We left the US Friday night, Dec 30th at 6 pm. 3 Flights and 27+ hours of traveling, we finally landed in India around 4am their time. Although a few of us got a few hours of sleep on the planes, we were still very exhausted. By the time we landed, all we cared about was sleep and a shower.
Now, from here on out, everything I had ever known was new. Even my ideas of what was weird or crazy was nothing compared to what I was about to experience.
Well, let me back up. Here's a few things you need to know about India before we get too far along:
1 - India is predominately made up of ...what for it...Indians. Yes, shocking I know, but you need to know this to realize how rare it is for these people to see white people. White people are all over their ads, their posters, any TV show, they're all white, or very fair skinned Indians. Saying we stood out was an understatement.
2 - From education or TV, some people speak both English and one (or two) of the many Indian languages. Many of the kids we ran into could say things like "Hi" or "How are you" but not many could speak more than that.
3 - In their culture, it is a sign of respect for them to ask you to sit, and then to wait on you hand and foot. You think that sounds all wonderful, but it is very humbling to be asked to sit in a chair, up on a stage, with 50+ adult, elderly people, or pregnant women, sitting on a dirty concrete floor at your feet, every where you go.
So, with all that laid out, we get off the plane and through customs.
Immediately, you start to notice the thousands of people waiting for family or loved ones, who all start staring at us. They're taking pictures, staring with no self awareness or feeling to turn away when you look at them, and they just stare. If one of them saw you and his friend didn't, he'd nudge him to get him to turn, and immediately you'd have all of them staring at you. In America, if someone was to stare at you like this, when you look at them, they'll turn away. But not in India.
We immediately knew, we are the only white people here!
Part of the organization that our team is partnered with, is a Children's Orphanage in Hyderabad. The main contact from this home for us was a man named Raja. When we landed, he had a few of the boys there from the orphanage and another leader there to great us with beautiful ornate flower leis. These leis, are by far the most fragrant arrangement of flowers I have ever smelled, and they were gorgeous! They were packed with lillies, roses, and fragrant herbs. As we later learned, we would get these everywhere we went, as a sign of honor and respect, but there was nothing like that first deep breath of the first lei, right after you land from being on a hot plane ride for days.
Raja brought one of the leaders with him to greet us. He was such an inspiration! Having been born with 2 clubbed feet, he walked with crutches and grew up in the orphanage. Now an adult, he spent most of his free time pouring his time and love back into the place that fostered him into a very articulate, intelligent young man of God. His sense of humor was uplifting and I enjoyed being around him. He spoke English well, with the exception of some of our more rare or slang phrases, and was a great asset to have when speaking with the children. Currently, he is in college for his Masters in Engineering.
It was surreal to get off the plane and see how incredibly different everything was from where we were just a few hours before. Being in a strange place, with people who didn't fully understand my language was really beginning to set in that this trip would be crazy, fun, challenging, incredible, and surreal.
Welcome to India!!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Welcome to India!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
We're Back!
Hi Friends! John and I are back from India! I haven't updated this blog in forever, but since only my friends read this, you guys probably already knew we went to India.
I'm going to post a few entries about our trip over the next few days, including photos, lots of stories, and much more.
India was worlds different than here in America, to say the least. I am thankful for so very much now that I'm back, including simple things like clean running water, a toothbrush, and air conditioning. One of my biggest worries was the food and how my body would handle it, and amazingly enough, my body tolerated Indian spiciness pretty well! It wasn't very happy with the plane rides, or airplane food, and it's not adjusting well back to American food, but it will just take a few days to re-balance itself.
I'll be back in a few days to give you some pictures and updates! In the meantime, hug on your families and be thankful for every single thing you do today, because most likely it is a privilege many don't have.
I'm going to post a few entries about our trip over the next few days, including photos, lots of stories, and much more.
India was worlds different than here in America, to say the least. I am thankful for so very much now that I'm back, including simple things like clean running water, a toothbrush, and air conditioning. One of my biggest worries was the food and how my body would handle it, and amazingly enough, my body tolerated Indian spiciness pretty well! It wasn't very happy with the plane rides, or airplane food, and it's not adjusting well back to American food, but it will just take a few days to re-balance itself.
I'll be back in a few days to give you some pictures and updates! In the meantime, hug on your families and be thankful for every single thing you do today, because most likely it is a privilege many don't have.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Hard work = Happy??
Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone! And Especially to my hubby, because today is our 4 year anniversary! I'm sure most of you read it on Facebook already, and will probably get sick of hearing about today from the two of us, but seriously, it's a really great time for us!
To understand how incredibly happy I am, you have to understand a little back story.
John and I dated and were engaged for almost 2 years before we were married. And even though we had gone on trips together and had spent a lot of time together, and we took a "pre-marital" class with the most honest and true married couple out there....our first year married was difficult, to put it nicely. Now, I know some people say "oh that's the honeymoon year!" Well, for us, that honeymoon phase lasted until we were back in Raleigh, the day we got back from our actual honeymoon. Short lived, I know.
That first year was tough. And it was tough for both of us. There were times I doubted if I had made the right decision, and times when he thought the same. There were times when baggage each of us had brought to the relationship was overwhelming, and it seemed the easiest thing to do to was not work on the marriage aspect and just be content with living together for a while. But, we got in a newlyweds class, read my favorite book we've read together to date "Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti" We talked with other newlyweds and amazingly, we all realized the same thing:
We're all going through the same thing!
If you're reading this, and thinking, 'wow, we've never been like that' then you're definitely different. But for us, this first year contained so many things: living together, in a tiny apartment that was way over priced, me working a new and extremely stressful job, John working his "normal" 8-5 stressful job, then getting laid off from said "normal" job, and deciding to start his own business, all thrown on top of the normal first year of figuring out what this "marriage" thing looks like.
Over time, we've learned how to talk to each other, especially in arguments, how to tell the other one they've gotta step it up, without making them feel defeated, that we're really different when we thought we were so much alike, and how to be happy in those differences.
Going into marriage, I knew things weren't going to be Cinderella and a Fairytale, but what I did know was that I wanted to be happy, and however that was to happen I wasn't sure, other than talk and work on it. And that leaves a lot up in the air to "work on" and that just doesn't sound like much fun.
I knew this was going to be hard coming in, but I really didn't know just how hard it was going to be. And I don't mean it's been hard for me to deal with my husband, he's really great! It has been hard, for me to realize that I do a lot of things wrong, and I'm pretty judgmental sometimes, hard-headed and stubborn, whiny..a lot, change my mind frequently, at times hard to understand, and had a massively exploded head in thinking how awesome I was. I had self confidence, and then I had massive ego. Self confidence = good. Ego = bad bad bad.
I realized that my husband reacts differently when I hurt his feelings than I would. And while I know how to handle the way I would have reacted, I didn't know how to handle this man I molded him into, who couldn't see how great he was because I was too busy picking out the negatives and making them huge. I didn't do it on purpose, but it seemed that when we disagreed, I was somehow able to make them a point to be noticed. I realized that much of the things I didn't like about what he did...or didn't do, were reactions to things I had done to him.
How did we get through those things?
We had very very honest, very painful conversations...ones where we were not allowed to dispute the other person's points. He would tell me deep things on how I had hurt him, and I had to sit there and take it, and not bite back. And that was hard to hear. And I sat and I listened, and I listened and I listened. And if you've ever met my husband, you know he doesn't usually talk this much, so I knew it was bad if he had this much to say. Later, I then told him some of the things that had hurt me, things I didn't expect to go how they were going, and how they shattered my idea of what a happy marriage looked like. And he listened, and he didn't bite back.
And at the end, we both were able to see that we needed to do a lot to change.
And today, 4 years after we were married, I can honestly say, that I have never been happier. He is my very best friend, one who challenges me to be a better person, who accepts my faults, and loves me like crazy. He still does things to impress me, and I love it. We talk honestly and openly about our differences and are able to see how they make us mesh together perfectly. I am happy because of the love and the life we have built together.
And if this is only 4 years, I can't wait to see what 10 years, what 25, 40, or maybe even 60 years looks like.
'Cause this is awesome!
To understand how incredibly happy I am, you have to understand a little back story.
John and I dated and were engaged for almost 2 years before we were married. And even though we had gone on trips together and had spent a lot of time together, and we took a "pre-marital" class with the most honest and true married couple out there....our first year married was difficult, to put it nicely. Now, I know some people say "oh that's the honeymoon year!" Well, for us, that honeymoon phase lasted until we were back in Raleigh, the day we got back from our actual honeymoon. Short lived, I know.
That first year was tough. And it was tough for both of us. There were times I doubted if I had made the right decision, and times when he thought the same. There were times when baggage each of us had brought to the relationship was overwhelming, and it seemed the easiest thing to do to was not work on the marriage aspect and just be content with living together for a while. But, we got in a newlyweds class, read my favorite book we've read together to date "Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti" We talked with other newlyweds and amazingly, we all realized the same thing:
We're all going through the same thing!
If you're reading this, and thinking, 'wow, we've never been like that' then you're definitely different. But for us, this first year contained so many things: living together, in a tiny apartment that was way over priced, me working a new and extremely stressful job, John working his "normal" 8-5 stressful job, then getting laid off from said "normal" job, and deciding to start his own business, all thrown on top of the normal first year of figuring out what this "marriage" thing looks like.
Over time, we've learned how to talk to each other, especially in arguments, how to tell the other one they've gotta step it up, without making them feel defeated, that we're really different when we thought we were so much alike, and how to be happy in those differences.
Going into marriage, I knew things weren't going to be Cinderella and a Fairytale, but what I did know was that I wanted to be happy, and however that was to happen I wasn't sure, other than talk and work on it. And that leaves a lot up in the air to "work on" and that just doesn't sound like much fun.
