Mad Update

Only because I really don't have the time, but I want to get my 5 Positive Things in and while I'm at it, a breif update would be good.

So....

Things have been going well, but I had a 1:1 with my boss today and I think she thinks I'm wigging. She keeps asking me if everything is okay and wanted to meet with me twice today. Will have to ask about that. Granted I'm a bit scattered today, and have no idea why, but I'll be okay.

5 positive things:
1. My hair looks great today. Already received two compliments and one from a random person. Crazy!
2. While I don't like to think about it, ex is going to get money from his grandmother's will. So this means freedom for me if he can manage it well. At least a temporary reprive from bills.
3. I got a cartoon out yesterday. I really need to do these more often, but that's not the point of this post.
4. My boss has confirmed training will occur in the beginning of next year. This is well-received and about darn time!
5. I'm excited about doing Toastmasters soon. Also, maybe doing Weight Watchers soon too with my roommate. This would be awesome as I really suck at doing stuff alone...well...most stuff. ;-)

Anyway, hope everyone is doing well.

Funny

A friend of mine sent me this one. It was too funny not to share:

When I was six months pregnant with my third child, my three
year old came into the room as I was preparing to get into the shower.

She said, "Mommy, you are getting fat!"

I replied, "Yes, honey, remember Mommy has a baby growing in
her tummy."

"I know," she replied, "but what's growing in your
butt?"

I have all intention of working...

but my heart just isn't in it.

I just have so many things going on personally. (I guess that's a first.)

Went to a Toastmaster's meeting with Karrie yesterday. I was having so much fun even though I'm not a member. Was taking notes and really getting into it. In the notes I sent Karrie, I admitted that I would love to be one of her assistants. I think I've reached a point in my life where I need to be challenged again...and not just by finances.

The weekend was good. Helped Karrie with another Toastmasters event. It was a lot of work but a lot of fun too.

Hopefully tonight I can get around to doing another comic. Karrie called out sick today and I'm extremely envious. Quite frankly, Kris called out yesterday, so I went home early to tackle some personal issues (I have everything pointing to my personal bank account now because the ex keeps taking money out of mine), so eventually I just said screw it and ended up working from home the rest of the afternoon. I may do that today too. I love my job.

My roommates are exhausting me!

Okay, well it's not that bad...but we have been going out for dinner just about every night. Plus the whole weekend is booked. I have things to do, but quite honestly not the oomph to do them.

Anyways, last night was fun but tiring. Got home, and Kris immediately had a conniption fit. His XBox died. The red ring of death showed up. So he borrowed my phone to call Microsoft, and waited on hold for a freaking hour. I know it was an hour because we had the phone on speaker and the minutes were counting off on the display. Last time I checked it, it said: 00:53:49. And we still had to wait after that.

Unfortunately while we were on hold, Karrie called. I offerred to take them both out to dinner but we had yet to set a place or time. The first call came through and Kris didn't recognize the number, so he continued to wait on hold with M$. When the next call came through we wondered what was up and answered it (thank God for automatic call waiting). After rushing Karrie through the call (which I felt really bad about because she had been trying to get ahold of us, both of her cell phones were dead and she was about to leave work); we quickly switched over to the other line...and found out we were still on hold.

Finally Kris got in touch with them, they tried a few things, then threw their hands up in the air and told him to ship the unit. This is the best part. This is a known issue with the XBox, so shipping is free, the repair is free and they're giving him a gift card for his time. Katamari here we come!

Okay, so we head out at the last minute to meet Karrie at the resteraunt. It was a place I had never been to before but had coupons for (yes, I'm that kind of person). I was expecting something much different. It was a loud sports bar, but with plenty of eye candy.

After finishing our meal (which apparently was delish because I finished everything on my plate), we spotted the guy who sold us our cars. Nice guy. Stinky adorable. We went to say hi, then Kris started asking him about some check of his they were supposed to cash. Karrie and I admonished him, then said our goodbyes and walked out the door.

Next on the agenda? Wal-Mart. Karrie has a large contest to put on Saturday, and had to get lots of prizes. So we ended up browsing the store for a good amount of time. I was tired, her ankle was hurting, and Kris had to meet us back at the store because I had his house key. She did buy my a really cute Beatles t-shirt though. Can't beat those Wal-Mart prices.

We get home, I crash, Kris cruises the internet, and Karrie is cursing her computer. I tried to help her with it but to no avail. So I gave up around 11, read two pages of the new book I got from Wal-Mart and then slept. I was incredibly tempted to call in today. I'm so tired. But I have way to much to do.

So...5 positive things for the day:
1. I didn't do so badly on my diet yesterday. Granted I pigged out last night for dinner, but most of the day I was pretty good.
2. I have money again, even if shortly.
3. My weekend is all booked up of fun stuff to do.
4. I think the sales guy likes me. He keeps on pressuring us to come by for a free car wash. It's always nice to get attention from a cute guy.
5. Breakfast was free today. A vendor brings in bagels every Friday. I love me some bagels.

