Money is a sensitive subject I know, which is why I haven't brought the issue up to my dad or mom. I am just in the planning stages and thinking this idea out, which is why I'm blogging about it. It is one of my "deep thoughts..." that needs a solution.
I sometimes get gas for my car 1-2 times a week. It is no secret that my parents pay for my gas because of all I do for them. The thing is though, I always have to wait for my dad's ATM card or him to go with me to get gas. Sometimes that means waiting until 8p.m. Wednesday night.
My parents don't make me pay a cent- the money I make from work is being put toward several things. Money for a car, money for a house, and spending money when I go out with friends (3-4 nights a week lately). My parents buy my clothes, don't make me pay rent, and I get $20 a week for lunch money; which is why I feel awkward asking for this or breaching this subject as I don't want to appear too greedy or like I am asking for too much.
I often run errands for my parents. Last night my dad called when I was at Borders asking me to bring home butter, paper cups, trash bags, and jelly. That was around $30 and it will be sometime next month when I'm reimbursed because my dad always insists on waiting until the beginning of the month to pay me because him and my mom only get paid once a month. I am already owed $20 for another trip to the store earlier this month and $50 for an unexpected gas fill up on January 6. Part of the reason I am never paid back until long after the event has passed is because my parents don't keep copious amounts of cash on them. To be reimbursed will mean me hounding my dad, asking to be reimbursed, demanding a check, and me having to go to the bank to deposit it. It isn't the easiest thing to corral him into paying.
I would like 1 of 3 things. The first to have my parents transfer in a predetermined amount to my checking account each month for me- say $150 to $200. That way I don't have to spend any of my money to pay for things like the unexpected gas trip when I am low and I don't have dad's ATM, or can't go to the gas station with him. The money will cover things like when dad needs me to run to the store for groceries. The money could be used for my many gas trips that I already make with my dad so I am not having to wait on him to go get gas and inconveniencing him.
The second would be to have access to my parents bank account via an ATM card. Let me calm your fears and say I am responsible and would only buy things I need like gas, groceries when my dad asks, and things like that. I see where this is controversial because they have significantly more in their bank account than I do and some may think I would run wild. Secondly, if the card were lost or stolen it would be a risk- I've never lost my ATM or credit card. However having an extra ATM card around increases the possibility. I don't completely embrace this idea either since there is pressure of having a lot of money in my pocket and the thought of carrying around another card.
The third option would be to have my parents write me a check monthly and I deposit it into my account- in essence the first option, but without the work on my parent's end. It may be a little extra hassle for them to write me a check at the beginning of the month and me to deposit it, but I could see this becoming more routine and would alleviate the need for me to hound my dad to go to the gas station.
I am not sure how to approach this subject with my parents because money is a sensitive issue. How do I approach this? I can't really think of a good time other than maybe sitting down at dinner saying I spent _X_ for _X_ and it took a toll on my bank account, then I didn't have enough money for _X_. I don't feel comfortable talking to my dad about this when we're alone in the car. I don't feel comfortable talking with him about this at all since he is less receptive to parting with money than my mom. Until recently he wouldn't let me have his ATM card for 10 minutes to run up to the gas station, whereas my mom has let me have hers for this for years. My mom would probably support any of the three.
I feel bad in doing this because my parents do so much and to me this makes me sound greedy. I think it is a good solution however because it won't mean me spending my money to pay for things my parents have agreed to pay for. I am not asking for additional money from my parents, just to cover things they already pay for.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
I made dinner
I love to cook and prior to this past quarter I would make dinner once a week or so. I hadn't made dinner in a while, so figured I would tonight.
I had a lot of choices- chicken, top sirloin, hamburger were the meats I could deal with. I chose chicken. I wanted something quick, so I decided on baked chicken. It was good and had a lot of flavor. I used a flour coating with paprika, pepper, Lawry's seasoning sauce, and salt. I also opted to make rice with a can of cream of chicken soup stirred in as opposed to the must-have with chicken. That must have is mashed potatoes. The chicken was great and the flavor could be found throughout the chicken, not just on the skin. I also made corn.
