I gave up sugar (and most carbs) for lent as well as for my diet change. Since then, of course I've become a lot more aware about things that are offered when in a group or outside of my normal settings. I cant just "forget" my lunch and go grab 2 slices of pizza for $3. Most fast food is out of the picture. And then there is bday cake at work. That's been my only sweet since March started, but considering 2.5 out of 6 people at the office do not like cake (including b-day man), I couldn't say no. Then there's leftover French fries, or bagels... cookies and bags of M&Ms, jelly beans, etc. All no-nos. I don't miss them very much, but geez, carbs and sugar are everywhere!
On Wednesday, I cooked my very first spaghetti squash, and I think I'm in love. It's so easy to cook in the microwave. 12 minutes and done. Just enough time to make a nice, hearty meat sauce to go with it. Mine ended up a bit watery (not sure if that's normal), but it was still quite the treat. At only $3.25 for a 2.2lb one, it 'only' lasted 2 meals, but I could stretch it out. I had no idea how filling it is, so I was afraid to serve too little with no side of vegetables. I can see this becoming a regular part of my meals. Best of all, they can keep for a LONG time in the fridge (talking about 3-5 weeks), which is a major win for me.
Oh, the joys of challenging yourself to find stuff to eat outside of your comfort zone... did you try to give something up for lent? Or have you had spaghetti squash before?
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
I'm gonna do it! Car update
 |
| 2011 Ford Fiesta SE, in silver |
The car is a 2011 Ford Fiesta SE. It is TINY. Which I LOVE! Has good trunk space too, which will be needed in the future. It has cruise control (another thing I wanted), and it seems to be great on gas. So far, it has a history of 32mpg. 20.5k miles on it. And since I've sort of agreed to get it only if it gets to $10k, it's about 2k below the price estimates.
It's not perfect... it seems a bit jerky when accelerating (maybe I am just not used to it-- I had a similar experience with the rental car back in February, thinking they accelerate too fast compared to my 1999 car), it has a tiny blemish on the rear and they don't come with center armrest (no idea why not!), but they can be bought online for about $50. It also doesn't seem to have automatic headlights that I can tell, but I read that's something the dealer could work with through the car computer.
The car's pretty quiet. It looks very roomy, and imagine this, all 4 windows work! Ha. And the A/C works as well. It's not my first choice of car, but it is nice and it drives nice. I know the car has been decently maintained and that my brother never really went anywhere far, though he used to be a really aggressive driver before he started trained to join the Marines. I think it's safe to assume he got the car shortly after deciding to join Marines, so it's been driven responsibly.
A bit on that brother bit... let me say this again. He's not the person he was, and I have an immeasurable amount of respect for Marines as a whole, that they could transform someone like who he was into who he is now. It is a very, very 360 degree transformation, and heck, I'm actually proud of him. On my degree of dislikes, he was the worst after my mother, and that's a very high rank. A terrible person, but now, he's just a person I don't know but wouldn't mind getting to know from scratch (though I'm glad he's still a few states away).
With that under consideration, he would have to either sell the car individually and deal with the hardships that come from that, especially with his unavailability, or sell it back to the dealer, and lose a lot on it. I was in the market for a car for myself, with a budget of $10k, so it may just work out for all of us. Even if I don't like my family a lot, I am still inclined to help them in a way that is mutually beneficial.
Now the whole loan business begins. I figure it will be all done by May, perhaps. I spoke with BOA, and I may need either a Power of Attorney for them to sell me his car on his behalf, or get the loan, give him the blank check so he can pay it off, and take over from there. I am not very familiar with the process, so I will work out the details before mid month. If anyone's had experience buying a car from someone who was still payments (and maybe with them not being present), I'd appreciate the feedback!
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Free dentist appointment!
This may come to no surprise for those that have free cleanings/checkups on their insurance policy, but since this is the first year I actually have dental insurance, I was expecting to pay at least $40. Nope, it was free! (as the person who handles the benefits of the company and I know they are covered 100%, holding onto the belief I still had to pay!). It was my first experience with dental insurance, and it was a breeze. Also, I guess it helps there was nothing else to do besides a cleaning, as they gave me a clean bill of dental health.
However... my dental surgeon's office STILL has not contacted me about billing or options for my wisdom teeth removal which is in less than a month! How awful. I've called them twice, but they tell me they are backed up from the snow (the one 2 months ago), and will call me on the hypothetical tomorrow which is yet to come. Very aggravating, ugh!
I haven't figured out where to send out the extra $400 from the bonus, but I think I'll just send them off to my Ally account, where they wont be in danger of everyday expenses. I may just divvy it up between vacation funds, EF, etc.
I did have $500 leftover, but used $100 for personal expenses (go me!) as follows:
-$27 video games (woot, whole Assassin's Creed series up until III game! On sale for 75%!)
-$35 on shoes
-$38 on extra food, gas and things at parents'
I am ready for this next check tomorrow, as my account sits happily at zero. I think a lot of my budget next week will be focused on finding drinkable foods for when I can't eat anything. I've heard of Ensure (it's also a brand known back home, so I trust it), and potatoes. I am not a fan of apple sauce. Anything else I should look into in terms of food?
However... my dental surgeon's office STILL has not contacted me about billing or options for my wisdom teeth removal which is in less than a month! How awful. I've called them twice, but they tell me they are backed up from the snow (the one 2 months ago), and will call me on the hypothetical tomorrow which is yet to come. Very aggravating, ugh!
I haven't figured out where to send out the extra $400 from the bonus, but I think I'll just send them off to my Ally account, where they wont be in danger of everyday expenses. I may just divvy it up between vacation funds, EF, etc.
I did have $500 leftover, but used $100 for personal expenses (go me!) as follows:
-$27 video games (woot, whole Assassin's Creed series up until III game! On sale for 75%!)
-$35 on shoes
-$38 on extra food, gas and things at parents'
I am ready for this next check tomorrow, as my account sits happily at zero. I think a lot of my budget next week will be focused on finding drinkable foods for when I can't eat anything. I've heard of Ensure (it's also a brand known back home, so I trust it), and potatoes. I am not a fan of apple sauce. Anything else I should look into in terms of food?
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Ring the bells! Spring is coming!
