Things are under control financially. Thanks to hard work and a good paying job.
It is the personal life that needs work. So I'm leaving it personal.
I am still around the blogging world, following and adding my 2 cents here and there.
If I can get out of debt ANYONE can!
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Surprise $$
I was very surprised to find a couple of deposits in my bank account this last week. Big, like $3,000 big. In January I had a boatload of paperwork and crap to fill in because of my work injury. I was told by my employer that I had to or I would not get my medical coverage or my pension benefits.
So a ton of photocopies, 2 trips to the Dr., too many phone calls to count and I mailed and faxed in my life story.
Apparently, I wasn't applying for what they told me or for what it said on the forms! I had called the company and clarified twice, told them I was working full time again. I thought it was all tickety-boo.
I got a letter from the same lady I had clarified why and for what all of the paperwork was for saying that this was my income supplement for when my employer dropped down my hours, and that they gave it to me even though I had applied 8 months too late!???
Umm Hello??? I filled in all of the BS within a week of getting the forms from my employer! I don't have access to these forms unless they are given by my employer. Don't tell me I am 8 months late. I was told it was for medical benefits and pension coverage. That wasn't done at all. Talk about screwed up departments. I don't care, they are all a bunch of fools. I will take the money.
*edited to add: I apparently met the criteria to receive it, even though not one dummy told me about it when my wage was cut by 3/4*
So I added money to my 2 savings accounts of 1. House stuff /crap happens and 2. Vacation.
My little #3 had his other test done and it was a nightmare. I don't even like to think about it. I knew it had to be done but he didn't cope well and had a lot of discomfort.
Now we wait and find out what needs to happen. 3 options: 1.big surgery 2. small surgery no external work, just a scope and injection in the bladder 3. nothing - live with it and hope it doesn't get worse.
I am going to phone the specialists office today.
DH has been at his new job all week. It is identical behavior that he has done for his last 6 jobs. He phones me (no matter where I am or what I'm doing), tells me he hates it, tells me he's quitting. Pretty much has a panic attack and acts like he's 4. I tell him that we have been through this 6 times now and for the 6th time he will be fine and if he doesn't want to work he can move home and live with his mommy. Suck it up and be a man. Honestly! I didn't even have to finish my spiel this time... I said my usual lines "and if you don't want to work you...." "I can move home with my mother" "There you go honey"
I'm tired, I too am doing a job that I don't love and find a breeze. Trust me that the stress levels in what we do are not comparable at all. I would love to have as little responsibility as he does. His biggest decision this week was where to go for coffee!!! I don't drive the sympathy bus. I should be all gushy I suppose but really, I have supported my family for 10 years financially. Until the mortgage was paid and since then - even with my reduced wage we split the bills in 1/2. He does pay for the line of credit that the vehicles are on. He could pay it off in its entirety today but he doesn't want to part with the cash. His choice to pay the interest.
My kid #1 got a full time job this summer. (Yeah mom and the new resume!). I helped with his cover letter too as his dad, my idiot x told him he could and should use the same one for all jobs he applies for!?
No, you need to be specific to the job you are applying for. He had a "Group Interview" with 6 others and he got the job. I was very proud of him. He's a friendly nice kid and should do fine working at this place over the summer.
As soon as we find out the plan for little #3 we are going to book a holiday or 2. I have also had a talk with DH that IF our little guy needs the big surgery I will not work anymore. I'll take a leave for as long as it takes for him to be fine again. I had planned to go part time at the end of 2013 and we would be financially fine. If I have to work 0 hours and care for my son full time we will be more than fine too. I will just stop the big RRSP monthly buy I'm doing and reduce or stop the RESP.
It really never gets easy does it?
The Good Things...
free $$ as far as I'm concerned
We have jobs that pay well
my older 2 have good jobs for summer
I am prepared to do what I need to do for my son's health
Things that suck...
I would do anything to trade places with my little guy
not loving your job
stress
So a ton of photocopies, 2 trips to the Dr., too many phone calls to count and I mailed and faxed in my life story.
Apparently, I wasn't applying for what they told me or for what it said on the forms! I had called the company and clarified twice, told them I was working full time again. I thought it was all tickety-boo.
I got a letter from the same lady I had clarified why and for what all of the paperwork was for saying that this was my income supplement for when my employer dropped down my hours, and that they gave it to me even though I had applied 8 months too late!???
Umm Hello??? I filled in all of the BS within a week of getting the forms from my employer! I don't have access to these forms unless they are given by my employer. Don't tell me I am 8 months late. I was told it was for medical benefits and pension coverage. That wasn't done at all. Talk about screwed up departments. I don't care, they are all a bunch of fools. I will take the money.
*edited to add: I apparently met the criteria to receive it, even though not one dummy told me about it when my wage was cut by 3/4*
So I added money to my 2 savings accounts of 1. House stuff /crap happens and 2. Vacation.
My little #3 had his other test done and it was a nightmare. I don't even like to think about it. I knew it had to be done but he didn't cope well and had a lot of discomfort.
Now we wait and find out what needs to happen. 3 options: 1.big surgery 2. small surgery no external work, just a scope and injection in the bladder 3. nothing - live with it and hope it doesn't get worse.
I am going to phone the specialists office today.
DH has been at his new job all week. It is identical behavior that he has done for his last 6 jobs. He phones me (no matter where I am or what I'm doing), tells me he hates it, tells me he's quitting. Pretty much has a panic attack and acts like he's 4. I tell him that we have been through this 6 times now and for the 6th time he will be fine and if he doesn't want to work he can move home and live with his mommy. Suck it up and be a man. Honestly! I didn't even have to finish my spiel this time... I said my usual lines "and if you don't want to work you...." "I can move home with my mother" "There you go honey"
I'm tired, I too am doing a job that I don't love and find a breeze. Trust me that the stress levels in what we do are not comparable at all. I would love to have as little responsibility as he does. His biggest decision this week was where to go for coffee!!! I don't drive the sympathy bus. I should be all gushy I suppose but really, I have supported my family for 10 years financially. Until the mortgage was paid and since then - even with my reduced wage we split the bills in 1/2. He does pay for the line of credit that the vehicles are on. He could pay it off in its entirety today but he doesn't want to part with the cash. His choice to pay the interest.
