Advice for the Monetarily Challenged

I’ve got some major money issues. My friends and regular readers know that, especially when once I spent my last $8 on milk, Oreos and a pint of Snickers ice cream instead of buying basic necessities like real food or gas to get to work. I don’t need to get into the history of my spending abuses. What I do need is to seriously focus on how to change them. I’ve been talking about it for months, and now it’s time to take action.

Last night I sorted through piles of bills and papers that I apparently thought were important enough to keep, but not important enough to ever look at again. I found parking ticket collection notices from last June, my unpaid heat bill, the bill for the remaining balance on my Comcast account, a $30 fee from a bounced check, another parking ticket, and other notices that I opened once and shoved into a slot in my desk.

Why I EVER would have thought I have the money to buy a new outfit for a Friday night is beyond me.
I’m fed-up with myself. I need to budget, save and pay my effing bills on time. Especially now that I’ll soon be moving in with Sarah, and having delinquent bills because of my own pure irresponsibility and laziness won’t be an option.

Ironically, when I got into work this morning, our Intranet had a notice for a workshop on living debt-free. Mary Hunt (hopefully she’s not married to Mike), is the founder of Debt Proof Living and once shoveled her way out of $100,000 of debt. *whistle* Impressive.

So, at 12:15 today, I took my notepad, pen and money-blowing little ass up to the fourth floor for her speech. And what she had to say was good. In fact it was great. And it gave me a starting point with becoming better at managing my money. That, coupled with some advice and chitchat from my co-workers, makes me feel positive about taking the steps to change.

1. Mrs. Not-Mike Hunt says NO DEBIT CARDS. According to studies, you are likely to spend 30 percent more if you use your debit card than if you just paid with cash. I can attest to that. There have been weeks when I’ve been low on cash—say $100 left for the whole week after bills—and I’ve checked that money out of the bank. With it in my wallet, I’ve been less privy to blowing it in unnecessary places because I know that’s all I have. Now I don’t have any idea why it’s different with my card. If I have only $100 in my account, that’s still all I have. However, I spend, spend and spend. I swipe my card left and right without really keeping an accurate tally, and almost always overdraft my account. Or worse, overdraft onto the credit card I just made a huge payment on.

I see her point exactly. So after the seminar, I went downstairs, called my bank and ordered myself a new ATM card without the VISA symbol attached. When it arrives, I’m going to start checking out the money I’m allowed to spend each week after I pay my bills, and spend no-more than what I have in my wallet.

2. Hunt also says credit cards are a good thing. Wow. You would think that someone who had pulled herself out of $100,000 dollars in debt would preach against them. But, she says that every adult needs to have an “all purpose” credit card, and she recommends one that has no annual fee and a 25-day grace period. She also recommended checking your credit report now and again to ensure that it is free of mistakes and other indications that could mean identity theft. According to a law passed a couple years ago, every one is entitled to a free copy of their credit report three times a year. The Web site to obtain these from is www.annualcreditreport.com. The report will tell you your credit history, but it won’t tell you your FICO score. Furthermore, those Web sites that tell you to pay a mere $7.95 for your credit score are actually sending you their version of a credit score, not your actual FICO score. To obtain your actual FICO score, go to http://www.myfico.com/, but this only should be done when you need it for buying a house, car, etc.

3. Hunt had a lot of good knowledge when it came to raising and maintaining your FICO score, which is what will be looked at when you apply for a car loan, house loan, apply for an apartment, etc.

a. Never be late with anything. (Obviously a problem of mine.)
b. Maintain a healthy gap between used credit and available credit.
Mary recommends a 30 percent gap. However, your gap shouldn’t be too big.
You’re supposed to show that you know how to use and maintain your credit.
c. Not supposed to close a bunch of credit cards out all at once. No more than
three a year, and space out the time between closures.
d. Inquiries look bad on your credit. An inquiry is when a credit card
company, car loan company, etc. pulls your credit report in order to offer
you credit or not. Your credit report should have only two of these a year.
e. Do not have too many credit cards, but only one isn’t good either. At least
two credit cards shows that you are good at managing debt, which will raise
your FICO score.
f. FICO loves history. Mary recommends never closing a card you’ve had for a
long period of time.
g. If you receive a lot credit card offers in the mail, you can “opt-out” of
receiving these offers. There’s a little number to call: 1-888-567-8688
(press 2). This will prevent credit companies from sending them to you, but
the next time you fill out a credit application, you will automatically
be “opted-in” and will have to take your name off the list again.

