Grown Up

I think today I feel like a grown up.  Not just for today, but like I actually made it. I have manage to drag, crawl, scrape and grumble my way into adulthood. It hasn't been easy, but it's rewarding to be here all the same.

Now today isn't my birthday.  I didn't get a new job, or a promotion or buy a house today.  All in all, it's a fairly unspectacular Thursday in the Great NorthLeft. It's slightly foggy with a high of 85 predicted this afternoon.  I'm working from home for now.  The dog is crashed out behind my desk chair. Nothing inherently noteworthy. Except in my head.

It's been noted that I'm far more introspective on this blog that in person, to which I acquiesce to. As I've mentioned previously, I do use this blog as an external meditation area and brain download facility.

I noted recently that I've been back in (near) Seattle for about eighteen months.  Somehow in that time I changed.  I have a career.  It's like a job, but with ongoing potential, fulfillment and growth opportunities that uses multiple skills and talents I have, plus requires that I continue to learn. It also pays a lot better than a job. It's soul sucking on a less often basis and much more self directed.

I have been paying all my bills plus cutting into my debt like a Canadian Lumberjack into a huge pine.  I remember the times, not so long ago, when I was first overseas and could barely manage my month to month living expenses, let alone work on any debt from before.  I was lucky it I didn't have to incur any new debt most months.  If it weren't for mom's understanding generosity, I think I'd have had to move back within months. I used to be ashamed to admit that there were times I needed help paying my bills.  Now I realise that most folks go through that time.  Aside from my car loan, I've reduced my other debts (school loan, credit cards, misc loan) by over half since my return to the US.  That's more impressive if you consider the amount of stuff there is to buy, do, see, in all senses pay for. I don't feel that I've deprived myself at all though.  25 and I have done heaps this year; baseball, football and soccer games, beerfests, music fests, camping, vacationing, etc.

Additionally, on the financial front, I started a Traditional and a Roth IRA (individual retirement account).  I found and rolled old 401Ks (similar accounts sponsored by previous employers) into one account, and have begun funding another account on my own, as my current company doesn't contribute to one on my behalf. I'm committed to making sure I have some options if I make it to retirement.

I'm in a relationship that feels like a relationship is supposed to (I think).  25 has the poise, intelligence and planning of someone old than those years.  He has been a true partner thus far. He helps around the house without my needing to nag him. He would rather talk about issues as they arise and avoid drama.  He is accepting and understanding of my shortcomings and encourages my desire to work on aspects of my personality and my life. He accommodates my need for planning and also spur the moment plans.  He makes me feel happy and at ease. From chaotic Seahawks games to backpack trips, he is never expects more than I can give and always seems to give what I need.

I have a new, very luxurious, grown up car.  I live in a house and pay the mortgage.  It's not my house, it's mom's, but she doesn't live here.  I take care of the day to day tending of the house, the maintenance, the garden we planted.

I have two charges that I care for.  Not children, but sometimes it feels like they are.  Doctors visits, cleaning up after then, etc. If you count 25, it's really three ;)

I read the Sunday paper, I drink coffee every morning, I take my clothes to the dry cleaner on occasion.  I think adulthood is official, and it feels allllriiiiiight.

MONEY matters, money MATTERS

Being an English teacher I appreciate that this tiny two word phrase can have two different meanings.  If I say MONEY matters it would be in reference to banking, the flow of money in and out of accounts, financial transactions and the like.  If I say money MATTERS I am referring to the important of money in my life or society.

courtesy of top-10-list.org

After three months at a job that pays cashews instead of peanuts (haha), I've actually got a little left in the bank at the end of the month. In an attempt to follow my spending habits, I've noticed that I can go the better part of a week and only spend about 100,000 Rp (daily transportation not included). Then once a week, like yesterday, I'll drop about 1,000,000Rp in one afternoon.  160,000Rp on groceries, 62,000Rp on dinner, 120,000 on an ipod cable and phone skin, 118,000Rp for a cremebath and pedicure with tip and 10,000Rp to get home. 967,000Rp or about $110. It was a mental health day. I needed a way to relax after a busy day with lots on my mind.

courtesy of uk2.net.  Am I burning through money like  . . . ?

It's difficult to feel like a self sufficient adult when you're barely making enough to pay the bills.  Granted, by traveling and moving to different countries I've spent what could have been (or should have been) savings. Each new location requires start up capital as it were. Rent, housing necessities and of course the flight to get there.  Even when work is obtained it's a month at least until the first paycheck comes in.  SIGH  I vacillate between believing that money is temporary, it's made to be used. Life is about buying the necessities and having experiences.  Then there is the 'grown up' part of my brain that says "OYE! What if something happens? You've got barely any savings, you're still paying bills in the States, and hello?!?! Retirement?".

I'll be home in about five weeks and will buy a lotto ticket while I'm there (just one or two $1 ones) just in case. Until I make a million (and teachers never do) I'm willing to take any extra cash that's just lying around.  If it's dirty, old, smelly and you would like someone to take it off your hands, I'll take one for the team.  Same goes for Euros, bank bonds, Rupiah, stock certs, and the like. I'm not picky, just trying to help you out.

courtesy funfacts.com.au