Weekend Ramblings...

I went to view theee house yesterday and there were 6 cars parked in front of the driveway. My initial thought was WTF??!!! Why are those people in my house tracking dirt on my carpet and possibly damaging my hardwood floors???!!! At that point my heart began to race and my mind began to wander aimlessly. I then began to think 'Are those the folk who have the contract on my house?' 'Are they possibly showing my house to folk who will love it as much as I do and the asking price isnt a concern to them?' I then began to have a sinking feeling in my stomach and I had to psyche myself up before making a U-turn to pass by the house again. Once I left the neighborhood, I intentionally changed my thoughts. I began to think 'If that house is meant for me, it will be mine and there is nothing anyone or anything can do to prevent it from being mine.' So do you wanna know what I did? I went home and allowed Houston to run rampant in the yard.I then settled in and looked at brain cell destroying reality tv shows.

I feel obliged to add I spent $168 on a pair of UGG boots (those to the right). I have yet to determine if I will return them because I have wanted a second pair for a while now. I love the COMFORT of UGG boots and anyone who knows me will tell you I wear them ALLLLLLL the time during the winter months. Frankly, I needed another pair. Yesterday was the first time this season I wore my existing pair. And oh my!!! How I miss wearing these boots!!! They are my all purpose boots. Meaning, I will throw them on with a banging outfit and change shoes upon arriving at my final destination. I will wear nice fitting jeans, a complementing shirt/sweater/henley/poncho of my choice, and have these boots as my wonderfully comfy foot accessory. Yep, I love Uggs and I am leaning towards keeping them. Nope, change of mind. I AM going to keep them!!!

For the record, I never purchased these boots because they were the IN item to have. When they first came upon the fashion scene, I thought they were the ugliest things around. But I tried a pair on while in Nordie's and have been hooked ever since. But I happen to think I make them look good ;-)

Fund increase...

Take a look at my Savings Fund bar on the left. It has increase from 38% to 43 %. I am almost there. I expect to reach my goal in 5-6 months. I may reach it in less time than that.

Update on theee house. Nothing has changed. I spoke to a realtor 'friend' **blush* of mine and I told him the situation concerning the house I want. He hold the same sentiment as I. The sellers are not going to receive asking price in this market. So there!!! Take that evil sellers of theee perfect house.

THEEE House has a...

contract on it. Yep. My sis/realtor informed me the listing agent of theee house in question called and informed her, a contract has been placed on thee house. Well, here's well things may work in my favor. The family attempting to purchase theee house have a contingency that states, they will purchase theee house upon selling their house. But get this people, the sellers of theee house I am interested in, want full asking price!! Can you believe they actually think they are going to get full asking price in this market? Oh, they did say they will pay all closing costs. Well, a big WHOOP D DOO to you. There is no way, ANY buyer in this market is going to offer full asking price. Well, not this buyer...

I will remain positive and hopeful that I will get this home. I know this home will remain on the market a bit longer and the sellers will want to hurry and get it off their hands. So, I'm going to be the patient person I am and wait it out. This home will be mine....

Update on theee house...

I have yet to put an offer on the home. I really want this home and feel as if this is the home for me. The issue I am having is the asking price and what I can actually afford. The sellers want $238K. Initially, I posted I was going to offer $199,950. Well, I have had a change of heart in regards to the amount I actually want to offer. Having spent the last two days plugging numbers and plugging numbers again and again, I decided against my initial offer amount. Offering $200K would leave me with a monthly payment of approximately $1500 a month (most likely more than this). That is nearly $300+ more than what I want to spend per month. I want a life outside of having a home. Meaning I do not want to be 'house poor'. To some folk $1500 is not a lot of money to spend on a mortgage. But it is all relative people. For starters, I am doing this solo. Secondly, I would like to continue to save money every month. I know that with a home comes extra financial responsibilities. Unexpected maintenance occurs. **SIGH** I really want this home. I really want this home.

I have decided to tell my sis/realtor I want to offer $183,500. **YIKES!!!** Yep, I am going as low as I possibly can. The home is in a really nice neighborhood and the properties are well kept. The sellers may tell me to go fly a kite. The sellers may be anxious to get rid of the properties. Luck could be on my side. I have been told by several financial 'gurus' to put my home search on hold for 4-6 months because by then, I will be able to get any home I want because the market will be greater for home buyers. I am confused!!

