Today sealed the crappiest week I have had in ages. It is full moon and I strongly believe that the universe has plotted against me. Today the tears flowed yet that has failed to relieve anything.
Monday - I get a phone call from my real estate agent (the one I rent from, not the one who looks after my apartment) to ask about the lease as it expires in mid January. The conversation went a bit like this (shortened version):
Aaron (estate agent): Do you want to renew the lease?
Me: Yes, definitely.
Aaron: How long do you want to sign for?
Me: I would be happy with 12 months again.
Aaron: Great as that is what the owner is keen on.
Me: Great.
Aaron: Now about the rent. You are paying $300 per week and the owner has had the property valued recently as you know.
Me: Yes
Aaron: He wants to increase the rent to $360 per week.
Me: What!!!!!!
At this point the conversation deteriorated, however I never swore. I argued that I was a great tenant (reliable, pays on time without fail, maintained the property) to which Aaron replied that market values put the place a lot higher etc etc - you can imagine how I felt! I argued extensively about being an owner of a rented property that it does not all boil down to money, but rather tenants that suit your needs.
To cut a long story short I made a counter offer of $330 and was told by Aaron to rethink my offer and call back in 2 days. I have since researched and hate to say that although I know rents had increased I didn't realise how much. Anyway I saw him today in his office and discussed at length my situation in that I have a house mate to consider and that they (Aaron still thinks that Antonia still lives here, not the new guy Aaron) will move out if it goes up to $360 per week. My offer of $330 was given again with this explanation and now I am waiting for a counter offer.
Monday night - was poker night. For those in the dark I play in the WA Poker League (No limit Texas Hold 'Em) on Monday nights. It was a huge night on Monday with 55 players - a record for the Poker Den! I was knocked out in 22nd position, so missed out on points for the season. Must have been thinking about the rent and not the game. That and I got dealt crap that never matched the flop or anything else. I only won one hand and ended up getting blinded out. Sounds all tech I know, but I will explain this all in another blog soon. I am ranked 5th at the den's ladder as you can see here. They also have photos, so if of the nights and you will find Pam's and my photo on this site.
Wednesday - I had a dentist appointment at 8.00am. I was really worried as my dentist, Zac Chami had died since my last visit. Very tragic as he is my age with 3 kids under the age of about 5 or 6. Details are sketchy, but there is a coroners report pending. So a new dentist call Michael, who is sort of standing in until the practice is sold. I am told that I grind my teeth and as a result a molar which has a rather deep filling has cracked. That explains the occasional pain I get in my jaw. I am advised I need a crown and the process will start now. After an hour and a half in the chair and numerous tears of fear and stress the temporary crown is on. It took 6 needles (3 lots of 2) before I stopped feeling the drill - especially where the crack was. The cost................................... $1300! I didn't have the money so have made a down payment of $400 with the rest due in 2 weeks when I go back and get my new crown fitted.
No worries as I have health insurance and this price will be reduced. WRONG!!!!!! A phone call to HBF to see how much I would get back in order for me to budget this soon resulted in my finding I am not covered for "major" dental work. All I could say was holy crap! Last thing I needed, plus the girl at HBF and my work mates said that $1300 was really expensive. Not like I can shop around now for the best price!!!!!! I have increased my cover to include major dental, as I need a root canal, however there is a 12 month exclusion claim time. ARGH!!!
So my credit card has just about been maxed and I am about to take a midnight horror flight to Victoria with Pam to visit Karen tomorrow night. Bloody typical! Looks like a budget holiday for me and no factory outlet shopping for me at all. Plus my new temp crown has a scratchy bit on it that needs drilling off (discovered this after the anaesthetic wore off).
All I can say is NOT HAPPY JAN!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Quick update
Just a quick update on my world seeing as though it is 10.35pm and getting to my bed time. I have also just started reading the last Harry Potter (at last) and want to get a few chapters in.
Where to start...... I went for my regular blood donation today, but it didn't go as expected. My haemoglobin level was right on the lowest acceptable level of 120, which disappointed me a bit as I have always had good levels. I got the experienced nurse as my veins are crap. Basically they are small, hard to find and tend to collapse if they don't get me on the first go. All was going ok as I joked about trying to beat my last donation time of 5 min 22 sec. She was impressed and said lots of people did this, but they have upgraded their machines and she said peoples times had slowed down. She got the needle in and then the machine wasn't setting up correctly, so she asked for help from some one else. This new person said not to worry - why ........ the vein was pierce (or what ever) and no blood was coming out, but it was filling my arm instead. I have never heard any one apologise so much. I bled a bit and they gave me a bruise cream (to take home) and an icepack. Still got my snacks, which I ate as I felt sorry for myself, then felt guilty about the weight watchers points. (They added up to 7.5 points!!!!!!)
So aquaerobics was out completed as advised by the nurse. Pam and Bradley still came for dinner, which was yummy Thai Chicken with red capsicum and bok choy. At least I had heaps more time to prepare and cook. We played scrabble and Brad beat us convincingly. Took my bandage off my (attempted) donation arm and it started bleeding again, so the bandage was put back on. Its a bit sore, but manageable.
I also have a new housemate called Aaron. He moved in on Sunday. He is a 32 year old pilot. Seems like a nice guy - very quiet, but I am sure we will talk more once we get to know each other. Guess we are still getting used to each other, plus he has just moved out of a house with 4 people to just me, so he is enjoying the peace and quiet. I will give more details about this later.
