Open House…

The Open House on Saturday went really well. There was a lot of interest in the Condo and I am supposed to narrow down the choices today to three candidates. I already know my first candidate so hopefully everything will pan out with the credit check. I am making the condo available Sept. 1^st and that also works well for the tenant and her husband. We should have the rental agreement signed next week. There is a lot to do in the next month, including starting my new job on Tuesday. All good things through and I am moving in the right direction.  

Have a great day! =)

Started Packing...

The rental listing went live on Tuesday and there's already a lot of interest in my condo. There's an open house on Saturday and two showings on Friday. I even started packing. Wow! It's real guys!

An old childhood friend and I that reconnected with a couple years ago saw the listing and is bringing her hubby by to see my place soon. She's already been over for game night and fell in love before. She'd be a great tenant. We'll see what happens. I spent some time today drafting and editing the lease agreement. I'm ready to be free. =)

On another note, my seventh grade boyfriend found me on LinkedIn. LOL He always contacts me every few years and we've maintained a friendship over the years. His Mom passed away halfway through the school year and I will always remember how sad we were when he had to move away to Maryland to live with his Dad. We wrote each other for a while but eventually that faded. Anyway, he lives in Ohio now. He's recently divorced with no children. We're about 2 months apart in age so it's been interesting chatting it up. I think he's planning to drive in for a visit soon. I haven't seem him in at least 10 years. Should be fun. We're kind of two peas in a pod. We've been on the phone having 3-5 hour phone conversations. Just crazy. I'm like...I need sleep!! It's cool though to catch up with him. We were really just flirty best friends in 7th grade. So we'll see. I shared my journey with him and he's also supportive and encouraging of the move home and thinks it's a great idea. So we're both in transition and after a fresh start. Nice! 

Hope you guys had a great day! Just wanted you guys to know I am moving full steam ahead with leasing my condo so I can be debt free sooner rather than later. =)

Spirit of Chicago...

My current view from the Spirit of Chicago Ship. We are having our Summer Outing at work today and the weather is perfect. So happy! I love Chicago!

Spending Pause...

Working from home today.  A handyman is supposed to come by this afternoon to do some work on the condo but he ran into an emergency at another appointment.  I am not sure if he will be able to make it today.  It's not a biggie.  If he needs to reschedule, then my parents or my sister will cover the next appointment. 

I am winding down my current position.  I held a successful close-out meeting yesterday on the Review I was leading and now I am pretty much coasting to the finish line.  My last day is July 31st.

I am going to send an email out to my friends and tell them thanks but no invites to anything expensive for the next year.  This month hit my savings big time with the Trip to Punta Cana and paying for the flight, hotel and party tics for my trip to Toronto's Carabana to celebrate my good friend's 35th bithday.  After August, my savings will be on life support with $2K in my eFund and $2K in other liquid investments.  It was so worth it all and I will survive but it's definitely time for a Spending Pause! 

I just feel so good about the decision to rent my condo out and move back in with my parents for the next 12-24 months.  I am over there 4 out of 7 days already and I literally get home just to sleep in my condo.  In that time period, my goal is to pay off my Private Student Loans and Credit Card which totals $113K combined.  With diverting my mortgage savings, my new $115K salary, target 20% annual bonus that pays out each December and my stock options that pay out in December 2015, I should be able to reach my goal and it's going to be a great feeling to get that worry off me.  Paying that debt off increases my cash flow ~ $900 per month so that will be more than helpful and wonderful.  Then I will tackle my federal loan debt with much more ease but I am definitely thankful for the fixed rates.

I am trying to pump myself up to pack. LOL  I go to Indianapolis this weekend for my family reunion.  Then next weekend is the open house.  After that, I will have the movers come to move my heavy furniture over to my parent's house and take boxes a little at a time to storage and their house over the next couple of weeks. I've been in my condo for 11 years so I will definitely take this opportunity to purge and bless someone else that may be in need.  Exciting times!

Moving Forward & Back to Work...

Thank you for hanging with me while I enjoyed the best 2 Week Vacation ever! It started out with an impromptu trip to Wisconsin Dells, then enjoyed the 4th holiday with family and a music picnic in the park. I ended with a 5-Day vacation in Punta Cana. I am truly blessed and now I am rested and relaxed.

