Stimulus schimulus....

Guess what I got this weekend???

That $600 stimulus check from our rusty, non-trustworthy government. I logged onto my bank account on Saturday to see of my payments had cleared and noticed I had WAY too much money in my account. So, I clicked on the detailed report...and low and behold, I had the 600 smackeroos from the government.

I am still annoyed by this whole idea of the stimulus checks. Everyone keeps saying how great it is that we are getting "free" money from the government. It's not free people...and it's not the government giving us anything. We are so far into debt that we are taking loans left and right from places like China *gulp* to keep us afloat as a nation. So, we are giving ourselves 600 bucks....that we had to take a loan to get and will no doubt be paying back with lots of interest in the future. So, enjoy the "free" money.

And...I'm not hopeful this stimulus package is going to work. I don't think it's going to jump start the economy like they hope it is going to. People are scared about where the economy is heading, so spending the money on a flat screen tv or a down payment on a new car....not really what people are jumping to do. I personally feel that if the government really wanted to help the economy...they should be controlling gas prices. They could do it in a variety of ways...but that I think would actually work in stimulating the economy. If gas was cheaper...people wouldn't be so worried about filling their tank. And...prices would go down because the cost to transport goods wouldn't be so expensive. People wouldn't have to decide between groceries and gas, like many are now. So, if gas was in the $2 range...instead of the $3-4 range, I think the economy would naturally start to turn around some....a lot more than these random checks that people are afraid to spend because they are waiting for the next shoe to drop.

So, what did I do with my stimulus check? I did exactly what the government didn't want me to do with it. I made a $600 payment on my student loans. I figure...my loans will get paid off just a smidge faster. It's not helping the economy any...but it is helping my personal finances. So, Sallie Mae...consider yourself stimulated!

Have you gotten yours yet?? What do you plan on doing with it???

Moving Back Home

Happy May Day everyone!!!

Hey everyone out there on the internet...and by everyone, I mean the 4 people who might read here. LOL That's alright...I always say I write more for me than anything else.

I've made a decision...that when my lease expires in the end of June, I'm going to move back home with my dad. It's something I've been thinking about for a few weeks...maybe longer. I kept deciding one way and then another...and then changing my mind all over again. But, I finally bucked up and made a final decision.

The last year has been a tough one on me and my dad...we've had to adjust our daily lives in a way we had never hoped to with the loss of my mom. When she first passed away, I asked him if he wanted me to move home...and he said that I could, but that he didn't need me to. So, I resigned my lease and went on my way.

A little while ago, my dad mentioned that the offer for me to move home was still there. I think it was his way of asking me to move home...but without putting any pressure on. I started to mull it around in my head and weighing the pros and the cons. All in all...there are so many more pros than cons. One, I can save a lot of money....which I plan on putting in a savings account to buy a car/down payment for a house/get lasik eye surgery/ put towards my 401K, etc. I'll have a lot more money to be able to use for things...and put away. So, that is a huge advantage. It'll also give me a lot more time to spend with my dad...which is such a pro. We have been meaning to do a lot of projects around the house...and I was finding it hard to find the time, but with being home...that will be so much easier. I'll also be able to just hang with him a lot more...which I think will be good for both of us. My dad and I really get along...so, it'll be nice for both of us. I also think the house has probably been pretty lonely for him this past year, so if me being home can brighten it up, that'll make me feel good.

There are some cons...or things I need to be careful of. One, the idea of being 30 and living at your parent's house just doesn't LOOK good. I look like one of those mooch kids who grows up, but never moves out. I know that isn't the situation...but to the outside, it's how it looks. I also need to make sure the transition doesn't lead to me gaining some weight back. I have a horrible pattern of gaining weight when change happens and particularly when I move. So, I am going to make sure that does not happen. I've worked way too hard to just throw it all away. My dad and I talked about turning my brother's room into an exercise room...which will be great. I think I'm also going to rejoin the gym...so I know I always have a place to workout. And another con...is that I'll be really sad not to be living with my roommate anymore. She's one of my closest friends and I have really enjoyed living with her. Also, I know life is really stressful for her right now...so I hate that I added more stress to her life with my decision. If I could have an ideal world...and have both at the same time, I would.

My lease isn't up until the end of June...and now I am going to spend the next month and a half slowly moving myself back into my dad's. I wanna be "moved out" by mid June since our apartment complex is notorious for not giving much of a deposit back...so I want to make sure we get every nickle we can, etc. I figure if I bring some stuff every time I go to my dad's....it won't be such an ordeal.

Happy Thursday all....

Free Swag

Hey there....I have found a few free stuff out there on the internet, so I thought I would share just in case you wanted some too.

