Ugh, Netflix! I love them and I hate them.
I love Netflix because a subscription allows me to forego cable and still have some kind of entertainment - movies and TV shows, many streaming directly to my TV.
I hate them because they just essentially DOUBLED their price!
It used to be that the basic one-disc plan plus unlimited streaming was available for $7.99/month. Great deal!
But now they've split the plan so that you can no longer get streaming and discs combined - you have to pay for them separately.
Unlimited streaming - $7.99/month
One disc (mailed) - $7.99/month
UGH!
So... since most of what I want I can get streaming, I cancelled the disc service. But since there are some TV shows that are not available on Netflix... I added Hulu Plus which is a paid version of a website that lets you watch TV shows. The paid version has many more shows than the free version, and tends to be up-to-date with the airing schedule.
So, I cancelled half of Netflix but replaced the cost with Hulu Plus (also $7.99/month).
A good fit for my lifestyle.
Still cheaper than cable.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Ah, men.
Men are so funny. Men and their egos, I should say.
A co-worker of mine has figured out that I've been using the treadmill in the basement of the station during the hot weather. So, today, he decided to join me, but I was nearly finished by the time he got down there.
So I was at about 3.7 miles (going to 4) when he got on the treadmill next to me. I asked him his plan and he said, thirty minutes. Which is great! So after about 3 minutes I got to 4 miles, and then started a five-minute cooldown. All the while my co-worker is huffing and puffing next to me and doing just fine, I thought.
When I got off the treadmill to go to the locker room, I did notice that he was looing a little... strained... I wished him a good workout and left the room. No sooner did I walked out the door than I heard frantic beeping and the treadmill slowing wayyy down... by the time I was finished changing and walking back upstairs I could hear that he was walking.
Poor guy - barely held it together for 8 minutes but gosh darn it he was NOT going to walk in front of me!
A co-worker of mine has figured out that I've been using the treadmill in the basement of the station during the hot weather. So, today, he decided to join me, but I was nearly finished by the time he got down there.
So I was at about 3.7 miles (going to 4) when he got on the treadmill next to me. I asked him his plan and he said, thirty minutes. Which is great! So after about 3 minutes I got to 4 miles, and then started a five-minute cooldown. All the while my co-worker is huffing and puffing next to me and doing just fine, I thought.
When I got off the treadmill to go to the locker room, I did notice that he was looing a little... strained... I wished him a good workout and left the room. No sooner did I walked out the door than I heard frantic beeping and the treadmill slowing wayyy down... by the time I was finished changing and walking back upstairs I could hear that he was walking.
Poor guy - barely held it together for 8 minutes but gosh darn it he was NOT going to walk in front of me!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Wishing
I wish I were hilarious, and I wish I were a better writer. I wish I were a hilarious writer. But I'm not.
I write best when I write simply (as I think most of us are) but I just cannot seem to covey humor in writing. Perhaps this is related to my total inability to tell a funny joke. But whereas timing is everything in speaking, what quality is it in writing that makes a person laugh out loud?
I write best when I write simply (as I think most of us are) but I just cannot seem to covey humor in writing. Perhaps this is related to my total inability to tell a funny joke. But whereas timing is everything in speaking, what quality is it in writing that makes a person laugh out loud?
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Something More
It's funny how we humans always want something just a little bit more than what we have.
When I used to live six blocks from the metro, at first it was okay but after a while it got pretty tedious. Then I moved to about four blocks from the metro and at first it was great! But after about six months it started to feel way too long. Now I live one block from the metro and find myself slightly envious of those who's front porches are directly across the street from the metro elevator entrance. Sigh.
Another case in point - coffee. For a long time I used a French press. This is not something that can be set up in advance to any great end - it really needs to be made all at once. So when I got a programmable coffee-maker I was ecstatic. Coffee ready before I even get up! No effort - just pour!
Now I find myself wishing, on days when I'm not sure exactly when I'll be waking up, that I had a remote control for the coffee-maker so I could remotely start the process whenever I wake up without worrying that I might wake up before it starts percolating.
Oh well. Life is funny that way. I have so many creature comforts and yet in my lowest points I resent having to get up and walk 20 feet to press a button for my coffee.
