Anything exciting happening?

lovemesomemonster

I had to share! Today is my last day of work before being laid off and I'm super excited! I have posted about this before, working remote for 2 years and was moved to a job that I don't like at all with a boss that I have trouble working for. The lay off was the best thing that could have happened and at the perfect time. I will get 10 weeks pay so I will have time to get through the holidays and finish wedding planning without stressing.

FI is amazing, he signed me up for real estate classes and I start Monday. It has been something I have wanted to do since we started buying houses 5 years ago and this gave me the push to do it. He also generously bought me a new laptop since I have to give my work one back and my personal one was shit. I LOVE the new one and I am so excited to start this next chapter with a clean slate and figure out what I want to do when I grow up!

Anyone else have anything exciting going on right now in the middle of the crazy holiday season?

ShesSoCold

H and I decided not to move across country and stay here and buy a house instead. Sad not to go, but it makes sense and I'm excited to buy a house. Stupid bank and H's boss made him think we can afford way more than we can, so I have to bring him back down to earth.

luckya23

Congrats on your layoff! Lol

Are your classes for agent/broker, or something else? If anything ever happened with my job, I think I would like to be an appraiser.

I got my galaxy hair redone (so much better this time!), and our new fridge was delivered this morning!

lyndausvi

ShesSoCold said:

H and I decided not to move across country and stay here and buy a house instead. Sad not to go, but it makes sense and I'm excited to buy a house. Stupid bank and H's boss made him think we can afford way more than we can, so I have to bring him back down to earth.

really?   You were look forward in going.  What changed your mind?

@lovemesomemonster  - good luck in your new chapter.  

princessleia22

Congrats on losing your job!!!  As long as you are still able to pay bills and get by, it can definitely open up some great opportunities to do something you enjoy.  DH was laid off from delivering furniture when we met.  He had hated his previous job and not too anxious to get back into it.  So, I asked him what he would want to do, if he could do anything. He said he had always thought electrical work would be fun. So, I told him to take an electrical class at the community college to see if he liked it.  He did, so he kept going... he's been an electrician for a few years now and definitely enjoys it more than his previous work.  But, losing him job allowed him the chance to pursue something he would rather be doing. 

Currently, at my job, we are in negotiations for me to buy into the company at the end of the year as 50% owner. The current owner is looking to fully retire in 5-6 years, so I will be gradually be buying in more and take over 100% when he retires. Super exciting.

thefanciestbeckler

@luckya23 girl I am loving the redo!! Looks awesome!!

I'm excited for you @lovemesomemonster!! Sounds like lots of things are going well in your life right now.

Nothing too exciting for me right now. Except my birthday is coming up on the 15th. DH is letting me get another tattoo as a gift

Other than that, my dog ate ornament hooks yesterday while we were at work (WTF???? >:( ) and she didn't die so I guess that's good news. Ha!

ShesSoCold

lyndausvi said:

ShesSoCold said:

H and I decided not to move across country and stay here and buy a house instead. Sad not to go, but it makes sense and I'm excited to buy a house. Stupid bank and H's boss made him think we can afford way more than we can, so I have to bring him back down to earth.

really?   You were look forward in going.  What changed your mind?

@lovemesomemonster  - good luck in your new chapter.  

Yeah, we both really wanted to go but I couldn't picture myself not being here with my family. Same with H. His grandparents aren't doing well, nor is my grandma. Our dads are both getting older and sick and I just couldn't see myself not being here. A few years ago when my dad had an aneurysm, my sister and I cleaned his house and cooked for him and everything for a while. I want to be able to do that again as he gets older.

Plus Bears.

redwoodoriginal

ShesSoCold said:

Plus Bears.

This (and the Blackhawks) are the reasons I'm devastated for the day we leave Chicago. 

ETA: and the city/friends, too. but really the teams, haha.

lovemesomemonster

@ShesSoColdI am sorry the move didn't work out but happy you have figured it all out! Good luck on the house search!

@Luckya23 I am loving the hair and the new fridge! I would like to get one like that, they seem so awesome. I am going for agent, not sure if that is what I will do but he wanted me to take the classes and find out.

@princessleia22 I am super lucky that he can pay the bills and is willing to do so, he has been super supportive and with 10 weeks severance pay it helps a lot that I have time to figure out what I want to do. What do you do? Being part owner in the company sounds exciting!

@thefanciestbeckler Happy early birthday! What tattoo are you planning on getting?

OliveOilsMom

We got another dog last night!  Her name is Betsey and she is a 9 year old yellow lab!  She loves her fur-sister Olive and Olive loves her back!  Last night was a little rough, but we hope she keeps settling in and gets used to our routine at home.

ShesSoCold

redwoodoriginal said:

ShesSoCold said:

Plus Bears.

This (and the Blackhawks) are the reasons I'm devastated for the day we leave Chicago. 

ETA: and the city/friends, too. but really the teams, haha.

Yeah. I have Bears season tickets so it would definitely be harder to leave those than the random Hawks games I get here and there, but I try to get to as many Hawks games as possible too, so that would also suck ass.

One of my requirements on our house wish list is near the train so my sister and I can easily get to/from Bears and Hawks games, but that's not looking likely.

princessleia22

lovemesomemonster said:

@princessleia22 I am super lucky that he can pay the bills and is willing to do so, he has been super supportive and with 10 weeks severance pay it helps a lot that I have time to figure out what I want to do. What do you do? Being part owner in the company sounds exciting!

I'm an Architect.  Yeah, it's exciting and terrifying to take over the company.  Taking over someone else's legacy puts more pressure to succeed than if I had started on my own.