What would you guys do? Would you wait the market out? Would you risk letting 'theee' home sit around and possibly get snatched up by another buyer? I am at my wits end. Stay tuned for updates people...

Overspending......

That about sums it up. You guys, I have been soooo bad and am somewhat ashamed...Hence the lack in posts. Well, really the lack in posts stems from pure unadulterated laziness. But, I have been spending like crazy since last weekend. 'IT' started off with hair products. BUT, who could forgo KeraCare hair products for $0.88 cents??!! JCPenny had a sale where if you bought any conditioner or shampoo, you get a second for $0.88 cents. Who can refuse THAT??!! Well, I for one could not. I purchased my beloved staple KeraCare Humecto ($11.55) and a product from the Mizani line, Mizani Moisturefuse Conditioner ($11.96). I am going to use the Mizani conditioner this weekend and see how it works for me. Anywayz, this purchase totaled $13.48, including tax.

Okay here's a break down of the items I have purchased LAST WEEK and THIS WEEK COMBINED (those that I can remember<----- that's the sad part of it all).



Well yesterday I spent $100 on portraits...of my dog. I also spent $8.00 on a pair of cutting shears (for my hair).

Last week I spent:

• $15.00 on a white, button down collar shirt from Limited (On sale and I needed one).
• Two assorted color head bands from the GAP on sale for $2.99 each, for a total of $6.28. I have worn one of each everyday since the purchase. I am definitely getting my money's worth... any sympathy from you guys yet?
• I have been pigging out on fast food, mainly Chic-Fil-A and Ukrops ( a local grocer with great prepared food). This is where the bulk of my money has gone. I KNOW I have spent more than $50 on food alone!!! And I know I should not have been spending money eating out when I have food in my freezer... Hmmm I really need to get it together...

But on a brighter note:



I have oficially begun my home search!!! Yep, yep!! My sister/realtor and I viewed a total of 6 homes last weekend. I forgot to take along my digital camera to take pics of each home, but I will definitely do so this upcoming weekend. Well, here's the break down:

• Home #1 - was absolutely beautiful but totally out of my price range-----> $350K and this was AFTER the $100K price drop.
• Home #2 - was really nice but the neighborhood wasn't quite desirable
• Home #3 - has been on my radar for a few months, but after having my mom view the home, she stated the home smelled damp and she expected water damage. She also wasn't fond of the numerous cracks in the walls and ceilings. Possible foundation problems....my mom knows a lot about home searches and the process, so I will take her word for it
• Home #4 - was absolutely darling and I could envision Houston running around the back yard as I sat on the slated deck....But the kitchen was so small you could literally open the fridge door while washing dishes. Did I mention the fridge was on the opposite wall of the sink? It was really small and I need a comfortable sized kitchen.
• Home #5 - was cute...in it's unique way, but didn't really talk to me. a tri-level with a huge back yard, but I wasn't very impressed.
• The last home (Home #6) had an awkward floor plan and I didn't really like the space.
  

Needless to say, I will be spending this weekend continuing my home search. I will definitely remember to take my camera to share the homes I viewed.

Upcoming Weekend Updates...

As I was leaving the house to go to the gym, my sis/realtor pulls up. She gives me a hand signal asking me to hold on a for a second. I oblige because I know it's going to be something dealing with my house. Well, she had printouts of several of the homes I am interested in viewing. This is great news. She also informed me, all of her paperwork has not been completed but we will go and see homes regardless!! This is somewhat great news I was very appreciative of this. She thinks the paperwork will be complete tomorrow. I will give it until next Tuesday. I am not feeling 'funky' because of this unexpected change because I know she is making strides to get things in order....AND we are going to view homes. That's all I've wanted.

Tomorrow will be a busy day for me. Upon leaving work I will go to the gym for 1.5 hours. I will then rush home, take a shower, and prepare for my night out. My girls and I are going to hang out 'just because'. We always have a blast.

I bet some of you are wondering how my night out will be financed. Well, my friend has the 'hook-up', therefore we are getting into the affair free of charge. As for 'spirits' I am hoping there will be a kind 'spirited' fellow..or two, who will see how 'thirsty' I am for a drink. HEHEHE If not, I know one of my girls will buy me one. I am NOT going to buy any drinks. Boy, oh boy. This is really gonna test my spending will power. Most likely, when we meet up at my friends house, we will start the festivities there.