When I used to live six blocks from the metro, at first it was okay but after a while it got pretty tedious. Then I moved to about four blocks from the metro and at first it was great! But after about six months it started to feel way too long. Now I live one block from the metro and find myself slightly envious of those who's front porches are directly across the street from the metro elevator entrance. Sigh.
Another case in point - coffee. For a long time I used a French press. This is not something that can be set up in advance to any great end - it really needs to be made all at once. So when I got a programmable coffee-maker I was ecstatic. Coffee ready before I even get up! No effort - just pour!
Now I find myself wishing, on days when I'm not sure exactly when I'll be waking up, that I had a remote control for the coffee-maker so I could remotely start the process whenever I wake up without worrying that I might wake up before it starts percolating.
Oh well. Life is funny that way. I have so many creature comforts and yet in my lowest points I resent having to get up and walk 20 feet to press a button for my coffee.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Such a Geek
I discovered how to automatically send a mortgage payment directly from my checking account to my mortgage account. It's so fun! Even sending $20 or $50 extra per month can make a HUGE difference toward the overall amount of interest paid and years remaining.
Most personal finance gurus say "pay yourself first" - that is, transfer money to savings as part of your budget, not waiting for whatever might be left over.
And I do this. I send money to savings first thing upon getting paid. And since I pay my mortgage every two weeks instead of once per month, I end up making an extra payment per year without trying. BUT at the end of the money, after savings and all that, whatever is left over has been getting thrown at the mortgage via automatic transfer.
My goal is to be under 200k by the year 2014 when I am eligible to sell. Not that I need to sell right then, but it would be nice to be under 200k at that time so if I find a place I love, I'll make some money on my current place and possibly be in a position to upgrade to a small home with a patio :)
Most personal finance gurus say "pay yourself first" - that is, transfer money to savings as part of your budget, not waiting for whatever might be left over.
And I do this. I send money to savings first thing upon getting paid. And since I pay my mortgage every two weeks instead of once per month, I end up making an extra payment per year without trying. BUT at the end of the money, after savings and all that, whatever is left over has been getting thrown at the mortgage via automatic transfer.
My goal is to be under 200k by the year 2014 when I am eligible to sell. Not that I need to sell right then, but it would be nice to be under 200k at that time so if I find a place I love, I'll make some money on my current place and possibly be in a position to upgrade to a small home with a patio :)
Monday, July 11, 2011
First 100 Pages
If a book doesn't hold me within the first 100 pages, I put it down. I used to suffer through, no matter now excruciating, no matter how long - but now I feel that my time is too valuable to waste on poor literature.
The most recent one to bite the dust was John Irving's "A Son of the Circus." I usually Irving but after 150 pages reading this one was just a chore. So back to the library it went.
Currently I'm working on "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" which isn't a typical genre for me (it's 'adult magic'... set in the time of the British-French war in the early 1800s, it's about the last two surviving magicians in England). One-hundred eight pages and still going strong but I'm going easy on myself - the book was picked up for free by J so I won't feel too guilty if I decide it's just not for me.
It's hard to find good books. The closest library is really small and I usually don't get around to ordering from the inter-library loan. Buying used online or in the store is pricey. And then there's the matter of needing recommendations.
But there really is nothing like diving into a long, deep, wonderfully spun story, one that's so good you're sad when it's finished.
The most recent one to bite the dust was John Irving's "A Son of the Circus." I usually Irving but after 150 pages reading this one was just a chore. So back to the library it went.
Currently I'm working on "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" which isn't a typical genre for me (it's 'adult magic'... set in the time of the British-French war in the early 1800s, it's about the last two surviving magicians in England). One-hundred eight pages and still going strong but I'm going easy on myself - the book was picked up for free by J so I won't feel too guilty if I decide it's just not for me.
It's hard to find good books. The closest library is really small and I usually don't get around to ordering from the inter-library loan. Buying used online or in the store is pricey. And then there's the matter of needing recommendations.
But there really is nothing like diving into a long, deep, wonderfully spun story, one that's so good you're sad when it's finished.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Berry Picking!
For my birthday I requested a day at the You Pick Berry farm... we found one in Woodbine, MD that had raspberries AND blueberries in season. What fun! We picked more than ten pounds of berries by the end of the day - plenty to get us through a great summer of smoothies and cobblers!
