Christmas Gifts

I still have a lot of shopping left to do! Why did I procrastinate this year??

D and I both have two days off this week so hopefully we can do some shopping together then. Especially shopping for parents and siblings. I bought D one thing so far, it was a board game that we have played with his sister and brother-in-law that we both like. He suggested the other day that maybe we should get our own copy. So I bought it and an expansion pack. It's called Settlers Of Catan. It's really cool, but ended up being $101 for both games.

I bought both of my roommates gifts and visited them this weekend. It was such a fun time. I forgot to pick up one of the gifts from one friend. The other roommate gave me a sewing bag, a card game called Dutch Blitz, a Christmas ornament, and some chocolate.

THANK YOU so much to my Secret Santa who turned out to be Annabelle gave me a book called Before I Go To Sleep which I am excited to start reading once I complete my current book, "The Half Blood Blues."

My brother came over on Friday and dropped me off the first part of my Christmas gift which he said was "time-sensitive." It turned out to be a bunch of Christmas themed baking items. A Christmas cake stand, a gingerbread flipper, Christmas cookie cutters, and some Christmas sprinkles. I look forward to some baking soon!

Speaking of baking, I made shortbread cookies, gingersnaps, and peanut butter butterscotch marshmallow squares on Friday. I had earlier done my nails...after I completed the squares I noticed that one of my nails was missing. I looked everywhere for it, but it MAY have ended up in the squares. I couldn't see it but didn't want to risk taking it to the party and have someone bite into a sticker nail! Ugh.

We have our Christmas tree up now. We picked it out last Sunday and chopped it down. It's all decorated in blue and silver balls. I put a star on the top which looked really nice for a couple of days but then it flopped over and turned into a falling star. We both haven't fixed it since it makes me laugh looking at it. Eventually we will trim it and fix it though.

Because we have so many Christmases to go to this year and travelling to do I suggested we do a small family Christmas on Christmas Eve instead since we were going to be travelling to the Niagara region for Christmas this year. My parents were good with that. I booked the time off work, and received the new schedule on Saturday. They booked me in and pretty much every other server. I asked if I could request to be one of the first people cut that day since I was supposed to be having Christmas with my family then, and the manager turned angry but said she would consider it. I spoke with my parents today and we are going to do a lunch Christmas together and then I can work and we can leave for Niagara afterward.

I am beginning to think of my new years goals for 2012. What are your new years resolutions/goals?

November Spending!

Wow, November was a crazy month. Hence the lack of postings. I hope to do more in the new year since I think December will be a bit crazy as well. D and I moved in together in November! I started a new serving job. With moving in came a lot of immediate expenses and things we needed to purchase for the apartment.

Rent ACTUAL: 13%
Car and Gas (15%) ACTUAL: 4%
Phone (4%) ACTUAL: 2%
Food (4%) ACTUAL: 10%
Restaurant (4%) ACTUAL: 4%
Personal/Medical (6%) ACTUAL 2% Prescription
Clothing (5%) ACTUAL: 4%
Gifts (2%) ACTUAL 1%
Education (2%) ACTUAL 0%
Entertainment (4%) ACTUAL 3%
Everything Else (3%) ACTUAL: 23% Ah!! I bought a dining table and chairs, and then some stuff for the apartment. Toaster, garbage cans, some kitchen items, Christmas tree decorations.

TOTAL (48%) ACTUAL 66%!! Ouch...

TFSA (35%) ACTUAL: 17%
Christmas (5%) ACTUAL: 0% Done with this category now
Computer (3%) ACTUAL: 0%
RRSP (6%) ACTUAL: 0%
Travel Fund (3%) ACTUAL: 0%

TOTAL (52%) ACTUAL 17% Glad I was able to manage some...


We haven't even paid our first hydro or internet bill yet! I am curious to see what those will be like... For December I hope to keep spending to a minimum, except for Christmas gifts. I have saved $800 for Christmas. I hope to keep my spending around that, if not lower. I have very few ideas for people though so it might be a little hectic Christmas shopping this year! 

New Canadian Bills

Have you seen the new bills yet? I didn't even know they were making new ones. They are PLASTIC, and transparent. I saw a $100 bill the other day at work. I like them! What do you think?

Losing Money

Glad I worked nearly everyday this summer. I have not been getting enough work this year teaching. It's been a slow start and a lot slower than previous years. Doesn't help that today is a snow-day and my job was cancelled. As much as I am disliking parts of my serving job it's really helping financially. Along with what I was able to save from this summer.

Updates there. I have added an additional $1000 to my EF. I thought living on my own I should increase it just in case. So it's at $2500, it's actually at $3000 but I am giving myself some leeway to go a bit above and below.

My serving job made me really upset on Saturday. I had a pretty good day, people were nice. Although I did get one no-tip. When a person does not tip. That means I OWE the kitchen, plus I'm already making under provincial minimum wage so it kind of sucks. Anyway overall that day I was doing alright. Then I get a group of 15....15 fifteen year olds. All worked out they all wanted separate bills which takes forever to process. Kids are leaving as I am processing payments. I assume they left money on the table. Most did....two did not. One was just a pop, and $2, the other was a big order and $37. They just left. I didn't know what to do in this situation and asked my manager. She said I was going to have to pay.

Other kids at the same table left no tip, so my tips I did earn throughout the day also went to paying the kitchen staff, then with two non-payments I made no money that day. It sucked. It made me so angry that people would actually do that. Sunday night my manager said that she is going to try to contact one of the kids who she knows that was at that table, and if the person doesn't end up paying she will give me half of my money back. Still sucks that I have to pay anything for someone else skipping on their bill. Ugh!

Christmas Is Coming!!

I have saved for Christmas. Hopefully enough! I saved $800. I was hoping earlier this year that I wouldn't even spend that full amount but it all depends really. I really need to get some shopping done though!!

My mom mentioned to me about a week or so ago that my dad would be interested in an ipod touch for Christmas. She said she knows it's a big item so if the three of us kids wanted to split on it that we could get it for both of them to share and that would be more than enough.

I thought that it would be a good idea for my dad, but we could get something else for my mom. I texted my brothers about it. The first one replied saying he's in. It would be about $75 each. The other one wouldn't respond to me. Then Friday we went out for my dad's birthday and went back to their house for some drinks. They went to visit the neighbour and my brother came by and showed me that he bought them an ipad!

It was a Black Friday sale. It was $460. He said he is cool with us still paying $75 toward it or we can do whatever really. I think they will be pretty impressed with it.

I do not know what to get the other members of my family, or D, or D's family. I just need to get out there and start looking or getting hints on what they want. I don't even know what is on my own list!

