Yesterday was my youngest brothers birthday. Since he lives across Canada from me I decided to send a gift card with my card to him so he could buy what he wanted and it would less expensive to ship over. I took care of this last week hoping he would get it in time (he did not).
Earlier in the day I had bought a ton of gift cards for a coworker who is getting married this week with the money collected from everyone who works in the pharmacy. There were no extra fees on any of the cards so I figured it was the best way to go.
Staring at the wall of 5 bazillion cards I felt a little overwhelmed and I was also pressed for time. Since he lives in another province I wasn't sure if he had all the stores we have available to him. Since he also has a lot of diet restrictions I couldn't go with a restaurant chain. I figured it was best to just go with a MasterCard or Visa. So I grabbed one and purchased it with my basket of goodies for home.
When I got home I checked over my receipt and was shocked to see a $3.95 activation fee. What? I hadn't paid any activation fees on the cards I had bought before. I checked the packaging on the card and in small writing it said a $3.95 activation fee would be applied. Grrr!! If I hadn't been in such a hurry I probably would have caught it but then again I guess since I'd bought 5 other cards earlier in the day it had never occurred to me to check.
Well the card was not refundable of course and I felt so irritated. I basically paid an extra 17% for nothing. This is what I call a stupid tax because that is how it made me feel.
In the end I still think it was the best option for my brother as I'm not sure what his needs are right now and this gives him the freedom to choose. I'm not usually a gift card giver but in this case it suits the situation. I wont be fooled again though. This has taught me to read the fine print on all gift cards in the future. In case you are wondering the offender was Vanilla MasterCard. At least I know he's going to get something he truly wants for his birthday which is what is most important to me.
Showing posts with label birthdays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label birthdays. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
BF's Bday Weekend
Every year I plan something special for BF's bday. Its always different and its always a surprise. Our birthdays are two weeks apart exactly so he will be celebrating at the beginning of November. Right now I work every second weekend so if I want to do something special where we go away I will need to do it Halloween weekend. Luckily that will be a long weekend for me because I booked Halloween of weeks ago (its my favorite holiday).
There is something I've been dying to do with BF for two years now. It has to be a surprise so sadly you guys will have to wait until after Halloween to find out where we are going. I figure its going to cost me about $500 for the weekend. Eek!
Its so totally going to be worth it though. I think both he and I are going to love it. Well maybe he will enjoy where we are going but I will enjoy the peace and relaxation.
So between now and then I have to save up the money in my travel fund. I am going to call at the end of the week and cross my fingers that I can get a reservation for that weekend. Wish me luck!
There is something I've been dying to do with BF for two years now. It has to be a surprise so sadly you guys will have to wait until after Halloween to find out where we are going. I figure its going to cost me about $500 for the weekend. Eek!
Its so totally going to be worth it though. I think both he and I are going to love it. Well maybe he will enjoy where we are going but I will enjoy the peace and relaxation.
So between now and then I have to save up the money in my travel fund. I am going to call at the end of the week and cross my fingers that I can get a reservation for that weekend. Wish me luck!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Happy Birthday to the Sexiest Guy I Know
It's BF's birthday today. Last night he had me make him a dessert I had never heard of before. I made an Oreo Pudding Pie and it was pretty good but not my kind of dessert. BF loved it and thats what counts. I even lit some candles and sang happy birthday.
Today he's not giving any clues as to what he wants for his birthday dinner. I have no idea what to make him. I offered to take him out but he says he's happy with leftovers. Bah! No leftovers on birthdays, thats what I've decided. He's picking me up after work so I'll have to figure it out by then.
We're dropping our pumpkins off at Sleepy Hollow tonight (I'll post some pics later if they are all lit up when we go). Then I plan to steal him off to dinner.
He was so excited to open his gift this morning that he didn't even wake me up. I heard him taking it out of the box. It's a remote control flying helicopter and he charged it up and played with it before going to work. Men are just boys but taller and hairier.