What fascinated me was the variety of languages we heard - Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Russian... so interesting! How did all these people find their way to a berry farm in central Maryland?
Anyway, it was a great day with great weather. I didn't take any photos prior to freezing the berries... sorry :(
What fascinated me was the variety of languages we heard - Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Russian... so interesting! How did all these people find their way to a berry farm in central Maryland?
Anyway, it was a great day with great weather. I didn't take any photos prior to freezing the berries... sorry :(
Friday, July 08, 2011
Happy Birthday to Me
I'm official *in* my thirties - yikes!
Though I wouldn't go back to my twenties for anything... all the uncertainly with jobs and moving around, struggling financially... I'm happy enough to leave that in the dust!
Tonight J is making dinner by special request: lobster mac and cheese and a pork sirloin wrapped in bacon. Tomorrow we're going berry-picking (weather permitting).
Though I wouldn't go back to my twenties for anything... all the uncertainly with jobs and moving around, struggling financially... I'm happy enough to leave that in the dust!
Tonight J is making dinner by special request: lobster mac and cheese and a pork sirloin wrapped in bacon. Tomorrow we're going berry-picking (weather permitting).
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Road Trip!
We love road trips! Anywhere within a four-hour range is game. We've been up to Gettysburg, out to West Virginia, down almost to the North Carolina border, on the Eastern Shore up to Delaware. Battlefields, national/state parks, teeny small towns with great dive bars - all equal destinations.
Today we're heading north through Maryland towards Pennsylvania. We'll stay off the main roads and see what we can find. Some good photo ops, some good food, good scenery, and time together... the only goals.
Today we're heading north through Maryland towards Pennsylvania. We'll stay off the main roads and see what we can find. Some good photo ops, some good food, good scenery, and time together... the only goals.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Frustrating
It's always two steps forward and one step back with fitness. Just as I get in a great, rock-solid groove I either a) go out of town, b) get my period, or c) some other circumstance derails my consistency.
That's what's happening this week and it's just so frustrating. I try to think of blocks of time in terms of a month rather than a week - working out/eating well 23 days out of 30 seems a lot better than 3 days out of 5 for some reason.
All I want is to feel like I'm moving forward toward some sustainable, high level of fitness rather than always scrambling up the hill and sliding halfway back down.
Ugh.
That's what's happening this week and it's just so frustrating. I try to think of blocks of time in terms of a month rather than a week - working out/eating well 23 days out of 30 seems a lot better than 3 days out of 5 for some reason.
All I want is to feel like I'm moving forward toward some sustainable, high level of fitness rather than always scrambling up the hill and sliding halfway back down.
Ugh.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
My scoot!
I took my scooter in today for it's first tune-up at a little over 600 miles. Man does it run smoothly after a total change in oil and fluid! What a great scooter. It's the perfect thing between a car (which I can't afford and don't need) and a bike (which is just not my thing and doesn't really work for what I need).
The extra mobility is great and DC is not a bad town to ride in - despite the traffic circles it's easy to find one-way streets, left turn arrows, and quiet work-arounds for avoiding the downtown traffic. Plus I can park it right outside my building.
This is what it looks like:
I can't even tell you how fun it is to zip (carefully!) around town. Instead of trudging 14 block with groceries or slugging on the metro every day to work, I absolutely LOVE errands and commuting.
The extra mobility is great and DC is not a bad town to ride in - despite the traffic circles it's easy to find one-way streets, left turn arrows, and quiet work-arounds for avoiding the downtown traffic. Plus I can park it right outside my building.
This is what it looks like:
I can't even tell you how fun it is to zip (carefully!) around town. Instead of trudging 14 block with groceries or slugging on the metro every day to work, I absolutely LOVE errands and commuting.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Still Couponing
It's been a while since I posted a good grocery trip - and today was a decent one!
A couple things made this one a little better than usual: First, Harris Teeter was having one of their promotions where every coupon up to $1.98 in value was doubled. So that's big. This happens about every six weeks. Second, Harris Teeter has started offering online coupons that you load directly onto your club card. These can be combined with paper coupons and there are usually some matchups with what's been in the paper.
So. Keeping that in mind, here's what I got today:
2 Sesmark crackers 2 for $4.
-Two $1 off two coupons that doubled = free.