My kid #1 got a full time job this summer. (Yeah mom and the new resume!). I helped with his cover letter too as his dad, my idiot x told him he could and should use the same one for all jobs he applies for!?
No, you need to be specific to the job you are applying for. He had a "Group Interview" with 6 others and he got the job. I was very proud of him. He's a friendly nice kid and should do fine working at this place over the summer.
As soon as we find out the plan for little #3 we are going to book a holiday or 2. I have also had a talk with DH that IF our little guy needs the big surgery I will not work anymore. I'll take a leave for as long as it takes for him to be fine again. I had planned to go part time at the end of 2013 and we would be financially fine. If I have to work 0 hours and care for my son full time we will be more than fine too. I will just stop the big RRSP monthly buy I'm doing and reduce or stop the RESP.
It really never gets easy does it?
The Good Things...
free $$ as far as I'm concerned
We have jobs that pay well
my older 2 have good jobs for summer
I am prepared to do what I need to do for my son's health
Things that suck...
I would do anything to trade places with my little guy
not loving your job
stress
Sunday, March 24, 2013
I've been nominated!
Thank you to Aggie over at http://www.shoestringmanor.com/
Anything that is for myself and over $100 I will wait at least 3 days. For the family I will talk it over with dh.
2. Why are you cheap?
I'm not cheap. I would rather buy quality over something cheap that will wear out twice as fast.
My dh is cheap. He wears out clothes and shoes twice as fast as me but doesn't see how it relates. I will also save up to buy good quality furniture instead of flimsy cheapo stuff.
3. Processed, from scratch or both when you cook?
Both. This last year with a back injury that made me loose hand and arm strength I have been happy to have pre-made things. ie pre sliced carrots!
4. Manufactured or homemade (non-food)?
We all prefer homemade
5. How handy/creative are you? 1-10 scale.
I'll give myself a 7. Points off for not being able to knit or crochet. I am very comfortable with tools...drills, saws, drywall, painting, etc. I like to create in my yard with landscaping and flowers.
6. Books or movies?
Books
7. Why blog?
It is an outlet for me because I don't share my finances with anyone on a regular basis in real life.
8. Dogs or cats?
I have a dog but I love all animals and would have a zoo in my house if I could.
9. Do you use Google to spell check?
Yes
10. Cast iron cookware, yes or no?
No.
11. What did you want to be when you grew up?
A pilot.
11 Random things about me...
1. My Mom-in-law frequently buys me clothes, and I love them :)
2. I have never worn the colour red in my life until a month ago and I got a pair of pants/jeans that were $24 reg $100 for my new job.
3. My own family is a dysfunctional mess. We don't talk. My mom has never said that she loves me, and I can count on one hand the compliments that I have got in the last 10 years. (none on my wedding day).
4. I am now back at a very well paying job. My dh is too.
5. Because of my spending habits and savings we didn't go without anything when my wage was severely reduced. I can also decrease my job to part-time and we will still maintain the same lifestyle.
6. I have at times a wicked temper. (I blame my red hair)
7. Because of my family mess I love my own kids with openness and I tell them I love them and am proud of them often. I am a moma bear when it comes to my boys. This red hair also makes me love fierce and protect fierce. ;)
8. I am very uncomfortable in large crowds. I hate when strangers bump into me. Dh understands now and he always works to clear a path and be my bouncer when we go to a sporting event or concert.
9. I love American football. I'm Canadian.
10. The last time I flew in a plane was 4 years ago. We had horrible turbulence 10 minutes straight before landing and I thought that I was going to start puking along with the kids behind me. I'm scared to fly again.
11. I buy everything with a credit card. I pay it off in full every month and have done so for 10 years now.
I will come back and tag some blogs when I've thought of some questions today.
Questions I wonder about others...
1. Do you talk to family and friends freely about money like you may do on your blog?
2. When is the last time you went out for a nice meal? (And enjoyed it)
3. You are given $500, where does it go?
4. A job you hate for 6 figures or a job you love for minimum wage?
5. Green thumb or brown thumb?
6. What would be a "do over and do different" in your life?
7. What would be a "do-again"?
8. Most expensive piece of clothing you ever bought? (Includes wedding wear)
9. What do you collect?
10. The last thing that you baked as a treat?
11. Would you be able to handle 6 months without any income for your family?
I nominate...
http://thehawaiiplan.blogspot.com/
http://lifebeginsatretirement.blogspot.com/
http://anostrichnamedsam.blogspot.com/
http://planetdebtfree.blogspot.com/
http://outmywindowtoday.blogspot.com/
http://www.thequesttobe.com/
Friday, March 15, 2013
Payday and Payment Day
It hardly ever happens that I get paid and the payments are on the same day. I am paid every 2 weeks but payments are arranged by date. I like that it is orderly this month. This makes it a 3 paycheque month too! Good thing as I was reading in my archives that my insurance bill will be arriving soon and due to a tune of $1,100.
One of little guys tests is done. It was painful getting a bunch of iv pokes. I was ready to choke the tech. I wouldn't let her do the third one, called in someone that was good at kids iv's and he made it look easy. Now thanks to her my child is terrified of iv's. He had numbing cream on and she went beside and above it?! Anyone could see the vein to use! What's worse is things are looking like he will need surgery. How big of a surgery will be determined by the test next week. I would rather cut off my own leg than have him go through any of this. I hate it.
