Move in the Right Direction

My new crack

I have been a little bit too addicted to Bejeweled lately. Yes, that's right, I am talking about the game that came out in 2001. Remember, I had the same computer for 9 years, so I am not one to keep up with the times when it comes to technology. I do find it to be a bit of a waste of money to constantly be upgrading my computer or software, and yes I know that you can replace one or two parts here and there to improve what the computer can do, but for someone whose main uses for a computer are to write a blog, check facebook, and watch videos, I really don't need much more. Mind you, Bejeweled is saying that I need a new sound card - oh god...

Besides Bejeweled, there has been a lot of change happening lately; and more so outside of my little world. Many of my friends and family are making huge changes in their lives and the new budget-conscious John is trying with all my might to want to scream - how can you afford to do this?! I think that everyone is going to come out on top in the end, but I think about when I was in debt and how $hitty it has been afterward to try and climb my way out of it that I want to do everything in my power to try and help them make these big leaps without spraining a financial ankle.

On the flip side, the life changes that my friends and family are doing are also really inspiring. We do need to take some risks if we want to get to where we are living as our most optimal selves. I have always believed that you cannot get ahead in life without taking chances. You know that saying that says you miss 100% of the shots that you don't take, well it really is true. I am proud of my friends and family who have decided to either change careers, go back to school, move, get married, have a baby, and all that other great stuff that makes life so exciting!

Maybe I should have written this post a few months ago, because this advice would have come in handy before all the crazy changes took place.  Before making a major life change, make a plan. Figure out what it is going to cost you, how much you can afford, and what you will have to do in the future to keep everything moving in the right direction. Speak to your bank and see what your options are with them and if they can't give you good advice or better yet, good interest rates, you should think about taking your business elsewhere. It doesn't matter how long you have been with a bank since nowadays we are nothing more than an account number and a bank balance. Gone are the times when you would go and visit Flo, or Doris, the portly, but semi-casually put together lady who knew your name behind the counter. Sure the banks want your business, but remember, you're the client, and you're the one shopping around for the best deal, so just because your bank offers a loan, who's to say it's the best loan. Get out there and do your homework and you'll be just fine!

It's coming to Canada Baby!

On a personal note, I have officially started my new job as a Junior Economist! No more being the office bit₵h for me! Now yes, I know that I am a psychology major with another diploma in advanced web design, but that doesn't mean I don't know a thing or two about analysing data. This job is (hopefully) going to open a few more doors for me to help me reach my full potential. And if that doesn't work, I could always just become famous after my appearance one month from now on Gail Vaz-Oxlade's Radio show!

I finally sent in my answers to Gail's questions so that she can guide me through the interview. I'm not going to be saying everything verbatim, but really, anyone who is a loyal reader of my show should have a pretty good sense of what it is that I am saying. Just typing about this is giving me some butterflies! I cannot believe that I will be talking to my hero (or heroine? but that just sounds wrong for some reason)! And if that appearance on Gail's show doesn't garner me some recognition, I can always go on Big Brother Canada!  

Made $110 in 3 days on this bad boy!

This long weekend I was really able to tackle the things that I have been putting off (in some cases for years). I finally sat down and made a list of all the things that I wanted to get done and I was able to cross off a huge chunk of them. I sold a few things on Kijiji, cleaned out some cupboards to give things away to charity, and finally put up a graffiti print that has been sitting on my floor for the past 3 years! Thank you to Jess for coming to the rescue and then helping me drink 6 litres of sangria! Putting things down on paper is a great way to get all the things that you have to do off of your mind and make them a reality. Give it a try and you will love the results.

In other news, can you believe that I am already more than 65% paid off in my debt? How great is that? I never cease to amaze myself! That's all for now! Sorry for the absence, but Summer seems to have gotten the better of me!

xo

John