1000 Dollar Experiment

Picking up - $5000

2010-03-12T13:21:00.003-06:00

I would love to fly my grandma up to visit for a week, which includes my mom so 2 tickets at $300 = $600. Some spending money to see the town puts it at $800.

Other things I want for my home:

New privacy blinds for the bedroom - $ 200

New blinds for the living room, sun room and dining room - $500

Patio table and chair set - $ 800

New sofa for the basement - $ 2800

I can't wait to start making changes on the new place...

An even $10K

2010-03-10T14:29:00.002-06:00

I'm not going to beat myself for missing so many days of prosperity blogging. I'm going to celebrate that on an upcoming trip to New York, I won't have to pay for a hotel and got a decent fare on my favorite airline. Also that I logged into my 2nd bank account, expecting to find no money and found $1000! Wahoo!

On the eve of going to SXSW, I'm going to use today's money for the ultimate SXSW adventure. With the $10K, I will get badges for 3 of my friends that couldn't afford to come down. $500 x 3 = $1500. Plus last minute airfare, a rental car from San Antonio, driving priviledges for all of us - another $2000.

We'll rent a house for the week instead of renting rooms at a hotel - $2000.

That leaves each of us with $1125 for food, drinks and entertainment. We'll be able to run around Austin, do all of the fun stuff and buy new cowboy boots. It's going to be a great SXSW.

$9000 for learning

2010-02-26T12:00:00.002-06:00

I miss studying modern Hebrew and Judaism with the intensity I had a few years ago - clearly a trip to Israel is in order. One for studying and not as much for working.

Plane ticket: $1200
Rent: $1000
Chicago expenses: $1500

5 Day Sabra Immersion program: $1370
Let's do that twice: $1370

Private tutoring: $2000

Food and stuff: $560

At the end of the month, I'll be able to order in restaurants, ask directions and have basic conversations with my friends in Hebrew. I'll also have a lovely tan.

$8000 for one month in NYC

2010-02-24T14:26:00.005-06:00

I've been talking with my friend Owen about living in New York for a month. We're both fairly committed Chicagoans, but work takes us to New York regularly and I've been flirting more and more with the city that never sleeps. With my $8000, I'm going to spend a month living in NYC.

Airfare: $200
MTA pass: $89
Chicago expenses: $1500
Month long, furnished sublet with kosher kitchen on UWS: $1200
Shopping spree at Lane Bryant and Vive La Femme: $1000
New shoes shopping spree on Zappos: $500
Broadway play for two: $500

Food, entertainment and cabs: $3000.

Ready New York?

$7000

2010-02-15T23:56:00.002-06:00

I need to get my living room into a better living room/dining room space.

I'm going to start with this gorgeous table with benches and four chairs. That's just $3896.

And I want this bed... $7300 is a bit out of range, but it is amazing. Apparently I'm also gonna need a new house, but I'll stop here.

2000 + 3000 + 4000

2010-02-15T21:11:00.002-06:00

Hmmm... What shall I do with $9,000?

Go on a nice week with my husband in Hawaii. That is probably around $3000.

A new posturepedic memory foam mattress for $2,600 and a new bed frame for $400.

Then new chairs for the dining room: these for the ends of the table and these for the sides. And another $1000, to restore our table at this place and get some new accessories such as table cloths and center pieces.

$1000 - New Clothes

2010-02-12T12:21:00.003-06:00

Call me superficial, but I really want some new clothes. Working from home doesn't necessitate dressing up everyday and I am missing it. I am hoping to not be working from home much longer so I will be investing in a fresh wardrobe:

This beautiful Black Dress

This Sassy Dress with this blazer and these shoes.

Leaving just enough to get this cool and funky necklace.

YAY! All for me. Maybe tomorrow will be somethings for my new house!!

Melissa's First Thousand Dollars

2010-02-10T10:20:00.002-06:00

The thousand dollars I get today is totally going to enlist the services of a sound engineer to mix and master the audio for my film Life In Perpetual Beta. I'll give the engineer $997... the other three buys me a latte while I look over his/her shoulder and learn how to do it too.

$5000 + $6000

2010-02-09T14:39:00.002-06:00

No guilt on this one. Taking the money I've saved over the last few days and wiping out some nagging debt.

Done and done.

$3000 + $4000

2010-02-05T06:11:00.003-06:00

I missed a day or four, but I'm just going to stick with the $3000 that comes next. After a long chat with an Argentine former-coworker, I'm ready to go back to Argentina.

Looks like a flight is $1200 - done and done.

Do a package deal on Orbitz and I can get a MONTH in a fancy Buenos Aires hotel for another $1000.

That leaves only $800 for food, ground transportation, other hotels and shopping.... so I'm going to take the next $4000 and spend it today. I'm going to add a 14 Day south american cruise departing from Buenos Aires and going south to Ushuaia, around the tip and up to Santiago, Chile. That's just $1600, but I'm pretty sure between leather, tips, steak and incidentals - I'm going to blow through the $7000 in about a month.

Day 2 - $2000

2010-02-01T16:47:00.002-06:00

I spent the afternoon with a home organizer working on turning my bedroom from a "stash and hide" room full of bank statements and old clothes into a place for sleeping, changing clothes and intimacy. I'm trying to turn it into a more relaxing, sacred home space.

To that end - it is time for my dream bed.

The Sheraton Sweet Sleeper - A queen size mattress for $1450 along with new linens and a duvet and a duvet cover. That goes just over $2000 and hits $2007, but I'm sure I have $7 in my wallet to cover the difference.