Updates

Since moving in things have been pretty good. We picked up a table and chairs on Saturday and put it together. Went to my aunts for supper then my friend and her boyfriend came over. It was nice. They brought a candle as a housewarming gift which was nice. 

D's parents came over this weekend bringing plants and muffins mmm!! 

We saw Puss in Boots on Monday. Nice to have a date night! Last night we watched a war movie, we meant to on Friday for Remembrance day but lacked time. 

D's been keeping up with the dishes which is good. The place is growing on me more and more. We need skinny nightstands since the space where our bed is doesn't leave much room for nightstands. We want to make a TV stand and a kitchen hutch type of thing with a drawer since there are NO drawers in the kitchen. We have our cutlery in a cupboard right now haha.

D bought a swiffer vacuum yesterday. It's funny the things you get excited about now. It's fun to use though. 

My mom and the dog came over for a visit last night. She helped me put up our first curtain. We have almost 11 ft ceilings here so it was tricky with no ladder!!

I'm not too sure about my new serving job. I asked for 4 Monday evenings off to take my ASL class, and I asked for this weekend off to see D's sister's show 2 weeks in advance in a book where you book time off. The manager scheduled me to work everyday that I asked off. I asked around and was able to get all my shifts switched and asked the manager about it. She was NOT IMPRESSED. She said she expects us to work the days we are scheduled, and she can easily just hire someone else if we're going to always switch our shifts. She did it for me this week but said I can't be expecting her to do it again. Ugh. I might just quit if they have an issue with it. They are NOT nice there. The other manager was so rude when he asked what ASL meant, showing me the middle finger when I told him about it, saying he knows sign language too.

I got my $1100 last week! Finally. I haven't put any money into savings this month, it's been a rough month with spending since there is a lot to spend when first starting out. And Christmas is next month!! NEED TO START CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!!!

We're Moved In!!

Almost...there are still a few more things I would like to get from my parents. D is completely moved in and he actually has a few things he might want to RETURN to his parents. He has a lot of sports equipment here and it takes up a ton of space.

I have done two grocery shopping trips. It's a lot to buy when you first move in. We are mostly set up now. We got internet on Saturday!

We need a few more things like CURTAINS, and extension cords but we can manage with the rest we have for now. I bought a toaster yesterday and D got a love seat from his friend from work. I bought a dining table and chairs that we will pick up on Saturday. Nothing is pretty or matches but that's alright. It's fun to live with him.

Work has been going okay. I liked the other restaurant more, it was more organized for a server but in time I will get this one too. I am done my training and have had one shift so far. I have another tonight and tomorrow night so hope they go well!

I am still missing $1100 from a one-on-one job I did this summer. It's frustrating! I have called a number of times, just left another message so hope something is worked out soon!

October Spending

October was a really good month. I didn't end up spending very much...oh how I am going to miss those months!! We ended up finding an apartment, I finished my work at the summer restaurant and I got a new second job, and things have been going pretty well.

Car and Gas (15%) ACTUAL: 6% Oil and gas
Phone (4%) ACTUAL: 2%
Food (4%) ACTUAL: 1%
Restaurant (4%) ACTUAL: 4%
Personal/Medical (6%) ACTUAL 0%
Clothing (5%) ACTUAL: 0%
Gifts (2%) ACTUAL 1%
Education (2%) ACTUAL 0%
Entertainment (4%) ACTUAL 1% Wine!
Everything Else (3%) ACTUAL: 5% Wine glasses and some things for moving

TOTAL (48%) ACTUAL 19%!! I like it!!!

TFSA (35%) ACTUAL: 37% Same percent as last month! I have maxed out my TFSA so this is starting the KICK START TFSA through ING.
Christmas (5%) ACTUAL: 0% Done with this category now
Computer (3%) ACTUAL: 41% I'm thinking a camera? Maybe a sewing machine? Hmmm
RRSP (6%) ACTUAL: 0%
Travel Fund (3%) ACTUAL: 6%

TOTAL (52%) ACTUAL 78% Woo!!!

Goals for November will be just to keep spending to a minimum. I've done this post late and have already spent a bit on new apartment stuff. There is a lot to buy at first when getting a new apartment. D came with almost nothing! Savings will be minimal but I hope to up the EF just in case we have a high hydro month or something else unexpected comes up. It will be easier to plan once we have a few more bills come in to determine the average cost of hydro for this place. 

Moving In

It's a big process. We're lucky that we don't HAVE to move in just on the first. So we have been taking our time. Moving little things on the first. We moved some big things last night. We're pretty much done moving except for a few little things here and there, and all our clothes.

We are getting what we can from people so we have quite the assortment of furniture. Most I dislike but slipcovers will help. Some things we will just have to purchase. We have no dining room set or TV stand. I think I may look at the thrift store in the town next to us today as well as the re-store.

We had a good Halloween. I carved pumpkins with my cousin and her boyfriend. Then D and I handed out candy at my parents house with the dog. I bought a bunch of Halloween candy on sale yesterday!

We gave in all of the cheques yesterday. I ordered some free ones from ING since I don't have any since that fraud thing made me change my bank account. I am going to pay for internet and hydro and give him the difference from the rent. Rent is going to be $387.5 each.

New Job!

I forgot to mention that I had an interview for a serving position on Monday. It was really casual but went well. It's for a Japanese restaurant. They make the best sushi I have ever had!!

Anyway the manager called me tonight and I got the job. I start training TOMORROW!!

Packing

So I compromised with D and we are going with the one he liked better. It's not nearly as nice. It's an old historical building instead of the newly renovated one I liked. It's a bigger space but it's not nice. Like cheap cupboard doors, flourescent lighting, 70s laminate tile in the kitchen and bathroom. We will make it work though. No dishwasher. But the landlord threw in laundry for us.

However yesterday the other landlady (it's a married couple) said that we would be charged $4 per load on the honour system when her husband told us twice that it would be free. I emailed her back and she said today that in fact it would be free for the year. Lack of communication already, not too impressed.

I had to get a start on the hydro billing, transferring it to our name. D and I are going to look more into internet options in our area. I think the best option for us will be Bell which is about $45 per month with no contract.

I've started packing and I really don't mind it, I don't like moving or unpacking though ugh. Last night I bought a couple of storage containers to help with the packing and while at the store bought a couple kitchen items. Like wine glasses!! No longer drinking out of glass tumblers, we're going to be classy! I bought a jar opener because it's sooo beyond frustrating when I cannot open something and no one is around. It happens more often than it should. I bought a cheese grater since my parents sort of took over mine. And a small frying pan for the same reason.

I packed a bunch of stuff and went to storage and took out a bunch of things I will need that I had in there since I graduated university. While packing I got rid of a bunch of stuff I no longer need and clothes. Will donate the useful items to the Salvation Army here.

