Let me just say that this kitten has clearly done more yoga than I have in January 2011.
Cute kitten originally seen on Never Niche!
To be fair to myself, I’m not a cute little kitten, so how can I expect to be able to do that? 😉
Maybe I should hire him/her to motivate me.
Seriously though, it is a tough sell to my 5:30 a.m. self to do 15 – 30 minutes of yoga. I did it for 70% of the month but that’s just pathetic. I’ll never develop a habit being so lazy.
Bah.
This is the internal struggle I go through every morning with myself:
5:30 AM FB: *yawn* Good night’s sleep. I think I’ll just mosey over to my laptop and check my..
Yoga FB: STOP RIGHT THERE.
5:35 AM FB: Wha..?
Yoga FB: Don’t you think you’re missing something? Like the main reason why you get up at 5:30 AM instead of 6 AM?
5:40 AM FB: I don’t know what you’re talking about. I just wanted to go check my emails quickly, then I’ll start.
Yoga FB: That’s what you said yesterday.
5:45 AM FB: Fine. I’m going to go start some tea and then I’ll start.
Yoga FB: Nooo, because then you’re going to say you can’t exactly do Downward Dog with liquid in your belly.
5:50 AM FB: Good point. How about I just go and start up some music…
Yoga FB: No. Get on the mat. Pull out the iPod Touch, set the timer and start stretching.
5:55 AM FB: No seriously!!!! I’ll do yoga right after I get home instead. Pinky promise.
Yoga FB: You said that the day before yesterday!!! LIAR!!!
6:00 AM FB: Wait, just look at the time! I have to get ready for work. Tomorrow, okay?
Yoga FB: *facepalm*
Yeah. February will be better, but perhaps not financially, as I am heading back to Montreal for a while and I have missed some major treats there. Nom nom nom.
On to financials!
INCOME: $18,660
- Regular job
- Blog income not included
- No found money included (I found $0.05 this month! LOL)
TOTAL EXPENSES: $3389.17
- Can’t wait for this to be over. 🙂
- I like the convenience of a hotel, but the expenses pain me.
PERSONAL EXPENSES: $1269.79
- Last month I’ll pay so much in “rent” at a hotel
- “Basic” expenses (hotel and parking) came up to $931 already
- Impossible to stay under $1000 with that, unless I deprived myself
- Leaving for another mini project in another city
BUSINESS EXPENSES: $2119.38
- Last month. LAST MONTH FOR PAYING FOR THIS HOTEL! 😀
- I’m also eating out a lot more. People are leaving the project.
- Bought some packing cubes/pouches. I –love– them (see below)
IÂ bought packing cubes almost exactly like these:
I pack rolled up underwear and anything that is fiddly and tiny.
A lot easier to move with because if a suitcase gets jostled, or I pull out something, it won’t get messy and make my OCD self re-pack and re-fold every little item.
NET WORTH: $177,200
Decrease of ($8154.88) or 4.4%
- Drop due to charitable contributions*
- Stock market wasn’t so hot this month
- Will be working for another 2 more months somewhere else
*as noted in my Year 2010 Roundup.
ASSETS: $177,200.76
- Cash: $67.83
- Savings: $8021.68
- Retirement: $49,337.42
- Emergency Fund: $29,194.45
- Business: $90,579.38
DEBTS:
None.
BEST POSTS OF JANUARY 2011
- 1000 hours to a slimmer, more financially fit you
- An Entrepreneur in a Nutshell
- How to make money online – Venues – Part One
- How to make money online – Blogging – Part Two
- You can’t just quit, conflict is a part of real life
- After my yearlong shopping ban: How does it feel?
- Cataloguing my clothing onto my iPod Touch – How I am shopping smarter
- The Secret World of Shoplifting
- Confessions of an Escort: A look into the life of a Bay Street Escort
RANDOM STUFF
You can stop reading now if you were only here for the $$$$$.
BONJOUR MONTREAL! T’AI JE MANQUE?
Update: Hahah! Asked a real Frenchman 😉 — Translation: “Hello Montreal! Did you miss me?”
Heading back to Montreal for a while for work. Not for long.
Come to me my pretties!
On my list to do:
- Eat macarons from La Maison du Macaron (See above. I know they’ve just changed the flavours.)
