Coming out of lurking mode to give a bit of an update.
- Received a 12% raise last fall and am still working the 2nd job, so cash flow in is great.
- Celebrated a year of being cc debt free in Feb 2010! I still use ccs as my main source of payments for most items, but pay them off early and often.
- A good friend celebrated paying off all of her cc debt just this month. She had been told several years ago to file for bankruptcy, but refused and worked hard to pay it all off. Impressed and proud to have friends like this. :)
- The Porsche I so enjoyed driving was...cursed. Thank goodness I bought a warranty on that sucker. Warranty cost $2200 and it saved me $10k+ in 2 years. Still not happy with that 'investment' - new brakes, new tires, major service @40k miles, hassle of taking it to the shop a dozen+ times, and the loss of paying taxes on a car I only kept 20 months was...a lesson learned.
- Bought a new (to me) car last month. 2008 BMW 335i with 28k miles bought for 30k (out the door! wow I feel like I stole it). 2 years of original warranty and zero cost maint and then an additional 2 years of CPO warranty. Felt pretty awesome to put 12k down and finance the rest at 24 months with .09% financing. Plan is to have a fully paid off car in 2 years and then keep it 2 more years before while it is still under CPO. Much smarter purchase for me, again I dont claim it is a frugal choice.
- Savings was up to about 25k prior to car purchase. It is at close to 10k now and will be working to push that back up.
- Retirement saving made no progress. Didnt qualify for much of it due to too high of income. Company doesnt match, so I didnt even contribute to a 401k.
- I spent a LOT of money on travel last year and have zero regrets or complaints! I havent added it up, but Id guess 15-20k? Rome, LAx2, Indy, Seattle, Florida (Miami, Tampa and Jax on 3 diff trips), Atlanta, Phillyx100 (including the entire month of Dec when I sublet an apt), Napa Valley...that might be it.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
CC paid off
Paid off the final $2490 of my 0% cc debt today.
It wasnt early (due to Rome), but it was on time. Another goal checked off!
Woot!
ps - at the expected growth rate, my net worth should be positive on or about May 15.
It wasnt early (due to Rome), but it was on time. Another goal checked off!
Woot!
ps - at the expected growth rate, my net worth should be positive on or about May 15.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Recessionary travel deals
I just got back from Rome.
A week ago Wednesday I suddenly had the realization that I was burnt out and wouldnt really be able to take more than a day or so off until July! Now or never.
So........I found a sick deal on air travel using miles, a 5 star hotel for 3 star price and off I went. Three days later I was flying to Italy for a week.
Details:
Air: USAirways was running a special on roundtrip travel to EU for 35k miles (usually its 80K, in fact domestic travel alone is 25k). I had 34k miles, so I bought 1k of miles for $50. I also paid taxes and a slight fee to have a 24 hour stop over in Philadelphia. Total airfare cost was $270.
Hotel: Booking.com found a rockin deal at the St. George Hotel in Rome. New, 5 star boutique hotel. With breakfast and all taxes, $240/night (6 nights). Also booked 1 night at the Rittenhouse, another 5 star hotel, in Philly for $240/night (1 night). Total paid for 7 nights of hotel $1680.
Entertainment, gifts, food, travel, etc: $1442. This includes quite a range of items. I bought some clothing prior to leaving ($160). I also bought an ipod for video watching on 32 total hours of air time ($260) + Itunes purchases ($40). I bought little in the way of souvenirs - a book from the Basquait show and 2 handmade journals ($120). The rest was basically museum entrances and food (boy did I eat well). Ate at Morimoto when I was in Philly too!
Total spent: $3392 for 8 days
The main savings here is obviously the air component - the same ticket was ~1k.
The same room in high season is $700. Even in a low, non-recessionary time, the room should have been $400. Another guest with the same room paid $350/night. But realistically I wouldnt have paid much more than I did for a hotel - the variable was just how high of quality I could scheme for the price. And wow - it was minimalistic chic luxury, so me.
I used about $600 in cash and the rest on credit. Bills will be paid in the following weeks and EF still in tact, so technically Im calling this the goal achieved: travel internationally, use cash.
Really interesting the sense of freedom and security I found knowing I had $30k available in credit and several thousand in cash. Different than prior experiences traveling abroad.
A week ago Wednesday I suddenly had the realization that I was burnt out and wouldnt really be able to take more than a day or so off until July! Now or never.
So........I found a sick deal on air travel using miles, a 5 star hotel for 3 star price and off I went. Three days later I was flying to Italy for a week.
