Thank you. I really need you. Your timing is fabulous.
~Arual
Dear Loan
What are you going to do when I request the final payment this weekend? This is one break up that I think I am going to be okay with in my life. I appreciate you helping me to focus on budgeting the last couple of years. But start packing you stuff. You're out of here as soon as they take out the last planned payment and reassess the interest.
~Arual
Dear compiled Stuff from the last 27 years of my existence
I am tired of packing you up. I have fond memories of some of you and some things I have no recollection of how you even entered my life. You do get to be part of a weekend weed out this long weekend and then hopefully someone else will discover you and love you in ways that I can not. Stuff I don't care about, you deserve better than me.
~Arual
Dear time on my hands filling my brain with way too many thoughts
Leave me alone
~Arual
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The new apartment...
...and now I am packing up my house. And its kind of hard because there are a lot of memories.
My monthly newsletter I write for work is fabulous. They created me a really professional template for it.
My work started a women's networking group. I went to the first event today. I was a little intimidated, but excited for the prospect of finding a mentor. I need a life mentor although I will settle for a career one.
It's really hard to be a snail. But I need to learn patience. And being a snail will teach me that all good things come to those with perseverance. No matter how slowly the pace of achievement is.
I am on the final book of the Twilight Saga. I want to put a stake through my eye.
My monthly newsletter I write for work is fabulous. They created me a really professional template for it.
My work started a women's networking group. I went to the first event today. I was a little intimidated, but excited for the prospect of finding a mentor. I need a life mentor although I will settle for a career one.
It's really hard to be a snail. But I need to learn patience. And being a snail will teach me that all good things come to those with perseverance. No matter how slowly the pace of achievement is.
I am on the final book of the Twilight Saga. I want to put a stake through my eye.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Payment Request...
...accepted. Loan is 96% Paid Off!
I only owe $211.36. Regularly scheduled payment of $100 taken off this Friday. Plus my extra $50. I am pretty sure I can come up with an extra $61.36 (my down payment account maybe or my EF...) and have the loan paid in full by August 1 2009.
EXCITING!
I only owe $211.36. Regularly scheduled payment of $100 taken off this Friday. Plus my extra $50. I am pretty sure I can come up with an extra $61.36 (my down payment account maybe or my EF...) and have the loan paid in full by August 1 2009.
EXCITING!
Monday MakeOvers
My weekend was spent at the Folk Festival. Relaxing in the sun, connecting with people from work, developing new ideas about redesigning my life. This thing with A has me looking at my role in the cycle we play and trying to change my reactions and actions. Maybe it won't mean that A and I work out, but it may mean that I will be more mature for any future relationship that may come along.
Usually when I am upset or stressed about something the first thing I do is drink my face off (not good for mindset, wallet or health). I never feel better, but for some reason I have convinced myself it will make me feel better. Not this time. I have made a conscience choice that I only want to drink to celebrate. And even then I don't need to binge anymore. This weekend I did share a pitcher or two of sangria with my friends, but didn't get messed up and didn't do it to feel better. I was celebrating the awesome sunshine, the awesome music, the awesome people. It may seem like a little thing, but it was a big first step for me on making over my life.
I had such a good, positive weekend. I rode my bike all three days to the festival so was able to get in some exercise too. As sad as this has been, it was a wake up call I need. I don't want to live the rest of my life playing this game and therefore need to figure out what I can do or change about me.
Today I was able to request a payment of $500 to my loan. This extra payment (it is from the deposit we put on the offer for the house last month and is part of the $10000 I borrowed from my dad)means that my loan will be paid off by August 13, 2009. I will then start saving the payments towards the $2000 a year for the next 5 years (interest free)that I have to pay my daddy-o.
Usually when I am upset or stressed about something the first thing I do is drink my face off (not good for mindset, wallet or health). I never feel better, but for some reason I have convinced myself it will make me feel better. Not this time. I have made a conscience choice that I only want to drink to celebrate. And even then I don't need to binge anymore. This weekend I did share a pitcher or two of sangria with my friends, but didn't get messed up and didn't do it to feel better. I was celebrating the awesome sunshine, the awesome music, the awesome people. It may seem like a little thing, but it was a big first step for me on making over my life.