My parents said they plan to move into my room once I am out. I am leaving all of my teaching stuff here though which actually takes up MOST of my room. There is no need for it at the apartment since it will just take up space and I'm not teaching full-time.

There is no one living at the apartment so I asked if we could start moving some things over this weekend. I don't know if they will agree to it, but it doesn't hurt to ask! I hope to get some pictures up soon after we settle in.

Move In Date: November 1

Ah, so last night was a bit of a crazy night.

My brother came over. He is the one that recently split with his girlfriend (of close to 10 years). She moved out of their apartment and he is left with a two bedroom, beautiful place with a $900 plus all utilities rent. He asked me if I was still looking for a place and I said yes and he said that I could move in for $400 plus half the utilities. He told me he already asked our brother who declined. He mentioned he's going to need a roommate pretty soon.

I feel bad for him. I would love to be able to help him out, but I honestly can't live with him anymore. He's an awesome guy but we butt heads too often, he is quite pessimistic about things, and has an opinion on everything and he can bug me like no one else! It just wouldn't work.

Besides D and I had a showing and were scheduled to drop off our application to that place I loved.

The place I loved is on the river, has a balcony, first floor, 1 bedroom, dishwasher, completely renovated and modern, in an apartment complex, has lots of storage (including a storage unit), and coin laundry.

The place we viewed was right in town. Parking was across the street, it had no appliances but he said they would be in by Nov 1st. There was coin laundry but he was going to install a washer and dryer in the unit, it is a heritage building above buisnesses. It's two bedroom.

What I don't like about the river unit is that it's a small kitchen. But it's just so modern looking with enough storage that I can look past that.

What I don't like about the in town building is that it's old (nothing modern about it), it wasn't clean, had no dishwasher, appliances weren't in the unit so we have no idea what we would be getting, it had florescent lighting, little counter space (even though the kitchen was bigger), and parking is across a busy street. A balcony would just be bonus.

D likes the in town building WAYYY better. I liked the river one WAYY better. We discussed it for over an hour. He likes the in town one more because he would have the space to hang his dirty work clothes. I was trying to describe how there would be space for it at the other place but he disagreed, and said it would be bad looking and smelly. He liked the idea of a separate room for it. Ugh. The other one would just make me happier!

I finally agreed that if it came down to it, that I would compromise and we could live in the town apartment but he would have to do all the dishes. The river one is ours if we want it, the in-town building is ours if a couple decides they don't want it tonight. We will know around 4:30 today. I hope that couple pulls through and decides to get it!!

Either way, we have a move-in date set for November 1st! Eeek!

Living On Less

Got this from Serendipity! 

Do you avoid a lot of the expenses that many of your peers spend money on, such as technology and meals out?

Sometimes. While in school I was quite frugal. This sort of just continued once I graduated and owed a lot of money. I have slowly allowed myself to spend some of my money though. I have bought some technology (DVD player, ipod touch, smartphone, laptop). I have also spent money on a vacation. However I do not have a house, a new car (mine is going on 13 years old) like many friends do. I have bought all of my items with cash though, and I know several friends have bought their luxury items on credit. 

What's your typical meal?
Sandwiches are typical. I do like to make a nice meal once a week but this is going to change soon when I move in with D. I expect more nice meals, however they will need to still be relatively low budget. 

What about clothes? 
Love clothes. I do not live close to any malls though which is probably a good thing so I don't get to go shopping very often. We have few stores I would actually buy clothing at in my town. I go clothes shopping about two times a year.

What about going on dates?

D likes the more expensive dates. I am all about a home cooked meal and a movie online. He prefers things like scuba diving. We are going to be living together shortly though so we will have to come up with more ways to spend time together without spending a lot of money. 

Do you indulge in any luxuries?
I was never this way before. But since my debt has been paid off I have allowed myself more luxuries. I do tend to purchase my lunch more than I should, I hope to stop this when we move in together. I generally spend under $7 but that definitely adds up if I'm going out 2-3 times a week.


Do you have health insurance?
Yep. I live in Canada so it's free. I do not have additional work benefits though so I end up paying out of pocket for any prescriptions and dental appointments which are costly over the course of a year.


Do you have any savings for emergencies?
Yes, I have about $2000 saved for an emergency. It's not a lot but it's a start for now. I do have a planned savings account as well that has $15,000 in it that if needed I could access. Once we move into the new apartment I will see what a typical month would be and try to work my way up to 6 months for an emergency fund.


Do you anticipate or look forward to having a higher salary one day?
Yes! And can hardly wait. I went to school for 5 years and received two degrees and I really hope all that work was worth it. I want to teach but don't know if I can last another 3-4 years just supply teaching. The money is not great, it's hard to plan on an inconsistent income. I have earned more every year since graduating though so small steps.


What about retirement--do you plan on ever saving enough to retire?
I sure do! I have started which is something right? I have $1000 in regular RRSPs, $1500 in RRSP GICs, and $500 in a Mutual Fund. I should be saving more and will continue to tuck away when I can. Less than 40 years left!

Apartment Viewing Again?!

We may have found one and agreed on the lease.

I never ended up asking that girl about the lease situation. It's a company and I don't think there is any leeway. Maybe after a year they would allow us to go month by month but I doubt they would allow it before a year is up.

D got really frustrated with of all things, the INTERNET at his place last night, it kept cutting out. He said that's it and said he was totally willing to do the year-long apartment thing with me. This morning he mentioned it again, I asked if he was sure and he said yep. He said that if he needs to go somewhere else for a job then we can either sublet or he can help me financially with the apartment.

I got in contact with the girl again and she said she also wants to show us one other place when we bring in our application. We are going tonight!!

I hope D doesn't back out again, but I think I may just do it alone if he does. I have enough saved up for a whole year, although I would prefer to keep it in savings for a car and beyond, but we will see. I hope he will fill out his portion of the application and we can move into a place relatively soon.

I DID tell my parents about the apartment search a little bit. Not the fact that I have viewed any but the fact that I am in the market for one. My parents surprised me and were totally cool with it and my dad said he would even keep an eye out for me and told me about a friend of his who rents his second house.

I am trying not to get my hopes up about D again, but I am super excited that we might have a place of our own. It's becoming uncomfortable there with his friend's dad and brother. It shouldn't be awkward but sometimes it feels that way.

Other "news" is that my brother and his girlfriend broke up. They have been together for almost 10 years. They were together since about grade 11 in high school and he is 25 now. They were prom king and queen, went to university together, lived together for two years there, and also had an apartment here in town together since April. I really liked her. She was soooo good to him. I don't know what happened to cause the split but she has moved out and he is in the apartment by himself. He pays $900 a month plus all utilities there for a two bedroom.