Fiber One Cereal: Just click on the link...and you can get a free sample of Fiber One's Carmel Delight Cereal. I've tried it...and yum...it is so good. It's also really good for you. It's only got 3 grams of fat and a whoppin' 9 grams of fiber in each serving. Once again...it's healthy and scrumdiddlyumptious! Enjoy!

EAS Protein Bar: I am a big fan of EAS. I have been using their 100% Whey Protein Shake Powder for years. It's a really nutritious food that is a great before or after workout meal. They are giving away a free product to anyone who clicks the link and enters their info. I got a coupon for a free bar...so, that's what I imagine you'll get a coup for as well. You can find their products in most grocery stores, places like Wal-Mart and they also carry their products at stores like GNC, etc. Give it a shot...and maybe you'll find a nutritious substitution for your afternoon candy bar ritual.

Kashi Granola: I'm in love with Kashi. If I could marry it, I would. Their products taste great, they are made of whole grains and they pack a real nutritious punch. Kashi has a new line of granola out and they will send you a sample of the Mountain Medley variety. I've tried this granola before and it is really really good. Give it a shot, I swear you won't be disappointed.

I hope you enjoy them....they are all healthy and I love anything that is free.

PITA and checkin' my credit!

I spent a good deal of my morning arguing with a customer service representation about an exercise DVD I bought back in January. Aurgh. I will say now...if you ever see a commercial for those Bender Ball Ab things...DO NOT...I repeat...DO NOT order it. You get charged more than you realized...they continue to charge you and send you DVDs each month without you knowing it...and then after you cancel, you still get charged. I don't think I am going to get my money back, but I am sure trying. I contested the charges with my credit card company and also filed a complaint with the BBB. Aurgh...again.

I wish I had read online a little more about them before I ordered. I should have known better. These days, if you put any product into google with the word review, it'll tell you a lot about what others customers thought of it. I read that this morning that close to 90% of people had the same problem I did and never got a refund. If I had read that prior to ordering, you can guess I wouldn't have ordered. It's a lesson in doing my research before buying something.

As similar thing that people should review is any product or pill or drink they are buying for weight loss. I can't tell you how many things I have bought from a late night informercial...where they SWORE that it worked and it would felt the pounds away. I often wanted to believe it worked so much that I didn't even consider researching it. And sometimes even if you do research it, you get some negative and some positive...so, which ones do you believe? An example, here is a review for a weight loss product called Akavar. It makes some pretty out there claims. It says that it is a product that everyone uses in Europe and just drinking it can cause you to lose weight and look great...without the addition of diet or exercise. It's interesting reading people reviews of it. I do feel bad for the people though because it shows they bought the product. They bought into the scam.

It's amazing to me the claims that companies can make...that are just bold faced lies. And, there seems to be no way to hold them accountable. It's especially disheartening when it comes to weight loss...since so many people are so desperate for a solution that is going to work for them. *sighs*

The only positive thing in my DVD fiasco...is that because I also read that the company has been known to sell your information to others, it got me concerned about my credit. So, I paid a little bit...but did a credit check with a fico score to see where I stand. I hadn't checked my credit in about a year, so it was about time anyways. Luckily...nothing seems out of the ordinary on my credit report AND my score has gone up a little bit. My credit score and healthy credit record is something I am really proud of. I've worked hard at it...and make sure everything is in order and paid on time. The documentation shows that I have a higher credit score than 98% of the population...so, go me!

vacation on the brain!

The weather has been SO nice this week that I have been on vacation mode, even though I've been at work and work has been actually really busy and hectic. But still...it's that time of the year when you start thinking about fun vacations. School vacations are coming up...and we have a bunch of people at work on vacation next week. One is going to Myrtle Beach...another is going to Virginia for a family reunion...another is heading to Florida. Of course, all are driving...and no one is thinking of flying during the insanity right now.

One of my co-workers is planning on using her $600 from the government to go on a vacation with her boyfriend. I don't think they are planning on luxury vacations or anything, but they want to get out of town.

So...anyone have any vacations planned recently? Share away so I can be green with jealousy.

That's it!

I'm done with the internet and blogging. No one comments on my site....and those who do, just annoy me. I am shutting this place down...never to return again. I've had it. Everything is always blah, blah, blah...and well, who wants to hear it???
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tee, hee, hee...just kiddin'! April Fool's y'all...hopefully you become a practical joker all day long. I like a day all about jokes. Hmm, which just made me realize, I don't know the historical significance of April Fool's...I will have to spend some time today googling it to find out. Enjoy the day...and laugh often. And now back to my regular scheduled rambling updates:


Good Morning to all those out there in the internet....It's Tuesday and since my car is working and what not, it's a Happy Tuesday. I am so thankful that it wasn't a bigger problem...at least this time. I can remember when I had horrible car trouble with my old car...a 1990 Olds Cutlass Ciera. It was a great car for a while...until it started having problem after problem. And, it was even more difficult because I was out in Indiana...so I didn't have my dad to help me figure out what was wrong and be a nice guy and take me to work and let me borrow the car. So, phew...I still need to bring my car to my mechanic and see what he can do to fix the long term problem.

