I'd just like to start out by saying that this is the FIRST Boxing Day I've ever shopped on. I've worked plenty, but never been a shopper! I'd also like to add that Boxing Day Sales in Whitehorse SUCK.
That didn't stop me from spending $800, however (so much for my no-spend day). I really wanted some x-country skis and some snowshoes. No deal there, apart from everything being 10% off, not just the ski package. I've already found a discrepancy which I can probably get fixed this afternoon. The pants I bought were on sale for $90, but were rung through at $120. I didn't notice this until I got home about 15 minutes ago. I have to go back downtown this afternoon anyway, so I'll stop in and see if there's anything they can do. $30 is a substantial boo-boo - guaranteed I wouldn't do it for $3, but I will for $30.
I also bought a DVD player, which is something I've wanted for a while. DVDs play fine on my computer, but I like having the separate player for watching that. I went to one place where they were having a Boxing Day Blowout. What a joke! The lowest priced DVD player they had was $100 and they went up from there. So much for savings! I ended up going to the Source (used to be Radio Shack) and picked one up there instead. I budgeted $80, but as I got the only one left - the floor model - it came to $73.49. It was marked at $79 on the shelf, but rung in at $69.99. So, not a huge savings, but still better than the lame "blowout" prices at the first place I went to.
All the funds for this, by the way, have come out of my "mad money" account, so I don't feel too bad for buying. It was quieter than I thought it would be, too, as I went out early purposely to miss the crowds. Maybe it's just some specific places that are going to be really busy.
I'm home to have a shower, do the dishes, then head out again for another late shift at the hotel. It was a long night last night, and will be tonight as well, but I can have a bit of a sleep in tomorrow, which will be nice.
Friday, 26 December 2008
Recap at Christmas
I need something to do here at the hotel (already!), so I thought I'd update. It's going to be quiet tonight - at least I hope so! Only a few calls so far, about of them half asking if off-sales were open (no).
I've come prepared with books, notebooks (to work on my 101 Things, my 50x50 and possibly my 2009 Plans lists), and I should get a meal at some point, too. There's currently a full dinner going on until 8pm, so I may not get it until later, but I'm assuming I'll get something. We're also done with our catering part of Christmas. Every year the hotel caters full Christmas turkey dinners (either a 16lb or a 28lb bird) with all the trimmings. The hotel kitchen staff cooks it, you just pick it up! :)
I spoke with my sister briefly yesterday evening and she strongly encouraged me to take the apartment I saw on Monday night. She couldn't understand why I was hesitating at all if the place was so perfect. Regardless of it's perfection, it's still a move and moves are stressful and time-consuming, even if it's to the home of your dreams. There's planning and packing and prepping and cleaning and shifting and unpacking and adjusting involved, so even if you really like the place, it doesn't hurt to be cautious. So I called L and left a message saying that I would like it, invited them to come and meet my cats and then waited.
L called today and sounded very happy that I made the decision to move in. I believe it's going to work out well, but she going to check with the other tenant and make sure he's not allergic to cats before the final decision. Once I hear back from her, I'll put in my notice, as I don't want to have to retract that if, for some reason, the cats are a problem. I didn't mention that I have a washing machine (no dryer) in-suite, have access to the garden and a shed (where my bike can be safely locked up) and a raised garden bed so I can grow my own veggies next summer!! There is also a little electric fireplace in the living room, which might actually be nice in the bedroom...hmm...
My three shifts at the liquor store wore me out! I'm really sore from all that lifting, stocking, collecting carts from the parking lot and tidying. The staff is great, and they seem to have a lot of fun with each other. It was fun to listen to people meeting up in the aisles and chatting. Still, all that hard work will pay off with 12 hours of work at time and a half, and 9 hours at double time - approx $600 after taxes. This will make a nice dent somwhere in my debt!
The past few days' spending looks like this:
Monday
$50 gift certificate (friend's son)
$9.19 lunch
$106.73 gift basket for my friend (she was making Christmas dinner, so...)
$6.01 Tim Horton's
Tuesday
$8.91 Subway
Wednesday
$16.83 items for potluck at liquor store
$22.05 bottle of rye (CC)
Today, obviously, is a no spend day. There's nothing open - not even a Tim Horton's! Ha ha. My Christmas meal with my friend and her family never materialized yesterday as she ended up taking her daughter to Emergency! I don't mind missing a meal - I was really tired and not really wanting to go out again after working all day at the liquor store anyway, but once I heard where they were, I was just concerned for her daughter. I couldn't get through to either my friend or her daughter, so I just hunkered down to wait. I've just spoken with my friend and her daughter's going to need surgery (it's bladder related), but she's doing "okay" for the time being. Poor kid.
Tomorrow will most likely be a no-spend day as well, but I am hoping to catch some boxing week sales on Saturday to buy some x-country skis and maybe a DVD player if I can get a good deal and I feel motivated enough. Otherwise, I'm going to start making a list of what I need to do for my move and start collecting some boxes, so I can pack up "stuff" like books, DVDs, summer clothing and move in bits and pieces. The new apartment is currently empty, so I can start moving stuff in before Feb 1, which is fantastic, but I have to get myself motivated, organized and buy a good tape gun!
Merry Christmas all!
I've come prepared with books, notebooks (to work on my 101 Things, my 50x50 and possibly my 2009 Plans lists), and I should get a meal at some point, too. There's currently a full dinner going on until 8pm, so I may not get it until later, but I'm assuming I'll get something. We're also done with our catering part of Christmas. Every year the hotel caters full Christmas turkey dinners (either a 16lb or a 28lb bird) with all the trimmings. The hotel kitchen staff cooks it, you just pick it up! :)
I spoke with my sister briefly yesterday evening and she strongly encouraged me to take the apartment I saw on Monday night. She couldn't understand why I was hesitating at all if the place was so perfect. Regardless of it's perfection, it's still a move and moves are stressful and time-consuming, even if it's to the home of your dreams. There's planning and packing and prepping and cleaning and shifting and unpacking and adjusting involved, so even if you really like the place, it doesn't hurt to be cautious. So I called L and left a message saying that I would like it, invited them to come and meet my cats and then waited.
L called today and sounded very happy that I made the decision to move in. I believe it's going to work out well, but she going to check with the other tenant and make sure he's not allergic to cats before the final decision. Once I hear back from her, I'll put in my notice, as I don't want to have to retract that if, for some reason, the cats are a problem. I didn't mention that I have a washing machine (no dryer) in-suite, have access to the garden and a shed (where my bike can be safely locked up) and a raised garden bed so I can grow my own veggies next summer!! There is also a little electric fireplace in the living room, which might actually be nice in the bedroom...hmm...