I had such a good, positive weekend. I rode my bike all three days to the festival so was able to get in some exercise too. As sad as this has been, it was a wake up call I need. I don't want to live the rest of my life playing this game and therefore need to figure out what I can do or change about me.
Today I was able to request a payment of $500 to my loan. This extra payment (it is from the deposit we put on the offer for the house last month and is part of the $10000 I borrowed from my dad)means that my loan will be paid off by August 13, 2009. I will then start saving the payments towards the $2000 a year for the next 5 years (interest free)that I have to pay my daddy-o.
Friday, July 24, 2009
I just had...
...a Cinderella moment. My sandal slipped off my foot while I was running up the stairs. It reminded me about my plan to put together a class action lawsuit against Disney for teaching me about happy ever after and how this was attainable for anyone who just sat long enough and wished for it.
I think that Cinderella may have been better had Cindy made her own dress with scraps and whatnot and the Prince fell in love with her for her. Not because she was transformed....
And...did the Prince save Rapunzel? Or did she save herself being as she was the one who had him climb her hair?
I think that Cinderella may have been better had Cindy made her own dress with scraps and whatnot and the Prince fell in love with her for her. Not because she was transformed....
And...did the Prince save Rapunzel? Or did she save herself being as she was the one who had him climb her hair?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Mountains
In May 2008, A and I climbed Sulphur Mountain in Banff. Which really means we followed the walking trail to the summit (no rock climbing for this girl).
Last night I realized that our relationship and life in general was a lot like climbing that mountain.
There were signs at the beginning of the trail that said avalanche warning and recommended we didn't use the path. We took the risk and started our hike. As we progressed higher and higher, the path was covered more and more with snow. Many times A wanted to turn back,but I persisted, encouraging him with enticements of the view from the top after we made it. About three-quarters of the way up, the path was completely snow covered. With deep snow. We would walk along and every so often step in a soft part and be up to our hips in snow. It would take just as long to turn back as it would to complete our hike so we kept going.
There were many breaks along the way. And we would stop and enjoy the amazing view of the Rockies. We were soaked in snow, and tired from hiking. When we reached the top we looked back at what we had accomplished. We were sitting on top of the world, and we earned the beer we drank while sitting there. We looked from every angle at the journey and the distance we had traveled with pride. Holding his hand up there made me realize how we had completed that together.
A has convinced himself that he doesn't want to stay (after convincing himself that he couldn't possibly leave last year). It's a roller coaster ride. A part of me wants to get off, sit on the love swans for a while and just float around the amusement park called life. He moved all of his stuff out Sunday morning.
I honestly feel like he had one little bit of insecurity about the future (and don't we all battle that --sometimes daily, sometimes in a blue moon), and decided he had to get out.
Maybe it's for the best. Maybe I will look back in a week, a month, a year and think "yes, it was for the best because we never tried to make it work after the honeymoon phase." My gut says that A is my soul mate. That we have gone through so much trial and tribulation because it is supposed to be something. Crazy? Probably.
Last night I thought about the time we climbed the mountain together. How hard it was at times. How much he wanted to quit. How I kept pushing and how elated we were at the top. And I think that maybe life is about climbing mountains. You can turn around when the it gets tougher and never experience the feelings of success. Or you can keep pushing, keep thinking about how great it is going to be after all of the hard work.
I tried to explain this to A, but I think the meaning was lost in between tears of heartache. I know that the more I cry to him, the more he will squirm to get away. I have given myself the challenge of not contacting him for at least one week. Maybe by next Thursday I won't feel the need to patch this up. Or maybe I will and he will have had time to really think about what I mean. Maybe his answer won't change. maybe it will. maybe he is one difficult passage on my mountain that I need to get past to get to the top on my own. or maybe we are supposed to do this together.
In other news, I am looking at an apartment tonight. Its walking distance from work and less rent. Heat and water included. I hope it pans out.
Last night I realized that our relationship and life in general was a lot like climbing that mountain.