I knew this was going to be hard coming in, but I really didn't know just how hard it was going to be. And I don't mean it's been hard for me to deal with my husband, he's really great! It has been hard, for me to realize that I do a lot of things wrong, and I'm pretty judgmental sometimes, hard-headed and stubborn, whiny..a lot, change my mind frequently, at times hard to understand, and had a massively exploded head in thinking how awesome I was. I had self confidence, and then I had massive ego. Self confidence = good. Ego = bad bad bad.
I realized that my husband reacts differently when I hurt his feelings than I would. And while I know how to handle the way I would have reacted, I didn't know how to handle this man I molded him into, who couldn't see how great he was because I was too busy picking out the negatives and making them huge. I didn't do it on purpose, but it seemed that when we disagreed, I was somehow able to make them a point to be noticed. I realized that much of the things I didn't like about what he did...or didn't do, were reactions to things I had done to him.
How did we get through those things?
We had very very honest, very painful conversations...ones where we were not allowed to dispute the other person's points. He would tell me deep things on how I had hurt him, and I had to sit there and take it, and not bite back. And that was hard to hear. And I sat and I listened, and I listened and I listened. And if you've ever met my husband, you know he doesn't usually talk this much, so I knew it was bad if he had this much to say. Later, I then told him some of the things that had hurt me, things I didn't expect to go how they were going, and how they shattered my idea of what a happy marriage looked like. And he listened, and he didn't bite back.
And at the end, we both were able to see that we needed to do a lot to change.
And today, 4 years after we were married, I can honestly say, that I have never been happier. He is my very best friend, one who challenges me to be a better person, who accepts my faults, and loves me like crazy. He still does things to impress me, and I love it. We talk honestly and openly about our differences and are able to see how they make us mesh together perfectly. I am happy because of the love and the life we have built together.
And if this is only 4 years, I can't wait to see what 10 years, what 25, 40, or maybe even 60 years looks like.
'Cause this is awesome!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Yummo Brownies
Last night, I got this huge craving for brownies. But, sticking with our goal this month of using what we have in the house, I found this recipe to make brownies from scratch.
I'm not really a baker. I'm more of a dinner cook, or I use those no-bake recipes for desserts. That's just how I roll.
Plus I don't measure anything. I'm usually thinking "a pinch of this, a splash of that" when I cook.
But these brownies were so awesome! Usually our boxed brownies are kinda over cooked on the edges and under cooked in the middle, no matter which pan I bake them in. These brownies were done to perfection! Moist on the inside, perfect top, and no sticking to the pan! Not too sweet, and delicious with light and cocoa-y goodness.
So here's what I did, other than follow the recipe above.
Some Baking 101 tips for anyone who's not a baker (ahem - me):
-Baking requires that you measure, so be sure to use dry measuring cups & spoons for dry, wet measure for wet.
-Mix all the "like" ingredients together first - i.e. - mix all the dry in a bowl together, and mix all the wet in a separate bowl together. After each are mixed well and blended separately, combine the wet into the dry and mix just until combined.
-brownies are better, lighter, and fluffier if you don't over mix them. Once all the ingredients are mixed, put them in the pan.
I think this has become my favorite way to make brownies! The box kind are pretty easy, but this is incredibly easy as well, and comes out tasting so much better! I never would have thought baking brownies was as easy as this...too many recipes call for melted chocolate (which I burn), and we didn't have any real butter (only tub margarine) in the house. Seriously, I'm not a baker. I burn bread very frequently, and have tried over and over to make bread with yeast and only once have I had relatively good results.
Who knows, maybe this has opened up my cooking world into the realm of baking as well! Not sure this should be happening right beforesummer time Swimsuit Season.....
I'm not really a baker. I'm more of a dinner cook, or I use those no-bake recipes for desserts. That's just how I roll.
Plus I don't measure anything. I'm usually thinking "a pinch of this, a splash of that" when I cook.
But these brownies were so awesome! Usually our boxed brownies are kinda over cooked on the edges and under cooked in the middle, no matter which pan I bake them in. These brownies were done to perfection! Moist on the inside, perfect top, and no sticking to the pan! Not too sweet, and delicious with light and cocoa-y goodness.
So here's what I did, other than follow the recipe above.
Some Baking 101 tips for anyone who's not a baker (ahem - me):
-Baking requires that you measure, so be sure to use dry measuring cups & spoons for dry, wet measure for wet.
-Mix all the "like" ingredients together first - i.e. - mix all the dry in a bowl together, and mix all the wet in a separate bowl together. After each are mixed well and blended separately, combine the wet into the dry and mix just until combined.
-brownies are better, lighter, and fluffier if you don't over mix them. Once all the ingredients are mixed, put them in the pan.
I think this has become my favorite way to make brownies! The box kind are pretty easy, but this is incredibly easy as well, and comes out tasting so much better! I never would have thought baking brownies was as easy as this...too many recipes call for melted chocolate (which I burn), and we didn't have any real butter (only tub margarine) in the house. Seriously, I'm not a baker. I burn bread very frequently, and have tried over and over to make bread with yeast and only once have I had relatively good results.
Who knows, maybe this has opened up my cooking world into the realm of baking as well! Not sure this should be happening right before
Friday, April 1, 2011
New Goal
Most of you know we've been on Dave's plan for a while, but recently we've had a set back. John's truck, which was paid off, broke down. And really, by "broke down", I mean Broke. We knew it was nearing the end of it's life with the faint burning of oil and a little bit of a leak, throw in the strange noises, and the hope that it passes inspection every year, all equated to a recipe for disaster. But because it was paid off, and not worth too much, and we wanted to wait to get a better one until we had a few more things paid off.
Well, thanks to his transmission going out, and in an incapacitating way, we bought him anewer lower mileage truck. But, thanks to selling his old one for parts, and a little extra money we had, we paid a large chunk down in cash to get a lower loan amount. That is something we would have NEVER been able to do before. And even though we went into debt more, it was a necessary thing given that this is how he makes money. No truck = no income. Plain and simple.
So with that, our debt snowball, has turned itself over into a new payment, and is no longer there to add to the minimums. This is pretty depressing for me. It's like we worked our butts off to get stuff paid off, only to end up with payments once again.
But, I have felt convicted lately in our budget. I look on Dave's forums, and there are people who post their full budget out there online for the whole world to see. I'm a little conflicted about doing that step; it does allow others to be challenged by your budget, it challenges you to allow yourself to be open to scrutiny, and allows you to make changes that can affect your future. But that info is very personal, and given that some people don't live in a large city, where a house our size would be under half of what it costs here, where expenses are extremely low compared to ours, sometimes it's not an accurate comparison.
And, I digress. My apologies....off the rabbit trail, and onto the main point.
I noticed on some of these budgets, people's food budget was less than half of ours! HALF! And I use coupons and save a ton of money, and I think we rarely eat out. So I started thinking.
What if, for one month, I cut our food budget down to only buying the weekly must haves (like bread and milk, things that go bad quickly, etc), and eat from our pantry and freezer? We have more than enough food thanks to coupons, and sales, and the fact that my parents live on a farm and bring us fresh beef and deer. Our pantry has tons of food in there, so much to where we have no space for more.
So my goal this month, is to severely cut our food budget, and focus on being better at planning our meals out ahead of time.
My hope is that 1- we can save a lot of money in a short amount of time, 2- We can free up some space in our freezer and pantry 3- we're being more conscious about what we buy 4-We are challenged to look at our budget with a fresh pair of eyes.
I'll let ya know how it goes. I'm expecting great results!
Well, thanks to his transmission going out, and in an incapacitating way, we bought him a
So with that, our debt snowball, has turned itself over into a new payment, and is no longer there to add to the minimums. This is pretty depressing for me. It's like we worked our butts off to get stuff paid off, only to end up with payments once again.
But, I have felt convicted lately in our budget. I look on Dave's forums, and there are people who post their full budget out there online for the whole world to see. I'm a little conflicted about doing that step; it does allow others to be challenged by your budget, it challenges you to allow yourself to be open to scrutiny, and allows you to make changes that can affect your future. But that info is very personal, and given that some people don't live in a large city, where a house our size would be under half of what it costs here, where expenses are extremely low compared to ours, sometimes it's not an accurate comparison.
And, I digress. My apologies....off the rabbit trail, and onto the main point.
I noticed on some of these budgets, people's food budget was less than half of ours! HALF! And I use coupons and save a ton of money, and I think we rarely eat out. So I started thinking.
What if, for one month, I cut our food budget down to only buying the weekly must haves (like bread and milk, things that go bad quickly, etc), and eat from our pantry and freezer? We have more than enough food thanks to coupons, and sales, and the fact that my parents live on a farm and bring us fresh beef and deer. Our pantry has tons of food in there, so much to where we have no space for more.
So my goal this month, is to severely cut our food budget, and focus on being better at planning our meals out ahead of time.
My hope is that 1- we can save a lot of money in a short amount of time, 2- We can free up some space in our freezer and pantry 3- we're being more conscious about what we buy 4-We are challenged to look at our budget with a fresh pair of eyes.
I'll let ya know how it goes. I'm expecting great results!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Great Deal at CVS
Any of you who are on the coupon wagon, know how exciting it is to walk out paying nothing, or close to nothing, and who doesn't love free stuff? So here's what I did today:
Bought:
(4) Dove Deodorants @ $3.49 each
(1) Dove HairSpray @ $3.00 each
(1) CVS Q-tips @3.49
Coupons used:
(2) $2/1 Dove Deodorant
(1) $1.50/2 Dove Deodorants
(1) $1.00 off Dove Hair product
$4 off $20 purchase
$10 ECB from previous purchase
Total Due before tax: $0.00 !! FREE
And I got $5.00 ECB back for a future purchase. So, I made $5.00 today from CVS.
