Long Time no Posts but Good Stuff Today!

So I dropped off for a long while.  I've been very depressed, been through massive change with my work situation and have a new injury that has really set me back.

I await to see the orthopaedic surgeon and find out if I need surgery or more physio.

I have increased my work hours to 3/4 time from half time, and I have left my previous employer of 24 years.  It has been a big change.

Some good things are a very short commute, very easy physically, better hours, same pay.  Some not good things are very low job satisfaction, I miss my colleagues and I miss my routine.

That's the employment story.

The debt story... well at least that is a happy one!

• Mortgage free since Feb 2012

We had put car and truck purchase on line of credit (This was up to the spouse to pay off - not me) and as of this week it is FINISHED!

We owe nothing - to anyone!

I have been updating my own and our joint net worth and we are in a very good position.

I have a full emergency fund.  I have maxed out my RRSP's.  I have a savings account for house improvement and any crap that happens. I will use this for the new A/C unit we need before summer, any car expenses, other crap that pops up.  I have a Vacation account so that the trips for this year are already funded.  I also have RESP's ready to go for both kids #1 and 2 this fall.

We have some vacation scheduled in a couple months and in the fall for our 10th anniversary.  We are also going to do a warm holiday in the winter and a ski trip to the mountains.  That is going to be the priority.  Vacations!

My kid #2 graduates from high school this June and will go to University.

Kid #1 is still in University but hopes to get into a college to get his Major finished in 2 years.

Kid #3 is still very active in sports and so that takes up 4-5 days a week.  My new hours accommodate this without a problem.

Somewhere in there is some "Me" time.  With the weather warming, more days off and less physical strain at work I hope to be feeling better.  Both out of this funk and getting into better physical condition.

The Good Things:
Income tax returns are very good again this year because of my RRSP deductions
I'm at least not making my injuries worse at work anymore
I have great hours

Things That Suck:
My family are a bunch losers (unchanged)
Spring is taking forever
Groceries cost too much!

Get organized and save money!

Getting organized...

Sometimes I get caught in a circle being unorganized which makes me tired, which makes me more unorganized.  I hate that I have to use the weekends to catch up on all the craziness of the week.

Being behind on laundry makes me scramble in the morning to find clothes, which makes me late making lunches, which makes me spend money on food at work.  This last month has been pretty bad for that.  Yesterday I had some time, so I did some shopping for the week and got supplies for all of my lunches.  I've also caught up on laundry and laid out my clothes for what I'm going to wear each day. No excuses this week!

At work I've been leading some groups that I'm not familiar with.  I've been happy that it's gone very well and I've received some very positive feedback.  However I stress about it so much that I don't sleep very well at night.  I tend to be a perfectionist but yet I'm not a typical "Type A" being organized enough to fall in that category.  Thankfully it's getting easier and I'm gaining confidence each time I have to do it.  What I know I do well is quickly learn my audience.  I read facial expressions and body language better than most people.  That allows me to change my method of presenting so that everyone in the group I'm leading is understanding what I need them to learn.  And I've been told that I fly by the seat of my pants very well!

It's crazy busy and my job looks like it has to be full-time until the second week of November.

Kid #1 is back in University full time and kid# 2 graduates this year!  That will come with a pile of expenses.  Kid #3 is loving school again this fall.  Another great teacher this year!

Kid 3 is back in hockey.  Needed new skates, as did kid 2.  $130 and $400 respectively.  And that is 50% off both pair!!  I split cost with my x for kid 2 so my share was "only" $200!

With all of the big stuff paid for this year...house reno's, hockey equipment and fee, tuition, I think I'm back to save mode vs. spend for a couple months.

We are getting a new to us bbq today as ours has pretty much disintigrated.  For $50 the price is right!

I get a kick out of the way some people spend their money.  Dh's family member that has a wife on maternity leave and an uncertain job just spent $1200 on their new barbecue.  He bought it as a birthday present to himself!  I have never in my life spent money like that on my own birthday present!  Some years I will let myself have a treat or splurge but not like that!  With a mortgage of $400,000 plus a line of credit, plus monthly credit card payments they're making... I don't see how anyone in their right mind can blow that kind of money.  It also comes with a lot of bragging about all of the material possessions they have.  My husband and I look at each other and give each other that little kick under the table.  They live paycheck to paycheck.

A couple weeks ago our air conditioner went kaput.  For now we just open the windows at night and close the blinds during the day.  We are holding off until spring to buy a new one.  We're having it installed by a friend of ours to keep the cost down.  Lucky for us he is a journeyman plumber and refrigeration repair person.  We can also purchase the air-conditioner through him at cost.  This will save us a few thousand dollars!

I've been too relaxed keeping track of my investments.  I have to change my contributions so that I don't go over my RRSP limit.  I've decided that I will just switch that amount over to my tax-free savings account and do a monthly contribution to that.  I've read in a couple places and I saw on TV that the government plan is to double the tax-free contribution savings room if the budget balances.  Here's hoping that government makes a promise and keeps a promise!!!

I must run, time to go to hockey!

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

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

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

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