I left!

I decided to move to Wordpress... update your bookmark! My blog resides here now. See ya there!

Reality check... check!

I've learned so much about keeping my finances straight from working at a credit union the last couple of months... it's unbelievable. Just by seeing other people go through economic hardship because of stupid credit card debt and multiple loans. One does not have to be a millionaire to be debt free or at least as close to it as possible. It's about being smart and having your priorities clear.

I have a story... As trivial as it may sound, this event made me realize that I do not want to live with the debt burden. So I went to a department store to buy a couple blouses for work. Of course, I had to go look around... and of course, I saw a coat that caught my attention. It was $260 and I do not need a new coat. I loved it... I wanted to take it home with me... I tried it on... it made me feel beautiful. I do not need a new coat. I do not have $260. What to do? What to do? Maybe I can put it on lay away, I thought. I asked the hubster, my wonderful hubster. He said no. Rarely he says no to me. I was disappointed. I cried... I wanted it. But then it hit me... this is exactly why we have debt. Lack of control, compulsion, numbness of the senses, material desire, I believe it is called just being plain irresponsible with your life. I'm not saying it is wrong to have things... we need things, but we have to be cautious. Wanting stuff can become my doom. We talked about it. Debt can get unbearable in the blink of an eye. We are starting our life together. We are lucky... we own a house... we own a car... we have jobs. We have a future waiting for us. We are growing up... learning to be adults. We took matters into our own hands. We got rid of our credit cards and decided on a way to pay off our debt. We can sleep at night. Nothing is for sure in this life but now I know that there's stuff I can do to help me live it fully.

Eye Candy Friday

My first!!!

He's gone! =(

How sad! My friend Dave came over to visit and now he's on his way back home. I didn't want him to leave us so soon. He came last Saturday. I'm so glad he was our home's first visitor! We had a great relaxing time. Of course, Yei and Seb also spent some time with us. The hubster too! There was some hanging out of this kind (with dancing and everything)...



and of this kind...



We went to the mini golf and the zoo and pretended to do something other than eat, drink, sleep, and talk (not necessarily that order). Although we had a dashing (that is the hubster's influence... full force) time, we missed the other members of the gang that couldn't come. I know we'll get together soon and have a proper house drinking party.

$0.50 Movie Day

We are lucky. We like going to the movies... we love going to the movies. We have a cheap movie theater around. Usually you pay $1 to $2 (depending on the day) for a movie. It's true that the movies showing there are gone from other theaters but they are not 5 year old either. On Mondays it's even cheaper... you pay 50 cents if you buy 3 or more tickets. Yesterday we went to watch Knocked Up. It was very funny!!! Loved the jokes. And come on... any movie for 50 cents and the theater experience is unbeatable.

Last night we set up our alarm clock for 4AM so we could see the eclipse. Guess who was too tired and didn't want to see the eclipse after the alarm went off? Yep... me. It was my idea you know. Ohh well!

Jane Rocks!!!

I just finished reading Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. It sent me on an emotional roller coaster. I went from curious to anxious to surprise to angry to sad to incredulous to disappointed to more disappointed to completely heart broken to redemption to optimism. It was great. Who knew that an old novel would get my attention and my senses to such an extreme. Well... it is called Sense and Sensibility because of something, right? Jane Austen has a new groupie.

Next stop... finishing The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I didn't know it was going to be such an existentialist book... so it has taken me longer than expected. I'm just not into that theme right now.

I also started The Witching Hour by Anne Rice a while back. That one I'll have to start over. Too many details... but still really good. I already read all the Vampire Chronicles books that came before The Witching Hour. After The Vampire Armand, there are some links to the Mayfair Witches series introduced and I wanted to read about it before following the Vampire Chronicles series.

After The Road... I have to do it... Pride and Prejudice is calling my name.

I had a great weekend. Last Sunday we just chilled here and our friend Nate came to visit and play some Drink & Scrabble. Of course I used the waiting time between words to knit a little bit on my Simple Trekking Socks. And of course I didn't win any of the games. That's what happen when you decide to play a word game with a English teacher.


Then on Monday we went to U of B for a concert. What a concert!!! Dream Theater is amazing live!!! We had a great time there and driving too. Ohh I almost forgot, I also went to the new location of Village Yarn on East Rochester. Cute store and lots of space. I'll definitely go back.