No, my intent was not to make you salivate, but with that description, I don't know how I could have avoided that. My point is one of two things- I made something we don't usually have (the rice and the GOOD chicken). Second, my sister got mad and became defensive when I criticized my dad's chicken for lacking flavor. Third, she complained even before she tried anything I made how she will hate it. And she must have; she may have taken a bite out of the chicken and ate almost no rice, which is because I poured the soup in it. The chicken wasn't much different than usual, other than it had much needed spices. My sister also complained that the corn tasted like water. I put it in the microwave for 6 minutes with salt and butter like my dad does. I can't judge, but I can assume it turned out alright since nobody else had any complaints. It hurts that my sister put me and my cooking down like that.
I plan to do a lot more cooking in the near future; and a lot of it I don't plan on my sister liking.
I had a lot of choices- chicken, top sirloin, hamburger were the meats I could deal with. I chose chicken. I wanted something quick, so I decided on baked chicken. It was good and had a lot of flavor. I used a flour coating with paprika, pepper, Lawry's seasoning sauce, and salt. I also opted to make rice with a can of cream of chicken soup stirred in as opposed to the must-have with chicken. That must have is mashed potatoes. The chicken was great and the flavor could be found throughout the chicken, not just on the skin. I also made corn.
No, my intent was not to make you salivate, but with that description, I don't know how I could have avoided that. My point is one of two things- I made something we don't usually have (the rice and the GOOD chicken). Second, my sister got mad and became defensive when I criticized my dad's chicken for lacking flavor. Third, she complained even before she tried anything I made how she will hate it. And she must have; she may have taken a bite out of the chicken and ate almost no rice, which is because I poured the soup in it. The chicken wasn't much different than usual, other than it had much needed spices. My sister also complained that the corn tasted like water. I put it in the microwave for 6 minutes with salt and butter like my dad does. I can't judge, but I can assume it turned out alright since nobody else had any complaints. It hurts that my sister put me and my cooking down like that.
I plan to do a lot more cooking in the near future; and a lot of it I don't plan on my sister liking.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Trying to get me to stay
I work at my old high school and love it for many reasons. I like the kids I tutor, the teachers I work with, the laid back atmosphere, my coworkers like Gaby, and that by working there now it may make it easier to possibly get a teaching job there. I shouldn't have problems getting a teaching job since I have connections since my parents are teachers.
The thing I hate that is as of late overshadowing my job- THE PAY. It is $10.00 an hour. When I graduated high school 3 years ago, $10 was good considering minimum wage was $6.75. Minimum wage is now $8.50. I have never received a raise. The school district and 2 idiot board members voted against a pay raise for tutors that would have raised our hourly pay to $12-15 an hour based on college units and experience. Last year every person in the district EXCEPT TUTORS got a 6.6% raise. Tutors in the district next to us and less than a mile down the road make $15 an hour. Another district in the area just raised tutors salaries from $9.75 to $10.75.
I am 3 years into my college career and could easily find a better job paying a lot more. I could make $14.50 an hour being a campus supervisor at a school (only need a high school diploma), $11.75-$14.75 being an instructional assistant (only need 2 years of college) or I could go out of the educational realm completely. All of these above jobs would work around my school schedule because they have morning or afternoon hours. If I work for more than 4 hours a day at either, I get health and retirement benefits as opposed to no benefits with my current job. I could get other tutoring jobs for private companies (think Sylvan) and make $15 an hour or better.
I could be a bank teller, despite the fact I loathe math, but could make $10.00 or so an hour to start and there is plenty of room for advancement. I could apply to be a checker at the grocery store and make $14 an hour or so and they have a nice benefits package. There is also room for advancement there. There are a bunch of other things I could do with my talents too.
Money is the biggest issue. I feel slighted by the school district for not receiving a raise. I know that I deserve a raise... 3 years... more experience? I am saving money for many things right now including a car, vacations this summer (Chicago with friends, perhaps a trip to Vegas or two), and a house. I only wish I could afford a house payment right now where I could get in on this housing slump. I don't have to work, but like to work to keep busy. My job is purely for keeping me busy and spending money. I guess I'm to the point where I'm greedier and want more money. Part of me is wanting to branch out and try new things. I am going to start subbing in my mom's school district this month as a matter of fact to try new things and make $125 a day. I really just want to experience other things though, things that pay more.