Blogging issues. I must do a better job of blogging my expenses. Dimples has done a great job of keeping track of her grocery budget and monthly bills. I am trying to incorporate that likeness into my blog. If any of you know how I can do such a thing, let me know. I am very much aware of Excel. My issue is placing a copy of the image on my blog. I have a lot to learn. I am waiting for answers from all you out there in blog land.

I've been away...

Well first of all let me say that I have been extremely busy at work. I have also been in a funk lately and have absolutely no idea as to why. As stated before, I tend to be a moody person. But, I have no reason to be in a funk of any kind because I am extremely blessed. I am not having relationship problems...I am not in a relationship. I am not having work related issues...I am very much appreciated at work and thanked for my hard work on a daily basis :-) I have a clean bill of health and have great, supportive friends. I have an active social life and have quite a few admirers ;-) . So what's the problem...

First of all, I am a firm believer that we create every experience in our lives. I am a firm believer that our thoughts affect the way we feel and our thoughts are one of the most powerful tools we possess. Yep folks, whether you believe it or not, our thoughts affect our lives. anyways, I have been asking myself why have I been in a funk for the past 2 weeks. Yep, two weeks. And I came to the conclusion I have been the cause of my 'funk' in that I want my house. That pretty much sums it up. My funk is a result of me dwelling on NOT having my house when in fact, I have been residing in a place that has always been my home. I will always be welcomed there, no matter the situation.

As you may know, I am living with my mom and have been since I relocated back to VA from MD...11 months ago. Living with my mom is a non issue. Really. She allows me to be myself and live the life I want. All she ask is that I help in keeping the house tidy (which I fail at miserably, BUT I am going to make a conscious effort to change that today). I pay a mere $400 a month for room and board. Like I said, I have no complaints with living at home.

But the time has come for me to get away and have a place of my own. Upon relocating back to VA, I knew I would eventually buy a house here. I did not expect it to take so long. The problem is, I am using my sis as my realtor (remember this post?) . Now she isn't the problem..per se. Here's the situation. She was a realtor in GA. She also relocated back to VA...11 months ago **blink**. She decided a couple months ago to transfer her realtor license to VA. Well, apparently, the process to do so, takes a while. Now, I am not sure if she sat around twiddling her thumbs until the last minute or what. But I have decided to take her word for it. As a result of my conscious and nepitism (using my sis and having her earn moolah and experience versus using someone else), I have had to wait a weee bit longer than desired to begin my house hunt. BUT, I knew this a month ago...(refer to date in above link). But a month is a long time to wait when YOU have all YOUR ducks in a row and have to wait on others. Oh well, such is life..I suppose.

Howeveeeer, I am happy to announce we WILL definitely begin my house hunt this Saturday!!! I am so happy I could do a happy dance. I have sent her numerous homes I wish to view this Saturday and Sunday. I just received an email from her (in the midst of creating this post) confirming our weekend house hunt!!

I really think that was the reason for my foul mood the past 2 weeks. I have been wanting to come home to my place and have Houston (my Yorkie) greet me with that smile of his, knowing he was on his way outdoors to 'water' the shrubs :-)

I have also come to the conclusion, in life, one only has but so much control. I can not expect things to go the way I want them to when I want them to. Life doesn't work that way and there will be lil bumps here and there. I know my sis has done the best she can to get her affairs in order. She has just become a recently wed wife and is also the mother of one of my favorite nephews (I only have two and they both are my favorite HA!!!) I have made a conscious decision to adjust my moods. When I feel as though I am in a funk, I need to change that feeling in it's wake and pronto. I am a work in progress and have a lot of living and learning to do. And I am willing. Willing to live. Willing to learn. Willing to make improvements. I have a ways to go, but it ain't too late.

It'll be another month...

...before I can begin my house search and I feel like crying. Well, not really. I am over that feeling, but I thought the pic was cool and cute. Well, I guess you wanna know what happened. My sis comes into my room last night and says 'Girl, I got some bad news' I already knew what it was because we have YET to go and preview homes. Anyways, she has to take a couple more classes before her liscence is reinstated or some crap like that. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I have to wait and y'all know how I do not like to wait for anything. Sooooo, it'll be another month or so before I officailly begin my home search. Therefore, I will refrein from going to realtor websites looking for prospective homes. I am forced to blog and do actual work while at WORK...go figure.