The only bit of information that made me feel a bit better is that this isn't related to the strep he had. Or at least it doesn't look that way right now. So a bit of guilt has been lifted but not the feeling of helplessness that he has to go through this at all.
I had my brave mommy face on all day and then cried all night. Thank goodness that I can go into work a little late and it's OK. Nobody gets bothered by it.
My dh starts in his new department in a week. I am relieved that he will be in a stable job for now. His pay is going up which is good so that means the LOC will be going down faster.
My friend invited me to visit her in New Jersey. I am in a state of flux right now with my little guy. Once life settles down again may take her up on it. We used to be next door neighbours 20 years ago and then we were co-workers for many years. I miss her. Her 3 kids were adorable and have now grown into beautiful successful people. She went through a nasty divorce right after I did. She met her soul mate online and moved across the country. She is happy, she looks as good as she did 20 years ago. I always wished she was my older sister. I think I would really enjoy a week with her.
Here is today's accomplishment:
1 hour left to rise and I should be pretty popular after school today!
The Good Things:
great kids
Things that suck:
I would give anything to trade places with my son.
One of little guys tests is done. It was painful getting a bunch of iv pokes. I was ready to choke the tech. I wouldn't let her do the third one, called in someone that was good at kids iv's and he made it look easy. Now thanks to her my child is terrified of iv's. He had numbing cream on and she went beside and above it?! Anyone could see the vein to use! What's worse is things are looking like he will need surgery. How big of a surgery will be determined by the test next week. I would rather cut off my own leg than have him go through any of this. I hate it.
The only bit of information that made me feel a bit better is that this isn't related to the strep he had. Or at least it doesn't look that way right now. So a bit of guilt has been lifted but not the feeling of helplessness that he has to go through this at all.
I had my brave mommy face on all day and then cried all night. Thank goodness that I can go into work a little late and it's OK. Nobody gets bothered by it.
My dh starts in his new department in a week. I am relieved that he will be in a stable job for now. His pay is going up which is good so that means the LOC will be going down faster.
My friend invited me to visit her in New Jersey. I am in a state of flux right now with my little guy. Once life settles down again may take her up on it. We used to be next door neighbours 20 years ago and then we were co-workers for many years. I miss her. Her 3 kids were adorable and have now grown into beautiful successful people. She went through a nasty divorce right after I did. She met her soul mate online and moved across the country. She is happy, she looks as good as she did 20 years ago. I always wished she was my older sister. I think I would really enjoy a week with her.
Here is today's accomplishment:
The Good Things:
great kids
Things that suck:
I would give anything to trade places with my son.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Payday and new Specs!
Picked up my new glasses last night. $420! Good Grief! All of my boys helped me pick them out. If you ever want a no time wasted, no beating around the bush, have 3 boys at the optometrist office and say that no one leaves until Mom has new glasses picked out.
"Those ones make you look angry"
"Those are a stupid colour"
"What is that supposed to be on the side of them?"
"Nope"
"Naw"
"You look like a Librarian"
"Those give you a unibrow"
"Those are o.k."
"Yep - get those"
They ended up being technically men's glasses but whatever. I guess when 4 men help you pick out glasses, that's what they like!
Dh had told me that he has full coverage up to $650/2years per person. No, he has $275. I don't know what numbers he was looking at but - wrong! My health benefits are in the process of being covered so in a month or 2 I will get a full refund.
Today is a good day because it's PAYDAY! This is my first normal paycheque in 2 months. Dh still hasn't started over at his new job. Don't know when that will happen yet but it should be within the next month. If all of the pieces fall into place like they should he will get a decent raise by this time next year. I have informed him that after this year of full time, I am going part-time. I have to go back to shift work then and I don't want to live exhausted like that anymore. It is no life for me or the boys when I work so much. 20% of my pay for the year was overtime that I have to do. Spread out over the year that extra 200+ hours isn't bad, but it is never spread evenly, always in clumps.
We are not big spenders and can live more than comfortably on 1.5 wages.
That is my plan. The .5 of wages will be more than made up in quality of life improvements. More sleep, time to prepare meals, spend time with my kids and myself.
My parental units have left our lives again. I told them that they may be millionaire's (that my Dad brags about incessantly) but they are selfish and poor people. They take neighbours out for fancy dinners, spend nothing but time with other family, then phone and go on and on and on to me about how wonderful so and so is, how great the holiday they went on was. I think in 2006 we went out for dinner with them. I'm done.
They have the golden daughter back on the pedestal again. Spent a week with her and her kids. (I live 5 min away) visited us for 5 minutes on the way out of town. They stood in the doorway and didn't take off thier coats. They did bring a big parting gift of 3 things from the dollar store for kid #3. Refused to join dh for lunch when he called and invited them earlier in the week - they were too tired from babysitting. They looked after the 3 grand kids for 3 hours a day after school was done.
The last conversation the final straw(s): I was informed that I "got a divorce because of the way that "x" put toothpaste on the toothbrush!" I apparently got divorced "for no good reason". Whereas my perfect sibling has been done so wrong by her husband, how could he, how dare he! She is without blame. I was also informed that "Your 2 kids don't know their cousins" Umm Dad, I have 3 children. And my dad "feels sorry" for my current dh because I have such anger towards my parents. WTH?
Anger takes energy and saps the life out of you. I don't have extra to waste on them.
Don't call me to fix things that go wrong in your lives anymore. Call the neighbours. When you are on your next trip (that you don't bother telling me that you are going on) and you have chest pain again at 6 am on a Sunday. Don't wake me up again and have me arrange your medical care and insurance crap from 1000 miles away when you're in another country. Call the golden daughter or call the wonderful neighbours. Save your money because you will need it to hire someone to take care of you when you are old. I'm not going to call in favours from friends when you need and want things anymore. You have the people you value and then you have me at the bottom. Adios.