On another encouraging note, the girl at checkout was new, today was her first day, and she said "Wow. I am so motivated by you! You're like those coupon women on TV!"
I felt so good from her sweet words of encouragement, but I forced myself to not think of the hoarder-couponers and only think of how much money I saved.
Bought:
(4) Dove Deodorants @ $3.49 each
(1) Dove HairSpray @ $3.00 each
(1) CVS Q-tips @3.49
Coupons used:
(2) $2/1 Dove Deodorant
(1) $1.50/2 Dove Deodorants
(1) $1.00 off Dove Hair product
$4 off $20 purchase
$10 ECB from previous purchase
Total Due before tax: $0.00 !! FREE
And I got $5.00 ECB back for a future purchase. So, I made $5.00 today from CVS.
On another encouraging note, the girl at checkout was new, today was her first day, and she said "Wow. I am so motivated by you! You're like those coupon women on TV!"
I felt so good from her sweet words of encouragement, but I forced myself to not think of the hoarder-couponers and only think of how much money I saved.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
6 Easy Money Saving Tips
In the last post, I mentioned a little bit about our goal of paying debts off. Along with that, comes with a few easy to-do money savers I thought I'd share with you, my few lucky readers. :)
1 - Pay your bills on time. This may seem like a "Duh" thing to do, and one many of us do quite frequently, but giving the credit card company one more reason to take $10 from your pocket is not a good way to save money. It helps your credit score, and gives you better leeway with the company in the future. Don't believe me? Check out #2.
2 - Ask for grievances on fees. Maybe you lost the bill, maybe the due date was a few days shorter than it usually is, but for whatever reason, you paid your bill a little late. If you've been a good customer with the company in the past (see #1), they're more likely to work with you to get that fee either removed, or at least keep it from rearing its ugly head again in the future. After all, they want you to continue to use their company, and the best way of doing that is to honor the relationship they have with their truly great customers.
Many companies have a policy in effect for these type situations. The requirements? Usually it's a history of on-time bill pays, paying at least the minimums if not the full total, and of course, being nice can't hurt. You merely need to call the company of choice, explain that you received your statement and noticed the late payment, and would like to see what you can do to get it removed. Make sure you have your pay history handy in case they need verification, and remember, the customer service rep is at the mercy of the company's policy, so be nice to them - don't shoot the messenger.
The first time my husband witnessed this, he laughed about how easy this was. Then he thought back to all those times he opened the bill to see the late fee and would be bitter about paying them their $10.00.
One key note - Do not make it a habit to pay your bills late and then ask for forgiveness. Most companies have a policy they can only remove the fee once within a certain time frame, usually 6 months to a year, but it can be even longer. It is a courtesy they extend to their customers who they see do not make a habit out of this, so don't expect them to break rules, no matter how angry you get.
3 - Ask about promotions and offers for your area. Companies frequently offer special rates to new customers, select areas, or certain plans of service. If any of those are available for your area, ask about how you can take advantage of those offers. Remember from item #2, they want to keep your business, not lose it. If they see you're looking for better rates, they're likely to offer you a discount to keep you there with them.
4 - Ask about lowering your interest rate. Believe it or not, there are policies that exist within credit card companies where you can work out a deal to lower your interest rate. Sometimes it's as easy as asking a question, and sometimes it requires a little deal making on your part. Are you willing to increase your minimum monthly payment by $15.00 if it means you're going from a 25% interest rate to a 8%? You better believe I'm making that deal. If you're on the "Dave Plan" you're probably working on your debt snowball as well, so think about when exactly you need to call those companies. Majority of time, they'll want to get the deal in effect the same day, so if you're not going to be able to make a higher payment for 2 months, hold off and pay off that lower total on the other debts before starting your negotiating.
5 - Don't let your credit cards go over the maximum limit. If you've not paid close attention to #1, or #2, and #4 hasn't seemed to help your interest rate, you may find yourself closer to this than you might think. Those late fees, coupled with the high interest, and the minimum requirement payments could have have you owing much more than you ever spent with them in the first place. Some of these over the limit fees can be close to your minimum monthly payment, making it nearly impossible to pay them off. This may seem like a kick back to #4, but call the company and see what you can do to get a deal that both parties are happy with.
When you are ready for negotiations, have all your payment history handy. Remember they want to get paid their money due, and you want to stop paying them. If they think they're never going to get all their money due, they'll likely work with you to reach a common ground. The basics of credit cards? They want your money, and as much of it as they can get. Their point of charging you over the limit and late fees is to persuade you to pay them more as soon as possible. If that tactic doesn't work and they see over months fees and no increase in your rate of return, they start getting ugly. They'll probably start calling you 3, 4, 5 times a day to harass you into giving them money. It might mean taking money from other budgeted areas, like food or mortgage, but do they care?
6 - When you can, pay off the total on credit card statements. Credit Card companies thrive off interest. They know that people are willing to hang thousands of dollars of debt over their heads every month, owing the company sometimes close to 30% interest can be daunting to anyone, and seem like a never ending mountain to climb. When you can, pay those cards off, and do a victory dance. You'll owe them less money over the long haul, and no longer be enslaved to their high interest evil.
The other benefit of paying off your total? It increases your maximum limit. Now, I'm not recommending you go back in debt with them, but that higher limit means a higher revolving credit on your credit report, which will increase your credit score and save you money on big purchases, like a house. A higher credit score, and you're more likely to get a better interest rate on a mortgage. Ever look at an amortization schedule on a mortgage? That low interest rate can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars over the typical 30 year fixed rate mortgage.
So no point in hiring a debt relief counselor, when you can do all the work yourself, with just a few calls and knowing your payment history. Put these in effect with your carefully crafted budget, and you'll see a significant difference in no time.
What do you think? Do you have tips not mentioned here? I'd love to hear them, and I'm sure others would love to save money thanks to you as well.
1 - Pay your bills on time. This may seem like a "Duh" thing to do, and one many of us do quite frequently, but giving the credit card company one more reason to take $10 from your pocket is not a good way to save money. It helps your credit score, and gives you better leeway with the company in the future. Don't believe me? Check out #2.
2 - Ask for grievances on fees. Maybe you lost the bill, maybe the due date was a few days shorter than it usually is, but for whatever reason, you paid your bill a little late. If you've been a good customer with the company in the past (see #1), they're more likely to work with you to get that fee either removed, or at least keep it from rearing its ugly head again in the future. After all, they want you to continue to use their company, and the best way of doing that is to honor the relationship they have with their truly great customers.
Many companies have a policy in effect for these type situations. The requirements? Usually it's a history of on-time bill pays, paying at least the minimums if not the full total, and of course, being nice can't hurt. You merely need to call the company of choice, explain that you received your statement and noticed the late payment, and would like to see what you can do to get it removed. Make sure you have your pay history handy in case they need verification, and remember, the customer service rep is at the mercy of the company's policy, so be nice to them - don't shoot the messenger.
The first time my husband witnessed this, he laughed about how easy this was. Then he thought back to all those times he opened the bill to see the late fee and would be bitter about paying them their $10.00.
One key note - Do not make it a habit to pay your bills late and then ask for forgiveness. Most companies have a policy they can only remove the fee once within a certain time frame, usually 6 months to a year, but it can be even longer. It is a courtesy they extend to their customers who they see do not make a habit out of this, so don't expect them to break rules, no matter how angry you get.
3 - Ask about promotions and offers for your area. Companies frequently offer special rates to new customers, select areas, or certain plans of service. If any of those are available for your area, ask about how you can take advantage of those offers. Remember from item #2, they want to keep your business, not lose it. If they see you're looking for better rates, they're likely to offer you a discount to keep you there with them.
4 - Ask about lowering your interest rate. Believe it or not, there are policies that exist within credit card companies where you can work out a deal to lower your interest rate. Sometimes it's as easy as asking a question, and sometimes it requires a little deal making on your part. Are you willing to increase your minimum monthly payment by $15.00 if it means you're going from a 25% interest rate to a 8%? You better believe I'm making that deal. If you're on the "Dave Plan" you're probably working on your debt snowball as well, so think about when exactly you need to call those companies. Majority of time, they'll want to get the deal in effect the same day, so if you're not going to be able to make a higher payment for 2 months, hold off and pay off that lower total on the other debts before starting your negotiating.
5 - Don't let your credit cards go over the maximum limit. If you've not paid close attention to #1, or #2, and #4 hasn't seemed to help your interest rate, you may find yourself closer to this than you might think. Those late fees, coupled with the high interest, and the minimum requirement payments could have have you owing much more than you ever spent with them in the first place. Some of these over the limit fees can be close to your minimum monthly payment, making it nearly impossible to pay them off. This may seem like a kick back to #4, but call the company and see what you can do to get a deal that both parties are happy with.
When you are ready for negotiations, have all your payment history handy. Remember they want to get paid their money due, and you want to stop paying them. If they think they're never going to get all their money due, they'll likely work with you to reach a common ground. The basics of credit cards? They want your money, and as much of it as they can get. Their point of charging you over the limit and late fees is to persuade you to pay them more as soon as possible. If that tactic doesn't work and they see over months fees and no increase in your rate of return, they start getting ugly. They'll probably start calling you 3, 4, 5 times a day to harass you into giving them money. It might mean taking money from other budgeted areas, like food or mortgage, but do they care?
6 - When you can, pay off the total on credit card statements. Credit Card companies thrive off interest. They know that people are willing to hang thousands of dollars of debt over their heads every month, owing the company sometimes close to 30% interest can be daunting to anyone, and seem like a never ending mountain to climb. When you can, pay those cards off, and do a victory dance. You'll owe them less money over the long haul, and no longer be enslaved to their high interest evil.
