Kalahari...First Impression...

This place is massive. Nice Suite! We drove up just at 11pm and all I could see were signs for...Arcade, water slides, go carts and laser tag...Oh My!!! Giddy Giddy Giddy! I may have more fun than my nephew! I am going to make the most of these two days at Kalahari!!! =)

Vacation Surprise...

Vacation just got so much better. I was in the park reading when a message came up on my iPad to call my Sister ASAP. I looked at my phone and saw missed calls from my Sis and Mom. I started to panic because my Sis, BIL and Nephew drove up to Wisconsin Dells for a mini vacation. I called and was immediately like "What's wrong?!?!" She said nothing. The Kalahari Resort upgraded them to a Suite that accommodates six people and Dad and I should come up. She'd already called my parents. I was down to go immediately. I called my Dad and he said, "Let's Roll!" Love Him! An hour later, I was packed and at their house to hit the road. My Mom is keeping the doggie Max. So excited. I love water parks and I've never been to Wisconsin Dells. I'll be up here until Tuesday and then I leave for Punta Cana on Sunday. This is going to be the best two weeks off ever!!! Oh yeah!!! =)

Hope you guys had a good weekend!

New Job...

I GOT THE JOB!!! The HR Department called me this morning to extend me the offer! I am so thankful and excited! I am moving into a Credit Manager Position with approval authority and portfolio oversight in AZ, FL and the Central States. At least I believe that will be my regional assignment. That could be some fun work travel. I may make it to Miraval Spa sooner than I thought. =)

I keep all of my benefits and my base salary increases from $102k to $115k. Still a bit below market but moving up within a company is a challenge and I'm still young. I've been with the same organization since undergrad. 14 years full time. You really make your salary jumps when you switch companies but I like where I work. So happy! I'll be able to handle the increase in my student loans and still live. =)

The BIG draw is that I will get away from my current department. I worked until close to midnight last evening and I'm just getting on the 8:20pm train to get home by 9:30pm. My eyes are crossing. I have a target date to switch over by July 21st into the new role. I leave for Punta Cana on July 6th and I'm so much more excited for my trip. Rest & Relaxation with the extra bonus of knowing I get to come back to work knowing better is ahead. Yes!!!

Punta Cana...

Chitown is going to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic! I booked my trip today. I'm being a BIG GIRL and taking my very first solo vacation out of the country. Oh yeah! I didn't feel any guilt whatsoever when I booked the trip. It felt right and it felt like the right thing to do. I haven't been on a relaxing vacation since 2008 when I went to Jamaica with my Mom. I am sooooo excited! ((Running Man)) 

I'm on the train right now heading home and there is a rainbow in the sky to the East that seems like it's springing right out of Lake Michigan. So Pretty! Hope you guys had a good day!

Interviews Over...

My last & final interview went well today. I should know within the next two weeks if I got the job. I think it would be a great opportunity, provide me with a little bit of a challenge but also allow me to work in a better environment. Not to mention, it will give me a salary boost and I could use a boost for sure.

Looking forward to time off work. For the first time in 14 years, I'm taking two weeks off in the Summer. I'm scrambling to pull everything together and clean my plate before I leave. I put in 10 hours today and I'm just ready to go home.

I'm still on target with my goals for the year with the exception of my health & fitness. I have to make it a priority along with everything else and get it done in the morning. Once I get home in the evening, especially after a long day like today, working out is not at the top of my list. So, it has to be mornings. I've gotten better at going to bed earlier so I can fit in morning workouts.

I realize I didn't post May's financial results but you can get the results by clicking on the Net Worth IQ link at the top right of my blog. Have a good evening.

Good Weekend...

I'm having a good weekend. Slept well last night and got out for a little jog and stadium stairs at the local high school track before church. My nephew is about to jump in my parent's pool so I'll hang out with the family for a little while since it's a beautiful day and the sun is shining.

I need to do a little work tonight but I'm determined to enjoy this wonderful day. I have my last interview for this position tomorrow and then vacation starts Friday.  I can't wait to have two weeks away from the office. 

Softball...

The Diamond Cutterz laced up the cleats this afternoon and took the Win. I still love the game of softball. I'm just glad that we got the games in before the storm. It's pouring rain right now but I've got a date with my Mom this evening to go see "Think Like a Man 2!" Should be fun and I could use some laughs. Hope you guys are having a good weekend!

Love...