Details:
Air: USAirways was running a special on roundtrip travel to EU for 35k miles (usually its 80K, in fact domestic travel alone is 25k). I had 34k miles, so I bought 1k of miles for $50. I also paid taxes and a slight fee to have a 24 hour stop over in Philadelphia. Total airfare cost was $270.
Hotel: Booking.com found a rockin deal at the St. George Hotel in Rome. New, 5 star boutique hotel. With breakfast and all taxes, $240/night (6 nights). Also booked 1 night at the Rittenhouse, another 5 star hotel, in Philly for $240/night (1 night). Total paid for 7 nights of hotel $1680.
Entertainment, gifts, food, travel, etc: $1442. This includes quite a range of items. I bought some clothing prior to leaving ($160). I also bought an ipod for video watching on 32 total hours of air time ($260) + Itunes purchases ($40). I bought little in the way of souvenirs - a book from the Basquait show and 2 handmade journals ($120). The rest was basically museum entrances and food (boy did I eat well). Ate at Morimoto when I was in Philly too!
Total spent: $3392 for 8 days
The main savings here is obviously the air component - the same ticket was ~1k.
The same room in high season is $700. Even in a low, non-recessionary time, the room should have been $400. Another guest with the same room paid $350/night. But realistically I wouldnt have paid much more than I did for a hotel - the variable was just how high of quality I could scheme for the price. And wow - it was minimalistic chic luxury, so me.
I used about $600 in cash and the rest on credit. Bills will be paid in the following weeks and EF still in tact, so technically Im calling this the goal achieved: travel internationally, use cash.
Really interesting the sense of freedom and security I found knowing I had $30k available in credit and several thousand in cash. Different than prior experiences traveling abroad.
Friday, January 16, 2009
quick note!
Just paid another $2400 towards my 0% cc debt! Brings the balance down to $2490.
Im very hopeful that I will actually be able to pay this off by the end of this month instead of the middle of next month.
Woohoo :)
Im very hopeful that I will actually be able to pay this off by the end of this month instead of the middle of next month.
Woohoo :)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
2009 Goals
Now that the last few details have been worked out, Im ready to post my 2009 Goals!
1) Finish paying off 0% interest cc by mid February.
2) Stay out of cc debt!!
3) Finish funding EF to $5k by mid February.
4) Contribute maximum to 401k (sadly, no match!)
5) Contribute maximum to get IRA match.
6) Travel out of the country using savings (not EF! savings, heh).
For now, Ive decided against trying to pay off the car early. I will likely get rid of it when the extended warranty expires in 1.5 years.
I have an additional goal, but it didnt seem specific enough to list. Im imagining I would like to have somewhere between 10-30k (on top of my EF) available in cash like equivalents. I may add that as lucky number seven sometime during the first quarter.
1) Finish paying off 0% interest cc by mid February.
2) Stay out of cc debt!!
3) Finish funding EF to $5k by mid February.
4) Contribute maximum to 401k (sadly, no match!)
5) Contribute maximum to get IRA match.
6) Travel out of the country using savings (not EF! savings, heh).
For now, Ive decided against trying to pay off the car early. I will likely get rid of it when the extended warranty expires in 1.5 years.
I have an additional goal, but it didnt seem specific enough to list. Im imagining I would like to have somewhere between 10-30k (on top of my EF) available in cash like equivalents. I may add that as lucky number seven sometime during the first quarter.
2009 rocks so far!
Before the end of last year, a source of some additional/weekend income offered me a 'salary' and set # of hours for $X. I thought the offer was way, way, way low and countered with a figure almost 40% higher.
Got the call today that he was happy to accept the higher offer (which btw, I still thought was a great deal for him). Sweet!
Yay for prospering :)
Got the call today that he was happy to accept the higher offer (which btw, I still thought was a great deal for him). Sweet!
Yay for prospering :)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Prospering already!
I received a 'free' check for $1000 today. Woo! I had forgotten that some portion of my scrilla from last start up being acquired was held in escrow until the deal was totally done.
While I was (ok, *am*) tempted to purchase that Tory Burch Reagan Zip Tote (at 20% off!), I'm pretty sure Im goin to use all to pay down a debt.
Prosperity!
While I was (ok, *am*) tempted to purchase that Tory Burch Reagan Zip Tote (at 20% off!), I'm pretty sure Im goin to use all to pay down a debt.
Prosperity!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
2009 = propserity
December net worth is updated. Down by a few thousand because I updated car's worth based on kbb.com and because I didnt pay off any debt.
