The Weekend!

So it's another Thursday. In only 4 more hours, the clock will finally roll over to Friday- the sacred day of the week. Val and I are celebrating our last weekend of the summer together by venturing north to our lovely Canadian neighbors. As previously posted, the poor boy has never been out of the country. Looks like it's time to change someone's world view!

It's been a long time! Too long in fact- but life has been extremely busy. Condo searching (with no luck), apartment hunting (also with no luck), visitors and work. I remember someone saying that the busier life is, the less likely one is to write about it... it's so true. Each day I had something I really wanted to say, yet there simply weren't enough hours in the day to say it in.

Let's catch up, shall we?

Work- I love it. I didn't expect to like my job as much as I do now. There was a moment where I didn't feel like it was a good fit for me and that I would be better quitting, but after pulling through that slump I realized that it's a phenomenal job. I work with great people, and it's rewarding to help people get on the right track to actualize their financial dreams. Personally I've never been better with my finances in my life. Not only do I have an aggressive 401k set up, I'm investing in stock outside of it. It's a huge step for me, and I'm proud to say I'm setting aside 10% of each paycheck into some sort of savings, with my company throwing in an additional 5%. It's a great feeling. It's safe to say that this job is my first "real" job- the first one I've ever felt like it could actually be a long term thing.

Love- Great. We hit a bit of a slump- I daydream a lot about moving home to be with my family and he's set to live in Redmond forever and a day, but I think we both know we'd be miserable if we were apart. We're almost to the end of our 2nd year together, and we're stronger than ever. It's at the point where it feels like we've known each other forever, not much is awkward but we're still entirely too affectionate.

Summer- I can't believe it's almost over! Phill and Jenn (Val's Father and sis) were up to visit us! And on the last weekend of Val's freedom we're heading up to Victoria with my mum. He's NEVER been outside of the United States. I haven't left the motherland in 2 years myself... it's strange that it has been so long.

Superficial- I bought the coach clutch I was lusting over a few posts back. So divine- it's even better in person. I love the kiss-lock clasp, and the leather is so thick and fantastic. I keep my 2 sets of keys in it and my driver's license in my huge Louis. It makes it a lot easier to find- no more rummaging through my bag to find the things I need.

And that is all. Naptime and Snakes on a Plane!

Ownership

With the price of rent going up in our complex to $1200 in the next month or two, it's becoming very apparent that it's simply too expensive to rent.

I called up my parents today to discuss my options with them, and they're both very excited that I have an appointment with a realtor on Tuesday. I'm also calling various banks to see what kind of mortgages I qualify for. While I can't afford a house in the area, it would be nice to own something. And that my friends, are where condos come in!

I'm hoping and praying that I'll qualify for a loan large enough to get something here in Redmond. It'd be nice to have a place that I can really turn into a residence- no more institutional-ish white walls with the same cabinets that every other apartment has.