Life Update

Well hello there! How is everyone doing in the blogosphere? Quick life update - I have been at my "new" job for about eight months now (it is SO much better than my previous gig), have been married for a year and a half, and have owned our house for just over a year (got a new roof recently - that deserves its own post). We have a new puppy, and baby plans for next year! Time is flying.

I have lots of money related things I'd like to write about, including the aforementioned roof/other house related things, and our impending duplex purchase (to serve as a rental and a home for a relative). The latter is a terrifying thing that I'm still biting my knuckles over. Who out there has purchased an investment property duplex and how did that turn out for you?

I hope to get back to regularly writing... miss this blog, and all of you!

In Escrow

The wedding was amazing! I hope to post one or two pics (with blurred faces ;)) once the photographer gives her set to us. I had hoped to get some time to relax, but we plunged headlong into the house search again (the housing market in our area is really tight) and found something... but it's verging on a fixer-upper and we had initially promised ourselves we wouldn't go for that.

We had the inspection over the weekend and discovered some good, some bad -

1. Sewer is a-ok
2. Roof needs to be replaced (not a surprise)
3. Garage was shoddily constructed
4. The additions are likely not permitted

This is not a comprehensive list above, obviously. This house can't really be called a fixer-upper, but it definitely hasn't been upgraded. Price is good for the area though.

Who out there has dealt with a real fixer-upper and what has your experience been? What about those who have purchased a house with unpermitted additions? Not a big deal?

In any event, this is an exciting time in my and H's life!! :)

Wedding Bells

A long overdue update - I'm getting married (to H), paying off my credit card debt in full, and buying a house! WOW... how different things can be in two years time. That's all I'll say for now - I feel like life has been moving at warp speed. But enjoying every moment of it! :)

Last Year of My 20s

I'm turning 30 this year. I'm excited for everything yet to come - the small things: birthday party, new friends, spending more time with old friends, trips; and the big things: new job (or renewed commitment to my current job), engagement, marriage, new house, kids. I'm trying not to feel incredibly impatient for this year to end, but it's proving difficult. I feel like after this year I can put a lot of unhappiness firmly behind me (fresh start!). I'm feeling very optimistic and bright-eyed about the future.

I'm still hopeful I can have $5k saved up by the end of the year (at least). I'm going on an eBay blitz today, and possibly a Facebook one as well - selling whatever I can. The goal is to get to 10k, and then throw everything extra at my credit cards. I know that's not an approach everyone can get behind, but I want a peace of mind cushion. I think both my and H's jobs are stable, but you never know.

It's hard for me to find time for this blog. I feel like I have very little time as it is, and sometimes everything I want to get done overwhelms me (that's when I need to plop myself in front of the tv and watch something mindless!). But I do think this blog keeps me on track and keeps me honest, so I'll try to put the effort in to keep it going. That may still mean posts every couple months, but better than nothing! Thanks again for coming along on my journey... I'm happy to see so many of you still around after all these years. :)

Saving

 I'm back! Again. Sorry for the long silences. Work is crazy, I moved, I vacationed... life stuff.

In the next four months, I'd like to get my savings up to $5,000. Realistic? I don't know. The commission part of my job is a fickle thing - but I'll try my hardest. :) I'll also be visiting the UK this Christmas - meeting the final parts of H's family. Excited!

It's been a rollercoaster at work the past couple months- but I'm currently feeling optimistic about everything. Yay!

Another Update

I promise I'll get back to posting more regularly. I should be moved into my new place with H by the end of July, and then things won't be so hectic and out of sorts.

H and I have been back together for almost 4 months. We're talking about marriage, kids, the whole deal. He says he's 100% in this, and I've finally started to believe him. I'm moving towards a solid home life with the person I love, and that's very, very exciting.

I'm hopeful that getting the new place and feeling more settled will get me back on track in the finances department. He and I have also talked about setting up a household budget, saving, all of that. Separately, I just need to become more vigilant about my credit card debt. Stay tuned.

How is life out in the blogosphere?

Back Again

Hey guys! I'm alive! :)

I am:

• still living with a bunch of roommates
• still at my (not so new) job
• apparently getting back together with H (He approached me at the beginning of the year and told me he made a mistake... Re-starting things slowly and seeing where it takes us)

Stay tuned! I'm going to do my taxes and then getting back on the budgeting train.

Much love to everyone still reading.