It is always a weight lifted when they go into silent mode. I don't dread the phone ringing. I go on with my life. Things are complicated enough just going on our own way without having those 2 crazies trying to ruin things. (My mother doesn't have any issues - she watches Dr. Phil everyday ya know!)
I happen to be pretty happy these days. Contrary to what I was informed how people put toothpaste on the toothbrush doesn't bother me in the least. I don't even get worked up about globs of paste in the sink!) I'm pretty sure that my dh loves me and doesn't require anyone's pity for being married to me.
"Those ones make you look angry"
"Those are a stupid colour"
"What is that supposed to be on the side of them?"
"Nope"
"Naw"
"You look like a Librarian"
"Those give you a unibrow"
"Those are o.k."
"Yep - get those"
They ended up being technically men's glasses but whatever. I guess when 4 men help you pick out glasses, that's what they like!
Dh had told me that he has full coverage up to $650/2years per person. No, he has $275. I don't know what numbers he was looking at but - wrong! My health benefits are in the process of being covered so in a month or 2 I will get a full refund.
Today is a good day because it's PAYDAY! This is my first normal paycheque in 2 months. Dh still hasn't started over at his new job. Don't know when that will happen yet but it should be within the next month. If all of the pieces fall into place like they should he will get a decent raise by this time next year. I have informed him that after this year of full time, I am going part-time. I have to go back to shift work then and I don't want to live exhausted like that anymore. It is no life for me or the boys when I work so much. 20% of my pay for the year was overtime that I have to do. Spread out over the year that extra 200+ hours isn't bad, but it is never spread evenly, always in clumps.
We are not big spenders and can live more than comfortably on 1.5 wages.
That is my plan. The .5 of wages will be more than made up in quality of life improvements. More sleep, time to prepare meals, spend time with my kids and myself.
My parental units have left our lives again. I told them that they may be millionaire's (that my Dad brags about incessantly) but they are selfish and poor people. They take neighbours out for fancy dinners, spend nothing but time with other family, then phone and go on and on and on to me about how wonderful so and so is, how great the holiday they went on was. I think in 2006 we went out for dinner with them. I'm done.
They have the golden daughter back on the pedestal again. Spent a week with her and her kids. (I live 5 min away) visited us for 5 minutes on the way out of town. They stood in the doorway and didn't take off thier coats. They did bring a big parting gift of 3 things from the dollar store for kid #3. Refused to join dh for lunch when he called and invited them earlier in the week - they were too tired from babysitting. They looked after the 3 grand kids for 3 hours a day after school was done.
The last conversation the final straw(s): I was informed that I "got a divorce because of the way that "x" put toothpaste on the toothbrush!" I apparently got divorced "for no good reason". Whereas my perfect sibling has been done so wrong by her husband, how could he, how dare he! She is without blame. I was also informed that "Your 2 kids don't know their cousins" Umm Dad, I have 3 children. And my dad "feels sorry" for my current dh because I have such anger towards my parents. WTH?
Anger takes energy and saps the life out of you. I don't have extra to waste on them.
Don't call me to fix things that go wrong in your lives anymore. Call the neighbours. When you are on your next trip (that you don't bother telling me that you are going on) and you have chest pain again at 6 am on a Sunday. Don't wake me up again and have me arrange your medical care and insurance crap from 1000 miles away when you're in another country. Call the golden daughter or call the wonderful neighbours. Save your money because you will need it to hire someone to take care of you when you are old. I'm not going to call in favours from friends when you need and want things anymore. You have the people you value and then you have me at the bottom. Adios.
It is always a weight lifted when they go into silent mode. I don't dread the phone ringing. I go on with my life. Things are complicated enough just going on our own way without having those 2 crazies trying to ruin things. (My mother doesn't have any issues - she watches Dr. Phil everyday ya know!)
I happen to be pretty happy these days. Contrary to what I was informed how people put toothpaste on the toothbrush doesn't bother me in the least. I don't even get worked up about globs of paste in the sink!) I'm pretty sure that my dh loves me and doesn't require anyone's pity for being married to me.
On to some real financial things...
I did not get the numbers on my T4 that I thought. Things don't really match with the pay stubs. I have to hope that some more forms come in the mail. I will still get a good return, just not as good! It will also affect the RRSP carry forward amount. I will likely NOT carry forward anything this year. Next year (effective March 1 this year) I will increase my RRSP contributions. My goal is to equal 1 mortgage payment to equal my RRSP contribution every month. With a wee bit of juggling it will be doable. $850 a month to my future + my work pension. I hope to retire before 65 too!
The Good Things!
a dozen roses - even when I said he didn't have to
vacation days - even if I don't go anywhere
Things that suck...
my income tax is NOT straightforwards this year!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Getting Ready for Taxes
Thank you everyone that wished me well! I really appreciate all of the support that I have here. I have been so exhausted from work, and new meds that I am asleep by 8:30 every night. Not much time to read or leave comments on others blogs. This blog and the group that I read and follow have been a great source of ideas, commiserating, stress relief and humour!
Last night dh and I plugged in some numbers to the tax program. I don't have my T4 yet so there were a lot of guesses. With me being off of work and getting paid by a third party, yet my employer pays me the third party funds...good grief! It is one big ol' cluster of who paid what, income tax on what amount, pension, union dues...painful. It looks like will be getting a refund because I didn't make a big wage like I have in years past. In fact my salary dropped by $30k. Every 2 weeks for the last year I have been grateful that I have had no mortgage money leaving my account. We don't live an extravagant lifestyle, nor do we lack anything. Slow and modest keeps you in the race!