There were signs at the beginning of the trail that said avalanche warning and recommended we didn't use the path. We took the risk and started our hike. As we progressed higher and higher, the path was covered more and more with snow. Many times A wanted to turn back,but I persisted, encouraging him with enticements of the view from the top after we made it. About three-quarters of the way up, the path was completely snow covered. With deep snow. We would walk along and every so often step in a soft part and be up to our hips in snow. It would take just as long to turn back as it would to complete our hike so we kept going.
There were many breaks along the way. And we would stop and enjoy the amazing view of the Rockies. We were soaked in snow, and tired from hiking. When we reached the top we looked back at what we had accomplished. We were sitting on top of the world, and we earned the beer we drank while sitting there. We looked from every angle at the journey and the distance we had traveled with pride. Holding his hand up there made me realize how we had completed that together.
A has convinced himself that he doesn't want to stay (after convincing himself that he couldn't possibly leave last year). It's a roller coaster ride. A part of me wants to get off, sit on the love swans for a while and just float around the amusement park called life. He moved all of his stuff out Sunday morning.
I honestly feel like he had one little bit of insecurity about the future (and don't we all battle that --sometimes daily, sometimes in a blue moon), and decided he had to get out.
Maybe it's for the best. Maybe I will look back in a week, a month, a year and think "yes, it was for the best because we never tried to make it work after the honeymoon phase." My gut says that A is my soul mate. That we have gone through so much trial and tribulation because it is supposed to be something. Crazy? Probably.
Last night I thought about the time we climbed the mountain together. How hard it was at times. How much he wanted to quit. How I kept pushing and how elated we were at the top. And I think that maybe life is about climbing mountains. You can turn around when the it gets tougher and never experience the feelings of success. Or you can keep pushing, keep thinking about how great it is going to be after all of the hard work.
I tried to explain this to A, but I think the meaning was lost in between tears of heartache. I know that the more I cry to him, the more he will squirm to get away. I have given myself the challenge of not contacting him for at least one week. Maybe by next Thursday I won't feel the need to patch this up. Or maybe I will and he will have had time to really think about what I mean. Maybe his answer won't change. maybe it will. maybe he is one difficult passage on my mountain that I need to get past to get to the top on my own. or maybe we are supposed to do this together.
In other news, I am looking at an apartment tonight. Its walking distance from work and less rent. Heat and water included. I hope it pans out.
Monday, July 20, 2009
When in Rome....
Hi my name is Arual . I currently have 50 cents in my wallet and a two-pence piece. When I started managing my finances I was worth --I don't really know, and now have a net worth of --still not sure. I currently work in marketing and have been doing it for 2 years. I make roughly $45000 per year. I want to have a comfortable amount waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy randomness, house-wifey things, and rye. I think the world would be a better place if mosquitoes didn’t exist. I had pizza pops for dinner last night and it was not as good as I remember them being as a kid. I have had 3 major significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different depends on who you talk to -- it is possible I am actually just like everyone else and I am okay with that. Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to figure out my net worth...and maybe work.
If you want to try this too, here you go:
Hi my name is (blank) . I currently have (blank) dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth (blank), and now have a net worth of (blank). I currently work (blank) and have been doing it for (blank) years. I make roughly (blank) per year. I want to have (blank) waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy (blank). I think the world would be a better place if (blank) didn’t exist. I had (blank) for dinner last night and it was (blank). I have had (blank) significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is (blank). Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to (blank).
If you want to try this too, here you go:
Hi my name is (blank) . I currently have (blank) dollars in my wallet. When I started managing my finances I was worth (blank), and now have a net worth of (blank). I currently work (blank) and have been doing it for (blank) years. I make roughly (blank) per year. I want to have (blank) waiting for me when it comes time to retire. Aside from learning about finances, I really enjoy (blank). I think the world would be a better place if (blank) didn’t exist. I had (blank) for dinner last night and it was (blank). I have had (blank) significant others over the course of my lifetime (counting awkward middle school relationships). One thing that makes me different is (blank). Now that I’m done with this mad lib, I think I’m going to (blank).