They always talk about a ride or die chick. I want a ride or die man by my side. I want to marry my best friend. Someone who will love me unconditionally, stand by my side always and carry me when needed. Yes! I want the freedom to be silly, laugh my ass off, dance in the car and have a moody day. Yes! I also want classy and passionate. I have a wild side so I want a man that will take a trip to the wild side with me. I want a husband that's my partner who I can share everything with so there's no shade or secrets and he will share with me the same. No walls. No barriers. Sharing, loving, living and ALL IN now and forever. Yep. That's what I want. Truth, honesty, sharing, loving and open to experiences, different points of view and different ways of getting things done. The ability to say "I'm Sorry" with sincerity because nobody is perfect and when you realize you messed up, you take accountability, learn and move forward. 

I've been thinking a lot these last few weeks since Toronto. I really want true love with friendship. I know what it looks like because my parents have been married for over 40 years and they are best friends. They will piss each other off and still love each other and stick together no matter what and that helps them to also be the best parents. Knowing how strong their bond is makes me feel more secure is knowing my family  is always there and the unconditional love they have for each other spills over to me, my sister and my nephew. 

I want that for my children. A home where they can see unconditional love in play and in practice every single day of their lives. Consistency and stability. I want to have true unconditional love because I know it will help me to be the best wife and mother I can be to know and believe to my core that I have a partner for good in this life. That together and with God, we can tackle anything and come through any challenge. 

I want that ride or die Man! Knowing that if it's Us against the world, the world doesn't stand a chance. We got this! 

Now that's a beautiful love. When it not only fills you up but overflows to others and makes their lives better. =)

Thank You Stephanie Kwolek...

Here is someone to know. A woman chemist whose kevlar invention saved countless lives. 

Kevlar Inventor Stephanie Kwolek Dead at 90

Oops...

Monday night, my security system's trouble light came on after a loud beep. When I came home Tues night, the entire system was off. I figured it needed a new battery but in 10+ years, it's never turned off completely. Fast forward to this evening when I walk into the laundry room and there is a stench. Silly ole me accidentally pulled the plug out of the wall when I went to unplug the washing machine. For some reason, the washer wouldn't stop signaling a complete cycle so I just unplugged it but I accidentally pulled the entire wall mount loose from the wall. I unplugged the alarm system causing it to use backup power and I also unplugged the deep freezer. So for two days, eveything was defrosting. Salmon, shrimp, Popsicles, etc. all defrosted and melted. That was a very fun cleanup project this evening but mission accomplished. It only took 30 minutes to throw everything out and clean it all up. Smelly laundry room gone! 

Silly silly me! That was a very unorthodox way of checking something off the 52-Week Organization Challenge. =)

Busy Busy...

Today was a busy but pretty blah day. I don't know. Too much going through my mind. Happens and I'm sure the thunderstorms didn't help.

I am sitting here for a few more minutes watching Millionaire Matchmaker. Pretty cool show and Patti is hilarious. She's actually the one getting matched up this time and the master date or whatever they call it just happens to be at Miraval Spa in Arizona. I really want to go there someday. They just ziplined and I could just see myself climbing right up that ladder eager to take my turn. Fun!

Has anyone ever been to Miraval?

I've been taking care of business. Moving and shaking. I have one last interview on Monday for this position and I am finalizing my life insurance so I can be covered outside of work. I have coverage with my employer but if anything ever happens to my employment, I'm assed out. So, I'm getting a seperate policy so I'm covered and I don't want to wait too much longer because it's more expensive  as I get older. I felt pretty exposed during the application process. They ask some very personal questions which makes total sense but leaves you feeling like..."Damn! You need to know all of that?!?!" I'm getting less and less bashful about my pile of baggage if you will. It is what it is and I can't change any of it now. 

I put in a 10-hour workday today and I'm kind of pooped. I'm not sleepy though and I kind of wish I had some company. This is exactly why I know I need to go away for a few days while I'm off work for vacation. Sitting on the couch vs. Sitting

by the ocean. No brainer to me! I'm thinking the second week in July. Then I can enjoy a week at home, the 4th with my family and Chicago's House Music Picnic on July 5th. Being with my family on July 4th will help me get my mind off the fact that it's Harlem's 40th birthday. I often still wonder where he's at and how he's doing. 

I know...I know. Personal Finance Blog and it costs moola to go on vacation. Gotta find that money tree! 

Day Two of Interviews...

