Christmas This Year!
I usually look forward to the Christmas Holiday and if truth be told it’s when I accumulate most of my debt; knowing that I will have my Tax Refund to offset the damage when I get home. I go to New York, buy presents for my mom, siblings, nieces and nephews and visit with old friends…spend, spend and spend. But this year, not too sure what I’m going to do! In the past, I would have already purchased my ticket to NY, started making of wish list of presents and alert my friends with the pending arrival date. Those days are long gone…for the better…I think! Yet, I’m feeling a little depress not knowing what will happen this year. I know Brandon wants a laptop and usually any big ticket items that he wants, my family members pulls together and purchase the item but this year everyone is helping my sick sister; so, wouldn’t dare ask; it wouldn’t be fair and I know Brandon would never want me to ask them. Yet, we would all gladly give up all the gifts just to have her with us ever year.
Victory Dance!!
Small victory dance as I paid off my Lane Bryant Credit Card today! It has a 22.80% rate attached to it and it only has a balance of $411.00 but it was killing my credit score. The problem started when Lane Bryant put me on a special financial hardship program that wasn’t supposed to hurt my credit score but it did. In my case, the “Re-up” part of the program meant that for five months it looked like there were no payments coming in or they anticipate a late payment and because of this my FICO Score took a major dive. When in fact, none of my payments wherever late and after six months it would be reported correctly. So, beware of any program that has what they call a “Re-up” after six months unless you don't care what your score look like for 5 months. Now, that it is all over, it’s a huge relief and I can’t wait to view my new credit score next month. Victory Dance!
Garage sale news!
Yes…our 1st garage sale ever! We made $347.15; I was a little disappointed because the items I thought would sell, did not…I guess it’s telling of the times. The $30 remote control Hummer was sold for $15…I don’t think Brandon was too happy about that. The awesome furniture didn’t move. Maybe in November…yes, we are doing it again! It was great doing it as a community event…we had over 10 homes participating but I wonder how well it would go if there wasn’t so many. It was a long day but it was well worth it. Thanks to the Westbury Estates for organizing the event!
Fell off the Wagon.
Just when things were going so well, I fell off the wagon. It all started with a trip to the doctor’s office. I had to take Brandon to the doctor’s on Tuesday morning because he had difficulties with his leg circulation on Monday night. I get so nervous, anxious or panicky…whatever you want to call it when I have to take Brandon to the doctor that afterwards I just want to relax, watch TV and eat goodies. I’ve been depriving myself of all the “Good Stuff” that I just went overboard. We started with lunch at Applebee’s Restaurant, an hour and half later $25.88; I felt a little guilty but I didn’t stop there! I needed bread for lunch the next day; I was just stopping into Publix for a minute…half an hour later…$34.27. I know “Wants Over Needs”… but Coconut Custer Pie, Drumstick Cones, Bagel Bites, Fried Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese and yes, I did get the bread, Chicago Italian Bread and Fresh Hoagie Bread…I couldn’t stop myself…we didn’t eat it all in one day; we had some chicken, hoagie, pie and drumstick cone. TODAY’S REALITY $60.15…that’s a week’s worth of groceries.
Garage Sale!1st garage sale ever…October 3rd…I have no idea what I’m doing. I spent six hours last Saturday cleaning out our garage and to my astonishment I found several items that I forgot I had, some very precious to me. I had several handbags…WOW… four Coach bags... fabulous! I will sell one; send one to my niece in New York and keep two for myself. Some wall prints that will look great upstairs in my house; some I will sell. Several lamps, some antiques others a bit more contemporary and still in their original box. I also found pictures that could never be replaced…memories. My problem is that I don’t know how to price these items. A friend suggested I checked eBay and maybe the Pawnshops to price some items like stereo stuff, beanie babies, remote control cars and bed frames. If you have any other suggestions let me know.
September 11th
I woke up this morning with a strange sense of dread…I didn’t know where it was coming from. This overwhelming feeling of anxiety and dread usually comes over me when I’m worry about money or my family but I’m not. I felt like something bad was going to happen today but hoping nothing does. I called my best friend and shared my feeling and she reassured me; yet, it still didn’t go away. Then a co-worker told me to make sure I observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the eight year anniversary of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Then it all made sense… that horrific day eight years ago and I prayed; grateful for my friends and family that were spared that day and for the unfortunate victims.
The Magical Land of the Garage!
We spent our Labor Day weekend relocating Brandon’s bedroom from the 13x13 room with private bathroom, walk-in closet and adjoining game room to what was once commonly known as the guest bedroom; a 10x10 room is now Brandon’s new bedroom. So, we started this task using the Trading Space concept; move everything out of the room first, clean the room, measuring and visualizing where his things would go and then move them back in. When we went down to the garage to get some tools; WE DISCOVER THE MAGICAL LAND OF THE GARAGE! In the garage we discovered bits and pieces of gear, some we desperately needed, others that would improve and make this smaller bedroom comfortable. We found closet space organizers, picture frames, and a free standing lamp, and better yet, we found items that were still in boxes; a new wooden window blind, new lamp, and bookshelf without spending a dime. Wow, we had plenty of things that I had brought over the years on sale to make changes but never did or things from my old apartment that I was going to try to sell at next month Garage Sell. But I hated every minute of the move…I don’t like to have my Cheese Moved! But Brandon the best! When I had enough; he would just remind me; it’s all going to be okay…we are almost done…10 hours later…we’re DONE!
One Step Forward…Two Steps Back!I’ve made some strides in the past few weeks; I finally redirected my Optional Retirement Program (ORP) to MetLife…and from the jump start I will make $2520, plus 3.5% interest. I researched my investment options (with some help) and feel confident that I made the right decision to switch to MetLife from ING. I’m also excited about the prospect of having a boarder; the extra money will come in handy but giving up my privacy may hurt… It will require more household tasks but it will allow me to be there for Brandon afterschool activities and it would eliminate the need to find a part-time job…maybe! Things were going great…but No…that would be too easy… Murphy's law…If anything can go wrong, it will; I have a roof leak...
Child Support Mediation! YES, I REALLY DID NEED A LAWYER…I finally made it to Child Support Mediation and really did need a lawyer. I feel so disappointed in our Judicial system right now…and I guess the adage “only a fool represents himself in a court of the law” is absolutely TRUE; but what happiness when that fool doesn’t have any money! I felt intimidate and deceived by my ex-husband and there wasn’t anything I could do about! At first my ex-husband’s law firm indicated verbally to me and in writing to the State of Florida that my ex-husband income is $55,000; which at that time I knew they were low-balling his income but they would have to prove it…Right! WRONG! In fact, because our combined income was believed to over $100,000 we had to go to private medication; as yes, it cost twice as much; then on the day of mediation they show me a W2 of only $38, 000! You see, apparently, if you are self-employed you can deduct the kitchen sink and lower you taxable income; leaving my ex-husband with an income of $38,000 ...I CALL BULL_ _ _ _! I will never understand not doing the best you can do for your child but that will be his burden to bare not mine. I’m not signing anything until I actually see 2008 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return!
Birthday Blues…
I had another Birthday this past Saturday! I usually spend my birthday weekends at St. George Island or in New York but not this year…L My very good friends took me and Brandon out to lunch; that was fun…Thanks guys…I love you guys! Not sure, were I would be without you guys. After lunch I took a nap and then I started organizing my house, cleaning out closets, and getting ready for my 1st ever garage sale…REALLY! When? Not too sure; it’s too hot to sit outside in August! Maybe in October or November! Brandon has some pretty cool and very large remote control cars that will make some youngster very happy.
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