Money Article

From CNN's website.
I enjoyed that it had a philosophical twist, and that it included the importance of donating some of your wealth as well. Anyway, I found it useful.

London calling

Huh.

So almost four years ago, I moved to London at the drop of a hat. It happened so quickly and was a great experience for me. Not that I was very happy while I was there,but it shaped who I am today. Well, the same thing just happened to a colleague. Two days notice and he's going there on an interim basis.

Things are suddenly swirling around London for me. I'm organizing a blogger thing, colleague is moving, some new friends there... I think I'll be going back this fall.not sure when, but it looks like its coming.

For the record, universe, I want to go. I have people to see, things to do, work to work.

Huh, the floodgates opened.

When I called out to the universe a couple weeks ago, "I'm stuck, something has to change!" The very next day, things changed dramatically. The energy opened up with great speed. Hooray!

I let myself get a MacBook and a few days later I got notice that a bonus would be coming my way. A bonus that would nearly pay for the computer. Sweet. Then I got notice that I would be given time off work to go write. To use my new computer for what I got it for.

Holy shit.

The energy is flowing again. Money is flowing again. Good vibes and good people are in my life. Hooray! So, universe, I'm open to whatever you are sending my way.

Sometimes It Does Indeed Flow

I had anticipated $1000, maybe $1500 in spending, but I made it up to $2000 pretty quick. To that I say, woo hoo!
I'm still thinking about career clothes, which is to say thinking about my career, which is also to say I am glad I started studying last night for the (shockingly) 4 hour long PHR certification exam.
Well, whenever that Recruiting Team Lead position materializes, I will need a nice suit. This skirt and this jacket make a great set. You see, I am secretly hoping for something to happen at work that I can't talk about but has been rumored since the summer. And if it happens, it could mean good things for me. Maybe even great things.
Anyhoot, I love that Ann Taylor LOFT lets you just buy a whole damn outfit like so. Sans the earrings, because they are not real metal/nickle free.
And hey look! This skirt goes so nicely with that little purple sweater.
This bag? Simply excessive. I love it.
$100 for a flannel shirt? Yes! Because look how CUTE it is!



Last but not least, I think the fella (who has been working way too hard) and I really could use the Spa Lovers couple massage at Spa Space. Plus tip and treats.

inventory

Liked Leah's last post so much that I looked through some old posts of mine to see how I am doing. The vegan boots, great sheets, a luxurious meal at Ambria, a digital camera, curtains, running clothes and some travel has certainly worked out just perfectly.

The SCUBA and the bigger travel must be next. :)

$3,000

This sweater from Anthropologie for $128.

These trousers from Anthropologie for $88.

This hoodie from Anthropologie for $78.

These jeans from (you guessed it) Anthropologie for $172.

This skirt, only in small leopard print (anyone know where I can score it??) for $650.

These crazy shoes to wear with jeans for $45.

And, I'm going to just do it. Just go for this one. The most luxurious bed evah. The king sized Vera Wang mattress and box spring for $1,500.

Then, after all the sheets I've bought over the years, I have to admit that the ones I've enjoyed the most are the ones I have right now, so I'll buy two sets in blue and set sets in ivory for $239-ish.

As for the $100 left over, I'm writing a check to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

What's next?

The bed of prosperity came to pass. Twice. Lily white sheets and a fantastic feather duvet.

The MacBook Pro of my dreams came to pass. I took a leap and bought it.

The trip to Israel. Done.

Another trip to Argentina? Not for me, but for a friend. Yep.

What do I want next? What happens next?

I want to have an annual income of $112,000. It is a random number, but to me that is "shit loads of money." I don't need millions, although I would certainly welcome millions into my life. Perhaps a two bedroom. A new couch. Bookshelves that line my wall. Books to fill the bookshelves. A bike that is a little lighter. Hebrew lessons. Dance lessons. Personal trainer.

I welcome you into my life prosperity. I'm saying Yes! You gotta know that by now, I'm saying yes.

Meh, $100 Over

Okay, I said I'd focus on work clothes, so here goes:
Pants
Pants
Blouse
Blouse
Blouse
Jeans I Could Not Resist
Shoes (next time I need to buy brown pants to go with these fabulous shoes)

$2,000

$310 for this pretty green dress.

$500 to finish what's left to be done on my backpiece tattoo.

The rest goes to The Breast Cancer Site.

Just For Fun...

It all started with this ring($400):


And I couldn't resist this dress, even if I have nowhere to wear it. (next wedding, perhaps?)
Then I fell in love with these jeans for no apparent reason whatsover.
And I've been lusting after this bra and brief set from Agent Provocateur for awhile.
And since I'm having such a girlie day, I threw in a bottle of Clinique Moisturizer.
(but next time I'm focusing on work clothes, honest)

Alright, already

I did it. Today I allowed myself to buy a new MacBook Pro. Yes, a Pro. I let myself drop nearly $3000 on a computer and I can't believe how much better it is than my old Dell. Here's the deal.

Everything can now change. Energy is flowing. Things are improving. Everything is going to change and my life is going to be more amazing than it ever was. I haven't a clue what is going to happen, but improve it will.

Sigh.

It Works, It Really Works...

Change in thinking/perspective and a not at all coincidental and much needed reorg of my workload so that I can focus on my Director jobs--as well as a good conversation about my long term security with the company.
Aces.
I have more goodies bookmarked to spend imaginary money on.

$1000 And Then Some

I want this whole outfit.
I don't even care that Gwen Stefani designed it.

Lift Me Up

Something in me has been off lately. Actually, it's been since I discovered I have no health insurance. I knew I'd been quite complainy and snarky of late, but I didn't realize how much so until the fella brought it up tonight.
Admittedly, the insurance situation has me really freaked out. I know people go without insurance every day, but I haven't ever had a break in coverage--not even after going off my parents' insurance. I hate it, and to top it all off I am scared to make an overdue appointment with my OB/GYN because if anything abnormal is found, I fear it's going to make my chances of getting insurance even more difficult.
But for now, I have done all I can do. I have filled out the application for state insurance and must patiently wait to get the forms I need from my previous employer, since BCBS is being totally useless. I have to stop letting this overshadow my whole life.
I need to find the happy and the fun right now. The boy is taking me to see The Simpsons movie Friday, and I am babysitting on Saturday in addition to dog watching. More fun than responsiblity, really. Anything to take away the gloom cloud I've been covered by of late. Maybe I 'll take a class at the Chopping Block over the weekend too?

Energy stopped flowing, what now?

Things were trucking along this year and all of the sudden, it is like I hit a brick wall. Things stopped truckin'. Energy stopped flowing. I got disappointed.

Now I must begin to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. I must not walk "sightless among miracles." I need to get things moving again...

But how?

Giving Back

I've been a bit selfish with my money lately, I feel. Presents for myself after being sick, new shoes for work when I realized I really have nothing decent to wear into the office anymore, and a mad shopping spree at Laurie's Planet of Sound. It's good to spoil yourself sometimes, but I like to keep it all in balance. I'd like to make a large donation this week to an organization that's dear to me, and I need to finally send off a generous check to my friend running the AIDS marathon in Florence next year.
Anybody need sponsorship? Should I go with one of my standbys (RAINN, Treehouse Animal Foundation) or try something new? What charity means a lot to you?*
*My personal preference is to keep to the non-political, non-religious, and woman and/or child and/or animal-friendly.
And then after that, more savings in the Mini account. :)