My 2008 net worth increased by 40k. Not too bad, considering it was a year devoted to debt reduction :)
Ive decided 2009 is going to be themed prosperity!
Short term goals are the same, and I will add more when a few earnings details fall into place.
My 2008 net worth increased by 40k. Not too bad, considering it was a year devoted to debt reduction :)
Ive decided 2009 is going to be themed prosperity!
Short term goals are the same, and I will add more when a few earnings details fall into place.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Goals update!
November was absolutely insane in almost all ways, including financially!
Core goals are the same, a few tactical shifts were made:
- I got paid my quarterly bonus, woohoo!
- I spent under $1k on my trip to Florida. It was money well spent and Im very thankful I had it in cash to spend!
- I decided to throw $2k into an EF.
- I paid $2k towards my 0% interest cc debt
Goal updates:
- Finish paying off 0% interest cc debt by Feb
- Finish funding EF by Feb
Ill think more about possibly paying down car, investing in 401k, investing outside of 401k after those 2 major goals are met.
Core goals are the same, a few tactical shifts were made:
- I got paid my quarterly bonus, woohoo!
- I spent under $1k on my trip to Florida. It was money well spent and Im very thankful I had it in cash to spend!
- I decided to throw $2k into an EF.
- I paid $2k towards my 0% interest cc debt
Goal updates:
- Finish paying off 0% interest cc debt by Feb
- Finish funding EF by Feb
Ill think more about possibly paying down car, investing in 401k, investing outside of 401k after those 2 major goals are met.
happy thanksgiving!
I had the realization while in Florida, that while life certainly isnt easy - it is good. And for that, I am so very thankful.
Life has been crazy, as usual...
Two weeks ago my 75 yo Mom (well actually my surrogate Mom, but still) called from Florida. She has been going through some challenges this year: a major neck surgery, home foreclosure, bankruptcy, and a second major surgery on the near term radar.
She procured senior subsidized housing and had been trying to move in for about 6 weeks. The rest of the fam and friends had been working hard to get her moved in and settled, but it just hadnt quite come together. No one was dedicated to getting the job done, though many people had provided quite a bit of assistance. Mom was hurting herself physically trying to do so much, and it became clear I needed to step in.
I decided to fly from CA to FL on 3 days notice to project manage the situation. The main goals were to get everything out of the old house she wanted and everything at the new house as settled as possible.
I was exhausted before I departed from moving the BF and myself into our new home in Oct + work + 2nd work. But I was also excited. A big reason for wanting to pay off that 43k in bad cc debt over the last year, was to be able to help Mom if/when she needed it.
I was able to pay for my flight ($240 roundtrip CA to FL on 3 days notice!!), groceries for her house, new shelving, movers, and leave her with some cash -- with cash (no cc!). That felt very, very good - being able to help without compromising my own situation. :)
I came home last Monday, worked Tues/Wed and then enjoyed a restful and relaxing Thanksgiving weekend with my BF.
Life has been crazy, as usual...
Two weeks ago my 75 yo Mom (well actually my surrogate Mom, but still) called from Florida. She has been going through some challenges this year: a major neck surgery, home foreclosure, bankruptcy, and a second major surgery on the near term radar.
She procured senior subsidized housing and had been trying to move in for about 6 weeks. The rest of the fam and friends had been working hard to get her moved in and settled, but it just hadnt quite come together. No one was dedicated to getting the job done, though many people had provided quite a bit of assistance. Mom was hurting herself physically trying to do so much, and it became clear I needed to step in.
I decided to fly from CA to FL on 3 days notice to project manage the situation. The main goals were to get everything out of the old house she wanted and everything at the new house as settled as possible.
I was exhausted before I departed from moving the BF and myself into our new home in Oct + work + 2nd work. But I was also excited. A big reason for wanting to pay off that 43k in bad cc debt over the last year, was to be able to help Mom if/when she needed it.
I was able to pay for my flight ($240 roundtrip CA to FL on 3 days notice!!), groceries for her house, new shelving, movers, and leave her with some cash -- with cash (no cc!). That felt very, very good - being able to help without compromising my own situation. :)
I came home last Monday, worked Tues/Wed and then enjoyed a restful and relaxing Thanksgiving weekend with my BF.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
unjaded - the new thankful
Inspired by Mr Budgets are Sexy to think about some of the Ups at my current job situation.
- I met my significant other here (though he has moved on to a new, awesome job)
- The people. I was pulled into this company by friends I worked with at my first startup in SF (about 8 years ago!). A decent sized group of these coworkers have been people I consider great friends for years.
