Saving That Dough

Today I made a xfer of $350 to my trip savings. I also forgot to mention two weeks ago that I made another xfer of $250. My total savings for the trip is now at $6600. I really want to have at least $8000 before we go. Now BF is considering some additional travel plans. More on that later...

Ticket Frenzy

I just got back from a morning full of ticket buying with my best friend R.

First we went to buy tickets to see the BC Lions Vs Montreal Alouettes in September. I already booked the day off work weeks ago. This is becoming an annual event for us. Last year we all went and the Lions won. BF was sad, lol :P For 2 tickets it cost me a total of $74. That includes the "convenience charge' of $7 for each ticket. Hmm

Then we went to buy tickets to a local foodie event that's taking place later on in September. I booked a half day off for that as well. The tickets were $10 each for BF and I. Once we get there we will have to buy food tickets to trade for samples and drinks. It should be a lot of fun. I wanted to go last year but they sold out so quickly. It's a great way to try a lot of different foods from local restaurants. I'm all for supporting the locals!

September is looking to be a great month as I also found a pamphlet that announces a big wine festival coming up in the Cowichan Valley. That sounds like a great weekend trip. I'll have to run that one by BF.

Come on September!

Cell Phone Blues

Just over a month ago I dropped my cell phone and broke it. When I dropped it I really thought it would be alright because I've dropped it a million times without damage. Not this time...

It's really sad. I've had this phone for 4 or 5 years with the same battery. I love my phone. I can still dial out and people can still hear me but I can't hear them. Pretty lame. I've been slow at getting a new phone and now I've received my cell phone bill for a month that I didn't even get to use the phone during. Crap!

I had to decide whether to buy a new phone or just cut off service completely. Since BF and I are still unsure of the date we are leaving to Australia I don't really know how long I will need it for. I miss my phone :( I tried getting it put on a temporary suspension but Rogers was really stupid about it. They said they could put me on a temporary plan for $8/mo until I get a new phone but then I'd lose my current plan which is grandfathered and have to go with a contract. WTF>!>!

It's been really frustrating not having a phone because there are absolutely no payphones everywhere. I've been caught in many situations lately where I really wish I had my phone. Also, it keeps me entertained on my transit commuted every day.

So I picked out a basic phone that I can use until we leave. Finding it a good rate is the problem. I don't want to order it offline because it can take forever so I tried going to a Rogers dealer and he wanted to charge me $100 for a phone that is $69.99 on their website. I don't think so buddy! Today I got on the phone and called around to different stores that may carry Rogers phones and finally I found one that would sell me the phone for the same price as their site. Rogers video ... thank you. They have none in stock today but will be getting them in during the next few days. Woohoo!

Annual Family Camp Out

Tonight I'm headed out for three days of family togetherness. My family tries to get out for a few days of camping every year. Everyone comes out. Aunts, uncles and cousins. This year I hope to keep the memory of my Grandpa alive while we're camping as I know he wanted to go so badly this year.

This year I was in charge of pulling everyone together and finding enough room for all of us at the last minute. A tad bit stressful but I'm sure its all going to be worth it. There are a lot of activities happening all over Vancouver Island this weekend and we plan to hit some of them up.

Full details when I return!

3 Days, 32K and Dolly Did Della

BF and I spent our August long weekend completing one of his personal goals, hiking Della falls.
This is a picture I took from the base of the falls.

Here is a picture a little farther away. There is a very stellar view point a few km away but with the heat and an unfortunate injury we didn't make it to Love Lake. Still, we enjoyed the trip and the falls were absolutely breath taking. BC Parks is no longer maintaining the trails though so it was a very rough trip. There was a lot of bushwhacking, climbing over fall trees, deep sink holes, boulders and such. There was even a point where a bridge was taken out by heavy snow fall so we had to cross through the river. It was extremely intense, especially because we have been experiencing a major heat wave on the coast. All in all Bf is happy and I'm glad to have shared in helping him meet a goal of his. Its experiences like this that bring us closer together and help solidify our relationship together.


I thought this picture was cute. These are our new hiking boots. BF purchased them at MEC a few weeks ago. Mine were a gift from him as a belated Christmas gift. He had originally promised me a Gortex jacket when I finally picked one out but decided on the boots instead.

The trip cost us $252 for the taxi boat to and from the trail entrance, $5 for moleskin, $20 for a new water bag for my pack, and I'm guessing $30 in dry food and snacks. BF paid for everything, I just had to endure the intense hike, lol.

I sure am glad I booked today off of work because I am one sore girl! :)

$250 Deposit to Australia Trip Fund

I realized today that I haven't posted any monthly goals in awhile. I seem to be getting things accomplished though. I'm filling my weekends with fun activities and trying new things. On the financial front I'm just trying to save as much as I can as fast as I can. It seems to be working out okay.

Today I added another $250 to my Australia Trip Fund. It was money I have leftover from my last pay cheque. I left $20 in my account to last me until I get paid again on Friday. I am now at 32% of my goal for that fund. Woohoo!