Spring is finally coming... but not before dumping a bit more snow on us. I can deal with that, just look a those 50's and 60's! Woo hoo, time to break open my warm-weather clothes box! Ahem. I am also coming to the crossroads of my PT job... I really want to quit. And more so than before, for several reasons. While there on Saturday, I was considering the dynamics of quitting entirely...
I make about $100-$220 on average per check (every 2 weeks). I spend an additional $60 on gas, and probably an additional $30 on average on food while at my parents'. Giving up my weekends for less than $100 is really not that entertaining anymore, and since our old manager left, that place is falling to shambles. It's hard to work there when you're one of a very few that actually do work, while others (including supervisors!) sit on their forsaken phones playing Farmville. But I digress.
Income would go down, sure.. but by a little. I've never counted PT job's income into any calculations, so missing it wont ruin any existing plans. Being debt free by mid May "frees up" about $810 in snowball/debt payments. That money is already promised elsewhere (aka, building savings for move), but it makes a difference that I don't owe anyone other than myself.
After I cooled off my head on Sunday, the urge to quit dissipated. I have a fierce loyalty to this place... perhaps had, since it's no longer fun without our old manager keeping things straight and standing up for us instead of throwing us under the bus, new workers who do not care and do not want to work, and zero management support from the higher ups. Even the new supervisors... I feel bad for them. They're thrown into this chaos and very few last more than a few weeks, and those that do take too much of a liberal approach to things.
Perhaps it is time for me to move on. The worst part? I've known for 3 years that I could've been making almost twice as much elsewhere, for about the same amount of work, if not less, and a lot closer. Some times, I become loyal to a fault to things, causes and people, and breaking that off is nearly impossible until the other party has all but given hope on me. And I'm starting to realize that this place isn't what it was and I should, you know, let it go. I say every year, half jokingly, that I'd quit working there. My FT co-workers even laugh at it, because I've been saying I would for 5 years! But Alas, it is a difficult decision I shall mull over a bit more...
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Low carb diet and budgets
I am back on a "diet", though it's more of a change in general. The reason I picked a low carb diet was that it has been the only thing in 11 years to actually affect my weight positively, and it isn't as restrictive as the options. I also find it quite fun and challenging... have you ever looked at what low/no-carb options are out there outside of meat and vegetables?! It makes me laugh. Which is good! Additionally, it has forced me big time to work hard on my meals and cook better. So far it's all talk, but I've avoided carbs entirely since last week. I even had to ignore carrot cake at my PT job. CARROT CAKE! (my favorite--sob)
I am (re)starting to acknowledge that I've been eating little. Too little. One good thing about a lot of protein is that it kicks your metabolism back to life quick, so I am rightfully hungry after not eating enough. I have two options: continue to cook once a week, but cook twice as much and start building up freezable leftovers (I currently cook once/wk, enough for 4~5 days), or cook twice a week. Fast food or frozen foods are really out of the game and budget.
On the topic of budgets, I can't say if it's more expensive overall or not, for what I was buying. Sure, rice, beans, pasta, bread are cheap, but when all I am really adding is vegetables (frozen) and meats (on sale), I can't tell the difference. I think that any conscious effort to shop smarter with limited funds will result on a better bang for your buck vs unplanned. I've spent $35 from last week's pay and $38 from the current pay. I do have to shop more often than not, for eggs and breakfast items, and I think that's a win.
I am (re)starting to acknowledge that I've been eating little. Too little. One good thing about a lot of protein is that it kicks your metabolism back to life quick, so I am rightfully hungry after not eating enough. I have two options: continue to cook once a week, but cook twice as much and start building up freezable leftovers (I currently cook once/wk, enough for 4~5 days), or cook twice a week. Fast food or frozen foods are really out of the game and budget.
On the topic of budgets, I can't say if it's more expensive overall or not, for what I was buying. Sure, rice, beans, pasta, bread are cheap, but when all I am really adding is vegetables (frozen) and meats (on sale), I can't tell the difference. I think that any conscious effort to shop smarter with limited funds will result on a better bang for your buck vs unplanned. I've spent $35 from last week's pay and $38 from the current pay. I do have to shop more often than not, for eggs and breakfast items, and I think that's a win.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Indeed, it's a good day!
It's a good day for no special reason. Just because. I just cant turn down a good time to celebrate all the good stuff that happens ordinarily, and I'm joining Udy, Lena and everyone else who is on this.
So here's my shortlist of great things:
- We had sunshine for a whole 10 minutes today! Yesterday we got no sunshine until about 3:30, and the snow was 90% melted by 5:30. It was awesome. The birds are truly fighting the cold and chirping away
- It's Wednesday. Half the week done!
- We get cake at work today for a co-worker's birthday. (Actually, this sucks because of high carbs on the cake!)
- I bought some new work shoes (see, Judy? I listen!), this time from safeTstep at 40% off ($19 total), and also some different casual shoes I hope to add to my weekday wear ($16). With any luck, the work shoes will be comfortable and fitting, and I can pick them up on Saturday before PT job
- I worked two days on my PT job, and I'm working 1 day this coming week. Sucks to have no weekends off, but I'm starting to really appreciate the extra money
- Still speaking of PT job, I have been joking about how I want to get fired from PT job because I don't want to quit (been there for almost 10 years!), but haven't given them a reason to fire me or lowered my performance standards. Well, one of my managers half jokingly asked me if I wanted to be a manager. He was also half serious. I would accept, but I don't think it would work with my current FT job. If it could, I would do it. Management experience is nothing to scoff at! And that they'd consider me for it is really cool.
- I've been really good about my diet and eating breakfast. I'm actually hungry by the time my meals come, which is a huge step in the right direction. Normally, I wouldn't be hungry at all and eat just because I should.
- Money owed < money saved. It still feels just awesome to have a positive net worth
- EF is restored! There's peace on my budget once again
- I went grocery shopping yesterday and found spaghetti squash. I cant tell you how excited I am for it. I wont cook it this week, but it'll be hard to put it off past next week. Oh, the possibilities!
- I did manage to cook breakfast, lunch and dinners for the remainder of the week. Took me about 2hrs, but I think it's a good record.
- My co-worker is back. Hurray! She was out Mon-Tue, and it feels. We're a small department (small corporate office overall), so it was felt.
