tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68519405204737636052024-03-21T14:23:12.092-04:00Girl Makes CentsGirl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.comBlogger457125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-72731180020578499042015-02-25T20:06:00.000-05:002015-02-25T20:06:20.024-05:002015 GoalsI am a little late to the new years resolutions, but late is better than never.<br />
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My financial goals are:<br />
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<b>Get Married without accumulating any debt</b> - This is actually an easy one since I have my TFSA which will be at $30,000 by the end of the month. However, J won't have much to contribute since he is still paying off his loans and I said I would rather him focus on doing that. I am hoping we can keep the wedding to a $20 000 budget???<br />
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<b>Save $3000 in RSPs</b> - If I get another full-time teaching position next school year this should be doable. I have already contributed $1000.<br />
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<b>Save $5500 to TFSA -</b> I have contributed $1500 so far. After the wedding, this account will be used toward a down payment on a house. The goal is to purchase our first house in 2016. Basically after I take money out of the TFSA, I hope to still have $15 000 in it by the end of the year.<br />
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<b>Save $1000 in my Furniture Fund</b> - It currently has $2000. I bought a new bedroom last summer but would like to start saving so we can buy a living room set when the house buying time comes.<br />
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<b>Save $1000 in a Travel Fund</b> - I currently have $1900 in this fund so would like to up it so we can go on a trip likely next summer (delayed honeymoon).<br />
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<br />Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-63965356386953394022015-02-23T22:36:00.001-05:002015-02-23T22:36:20.689-05:00Wedding PlanningJ says, "These things plan themselves." Haha.<br />
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We have a venue (will confirm this week) and set a date of September 26, 2015!<br />
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That's 7 months away. It's totally doable but I was feeling stressed with report cards the past few weeks that I didn't allow myself to think wedding stuff. Now that they have been sent home, I am enjoying pinning things and talking about it with people.<br />
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I went to a wedding show with J this past weekend and I am feeling better about the planning process. I was a little shocked last week when a co-worker told me I should have my dress by now. I said, "uhhh, well we've only been engaged for two weeks!" We are going to do a hall. It's a pretty hall with a fireplace and big windows overlooking the lake. There is a ceremony site close by and we will rent a train to take us to and from it. They have a heritage train to do this. We will pray for nice weather.<br />
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We met with a potential caterer this weekend who is supposed to come back with a price for us at some point this week. It's going to be expensive since we need them to rent the dishes/cutlery/etc. I've let this sink in and I know we will cut costs in some ways but it's still going to be pricey. Our guest list is currently 196 but we are going to cut it to 150.<br />
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We are going to do our own open bar and we will hire a couple of people to run it and help with takedown. My brother is a brewer and will be able to give us a discount on beer, but we will have to apply for a special occasions permit and buy the rest of the alcohol (and supplies) ourselves.<br />
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We will have to rent chairs for the ceremony. J thought we could do hay bales with wooden planks and I loved the ides, but I think it will end up costing more than chairs.<br />
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We need to hire a DJ, and potentially a photographer (J's aunt and uncle said they could do it). Then flowers and other decorations (backdrop, head table, centrepieces, etc)! So much to do!<br />
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Do you have any favourite things about a wedding you've been to? Any wedding suggestions? Or things NOT to have/do?Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-22112595260619658222015-02-04T00:01:00.000-05:002015-02-04T00:01:05.795-05:00I Said YES!!!!February 1st is a day I won't forget. It's the day J asked me to marry him. I was absolutely surprised and still cannot get over the fact that I am getting married!!!! To the man of my dreams, how is this real life??<br />
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I made it to be the most awkward proposal ever, but we rolled with it and that's kind of just how we are....awkward!<br />
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On Sunday morning we started our day off normally. J bringing me coffee in bed, and he playing guitar in the next room. We chitchat back and forth poking fun at each other and I request a Matchbox 20 song. It was a lesser known one and I finally get out of bed with my phone to play it for him. I do a little dance and sing along and sit close to him looking for the chords on my phone.<br />
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He begins to play Adam Sandler's "I Wanna Grow Old With You" song and changing some of the lyrics. This is still not out of the ordinary. After he sings "I'll buy you chocolate and flowers too..." He starts clearing his throat and nodding toward our coffee table. I was so consumed with looking for chords before that I didn't notice the flowers and chocolate sitting there the whole time! Again not out of the ordinary for him to do something like this. But I was caught so off guard by it this time that as he continues on with his song I got emotional by the surprise. I leave the room to get a kleenex.<br />
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I am laughing at myself in the next room for getting emotional over flowers and some M&Ms!! I give myself a minute and J says, "Are ya coming back??" I go back on my phone now trying to avoid looking at him because I am slightly embarrassed of tearing up. He continues singing, keeping some lyrics the same and changing others.<br />
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At the end he sings, "I'll make you dinner and rub your feet, will you marry me?" I look up and smile and then immediately I'm back to my phone.<br />
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Then he starts searching for something under the throw pillow at the other side of the couch. Then he throws two blankets and the throw pillow on the floor. At this point I'm looking at him confused as to why he is being so messy. He comes out with a box.<br />
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He gets down on one knee and then like every other girl who has ever been proposed to I continue to say, "Are you serious?" And cry happy tears, even happier than when I found out he got me chocolate and flowers just minutes earlier...<br />
