Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Status Update on the (now) 20 Month Plan
While a move may not happen until June 2011, the plan is slowly moving forward. My real estate agent is trying to work a time to set up some home viewings over Christmas in Austin. Perhaps, if I’m lucky, the Austin Nobles will take me on a quick trip through the targeted neighborhoods when I’m there for Jelly Bean’s shower. When I move next time it will be forever and where in the Austin area I end up will depend on the amount approved for a mortgage. But I’m still aiming for right downtown.
On that end, today was a big score for a client which resulted in a contract extension. Joy and Happiness because I have a sneaking suspicion that one of the little guys is going to leave (they’ve fired some of their in-house staff and are a month late on the payment). At this rate it is still a struggle to save for the down payment although the monthly nut is covered including taxes.
I still have a freezer with quite a bit of frozen steaks (client gift) but I’m trying to focus on less expensive sources of protein. Tomorrow I will be making a bean casserole with pinto, kidney, and green beans (plus other ingredients). The focus is still on lowering grocery costs and I’m getting a little ridiculous in that area. I try to keep each meal to around $1.50 while maintaining health – a fun challenge. I also found the way to keep the water bill down by over $100/month. Each month I look for more ways to cut costs and increase revenue.
One of the great things about consulting is that I’m getting about 8.5 hours of sleep each night. Yes! I have also learned to nap but until this last weekend, it was only when Youngest (or Eldest too!) were around. I feel safe enough to let go into sleep if I’m not alone. But if I can repeat the unsupervised nap, that is a giant step forward in physical and mental health.
Youngest is near the end of her mandatory classes and on her way to full independence. She has also started a little dog walking side business to up her income (one client thus far). Another big deal was her first dental visit for a comprehensive exam. The news was stunning in that things are not as bad as I anticipated and her next session is this Friday. Already Y is using the new toothbrush and prescription paste and wash. Our Dentist has a reasonable plan for both of us that will have us all done by move time, including cosmetic work for Youngest. Again, finances will determine the speed.
Things are not moving at warp speed, but they are still moving and there is victory in that.
On that end, today was a big score for a client which resulted in a contract extension. Joy and Happiness because I have a sneaking suspicion that one of the little guys is going to leave (they’ve fired some of their in-house staff and are a month late on the payment). At this rate it is still a struggle to save for the down payment although the monthly nut is covered including taxes.
I still have a freezer with quite a bit of frozen steaks (client gift) but I’m trying to focus on less expensive sources of protein. Tomorrow I will be making a bean casserole with pinto, kidney, and green beans (plus other ingredients). The focus is still on lowering grocery costs and I’m getting a little ridiculous in that area. I try to keep each meal to around $1.50 while maintaining health – a fun challenge. I also found the way to keep the water bill down by over $100/month. Each month I look for more ways to cut costs and increase revenue.
One of the great things about consulting is that I’m getting about 8.5 hours of sleep each night. Yes! I have also learned to nap but until this last weekend, it was only when Youngest (or Eldest too!) were around. I feel safe enough to let go into sleep if I’m not alone. But if I can repeat the unsupervised nap, that is a giant step forward in physical and mental health.
Youngest is near the end of her mandatory classes and on her way to full independence. She has also started a little dog walking side business to up her income (one client thus far). Another big deal was her first dental visit for a comprehensive exam. The news was stunning in that things are not as bad as I anticipated and her next session is this Friday. Already Y is using the new toothbrush and prescription paste and wash. Our Dentist has a reasonable plan for both of us that will have us all done by move time, including cosmetic work for Youngest. Again, finances will determine the speed.
Things are not moving at warp speed, but they are still moving and there is victory in that.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Wonderful Land of Discount Shopping
This is a blue collar or no collar area where generations have worked in manufacturing (or in the fields) – jobs that have been in serious decline for some time. With the general cost of living low, utlize a little creativity you can live here for even cheaper yet.
This is the land of outlet and discount shopping. While there are some low end department stores (Sears and Penny’s) and the ubiquitous WalMart, there are loads of places to cut prices even cheaper. Already famous for discount furniture shopping, if you get off the beaten path, you won’t pay full price for very many items. Case in point, the recent book sale that Youngest and I attended.
There was a day, not so long ago, where I wouldn’t have even noticed the signs along the road, much less have been willing to explore the destination. Now that this is a VERY frugal household, anything goes. I was expecting the handwritten signs to direct us to some church basement where used books would attract only Youngest (we all know how I feel about those). Instead, we were shocked to drive up to a private home with multiple out buildings, each holding a treasure trove of new books. It was like landing in a jack pot. The owners have a twice yearly sale with quite the local following and each of the 3 days of the sale had a different genre of books at half price. We each purchased boxes of books for very little cash. With my normal book budget slashed, I could spend the cost of 1 full price novel at B&N and end up with 36 books. They range from hard core science, crime, cookbooks to a large section of mystery. With most priced around a dollar and the half price super sale on male mysteries, many of these cost only 50 cents. Amazing! They are stacked on the very top shelf of my library to be read before the next sale in 6 months.