Your turn! Hope you too get a chance to take a few minutes to step away from the chaos and misfortunes life tends to throw at us and appreciate it for the little things.
So here's my shortlist of great things:
- We had sunshine for a whole 10 minutes today! Yesterday we got no sunshine until about 3:30, and the snow was 90% melted by 5:30. It was awesome. The birds are truly fighting the cold and chirping away
- It's Wednesday. Half the week done!
- We get cake at work today for a co-worker's birthday. (Actually, this sucks because of high carbs on the cake!)
- I bought some new work shoes (see, Judy? I listen!), this time from safeTstep at 40% off ($19 total), and also some different casual shoes I hope to add to my weekday wear ($16). With any luck, the work shoes will be comfortable and fitting, and I can pick them up on Saturday before PT job
- I worked two days on my PT job, and I'm working 1 day this coming week. Sucks to have no weekends off, but I'm starting to really appreciate the extra money
- Still speaking of PT job, I have been joking about how I want to get fired from PT job because I don't want to quit (been there for almost 10 years!), but haven't given them a reason to fire me or lowered my performance standards. Well, one of my managers half jokingly asked me if I wanted to be a manager. He was also half serious. I would accept, but I don't think it would work with my current FT job. If it could, I would do it. Management experience is nothing to scoff at! And that they'd consider me for it is really cool.
- I've been really good about my diet and eating breakfast. I'm actually hungry by the time my meals come, which is a huge step in the right direction. Normally, I wouldn't be hungry at all and eat just because I should.
- Money owed < money saved. It still feels just awesome to have a positive net worth
- EF is restored! There's peace on my budget once again
- I went grocery shopping yesterday and found spaghetti squash. I cant tell you how excited I am for it. I wont cook it this week, but it'll be hard to put it off past next week. Oh, the possibilities!
- I did manage to cook breakfast, lunch and dinners for the remainder of the week. Took me about 2hrs, but I think it's a good record.
- My co-worker is back. Hurray! She was out Mon-Tue, and it feels. We're a small department (small corporate office overall), so it was felt.
Your turn! Hope you too get a chance to take a few minutes to step away from the chaos and misfortunes life tends to throw at us and appreciate it for the little things.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Debts to myself
Debt and Savings sort of mean the same thing to me in the sense that they are money or resources set aside to pay for something. The difference may be in the timeframe; debt, you're paying back a past purchase; savings, you're paying forward for a future purchase.
I'll confess, I have not been a very good saver, which may contradict with my achievements thus far. About 3 years ago, after fighting to lower my first credit card and ringing it back up every month, I decided that I just didn't have a "saver's mentality". I couldn't just have money sitting there, even if I had the best intentions. I swear that during those first months, things would just keep happening, without fail, that would sweep any saved money away. That is, until I declared any extra money a debt to myself disguised as a goal of $1k. After that, things would still happen, but if I touched that money I had "saved", I would replace it with the same force I would pay off credit card debt. In turn, I'd be a lot more inclined NOT to dip into that saved money, and would find other ways to deal with things as they come. What can I say? It worked.
My checking account was through ING Direct (now CapOne360), same as my two savings account. Sure, it was nice to have it all easily accessible from one place, but it was also not helping my cause to have transferrable money so close at hand where they could mingle if I was not careful. That's when I opened an Ally account and tossed my EF there. Now it felt like it was truly out of reach and safe from everyday shortcomings. I created my EF 'debt', to pay for emergencies that may arise in the unforeseeable future, a car fund to lower my monthly bill when I do get a car at some point, vacation, Christmas funds... it was working! Success!
Today, I am on round two of such struggles; though I have all of my "long-term debts"/savings stashed away at my Ally account, I have a $500 slush fund residing in my CO360 savings account. For months, I've tried to keep it there and build it up. I started putting in my PT job's checks in there, but things would happen every time to wipe it clean. I would love to have a base safety net within my checking account for such emergencies, but I have to admit I am not doing a good job at it.
Does anyone else have a similar outlook about savings? I know it seems like I'm just playing with semantics, but I do think that my debt monies are really jailed once committed to a goal, and I have a hard time breaking them off, even if that means using my CC with no intention of paying it in full within the current check. I could see how that could become a problem.
I'll confess, I have not been a very good saver, which may contradict with my achievements thus far. About 3 years ago, after fighting to lower my first credit card and ringing it back up every month, I decided that I just didn't have a "saver's mentality". I couldn't just have money sitting there, even if I had the best intentions. I swear that during those first months, things would just keep happening, without fail, that would sweep any saved money away. That is, until I declared any extra money a debt to myself disguised as a goal of $1k. After that, things would still happen, but if I touched that money I had "saved", I would replace it with the same force I would pay off credit card debt. In turn, I'd be a lot more inclined NOT to dip into that saved money, and would find other ways to deal with things as they come. What can I say? It worked.
My checking account was through ING Direct (now CapOne360), same as my two savings account. Sure, it was nice to have it all easily accessible from one place, but it was also not helping my cause to have transferrable money so close at hand where they could mingle if I was not careful. That's when I opened an Ally account and tossed my EF there. Now it felt like it was truly out of reach and safe from everyday shortcomings. I created my EF 'debt', to pay for emergencies that may arise in the unforeseeable future, a car fund to lower my monthly bill when I do get a car at some point, vacation, Christmas funds... it was working! Success!
Today, I am on round two of such struggles; though I have all of my "long-term debts"/savings stashed away at my Ally account, I have a $500 slush fund residing in my CO360 savings account. For months, I've tried to keep it there and build it up. I started putting in my PT job's checks in there, but things would happen every time to wipe it clean. I would love to have a base safety net within my checking account for such emergencies, but I have to admit I am not doing a good job at it.
Does anyone else have a similar outlook about savings? I know it seems like I'm just playing with semantics, but I do think that my debt monies are really jailed once committed to a goal, and I have a hard time breaking them off, even if that means using my CC with no intention of paying it in full within the current check. I could see how that could become a problem.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Late night good news!
I rarely write this late at night (or am up, for that matter), but I just got off PT job. Yup, midnight. Not a bad time for what it usually is.
