To all my readers and fellow bloggers,
May 2009 be the year to make all your PF goals a reality. Thank you for all your support over the last year. I look forward to another year of blogging and reading yours as well. Happy New Year!
Love Dolly
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Holidays Recap
I wish I could say the holidays have been great for me but... not so much.
I worked both Xmas and Boxing day which would have been fine except we were the only pharmacy open mid island with only myself and one pharmacist working. Most people were great and appreciative that we were open. I had to set up new profiles constantly as people were coming from all the surrounding towns. One man in particular thought he could get his rx filled faster by screaming at me and belittling my job. He decided to take his rx elsewhere. Hmm.. good luck buddy, we're the only ones open. :)
In other pharmacy news there was a ton of chocolates and cookies for us to munch on but we were too busy to even pee. One very generous customer gave each pharmacy staff member a beautiful card and a $25 gift card to the Keg.
I had Xmas dinner with my family which was ok except for some whining and jerkiness about gifts. I am so never doing secret Santa draws with my siblings EVER again. The kids however loved their gifts and were super happy. For me its more about the giving than the getting so I was happy.
I'm not sure if I mentioned that last weekend our pipes were frozen solid for two days. Not fun! This last weekend on Saturday I was awoken to a huge crash out back. The gutters filled with run off and froze into one long super sized brick of ice. It caused some major damage when it tore off the back. It crushed our BBQ, lawn chairs, tore off one of the sensor lights and knocked down my clothesline. I called the landlord tonight who told me to buy a new BBQ and chairs and save the receipt. I told him I'd let BF deal with that when he returns, but that I took pictures for him and wanted to let him know ASAP.
Today I checked my mail to find out I'm being audited by EI for a claim I had up until last March. I guess some of the amounts I submitted didn't match the 3 companies I worked for part time during my claim. I added up the amount I declared and the amount they stated they paid me and if I'm right EI actually owes me $428.26. It's weird because they don't say anywhere an amount that I owe them but there is a big bold note saying that if they overpaid me they will make me pay them back and then they will penalize me and possibly charge me for falsifying records. It also says it may affect future benefits. YIKES! Well, I was very careful and I have a calendar somewhere with my hours.
I know I submitted the right hours but all of these employers were losers. They never paid me on time or correctly so who knows. I tried to get some help today by calling EI but they were very mean and unhelpful. ;( Jerks! At least I was trying to work during that time. The letter also said my evidence is due back Dec 23rd. LOL. They extended it until Jan 15th which is good. I want BF to help look everything over before I do anything and he gets back on the 6th. So... if EI underpaid me ... do they owe me? I'm going to ask tomorrow.
I also have to write letters stating why I was dismissed. Ok
Employer A - Didn't like that I didn't want to be sexually harassed or work for free. We got to deal with labour relations on that one.
Employer B- Fired me before I could become part of the union. This man has since been released from that company for doing this to about 30 women.
Employer C - Hired me and promised hours. Then he hired my friend and gave him my hours. Then he stopped calling us both..... not sure.. but I did get reimbursed union fees from this one. This job is advertised every three weeks.
So... I'm not looking forward to figuring this one out but if it works out in my favor I may as well let it be I guess.
I'm really trying to not be stressed. :)
I worked both Xmas and Boxing day which would have been fine except we were the only pharmacy open mid island with only myself and one pharmacist working. Most people were great and appreciative that we were open. I had to set up new profiles constantly as people were coming from all the surrounding towns. One man in particular thought he could get his rx filled faster by screaming at me and belittling my job. He decided to take his rx elsewhere. Hmm.. good luck buddy, we're the only ones open. :)
In other pharmacy news there was a ton of chocolates and cookies for us to munch on but we were too busy to even pee. One very generous customer gave each pharmacy staff member a beautiful card and a $25 gift card to the Keg.
I had Xmas dinner with my family which was ok except for some whining and jerkiness about gifts. I am so never doing secret Santa draws with my siblings EVER again. The kids however loved their gifts and were super happy. For me its more about the giving than the getting so I was happy.
I'm not sure if I mentioned that last weekend our pipes were frozen solid for two days. Not fun! This last weekend on Saturday I was awoken to a huge crash out back. The gutters filled with run off and froze into one long super sized brick of ice. It caused some major damage when it tore off the back. It crushed our BBQ, lawn chairs, tore off one of the sensor lights and knocked down my clothesline. I called the landlord tonight who told me to buy a new BBQ and chairs and save the receipt. I told him I'd let BF deal with that when he returns, but that I took pictures for him and wanted to let him know ASAP.