Start at the very beginning... $1000.

2010-01-31T16:16:00.002-06:00

Today's ledger is at $1000. I'm going to use it to take the beach vacation that I've been thinking about all winter long. All-inclusive on a beach. Margaritas, fresh fruit, sand, sun and suntan lotion.

I'll sleep in late, read books on the beach, stay offline the whole time. Get sand in between my toes and a sunburn between my shoulders.

Dance, drink and be merry. Come back to the midwest glowing and ready for the rest of the winter.

Job change vibes

2008-08-04T18:51:00.000-05:00

I have found a job that I am insanely excited about. I am so excited I am now nervous. And I haven’t even applied yet. I am supposed to be working on my resume and cover letter instead of blogging! So let me know if you know of anyone that works in text book publishing.

Open to the Possibility

2008-06-22T13:35:00.001-05:00

of romance
of more israel
of flexible living situations
of prosperity

Some thoughts about the future

2008-03-24T19:08:00.002-05:00

I don't want to post anything on my normal blog but I have been dieing to get some thoughts out there. So here goes:

I have decided that my purpose in life is to study mathematics. I have decided that I am going to go back to graduate school to get a PhD. I am getting worried that I won't make enough money doing this so I want to start sending out vibes that will put me in a position to get some side gigs going. I am doing a lot better at being organized and focusing my energy to get things done even when I don't want to. So I am setting a goal of the end of the summer for having done 3 interior decorating projects and starting a website to showcase it. There.

saving $50 to $100K

2007-11-24T15:14:00.000-06:00

I'm the first to admit that I have strange ways of doing accounting.

My trip to Vegas with a gambling pocket and a hooray pocket. I came back with 200 in the hooray pocket and started with 200 in the gambling pocket. To me, that was winning 200, to others it might be breaking even. In fact, I'm still carrying a hundred dollar bill in my wallet.

The way I do math, I figure that the $700 I just spent on decorating saved me between $50 and $100K. How? Cause I thought I needed to buy a new condo. My 1 bedroom felt cramped and uncomfortable. But after letting loose Amy and Dondi, I love it and can see that I can live here a couple more years!

Thanks guys! I love it and feel that it is prosperity in its own special way!

thanks for that!

2007-10-29T11:31:00.000-05:00

Just a quick thanks to the universe for my weekend in Vegas. I gambled what I brought and am bringing a wallet with $200 in it, same as I took, except I gambled all weekend.

What I'm most excited for is the hundred dollar bill I have. A twist on the $1000 game is to carry a hundred dollar bill and not spend it. But know that you are safe and secure, know that you are prosperous, so much so that you can not use the hundred dollar bill in your wallet. Hooray!

Let's see how that goes. I think it will be great!

Watcha got for me Universe?

2007-10-24T10:02:00.000-05:00

So, Universe, I'm wondering what is in store for me in the next six months or so? I'm ready to start allowing again, just thought I'd tell you that. I'm ready to allow mountains of money and oceans of love. In case you aren't sure what I'd like to do with the mountain of money, here is a small list.

1. Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed and all the fancy bedding. $2880.00

2. A bed frame for the fancy mattress and bedding. $1695 at Potterbarn (with a tall dresser.)

3. A two week vacation in Thailand which will be about $1300 for the flight and about $1400 for the package.

4. A six month trip to Israel to learn Hebrew on a Kibbutz. Flight is about $1200 and one package I found was $10,000. That sounds nice and I'm sure that one exists for someone my age.

5. I know that Dondi has a plan for my Condo and I'd like to give her a real budget to fix and change anything and everything. How is $15,000 for starters?

6. I also think that Mastercard and Discover would like to hear from you, Universe. Toss $8,000 or so their way.

7. A long weekend in London would be nice. I think we can do that nicely for a mere $2,500.

8. I'd like regular mani/pedis, Hebrew lessons, personal training and dance lessons. That's about $175 a week and I'd like to do it every week. So we'll budget $8,640.

9. I would like to rent a parking spot in my neighborhood to make it easier to host guests. $2,400 for the year should cover that.

10. Oh, did I mention cut AND color? $1,800 a year.

There, that's a total of $56,815 for me. Just over half of what I consider mountains of money. Thanks universe!

Thank You! Now My End...

2007-10-17T09:00:00.001-05:00

Well universe, you held up your end of the deal. (yesterday we were told to expect our help to be needed on through spring of '08)
I thank you, and I'll be a chemoangel again in January.

Let's Make a Deal

2007-09-14T09:39:00.000-05:00

Okay, here it is universe. Make my contract go past December 31st and in January I will sign up again to be a Chemo Angel.
Deal? Deal. Sweet.

Goals

2007-09-12T12:29:00.000-05:00

I have a mental mapping of my professional/education goals over the coming months, and I think I need to make it into a physical map. Because....it is just easier for me to remember things that way.
I want to take Spanish, I really really do, and my hairstylist recommended I try one of the city colleges. Of course! But, not wanting to overload myself, I thought I'd better push this out a ways past the time of the PHR exam.
So--
Study for PHR until December (don't forget to register in October!).
Review Spanish curriculum at city colleges.
Sign up for classes in January or sometime in spring in Spanish.

Money Article

2007-08-30T11:12:00.001-05:00

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

2007-08-29T19:16:00.000-05:00

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.

2007-08-25T11:05:00.001-05:00

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

2007-08-22T22:28:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-21T12:47:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-21T11:02:00.000-05:00

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?