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Dear Life
I hate your curveballs. I hate your rollercoaster ride.
I want off this ride.
~Arual
Dear A
You Suck. I was stupid. I should never have believed your bullshit.
~Arual
I want off this ride.
~Arual
Dear A
You Suck. I was stupid. I should never have believed your bullshit.
~Arual
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Borrowed Money
I borrowed $10,000 from my dad. He gave me 5 years to pay it back. It's in my down payment fund and I now feel more on my way to owning my own home.
After I pay off my loan (which I hope will be next month), I am going to start using that money every month to pay my dad back and towards my VISA ($300 a month).
I used some of that money (that I borrowed) towards Molly's medical expenses last week. She is responding well to the medicine and seems to be a happy puppy. Two of her medications I was able to get generic brands for which saved some money. The other one is only available through the vet and is hella-expensive! But to see her prancing around like she is a puppy again is worth it.
In other news, I have to work a shift at the Calgary Folk fest handing out swag and in turn received two weekend passes! Woot, Woot! 3 Hours of work for a free weekend of music is worth it.
Tonight I am going dress shopping for the Halloween wedding that I am a bridesmaid in in October. I need to find something long, flowy and black, and looks like something a bride of Dracula would wear.
After I pay off my loan (which I hope will be next month), I am going to start using that money every month to pay my dad back and towards my VISA ($300 a month).
I used some of that money (that I borrowed) towards Molly's medical expenses last week. She is responding well to the medicine and seems to be a happy puppy. Two of her medications I was able to get generic brands for which saved some money. The other one is only available through the vet and is hella-expensive! But to see her prancing around like she is a puppy again is worth it.
In other news, I have to work a shift at the Calgary Folk fest handing out swag and in turn received two weekend passes! Woot, Woot! 3 Hours of work for a free weekend of music is worth it.
Tonight I am going dress shopping for the Halloween wedding that I am a bridesmaid in in October. I need to find something long, flowy and black, and looks like something a bride of Dracula would wear.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
My name is Arual
And I have a spending problem.
I need to be focusing my finances on Molly. Working her meds and appointments into my "budget".
I am in a wedding in October. I need to pay for my dress and shoes, my travel and boarding expenses, a stagette/shower and a gift for the bride and groom.
It's only 164 more days till Christmas. I would like to actually gift people this year.
I want so badly to pay my loan off.
And I need a home for September 1.
I need to be focusing my finances on Molly. Working her meds and appointments into my "budget".
I am in a wedding in October. I need to pay for my dress and shoes, my travel and boarding expenses, a stagette/shower and a gift for the bride and groom.
It's only 164 more days till Christmas. I would like to actually gift people this year.
I want so badly to pay my loan off.
And I need a home for September 1.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Yesterday sucked
Molly (my dog) had to be rushed to the pet emergency room as she was having difficulty breathing. She has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and is on a three medications now. I was so scared/worried/nervous while I waited in the family room for her tests to be run.
Let me tell you why you get pet insurance. They wanted to keep Molly for a few days. It could cost up to $2000 they said. I asked them to run the tests first and then we could decide. The tests came to $661.14. Molly will now be on medication the rest of her life. Her medication will cost me approximately $16.07/day (this could change as she may not have to take one of the pills the rest of her life). I love her very much and wouldn't not take care of her because of the cost so please don't misread this.
The vet told me that she was alert and responsive, and although he recommended Molly should be admitted, he would let her go home. I have an appointment with my vet tomorrow to follow up as well as look into the prescribed food that she will need to be on now.
Sometimes I feel like I get two steps forward and 15 back when it comes to money. but like I said, I love her and will do anything to make sure she is comfortable. She is ten years old and I would like to see her last years alive as happy as her first years were.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Dear "Doorkid" at Stampede Beer Gardens
Why would you search me for alcohol? If I had my own bottle, do you really think I would hang out in a place where they sell over priced warm BUD? I know you think this ten days is really making your resume look cool and maybe you will get your dream job of mall security, but please remember that Stampede is not about being a condescending jerk. I can understand searching for weapons, but the liquor thing threw me for a loop.
