So I'm writing this down so that I can come back in a years time (or so) and see how things have changed. I know things will work out but man am I stressing. I don't have a timeline but the clock is ticking on when I will have to move. When I was looking for an apartment all those years ago the big challenge was figuring out where I wanted to look not knowing the towns and neighborhoods being a newbie to the state.
Now, there are no apartments. What happened? I guess it was the housing market crash. I vaguely remember hearing on the news that there are a lot more renters now. Didn't worry me as I was comfy, nestled into my sweet digs. Now, I'd kill for any of the apartments I looked at before settling on this one.
And then there is the housing market. At least there are some of houses on the market. But living in a big metropolotin area means the prices aren't cheap. I could afford the mortgage/taxes/insurance on a bunch of nice places, but it's the downpayment, that is the kicker. I've done the math forwards and backwards, and nothing.
The thing that I'm stresing about is that I have no plan, no back-up plan, nothing. Initially I thought, find a new apartment, won't be as nice, but that's ok. This would be my back-up plan as I look into purchaing a place. I've run a ton of scenarios and now I wonder, how do people afford to live in this city. I know it will all work out, just like it has in the past, but I feel like any of my options is moving me downwards and backwards. Frustrating. Little did I know how much I was taking for granted my little home sweet home.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Presidents Day Weekend
On the bus ride home after work Friday, I ended up sitting behind the younger sister of an old college friend, Andrea (does that sentence refer the name to the sister or the friend? – ah grammar). Haven’t seen or talked with either since just after college – ages ago. Theresa just moved to my town a few months ago – looking forward to catching up after all these years. Small world.
Just found out this weekend that my landlords are putting my apartment on the market this spring. I have a month or two to find a new place – or consider buying this place. I’ve found over the years that I don’t mind change, as long as I get to make it. Not the case this time so I’m stressing. Between trying to find another wicked cool home like this one and the thought of packing and moving everything- I’m not a happy camper. I’ve definitely nested here. Wish me well on my search.
My way to deal with things I don’t want to deal with is to organize. Having organized most everything, I went off script a little and decided to memorize the US presidents – finally organizing them in my head. Don’t ask me why, but over the years it’s useful to know so-and-so was in term during such-and-such a time period. So I made flash cards and everything. Don’t know how long it will stay in the old noodle, but I can comfortably say I know all the presidents in order, their terms and number. I even started learning what their home state is/was. Did you know there were four MA presidents? There’s the three you expect – the two Adams and Kennedy. Do you know who the fourth was? Bush Sr! Who knew?
And you know what I just put together as I enjoy the last part of my long weekend. It’s presidents weekend, specifically presidents day. I had totally forgotten what holiday it was. Strange that the subconscious must have been working and came up with the idea of memorizing the US presidents. About time!
Just found out this weekend that my landlords are putting my apartment on the market this spring. I have a month or two to find a new place – or consider buying this place. I’ve found over the years that I don’t mind change, as long as I get to make it. Not the case this time so I’m stressing. Between trying to find another wicked cool home like this one and the thought of packing and moving everything- I’m not a happy camper. I’ve definitely nested here. Wish me well on my search.
My way to deal with things I don’t want to deal with is to organize. Having organized most everything, I went off script a little and decided to memorize the US presidents – finally organizing them in my head. Don’t ask me why, but over the years it’s useful to know so-and-so was in term during such-and-such a time period. So I made flash cards and everything. Don’t know how long it will stay in the old noodle, but I can comfortably say I know all the presidents in order, their terms and number. I even started learning what their home state is/was. Did you know there were four MA presidents? There’s the three you expect – the two Adams and Kennedy. Do you know who the fourth was? Bush Sr! Who knew?
And you know what I just put together as I enjoy the last part of my long weekend. It’s presidents weekend, specifically presidents day. I had totally forgotten what holiday it was. Strange that the subconscious must have been working and came up with the idea of memorizing the US presidents. About time!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Not your average commute
I’ve been slowly shifting my schedule of when I go into work. I’ve been catching an earlier bus each morning. Although more crowded, it feels like I get into work faster. Although, I just noticed this morning, it still takes me about an hour. I grabbed a seat yesterday next to a fellow and opened up my book. I do have to say, for good or bad, there a more and more of the ebook tablets in the hands of my fellow commuters. My neighbor had one and I glanced over to see what he was reading before diving into my own book. (Side note: I was reading “March” by Geraldine Brooks and although an interesting tale and some parts of the story will stay with me long past the reading of the book, I didn’t think it warranted the Pulitzer Prize. Still - a fast read if you are looking for a book).
