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25 Random Things January 31, 2009

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Candie over at Broke and not so Fabulous has tagged me!

“Rules: Once you’ve been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you and post it. At the end, choose 5 people to be tagged. If I tagged you, it’s because I want to know more about you.”

  1. Aside from when I was a baby, I have never recalled myself burping.
  2. I can’t whistle.
  3. I wear Christmas socks all year long.
  4. I keep a personal journal, and I write very very neatly so that it is legible if someone happens to find it hundreds of years from now.
  5. Once I punched a girl in the face. She deserved it.
  6. I have my belly button pierced.
  7. I have a tattoo on my back.
  8. My Starbucks drink for years and years was: a tall 180 degrees non-fat no whip half sweet peppermint mocha.
  9. The only car I ever owned was a 1989 Mazda 323 hatchback.
  10. The highlight of my life was meeting Ian Wright at MEC last year. Not really, but kind of.
  11. I used to do on-air shifts occasionally on a global music radio station.
  12. I hate tomatoes with an undying passion.
  13. An NHL player once gave me his e-mail address. I never e-mailed him. Burn!
  14. I only eat bananas if they have no brown spots on them.
  15. I used to work the graveyard shift, bundling newspapers in a large warehouse.
  16. This person I know is so annoying. She makes me want to pull all my hair out.
  17. Sometimes I lie awake at night because I can’t stop thinking about the future.
  18. I get annoyed. Really, really easily.
  19. I’ve permed my hair before. Twice. Not a good look on me.
  20. At casinos, I only play the variations of Jackpot Party. If I can’t find one of those slot machines, then I don’t play.
  21. I can’t stand having long nails.
  22. My favourite chips are Ruffles thick cut sour cream and onion.
  23. The taste of black licorice disgusts me.
  24. I hate running, but I ran cross country and track from Grade 3-12.
  25. I absolutely 100% cannot stand cheesecake. Of any kind. Period.

Now, I tag Stacking Pennies, Over the Cubicle Wall, Single Broke Female, No More Spending, and Life and Debt in Chicago!


Being financially independent January 30, 2009

Posted by gmbmfb in : blog, miscellaneous , add a comment

Emmy wrote:

I just get so tired of people my age whose parents still pay their way when they go on trips for family vacations, or their families still help pay for clothes, home furnishings, down payment on a house, etc. I think even if you do not have a high income, if you are in your mid-20s and out of college, your parents should not pay for things for you anymore. I love taking my parents out for dinner, they’ve supported me for so long and I like treating them or at least splitting the check. And I would never expect huge gifts or money from them anymore even thought they have given these to me in the past – my parents do well financially, but they still have retirement to pay for.

I guess from your posts, I get the feeling that as you say, you are treated very much like a “child” in your family, still getting money gifts and other gifts from your parents. At what age do you expect this to stop, until you get married and have children? It seems like from your plans that this will be a while.

I would love for you to prove me wrong with a longer post about this topic.

I don’t really know how to start my reply to this comment.

I am so grateful for what my parents have given me. When I was going to college, I was allowed to live with them rent-free. And while I was getting out of debt, they allowed me to continue living with them for a very reduced rent. That helped me so much, because if I had to pay the rent that I’m paying now, I might have been in debt another year or more.

My parents have worked hard to show me the value of being responsible and earning my way through life. They didn’t give me any money for college. I worked hard for years and got a full athletic scholarship by myself (which was time consuming and expensive). Then when I came home, I took out student loans and paid for my entire education. Of course, I was lucky enough to live with them while I was in school, but as soon as I finished school I started to pay rent to them.

They have never bought me a car, paid for my groceries, paid for my books, loaned me any money, bought me any big ticket item, or given me anything of significant value (I did get a gold ring from my mom as a graduation present though). They’ve never paid for any furnishings, or helped with any of my moving expenses – I’ve never asked and they’ve never offered. I pay a portion of my mom’s car insurance so that I am insured to borrow her car on occasion when I am home, and yes I pay for gas too. I’ve never even raided my parents house for food, or taken my laundry to do it at home. And they certainly don’t pay for my travel expenses to come home.

Even when I was out of a job for 2 months before I moved to Vancouver, I didn’t get any hand outs from them. I still paid my rent to them, and I still bought my own groceries, paid my own bills, and got through it on my own.