Yesterday, I went shopping for work clothes. I found everything I needed and great prices. But then today I got a call from my employer. I'm not starting on Aug. 27. I'm starting on Sep. 10. Two more weeks. That was a bummer. I'll live.

Regrouping

Hello to those who might read this. I've been everywhere doing not much really, so you would think I would have time to blog. I just was in one of those moods where you have a lot in your mind (good for blogging) but not wanting to do anything with it (bad for blogging and all creative endeavours). But I'm back. I've said this so many times before that I'm not sure how long this energy boost will last. I guess I just need to let it all out and not think too much about it. I really want to blog... I need to express myself... yeah, I should do it... I'm sure it's going to help me a lot.

This summer has been an eventful one. Let me start just by saying that the hubster and I are first time homeowners and we love it!!! We have an amazing, almost 100 years old beautiful house that we adore. Of course it needs some lovin' but we love it all the same. Here it is!!!


5 days after moving to the house we took a little 3 weeks long vacation to Puerto Rico. We had a wonderful time with our family. But by the end of the trip we were missing our comfy bed a lot and we also wanted to go home and enjoy our house for a while. I miss my family already. You can't win when you are so comfortable where you live but at the same time your family is so far away.

I have a new job too. I'm very excited about trying something else other than science. Don't take me wrong, I still love science... however, it is not the right career for me right now. So you ask what are you doing now? Well, I'm giving banking a try. I've only heard good things about the bank (that's always good), so I'm looking forward to starting (Aug. 27 is first day of training).

After moving day (let's make that moving weeks) I haven't done much in the crafting front. Only a couple stitches here and there that don't account for much. But I have too many WIPS; I really want to take care of those before starting anything else. I need to take pictures to show here and to put in Ravelry (which by the way it's AMAZING!!!).

I read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I feel JK Rowling gave us some closure but I'm sad it had to end. It is such a good series. I think she took the safe road (in terms of the story events) but at the same time I'm still amazed by the fact that she put it all together so well. It reads so smoothly and flows very well. Overall, awesome ending to the series.

That's it for now... I hope to be back with some pictures. See ya soon...

And we're off!

I know I said I was going to have a WIP Wednesday... sorry about that... it'll come... I just need to take pics of my gazillion WIPs.

GREAT NEWS! Today our mortgage broker called us and we're pre-approved!!! For a house mortgage that is! That means that we can start looking for a house. It's all starting to get to me. The hubster and I are very excited to say the least. Will keep you posted!!!

Tata for now...

Thrifting

I visited this new (at least for me) blog (and of course SouleMama's) that discusses thrifting and the philosophy behind it. I like the idea of finding treasures at really good prices... so I went to my local Goodwill. To my surprise I found an assortment of Target furniture marked down... way down. I got this beautiful side table and get this...




I payed 80% less than the original price right now ($150) at Target!!! Go Me!!!

I also got a set of 4 glasses (for $4)... each of them has a dancing couple (after some research I think they are square dancing)and 2 lines of what to me looks like a cowboy song. I don't have a picture but I'm trying to find more information about them. I didn't see any marks or brand, so I'll keep looking.

I found a cross stitch kit of some kitties playing with red yarn balls and the words "You're among friends" ($1).




The kit is from the "Learn a Craft" Collection of Dimensions Inc. and is designed by Daniel Gorman (you can really find anything at eBay, even this kind of information).

You can't go wrong with this prices. And so I started thrifting... I'm sure there'll be more to come.

This and that

Helloooooo Spartans!!! I loved the movie... the film was beautiful and the 300 spartans too. It was very entertaining (the hubster agrees). After a long day at work, there's nothing better than a great movie at the IMAX with the hubster and good friends.

By the way, work is going great. I'm feeling very good about it. This past month has been a lot of fun. It might be a transition job but I'm trying to learn as much as possible and getting the most out of it. Ohh... I guess I should mention I'm working for Target. This is my first real job, my first retail job... and I'm glad I'm working for them. I wasn't sure if I was going to get used to being around so much people but I'm enjoying it.