I forget the title but it was something like thermodynamics. On the page was text but also higher-level equations. My initial thought was it must be interesting but a dry read for the commute. I learned in my early twenties that although I love the Russians, they were not meant to accompany me on my daily commute - hard to give the requisite attention required.
And then I find my place on the subway train and am about to dive back into my book when I glance over to my new neighbor. He, thankfully, is reading a good old fashioned paper based book (I’m a bit of a luddite when it comes to the ebooks). And strikingly, on his page is text and higher-level equations - more square roots and a bit of calculus thrown in.
And if that wasn’t enough, on my bus ride home that same night, once again I’m about to pick up my book and finish off the last chapter when I realize the two ladies in front of me are animatedly discussing the latest episode of “Downton Abbey”. I had held off watching this show on PBS, mainly because I missed the first few episodes and never really got into “Upstairs Downstairs” - a similar PBS show from an earlier era. But this month, I caught up on season one from last year and the first chunk of season two that started airing in January. And I’m hooked - only one more episode to go and then it’s all over - until season 3 starts up. It’s quite a well-written series and a classic PBS quality period piece even if it is a glorified soap opera.
The events were interesting book ends to the day and a far cry from what some of my colleagues face on their daily commute. I definitely have one of the higher-brow/more educated commutes.
I forget the title but it was something like thermodynamics. On the page was text but also higher-level equations. My initial thought was it must be interesting but a dry read for the commute. I learned in my early twenties that although I love the Russians, they were not meant to accompany me on my daily commute - hard to give the requisite attention required.
And then I find my place on the subway train and am about to dive back into my book when I glance over to my new neighbor. He, thankfully, is reading a good old fashioned paper based book (I’m a bit of a luddite when it comes to the ebooks). And strikingly, on his page is text and higher-level equations - more square roots and a bit of calculus thrown in.
And if that wasn’t enough, on my bus ride home that same night, once again I’m about to pick up my book and finish off the last chapter when I realize the two ladies in front of me are animatedly discussing the latest episode of “Downton Abbey”. I had held off watching this show on PBS, mainly because I missed the first few episodes and never really got into “Upstairs Downstairs” - a similar PBS show from an earlier era. But this month, I caught up on season one from last year and the first chunk of season two that started airing in January. And I’m hooked - only one more episode to go and then it’s all over - until season 3 starts up. It’s quite a well-written series and a classic PBS quality period piece even if it is a glorified soap opera.
The events were interesting book ends to the day and a far cry from what some of my colleagues face on their daily commute. I definitely have one of the higher-brow/more educated commutes.
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
12 in 12 in 2012
I’ve decided to copy my friend Amanda who recently came back to life in blog-land (yay!). She’s working on making 12 changes over 12 months. There is always that list of things hovering in the background that you never get to. I’m quite efficient at work cranking through project after project, but when I get home, I seem to lose momentum and focus. So besides having a catchy title, this is really a way for me to focus on tasks at hand. I don’t quite have each month planned out but am tweaking the goal to knock out projects not necessarily behavior (although that might be in the mix).
Well, month #1, what did I get accomplished that I’ve had hanging over me? Loans. I hate debt. I was brought up to not buy anything you can’t afford, with the one exception of the mortgage. I’m proud to say I’ve never had credit card debt, and until this century, never had any loans. But college number 3 (or 4 depending on how you count), pushed me into student loans. And then a few years back I decided to get the car I wanted with the assistance of a car loan (I struggled with this one for a long time).
I sat down this month and put together a plan to accelerate the payoffs. I just finished all the paperwork implementing the new plan. And boy does it feel good. I wrote the check to payoff the balance of the car loan – yay! I wrote another check towards the student loan – yay! And I just doubled my monthly student loan payment. If I did the math right, the loan will be paid off by year’s end! I’m on a super tight allowance but it’s doable – I’m good at economizing and this is not the first time. This 12 in 12 in 2012 helped me get out of limbo. All the guidelines say to keep the low interest loans and work on your savings. But in today’s market, with such low returns, it just didn’t seem right. So I finally went with my gut feeling. I may not have a lot in the savings account but being debt free will feel so good. I’m glad I have a plan finally and look forward to seeing the loan balance quickly reach zero!