I have worked so hard to earn everything myself. I’ve had a job since I was 15 – I don’t receive large sums of money from my parents (I usually get $100 at Christmas and for my birthday), and I also don’t receive gifts from them (besides Christmas and my birthday). If I want something, I have to save up for it and pay for it myself. Because that’s what my parents have taught me to do. I don’t get handed anything in this family.

When I’m out for lunch with my mom or my sister, sure I’ll pick up the bill. I don’t mind treating either of them to a meal because I know they’d do the same for me. But when it comes to family dinners and functions, it is tradition in our family that the “children” (anyone who isn’t married and with kids – regardless of age) do not pay. I don’t know if it’s a Chinese thing, or just with our family, but that’s the way that it’s been. And by trying to pay for the meal would be considered an insult. I’m not joking.

Also, Emmy made another comment:

I was going through some of your old posts to see if I could find examples of why I get the feeling that you and BF depend too much on your family for extras, like trips, and came across this post. You say BF makes such a good salary, then why would you or him think about accepting this from his parents!?! I know getting something for free seems so great, but if you and BF really want to fly then you should pay for it yourselves. And if you just don’t want to spend the money, then you should drive there. There is no reason for you and BF, at your ages and salaries, to have his parents pay for your trips anymore. This is part of being financially responsible and independent.

Yes, BF’s parents offered to fly us out to see them. We aren’t depending on them to fly us out there, they offered. We would only be able to take a 3-day weekend, and it’s at least a 10 hr. drive each way (and the drive is pretty sketchy in the winter). We were going to drive out there, but his parents really wanted a longer visit than usual. He didn’t get to see some of his family for Christmas, so instead of spending more time driving there than actually being there, his parents have offered to pay for a flight. It’s not that we couldn’t afford it (we can, obviously), but sometimes it’s okay to accept a gift if it’s being offered to you. It doesn’t make you any less financially responsible or less independent. It just is what it is.

I feel a little surprised, and kind of attacked by these comments. I always thought (and I still think) that I am quite financially independent. Accepting a gift from BF’s parents, and getting occasional meals from my family when I’m in town does not mean I’m depending on other people. And it doesn’t mean that I’m not financially responsible.


Weekend spending… January 30, 2009

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I’m hoping this weekend isn’t going to be expensive because I’m already over budget for the month. :( BF and I are going over to the island for Chinese New Year, and it’s going to be pretty busy.

Saturday my sister and I are going to get our hair cut ($40 after tip). I think after that I’m meeting up with some friends, but I’m not exactly sure. Then BF and I have Chinese New Year dinner (free). We are only going out with 10 or 12 family members, but it should still be nice.

After that, we’re going to see some of my friends. Remember that couple who bought the condo that they couldn’t afford? Well we’re going to go see their place for the first time with a few other couples. It’s taken me a long time to work up the courage to go check out their new place, because I don’t want to say anything negative to them – I don’t want anything to slip out about how I know they can’t afford the place. Especially around other people. But they’re so proud of their condo. They love it, and I know they feel good knowing they were one of the first people in our group of friends to buy real estate. Too bad they can’t afford it. Anyway, a trip over there will probably cost us a 6-pack of beer ($13).

Sunday I’m going out for lunch with my grandma and some family (free), then I’m going to see a friend for bubble tea ($6) … then I’ll probably go play with my camera with another friend (free?).

Travel costs will be about $25 round trip for the ferry, and about $10 for my share to park BF’s car at the terminal.

Anticipated weekend spending: $100


Great concert last night! January 30, 2009

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Last night BF and I went to the Jeremy Fisher show (tickets were only $13 each, and I paid for them a while back). It was great. This was the 4th time I’ve seen him, and he just keeps on getting better. I’m surprised that BF enjoyed himself, because I didn’t think he’d be into quirky folksy music.

Some local girl named Hannah Georges opened. She wasn’t bad – a mix between Michelle Branch and Feist – but she wasn’t good enough for me to shell over $5 to buy her CD. The venue was completely sold out (and CBC Radio was recording the show to play on-air, and through Podcast). The crowd was a typical mix of older people (who are familiar with JF’s folksy banjo playing days), and young hipsters who wear scarves with t-shirts, skinny jeans, and converse flats.

After the show, we went to Subway and I bought us each 6-inch subs ($6.49 total).