And now that my car troubles are over...I am planning on going shopping some night this week or this weekend. There are some things I have been looking for to buy, so I want to price them out and see. I probably won't buy much...it'll be more of a window shopping/investigation. I need to continue to buy some new clothes...I need to get some new umm...yeah...bras. You lose weight everywhere...including in the sisters. If only you could make a deal with your body...and say "keep this fat" but continue to burn off the fat on my tummy. But alas, it doesn't work that way. I also want to price out some different types of lamps, etc. I need a lamp for my office...maybe two. I am getting sick of the overhead florescent lighting...and I'd like it to be less bright. So, I am going to see about prices. Plus, I know my dad is interested in replacing the light fixtures in many of the rooms in the house. We have a lot of ancient ones with those ceiling fans attached. I know ceiling fans are not considered stylish...or so Trading Spaces has taught me, but well...I like them. I like that with a normal fan, they help circulate the air around the room...especially in the summer when it is hot hot hot. And the last thing I need to shop around for...is looking for a bike. It's getting to actually be spring like out there in terms of weather...and this year, I am going to start biking myself to work and around town whenever I can. I meant to do it last year, but I never got around to actually buying a bike. Given the cost of gas, my sometimes car issues and my increased interest in fitness related activities....it seems like the perfect time. So...biking here I come!

Now...if anyone wants to send me $$$$ to shop for all those things, it would be greatly appreciated. Yes, I know...the govt is sending me some money, but if you know me at all...you know I am taking that money and immediately putting it towards my student loans. lol

Monday Weigh-In and what stress will teach you...

Hi all! I woke up on Monday morning...with my legs a little sore and my knee kind of barking at me. But...I still felt good. Those aches were reminders of the race I ran, so I kind of smiled and grimaced at the same time. I usually do more of a cool down walk than I did yesterday AND I usually go shopping with my afterwards so I walk for another hour or so around stores...and yesterday after the race, I spent some time watching the TV...and that's about it.

Let's get to the weigh-in...I stepped on the scale and I lost another pound this week. At least it wasn't two! Since I have been pushing cardio so hard in preparation for the race, I was not surprised. Now that the race has come and gone...I can change my focus from cardio centered to weight training. I am starting the Body for Life 12 Week Challenge. It has you doing weight training 3 times per week and cardio 3 times per week. I will be doing a lot less cardio though...only 20 minutes at a time. So, I think it will be a nice, new change.

I think I am going to stop doing the weekly weigh-ins over there on the site. I am going to change the format...and report if I am in my range or not. I am going to give myself a 10 lb. range...and right now, I am at the bottom of that range since I would actually like to gain some weight. As soon as I am within the range, I'm cool. And then...if for 3 months, I stay within range...I am going to give myself a maintenance reward. So...that's my plan, Stan!

And what is this I mentioned about stress? Well...this morning, I went down to start my car and it wouldn't start. I often have a security issue with my car...so I didn't think it was a big deal, but then I realized it still wasn't starting. I wasn't sure if it just needed a jump...or if it was the starter or the alternator...or if it was the security system finally going belly up. My dad is a doll...and took me to work. I knew I couldn't deal with it until I got home. And..once I got to work, what was going to be a quiet, easy day turned into a busy day...where I had to spend the whole morning in the jail dealing with something I wasn't expecting.

So, I came back from the jail right before lunch...a tad bit stressed. What makes me happy about all this stress is how I dealt with it. One of my main issues with long term weight management is that I have always been an emotional eater. Overall, I eat pretty healthy...but when life sucks or when I am stressed out, I tend to go right to emotionally eating. What made me happy today...is that I didn't even think about ordering a pizza or getting some crap food out of the vending machine. Being on this plan...made me deal with my emotions and not feed them. I learned to recognize I was stressed...and realize that everything was out of my control. Once I did that...I calmed right down and I was in a great mood. So, I've lost a bunch of weight...got into better shape physically...but I've also dealt with the internal/emotional issues I have with food. With well...rocks.

BTW- AAA came and jumped my car...and it runs. I figured out the problem...and need a repair down the line, but dodged a bullet for right now.

Hugs all...Happy Monday!

Watching old movies...that I've seen before!

I often end up watching a movie on cable...which I've seen before and sometimes even a movie I own. My roomie and I were joking about it the other day...and how really bizarre it is. I could watch a movie anytime...because I have the DVD sitting there in my room, but I will still sit there and watch it on cable, edited down and full of commercials. Doesn't make a lot of sense, eh?