2007-08-19T22:04:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-16T22:06:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-15T17:13:00.000-05:00

$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...

2007-08-12T20:02:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-11T21:21:00.000-05:00

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...

2007-08-10T12:24:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-09T11:47:00.000-05:00

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

Lift Me Up

2007-08-08T23:45:00.000-05:00

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?

2007-08-06T09:59:00.000-05:00

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

2007-08-05T21:32:00.000-05:00

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. :)

$1,000

2007-07-30T21:44:00.000-05:00

$78: This cute blouse.

$799: This great mod bookcase.

$99: These so cute shoes>

And, I'll give me $20 to SaveDurfur.org.

Wouldn't it be nice?

2007-07-30T21:42:00.000-05:00

I'd sure like to have a balcony, with a little couch outside. And a giant hot tub inside. And a new wooden bookcase that I find a really great deal on.

Saving is Good

2007-07-30T14:14:00.000-05:00

Not long ago, I signed up for an ING Direct savings account. This is different from my Chase account in that it is actually fun money. The Chase account goes to the government come April. :p
Anyway, I thought it would be good to be saving for something. That's usually a good motivator for putting more money in a savings account.
So I'm officially saving for a Mini Cooper.

Why not aim high and have the convertible in mind?

she's back

2007-07-27T12:44:00.000-05:00

You know what? I'm good right now.

I could use a bookcase, though.

First Steps...

2007-07-26T23:46:00.000-05:00

Today I started the first steps on taking the PHR exam in December (deadline for registration is October, so this seemed a sensible timeline).
*sigh*
How come self-improvement is never fun?

Dressing the part

2007-07-26T12:39:00.001-05:00

I have said it before and perhaps I will say it again: My big "dream" or "vision" or what-have-you when I was growing up was to have a cool job where I got to wear nice clothes. Yes, part of this I'm sure had to do with my love of Barbies, or maybe it was the other way around... Any way, I have finally come to the point where I am holding things that I would like to accomplish or be away from myself. In other words, I am becoming aware of specific actions that I am taking or not taking so that I can continue to tell myself that I am not that person. I continue to look in the mirror and think I don't look like the person I thought I would be so I must not be. A lot of this for me also involves fitness and maintaining a healthy weight range. I have made so many strides in the past few years that have caused me to be more healthy. But why am I unable to take this last step? The answer finally came to me this week. I was waiting for someone else to give me permission. I was waiting to feel some sort of outer change, before I felt that I deserved to change the way I wanted to. I am now reminding myself that no one can change me but me. I am the one getting dressed in the morning. I am the one not working out consistently. I am the one that brings less-than clothes into my home. I am the one that refuses to shop at stores where I know I will find high-quality professional clothing. I am the one that says that I must get in proper shape before I can spend any real money on clothing. I am the one telling myself that I am just being vain and that it isn't worth the extra money.

Today walking into work I saw a women waiting in the lobby to visit someone. She was wearing a full grey suit with a collared shirt underneath. I thought wow, she must really high up in her company. That assumption just from a 5 second glance. If that much is determined in a 5 second glance at a stranger, then how much power am I missing out on daily by not dressing the part?

Feeling Accomplished

2007-07-24T17:12:00.000-05:00

Something somebody said today reminded me of my 43 Things list, floating out there aimlessly in the interwebs.
When I logged in, I realized I had (subconsciously perhaps??) actually accomplished a fair number of things I had posted. That was tremendously satisfying!
So now I have to sit and think of some other impressive things I want to accomplish, other than opening a ROTH IRA, which I added today...
Hmmmm...

Things I'm going to do on July 31.

2007-07-20T09:34:00.000-05:00

Monday is my review, which means that July 31 should be one awesome paycheck. It should include my raise and a retro-active raise from my actual anniversary date. I should have some spending cash. What will I do with all that extra money (not including the new paycheck with extra money twice a month)???

1. Take a big chunk of debt off of my mastercard.
2. Buy the shelves Dondi has prescribed for my living room.
3. Buy a second nightstand.
4. A new mattress.
5. A couple gallons of paint.
6. Tune-up my bicycle.
7. A new laptop.
8. Dance lessons.
9. Hebrew lessons.
10. JDate membership.
11. Some sort of fabulous new outfit.
12. More training sessions with Nate.

I'm not sure what else is on my list, but I'm pretty excited to be flush with cash. Hooray! Hooray! hooray!

Investments

2007-06-09T09:26:00.000-05:00

I have decided in light of my recent goal setting, I am going to do the $1000 experiment investing the money instead of spending it. After all that is what I would like to see happen in real life. So today I have $1000 to invest. I think I will play it a little safe for the day and invest it into an ING Orange Savings Account where it will earn a decent amount of interest and remain instantly accessible and FDIC insured. Risk-free for the first day.

And being the big Excel geek that I am, maybe I will keep track of my investments and see how they grow.