Today I checked my mail to find out I'm being audited by EI for a claim I had up until last March. I guess some of the amounts I submitted didn't match the 3 companies I worked for part time during my claim. I added up the amount I declared and the amount they stated they paid me and if I'm right EI actually owes me $428.26. It's weird because they don't say anywhere an amount that I owe them but there is a big bold note saying that if they overpaid me they will make me pay them back and then they will penalize me and possibly charge me for falsifying records. It also says it may affect future benefits. YIKES! Well, I was very careful and I have a calendar somewhere with my hours.
I know I submitted the right hours but all of these employers were losers. They never paid me on time or correctly so who knows. I tried to get some help today by calling EI but they were very mean and unhelpful. ;( Jerks! At least I was trying to work during that time. The letter also said my evidence is due back Dec 23rd. LOL. They extended it until Jan 15th which is good. I want BF to help look everything over before I do anything and he gets back on the 6th. So... if EI underpaid me ... do they owe me? I'm going to ask tomorrow.
I also have to write letters stating why I was dismissed. Ok
Employer A - Didn't like that I didn't want to be sexually harassed or work for free. We got to deal with labour relations on that one.
Employer B- Fired me before I could become part of the union. This man has since been released from that company for doing this to about 30 women.
Employer C - Hired me and promised hours. Then he hired my friend and gave him my hours. Then he stopped calling us both..... not sure.. but I did get reimbursed union fees from this one. This job is advertised every three weeks.
So... I'm not looking forward to figuring this one out but if it works out in my favor I may as well let it be I guess.
I'm really trying to not be stressed. :)
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
2009 - The Year of Savings
2009 will be a fresh start for me literally as I am now 100% debt free. I have already been
thinking about what goals I want to conquer for the new year.
Last year I had two big goals for the year.
1 - Become Debt Free - Check! I pulled this one off just in time.
2 - Start My Retirement Savings - Sadly, No.
For 2009 I need to really think about my goals because there are so many things I need to take into consideration.
Exhibit A - Bf and I have a plan to leave the country for one year. I am hoping to have a minimum of $5000 saved before the trip. We are backpacking Australia will be working along the way. Items I need to purchase include : proper clothing, sleeping bag, gear (headlamp and such), plane ticket, etc. Those items will need to purchased above and beyond the savings. Eek!
Exhibit B - Retirement Savings. I don't know what my issue is with getting this started. I have been well aware since I was 14 years old the benefits of starting early and here I am 12 years later and still nothing. I need to get educated on this and get my arse moving. I have a lot of catching up to do in this department. This year my goal is just to get started. I'm not going to give the big push on this for 2009 because I have a lot of other financial commitments.
Exhibit C- EFund Beefaroni - I am thinking that my goal for this will be $2500.
Exhibit D - Secure Credit Card - I really want to start rebuilding my credit. A secured credit card is what I'm looking at to get me started. It will also allow me to open a shop on Etsy and can be used for an emergency when traveling. I am estimating between $500-1000 for this.
In the next few years I will also need to consider other goals such as: wedding fund, home fund, baby fund and educational/entrepreneurial fund. I don't want to overwhelm myself with financial commitments and I'm already feeling that this will be quite the heavy load. I need to think these over and make sure they are all S.M.A.R.T goals.
thinking about what goals I want to conquer for the new year.Last year I had two big goals for the year.
1 - Become Debt Free - Check! I pulled this one off just in time.
2 - Start My Retirement Savings - Sadly, No.
For 2009 I need to really think about my goals because there are so many things I need to take into consideration.
Exhibit A - Bf and I have a plan to leave the country for one year. I am hoping to have a minimum of $5000 saved before the trip. We are backpacking Australia will be working along the way. Items I need to purchase include : proper clothing, sleeping bag, gear (headlamp and such), plane ticket, etc. Those items will need to purchased above and beyond the savings. Eek!
Exhibit B - Retirement Savings. I don't know what my issue is with getting this started. I have been well aware since I was 14 years old the benefits of starting early and here I am 12 years later and still nothing. I need to get educated on this and get my arse moving. I have a lot of catching up to do in this department. This year my goal is just to get started. I'm not going to give the big push on this for 2009 because I have a lot of other financial commitments.
Exhibit C- EFund Beefaroni - I am thinking that my goal for this will be $2500.
Exhibit D - Secure Credit Card - I really want to start rebuilding my credit. A secured credit card is what I'm looking at to get me started. It will also allow me to open a shop on Etsy and can be used for an emergency when traveling. I am estimating between $500-1000 for this.