July has been a very expensive month and my savings will surely be nearly depleted in August but I am okay with it all and at peace with my fresh start. I should have close to $4k at the end of August. I am closing out my time in my current position with the Bank and I start my new job on Aug. 4th. Very excited to move on to bigger and better things.

I am also moving forward with renting out my condo and moving back in with my parents so I can make some real progress with debt repayment. My parents are thrilled to have me and I need the help. They offered to give me space in their home and that is priceless. I am very thankful.

I signed the listing agreement with the Realtor on Friday to lease the condo. They are coming to take pictures tomorrow for the MLS listing and will hold an Open House by the end of the month. She thinks that the unit will rent fairly quickly and that I can get ~ $1,600/month. My mortgage (including taxes), assessments, water and home warranty total ~ $1,325 so the extra will cover a storage unit for my furniture and any $75 deductible needed for home repairs under the home warranty. I have a few repairs to make on the condo and have engaged a handy man already. He came on Saturday and should be back to do the work in the next week.


More to come... =)

Punta Cana...

This is my current situation. Absolutely stunning. The different colors of oceanic turquoise never ceases to amaze me with its beauty. The water is nice and the beach is perfect. I have no other plans than to rest, relax, drink & eat. Cheers! 

I'm Off to the Dominican Republic....

About to take off to Punta Cana! They put me in Business Class! Wowza! I was heading to Coach when I realized that it started at Row 7 and I was in Row 4! I kept checking my ticket! LOL

Talk soon! Happy Sunday! =)

4th of July...

Felt really really tired this morning for my run. I struggled through running 1.5 miles and then my left shin started hurting so I switched to a Run/Walk. Just glad that I got in some exercise today. I am going to conquer these bleachers and then head home to jump rope for 15 minutes and then enjoy the rest I the holiday.

Today is Harlem's 40th Birthday. I completely forgive him and I forgive myself. I don't have any blocks on my phone anymore so I sent him a text this morning to wish him a Happy Birthday. I sincerely hope he has a fun and fabulous Birthday and that he's smiling wherever he is today. Everyone should be celebrated on their special day. 

Okay bleachers....Be my friend! Have a great 4th of July!!! Two days until Punta Cana! Bavara Princess Resort...Here I Come! =)

Fitness...

I've been working out consistently the past couple of weeks. I'm still stuck at 3 miles for some reason. It's a combination of fatigue with my lungs and legs. I just have to keep pushing. I also did three rounds of stadium stairs which is up/down 5 times per round. Time to shower and enjoy the rest of this beautiful and sunny day. No rain in the forecast. =)

Have a great day! 

52-Week Challenge - Week 27

I completed Week #27 of the 52-Week Money Challenge and I now have $378 saved. The goal is to hit $1,378 by the end of the year. Slow and steady. Slow and steady. =)

Putting The Plan Into Action...

Power was restored early this morning. My best friend just got power back this afternoon after almost 3 days. Thankfully, she had a backup generator for her television and refridgerator. I spent the day unpacking and doing some laundry. I am hoping to get most of my things packed for my trip on Sunday.

I officially signed off on and accepted the new job yesterday. I am so exited and thankful to move on to better days ahead. My start date is Aug. 4th and now I can just enjoy the rest of my vacation. 

I spoke to my Realtor this morning about listing my condo for sale and rental. She threw in the sale bit. I would be happy if I could find a buyer but condo values have not rebounded that far yet. She did say that she didn't think I would have any problems renting my condo and covering my expenses and she thinks it could lease fast because people also like to settle before the school year starts in August. I told her I could be out by the end of the month which would be lovely since I have about 3 weeks before I start my new job when I get back from vacation. 

My parents have a decent size basement but I will need a storage space for some of my things. It shouldn't be a large expense. I'm ready to move, tackle this debt and be totally free. Moving forward! 

More Storms....

I came home to down power lines, down tree branches and no power. Thankfully my Mom and Dad have power. I grabbed more pj's and came right on over to spend the night. The power has been out for a while with a big storm that hit Chicago. Eveything in my regular freezer has also now defrosted. Gone! 

My Sis & BIL are also affected so we're all one big happy family at the parent's house. The gang's still together. Love! 

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. =)