Archive for February, 2011

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Monthly vs Yearly Budgeting


18 Feb

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Posted in Budgeting, Finances | Comments Off

I get paid every two weeks, so my monthly budget is based on two paychecks. That means that twice a year, I get an “extra” paycheck. Are they really extra? Of course not, they’re just not accounted for in my monthly budget.

I also have a yearly budget, and those two “extra” checks, they are definitely accounted for in it. They go toward helping us meet debt payoff and savings goals.

Sure, I could account for them in the monthly budget, but the way its set up works, and when it comes to the budget, working is what I need.

Just Finished Reading: His Robot Girlfriend by Wesley Allison


17 Feb

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Posted in Authors & Books | 6 Comments »

I normally write about books or authors I like. Not this time. I read this book because it was free on my eReader- don’t pay money for it.

The writing was mediocre at best. And while I love character driven novels, I need some sort of plot. I need the protagonist to take action, even if that action is purposely doing nothing.

In this book, the only action the protag took was ordering a robot. After that, everything pretty much happened to him. There’s apparently a sequel called “His Robot Wife”. I won’t be reading it, even if it’s free.

Westminster Night 2


16 Feb

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Posted in Dogs, Pets | Comments Off

In the sporting group, it would be nice if, just once, a retriever could win the group. Not super surprised by the Portuguese Water Dog winning the working dogs (politics do matter), and as for the terriers, I was thrilled to see the American Staffordshire make the short list. I wish it would’ve won. The Staffordshire breeds have a bad rap, and as a pit fan, it would be nice to see one of their foundation breeds get better press.

As for Best in Show, I am thrilled with the Scottish Deerhound win, even if its not a herding dog.

 

Westminster Night 1


15 Feb

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Posted in Dogs, Pets | Comments Off

I like dog shows. I am a fan of at least one breed in every group, but I think everyone has a group that speaks to them as a whole. For our roommate, it’s the sporting dogs- Labs and Goldens. For me, it’s the herding dogs- Aussies and Borders, GSDs and Corgis -who were shown last night. I’m also partial to the hounds- Beagles.

A Scottish Deerhound took the hounds, and a Bearded Collie took the herding dogs.

Also shown last night, toys and non-sporting. The important thing to know- there will not be a Poodle in Best in Show.

Valentine’s Day


14 Feb

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Posted in Marriage, Relationships | Comments Off

In high school, my motto was “Valentine’s Day is a Hershey, Hallmark, and FTD conspiracy.” (I was too young to be figuring in the diamond industry.) But my husband has always made a bit of a deal about Valentine’s Day.

The first year we were dating, I came home to chocolates on my front porch, another year it was giant, South American peach colored roses. We have since settled on strawberries and other fruit dipped in chocolate. But this year, I can’t eat that, so he’s making me truffles instead- homemade chocolate truffles.

I must admit, I love being spoiled.

 

My Democracy Problem


13 Feb

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Posted in International Politics, Politics | Comments Off

I have not written about Egypt here, or Tunisia, which may seem strange considering I write about Lebanon. I wish the people of Tunisia and Egypt the best and truly do hope they will be able to form working democratic governments that can be an example to the rest of Africa and the Middle East.

But, at least in Egypt’s case, I am afraid that their democracy will be 51% of the people enslaving 49% of the people. I see hope in Lebanon because they have 3 strong factions to balance. In Egypt, right or wrong, I see another Iran.

Happy Birthday, Stephanie


12 Feb

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Posted in Friendship, Relationships | Comments Off

The summer I was 2 years old, a family moved in next door to us, also with a 2 year old. You may not believe me, but I have a distinct memory of going over there, riding on my dad’s shoulders, to meet them.

We became best friends. In 5th grade, she moved to the other side of the state. After 7th grade, she moved back, but I moved away.

Neither of us is good at letters, or even email, so we’re not really close anymore. But when I was little, I had a sister. And today is her birthday.

Compromise in Relationships


11 Feb

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Posted in Finances, Marriage, Relationships | Comments Off

This thread started out as a continuation of last week’s discussion on how couples manage their money. The poster talks about the fact that she and her boyfriend have lived together for three years and never had the “money” talk, until now. And it turns out they’re on different pages but need to get on the same one soon because she’s pregnant.

This thread has devolved, as YM threads are wont to do. But I think the end message is an important one- in a relationship, know what you’re willing to compromise on and what your not, financially or otherwise.

Giving Minors Access to Birth Control


10 Feb

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Posted in Healthcare, Politics | Comments Off

Planned Parenthood is currently being damned for giving girls who claim to be under the age of consent information about birth control. Legally, they are probably required to do so, regardless of the fact they are there with someone who may be their pimp. (And let’s be honest, real pimps don’t identify themselves to PP counselors.)

In Washington, the age of consent is 16. Privacy rights regarding sexual health begin at 14. Providers can’t refuse care based on age; they are ethically required to give the care and legally required not to disclose it (unless there’s actual evidence of abuse).

My Velocity Micro Cruz eReader


09 Feb

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Posted in Finances, Games, Reading, Software, Technology | 1 Comment »

I bought myself an eReader for birthday/Christmas. I’d spent a lot of time researching the different brands and functionality, and finally settled on the Velocity Micro Cruz Reader. It came pre-loaded with the Borders app, but because its 3rd party, I can download the Kindle or B&N apps, too.

In addition to being an eReader, the Cruz has some tablet functionality. I’m able to browse the web and download games and other apps from the Android app store. Its tablet functionality is not perfect, but considering I paid eReader price ($120), I’m not complaining. And still reading books on it.

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