4. Finally, Hunt covered the topic of groceries and food—the number one budget killer for individuals and families. She preached the coupon method, which I’m a huge disbeliever in. I mean, really, I don’t need to save 40 cents on a box of cereal? But, Hunt had a few good pointers: never pay full price for anything because it will always be on sale. Grocery stores rotate everything in the store to go on sale every 12 weeks. She even has Web sites she uses that track when the stores will have what items on sale, and when the coupon is coming out for that item. Apparently, she’s been able to get stuff for free because after the coupon is subtracted from the sale price, there is a negative balance. Worth checking out…
www.thegrocerygame.com and www.thecouponmom.com

So, tomorrow I get paid. And I’m going to check out my little theory. I’m going to pay my bills, then check out the rest of the money I’m allowed to spend. Now all I need to do is start allocating how much money I’m allowed to spend where, ie: 40 percent of my income on food, 20 percent on entertainment, etc.
Perhaps I can try to tackle that feat next week…

Currently Feeling: A sugar rush. I’ve eaten three pieces of fucking cake today. Damn office birthday celebrations.
Currently Anticipating: Bowling league tonight and playing Dance Dance Revolution!
Currently Hating: That I was given a one-half hour warning for someone to walk through my apartment. I just gave my notice today. And I won’t be home in one half hour. So pretty sure someone gets to see my underwear on the floor and step on my beautiful baby kitty. (Who’s not allowed.) Perfect.

Here We Go Again…

Lucky Strikes: Season Three…

Wish us luck!

The Good, The Bad and The Old

I’m too old to be on The Real World. I’m not married, engaged or in love. I don’t own a house or condo. I’m too old to choose the “other option” if I get knocked-up. I’ve never lived with a boyfriend. I’ve yet to call another city home outside of Washington state. I need to make a Grad school decision soon. I don’t have a retirement plan or health insurance.

BUT

I finally discovered something about being 25 that hasn’t been bothering me lately—yesterday my insurance rate dropped $40 a month. That’s a lot! Finally, something positive.

AND

Apparently, 25 isn’t too old that I can’t hear this.

Are you?

January is over, and things are looking up. I may have a lot of issues to tackle (I feel like I’m becoming dark and twisty), but at least I’m still young enough to be part of the secret ringtone club and will soon have extra money in the bank!

Sunday Sunshine in Seattle

Yesterday morning I woke up to sunlight streaming through my bedroom curtains, bathing my bedroom walls in a soft pink glow. If I had three wishes granted to me, I would wish to wake up every morning to sunlight. It somehow makes the day seem that much better. It also makes me antsy to get the hec outside and enjoy the day. Especially when we’re in the middle of winter, and the sun in Seattle is so uncommon. So, after making multiple phone calls to my friends who were all busy on Sunday, I decided to explore the city on my own. It was a most spectacular and independent day.

I shoved my laptop in a backpack, put on earphones and started out by walking down through lower Queen Anne, stopping at Easy Street to buy the new Junior Boys cd. For those of you who are Postal Service fans, you’d love this cd. It’s infectious. I then made my way to the much-talked-about Olympic Sculpture Park. Ok. I appreciate the new park, especially with the view from the waterfront. But it was hard to enjoy it while winding my way through 1,000+ people. I felt like every family, kid, old person, couple and tourist in the city was there on Sunday. Made it kinda hard to just enjoy the scenery and artwork. However, I did manage to take a few pictures, and I do look forward to going back on a calm spring day when the hype has subsided.

And my personal favorite…

I finished up my day with a stroll through Pike Place, lunch at Peroshky Peroshky, a bookstore stop for The Bell Jar by Silvia Plath and a new Oprah Book Club selection, and coffee/nerdy internetting at Cherry Street Coffee Shop.

It was a good sunny Sunday in the city. I would have liked to walk around with someone else, but I’m glad I seized the day despite the lack of company. I guess it’s days like this where independence is born. Now all I need to do is brave the movie theatre by myself.

