mattress or gave it to her friend and is lying about it. I have no idea; at this point anything is possible!
She also refuses to 'run around the city' getting plastic to wrap the mattress in.
Whatever. The landlord is holding her bond until she does all of this. Ex-roommate keeps asking me to lie and tell landlord that the replacement mattress is there, but I refuse. I am not going to tell landlord to release the bond until every little thing of hers is out of the house (her broken huge-ass TV and lamp are still around) and that mattress is safely stored in plastic in our garage. And you'd better believe I'm not going to pay to move that dumb mattress. I didn't lose it and it is not in any way my fault or responsibility it is missing, but it will be if I lie to my landlord and ex roommate doesn't do what she needs to do. I will be the one left in the lurch, paying to buy a whole new mattress when she cuts and runs after getting her bond back. At this point, her bond is the only thing still tying her to her responsibilities here, and I am not going to give it up that easily.
It just seems like there is a 'right' way to deal with this kind of stuff: own up to your responsibilities and make amends where necessary, and a 'crazy' way: blame everyone else but yourself and refuse to cooperate, and she takes the crazy way every time.
I will lose a huge group of fun acquaintances over this nonsense, but I don't care. I can't deal with this ridiculousness any longer.
Friday, January 07, 2011
180 Degrees from Seasonal Affective Disorder
Quickly:
1) I spent roughly $600 on my NYE trip...definitely unplanned, but three people dropped out of the travel plans at the last minute so prices per person soared. Definitely fun. Definitely ridiculous. Stories later.
2) Just got paid today, which means that I can take any overage from December (including my BONUS!) and plunk it into savings. Or apply it to my credit card bill, whichever is most appropriate. I'm hoping for lots toward the former, though.
3) trips to Northland (weekend), Coromandel (weekend), australia (two weeks), fiji (one week), home later this year (one month with a stop in hawaii), and with my mom and sis (3 weeks; NZ and Oz) need to be planned, in that order, for 2011. and that doesn't even include work trips all around the country! AH-ah AH-ah. that is me both freaking out out of the pressure/money I am going to spend and getting excited about the trips, in rapid cycle succession. this is the good kind of stress, I think!
4) more family awfulness is occurring. It has the result of making me focus on living in the moment, which I don't domuch any of normally.
So I am back. But I'm not in a blogging mood, just can barely bring myself to comment on other blogs. I have about 10 posts that I have started and abandoned. Such is summer living...
1) I spent roughly $600 on my NYE trip...definitely unplanned, but three people dropped out of the travel plans at the last minute so prices per person soared. Definitely fun. Definitely ridiculous. Stories later.
2) Just got paid today, which means that I can take any overage from December (including my BONUS!) and plunk it into savings. Or apply it to my credit card bill, whichever is most appropriate. I'm hoping for lots toward the former, though.
3) trips to Northland (weekend), Coromandel (weekend), australia (two weeks), fiji (one week), home later this year (one month with a stop in hawaii), and with my mom and sis (3 weeks; NZ and Oz) need to be planned, in that order, for 2011. and that doesn't even include work trips all around the country! AH-ah AH-ah. that is me both freaking out out of the pressure/money I am going to spend and getting excited about the trips, in rapid cycle succession. this is the good kind of stress, I think!
4) more family awfulness is occurring. It has the result of making me focus on living in the moment, which I don't do
So I am back. But I'm not in a blogging mood, just can barely bring myself to comment on other blogs. I have about 10 posts that I have started and abandoned. Such is summer living...
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