Yesterday...

was pretty uneventful other than getting money from the ex finally. I figured out my finances last night, and things are pretty tight for the next couple of weeks.

But all in all, last night was pretty uneventful. I had about an hour to myself. First, the third roomy came over to visit (he's currently housesitting, so he doesn't live with us right now.) Then I spent about half an hour watching the end of Cape Fear. Then Karrie came home, we got Taco Bell, then watched Kathy Griffin reruns.

Oddly enough we stayed up until about 11. Time just flies by. We did have a short celebration for Kitty. It was her adoption birthday, so the roomies broke out with the cans of tuna.

5 things I'm grateful for today:
1. I resisted the temptation of a calorie-laden breakfast.
2. It seems I made my deposit quick enough to the bank as I haven't incurred insufficient funds fees...yet (cross your fingers).
3. The boss is out today, which hopefully will make my day a little less stressful. She's a great boss but everytime I seem to finish a project, she sends me two more.
4. I'm driving my little mini today. I always have fun driving that.
5. The realtor finally sent me the listing of things to improve around the house, so perhaps this weekend I'll tackle that.

Just some pics of me having fun to offset all the negativity

This is Karrie and me, having fun with posing right before going out. We made Kris take our picture a billion times before taking it over and taking the lower pic.

Discouraged

Just when you think things can't get any worse...

Okay, maybe it's not that bad. It's just finances. Seriously, I work hard for my money. But supporting my ex is killing me.

He told me that he got paid today, but it's only enough to cover one utility bill. Or half of one utility bill and something else. A bit discouraged by that.

I found out his new job is selling cars. So, who knows how much will be coming in. I'm thinking at best the same amount I'm getting today, twice a month. At best, who knows. If he sells cars well (which quite honestly, he's always been a good salesman), then hopefully things will improve until the house sells.

I really don't want to give up on this house. I'm probably being stubborn, but it's hard to just throw away something you worked so hard for. I need to stop getting frustrated with myself too as I really didn't do anything to put myself in this situation (other than be a doormat), but I refuse to punish myself mentally for being a good samaritan. It's just not within my nature.

Okay, time to get proactive and positive:

5 things to appreciate
1. Even though things seem insurmountable, things will get better. He'll be getting some pay, which is better than the $0 I have been getting from him.
2. Nothing stays the same. Something is bound to happen to improve.
3. I am not without options. Although I'd rather not have to make these decisions, I have several options open to me, from severing all ties and saying screw it all to taking out a house loan and paying a whole bunch of stuff off.
4. I have been practising my guitar a lot more lately and making progress. I can play two songs (very slowly) now and starting to learn my third. This is something I've always wanted to do and now I am acheiving it.
5. Actually, I could say a few things here. Not all things are bad in my life. I have great friends, my family, a good home, a good job. My health...sorta...need to start excerising more. But then again I need to stop saying 'shouldas' too.

Time to catch up

It feels like it's been a month since I updated. I know I haven't been a very good co-blogger, but I really do appreciate all of your comments and support.

I know this weekend wasn't really busy, but I sure feel like it was. Let me think back....

Friday, we went out for dinner, I know that...but darned if I remember, oh wait....that's right, we went to El Paso. This is what happens when you get older. The memory starts to fade. Anyway, I remember complaining because I'm low on funds, and the roomies have been taking me out for food...a lot. Soon I'm going to end up looking like a whale. So I just had a side salad, some suateed mushrooms and one potato skin. Man, was I full!

Saturday, my female roomie, I really need to name her...I'll use her cartoon name, Karrie, had a convention to go to, so Kris and I were left on our own. I remember...not much. Seriously, this is an issue. Let me go over what I do remember...yesterday.

Yesterday, Karrie had to work, so I got up and made them breakfast (not unusual because I'm usually not hungry in the a.m. but feel bad that the poor girl has to work so much.) After she left, Kris played video games and I cleaned up a bit. I had grabbed my dvd player (on Saturday, ahhhh, it's all coming back now), and had to set it up. Looking in my room, I had a lot of furntiure but not much room to work with. After staring at the peices for probably a good half hour, I finally found a configuration I was comfortable with.

After moving things around for awhile, Kris' brother came over and hung out for awhile. We ran out and shopped and ate and just in general had a good time. When we got back, Karrie had also returned in dire need of Thai food (I'll get to that later.)

We had found out earlier that Kris' little brother was in the market for a car. He wants to spend $3000, but doesn't know how to drive a manual. After much looking, Karrie finally jumped up and told the little brother to follow her. Bless her heart, she was going to teach him how to drive stick....in their new VW Jetta Turbo. That girl really surprises me sometimes.

