On my walk with Ahab yesterday morning.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
A Space for Creativity
I cleaned out my studio on Sunday and when I walked in last night to get something I was so pleased to see it looking ready for a new project. The cut out squares of fabric waiting to be sewed into napkins were nicely folded in a pile. The desktop was totally clean. My knickknacks were all happily displayed. I actually got really excited to do something creative this weekend.
I came across this series of writer's rooms through The Guardian UK. And then this one of artists' studio spaces. Anyhow it got me thinking about how lucky I am that I can even have one small space to myself.
I came across this series of writer's rooms through The Guardian UK. And then this one of artists' studio spaces. Anyhow it got me thinking about how lucky I am that I can even have one small space to myself.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
at least one of us isn't worried
I have confirmation that what we've noticed in our home the past six months is a shared phenomenon. Ron's work has been steadily increasing despite our concerns that tattoos would be considered a luxury in today's weak economy.
On my way into work yesterday morning there was a piece on NPR's Marketplace about how well the tattoo industry as a whole seems to be doing. I'm trying not to question why it remains successful and just be thankful that Ron's getting the business.
On my way into work yesterday morning there was a piece on NPR's Marketplace about how well the tattoo industry as a whole seems to be doing. I'm trying not to question why it remains successful and just be thankful that Ron's getting the business.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Tattoo Barbie
Apparently Mattel has released a new "Totally Stylin' Tattoos Barbie". If anything it just shows how mainstream tattoos have become in our culture.
Apparently some parents apparently find it offensive - despite the fact that Barbie doesn't come with tattoos and that what you can use are all temporary. In this news article, one parent notes "I think it's attracting kids too young that want to expose parts of body to show off tattoos." It struck me because A. most people don't get tattoos to show off body parts. Unless they are exhibitionists in which case they'll show them off anyhow and B. it assumes that people get tattoos only in areas which wouldn't normally be shown off. I mean, if I didn't have tattoos on my arms, it wouldn't be a big deal to wear a sleeveless shirt right?
If I were still little and getting this Barbie, I would likely want to decorate her myself with more permanent tattoos. Like the many times that I tried to cut my Barbie's hair only to find out that if you kept cutting she had this weird tri-mohawk where the hair was sewn into her head.
Apparently some parents apparently find it offensive - despite the fact that Barbie doesn't come with tattoos and that what you can use are all temporary. In this news article, one parent notes "I think it's attracting kids too young that want to expose parts of body to show off tattoos." It struck me because A. most people don't get tattoos to show off body parts. Unless they are exhibitionists in which case they'll show them off anyhow and B. it assumes that people get tattoos only in areas which wouldn't normally be shown off. I mean, if I didn't have tattoos on my arms, it wouldn't be a big deal to wear a sleeveless shirt right?
If I were still little and getting this Barbie, I would likely want to decorate her myself with more permanent tattoos. Like the many times that I tried to cut my Barbie's hair only to find out that if you kept cutting she had this weird tri-mohawk where the hair was sewn into her head.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Worrying
So the Atlanta Journal Constitution ran an article yesterday discussing the possibilities of further lay-offs and possible furloughs for university system employees. At this point, all we can do is conjecture about what will result. I've been lucky so far, but I feel like I need to plan for the worst just in case.
I know that people everywhere are dealing with lay-offs and lost income and job searches. But it is scary to try to plan a wedding (even a very small, fiscally responsible one) during times like this. It's also incredibly frustrating to feel like we're really doing well at this point in aggressively paying down debt, living below our means, and taking responsibility for it all and that could easily be derailed if we lose income. Sometimes it can feel really defeating that we're taking these hits and we've been trying to be responsible.
Worst case scenario - I lose my job entirely. Here's what I'm guessing would happen. We'd have no health insurance at all. We'd have no long term savings. We'd have to take on a roommate to help with rent & utilities. We'd have to cancel the wedding. Paying down debt wouldn't happen for a long long time. Ugh. It's depressing.
To end on a more positive note, in the meantime, we'll be constricting our spending (I know this is one reason the economy sucks) and socking as much into savings and debt as we can.
I know that people everywhere are dealing with lay-offs and lost income and job searches. But it is scary to try to plan a wedding (even a very small, fiscally responsible one) during times like this. It's also incredibly frustrating to feel like we're really doing well at this point in aggressively paying down debt, living below our means, and taking responsibility for it all and that could easily be derailed if we lose income. Sometimes it can feel really defeating that we're taking these hits and we've been trying to be responsible.
Worst case scenario - I lose my job entirely. Here's what I'm guessing would happen. We'd have no health insurance at all. We'd have no long term savings. We'd have to take on a roommate to help with rent & utilities. We'd have to cancel the wedding. Paying down debt wouldn't happen for a long long time. Ugh. It's depressing.
To end on a more positive note, in the meantime, we'll be constricting our spending (I know this is one reason the economy sucks) and socking as much into savings and debt as we can.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Getting Out of Debt Update
Last year I had a few posts on personal finance and thought that it was about time for an update on how I'm doing with my goals of getting my spending under control and slowly getting out of debt.
Controlling my spending -
I have done really well at this. The best thing that I did to get a hold of it was to create and maintain a budget spreadsheet in Excel. It took me a little bit of time to decide what was most effective for me - I tried a handwritten notebook, an online tool, my online banking - but what I found works best for me is an Excel spreadsheet. It took several months to really get it down to being both reflective of my actual spending and also at regularly updating it. But now it's become a habit and I have actually been living within in my means (buying only what I have cash to pay for) for the past 6 months.