I finished the third book in the Artemis Fowl Series: The Eternity Code. It was so clever!!! The first book is clever and innovative, new fantasy I would say. The third book is even more so than the first. The second book was just a "bridge" between the first and third, the story was somewhat slower too. Of course, I already started book 4: The Opal Deception. This is a great series for everybody, lots of fun.

Today was our first meeting with our realtor!!! Yep, we're planning to buy a house. This phase of my life is so new that I can't really explain how I feel. I'm just grateful that I have the hubster, that we're on the same page, and are looking forward to similar things. I can't wait to start this process!

Tomorrow WIP Wednesday where I show all my work-in-progress!

Being aware

I love Blueprint magazine! To the end of the 3rd issue (March/April) there is an article/list titled 100 Reasons why you should get rid of it... IT being stuff, clutter, junk.... even debt. It got me thinking. A lot of us really desire to have things. I'm working on changing this attitude on myself. I don't need all the things that I have and still wish I had some more stuff. That is not right.

When you start spoiling yourself and getting stuff by using money that you don't have (aka credit cards), it's time to do something about it. I am taking control. It's not easy, but I realized and understood that the change is going to make me a better person. I will get rid (sell, donate, toss) of things that I don't use... I need to do it. My credit cards are out of my wallet. No more window shopping carrying credit cards. If I don't have the money I can't buy anything, thus helping me control the amount of stuff I already own and also my debt.

Growing up is tough... I'm just happy I can realize this things and take control of my life now.

Moving forward

I'm well... I'm happy... I have a job... I have a driver's permit (I've been scared of driving for a long time, but realized that it was a total necessity)! This year so far has been a huge change in my life. I stood up for myself, stepped out of science and am trying something new. It's so much fun!

Crafting front:
Knitting - Mason-Dixon Ballband dishcloth started.
Crochet - Almost done with the Rising Sun Doily.
Quilting - Almost done with the quilt top.

Will show pics soon!

I missed it!

I missed the Grammys... *sigh* Congrats Mr. Ricardo Arjona on a well deserved award. I'm happy, that means people are paying attention and actually getting your point. I'm not too happy about the tie, but I'll live.

Probably you don't care but I missed the show because we got this! It's great fun let me tell you.

Super... What?

Oh Yeah! Super Bowl Sunday Baby! I don't know much about football but you don't need to know anything to see how handsome Mr. Peyton Manning is.

Anyway...

Go Colts!!! Go Bears!!!

I'm Back!!!

Hey Friends!!!

I took a long long long break, but I'm still alive. After the defense I went home for holiday vacation and had the greatest time. I ate a lot! Want to see how we roast a whole pig!?!? Here you have it...



This is an important part of our traditional holiday food! It was out of this world good. So other than food, I had enough time to share with my family and relax. Oh! I also went to the beach (on December!).



When I came back, my thesis was waiting for me to be modified and submitted. The deadline was January 16, 2007. So, it is over now. I have a real MS although I'm still waiting for my diploma. But I'm happy... it is over.

Now I'm looking for a job. It's so difficult being a grown up!!! Who knew!?!?!

In the knitting front I finished a calorimetry. I know! Another one!!! They've been popping out everywhere but I have to make one. I finished it in one night... couldn't put it down. You know, they say you shouldn't leave your knitting when you're in the middle of a row... so I'm good at following instructions. Hehe! Here it is...



I used a lonely ball of Knit Picks Andean Treasure yarn in Embers Heathers. I love the color and the yarn is so soft and lofty... hmmm... dreamy! I also started a toe-up sock following Wendy's pattern. I don't have a lot of experience with socks, so we'll see how it comes out. And that's it!

At the same time I started quilting... or I started trying to quilt. Like with crochet and knitting, I'm completely self taught. I'm reading books and magazines and everything I can put my hands on about quilting. I'm having a great time with it. I'm piecing the top now... trying to put it together as perfect as possible. I'll show the final product when I'm done.

I mentioned before the Sampler but didn't have posted pics of the goodies I got. Here they are in all their glory. These are two samplers. The first pic is the November Sampler and the second is the December/January Sampler.



I love the Sampler... it's a great opportunity for you to get unexpected (you don't know what's inside until you open the package) mail and also learn about the many wonderful and blooming indie stores around. I'm not going to mention all the stuff I got but if you want more details send me an email!