Let's put it this way. For a huge part of my life, I never really took any responsibility when it came to money. During college, I would work all summer to make money to have during the school year. But that never seemed to last very long, and by the Spring Semesters, I almost always had no money for books for my classes. And that made my classes a lot harder than they should have been. And then, when I graduated from college, and started waiting tables, I thought that I could do better. But I really didn't. I was really living from paycheck-to-paycheck (or, more truthfully, from shift-to-shift, as my paycheck was never more than about $30 every two weeks and I usually made more in tips). But I was just not holding myself to be responsible. I mean, it's not like I went to my parents and begged for money. But I did figure out strategies to barely keep my head above water.
But then, I managed to land a steady, 40 hour a week job. Even though it was entry-level, I still started to feel like I could turn things around eventually. I have started down the road towards fiscal solvency. I've started saving with an ING savings account for an emergency fund, monthly fun money, and a travel fund. I pay off a big portion of my credit card (and try very, very hard to not put any other charges on it, though I'm not so good at that all the time). I read personal finance blogs like Get Rich Slowly, Consumerism Commentary, Give me Back my Five Bucks, and Mapgirl's Fiscal Challenge on my RSS feed reader everyday. (Side note: I love seeing that real people have gone through some of the same mess I've gone through, and managed to make it out. I really enjoy being able to learn from their experiences, and getting some wonderful advice that I might not have found elsewhere. And, even though I almost never comment, I know that these blogs are a community that I feel like I belong to, and I'm happy.) I pay my student loans religiously, and I try to keep to my simple monthly "budget" (I'm not sure if you can really call it a budget, but I do!) as well as I can. There are still sometimes where I dip into my credit card, or simply have to take money out of my savings to cover unexpected expenses. But I'm at a better place already (even without having everything paid off) than I have been in a long time, and I feel like I'm being very successful. I know now that if I'm not responsible for my money, who will be?
I would love to be one to receive a Mint.com beta invite. I am struggling to get my finances straightened out as a twenty-something, and I love trying new things. I just found Saving Explained and I really enjoy the down to earth advice and personal nature of blog. I don't write that often, but I do when something really strikes my fancy, such as the contest for one of five mint.com beta invites. I feel that I could definitely get a better hold of where I stand financially and what I can do to keep a better hold. But, I won't know for sure until I get a chance to try it out. And sooner is always better than later. :) So this is my entry. Thanks for taking a look.
I finished it! All I'm going to say is that JK Rowling sure can write. I went through all the emotions, and i loved it all.
Good night!
Stupid freaking a**hole boys!
Why does it have to hurt?
Editor's note: If you are reading this through TIG, please forgive the fact that it sounds like a kid wrote this. I am in fact 25 years old, yet I get so giddy sometimes that I write as if I were speaking to my sister. :) Now enjoy!
I mean, where else would they close the parking lots so that Jody Conrardt can take pictures with Bevo?!?!?!
And it's right outside my building!!! I mean, how cool is that?!?!?!
I'm so glad I brought my camera to work today!!
So cool!!!!
What comedian makes you pee your pants laughing?
Submitted by pookieb.
Magaret Cho. She is hands down one of the funniest comedians I have ever seen. I love her!!!!
I think I work near one of the worst intersections in Austin. There are always accidents happening! I mean, since the 20th of October, there have been 3 accidents involving police, fire, and EMS while I've been in my office. Maybe it's the lights, maybe it's the lane structure, maybe it's that people are just in too much of a hurry, I dunno.
But it sure scares the heck out of me!
I don't wait tables anymore, but this made me laugh...
Sometimes it just needs to be said.... Anyone who is / has been a server at a restaurant will understand....-
1. IF you can afford to go out to eat... But you can't afford to tip... hey.. guess what.. you can't afford to go out to eat.
2. This is 2006 people. 10% is not acceptable anymore... standard tipping for GOOD service is between 18 and 20%...
3. Now. I understand that 10% is good enough for God... That's fine.. but this isn't church.. and you're not tithing.
4. PS- ordering a well done steak... which everyone in the south does... will constitute a longer ticket time.... you will be okay... if you wanted fast food, you should have gone through a drive-thru...
5. It's really not necessary to snap at me or wave your hand in the air like your having a spasm or get up and follow me. I saw you, I acknowledged you, you saw me... hold on. and sit the down. I am coming.
6. When I take the time to be courteous and introduce myself... please don't be rude and cut me off... manners, please.
7. I follow a strict rule that you should never reward bad service with a good tip... however, you should also never punish excellent service with a crappy tip because you're cheap.
8. Please don't take it out on me because you have had a bad day.. I'm here to make it better. Relax.
9. When I deliver your food and ask if there is anything else.. you can tell me... I asked didn't I... don't get all bent out of shape because I'm not psychic and cannot read your mind.. How am I supposed to know you needed A1??
10. I know sometimes you can't help it.. But do you really have to ask for something every single time I walk past the table... I mean really. Jessica Simpson is not even that high-maintenance.
11. Hi. look around you. You are one of probably twenty people I am waiting on.. Did you happen to notice that.. So if you have to wait for a minute.. Be patient.. I promise I will take care of you..
12. Treating a server like a piece of crap and the scum of the earth because we are serving you is the quickest way to get the worst service you ever thought possible.. We are people too and you are no better than me... I don't care what you do for a living..
13. Just think about it like this. Your tip left on the table is how I pay my bills. I am making 2.13 an hour.. So no. I don't get a paycheck. After taxes and claiming tips I'm lucky if I even see one. Remember that next time you decide to be cheap.
14. Last but certainly not least... Don't assume that my job is easier then yours and I am some dumbass who can't get a better job. The restaurant business is a fast paced environment with a high stress level. And you don't even see all the things we do behind the scenes. So have some respect. I don't come to your office and give you a hard time for sitting on your ass all day do I?? No. I don't.
What food or drink do you love when it's cold out? (Recipes and recommendations, please!)
(I know, I'm a little behind on the QotD, but I'm trying!)
I love hot chocolate and pepermint schnapps!!!! It is one of my favorite drinks, and is so soothing! Plus it gives you a little extra warmth along with a little buzz.
I just fix hot hocolate from the packet, but then I don't fill it all the way with hot water or milk (only about 3/4 or a little more). Then I add peppermint schnapps to taste, and enjoy!
*sigh* I love it.
What's the weirdest thing you've ever eaten?
Submitted by Megan.
Kangaroo. I know it doesn't seem too weird, but it's definitely different.
I was in Australia, and of course there kangaroo is like our deer population here. I didn't order it myself, but one of my good friends had gotten a steak, and offered everyone a bite. And, I swear, it was like the most delightful and indulgent steak I have EVER had! It was so tender. I loved it. :)