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Awkward proposal? Yes. But it was real. And I am absolutely ecstatic about being with J forever.Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-88595176181066153282015-01-13T19:54:00.000-05:002015-01-13T19:54:18.003-05:00Retroactive PayApparently I was getting paid the same amount as an "unqualified teacher" in our school board. I hadn't noticed since I have only had one short term contract before this one that I was in the lowest pay bracket. <div>
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With more qualifications you are entitled to a higher salary in a pay grid for teachers. I SHOULD be at the second highest one and am finally going to have it show on my paycheques too. I've been trying to get this changed since the end of September when I first noticed!<div>
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So Friday is pay day and it will be an extra large chunk. Approximately $2000 more than I have been getting paid so that will help put a dent in some of the goals I have for this year. I actually think I will put half in my TFSA and the other in an RRSP. </div>
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Now my regular paycheque will be increased by about $225 after taxes. That was a lot to be missing out on for several months. So excited!!</div>
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Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-18454197278148950902015-01-06T22:33:00.003-05:002015-01-14T20:17:52.249-05:00Happy New Year!Wow, it has been almost one year exactly since I have been on here. I've somewhat missed it but life has been absolutely crazy busy!<br />
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What has even happened? Well J and I went on all the dates I gave him for his gift last Christmas. J's brother got married to his wife after 12 years of dating! J's sister had a baby at the end of November and we were asked to be Godparents (maybe the highlight of my year).<br />
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At the end of the summer (I was a waitress all summer) I had an interview for a teaching position within my board but an hour away. I thought it would be good practice to go for the interview, the principals made me feel pretty at ease and I joked around a lot with them thinking I didn't stand a chance. Well they took a chance and offered me a full-year contract which I am almost half-way complete!<br />
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I am teaching the most adorable and challenging group of 23 (was 24) SK/1 students. I've never felt more stress or more joy. I have gone home crying and other times laughing, it is the best job!! I am completely sleep deprived but wouldn't want to be doing anything else. Those kids can drive me crazy but in the same day they can make me feel so proud of their accomplishments. Kids that didn't know all of the sounds in the alphabet who are already reading simple texts. Kids that could barely count to 11 that can now count past 100 and skip count by 5s and 10s. And we are not even halfway through the year.<br />
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Financially, I maxed out my TFSA and contributed $1500 to my RRSPs and that's about it. But I'm okay with it.<br />
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Why? Well, my career is what's important to me right now. I have money in the bank and rent is kind of consuming me right now. Again, I'm okay with it.<br />
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J is definitely the man I want to marry. Even a year and a half later I laugh everyday and love to be around him. So why not just get married? Well, he has debt: OSAP and a bank loan. He has been picking up reffing hockey games and making $3000 payments to his loans each month. We have the same goals and he is determined. I said I would help by paying our rent, he pays groceries. In addition, I have also been renting a room from a teacher to cut my 2.5 hour a day commute down 4 days a week. So I am paying $1325 a month in rent, plus oil heating.<br />
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I am not able to save a lot right now but I have $28000 in my TFSA, plus a comfortable amount in the bank plus I'm able to help J, I am really not worried about it right now.<br />
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Tomorrow I have to be on a panel and speak in front of more than 300 people, now that is what is really worrying shy me right now.<br />
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<br />Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-64608722225157649492014-01-20T22:28:00.001-05:002014-01-20T22:28:38.302-05:00Facing Potential EvictionJ and I moved into our apartment in May of last year. We met up with our landlords days before that and paid them a year's worth of cheques. We did not sign a lease.<br />
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About 2-3 weeks ago a man came over and told J that our landlords have not been paying their bills and unless they pay within the next 24 hours that our place will then be owned by the bank.<br />
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Well it seems as though they did not pay because last Wednesday a man came to our house to inform us of the changes. He said that the house is now owned by a branch of Scotiabank. We were told to cancel our cheques to our landlords and issue new ones to Veranova. A woman called last week to ask a bunch of questions (appliances in the house, amount we pay each month, what utilities are covered, asked about water and heat, pets, etc).<br />
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The man returned on Friday to change our locks and take pictures of every room in the apartment, he told us to call them if we see the former landlords ever on the property or trying to take any of their items.....yikes!<br />
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Anyway the good news is that we are still allowed to live here. The house will go into foreclosure soon and then the bank will try to sell the house. If someone buys the house we still get 60 days to stay if they want us gone. However because we live in an apartment attached to the house they may even want the extra income of tenants and allow us to continue on in our agreement and stay as well.<br />
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The first thing J said to the man when he told us all this was "we still have two and a half years left on our internet contract!"<br />
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Before J and I started dating we both joked that we were going to live here forever because we liked it so much. We even joked that we would raise our families here in the two separate bedrooms. I really hope that things work out and we can stay!Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-28206133170270984142014-01-16T16:58:00.003-05:002014-01-16T16:59:09.744-05:0030 Day Shred....AgainIt's been a few years since I last tried completing the Jillian Michael's 30 day shred....okay FOUR years!!<br />
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Anyway I think there is no time like the present and I did day one today. Feelings....glad I made it through!! I did have to take probably three 5 second breaks especially with those lunch curl-ups. I have no arm strength!! Annnd I was using two 3lb weights :S<br />
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I was sweaty and somewhat shaky afterward and may have had the fainting feeling after moving from a sitting to standing position but....it was great and I am happy I did it. Tomorrow will be another story but I want to do 30 days, preferably consecutively but days off are okay too. I think that whenever J goes out to hockey or if he is at work and I have the day off I will do a video. 30 days...I can do it.<br />