My boss was talking to me the other day and she adores me. I can do no wrong. I made it a point to tell her months back that I was seriously considering leaving the high school. She said she understood, respected that, said she'd love to write me a letter of recommendation, and asked if there was anything she could do to get me to stay. Among the things thrown around included giving me "extra" hours- like if a kid needs extra help in 1st period I can come in early to help him. Other things included making me lead tutor. I already do the job of the lead tutor since I have been there for 3 years I know all the ins and outs. Those aren't real incentives, but she can't really do much more- it all lies in the hands of the district, and so she can try to get me to stay, but it is going to be hard.
The thing I hate that is as of late overshadowing my job- THE PAY. It is $10.00 an hour. When I graduated high school 3 years ago, $10 was good considering minimum wage was $6.75. Minimum wage is now $8.50. I have never received a raise. The school district and 2 idiot board members voted against a pay raise for tutors that would have raised our hourly pay to $12-15 an hour based on college units and experience. Last year every person in the district EXCEPT TUTORS got a 6.6% raise. Tutors in the district next to us and less than a mile down the road make $15 an hour. Another district in the area just raised tutors salaries from $9.75 to $10.75.
I am 3 years into my college career and could easily find a better job paying a lot more. I could make $14.50 an hour being a campus supervisor at a school (only need a high school diploma), $11.75-$14.75 being an instructional assistant (only need 2 years of college) or I could go out of the educational realm completely. All of these above jobs would work around my school schedule because they have morning or afternoon hours. If I work for more than 4 hours a day at either, I get health and retirement benefits as opposed to no benefits with my current job. I could get other tutoring jobs for private companies (think Sylvan) and make $15 an hour or better.
I could be a bank teller, despite the fact I loathe math, but could make $10.00 or so an hour to start and there is plenty of room for advancement. I could apply to be a checker at the grocery store and make $14 an hour or so and they have a nice benefits package. There is also room for advancement there. There are a bunch of other things I could do with my talents too.
Money is the biggest issue. I feel slighted by the school district for not receiving a raise. I know that I deserve a raise... 3 years... more experience? I am saving money for many things right now including a car, vacations this summer (Chicago with friends, perhaps a trip to Vegas or two), and a house. I only wish I could afford a house payment right now where I could get in on this housing slump. I don't have to work, but like to work to keep busy. My job is purely for keeping me busy and spending money. I guess I'm to the point where I'm greedier and want more money. Part of me is wanting to branch out and try new things. I am going to start subbing in my mom's school district this month as a matter of fact to try new things and make $125 a day. I really just want to experience other things though, things that pay more.
My boss was talking to me the other day and she adores me. I can do no wrong. I made it a point to tell her months back that I was seriously considering leaving the high school. She said she understood, respected that, said she'd love to write me a letter of recommendation, and asked if there was anything she could do to get me to stay. Among the things thrown around included giving me "extra" hours- like if a kid needs extra help in 1st period I can come in early to help him. Other things included making me lead tutor. I already do the job of the lead tutor since I have been there for 3 years I know all the ins and outs. Those aren't real incentives, but she can't really do much more- it all lies in the hands of the district, and so she can try to get me to stay, but it is going to be hard.
Monday, January 7, 2008
On drinking
I turn 21 tomorrow, so I'll be able to drink. Will I? That remains to be seen... haha... I'll let you guess whether or not I will.