Last weekend...I was trying to take a nap and wasn't doing it very successfully. So, I flipped on the tv to see what might be on. I ended up watching the end of Boiler Room. That's another movie I've seen before...many times. I like it. I'll admit it, the first time I watched it...it was only because Affleck was in it and I like him. His part is very small...but overall, I think the movie is good. Much like Wall Street...it's a movie about the stock business and commodity brokers. This one was about this scrappy guy getting a job at a firm and trying to do whatever he could to get a sale and to get money. He sees the brokers before him with huge houses and really nice cars....and of course, he wants that for himself. Unfortunately, to get those things it involves selling a stock about a product that doesn't actually exist yet...and when the research doesn't come through, the bottom falls out and everyone loses their money.

Of course...most people in the business aren't doing illegal things like in the movie, but it got me thinking. You couldn't pay me enough to be a broker. I would be driven nuts working in a field where you can't control the market and therefore, you can't control your job. One type of stock may be going through the roof...and then it crashes. And, I would also hate it because a downturn in the market doesn't just effect my job and income, but it effects those people I helped buy and sell stock. It would feel great when I was helping people make money, but it would feel absolutely horrible when I was in essence helping people lose money. I also could never do it...because honestly, I don't understand it. I am sure if I actually worked in the field...I'd see the crash coming...or would I? The market has been suffering lately...and I am sure brokers aren't loving their jobs right now.

co-ops, co-ops everywhere!

I love the idea of co-ops. In an ideal world, I'd like to live in a co-op. I like to shop in co-ops. We had one of the best co-op stores in Bloomington...and I always loved shopping there. I even like banking co-op style...using credit unions over regular ol' banks. I just think the whole idea of co-ops are fascinating.

I was reading recently about a college that works as a co-op. At first, my initial thought was...umm, what does that mean? I didn't see how being a co-op could lead itself to a college setting. So, I clicked on the link and started reading. The school is Kettering University in Flint, Michigan (you know the place where Michael Moore's movie Roger and Me was based upon).



So, what does it mean? Well, Kettering has engineering co-op programs. They place students starting in their freshman year with different companies and rotate them in order to get training and on the job experience. I think a program like that is fan-freakin-tastic! You not only get the education in the classroom, but you get practical experience in your field from your freshman year on. There are so many benefits to that. One, you get to truly know if the field is for you...and know pretty early on. A lot of school require an internship in your senior year, but what if you do your internship...months away from graduation...only to realize that it isn't the right field for you. Two, you get to apply all the stuff you are learning in a practical setting from day one. And three, you get on the job experience...which we know is so beneficial in getting a job after graduation. I imagine a lot of these companies end up hiring someone who has worked for them in their "co-op" experience. I know that the job I am currently in...started as an internship and now I am a full time, paid employee. I imagine that happens all the time there.

When I was getting my degree in social work, if there was a school who had this co-op philosophy, let me tell you, I would have signed up in 2 seconds flat. The ability to get practical experience and on the job training as part of my degree...I would consider that invaluable.

So, check them out...Kettering University...a co-op institution. Who knows, maybe it'll be the wave of the future.

Weight Loss sometimes equals hair loss...

As it is obvious by more than half of my posts here, I've been working a weight loss program for about 6 months. Well, 6 months this time, but weight management is something that has been a goal of mine since...well...since forever.

This is the most successful I have ever been...evidenced by losing 77 pounds to date. Let me tell you, there are some negative side effects to losing weight. One, you have to spend money on clothes since many of your favorite outfits can no longer be favorites because they don't fit. Two, you end up spending more money on food at times because the quality of the food you put into your body becomes more important than the price tag. Another negative is that since I have lost tons of weight, my hair has actually thinned some. The research tends to say that this happens at about the 40 lbs. lost mark. I guess your body realizes that it is losing a good chunk of it's mass, so it concerns itself less with maintaining non-essential things like hair. Luckily, I have a lot of hair and it is thick...so the thinning isn't very noticeable. It's noticeable to me...but it's not some of the horror stories I have read on the internet. I have read about people having bald spots while losing weight, etc. Mine is just a thinner ponytail. And, the good news is that once you stop losing weight...the original thickness of your hair comes back...not overnight, but it does come back.

Anyways, I was lucky enough to get a free sample of this shampoo and conditioner from Naked Naturals and got the chance to try it out. Here is the kind they sent me...



Now, I am usually very picky about shampoo and conditioner that I will use. One of the main reasons is for moral reasons. I won't use any shampoo or conditioner that is tested on animals or made with any animal products. Being the vegetarian that I am, that's probably not much of a shock. Now what is often surprising is how many types of hair care products I cannot use. I can't just buy a new type of product, I have to research it. The first thing I did when I got this sample is head to naked naturals website and check it out. I am happy to report that it contains no animal products and it is not tested on animals.