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I am doing it mostly to tone myself. I wouldn't mind losing maybe 5-6lbs though either! Since the end of summer I have gained close to 10lbs so I wouldn't be opposed to them vanishing. So I'm also trying to eat healthier (actually had a food craving for cottage cheese today, who does that?)<br />
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If anyone would like to join me, the first part of the workout can be found <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Pc-NizMgg8">HERE</a>. </div>
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Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-47089581366209052292014-01-14T14:20:00.000-05:002014-01-14T14:20:35.115-05:00Cousin's WeddingThis past weekend J and I went to my cousin's wedding in Toronto. It was an awesome wedding, short but sweet and the reception was a lot of fun. It's always nice to catch up with my family.<br />
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J and I know that we already have at least three weddings to go to this year. He is IN two of them (being the best-man for one). We have to really budget for these weddings.<br />
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Weddings are crazy expensive!! Not only to have, but to attend.<br />
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The last wedding I was in was Septemeber of 2012. I went to the engagement party, the bridal shower, the bachelorette party, the wedding (obviously). Then additional added expenses were that she lived in Toronto (a two hour drive) and so gas alone plus gifts for each event, accommodations (on wedding night, otherwise I just stayed with her) and a bridesmaid dress ($230ish). It was A LOT!!<br />
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This past weekend our hotel was $130, gift we gave $200. Gas to and from was $40. Luckily it was an open bar and I found a dress for $23 so that saved us some.<br />
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I never know what I should spend on a gift. What is the average gift?<br /><br />Have you ever turned down a wedding because you couldn't afford it, even if it was a close friend or family member?Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-39547769017348348012014-01-05T08:02:00.000-05:002014-01-05T08:02:00.031-05:002014 Working BudgetMy budget changes a lot and while I do have a number of fixed expenses (insurance, rent, internet, etc), I do have a lot of variable ones too (entertainment, groceries, clothing, etc). The tricky part to creating a budget for myself is my variable income.<br /><br />Oh I cannot wait for the day to become full-time so that I get a regular paycheck; it would make budgeting SO much easier! I try to save a lot on the higher income months and spend very little on the low income ones. For instance, this month in particular I likely won't have any income, or VERY little. I was paid on December 20th for the last two weeks of school before the break since I was in a contract. I get ZERO income over the holidays and finally when school starts again on the 6th I will have to wait until January 31 before getting paid (IF I get work in those first two weeks back). Therefore if I didn't have savings FOR January I would definitely be going into debt this month.<br />
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This is how I lay out my monthly tracking. I changed a few things since last year since I no longer pay hydro (instead just heat through oil), I did not use my Christmas savings this year so they are still in my ING account and will just accumulate until next Christmas so it was removed.<br />
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So here is the working budget:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" dir="ltr" style="font-family: arial,sans,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup><col width="120"></col><col width="120"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: yellow; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; font-weight: 700; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Category</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; direction: ltr; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Average</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: magenta; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; font-weight: 700; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">INCOME</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">2200</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #0ca8d7; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; font-weight: 700; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">EXPENSES</td><td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 0px 3px 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #0ca8d7; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Rent</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">500</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #0ca8d7; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Oil</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">70</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #0ca8d7; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Internet</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">50</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #0ca8d7; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Car</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">230</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #0ca8d7; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Gas</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">180</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #0ca8d7; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Phone</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">70</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #0ca8d7; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Food</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">160</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #0ca8d7; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Restaurant</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">60</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #0ca8d7; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Personal/Medical</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">50</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #0ca8d7; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Clothing</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">60</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #0ca8d7; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Gifts</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">50</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #0ca8d7; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Education</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">100</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #0ca8d7; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Entertainment</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">75</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #0ca8d7; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Everything