- I believe in the founders. Ive known them for almost 8 years too. One of the founders is my direct boss.
- My direct boss is extremely positive. He recognizes my accomplishments, reminds me often how much he appreciates me, and generally kicks ass.
- My work is fun. It can be intense and frustrating, but I actually enjoy the work I do.
- I am well rewarded for my work. Great base pay, good bonus structure.
- The culture is very fun. Beer pong, bbq in the courtyard, gamerator (video game machine + beer tap!), full bar, mini motorcycle
- I dont have an office or a cube. I have a couch I work from.
- I work on a sweet mac and an iphone boss paid for.
- The company could make me a bunch of cash eventually. Having options in a company I think could hit it big feels good.
- I met my significant other here (though he has moved on to a new, awesome job)
- The people. I was pulled into this company by friends I worked with at my first startup in SF (about 8 years ago!). A decent sized group of these coworkers have been people I consider great friends for years.
- I believe in the founders. Ive known them for almost 8 years too. One of the founders is my direct boss.
- My direct boss is extremely positive. He recognizes my accomplishments, reminds me often how much he appreciates me, and generally kicks ass.
- My work is fun. It can be intense and frustrating, but I actually enjoy the work I do.
- I am well rewarded for my work. Great base pay, good bonus structure.
- The culture is very fun. Beer pong, bbq in the courtyard, gamerator (video game machine + beer tap!), full bar, mini motorcycle
- I dont have an office or a cube. I have a couch I work from.
- I work on a sweet mac and an iphone boss paid for.
- The company could make me a bunch of cash eventually. Having options in a company I think could hit it big feels good.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Out of personal loan debt, back in cc debt
Good news: I made the 2nd and final payment on my personal loan on time. Goal achieved! And it feels good to be rid of that $4k in debt :)
Not as good news: I decided to utilize a 0% interest cash advance option on one of my credit cards. $7k was used for: deposit + 1.5 months of rent on my *awesome* new home + movers + new bed + new snow tires on the Cayenne.
I had expected to spend that money this calendar year, but decided I shouldnt wait until I had the cash. The reasons are personal, but I think it was definitely the right thing to do. My partner and I are driving safely, sleeping soundly and commuting peacefully!
It does make for a couple revised goals this year:
1) repay $7k + 99 fee by Dec 15 ($1000 Nov 1, $5000 Nov 15, $1099 Dec 15)
2) pay for xmas in cash
3) save. anything?
Id really, really like to have some savings! Its not currently realistic until Jan, but there is the possibility some extra income over the next couple months could change that. I will commit to saving at least 50% of any extra income.
Not as good news: I decided to utilize a 0% interest cash advance option on one of my credit cards. $7k was used for: deposit + 1.5 months of rent on my *awesome* new home + movers + new bed + new snow tires on the Cayenne.
I had expected to spend that money this calendar year, but decided I shouldnt wait until I had the cash. The reasons are personal, but I think it was definitely the right thing to do. My partner and I are driving safely, sleeping soundly and commuting peacefully!
It does make for a couple revised goals this year:
1) repay $7k + 99 fee by Dec 15 ($1000 Nov 1, $5000 Nov 15, $1099 Dec 15)
2) pay for xmas in cash
3) save. anything?
Id really, really like to have some savings! Its not currently realistic until Jan, but there is the possibility some extra income over the next couple months could change that. I will commit to saving at least 50% of any extra income.
Getting in debt and getting out!
A couple people have asked how I managed to get rid of 43k of cc debt in under a year, so here it is.
How did I accumulate so much debt?
Simply put - I lived beyond my means from ages 19-29. I deluded myself into thinking I was entitled to a lifestyle beyond which I could afford.
- Living in HCOL (SF, LA, Philly) added to my self-delusion.
- Being in relationships with people who had wealthier lifestyles warped by sense of reality and added to my self-delusion.
- Being friends with other self-delusional people allowed me to continue my own lie (LA is full of people with inflated lifestyles and around 2000 SF was full of people with inflated lifestyles, I knew dozens of 'millionaires on paper').
If you are wondering what exactly I spent $43k on? Travel, shopping (I seriously bought 10k in handbags), eating out, moving across the country 3 times and within cities every year, gifts, medical expenses and day to day living expenses. I spent so much money, and felt broke the entire time. Living paycheck to paycheck! By October of 2007 I was paying $1100/month to service my debt. I had a close call over a few months and knew I was one emergency away from being in serious trouble. Also, I felt frustrated with myself that I made a good living, but couldnt help older family members that could use help.
breakdown of debt in October 2007
boa1 $4149.39 @ 32.24
boa2 $12659.56 @ 18.24 (952 @ 24.24)
chase1 $5510.45 @ 29.99
chase2 $10485.15 @ 29.99
chase3 $9582.95 @ 28.74
capone $833.74 @ 14.4
How did I pay it off?