My three shifts at the liquor store wore me out! I'm really sore from all that lifting, stocking, collecting carts from the parking lot and tidying. The staff is great, and they seem to have a lot of fun with each other. It was fun to listen to people meeting up in the aisles and chatting. Still, all that hard work will pay off with 12 hours of work at time and a half, and 9 hours at double time - approx $600 after taxes. This will make a nice dent somwhere in my debt!
The past few days' spending looks like this:
Monday
$50 gift certificate (friend's son)
$9.19 lunch
$106.73 gift basket for my friend (she was making Christmas dinner, so...)
$6.01 Tim Horton's
Tuesday
$8.91 Subway
Wednesday
$16.83 items for potluck at liquor store
$22.05 bottle of rye (CC)
Today, obviously, is a no spend day. There's nothing open - not even a Tim Horton's! Ha ha. My Christmas meal with my friend and her family never materialized yesterday as she ended up taking her daughter to Emergency! I don't mind missing a meal - I was really tired and not really wanting to go out again after working all day at the liquor store anyway, but once I heard where they were, I was just concerned for her daughter. I couldn't get through to either my friend or her daughter, so I just hunkered down to wait. I've just spoken with my friend and her daughter's going to need surgery (it's bladder related), but she's doing "okay" for the time being. Poor kid.
Tomorrow will most likely be a no-spend day as well, but I am hoping to catch some boxing week sales on Saturday to buy some x-country skis and maybe a DVD player if I can get a good deal and I feel motivated enough. Otherwise, I'm going to start making a list of what I need to do for my move and start collecting some boxes, so I can pack up "stuff" like books, DVDs, summer clothing and move in bits and pieces. The new apartment is currently empty, so I can start moving stuff in before Feb 1, which is fantastic, but I have to get myself motivated, organized and buy a good tape gun!
Merry Christmas all!
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
I just wanted to say
MERRY
CHRISTMAS
EVERYONE
!!!!!!
HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY.
Rest, relax, recuperate, eat, sing, dance, and love. That's what it's all about!
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Hmmm...
I just went to see an apartment. It's a basement suite, 2 bedrooms, a 30 minute walk (!) from the library. The landlady is an acquaintance of mine and we both had "good feelings" about the other. It's very obviously a basement, but there are a lot of windows and the paint colours are nice and light. I actually really liked it; it felt very cosy. The extra bedroom is tiny, so would be designated as an office. Once I get my furniture from Victoria, I can set up my desk and computer in the second room and be away from the main traffic area. So to speak, of course, as all traffic is me.
So. My current monthly expenditures break down like this:
Rent: $550
Cable: $58.28
Heat & Hydro: $150 (approx)
Cell: $50
Phone/Internet: $120
Gas: $100 (min)
Total: $1028.88 before groceries.
Potential monthly expenditures:
Rent/heat: $700
Cable: 58.28
Internet (shared): $40
Phone: (landline) $35
Cell: $50
Gas: $50
Hydro: $60?
Total: $993.28 before groceries
Difference: $35.60
Moving won't save me much - if anything - but it's in the location I want and the couple who own the house are fantastic and would make really excellent landlords. I've invited them to come and meet my cats if they want to, so they know they're well taken care, clean and well-behaved. I felt really comfortable there, despite a t-i-n-y kitchen and it would be silly to say 'no'. It's empty and I could move stuff in early...I wouldn't be paying any more living there, which is great, although it would be nice to pay less of course. Waiting, on the other hand, will just frustrate me and I might not find something I like nearly as much mainly because the price is actually really good for where/what it is and where we are.
So. My current monthly expenditures break down like this:
Rent: $550
Cable: $58.28
Heat & Hydro: $150 (approx)
Cell: $50
Phone/Internet: $120
Gas: $100 (min)
Total: $1028.88 before groceries.
Potential monthly expenditures:
Rent/heat: $700
Cable: 58.28
Internet (shared): $40
Phone: (landline) $35
Cell: $50
Gas: $50
Hydro: $60?
Total: $993.28 before groceries
Difference: $35.60
Moving won't save me much - if anything - but it's in the location I want and the couple who own the house are fantastic and would make really excellent landlords. I've invited them to come and meet my cats if they want to, so they know they're well taken care, clean and well-behaved. I felt really comfortable there, despite a t-i-n-y kitchen and it would be silly to say 'no'. It's empty and I could move stuff in early...I wouldn't be paying any more living there, which is great, although it would be nice to pay less of course. Waiting, on the other hand, will just frustrate me and I might not find something I like nearly as much mainly because the price is actually really good for where/what it is and where we are.
I wanted to sleep on it because I didn't want to make an impulsive decision and end up regretting a move - which is not a little thing. But having spoken with my sister and had some feedback from a couple of friends, I think I'm going to go ahead and take it. I really doubt I'll regret it, particularly since I've been wanting a move to this area for over six months.
Timing is everything! It seems I'll have a new home Feb 1! :)
Monday, 22 December 2008
Weekly recap
These are the mukluks I got for Christmas from D. So beautiful...but...
This is what ice fog does to the trees.
This is ice fog. We had over a week of it last January. It was -44C the day I took this picture. This is 2nd Ave in Whitehorse. The library is out of the photo on the left, at the streetlights. I was outside for literally 5 minutes.
I had a pretty good "no spend" week, considering it's so close to Christmas. It helped that I made food that lasted for dinners & lunches. That saved me a lot.
Having said that, however, I have bought two lunches this week. I worked at the liquor store yesterday for some overtime and have two more shifts. It wasn't quite what I was expecting, mostly a lot of walking around and making sure everything looked nice and full, stocking shelves and tidying. But it should net me about $500 after taxes for 3 days work, and that will pay off my Visa and I'll have a little extra to put on my LOC & student loan. It's pretty exhausting, as I don't get much time off over the holidays, but like Gail says - do what you need to do to get out of debt. I don't have much, but it's still hanging over my head and I want to get rid of it next year.
I had an excellent day on Friday because I got my exam results back. I was aiming for a Level 4 essay (demonstrates adequate competency) and ended up with a Level 5 (demonstrates fluent competency)! I am really excited, particularly as I was concerned because I left an hour early! I was relieved, to say the least. This means I should be able to register for the English class that I want in January, but will have to talk to the college to confirm.
My lunch yesterday cost me $17.20 (incl. $2 tip). One of the women I supervise was also working at the liquor store and we went for lunch together. It was really good - the only Vietnamese restaurant in town.