In the next few years I will also need to consider other goals such as: wedding fund, home fund, baby fund and educational/entrepreneurial fund. I don't want to overwhelm myself with financial commitments and I'm already feeling that this will be quite the heavy load. I need to think these over and make sure they are all S.M.A.R.T goals.
Transit Service Blues
What a day! Today is not starting out well at all. I looked online to make sure my usual bus was running. Then I trudged all the way to a bus stop only to have the bus never show. I did however get sprayed up my side by a plow truck. I tried to avoid it but they've piled the snow up on the sidewalk so its 4ft deep and so you have no choice but to walk on the road dodging cars.
I called work to tell them if my parents can dig themselves out I'll be there but if it snows I'd have to leave work early anyway. I really hate missing work but to be truthful I feel horrible today. I may just trudge out for some seriously needed groceries but that is it. I'm working both stats this week so I'm trying not to be hard on myself. Honestly, if I wanted to get there I could. I would be late but I could get there if necessary. Apparently they're not to busy so maybe I need to take a snow/mental break day for myself.
I called work to tell them if my parents can dig themselves out I'll be there but if it snows I'd have to leave work early anyway. I really hate missing work but to be truthful I feel horrible today. I may just trudge out for some seriously needed groceries but that is it. I'm working both stats this week so I'm trying not to be hard on myself. Honestly, if I wanted to get there I could. I would be late but I could get there if necessary. Apparently they're not to busy so maybe I need to take a snow/mental break day for myself.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Weekend Wrap Up
BF left last Thursday to go back to his home province to spend this xmas with his family this year. Originally he was going to stay here and celebrate with my family but then we realized that next xmas we're hoping to be in Australia. I miss him a lot but I'm glad he's having a good time with his old friends.
Yesterday I was roped into last minute shopping help for my brother. My mom came along and we fought the crowds together. The worst part was the parking lots! Paired with the snow it was a nightmare. Luckily I was done except one small thing for somebody so I didn't feel rushed or stressed. Now I've just got to finish wrapping.
I spent yesterday with no water until 1am. It was horrible. My pipes were frozen so I couldn't shower or get much done without water. It was a mess of phone calls and waiting around just to end up having the problem fix itself eventually.
Today I lounged around and did almost nothing except dig myself a thin passage way up to my street. My back door and upstairs balcony are snowed in. The icicles have torn the gutters into pieces and I'm pretty worried about the balcony. *sigh*
I'm worried about having to miss work due to transportation problems. I am so excited to finally put my money towards my goals instead a of a big black hole. I don't want the weather holding me back. The snow has caused major issues for us on the Island. If I can make it to work tomorrow I'll need to pick up some groceries, extra candles and things just in case I get completely snowed in. I just wish BF was here to snuggle up with.
I've purchased one or two little things for BF but have decided to wait until after xmas to finish shopping for him. He won't be back until the New Year so I have plenty of time to sort that out. I feel ready for the holidays.
I am scheduled to work both xmas and boxing day. I actually volunteered as one tech has kids and the other wanted desperately to go away and see family. Since BF is away I thought it wouldn't be so bad to make a little extra cash working the stat days. I've already arranged with my boss that I'll receive stat pay and then additional paid days off in the future. I've advised him I'd like to take a few days in February for BF and my anniversary/valentines trip. He said that would be fine and so me taking these shifts will allow me to take some special time with BF and still get paid while I'm away. Perfect!!
If anyone is wondering about the kitty situation... I will write an update soon and try to post some more pics for y'all.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Thank you!
Thank you for the congrats on my new life being debt free. I promise to write more about it soon. I think I'm in stunned mode or something right now. LOL
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Last Friday we had our first snow fall of the year. Up until then it was sunny skies and nice weather. The snow put the Island on delay. Just as things were starting to get back to normal we got hit badly again today.
The Island is just not equipped for this type of weather. We have the mildest climate in Canada and maybe see snow twice a year for short stints. There has been power outages and car accidents everywhere.
Did I mention I hate snow? :(
The Island is just not equipped for this type of weather. We have the mildest climate in Canada and maybe see snow twice a year for short stints. There has been power outages and car accidents everywhere.
Did I mention I hate snow? :(
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
$69 Research
I called yesterday to see if my Excel sheet and the numbers Student loan have match. They tell me I owe about another $69 I wasn't aware of. I've figured out how to log on online and print off the payments. I knew it may be off a little bit as I just plug the numbers in about 3 business days after I xfer payment online but $69 almost sounds like a payment missing. I'm printing off the last two years xfers right now to just to be sure before I make the big payoff this week.