Anyways, tonight we had my birthday dinner since I chose a real expensive Spanish restaurant to go out to and their paella was the special tonight. For dessert I ordered an apple tart basically. It was cooked in rum and brandy. Most of the desserts were made in some sort of alcohol. The sundae sauce was made out of sangria if that is an indication. The flan was made out of a caramel and brandy sauce. The apple tart was DELICIOUS. It was the perfect amount of caramel and apple. The sauce was really light. As we're sitting there looking at the dessert menu, my sister comments everything is going to be made out of alcohol and now my mom, dad, and I would be drunk and Steph was sitting there priding herself in remaining alcohol free and sober. My mom explained to her that the alcohol was simply for flavoring and is burnt off in the cooking. Sis didn't buy it. So I sat there enjoying my delicious alcoholic dessert and rubbing it in her face. It was awesome.
As we're going out to the car sis throws a fit (whining, complaining, and near tears) saying how she doesn't want to drive with a drunk. Everyone reassures her, but she still throws a fit. I was able to stay in the lines on the road coming home, and even managed to drive on the freeway, so I don't think I was that intoxicated.
Sis is so anti-drinking in general. I'm going to the casino with my mom tomorrow and one of the reasons my sister won't go is because people drink there.
When we go to a restaurant, especially TGI Fridays where alcohol is served, they have a huge bar, and an extensive drink menu placed on every table she throws a fit. She asks why people drink, says how disgusting it is, and says how she wants to be like Carrie Nation and go in and bust all the beer bottles and everything. THIS HAPPENS EVERYTIME WE GO SOMEWHERE LIKE THIS. It gets old.
I tell her to just tolerate people drinking, you don't have to hang around them, it is their personal choice, it is relaxing for some, and just stay away if you disagree; nobody said you have to be there at the bar with them.
My mom bought a couple cans of beer recently for beer battered shrimp, beer biscuits, and things of that sort. My sister nearly had a heart attack and went off about how people shouldn't drink and still, to this day complains the cans of beer are sitting there in the refrigerator.
It really is annoying after since she says the same thing over and over. I hate people who drink. Drinking is yucky. Who knows where she got this stance. I am not worried. If people choose to drink, that is their choice.
Anyways, tonight we had my birthday dinner since I chose a real expensive Spanish restaurant to go out to and their paella was the special tonight. For dessert I ordered an apple tart basically. It was cooked in rum and brandy. Most of the desserts were made in some sort of alcohol. The sundae sauce was made out of sangria if that is an indication. The flan was made out of a caramel and brandy sauce. The apple tart was DELICIOUS. It was the perfect amount of caramel and apple. The sauce was really light. As we're sitting there looking at the dessert menu, my sister comments everything is going to be made out of alcohol and now my mom, dad, and I would be drunk and Steph was sitting there priding herself in remaining alcohol free and sober. My mom explained to her that the alcohol was simply for flavoring and is burnt off in the cooking. Sis didn't buy it. So I sat there enjoying my delicious alcoholic dessert and rubbing it in her face. It was awesome.
As we're going out to the car sis throws a fit (whining, complaining, and near tears) saying how she doesn't want to drive with a drunk. Everyone reassures her, but she still throws a fit. I was able to stay in the lines on the road coming home, and even managed to drive on the freeway, so I don't think I was that intoxicated.
Sis is so anti-drinking in general. I'm going to the casino with my mom tomorrow and one of the reasons my sister won't go is because people drink there.
When we go to a restaurant, especially TGI Fridays where alcohol is served, they have a huge bar, and an extensive drink menu placed on every table she throws a fit. She asks why people drink, says how disgusting it is, and says how she wants to be like Carrie Nation and go in and bust all the beer bottles and everything. THIS HAPPENS EVERYTIME WE GO SOMEWHERE LIKE THIS. It gets old.
I tell her to just tolerate people drinking, you don't have to hang around them, it is their personal choice, it is relaxing for some, and just stay away if you disagree; nobody said you have to be there at the bar with them.
My mom bought a couple cans of beer recently for beer battered shrimp, beer biscuits, and things of that sort. My sister nearly had a heart attack and went off about how people shouldn't drink and still, to this day complains the cans of beer are sitting there in the refrigerator.
It really is annoying after since she says the same thing over and over. I hate people who drink. Drinking is yucky. Who knows where she got this stance. I am not worried. If people choose to drink, that is their choice.
I actually think we need alcohol because it can make anybody pretty, it can make white people dance, and lots of other fun stuff.