Next up for February? I think I’ll stick with finances and work on my retirement. I’ve accumulated a bunch of 401ks and can’t remember the last time I rebalanced. My goals for February:
- Consolidate retirement into two accounts
- Update Retirement Record Book
- Determine portfolio allocations (30% mid-cap, 10% bonds, etc)
- Determine best balance between savings and retirement (how much can I manage to put away each year)
Well, month #1, what did I get accomplished that I’ve had hanging over me? Loans. I hate debt. I was brought up to not buy anything you can’t afford, with the one exception of the mortgage. I’m proud to say I’ve never had credit card debt, and until this century, never had any loans. But college number 3 (or 4 depending on how you count), pushed me into student loans. And then a few years back I decided to get the car I wanted with the assistance of a car loan (I struggled with this one for a long time).
I sat down this month and put together a plan to accelerate the payoffs. I just finished all the paperwork implementing the new plan. And boy does it feel good. I wrote the check to payoff the balance of the car loan – yay! I wrote another check towards the student loan – yay! And I just doubled my monthly student loan payment. If I did the math right, the loan will be paid off by year’s end! I’m on a super tight allowance but it’s doable – I’m good at economizing and this is not the first time. This 12 in 12 in 2012 helped me get out of limbo. All the guidelines say to keep the low interest loans and work on your savings. But in today’s market, with such low returns, it just didn’t seem right. So I finally went with my gut feeling. I may not have a lot in the savings account but being debt free will feel so good. I’m glad I have a plan finally and look forward to seeing the loan balance quickly reach zero!
Next up for February? I think I’ll stick with finances and work on my retirement. I’ve accumulated a bunch of 401ks and can’t remember the last time I rebalanced. My goals for February:
- Consolidate retirement into two accounts
- Update Retirement Record Book
- Determine portfolio allocations (30% mid-cap, 10% bonds, etc)
- Determine best balance between savings and retirement (how much can I manage to put away each year)
Monday, January 09, 2012
Christmas 2011 Update
I realize this blog is a way to post little moments for older me to look back and remember. And yet I have these huge gaps where it seems I haven’t done anything. In truth it’s the opposite and I don’t get around to posting about it. So here goes - so much to say so am limiting myself to bullets:
- Christmas at work: my group ended up doing Cookie Day. It’s like a Christmas coolie swap but instead, over two weeks, we each had a day (M, W or F) and brought in cookies. It was super delicious and made Tuesday and Thursdays harder since they were cookieless.
- Christmas in Vermont: quiet little pre-holiday the week before Christmas. Nick and I went up north and it was just the four of us. No snow, as it’s been strangely warm weather. Made my traditional sticky buns and we went to church on Sunday since we weren’t attending Christmas services this year. Made it seem like we were celebrating winter solstice more than jolly old St. Nick.
- Christmas in Ohio: after Vermont, Nick and I fly to moms. First Christmas gift was receiving free flight vouchers since we got bumped for our flight for a later one same day. Cousin Catherine and Tyler joined us and we had a larger celebration of holiday festivities that included everything from scoring a free Christmas tree the eve of Christmas eve to trying out many new recipes for meals to making the traditional sticky buns - round two.
- Christmas in Boston: more like a recuperation from all the festivities. I worked some the week before new years. Nice and quiet and cranked on projects. Cece dropped Cameron off at my place Thursday morning and I took him to the Science Museum Thursday morning - half the time was spent getting there on public transportation which I suspect was the most fun for the little fellow. I loved that he and his sister had a blast at my place at the beginning of the day. As they were walking up the walkway they were both super excited to see me - how can you not love them. Maggie insisted on me picking her up and her showing me her boo-boo. They are such little gems (didn’t hurt they were at the beginning of the day - well rested and fed).
- New Years Knitting: I get that itch periodically to go through my projects and try starting some news ones. I’m starting to notice it happens at the beginning of the year. I’ve “completed” all my sweater projects. There are three that are ready to be sewn up and blocked. And two that need to be ripped back and modified. So technically none on the needles right now. I finished my hat and am looking at scarves. Strangely I was looking at socks too although I have three 1st socks on needles. I was good and only cast-on one new pair. I finally put away everything the other day with the goal of truly finishing most of the sweaters before casting on any more and getting at least two pairs of socks done before casting on any more in that category. But giving myself a free-pass to start a scarf. I have a feeling the scarf will be my procrastination tool.
- New Year’s Resolution: I’ve put finances on the top of the list. I’ve already gotten my credit reports and am scheduling a call to talk with some financial advisors. I’ve always been fairly responsible with my finances but want to have that secure feeling that I’ve explored all the options and am doing what’s best for me at this moment. I hate to be a passive investor.