I decided I wanted to start my 30s on a path toward wealth. So, I started. I thought it would take years! I live in SF, made just over 90k/yr when I started.
- I took personal responsibility, and stopped feeling entitled or making excuses.
- I focused mentally on feeling wealthy, and creating wealth in my life
- I went on a cash diet.
- I made a budget.
- I created monthly goals that were hard, but achievable.
- I stopped buying anything and everything (no more handbags, shoes, etc).
- Started eating in.
- Switched to a new job and negotiated 25% pay increase
- Took zero time off in between jobs, took the 80 hours of accrued vacation time paid out in cash and paid off debt.
- I made about 3k from startup options on company I left.
- Negotiated for new work to buy me a cell and pay the montly bill.
- No cable, no home internet.
- Utilized medical savings for pre-tax savings on expenses I knew Id have to pay.
- Worked really hard at the job and 6 months later negotiated a quarterly bonus plan.
- Reduced rent by 30%.
- Sold anything I could (Louis Vuitton bag, I dont need you!).
- I stopped all travel, except for 2 family emergencies (death and surgery).
- Paid off highest interest ccs first (about half were at 30%!!).
- Immersed myself in the world of pfblogs, this msg board, economics and finance books to stay motivated and focused.
How did I accumulate so much debt?
Simply put - I lived beyond my means from ages 19-29. I deluded myself into thinking I was entitled to a lifestyle beyond which I could afford.
- Living in HCOL (SF, LA, Philly) added to my self-delusion.
- Being in relationships with people who had wealthier lifestyles warped by sense of reality and added to my self-delusion.
- Being friends with other self-delusional people allowed me to continue my own lie (LA is full of people with inflated lifestyles and around 2000 SF was full of people with inflated lifestyles, I knew dozens of 'millionaires on paper').
If you are wondering what exactly I spent $43k on? Travel, shopping (I seriously bought 10k in handbags), eating out, moving across the country 3 times and within cities every year, gifts, medical expenses and day to day living expenses. I spent so much money, and felt broke the entire time. Living paycheck to paycheck! By October of 2007 I was paying $1100/month to service my debt. I had a close call over a few months and knew I was one emergency away from being in serious trouble. Also, I felt frustrated with myself that I made a good living, but couldnt help older family members that could use help.
breakdown of debt in October 2007
boa1 $4149.39 @ 32.24
boa2 $12659.56 @ 18.24 (952 @ 24.24)
chase1 $5510.45 @ 29.99
chase2 $10485.15 @ 29.99
chase3 $9582.95 @ 28.74
capone $833.74 @ 14.4
How did I pay it off?
I decided I wanted to start my 30s on a path toward wealth. So, I started. I thought it would take years! I live in SF, made just over 90k/yr when I started.
- I took personal responsibility, and stopped feeling entitled or making excuses.
- I focused mentally on feeling wealthy, and creating wealth in my life
- I went on a cash diet.
- I made a budget.
- I created monthly goals that were hard, but achievable.
- I stopped buying anything and everything (no more handbags, shoes, etc).
- Started eating in.
- Switched to a new job and negotiated 25% pay increase
- Took zero time off in between jobs, took the 80 hours of accrued vacation time paid out in cash and paid off debt.
- I made about 3k from startup options on company I left.
- Negotiated for new work to buy me a cell and pay the montly bill.
- No cable, no home internet.
- Utilized medical savings for pre-tax savings on expenses I knew Id have to pay.
- Worked really hard at the job and 6 months later negotiated a quarterly bonus plan.
- Reduced rent by 30%.
- Sold anything I could (Louis Vuitton bag, I dont need you!).
- I stopped all travel, except for 2 family emergencies (death and surgery).
- Paid off highest interest ccs first (about half were at 30%!!).
- Immersed myself in the world of pfblogs, this msg board, economics and finance books to stay motivated and focused.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Abundance and Gratitude - Day 19
*deep breath*
Its been a hard week. And this week, really especially this week, I need to find my way to abundance and gratitude.
Day 19 of participating in an exercise that is a great idea from Millionaire Mommy Next Door to re-focus on manifesting abundance thankfulness.
Day 19: $26,214,400 spending spree:
- Start a foundation for 'Chances into the double digits'.