Else</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">75</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #0ca8d7; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; font-weight: 700; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">TOTAL</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">1730</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #13dd10; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; font-weight: 700; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">SAVINGS</td><td style="border-bottom: 1px solid #ccc; border-right: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 0px 3px 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #13dd10; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">TFSA</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">250</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #13dd10; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Travel</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">50</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #13dd10; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">Furniture</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">50</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #13dd10; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">RRSP</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">120</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 17px;"><td style="background-color: #13dd10; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; direction: ltr; font-size: 110%; font-weight: 700; padding: 0px 3px; vertical-align: bottom;">TOTAL</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; padding: 0px 3px; text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;">470</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Let me know if you have any suggestions for it. </div>
Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-9963070397558989462014-01-03T16:27:00.002-05:002014-01-03T16:27:29.310-05:002014 GoalsNow that the new year is here I have been thinking more and more about my resolutions/goals of the year. I always make them and don't always succeed but I think it's still good to have those goals to work toward.<br />
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<b><u>Financial:</u></b><br /><br /><b>Save $6000 to TFSA</b>. This is my priority since I want to use it toward saving for a down-payment on a house and contributions toward a wedding (one day...)<br />
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<b>Save $500 for Travel</b>. I am travelling this March for a week to go to Texas (already paid for my flight), I have money saved in my ING Travel account already for this but I have another road trip vacation I would like to go on in September that will require more savings (gas is expensive).<br />
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<b>Save $1500 toward RRSPs</b>. I always put these on the backburner because retirement seems SO far away. BUT these can be used toward a first home down-payment, and the sooner you save the more it adds up for when retirement does come along. I know it is smart to do now, it's just boring!<br />
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<b>TRACK MY SPENDING</b>. I used to be so good at this and then this summer I fell off the bandwagon. I generally knew where everything was going but it's nice to see the trends and where I can improve.<br /><br />
<b><u>Personal:</u></b><br /><br /><b>Do a fitness challenge</b>. Whether it be a plank, squat, yoga or Jillian Michael's 30 day shred challenge, I want to attempt one again.<br />
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<b>Take a new class</b>. I think this one will be easy since I plan on taking an additional qualification this winter (need to sign up still) and of course ASL this spring.<br />
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<b>Read 10 books</b>. I did not read NEARLY enough last year and want to get back into it. Audiobooks can count for this!<br />
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<b>Tone myself</b>. J says when you are happy you gain weight and we have both put on some weight since the summer. Maybe it's my metabolism finally catching up with me or my immense happiness but I have gained over 10lbs since August to a weight I have never seen before. It's not the number that bothers me but I definitely just want to start eating healthier and tone up a bit. If I were in the hunger games, I would definitely be one of the first ones killed.Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-56601036215241486712013-12-30T15:54:00.001-05:002013-12-30T15:54:24.454-05:00End of 2013Doesn't it seem like every year seems to go by faster and faster? This year was no exception; I still cannot believe it's January in two days!<br />
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I finished all of my Christmas shopping with time to spare this year! Everyone was really happy with their gifts (mom - K-cups and CD, dad - funny t-shirt and Vinyl cafe, brothers - atlas and gift cards, J - a board game and 6 months of dates). J's family was very interested in the gift I got him and his mom says that he has to phone home at the beginning of each month to let her know what date he is being sent on!<br /><br />J got me a winter classic Leafs jersey and some earrings. LOVE both! We got completely spoiled by our families as well with wine, actifry, purses, skates, clothing, etc. It was a nice year although I missed J a lot on Christmas day.<br />
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New year's eve is tomorrow night! We finally made plans last night to go to one of his friend's homes and celebrate. It will be a low-key night I am sure and that's okay. We want to be in good shape to watch the Winter Classic game on Wednesday! I've been watching the HBO 24/7 road to the winter classic game and it has only made me more excited to see it.<br />
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I have been thinking about my new year's resolutions. I always make them and don't always stick to them but I think it's always good to have goals for yourself. Will post them soon.<br />
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My year in review...<br />January It was great bringing in the new year with the Trews and some friends.<br />February I broke up with my long-term boyfriend D and moved home with family<br />March I went to Florida with family, had the best vacation<br />
April I worked in Toronto for a couple of weeks and started to look for a place to live back home<br />
May I moved in with a guy in a cute apartment on the water<br />
June I tried SUPing, went tree-top trekking saw Taylor Swift and started dating my ROOMMATE<br />
July Went to a bunch of concerts (Train, Brad Paisley) and had some campfires<br />
August Went to an Argos game and worked and saved as much as I could<br />
September Went to my first MLB game, went to Live at the Lake with Eric Church<br />
October Finished up at the restaurant, won a Halloween contest as a Loofah<br />
November Went to the Toronto Aquarium, had a surprise party for my dad<br />
December Went to an NHL game, finished another ASL course, visited J's hometown, had an amazing Christmas<br /><br />I am looking forward to all that 2014 will bring. Hoping everyone stays happy and healthy!Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-3419274255475578752013-12-13T19:04:00.001-05:002013-12-13T19:04:17.324-05:00Juggling the December expensesHaving a variable income is hard! It just makes things so hard to plan! Also the fact that I do not get vacation days. If I do not get a call to work, or if I need to take a day off I do not get paid. So for Christmas vacation which is 2 weeks, I will have no income.<br />