- New Years Reunions: Last weekend, went out to dinner to The Gallows in the south end to celebrate my friend Dave’s birthday. He and Maggie (old highschool friend) came down from Maine and we were joined by another David for a night of foodie exploration. The Gallows had these boards with great pates and boar’s sausage. I had the goose confit which was a bit too salty for my liking but the venison and flank steak were heaven. The next day we had a nice reunion with an old teacher from middle school - Mr. Weisman. I hadn’t seen him since…. well, middle school when I had him for wood shop. It was strange talking with him because his distinctive voice just kept bringing me back several decades to my childhood. It was great to catch up and the bunch of us from highschool spent the afternoon reminiscing about the old days. Great afternoon and so good to enjoy the company of old friends. And the great news, I think I know where this year’s vacation might be for me. They have a place on P.E.I where they spend their summer and a generous open door policy. I’ve always wanted to visit so am hoping this works out. How beautiful would that be?!
And that, in a nut-shell, is my last 4 weeks minus a lot of stuff I’ve already forgotten about. I really need to get a new camera.
- Christmas at work: my group ended up doing Cookie Day. It’s like a Christmas coolie swap but instead, over two weeks, we each had a day (M, W or F) and brought in cookies. It was super delicious and made Tuesday and Thursdays harder since they were cookieless.
- Christmas in Vermont: quiet little pre-holiday the week before Christmas. Nick and I went up north and it was just the four of us. No snow, as it’s been strangely warm weather. Made my traditional sticky buns and we went to church on Sunday since we weren’t attending Christmas services this year. Made it seem like we were celebrating winter solstice more than jolly old St. Nick.
- Christmas in Ohio: after Vermont, Nick and I fly to moms. First Christmas gift was receiving free flight vouchers since we got bumped for our flight for a later one same day. Cousin Catherine and Tyler joined us and we had a larger celebration of holiday festivities that included everything from scoring a free Christmas tree the eve of Christmas eve to trying out many new recipes for meals to making the traditional sticky buns - round two.
- Christmas in Boston: more like a recuperation from all the festivities. I worked some the week before new years. Nice and quiet and cranked on projects. Cece dropped Cameron off at my place Thursday morning and I took him to the Science Museum Thursday morning - half the time was spent getting there on public transportation which I suspect was the most fun for the little fellow. I loved that he and his sister had a blast at my place at the beginning of the day. As they were walking up the walkway they were both super excited to see me - how can you not love them. Maggie insisted on me picking her up and her showing me her boo-boo. They are such little gems (didn’t hurt they were at the beginning of the day - well rested and fed).
- New Years Knitting: I get that itch periodically to go through my projects and try starting some news ones. I’m starting to notice it happens at the beginning of the year. I’ve “completed” all my sweater projects. There are three that are ready to be sewn up and blocked. And two that need to be ripped back and modified. So technically none on the needles right now. I finished my hat and am looking at scarves. Strangely I was looking at socks too although I have three 1st socks on needles. I was good and only cast-on one new pair. I finally put away everything the other day with the goal of truly finishing most of the sweaters before casting on any more and getting at least two pairs of socks done before casting on any more in that category. But giving myself a free-pass to start a scarf. I have a feeling the scarf will be my procrastination tool.
- New Year’s Resolution: I’ve put finances on the top of the list. I’ve already gotten my credit reports and am scheduling a call to talk with some financial advisors. I’ve always been fairly responsible with my finances but want to have that secure feeling that I’ve explored all the options and am doing what’s best for me at this moment. I hate to be a passive investor.
- New Years Reunions: Last weekend, went out to dinner to The Gallows in the south end to celebrate my friend Dave’s birthday. He and Maggie (old highschool friend) came down from Maine and we were joined by another David for a night of foodie exploration. The Gallows had these boards with great pates and boar’s sausage. I had the goose confit which was a bit too salty for my liking but the venison and flank steak were heaven. The next day we had a nice reunion with an old teacher from middle school - Mr. Weisman. I hadn’t seen him since…. well, middle school when I had him for wood shop. It was strange talking with him because his distinctive voice just kept bringing me back several decades to my childhood. It was great to catch up and the bunch of us from highschool spent the afternoon reminiscing about the old days. Great afternoon and so good to enjoy the company of old friends. And the great news, I think I know where this year’s vacation might be for me. They have a place on P.E.I where they spend their summer and a generous open door policy. I’ve always wanted to visit so am hoping this works out. How beautiful would that be?!
And that, in a nut-shell, is my last 4 weeks minus a lot of stuff I’ve already forgotten about. I really need to get a new camera.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Thursday Leftovers
For some reason I seem to write better in bullet points. The engineer in me is taking over!
