Bad dreams, New job, Goals

Bad dreams:

I have heard you aren't suppose to share your dreams with people, but I can't shake the awful dream I had last night from my head.  I fell asleep listening to the radio, and I had it on Christian radio- KLove.  They were doing fundraising last night, which seemed to correlate with my nightmare.  I had signed up to give money to various people (charities) I cared about, all of which were 100.00 each, and I did not have the money to follow through with my promise.  It was awful! This is part of the reason Dave Ramsey has sold me on the debt free lifestyle.  I want to be able to GIVE more.

 

New job:

I woke up from the dream, shuffled off to my third day training.  I walk to work, and I was freezing in Arizona's cold front- 80 degrees.  It doesn't seem like a big deal but when your body has been adept to 100, it honestly feels like a blizzard.  Right now I'm wrapped in five blankets.  No joke.  I can't seem to get warm, and I froze all day at work- sneezing and freezing.  I don't know what's wrong with me.  Anyway, my trainer told me I am the most professional and accurate, but "your voice sounds so sad."  I confess I'd rather sound sad than perky, but sounding sad isn't a great thing either.  I was concentrating hard and nervous being judged in front of everyone, but it led me to all kinds of self reflection tonight which only seemed to make me feel even more sad.  I'm not going to even go into it!


Goals:

I feel like I have such a long haul in my debt free journey and listening to people so much younger and smarter than me pisses me off! Why didn't this come to me earlier? I think I've always cared about it, but I didn't understand budgeting, didn't always have steady work, and most of all- didn't always have steady work.... Having steady work is so important and it's not the easiest thing to find.  If not for my temp agencies, I'd probably still be adding to my list of failed attempts at employers.  Anyway, I'm setting a small goal for myself.  I have 1,000 to pay off on my South Carolina Student loan and 15,500 to pay on the combined rest.  My goal is to have my SCSL paid off by January 1, 2016 and to have my loan payment below 15,000.  I have an extra dog sitting gig at Thanksgiving and may be able to work at Hickory Farms through the Christmas season if I can work it out with my current job- even just one day a week.  It doesn't feel like much, but we all have to start somewhere, and I'm trying very hard to be responsible and take care of this at last!

 

 

I also realize that it's easy to think about giving as money and gifts, but giving is also time and service and attention.  I walk by the Gospel Rescue Mission for Women and Children every day, and I even applied to work there awhile back.  I once volunteered at the one in Kansas City and every time I pass by the one on my way to work and less than 10 minutes away from me, my heart feels a tug.  I'm going to see what my work schedule is for the holidays, but I want to start getting involved with being a volunteer there.  They are hosting various banquets over the holidays and are looking for volunteers to continue.  I am excited to check this out and meet more people.  Other goals: utilize my library more, learn how to cook depression style (From my youtube queen GREAT DEPRESSION COOKING!), read more, bicycle more and try more recipes.  These are my goals! Simple and sweet, three months to attain!

FYI!

I did start school later than average.  I started community college at age 25 and that would be the rest of my SCSL.  My other student loan is a combination of living expenses and books from my time at Berea College, a tuition free school.  Some of the living expenses were my apartment, food, books, a car and bicycle.  I ignored my loans for a couple of years (so responsible!) and then I deferred them due to unemployment, etc., and I've been paying on it the last couple years at a little over the minimum.  I will continue to pay the minimum now until I knock off SCSL. 
Financial goals are good, right?

Recipes!

Hello! I've been browsing new recipes/old cookbooks and have marked (in my mind) a few I want to try.  I thought I'd share them with you while also keeping myself accountable to try them sooner than later. 

Peanut Butter and Banana Quesadillas
Turkey Black Bean Chili (I make this a lot) but with Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Muffins
Poor Man's Feast (From Great Depression Cooking)
Cold Oats
Better Fried Eggs
Missouri Dirt Cake
and... I'm always in the mood to try a new cookie...
I'll keep you all posted.  :)

Thanks for reading!

Happy, happy October!

I am so thankful for bus drivers with BIG hearts. 
Last night I worked my last night at PBR, which was good money and totally exciting to experience, and I got a little lost walking back to the bus stop.  I finally made it there and sat down to wait for the bus to take me home.  I kept seeing "not in service" buses go by and started to wonder what was going on. 
It was Saturday night, and finally my bus 16 showed up and the lady asked me, "Are you waiting for bus 16?" Yes, I am.  Well, this is the last bus and it's not running anymore.  I said Okay and started to think about the long walk home in my strappy sandals- never mind the hoodlums along the way.  She looked at me and said, "hey, just get in.  I'll take you home."  I started to put money in and she said, "no, you can't put money in- we're closed."  So, I got a solo bus ride home.  She told me, "I looked at you and thought- this woman doesn't need to be down here."  (FYI: the bus stations in Tucson are extremely sketchy.) I appreciated her kindness.  I had been feeling this heavy joy and lightness thinking about how it's me and God- we're together on this journey, and I'm trusting Him... I have been blessed by angels like this one to help me get home. 

The PBR event was exciting! There is a prayer beforehand, and for the two events I attended, a border patrol man sang the National Anthem.  I love the bulls, people watching, and the music and competition.  I'm very glad that they are making the next generation of cowboys wear masks.  Tradition might pride itself in a simple cowboy hat, but it scares the begeebes out of me!

I am starting a new job Monday.  If you've been following me at all this year, you know that I've had my share of trials with work.  I feel very optimistic about this job, however, and I feel like the tide may actually be turning for me.  PRAISE GOD! It was a professional interview, a pay raise, and I'll even have benefits after the first three months I work with my temp agency.  It is really good health insurance, too- they cover 75 percent.  I like the work environment and people.  It's retro and filled with light and plants.  It's funny how it's the small things that can really make a difference.  I will begin my training this week.

I'm budgeting pretty well.  Last night I blew it and while I was working I bought a 3.50 salted pretzel! I have to remember to pack snacks at all times! Still it's nice to see that I'm getting my debt (all student loans) paid off! I feel focused and determined.  I have less than 1,000 now to pay on my South Carolina Student Loan and 15,500 on the rest.  I can do it! I want to be DEBT FREE.  It's a gratifying feeling to be in control and my biggest thing is- keep the money flowing, find work- whatever it takes! I've saved money by eating lots of leftovers and being creative in the kitchen.  I've utilized my downtown library, reading recent novels by Jennifer Weiner.  I've picked up extra event jobs, and I no longer use public transportation unless absolutely necessary.  I bike everywhere.  I'll be biking to my job as well.  I let my clothes hang dry outside, and I believe in eggs and potatoes. 

Hope you all are ushering in October with much joy and jubilee.  It's a great time of year.  Back in Maine, I can remember the crispness in the air, the changing colors, and the happiness I felt pulling out my fleeces, sweaters and tights.  :) Now in Tucson, I'm happy that it's staying warm- still swimming and not dying from intense heat.