Want to sew? There is a fine fabric discount house minutes away where everything is at least 50% off. There are outlets hidden off the beaten path that sell shoes direct from the company to wholesale lamps. I know every area has some outlets, but this must be the capitol. You have to weed out the lower quality in some places, but a brand new book is a brand new book anywhere. The Farmer’s Market was chock full of great deals with my favorite being the mammoth cinnamon roll (plate sized) for only $2.50. How much is a less satisfying Cinnabon?
I’m grateful for many things but if I have to live frugally, it’s nice to do so where you don’t totally lose the quality of life.
This is the land of outlet and discount shopping. While there are some low end department stores (Sears and Penny’s) and the ubiquitous WalMart, there are loads of places to cut prices even cheaper. Already famous for discount furniture shopping, if you get off the beaten path, you won’t pay full price for very many items. Case in point, the recent book sale that Youngest and I attended.
There was a day, not so long ago, where I wouldn’t have even noticed the signs along the road, much less have been willing to explore the destination. Now that this is a VERY frugal household, anything goes. I was expecting the handwritten signs to direct us to some church basement where used books would attract only Youngest (we all know how I feel about those). Instead, we were shocked to drive up to a private home with multiple out buildings, each holding a treasure trove of new books. It was like landing in a jack pot. The owners have a twice yearly sale with quite the local following and each of the 3 days of the sale had a different genre of books at half price. We each purchased boxes of books for very little cash. With my normal book budget slashed, I could spend the cost of 1 full price novel at B&N and end up with 36 books. They range from hard core science, crime, cookbooks to a large section of mystery. With most priced around a dollar and the half price super sale on male mysteries, many of these cost only 50 cents. Amazing! They are stacked on the very top shelf of my library to be read before the next sale in 6 months.
Want to sew? There is a fine fabric discount house minutes away where everything is at least 50% off. There are outlets hidden off the beaten path that sell shoes direct from the company to wholesale lamps. I know every area has some outlets, but this must be the capitol. You have to weed out the lower quality in some places, but a brand new book is a brand new book anywhere. The Farmer’s Market was chock full of great deals with my favorite being the mammoth cinnamon roll (plate sized) for only $2.50. How much is a less satisfying Cinnabon?
I’m grateful for many things but if I have to live frugally, it’s nice to do so where you don’t totally lose the quality of life.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Visit from the Eldest
Everyone around here got a treat this weekend when Eldest came to town. We had a whirlwind tour of Hootersville and exposure to our hommies at the big regional fair. Include some down time and she’s off back to the Midwest.
The Fair was more fun than I have allowed myself in years. We were all in agreement that going would be a highlight and it turned out to be just that. As this was a Southern Fair (maybe it’s the same all over), if you can deep fry it, they sold it including Snickers, Oreos (fantasy come true), veggies and the piece de la resistance, fried butter – kid you not. We had lots of local color to view, saw some collection contest winners. My two favorites of the night were going on a heart slamming ride with Eldest where we laughed and screamed. The other event was the pig races which cracked me up. I did get my palm read which followed the normal trend of business success but love, not so much. I’m supposed to be introduced to a new romantic partner in Feb/March of 2010 but I suggest we do not hold our collective breath.
The 3 of us rode a ride that ended up smushing Eldest but with good humor. After an eventful night, we went home and pretty much crashed. The next morning we were off and running once again but with much less flash and dash. We went to a pitiful bake sale at a tiny church in our small town. Not enough there to even make it funny. Eldest got to see the closest thing to civilization here and declared that we do not live in the sticks. Say what? We live were the local papers do not include national news, the fanciest eatery is Olive Garden (new), there is a cow pasture that abuts the subdivision and our favorite delivery pizza company is pick up only.
After a quick tour we traveled to Mayberry for a Farmer’s Market and Craft Fair where I wanted a handcrafted table but the mean old man wouldn’t negotiate so he ended up with no money at all and me with no table. There were multiple buildings chock full of flowers, baked goods, vegetables, fresh meat, sauces, jellies – you name it. The prices were good but off set by the travel required -only the cinnamon buns as big as a small pizza might entice me to return. Mmmm. We returned home in time for the big football game where the girls cheered, I napped and Bama won. We cooked a simple dinner and all agreed to a Sunday morning sleep in.
As I read this I realize that this was not a very exciting weekend but it was just what we needed. I can’t wait to see Eldest again soon at Jellybean’s upcoming baby shower. I miss my family.