My second day of interviews went well. I have just one final interview next Monday then I will be done. Work is super busy and I'm looking forward to vacation time starting June 28th. I will need to put in some longer hours in the next week and a half but then I'm free. Yes!!! ((Fist Pump))

I slept for 7 hours straight last night which is rare. Chitown was tired. If I have any plans of running this half marathon in Sept, then I better get running soon. I've been so tired but I know that's because I need to exercise and sleep more.

Brian Williams Raps 'Baby Got Back'

This is absolutely hilarious! 


Brian Williams raps 'Baby Got Back' thanks to 'Tonight Show' mashup magic

Good Interviews...

Interviews went really well this morning. The Head of the Group concluded with saying that she was happy to meet with me and that she thought I was very impressive. That's always good to hear. 

Fingers crossed and prayers up that I get the job! Still thankful for the job I have now. Time to go do some real work. =)

Interviews This Week...

Father's Day was a success. I am back home and getting ready for my interviews. I have two interviews tomorrow, another interview Tuesday and a final interview next Monday. I have to wrap up fieldwork on my review that I am leading this week as well. It's going to be a busy but good week. 

Hope you guys had a great weekend. Pray for me with these upcoming interviews. Thanks! 

Father's Day

Wishing all the Dads out there a Happy Father's Day! 

In about an hour, I'll head over to my parents house to celebrete my Dad's special day. I'm so glad and thankful we had some Father Daughter time this weekend. It was fun to get out on the dance floor and dance with my a Dad at the wedding and decide to spontaneously detour on the trip to visit a cousin. If he were with anyone else but me, he'd have gone straight to Detroit but I'm always down for a fun adventure. Google Maps was our friend and we made it happen. Our Cousins were so happy we came for a visit. 

Have a wonderful Sunday! =)

Beautiful Wedding...

My Cousin is an absolutely beautiful Bride. She and her Groom dated for 5 years before tying the knot today. About 3 of those years were long distance and they made it work. She eventually relocated from Boston to Dallas where they now reside. 

The ceremony was short and sweet and the reception is very nice. This venue was originally the Ritz Carlton but it is now called The Henry and owned by the Ford Family. Beautiful venue with pieces of artwork everywhere to both visually enjoy or purchase. Very nice!

It's a brunch reception which I think is an amazing idea and I am certain that it is cost saving as well. The ceremony was at 10:30 and the reception immediately followed without much delay. 

There is a buffet with traditional breakfast foods as well as lunch selections. Then you can get omelets and waffles made to order which are brought to your table once prepared. Everything is delicious and yum! The made to order option is great for those who are not big fans of buffets.  Something for everyone. The music is good too! Always a plus in my book! 

Well I have a few more minutes in these 2 hour heels. I am going to go cut a rug and boogie! 

I'm taking notes! I'm next! =)

Road Trip...

I might know 25% of the words to an Anitta Baker song but I will sing and make up my own words! Enjoying the car ride with my Dad. Detroit here we come! Pit stop in Lansing, MI to visit more cousins. Blessed! 

Happy Friday...

I am taking a half day at work today. My family and I are driving up to Michigan for my cousin's wedding. I am so excited and happy for her. She's originally from the Detroit area but spent a little time in Chicago a few years ago and we were able to bond. She lives in TX now so I am super happy to see her and I know she's going to be a beautiful bride.

Who watched that crazy Heat/Spurs game last night? Crazy Right?!?! We will see if Miami really brings the Heat in the next game. I kept thinking they were going to make a comeback but the Spurs were unstoppable.

It should be an easy breezy morning. Have a great weekend! Wishing an early Happy Father's Day to the Dads out there! =) 

2014 Debt Repayment Progress...

I got promoted and started earning my first six-figure salary in April 2012. During 2012, a lot of the extra income went to repay medical loan debt from two surgeries as well as auto repairs. 2013 was the first year that I was able to make any meaningful progress towards debt reduction and I made some progress. I am aiming for 2014 to be my best year yet for debt repayment. Each year will get better until I am completely DEBT FREE!

In 2013, I managed to pay off $7,224 in principal. Through the first five months of 2014, I have been able to pay off $5,011 or 69% of what I was able to pay off last year and I haven't reached December when my annual bonus pays out. This year, it should be no less than $13,000 after taxes so you can see that with continued monthly payments and my bonus, I will be able to reach my goal of paying off $20,000 in debt this year.

YTD 2014

2013