1 Always infinity pads on sale for $6.49
-One $2 off one paper coupon and one $2 off one e-coupon = $2.49
1 Playtex tampons on sale for $3.99
-One $1.50 off one coupon that doubled = $0.99
2 Garnier Fructis deep conditioners on sale for $2.79 each
-Two $1 off one coupons that doubled = $1.58 for two
1 bottle Vendage cabernet for $8.99
1 package fresh strawberries for B1G1 (item rings at half off) = $1.99
2 Cucumbers at $.79 each = $1.58
2 Yoplait frozen smoothie kits on sale for $2.99
-Two $0.75 off of one that double = $2.98 for two
1 Harris Teeter moose tracks ice cream = $2.50
2 Helluva Good cheeses on sale 2 for $4
-One $1 off two coupon that doubled = $2 for two
1 doz. Harris Teeter large eggs on sale for $0.77
SUBTOTAL: $47.87
TOTAL COUPONS/E-COUPONS = $17.50
TOTAL OUT OF POCKET = $30.37
Not a bad total when you consider it includes wine, personal care items, and fresh produce. And check out some of the individual prices - $1 for good sharp cheddar, crackers to go with it for free, $0.79 for the brand of conditioner that I would buy anyway. Without the wine my savings rate would have been even better!
A couple things made this one a little better than usual: First, Harris Teeter was having one of their promotions where every coupon up to $1.98 in value was doubled. So that's big. This happens about every six weeks. Second, Harris Teeter has started offering online coupons that you load directly onto your club card. These can be combined with paper coupons and there are usually some matchups with what's been in the paper.
So. Keeping that in mind, here's what I got today:
2 Sesmark crackers 2 for $4.
-Two $1 off two coupons that doubled = free.
1 Always infinity pads on sale for $6.49
-One $2 off one paper coupon and one $2 off one e-coupon = $2.49
1 Playtex tampons on sale for $3.99
-One $1.50 off one coupon that doubled = $0.99
2 Garnier Fructis deep conditioners on sale for $2.79 each
-Two $1 off one coupons that doubled = $1.58 for two
1 bottle Vendage cabernet for $8.99
1 package fresh strawberries for B1G1 (item rings at half off) = $1.99
2 Cucumbers at $.79 each = $1.58
2 Yoplait frozen smoothie kits on sale for $2.99
-Two $0.75 off of one that double = $2.98 for two
1 Harris Teeter moose tracks ice cream = $2.50
2 Helluva Good cheeses on sale 2 for $4
-One $1 off two coupon that doubled = $2 for two
1 doz. Harris Teeter large eggs on sale for $0.77
SUBTOTAL: $47.87
TOTAL COUPONS/E-COUPONS = $17.50
TOTAL OUT OF POCKET = $30.37
Not a bad total when you consider it includes wine, personal care items, and fresh produce. And check out some of the individual prices - $1 for good sharp cheddar, crackers to go with it for free, $0.79 for the brand of conditioner that I would buy anyway. Without the wine my savings rate would have been even better!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wildlife
This afteroon J and I took advantage of where we live and saw the National Geographic Best Wildlife Photography exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History.
These were some unbelievable photos. Just amazing. I have a soft spot for wildlife photos - they evoke so many emotions. For me, mainly sadness (interestingly).
The museum was crowded and that was our fault for waiting so long. The exhibit opened in March and we should have gone then. But today it worked out - I was working from an office about five blocks away, and J is a 30-minute walk from home. So we met up, saw the photos, then reconvened at my place for dinner.
Here are a few of my favorites.
I wish I could take wildlife photos like this. But I feel so lucky to have instant access to the museums and to live vicariously through these amazing photographers.
These were some unbelievable photos. Just amazing. I have a soft spot for wildlife photos - they evoke so many emotions. For me, mainly sadness (interestingly).
The museum was crowded and that was our fault for waiting so long. The exhibit opened in March and we should have gone then. But today it worked out - I was working from an office about five blocks away, and J is a 30-minute walk from home. So we met up, saw the photos, then reconvened at my place for dinner.
Here are a few of my favorites.
I wish I could take wildlife photos like this. But I feel so lucky to have instant access to the museums and to live vicariously through these amazing photographers.
Monday, June 20, 2011
One more year for hubs!