I am grateful for:
- being cc debt free
- goodness. unseen, seen, known and unknown.
- friendship, compassion, understanding, caring.
Its been a hard week. And this week, really especially this week, I need to find my way to abundance and gratitude.
Day 19 of participating in an exercise that is a great idea from Millionaire Mommy Next Door to re-focus on manifesting abundance thankfulness.
Day 19: $26,214,400 spending spree:
- Start a foundation for 'Chances into the double digits'.
I am grateful for:
- being cc debt free
- goodness. unseen, seen, known and unknown.
- friendship, compassion, understanding, caring.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
I paid off $43,221 in cc debt in less than a year! I DID IT!!
I made my final payment yesterday. I now have *zero* credit card debt!
Less than one year ago in October 2007, my credit card debt looked like this:
boa1 $4149.39 @ 32.24
boa2 $12659.56 @ 18.24 (952 @ 24.24)
chase1 $5510.45 @ 29.99
chase2 $10485.15 @ 29.99
chase3 $9582.95 @ 28.74
capone $833.74 @ 14.4
----------
$43221.24
I would guess that I actually paid about $48-50k in the last year to eliminate the debt, due to the high interest rates on many of the cards.
I also paid $700 towards my personal loan repayment! It is on schedule to be paid back by Oct 15 :)
Less than one year ago in October 2007, my credit card debt looked like this:
boa1 $4149.39 @ 32.24
boa2 $12659.56 @ 18.24 (952 @ 24.24)
chase1 $5510.45 @ 29.99
chase2 $10485.15 @ 29.99
chase3 $9582.95 @ 28.74
capone $833.74 @ 14.4
----------
$43221.24
I would guess that I actually paid about $48-50k in the last year to eliminate the debt, due to the high interest rates on many of the cards.
I also paid $700 towards my personal loan repayment! It is on schedule to be paid back by Oct 15 :)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
I am sorry. I forgive you. I love you. Thank you.
The last week has been mind-blowing! I am so very thankful.
A few recaps on the wonderful world of wealth manifesting!
- A co-worker handed me a $100 Amazon gift certificate (for something I 'won' months ago, I couldnt really remember but ok!)
- The BF received a stunning offer for employment. It is not only lucrative, but sets him up for success in an amazing organization with a group of people that respect him and I believe will make him happy.
- Im now 5 days away from being cc debt free!
- A beautiful new baby cousin was born last Friday! 4 weeks early, but mom and daughter are incredibly healthy and at home.
- The last is very special...here is the full story.
Last Friday a beautiful soul of a friend invited me to her church of Religious Science to a free session with Dr Hew Len (co author of Zero Limits). A gift itself, since his paid sessions are $400+! Although I had heard of Ho'oponopono, I had not read any books or attended any sessions. Dr Hew Len had a very powerful message -- you are the universe, to fix the universe, fix yourself. Fix yourself by returning to purity of heart, that blank canvas -- quiet the inner memories playing over and over that hold you back from having purity of heart in the now. He suggests using simple phrases to help you clean (said to yourself, to anything, to anyone, to everything, because everything is everything). I am sorry. I forgive you. I love you. Thank you.
I couldnt sleep last night. My mind suddenly settled upon thoughts of my dear Grandpa. I started to cry, but tried to 'clean'. Chanting to myself - I am sorry. I forgive you. I love you. Thank you.
Grandpa passed unexpectedly last November just before Thanksgiving. I arrived at his bedside (after a cross country flight booked on an hours notice) about 30 minutes after he had passed. His two children, my Mom and her brother, didnt speak to each other or to Grandpa, and upon notifying each of his passing mayhem ensued. In fact, Mom still isnt speaking to my sister and I because I notified her brother of Grandpa's death.
But despite the tragedy, there was much to be thankful for that Thanksgiving. Id made a real effort in the last 5 years to write Grandpa weekly, to remind him constantly that I loved him unconditionally, and that he had been an amazing example of how to love -- he felt it, it changed his last few years, Im sure. And I had managed to reconnect with my only cousins the day I left to see him on his deathbed, thanks to the internet. They are beautiful, sweet, intelligent girls - and one of them just brought my new little cousin into the world! I also was able to see several close family members when I flew back the next week for the funeral. Grandpa's brother (whom Id never met and now keep in contact with), Great Aunts and Uncles I hadnt seen in years, etc. Amazing.