The other benefit of paying off your total? It increases your maximum limit. Now, I'm not recommending you go back in debt with them, but that higher limit means a higher revolving credit on your credit report, which will increase your credit score and save you money on big purchases, like a house. A higher credit score, and you're more likely to get a better interest rate on a mortgage. Ever look at an amortization schedule on a mortgage? That low interest rate can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars over the typical 30 year fixed rate mortgage.
So no point in hiring a debt relief counselor, when you can do all the work yourself, with just a few calls and knowing your payment history. Put these in effect with your carefully crafted budget, and you'll see a significant difference in no time.
What do you think? Do you have tips not mentioned here? I'd love to hear them, and I'm sure others would love to save money thanks to you as well.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Do unto your kid?
This might a bit of venting, so this is your fair warning, However - I do think it is something everyone should think about.
Since John and I have been together (5 1/2 yrs counting dating) we have openly discussed everything - money, politics, beliefs, love, hate, sex, etc. As a result of these very open, very honest, and judgement free conversations, we have learned to trust each other to handle more mature situations, and have grown to rely on each other for things that we otherwise would not have been able to do.
One of those things is our finances. In the beginning, one of us never spent anything, and the other lived on credit cards. At various times, one has been the "bread winner" while the other was paid less. Now, over the course of time, we have made what we feel are monumental leaps in this area.
I'll spare you all the number details, but we often are asked if we're on the Dave Ramsey Plan. And our answer is always odd: We were on the Dave Ramsey plan before it was Dave Ramsey - it was called the "Scott Shackleton Pay off Sh*t Plan." Which is essentially the same plan as Dave, with a few modifications.
If you're unfamiliar with this plan, I highly encourage you to check it out. However, my point here today is not to glorify us and ourspending frugal ways, or Scott (although we love you dearly), or Dave Ramsey (sorry Dave).
Instead, I'd like you to consider something I came across while perusing the Dave Ramsey site today. It comes via this forum in which the mother of a 16 year old High School Student recounts her son's work habits, income, and her choice to keep half of his paycheck.
I could debate with you that while I think this mother has great intentions, she is doing her son harm. And some could say that since he's earning all this money, he should get to spend it. And then some would say he needs to pay the family since he's living under their roof. All of which, I could understand (although I may not agree with them all).
But here's what I thought:
All these people are on here, because they've had problems in the past with being in debt - yet all I read, post after post, was "Well, when I was a kid ....."
What the Hell people?
Obviously whatever happened when you were a kid didn't teach you good money management skills! So why are you suggesting, and even placing guilt on this woman into doing the same thing to her child?
Why do we do this? Why do we think the best way was the way we were raised, and often shoot down any and all other options as below us? Can we not look at our own past and learn from it, are we really that ignorant?
Didn't Einstein say insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results?
Then why do we force our actions on our children. Do you really want them to pay the same price you did for those same mistakes?
Isn't it time we started teaching our children the things we wished we had learned, and stop pushing our mistakes off onto them.
Since John and I have been together (5 1/2 yrs counting dating) we have openly discussed everything - money, politics, beliefs, love, hate, sex, etc. As a result of these very open, very honest, and judgement free conversations, we have learned to trust each other to handle more mature situations, and have grown to rely on each other for things that we otherwise would not have been able to do.
One of those things is our finances. In the beginning, one of us never spent anything, and the other lived on credit cards. At various times, one has been the "bread winner" while the other was paid less. Now, over the course of time, we have made what we feel are monumental leaps in this area.
I'll spare you all the number details, but we often are asked if we're on the Dave Ramsey Plan. And our answer is always odd: We were on the Dave Ramsey plan before it was Dave Ramsey - it was called the "Scott Shackleton Pay off Sh*t Plan." Which is essentially the same plan as Dave, with a few modifications.
If you're unfamiliar with this plan, I highly encourage you to check it out. However, my point here today is not to glorify us and our
Instead, I'd like you to consider something I came across while perusing the Dave Ramsey site today. It comes via this forum in which the mother of a 16 year old High School Student recounts her son's work habits, income, and her choice to keep half of his paycheck.
I could debate with you that while I think this mother has great intentions, she is doing her son harm. And some could say that since he's earning all this money, he should get to spend it. And then some would say he needs to pay the family since he's living under their roof. All of which, I could understand (although I may not agree with them all).
But here's what I thought:
All these people are on here, because they've had problems in the past with being in debt - yet all I read, post after post, was "Well, when I was a kid ....."
What the Hell people?
Obviously whatever happened when you were a kid didn't teach you good money management skills! So why are you suggesting, and even placing guilt on this woman into doing the same thing to her child?
Why do we do this? Why do we think the best way was the way we were raised, and often shoot down any and all other options as below us? Can we not look at our own past and learn from it, are we really that ignorant?
Didn't Einstein say insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results?
Then why do we force our actions on our children. Do you really want them to pay the same price you did for those same mistakes?
Isn't it time we started teaching our children the things we wished we had learned, and stop pushing our mistakes off onto them.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Couponing Burnout
I follow this blog to do my couponing, which several people have asked me about over the last year or two. And while I love saving money, I have noticed in the couponing community, there is a fallout point, a "burnout" point if you will.
Then, I saw this post where Jenny talks about how to organize your coupons, and gives a finger point to why there is the burnout.
The Massive Coupon Binder.
Every extreme couponer has it, and everyone who is envious of the extreme deals and steals contemplates getting/making one. I fell victim, and I do mean victim - as this thing stole my time, my sanity, my patience, and left me bitter and mad.
It's just a bit too much, as in, way too much.
If you're unfamiliar with this torture device, I'll give you a rundown of the typical binder. Every coupon is classified into a category of usually around 20 categories. Everything from baked goods, to laundry detergent, to hair care to over the counter medicines. In each category, there are several sheets of baseball card protectors.
Every Sunday, the object of the game is to clip all the coupons from the paper, lay them out by category (usually on my floor since there's so many categories), and then proceed to take each pile, and origami them intoworks of art coupon chaos.
Unless you're Sir Speedy, or magic with tiny bits of paper into even tinier plastic pockets, it takes for-ev-er. For-Ev-Errrr.
I can't tell you how many hours I've spent cutting and cutting to only get tired before I even organize them. Or I've been sitting on my floor looking down so long, both my neck and rear hurt.
So, I've created my own system. It's a organized enough I can find things quickly by category, but I'm not spending 3 hours on a Sunday afternoon folding ridiculous bits of paper.
I still use a binder and those dividers that I spent so much time on, but I put full sized sheet protectors in between each divider. No more origami!!
Some people use this system with an accordion file system, but one of the reasons I didn't like it, was that I couldn't see in there without digging first, and it didn't have enough categories.
I've also stopped clipping every single coupon. I don't care of buying Depends with my coupon will give me $5.00. I dont need them/want them nor do I have space in my 770 sq foot house to store them til I donate them. Those coupons would just sit and expire anyway, making me work even more taking them out later than just tossing them to begin with.
So, if you've experienced this "couponing burnout" but love the deals and hate the binder, I say create your own system that works for you. Just because it works for one person, doesn't mean it will work for you. I don't care if Susie Q. saves $400 a month using this binder and thinks you will too - if you dont have the time it requires and the patience for that folding mess, you're gonna stop couponing altogether soon, and you'll be more frustrated that you spent money and time on that binder to begin with.
Where you a couponer who burned out on the binder? Have you stopped couponing altogether or have you found your saving grace in another system?
Then, I saw this post where Jenny talks about how to organize your coupons, and gives a finger point to why there is the burnout.
The Massive Coupon Binder.
Every extreme couponer has it, and everyone who is envious of the extreme deals and steals contemplates getting/making one. I fell victim, and I do mean victim - as this thing stole my time, my sanity, my patience, and left me bitter and mad.
It's just a bit too much, as in, way too much.
If you're unfamiliar with this torture device, I'll give you a rundown of the typical binder. Every coupon is classified into a category of usually around 20 categories. Everything from baked goods, to laundry detergent, to hair care to over the counter medicines. In each category, there are several sheets of baseball card protectors.
Every Sunday, the object of the game is to clip all the coupons from the paper, lay them out by category (usually on my floor since there's so many categories), and then proceed to take each pile, and origami them into
Unless you're Sir Speedy, or magic with tiny bits of paper into even tinier plastic pockets, it takes for-ev-er. For-Ev-Errrr.
I can't tell you how many hours I've spent cutting and cutting to only get tired before I even organize them. Or I've been sitting on my floor looking down so long, both my neck and rear hurt.
So, I've created my own system. It's a organized enough I can find things quickly by category, but I'm not spending 3 hours on a Sunday afternoon folding ridiculous bits of paper.
I still use a binder and those dividers that I spent so much time on, but I put full sized sheet protectors in between each divider. No more origami!!
Some people use this system with an accordion file system, but one of the reasons I didn't like it, was that I couldn't see in there without digging first, and it didn't have enough categories.
I've also stopped clipping every single coupon. I don't care of buying Depends with my coupon will give me $5.00. I dont need them/want them nor do I have space in my 770 sq foot house to store them til I donate them. Those coupons would just sit and expire anyway, making me work even more taking them out later than just tossing them to begin with.
So, if you've experienced this "couponing burnout" but love the deals and hate the binder, I say create your own system that works for you. Just because it works for one person, doesn't mean it will work for you. I don't care if Susie Q. saves $400 a month using this binder and thinks you will too - if you dont have the time it requires and the patience for that folding mess, you're gonna stop couponing altogether soon, and you'll be more frustrated that you spent money and time on that binder to begin with.
Where you a couponer who burned out on the binder? Have you stopped couponing altogether or have you found your saving grace in another system?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Christmas 2010
Every year, as Christmas approaches I start to dread the end of December. And part of this goes back to my Thanksgiving Post about the things that speak love me. I dread Christmas because it only has an honest and "good" message when you're at church on the 25th, or at the Christmas play you go and see.