Unfortunately we never found a car good enough, but we'll keep looking.

The Thai food? Oddly enough, this is Ms. Karrie's favorite comfort food. I picked up on this earlier. Whenever she would have a trying day, I would stand up and declare it was time for Thai food. lol After months, I found out Kris' weakness too...Prime Rib. Oddly enough, I don't really have a comfort food. About the closest you will get is Baskin Robbins mint chocolate chip ice cream...just a cup though.

Anyway, I digress. Some things are getting better. Some a little more difficult to deal with.

Karrie told me about a neat little trick for a better outlook on life. It's to list 5 positive things each day. I'm going to try to remember to do this, starting today:

1. I'm grateful for goods friends who are not only willing to move to a new apartment with me, take in my cats, put up with my funky days, and listen to me karaoke; but also take care of me when I'm disgusted with my finances and can't afford a QT taquito much less an entire dinner.
2. I'm grateful that my mother is doing better and while although she has to return to the hospital today, still has a good outlook on life. I'm truly grateful that she's still with us.
3. I'm grateful that I finally got off my butt and rearranged my room to something that works for me.
4. I'm grateful that I still have a job to go to and lots of opportunity to still grow.
5. I'm grateful that while although times are a bit difficult today, I know they'll get better.

Not sure why I'm having such a difficult day today

First of all, it's not easy being semi-single. Quite frankly I'm the type that attaches myself to one or two close friends and beyond that, I don't have much of a life. So when those friends find something else to do, I'm at a loss. I think partly I need to make my room a little more Amy friendly. My desk doesn't have much space, and my bed isn't the best for chilling. My cats leave hair all over the place too, which is a bit uncomfortable.

Anyway, I think part of it is also the stress and the workload. Workwise, I have two projects due today. One is very difficult, but I'm sure I'll get it finished.

Personally, well...finances aren't great. Still paying a lot of bills that the ex kind of left out there. Therefore, my spending money isn't much. For once, the roommates have an excess of cash, so it's difficult watching them spend on stuff they want and need, while I'm trying to figure out how to make $60 work for a week and a half (til next paycheck).

I lowered the price on the house, however the ex hasn't been keeping that up very well. What little there is left of the yard, hasn't been well kept and it's difficult to try to sell a house when the grass is knee deep. Plus, I found out the air conditioning isn't working....well. I need to get the warranty people out there to try to fix it. But I have no money.

I want to file the divorce papers, but frankly I haven't had the time to draw them up myself yet. Also, it will cost me $575 to get someone to look over it and file. Money, once again, I don't have.

All in all, I'm just overwhelmed. Much to do, and all I want to do is hide under the covers and sleep. I'm sick and tired of handling everything.

And lastly, although not that big of a deal...I work with my closest friend. Unfortunately, odds are that he's going to have another job here soon. This means no more breaks and lunch with him. I'm tired of losing friends at work and then having to make new ones. Guess I'll be turning into a workaholic here soon.

Things will get better. Just going to take some time.

Not Sure...

well I guess of anything anymore. Having an emotional day today.

Yahoo Launchcast really should have a "Songs NOT about relationships" channel.

BTW, did a new comic but having problems with the homepage. Here it is:

A bit of a bad day

So this weekend, my roomy and I purchased new cars.



This is my little beauty. Isn't she adorable? 2006 Mini Cooper.

Anyway, yesterday didn't seem like an unusual day when I woke up. Little did I know....

All weekend long I was trying to track down a supposed check cashed on my bank account for $400. Had no idea where it came from. There was nothing I could remember cutting a $400 check for that hadn't already cleared. I had my suspicions.

So I called up the bank on my way to work. Come to find out that it wasn't a check. It was a withdrawal. I started to get angry and racked my brain on the off chance that perhaps I took out $400 and forgot. Nope. So there was only one other conclusion. My ex.

I called him three times. Then bitched him out. See...I have been paying mortgage on a house I don't live in, utilities for air conditioning, electricity, trash, and gas I don't use, a cell phone bill for a phone I don't talk on. After all these things I took care of for him, he took money from my (okay well legally our) account.

I bitched him up and down. He left me no money until my next paycheck, which is at least a week off. Then I promised him that I would be opening my own account that he would have no access to.

Get through that, get off work, go to the car dealership to get gas for my new car...and they tell me that the bank quoted the wrong payoff on my vehicle and I owe another $500 up front. Seriously?!? Normally this wouldn't be an issue, but I seem to have lost $400 overnight. So after stressing, I agree (because I love that car), sign the promissory note and head out.

Come home. Eat dinner. Have to work. Get a text message.

The ex lost a dog. WTF?

Thank God he found him later, but I've just about reached max patience with everything.

Well I have to go. Work to do. Hope this finds you all much better than me.