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December is a tough month money-wise. I had to buy winter tires this year which were $833. Christmas is going to be around $600 for everything. We need oil for our furnace again soon which is going to be about $400 each. About 20 hours of extra driving for Christmas parties.<br /><br />I am heading to a Christmas party tomorrow and am getting my baking done tonight, mmmm. It's an ugly Christmas sweater party. J is a huge Senators fan where I am a Leaf fan. He is borrowing my brother's jersey and I am going to wear his jersey, add some garland and they will be our ugly Christmas sweaters this year.<br />
<br />Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-47167279484025296742013-12-13T18:54:00.001-05:002013-12-13T18:54:26.124-05:00Got the Job!!I had an interview for the position I had been working at for some time last Friday. It was an awful interview. I could tell that both of the principals were trying to help me with additional questions but I feel like there was so much more I could have said right afterward.<br /><br />Somehow and I think it was mostly because not many people applied for the position, and the fact that the one principal knows how capable I am let me have the position and called me that night with the good news!<br /><br />I've been working at the job on an LTO for 5 days now (although two were snowdays!), I am excited for one more week at least. I saw the teacher who I am replacing today and she thinks she will be back after Christmas break...good for her, but not for me. I REALLY enjoy the job! I look forward to it and get excited about the students' progression everyday.Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-58884560879708343982013-11-29T07:33:00.000-05:002013-11-29T07:33:00.122-05:00Job ProspectsFor those that do not know already, I have been an occasional (supply/substitute) teacher for about FIVE, yes 5 years now. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my job. But....it would be nice to have a more regular income and to be honest, less 5:30am phone calls.<div>
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It's tough to plan monthly spending, saving, etc when I really have no idea what I will be bringing home each month. </div>
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Anyway things seem to be looking up. They've introduced a new priority list that some boards have adopted. Basically it's making the system more fair; instead of it being WHO you know, it's how well you are actually suited for the job, plus seniority. </div>
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I have been teaching at this school locally for 4 days this week for one teacher who according to the principal does not seem to be returning anytime soon (at least not until after Christmas). Several of the teachers at that school have expressed that they want me to take over the position, I would absolutely love that and the posting just came out today. I applied right away. I hope to be granted an interview which will be occurring next week. </div>
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Also, on Monday I had an interview with another school board in my area. My references were called today which I assume means I passed the interview process. It's just to be put on another occasional list but it will just open more doors. </div>
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I love my job and just want to do it EVERYDAY!</div>
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Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-43263127192315386542013-11-28T07:44:00.000-05:002013-11-28T07:44:00.066-05:00Love/Hate Christmas Relationship<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiz4kU5_dir0XnS0ppFFVUI7qpMnnOMLL4brLJXCEr7yb55sODNkfpLc1p17cDqN9ucz9KptE-DIe4i7G0qSTkj9otBLqcy_9vcueGHBvx070JCt315UojpXMdm4DU_U2iYmrAgi-Qgw/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiz4kU5_dir0XnS0ppFFVUI7qpMnnOMLL4brLJXCEr7yb55sODNkfpLc1p17cDqN9ucz9KptE-DIe4i7G0qSTkj9otBLqcy_9vcueGHBvx070JCt315UojpXMdm4DU_U2iYmrAgi-Qgw/s200/tree.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
Yes that's my tree put up on Saturday, I hope it lasts until Christmas! It's J's first REAL Christmas tree :)<br />
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I absolutely love Christmas but I cannot stand Christmas shopping. Finding parking, waiting in lines, browsing things forever and not having any ideas!<br />
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I am a bit of a procrastinator as well so that never helps. This year I am almost done one gift and have a few ideas in mind for others too.<br />
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I've already started making J's gift. He is getting 6 months of dates (12 dates was too much at once)! He actually really loves gifts of experience so it will be perfect. He bought me tickets to see Aladdin for my birthday, and I got him tickets to a baseball game for his. This year although I am not quite complete he is getting...well let me just show you.<br />
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January snowshoe rental for trails and subway date.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOuu8bnICksTCpqPzd3kURREC0rLvuT9VG5zqRlfuYabvXBxZxmCssZDP7JJb1_jh63J87QHS6Cfk6HCPEGlO1oXERZcEMlyw8OHtZGYD0DfG-pz1Se0JXl41MY3rl_Kq-VBGRJEPfbU/s1600/Jan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOuu8bnICksTCpqPzd3kURREC0rLvuT9VG5zqRlfuYabvXBxZxmCssZDP7JJb1_jh63J87QHS6Cfk6HCPEGlO1oXERZcEMlyw8OHtZGYD0DfG-pz1Se0JXl41MY3rl_Kq-VBGRJEPfbU/s200/Jan.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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February a twisted fairytale play and dinner out<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFVOILiNAn2gnZIpvncSJOrNdfrr1i4G7tAOvZo4Q7Okfiw7lhID5E2GkYKldWMG9WUZGg6i7EVS_T0BSwsHcE0fY3Ht9KQL_43iHL8fTdZwUaSJt8U9h5Xd5pKTMdpaDu8cdhkk8ai4/s1600/Feb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFVOILiNAn2gnZIpvncSJOrNdfrr1i4G7tAOvZo4Q7Okfiw7lhID5E2GkYKldWMG9WUZGg6i7EVS_T0BSwsHcE0fY3Ht9KQL_43iHL8fTdZwUaSJt8U9h5Xd5pKTMdpaDu8cdhkk8ai4/s200/Feb.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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March tickets to see one of his favourite hockey teams<br />
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April is going to be local movie theatre tickets (not purchased yet).<br />
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May is an ice cream date at a new place and tickets to a musical<br />
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June is undecided but likely going to be a comedy show or zoo passes...and DQ blizzards! Also not purchased yet.<br />
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He will also get a board game (Cards Against Humanity) so he has something to open on Christmas day because the rest are sealed in envelopes.<br />
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I think for something different this year, his family is going to get a GOAT! Not for them, but for a family in a developing country through a charity that I will decide upon soon.<br />
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My brothers are getting gift cards to stores close to them.<br />
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I'm lacking ideas for my three best friends and my parents...might be in the malls after all this year...<br />
