finances

So I have worked for over a year now. I made about $12,000 for the whole year (not too bad I think). So to help myself out, I put $6000 into investments and have made a pledge not to touch it until I graduate (unless it drops below my stop point. Hopefully, it won't do that). At the point, I put about $1000 in my checking and everything else in my Savings. So here's the thing... I've been saving most of this to help me out with things I would want/need to buy for school, like furniture (I did find that great deal on the bed), and that was hard seeing my account drop like that, then there was the bathroom stuff, then there were the storage boxes I got for when I was cleaning out my room, then I had to buy a desk and chair, then I had to move money over to my new account to cover my first month's rent, then I had to buy my books! I mean, I will reimburse myself for the rent and books once I get my loans, but, I don't get that for another month! And I'm slowly seeing my bank account go down, down, down, and did I mention down???
I still, kinda have income, because I've been working two days a week in the kitchen, but I'd forgotten how hard it was not to have cash at the ready. It's been a long time since I've worked something other than serving. I am by no means broke, and of course my parents would help me if it's really something I needed, but it's more a matter of pride. I worked so hard for that money! I dealt with people! (and for anyone who's ever done that, you know what I mean.) So here I am, a month left, and I think I've bought everything that I will need until the loan money comes in (except maybe a pre-stainer for when I stain my chest). I got out some cash today and have limited myself to that. That's all I get until my loans come in (for fun stuff that is, ie going out to dinner with friends, or going out period, shopping, random things I see that I want to buy). Hopefully, this will work, because I've had my fun... now it's time to live on a budget! I know how, I just don't like to (i'm sure many people have the same feelings).

They say it's my birthday....

Well yesterday was at least. I had an awesome day. Tuesday night I got my present from my parents... a TomTom so I will never be without a way to find out where the heck I am and how to get where I'm going (I'm a little directionally challenged, so I totally wanted/needed this one). Then yesterday, I attempted to sleep in, but woke up at my normal time, 9:30 (yes I do realize this is sleeping in for most people, however when I see my little sister sleep til noon easily everyday she is allowed, I get a little jealous). My plan for the day was to sit around and do as little as possible before work, but I ended up having to do my laundry and run a few errands. However, I did get out of cleaning for a day. :) I also treated myself to a small shopping spree. I took the money I got from the English side of my family (about $125) and added $75 of my own money that I got from selling a TV a few weeks ago, and headed to Old Navy (yay deals!!!!). I got some awesome new clothes, and I still have enough leftover for a pair of shoes, so I'm going to go out (probably this weekend) and get some new shoes (because everyone knows I need ANOTHER pair of shoes, the girl who brought 5 or 6 pairs for a 4 day trip to Austin). Then I came home, finished my laundry, and went and laid out in the pool for an hour or so. Last night I did have to work (I only work two days a week so I felt bad asking off), however, I totally got one of the kitchen guys to make me chocolate chip cookies! It totally pays to be nice to those guys... they totally take care of me.

Yesterday was definitely one of the best birthdays I have had in a while. It wasn't a huge celebration or anything, but I just got to chill, and I was wished happy birthday over a hundred times (maybe that has something to do with it). I got like 10 texts, countless facebook posts, many well wishes at work, and a call from my grandparents. It definitely reminds you that you are loved, and people care about you. So thanks to everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday!

It's weird, because my birthday (to me) signals the end of summer being near. When I was in high school and stuff, after my birthday it was about 2 - 2.5 weeks until school started again. I have about a month left before classes start at school, and all summer, I have been begging time to go faster, and now that it is, I'm like wait, no, slow down. I'm starting to get a little nervous, but overall I am excited. I just can't believe, after months and months of waiting, that it's almost time! The whole cleaning my room process has helped to speed up this process I think. Speaking of cleaning... that's what I need to get back to... today (and possibly tomorrow) is my closet (eeek!).