It's no secret that I would drop everything to move to Sweden if Nicklas Lidstrom asked me to. I have been watching him play hockey for twenty years and he never ceases to amaze. No other active player has the league-wide respect of the Red Wings' own #5. And he's returning for (at least) one more year before retirement!
Here are some shots I took of him last year in Detroit.
Here are some shots I took of him last year in Detroit.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
New Goals
For the past couple years I have been on a mission to pay off my student loans. Last year I paid over 10k and I am on track to get them all paid off in the next 15-18 months.
To do this, I keep my savings capped where it is and pretty much put everything extra toward the loans.
However... I have been fantasizing of late about a teeny tiny row house of my own; with a patio and a little garden and a grill. Private outdoor space would be heaven, just heaven.
I am restricted in my ability to sell my home - I promised to live here for five years in return for accepting the 8k first-time home-buyer's tax credit. Two years down, three to go, but this is a blessing in disguise; it prevents me from being over-zealous and selling prematurely.
So now, with a goal to have 60-70k to put down on a new home by 2015, between equity in my current home and liquid savings, I am going to cut in half the amount of money I send to my loans monthly and put the other half into savings. This will lengthen the amount of time it will take me to pay my loans, but really, it doesn't matter. The interest is incredibly low AND tax-deductible.
So... onward... intelligently... sticking with the plan... and hopefully being in a new home in the next 3-5 years!
To do this, I keep my savings capped where it is and pretty much put everything extra toward the loans.
However... I have been fantasizing of late about a teeny tiny row house of my own; with a patio and a little garden and a grill. Private outdoor space would be heaven, just heaven.
I am restricted in my ability to sell my home - I promised to live here for five years in return for accepting the 8k first-time home-buyer's tax credit. Two years down, three to go, but this is a blessing in disguise; it prevents me from being over-zealous and selling prematurely.
So now, with a goal to have 60-70k to put down on a new home by 2015, between equity in my current home and liquid savings, I am going to cut in half the amount of money I send to my loans monthly and put the other half into savings. This will lengthen the amount of time it will take me to pay my loans, but really, it doesn't matter. The interest is incredibly low AND tax-deductible.
So... onward... intelligently... sticking with the plan... and hopefully being in a new home in the next 3-5 years!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Cats!
Cat owners know that with them comes zero personal space.
This morning I just wanted to do my crossword puzzle in peace.
This is what happened after answering only one clue.
This morning I just wanted to do my crossword puzzle in peace.
This is what happened after answering only one clue.
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Spring Cleaning!
I live to declutter. I just can't stand a messy, crowded space. One of my favorite things to do is to clean out my closet but since I never re-accumulate anything it becomes more and more difficult to pare down.
But given that this is a very quiet week for me socially, I figured I would take advantage of time and go through some boxes that I moved from my last apartment but never actually unpacked.
Success - three boxes pared down to two and a whole bunch of useless crap thrown out. I did, however, keep some things: a photo of my dearly beloved horse, an icon of the Goddess Diana, some wall hangings. Chintzy picture frames and knick-knacks that I will never display again were tossed.
I also cleaned out the fridge and freezer and threw in a huge load of laundry including the comforter.
Later this week I will try to go through some clothes and get rid of things that I don't love or that are worn out.
Man... I feel five pounds lighter!
But given that this is a very quiet week for me socially, I figured I would take advantage of time and go through some boxes that I moved from my last apartment but never actually unpacked.
Success - three boxes pared down to two and a whole bunch of useless crap thrown out. I did, however, keep some things: a photo of my dearly beloved horse, an icon of the Goddess Diana, some wall hangings. Chintzy picture frames and knick-knacks that I will never display again were tossed.
I also cleaned out the fridge and freezer and threw in a huge load of laundry including the comforter.
Later this week I will try to go through some clothes and get rid of things that I don't love or that are worn out.
Man... I feel five pounds lighter!
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Maymont
We went to Richmond this weekend so I could meet up with some friends Friday night. Then Saturday we all went to this park/estate called Maymont. There are some bird pens with hawks and eagles, an enclosure with two black bears, a petting zoo for kids, Asian and Italian gardens, gazebos, lots of little paths and nooks to explore. It's a really gorgeous setting and it was a beautiful day to spend outside.
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