<br />Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-37575400453165294922013-11-27T08:25:00.000-05:002013-11-27T08:25:00.391-05:00Gushing Post, the how did you meet question?I've mentioned to you that D and I broke up in February. It was a really hard time for me since I was living with him, I was 27, I was supply teaching, and it seemed ALL my friends were getting married. UGH facebook can sometimes be a cruel thing to a single girl!!<br />
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I had plans to move in with my brother and those fell through and I was just down about life. I was living with my parents and decided I needed to be on my own but knew I could not afford a place on my variable income. What to do? Post an ad to kijiji of course! Kijiji is basically like a Canadian version of craigslist (although I've heard less creepy).<br />
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So 4 people replied to my ad. One was very nice man but then turned creepy...out!<br />
A girl who was 19 and couldn't afford anything more than $400 all inclusive...impossible here...out!<br />
Another girl who was my age and wanted out of her place since she didn't like the pets her roommates had, sounded perfect but she fell through....out!<br />
A guy who was close in age, had a full-time job and was looking to move closer to his work, had great grammar...maybe?<br />
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This last guy and I started chatting through e-mails since I was working in Toronto for 2 weeks. He seemed very proactive in searching for a place but every time I came home during that time period he was too busy with family obligations to meet. Finally he found a place he loved and I checked it out separately and also fell in love with the place and we decided that we should probably meet once before signing a lease and moving in with one another.<br />
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We met up in a local coffee shop the day I came back from the city and we hit it off immediately, we quickly sipped our drinks and raced to the apartment to sign the lease with the landlords.<br />
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For the first month we had no cable or internet since we lived in a location that was difficult to get regular high speed internet. So what did we do? We hung out with each other!! I started dating another guy at this time but found myself ending dates quickly to go home to hang out with my ROOMMATE!!<br />
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People teased me about dating my roommate and I was adamant that I would NEVER! However over the course of a couple of months he totally won my heart with canoe rides, bon fires, chasing waterfalls, roasting smores, movie nights, road trips, BBQ cooking, and making me laugh every day until I cried.<br />
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He admitted to me that he had a bit of a crush on me and I said the same to him and we started dating in June. I've never experienced happiness this way with anyone else, and I am pretty sure he feels the same. It's just...awesome.Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-51416820944601958032013-11-26T07:48:00.000-05:002013-11-26T07:48:00.519-05:00Counting ChangeI have been saving up my change for 2 summers working at a restaurant.<br /><br />I try to get rid of a lot of my change while at work because honestly I prefer the bills (especially the red and brown ones), but I do accumulate quite a bit of change as well. I bought a change jar and have been filling it up with "snowflakes" as <a href="http://shakingthemoneytree.blogspot.ca/">Jolie</a> says and calculates monthly.<br /><br />After buying two bags of coin rollers and trading a few with my parents I was able to roll $1026 in change! I had planned on using that jar money toward a vacation one day and I think that is exactly where it will go! Already starting to add to the jar again!Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-6425466901273552572013-11-25T07:02:00.000-05:002013-11-25T07:02:00.170-05:00Off TrackI've gone off track in my tracking of spending....I was doing SO good until March of this year. Then I quit blogging and quit tracking...December I NEED to get back on board.<br /><br />Where is my money going? I have a general idea since my spending habits are pretty much never changing, BUT it's nice to know how much you've been saving and exactly where you are spending your money. So new years resolution starting a month early, I WILL track my spending again.<br />
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Ugh December is the month I SPEND the most, but things can only get better from there right? Christmas is only 30 days away according to EVERYONE on facebook. I have only MOSTLY completed one gift so far. More on that soon...<br /><br />How is your Christmas shopping going? Any ideas on what to get for boys in their mid-twenties that don't really need anything?Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-64147033487574496622013-11-24T21:50:00.001-05:002013-11-24T21:50:16.043-05:00Oh just the last NINE monthsI can't believe it's been NINE months since I last posted.<br />
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What's happened in 9 months? Well D and I broke up. I broke up with him just a couple days after my last post. I told him I was not happy with our relationship and he promised he would make it better. I just wanted to hang out with him more, for him to want to spend time with me. However the very next day he decided to sleep the day away, not do anything around the house (he was unemployed at the time) and I was done. It was so hard because I was really in love with him but I knew that I deserved better than that.</div>
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I moved in with my parents and went on a trip to Florida with them. Florida was absolutely amazing! We went for about three weeks and although the weather was awful I had such a nice time. I became closer with my parents and brother by going and spent a lot of time with them. I met a few new friends from the States while there too. Went swimming, saw Winter (a dolphin with a prosthetic tail), went out a lot, spent time reading and just relaxing. When I returned I started looking for a new roommate and put an ad on kijiji (more on that soon). Found an awesome place and an awesome roommate!<br /><br />Now...I have a new apartment that I LOVE, friends that I LOVE, a path toward a career that I LOVE, A new boyfriend (since the beginning of summer) that I haven't actually said those little words to yet but are just about BURSTING out of me. Life is good :)</div>
Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-52909156044853525202013-02-18T22:44:00.002-05:002013-02-18T22:44:46.890-05:00Vacation!My parents have been going to the same place in Florida for the past 4 years or so. They took us kids when I was in grade 12, and I haven't been back since. They wanted to go with another couple this year and none of their friends could take time off. So they asked us kids! I said I would be interested, D said it's too much for him. It will be so weird not seeing him for over two weeks since we live together!<br />