It could even be an option to live there I suppose but I am hoping they can work things out and get back together.

A, B, C's of me...

Many bloggers are doing this. I hope you play along too if you haven't already done so!

 

A-Age: 26

B-Bed Size - double

C-Chore you hate – putting away clean clothes

D-Dogs – LOVE them, inherited a little toy fox terrier who is AWESOME! 

E-Essential start to your day – dog cuddles, and breakfast

F-Favourite Colour- blue

G-Gold or Silver – silver...or white gold!
H-Height - 5'6" wouldn't mind being just a tiny bit shorter!

I- Interests – reading, board games, baking

J-Job Title- supply teacher

K-Kids – none yet

L-Live – a couple hours north of Toronto
M-Mothers Name – Rita

N-Nickname - Jayy

O-Overnight hospital stays – none! 

P-Pet Peeves – slow drivers

Q-Quotes from films – "Pretty bird" Hehe I'm sure there are better. 

R-Right or Left Handed – right
S-Siblings – 2 younger brothers

T-Time you wake up - usually get up around 7
U-Underwear – yes

V-Vegetables you hate – carrots and mushrooms...gross!

W-What makes you run late –  boyfriend!

X-X-Rays you’ve had – lots of teeth x-rays, foot, leg...broke both!

Y-Yummy food that you make – desserts

Z-Zoo animals – monkeys and penguins

GST cheque came woo! Into savings!

I have two more days to work at the restaurant before it shuts down for the season. Kind of indifferent about this. I'm glad to not have to go there anymore, but it was a good source of income this summer, I really liked some of the people I worked with too.

I saw an ad in the paper yesterday for a restaurant I was thinking about applying to looking for experienced servers to work full-time. I don't know if I can do full-time with teaching but I can do evenings and weekends and the occasional day I'm not teaching. I think I'll at least apply this week.

I've been looking up the cost to install a kitchen island permanently. Just thoughts on how much it would cost. I would like to do it for my parents but can't figure out an estimate. Any ideas? They currently have a moveable island with no cabinets. I would like for them to attach it, have one WITH cabinet storage, and then get a new countertop to connect it to the other counters. Probably thousands of dollars, but I thought I would at least check it out.

I've been thinking about Christmas ideas a lot lately. I want to get my parents something good for putting up with me, letting me live with them. I was thinking either the kitchen idea, or help pay their seasonal campground fee, or put up drywall and paint in the basement. I don't know, something useful/helpful to them though, not just a tangible gift item. I'm thinking up to $1000 though.

I think I want to get D a pass to this place in Montreal. Maybe I will buy the pass, it's to a wind tunnel that feels like you are skydiving, and then a hotel stay there. It would be a good weekend roadtrip. He has mentioned that he has wanted to do it on a few occasions. For my brothers and friends, I have no idea! 2 more months to decide still though.

D doesn't want to sign a year lease. Do you think I could ASK the lady to pay extra if we didn't have to sign a year long lease? I really like this place but cannot afford it on my own. Does it hurt to ask, or is she going to look down on us afterward and think we are probably irresponsible if we can't do a year lease. I may want to live here even without D and don't want to hurt my chances of her accepting my application at a later date.

Websites and Updates

Looks like I am not going to be moving out anytime soon. D doesn't want to sign a year lease and there are not too many options for places that do not require leases around here. :( I wish he had told me this earlier instead of getting me excited and even telling people about places we have seen. His reasoning is that he doesn't think he can stay at his job for another whole year. He wants/needs to get out of what he is doing (he is in construction and a lot of the company practices there are unsafe and the guys he works with are quite ignorant). Ugh. 

I heard about this show called Switched At Birth. It's about two daughters who were mistakenly switched at birth and figure this all out when they are sixteen. One girl grows up with rich parents, the other grows up with a single mom. The girl with the single mom also happens to be Deaf. It's a really cool show that also incorporates Deaf culture. I like it and watched all 10 episodes in the past two days. More come out in January!

I worked Thanksgiving weekend and made fairly good money. I think it will be our last busy weekend, the rest is going to be quite slow now. D took me on a hike on Monday to a trail neither of us had been to before. It was a nice time, we packed a picnic and then went out for ice cream afterwards. 

I received a phone call from a mom last night who wants me to do some respite with her son. Maybe I will get a few days doing that this year. 

I borrowed the next book in the Hunger Games series. Woo!

Some of my favourite websites are Hellogiggles.com. Awesome website with random articles. I try to read a few daily. I love to read Zits comics. I have done this daily for the past 3 yearsish, but was always a fan. I used to really enjoy For Better or for Worse as well until they stopped and decided to go back in time. I really liked the storyline of the adult kids. The Oatmeal is funny and sometimes educational. It teaches grammar and about beer and coffee and just has fun comics as well. What are some websites you really like or try to check out daily?

Even More Apartments

I don't know how many apartments I have viewed since the beginning of summer, probably 8-10 though. I have liked some and hated some! I saw one last week which did not have a stove, and only included a mini-fridge. 

Anyway, D and I looked at 3 more apartments on Thursday evening. The first was not very nice. She wanted $950 for a retro loft with no laundry. The second place we went to was a girl I know, sort of a co-worker which could potentially make things awkward since she does not believe in couples living together before they are married. The meeting wasn't awkward but I know her stance.

The place she had was really nice. It was the lower level of her home. Had big windows, a gas fireplace (D loved that to be able to dry his work clothes when winter hits). It was a one bedroom plus small den. Parking for one, but additional parking was available up the road (2 minute walk). Single sink, no dishwasher, no laundry. There was laundry but it was behind a locked door and she said she would need to come down on Sundays to be able to do her laundry but she has had too many problems with former tenants to allow any future ones to do their laundry there. It was $850 inclusive with no lease.

The third place we went to was an apartment complex. It looked really dingy from the outside and we later found out that it was built in the 70s. However it is currently being renovated and the renovated apartments are really nice and modern. The one I would be most interested in was a one-bedroom. It had a full bathroom, laminate flooring, very small but modern kitchen, new dishwasher. There was coin laundry in the building. It was mostly retired people living there. There was a small balcony as well. It is $775 plus hydro on a one year lease. 

D and I talked about the places afterward and made pro and con lists. Turns out he likes the lower level apartment best because it has a really big living room, has the fireplace, and no lease. I liked the apartment complex one because it was more modern, had a dishwasher and laundry, and parking for both of us.

He said he would go for the one I liked best. We definitely need to talk more about it though but I'm excited that we found a couple we both like. Hopefully we can be moving out soon!