Secondly, I like products that don't just make my hair smell pretty, but also does something for it. Now, this product does smell great...the lavender scent is wonderful. I have it in my hair right now...and it smells amazing. What I love even more than it smelling like a bouquet of flowers is that it is helping my hair stay strong and healthy...especially given the hit it has taken due to the weight loss. The website advertises that is has 7X the protein of normal products. That is a huge benefit...because it is strengthening my hair each and every time I use it. I have only used it a couple of times, so I haven't noticed a huge difference...but I did see less hair around the drain the last time I took a nice, hot shower. I LOVED LOVED LOVED the free sample and I am definitely going to buy the product. They have some other amazing scents too...I saw a citrus one that looks scrumdiddlyumptious.

If you ever see some of this stuff at the store or at your salon, pick some up. I swear, you won't be disappointed. It's good for your hair. It's good for the environment...and it's good for those cute little animals.

Happy St. Patty's Day to all....

Hey everyone....Happy St. Patrick's Day! I took the day off work...why? Because I consider it my nation's holiday. I am a redhead with pale skin that won't tan...and freakles all over in the summer time. So, yeah...to say I am Irish is an understatement.

If you live near a Stewart's and happen to be wearing green today...stop by and get a FREE SCOOP of ice cream. I wish I was eating ice cream, but not quite yet....but soon. Next year, I will get my free scoop. Heck...maybe next year I will go to every Stewart's in town...which would easily be over 10. j/k

I took a quick run over to my dad's this morning....3 miles...and then we went and bought some green carnations and headed over to my mom's grave marker and put them on the stone. She always loved St. Patty's Day and being Irish. She wore a claddagh ring for years and years...which I now own and only wear is seldomly because I am terrified of losing it. So, I hope she likes the flowers.

And now...I am heading out to go to the video store and then do some shopping...looking to see if the sales are any good for some pants, etc. If not...I'll keep looking.

Enjoy the day...even if you aren't Irish...pretend you are!

wouldn't it be nice?

I always hear of people taking these really exciting vacations...going to Europe for a couple of weeks...going to Australia...spending a week skiing in Coloroda..yadda, yadda, yadda.

I've never been someone who has taken really exciting vacations...and that's kind of pathetic. I don't know why. I guess it takes a good deal of planning and saving and what not. Plus, I've always been the kind of person who wanted to use their vacation time to relax at home since vacations always tire you out more than rest you up, etc.

I really wanna be one of those people who does take vacations...who goes on fun trips or long weekends. I did mention to a few friends over a year ago...hoping to make a trip to Florida and do the whole Disney thing. Of course, I'd also be going to see my family and that adorable little nephew of mine. It seemed like an exciting trip to plan at the time, but none of us have really made any roads to even thinking about it, let alone planning it. And, it doesn't help that my friends and I haven't found time to hang out IN TOWN, let alone plan a trip down South for a week or more. Plus, there is the money factor. I always have money saved, so in all honesty...I could go anytime, but well...most of my friends aren't in that situation. So...I don't see that trip happening any time soon, which makes me sad.

But I wanna be a traveler...even if it means planning and going on trips solo. I want to spend more time in Florida with my family and seeing the sites. I want to go on a cruise. The idea of a cruise just seems to exciting to me. I want to make it out to the West Coast and California sometime. I'd love to spend a weekend or even longer in one of the hotels Las Vegas. I don't think I'd even need to gamble (who am I kidding...I'd play a little, but I'm cheap enough to not lose much money at all).

So...not matter how, I want to start being more of a traveler and an adventurer. I want to look for opportunities and stop being such a home body all the time. I might even start a traveling savings account...and decide I can only use that money for fun trips.

So, where should I go first?

Mid-week report...

It's Wednesday....which means it is Hump Day y'all. We are over the hump and closer to Friday. Plus, this is the Wednesday after what the news reporters were calling Super Tuesday 2. Hillary won Ohio, Rhode Island and Texas...and Barack won Vermont. I've written before that I am a Hillary fan, but part of me just wants this battle to the nominee to be over...and I've crunched the numbers and it looks like...no matter what...it's probably going to go Obama's way. I just don't want to see the Democratic Party spending ALL their time fighting each other...while McCain and the Republicans are uniting and preparing for the real fight, the general election.

Anything else really going on in my life? Not a lot. My roommate's birthday is coming up soon. I've never really been the kind of person who likes to celebrate my birthday, but I know my roomie is. So, we're trying to find something to do...even if it is just a movie and hanging out, etc. And of course...it means I gotta get cracking on buying her gift. I always want to get special gifts that mean something to the person...not just a gift card or a neutral gift. I always want the gift to be something that shows them I thought of "them" specifically. Don't get me wrong...I've bought gift cards before and in all honesty, I like getting them...but still. Hmm, maybe I will buy her lingerie
(just kidding...but I sure got your attention, didn't I?). I'm gonna poke around the shops this weekend when I am running errands and what not...and see what I can find. I always just keep looking until at some point...I come across the perfect gift.