Currently Feeling: Excited for spring. Only two more months…
Currently Anticipating: Receiving my W2 forms and hopefully getting a fat tax return check.
Currently Wanting: To plan a new vacation. Maybe Vegas or San Diego for Coachella?

Someone Grab a Scalpel, this Bitch Gone Crazy!

I’ve made a mistake. Quite possibly a huge one.

I’ve started watching Grey’s Anatomy. I rented the first season, and while it was somewhat entertaining, I wasn’t hooked. Then I rented the second season, and I can hardly think of doing anything else besides going home and watching the next episode. I’ve turned down multiple social engagements to be by myself, curled up in my bed, watching hour after hour of Grey’s. Should I start worrying?

One week, and I’m already a junky. After bowling till midnight last night with The Lucky Strikes, I came home with the last two DVDs of the second season in my hand. “I have to make these last,” I thought to myself. Cause once I had watched them, it was back to regular old television and waiting each week to see the outcome.

So what did I do? I stayed up until 3:45 in the morning last night watching the entire fourth disk. I couldn’t effing stop. I mean the bomb…in the cadaver…Bailey’s husband in brain surgery…Izzie and Alex in the coat closet. Those of you who watch the show know what I’m talking about. There’s a reason these shows win freaking Golden Globes.

Furthermore, I’m starting to live a disillusioned Sexy-in-the-Cityish reality where the characters seem real to me. And I start talking about what’s going on in their life. And what this person did and said today, and the other. I’ll never forget when I was sitting in the waiting room at The Old Spaghetti Factory months ago with Sarah (an obvious SATC fan) and Haley (who’s never seen one episode—a crime really) and Sarah turned to me and said, “Smith Jared shaved his head today for Samantha.” And Haley was like, “Why are you talking about these people like they’re real?”

Why do we talk about fictitious television characters and get so into shows that they start to seem real? I’m not the first girl who likes to think her life is weirdly similar to Sex and the City. Or at least try to live like it. It’s quite pathetic really. That’s right, Paolo, and all the other haters out there. I admitted it.

Perhaps it’s because some TV shows are so farfetched and unrealistic that the sheer preposterousness of it sucks us in. Sort of like Desperate Housewives. Or maybe it’s because it’s a reality that is more exciting than our everyday lives, such as 24 or Lost. Or maybe it’s because the characters are realistic, and portray the relationships that we want, have, hope to have. Like Sex and the City and Grey’s Anatomy. I know that I sometimes wouldn’t mind being able to disassociate myself from feelings like Cristina, I wouldn’t mind being as freakin smart and successful as Meredith or having the camaraderie the interns have at work. And you all know, I certainly wouldn’t mind having my own McDreamy. Or even McSteamy. And until it happens for me, I’m going to continue to obsess over these TV shows and spend my young, 20-something years curled up watching them until 3:45 in the morning instead of hanging out with my friends or actively seeking a love life.

Some one check me into the OR.

Currently Feeling: An incredible overwhelming love for my devil cat. I think it’s unconditional. And I think I’m totally attached. Hell, we made it past the two-month phase…it must be forever.
Currently Anticipating: Bingo tonight and Brett’s birthday party on Saturday.
Currently Loving: That Chuck the Fuck is getting what he deserves.
Currently Obsessed With: No Sugar Added Fudgesicles with Peanut Butter.

Un-Bloody-Believable

Last weekend I went to see Blood Diamond.

I’m going to spoil the ending of this blog before you even read it: I’m never putting a diamond on my body, and you can quote me on that. If some sad sack buys me diamond earrings or even worse, a diamond ring, I’m going to take a trip down to the local pawn shop and hock the damn thing.

I’ve always talked to my friends about how I’m just not a diamond girl. I’d much rather have a pink or yellow sapphire ring, and I’ve never understood the big obsession with the supposed Women’s Best Friend. “Diamonds are forever,” my ass. Don’t you know that the supply is controlled, so people think they are “rare,” therefore the demand rises? This movie solidifies all contempt I’ve had for diamonds and girls’ obsession with them. Especially those women who have a wonderful guy who wants to marry them, but they won’t take the plunge until they have a 2.4-carat, princess cut platinum diamond ring on their finger from Tiffany’s. Give me a fucking break. There’s more to life than having a 20K ring on your finger. How about taking that money to travel the world, or putting a down payment on a sweet condo in Seattle or a house in the suburbs (whichever you prefer)? All the girls who boast the ridiculous “huge ring” requirement need to go see Blood Diamond.