However, I just couldnt wait to share! Today was so busy from start to finish, just with regular work load and moving furniture at work since we're trying to remodel the office. Anyway, my EF issue seems to have been... resolved on its own. We got a bonus at work today! It was unexpected, considering how tough of a year we've been having. We've had more incidents in the past 2 months than we used to have in a 6-8 month period! It's pretty awful and it has all of us pretty stressed. We had accepted that we would not be getting a bonus due to this.
However, the president of the company called us to let us know that despite all that, he was still giving out bonuses, albeit reduced. He also went on to tell me that because of my performance and otherwise cheery personality (even though I was on the slums all this week because of Star's passing), that they decided to give me the extra amount. It is extremely generous of them! I was very touched, especially to see any signs of light in the middle of all the sad and gloom.
Of course, first thing I did was return the $1k to the EF. Woo hoo! That leaves me with $500. What to do, what to do... knowing my utterly boring and responsible being, I would say that most, if not all will go towards not debt, but savings. Sigh. Bo-ring.
I just don't think I feel like shopping these days. I still have to install the pieces on my car, and get it aligned, so maybe I'll hang onto the money a bit more. Still, such a gift truly lifts my spirits and gives me a bit of ease. Alright, time to go back to going to bed. After 18hrs, you can bet I'm tired!
However, I just couldnt wait to share! Today was so busy from start to finish, just with regular work load and moving furniture at work since we're trying to remodel the office. Anyway, my EF issue seems to have been... resolved on its own. We got a bonus at work today! It was unexpected, considering how tough of a year we've been having. We've had more incidents in the past 2 months than we used to have in a 6-8 month period! It's pretty awful and it has all of us pretty stressed. We had accepted that we would not be getting a bonus due to this.
However, the president of the company called us to let us know that despite all that, he was still giving out bonuses, albeit reduced. He also went on to tell me that because of my performance and otherwise cheery personality (even though I was on the slums all this week because of Star's passing), that they decided to give me the extra amount. It is extremely generous of them! I was very touched, especially to see any signs of light in the middle of all the sad and gloom.
Of course, first thing I did was return the $1k to the EF. Woo hoo! That leaves me with $500. What to do, what to do... knowing my utterly boring and responsible being, I would say that most, if not all will go towards not debt, but savings. Sigh. Bo-ring.
I just don't think I feel like shopping these days. I still have to install the pieces on my car, and get it aligned, so maybe I'll hang onto the money a bit more. Still, such a gift truly lifts my spirits and gives me a bit of ease. Alright, time to go back to going to bed. After 18hrs, you can bet I'm tired!
Thursday, March 13, 2014
EF usage and rebuild plans
I've finished looking up and sorting all the expenses for the past... week, so here they are:
$358 Vet bill
$185 Cremation for Star
$351 Tires (4 new ones, installed, balanced)
$116 Car parts (serpentine belts, hub assembly, etc)
Grand total: $1010 and odd change, give or take $10.
Foreseeing this big mountain of charges, I moved all of my EF fund either Friday or Saturday. I did not know I'd have a vet bill... or a cremation one, but I knew about the tires, and I try to minimize money out of my Ally account, so I overestimated what I'd need from my EF, and figured I'd move it back on Sunday or Monday. Glad I sent more than needed, because I did end up using it all.
Why am I not bothered my EF is "gone"? Because I don't consider it gone. Though it is my EF, I could just transfer the $1000 from my $4000 car fund, and that would not be a disaster. I could also "skip" my next two snowball payments, which would set me back 1.5 months on my debt free efforts, but I don't have to make any debt payments until November on my student loans, so no rush.
I still have not decided how to rebuild my EF. Tomorrow is a payday, and it includes a $660 snowball payment. I could forego the snowball and pay myself back instead of funneling it to my student loans. I also get some amount back from my PT job (maybe $160?), which I could throw towards my EF. Don't know.
Is it normal that I don't want to say I miss our pet Star, because saying that would be a confirmation that she's gone? I have to work this weekend (Fri and Sat, yuck), so I'll be crashing at my parents' like usual. I think it'll be hard, though work will keep me busy and tired enough not to be too sad. Sigh.
$358 Vet bill
$185 Cremation for Star
$351 Tires (4 new ones, installed, balanced)
$116 Car parts (serpentine belts, hub assembly, etc)
Grand total: $1010 and odd change, give or take $10.
Foreseeing this big mountain of charges, I moved all of my EF fund either Friday or Saturday. I did not know I'd have a vet bill... or a cremation one, but I knew about the tires, and I try to minimize money out of my Ally account, so I overestimated what I'd need from my EF, and figured I'd move it back on Sunday or Monday. Glad I sent more than needed, because I did end up using it all.
Why am I not bothered my EF is "gone"? Because I don't consider it gone. Though it is my EF, I could just transfer the $1000 from my $4000 car fund, and that would not be a disaster. I could also "skip" my next two snowball payments, which would set me back 1.5 months on my debt free efforts, but I don't have to make any debt payments until November on my student loans, so no rush.
I still have not decided how to rebuild my EF. Tomorrow is a payday, and it includes a $660 snowball payment. I could forego the snowball and pay myself back instead of funneling it to my student loans. I also get some amount back from my PT job (maybe $160?), which I could throw towards my EF. Don't know.
Is it normal that I don't want to say I miss our pet Star, because saying that would be a confirmation that she's gone? I have to work this weekend (Fri and Sat, yuck), so I'll be crashing at my parents' like usual. I think it'll be hard, though work will keep me busy and tired enough not to be too sad. Sigh.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
What my weekly food choices look like
I thought I'd sum up what was it that I was eating for a whole work week. My work weeks of course vary with my part time job, but since I always seem to be working, it mostly consists of 5 lunches (M-F) and 4 dinners (M-Th). Friday I was at work at my PT job, and if I wasn't working, I was at my parents, so I'd eat whatever they had around... which wasn't much. If there wasn't any food there, I'd nag my dad and we would either buy some food to cook (at my expense) or buy some premade stuff, like fried chicken or Chinese.