Speaking of pains, Jane I have an old version of something on this puter so I can't comment on your blog :( . http://lifebeginsatretirement.blogspot.ca/ I too know C6 radiculopathy well, 14 months and counting... I have a bulging disk at C6-7 and 2 more lower down. I fully endorse acupuncture and gentle physio (where she slowly lowers my 1st rib and stretches my neck out) I've also started my 13th new med and this one seems to work with only a bit of drowsiness as a side effect. Finally the ache in my arms is gone, fingers are still numb, neck still stiff but not like it was. I may start the juice thing!
I did some work with my RRSP's. There were some that I took out of the "high risk" mutual funds and had moved into a short term GIC a couple months ago. They are due on Wed. After phoning my bank 4 times over 2 days and never reaching a human being, just a difficult to understand voice message that was not left by someone with an understanding of English, I said screw it. They, for some reason can't get back to me within 7 hours. (Yes I am calling the real bank and not a call center in who-know-where.) Yet when you physically go to this bank there are always employees standing around or jack-assing around behind the counter with no customers in the bank. Nobody is smart enough to say "hello" and answer the phone when it rings. Good-bye C!BC, Hello CWB.
These guys answer the phone! A real person that talks to you! You can get in to meet with someone when it works for you!
I've decided to keep these RRSP's in a GIC for 2 years, now with CWB. Yes, there is a $50 fee to transfer. I will make it up with a better rate. And they have a promo on now that you can "scratch and win" a rate increase. I got an extra 1/4% on the posted rate. Not huge, but better than nothing, and will more than pay the transfer fee.
After plugging in my approximate tax numbers you get the little hints at the end. Well it looks like I will carry over my RRSP contributions into next year. It doesn't make tax sense to use them for 2012 with my wage so low. Now that I'm full time again (still lower than before b/c no overtime) I will use them for 2013. The return that comes in will go towards the LOC that has the 2 vehicle's on it and some towards home improvements. I am guessing that a new roof will be around 7k and doors ? maybe 2k. Roof first, and worry about everything else after.
What else is happening... Oh yes, I'm now old. As declared by my 6 yr old! I went to have my eyes checked as I do a lot of computer work now. I need reading glasses. I can still see to read quite well but after 4-5 hours of staring at the screen things start to blur! I thankfully am fully covered by dh's insurance for the exam and the glasses. I'm going to pick out a pair today as I could barely see from the drops they put in at the appointment. Also taking the 3 kids to get there eyes checked too. Kid #1 is 18 and is covered under the x's plan. He needs new glasses (not that he will wear them!) grrrr! Kid #2 and #3 are free exams because they are under 18.
My Grandma is doing really really well since the bad episode at Christmas. After taking her off of a crap-load of pills she was taking but didn't need, her mind is clear! She was a joy to talk to this weekend. I love my Grandma and not just because she calls me "Such a clever and pretty girl"! She is so happy that I'm working again and that dh has a job now. She always prays for me and wants me to be healthy again and happy and successful.
What else is happening... Sharon has a new address now: http://midlifemommusings.com/
I will fix my sidebar...
The Good Things...
tax returns!
CWB
medical insurance for pretty glasses for "an old mommy"
my gram
Things that suck...
getting old
pains in various places
my parental units
Last night dh and I plugged in some numbers to the tax program. I don't have my T4 yet so there were a lot of guesses. With me being off of work and getting paid by a third party, yet my employer pays me the third party funds...good grief! It is one big ol' cluster of who paid what, income tax on what amount, pension, union dues...painful. It looks like will be getting a refund because I didn't make a big wage like I have in years past. In fact my salary dropped by $30k. Every 2 weeks for the last year I have been grateful that I have had no mortgage money leaving my account. We don't live an extravagant lifestyle, nor do we lack anything. Slow and modest keeps you in the race!
Speaking of pains, Jane I have an old version of something on this puter so I can't comment on your blog :( . http://lifebeginsatretirement.blogspot.ca/ I too know C6 radiculopathy well, 14 months and counting... I have a bulging disk at C6-7 and 2 more lower down. I fully endorse acupuncture and gentle physio (where she slowly lowers my 1st rib and stretches my neck out) I've also started my 13th new med and this one seems to work with only a bit of drowsiness as a side effect. Finally the ache in my arms is gone, fingers are still numb, neck still stiff but not like it was. I may start the juice thing!
I did some work with my RRSP's. There were some that I took out of the "high risk" mutual funds and had moved into a short term GIC a couple months ago. They are due on Wed. After phoning my bank 4 times over 2 days and never reaching a human being, just a difficult to understand voice message that was not left by someone with an understanding of English, I said screw it. They, for some reason can't get back to me within 7 hours. (Yes I am calling the real bank and not a call center in who-know-where.) Yet when you physically go to this bank there are always employees standing around or jack-assing around behind the counter with no customers in the bank. Nobody is smart enough to say "hello" and answer the phone when it rings. Good-bye C!BC, Hello CWB.
These guys answer the phone! A real person that talks to you! You can get in to meet with someone when it works for you!
I've decided to keep these RRSP's in a GIC for 2 years, now with CWB. Yes, there is a $50 fee to transfer. I will make it up with a better rate. And they have a promo on now that you can "scratch and win" a rate increase. I got an extra 1/4% on the posted rate. Not huge, but better than nothing, and will more than pay the transfer fee.
After plugging in my approximate tax numbers you get the little hints at the end. Well it looks like I will carry over my RRSP contributions into next year. It doesn't make tax sense to use them for 2012 with my wage so low. Now that I'm full time again (still lower than before b/c no overtime) I will use them for 2013. The return that comes in will go towards the LOC that has the 2 vehicle's on it and some towards home improvements. I am guessing that a new roof will be around 7k and doors ? maybe 2k. Roof first, and worry about everything else after.