Set in early 1990s Sierra Leone during the country’s civil war, the film captures the massacres, chaos and generally inhuman acts of those living in Africa, who are obsessed with the sale and profit from diamonds. The depiction of child soldiers who are kidnapped at young ages such as 7, manipulated with drugs, and made to kill using machine guns, is heart wrenching. It’s amazes me that there are situations like this happening all over the world, (Gulu and the Lord’s Resistance Army or Darfur, Sudan), and most people in America have no idea. Instead, our daily news covers the snow on the streets and a recent cold virus. It’s pathetic.

An estimated 65 percent of the world’s diamonds come from African countries—Angola, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Republic of Congo, etc. And while the Kimberly Process was created in 2002, which supposedly halts trade in conflict diamonds and allows a process where buyers of diamonds can be assured that their diamonds have not contributed to violence. Still, this happened less than a decade ago, and it is not 100 percent guaranteed that the diamonds sold in the U.S. are not from war-zoned areas, that a women wasn’t raped and beaten in the process, her children kidnapped and made to murder others, or the father’s hands were not chopped off. Not providing me with a 100-percent guarantee, ensures that I will 100 percent never purchase a diamond. I couldn’t live with myself if I knew I was walking around with a superficial status symbol on my finger, which could have contributed to the death of an innocent person. How is anything worth that?

Now, in my search of facts and figures for this blog, I came across Diamondfacts.org, which straight-up argues that diamonds actually benefit Africans and are a large reason that they can feed their children and go to school. I don’t buy it. Since the Web site is ran by the World Diamond Council, an organization created by the big wigs of the diamond trading industry, it smells like fish-coated propaganda.

Anyway, read up on the subject, see the movie and form your own opinions. But, if you’re a man who happens to fall in love with me, please buy me a fake ring out of a 25-cent machine. I’ll love you for it.

The Party’s Over but the Fun is Just Beginning

Thanks to all of you who ventured out on Saturday night to celebrate 25 years of my life. I had an amazing time with all of my friends, who really are like family. As the night progressed, the food and jello shots dwindled, and my buzz continued to skyrocket, my drunk and generally giddy disposition allowed me to become a little sentimental. I scanned the room and realized that I am more fortunate than I could ever have asked for or imagined. I have so many good friends who support me and love me. The room was filled with some old and a lot new, and a few in-between, but all friendships that are so important to me—friendships I’ve taken time to nurture and progress. I don’t think there’s a better way to ring in my 25th year. And while 25 is definitely mid-20s and halfway through the decade leading to 30, I look damn good. And looking damn good with a bunch of good friends is a ridiculously good way to live life. Here’s to another fabulous 25 years with all of you!

Luv,
Jeanna

(I’ll post pictures as soon as everyone sends them to me. I was having a slight camera malfunction that evening.)

Single and Fabulous, Question Mark?

While chatting on the phone last night to my somewhat newly Single and Fabulous friend, Larisa, she posed a very interesting question. “Why do all of you guys always talk about how it’s so great to be Single and Fabulous, but you always have to have a guy on the side?”

Sheesh. Talk about calling me out. I was taken aback for a minute. I mean, she comes to me about all the dating and single advice because being single for the last three years, I’m somewhat of an expert. I guess. At least some of my friends like to think so. But, big shocker here ladies—I don’t have all the answers. And I certainly didn’t have a quick answer for this one.

I immediately began contemplating Larisa’s question. Why do I claim that I love being single, but I am always on the prowl for a new love interest? I quickly turned to Sarah for her opinion. Being just a big of a supporter as Single and Fabulousness, but clearly as boy-obsessed as I am, I value her opinion greatly. I mean, I could turn to the biggest and greatest Single and Fabulous source—Kelly Wyatt—but she’s anti-men, so that doesn’t really help me out.