I hope everyone is enjoying their week...and has fabulous plans for the weekend. I don't, but well...I live a pretty boring, grandma lifestyle.

Saturday report....

Happy Saturday everyone!!!

I can't believe I haven't updated since Tuesday...I kept meaning to, but then I didn't. So, for today...I will do a bunch of mini-updates.

I think my roomie is feeling better...or at least that's what she says in email. I work days and she works nights, so I don't actually see her until the weekend comes around. She says her voice is still shot, but she is working towards being healthy again. That's great...and what else is great is that to this point...I have not gotten sick. *knocking on wood* The only thing that really happened...is that the constant washing of my hands...has left them super dry and I have a heat rash that has broken out on one of my hands from the constant washing in hot water. I'll survive though...and I am moisturizing like a mo'fo.

I did my taxes this week. I e-filed, so it doesn't take much effort...just entered all the info in the little boxes and clicked send. I am supposed to get my money back sometime next week. I plan on just using the money to pay off more school loans and what not, so nothing exciting...but I feel good having them done.

I had a good day at work yesterday. A client I haven't seen in about 2 years came to the office to say hello and catch up. He wasn't doing so well for a while, so it was great to see him...and see him doing well. It put a big huge smile on my face to see him walk into the office. Sometimes...the work I do can get overwhelming. The success stories are few and far between...so, it's nice to see someone on the right path, no matter how long or what it took for him to get himself there. It left me in a cheery mood on Friday.

And now...I am hoping to get my Saturday run in. It snowed yesterday, but it's stopped now. I hope the roads are safe enough because I would be really sad to not have my run. Today, I am going to run the 5 miles again, but I am also going to work on my speed. I think I am going to do some interval training. I am going to run my normal jogging speed for 4 minutes and then sprint for the 5th minute...then run for another 4 minutes...then sprint. I hope that will help me pick up my speed over the entire run...and keep me going for the whole five miles. I'll let y'all know how it goes.

Alright...I'm off to start my Saturday. I hope everyone has a GREAT weekend!

the news, mortgages and money...

I was watching the new the other day...I try to watch the local news from 6-7am and then I watch Good Morning America for as long as I can before I have to leave for work. They have been focusing on money and finances for the last month, especially since it is tax season and all.

I think it wa Tuesday or someday close to that, they did a huge whole story about the mortgage crisis going on in this country right now. They talked about the possibility of a new government program that would help the homeowner and the mortgage lenders get out of tough situations where because of the adjustable rates, the homeowner can no longer afford to make their house payments. I used to think that the bank still won when they foreclosed on a house, but in the end...they don't. I mean, they don't lose out as much as the homeowner, but they definitely take a hit.

So, what is this whole mortgage crisis about? Well, mainly is has been about banks letting people loan way more money to buy a home than they can really afford. It's a tough spot though because of the increase in the cost of homes. Many times, the normal income doesn't qualify for what the normal house is in many neighborhoods. I know it makes me personally nervous. If I went to a bank today and asked to be pre-approved to buy a home...there aren't any decent homes in this area for less than $100,000. In reality, on my one income...that is too expensive for me. They say that you should not spend more on your monthly mortgage payment than 1/3 of your total take home income. So, I would end up spending more than what I SHOULD be. Now, I am pretty financially responsible, so I would never sign up for more than I could afford, but still...it's pretty daunting.

These adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) are the real kicker that is getting people now a days. The homeowner gets into a loan for more than they can afford...and gets a 30 year mortgage. The kicker is that it isn't a fixed rate, it's a variable one. Well, the first 5 years is a fixed, low rate, but when those 5 years are up...it turns into a variable one. That is great...except when that rate hikes up, the homeowners can no longer pay and risk going into foreclosure.

And you wonder why the idea of buying a house is completely terrifying to me. I mean, I should be doing it because I am not getting any younger and instead of wasting money on rent, I should be spending it on equity in a home. Aurghh!

Random Update...

Hey peeps...yep, I just said peeps. Here are some random things and thoughts going on in Shelley's world. Enjoy.

Flippin' Cold!

It's freezing this morning. When I wake up, I usually watch the local news from 6ish until 7am. The local weather guy was going over the cold temps...and when he got to where I live, he said it is -11 degrees. That's right NEGATIVE ELEVEN. Holy batcave! I am not sure it felt that cold, but when I was out cleaning off the frost on my car...I had the moment where you breath in and feel anything that is in your nose immediately freeze. Flippin' friggin' cold. So, stay warm if you can.