What else is happening... Oh yes, I'm now old. As declared by my 6 yr old! I went to have my eyes checked as I do a lot of computer work now. I need reading glasses. I can still see to read quite well but after 4-5 hours of staring at the screen things start to blur! I thankfully am fully covered by dh's insurance for the exam and the glasses. I'm going to pick out a pair today as I could barely see from the drops they put in at the appointment. Also taking the 3 kids to get there eyes checked too. Kid #1 is 18 and is covered under the x's plan. He needs new glasses (not that he will wear them!) grrrr! Kid #2 and #3 are free exams because they are under 18.
My Grandma is doing really really well since the bad episode at Christmas. After taking her off of a crap-load of pills she was taking but didn't need, her mind is clear! She was a joy to talk to this weekend. I love my Grandma and not just because she calls me "Such a clever and pretty girl"! She is so happy that I'm working again and that dh has a job now. She always prays for me and wants me to be healthy again and happy and successful.
What else is happening... Sharon has a new address now: http://midlifemommusings.com/
I will fix my sidebar...
The Good Things...
tax returns!
CWB
medical insurance for pretty glasses for "an old mommy"
my gram
Things that suck...
getting old
pains in various places
my parental units
Monday, February 4, 2013
We are now Fully Employed!
Last week we were supposed to find out about dh's job status. He interviewed for 1 that would have him stay within his area of work. He nor I ever thought that he would get it as there were 2 much more senior people that he was competing with. The department head phoned to say the job was his!
One of the other people doesn't interview well at all. Very nice person after you get to know him but it takes a good 5-6 times of interaction before he is comfortable. Not good when you make a bad first impression. The other person had a reputation that preceded him. They know he is difficult to get along with, lazy and moans and complains about every task he is assigned.
The new position comes with the same pay but has opportunity for advancement. I am so happy and so relieved! It also comes with a more professional dress code. No more khakis and golf shirts!
I have had to put money into a wardrobe and now so does dh. So far I have spent around $200 on clothes. I have many many outfit combinations and a pair of shoes that works with all of my pants. My wonderful mil just got back from Arizona and brought me 3 basic tops that will work perfect too. (I love her!!) Everything has been on clearance or with a gift card so I think I am getting the most for my money.
Despite looking good, my back is still killing me. I have a pharmacy in the kitchen cupboard of pills that don't help much. I need to keep going to acupuncture and physio (same person) but the new job has had mandatory attendance for 2 weeks and now my physio has gone on holidays :( no relief in sight for 3 weeks.
Today is a vacation day that I had to use up. But still had to go in to a 8:30 meeting this morning. Nothing like getting all gussied up for an hour and then being at home! I am making bread, getting laundry done and making some appointments.
1. Need to call the bank and meet with the financial planner. My mutual funds that I pulled out and put into GIC's are due next week. dh will not get any severance pay but he will get back pay from his new contract.
2. I need to see an optometrist! I am sitting in all of these presentations and squinting from the back!! Not cool. The little twerp that checked my eyes 3 years ago said I will likely need glasses in a couple of years as "Someone your age can expect".
3. I am going to set up some times for when my physio gets back.
4. I keep talking about, but have yet to get our passports done. With both of us employed I think we can now book a holiday!
5. Tonight is budget talk night. What we are going to save, who pays for what and imminent house repairs. New shingles, front door replaced? Rear deck needs staining and shed painted. I can't do these things myself anymore. (well I wouldn't do the shingles - just removing) We need guesstimates and a timeline.
My new position has now lost the manager that should have hired me and that got her hand slapped. She is onwards and upwards as you know how things float to the top in any big organization. Another new perk of my position is that one of my job sites is 5 minutes from home! In the spring and summer I can do the 20 minute walk in the morning! Plus, right by a Starbucks (which I have a couple gift cards for!)
The Good Things...
Both of us employed full time
It is only -4 C right now (far cry from -38 last week!!)
I have a quiet house to myself
Great coffee
Loving in-laws
Things that suck...
Little #3 has to go into some childcare before and after school
My "newer" winter coat has a broken zipper and my old one is ripped
my side of the family is the biggest bunch of screw ups possible
One of the other people doesn't interview well at all. Very nice person after you get to know him but it takes a good 5-6 times of interaction before he is comfortable. Not good when you make a bad first impression. The other person had a reputation that preceded him. They know he is difficult to get along with, lazy and moans and complains about every task he is assigned.
The new position comes with the same pay but has opportunity for advancement. I am so happy and so relieved! It also comes with a more professional dress code. No more khakis and golf shirts!
I have had to put money into a wardrobe and now so does dh. So far I have spent around $200 on clothes. I have many many outfit combinations and a pair of shoes that works with all of my pants. My wonderful mil just got back from Arizona and brought me 3 basic tops that will work perfect too. (I love her!!) Everything has been on clearance or with a gift card so I think I am getting the most for my money.
Despite looking good, my back is still killing me. I have a pharmacy in the kitchen cupboard of pills that don't help much. I need to keep going to acupuncture and physio (same person) but the new job has had mandatory attendance for 2 weeks and now my physio has gone on holidays :( no relief in sight for 3 weeks.
Today is a vacation day that I had to use up. But still had to go in to a 8:30 meeting this morning. Nothing like getting all gussied up for an hour and then being at home! I am making bread, getting laundry done and making some appointments.
1. Need to call the bank and meet with the financial planner. My mutual funds that I pulled out and put into GIC's are due next week. dh will not get any severance pay but he will get back pay from his new contract.
2. I need to see an optometrist! I am sitting in all of these presentations and squinting from the back!! Not cool. The little twerp that checked my eyes 3 years ago said I will likely need glasses in a couple of years as "Someone your age can expect".
3. I am going to set up some times for when my physio gets back.
4. I keep talking about, but have yet to get our passports done. With both of us employed I think we can now book a holiday!