- This weekend I got my tree. It was from the same place as last year - a tree farm that went to seed. This translates to walking around looking at 30’ tall trees trying to see which one has the best top. When we cut down mine (Cameron helped me pick it out), there was a scared mouse in the top holding on for dear life! This year I put up the 10’ tall tree that is nice and skinny and fits neatly between the two chairs in my living room - right in front of the TV. Simple fix - relocated the TV to a side table.
- Last week I had a meeting with the energy committee for my town. We were discussing several things, including my pet project of the revolving fund. It’s been slowly moving and we’re looking into chasing down some grant money. At the meeting I was tickled pink when I found out that some money the town is receiving is being considered for starting the fund! It’s all about laying the ground work and getting the idea out there. Next up is getting the particulars straightened out and in writing - that’s my project for over the holidays. I’m so excited to see this project turn into reality.
- I’ve had two positive reinforcements at work over the last several days. One instance was one of the principals voicing where they saw me in the next few years - much higher level. The other was an issue had come up that was outside of my department, but somewhat connected. I was the person called in with the big-wigs to figure out how to address the issue and solve the problem. Great positive reinforcement.
- I got into work early this morning and was rewarded with a solution to a problem that was wearing me down. I’m so behind on Christmas gifts this year. I’m empty handed for some folks and the ideas I had fell through. I hate this position as I’m used to having everything bought way before thanksgiving. Talking with a coworker this morning he mentioned what he got his parents. I realized the same gift would work great for my dad and step-mother. Nice and simple and easy to order online.
- Remember the days of Abu Dhabi? I used to fly out there on a quarterly basis for work. This new job has me jet setting but a bit less - some around the country and then the trip down to Costa Rica. Next up - Kazakhstan! I just got a call this morning that the contract is being sent through and the project will be starting up in the new year. How exciting! It’s been in development for several months so won’t count the eggs until the ticket is bought.
- I found another Jaguar enthusiast! I was visiting some friends of friends for brunch Saturday and when we arrived we walked through the garage and I couldn’t help spotting a gorgeous car in the corner. I was instinctively drawn to it and my suspicions were confirmed - it was a Jaguar. Turns out it was a ’58 XK140. I got to talk shop with the owner - Walter and am hoping to make it back this spring to see if I can finagle a ride. I will say that it will make it all that much harder to hold off buying a Jaguar. One day…
- This weekend I got my tree. It was from the same place as last year - a tree farm that went to seed. This translates to walking around looking at 30’ tall trees trying to see which one has the best top. When we cut down mine (Cameron helped me pick it out), there was a scared mouse in the top holding on for dear life! This year I put up the 10’ tall tree that is nice and skinny and fits neatly between the two chairs in my living room - right in front of the TV. Simple fix - relocated the TV to a side table.
- Last week I had a meeting with the energy committee for my town. We were discussing several things, including my pet project of the revolving fund. It’s been slowly moving and we’re looking into chasing down some grant money. At the meeting I was tickled pink when I found out that some money the town is receiving is being considered for starting the fund! It’s all about laying the ground work and getting the idea out there. Next up is getting the particulars straightened out and in writing - that’s my project for over the holidays. I’m so excited to see this project turn into reality.
- I’ve had two positive reinforcements at work over the last several days. One instance was one of the principals voicing where they saw me in the next few years - much higher level. The other was an issue had come up that was outside of my department, but somewhat connected. I was the person called in with the big-wigs to figure out how to address the issue and solve the problem. Great positive reinforcement.
- I got into work early this morning and was rewarded with a solution to a problem that was wearing me down. I’m so behind on Christmas gifts this year. I’m empty handed for some folks and the ideas I had fell through. I hate this position as I’m used to having everything bought way before thanksgiving. Talking with a coworker this morning he mentioned what he got his parents. I realized the same gift would work great for my dad and step-mother. Nice and simple and easy to order online.
- Remember the days of Abu Dhabi? I used to fly out there on a quarterly basis for work. This new job has me jet setting but a bit less - some around the country and then the trip down to Costa Rica. Next up - Kazakhstan! I just got a call this morning that the contract is being sent through and the project will be starting up in the new year. How exciting! It’s been in development for several months so won’t count the eggs until the ticket is bought.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Boston Protestors
Strange not seeing the tents anymore and fresh sod being put down (didn’t know you could do that in December). I walk by the Occupy Wall Street protesters every day. Last night they were all outside of the Federal Reserve Building (sans tents) with signs and chanting with a line of police between them and the front doors. There’s something to be said about having the protestors be part of your daily routine. I just don’t know what it is (to be said).
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