My Credit Has Become My Hobby.

I've been spending hours pouring over potential houses. I'm not ready to buy yet, but looking at what is out there, is keeping my dream alive. Keeps me focused! (That, and the people who moved into the house next to me with two yappy dogs that yelp and bark like they are being murdered out their window facing my apartment whenever the wind blows)

I spend the rest of my spare time working, and re-working my budget. Shuffeling money around between credit cards, deciding what to pay more on, and what to pay the minimum on. Pay the low interest one down, transfer back on from the high interest card.

Not buying clothes on my store cards...even though they are having sales, and I really need new summer clothes!

My credit usage rate is what is holding me back. I'm just about maxxed out on my cards. I make good money, but I have a lot of credit debt. So, I've taken on raising my credit score as my next project.

I check my credit karma account on a daily basis...even though it only updates once a month.

Your credit score is like a child you have to keep an eye on it!!

So...I'm cutting back!

Discount food shopping is a big one..in the way of my non-perishables, and produce...(the rest I can't stray from the grocery chains..)

My hair roots are longer than I'd like. I am going longer between hair appointments. I've cut down on my wine consumption (the horror!) switched to a knock off toilet paper brand (this is huge for me, I am a strict Cottonelle user!!) I'm fighting the urge to tan, but this might lose out because I have to wear shorts again one day!

Every day I think about what I can cut next, and I spend $50 a month to have the dog groomed, when I'm perfectly (almost) capeable of doing it myself!

Of course this was a good idea until he started to scoot his butt on the floor a month or so back, which prompted a vet visit because I thought he had worms. Turns out he needed his anal glands expressed. Something the groomer always did. And saving the $50 wasn't worth it when I had to pay an equal vet bill to have tests run, and his glands done.

So in the spirit of continuous improvement..I'm reading "everything you need to know about anal glands".

Yes, it has come to this!

I just know owning my own home again is going to make all of this worth while! Moms of human kids do way grosser things, right?!!!!

Mr. Magoo sporting a hair cut by me, and 
cooling off on a walk in the park. 

Turning Bad Neighbors Into a Positive...

I have long been thinking about delving back into the great big world of home ownership!

I'm a single girl. I'm scared. Plus I have a pretty pimp apartment, spacious, beautiful, and only 6 miles away from work. One mile from my hair salon. Centrally located to every important thing in my life. I've become pretty happy here.

And then, my ideal duplex neighbors moved out. And I have spent the last year of my life cursing the day my new neighbors moved in. They are in their early 20's..not ideal neighbors in any situation. 

I hate them. I find myself talking about their asshole-ness out loud when I am home alone. I complain about them at work. I facebook their dick moves. They annoy me on a daily basis, and I can no longer consider my home my peaceful sanctuary!

I read a very timely quote this week that read "never wait until you have enough money to have kids or buy a house it will never happen".

I've always said this apartment was my last stop before home ownership. I have moved a billion and one times, and I am not moving, only to move again. 

I'm done waiting on "the one" to come along so we can buy our dream house. It's the millenium, who needs a man? I'm a 38 year old successful single lady, and I'll buy my own dream house. I'll enjoy everything there is to about being a home owner, and stop worrying about the negative parts. Things always work themselves out. 

I'm getting all of my ducks in a row, because for real this time... I am going to buy a house! I am looking at a pretty sizeable stock payout this fall, and with that, and all the work I have been doing on my credit score, I will be ready.

I knew that 2014 was going to be my year, and when I achieve my goal, I'm leaving those asshole neighbors a thank you card...because they are the last straw that  forced me to finally get off of my ass, and start planning my future!

Not to mention, I've promised Mr. Magoo a doggie companion upon said home ownership..and he's pretty excited!

Here's to another big adventure! I couldn't be more motivated!