Quick Life Updates

My cousin, her boyfriend, D and I went to a comedy show on Friday night. It was an awesome show! We laughed a lot and had a great time together. I wish we could see them more often but she lives in Toronto.

Saturday I didn't have to work until the evening so D and I went to an awesome scenic lookout close to our town. The leaves here are really pretty right now and Saturday was a perfect day. It was our first time up these trails so we got a little bit lost but it was fun.

Saturday and Sunday I worked. Made okay money those days...days are really slow at the restaurant now, but better to go there and make SOME money than to not get a teaching day. 

D is having a Thanksgiving with his parent's neighbour on Friday evening and then we were all supposed to go to his grandparents for Thanksgiving in the Niagara region this weekend but I am working. I asked to at least have Friday evening off so I could attend one of the Thanksgivings and my manager said we would talk about it on Wednesday. I'm trying not to get my hopes up.

Also my very exciting news is that my roommate from university became engaged LAST NIGHT!!! She called me so excited and we had a skype date this morning. Her ring is beautiful and I am sooo happy for her. He is a really great guy. She has probably dated around 10 guys since I have known her back in 2003, and after the first time I met him I told her that this was the guy she was going to marry. I've never said that to anyone else before. I'm so excited for her and I think I am also going to be one of her bridesmaids!!!! I've never been one before but am very excited for it. Purple is going to be her colour. She is getting married next summer!

September Spending

September went by fast!! October is already racing away too. September ended up being a really good month for me. I probably ate out more than I should have (hard when you work at a restaurant)! But I made quite a bit of money working at the restaurant, thankfully since I had to decline THREE teaching jobs because I was already booked to work at the restaurant. Anyway, here's how I did:

Car and Gas (15%) ACTUAL: 5% Had my trunk latch fixed AGAIN as well
Phone (4%) ACTUAL: 1%
Food (4%) ACTUAL: 2%
Restaurant (4%) ACTUAL: 3%
Personal/Medical (6%) ACTUAL 7% Dentist and a haircut
Clothing (5%) ACTUAL: 8% Bought a lot of clothes for work
Gifts (2%) ACTUAL 1%
Education (2%) ACTUAL 3% Signed up for an American Sign Language course
Entertainment (4%) ACTUAL 0%
Everything Else (3%) ACTUAL: 1% Bought a few little things like a wine opener, cupcake items, etc

TOTAL (48%) ACTUAL 31%!! Not too bad!!

TFSA (35%) ACTUAL: 37% Woo!! I contributed a lot this month and was able to MAX IT OUT!!!
Christmas (5%) ACTUAL: 0% Done with this category now
Computer (3%) ACTUAL: 10% No longer a computer fund, money will likely go toward a camera, and then money to put toward my 2012 TFSA.
RRSP (6%) ACTUAL: 10% Bought my first Mutual Fund!!
Travel Fund (3%) ACTUAL: 6%

TOTAL (52%) ACTUAL 64% Woo! 


Goals for October will be to put more in the "computer" fund to be able to get a head start on my 2012 TFSA. Or I might just start one of those ING kick start funds to put money into until they deposit what I have in it January 2012. May need a bit more money going into the travel fund as well, as there COULD be something in the works coming up. 

Money Updates

I started my first mutual fund. Probably not the best timing, but I put $500 in an ING MF. So far it has gone DOWN $7 ugh.

I added $750 to my TFSA. Which put me way over the $5000 limit of this year, but because I hadn't maxed out my TFSA in previous years I am still in the clear. This ALSO makes me proud to say that I have completely maxed out my TFSA! I've been able to contribute $15000 to it since the end of 2009. I think it will be used in the spring to buy a new-to-me car.

I added $300 to the Travel Fund. D and I were talking this weekend about taking a road trip to BC sometime. I would love to drive through Canada and then back through the States. We have a couple of friends and family members that live in BC. I also really want to see the mountains, and he wants to do some snowboarding!

I added $500 to what was my "Computer Fund." Now that I have a new computer it's not really necessary so I think it may turn into a camera fund. Or a start to a fund to be able to help me add more to a TFSA next year. Maybe even a furniture fund. I'm thinking once I buy a car that the TFSA will become a Down Payment Fund.

D and I are still looking for apartments. The pickings are really slim in this area. I went to view and apartment about two weeks ago and it was really nice. In town for $925 plus utitlities. But it had laundry in the apartment, it had a dishwasher and two bedrooms. But it's been rented. There is another place which is 5 minutes from where D works, but an additional 25 minutes out of the way of any of the schools I would teach at. It's an entire house, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and it's being rented from mid-October to May for $700 plus utilities. It's an option we may look at.

Got Burned

Literally.

Today at work the "opener" didn't show up. So I ended up being the first server in which was at the time the restaurant opened. So I started to make the coffee. I put in the grinds and then pressed start but the machine was not heated up enough so I waited and did other jobs. I came back about 10 minutes later and noticed that someone had already made a pot with those grinds. Perfect!

So I look to see if whoever was in before me had grinded up more coffee beans so I could make another pot. We typically have 3 pots going. I looked in the machine and there were coffee grinds in the bowl. Perfect. So I put it in the machine and do some other tasks in the servery.

I then notice that the pot of coffee is overflowing! I pull it out and coffee grinds and hot water start spilling all over my hand. Apparently the person who made the grinds did not put a filter in the bowl. I did not notice this when I put it in the machine.

So I pour out the coffee pot, rinse out all the grinds, I ended up spilling a bunch all over the floor and counter so I clean that up too and then my hand starts to burn like crazy. I put cool water and submerse it for a bit.

I serve a table and think it's manageable. But everytime I go outside in the sun or in the kitchen where it's warm my hand just burns. I continue to serve my table and every once in a while put cool water or a cool cloth on my hand. I also tell my manager, he tells me to be more careful and looks in the first aid kit for burn medication. There wasn't any left so he gets me some neosporin. I continue to work for another half an hour until I had tears in my eyes from the pain and a girl asked me if I was okay.

She got the manager and he told me to take the day off. I gave my table to another girl and went to the clinic in town. He said it was a 1st to 2nd degree burn and there is nothing to do for it just put cool water on it. It took an hour and 45 minutes of waiting for him to tell me that.

Frustrating day. I'm mad at myself for not noticing that someone didn't put a filter in. I am embarrassed I burned myself in the first place. It's a constant pain and I only get a bit of relief when I have something cool on it. Ouch! Kinda glad I have the next two days off.

First Class!!

Went to my first ASL class last night. There were about 10 people in the class, and they all knew one another! They had all taken the previous two courses together but they welcomed me kindly. It seems like a really nice diverse group.