~Arual
Dear Dream Home Winner selector,
Please draw my name. I would love a house and will take really good care of it.
~Arual
Dear Flap Jacks,
I love you. I wish you were free every morning, year-round.
~Arual
Dear Thursday,
I think you are alright, but I really wish you were Friday. Or even better, Saturday.
~Arual
~Arual
Dear Dream Home Winner selector,
Please draw my name. I would love a house and will take really good care of it.
~Arual
Dear Flap Jacks,
I love you. I wish you were free every morning, year-round.
~Arual
Dear Thursday,
I think you are alright, but I really wish you were Friday. Or even better, Saturday.
~Arual
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Dream Job???
5 no spend days
I have completed 1/3 of my goal for this month. I didn't spend on July 1, 4,5,6 and 7.
The secret to not spending? Not leaving my house! And if I am at work, I have to go straight home in order to bypass money slipping from my hand.
I work down at the Stampede grounds this evening. Its going to be very hard not to be enticed by mini-donuts, deep fried everything, cotton candy or anything down the food avenue. I don't think I am going to be able to achieve my goal of only eating out once/not spending any money on fast food. But is it worth it as the Stampede is only once a year?? I work until 7...maybe I can avoid it....
The secret to not spending? Not leaving my house! And if I am at work, I have to go straight home in order to bypass money slipping from my hand.
I work down at the Stampede grounds this evening. Its going to be very hard not to be enticed by mini-donuts, deep fried everything, cotton candy or anything down the food avenue. I don't think I am going to be able to achieve my goal of only eating out once/not spending any money on fast food. But is it worth it as the Stampede is only once a year?? I work until 7...maybe I can avoid it....
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
My plans fell through...
...we were looking at buying, but someone didn't take care of his credit and we couldn't get financing. I am disappointed and a little bit angry. I don't make enough to buy a house on my own (even if he was helping to pay mortgage payments). NOW because we gave notice to my place already, I need to find an apartment/basement suite/duplex for September 1 2009. Nothing like moving when there will be a slew of students looking for places too. One that will allow my dog.
I am thinking about my options.
1) Look at what I can be approved for on my own and consider buying my own condo. This can then lead to an investment in my future that i can either rent out later on for income or sell.
2)Find a place to rent that is obviously cheaper then what I am paying right now. And save, save, save the difference...while paying down my credit card bill even more.
3)Sell everything I own and go on the road with my dog and my cat living adventures as we migrate from town to town (this is never going to happen but I like things to be in thirds)
I really am leaning towards choice one. But I know this is not something that is going to happen in 6 weeks. If I go with choice two, I will be in a lease for 12 months somewhere which means I have time to save. A may be able to create better credit in that time too.
And also, now that I won't be moving in with my dad I will have to pay rent for somewhere in September. This puts a damper on my loan repayment plan...maybe.
Right now I am requesting a $100 extra payment. Then I pay a scheduled $100 on July 17th and a scheduled payment of $100 on July 31. July 31, I will also request an extra $150 payment (The $50 saved from July 2, 16th and 31st's pay cheques for this purpose). This means by July 31st I will have paid $450. I owe about $1100 right now, so August 1st, the amount will be down to $650.00. 2 schedule payments of $100 each will bring the amount owing to $450. I save $50 extra from each payment to put towards the loan so that's $100 more paid (amount owing would now be $350). I think if really scrimp, I can come up with $350 extra dollars from now till August 31 and my loan will still be paid off. It means an extra $87.50 a pay cheque. Or I can "borrow" this money from my down payment account.
Either way, I believe it will be beneficial for me to have this loan out of my life. And I will figure out a way to have this happen this summer.
I am thinking about my options.
1) Look at what I can be approved for on my own and consider buying my own condo. This can then lead to an investment in my future that i can either rent out later on for income or sell.
2)Find a place to rent that is obviously cheaper then what I am paying right now. And save, save, save the difference...while paying down my credit card bill even more.