I hope I'm feeling better by tonight. I've been feeling really tired and have had a lot of headaches the last few days. I've been trying to rest and drink a lot of water.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Best Long Weekend Ever
BF and I returned last night from the best long weekend ever! Everything we did turned out great and the weather was amazing. It was so nice to get away for awhile and have some fun. We splurged a little but it was well worth it. I'll post a few pics soon of the amazing expedition backpack BF bought me while we were there as a late birthday gift for our trip next year to Australia. It's beautiful.
Today I've felt under the weather though. I had one of those "off" days at work where everything goes wrong. I felt clumsy, stupid and irritated, lol! To top it all of we were hosting a flu clinic so there were a million people. *sigh
I have an interview tomorrow morning at the hospital working in the kitchen. I have always toyed with the idea of opening another restaurant or maybe a catering company. I love getting in the kitchen. I'm not really a general public dealing with sort of person. So I've decided to go and see what is offered. I think its a full time casual position with a wage that is $2.33/hr more than where I am now.
An interview is just that and nothing more. I would have to think any decisions over very carefully before making a move. I'm not fond of my job now but its not horrific. Just annoying and stressful. I am mostly interested in job security right now. I need full time and I need great pay. One year to go people!!
Today I've felt under the weather though. I had one of those "off" days at work where everything goes wrong. I felt clumsy, stupid and irritated, lol! To top it all of we were hosting a flu clinic so there were a million people. *sigh
I have an interview tomorrow morning at the hospital working in the kitchen. I have always toyed with the idea of opening another restaurant or maybe a catering company. I love getting in the kitchen. I'm not really a general public dealing with sort of person. So I've decided to go and see what is offered. I think its a full time casual position with a wage that is $2.33/hr more than where I am now.
An interview is just that and nothing more. I would have to think any decisions over very carefully before making a move. I'm not fond of my job now but its not horrific. Just annoying and stressful. I am mostly interested in job security right now. I need full time and I need great pay. One year to go people!!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sex and The City Marathons Ahead
Who's a lucky dolly? I am! I am! BF gave me both the Sex and the City the movie and the entire series for my birthday. I'm so excited. I've been too tired lately to watch TV after work but I see many future hours spent in front of the TV with a bowl of popcorn (air popped - healthier and cheaper).
I'm future dating this post. So as you are reading this I'm hoping I'll be having a great time with BF on the mainland.
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
I'm future dating this post. So as you are reading this I'm hoping I'll be having a great time with BF on the mainland.
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Weekend Hurry Up and Get Here
I am soooo looking forward to this weekend. BF and I are finally going to get to go away for a few days. I've got most of the weekend planned out and I can't wait to get it started. BF is also very stoked to be getting away for a bit. He's been mentioning the need for a vacation for awhile. 3 days isn't really a holiday but its a nice break from the ordinary.
I'm also looking forward to spending time with Nathaniel. He's a good friend of mine that I've known since the days of high school. We've always kept in touch over the years but the last few years we've been closer. He wrote a very touching post about me that brightened up my morning before heading to work today.
Week 2 of work is almost over. This Friday will be a payday and I'm so happy to be expecting 32 hours on my first cheque. This job will definitely help me reach my goal of being debt free before the year is over and that is my number one goal. Once that monkey is off my back I'll feel so proud of myself. I've been in debt for so long it will be a nice feeling (or strange) to not have to pay off debt somewhere and actually put that money to good use for the future.
Once the debt is paid off I'm going to set up some more financial goals for myself. Australia and the EFund will be priority for me but I'm thinking there are a few other things I need to address as well.
Nathaniel has told me that on Sunday we can do whatever I want and he would foot the bill. I suggested maybe we could go set up an EFund for him. That would be a great gift for both of us. I want to see him set up for the future too!
I'm also looking forward to spending time with Nathaniel. He's a good friend of mine that I've known since the days of high school. We've always kept in touch over the years but the last few years we've been closer. He wrote a very touching post about me that brightened up my morning before heading to work today.