My other spend on lunch was today and was almost the same price! I paid $17.64 for an excellent hamburger and fries. Three of us went for lunch as we don't open until 1pm on Sundays over Christmas. It was a nice suggestion to go and spend some time together. I hadn't tried the restaurant we went to, but I will definitely be going back. It was really good. Probably one of the best hamburgers I've ever had. I don't eat a lot of hamburgers, but I always try them when I go out to a restaurant.
I also spent $50 on a gift certificate for my friend's daughter. I'm spending Christmas Eve with them, so wanted to give the kids something. I need to buy a gift certificate for her oldest son and a little something for my friend and I'm DONE! I'm looking forward to dinner with them. Cats and dogs and kids...it'll be fun!
And my present from D...I'm thrilled with the boots, I really am. They're beautiful. It's just that I've always been really anti-fur (it's an truly awful way for an animal to die), so I'm having a really hard time with this. D has a trap-line. He hunts. He's First Nation. This is part of his heritage. It doesn't make him stop and think and wonder and shudder. City Girl here, on the other hand, has never understood the need for the use of fur. Has, until this point, found it quite repellent. But I didn't live in the North. I never experienced below -20 before, or windchills, or ice fog, or days of extreme cold out hunting on the land.
So I'm having a very difficult time reconciling my hypocrisy in accepting this gift. And I feel so ungrateful and unappreciative of the work and the thought that went into these beautiful boots. They are hand made and hand beaded. They are beautiful and they are WARM. They fit like a glove. And I think I need to wear them and love them because they came from someone I care about...right?
Friday, 19 December 2008
Spending update
I wasn't sure how my last post would go over, so I thank you all for your nice comments! :) The Yukon's one of those places that piques a lot of interest, but not everyone knows much about, never mind visiting it.
I've never loved living somewhere so much that I want to share everything I can about it, but there's something special about the Yukon. I suppose part of it is its "frontier" aspect, some of which remains today in the buildings and surrounds of Dawson City and, to a lesser degree, Whitehorse. The population grows slowly and our current Territorial population is about 34,000. It's its own small community! Very apparent when you run into someone you know in Dawson City, which is about a 7 hour drive north. That happened to me in August and it was very surreal!
Only a week until Christmas and I'm basically done. I have two presents left to send, but there's no point now until after Christmas because they won't get where they're going until after it's over anyway. D (the man I'm dating) and I are going to exchang gifts tomorrow night. I got him an iPod - a bit more than I had anticipated spending, but something I know he'll really like - and he called me the other day to ask what size feet I have, so I'm very curious to know what he got me. Skates? Boots? Snowshoes? Slippers?
I got a card and letter from my aunt in Toronto today and she stated that she's at the stage in life where she feels the need to hand on some of her treasures (she and my mum are twins, and they turn 77 next year). That said, she's going to be sending me a charm bracelet that my Dad apparently started for her year ago. I'm flattered and very moved by this as my Dad died when I was 13, so I will have something from both of them to cherish. I am really looking forward to receiving it.
I've been doing quite well with my spending this week (so far), although I'm not really counting my Tim Horton's spends because, well, it's not really my money I'm spending :) I made a great big salad that lasted me three days and managed to not spend as randomly as I normally do.
I mailed a parcel to my friend in Kingston on Monday, and am hoping it makes it there by Christmas. The book cost me $3.71 and the postage: $13.51. Ouch!
My Canadian Tire purchase the other day cost me $29.38. I've tried out the spray on de-icer and am a little frustrated because I think I must be missing something. I spray it on and it FREEZES! Argh... I'm sure that's not what's supposed to happen. It then gets stuck on the ice scraper and ends up all globby and mucky.
Another visit to the grocery store to stock up on lovely fruits and other perishables for salad cost me $78.62. I made gigantic fruit salads for three days with pineapple, strawberries, apple, banana, blueberries and blackberries. Amazing how a bowl of that can fill you up! All the fruit, obviously, is grown elsewhere, so the carbon footprint of my blueberries alone is HUGE, but honestly and particularly in the middle of winter, it's really nice to have some fresh fruit. My cravings lean towards starches and carbs, which your body craves in winter to stay warm. But it does get a bit much sometimes.
My cost of visiting the vet on Monday for Dinah's ears (it turns out BOTH are infected - unusual for a cat) was $134.10. That included the vet consultation and all the medication she needs for a week to ten days. Hopefully this will clear up her infection for good. It's not the cost, but it makes her miserable and she hates me when I give her her pill and put various liquids into her ears. Poor girl!
The temperature today was -36C, with ice fog. Today was a day to start the car and walk away. I started up the truck about 20 minutes before I left work and she was humming along fine by the time I needed to go. It's still strange to do it, but it takes at least that long for me to be barely warm. Northerners aren't the most environmentally friendly people in mid-winter, unfortunately.
I've never loved living somewhere so much that I want to share everything I can about it, but there's something special about the Yukon. I suppose part of it is its "frontier" aspect, some of which remains today in the buildings and surrounds of Dawson City and, to a lesser degree, Whitehorse. The population grows slowly and our current Territorial population is about 34,000. It's its own small community! Very apparent when you run into someone you know in Dawson City, which is about a 7 hour drive north. That happened to me in August and it was very surreal!
Only a week until Christmas and I'm basically done. I have two presents left to send, but there's no point now until after Christmas because they won't get where they're going until after it's over anyway. D (the man I'm dating) and I are going to exchang gifts tomorrow night. I got him an iPod - a bit more than I had anticipated spending, but something I know he'll really like - and he called me the other day to ask what size feet I have, so I'm very curious to know what he got me. Skates? Boots? Snowshoes? Slippers?
I got a card and letter from my aunt in Toronto today and she stated that she's at the stage in life where she feels the need to hand on some of her treasures (she and my mum are twins, and they turn 77 next year). That said, she's going to be sending me a charm bracelet that my Dad apparently started for her year ago. I'm flattered and very moved by this as my Dad died when I was 13, so I will have something from both of them to cherish. I am really looking forward to receiving it.
I've been doing quite well with my spending this week (so far), although I'm not really counting my Tim Horton's spends because, well, it's not really my money I'm spending :) I made a great big salad that lasted me three days and managed to not spend as randomly as I normally do.
I mailed a parcel to my friend in Kingston on Monday, and am hoping it makes it there by Christmas. The book cost me $3.71 and the postage: $13.51. Ouch!
My Canadian Tire purchase the other day cost me $29.38. I've tried out the spray on de-icer and am a little frustrated because I think I must be missing something. I spray it on and it FREEZES! Argh... I'm sure that's not what's supposed to happen. It then gets stuck on the ice scraper and ends up all globby and mucky.