A 'normal' work week's worth of food was made of:
Breakfast: (none) Ahem. I'm working on that. -$0
Lunch: 2 bags of pre-packaged salads divided in 5 containers, 4-5 roma tomatoes, cheese (feta, shredded cheddar or block cheese cubed) and some sort of meats (ham, deli ham, bacon or leftover chicken) OR 1 packet of spinach and 2 romaine heart bundles with tomatoes, cucumber, cheese and meats. And one or two dressings open at the same time (olive oil/vinegar based) -$5~$10/wk
Snacks: Handful of almonds and a cube or three of cheese. -$0.50~$1.00/wk
Dinners: 1 packet of family-size meat (either chix thighs (10), chix breasts (4), porkchops (4-6) or 1lb pack of ground beef, 1 medium pack of sweet Italian sausages), stirfried or baked, and 2-3 packets of frozen vegetables. If not that, then I could get by with sandwiches (10 rolls, half a pound of cheese and deli ham, ketchup, mustard) and chips. Or 1 packet of hamburger patties (8) with 2 bags of frozen veggies. -$15~$20/wk
Dessert: one or two pieces of candy/chocolate leftover from Halloween sales, or generic sandwich cookies. $0~$2
Drinks: water and crystal light -$1
Sadly, that sums up most of my dinners. I avoided carbs, even though I wasn't low carb'ing. I wasn't always good, however. At least once a month I'd just order Chinese (1 serving of orange chicken and 10 wontons, ~$12.50) that would last me for 4 dinners. Or an 8 piece chicken meal (~$7), and that too would be stretched to 4 dinners accompanied by either buns or frozen vegetables ($2~4).
Now that I'm back to full avoidance of carbs, candy is out, sweets are out, so are buns and breaded meats. Most of my food will be some sort of meat stirfried or baked with half a bag of frozen veggies. Why frozen? Because they last me a long time and can be had ahead of time on sale. I guess eventually I could make my own steamed vegetables... but frozen works for me.
A 'normal' work week's worth of food was made of:
Breakfast: (none) Ahem. I'm working on that. -$0
Lunch: 2 bags of pre-packaged salads divided in 5 containers, 4-5 roma tomatoes, cheese (feta, shredded cheddar or block cheese cubed) and some sort of meats (ham, deli ham, bacon or leftover chicken) OR 1 packet of spinach and 2 romaine heart bundles with tomatoes, cucumber, cheese and meats. And one or two dressings open at the same time (olive oil/vinegar based) -$5~$10/wk
Snacks: Handful of almonds and a cube or three of cheese. -$0.50~$1.00/wk
Dinners: 1 packet of family-size meat (either chix thighs (10), chix breasts (4), porkchops (4-6) or 1lb pack of ground beef, 1 medium pack of sweet Italian sausages), stirfried or baked, and 2-3 packets of frozen vegetables. If not that, then I could get by with sandwiches (10 rolls, half a pound of cheese and deli ham, ketchup, mustard) and chips. Or 1 packet of hamburger patties (8) with 2 bags of frozen veggies. -$15~$20/wk
Dessert: one or two pieces of candy/chocolate leftover from Halloween sales, or generic sandwich cookies. $0~$2
Drinks: water and crystal light -$1
Sadly, that sums up most of my dinners. I avoided carbs, even though I wasn't low carb'ing. I wasn't always good, however. At least once a month I'd just order Chinese (1 serving of orange chicken and 10 wontons, ~$12.50) that would last me for 4 dinners. Or an 8 piece chicken meal (~$7), and that too would be stretched to 4 dinners accompanied by either buns or frozen vegetables ($2~4).
Now that I'm back to full avoidance of carbs, candy is out, sweets are out, so are buns and breaded meats. Most of my food will be some sort of meat stirfried or baked with half a bag of frozen veggies. Why frozen? Because they last me a long time and can be had ahead of time on sale. I guess eventually I could make my own steamed vegetables... but frozen works for me.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Health routine/goal
I decided Tuesday night was as good as any to re-start my no/low-carb diet. Why this one? Because it's the only one I've ever lost weight on... even without the exercise.
I stumbled upon this lifestyle change about 2 years ago, right after giving up on exercise for 6 months and seeing not 1lb of result. Little toning, but felt my time was being wasted. I did not exercise while on the diet, and saw the weight just melt off in months. It was great. Then stuff happened. And then really bad stuff happened, and I got the weight back. I need to make this a commitment and not just another try.
Anyway. This is what my food storages looked like:
When I said my pantry was bare, I meant it was bare. Other than the soup, I'd have to get darn creative to get any food out of that! Peas and dressing, anyone?
I went grocery shopping today, mostly for produce. Bought lettuce, romaine, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, and peppers. Some hamburger patties for easy meals, tomatoes for salads, eggs and hot dogs. It all came to about $26-$27. I had two hamburger patties with half a bag of frozen vegetables for dinner, made 3 lunch salads (spinach and romaine, boiled egg, diced hamburger meat, tomatoes--yes, I throw everything and the kitchen sink in salads), then called it a day.
I think that my fitness goal is to start working out in the mornings. I was inspired by my "new" brother (the one who just graduated from marines--he's not the same person that went in, that's for sure). Before leaving for bootcamp, he would go to bed at 9, wake up at 4, go to the gym and train. Though I have no intentions of getting up at 4am, I was toying with some schedule or another... maybe waking up at 5, leaving by 5:30, getting to the gym by 6, exercising for an hour, showering, going back to work's parking lot by 7:30 and reading a book until 7:50 before going to work.
Yes, that'd mean a gym membership. And I'm ok with that. I can afford it at present, and it'd work best. I will inquire about any specials they may have. I may just take up running in the mornings again, but this current house is so creaky and loud, especially early in the morning, that I feel mortified to wake others up as I am going down the stairs.
Alright, too much material for this post, so I will cut it here. I'd love to get into such a routine, but there's a lot of other things that must get figured out before that happens... ah, well. Planning never ends!
I stumbled upon this lifestyle change about 2 years ago, right after giving up on exercise for 6 months and seeing not 1lb of result. Little toning, but felt my time was being wasted. I did not exercise while on the diet, and saw the weight just melt off in months. It was great. Then stuff happened. And then really bad stuff happened, and I got the weight back. I need to make this a commitment and not just another try.
