$$$

I've been thinking about money a lot these days. I imagine it's because this is the year that I will hopefully be buying a house. For the first year or so, I will probably epitomize the term of "house-poor". No matter. In the past I've found many things to entertain me that don't require money. If only I could convince my friends to change their lifestyels as well...and then I remember that 2 of them will likely be house-poor along with me. :)

Thinking about money can sometimes freak me out. For some reason, at a young age I convinced myself that I would be one of those people that are wealthy by 30. Considering I'm a year away from that momentous event, I think I'm not going to meet that goal! Thankfully, it's definitely not important to me anymore.

I would, however, like to be fairly financially secure by the time I hit 40. Since I started my new, higher-paying job in March of last year, I've been able to almost completely pay off the credit card debt I incurred as a result of my move up to Annapolis from SC and the first 2 years without a decent-paying job. In April, I should be debt-free! Of course, that's about the time I'll be adding the biggest debt of all- a mortgage. Just in time, I suppose.

I go back and forth with my relationship with money. Sometimes, I'm a frugal saver. Other times, I'm a careless spender. I've been working on the balance between saving what I need and spending enough to enjoy a modest quality of life. Since I'm such an all or nothing person, this line is quite difficult to find and walk. Hopefully, I will continue to learn and grow in my financial knowledge since I think the next few years will bring a lot of financial change!

The Routine

This week I've fallen back into the routine of my life that always seems to disappear during the holidays. As you read in previous blogs, for me the month of December is not typical...most people have the whirlwind of shopping, parties, and family gatherings to navigate. In my life, add to that whirlwind the tornado of 5 major concerts, 7 minor concerts/appearances, and beaucoup rehearsals (I just realized that last sentence makes me seem like a well-known opera star- not the lowly choral singer that I am!) and you have my December. Don't get me wrong, I've always loved being busy, but the lull that comes in January is always welcome! As a child and teenager I was always sad when Christmas was over. As a busy 20-something, I'm slightly sad, but mostly relieved. :)

The funny thing is, most people would probably consider my routine "busy". Here's a typical week:

Monday- work 8:30-5:30 then rehearsal 7:30-10:00 (possible post-rehearsal drink and debrief until 11 PM)
Tuesday- work then run at 6:15, small group from 7-9 PM
Wednesday- work, rehearsal 7:30-10:00 (occasional debrief until 11:30 PM)
Thursday- work, run at 6:15, home by 8:00 (I consider this my one "free" night of the week)
Friday- work....and then whatever is going on in the evening. :)
Weekend routine/schedules depend on whether or not we have a concert or I am traveling

So now you know where to find me most days. :) Seriously though, I like my routine. It definitely works for me. I don't like sitting at home watching tv.

This weekend I'm helping out with the chorale fundraiser gala. It's always fun- I get to dress up, help model jewelry, and schmooze with folks. Since I can't afford to attend on my own, working the gala is always a good option. It's hard work, but lots of fun!

January

When I think of January I think of:

Snow, blue, ice, crock pot meals, soup, coffee, fires, lazy late afternoons, wind, slower times, flannel sheets, freezing nights, gloves, and my Birthday. :)

I've decided that near the beginning of each month I'm going to write about my perceptions of that month.

Hiking with the Fire Chief

Aris and Jin. He insisted on wearing his Fire Chief hat on the hike...:)
Sunset
I love my Western NC mountains...one of my favorite places in the world!

Aris' "Rustic Cabin"

From the drive

My new favorite reading/coffee/hang out with Jin nook

Living Room

Kitchen

A flashback to childhood- an afternoon playing with Jin

Jin and I with our herd of playdo turtles
The fire chief chasing a rogue tractor
I quickly changed into the train engineer pulling the train car and blowing the train whistle
Driving the "super-car" I created
Bear and Pooh riding on the super-car. Unfortunately, Pooh resembles a shot deer thrown across the front of a car...

SC Photos from Thanksgiving

Kensington Mansion on the Wateree River in SC
On a late afternoon hike with my Dad near the Congaree


The creek