I’ve decided that this blog should be about more than just finances. Because it already is, so why not open it up. It’s about finances and work, but also about writing, emotional stability, spirituality, and life. By putting this here, I’m allowing myself to write more freely about these subjects.

Writing

As part of learning to be a better writer, I’ve been reading novels (as well as books about writing…you really can’t learn without both). Today’s number is a chick lit book called What’s a Ghoul to Do?. It’s a paranormal one, which fits the title and cover. Female ghostbuster—adventure, romance, chick lit style, that kind of thing. On the whole it’s not bad. But there’s one thing that gets me…the characters.

I don’t mind the main character, but all the secondary ones are almost caricatures. There’s not a single one who isn’t strange an eccentric in at least one way. I expect that the author thought “Well, this is paranormal so it’s supposed to be weird.” No. Paranormal already stretches the boundaries of what readers will accept. I can handle her talking to ghosts and whatnot. But so far I haven’t met a person anywhere near average. They’re broadly-drawn eccentric stereotypes. It’s hard for me to accept that these are supposed to be real people. Everyone’s weird in their own ways, but not this weird.

I’m going to finish it, however, for two reasons. First, this is a good learning opportunity for what to do and what not to do. By reading more I’ll know even more about what I don’t like and can avoid falling into it myself. And I’ll see what parts kept me reading even when I was turned off by some characters. Second, it doesn’t suck and I’m interested in what happens. I’d like to see where this plot is going.

Work and Finances

I’ve gotten some work done today, but it’s quite slow here. More so than normal. I made new labels for a set of “to-do” folders and then did all the “to-do” they were holding. I also met with a couple people from the Department of Defense. Something shady happened here last week and they’re trying to find out who did it.

My down time has left me time to do things like watch racing with the guys, read a bit, and work on our financial spreadsheets. Also helps that my boss is out of the office, I’m not sure where. Maybe she’s meeting with our other office and just knows that I can be left alone with the phone and stuff.

Mr. Micah uploaded my spreadsheets to Google Documents for me so that I could work with them online. Definitely prefereable to having them on the computer here at work. I tried to put things together like what our monthly expenses will be. Fixed expenses are around $1000. That includes rent, cable, cell phones, etc. I don’t yet know what Mr. Micah’s car payment is, he’s been paying that out of his own account, but I should find out. I’ll be making about $1800 per month (well, more once I get fully hired). And Mr. Micah will be making $1200 per month once September comes around. We’ll be ok. (these numbers are approximate take-home, assuming we’re being taxed at 15%)

I hope that this temp-to-hire thing will only be a month, or so. That’s what they said. Afterwards, my wages will go up. I just made an invoice for the temp agency’s bill. I make $15 per hour but they charge $27. Whew. It’ll save the company money once I’m hired. Or they can pay me all that. That would almost double my weekly salary.

At the end of the month, I’ll put some of this online to record our financial state, how we did, etc.

Our end goal is to be able to live modestly, put some away for retirement, and give away a lot. We just have to figure that out. Right now I’m in capture expenses mode.

Spirituality

We visited a church last night which excited me. It meets on Monday nights in the city so that people who’d been working here can eat dinner and then come. I guess they’re trying to get more people than they could on a Sunday morning. It’s mostly people in their 20s to low 30s.

It reminded me a lot of where we’d been going to church for the last few years. The sermon was excellent (very rare compliment from me, I have a minor in Bible and am very sensitive to what I see as bad doctrines, poor explanation of doctrines, misunderstanding of passages, etc). So we and our friends, the M&Ms, are going to be trying this church for another month.

In September, they’ll be starting a month which has to do with finance. The idea is that people learn better how to manage their money, live more simply (I think), and give their money to God via what God’s people are doing in the world. Pastor emphasized last night that this doesn’t have to mean giving to this particular church. He said “If you want to give it all to World Vision, great! They’re a great group! Just as long as you’re doing it out of a heart of worship.” The “heart” part is Christianese for “intentions.” So as long as you intend to worship God with it and don’t feel that God is pressuring you into it or that you really don’t want to do it but it’s expected of you, etc.

I’m not sure whether or not to sign up for this month. It would be interesting to do it along with the church, and if we decide to go there it would be a good step towards getting to know them. but it could be awkward if we don’t. I’ll look at their website which has more info.

Related Posts

• Why I Don’t Think I Would Have Done As Well If I Had To Work My Way Through College
• What do you do if your Social Security Number doesn’t work?
• Blog Action Day! Little ways Mr. Micah and I (try to) save money and the environment

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