The nicest part is that the teacher (who is Deaf) knew my grandpa. They were friends. She even called my family (using TTY) when she heard about his passing in April. She knows all about my family so it was really nice when she was telling me stories (through sign) about him.

It is three hours every Monday and will continue until December 5th. I'm already looking forward to the next class! I'm really glad I am taking this course.

Taking Time Off

In a couple of weeks D and I are going to take a couple of days off to spend some time together. Our summer schedules didn't mesh well and it feels like we didn't get to spend a ton of time together. I do see him everyday because he lives less than 5 minutes from me but not real quality time.

I was really excited that he suggested this. But.....what to do?

Should we just take some time off to stay in town and have some relaxing time? Or should we actually plan a little staycation? I saw some good deals online for a cheap hotel and dinners in Niagara Falls, or we could go to the city and visit his sister and a couple of my friends. Hmmm.

What do you like to do with your time off?

New Class! Long Weekend Activities

I signed up for a new class. It's American Sign Language 103. It's right in my hometown too! It's actually about a one minute WALK from my house. It's going to be amazing and I'm so excited for it.

It starts on Monday!!
I haven't told the restaurant about this class yet but I can't see them having a big problem with it since it's only going to take up Monday evenings.

This long weekend was just that, LONG! On Friday I took out one of the kids I worked with this summer for a fun day. I took him to the park, and we had lunch at the restaurant I work at, we went to the batting cages, played some mini-putt, and some arcade games where he was able to save up enough coupons to earn two prizes. Then we went out for ice cream and I took him home. It was a bit of an expensive day on my part but it was nice to hang out with him in a different environment. His family is going through a lot at home right now so it was a nice break for him too.

Then Saturday, Sunday and Monday I worked long hours at the restaurant. I was always starving afterward and bought supper for D and I on my way home each night. I need to stop doing that. Tips were pretty good this weekend though so I don't think it's going to be too hard to entirely max out my TFSA now. Woo!

August Spending

August was a pretty busy month! It went by incredibly fast. I worked long weeks, doing two jobs sometimes full-time hours at both. D and I went camping with 3 other couples too. Here's how I did:

Car and Gas (15%) ACTUAL: 7% Had an oil change too
Phone (4%) ACTUAL: 2%
Food (4%) ACTUAL: 1%
Restaurant (4%) ACTUAL: 4% Could have done way better here. Ate out a lot this month.
Personal/Medical (6%) ACTUAL 3% Pills and some teen packs
Clothing (5%) ACTUAL: 5% Bought a couple shirts, a dress for prom, and birkenstock sandals
Gifts (2%) ACTUAL 2% Bought my dad a t-shirt and my mom a zip-up hoodie
Education (2%) ACTUAL 0%
Entertainment (4%) ACTUAL 1% Beer
Everything Else (3%) ACTUAL: 17% EEEK!! This was due to the computer though which I had completely saved up for. Also includes a couple camping items.
TOTAL (48%) ACTUAL 42%!! Not too bad! With a computer purchase in there it's pretty good

TFSA (35%) ACTUAL: 54% Woo!! I'm so happy with this one!
Christmas (5%) ACTUAL: 0% Done with this category now
Computer (3%) 0% I actually removed $500 to pay for a computer. It might become a camera or furniture fund now
RRSP (6%) ACTUAL: 0%
Travel Fund (3%) ACTUAL: 6%

TOTAL (52%) ACTUAL 61% Woo!

More into TFSA

The good thing about working a lot is the money from it. I moved another $500 into the TFSA today. So that's $1800 for the month!

I spent a bit this week though too. I bought some birkenstock sandals, and a dress. Total was about $130, but I'm okay with that. The dress will be worn again and the sandals will last forever. I am interested to see how I did spending wise and saving wise this month though. I will hopefully be able to update you on that tomorrow too.

Can you believe tomorrow is September?!

Long Days

Monday night the restaurant shut down slightly early to prepare for 80s prom. I did end up going. I put together a look that day. I had a bright turquoise layered dress, then on my break I bought some gaudy jewellery. I had almost no time from the time I rushed home to the time I needed to be back so I just did my hair in a side ponytail with lots of bright make-up. It worked.

One girl had an awesome purple dress with shoulder pads. Teased her hair in a side ponytail, and completed the look with HEADGEAR. It was sooo well done. She won best costume.

I'm glad I went, it ended up being a pretty fun time, the food was pretty good too.

However, the after-effects of the party were felt yesterday. I was fine since I only had two drinks the whole night but most people got completely drunk and were not doing very well yesterday at work. Kitchen staff was decreased and so was serving staff.

I was supposed to be working a split shift and instead worked just over 12 hours straight with no break. No food break, except for the piece of bread I snuck in around noon. The host and hostess tried to make it work so I wasn't being sat for a bit in order to let me get some lunch but people just kept coming and although my tables were lessened I wasn't ever able to take a break.

Sometimes we have up to 14 servers on. Yesterday we only had 5 during the day, and 6 at night. It was really hard. My legs and feet were really sore by the end of the night. It was like powerwalking for 12 hours. Today my knee hurts but I have to go in again for a split shift. Cannot wait until Friday, my next day off :)

80s Prom

Did any of you actually go to your prom in the 80s?

The restaurant I work at is having an 80s prom tomorrow night for the staff. They are shutting down early and we are having dinner and drinks. There were nomination forms and there are posters in the back of house of people wanting to be voted king and queen.

I don't know if I will go. I am not very close to anyone there. We are not allowed to bring outside guests. It would have been nice to bring D. What would I wear? I only have two or three dresses, and they are not 80s style at all. Hmmm. Free dinner would be nice though.

D and I watched the last HP yesterday. It was good. I wish there was more to the series though. I guess I could always read the rest of the books if I need more.

I have one day off this week, it's Friday and I volunteered to watch the kid I work one-on-one with. Either to the camp, or just have a day in town doing fun things. I said he can choose which he would rather do, I'm hoping he chooses town activities because camp can be really hectic. So looks like I'm working another 7 day week.

Last night at work I gave $100 to that girl that was complaining. Ugh. My manager said that I needed to, but that I will also be compensated for making very little on the Sunday night. I doubt this will happen, so I might speak to a manager about it.

Fall is here soon. Only 9 more days until schools start back around here. I will start getting calls to supply teach again soon.

Some Updates

Yesterday was my first day off in 15 days. It was amazing to not have to do anything. I still did some laundry and got an oil change but was fairly unproductive with the rest of my day.

My oil change was $50, and they mentioned that I have a hole in the metal on the lower part of my car but I could take it to a local company to get a piece of metal put on to cover the whole just so it doesn't get any worse. I will try to get this done soon. I'm even wondering if D could do it, if it's just a welding fix.