Week 2 of work is almost over. This Friday will be a payday and I'm so happy to be expecting 32 hours on my first cheque. This job will definitely help me reach my goal of being debt free before the year is over and that is my number one goal. Once that monkey is off my back I'll feel so proud of myself. I've been in debt for so long it will be a nice feeling (or strange) to not have to pay off debt somewhere and actually put that money to good use for the future.
Once the debt is paid off I'm going to set up some more financial goals for myself. Australia and the EFund will be priority for me but I'm thinking there are a few other things I need to address as well.
Nathaniel has told me that on Sunday we can do whatever I want and he would foot the bill. I suggested maybe we could go set up an EFund for him. That would be a great gift for both of us. I want to see him set up for the future too!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Long Time No Post
Just so people know... I'm not dead. It's been a busy week with hosting Thanksgiving and then starting this new job. I have so much to tell you but right now I'm exhausted and I still have to clean up the house, plan a menu and get everything sorted for my birthday party tomorrow night. I'm having my closest, bestest friends over to wear tiaras, drink, eat and be merry. We're having a chow down, get drunk and watch movie thing. I need some down time with friends right now!
Will post soon!
Will post soon!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Birthday Extravaganza Intinerary
So now that I've spilled the beans to BF who insisted on knowing what was going on before taking the day off work I guess I can share with you guys too! So here is the itinerary for what is now going to a long weekend to celebrate our birthdays. Our birthdays are two weeks apart so I planned everything for the weekend in the middle.
Saturday October 25 - Wake up and take ferry to Vancouver. Meet up with friends and hang out. That evening we'll be going to Yuk Yuk's to see Darren Frost. After that we were supposed to go back to a hotel but BF thinks we should stay at a friends we know in the area since we'll be going to the show with him anyways. I agreed since it will save money, its more practical and it gives us more time to spend with our friends.
Sunday October 26 - Wake up. BF and friend go to play in a poker tournament (BF loves poker and has been dying to play in a tournament). Dolly and friend will spend the day frolicking around having fun. Sunday night BF and I will check into a hotel and then go for a romantic dinner. I'm thinking this place but not sure yet.
Monday October 27 - Wake up late, eat a delicious breakfast and then off to be tourists. I really want to check out this movie at the Omnimax. After which we'll bum around a bit and then head back to island.
So that's the big surprise weekend. I'm glad that BF knows so that he can help pick out other things to do. I feel really good about everything that I've planned and picked out for us. It should be a great weekend.
Two weeks to go! I'm so excited. I'm also glad to be able to finally share it with everyone after all this time.
Saturday October 25 - Wake up and take ferry to Vancouver. Meet up with friends and hang out. That evening we'll be going to Yuk Yuk's to see Darren Frost. After that we were supposed to go back to a hotel but BF thinks we should stay at a friends we know in the area since we'll be going to the show with him anyways. I agreed since it will save money, its more practical and it gives us more time to spend with our friends.
Sunday October 26 - Wake up. BF and friend go to play in a poker tournament (BF loves poker and has been dying to play in a tournament). Dolly and friend will spend the day frolicking around having fun. Sunday night BF and I will check into a hotel and then go for a romantic dinner. I'm thinking this place but not sure yet.
Monday October 27 - Wake up late, eat a delicious breakfast and then off to be tourists. I really want to check out this movie at the Omnimax. After which we'll bum around a bit and then head back to island.
So that's the big surprise weekend. I'm glad that BF knows so that he can help pick out other things to do. I feel really good about everything that I've planned and picked out for us. It should be a great weekend.
Two weeks to go! I'm so excited. I'm also glad to be able to finally share it with everyone after all this time.
Dropping Like Flies
So it appears that my sister and family will not be attending our Thanksgiving feast. She is not feeling well and offered to just send my niece but she has also been sick with a cold. Since I don't want to catch anything before starting my new job I didn't think that would be best.
Earlier today my brother announced he too is sick but getting better. He wants to know if he can still come, even with his bad cough. :( I told him he should go to the clinic and find out if its contagious and to get a mask and some hand sanitizer, lol.