5. Tonight is budget talk night. What we are going to save, who pays for what and imminent house repairs. New shingles, front door replaced? Rear deck needs staining and shed painted. I can't do these things myself anymore. (well I wouldn't do the shingles - just removing) We need guesstimates and a timeline.
My new position has now lost the manager that should have hired me and that got her hand slapped. She is onwards and upwards as you know how things float to the top in any big organization. Another new perk of my position is that one of my job sites is 5 minutes from home! In the spring and summer I can do the 20 minute walk in the morning! Plus, right by a Starbucks (which I have a couple gift cards for!)
The Good Things...
Both of us employed full time
It is only -4 C right now (far cry from -38 last week!!)
I have a quiet house to myself
Great coffee
Loving in-laws
Things that suck...
Little #3 has to go into some childcare before and after school
My "newer" winter coat has a broken zipper and my old one is ripped
my side of the family is the biggest bunch of screw ups possible
Friday, January 25, 2013
The Tide Has Turned!
I have a full time job again!! Horray!!
I can't give you the details of how the past week has shaken down but boy oh boy were there a lot of meetings and phone calls. I turned my anger into action!
The short version of myself and others vs. employer: give me the job that I should have been hired for, was most senior and most qualified for or.... we can go to the Labour Standards Act or all the way to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Your pick. You can not discriminate against an injured worker when they are capable of doing the job.
Ta Dah! The job opens up and I'm given the position the next day. The new position comes with free scowls and sneers from a manager that got her hand slapped hard. I don't care. My boss (that I still hate) got a spank too. Don't mess with me. We kicked a$$ and took names.
The best day of all was when my little guy told me that I looked "Just like Alicia in The Good Wife" when I was preparing to go in to yet another meeting. One of the hags ladies at the table looked like she had crawled out from a creek bank somewhere. Just sayin' that if you are meeting with a bunch of suits, you should look like you belong. (Thank goodness for the Christmas gift card free shopping!!!)
Now by Feb 4 we should know the status of dh's employment. It looks promising and we are hopeful that things fall into place quickly.
My salary is still lower than it was pre-injury because I don't do any overtime but it will be a lot higher than it was heading earlier!
This job has a time limit of a year but there are many opportunities that can come along. Once dh is settled into something and my year is up I am open to ideas and opportunities. Those include part-time and being around more for my kids!
The Good Things....
an extra almost $30,000 per year
awesome friends and co-workers
a complete "rock" for me to lean on in my dh
Things that suck...
first world problems of what to wear to work
I can't give you the details of how the past week has shaken down but boy oh boy were there a lot of meetings and phone calls. I turned my anger into action!
The short version of myself and others vs. employer: give me the job that I should have been hired for, was most senior and most qualified for or.... we can go to the Labour Standards Act or all the way to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Your pick. You can not discriminate against an injured worker when they are capable of doing the job.
Ta Dah! The job opens up and I'm given the position the next day. The new position comes with free scowls and sneers from a manager that got her hand slapped hard. I don't care. My boss (that I still hate) got a spank too. Don't mess with me. We kicked a$$ and took names.
The best day of all was when my little guy told me that I looked "Just like Alicia in The Good Wife" when I was preparing to go in to yet another meeting. One of the h
Now by Feb 4 we should know the status of dh's employment. It looks promising and we are hopeful that things fall into place quickly.
My salary is still lower than it was pre-injury because I don't do any overtime but it will be a lot higher than it was heading earlier!
This job has a time limit of a year but there are many opportunities that can come along. Once dh is settled into something and my year is up I am open to ideas and opportunities. Those include part-time and being around more for my kids!
The Good Things....
an extra almost $30,000 per year
awesome friends and co-workers
a complete "rock" for me to lean on in my dh
Things that suck...
first world problems of what to wear to work
Monday, January 14, 2013
I'm Going to Roll With it this Week
I'm not sure what is happening with my blogging posts. Ah well, add it to the long list of things going on around me that I don't know what happening.
My job that I thought I had, I don't. Huge, huge cluster *&$#. I now can say without hesitation that I hate my boss.
My take home pay has been reduced by 45% so spending is nil.
Dh is waiting to hear about 2 interviews that he's done. Luckily he is still at full wage.
To counter next to no money coming in, I did a shopping spree with Christmas gift cards! 3 pr of pants, 3 tops and 8 pr socks, and a sweater for kid #2 for $15.00 cost to me!
Then I had a free Starbucks Latte!
I'm still angry about a lot of things going on - but damn I look good !)
I would love to go into detail, who knows, if I get fired then I will publish who I am and all I know. Complete with pictures :)
Hope that everyone's week goes a lot better than mine!!!
My job that I thought I had, I don't. Huge, huge cluster *&$#. I now can say without hesitation that I hate my boss.
My take home pay has been reduced by 45% so spending is nil.
Dh is waiting to hear about 2 interviews that he's done. Luckily he is still at full wage.
To counter next to no money coming in, I did a shopping spree with Christmas gift cards! 3 pr of pants, 3 tops and 8 pr socks, and a sweater for kid #2 for $15.00 cost to me!
Then I had a free Starbucks Latte!
I'm still angry about a lot of things going on - but damn I look good !)
I would love to go into detail, who knows, if I get fired then I will publish who I am and all I know. Complete with pictures :)
Hope that everyone's week goes a lot better than mine!!!
Friday, January 4, 2013
2013 The year of Wait and See
2013 I have declared to be the year of uncertainty. There are so many things that are out of my control. The new position that I am supposed to start, there is no start date...
The new job for dh, there is no official job contract offer. But now he interviews for another department next week.
My kid #1 is not trying very hard at university. I am not impressed with the marks. So no laptop and I will not be funding a second year as it stands now. He has to get it together.