Every year, I have a huge problem coming up with ideas for a Christmas list, because I keep being told "They should be things that you want." Well, not a major newsflash to many of you, but I tend to think I'm kind of a minimalist. I like things organized, and I like there to enough of what we need, but none of what we don't. We didn't even pick out a china pattern, because I thought it was useless - the plates we registered for were inexpensive, sturdy, and basic enough I could dress them up if I really wanted to, but great for everyday dining, and I could put them in the dishwasher. It really doesn't take much "things" to make me happy. Now, that's not to say a thoughtful gift here or there doesn't make a huge impact - I can definitely appreciate someone seeing something that is inexpensive, yet says "That's Dana!" to them and picking it up for me. I like that.
However, Christmas has become about lists, and "who-to-buy-for"s and outdoing last year's gift, or picking out the gift that will be remembered the most.
And I'm exhausted by it all.
We've barely made it halfway through November, and I'm already exhausted by the thought of Christmas.
So this year, I'm doing things differently. I'm starting now to think about how I want those things to change, because I really don't want to stand in a long line to buy a gift that I know will either be accepted with that "Oh...thanks." response that I know really means, "Great, another one of these...." or will tossed into the toybin binS, as I know that child has more toys than we have bills.
Maybe I'll go the handmade route, and make some of my gifts this year. Maybe I'll try the quality time route, as that seems to be something that we have very little of, but we could all use much more. Or the service route, and do something like volunteer to wash and fold a few loads of laundry or treat a family to dinner with no cooking and no cleaning needed on their part.
Do any of these things sound like something you'd like as a gift, and what things speak love to you?
Every year, I have a huge problem coming up with ideas for a Christmas list, because I keep being told "They should be things that you want." Well, not a major newsflash to many of you, but I tend to think I'm kind of a minimalist. I like things organized, and I like there to enough of what we need, but none of what we don't. We didn't even pick out a china pattern, because I thought it was useless - the plates we registered for were inexpensive, sturdy, and basic enough I could dress them up if I really wanted to, but great for everyday dining, and I could put them in the dishwasher. It really doesn't take much "things" to make me happy. Now, that's not to say a thoughtful gift here or there doesn't make a huge impact - I can definitely appreciate someone seeing something that is inexpensive, yet says "That's Dana!" to them and picking it up for me. I like that.
However, Christmas has become about lists, and "who-to-buy-for"s and outdoing last year's gift, or picking out the gift that will be remembered the most.
And I'm exhausted by it all.
We've barely made it halfway through November, and I'm already exhausted by the thought of Christmas.
So this year, I'm doing things differently. I'm starting now to think about how I want those things to change, because I really don't want to stand in a long line to buy a gift that I know will either be accepted with that "Oh...thanks." response that I know really means, "Great, another one of these...." or will tossed into the toy
Maybe I'll go the handmade route, and make some of my gifts this year. Maybe I'll try the quality time route, as that seems to be something that we have very little of, but we could all use much more. Or the service route, and do something like volunteer to wash and fold a few loads of laundry or treat a family to dinner with no cooking and no cleaning needed on their part.
Do any of these things sound like something you'd like as a gift, and what things speak love to you?
Sunday, October 31, 2010
My love cup is running over.
The weather is turning cooler, and with November about to start I get a little antsy at the thought of my favorite holiday getting close - Thanksgiving. I really do love this Holiday, and the older I get the more I love it. I love sensory stimulations and so many things are triggered in my mind: the small 2 bedroom, 1 bath house my entirely too big family (40+ people) would cram in to fit, laughter, tons of food in a warm house, kids running everywhere, and finally getting to catch up with family I haven't seen in a year. I smell the turkey cooking in the oven, and the front door is constantly swinging with more people coming in, with arm loads of yummy dishes. Hugs and love are passed around freely to anyone standing too close and all the things on everyone's "To-Do" list are set aside with no hindrances on time. I can remember when my Aunts had heads full of dark brown hair, and of ladies being pregnant, new dads overcome with pride from their newest little one being passed around with "Ooo"s and "Ahh"s at every little expression. I can see people hover over the table as we all wait for the blessing to start this wonderful holiday of food. I see my cousins continue to grow as I once remembered them just old enough to start school, and are now about to drive. I soak this holiday in with every ounce of my being.
This, Thanksgiving, is My Holiday. The one celebratory date on the calendar with which I feel the most at peace. It's My Holiday because I feel I connect with it the most. Food is one of the ways I show love. Nothing gives me more joy than to make a huge, 3 day-prep, over the top, delicious meal for family and friends I hold dear. I feel at peace because of the hand made love in each dish, because of the pure intentions of this meal to see family and spend time with them. No gifts, no presents, no rushing to buy the latest gadget or toy or jewelry or something to satisfy someone's wants.
And this year, as with every year, I am more thankful than the last. I am thankful for a warm house, with a loving husband, with a house that has the opportunity to make a difference in our life. I'm thankful for the wonderful job I've worked at for almost a year, that provides us the ability for John to continue making his business a full time job. I am thankful for my parents, for the distance I have come with them, for the strides in our relationship that have taken me years to make. I am thankful for all of my family, for their ability to show love, patience, support, and help when we needed, regardless of how little, or how big, it was.
My Thanksgiving will be a very joyous one again this year, and I can't wait to eat Turkey and sweet potato pie til I can't move, and see my family to hear how this past year has treated them. And my to-do list will only get longer - but for a brief few days, I wont care about the list, and my heart will be full of enough love to last me until next year, when we do it all over again.
This, Thanksgiving, is My Holiday. The one celebratory date on the calendar with which I feel the most at peace. It's My Holiday because I feel I connect with it the most. Food is one of the ways I show love. Nothing gives me more joy than to make a huge, 3 day-prep, over the top, delicious meal for family and friends I hold dear. I feel at peace because of the hand made love in each dish, because of the pure intentions of this meal to see family and spend time with them. No gifts, no presents, no rushing to buy the latest gadget or toy or jewelry or something to satisfy someone's wants.
And this year, as with every year, I am more thankful than the last. I am thankful for a warm house, with a loving husband, with a house that has the opportunity to make a difference in our life. I'm thankful for the wonderful job I've worked at for almost a year, that provides us the ability for John to continue making his business a full time job. I am thankful for my parents, for the distance I have come with them, for the strides in our relationship that have taken me years to make. I am thankful for all of my family, for their ability to show love, patience, support, and help when we needed, regardless of how little, or how big, it was.
My Thanksgiving will be a very joyous one again this year, and I can't wait to eat Turkey and sweet potato pie til I can't move, and see my family to hear how this past year has treated them. And my to-do list will only get longer - but for a brief few days, I wont care about the list, and my heart will be full of enough love to last me until next year, when we do it all over again.
Monday, July 26, 2010
A little job history for ya
One thing you've probably never heard me talk about on here is my job history. You might have heard parts in passing or could pick up on a few from previous posts, but I'm sure you've never heard my history, or heard of the dreaded first day.
I think most people are excited, nervous, and probably a little anxious over their first day at a new job. And rightfully so. The first day brings about many feelings that you're not quite sure how to process. You're starting in a new company, with possibly new expectations from previous positions, along with new people and new interactions and completely new dynamics everywhere.
I personally, would like to skip forward about 3 weeks and start my "first day" then. Somehow, I haven't mastered the hands-of-time in figuring out how to skip the first day and end up at day 15 yet....bummer.
Here's how my days of getting paid for labor have panned out:
1st job: "Kennel Assistant" at a local to home veterinary hospital. Better known job name - "Pooper Scooper". And that's what I did. First day, we had 4 dogs with extreme cases of Parvo Virus, which translates into a LOT of work for me. I hate this virus, and it's so tough for the pups to handle. Seriously, vaccinate your dogs. Because of said extra hard work, I ended up working an hour late on my first day. Everyone else went home...I had to stay to mop floors.
I cried.
2nd Job: "Receptionist" at a veterinary Hospital in Apex. Old green & black screen computer system and I was pretty much thrown right in to sink or swim with no training what-so-ever. Loved my manager, but the Lead Vet was pretty blunt and told me exactly what he thought of my sinking computer skills.
I cried.
3rd Job: "Receptionist/ Vet Tech" at a veterinary Hospital in Holly Springs. Pretty awesome group of people. First day was pretty calm, with more up to date computer technology. Great job, but first day I was suckered into cleaning (again) for someone, and stayed late.
I cried.
4th Job: "Research Technician" at an area facility in which studies were done on animals. This was my first job out of college, and I realized how much my heart was going to be broken right away in this job. But I was desperate for a job, and those student loan payments were piling up. (Side note: studies are not the same as experiments. Studies merely examine routine behaviors and do not harm the subject)
I cried. A lot.
5th Job: "Cytogenetic Technologist" for a genetics company. First day, realized most of my work would be doing something that made me physically ill. I immediately started looking for another job, but never left until 2 1/2 years, and 3 positions later. Extremely stressful job.
I cried on the first day. And at least 2 times every week for the rest of the 2 1/2 years.
6th and most current Job: "Office Manager/ Sales Assistant" for a HVAC and plumbing systems sales company. Love this job. First day was pretty calm, free lunch, and learning the new job. No one to train me but all the systems and programs I use on a daily basis are very common and easy to use. Plus this job uses my given talents of organizing and talking to people.
First day- I didn't cry. But today, almost 8 months after I started, I want to cry. Extremely busy and with tasks in which I don't even know where to start. I had to make myself take a break so that I could de-stress andtalk type a little, even if it's to the blog world, in which my existence is barely known.
Seriously, making it past day 1 without crying has been HUGE. I feel like this is a great fit for me and has been the only job in which I didn't cry on the first day.
