Happy Lent. I decided I'm actually going to observe it this year. First time in a long time! I'm giving up all unnecessary spending-- meaning, no buying anything that isn't absolutely essential. And, giving up booze and sweets. I'm feeling compelled. It's only 40 days, right?
Now the chest freezer. I have two gigantic and growing boys (3 and 2), and they eat a ton already. I have been warned that they will one day view a box of cereal as a single snack. I've also been stocking up on sale meats and discount breads and buns. And, when the growing season gets started I always have a ton of vegetables and fruits to freeze. I'm busting at the seams, so I last night I bought a 7 cu ft chest freezer. Small, but not too small. Big, but not gigantic. I used $200 in Home Depot gift cards I earned as a bonus for signing up for the Southwest airlines credit card. free money! I did pay $49 out of pocket. It cost $229 plus tax.
I still have $300 in free Amazon gift cards from that signing bonus as well, but I am going to try to save as much of that as possible for Christmas.
Now on to goals. One of my big goals was to secure some higher-paying freelance gigs. I think, just like last year, the universe aligned. You put the vibe out there and things start to materialize. I'm working on my second back to back assignment for a national wire service, which pays $500 to $600/story, and yesterday I got a call from a new client (an old coworker recommended me) and landed a $250 gig that could turn into a regular assignment. It's not millions of dollars, but considering the major daily newspaper pays me $100 to $150 each for very involved stories every week, these other gigs are MUCH MUCH more lucrative.
Hopefully all of this new cash can help me pay off that car loan and reach that goal for the year. Fingers crossed!
Lent, freezers, and goals. A day in the life!
February 22nd, 2012 at 05:16 pm
February 22nd, 2012 at 05:28 pm 1329931704
1) Get Closer to God
2) Fast
3) Give Alms
And I realized that in #2, if you are eating more simply and not spending money on lavish meals, you'll have extra money for food banks and people in need. Kind of kewl!
Take care - I always like reading your posts.
February 22nd, 2012 at 06:13 pm 1329934411
Our homily today echoed Miz Pat's sentiments:
1) Pray More
2) Eat Less
3) Do for the less fortunate
Happy Lent to you, too!
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