Anyway. This is what my food storages looked like:
 |
| Half a block of cheese and ham (expired--ew) |
 |
| Half a head of garlic... also expired. |
 |
| Misc condiments and shredded cheese |
 |
| Herbs and spices and almonds on the back (which I am pretty sure must be expired) |
 |
| Canned stuff including 1 soup, lots of diced tomatoes and 2 salad dressings |
I went grocery shopping today, mostly for produce. Bought lettuce, romaine, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, and peppers. Some hamburger patties for easy meals, tomatoes for salads, eggs and hot dogs. It all came to about $26-$27. I had two hamburger patties with half a bag of frozen vegetables for dinner, made 3 lunch salads (spinach and romaine, boiled egg, diced hamburger meat, tomatoes--yes, I throw everything and the kitchen sink in salads), then called it a day.
I think that my fitness goal is to start working out in the mornings. I was inspired by my "new" brother (the one who just graduated from marines--he's not the same person that went in, that's for sure). Before leaving for bootcamp, he would go to bed at 9, wake up at 4, go to the gym and train. Though I have no intentions of getting up at 4am, I was toying with some schedule or another... maybe waking up at 5, leaving by 5:30, getting to the gym by 6, exercising for an hour, showering, going back to work's parking lot by 7:30 and reading a book until 7:50 before going to work.
Yes, that'd mean a gym membership. And I'm ok with that. I can afford it at present, and it'd work best. I will inquire about any specials they may have. I may just take up running in the mornings again, but this current house is so creaky and loud, especially early in the morning, that I feel mortified to wake others up as I am going down the stairs.
Alright, too much material for this post, so I will cut it here. I'd love to get into such a routine, but there's a lot of other things that must get figured out before that happens... ah, well. Planning never ends!
Monday, March 10, 2014
Another bout of car repairs
I can't keep mulling and being sad. It will drive me mad. So I just went ahead and purchased all the other pieces needed to repair this car--better late than never.
At my local mechanic, he gave me two quotes of what needed to be fixed; one for tires only and one for everything else. The tires alone were $420 including tax and installation (I went to Mr. Tire and got it all done for $350 out the door, a $70 savings). Speaking of Mr. Tire, they also advised I change the serpentine belt. I've had a belt break once at my part time work. It was not fun not being able to get out when it's already 1am, because the car wont start! However, they were asking $55 for the piece, so we kindly declined and went our unmerry way.
The second quote was for everything else. I cant guarantee you I know what the pieces are, but one of them is the sway bar and left/right chassis links. About 5 parts in total. For parts, this mechanic was asking $154, and installation/labor came to almost $360! Ouch!
To soften the blow, I ebay'ed them all. I paid $95 for all items in Quote #2 (plus extra pieces), and added in the serpentine belt for $20. Not bad, huh? Especially with something that's just out to derail you. Not to mention that I wont be paying $360 labor costs... my dad believes he can install most pieces himself, and if he can't, he knows a mechanic friend that works for $60/hr, which even at two hours (which is doubtful), it's still only $120. Last thing to keep in mind is alignment, which is another $80. It never ends. You'd think I'm crazy funneling this much money into a car that I wont be keeping for more than 1-3 months!
The new tires feel awesome. I am glad that I dont have to keep thinking that the darn thing may just blow up any minute now. It's also a smoother, safer, quieter ride. Win win.
Alright. Time to hit the pillow. Here's to the 11th week of the year!
At my local mechanic, he gave me two quotes of what needed to be fixed; one for tires only and one for everything else. The tires alone were $420 including tax and installation (I went to Mr. Tire and got it all done for $350 out the door, a $70 savings). Speaking of Mr. Tire, they also advised I change the serpentine belt. I've had a belt break once at my part time work. It was not fun not being able to get out when it's already 1am, because the car wont start! However, they were asking $55 for the piece, so we kindly declined and went our unmerry way.
The second quote was for everything else. I cant guarantee you I know what the pieces are, but one of them is the sway bar and left/right chassis links. About 5 parts in total. For parts, this mechanic was asking $154, and installation/labor came to almost $360! Ouch!
To soften the blow, I ebay'ed them all. I paid $95 for all items in Quote #2 (plus extra pieces), and added in the serpentine belt for $20. Not bad, huh? Especially with something that's just out to derail you. Not to mention that I wont be paying $360 labor costs... my dad believes he can install most pieces himself, and if he can't, he knows a mechanic friend that works for $60/hr, which even at two hours (which is doubtful), it's still only $120. Last thing to keep in mind is alignment, which is another $80. It never ends. You'd think I'm crazy funneling this much money into a car that I wont be keeping for more than 1-3 months!
The new tires feel awesome. I am glad that I dont have to keep thinking that the darn thing may just blow up any minute now. It's also a smoother, safer, quieter ride. Win win.
Alright. Time to hit the pillow. Here's to the 11th week of the year!
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Good bye, our little Star
Ah, who would've thought the post for this weekend would be one so sad. Thanks for the thoughts, prayers and good wishes!
Our beautiful puppy went to dog heaven today at about 3pm, on our way to the pet ER. Didn't even make it half way. I just hope it was as painless as she made it seem; she was strong to the end. We kept on driving towards the ER, unsure what else to do. I can say I've seen my dad teary eyed and very upset before, but I had not seen him cry. Not until this afternoon. It was very hard on all of us.
She's to be cremated ($185, I'm paying for it. Again, who has time to think about money during such circumstances?), and her ashes returned to us. We got a photo of her paw print. The people at the ER kept saying how beautiful of a dog she "is". Indeed, one of the best I'll ever meet. I need to stop crying sometime today, or boy, will I look a mess tomorrow for work...
For an escaped 2mo old mutt who fatefully hid under our house during Halloween night scaring a household full of children who were watching a horror movie, she was the best thing that ever happened to us. We enjoyed having her watch over us for 10 years. Rest in peace and calm, my dear!
Our beautiful puppy went to dog heaven today at about 3pm, on our way to the pet ER. Didn't even make it half way. I just hope it was as painless as she made it seem; she was strong to the end. We kept on driving towards the ER, unsure what else to do. I can say I've seen my dad teary eyed and very upset before, but I had not seen him cry. Not until this afternoon. It was very hard on all of us.