- Eat Montreal smoked meat from Schwartzs (sadly, for the first time!)
- Gain 10 pounds from eating pastries (seriously, there is a lack of decent pain au chocolats here..)
- … wait a minute, everything on my list to do has to do with eating 😛 😛
Soak up Montreal-ness? I dunno. I only miss a few foods. Shopping may be out of the question, it’s a bit cold there.
WE JUST CAN’T SHARE BLANKETS
This might be TMI (too much information), but BF likes to hog the whole blanket, and I do too.
When we shared a comforter (also known as a ‘duvet’), I would either end up with everything wrapped around me, sleeping like a log wrapped in a cocoon of blissful warmth, and BF would be freezing to my side, with just a scrap he managed to wrench from my iron-fisted grip.
Or vice versa.
Our solution? We each have our own comforter now.
We both like to hog the blanket, so we hog our own.
We just can’t share and it’s the key to a happy, well-rested relationship.
Since it is January, I leave you with this inspiring photo:
Credit
Doesn’t this photo make you just feel like you’re about to start on some grand adventure?
Ready to do anything, start anew, refreshed and looking forward to whatever comes next?
That’s the way it makes me feel. I can’t wait for the next adventures coming up in my life!
Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver.
I cleared $60,000 in 18 months earning $65,000 gross/year.
Now I am self-employed, and you can read more about 
Hahaha… I just have to laugh and tell you that I have lived with boyfriends since I was 18 years old and I have always made sure we had separate blankets. It's nice to know I'm not alone on that 😉
My recent post Week 18 Spending Report
This was my first time with a separate blanket. I don\’t know why I haven\’t done it before.
Every time I see your finance posts I want to kick myself in the non-existent balls. I need to be a consultant. I don't know what I would consult with. But I need to do it. My income needs to come up. I bring home a bit more than 1/10th of your income every money. Sigh.
On a positive note, I share a king sized bed with BF and Puppy and those two love the sheets. I don't know why I never thought about a separate blanket for me. No more waking up with freezing nips.
My recent post For Profit Student Loan Default Rate Hits 25
Being a consultant isn\’t the key to making money. I want to re-state that I\’m in a niche.
Most consultants can charge a lot of money per hour, but they don\’t work more than 2 hours a week, so they take on 20 clients at once to make a living.
Being a consultant is also vague in how you become one. The #1 thing is you have to have experience/knowledge that companies want to pay for. The #2 thing is you have to have a degree if your experience is 10 years or less. Sad but true, they don\’t take you seriously without one.
I definitely recommend separate sheets!
I like that simple list of expenses… may have to start implementing it! At present I just spend using a credit card which is paid off in full each month. Then I know exactly how much has come out and look at my expenses via that.
That is more my simple list of budget categories with the total of my expenses, my actual line item expenses were about double that. 🙂
My parents have their own blankets and they've been married for 35+ years. I think it's the key to happy relationship…. go to bed warm and wake up warm too! You need to be cozy!
My recent post 2010 in Review yes- a little late
Hey FB! Have you ever looked into subletting an apartment instead of hoteling it? I wonder if that might be slightly cheaper if you can find a place with a great location and all utilities will be included. That said, nothing beats having your bed made and room service at midnight. Fries taste so much better then!
I already tried. People don\’t sublet during the months I need, because I usually don\’t work in the summer, I work from Autumn to Spring.
Ha-ha. Great self-motivation conversation. 🙂 Maybe Yoga FB should offer you some morning coffee before the advice.
My recent post Running to Work at Home Success
The problem is I don\’t drink coffee 🙂
I have a similar problem with running – the fact you can't run if you've eaten anything within the previous 2 hours also adds to it!
Hey 🙂 Do you have a post on what sort've study you did/qualification you have, to enable you to work/travel around as much as you do? Can you give me a link? Look forward to getting to know more about you ")
My recent post Life Swap
Hi there!