I only have 3 more days of the one-on-one work job I am doing then I will be free of that and will just have the restaurant job and maybe the aerial park job (kind of tired of that one) until teaching starts up more regularly.

I want to start to apply for other jobs soon so I can have some sort of job while I am teaching. Just not sure where to apply. I am thinking a restaurant though, and noticed a couple were accepting applications. This will just give me some extra income throughout the year, will help me achieve some goals sooner. Nothing will be as busy as the restaurant I am at now but it might be more relaxing.

I've stopped updating my "extra income" aside from teaching just because I met my goal and with tips I was making "extra" almost nightly. I transferred $500 from my ING Computer Fund to my regular bank account to pay it off. It hasn't shown up on my credit card statement online yet so I will first wait for that.

I was late in depositing a signed invoice for one of my one-on-one jobs so I am not going to receive that money until late September. I had hoped for it this month, but glad I didn't spend the money before getting it. It will be nice to have in September anyway since it's generally a slow month. The amount will be $1100. 

Today I'm going to add $300 to my TFSA, and $200 to Travel. My main focus for the rest of the year is going to be to try to max out that TFSA.

I've lost my library card. I could have sworn I saw it a few days ago somewhere but I can't remember where and I've looked everywhere for it. I might need to get a new one. I've had my current one for about 18 years!! Hopefully they are not costly to replace. I am almost done Hunger Games. Will finish it tonight, it's been action packed, I already recommend it.

Last night D and I watched Source Code. We both had different interpretations of the ending. His was complicated! Tonight he is coming over for supper :)

New Computer!

I've had it with this computer! It's been causing me problems pretty much since I got it. It started to shut off randomly about a year and a half ago and has been frustrating me everyday since.

I started a computer fund and managed to save $1500 into it. Last night D and I went computer shopping online and picked out a new HP laptop to replace this Toshiba. I originally really wanted a Mac because they are really neat! But decided it wasn't worth the price and went with a PC. Maybe my next computer will be a Mac.

They said it would be shipped here by the 31st. I can't wait! It came to $514 after taxes, environment fee, and shipping. Not too bad! I remember when I bought my first laptop (a Toshiba as well) in 2003 and I paid $2000. Nothing special about it!

PS just before I tried to post this computer shut off again. Definitely time! 

Ugh

Yesterday while at my day job I received a phone call while on lunch break. It was a server from the restaurant calling. It was the one I felt I should perhaps give some money to since she worked that night and I don't think she made much in tips. However on the phone she was quite rude saying she talked to one of the wives of the men that was at my table and she told her that I made $340 in tips. When really I made $200 from that particular table.

She felt like I should give her a fair portion of those tips.

That night I went into work and discussed it with her. She said she had her own tab going for that table but received no tips since the restaurant completely covered their bill. I asked what the sale for her tab was and she said she couldn't remember which I seem to think is a little strange.

Anyway at the end of the night I needed to get her to sign my read and she was taking a 10 minute smoke break. Finally when she signed it she again asks about her portion of my tips from that night. I said what do you think would be fair and she said use your own discretion. I then received my tipout from the manager and talked to her about the situation.

She said another manager would be dealing with it making sure it was fair for all girls. I was to talk to him about the situation before I do anything. I go back to tell the server what the manager said and let her know that things will work out and that I can still share my tips if it's not fair. She starts getting angry and saying that it's all wrong and she is going to talk to the top managers of the company and complain. She was quite rude and I just apologized and left.

I felt really bad but she told me that management said she was going to be receiving $200 for those two nights. If I share half of my tips with her (which she believes to be $170) then I would be making a lot less than her and I know I did 90% of the work. I'll see what happens on Saturday when I go in next and talk to the manager. I honestly don't mind sharing what I made but I want to wait to see what the restaurant does first to try to make it fair.

What To Do?

Sunday night was a GM meeting at the restaurant I work at. They closed down the patio to all customers and it was just for the GMs. I worked with two other girls in our small section and most of the bills were paid for by the restaurant. We hardly made any tips. For a 7 hour night, we made $28 each. Some of the other girls made pretty good money.

Last night was supposed to be the same thing. Servers decided to pool tips based, 4 girls would do one half and pool together, and same with the other half. Then it was decided later that no, we were all going to keep our own tips. I think the reason for this was because other servers saw what I saw. Girls were taking shots with the GMs, sitting down and chatting and just not doing their job.

It was frustrating to see some girls do this. I did make fairly good money though. I made over $200 from one table alone. Their bill was completely covered by the restaurant. It was just under $1000 and almost all drinks. I feel bad making money like that since I know most of the other girls made around or even under $50.

I feel like I should give some money to the girls who did do their job. Or at least the ones that helped me out and didn't get very good tips. The restaurant said that they would cover us if people didn't tip well, but I don't know if that is actually going to happen or not. I feel like I should help out this one girl who helped me clear tables, and the bartender. I also feel like I should help this girl who was not in my section just because she worked hard and I don't think she received many tips. I don't know if I should though, maybe I will wait to see if the restaurant is going to help out the girls that did not make much.

I worked my butt off yesterday and seeing some of the girls just socializing was annoying at the least. One bartenders also gave me $20 to show his appreciation for helping them out. I sort of feel like I should do the same? Hmmm.

Going To Be a Long Week!

I'm working just two jobs this week but am going to be working about 80 hours between the two jobs. I am feeling a little like a zombie already and it's only Monday. All will be alright though. I only have three days of one-on-one work next week so I will get a bit of a break then. I also have Friday night and Saturday morning off this week. Woo!

This and That

I haven't posted in a while. It's been pretty busy here. I've worked two jobs most days this month. I also went CAMPING for 4 days.

D and I, as well as his sister and her husband, and two other couples headed to Bon Echo park for 4 days and 3 nights of camping. It was an awesome experience. We had great sites on the water and rented a canoe. The park is beautiful, it has these huge cliffs. We played games, hiked, went on a ferry and canoe trip, checked out the cliffs, ate better than we do at home, and had a great time. I just love camping!

I had last night off so we took my dog to D's parent's house to drop off some camping gear. They loved her. His family is just so nice. Tonight I am only working the day job, so I think D, his friend and I are going to try to go to a comedy show this evening. I work long shifts both Saturday and Sunday so it might be our only chance to do something this weekend.

I received a paycheque from the aerial park job I haven't been to lately. It was just $11 and change. I think I only worked maybe 3 hours for the job but still. There was no paperwork attached which is quite annoying. I think it was uniform expenses that made it so low, but are they required to give you paperwork and not JUST the cheque?

Right now I have 4 cheques and some tip money in my wallet. I'm hoping to make it to the bank on the way home from work tonight.