************************************
Edit
After checking the their list of payments against mine I noticed my Excel sheet has an extra $50 payment made on April 08 that is not on their list and that I don't have a confirmation number for so it must have been a typo on my part. Damn! They still seem about $20 high but I think everything is ok.
************************************
Edit
After checking the their list of payments against mine I noticed my Excel sheet has an extra $50 payment made on April 08 that is not on their list and that I don't have a confirmation number for so it must have been a typo on my part. Damn! They still seem about $20 high but I think everything is ok.
Monday, December 15, 2008
If You Haven't Seen This Yet...
Bf and I were fumbling around online watching fun video's when he stumbled upon one that I haven't seen in years but think is just awesome.
Have you ever seen the human body move like this?
I love this video! Who's with me?
Have you ever seen the human body move like this?
I love this video! Who's with me?
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Back and in FULL debt attack!
I realize it may seem as though this blog has been abandoned. Sorry guys! I feel so overloaded lately and something had to give.
The good news is... well everything. I'm almost done my seasonal shopping and things are going pretty well at work.
The real gravy though is the fact that I've been able to put two lump sums on my student loan this week. $250 from my last cheque and then I also transfered the $200 I had in my EFund. This is a total of $450 in the last week. I know I said before that I didn't want to touch my savings to pay off my debt but I felt this was the only way to get it paid off before the New Year which is really important to me.
By my Excel calculations I have $400 left to go. Pay day is next Friday and I'm so excited to call student loan that day to get my final balance so I can make the very last payment. Yes, I'm about to be debt free next week. Crazy!
The good news is... well everything. I'm almost done my seasonal shopping and things are going pretty well at work.
The real gravy though is the fact that I've been able to put two lump sums on my student loan this week. $250 from my last cheque and then I also transfered the $200 I had in my EFund. This is a total of $450 in the last week. I know I said before that I didn't want to touch my savings to pay off my debt but I felt this was the only way to get it paid off before the New Year which is really important to me.
By my Excel calculations I have $400 left to go. Pay day is next Friday and I'm so excited to call student loan that day to get my final balance so I can make the very last payment. Yes, I'm about to be debt free next week. Crazy!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
$5 Pay Out
I checked my PO Box yesterday to find a $5 cheque from Pine Cone! This is my second cheque from them. It was a very pleasant surprise and will be depositing it today!
Yay for money made online! Thank you internet!~!
Yay for money made online! Thank you internet!~!
Sierra Adventure Gear
The search for equipment for the Australia trip is on. The only thing I've bought (well BF bought) is my expedition backpack. There's still so much to buy!
Today I was able to check out the website for Sierra Adventure Gear. I like the set up of the site. You can search for things by type of gear or by brand which is great for me. I feel when it comes to this type of purchasing its always good to go with brands you know and trust. I think of outdoor equipment as an investment and like to buy items I feel confident about.
I love that there is free shipping for any orders over $75. BF and I have purchased from online sites before and had to pay shipping fees which really sucked. It would definitely make me purchase from Sierra just to avoid the extra fees.
I am currently looking for a headlamp, sleeping bag, and other random goodies for the trip. All of which Sierra carries. I can't wait for BF to get home so we can check out the site more together.
I am getting so excited for the trip but there are still so many details and so much planning left to do. The shopping is fun though! ;)
Today I was able to check out the website for Sierra Adventure Gear. I like the set up of the site. You can search for things by type of gear or by brand which is great for me. I feel when it comes to this type of purchasing its always good to go with brands you know and trust. I think of outdoor equipment as an investment and like to buy items I feel confident about.
I love that there is free shipping for any orders over $75. BF and I have purchased from online sites before and had to pay shipping fees which really sucked. It would definitely make me purchase from Sierra just to avoid the extra fees.
I am currently looking for a headlamp, sleeping bag, and other random goodies for the trip. All of which Sierra carries. I can't wait for BF to get home so we can check out the site more together.
I am getting so excited for the trip but there are still so many details and so much planning left to do. The shopping is fun though! ;)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Red Helmet
Last week BF and I were extended an offer to attend the Banff Film Festival Tour through BF's work. It's been an annual event with his work to go and I have to say I usually enjoy it a lot. I went two years ago and then again this year. The very first film they shared took my breath away. The song chosen for the film has been playing in our home all week.
You can view the film here - The Red Helmet.
You can view the film here - The Red Helmet.
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