Anyone else have any signs that their job isn't going as well as planned?
I think most people are excited, nervous, and probably a little anxious over their first day at a new job. And rightfully so. The first day brings about many feelings that you're not quite sure how to process. You're starting in a new company, with possibly new expectations from previous positions, along with new people and new interactions and completely new dynamics everywhere.
I personally, would like to skip forward about 3 weeks and start my "first day" then. Somehow, I haven't mastered the hands-of-time in figuring out how to skip the first day and end up at day 15 yet....bummer.
Here's how my days of getting paid for labor have panned out:
1st job: "Kennel Assistant" at a local to home veterinary hospital. Better known job name - "Pooper Scooper". And that's what I did. First day, we had 4 dogs with extreme cases of Parvo Virus, which translates into a LOT of work for me. I hate this virus, and it's so tough for the pups to handle. Seriously, vaccinate your dogs. Because of said extra hard work, I ended up working an hour late on my first day. Everyone else went home...I had to stay to mop floors.
I cried.
2nd Job: "Receptionist" at a veterinary Hospital in Apex. Old green & black screen computer system and I was pretty much thrown right in to sink or swim with no training what-so-ever. Loved my manager, but the Lead Vet was pretty blunt and told me exactly what he thought of my sinking computer skills.
I cried.
3rd Job: "Receptionist/ Vet Tech" at a veterinary Hospital in Holly Springs. Pretty awesome group of people. First day was pretty calm, with more up to date computer technology. Great job, but first day I was suckered into cleaning (again) for someone, and stayed late.
I cried.
4th Job: "Research Technician" at an area facility in which studies were done on animals. This was my first job out of college, and I realized how much my heart was going to be broken right away in this job. But I was desperate for a job, and those student loan payments were piling up. (Side note: studies are not the same as experiments. Studies merely examine routine behaviors and do not harm the subject)
I cried. A lot.
5th Job: "Cytogenetic Technologist" for a genetics company. First day, realized most of my work would be doing something that made me physically ill. I immediately started looking for another job, but never left until 2 1/2 years, and 3 positions later. Extremely stressful job.
I cried on the first day. And at least 2 times every week for the rest of the 2 1/2 years.
6th and most current Job: "Office Manager/ Sales Assistant" for a HVAC and plumbing systems sales company. Love this job. First day was pretty calm, free lunch, and learning the new job. No one to train me but all the systems and programs I use on a daily basis are very common and easy to use. Plus this job uses my given talents of organizing and talking to people.
First day- I didn't cry. But today, almost 8 months after I started, I want to cry. Extremely busy and with tasks in which I don't even know where to start. I had to make myself take a break so that I could de-stress and
Seriously, making it past day 1 without crying has been HUGE. I feel like this is a great fit for me and has been the only job in which I didn't cry on the first day.
Anyone else have any signs that their job isn't going as well as planned?
Friday, July 16, 2010
26 Things about me
In honor of my 26th Birthday yesterday (7/15 for all you late readers), I'll let you in on 26 Things about me that you may or may not have known. Some of these are pretty well known, others not-so-much.
Alright Here we go:
1. I grew up on a farm. Yes we had chickens, cows, horses, and a huge garden (along with many more species of animals).
2. I am addicted to Dr. Pepper. Dear Dr. Pepper Bottling Company right here in Raleigh...Isecretly obsessively love you. And I point you out every time I drive by.
3. My hair is naturally wavy/curly. When I was little, it was so straight it would never take a curl. Ever. Never. Ever.
4. During this time of super straight, lifeless, bodiless, hair, I was picked to act and sing in a play, in which I needed to have super curly, Shirley Temple curls.
5. The curls fell out somewhere around scene 3 I'm sure.
6. I also sang this really annoying whiny song and did a little nervous dance while on stage. yep...pretty sure there's a video floating around out there on that.
7. And I'm praying whoever has it lives in a deep dark cave and has never heard of youtube.
8. I was a the proud (at the time) recipient of 2 perms growing up. Average staying time is about 6 weeks...mine lasted 3. Thank you 80's for the bad pictures.
9. My first kiss was at a horse auction. The boy shall remain anonymous.
10. I'm also addicted to Reese's pieces. In college, I ate an entire family sized bag in a matter of minutes while studying.
11. Also note that this then led to thefreshman Sophomore 15 20.
12. I'm also addicted to shoes. Lots of shoes.
13. Obviously, I have a problem. Or maybe lots of them.
14. I love love love kids, but I'm super freaked out by giving birth. Thanks birthing Horror stories.
15. I love dancing. Everything from swing, shag, the waltz, salsa, to hip hop, line dances, and the hand jive.
16. My stress reliever is cooking or cleaning. I also clean if I get mad.
17. When John and I were dating, he would occasionally make me really mad so I'd clean their house. But he'd never admit to that. : )
18. My biggest pet peeve is someone blowing their nose at the dinner table. Completely grosses me out, yet you would be surprised by how many people do this.
19. My great grandmother is 98. Her sister recently passed and was 108. We have some long living ladies in our family.
20. We always kid that my Great great aunt's secrets were: Never get married, never have kids, don't drink, and don't smoke. So far, I'm 2 and 2.
21. Singing loudly is part of my daily shower routine. It's were I have the most confidence, and were my feelings for the day come out.
22. I have a terrible driving record. Really terrible. Two of the wrecks were not my fault, however I'm not telling you how many were my fault.
23. I'm a realist. The running joke in our house is that I'm a pessimist and he's an optimist. However, I say I'm a realist, and he's naive. Take your pick.
24. A family friend once said my husband and I are Yen and Yang. I have never agreed more than I do to that statement.
25. My mom was a swimmer, yet I still hold my nose when I jump in the water.
26. I've never been West of Tennessee, or North of Pennsylvania. I plan to do both as soon as possible, whenever that may be.
I had a great Birthday yesterday. Thanks everyone for my birthday wishes! And thanks for reading!
Alright Here we go:
1. I grew up on a farm. Yes we had chickens, cows, horses, and a huge garden (along with many more species of animals).
2. I am addicted to Dr. Pepper. Dear Dr. Pepper Bottling Company right here in Raleigh...I
3. My hair is naturally wavy/curly. When I was little, it was so straight it would never take a curl. Ever. Never. Ever.
4. During this time of super straight, lifeless, bodiless, hair, I was picked to act and sing in a play, in which I needed to have super curly, Shirley Temple curls.
5. The curls fell out somewhere around scene 3 I'm sure.
6. I also sang this really annoying whiny song and did a little nervous dance while on stage. yep...pretty sure there's a video floating around out there on that.
7. And I'm praying whoever has it lives in a deep dark cave and has never heard of youtube.
8. I was a the proud (at the time) recipient of 2 perms growing up. Average staying time is about 6 weeks...mine lasted 3. Thank you 80's for the bad pictures.
9. My first kiss was at a horse auction. The boy shall remain anonymous.
10. I'm also addicted to Reese's pieces. In college, I ate an entire family sized bag in a matter of minutes while studying.
11. Also note that this then led to the
12. I'm also addicted to shoes. Lots of shoes.
13. Obviously, I have a problem. Or maybe lots of them.
14. I love love love kids, but I'm super freaked out by giving birth. Thanks birthing Horror stories.
15. I love dancing. Everything from swing, shag, the waltz, salsa, to hip hop, line dances, and the hand jive.
16. My stress reliever is cooking or cleaning. I also clean if I get mad.
17. When John and I were dating, he would occasionally make me really mad so I'd clean their house. But he'd never admit to that. : )
18. My biggest pet peeve is someone blowing their nose at the dinner table. Completely grosses me out, yet you would be surprised by how many people do this.
19. My great grandmother is 98. Her sister recently passed and was 108. We have some long living ladies in our family.
20. We always kid that my Great great aunt's secrets were: Never get married, never have kids, don't drink, and don't smoke. So far, I'm 2 and 2.
21. Singing loudly is part of my daily shower routine. It's were I have the most confidence, and were my feelings for the day come out.
22. I have a terrible driving record. Really terrible. Two of the wrecks were not my fault, however I'm not telling you how many were my fault.
23. I'm a realist. The running joke in our house is that I'm a pessimist and he's an optimist. However, I say I'm a realist, and he's naive. Take your pick.
24. A family friend once said my husband and I are Yen and Yang. I have never agreed more than I do to that statement.
25. My mom was a swimmer, yet I still hold my nose when I jump in the water.
26. I've never been West of Tennessee, or North of Pennsylvania. I plan to do both as soon as possible, whenever that may be.
I had a great Birthday yesterday. Thanks everyone for my birthday wishes! And thanks for reading!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Confession
We're trying desperately to get things finished on our house, and I'm getting anxious excited about re-organizing and utilizing our space wisely.
However, I need to confess something...
I am a Clutterer.
Yes, horribly so.
I am guilty of reading a magazine and leaving it on the coffee table because it's convenient and sometimes because I want to think that it makes the house feel "lived in" and warm and inviting.
I like my 6-of-the-same-species-plant-because-it-never-dies all over the house. On bookshelves and side tables, in the kitchen and on dressers. Yeah they're only green and add no other color in my house, and yeah they all came from one main plant, and yes, I have killed several of these "never-die" plants. I'm not the greatest with houseplants, so I overreact when a few of them live (now give me a garden and we'll see some veggies!)
And...
I can't believe I'm actually going to tell you this...
I have been known, ....the kick a pair of shoes....under the bed!
And sometimes a shirt!
Oh geez I'm getting chills telling you that.
Secretly, I hate my Clutterer side. Okay, not secretly - it's pretty public. I can't stand the idea that the blank space on the wall has to be covered by something, but in the back of my mind, I'm drawing art on that wall. Asymmetrical, rich warm toned, boxy and swirly art.