I now have categories for my spending and anything extraneous (not a bill or fixed monthly expense) is really tightly monitored. I also set up an automatic savings deposit through my payroll deposit so that for the first time since childhood, I have a growing savings account.
I will say that this aspect has probably been the hardest part, but also the most gratifying. One of the hardest lessons I've had to learn is the art of saying "No". I've struggled with feeling really guilty about saying no to plans with friends, buying gifts, participating in office get togethers, etc. But the effect has been worthwhile and I'm feeling more empowered each time I make a decision that I know is right for my long term financial health. Also, I've often been surprised at the reactions of others who seem relieved to find that they also get say "No". (Resulting in the "No in '09" resolution which deserves it's own post.)
Getting out of debt
I've done well here too - and mostly as a result of my budgeting. It's amazing how when you make it a priority suddenly cash appears to start paying it down. My car is fully paid off. I've paid off one smaller credit card in full and will pay off the second smaller one in two months. That will leave one card with a large balance, but once these smaller payments are eliminated then I just throw all the cash towards the one card and hopefully it will be paid off in a couple of years.
Get Rich Slowly has a great post today about how others view our spending. It got me to thinking about how one really needs to come to a decision to live within their means on their own terms. It took me a long time to feel ready to tackle my finances. Whether they know it or not, there were a couple of people who I really looked to as great examples. Andrea and Ian - Thank you for sharing your own successes in a way that was unjudgmental but incredibly motivating!
Controlling my spending -
I have done really well at this. The best thing that I did to get a hold of it was to create and maintain a budget spreadsheet in Excel. It took me a little bit of time to decide what was most effective for me - I tried a handwritten notebook, an online tool, my online banking - but what I found works best for me is an Excel spreadsheet. It took several months to really get it down to being both reflective of my actual spending and also at regularly updating it. But now it's become a habit and I have actually been living within in my means (buying only what I have cash to pay for) for the past 6 months.
I now have categories for my spending and anything extraneous (not a bill or fixed monthly expense) is really tightly monitored. I also set up an automatic savings deposit through my payroll deposit so that for the first time since childhood, I have a growing savings account.
I will say that this aspect has probably been the hardest part, but also the most gratifying. One of the hardest lessons I've had to learn is the art of saying "No". I've struggled with feeling really guilty about saying no to plans with friends, buying gifts, participating in office get togethers, etc. But the effect has been worthwhile and I'm feeling more empowered each time I make a decision that I know is right for my long term financial health. Also, I've often been surprised at the reactions of others who seem relieved to find that they also get say "No". (Resulting in the "No in '09" resolution which deserves it's own post.)
Getting out of debt
I've done well here too - and mostly as a result of my budgeting. It's amazing how when you make it a priority suddenly cash appears to start paying it down. My car is fully paid off. I've paid off one smaller credit card in full and will pay off the second smaller one in two months. That will leave one card with a large balance, but once these smaller payments are eliminated then I just throw all the cash towards the one card and hopefully it will be paid off in a couple of years.
Get Rich Slowly has a great post today about how others view our spending. It got me to thinking about how one really needs to come to a decision to live within their means on their own terms. It took me a long time to feel ready to tackle my finances. Whether they know it or not, there were a couple of people who I really looked to as great examples. Andrea and Ian - Thank you for sharing your own successes in a way that was unjudgmental but incredibly motivating!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
CSPIA update
I haven't been making much of anything lately to be honest. Our schedule at home has been pretty busy and I don't feel like I've had much down time to enjoy being in the studio or sitting down to knit. In light of that, I figured that I'd give a quick update about the CSPIA legislation.
It went into effect on February 10th, but with an extension for a year before manufacturers need to officially start testing products. However, we're still liable. So if one of my products was found to contain lead or other toxic materials, I would liable for a $100,000 fine.
In light of that, just to be safe I'm pulling anything from my Etsy shop that has plastic buttons. I believe that they have exempted fabric, but buttons and zippers and closures could still be problematic for me. I will not be listing my wooden blocks with the vintage children's illustrations as books printed before 1985 are considered potentially unsafe. For the moment, I will not be making many new items for sale until I figure out if all the materials that I use will be considered safe and exempt (that includes stuffing, buttons, adhesives, etc.)
If you're interested in reading more, please consider reading the following:
Etsy update
Crafty Hangover
Publishers Weekly article
Forbes article
It went into effect on February 10th, but with an extension for a year before manufacturers need to officially start testing products. However, we're still liable. So if one of my products was found to contain lead or other toxic materials, I would liable for a $100,000 fine.
In light of that, just to be safe I'm pulling anything from my Etsy shop that has plastic buttons. I believe that they have exempted fabric, but buttons and zippers and closures could still be problematic for me. I will not be listing my wooden blocks with the vintage children's illustrations as books printed before 1985 are considered potentially unsafe. For the moment, I will not be making many new items for sale until I figure out if all the materials that I use will be considered safe and exempt (that includes stuffing, buttons, adhesives, etc.)
If you're interested in reading more, please consider reading the following:
Etsy update
Crafty Hangover
Publishers Weekly article
Forbes article
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