Writing this whole post has really worked me up. I need a drink to loosen up, I think.
Here's to me turning 21!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Gas
I drive 300-500 miles per week. I live 10 miles from my college, 3 miles from work, so if I go to work each day and school I'm doing easily close to 40 miles. You have to factor in other days I have allergy shots, I go hang out with friends, I have to make a trip to the grocery store, things like that. When you add it all up it is close to 300-500 miles.
I kept a record of everytime I filled up the gas tank in 2007 because I have an aunt in Indiana who always encourages me to keep records of this stuff (as if it is important or something). She told me to do it to at least see how much I drive, see how much I spent on gas, and stuff like that. This woman keeps records each month of the cost of her phone bill, gas, electric, water, and gas for the car. Obsessive? I think. Unnecessary? I think. Anyways, to appease her I did it.
Here are the results:
Miles driven: about 20,000 in 2007
Lowest amount paid for gas: 2/1/2007 for $2.37
Highest paid: 5/15/2007 for $3.49 per gallon
So how much did I spend on gas in 2007?
$2,431.10
I do have a big, full sized car with a big, bad V8. I usually average 24-30 miles per gallon on the highway and 18 or so in the city. This year I have done a lot more freeway driving because of my going out.
I kept a record of everytime I filled up the gas tank in 2007 because I have an aunt in Indiana who always encourages me to keep records of this stuff (as if it is important or something). She told me to do it to at least see how much I drive, see how much I spent on gas, and stuff like that. This woman keeps records each month of the cost of her phone bill, gas, electric, water, and gas for the car. Obsessive? I think. Unnecessary? I think. Anyways, to appease her I did it.
Here are the results:
Miles driven: about 20,000 in 2007
Lowest amount paid for gas: 2/1/2007 for $2.37
Highest paid: 5/15/2007 for $3.49 per gallon
So how much did I spend on gas in 2007?
$2,431.10
I do have a big, full sized car with a big, bad V8. I usually average 24-30 miles per gallon on the highway and 18 or so in the city. This year I have done a lot more freeway driving because of my going out.
My whereabouts lately...
Haven't really talked about my life lately, so here is a rundown of what I've been up to.
Spent my first week of Christmas break working at the high school and hanging out with friends.
Spent Christmas Eve at home with the family where we had dinner, then at 9p.m. I went over to my friend John's house to hang out and exchange Christmas gifts. We watched "Remington Steele." HAHA... fun times.
Christmas Day we opened up presents (that's a first) considering we always opened up gifts on Christmas Eve every year I can recall. My mom however, didn't want to feel like Christmas was just any other day since we had a small 4 foot Christmas tree and other things this year that didn't make it entirely feel like Christmas.
At 10a.m. Christmas Day we were invited over to my aunt and uncle's house in San Bernardino. It was great. We ate, talked, opened presents, and played football.
Spent the days after Christmas break helping my parents file a lawsuit against the architect designing our house. We've been in this with the architect 2 1/2 years. TOO LONG. That took a lot of time and investigating.
Spent time backing up my old Dell so I could get my new Mac, which I got on Tuesday. Not sure I like it so far. It is so much different and is definitely going to be a learning experience. I was just tired of problem after problem with Dell. Spent today backing up my Dell.
Being Mr. Organized and Mr. Ahead of the Game I began looking at Spring Break ideas like the Bajamas or a cruise. It is pretty reasonable since my Spring Break is prior to the big travel and Spring Break getaways, but I don't have any friends who would be able to go that have the same break. I also worked with my friends to plan a trip to Chicago this summer. YAY! I have always wanted to go to Chicago to see the tall buildings, architecture, and everything.
My 21st birthday is rolling around. In fact, it will be here Tuesday. I spent time planning the day. Breakfast at IHOP, lunch at TGI Fridays (and we'll be in time for drinks during happy hour- we'll see if my mom will buy me a drink... hehehe... my parents don't drink at all and my sister is very against it), and then dinner at an expensive, upscale Spanish (not Mexican) restaurant. I have always wanted to try Spanish food, so I'm looking forward to it. Due to limited funds due to school staring back up for my sister and I, money for the lawyer, car repairs, and stuff of that sort it will most likely just be dinner at the Spanish restaurant and I'll be content.