I also think I am going to buy a new computer since this one is extremely frustrating. It shuts off randomly, and when it feels like it becomes extremely slow. So I'm in the market looking for one now.

July Spending!

July was a great month financially! I didn't spend very much and was able to put quite a bit into savings!!

Car and Gas (15%) ACTUAL: 8% Only spent on gas, and also a bottle of oil.
Phone (4%) ACTUAL: 5% This was because I also had to pay on the houseline for some long-distance charges I made.
Food (4%) ACTUAL: 2%
Restaurant (4%) ACTUAL: 2%
Personal/Medical (6%) ACTUAL 0% Woo!
Clothing (5%) ACTUAL: 2% Had to buy a dress for work.
Gifts (2%) ACTUAL 1%
Education (2%) ACTUAL 0%
Entertainment (4%) ACTUAL 1% Movies
Everything Else (3%) ACTUAL: 2% Speeding ticket.

TOTAL (48%) ACTUAL 23%!! Wooo! This definietly makes up for the past month.
Now let's look at the SAVINGS I did this month.

TFSA (35%) ACTUAL: 41%
Christmas (5%) ACTUAL: 0% Done with this category now
Computer (3%) 25% I think part of this will go to a new camera or furniture. Decisions!
RRSP (6%) ACTUAL: 10%
Travel Fund (3%) ACTUAL: 0%

TOTAL (52%) ACTUAL 77%
So happy with this month! I managed to finish all of my financial goals. I worked a TON but it paid off. I am ready for my vacation. I hope I can do well in August as well. My goals for August will continue to be to put money toward the TFSA and Computer fund, and work as much as I can.

Financial Goals Reached!

And most of them are surpassed!

I just added $400 to my TFSA, $500 to Computer Fund, and $250 to my RSP. Woo!

This three job thing is working out well. Although it's hard on my body. Still getting over a cold.

Speeding Ticket

I got my first speeding ticket two weekends ago. Ugh.

It was the weekend I went to my old roommate's baby shower. She lives almost 5 hours away. I was on my way home and the GPS told me to take the last exit close to my house. I took a different exit and after the highway it was an 80 zone.

I was doing 106 apparently and was pulled over. I gave him my licence, registration and answered all the questions. He came back and to me and said he reduced it to 15km/h over so I wouldn't lose any points and it won't affect my insurance, and the fine was $52.50.

Not terrible but still I wish I never got it. An unexpected and unnecessary expense.

Awkward Money Situation...

Last week I was working at the restaurant and there was another server who was in distress about a mistake he made. I asked if I was able to help him and he asked if I had any cash on me. He needed $25.75. I let him borrow the $25.75 and he said he would pay me back soon.

Everytime I passed him in the restaurant that night he mentioned something about it, even texted himself with the amount he owes me.

I worked with him last night for the first time since I lent him the money and he didn't mention it once. I was thinking he was going to wait until the end of the night but he was gone before I was. Ugh.

How do I go about approaching this guy to ask for my $25.75? I wish he would just remember.

Met Another Goal!

On of my goals this year was to make an additional $2011 in ways other than through my regular supply teaching job. I've done some babysitting, aerial park, waitressing, worked at the rec centre, bartending, etc. I'm happy to report that I've passed that goal.

It could have happened a little while ago but I wasn't the best at recording this goal.

I worked two jobs yesterday, including a closing shift at the restaurant. It was a busy night but I made some pretty good tips. Only one more financial goal to work on, and then it's just extras. I want to finish the TFSA goal, and contribute more to my RRSPs.

My Birthday Present

D asked me what I wanted for my birthday (which was at the beginning of this month) and I really couldn't think of anything I really wanted or needed. So I suggested he take me scuba diving. Last Friday we got fitted for wetsuits and signed up to do the Wednesday evening dive.

We went to Washago on Wednesday and dived in Green River. It was pretty clear. It was really fun to go diving again but it was nothing like Dominican. The water was clear but still darkish and not a lot to see. I saw a ton of zebra muscles, and a few fish. D found a licence plate while we were down there too. Ocean diving is way more exciting. I think we will go maybe a couple more times this summer since the dives were not too expensive. It was about $75 for both of us including all equipment. It's also really good experience, I could use the practice.

However I would rather save my money to put toward a vacation fund to go diving somewhere south again. One day...

Work Issues

The restaurant job is great....sometimes. I really like most of the people that work there, and the tips are good. The job is actually fun most of the time too. It's fast-paced and you are always busy, that's the kind of work environment I really enjoy.

Anyway, I blogged briefly about how I told the managers with my application and in person that I can not do weekday daytime shifts due to having another job. They book me 5 days all weekdays. Ugh. So I talk to the manager, and give her a note so she has the info about everything.

However she did nothing with this information. And when I didn't show up for an entire week they thought I was a no-show. No call to me asking why I wasn't showing up or anything. I did not realize this until I called to find out the next week's schedule and they said they took me off of it because I didn't show up for a week. I explained to a different manager what happened and they said it wasn't my fault and gave me some additional shifts which was a process in itself.

I worked Thursday and Friday this week. However next week's schedule is out and again I'm not on it because they think I quit without saying anything. It's a lot of effort to keep on their cases about giving me shifts. It really should not be this difficult.

Anyway, Thursday was a great shift. It was a busy night and I made some good tips in 6 hours. I go in last night and I have a poor section. That's okay though, I don't mind having only a few tables, however after 2 hours of working I still had no tables and some other servers had full sections. I talked to the hostesses and asked them to give me a table and they said they would. But I still saw tables being sat and not in my section. Anyway after 3 hours of working and having no tables they did a section change and I was cut from the board (meaning I was done). I told the manager that I had no tables and she didn't have anything to say just told me to clock out. I also mentioned to her as a reminder that I would not be able to come in the next day because I had a wedding to attend (I'm actually working at the wedding but they don't need to know that), I asked her if she wanted me to make a note for her about this and she said no. Although this is also the manager that forgot to mention I was not going to come in the last time. I told her I could work in the morning or Sunday if they needed me to.

In the bathroom I don't know what came over me but I just started crying. The place is just poorly organized and it's making me look really unreliable and irresponsible and I'm not like that. Then to work a 3 hour shift and get paid under minimum wage with no tables or tips is really frustrating. The drive is hardly worth it. A girl came in and saw me and told the manager that I was crying and she came in to ask if I was alright. I just said yes and that I would talk to her later. I didn't though, I just went home.

Three girls cried at work last night due to organization issues. Also I know of at least two girls who have quit because of the poor management. I've never had so many work issues. 

I called in today to remind them that I wasn't coming in and that I am not on the schedule for next week. The manager I talked to today said that it wasn't a problem and he would get that changed. I really hope it happens this time.