Kid #2 who is very bright, completely tanked his English. He hates the teacher. I've met her, spoke with her, she is not an unpleasant person but I agree with my son that she is disorganized and difficult to follow when she talks. When I ask her a yes or no question 3 minutes later when she's done talking about god knows what, I still have to ask "So is that a YES or a NO?" I appreciate people that are clear and concise. She is neither.
Regardless of his difficulty to learn from her, all of the course requirements are on paper. Shakespeare still has all of the same lines.
All of the Christmas decorations came down yesterday. There weren't many up, so easy and quick to put away. Christmas spending came in around $800 for 16 people's gifts and 3 hosted meals for 9,9 and 11 people. I think I did really good. My sibling owes me $50 for the parental units gift but I'm not going to see that I'm sure.
The parental units are going away on a little one week get-away to a 5* resort in central america somewhere. Such a great deal ya know, only $3800. But they are paying extra to be in the "exclusive club". They just thought that I should know since they leave this Sunday and I am the contact number! Goody for you two. Holy moly are they ever a pair of jerks. They did see my kids the beginning of October when we were there for a funeral so I guess that is good enough. I did not write down any of the resorts contact information because quite honestly there is not one thing that could happen, death included, that I would call them about.
Like my husband says "Keep our heads down and keep moving". Life goes on, it doesn't matter what bs goes on around us. I have to tend to life as it is happening in my house.
I have been researching what to do with my TFSA that comes due and my RRSP's that I pulled out of the high risk mutual funds. I'm still up in the air. I have a couple of funds that I think look promising and are less risk. Will see when we meet with the financial planner in a month.
Today I am procrastinating doing my paperwork. I have a truck load of papers to fill out for benefits and pension because they were affected by my time off from injury. I likely have 100 pages of forms and photocopies to do this weekend. BARF.
What has gone my way this week?.... I got an awesome haircut yesterday and it was free! I was able to help out my hairdresser a few months back and she was so grateful it was a freebie! (saved $55!)
I found dress pants for the new job (that starts god knows when) for 75% off - $23 tax incl. And I splurged on a pair of casual low black shoes. $120 yikes! But I love them and will wear them likely every day! My previous pair are 7-8 years old and pretty scuffed up. For clothes I've lost 12+ lbs so nothing in the pants department of my closet really fits properly. I don't like saggy bum and always having to hike up my pants. (unlike many teenage boys!)
Having been through a few bouts of plantar fasciaitis good shoes are a must, not a splurge. I can pay $30 every 6 months for cheap ones or $120 every 7-8 years. Simple.
For some reason I can't add pictures with Blogger today.
The Good Things...
Great free haircut!
Healthy kids
I'm feeling better and moving better
My in-laws at least care about their grand kid and my older 2 their step-grand kids
Things that suck...
insurance paperwork
as always, my side of the family
The new job for dh, there is no official job contract offer. But now he interviews for another department next week.
My kid #1 is not trying very hard at university. I am not impressed with the marks. So no laptop and I will not be funding a second year as it stands now. He has to get it together.
Kid #2 who is very bright, completely tanked his English. He hates the teacher. I've met her, spoke with her, she is not an unpleasant person but I agree with my son that she is disorganized and difficult to follow when she talks. When I ask her a yes or no question 3 minutes later when she's done talking about god knows what, I still have to ask "So is that a YES or a NO?" I appreciate people that are clear and concise. She is neither.
Regardless of his difficulty to learn from her, all of the course requirements are on paper. Shakespeare still has all of the same lines.
All of the Christmas decorations came down yesterday. There weren't many up, so easy and quick to put away. Christmas spending came in around $800 for 16 people's gifts and 3 hosted meals for 9,9 and 11 people. I think I did really good. My sibling owes me $50 for the parental units gift but I'm not going to see that I'm sure.
The parental units are going away on a little one week get-away to a 5* resort in central america somewhere. Such a great deal ya know, only $3800. But they are paying extra to be in the "exclusive club". They just thought that I should know since they leave this Sunday and I am the contact number! Goody for you two. Holy moly are they ever a pair of jerks. They did see my kids the beginning of October when we were there for a funeral so I guess that is good enough. I did not write down any of the resorts contact information because quite honestly there is not one thing that could happen, death included, that I would call them about.
Like my husband says "Keep our heads down and keep moving". Life goes on, it doesn't matter what bs goes on around us. I have to tend to life as it is happening in my house.
I have been researching what to do with my TFSA that comes due and my RRSP's that I pulled out of the high risk mutual funds. I'm still up in the air. I have a couple of funds that I think look promising and are less risk. Will see when we meet with the financial planner in a month.
Today I am procrastinating doing my paperwork. I have a truck load of papers to fill out for benefits and pension because they were affected by my time off from injury. I likely have 100 pages of forms and photocopies to do this weekend. BARF.
What has gone my way this week?.... I got an awesome haircut yesterday and it was free! I was able to help out my hairdresser a few months back and she was so grateful it was a freebie! (saved $55!)
I found dress pants for the new job (that starts god knows when) for 75% off - $23 tax incl. And I splurged on a pair of casual low black shoes. $120 yikes! But I love them and will wear them likely every day! My previous pair are 7-8 years old and pretty scuffed up. For clothes I've lost 12+ lbs so nothing in the pants department of my closet really fits properly. I don't like saggy bum and always having to hike up my pants. (unlike many teenage boys!)
Having been through a few bouts of plantar fasciaitis good shoes are a must, not a splurge. I can pay $30 every 6 months for cheap ones or $120 every 7-8 years. Simple.
For some reason I can't add pictures with Blogger today.
The Good Things...
Great free haircut!
Healthy kids
I'm feeling better and moving better
My in-laws at least care about their grand kid and my older 2 their step-grand kids
Things that suck...
insurance paperwork
as always, my side of the family
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