My goal

2007-06-07T23:18:00.000-05:00

Spurred by some current reading about leadership and management, I have come to ask the question tonight of myself: What is my goal? I am not enough of a simpleton to believe that everything about a person's life can be condensed into a single statement, not should we try to do this. I am however feeling that most areas of my life are being over-managed and under-led. Meaning that although I work on things and am becoming more efficient all the time at doing them, what good is this really doing me? Where am I really trying to go? What is my end-goal? It seems that it will be much easier to stop running around aimlessly if I have some definable goal that I always have in mind. So how does this relate to prosperity? Well, prosperity is all about setting goals. Power of attraction is about setting goals. Perhaps I am not getting any where in my visualizations because I am not consistant about what I am wanting in the end. After all the universe matches what we are thinking about but if we aren't consistent, we won't get consistent results. That said, I would like to set a few goals for myself.
1. Financially:
To make money. This means doing things with disposable income that will lead to more income (not more things in my closest). Along with this comes the great things that we all think about with the 1000 experiment: traveling, new furniture, designer clothes, luxury vehicles,... But first I need to remember that the goal, for me, is not to have lots of nice stuff, the goal is to have lots of money.

2. Health:
To be healthy enough to meet my other goals. Being healthy and active is something I struggle with. From eating foods that are better for me to making it to the gym more than once a month, I have troubles staying focused. But I know the huge benefits I get in other areas of my life when I am consistent in my eating habits and my exercising. And although I would like to be able to say that I ran a 5K, that is not the final goal, just a milestone along the way.

3. Relationships with others
I need some time on this one. I know that I want to have deeper more meaningful realationships. I also want to get our more and expose myself to more experiences and new people.

4. Career goals
Not sure here either. I know that a goal is to make money to invest to make more money, but if that is the case then there is no real need to advance apart from earning a higher salary, and really no need to get an MBA (which is an incredibly large investment with questionable ROI). I will need to give this more thought. Is it really a sound career goal to say that I want a job I enjoy while in the back of my mind I am really thinking that I would rather have passive income so that I don't have to work? And having daydreams about owning my own business?

5. Spiritual/creatvity
Another area I will have to work on setting my direction.

That trip to Jerusalem.

2007-06-03T21:34:00.000-05:00

Remember those posts last winter that I wrote? About wandering the streets of Jerusalem and staying in an amazing hotel? It is coming and it is just about 25 days I'll be walking those streets again. How much am I paying for the plane ticket? Nothing. How much am I paying for four nights in a hotel? Nothing.

Ah, prosperity.

Since that came true, let me reiterate to the universe a few things I'm patiently waiting for.
-a queen mattress and fancy bed frame. (Sleigh bed anyone?)
-a macbook, but I'd settle for a macbook pro.
-a refinished bathtub

Hmmmm... those are the big three things I want right now. And actually, I'm not too bothered about the bathtub, but know I deserve a refinished tub.

More more prosperity.

2007-05-25T11:26:00.000-05:00

1. I continue my game of luxury car spotting. I now see Jaguars, Benzes, BMWs, Lexuses, and Bentleys everywhere I look. I feel like noticing prosperity is a good thing. I get excited everytime I see one and say, "Hey Universe, look at that!"

2. I had a business trip where I allowed myself to travel like an executive. Room service, car service, nice hotel, good tips.

3. I got free tickets to the the-uh-ter for tomorrow. That will be very nice.

4. I had great luck shopping and getting deals this week. Sometimes prosperity is getting a deal on something of high quality. Hello Tommy Hilfiger!

More prosperity.

2007-05-17T14:54:00.000-05:00

1. I am now eligible for a Homeowner's Tax Exemption which means that my property taxes are decreasing. Hooray!

2. ROI120 considers Chicago to be a gateway city. I no longer have to pay for a ticket to/from Chi to NYC.

3. Did I mention I got free tickets to the cubs last week?

I Heart This Desk

2007-05-15T13:59:00.000-05:00

It has everything I want!
Soooo...should I order it now? Have it delivered to the new place & assemble it there? Pay for the assembly? Decisions, decisions...

Thanks Universe!

2007-05-09T12:01:00.001-05:00

As always. :-)

Hi Universe, It's Me Again

2007-05-08T21:44:00.000-05:00

As you know, I have decided on the apartment I want. However, there was a small quibble over my credit history relating to medical bills and some outstanding fees owed to Blockbuster.
I just left a confident, self-assured and quite professional voicemail for the leasing company outlining all the creative ways I can assure them I am a good tennant--from an increased security deposit to references from my landlady, who just also happens to be my downstairs neighbor.
Tonight is going to be a tough night for me, so I am focusing on imagining myself living in the apartment. Imagining myself signing the lease. Imagining H. living downstairs and us having dinners together. I've already imagined my office area over and over again. Please help me to stay positive that this will come through. Help me to remember that I am a good person who does good things and that comes back to me. Most of all, I am a good tennant.
Hey, it felt better just to say that.
Always humbly yours,
Diane

To Do List

2007-05-06T12:27:00.000-05:00

Things I will do in the next year, because I will have tons o' money in the ol' accounts.

refinish the bathtub
fix my bedroom heat
get thermostats that really react to the temperature
paint my condo again
get a new bedroom set
a new matress that feels great to sleep on
built in bookshelves around my new bed
a new wardrobe in size 14
a sizable donation to my shul
go to israel... again.
go to europe
get a macbook
take cooking lessons
start GSAL program at U of Chicago
horizontal blinds
couch and chair that match
dvd player
frame the art I haven't framed
weekly mani/pedi and massages
self condensing washer/dryer

Clothes

2007-05-04T18:01:00.000-05:00

Love this beautiful dress.

this one, too.

This sweater.

Hey Universe!

2007-05-01T23:51:00.000-05:00

Thank you. :)
(see also: no OT this week, coaching from an industry friend on how & why I should negotiate a pay increase)

Dear Universe...