Another visit to the grocery store to stock up on lovely fruits and other perishables for salad cost me $78.62. I made gigantic fruit salads for three days with pineapple, strawberries, apple, banana, blueberries and blackberries. Amazing how a bowl of that can fill you up! All the fruit, obviously, is grown elsewhere, so the carbon footprint of my blueberries alone is HUGE, but honestly and particularly in the middle of winter, it's really nice to have some fresh fruit. My cravings lean towards starches and carbs, which your body craves in winter to stay warm. But it does get a bit much sometimes.
My cost of visiting the vet on Monday for Dinah's ears (it turns out BOTH are infected - unusual for a cat) was $134.10. That included the vet consultation and all the medication she needs for a week to ten days. Hopefully this will clear up her infection for good. It's not the cost, but it makes her miserable and she hates me when I give her her pill and put various liquids into her ears. Poor girl!
The temperature today was -36C, with ice fog. Today was a day to start the car and walk away. I started up the truck about 20 minutes before I left work and she was humming along fine by the time I needed to go. It's still strange to do it, but it takes at least that long for me to be barely warm. Northerners aren't the most environmentally friendly people in mid-winter, unfortunately.
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
The Weather Outside is Unfit for Cheechakos
It’s officially winter. This, of course, is all relative, depending on where you live. The current temperature is -21C, but with the wind chill it “feels like -31C.” Our overnight is supposed to be -30C. It’s warmer today than it was yesterday, mind you, when the daytime high was -27C - like somewhere else last week!
I bought a new ice scraper today, as my old one is really dull and worn, which just makes an unpleasant job that much worse. Fighting to scrape ice coated windows and getting nowhere is frustrating, tiring and takes longer than it needs to. I decided it would be a(nother) Christmas present to myself (thanks mum!), so picked a fancy one with an extendable arm, a squeegee/brush head and a really nice ergonomic handle. With the amount of scraping we do here – often twice a day – you need a decent scraper that will last at least two winters and that’s comfortable to use. It’s amazing how pleasing a new thing like that can be!
Last week, after my shift at the hotel, I noticed the cook spraying stuff on his windshield, so I asked what it was. “De-icer,” he said. You spray it on, leave it a bit, then turn your wipers on and voila! I’ve never seen it before, so while I was shopping today, I had a look for it. Handily, they have it right beside the scrapers, and there are several different kinds. The kind I picked needs a cold start, so I have to remember NOT to start the truck for warming prior to scraping. You leave it about 30 seconds (it claims to work to
-40C) and then just squeegee it off. I’m looking forward to trying it tomorrow morning, but I need to ensure I read the instructions properly first.
Living in the North incurs a whole new series of habits and costs. When I first moved up here I was, in Northern lingo, what they call a “Cheechako.”
A cheechako is a person who is a tenderfoot, a newbie -- the term dates from the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1850s in Alaska and the Yukon. Daniel Pinkwater quotes a friend living in Alaska as saying the word is an Upik pronunciation of "Chicago," but I can find no confirmation of this, and in fact a web site I found explains the word as "combining the Chinook Indian word 'chee,' meaning new, fresh, or just now, with the Nootka Indian word 'chako,' which means to come, to approach, or to become."
But whatever the source, the new people coming up from points further south, inexperienced in mining or surviving Alaskan winters, were called "cheechakos," and the word found its way into the works of Jack London and Robert Service, and it's still used in the area to describe newcomers. (It also seems to be used as a name for stores and tour companies.) After a certain amount or time or experience, one becomes a "sourdough."
You become Sourdough after a year. The term derives, again, from the Gold Rush era when the experienced Rushers learned to keep a starter of sourdough close to their body, ready to use in case they needed something to eat.
The Cheechako year is supposed to be the one where you gain all – or a lot – of the experience you need to live comfortably in the North. It’s taken me a bit longer than that (I don’t listen very well…), but I’m getting there.
I’ve learned many things:
1) Always have a full tank of oil at home. For this, you need cash (here, it’s a min. $400). It gets cold without oil. If you run out of oil, diesel will do the same job until the delivery can be made. How about that? People seemed surprised that I didn’t know this when I ran out (twice!) last year. Approx 8 month cost: $4000.00 (assuming $700 every six weeks, Oct – May)
2) Winterize your car! You will be grateful you spent the $150 to put in a battery blanket, block heater and oil pan heater. I bought the items at the auto parts store and then had them professionally installed. A garage is nice, too, but if you can’t afford a garage with attached house, make sure you at least have a plug in available for those extremely cold nights. One time: $300 (supplies and install)
3) Tires. Snow tires! Never mind those “all seasons” that some people swear by. Snow tires are designed for better performance in the snow and the change in temperatures (different rubber) that accompany it. They are, simply, safer. I had studs added to mine, but I think the next set I get will be Blizzaks. These are apparently some of the best winter tires on the market these days. Fairly pricey, but well worth it. Approx cost: $400 - $500 for 4 tires (mine are small).
4) Products like fuel line antifreeze, winter wipers, winter windshield fluid, and antifreeze (make sure it’s pet friendly!!) are the “little things” that can make a big difference to your comfort and safety in a car. Most are relatively inexpensive, and the fuel line antifreeze, for instance, comes in 6-packs, which can last the winter. Approx cost over 8 months: $100.
5) Emergency kit. This consists of many life-saving items like space-blankets (the shiny silver ones), candles, traction mats, gloves, flares, shovel, hand saw, axe/hatchet, etc. I took a winter driving course several weeks ago and actually went out and bought a few things necessary to start a kit. I never travel out of town in the winter – mainly because I’m particularly aware of the limitations of my vehicle – but it never hurts to be prepared! Approx cost: $250.
6) Winter tune-up. I neglected mine this year, but will definitely be taking wee truck in for service in the spring. It’s vital to make sure brakes, exhaust system, engine, etc. are working properly and to fix anything that needs to be replaced. Cost: varies, $250?
7) Clothing. This is pretty obvious, even to the uninitiated (me). Boots, gloves, coats, hats and scarves all help to keep heat in, but the real key to staying warm and comfortable is layering. Wool (not the older heavy stuff, the new, thin & light garments) and fleece are ideal. Think of yourself like an onion: a layer to wick the moisture from your body keeps you dry, a layer or two to keep the heat in keeps you warm, and an outside layer keeps the wind at bay. Of course there’s clothing for everything that you do: skiing, snowboarding, walking, hiking, sledding, general use, driving…My dream parka, for example, costs $600, but I would honestly never have to buy another one in my life. The one I got for $150 last year, though, is just fine. Buy the best you can afford, so that it lasts and is useable for many years. Cost for clothing: $1500 minimum for good quality, basic stuff that will keep you WARM!