One thing had lingered in my mind. About 2 years before Grandpa passed, I gave him a gift for his birthday. It was an odd idea for a gift that came to me in an inspired manner. Id received a beautiful watch for Christmas the year before, a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. In researching the watch, I found and bought an original ad for the Reverso from a French magazine from 1939. The ad only showed a hand and lower arm, but it was a serviceman's arm. I did some investigation and found out that JLC manufactured pocket watches for servicemen during WW2. Since my Grandpa served in WW2, I thought he might like it. I set my watch and his to be precisely synced and sent him the gift with a card reminding him that in all the hours of all the days, Id be right there with him if he just looked at that watch.
He loved it. Took it down to the VA the day he received it to show all his war buddies. In my visits to him after that day the watch was always sitting right next to him.
Last night, when I cried, I wondered what had become of that watch. Id thought of it a few times in the last 10 months. Because of the turmoil in the family and over his affairs, I thought it best to not say anything. I decided the watch would find me one day if it was meant to me. I thought of the watch lovingly. And I 'cleaned'. I am sorry. I forgive you. I love you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I love you. I love you. As I fell back asleep I felt a light touch on the crown of my head and smiled.
I awoke this morning and checked my email. One new message, sent moments after I fell asleep:
Hi - I'm sorry for the long delay but if you will e-mail me your current address, I will mail Mr. xxxx' watch to you.
My eyes welled up with tears of joy. I am sorry. I forgive you. I love you. Thank you.
A few recaps on the wonderful world of wealth manifesting!
- A co-worker handed me a $100 Amazon gift certificate (for something I 'won' months ago, I couldnt really remember but ok!)
- The BF received a stunning offer for employment. It is not only lucrative, but sets him up for success in an amazing organization with a group of people that respect him and I believe will make him happy.
- Im now 5 days away from being cc debt free!
- A beautiful new baby cousin was born last Friday! 4 weeks early, but mom and daughter are incredibly healthy and at home.
- The last is very special...here is the full story.
Last Friday a beautiful soul of a friend invited me to her church of Religious Science to a free session with Dr Hew Len (co author of Zero Limits). A gift itself, since his paid sessions are $400+! Although I had heard of Ho'oponopono, I had not read any books or attended any sessions. Dr Hew Len had a very powerful message -- you are the universe, to fix the universe, fix yourself. Fix yourself by returning to purity of heart, that blank canvas -- quiet the inner memories playing over and over that hold you back from having purity of heart in the now. He suggests using simple phrases to help you clean (said to yourself, to anything, to anyone, to everything, because everything is everything). I am sorry. I forgive you. I love you. Thank you.
I couldnt sleep last night. My mind suddenly settled upon thoughts of my dear Grandpa. I started to cry, but tried to 'clean'. Chanting to myself - I am sorry. I forgive you. I love you. Thank you.
Grandpa passed unexpectedly last November just before Thanksgiving. I arrived at his bedside (after a cross country flight booked on an hours notice) about 30 minutes after he had passed. His two children, my Mom and her brother, didnt speak to each other or to Grandpa, and upon notifying each of his passing mayhem ensued. In fact, Mom still isnt speaking to my sister and I because I notified her brother of Grandpa's death.
But despite the tragedy, there was much to be thankful for that Thanksgiving. Id made a real effort in the last 5 years to write Grandpa weekly, to remind him constantly that I loved him unconditionally, and that he had been an amazing example of how to love -- he felt it, it changed his last few years, Im sure. And I had managed to reconnect with my only cousins the day I left to see him on his deathbed, thanks to the internet. They are beautiful, sweet, intelligent girls - and one of them just brought my new little cousin into the world! I also was able to see several close family members when I flew back the next week for the funeral. Grandpa's brother (whom Id never met and now keep in contact with), Great Aunts and Uncles I hadnt seen in years, etc. Amazing.
One thing had lingered in my mind. About 2 years before Grandpa passed, I gave him a gift for his birthday. It was an odd idea for a gift that came to me in an inspired manner. Id received a beautiful watch for Christmas the year before, a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. In researching the watch, I found and bought an original ad for the Reverso from a French magazine from 1939. The ad only showed a hand and lower arm, but it was a serviceman's arm. I did some investigation and found out that JLC manufactured pocket watches for servicemen during WW2. Since my Grandpa served in WW2, I thought he might like it. I set my watch and his to be precisely synced and sent him the gift with a card reminding him that in all the hours of all the days, Id be right there with him if he just looked at that watch.
He loved it. Took it down to the VA the day he received it to show all his war buddies. In my visits to him after that day the watch was always sitting right next to him.