Sarah and I discussed this dilemma to cover our butts for when future questioned from newly Single and Fabulous ladies. What does it mean to be Single and Fabulous, and where do dating and guys fall into this supposed wonderful existence? Does being Single and Fabulous mean that you avoid interactions with men completely?
Sarah concluded that, “the definition of single and fabulous is misconstrued sometimes. Like, just because you are single and fabulous you have to hate men and not date at all. But really it just means that you are independent enough to be single and not perpetually have a boyfriend. Or something.”

She didn’t have a clear answer either. And then she posed an even more scary question, “What if we have it all wrong?” What if?

What if being Single and Fabulous means simply loving being single and not wanting company from a member of the opposite sex?

What if being Single and Fabulous is just a way to make ourselves feel better that we don’t have a plus one?

What if being Single and Fabulous isn’t really all that great, and all of us single ladies are just counting the minutes until our next boyfriend?

Makes it all seem like sort of a farce, eh?

While there never really is a cut-and-dry answer for everything, Sarah finally summed up what I feel is the epitome of being Single and Fabulous:

Single doesn’t mean not dealing with men, it means not having to deal with a boyfriend and having the freedom to date and play around with as many men as you want! It means you are ok being alone, and because of that you are ready and open to the possibility of meeting the right person. But to do that you have to get out there and date without falling too quickly into relationships out of boredom or the need to not be alone. This perfect balance makes someone single and fabulous.

Couldn’t have said it better myself. I know there’s a reason I keep her around. Now, if I can only remember to explain that to my next friend who is asking me why she should stay away from the jerk she was dating. I think if I have my story straight, I’ll seem a lot more legit. Or something…

Currently Feeling: So super duper excited for my birthday party. Can’t wait to celebrate with all of you!
Currently Anticipating: Getting everything straightened away and planned for tomorrow: baking cupcakes, making jello shots, buying the balloons, decorating, etc.
Currently Listening To: Junior Boys. They’re fabulous! If you’re a fan of The Postal Service, you’ll love this band.

Bodies…The Exhibition

Wednesday night, Sarah and I braved the supposed onset of Snowstorm 2007 and ventured downtown for Bodies…The Exhibition. I’ve been dying (Ha. Ha) to check the exhibit out, given all the hubabaloo and controversy surrounding it. While it was supposed to be over in December, and I feared that I had missed the chance to look at the preserved Asian men, the exhibit now has been extended through April 1, 2007. So I finally got my chance.

Not gonna lie, I was a little nervous about what the exhibit was going to entail. A friend of mine had mentioned that it included baby fetuses that made his stomach turn. Now, I’m not much of a blood and guts kinda person. It all makes me want to puke my breakfast up. So, when I realized that I was about to spend an hour, willingly walking through an exhibit on the insides of our bodies, I wondered if I’d really lost it.

If you too have a weak stomach for gore, never fear. While the entire exhibit features real bodies that have been scientifically preserved and dissected, the still really just look like wax figures. Conclusion: it’s bearable for us weak-stomach types.

When observing the wax-like figures, it’s definitely the process that is the most fascinating. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that the tendons, muscles, and organs you are seeing are real. According to the official Bodies exhibit Web site, the human specimens are, “first preserved according to standard mortuary science. The specimen is then dissected to show whatever it is that someone wants to display. Once dissected, the specimen is immersed in acetone, which eliminates all body water. The specimen is then placed in a large bath of silicone, or polymer, and sealed in a vacuum chamber. Under vacuum, acetone leaves the body in the form of gas and the polymer replaces it, entering each cell and body tissue. A catalyst is then applied to the specimen, hardening it and completing the process.”

The bodies, on display with missing skin, exposed genitalia and other bodily organs, and sliced into cross-sectional pieces for our mere gawking pleasure, are created from a collection of more than 250 unclaimed Chinese men and women. The exhibit has become controversial, with one group of people shouting, “In the name of science!’ and the other claiming, “Violation! Human rights!” Whichever side you choose, Bodies is still worth seeing. Some could say, “Curiosity Killed the Cat.”

I was more than curious while wandering through the exhibit’s nine rooms, each split into different bodily functions such as Nervous System, Circulatory, Reproductive, and perhaps the most interesting, the Fetal Development room. I found myself actually taking the time to read all of the signs on the different body parts, and enjoying the facts posted on the walls, such as “The total surface area of the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) is the size of a tennis court” and “Babies are born with 300 bones, but by adulthood we have only 206 in our bodies.” Thankfully, I was walking my way through the exhibit with all my 206 bones covered and still working.