8) Always have a full gas tank! This isn’t so important in a more southerly place, but in the North it’s not uncommon to let your vehicle run for prolonged periods of time. It’s so totally counter-intuitive that it was the hardest thing to wrap my head around. Don’t turn off the engine, but get out of the car, lock it and walk away. Of course, don’t forget your second set of keys or you’ll end up locking yourself out on a very, very cold day.
I locked myself out of my (running) truck on a morning that was -43C. It sucked, but fortunately I had my wallet and my BCAA card with me. I had stopped at the bank to get some cash, and the woman who tailed me in actually worked there, so she let me use the phone to call for assistance. Wee truck sure was warm and toasty when I eventually got back in, though, and in all honesty, I would rather she be running at -43C than not! I learned to keep one set of keys in each coat pocket.
Living in the North is not cheap. We pay more for food, gas, heating, everything. Eight months of winter and $200+ monthly electrical bills can play havoc on a budget, even a tight one. I’m keeping the heat as low as comfortable this year and using a fleece to stave off the worst of it – I’ve got all the thermostats set at 15C, and I’m finding it warm enough so far. I’ve got baseboard heating, one of the most expensive types, so I don’t want to make the same mistake as I did last year and crank it up to 24C or something sub-tropical like that. Mind you, when it was -44C for three weeks in January, it was nice to come home to a toasty apartment. Then I got my $350 electrical bill. Ouch!
But on the up side, the colder it is, the better and brighter and more beautiful the Northern Lights. In December 2006, during my first winter and just before Christmas, there was a jaw-dropping display. The sky was literally filled with lights, falling, dancing and running across the sky. I probably watched them for an hour. Phenomenal. Man cannot even dream of coming close to matching that beauty.
It’s not really a budget entry, and it’s kind of long, but just thought it might be interesting to cover some winter costs of us Yukoners.
I bought a new ice scraper today, as my old one is really dull and worn, which just makes an unpleasant job that much worse. Fighting to scrape ice coated windows and getting nowhere is frustrating, tiring and takes longer than it needs to. I decided it would be a(nother) Christmas present to myself (thanks mum!), so picked a fancy one with an extendable arm, a squeegee/brush head and a really nice ergonomic handle. With the amount of scraping we do here – often twice a day – you need a decent scraper that will last at least two winters and that’s comfortable to use. It’s amazing how pleasing a new thing like that can be!
Last week, after my shift at the hotel, I noticed the cook spraying stuff on his windshield, so I asked what it was. “De-icer,” he said. You spray it on, leave it a bit, then turn your wipers on and voila! I’ve never seen it before, so while I was shopping today, I had a look for it. Handily, they have it right beside the scrapers, and there are several different kinds. The kind I picked needs a cold start, so I have to remember NOT to start the truck for warming prior to scraping. You leave it about 30 seconds (it claims to work to
-40C) and then just squeegee it off. I’m looking forward to trying it tomorrow morning, but I need to ensure I read the instructions properly first.
Living in the North incurs a whole new series of habits and costs. When I first moved up here I was, in Northern lingo, what they call a “Cheechako.”
A cheechako is a person who is a tenderfoot, a newbie -- the term dates from the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1850s in Alaska and the Yukon. Daniel Pinkwater quotes a friend living in Alaska as saying the word is an Upik pronunciation of "Chicago," but I can find no confirmation of this, and in fact a web site I found explains the word as "combining the Chinook Indian word 'chee,' meaning new, fresh, or just now, with the Nootka Indian word 'chako,' which means to come, to approach, or to become."
But whatever the source, the new people coming up from points further south, inexperienced in mining or surviving Alaskan winters, were called "cheechakos," and the word found its way into the works of Jack London and Robert Service, and it's still used in the area to describe newcomers. (It also seems to be used as a name for stores and tour companies.) After a certain amount or time or experience, one becomes a "sourdough."
You become Sourdough after a year. The term derives, again, from the Gold Rush era when the experienced Rushers learned to keep a starter of sourdough close to their body, ready to use in case they needed something to eat.
The Cheechako year is supposed to be the one where you gain all – or a lot – of the experience you need to live comfortably in the North. It’s taken me a bit longer than that (I don’t listen very well…), but I’m getting there.
I’ve learned many things:
1) Always have a full tank of oil at home. For this, you need cash (here, it’s a min. $400). It gets cold without oil. If you run out of oil, diesel will do the same job until the delivery can be made. How about that? People seemed surprised that I didn’t know this when I ran out (twice!) last year. Approx 8 month cost: $4000.00 (assuming $700 every six weeks, Oct – May)
2) Winterize your car! You will be grateful you spent the $150 to put in a battery blanket, block heater and oil pan heater. I bought the items at the auto parts store and then had them professionally installed. A garage is nice, too, but if you can’t afford a garage with attached house, make sure you at least have a plug in available for those extremely cold nights. One time: $300 (supplies and install)
3) Tires. Snow tires! Never mind those “all seasons” that some people swear by. Snow tires are designed for better performance in the snow and the change in temperatures (different rubber) that accompany it. They are, simply, safer. I had studs added to mine, but I think the next set I get will be Blizzaks. These are apparently some of the best winter tires on the market these days. Fairly pricey, but well worth it. Approx cost: $400 - $500 for 4 tires (mine are small).
4) Products like fuel line antifreeze, winter wipers, winter windshield fluid, and antifreeze (make sure it’s pet friendly!!) are the “little things” that can make a big difference to your comfort and safety in a car. Most are relatively inexpensive, and the fuel line antifreeze, for instance, comes in 6-packs, which can last the winter. Approx cost over 8 months: $100.
5) Emergency kit. This consists of many life-saving items like space-blankets (the shiny silver ones), candles, traction mats, gloves, flares, shovel, hand saw, axe/hatchet, etc. I took a winter driving course several weeks ago and actually went out and bought a few things necessary to start a kit. I never travel out of town in the winter – mainly because I’m particularly aware of the limitations of my vehicle – but it never hurts to be prepared! Approx cost: $250.
6) Winter tune-up. I neglected mine this year, but will definitely be taking wee truck in for service in the spring. It’s vital to make sure brakes, exhaust system, engine, etc. are working properly and to fix anything that needs to be replaced. Cost: varies, $250?