3)Sell everything I own and go on the road with my dog and my cat living adventures as we migrate from town to town (this is never going to happen but I like things to be in thirds)
I really am leaning towards choice one. But I know this is not something that is going to happen in 6 weeks. If I go with choice two, I will be in a lease for 12 months somewhere which means I have time to save. A may be able to create better credit in that time too.
And also, now that I won't be moving in with my dad I will have to pay rent for somewhere in September. This puts a damper on my loan repayment plan...maybe.
Right now I am requesting a $100 extra payment. Then I pay a scheduled $100 on July 17th and a scheduled payment of $100 on July 31. July 31, I will also request an extra $150 payment (The $50 saved from July 2, 16th and 31st's pay cheques for this purpose). This means by July 31st I will have paid $450. I owe about $1100 right now, so August 1st, the amount will be down to $650.00. 2 schedule payments of $100 each will bring the amount owing to $450. I save $50 extra from each payment to put towards the loan so that's $100 more paid (amount owing would now be $350). I think if really scrimp, I can come up with $350 extra dollars from now till August 31 and my loan will still be paid off. It means an extra $87.50 a pay cheque. Or I can "borrow" this money from my down payment account.
Either way, I believe it will be beneficial for me to have this loan out of my life. And I will figure out a way to have this happen this summer.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Hey Any Calgarians...
If you are reading this and want to know where you can eat free breakfast for the next ten days go to www.flapjackfinder.com
Also, I put on my red shoes today to spice things up on a gloomy Monday. They are not being very nice to my feet, but look awesome! Good thing I sit down most of the day :) I am making myself wear all of these shoes I have bought because I fell in love this week.
Maybe I will post pictures later.....maybe.
Also, I put on my red shoes today to spice things up on a gloomy Monday. They are not being very nice to my feet, but look awesome! Good thing I sit down most of the day :) I am making myself wear all of these shoes I have bought because I fell in love this week.
Maybe I will post pictures later.....maybe.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
No-Spending Saturday And Sunday!
I didn't spend a penny this weekend.
This is three days in July of no spending. 1/5 of my goal accomplished.
This is three days in July of no spending. 1/5 of my goal accomplished.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Weekend Weedout
I am moving at the end of August. And I don't want to move a whole bunch of "stuff" that I really have no need for. So every weekend, I will spend Saturday morning weeding through my garden of junk.
Today I am getting rid of:
~Cat toy bought for Oryx as a kitten that he hasn't played with in an eon...except right now. He thinks its awesome. Isn't that always the way?
~Kettle from Sunbeam. My dad bought me a new kettle in February when this one stopped working. There is no reason to keep this one around
~The healing garden zzz theraphy "good night kiss body mist". Was a gift and I have never used it
~Massage oil. Again a gift that I have never used
~Votive Holder
~Tealight oil infuser thing...not sure what this is called. BUT I don't use it
~Pisces decorative seashell gifted to me from someone who found it at a garage sale.
~The secret Fairy Handbook....my mom gave this to me to cheer me up. But I think a little girl will appreciate it more.
~Sephora make up bag that Sephora was giving away at the Chinook centre Stampede breakfast 3 years ago (you didn't think I would let a post go by without some sort of reference to Stampede did you?)
~Cheap make up bag from dollar store
~Smelly "Melon" Soap that some one thought I would like. I don't. It's never been out of the box
~Decorative paperweight led lit thing that was a gift with purchase
~Broken ceramic fish for when I thought I wanted a fish themed bathroom
~Some container that stationary came in. I used to pen pal when I was a kid. Thinking about starting that again....
Pretty good start to a weekend weed out! :) Everything broken will be going in the garbage. Everything else I will be dropping off at the Salvation Army bin in 10 minutes. Out of site, out of mind, out of my life.
Today I am getting rid of:
~Cat toy bought for Oryx as a kitten that he hasn't played with in an eon...except right now. He thinks its awesome. Isn't that always the way?
~Kettle from Sunbeam. My dad bought me a new kettle in February when this one stopped working. There is no reason to keep this one around
~The healing garden zzz theraphy "good night kiss body mist". Was a gift and I have never used it
~Massage oil. Again a gift that I have never used
~Votive Holder
~Tealight oil infuser thing...not sure what this is called. BUT I don't use it
~Pisces decorative seashell gifted to me from someone who found it at a garage sale.