Last night, when I cried, I wondered what had become of that watch. Id thought of it a few times in the last 10 months. Because of the turmoil in the family and over his affairs, I thought it best to not say anything. I decided the watch would find me one day if it was meant to me. I thought of the watch lovingly. And I 'cleaned'. I am sorry. I forgive you. I love you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I love you. I love you. As I fell back asleep I felt a light touch on the crown of my head and smiled.
I awoke this morning and checked my email. One new message, sent moments after I fell asleep:
Hi - I'm sorry for the long delay but if you will e-mail me your current address, I will mail Mr. xxxx' watch to you.
My eyes welled up with tears of joy. I am sorry. I forgive you. I love you. Thank you.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Abundance and Gratitude - Day 18
The day has made me just a little weary. Thought I would try to infuse a little optimism!
Day 18 of participating in an exercise that is a great idea from Millionaire Mommy Next Door to re-focus on manifesting abundance thankfulness.
Day 18: $13,107,200 spending spree:
LA compound purchase, decoration, tax and maint fund ($13 mil)
Trip to Hawaii for a month ($100,000)
Dinner tonight at Slanted Door with many boozy concoctions ($300)
Hotel for the long weekend, starting tonight - forget about the very bad smoke blocking my commute home! ($4,000)
Clothes and toiletries, since I wouldnt be going home ($500)
Food and entertainment for the long weekend ($2400)
I am grateful for:
- being 18 days about from being out of cc debt!
- skill, hard work, opportunity and the options that creates
- B having new housing even sooner than thought for a very, very affordable rate + improved health and healing
Day 18 of participating in an exercise that is a great idea from Millionaire Mommy Next Door to re-focus on manifesting abundance thankfulness.
Day 18: $13,107,200 spending spree:
LA compound purchase, decoration, tax and maint fund ($13 mil)
Trip to Hawaii for a month ($100,000)
Dinner tonight at Slanted Door with many boozy concoctions ($300)
Hotel for the long weekend, starting tonight - forget about the very bad smoke blocking my commute home! ($4,000)
Clothes and toiletries, since I wouldnt be going home ($500)
Food and entertainment for the long weekend ($2400)
I am grateful for:
- being 18 days about from being out of cc debt!
- skill, hard work, opportunity and the options that creates
- B having new housing even sooner than thought for a very, very affordable rate + improved health and healing
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Abundance and Gratitude - Day 17
Day 17 of participating in an exercise that is a great idea from Millionaire Mommy Next Door to re-focus on manifesting abundance thankfulness.
Day 17: $6,553,600 spending spree:
Make a bionic woman! (seriously, think they can engineer a new back for me with $6mil?)
OK, probably not....how about a team of people that can help: 3x week acupuncturist, 1xweek massage therapy, 3xweek personal yoga instruction, personal chef (all for the next 60 years) = $6,006,000
Donation to my favorite back doctor, to further her research ($547,600)
I am grateful for:
- a wonderful, caring, supportive doctor that has helped me heal for 8 years!
- intuitive friends that support me in my quest to manifest abundance
- technology that keeps me near all the things and people I care about
Day 17: $6,553,600 spending spree:
Make a bionic woman! (seriously, think they can engineer a new back for me with $6mil?)
OK, probably not....how about a team of people that can help: 3x week acupuncturist, 1xweek massage therapy, 3xweek personal yoga instruction, personal chef (all for the next 60 years) = $6,006,000
Donation to my favorite back doctor, to further her research ($547,600)
I am grateful for:
- a wonderful, caring, supportive doctor that has helped me heal for 8 years!
- intuitive friends that support me in my quest to manifest abundance
- technology that keeps me near all the things and people I care about
Friday, August 15, 2008
New Goals
Im 93% of the way to having PAID OFF 43k+ in cc debt in under 1 year. Pretty decent job manifesting abundance, if I do say so myself. It feels good and Im excited about the wealth building possibilities moving forward :)
After much thought, here are my goals for the remainder of 2008:
- pay off remaining cc debt ($3181) by 1 month from today (9/15)
- pay off personal loan ($4000) by 2 months from today (10/15)
- save $5000 for emergency fund by end of year
- focus on *feeling* gratitude for the abundance of wealth I already have
I have 2009 goals on my radar, but will hold off on posting them.
After much thought, here are my goals for the remainder of 2008:
- pay off remaining cc debt ($3181) by 1 month from today (9/15)
- pay off personal loan ($4000) by 2 months from today (10/15)
- save $5000 for emergency fund by end of year
- focus on *feeling* gratitude for the abundance of wealth I already have
I have 2009 goals on my radar, but will hold off on posting them.
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