So the numbers are dwindling fast. Thats 4 or 5 people out of 12. Darn, should have bought a smaller bird.
My mom decided to pitch in some money towards dinner as now I'm having to pick up some things last minute due to cancellations which helps out. She requested a share of the leftovers in return. Haha! Who doesn't love a turkey sandwich (besides Arual ;)) ?
In other news I've book a new reservation and thing are looking good except the Bday Boy is being a dinkasaurus. I sent him a msg stating he had to take October 27th off for a long weekend surprise and now he says he won't do it until I tell him what's going on. I didn't want to hint to anything this early but wanted to make sure he could get the day off. How can anybody hate surprises this much? Man! He makes this difficult!
I'm about half way through cleaning but I've got some baking to do so I'd better get my arse out of this chair and get to work. It's time to git er done!
Earlier today my brother announced he too is sick but getting better. He wants to know if he can still come, even with his bad cough. :( I told him he should go to the clinic and find out if its contagious and to get a mask and some hand sanitizer, lol.
So the numbers are dwindling fast. Thats 4 or 5 people out of 12. Darn, should have bought a smaller bird.
My mom decided to pitch in some money towards dinner as now I'm having to pick up some things last minute due to cancellations which helps out. She requested a share of the leftovers in return. Haha! Who doesn't love a turkey sandwich (besides Arual ;)) ?
In other news I've book a new reservation and thing are looking good except the Bday Boy is being a dinkasaurus. I sent him a msg stating he had to take October 27th off for a long weekend surprise and now he says he won't do it until I tell him what's going on. I didn't want to hint to anything this early but wanted to make sure he could get the day off. How can anybody hate surprises this much? Man! He makes this difficult!
I'm about half way through cleaning but I've got some baking to do so I'd better get my arse out of this chair and get to work. It's time to git er done!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
BF BDay Extravaganza Update
OMG!!! The place I booked with earlier gave me a strange feeling. When I shared my feelings with other people, they encouraged me to call back and speak to them again. Once I did my mind was made up. I looked around for another alternative to that plan and found it. Then I called my mom to make her aware of my plans.
I called back the original place to cancel and the woman was so rude and shady (I'll give u more details after the bday plans are revealed). Whew! I am glad I went with my guts on this one!
My mom and I will have to get together again to reserve this new idea.
I called back the original place to cancel and the woman was so rude and shady (I'll give u more details after the bday plans are revealed). Whew! I am glad I went with my guts on this one!
My mom and I will have to get together again to reserve this new idea.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
October Birthday Shopping is Done!
I really took charge this weekend and managed to purchase all the gifts and cards I needed for October. I'm in the process of getting them all wrapped up and then I'm ready to go. I really watched my dollars this time.
Brother - Dinner out/Disco Bowling (paid by BF) Card -$1
Aunt - Card -$1
Uncle - Card/Scratch and Win Tickets/Candy - $12
Niece - Card/Book/Game/Fiber Optic Lite Up Skirt/Stickers - $32
Grandpa - Planet Earth Puzzle (3 in 1)/Candy/Card - $14
Gift Wrap/Bags - $3
---------------------
Total - $63.00
I went a little over with my niece (budgeted $25) but I'm really happy with everything I got her and she's really special to me. We share a birthday even!
I really lucked out having BF pay for dinner and the disco bowling we did with my brother. I wasn't expecting that at all and made sure to let him know I appreciated it.
Now I have to still have to get the Thanksgiving shopping done. I have a list though!
Thanksgiving Dinner
Turkey - better do this right away!!
Stuffing
Cake Mix
Whipping Cream
BF and I will have to get that done asap! I still have to do the big "family is coming over" clean up. That should be fun ;-) So far things seem to be going well with planning for the big event. My sister seems to be wavering on whether she's coming or not. It seems to be based on mood which is really pissing me off. Good thing she's only in charge of carrots and potatoes. Those are things I can easily pick up myself if she doesn't pull through. I hope she does though for the kids sake.