7) Clothing. This is pretty obvious, even to the uninitiated (me). Boots, gloves, coats, hats and scarves all help to keep heat in, but the real key to staying warm and comfortable is layering. Wool (not the older heavy stuff, the new, thin & light garments) and fleece are ideal. Think of yourself like an onion: a layer to wick the moisture from your body keeps you dry, a layer or two to keep the heat in keeps you warm, and an outside layer keeps the wind at bay. Of course there’s clothing for everything that you do: skiing, snowboarding, walking, hiking, sledding, general use, driving…My dream parka, for example, costs $600, but I would honestly never have to buy another one in my life. The one I got for $150 last year, though, is just fine. Buy the best you can afford, so that it lasts and is useable for many years. Cost for clothing: $1500 minimum for good quality, basic stuff that will keep you WARM!
8) Always have a full gas tank! This isn’t so important in a more southerly place, but in the North it’s not uncommon to let your vehicle run for prolonged periods of time. It’s so totally counter-intuitive that it was the hardest thing to wrap my head around. Don’t turn off the engine, but get out of the car, lock it and walk away. Of course, don’t forget your second set of keys or you’ll end up locking yourself out on a very, very cold day.
I locked myself out of my (running) truck on a morning that was -43C. It sucked, but fortunately I had my wallet and my BCAA card with me. I had stopped at the bank to get some cash, and the woman who tailed me in actually worked there, so she let me use the phone to call for assistance. Wee truck sure was warm and toasty when I eventually got back in, though, and in all honesty, I would rather she be running at -43C than not! I learned to keep one set of keys in each coat pocket.
Living in the North is not cheap. We pay more for food, gas, heating, everything. Eight months of winter and $200+ monthly electrical bills can play havoc on a budget, even a tight one. I’m keeping the heat as low as comfortable this year and using a fleece to stave off the worst of it – I’ve got all the thermostats set at 15C, and I’m finding it warm enough so far. I’ve got baseboard heating, one of the most expensive types, so I don’t want to make the same mistake as I did last year and crank it up to 24C or something sub-tropical like that. Mind you, when it was -44C for three weeks in January, it was nice to come home to a toasty apartment. Then I got my $350 electrical bill. Ouch!
But on the up side, the colder it is, the better and brighter and more beautiful the Northern Lights. In December 2006, during my first winter and just before Christmas, there was a jaw-dropping display. The sky was literally filled with lights, falling, dancing and running across the sky. I probably watched them for an hour. Phenomenal. Man cannot even dream of coming close to matching that beauty.
It’s not really a budget entry, and it’s kind of long, but just thought it might be interesting to cover some winter costs of us Yukoners.
Saturday, 13 December 2008
Weekly roundup
I was up before 6:30 this morning, scraping that darned ice off the truck at 6:45 and at SuperStore by 7:00. Their hours until Christmas: 6am - 12am!
I am determined NOT to do any more shopping (apart from, perhaps, some perishables) until the (Christmas) madness is over and I am not remotely patient enough to go during the weekend days or after work. One of the staff there said I sure had my timing right - about 10:00 and the place is a zoo. I figured it might be, which is why I wanted to get out there and just get it done. I had my list, but did I follow it? More or less...meaning that I got MOST stuff on it, but saw yummy things down every aisle, even though I had to pick my way around stockers, boxes, carts...I swear these things just jumped in on their own! There were no actual tills open (?), so I guess they want people to use the new self-checkouts instead, but as I was using my gift cards, I couldn't (they don't take cash). The lady at customer service opened a checkout for me. How fabulous! I am so glad to have that over and done with.
The grocery bill came to $180.91, but I've got loads and loads of stuff to keep me happy over the holidays, so I'm actually pretty happy with the amount I spent. I stocked up on pasta and rice (which I love) and which are great as leftovers for several days. I've also got a bunch of stuff to make a giant salad (spinach base, carrots, peppers, onions, cheese, eggs, tuna or chicken), and if I make it right, it should last me almost a week. I still have almost $100 left on my gift cards, too.
Once I got home, I did my dishes, cleaned my floor, my microwave, part of the bathroom and the stovetop (even took off the metal thingees and washed them), took out a bunch of garbage and removed my recycling to the truck. All before 10:30! I'm amazed at myself...but now I have my whole day to play :)
My spending since Wednesday looks like this:
Wednesday
Lunch at Tim Horton's $7.96 (on gift card)
Thursday
Amazon order $167.38 (from my Christmas money)
4 DVD box sets, 1 book
And just in case anyone's keeping track, that's five DVD box sets in one week: Planet Earth, Arrested Development S1, Coupling S1-4, Heroes S1, Sex & the City S1; Mastering Digital Photography was the book I chose. I'm pretty much set, as long as I can break my new addiction...
Thursday evening four of us got together to make pizza. It was really good! My share was about $15. Much cheaper than the dining out we've been doing the past little while.
Friday
Gas $44.15 (87.9!!!!! Wahoo! I NEVER thought I'd see it below a dollar, never mind .90 cents a litre)
I realize this is still high compared to eastern Ontario (my friends in Kingston are paying 67.9L right now), but for the North, it's pretty awesome.
I've made a couple of phone calls, too. One was to the cell phone company. My current contract is up in June '09 and I was hoping I could make some adjustments, but it's actually cheaper for me to keep what I've got now and renegotiate when the contract is up. I'll probably look at pre-paid or pay-as-you-go, because I use nowhere near the 40 free minutes a month I currently have. I did find out that I've been throwing money pretty randomly at the cell phone bills and currently have a credit son my account of about $150! That means No payments for me for about 3 months.
The other call was to student loans to find out my current balance. It's come down a bit to $3264.22. Interest (out of interest) is .54 cents a day, and the rate has fallen 1/2% to 6%.
I also stopped by the cable provider to find out the status on my account. It turns out I have a credit there, too: $113. Wow! I've decided to cancel at the end of my cycle in Feb. Just in time for spring and the beginning of our long days.
This means that for the next two months, I have an extra $220 to throw at my debt. This will probably be my LOC and my student loan, as I'd like to see higher and lower numbers respectively in those.
I have to take my princess to the vet on Monday (the calico in the photo). She has another ear infection that I want to clear up before it gets worse. I don't want another "worst I've ever seen" infection. Poor princess. I also went to the doctor to refill some prescriptions and visited my bank to discuss RRSP mutual fund options. There are a couple that I'm interested in, so I just have to get a printout of my account information and can get myself set up.
So I'm feeling quite productive these days, checking things off my list of to do's. I have some time off over the holidays (not much, as I decided to take three shifts at the liquor store to help out) and I want to poke through my closets and bookshelves and find things I can get rid of. I'm in a purging mood, probably because another new year is right around the corner.
