I'm Back

2011

I took a month off from this blog so I could have time to really think about what I wanted to accomplish this year. I did not want to do the typical list of New Years resolutions on January 1st that millions of others do with out giving it some serious thought. I took a good, hard look at every aspect of my life: job, house, finances, and future plans. I also took a look at my 35 Before 35 list.

My goals for 2011

1. Eat healthier
2. Work out at least 3 times a week
3. Lose 25lbs
4. Save $1000
5. Get into nursing school
6. Complete 9 things from my 35 Before 35 list
7. Craft something new at least once per month

I did not want to give myself a lot of goals, usually too many goals lead to none being done.

I plan to start working on my goals on Sunday ( I like to start new projects at the beginning of the week ).

Another Year Past

It is hard to believe that we are facing another new year, it seams like 2010 just flew by.

I haven't made any New Years resolutions as of yet, but I plan on spending the rest of the night reflecting on my failures and triumphs of the past year.

Happy New Year to you all.

I look forward to the possibilities of the upcoming year.

Cha Cha Changes

I know I have been gone for a while, but working in retail during the holiday season does not leave an individual with a lot of free time. Also, there have been some financial changes going on in my life as of late.

I can scratch 2 items off my 35 before 35 list.

After all of my car drama I bought a new car (#34). I ended up not getting any of the cars I listed, I purchased a new Mazda 3 and I love it. I financed through my credit union and got both an unbelievable rate and a great deal through their auto adviser program.

I also am about to pay off my credit cards (#9). I applied for a consolidation loan through my credit union and while it is not finalised yet, I am pre approved for a loan to pay off my cards. So, while I am trading one debt for another I will be able to pay less in interest over the life of the loan.

I am planing to pay extra to both of these loans and pay them off early.

Off to update my side bars.

I Hate My Car Part 3

Well, it finally happened.

On my way home from work my car cut off while I was driving.

Thankfully it happened in an area where I was able to pull off the road safely. I called my mother (it's funny, why is it whenever your in trouble the first call you want to make is to your mother?), then I called AAA and had my car towed to the dealership (after sitting on the side of a busy rural road for an hour).

During this ordeal I learned a few lessons

1. If you are having problems with your car DO NOT drive it until it is 100% fixed.

Make the people at the shop believe you. Your life could depend on it. The car could have cut off while I was on the highway.

2. Keep your cell phone fully charged and get a car charger.

While on the phone with AAA my phone started to die and I did not buy a car charger. Thankfully my mother came looking for me and I was able to use her cell phone.

3. Get road side assistance and pay for the extra coverage.

If my mother did not have the premium policy I would have had to pay $5 per mile for towing my car.

4. Get a GPS.

My car broke down in the middle of nowhere, If I didn't have my GPS I would not have been able to tell AAA where I was. That's the problem with Florida, too many little cities. Who ever heard of Thonotosassa, Fl ?

I don't think I will ever feel comfortable driving that car, even if they are able to diagnose the problem.

I better start test driving some cars.

I Hate My Car Part 2

My car is back at the dealership and after numerous test drives the car has not cut off on the tech and they have no idea what is wrong with it. I think they think I am a con artist trying to pull a scam, when all I am is an angry b@*%h pissed that I spent $813 on an unneeded repair. Since I do a lot of driving I need a reliable car, I think it is time to retire my beloved car.

I have my options narrowed down to 3 contenders

1. Nissan Versa - $14,245
2. Honda Fit - $15,830
3. Toyota Yaris - $15,887

I was approved for a loan but my loan offer expires on Sunday. My mother thinks I should wait 3 months and buy in December.

Does anyone have any input on any of these cars?

I Hate My Car

Number 34 on my list of 35 before 35 was to buy a new car, this was something I was hoping to put off until I was 35. Unfortunately after $1500 of repairs the car is still cutting off at long stops. The car has been in and out of the shop for the past 3 weeks and no one can seem to find the problem and the car does not stall when they test drive it. I even drove it around with a mechanic from the shop and the car did not cut off once.

I don't know what to do anymore.

If the car can't be fixed (once they figure out what is wrong with it) I just flushed $1500 down the drain.