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So my brother said he would come. My youngest brother has a new girlfriend who I think is great but he has really changed since getting together with her, and especially moving in with her. Unfortunately NOT for the better. Without getting into details, he has really made my life difficult in the past couple of months just by not thinking of how his actions will effect others (typical boy) and thinking only of himself. But he has also decided to come. I'm sure it will be fine, we have always been pretty close.<br />
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I am excited for the trip. We leave March 15, and come back April 2nd! My brother is coming back earlier. We have no plans and we are in a fairly low-key part of Florida on the gulf coast. I was really hoping to do one scuba diving trip but haven't been able to find anything near where we are staying. Hopefully I can find something once we get there! I watched the movie "Dolphin Tale" this weekend since we will be staying close to Clearwater, which is where the dolphin Winter is kept. My mom has said she is interested in seeing that aquarium.<br />
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I reimbursed my parents for the flight ($580) and gave them extra money ($500) for the condo they are renting. My dad did not want to accept it since he had mentioned he would be paying for it but I insisted. I will help them with groceries and travel once we get there as well.<br />
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Less than a month now!Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-54416055736628211082013-02-08T09:43:00.000-05:002013-02-08T09:53:48.090-05:00She's Baaaackkk!I'm still around. I've been reading your blogs and keeping up-to-date with you! Let's get to the updates!<br />
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December was great. Finished all my Christmas shopping on time, I think everyone really enjoyed their gifts this year too. I was underbudget with the Christmas shopping too! We had so many Christmases to attend this year, but it's always nice to see family. One of my good friends had her baby just before Christmas and I recently was able to complete and send off a baby quilt, and matching taggie I made.<br />
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New years was spent watching The Trews with some friends in the city. Such a great Canadian band.<br />
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I received my passing mark for my latest ASL class in January. I've decided to forego the weekend ASL trip I have done for the past two years, but will likely sign up for it next winter. Instead I signed up for a photography class for the end of February. It was originally $229, on for $39 with a living social deal. It looks pretty good, and I'll get to learn some new tricks for using my camera on manual.<br />
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Yesterday I had my trial date for the accident I was in last June. I was incredibly nervous, and D came for moral support. We showed up early and were filed into the courtroom with about 20 other people. Signed in, and I was called up third. My friend (whose car I crashed into) did not show up (she didn't even receive the subpoena) so the case was dismissed entirely! Wooooohooooo!!! That saved me $490 in fine, 6 demerit points, and A LOT of insurance money! That friend is getting a good birthday gift this year!<br />
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For Christmas my parents got me a blender (I asked for it), so I've been making blended drinks a lot lately. So good! I love trying different variations, even adding spinach to some. I also have been making it out to the gym fairly regularly since the beginning of January. I got two months for $60 on a wagjag online. I am actually enjoying going to the gym now.<br />
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We had THREE snow days and a PA day last week. I was supposed to work this morning too but it ended up being another snow day. I found out once I got to the school since the job was never cancelled (supposed to cancel it before 7:30am) and no one was answering the phone at the school. Frustrating!<br />
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I've been doing respite work 2-3 days each week. The kids are pretty good, they get in silly sibling arguments sometimes but they are nice kids. Last night, the oldest kid (a 12 year old boy) taught me how to KNIT! He knows all about it, the terms for the stitches and needles. This is a kid that can hardly focus on anything other than videogames for more than 5 minutes, and he was knitting! I was very impressed, kids are always full of surprises!Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-66921874519038822702012-12-03T23:24:00.002-05:002012-12-03T23:24:29.576-05:00December this and thatIt's December!! One more month until 2013!!<br />
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November was a pretty fast month, I felt really busy. Teaching a number of days. I was accepted onto our school board's LTO list. They are trying to make it more fair. I am terrible at interviews and felt I did awful but somehow I passed!! I am number 270 on the list...ugh.<br />
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I accepted a respite job in town. Three kids, one has some pretty major health issues, I go a couple of times a week bi-weekly. It's not a lot of income but it's something! The kids are pretty good too so I don't mind at all.<br />
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Today I applied for a new passport. My pictures are AWFUL. Does anyone ever look good in their passport photos?? Ah but they said it should be back in 2-5 weeks. My mom asked me if I was interested in joining her and my dad on a Florida trip this year, perhaps with my brother. I could end up doing that so I will now at least have the option with a passport.<br />
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I finished my final exam for my American Sign Language course. I think I did fairly well. After the exams we went out for a drink and appetizers and chatted. It was so nice. The teacher was good friends with my grandpa as well and told several stories about him. I miss him a lot but it's nice that people remember him.<br />
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I made a BIG purchase for myself recently. On cyber Monday I bought a DSLR camera. It's a Canon Rebel T4i. I have never used a digital SLR so it will take some time to learn. I'm excited about it though. I ordered it through Best Buy (It was over $500 off) and I STILL have not received it, according to my tracking it hasn't even been sent! I would like to learn how to do a few things before Christmas so I hope it comes soon!!!<br />
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I went to a Christmas party at my university roommate's house this weekend. I did a TON of baking for it!!! Gingerbread men (wearing ugly Christmas sweaters), snowman cupcakes, Grinch cookies, marshmallow butterscotch squares, peanut butter blossoms in red and green, Christmas rice krispy squares, Christmas brownies, and candycane bark. It all went over well at the party and I have a lot of leftovers I've been giving out to family and friends.<br />
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At the Christmas party I got the new T-Swift CD, a couple of books, a hoodie, a beer mug haha, chocolates and a candle.<br />