I am just a consultant. Nothing special. All consultants travel, it\’s part of the job description… 🙂
hahaha I think it's great that so many other commenters (and you, FB) also have blanket sharing issues, because I do too-hubby and I have one big quilt to put over the bed when we want it to look nice, but when we sleep, we use separate blankets- it's also nice, because I need lots of blankets while I'm sleeping, and hubby prefers just a sheet or light blanket, so we don't have to try to balance that, we just each use our own 🙂
And at least your morning conversation is with yoga FB- mine is "early morning ILR" vs. "i should get up to go to work ILR"…and lazy early morning ILR generally wins! (not that yoga/health isn't important, but getting to work "on time" is pretty darn important too-I can't get to work on time, after work, but you can always try to force yourself to do yoga after work)
My recent post January Goals wrap up
Oh I am always to work on time, there by 6:30 or 7:00 AM.. getting ready and getting there is not the problem. It is more the exercising before I go that gets me tripped up.
1. I have never had a macaroon and am really feeling that that is going to need to change especially seeing as Montreal seems to be the place to get them and I have been there 3 times!
2. I love the packing cubes! Where did you get them? I have always used zip locks for things such as underwear and stuff but these look great. I have also picked up a couple of travel space saver bags at a Target in the States. I have seen the commercials and they look great you can just roll out the air, but we will see how they actually hold up during my 17 day trip this summer.
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La Maison du Macaron — I highly recommend 🙂
Packing Cubes — Find them in any travel store. The brand I bought is Eagle Creek and I have a post coming up on them soon on my other blog — The Everyday Minimalist.
Space saver bags are good too, but I find that the weight stays the same, you use a LOT less space, but your clothes get super wrinkled.
I priced packing cubes before a family holiday and nearly had a heart attack! In no way doable for what I wanted, I like to categorise at least the kids clothing because when you are responsible for digging around in luggage for 3 people it gets tiresome fast. I use a combination of zipped mesh laundry bags, really inexpensive, and large ziploc bags, even cheaper. They aren't as structured as the cubes but they do the job I need and store really small in between.
I am not using them to travel with, I\’m using them to MOVE with 🙂
I don\’t see a point in using them to travel with, seeing as I don\’t pack every much anyway.
I\’d have used mesh bags or ziploc bags, but they are not my style. I want to buy the right stuff, which is structured mesh cubes with proper zippers so just in case I overstuff it, the zipper can handle it (surprisingly, the mesh makes a huge difference) whereas ziploc bags would pop open.
Hi FB,
It's actually 'M'avez-vous manqué?'
hmmm…macaroons…yummy
Thanks for the correction!
And it\’s macarons not macaroons. 🙂
Those are very interesting flavors–I would love to try them all especially the Litchi and Tea and Fig and Flower.
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The Litchi one was my absolute favourite.
I love that yoga kitten! I have the same yoga conversation with myself after work every day about going or not going to the studio.
Macaroons, YUM!
My recent post January 2011 Goals – Recap
You and me.. blog twins. 🙂
Sounds like Yoga FB and Yoga LMM have been sharing their guilt-tripping ways with each other!
My recent post Februarys Love Drop
I think there\’s a conspiracy between our Yoga selves.
I pack most of my smalls in Ziploc bags…..can't bat the price….easily replaced and you can see what it is……denise
I thought about Ziploc but I prefer a zipper over having to snap it closed or use that plastic close zip.
I should mention that I can also really pack these cubes to the fullest. The Ziplocs tend to pop open if I overdo it.
That kitty picture is so cute!
The Mrs. likes to wrap herself up in a burrito too. I'm used to it though and can usually fight her off in the middle of the night.
My recent post Happy Groundhog Day & Chinese New Year!
That kitten is my yogi 😉
*LAUGH* Wrap herself up like a burrito.. look into separate comforters Joe, it\’ll change your sleeping ways.
Hehehe! I love the internal struggle conversation with Yoga FB 🙂 That's the same kind of excuses I give myself whenever I need to go workout that day 😛
Mmmm…Swartz meat… it's sooo gooood 🙂 Every mouthful is MEAT MEAT MEAT! I don't know if you like mustard or dijon mustard.. but it gives it more flavor if you add it to the meat 🙂 Mmmmm…
As for the yoga…maybe Yoga FB can use macaron as motivation… like this:
One macaron for pose # 1….another macaron for pose # 2…. one for pose # 3…. ta da! you're done all the poses…and a box of macaron …. 🙂
My recent post Couple Finances
I\’ll add mustard to it. I don\’t love it, but I\’ll try anything once. Or twice.