Work is still crap and stressing me out, but at least I am being paid. Don't feel like talking about it now, so more to come later too. Actually I am tired now so might head to bed. At least a short crappy post is better than no post!
Where to start...... I went for my regular blood donation today, but it didn't go as expected. My haemoglobin level was right on the lowest acceptable level of 120, which disappointed me a bit as I have always had good levels. I got the experienced nurse as my veins are crap. Basically they are small, hard to find and tend to collapse if they don't get me on the first go. All was going ok as I joked about trying to beat my last donation time of 5 min 22 sec. She was impressed and said lots of people did this, but they have upgraded their machines and she said peoples times had slowed down. She got the needle in and then the machine wasn't setting up correctly, so she asked for help from some one else. This new person said not to worry - why ........ the vein was pierce (or what ever) and no blood was coming out, but it was filling my arm instead. I have never heard any one apologise so much. I bled a bit and they gave me a bruise cream (to take home) and an icepack. Still got my snacks, which I ate as I felt sorry for myself, then felt guilty about the weight watchers points. (They added up to 7.5 points!!!!!!)
So aquaerobics was out completed as advised by the nurse. Pam and Bradley still came for dinner, which was yummy Thai Chicken with red capsicum and bok choy. At least I had heaps more time to prepare and cook. We played scrabble and Brad beat us convincingly. Took my bandage off my (attempted) donation arm and it started bleeding again, so the bandage was put back on. Its a bit sore, but manageable.
I also have a new housemate called Aaron. He moved in on Sunday. He is a 32 year old pilot. Seems like a nice guy - very quiet, but I am sure we will talk more once we get to know each other. Guess we are still getting used to each other, plus he has just moved out of a house with 4 people to just me, so he is enjoying the peace and quiet. I will give more details about this later.
Work is still crap and stressing me out, but at least I am being paid. Don't feel like talking about it now, so more to come later too. Actually I am tired now so might head to bed. At least a short crappy post is better than no post!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Half way to my goal
I have been sick and tired of slowly gaining weight - you know what I mean - the slow creep, so that your clothes get tighter and tighter and eventually you have to buy bigger clothes.
So I have taken the plunge and decided it is time for a life style change. I joined weight watchers (at work) 5 weeks ago and have been taking an aquaerobics class at least once a week. Despite an initial set back, being what I have I let myself into, I have adjusted quite well. That first week brought the realisation of the crap I was eating, and the strong sense I would never be able to eat these things again. However I have learnt it is about moderation..... and point counting! Yes, my cupboard is still half full of crappy food, but I am damned if I am throwing it away and will work on eating it bit by bit. Kinda like rations, but yummy ones!
I have splurged, what with a Melbourne Cup lunch and numerous nights on the grog, but I am learning how to deal with this and adjust the week to save those damn points for those crappy food days. I have changed from Coke to Diet Coke (which surprised me how easy it was) and instead of shapes biscuits when I come home it is celery & carrot sticks with a tablespoon of lite french onion dip. I have also gone back to cooking some basis meals (meat and vegies) which are soooooo yummy after not having them for a while.
The aqua classes are a hoot. I go with Pam and my mum every Wednesday and sometimes Pam and I go on a Friday too. I think I am getting better at it and my mum just cracks me up with her dancing in the pool! The good thing is Pam used to teach so she gets me on the right track in order to get the maximum work out.
So the big question is ...................... is it working?
YES!
My plan was to loose 5 kilos (this may increase depending what I look like when I get there). Today I got weighed and I am at the half way mark. I can't believe I have lost 2.5 kilos! My work pants are getting baggy, which is a bummer as I just bought all new pants. Oh well, better off being healthier than have nice fitting pants.
So I have taken the plunge and decided it is time for a life style change. I joined weight watchers (at work) 5 weeks ago and have been taking an aquaerobics class at least once a week. Despite an initial set back, being what I have I let myself into, I have adjusted quite well. That first week brought the realisation of the crap I was eating, and the strong sense I would never be able to eat these things again. However I have learnt it is about moderation..... and point counting! Yes, my cupboard is still half full of crappy food, but I am damned if I am throwing it away and will work on eating it bit by bit. Kinda like rations, but yummy ones!
I have splurged, what with a Melbourne Cup lunch and numerous nights on the grog, but I am learning how to deal with this and adjust the week to save those damn points for those crappy food days. I have changed from Coke to Diet Coke (which surprised me how easy it was) and instead of shapes biscuits when I come home it is celery & carrot sticks with a tablespoon of lite french onion dip. I have also gone back to cooking some basis meals (meat and vegies) which are soooooo yummy after not having them for a while.
The aqua classes are a hoot. I go with Pam and my mum every Wednesday and sometimes Pam and I go on a Friday too. I think I am getting better at it and my mum just cracks me up with her dancing in the pool! The good thing is Pam used to teach so she gets me on the right track in order to get the maximum work out.
So the big question is ...................... is it working?
YES!
My plan was to loose 5 kilos (this may increase depending what I look like when I get there). Today I got weighed and I am at the half way mark. I can't believe I have lost 2.5 kilos! My work pants are getting baggy, which is a bummer as I just bought all new pants. Oh well, better off being healthier than have nice fitting pants.
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