One day over the holidays will be devoted to Boxing Week sales (when did Boxing Day morph into Boxing Week exactly?). I am looking for snowshoes and x-country skis and accoutrements. The winter weather here is too damn nice to spend inside ALL the time.
Thursday, 11 December 2008
Gail's Planner - Initial Review
I got Gail’s TDDUP Life Planner the other day (HURRAH!), and having had poked through it, I thought I would give my (initial) impressions, as I’ve had some queries about it.
It’s set up like a regular spiral bound day planner with lots of space for organizing day to day events like appointments, outings, reminders, etc. (and it includes the last week of December, so you can get your new habits started early!). Lots of room to make notes and to jot down thoughts or ideas.
You start out with several exercises designed to track your spending, your fixed expenses, where you currently stand in relation to savings vs debt, and lay out your big goals. What do you want in 5 years? Where do you stand now? Habits: Good or bad, they go in here, too.
Each month there’s a Monthly Plan, along with a section to track your variable spending (The Magic Jars!) and advice on how to stay organized, make necessary changes, etc. It’s set up on a weekly basis, along with a “to do” list and suggestions for shaving and saving – there’s even a column to show what you’ve saved on a daily basis! “Wish lists” for those items you want - and will need to save for – are included as well, so you have a place to write them down and keep track of costs and savings.
And, of course, it has “Gail-isms” scattered throughout to prompt action and thought!
I don’t generally use daytimers. The intention is there, but I always forget I’ve got them and they languish, empty and unused instead. Although the basis of this one is the same (organizing and keeping track of things), it’s prompting actual ACTION from you as well; you need to participate to see the results, not just note down that you’re meeting so and so for lunch on such and such a day so you won’t forget. How much did you spend on lunch? Did you drive? Did you stop to pick up a card at the drugstore for that birthday you almost forgot?
And don’t forget: you need to take responsibility for all of this!
It’s set up like a regular spiral bound day planner with lots of space for organizing day to day events like appointments, outings, reminders, etc. (and it includes the last week of December, so you can get your new habits started early!). Lots of room to make notes and to jot down thoughts or ideas.
You start out with several exercises designed to track your spending, your fixed expenses, where you currently stand in relation to savings vs debt, and lay out your big goals. What do you want in 5 years? Where do you stand now? Habits: Good or bad, they go in here, too.
Each month there’s a Monthly Plan, along with a section to track your variable spending (The Magic Jars!) and advice on how to stay organized, make necessary changes, etc. It’s set up on a weekly basis, along with a “to do” list and suggestions for shaving and saving – there’s even a column to show what you’ve saved on a daily basis! “Wish lists” for those items you want - and will need to save for – are included as well, so you have a place to write them down and keep track of costs and savings.
And, of course, it has “Gail-isms” scattered throughout to prompt action and thought!
I don’t generally use daytimers. The intention is there, but I always forget I’ve got them and they languish, empty and unused instead. Although the basis of this one is the same (organizing and keeping track of things), it’s prompting actual ACTION from you as well; you need to participate to see the results, not just note down that you’re meeting so and so for lunch on such and such a day so you won’t forget. How much did you spend on lunch? Did you drive? Did you stop to pick up a card at the drugstore for that birthday you almost forgot?
And don’t forget: you need to take responsibility for all of this!
Monday, 8 December 2008
Saturday, 6 December 2008
Long time gone...and lots of spending to boot!
I opted not to update over the past couple of weeks because I was busy with the Pet Photos and I was trying to review for my test today. The photos went well. They were really fun, and I had a great time, but it was really tiring. We raised $1100, plus there were some donations on top of that for a grand total of $1364. Not too shabby, I'd say!
It'll be two weeks until I hear anything about my test, but I know I didn't do as much review as I needed to. My final essay was a bit wordy, but it's done. I finished an hour ahead of schedule, so that either bodes very well or very badly!
I spent the rest of my day doing some shopping - it's starting to get a little busy out there! - doing a laundry, doing the dishes and vacuuming the apartment. I have an early start in the morning at the hotel, so I'm hoping to get to bed early again tonight.
But I thought I'd better update before I hit the sack.
Goals completed first:
1) Poke through my closets again and donate more stuff to charity now that I have so much NEW stuff - NOT DONE
2) Take the old pots & pans to charity; I bought a new set on sale - NOT DONE (I'm still using the old ones, too)
3) 10 No Spend days -2/10 - better than nothing!
4) Send overseas Christmas cards - COMPLETED (have one last minute one to do tomorrow)
5) No more credit card spending - NO, BUT PAID OFF AND CUT UP MASTERCARD!! Can I have a WOO HOO?
6) Start Christmas shopping - ALMOST COMPLETE DEC 6
7) Look into satellite vs. cable costs - COMPLETED (decided to cancel cable all together)
8) Pay the car insurance in full $496.12 is what remains after the Oct payment - COMPLETED
9) Create a 6-mth & a 5-yr plan - NOT DONE
10) Finish my 101 Things & 50x50 list...ongoing (it's hard) - STILL NOT DONE!
BONUS: I read 10 (!) books this month!
"The Writing Class"
"Letter to a Christian Nation"
"Shattered Dreams"
"Blood From a Stone"
"Zookeeper's Wife"
"Capitol Offence"
"Debunked - Conspiracy Theories, Urban Legends, and Evil Plots of the 21st Century"
"Tell Me Where It Hurts"
"Pawprints of Katrina"
"My Father's Keeper"
That 101 Things list is going to be the end of me! To be honest, I haven't even looked at it for the past while. Maybe I'll do it for the New Year instead. But otherwise I completed more than I thought I would!
So, my spending over the past couple of weeks has been a bit all over the place. I've got a bit of an addiction to Starbuck's steamed eggnog right now (thank goodness it's only once a year!) and have indulged in about 5 of them in the past two weeks. I don't want to think about what's in them - I just like them!
I won't list all my spending from the previous week, but will catch up on this week's because having it written down really does help to take stock.
Sunday
Tea $1.92
Breakfast $7.56
Dinner $30.96
Monday
DVD Box Set (Corner Gas S2) $31.49
Passport Photos $21.00 (sooooooo not happy with them, but needed one for the college exam today)
Lunch $8.91
Starbuck's $7.56 (eggnogs & croissant)
Tuesday
Lunch $13.02 (incl. 2L milk)
Wednesday
Pet Photos $32.24
iPod $198.45 (Christmas present - I'm being exceptionally generous here...)