I'm also working on BF's birthday. It's now going to take place on the weekend in between our bdays so we can both enjoy ourselves. I've changed my original plans drastically for the better I think. I've planned a great weekend for both of us. I just have to make some reservations today and we should be all good. Once the reservation is made I have to tell him he has to take one Monday off.
Oh, and I'm also planning my own birthday. Just a few girls and one guy coming over to drink, eat and be silly. I'm keeping things low key this year because there is just so much going on already. Besides, I'm not so much into it anymore. Just a few close friends around is all I need really.
The last weekend of the month is Halloween. I have to decorate big time for that! There maybe a family game night at my house that night. Sigh... I've got my work all cut out for me.
Brother - Dinner out/Disco Bowling (paid by BF) Card -$1
Aunt - Card -$1
Uncle - Card/Scratch and Win Tickets/Candy - $12
Niece - Card/Book/Game/Fiber Optic Lite Up Skirt/Stickers - $32
Grandpa - Planet Earth Puzzle (3 in 1)/Candy/Card - $14
Gift Wrap/Bags - $3
---------------------
Total - $63.00
I went a little over with my niece (budgeted $25) but I'm really happy with everything I got her and she's really special to me. We share a birthday even!
I really lucked out having BF pay for dinner and the disco bowling we did with my brother. I wasn't expecting that at all and made sure to let him know I appreciated it.
Now I have to still have to get the Thanksgiving shopping done. I have a list though!
Thanksgiving Dinner
Turkey - better do this right away!!
Stuffing
Cake Mix
Whipping Cream
BF and I will have to get that done asap! I still have to do the big "family is coming over" clean up. That should be fun ;-) So far things seem to be going well with planning for the big event. My sister seems to be wavering on whether she's coming or not. It seems to be based on mood which is really pissing me off. Good thing she's only in charge of carrots and potatoes. Those are things I can easily pick up myself if she doesn't pull through. I hope she does though for the kids sake.
I'm also working on BF's birthday. It's now going to take place on the weekend in between our bdays so we can both enjoy ourselves. I've changed my original plans drastically for the better I think. I've planned a great weekend for both of us. I just have to make some reservations today and we should be all good. Once the reservation is made I have to tell him he has to take one Monday off.
Oh, and I'm also planning my own birthday. Just a few girls and one guy coming over to drink, eat and be silly. I'm keeping things low key this year because there is just so much going on already. Besides, I'm not so much into it anymore. Just a few close friends around is all I need really.
The last weekend of the month is Halloween. I have to decorate big time for that! There maybe a family game night at my house that night. Sigh... I've got my work all cut out for me.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
October Birthdays
October means a lot of birthdays in my family, including my own. I have been slowly cutting down on how much I spend on birthday gifts. This year I've managed to get away with either a card, cake or homemade dinner. I usually also kick in a small gift around $10.
Even when it comes to kids in the family I've reduced my spending. I take my time now and really look for something special thats in a reasonable price range. I've decided to stop stressing over presents so much.
I have to get organized so that nobody gets forgotten this month!
October Birthdays In Order
Youngest Birthday - Card and Dinner out, Reservation booked for Saturday
Uncles Birthday (twin) - Card, Scratch and win tickets
Aunts Birthday (twin)- Card - lives across Canada from me
Nieces Birthday - Fun gift, handmade necklace or bracelet
Dolly's Birthday - Dinner out?
Grandpa's Birthday - Card, favorite candies and a nice puzzle
Ok! Now that I've figured out what I want to do and have a list I'd better get on it. We'll be celebrating all the October birthdays on one night which will also be our Thanksgiving dinner that I am hosting. Saves a lot of time, money and effort over a whole month of events.
Also I'll be hosting another family night on Halloween so everyone can dress up and have fun greeting trick or treaters!
Even when it comes to kids in the family I've reduced my spending. I take my time now and really look for something special thats in a reasonable price range. I've decided to stop stressing over presents so much.