Anyways, I have been lurking soo many pf sites and I am hooked. I already gave y'all the link to Single Ma's Blog in an earlier post. I now introduce Dimples. I like her site a lot. Go visit it and tell her I sent you. HA!! She's as sista girl trying to get her finances in order as well. She has a lot of resources that would be beneficial to a lot of you wanting to save and budget. It's in this post here Cool PF Stuff.

Now, let's talk finances. I have been doing GREAT this past month with my spending habits. Meaning I have not been going to the malls. I have been taking my lunch and breakfast to work instead of eating out and I have been eating dinner at home. Saving mucho moolah. BUT!!! Yesterday, there was a disruption. I had an impromptu lunch date with a former colleague. Now, I bought my Marie Callendar chicken pot pie to work with EVERY intention of devouring it at my desk. But do to the unsuspected lunch date, I spent $4.00 exact on a chicken breast and a roll. I then went home and didnt feel like cooking so I spent $10.43 on a pork chop dinner from a soul food restaurant. That's a total of $14.43 I should not have spent!!! I even ended up with a head ache after eating that darn salty pork chop. I guess I learned my lesson, huh...

Still waiting....

Yep, I'm still waiting for my sis to get her stuff together so I can start my home search. I am sooo impatient and wanna start this thing NOW dammit!! But, what can I do?!! Get another agent and be perceived as a selfish twit by my mom and siblings. Normally, I wouldnt care (too much), but I want my sis to make this money instead of someone else. I also think she and I will have a great time while out and about.

Did I tell you guys I am going to the Bahamas with my kickboxing buddies? Yep, I sure am and I cant wait to go!!! I'm gonna be one drunk slut puppy that weekend. I mean, I'm not gonna be a slut, but I will be DRUNK!! Is one really better than the other, hmmmm?

Yesterday, I spent 14 bucks at the grocery to celebrate my fave uncles b-day. It was worth the lost cash flow. I have lunch leftover from yesterday and breakfast from yesterday as well. So I wont spend a dime to eat today. I think I will eat more fish for dinner. Fish and french fries will be my dinner AGAIN tonight. Yummerz!!

Home ownership!!!

I am on the path to home ownership!!! I am so excited because I have been on this path several times before, but I suppose now is the time for it to really happen. It even feels 'different' this time around. Meaning, the other times I was looking, I guess there was always some uncertainty surrounding my search. But this time around, I have no doubt it is time for me to make the move.

I will be using my sister as my realtor and a guy that went to high school with my as my mortgage broker. I am somewhat impatient because I have been ready for a while but I am waiting on my sis to get things straight on her end. Hopefully, she will have things together by the end of this week, because I cant wait anymore. I will update this blog with pictures of potential homes and the ups and downs of the home search. Wish me luck!!

The work day continues....

Um, this picture to the left has no significance in regards to this post, I just thought it was a pretty pic and well, since it's my blog, I can put whatever I want here. Ha!! Anywayz...

Well, it has been over a month since I created this blog and I have yet to add another entry. Um, I am a slacker. I guess this is why my first blog is somewhere lost in blog-land. Oh woe is me!!!

Anyways, my entire dept. is at a company meeting and since I am a contractor for this company, I dont have to attend. I did however, partake in the free breakfast they provided for their employees. I sho' did (**ding ding on the ebonics usage**) That free breakfast has saved me from a mundane breakfast consisting of Rice Krispies, blueberry muffin, and a banana my co-worker gave me (the banana was a lil' splotchy, but I was gon' cut it up in my cereal). I will eat the aforementioned for breakfast tomorrow, thus saving me more money.

Now, I am really trying to take control of my finances. I am not in bad shape by any means. But I know my financial situation could be a lot better if I stop spending. There are several blogs that I have been visiting and I will frequent these blogs on a daily or bi-weekly basis to get tips and a better understanding of finances in general. This is one of my favorites http://singlemomandmoney.blogspot.com/ Sista girl went from being a single mother on public assistance to a single mother in control of her life and finances. She has loads of great tips on her site. Give it go people.

I am trying to come up with a theme for my blog. I am leaning towards using this blog to montior my spending and watch my net worth grow. If anyone out there knows where I can find one of those net worth tables, send it my way. Thank Ya very kindly