Laptop Dreams

I was playing with my laptop last night. Overall, I am very happy with it. The DVD drive was acting kind of slow and not always reading the disc, but I think it just needed to be cleaned, so I bought one of those thing-a-ma-bobbers that cleaned the head and it seems to be working much better. I am going to watch it though because my computer is under a one year warrantee, so if there is an issue...I want to make sure to get it checked out and fixed before that one year is up. My roomie is looking to buy a laptop. I can't say I blame her...they are SO convenient. The one thing I wish you could do...is be able to take home the one you want to buy for a weekend and just check it out. Wouldn't it be cool if there was a store that also worked as a laptop rental
and you could test out the computer you wanted to buy? I know they sometimes do it with cars....some places will let you take the car home for the weekend and see if it is something you really want.

Weight Loss Pics

A couple of weeks back, someone mentioned...I think it might have been Sharon...about seeing some weight loss pics since I have dropped 60+ lbs. I thought about it...and I have never been one who has been comfortable putting pictures of myself on the world wide web. I think I have only put one pic of myself on here...and it's a pic of me and my mom, so I was willing to do that in memory of her. But, I don't like the idea of my mug being all over this place.

So, if you know me...and wanna see any pics, email me and I would be glad to send any along. I think that's the best way to work this, mkay?

Alright, I think that's it for a random update on a Tuesday morning. Enjoy the day...and bundle up!

Tax Time...at least for me!

So, it's February...and for me, that means it is time to get cracking and get my taxes done. I have never been one of those people who leaves them to the last minute and is up at midnight...pulling my hair out...on April 14th. My dad..surprising...usually ends up being one of those people. He usually does everything early, so that always catches me by surprise. He keeps everything up to date in terms of finances with a bunch of excel worksheets and I think he even uses a budget software of some sort, etc...so his taxes should be easy as pie. This year it might be a smidge more complicated because of my mom passing away, but I am not sure.

My taxes are pretty easy. I don't own property and what not, so it is just the standard return. I do it online because it is simple and easy and you get your return so much faster. I had to wait for a couple of my W-2s and some of my interest statements to be ready, but now I believe I have everything. I went through and quickly did the federal return to see what it would look like. I didn't file it, but just entered the information...and wanted to see where I was at. I was worried that I was either going to get little to no return or might even have to pay...because I had a bunch of untaxed income I had to deal with. I have my Americorps money...which is great because I paid off a bunch of money on my student loans, but now not so great because I now have to pay taxes on it. Plus, I still have a little income from when I worked at the video store...and they never take taxes out. Plus, income from interest accounts and another side job. So, that's a lot of money NOT being taken out for taxes. I did set up my main job to have extra money taken out for taxes, but I wasn't sure it would be enough.

When I plugged the numbers in for the federal...it shows me getting a return. It's not a huge amount of money, but heck...I am just glad I am not going to owe them anything. I haven't done the NY State one yet and for that one, I am pretty sure I might end up in the owe column, but hopefully not a lot. I plan on getting all the paperwork together and officially doing my taxes this week. Cross your fingers for me...that the state doesn't kill me. *winks*

Check-In on my 2008 Goals!

Alright...it's already February, so I thought I would do a status check on how I am doing on my 2008 goals. I copied a bunch of what I wrote in that entry here...and then I will put how I am doing so far in bold under it, mkay?

2008 Goals
1. Fitness
*I would like to ramp up my exercise even one more notch. I want to keep doing the cardio (with my rusty trusty elliptical) and also do a lot of circuit training to tone and shape what I've got.
*I want to run a 5K. I put that as a goal last year...and I walked a 5K, so I thought...good enough. Not good enough. I want to run one. We have a local runners club here and they have 5Ks throughout the year...so, I want to sign up for one. There is one in March...and I might sign up for that one to push myself to be ready by then. I won't like training and working up to it in the cold, but I'll survive!
*A fitness goal I have...is to figure out how to maintain my weight. I have had success at losing weight and gaining weight, but staying the same weight...that is such a mystery to me. So, I want to maintain my weight...and plan on giving myself a reward for each month I maintain my loss...once I am done losing.
So far, so good. I am still working out on my elliptical...doing strength training more than I was in 2007 and I set the goal for running not a 5K, but a 5 mile race in March. I still need to figure out how to maintain my weight...and that will start mid-February when I transition from the weight loss phase to the transition and maintenance phase of my diet/lifestyle program.

2. I want to be more organized in all areas of my life. I want to be more organized at home. I want to constantly keep the apartment clean. Instead of letting it get gross and disgusting...and then doing a mass cleaning, I want to keep on top of it every single day. I also want to be more organized at work...I want to not let things pile up. So, I am looking for 2008 to be the year of organization.
Things are getting to where they need to be. I spent a lot of time on my bedroom at home. I cleaned it...I organized my closet and actually put things away. Also, my roomie and I did a cleaning of the whole apartment. Now, what we NEED to do is keep doing it. We tend to get into the pattern of cleaning and then not doing it again for weeks until it desperately looks like it needs to be done again. Not good enough. I think I am going to make a cleaning schedule and hopefully roomie and I can figure out who is going to do what...on a more often basis. Work...still needs organizing, but I am getting there. I figure...organize home first, then work.