I have to get organized so that nobody gets forgotten this month!
October Birthdays In Order
Youngest Birthday - Card and Dinner out, Reservation booked for Saturday
Uncles Birthday (twin) - Card, Scratch and win tickets
Aunts Birthday (twin)- Card - lives across Canada from me
Nieces Birthday - Fun gift, handmade necklace or bracelet
Dolly's Birthday - Dinner out?
Grandpa's Birthday - Card, favorite candies and a nice puzzle
Ok! Now that I've figured out what I want to do and have a list I'd better get on it. We'll be celebrating all the October birthdays on one night which will also be our Thanksgiving dinner that I am hosting. Saves a lot of time, money and effort over a whole month of events.
Also I'll be hosting another family night on Halloween so everyone can dress up and have fun greeting trick or treaters!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
It's My Party
As my birthday approaches BF starts asking what I would like and this year, unlike any other time, I actually have some things in mind. Australia only being 13 months away I am definitely keeping that in mind as I choose my gifts.
The Official List
October has 6 family birthdays. I am purchasing cards only for each person and maybe a small $5-$10 gift. Thats a trend I'm trying to start. I don't expect anything really anymore on my birthdays but BF and I usually buy for each on birthdays and on Xmas.
The only person I'll break my tiny limit for is my niece. We have our birthday on the same day and I'm aiming to spend $25 and then maybe make her a nice bracelet or necklace like I've done in the past.
The Official List
- An Expedition Backpack (Australia)
- Headlamp (Australia & they are just plain handy)
- Sex and the City DVD -If you haven't seen it yet you need to!
- Cake/cupcake carrier
- Garlic Press
- File folders for my empty filing cabinet
- The day off work! :)~
October has 6 family birthdays. I am purchasing cards only for each person and maybe a small $5-$10 gift. Thats a trend I'm trying to start. I don't expect anything really anymore on my birthdays but BF and I usually buy for each on birthdays and on Xmas.
The only person I'll break my tiny limit for is my niece. We have our birthday on the same day and I'm aiming to spend $25 and then maybe make her a nice bracelet or necklace like I've done in the past.
Monday, August 11, 2008
$50 in the BF Birthday Fund
Yesterday I received $50 cash during my sisters birthday party. First $20 from my mom to pitch in for all the food and decorations as her hand is broken and she felt bad for not being able to help out. I'm kind of getting used to doing a lot of the family events by myself and having people pitch in $ instead. Good thing BF is such an amazing help for these things. Usually my mom contributes but with a broken hand I didn't expect her to, lol.
The other $30 came from my brother! Yay, now he's down to only owing me another $20 bucks. It's taken a long while but finally he's paying it down. I'm really happy about this. I never said anything to him about it before or while he was at my place because I think its tacky and would make him uncomfortable at a family event. I was delighted!
So I took the cash and stored it aside in a little hiding spot to go towards BF's birthday fund.
50/600 achieved!
The other $30 came from my brother! Yay, now he's down to only owing me another $20 bucks. It's taken a long while but finally he's paying it down. I'm really happy about this. I never said anything to him about it before or while he was at my place because I think its tacky and would make him uncomfortable at a family event. I was delighted!
So I took the cash and stored it aside in a little hiding spot to go towards BF's birthday fund.
50/600 achieved!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
It feels good to be ready to go
Ahhh. Sunday is here and I have everything done. We cleaned the whole house yesterday and by cleaned I mean scrubbed. It's so nice when all the house chores are done.
I already have the sauce started in the crock pot. Yesterday we picked up all the snacks and things while we were out and today we just need to pick up a few extra things for the cake I'm making.
We're ready for the birthday except for a gift for my sister. Yes, I took one of her kids the whole weekend and I'm throwing a big dinner today for all of our family but BF and I agreed it would be nice to get a card and maybe a little something to wrap up. I have no idea what to get for her though.. something small and sweet. Hmm....
My niece already made a card for her. It's really cute!
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