Now that I'm almost 21, I think a trip to Vegas is in order. Again, that is being pushed into February because of limited funds on my end- not my parents. I bought my laptop, which was a big portion of my spending money. My parents aren't gamblers, so they have no want to go to Vegas. That means a trip to Vegas with friends which I'm trying to coordinate. I'm also trying to save for- who knew it is nearly $100 to see the Blue Man Group? Then $120 or so per night for a hotel, $75 or so miscellanenous spending, and then money for the slots? It is about $500 I'm planning. Right now it looks like my friends Kelly and Jason will go with me. My sister is giving my parents bad ideas about me like I'm just going for the showgirls, to drink, and get drunk. She is far from the truth- I'm going for a relaxing vacation, to spend time at the spa (just kidding), have a drink by the pool, play a slot machine or two, but the biggie on that list is to see the Blue Man Group and hang out with my friends.
Spent my first week of Christmas break working at the high school and hanging out with friends.
Spent Christmas Eve at home with the family where we had dinner, then at 9p.m. I went over to my friend John's house to hang out and exchange Christmas gifts. We watched "Remington Steele." HAHA... fun times.
Christmas Day we opened up presents (that's a first) considering we always opened up gifts on Christmas Eve every year I can recall. My mom however, didn't want to feel like Christmas was just any other day since we had a small 4 foot Christmas tree and other things this year that didn't make it entirely feel like Christmas.
At 10a.m. Christmas Day we were invited over to my aunt and uncle's house in San Bernardino. It was great. We ate, talked, opened presents, and played football.
Spent the days after Christmas break helping my parents file a lawsuit against the architect designing our house. We've been in this with the architect 2 1/2 years. TOO LONG. That took a lot of time and investigating.
Spent time backing up my old Dell so I could get my new Mac, which I got on Tuesday. Not sure I like it so far. It is so much different and is definitely going to be a learning experience. I was just tired of problem after problem with Dell. Spent today backing up my Dell.
Being Mr. Organized and Mr. Ahead of the Game I began looking at Spring Break ideas like the Bajamas or a cruise. It is pretty reasonable since my Spring Break is prior to the big travel and Spring Break getaways, but I don't have any friends who would be able to go that have the same break. I also worked with my friends to plan a trip to Chicago this summer. YAY! I have always wanted to go to Chicago to see the tall buildings, architecture, and everything.
My 21st birthday is rolling around. In fact, it will be here Tuesday. I spent time planning the day. Breakfast at IHOP, lunch at TGI Fridays (and we'll be in time for drinks during happy hour- we'll see if my mom will buy me a drink... hehehe... my parents don't drink at all and my sister is very against it), and then dinner at an expensive, upscale Spanish (not Mexican) restaurant. I have always wanted to try Spanish food, so I'm looking forward to it. Due to limited funds due to school staring back up for my sister and I, money for the lawyer, car repairs, and stuff of that sort it will most likely just be dinner at the Spanish restaurant and I'll be content.
Now that I'm almost 21, I think a trip to Vegas is in order. Again, that is being pushed into February because of limited funds on my end- not my parents. I bought my laptop, which was a big portion of my spending money. My parents aren't gamblers, so they have no want to go to Vegas. That means a trip to Vegas with friends which I'm trying to coordinate. I'm also trying to save for- who knew it is nearly $100 to see the Blue Man Group? Then $120 or so per night for a hotel, $75 or so miscellanenous spending, and then money for the slots? It is about $500 I'm planning. Right now it looks like my friends Kelly and Jason will go with me. My sister is giving my parents bad ideas about me like I'm just going for the showgirls, to drink, and get drunk. She is far from the truth- I'm going for a relaxing vacation, to spend time at the spa (just kidding), have a drink by the pool, play a slot machine or two, but the biggie on that list is to see the Blue Man Group and hang out with my friends.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)