Oh gosh.. I\’d be poor at the end of the month. 30 days x 30 macarons = a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$$$
Now I'm kinda bummed that we skipped Schwartz the last time we were in Montreal (because of the ridiculously long line). Next time!
My recent post Photo of the week
I\’m going soon. Like tomorrow 🙂
I pretty much just snorted my coffee through my nose upon reading the section about how you guys cannot share a comforter. This has seriously been the little secret of my relationship as well – because whenever we mention it to someone they look at us like "it's never gonna last" BUT really I just like my space while sleeping ; ) and I am QUITE sure there is nothing wrong with that. I'm so glad you said it out loud. xoxo
My recent post Body Loving Blogosphere 013011
I have an open book life apparently.
It is the best thing to be able to hog the entire comforter and not have to share with someone else. Especially since I have a tendency to curl up and knee him in the back. Or put my cold hands on his back…
I think it's hilarious that you both are blanket hogs. I'm so happy that my boyfriend in a blanket hog and I am not. I just have to have enough to regulate the sleeping temperature. I have one blanket for myself, so I'm always covered, and stick my toes under the mass he pulls around himself – as that is the only part of the sheets, and blankets I ever get. We are much happier now! Then I'm free to toss the blanket off when I'm hot and pull it over me when I'm not, and he can cocoon himself in all the blankets.
I have yet to try these macaroons you speak of…
Perhaps that's better for my hips, butt, thighs, stomach, and liver though. I have a H U G E sweet tooth that is beyond satisfaction at times!
All the best on your new project in Montreal! Fabulously Broke rollin'!
My recent post Donating and Cleaning
Sounds like fun FB! Lucky girl 🙂
My recent post Planning My Facelift
Thanks 🙂
First of all, YUM to macaroons. I've never been to montreal but its on my must-go list.
Also, I love those pouches! They would make moving around & travelling so much easier!
Have fun in Montreal!
My recent post February Goals!
Thanks Daisy. Montreal is nice for a visit 🙂
LMAO. I have had that conversation with myself FAR too many times. 70% is nothing to sneeze at though, nicely done 🙂
I like the little pouches (would make everything easier to find!) but I'm probably going to just keep stashing my socks and underwear in my shoes to save space.
I have a serious hankering for macarons now, and it's not even 8am *facepalm* Good thing there is actually a place in town I can get them. Maybe this weekend 😀
My recent post slip
I do that too — underwear and socks in spaces, but man it drives me mad trying to find them..
My BF and I do the same thing with blankets – I like the sheets too, though. I like to make a cocoon around me, and he likes to wrap and twist – we are not good blanket sharers AT ALL!
I also can't help myself from going online every morning… I end up having to exercise after work … and on days like today, walking 45 minutes in the snow surely counts for something. I am currently spending my lunch breaks walking up and down the stairs (eating my sandwich). It's kind of a terrible way to spend my lunch break, but hey, it's helping me stay on track.
Have you considered going to bed dressed in your yoga clothes, so that when you DO wake up, you can just do your poses?
..*LAUGH* that is the sneakiest thing I\’ve ever heard of, to trick myself.
I do sleep in my yoga clothes (tights and a top) — I don\’t have fancy items.. so it\’s not that. It is sheer laziness.
If I want to actually get out and take my morning run I have to ignore myself. I put my fingers in my ears and just start yelling, LA, LA, LA, LA……sometimes it helps.
My recent post Getting Off Your Ass- The First Step to Building a Budget
Lazy FB always wins.
You are so adorable! I loved the Yoga FB and FB conversation. I had that conversation all the time when I exercised, now I need to get back into shape. Will be having more of those when I do.
I also love the packing cubes. What an incredible idea! When I was back packing through Europe and Asia, I was so annoyed packing and repacking all my things. This would have made things so much easier. I guess they are fairly expensive? And where did you find them?
My recent post January Recap
I hate repacking and packing, it really drove me mad to pull one item out and to see EVERYTHING get messy.
They are expensive. Depending on what size, they range from $15 CAD – $27 CAD. I have a post coming up on my other blog about it soon 🙂
We have separate blankets at night too.
The macaroons look yummy.
My recent post February Debt Eval
It\’s the best, I tell you!
And they were yummy. Litchi and Tea being my favourite.