The lighting throughout the exhibit is somewhat dim, allowing each human cadaver to illuminate and become the focus of each room. Next to each exposed body, is a sign indicating what you’re looking at by pointing out where the liver and stomach are, etc. A few details that surprised me the most…the entire nervous system basically sucked out of a body and lying on a table, what a fetus looks like when it develops a birth defect such as Spinal bifida or Anencephaly, and the appearance of a healthy lung vs. a smoker’s lung. (Yes. Jerks. The thought did cross my mind.) Sarah and I laughed like third graders at the balls, which weirdly hung lower than all the penises. Amazing and fascinating stuff if you ask me. One general theme seemed to follow us through each room though—How in the hell did they do that? It is definitely a scientific feat and not something you’d see everyday, so if you feel like you have the stomach for it, head down to 800 Pike Street and spring for the ticket. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Gray Seattle Day? Drink in the Tropics!

Last night I ventured down to Hula Hula, a “newer” bar on lower Queen Anne. Hula Hula was previously home to Watertown, a bar that I never patronized, and well actually stayed far, far away from. More than one person told me about the “coke bar” reputation about Watertown. And, well, that’s just simply not my scene at all. Terrible rumor to be going around. Tragic, really. Wonder if it had anything to do with it going out of business?

Anyway, Hula Hula replaced Watertown and opened its doors to Seattleites on December 7th. Located next to Tini Bigs, a martini bar, Hula Hula is apparently operated by the same owners of Tini Bigs. How anyone is lucky enough to have bar real estate right next door to each other in a very expensive part of town, I’ll never figure out. Some people have all the luck. But perhaps for these entrepreneurs, luck has nothing to do with it. I’ve always enjoyed the atmosphere and menu at Tini Bigs, and after stepping into Hula Hula last night, I realized that these guys have a good thing going.

It’s always fun to have a new scene or a new atmosphere to change up the usual drinking scene. Hula Hula is by far one of the more original bars in Seattle. I can’t think of any other place that can compete with the original menu or the kitschy decorations. You can tell some thought went into the “Tiki” theme, from the velvet Hawaiian scene on the back wall, the bamboo roof, the painted hibiscus flowers on the stools, and the genuine puffer fish lamps hanging above the bar. (My personal favorite.) They had a very hefty cocktail menu too. Size and content. I was impressed with the two drinks that sounded like I could take a swim in them—the Trick’s Curvy Scurvy Bowl (for two people, made with Red Wine, granny smith apples, oranges, limes, and a touch of cinnamon, $12) and the Volcano Bowl (two people maximum, bartender’s choice, $22) Both of those sound like they could get me nice and scurvy. Or drunk. Arrgh! As far as the rest of the drink menu, I scanned the super sweet beach-type mixtures and could only think of the hangover I’d have the next day while consuming so much sugar. If sugar isn’t your forte either, Hula Hula has $4 wells and $2 PBRs everyday. AND, Hula Hula offers an $8 pupu menu till midnight. While $8 seems a bit steep compared to other Happy Hour options throughout Seattle, I checked out the menu, and it isn’t just crappy bar food. Some of the fancy choices include Macadamia Nut-Encrusted Pan-Seared Ahi Tuna, Coconut Macadamia Chicken Wings with Wasabi Teriyaki Dipping Sauce and Dungeness Crab Cakes topped with a Wasabi Remoulade. The menu even has a “Hawaiian Hotdog,” which apparently is sushi rice and Spam wrapped with Nori. Now, I’ve heard that Spam is popular in Hawaii, but I’ve actually never had the stuff. Could be worth looking into trying…I’m always down for an adventure, and Hula Hula provided just the little adventure I needed for a mundane Monday night.

Currently Feeling: Bored of phase one South Beach. I’m ready to enter phase two and eat something else besides eggs for breakfast and chicken for dinner and hard-boiled eggs for a snack. Although, I have laid out some awesome seasoned salmon from Trader Joe’s for dinner tonight. AND, the results are always more than worth it. Hopefully I’ll look nice and hot in my new white/silver birthday attire!
Currently Anticipating: Actually attending a book club meeting tonight where I’ve read a good part of the book, and it isn’t so crappy!