2007-04-26T18:12:00.000-05:00

First of all, I want to thank you for everything you've sent my way this year, especially the fella who is nicer and better than the guys I've been dating for the past 6 years. And the renewal of my good job. And some neat writing opportunities. And of course all of my good friends.
However, we need to have a small talk about prosperity. I feel I wasn't clear in setting my expectations out there. Incoming money is a wonderful thing, don't get me wrong. But not at the expense of my personal life. So if you can figure out a nice, balanced way to keep the money coming WITHOUT the 10-11 hour days...well, that would be awesome.
Yours humbly,
Diane

Real Life Spending

2007-04-25T10:46:00.000-05:00

I have been bookmarking items for $1000 a lot recently, but have found myself with no time to do anything about it.
However, I am thinking positively about the year ahead, and with a little extra cash left after I paid my taxes, I decided to go ahead and move July 1st. I need a new desk & new printer, so it seems like a good time. I will also need a dining table, and my mom now has me convinced to get a new bed.
This will be fun. But I need to hurry up and start selling things on EBay to fund all my household revamping...

A morning list

2007-04-19T15:31:00.000-05:00

I wrote this on the bus this morning in an effort to kick-start some prosperity thinking. It was a fun way to spend the commute.

$225 to shul
$700 to JUF
$1500 to special assessment

Then I'll pay a few months mortgage
$12000 for 8 months housing
Then the fun begins
Back to Hebrew lesson
$40 a week for a year
Weeky mani/pedis at $50
Dance lessons with a boyfriend $100/month
Three nights at the citadel $900
10 day European vacation $5000
Downpayment on a 2 bedroom $30000
Movers $500
New bed $1500
Monthly haircuts $50
Movie twice a month $40
New wardrobe $10000
Personal training $1200
Tzedaka $500000
Car $30000
Gas for car $10000
3 great purses $750
New shoes $5000
Earrings and necklaces $4965
Books, books, books $9623
Roadtrip in a winnebago $25000

Fing Co.

2007-04-14T10:43:00.000-05:00

I dig this stuff.

Hey Big Spender...

2007-04-09T20:36:00.000-05:00

For the first time in a long time I am prepared to spend $2000. Woo hoo!
I would love these darling red shoes.
This top--overpriced and fluttery, but so what?
A gorgeous bangle.
And with the remaining 40ish I would like to restock my collection of these very pretty note cards from Hazel. I used my box all up, so this time I will take two!

She's a Beauty!

2007-04-05T23:50:00.000-05:00

Once before, I bought an 88 key keyboard here, but then one day while shopping at Target I found the one I really, really want (weighted keys, so it feels like a real piano). Here she is--won't she look adorable in the sunroom?
Just for fun, these earrings--I saw them, and fell in love!
That leaves me enough for a SeaSpace manicure at Spaspace, plus tip...($1,000 total, I am working my way back up here...)

Spending $1000 On Things I Really Want Right Now

2007-04-04T23:57:00.000-05:00

$900 or so for a security deposit on a new place.
$50 or so for a great haircut and blowout.
Loose change for tips or any difference in the security deposit.

Au Naturale

2007-04-04T13:03:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking I need a new hobby or past-time. A little something to stir the creative juices a bit, to get me out of my pre-spring rut. Short of moving, I was seeking a return to something more artistic, but the next round of classes at Lill Street don't start until June.
Then it dawned on me--I am going to load up on materials and start making all natural beauty products. For me, my friends, and potentially even for sale. Yes. I am going to start shopping for supplies today!
(Prosperity blogging still in the works, I have been tagging goodies I want to shop for and am just preparing to settle in and let it flow!)

Looking for prosperity.

2007-04-04T10:31:00.000-05:00

I've been noticing a lot of Jaguars lately around the city.... my goal right now is too notice luxury cars. Jags, Infiniti G35s, BMW, Mercedes--the works. I even took a photo of a jag the other day.

Hear that Universe? I'm ready for LUXURY! and to have a salary of $112,000. I'll take more if you have it, but would settle for $112,000.

I Shall Return...

2007-03-27T12:32:00.000-05:00

Hoo boy, do I need some prosperous thinking right now. In fact, Amy caught me in negative nelly land yesterday and right now I need some practice in turning that around.
So I'll be back later this evening or tomorrow to do a little $1000 focusing. Yes indeed!

Prosperity website

2007-03-06T16:55:00.000-06:00

I found this prosperity website and wanted to share it:
http://blog.breathingprosperity.com

They are currently having a recurring topic called 21 days to a Wealthier Mind. It gives you a different activity each day to help expand your mind and get rid of your underlying sources of resistance around money and wealth. Go check it out.

Bathroom, check! $12,000

2007-03-01T10:38:00.000-06:00

I finished my bathroom! It is so spa-like and pretty. And it is nice to feel like it is as upgraded as it needs to be. It went from utilitarian to my favorite room in my apartment in a couple of days. Bedroom is next.

With $12,000 today, I am going to buy beautiful curtains for my bedroom, a modern bedroom furniture set, a new rug, Euro shams and pillows, and cover my north bedroom wall with shelving.

Well Then

2007-02-27T00:47:00.000-06:00

Got myself a cleaning person--check.
Started back on a multivitamin today--better late than never.
Exercise? Non existant. Need to work on that one.
Pampering self? Nope. Gotta make time for that. (I'm hoping the multivitamin will stop my nails from breaking all over the place, so that a nice manicure can do the trick)
Add to list:
Rearrange bothersome living room, where I also work. (god, I wish I could put my desk back in the sunroom, but the electrical setup just doesn't make it feasible.)
Fill up just-started E-Bay/Reckless Records/Other discard box.

