Tuesday, April 30, 2013

#89. Read 115 Books - Progress

The goal this month was 10 books. I ended up reading 8 and a few other those were short stories. I got stuck on a couple books that took longer than I wanted until they eventually picked up. BUT at least I'm on track for my goal of 115.

The 5 Stars this month were:


It took a few days to get my imagination going for this one but once I got into it, I couldn't stop reading. It's very fairy tale meets Narnia less a wardrobe. I was sad when I found out there was no sequel because I don't feel like I got any closure from the ending.


I loved the setting for this story; homes that have foggy green, open forests as backyards. The love story was quite cute and felt real, despite the boy turning into a wolf when the weather got chilly. There is no tricky love triangle so you get to root for the main characters without feeling guilty. Plus, there is a sequel.


I read this book in about an hour or so. It's a visual short that I thought would be scary in a terrifying was but it was scary in a sad way. Perfectly written, I've yet to see a bad review about it. A must read for sure.


I normally don't read books like this, the simple love story books, but after I finished this one I had to myself why not? I had a hard time putting this one down as well and the characters next door were all so likeable. It was the perfect summer read that was perfectly written as a stand alone book.
38/115

Sunday, April 28, 2013

#88. Purchase a New Bikini - Completed

It's been years and years since I last purchased a bikini and to be honest I think the reason I didn't want to was because I wasn't happy with my body enough to actually get into a bikini.

I'm down 20 pounds but I still have some work to do so I'm going to start up my program again, and by program I mean eat healthy and go to the gym.

I'm very particular about bikinis so it took me awhile to find one I liked and that was still a reasonable price. House buying means being frugal and less frivolous.


I found the perfect one at Forever 21 and for a grand total of less than $25. Hooray! 

I also found some cute sandals so I'm set for this summer. 

Saturday, April 20, 2013

#83. Sell Items on Kijiji - Progress

I ended up giving my little sister the Versace Perfume I put on Kijiji. I had one buyer but it was too difficult to arrange to meet so I nixed it. All good.

But, now that we are going to be moving quickly, I want to make sure there are no loose ends that we have to move. It would be awesome to move in one truck load, amiright?

I bought a wardrobe (Indian in the cupboard as we refer to it) when B and I moved in together but sadlyI don't think it will fit in the new house. Did I mention you can lock it with a key?


I love it but it's huge and will likely be a pain to move so I'm going to at least try and sell it and if it doesn't go, then we take it and either try to sell it there or find a home for it in one of the bedrooms.

Totally leaving this one to chance because my heart wants to keep it but my brain says no. Yes, it is possible to be in love with a wardrobe.



#77. Sell Condo - Completed

Last night at 8:44 I was told that the conditions on the offer had been waived and that it was now a firm sale. I think I stood there for a couple seconds before I comprehended what that meant, this whole time telling myself "Don't get excited because it's not for sure yet."

This time I could get excited! There was no going back now because the condo has officially sold!!

There is a ton of work to do this week in order to get the house we want but the biggest burden has been lifted, now everything is mostly in our control.

Time to celebrate!

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Maybe I just wanted an excuse to search for delicious cakes. And eat them too. 

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

#81. Save $500 in Change - Progress

I was able to put another $35 in the bank today which is 7% of my total goal. So how do I manage to get so much change?

Well 1.) B uses cash primarily and 2.) I like to use cash primarily.

As soon as it's payday I do my biweekly budget and withdraw all the money I'm going to spend in cash such as groceries and bills. It's less tempting to use my credit card and that way I have the opportunity to receive change.

What's the total right now? $360.46.

And let's just note this is change that normally people throw away or leave under the seats in their car but instead I've hoarded it and it's paying for my birthday vacation. Try it.

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#77. Sell Condo - Progress

On Sunday I got a text saying there would be 2 showings around noon so B and I hopped out of bed and drove down to the condo to make sure it was pristine before the walkthroughs. The usual dusting, windexing, sweeping and mopping.

We didn't have much on the go that day so we decided to go for dinner that evening and during my Realtor called me saying there was an offer. I didn't want to get too excited because 1.) We were in a public place and 2.) I knew better from last time. BUT, it was much better than the first offer I recieved and we started negotiating the prices only to shortly have her withdraw due to personal family issues. Hopefully she's alright.

As it turns out the other couple that saw it Sunday also wanted to put in an offer but didn't want a bidding war so they stepped in after the other offer was gone. They came in with a stronger offer, a shorter possession date and wanted nearly all the furniture. Wins all around.

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We came to a price last night and there hasn't been any time wasted in them getting a property inspection and me contacting the builder about renewing our offer.

All of their conditions need to be waived by April 22nd so it will be an exciting week for both parties. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the next month. Fingers crossed everything works out.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

#26. Reach 200,000 Points on Fitocracy - Progress

I feel like I've been slacking lately so this level up took longer than I feel it should have.

So, I got off my butt and worked out at home tonight to make sure Jax had some time to be out of his kennel during the evening.

It was an hour and a half arms and abs workout and I already feel it in my shoulders. Which is good - Yay strong shoulders.


I had a personal goal to make it too 150,000 by June so I like to think I'm at least on par with that. Small goals will add up to a larger goal. 

Now. Time to shower.