3. I want to be more active with my church this year. They have been really wonderful this year. My mom loved church and so being there is a really nice way to be close to her. I want to get involved in more things...and become more connected to the church, other than through my mom.
I have committed to going to church every week for the next 6 weeks of Lent. Plus, I have been bringing things in for the dinners and what not. And, I signed up to help two other people in church with the communion breakfast in April. So, I am slowly looking to become more involved. I think I might also find a way to help with the Sunday School events...even if it is just watching the little ones in the daycare section. I am going to look for opportunities to get involved...and say yes when asked.

4. I want to expand my wardrobe. I want to buy some more clothes...but within a budget. I plan on buying a new item or so every time I get paid. It would be nice to not be still wearing clothes I was wearing in high school.
I have done much better at this than I expected. I am horrible at spending money on myself. I went out and bought a BUNCH of stuff from Old Navy and Target during their after Christmas sales. I got a bunch of clothes for very little money. It's one of the benefits of losing weight...and feeling good about your appearance...because I am now more willing to spend money on myself and something that will make me look good.

5. I want to continue saving money. I want to start a Christmas savings account so that the holiday spending doesn't always seem like such a pinch. I also want to save for another trip to Florida...possibly going with some friends, etc. And, I also want to take another look at my monthly budget...making sure I am saving all the $$$ I can.
I did start a Xmas savings fund and I am putting at least $25 a month in it. I don't want to spend all of January paying off Xmas debt like I did this year. I am still putting money into my car insurance savings acct, my car savings acct and my general savings acct. I am also thinking of starting a dental savings acct since I always need some work done...yadda yadda yadda. I do pretty well at saving money...I just want to make sure it is a constant, automatic thing each and every month.

So...there are my goals for 2008...so far...and an update on how I am doing. Honestly, I think I am doing pretty well. I need to think if there are other goals I would like to accomplish this year as well.

What would you spend it on?

So...if you have watched the news or read the newspaper and spent anytime on the internet, I am sure you have heard of the economic stimulus package that the Pres and Congress want to do. Basically...the economy is headed into a recession (we are in a war...it's supposed to!), so to try to stop that from happening, they are proposing refund checks of some of our tax dollars.

Right now...the package basically says this. If you are single and don't make more than $75,000...and paid a penny of taxes last year, you would get $600 bucks back. If you are single and didn't make enough money to actually pay taxes, you would get $300 back. If you are married and jointly don't make more than $150,000....you would get $1200 back. Plus...you could get an additional $300 back for every kid you have.

So, I would be eligible to get $600 back. How much might you see?

The point of the money is to use it in the ecomony. So, what would you buy with the money you got back? I have heard some people around my office say they would get repairs to their car. One person said they would buy a couch that they wanted. One person said they would put it towards a family vacation. One person said they would buy a plasma lift (it's an entertainment center for a swanky plasma TV...I had to look it up since I still have an ancient old 19" TV that I owned in college!). But, most of all...I hear people saying they would pay off bills or save it. I am with those people. I know I am supposed to put it into the ecomony, but as soon as I got that check...I'd be sending that money right to my student loans...no question.

Would you spend it? Would you save it? Curious minds want to know.

politics is personal....

If you know me, you know that the personal is always with me. I am starting to get worked up about the political shananigans coming this year. There are so many issues which are close to my heart...healthcare...the war...poverty...women's rights...the environment. Hmmpf, my heart desperately wanted Al Gore to run for President, but well...he wasn't taking my calls and didn't get to hear my desperate plea.

I am always looking for small and big ways to get involved in political issues. I know that I can't change the world overnight, but I can do little things that make a difference. One thing I like to do is look at where I shop. I will admit to shopping at Wal-Mart, but I don't like it. I look to support local farmers and businesses. I also like to buy from companies which support environmental efforts.

Greenandmore.com is definitely one of those companies I would purchase from. They sell eco products and common household items as well. By purchasing from them, I am buying something that is made in an economically friendly way and that brings my heart joy. But, that isn't the only good thing about it. The company also supports environmental charities with the purchase of their products. And, they walk the walk...they aren't just talk. They follow environmental standards concerning recycling, not using plastic products, using 100% recycled cardboard, etc. I might pay a little bit more for something, but I sure would feel good about it.

Another thing I found on their site which is pretty cool is they have an environmental learning center. I believe in global warming and think climate control is a huge issue, but I know that I need to know more. My knowledge is only the tip of the iceberg. The site has tons of links to educational material. They don't seem like a company just out to make money. They seem like a company interesting in truly making a difference.

Ah, this post just makes me miss Al Gore more. Why won't he just be my President??