Progress...balance is coming...

I Promise Myself...

2007-02-24T07:26:00.000-06:00

* I will start taking a multivitamin again, every day.
* I will get the house in order and then hire a cleaning person to visit regularly.
* I will be sure to do something fun, relaxing, and/or pampering whenever I find myself getting to the point of needing it.
* I will be sure to exercise at the least two times a week.

*sigh* I hate how I continually wait until I am at the breaking point to remind myself of these things...

Ah.

2007-02-23T11:31:00.000-06:00

Time away in the sunshine has been marvelous and thought-provoking and useful and all of that good stuff. I want to remember that for future reference.

2 Tickets to Paris-dise...

2007-02-11T22:39:00.000-06:00

That was pretty lame, eh?
The "Paris fund" is officially in effect, in a paper envelope that I hide somewhere I am not going to share because I do not want anyone raiding the Paris fund.
I would like to go in the fall, but will happily play it by ear. I really, REALLY do not like to travel by myself (largely because of all the digestive issues that I now experience while travelling) so by the time the Paris pot is full, I will be ready to make the rounds seeking a travel companion. Or three or four.
Berlitz is getting on my last nerve so I'm thinking about investing in Rosetta Stone. I am determined to at least have a functional fluency in French by the time I go...

$11,000

2007-02-11T15:36:00.000-06:00

My $11,000 today is going to go and pre-pay for a little bathroom luxury, so as soon as I become a homeowner, a luxurious bathroom can be my very first upgrade. After the week I've had with frozen shower pipes, I think I deserve some bathing luxury.

busy, busy, b-u-s-y busy

2007-02-09T12:18:00.000-06:00

I wish for my plate to be clearer and to feel less overwhelmed in two weeks. Two weeks.

Gimmee A Thou

2007-02-03T22:23:00.000-06:00

And I will go crazy buying matching items from Mikasa to go with my new dishes--everything from spoonrests to trivets to the matching lasagna dish.
If I have any extra money I'll buy some artglass. :)

43 Things Minus 4

2007-01-30T16:00:00.000-06:00

I have a couple things I want to swap around on my 43 Things List, and since so many of them coincide with things I put on my goal list in January, I'm declaring here that during the month of February, I am determined to accomplish 4 things from my 43 Things list. Since there's about 4 weeks total in February, that puts me at one a week. Not bad, not bad at all. And if I do more than 4, well, hooray for me.

Dreaming...

2007-01-28T11:33:00.000-06:00

Last night I had repeated dreams about going back to graduate school. I cannot decide if I am ready, though I am pretty sure I want to do it. So I think I am going to start at least looking at programs. I have all the time in the world, right? I don't have to commit to anything. The main thing is right now I really do not want to move and I highly, HIGHLY doubt I could get accepted by University of Chicago. I've thought about a potential commute to Notre Dame. Regardless, maybe I can start tabling ideas for later...we'll see...
(Yes, this would be for a Ph.D. in literature, luckily I have an M.A. vs. an M.F.A. which places a stronger emphasis on literature and less on studio/workshop. So now you know--and that's one to grow on!)(I can't stop using that phrase today, I really don't know why!)

Big goals for Feb.

2007-01-27T17:49:00.000-06:00

1. Get book reviews done this week.
2. Drink a lot of water this month. Extra. Double. Just cuz.
3. Do 2,007 regular, 2,007 side (each) and 2,007 shoulder stand crunches this month.
4. Get rid of that pile of work.
5. Visit my parents on the coast.
6. Sock away an extra $300 in savings this month.
7. Let someone read my second book before March. At least some of it.

$10,000

2007-01-27T17:44:00.000-06:00

I'm putting this toward a Masters.

$9,000

2007-01-26T13:31:00.001-06:00

Switched my Bigmouth blog over to the new version today, which i am glad about. I resisted doing it until the bugs were worked out, and they now seem to be. Good.

Okay, I have $9,000 today. Let's shop!

Anthropologie first: this cute dress for $150.

Moo Shoes second: these cute shoes for $105.

With the rest, I'm going to go schlep around China for a few weeks.

Thinking of running?

2007-01-25T18:09:00.000-06:00

I have been thinking of setting a goal of running a 5k race this spring (something to get me motivated). There are a few coming up in town in March and April. Is anyone interested in joining me?

$8,000

2007-01-25T14:48:00.000-06:00

With eight grand, I'm going to trade in my car and add the $$ and get a black Mini Cooper.

Career and other goals

2007-01-24T19:41:00.000-06:00

I have recently been reading a book about women moving their careers forward by growing up and not being a girl anymore. I am really pumped by envisioning me in a higher position. So I am wanting to start doing the following things that will help my success:
1. Dress more professionally
2. Only apologize when it is my fault
3. Spend time on projects that will help my career not just on daily tasks
4. Take credit for my accomplishments (as well as mentioning them when I feel they are being overlooked)
5. Ask my boss for feedback more regularly
6. Inform my boss instead of asking for permission for things that I am able to decide on my own
7. Demand respect from coworkers outside of my department (instead of waiting until my position warrents it)
8. Rub elbows with my boss's boss more (She is a great role model for women professionals)

It seems my life is most often marked with periods of growth in different areas that balance-out (if not contradict) each other. So along with greater assertiveness in the workplace, I also want to start being a better homemaker. I have been blessed over the last year with a place that I truely love and want to make into a home. And I want to make the time investment in taking care of my things and clothes which means breaking out the sewing machine and ironing board (and my new KitchenAid). Along with this comes the goal of strengthening my marriage by becoming more independent and seeking new friendships.