Also, I have run into 2 free tickets to the Donavon Frankenreiter show in March. Very excited about that, because I didn’t think I’d be able to go see him. :) BF said he’d probably go with me, since nobody I know has ever heard of him before.


My iPod battery is dying… January 29, 2009

Posted by gmbmfb in : entertainment, spending , 1 comment so far

My iPod battery is slowly dying. I’ve had it for over 3 years now, and I use it almost every day so it’s not surprising. Apparently you can get the battery replaced for around $40-50 which isn’t bad. You can do it yourself for cheaper, but I’m not about to mess with the inside of the iPod because I have no idea what I’m doing.

I really want to get the iPod Touch (since my hopes of getting the iPhone have been dashed), but it’s super flashy and I wouldn’t want it to get stolen when traveling. Plus I hate how you have to use the touch screen. At least with my current iPod, you can use the click wheel to do everything, and you don’t even need to take it out of your pocket to switch songs or change the volume. But, the Touch does have really cool features and it looks awesome.

The Shuffle is out of the questions. The Nano is pretty cool (I love all the colour selections), but 16 GB isn’t enough for me. I already have over 18 GB worth of music … and the Classic is nice, but that’s what I have already I’d like to have something a bit different perhaps.

So, I guess I’ll just run this iPod battery into the ground and then figure out what to do when the time comes. I had budgeted buying a new iPod for the trip, so hopefully it’ll last me until next year.


Work parties… January 29, 2009

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Yesterday afternoon we had a wine & cheese party for the President’s birthday. . I was the first person to leave after figuring that 3 glasses of wine were enough for me (there was no point in staying longer and just not drinking – someone was bound to thrust a wine glass back in my general direction and insist that I drink it – so I left), and I didn’t feel anything until I started to walk home. But by the time I got home? I just threw myself into my bed and just kind of laid there until the room stopped spinning. Which was probably about the time that BF called and came over after he was done skiing.

I have no idea how I used to drink so much when I was in college. How did I afford it, and how did I consume so much without getting sick? And why did I want to do that to myself 3 or 4 nights a week? I’m getting tired just thinking about it!


February Food Challenge January 28, 2009

Posted by gmbmfb in : monthly challenge , 1 comment so far

I’m bringing the monthly challenge back. Maybe not for good, but I think it’d be an interesting experiment, and a really good way to spice up personal finance.

This month’s challenge is to set a monthly food budget for yourself (and your family, if applicable), and stick to it! If you would like to join me in my challenge, please leave a comment and indicate how much your budget is for.

This food budget can include just your groceries, or just your dining out budget, or both of them combined. My budget of $200/month is for both of them combined, because I like the flexibility.

And for those who weren’t with me last year when I did these challenges, this challenge will last from February 1-28th. And on Fridays I’ll put up a Weekly Recap post, where you can post a comment about how you’re doing so far. Previously, I’d take these comments and add them to my post, but I won’t do that this year because it was just way too much work. But other than that, it’ll be exactly the same as last year.

So far, we have 14 46 participants!

What’s your February Food Budget?


My $200/month food budget January 28, 2009

Posted by gmbmfb in : recipes and food , add a comment

kokostiletto asked how I can keep within a $200/month food budget. Although I didn’t exactly do it this month (thanks to dining out more often than usual), I’ve done it in the past. It takes discipline, but once you get into the swing of things, it’s pretty easy.

I guess it also really helps that I stay over at BF’s at least once a week, and he makes me dinner.

Anyway, I’ve posted about this before, and I’ll just update what I’m making these days…

Standard meals that I rotate:

At least once per week I’ll eat a can of soup. Or instant noodles. Something easy and cheap, but not particularly nutritious. And it also helps that I don’t buy red meat – and rarely ever buy chicken. When I do buy chicken, I buy it bulk, then portion and freeze what I don’t use.

For my lunch, I usually bring leftovers from dinner. But today for example, I have veggies and hummus & pita for lunch. And for my snacks I have wasa bread and almond butter, as well as a banana and an orange.

I try to always buy my produce from an Asian grocery store. Their prices are usually half the price of Safeway, so it’s completely worth it if I have to go out of my way to get there. Luckily, I have 2 within a 5 minute walk from my house. Safeway is just used for the essentials. Unless the Asian stores are closed.

I put my dining out and my groceries into the $200/month category, just so I have some flexibility. But when it comes down to it, I try to stick to about $125-150 for groceries, and $50-75 for dining out.