Thursday
PS3 video game $62.89 (Christmas present)
Starbuck's $5.78 (eggnogs)
Cat food $46.99
Expense repayment +$75.00 (for pet photos & USB stick)
Friday
2 photo reprints $2.08
Book $14.15
Donation $125 (Christmas present)
Book $30 (Christmas present)
Digital photo frames (2) $132.96 (Christmas presents - these are going to my sister and my brother with photos of their trip to Whitehorse in the summer)
Tim Horton's $103.90
I know how that last one looks. What can you buy at Tim Horton's that costs THAT much? I bought a gift card for myself. My mum put $1K into my account for Christmas (thanks, mum!!) and I took a few days to think about what exactly I should do with it. I had a few ideas - and got some good advice, too! - so I decided that I would get a few things I "wanted", instead of things I needed. Which was also some advice I got - ha ha!
I decided to spend some on "fun stuff" and the rest will go into my savings accounts. So I got myself a $100 Tim's card and a $250 SuperStore gift card. I don't plan to use the SuperStore card right away; I want to keep it for those times I might be running a bit short. The Tim's card is going to be my treat card. Next up: some books. I'm trying to limit myself to $100, but it's hard! I think it's worthwhile to wait for Boxing Week, however, to buy something(s) instead of paying full price pre-Christmas.
I'm also considering some x-country skis and accoutrements...a camera bag...a polarizing filter...a printer...oh my!
I did do some spending today after my exam and picked up presents for my mum. She had asked for slippers, so I stopped at Reitman's and picked up a pair I think she'll like. I also got her a Coles gift card for some books and a box of those new Ferrero Rocher chocolate - the "Collection" edition. Once I get it packed up tomorrow, I can send it off and it will be there in plenty of time for Christmas.
Spent:
Mailing box $3.98
Gift Certificate $50.00
Slippers $12.00
Chocolate/wrapping paper $11.00
I have spent a lot on Christmas - more than I intended actually - but I'm really pleased with what I got for everyone.
I'm looking forward to a nice, relaxing holiday!
It'll be two weeks until I hear anything about my test, but I know I didn't do as much review as I needed to. My final essay was a bit wordy, but it's done. I finished an hour ahead of schedule, so that either bodes very well or very badly!
I spent the rest of my day doing some shopping - it's starting to get a little busy out there! - doing a laundry, doing the dishes and vacuuming the apartment. I have an early start in the morning at the hotel, so I'm hoping to get to bed early again tonight.
But I thought I'd better update before I hit the sack.
Goals completed first:
1) Poke through my closets again and donate more stuff to charity now that I have so much NEW stuff - NOT DONE
2) Take the old pots & pans to charity; I bought a new set on sale - NOT DONE (I'm still using the old ones, too)
3) 10 No Spend days -2/10 - better than nothing!
4) Send overseas Christmas cards - COMPLETED (have one last minute one to do tomorrow)
5) No more credit card spending - NO, BUT PAID OFF AND CUT UP MASTERCARD!! Can I have a WOO HOO?
6) Start Christmas shopping - ALMOST COMPLETE DEC 6
7) Look into satellite vs. cable costs - COMPLETED (decided to cancel cable all together)
8) Pay the car insurance in full $496.12 is what remains after the Oct payment - COMPLETED
9) Create a 6-mth & a 5-yr plan - NOT DONE
10) Finish my 101 Things & 50x50 list...ongoing (it's hard) - STILL NOT DONE!
BONUS: I read 10 (!) books this month!
"The Writing Class"
"Letter to a Christian Nation"
"Shattered Dreams"
"Blood From a Stone"
"Zookeeper's Wife"
"Capitol Offence"
"Debunked - Conspiracy Theories, Urban Legends, and Evil Plots of the 21st Century"
"Tell Me Where It Hurts"
"Pawprints of Katrina"
"My Father's Keeper"
That 101 Things list is going to be the end of me! To be honest, I haven't even looked at it for the past while. Maybe I'll do it for the New Year instead. But otherwise I completed more than I thought I would!
So, my spending over the past couple of weeks has been a bit all over the place. I've got a bit of an addiction to Starbuck's steamed eggnog right now (thank goodness it's only once a year!) and have indulged in about 5 of them in the past two weeks. I don't want to think about what's in them - I just like them!
I won't list all my spending from the previous week, but will catch up on this week's because having it written down really does help to take stock.
Sunday
Tea $1.92
Breakfast $7.56
Dinner $30.96
Monday
DVD Box Set (Corner Gas S2) $31.49
Passport Photos $21.00 (sooooooo not happy with them, but needed one for the college exam today)
Lunch $8.91
Starbuck's $7.56 (eggnogs & croissant)
Tuesday
Lunch $13.02 (incl. 2L milk)
Wednesday
Pet Photos $32.24
iPod $198.45 (Christmas present - I'm being exceptionally generous here...)
Thursday
PS3 video game $62.89 (Christmas present)
Starbuck's $5.78 (eggnogs)
Cat food $46.99
Expense repayment +$75.00 (for pet photos & USB stick)
Friday
2 photo reprints $2.08
Book $14.15
Donation $125 (Christmas present)
Book $30 (Christmas present)
Digital photo frames (2) $132.96 (Christmas presents - these are going to my sister and my brother with photos of their trip to Whitehorse in the summer)
Tim Horton's $103.90
I know how that last one looks. What can you buy at Tim Horton's that costs THAT much? I bought a gift card for myself. My mum put $1K into my account for Christmas (thanks, mum!!) and I took a few days to think about what exactly I should do with it. I had a few ideas - and got some good advice, too! - so I decided that I would get a few things I "wanted", instead of things I needed. Which was also some advice I got - ha ha!
I decided to spend some on "fun stuff" and the rest will go into my savings accounts. So I got myself a $100 Tim's card and a $250 SuperStore gift card. I don't plan to use the SuperStore card right away; I want to keep it for those times I might be running a bit short. The Tim's card is going to be my treat card. Next up: some books. I'm trying to limit myself to $100, but it's hard! I think it's worthwhile to wait for Boxing Week, however, to buy something(s) instead of paying full price pre-Christmas.
I'm also considering some x-country skis and accoutrements...a camera bag...a polarizing filter...a printer...oh my!
I did do some spending today after my exam and picked up presents for my mum. She had asked for slippers, so I stopped at Reitman's and picked up a pair I think she'll like. I also got her a Coles gift card for some books and a box of those new Ferrero Rocher chocolate - the "Collection" edition. Once I get it packed up tomorrow, I can send it off and it will be there in plenty of time for Christmas.
Spent:
Mailing box $3.98
Gift Certificate $50.00
Slippers $12.00
Chocolate/wrapping paper $11.00
I have spent a lot on Christmas - more than I intended actually - but I'm really pleased with what I got for everyone.
I'm looking forward to a nice, relaxing holiday!
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