(February goal notes)

2007-01-24T13:41:00.000-06:00

Posting my 100 goals here in January worked really well, and I would be remiss to not report what I had accomplished on the list.

I worked on my second novel a bit more. I didn't do 2,007 stairs on the StairMaster in the first week because I spent a lot of January sick, but I did complete them. Check! I gave myself spa time. Check! I revamped my marketing plan. Check! I gave the pink kitchen painting to A----. Check! I repaired the spot on my living room rug. Check! I got the rest of the links up on my blog that I want there. Check! I updated my website pretty well for this month. Check! I attended three, not two, schmoozy events. One went eh, one was good, one was GREAT! Check! I cleaned out my address book and updated it. Check! I figured out a time to visi my parents. Check! Plans for a charity fundraiser were casually mapped out. Check! I sent e-cards. Check! I learned about my new camera and have been taking more pictures. Check! I've been trying to casually use more bits of French with friends who understand it to try to brush up, so far so good. Check! I watched the entire fourth season to The Simpsons and began to tackle season nine. Check! I obviously didn't get six months of living expenses into savings, but I dis get as much as I could in there and that's my best. Check! I had such a good experience with my last schmoozy event that I am not as dread-filled about them. Check! I used Ahava products all month for myself and started selling Ahava, etc on eBay. Check! I did well at keeping in touch with people. Not perfectly, but better. Check! I looked at my options for the certificates I could earn that would be the most useful to me. Check! i put the Dorrie children's books on my eBay watch list. Check! I found and bought the long-sought book from my childhood, The Great Blueness and it should arrive any day! Check! I trimmed my hair but didn't chop it. Check! I haven't gone yet, but I am ticketed to attend live music this weekend. Check! I got a manicure and a pedicure when I needed them. Check! I did step into 2007 with a balanced checkbook, money in my pocket, a clean house and a stocked pantry, all to set a good tone for the year. Check! I read another book. Check! I bought a piece of artwork to contribute to the decorating of my bedroom. Check! I handed out business cards when the situation arose for me to do so. Check! I e-subscribed to the Wall Street Journal to keep in touch with the business and financial worlds. Check! I subscribed to the Word of The Day again. Check! I didn't buy a single generic item in January and I feel like I had extra money this month, interestingly enough. Check!

I'll set my Feb. goals in a day or two. not, uh, 100 of them, just hte biggies. :)

Travel Bug

2007-01-16T22:01:00.000-06:00

I've got the travel bug in a biiiiig way. And I can stay 4 days in Barbados for about $600? Okay then! The rest will be spending money. For margaritas. And tips for the cabana boys. :)

Focus on Creativity

2007-01-16T10:19:00.000-06:00

I decided this time in Seattle is going to be prime creative time. I'm going to take lots of pictures, and since I'm taking my laptop anyway, I am going to make sure I get some writing done. A change of scenery can do wonders for the creative juices.
I can't wait! :)

Beauty and The Geek

2007-01-15T21:48:00.001-06:00

This keyboard for $180.00.
A hundred or so for my new tattoo.
And since this spa is located in the hotel I'm staying in later this week, I'll blow the rest of today's thousand getting massages and facials and mudbaths. Mmmmmm....

$7,000

2007-01-12T13:49:00.000-06:00

For $7,000 my dad and I are going to Vietnam. I want him to show me around.

This Is All I Want Today

2007-01-11T14:45:00.000-06:00

$1000 could get me a nice setup on a salt water fish tank. With fish. Yay.

Not Being Lazy, Honest

2007-01-10T15:40:00.000-06:00

I really do just want to spend $1000 at L'Occitane.
It wouldn't be difficult to do. And I could buy some gifts, too. For Mom, for friends, for my patient. Good stuff. :)

Cooking with Sparks

2007-01-09T18:10:00.000-06:00

I wanted to try for $2000 today, but I'm tired, and I still have interviews to schedule tonight. Soooo...everything today comes from a similar line of cookware that I found to be simply gorgeous.
Large casserole
Small casserole
Saucepan
And from another line entirely, a cast iron grill pan
I'm a little over $1000, but hey, no limits, right?

Starting the Week With Prosperity!

2007-01-08T12:57:00.000-06:00

What the hell was up last week that made us all feel frail and crazy?
That was ugly. But today is lovely, and I declare it is setting the stage for the week ahead.
1) The Bathroom Blog is launched, and already receiving some fantastic responses. I see so much creative potential coming from this...and I'm so excited! (am I a little crazy for already starting to think about the legal processes I'd need to go through to turn a collection into a book? Or am I just smart and seeing the potential?)
2) This morning I was given another high profile, extremely difficult position for work. Which you'd think would make me upset, but actually, the more and harder positions they give me to work on, the more valued I feel and the longer I think I'll be around. Take that, bully co-worker who tried to make me doubt my own abilities last week!
3) I'm going to either meditation class or belly dancing class tomorrow night. Yes!
4) I've had some unexpected blips in my lovelife lately...nothing I'm heavily pursuing, but enough to make me feel like following the path. :)
5) Edited to add: I received a cute little map from my travelling companion for the Seattle trip, and I'm sooo excited. I'm only a monorail's ride from the Space Needle!