And this battle is forever going on.
I'm constantly seeing cheap deals and thinking "How can I change this into a cute and artsy basket", "How can I store everything for my art supplies in here?", "How can I put everything I need daily for cooking out on the counter without it looking cramped?"
And then the Clean Freak side of me screams. "What? You do not need another BASKET!" "Your art supplies? You can store them by stopping the insanity of buying them constantly" "Everything on the counter? Seriously you haven't used that griddle in 6 months!"
I'm sure you can see the internal battle.
So when it comes time for this house to be organized methodically with nifty "ah-ha!" ideas and creativity, you may see this calm exterior....but remember that internally, the Clutterer side is crying, and the Clean Freak side is laughing an evil laugh.
AND to kick it all off - I'm starting a new blog over at Honey Do - It Yourself .
**Disclaimer...I also might be a little crazy...but you know you are too :)**
However, I need to confess something...
I am a Clutterer.
Yes, horribly so.
I am guilty of reading a magazine and leaving it on the coffee table because it's convenient and sometimes because I want to think that it makes the house feel "lived in" and warm and inviting.
I like my 6-of-the-same-species-plant-because-it-never-dies all over the house. On bookshelves and side tables, in the kitchen and on dressers. Yeah they're only green and add no other color in my house, and yeah they all came from one main plant, and yes, I have killed several of these "never-die" plants. I'm not the greatest with houseplants, so I overreact when a few of them live (now give me a garden and we'll see some veggies!)
And...
I can't believe I'm actually going to tell you this...
I have been known, ....the kick a pair of shoes....under the bed!
And sometimes a shirt!
Oh geez I'm getting chills telling you that.
Secretly, I hate my Clutterer side. Okay, not secretly - it's pretty public. I can't stand the idea that the blank space on the wall has to be covered by something, but in the back of my mind, I'm drawing art on that wall. Asymmetrical, rich warm toned, boxy and swirly art.
And this battle is forever going on.
I'm constantly seeing cheap deals and thinking "How can I change this into a cute and artsy basket", "How can I store everything for my art supplies in here?", "How can I put everything I need daily for cooking out on the counter without it looking cramped?"
And then the Clean Freak side of me screams. "What? You do not need another BASKET!" "Your art supplies? You can store them by stopping the insanity of buying them constantly" "Everything on the counter? Seriously you haven't used that griddle in 6 months!"
I'm sure you can see the internal battle.
So when it comes time for this house to be organized methodically with nifty "ah-ha!" ideas and creativity, you may see this calm exterior....but remember that internally, the Clutterer side is crying, and the Clean Freak side is laughing an evil laugh.
AND to kick it all off - I'm starting a new blog over at Honey Do - It Yourself .
**Disclaimer...I also might be a little crazy...but you know you are too :)**
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Busy Week
This week is a bit of whirlwind.
Monday night, I was a hair model for a friend's styling classes - takes a while, but they give you a glass of wine and you gossip while you wait. Honestly not much different than my usual girl-time.
John turned 31 yesterday! We went to dinner with some friends and had a nice relaxing evening post dinner.
Tonight, I'm going to babysit our nephew while John goes to Homegroup to listen to our friend Nate teach on Abraham and faith. I'm looking forward to hearing what John learns.
Thursday night, we're going to an NC State Baseball game. I love these things and we're making it John's Birthday Celebration with his family since this week is already so packed with so much else. Really looking forward to this, as it's the only NC State Baseball game I've been to in over a year.
Friday is going to be really crazy. We leave outta Raleigh as soon as I get off work and head down to Charlotte for a Silver show. This weekend we'll be there for the All-Star Race which is becoming a yearly tradition of seeing friends from the other half of the state (as well as some from the southern half of the Carolinas). It involves camping, watching races, good food, and a great time with friends. Very exciting! And I don't even get into the races that much. So, Friday evening will consist of setting up the camp site for the race, dinner, load in at The Evening Muse for the Show, rocking out at the show, and ending up back at the camp site for the night - not necessarily in that order.
Sunday we head it back to Raleigh to get started on next week. It should be a bit more calm.
Also thrown in there this week are laundry, cleaning house, making a week's worth of breakfasts, putting in telephone lines in our house, getting a security system, and packing for the weekend.
I've started only packing my schedule with things I love to do. Part of that involves scheduling a small amount of time for the things I don't like to do (laundry, cleaning, filing paper, etc) so that it doesn't become the "thing" to do for the entire night. And because of that, I am absolutely loving this week, despite it's busy-ness.
What priorities have you changed that allow happiness into your life?
Monday night, I was a hair model for a friend's styling classes - takes a while, but they give you a glass of wine and you gossip while you wait. Honestly not much different than my usual girl-time.
John turned 31 yesterday! We went to dinner with some friends and had a nice relaxing evening post dinner.
Tonight, I'm going to babysit our nephew while John goes to Homegroup to listen to our friend Nate teach on Abraham and faith. I'm looking forward to hearing what John learns.
Thursday night, we're going to an NC State Baseball game. I love these things and we're making it John's Birthday Celebration with his family since this week is already so packed with so much else. Really looking forward to this, as it's the only NC State Baseball game I've been to in over a year.
Friday is going to be really crazy. We leave outta Raleigh as soon as I get off work and head down to Charlotte for a Silver show. This weekend we'll be there for the All-Star Race which is becoming a yearly tradition of seeing friends from the other half of the state (as well as some from the southern half of the Carolinas). It involves camping, watching races, good food, and a great time with friends. Very exciting! And I don't even get into the races that much. So, Friday evening will consist of setting up the camp site for the race, dinner, load in at The Evening Muse for the Show, rocking out at the show, and ending up back at the camp site for the night - not necessarily in that order.
Sunday we head it back to Raleigh to get started on next week. It should be a bit more calm.
Also thrown in there this week are laundry, cleaning house, making a week's worth of breakfasts, putting in telephone lines in our house, getting a security system, and packing for the weekend.
I've started only packing my schedule with things I love to do. Part of that involves scheduling a small amount of time for the things I don't like to do (laundry, cleaning, filing paper, etc) so that it doesn't become the "thing" to do for the entire night. And because of that, I am absolutely loving this week, despite it's busy-ness.
What priorities have you changed that allow happiness into your life?
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Re-motivation
Wow. It's been almost a month with no posts.
This is bad.
Now that we're in our house, we supposedly have more time on our hands. However, in the last few weeks we have been more busy with more social things and family events than we could imagine. This weekend is looking like we might have time to be at home and get some stuff done, so I'll keep you posted on that.
Also, this blog thing needs help. I'm probably going to be changing the address soon and I have some really really great ideas for some stuff that I think ya'll will really like.
Don't worry, I can't cut out that Southern Charm - the ya'lls, and other southern phrases will stay. ;)
This blog will get a major overhaul. I also will need a new name/new catch phrase/new everything for this new blog coming. Send ideas my way if you have them- I'm open to everything.
Plus, I need to know what you guys think of me. Seriously, try to be nice! haha
What things would you come to me to ask me? What things do you think I'm knowledgeable in (obviously not grammar)? Any topic from a to z, I need to know.
Thanks guys and gals! I'm on the way to a more focused - less venting - blog that I think ya'll will really like...and even if you don't like it, I think it will help me to find a niche within myself.
This is bad.
Now that we're in our house, we supposedly have more time on our hands. However, in the last few weeks we have been more busy with more social things and family events than we could imagine. This weekend is looking like we might have time to be at home and get some stuff done, so I'll keep you posted on that.
Also, this blog thing needs help. I'm probably going to be changing the address soon and I have some really really great ideas for some stuff that I think ya'll will really like.
Don't worry, I can't cut out that Southern Charm - the ya'lls, and other southern phrases will stay. ;)
This blog will get a major overhaul. I also will need a new name/new catch phrase/new everything for this new blog coming. Send ideas my way if you have them- I'm open to everything.
Plus, I need to know what you guys think of me. Seriously, try to be nice! haha
What things would you come to me to ask me? What things do you think I'm knowledgeable in (obviously not grammar)? Any topic from a to z, I need to know.
Thanks guys and gals! I'm on the way to a more focused - less venting - blog that I think ya'll will really like...and even if you don't like it, I think it will help me to find a niche within myself.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
New House, Old Memories.
We are finally in our house! We moved in on Friday March 5th, and have been unpacking, cleaning, and still working on the house in our spare time.
A few weeks ago, my parents came up to bring us our stove, refrigerator, and a few other things that have been stashed away at their house for the last little while. In there were 3 boxes of "stuff" that had accumulated at their house since I was twelve. Twelve was the first time we moved, and I'm pretty sure my mom was responsible for packing all my things then, which explains why the pile of stuff from the earlier years were pretty slim pickin's.
But from Twelve til College, we didn't move again, and my "stuff" kept piling up. I'm pretty sentimental, so every single thing that had a memory was kept. Letters from my best friend, little trinkets picked up at roadside tourist traps, girl scout badges....everything.
As I'm unpacking all these things from the 3 boxes, I keep wondering what I'm going to find next. And every single thing that comes out is followed by "Ah! John look at this!", or an "Ohmygosh! I forgot about this!", or an "Oh no. Let's put that back." And every time I found something that I just HAD to show John, he just looked at me with this Oh. great. face. It actually got pretty amusing.
But as I pulled out my yearbooks from Middle and High school, and flipped through the pages of absolutely horrific pictures, I started reading the little notes that friends from long ago had written. And I was swept back.
Back to the years of braces, and big dorky glasses. Back to big curled bangs and over-sized shirts. Back to purple outfits with matching purple socks...and matching purple Keds.