~The secret Fairy Handbook....my mom gave this to me to cheer me up. But I think a little girl will appreciate it more.
~Sephora make up bag that Sephora was giving away at the Chinook centre Stampede breakfast 3 years ago (you didn't think I would let a post go by without some sort of reference to Stampede did you?)
~Cheap make up bag from dollar store
~Smelly "Melon" Soap that some one thought I would like. I don't. It's never been out of the box
~Decorative paperweight led lit thing that was a gift with purchase
~Broken ceramic fish for when I thought I wanted a fish themed bathroom
~Some container that stationary came in. I used to pen pal when I was a kid. Thinking about starting that again....
Pretty good start to a weekend weed out! :) Everything broken will be going in the garbage. Everything else I will be dropping off at the Salvation Army bin in 10 minutes. Out of site, out of mind, out of my life.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Petting Zoos
Today was my corporate employment's family Stampede breakfast (anyone from the C-spot will understand the ten days of flap jacks that occur every year in July -- IT'S AWESOME!!). Anyway, with my pancakes, I was also given western scrambled eggs, sausages and hash browns! And as it was a family event, there were bucket truck rides, caricatures drawn, and a petting zoo. This was all free (to keep with the PF part of my blog)!!!!!
I am the biggest child when it comes to petting zoos. Seriously. I was the oldest person in there by at least 20 years. There is just something about lambs and kids (baby goats) and bunnies and chicks. Every time I see a petting zoo I need to go. EXCEPT I always leave feeling sad. Like the animals are scared because 5-year-olds are pushing straw into their faces. And instead of stroking the animals, they have this rough petting (wait -- an epiphany...are teenage boys and some young adult men I have known still dealing with petting zoo syndrome???).
I keep hoping that I will stumble upon this magical petting zoo where the animals appear to be enjoying all of the attention the way my cat does. And I think deep down I know that this magical petting zoo doesn't exist unless I start my own farm...could I be a farmer?? Thoughts to ponder over the weekend I suppose.
ME AS A CARICATURE :)
I am the biggest child when it comes to petting zoos. Seriously. I was the oldest person in there by at least 20 years. There is just something about lambs and kids (baby goats) and bunnies and chicks. Every time I see a petting zoo I need to go. EXCEPT I always leave feeling sad. Like the animals are scared because 5-year-olds are pushing straw into their faces. And instead of stroking the animals, they have this rough petting (wait -- an epiphany...are teenage boys and some young adult men I have known still dealing with petting zoo syndrome???).
I keep hoping that I will stumble upon this magical petting zoo where the animals appear to be enjoying all of the attention the way my cat does. And I think deep down I know that this magical petting zoo doesn't exist unless I start my own farm...could I be a farmer?? Thoughts to ponder over the weekend I suppose.
ME AS A CARICATURE :)
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Dear Cubicle,
How come you are not as cool as my stoop? How come when I drink coffee sitting in you I feel like stabbing a pen in my eye, not writing the world's greatest book of letters to random things? And how come you kept all of my work contained for the week i was off? You couldn't find anyone else to take care of this nonsense?
~Arual
Dear New Sandals,
Thanks for being kind to my feet today and not insisting that you need to be gently broken in. I really appreciate it. It makes being back to work somewhat okay.
~Arual
Dear Dolly Iris,
I am starting to get really worried. You better have some awesome adventurous tale to share when you show up
~Arual
Dear Stampede,
You intrigue me with your "sneak-a-peek" promo tonight BUT I am going to hold off until I can get in free due to donating my time for entry. I missed you last year, Stampede. No, you are not as glamorous as an Eastern European trip to a country that I often have to explain the reason why I travelled to. But you are real. Maybe not as real as the people in the country I visited last year with their real problems and real struggles. But you offer this city the opportunity to party for ten days straight, no questions asked. Except I do have questions Stampede. Firstly, what is this "leave your ring at the door" thing I hear happening at bars? Stampede, are you turning my conservative province into a liberal orgy-fest?