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Yesterday was my best friend's birthday. She came over and we went out for dinner and ate Christmas treats. Today she called me and told me that she was given T-Swift concert tickets for June in Toronto from her boyfriend and wants to take me! AHHHH I've never been to a concert that big, I am sooo excited!! I'll have to do something nice for her BF. So cool!!!Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-31934942393421439052012-11-07T10:37:00.000-05:002012-11-07T10:37:19.058-05:00New $20s in Canada...controversy?Today is the day the new $20 bills go into circulation. I really like the new bills they have been making. They are more durable and harder to counterfeit. However, I was also reading about them and a focus group seemed to think it was too "pornographic" and saw the twin towers in the design which was offensive.<br />
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It's ACTUALLY a picture of the vimy ridge memorial in France. I think it's a good thing Canada is putting things like this on our money because it will bring more awareness to history many Canadians didn't even know about.<br />
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Apparently this is not even the first time that Canadian's have done these focus groups and have seen questionable things on the money. Many thought they saw "a sex toy" in the $100 bills DNA strand, that the see-through windows looked like a woman's body, some thought Borden's eyes were crossed and that his mustache was unkempt.<br />
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Some thought the $50 bill had skull and crossbones in the portholes of the Amundsen. They thought the Inuit writing at the top (which translates to Arctic) was some sort of secret code. That Newfoundland/Labrador was possibly a bird or even Pinocchio. Oh CANADA!!<br />
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<br />Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-86425996767072384422012-11-06T10:38:00.001-05:002012-11-06T10:38:10.930-05:00October Spending<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">November is here! I'm actually late in posting this, so it's been here for a bit. It was an okay October. I didn't get to savings, but have some set aside for November already. Oops!! I taught a few days in October, and finished up my restaurant job. Had Thanksgiving with work friends and D went to his family's house. We went camping for 3 days and stayed at a really cute cabin! We are staying at our apartment for a while longer, we didn't sign a lease but we gave post-dated cheques for the year. It's been kind of nice not working everyday of the week but I am missing the income.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Rent (19%) ACTUAL: 13%</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Hydro (3%) 3%</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Internet (3%) 3% </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Laundry (2%) 2%<br />Car and Gas (11%) ACTUAL: 14%<br />Phone (3%) ACTUAL: 2%<br />Food (8%) ACTUAL: 2% This is low, I think D must have bought most of the food this month<br />Restaurant (3%) ACTUAL: 1%<br />Personal/Medical (4%) ACTUAL 9% Haircut, some new shampoo/conditioner<br />Clothing (5%) ACTUAL: 3% A pair of hiking boots<br />Gifts (5%) ACTUAL 1% Starting on my Christmas shopping</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Education (2%) ACTUAL 0%</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Entertainment (3%) ACTUAL 1% We didn't do much at all in October! Carved some pumpkins, bought some wine.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Everything Else (5%) ACTUAL: 2%</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">TOTAL (73%) ACTUAL 55% This isn't too bad for spending in October. However my savings are non-existent this month November should be a lot better. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">TFSA (15%) ACTUAL: 0%</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Christmas (3%) ACTUAL: 0%</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Camera (3%) ACTUAL: 0%</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">RRSP (5%) ACTUAL: 0%</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Travel Fund (3%) ACTUAL: 0%</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">TOTAL (28%) ACTUAL 0% YIKES!!! I had two paycheques from work that were not deposited in October so those will likely go directly toward savings. November will be a tight month with only relying on teaching!</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">November I want to save more to my TFSA, I am hoping $900 which is doable with my lack of saving last month. I need to get some Christmas shopping out of the way so it's not TOO crazy when December hits. I also need to study my ASL more, I only have a few weeks left in the class before the exam!</span></span>Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6851940520473763605.post-74707363024524891072012-10-24T12:13:00.000-04:002012-10-24T12:13:27.458-04:00UpdatesI have not been blogging nearly as much as I have wanted, but life is busy! I've been working 6-7 days each week. However, Sunday was my last day at the restaurant. It's a seasonal restaurant so they have closed down until May. So bittersweet, I am really going to miss a lot of the people that worked there this summer, best one yet! I will also miss the added income, but it will be nice to have additional time to catch up on things.<br />
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D and I took three days off from work last week and went camping! We canoed for about 40 minutes, then hiked for an hour and a half (just because we had to make 2 trips) and then rowed for about 10 minutes to a little cabin on an island. It was an adorable cabin! It was a great few days as well. Much needed!<br />
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D and I were having some problems earlier this month and in September. Mostly myself getting mad at him for not spending time with me or lack of effort with everything, and he getting mad at me over little things too (i.e. he was so upset when I threw out expired meat). It was just bad, I think stress from our jobs was adding to it. It's been getting better now though, we talked about things a lot. It definitely made me question a lot of things though too. I want things to work out, I hope that they do! So far since our camping trip things have been a lot better, maybe it was just a little break from work that was needed.<br />
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My best friend's ex boyfriend passed away a couple of weeks ago from a drug overdose. She dated him for more than 3 years, but they broke up 4 years ago. He was a different person back then. I went with her to the memorial on Sunday, it was incredibly sad. A parent should never have to go through something like that. I also arrived second to the scene of a fatal car crash on my way home from work about a week and a half ago. Both instances made me realize that life is so short and that it's so much about the relationships you have.<br />
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I've been reading a bit more. I just finished "I've Got Your Number" by Sophie Kinsella. It was a fast read, not very believable, but entertaining. I bought it from a girl selling things on kijiji in my area. I bought 6 books, including one hardcover for $10! They are great, brand new looking!<br />
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I want to make something a little crafty too. Maybe some throw pillows for our ugly couches. I entered our couches into the Leon's room makeover contest and was surprised we didn't win!Girl Makes Centshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13178475518084685735noreply@blogger.com2