She's to be cremated ($185, I'm paying for it. Again, who has time to think about money during such circumstances?), and her ashes returned to us. We got a photo of her paw print. The people at the ER kept saying how beautiful of a dog she "is". Indeed, one of the best I'll ever meet. I need to stop crying sometime today, or boy, will I look a mess tomorrow for work...
 |
| She never really liked strong storms, especially not hail |
A very sick puppy
I think it is awful that throughout life's events, good or bad, happy or sad, money usually plays a part.
Our dog is very sick. Very, very sick. We took her to the vet yesterday, and the doctor gave us a mile long list of things that could be wrong; she's breathing very fast, isnt eating and is barely drinking any liquids. He gave us two meds, and $350 later (I paid for it, I'll sort it out later), we went home with her not feeling one bit later. We gave her the meds, and they actually made her feel worse. I was at work with a bad neck/back (of course, bad things come in group!), and when I returned close to midnight, I was as beat as I was worried. She's still not doing better. She's... "stable", for how she's been. Still breathing too fast. Plan is, if she gets worse, go to the pet ER about 2hrs away, otherwise, we'll try to make it through the night and take her in tomorrow to be hospitalized and stabilized. She cant go on like this much longer.
I am toying with the idea of asking for a day off, or half a day off from work. But we'll see how it plays out. At best, she will get better, but that leaves a journey to remove either a tumor on her left side or what the doctor thinks could be breast cancer. I think that at this point, we will do all we can.
It's been a very sleepless two nights around here (thanks for the untimely hour stolen, DST!), but I'll hope for the best. We've had this dog for close to 10 years. First and only pet that actually made it past 6 months. We certainly don't want to lose her, but no, we wont jeopardize her long-term well being either.
In another hour I'll prepare to go buy the 4 tires for my car. That's another $350. This month is becoming all the bad that was brewing in February and raging out with a vengeance. And seriously, I couldn't understand living without an EF. I think that I will put more emphasis on rebuilding it to 2k, which was previously a very low priority goal. Having money saved for when things go this wrong just takes half the burden off your mind.
Have a lovely Sunday!
Our dog is very sick. Very, very sick. We took her to the vet yesterday, and the doctor gave us a mile long list of things that could be wrong; she's breathing very fast, isnt eating and is barely drinking any liquids. He gave us two meds, and $350 later (I paid for it, I'll sort it out later), we went home with her not feeling one bit later. We gave her the meds, and they actually made her feel worse. I was at work with a bad neck/back (of course, bad things come in group!), and when I returned close to midnight, I was as beat as I was worried. She's still not doing better. She's... "stable", for how she's been. Still breathing too fast. Plan is, if she gets worse, go to the pet ER about 2hrs away, otherwise, we'll try to make it through the night and take her in tomorrow to be hospitalized and stabilized. She cant go on like this much longer.
I am toying with the idea of asking for a day off, or half a day off from work. But we'll see how it plays out. At best, she will get better, but that leaves a journey to remove either a tumor on her left side or what the doctor thinks could be breast cancer. I think that at this point, we will do all we can.
It's been a very sleepless two nights around here (thanks for the untimely hour stolen, DST!), but I'll hope for the best. We've had this dog for close to 10 years. First and only pet that actually made it past 6 months. We certainly don't want to lose her, but no, we wont jeopardize her long-term well being either.
In another hour I'll prepare to go buy the 4 tires for my car. That's another $350. This month is becoming all the bad that was brewing in February and raging out with a vengeance. And seriously, I couldn't understand living without an EF. I think that I will put more emphasis on rebuilding it to 2k, which was previously a very low priority goal. Having money saved for when things go this wrong just takes half the burden off your mind.
Have a lovely Sunday!
Friday, March 7, 2014
Overall update
In the blink of an eye, we've reached week 10 of the year. Two months down, and one underway. How scary is that?! It was just December, I swear!
I know I've been quiet in the blogosphere. I'm trying to keep myself busy, and in a very boring way. I'm a gamer, and I don't really do much interaction or spend a lot of money, so that kind of kills most of any material I could share here. I thought I'd look at one of the goals for this year (and yeah, I do need to update that tab too...). One said goals was to get at least 30/60 certification points for my SPHR. So far, I think I'm doing great! Not to mention that due to changes with the dates, my certification is extended further, for a total of 3.75 years instead of 3 years. I am very ahead of my game! Here's how it all stands:
20/60 total credits, 3/15 of the business specific ones. The best part is, only 8 of the 20 are webinars (to a max of 20), while the others are e-learning. I found that our payroll software has credits for free through one of their sister websites, and I've been busy getting those done. I will finish all of the credits offered through that website (in case they change them or something), and probably stop there, way past the 30 limit.
At least something is going well!
Random car updates:
1) My brother wasn't selling his car, so we didn't discuss it
2) My other brother is now in TX using public transportation. No idea what the plans are.
3) I am resigning to getting new tires for my car. I just don't want to have to deal with used/junkyard tires anymore. Even though I have plans to get a new-to-me car at some point this year, maybe May, this car will go back to my dad, so I don't mind fixing it up.
I looked everywhere, but I couldn't find the tires for cheaper than $430 on the rim, out the door. I'll have to say that I am not going for the cheapest options either... some were offering some very low threadwear or bad temperature handlings, so I am going with something I know will last at least its guaranteed mileage. Only saving about $70 by choosing better tires over lousy ones, so I am not too conflicted.
Last but not least, no call backs from the dentist surgeon's office to discuss pricing. Guess I'll give them a call next week to see what's up. Even a ballpark figure would work for me right now!
I know I've been quiet in the blogosphere. I'm trying to keep myself busy, and in a very boring way. I'm a gamer, and I don't really do much interaction or spend a lot of money, so that kind of kills most of any material I could share here. I thought I'd look at one of the goals for this year (and yeah, I do need to update that tab too...). One said goals was to get at least 30/60 certification points for my SPHR. So far, I think I'm doing great! Not to mention that due to changes with the dates, my certification is extended further, for a total of 3.75 years instead of 3 years. I am very ahead of my game! Here's how it all stands:
20/60 total credits, 3/15 of the business specific ones. The best part is, only 8 of the 20 are webinars (to a max of 20), while the others are e-learning. I found that our payroll software has credits for free through one of their sister websites, and I've been busy getting those done. I will finish all of the credits offered through that website (in case they change them or something), and probably stop there, way past the 30 limit.
At least something is going well!