The Fair was more fun than I have allowed myself in years. We were all in agreement that going would be a highlight and it turned out to be just that. As this was a Southern Fair (maybe it’s the same all over), if you can deep fry it, they sold it including Snickers, Oreos (fantasy come true), veggies and the piece de la resistance, fried butter – kid you not. We had lots of local color to view, saw some collection contest winners. My two favorites of the night were going on a heart slamming ride with Eldest where we laughed and screamed. The other event was the pig races which cracked me up. I did get my palm read which followed the normal trend of business success but love, not so much. I’m supposed to be introduced to a new romantic partner in Feb/March of 2010 but I suggest we do not hold our collective breath.
The 3 of us rode a ride that ended up smushing Eldest but with good humor. After an eventful night, we went home and pretty much crashed. The next morning we were off and running once again but with much less flash and dash. We went to a pitiful bake sale at a tiny church in our small town. Not enough there to even make it funny. Eldest got to see the closest thing to civilization here and declared that we do not live in the sticks. Say what? We live were the local papers do not include national news, the fanciest eatery is Olive Garden (new), there is a cow pasture that abuts the subdivision and our favorite delivery pizza company is pick up only.
After a quick tour we traveled to Mayberry for a Farmer’s Market and Craft Fair where I wanted a handcrafted table but the mean old man wouldn’t negotiate so he ended up with no money at all and me with no table. There were multiple buildings chock full of flowers, baked goods, vegetables, fresh meat, sauces, jellies – you name it. The prices were good but off set by the travel required -only the cinnamon buns as big as a small pizza might entice me to return. Mmmm. We returned home in time for the big football game where the girls cheered, I napped and Bama won. We cooked a simple dinner and all agreed to a Sunday morning sleep in.
As I read this I realize that this was not a very exciting weekend but it was just what we needed. I can’t wait to see Eldest again soon at Jellybean’s upcoming baby shower. I miss my family.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Expanding Family
This small Hootersville home is filling up with new family members. During the week days we now have two people, two dogs and two guinea pigs. I had pigs when I was younger and am not ready for another puppy (neither is Beef), not that the owner would even allow. Beef has always loved small animals but there is no way I’m getting a cat (MacTavish is my only true cat love). I like the way that pigs are social, play and communicate. After reading the species literature, it was clear that the first little sweetie needed a playmate as they prefer pairs.
Cookie and Cocoa are girlfriends and love to snuggle (Cocoa is a bit younger and just joined us yesterday). Beef loves to lick their faces but he has a special affinity for Cookie even though she is the less friendly. I hold them and he licks and sniffs. He likes to watch them play in their cage but they also have a floor playpen. Silly has been incredibly gentle but she has the chase instinct so I will set them out to play tonight where Beef will be able to watch them for the first time after she goes home. Both the dogs seem to be more interested than anything more risky, so the pigs are now living downstairs in the sun room. As youngsters they are teeny but will grow to be much larger and can live 4-8 years. Both are curly haired with lots of cowlicks. Cookie lies over Cocoa like a blanket and then they sing. They are so sweet.
Oldest is coming for a visit this weekend but I would like to formally offer an Open Door Policy to all. You too could enjoy Southern activities like watching a layer cake judging at the Dixie Classic Fair, which is on this weekend’s agenda. I hope Oldest loves the pigs but if not, they will remain caged.
Cookie and Cocoa are girlfriends and love to snuggle (Cocoa is a bit younger and just joined us yesterday). Beef loves to lick their faces but he has a special affinity for Cookie even though she is the less friendly. I hold them and he licks and sniffs. He likes to watch them play in their cage but they also have a floor playpen. Silly has been incredibly gentle but she has the chase instinct so I will set them out to play tonight where Beef will be able to watch them for the first time after she goes home. Both the dogs seem to be more interested than anything more risky, so the pigs are now living downstairs in the sun room. As youngsters they are teeny but will grow to be much larger and can live 4-8 years. Both are curly haired with lots of cowlicks. Cookie lies over Cocoa like a blanket and then they sing. They are so sweet.
Oldest is coming for a visit this weekend but I would like to formally offer an Open Door Policy to all. You too could enjoy Southern activities like watching a layer cake judging at the Dixie Classic Fair, which is on this weekend’s agenda. I hope Oldest loves the pigs but if not, they will remain caged.
Busy Business
Or I could have called this “Continued steps to Austin” as either would be appropriate. In any event, I have just signed the additional client in Austin that holds a strategic position in the Life Science community and supports that I have a (now) 20 month plan to move. He wants to be helpful and will connect me to others as the opportunities dictate. In addition to being a signed consultant, I have been offered a position on the Board of Advisors where I will be receiving a stock grant, vested over a two year period.