~Arual
Dear 4:00,
What took you so long?
~Arual
~Arual
Dear New Sandals,
Thanks for being kind to my feet today and not insisting that you need to be gently broken in. I really appreciate it. It makes being back to work somewhat okay.
~Arual
Dear Dolly Iris,
I am starting to get really worried. You better have some awesome adventurous tale to share when you show up
~Arual
Dear Stampede,
You intrigue me with your "sneak-a-peek" promo tonight BUT I am going to hold off until I can get in free due to donating my time for entry. I missed you last year, Stampede. No, you are not as glamorous as an Eastern European trip to a country that I often have to explain the reason why I travelled to. But you are real. Maybe not as real as the people in the country I visited last year with their real problems and real struggles. But you offer this city the opportunity to party for ten days straight, no questions asked. Except I do have questions Stampede. Firstly, what is this "leave your ring at the door" thing I hear happening at bars? Stampede, are you turning my conservative province into a liberal orgy-fest?
~Arual
Dear 4:00,
What took you so long?
~Arual
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
You know when you find..
...the blog of someone you know who seemed to kind of dislike you, but you read the person's thoughts and realize you have more in common in life then you realize...BUT you still can't say anything because you kind of feel like you broke into the person's diary? That just happened for me. I have experienced a paradigm shift I think...
Canada Day
What makes me happy:
1) The start of a new month. Fresh possibilities. A chance to redeem myself of last month's mistakes. A clean slate. (BTW...has anyone ever used a slate? or just a saying we use that has no real relevance to any point in our lives? Should we change it to opening a new window?)
2)Finishing projects even if they are a day late. Hoping that the tutor will still mark even if some marks are docked.
3)Fireworks. Except in the city, fireworks are kind of lame. Best Canada Day was spent in Brockville Ontario and we watched the fireworks launched on the St. Lawrence river. The reflections were beautiful.
Today is a new month. New goals to be made.
1)Learn ways to change my habit of procrastination. Still looking for tips if you have some.
2)15 no spend days
3)1 hour of homework every night (reading, writing, getting 'er done.)2 essays written for CanLit. Schedule final exam for that course (July 29th?)
4) Eating out of this house only once on July 30th for book club meeting. (No cafeteria at lunch or vending machines or stopping for coffee) JUST TO CLARIFY: No spending money on food outside of the house. Pancake breakfasts and BBQs are fine as long as they are free :)))
The eating out goal may be difficult. Stampede starts on Friday and I am working twice down on the grounds. Mini Donuts, cowboy popcorn, corndogs, and deep fried coca cola are calling my name! BUT I will be strong!!!!
HAPPY CANADA DAY EVERYONE!!
1) The start of a new month. Fresh possibilities. A chance to redeem myself of last month's mistakes. A clean slate. (BTW...has anyone ever used a slate? or just a saying we use that has no real relevance to any point in our lives? Should we change it to opening a new window?)
2)Finishing projects even if they are a day late. Hoping that the tutor will still mark even if some marks are docked.
3)Fireworks. Except in the city, fireworks are kind of lame. Best Canada Day was spent in Brockville Ontario and we watched the fireworks launched on the St. Lawrence river. The reflections were beautiful.
Today is a new month. New goals to be made.
1)Learn ways to change my habit of procrastination. Still looking for tips if you have some.
2)15 no spend days
3)1 hour of homework every night (reading, writing, getting 'er done.)2 essays written for CanLit. Schedule final exam for that course (July 29th?)
4) Eating out of this house only once on July 30th for book club meeting. (No cafeteria at lunch or vending machines or stopping for coffee) JUST TO CLARIFY: No spending money on food outside of the house. Pancake breakfasts and BBQs are fine as long as they are free :)))
The eating out goal may be difficult. Stampede starts on Friday and I am working twice down on the grounds. Mini Donuts, cowboy popcorn, corndogs, and deep fried coca cola are calling my name! BUT I will be strong!!!!
HAPPY CANADA DAY EVERYONE!!
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