Random car updates:
1) My brother wasn't selling his car, so we didn't discuss it
2) My other brother is now in TX using public transportation. No idea what the plans are.
3) I am resigning to getting new tires for my car. I just don't want to have to deal with used/junkyard tires anymore. Even though I have plans to get a new-to-me car at some point this year, maybe May, this car will go back to my dad, so I don't mind fixing it up.
I looked everywhere, but I couldn't find the tires for cheaper than $430 on the rim, out the door. I'll have to say that I am not going for the cheapest options either... some were offering some very low threadwear or bad temperature handlings, so I am going with something I know will last at least its guaranteed mileage. Only saving about $70 by choosing better tires over lousy ones, so I am not too conflicted.
Last but not least, no call backs from the dentist surgeon's office to discuss pricing. Guess I'll give them a call next week to see what's up. Even a ballpark figure would work for me right now!
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Death of Common Sense
Not sure what the original source of this is, but a friend sent it to me yesterday. I thought it was very funny... and very fitting, considering the state of things around the world. Once again, I am glad I don't watch TV. I couldn't bear to see more than what the internet news feed me, which is all bad anyway. Enjoy!
Once again we mourn the passing of our beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
- Self respect
- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird doesn't always get the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- And maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, that only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; Common Sense also took a beating when he couldn't defend himself from a burglar in his own home and the burglar sued him for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live.
Common Sense was preceded in death,
- by his parents, Truth and Trust,
- by his sister, Respect
- by his wife, Discretion,
- by his daughter, Responsibility,
- by his son, Reason.
- by his grandmother, Sound Judgment
- and by his grandfather, Future Planning
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
- But I'm Entitled
- I Know My Rights
- I Want It Now
- It Wasn't Me
And his 4 stepsisters;
-Someone Else Is To Blame
- I'm Offended
- Pay me for Doing Nothing
- I'm A Victim
Sadly, not many people attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone...
May he rest in peace.
Once again we mourn the passing of our beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
- Self respect
- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird doesn't always get the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- And maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, that only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; Common Sense also took a beating when he couldn't defend himself from a burglar in his own home and the burglar sued him for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live.
Common Sense was preceded in death,
- by his parents, Truth and Trust,
- by his sister, Respect
- by his wife, Discretion,
- by his daughter, Responsibility,
- by his son, Reason.
- by his grandmother, Sound Judgment
- and by his grandfather, Future Planning
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
- But I'm Entitled
- I Know My Rights
- I Want It Now
- It Wasn't Me
And his 4 stepsisters;
-Someone Else Is To Blame
- I'm Offended
- Pay me for Doing Nothing
- I'm A Victim
Sadly, not many people attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone...
May he rest in peace.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Marines Graduation Trip
I'm back! All these late night escapades have me very beat. It started after work on Thu, driving down to an airport I've never been to (definitely NOT as bad as everyone says), and the airport was actually quite lovely. My flight wasnt until 10pm, but got pushed to 11:20pm. I didnt touch ground again until 1am, and processed my first rental... I had reserved a small, economic car. They gave me this huge Hyundai Santa Fe:
Let me say I wasnt happy, but it was 1am, and I wasnt going to back and argue. It being my first rental, I dont even think I could argue. I just wanted a small car...
Anyway, we stayed at a Days Inn, and that wasnt half bad. It was decent enough. Not a big-star hotel by any mean, but for two days, it wasn't bad.
Then the graduation was on a very cold, but sunny day. There were so many graduates! He said around 300 per company. It was very interesting to see them all and how coordinated they were. I would say that I am impressed, but that'd be taking from the main event... I was hugely impressed at how my brother had changed. When they finally released it, you saw people jumping at each other's arms, and waves and waves of parents, friends and family rushing to greet their graduate. We found my brother, and he actually spoke to me (with a voice that was mostly gone, he said from all the yelling). We actually talked, for the first time in what seems like 6-7 years. We talked a lot. Marines stuff, we had tons of questions, but still. Who knew I could still talk to him?
One of my friends told me that perhaps the military can change the spoiled hearts of my family members... two down, 2 to go! Haha. Now, if only my mother would join... she could use some military sense.
I'll post some photos of the graduation. My brother actually stayed in my room (thank goodness I did request a double room!), so we talked a bit more, mostly about the graduation and stuff. He changed so much. He looks much taller, his eyes are not condescending, and his manner isnt anymore of a person just looking for the easiest way out and looking to you like you're an annoyance. He's very respectful and tolerant, even of my mother's nagging, which is amazing to me. He's back home for 10 days, then getting moved to another base a bit north for further training. It feels very strange, but I may actually look forward to his next break. The real feel of a family is such a foreign thing to me, but I wont back away from it. It's actually kind of nice.
 |
| (Stock photo) |
Anyway, we stayed at a Days Inn, and that wasnt half bad. It was decent enough. Not a big-star hotel by any mean, but for two days, it wasn't bad.
Then the graduation was on a very cold, but sunny day. There were so many graduates! He said around 300 per company. It was very interesting to see them all and how coordinated they were. I would say that I am impressed, but that'd be taking from the main event... I was hugely impressed at how my brother had changed. When they finally released it, you saw people jumping at each other's arms, and waves and waves of parents, friends and family rushing to greet their graduate. We found my brother, and he actually spoke to me (with a voice that was mostly gone, he said from all the yelling). We actually talked, for the first time in what seems like 6-7 years. We talked a lot. Marines stuff, we had tons of questions, but still. Who knew I could still talk to him?
One of my friends told me that perhaps the military can change the spoiled hearts of my family members... two down, 2 to go! Haha. Now, if only my mother would join... she could use some military sense.
I'll post some photos of the graduation. My brother actually stayed in my room (thank goodness I did request a double room!), so we talked a bit more, mostly about the graduation and stuff. He changed so much. He looks much taller, his eyes are not condescending, and his manner isnt anymore of a person just looking for the easiest way out and looking to you like you're an annoyance. He's very respectful and tolerant, even of my mother's nagging, which is amazing to me. He's back home for 10 days, then getting moved to another base a bit north for further training. It feels very strange, but I may actually look forward to his next break. The real feel of a family is such a foreign thing to me, but I wont back away from it. It's actually kind of nice.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)