And then I realized, I'm sitting, in the floor, of my tiny first house, with no window treatments, in downtown Raleigh. The best friend that took up an entire page to write in my year books is still my best friend, even hours apart. I hear my husband banging around outside and come back to the reality that I'm married, I'm in my mid-twenties, and we re-built this place with our hands. We have no kids, yet we have dreams of the bedroom I see down the hall being a nursery one day. He gets a call about work, and I blink a few times to think that he runs his own business, that one day we hope will be enough to sustain us both.
I look back at that girl, with the big dorky glasses, braces, and frizzy hair, and think "I wonder if this is where she thought she would be right now?"
And I don't think so. I think her image of the Dana of today would be something like this: she imagined we* would be living on a ranch, with some outrageous number of horses, with some fairytale job which allowed us* to go horse back riding and camping year-around with no one to call boss, and money seemed to grow on trees. I would be a Veterinarian, but one who somehow never had to be on call and was at home on the farm most of the time. I would be married, and maybe a child, maybe not.
Because after all, babies can't go camping and horseback riding.
Are you where you thought you would be? Definitely, mildly, completely not in the same universe?
*the us and we here is me, both then and now.
A few weeks ago, my parents came up to bring us our stove, refrigerator, and a few other things that have been stashed away at their house for the last little while. In there were 3 boxes of "stuff" that had accumulated at their house since I was twelve. Twelve was the first time we moved, and I'm pretty sure my mom was responsible for packing all my things then, which explains why the pile of stuff from the earlier years were pretty slim pickin's.
But from Twelve til College, we didn't move again, and my "stuff" kept piling up. I'm pretty sentimental, so every single thing that had a memory was kept. Letters from my best friend, little trinkets picked up at roadside tourist traps, girl scout badges....everything.
As I'm unpacking all these things from the 3 boxes, I keep wondering what I'm going to find next. And every single thing that comes out is followed by "Ah! John look at this!", or an "Ohmygosh! I forgot about this!", or an "Oh no. Let's put that back." And every time I found something that I just HAD to show John, he just looked at me with this Oh. great. face. It actually got pretty amusing.
But as I pulled out my yearbooks from Middle and High school, and flipped through the pages of absolutely horrific pictures, I started reading the little notes that friends from long ago had written. And I was swept back.
Back to the years of braces, and big dorky glasses. Back to big curled bangs and over-sized shirts. Back to purple outfits with matching purple socks...and matching purple Keds.
And then I realized, I'm sitting, in the floor, of my tiny first house, with no window treatments, in downtown Raleigh. The best friend that took up an entire page to write in my year books is still my best friend, even hours apart. I hear my husband banging around outside and come back to the reality that I'm married, I'm in my mid-twenties, and we re-built this place with our hands. We have no kids, yet we have dreams of the bedroom I see down the hall being a nursery one day. He gets a call about work, and I blink a few times to think that he runs his own business, that one day we hope will be enough to sustain us both.
I look back at that girl, with the big dorky glasses, braces, and frizzy hair, and think "I wonder if this is where she thought she would be right now?"
And I don't think so. I think her image of the Dana of today would be something like this: she imagined we* would be living on a ranch, with some outrageous number of horses, with some fairytale job which allowed us* to go horse back riding and camping year-around with no one to call boss, and money seemed to grow on trees. I would be a Veterinarian, but one who somehow never had to be on call and was at home on the farm most of the time. I would be married, and maybe a child, maybe not.
Because after all, babies can't go camping and horseback riding.
Are you where you thought you would be? Definitely, mildly, completely not in the same universe?
*the us and we here is me, both then and now.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Yummy Potatoes
So for the past 4-ish weeks, we have been gypsies, bouncing around from house to house and staying where we can, eating anything that someone's willing to make for us and occassionally having enough time to cook for ourselves.
And of the blogs that I follow, one is of The Pioneer Woman who just happens to spend her time doing some awesome cooking, and some really awesome pictures of her cooking (among other things).
A few days ago, she posted this recipe of Potatoes Au Gratin and I have been craving them constantly since then. Combine that with my never-ending craving of homemade mac-n-cheese and it's a carb-fest.
Seriously, I might just have to make a huge plate of these potatoes this weekend. Maybe add a little ham or steak just for protein's sake.
Yum.
And of the blogs that I follow, one is of The Pioneer Woman who just happens to spend her time doing some awesome cooking, and some really awesome pictures of her cooking (among other things).
A few days ago, she posted this recipe of Potatoes Au Gratin and I have been craving them constantly since then. Combine that with my never-ending craving of homemade mac-n-cheese and it's a carb-fest.
Seriously, I might just have to make a huge plate of these potatoes this weekend. Maybe add a little ham or steak just for protein's sake.
Yum.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
New Year's Projects
I never make New Year's resolutions. And it's not that I don't like making goals, it's that I hate the cliche behind the resolutions that no one ever fulfills them.
Typically the things I am inspired to do instead, are projects that I can focus on for a relatively short amount of time. See, I have this little problem with focusing on doing the same thing for too long. Call it ADD, ADHD, or plain old busy; regardless, it needs to be brief.
With a new tiny house I am completely inspired to find new and creative organization for everything we use. And Yes, I mean use, not just the things we save for a rainy day.
That coming from a Hair-product junkie - Yes, it will be difficult. I think I filled an entire large box with my hair products. You would think I had hair fit for commercials with all those products.
And I love to cook, so I have lots of cookbooks, and utensils, and pots and pans. I have pictures and plants and things to which my heart is greatly attached. And these things will find a way into my small 780 sq ft house.
So, I will be organizing in ways you've never seen before! - or maybe you have, but you thought it was not a great option for you. I plan to completely redefine what you think of as organized, and still be so practical and easy to use, that it could possibly inspire you to tackle those little piles, drawers, or even entire closets.
Soon my friends.
With that, I leave you this:
Typically the things I am inspired to do instead, are projects that I can focus on for a relatively short amount of time. See, I have this little problem with focusing on doing the same thing for too long. Call it ADD, ADHD, or plain old busy; regardless, it needs to be brief.
With a new tiny house I am completely inspired to find new and creative organization for everything we use. And Yes, I mean use, not just the things we save for a rainy day.
That coming from a Hair-product junkie - Yes, it will be difficult. I think I filled an entire large box with my hair products. You would think I had hair fit for commercials with all those products.
And I love to cook, so I have lots of cookbooks, and utensils, and pots and pans. I have pictures and plants and things to which my heart is greatly attached. And these things will find a way into my small 780 sq ft house.
So, I will be organizing in ways you've never seen before! - or maybe you have, but you thought it was not a great option for you. I plan to completely redefine what you think of as organized, and still be so practical and easy to use, that it could possibly inspire you to tackle those little piles, drawers, or even entire closets.
Soon my friends.
With that, I leave you this:
“Organized people are just too lazy to look for things.”
- Bertrand Russell
Friday, December 18, 2009
Snow??
We're moving Saturday (as seen in previous post) and what have I heard all week but "It's going to Snow This weekend! You might not get to move!"
And just so we're clear: We're moving - rain, sleet, snow, or shine. end-of-story. period. the. end.
According to WRAL's weather team: "'It doesn’t look all that great for a big snow event in the Triangle,' Fishel said."
And then I started thinking about past years here in the oh-so-winterous city of Raleigh that's so nestled within the south that milk and bread are flying off the shelf in a big fat hurry (even though if there were a big snow, your power would be out and your milk would go bad). And there's not much snow in those memories. Last year we finally got enough snow that it impaired travel abilities and it was 6 inches. INCHES people....inches, not feet, we're not getting much this weekend, and you're getting all hyped up about nothing.
How many times have we heard the weather people say "We MIGHT see a chance of flurries" and everyone starts making travel changes? And how many times has anyone actually seen any sign of snow on those days? Not many.
I also love how in WRAL's weather articles, they already have to state to people that major travel arrangements are not planning to be compromised. Like this:
"The airport will not close and airlines will make decisions individually about flight cancellations.
Travelers are urged to contact their airline before heading to RDU."
As in, get over it, we're not getting much here, if any at all.
Seriously, Raleigh is not located in the best place for snow fall. And those people who freak out when the chance of a flurry is mentioned need to pack it on down to Florida where snow is never a question and where their low today is 54.
Personally I love the snow. I act like a kid and want to be out in it making angels and forts and throwing snow balls. But come on people....seriously - canceling flights for the chance of a FLURRY!?!?
*Sorry for the random vent session...I mean, really. *
And just so we're clear: We're moving - rain, sleet, snow, or shine. end-of-story. period. the. end.
According to WRAL's weather team: "'It doesn’t look all that great for a big snow event in the Triangle,' Fishel said."
And then I started thinking about past years here in the oh-so-winterous city of Raleigh that's so nestled within the south that milk and bread are flying off the shelf in a big fat hurry (even though if there were a big snow, your power would be out and your milk would go bad). And there's not much snow in those memories. Last year we finally got enough snow that it impaired travel abilities and it was 6 inches. INCHES people....inches, not feet, we're not getting much this weekend, and you're getting all hyped up about nothing.
How many times have we heard the weather people say "We MIGHT see a chance of flurries" and everyone starts making travel changes? And how many times has anyone actually seen any sign of snow on those days? Not many.
I also love how in WRAL's weather articles, they already have to state to people that major travel arrangements are not planning to be compromised. Like this:
"The airport will not close and airlines will make decisions individually about flight cancellations.
Travelers are urged to contact their airline before heading to RDU."
As in, get over it, we're not getting much here, if any at all.
Seriously, Raleigh is not located in the best place for snow fall. And those people who freak out when the chance of a flurry is mentioned need to pack it on down to Florida where snow is never a question and where their low today is 54.
Personally I love the snow. I act like a kid and want to be out in it making angels and forts and throwing snow balls. But come on people....seriously - canceling flights for the chance of a FLURRY!?!?
*Sorry for the random vent session...I mean, really. *
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