Pretty Things

2007-01-07T23:13:00.000-06:00

This vase is so beautiful.
And so is this picture frame...
And so is this little figurine. :)
The remainder goes to a bottle of Maybe Baby perfume, which I've wanted to try for far too long!

Totally Ripping Off Amy

2007-01-07T13:18:00.000-06:00

I like the idea of setting a list and updating it with strike-throughs. I don't think I'm ambitious enough to come up with a list of 100, but here's what I do have:

1. Learn more about Kundalini yoga (I did it last night for the first time and it blew me away!)
2. Attend a meditation workshop in Lakeview (or two or three)
3. Take a bellydancing class (or two or three
4. ~~Purchase an organizer for my DVD's~~ and start putting them in it.
5. Put together that bookcase I bought embarrassingly long ago--figure out how to scrap old bookcase and get rid of it.
6. ~~Put together new computer & new monitor~~, sell old monitor edited to add: sell computer as well on Craig's List
7. Spend more time going out to take pictures.
~~8. Launch the bathroom blog in all its glory.~~
9. ~~Change Netflix account to one at a time~~, return all Netflix DVD's in my possession.
10. Learn basic French in preparation of planning a trip to France.
11. Get a passport.
12. Resolve driver's license issue with City of Chicago before license is up for renewal in April.
13. ~~Call my accountant to make appointment for finalzing my 2006 taxes, so that I can rest assured I have saved enough money and thus be able to have a little more fun with my earnings.~~ Appointment 1 of 2 scheduled for Wednesday!
Edited to add...
14. Get a library card.
15. Find out if I can check books out of academic libraries--if so, begin checking out a literary mag a week.
16. Update resume. Not out of necessity or fear, but because it's long overdue, and who knows, my employer may want to see a copy of it if, you know, they decide to hire me permanently or something... ;)

It All Fits Together In My Head

2007-01-06T23:50:00.000-06:00

I'd like to kick off today's thousand with a $60.00 pass for a month of meditation classes.
Then, tickets for me and a group of friends to get good seats for a Chicago Blackhawks game.
And, tickets for me and a group of friends to go see Swan Lake. (I'm crying a little inside, because in real life I want to see this so badly)
I'll toss some big money around to get us all nice dinner & drinks for one or both of these events. And boom! That's it for today!

$6,000

2007-01-06T14:47:00.000-06:00

I'm taking my $6,000 and flying to London. I'm going to schlep around western Europe then fly back.

This and That (still $1000)

2007-01-05T20:38:00.000-06:00

I am now down to ONE wine glass that I haven't broken. I broke two this week, and the sad part is I wasn't even drinking any wine!
So let us replace them with these, and even though the white and red look identical to me, I'll still buy 4 of the white and 4 of the red just to be safe. Perhaps I should also take out a small insurance policy on them...(kidding)
Since I'm shopping for glassware anyway I can't pass up 6 of these. Adorable! Anything described as "whimsical" is welcome in my house.
I would like to get a massage at Renessence just for a change of pace, and I'm thinking the Sensory Journey massage sounds really nice, for $120 + tip.
Last but certainly not least, I've been thinking lately I could use a new mattress. Might as well throw in new boxsprings too. I'm one of those weirdos that likes a really firm mattress ($600.00 for the full set).
Let's see--wine, massage, and new mattress? That should ensure a well-rested Diane. :)

$5,000

2007-01-05T15:09:00.000-06:00

Five grand. Let's see. I want to spend, say, $200 on bits of the best fabric because I have challenged myself to make a tallis that perfectly represents me. While at the fabric store, I will buy fabric to make the cool dress I drew this morning with the black fabric and funky green-aqua trim.

I will then devote $200 to finding the perfect throw pillows for my living room. I can imagine them, I just can't find them. (sigh)

$500 will go to buying up items to make a little inventory to open an ebay storefront. A little residual income never killed anyone.

Then, we're heading to Anthropologie, as per usual, for this mod dress for $150. Hmm.. this top, too, for $50. These cool red pants for $188. THen, let's hit a few others stores for this cool green skirt for $81 and this cute top for $71.

$500 gets the blue type writer tattoo and the Hebrew tattoo (as soon as I figure out where I want to put that one).

$2,000 buys me a month off to focus exclusively on finishing my second novel and whipping the third one together.

The rest goes to making my weekend at the New Orleans/Tennessee Williams Lit Fest really fun, relaxing, not-stressful, well-dressed and fun.

Eh, Not So Much

2007-01-04T11:36:00.000-06:00

I'm now totally unmotivated to do a First Friday this Friday. BUT! I'm not discounting them completely! Just not this month. That will give me plenty of time to look into more, and maybe even find a buddy to come along. (I admit, for some odd reason I was totally intimidated going alone, which isn't normally like me)
Anyway, I need to get out more to hit this whole resolution of making more guy friends. If anyone wants to help with that, you know where to find me...

Now then. Back to $1000.
This sweater--I don't normally like cashmere, but this one is just too gorgeous to pass up.
Also, this sweater.
Both should be perfect for taking with me as I use the remainder of today's thousand to fly out to San Francisco for a weekend, just to bum around and enjoy the city by myself.

Firsts!

2007-01-02T12:33:00.000-06:00

I am committing to going to First Fridays in 2007. In fact, I'm even going to dare myself to do a First Friday someplace different every month.
What should I do first of the Firsts? I shall research, and report back...
Of course, all are welcome to join me at any time!