This is fun. As a firm connected lobbyist, I was not allowed to exercise such flexibility (to be fair, it wasn't legal) but as an independent consultant, I have many additional options. Never having been seated on a board before and never been allowed to own stock makes this plenty cool.
More fun steps in business and location goal – I took a small but brilliant client to meet up with a large corporation last week. The meeting went exceedingly well. I have met this CEO years previously and had a small but pivotal role in his transition to HOTSHOT CEO with a thriving business. We caught up and I told him how nice (and scary) it is to be independent. He mentioned that they are in a massive business expansion and wants to talk about me doing some federal and international marketing for them. I told him about my continued independent status along with my intention to move to Austin. He remarked that they have an Austin office. I swear there is a greater hand here than just mine.
Now I’m seeking 2 more clients that will fill me to capacity (including the one above which is not a done deal). While I didn’t want to work as intensively and as many hours as in Up North, I need another client to put that money straight into an account for the house down payment account and another client as an emergency fund, backup in case someone else leaves. But I’m making my nut while working in stretch pants and slippers and the schedule isn’t too full where Youngest, Silly and I can’t spontaneously decide to go hiking. Beautiful!
This is fun. As a firm connected lobbyist, I was not allowed to exercise such flexibility (to be fair, it wasn't legal) but as an independent consultant, I have many additional options. Never having been seated on a board before and never been allowed to own stock makes this plenty cool.
More fun steps in business and location goal – I took a small but brilliant client to meet up with a large corporation last week. The meeting went exceedingly well. I have met this CEO years previously and had a small but pivotal role in his transition to HOTSHOT CEO with a thriving business. We caught up and I told him how nice (and scary) it is to be independent. He mentioned that they are in a massive business expansion and wants to talk about me doing some federal and international marketing for them. I told him about my continued independent status along with my intention to move to Austin. He remarked that they have an Austin office. I swear there is a greater hand here than just mine.
Now I’m seeking 2 more clients that will fill me to capacity (including the one above which is not a done deal). While I didn’t want to work as intensively and as many hours as in Up North, I need another client to put that money straight into an account for the house down payment account and another client as an emergency fund, backup in case someone else leaves. But I’m making my nut while working in stretch pants and slippers and the schedule isn’t too full where Youngest, Silly and I can’t spontaneously decide to go hiking. Beautiful!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Temptation and Splurge
I didn’t understand until recently how much I depended on, and took for granted, the opportunities and daily interests of my former life in R-Town. While the pace is slower down here and I miss the everyday intellectual stimulation, there are many new pleasures in Hootersville. We’ve begun hiking which Silly absolutely loves. There is a hiking area within minutes of my house, and if it weren’t raining everyday this week, that would be a morning activity. I did fall once with only a skinned knee and a brief panic attack as the outcomes.
But it wasn’t until travel to a bigger city, let’s call it Mayberry, that the loss of civilization smacked me in the face, full force.
I got in and out of an old favorite store without a personal purchase but not without moaning, gnashing of teeth, lots of touching and one try on. I just couldn’t even imagine entering another favorite store, and there were plenty. With the new frugal times and other goals, I am not allowed to spend money on clothes while I still own LOTS of serviceable ones. Only the missing snuggly winter clothes needed are an option and to be paid out of my money jar of extra change.
But there was, admittedly, a splurge that day. Youngest and I were starving and PF Chang’s was there. We decided that we deserved lunch but even then, we ordered off the luncheon specials (cheapest option) and Youngest got two meals out of it. I used to spend that much on a lunch alone at Olives and think nothing of it. Anyway, I gave a first lesson on using chop sticks and Youngest is a natural (after the initial protest and exclaimed desire for forks). Now we won’t eat out again for a few weeks.
Temptations are rare in Hootersville but they lurk everywhere in Mayberry. I will need to limit my exposure. Sigh.
But it wasn’t until travel to a bigger city, let’s call it Mayberry, that the loss of civilization smacked me in the face, full force.
I got in and out of an old favorite store without a personal purchase but not without moaning, gnashing of teeth, lots of touching and one try on. I just couldn’t even imagine entering another favorite store, and there were plenty. With the new frugal times and other goals, I am not allowed to spend money on clothes while I still own LOTS of serviceable ones. Only the missing snuggly winter clothes needed are an option and to be paid out of my money jar of extra change.
But there was, admittedly, a splurge that day. Youngest and I were starving and PF Chang’s was there. We decided that we deserved lunch but even then, we ordered off the luncheon specials (cheapest option) and Youngest got two meals out of it. I used to spend that much on a lunch alone at Olives and think nothing of it. Anyway, I gave a first lesson on using chop sticks and Youngest is a natural (after the initial protest and exclaimed desire for forks). Now we won’t eat out again for a few weeks.
Temptations are rare in Hootersville but they lurk everywhere in Mayberry. I will need to limit my exposure. Sigh.
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