Luckily, when DH got laid off, I was stable enough to be able to pay the bills and allow him the opportunity to go back to school.  I figured that I'd rather have him take the time to find a career he enjoys instead of watching him come home miserable every night... and making me miserable every night.  I saw it as a good investment. My parents on the other hand hated that I allowed him to remain unemployed for a while to go to school.  "At 40 years old, he should already be stable in a career and be able to support you, not trying to start a new career" was a common comment from them.  They thought I was making a big mistake with him... even after we got engaged, my dad took me aside and made sure to tell me that I don't have to marry him and it's not too late to change my mind and find another guy.  BUT, then he got through school and started working.  Now, they like the idea of having an electrician in the family and actually like him a lot.  And DH is much happier with his new career.   Sometimes it takes getting laid off to force you to make that major career change into something you prefer, but it usually pays off big time to get into a career you enjoy.

emmaaa

Well my assistant resigned yesterday. She's great and all but I'm a little glad. she was already an employee for the town I work for so I couldn't really train her how I wanted to. So now I have to look for a new one. And her last day is Dec. 18th so I can't take time off at Christmas like I planned

lovemesomemonster

emmaaa said:

Well my assistant resigned yesterday. She's great and all but I'm a little glad. she was already an employee for the town I work for so I couldn't really train her how I wanted to. So now I have to look for a new one. And her last day is Dec. 18th so I can't take time off at Christmas like I planned

That is sad about not being able to take time off but exciting that you can hire someone yourself and train them the way you want to!

thefanciestbeckler

@lovemesomemonster said:


@thefanciestbeckler Happy early birthday! What tattoo are you planning on getting?

Not 100% sure on the design yet, but I want to get an ocean wave on my wrist to serve as a reminder that my faith can withstand even the strongest of storms I'll have to keep it kind of small and simple so it doesn't draw too much attention at work!

ETF stupid boxes

Jen4948

I'm job hunting too because I also lost my job.  I don't know if I'll find anything that will start before January 1, but I'm looking.

ericasm0703

I bought my wedding dress yesterday, and I'm going to D.C. this weekend to watch the Army band's holiday concert.

thisismynickname2

Fun stuff everyone!

Nothing too exciting for this moment in time, but we are starting to look at buying a new home. We're putting mine up for sale in March but already got on the MLS to look at what we can afford in other areas. (Not 2 bathrooms, by the way. Want a second bathroom? Cough up another $50k!)

I culled my Amazon Wish List today and realized I had on there the VHS version of Center Stage added back in 2001. HAHA. (I own the DVD now so...)

ShesSoCold

thisismynickname said:

Fun stuff everyone!

Nothing too exciting for this moment in time, but we are starting to look at buying a new home. We're putting mine up for sale in March but already got on the MLS to look at what we can afford in other areas. (Not 2 bathrooms, by the way. Want a second bathroom? Cough up another $50k!)

I culled my Amazon Wish List today and realized I had on there the VHS version of Center Stage added back in 2001. HAHA. (I own the DVD now so...)

UGH! You're IN Chicago, though, right? Looking to stay there or out to the suburbs?

We have to look so far out that they're not even considered suburbs anymore to get what we want in our price range.

anjemon

princessleia22 said:

lovemesomemonster said:

@princessleia22 I am super lucky that he can pay the bills and is willing to do so, he has been super supportive and with 10 weeks severance pay it helps a lot that I have time to figure out what I want to do. What do you do? Being part owner in the company sounds exciting!

I'm an Architect.  Yeah, it's exciting and terrifying to take over the company.  Taking over someone else's legacy puts more pressure to succeed than if I had started on my own.

Luckily, when DH got laid off, I was stable enough to be able to pay the bills and allow him the opportunity to go back to school.  I figured that I'd rather have him take the time to find a career he enjoys instead of watching him come home miserable every night... and making me miserable every night.  I saw it as a good investment. My parents on the other hand hated that I allowed him to remain unemployed for a while to go to school.  "At 40 years old, he should already be stable in a career and be able to support you, not trying to start a new career" was a common comment from them.  They thought I was making a big mistake with him... even after we got engaged, my dad took me aside and made sure to tell me that I don't have to marry him and it's not too late to change my mind and find another guy.  BUT, then he got through school and started working.  Now, they like the idea of having an electrician in the family and actually like him a lot.  And DH is much happier with his new career.   Sometimes it takes getting laid off to force you to make that major career change into something you prefer, but it usually pays off big time to get into a career you enjoy.

I sort of wish this would happen with my H. He hates his job so much but doesn't want to quit and the money is good. A forced quit would maybe get him into something that doesn't ruin his day. But it's super unlikely to happen because it's government work. Both hard to fire people who aren't doing super poorly and always in a budget freeze so they don't get rid of people they already have the money for.

arrippa

thisismynickname said:

Fun stuff everyone!

Nothing too exciting for this moment in time, but we are starting to look at buying a new home. We're putting mine up for sale in March but already got on the MLS to look at what we can afford in other areas. (Not 2 bathrooms, by the way. Want a second bathroom? Cough up another $50k!)

I culled my Amazon Wish List today and realized I had on there the VHS version of Center Stage added back in 2001. HAHA. (I own the DVD now so...)

I was just telling a co-workers about this movie. I was all, "it's a great ballet movie with an even better soundtrack. Oh and the father from The OC is in it".

madamerwin

Wow, everyone seems to have a lot going on! @ShesSoCold sorry your move didn't work out, but it sounds like you and H are happy with your decision. I hope your Bears have a good game this weekend!

@lovemesomemonster congrats on the layoff! Last time I was laid off, I was super glad about it too

Nothing super exciting happening for us immediately, but H and I just had a follow-up appointment on Monday from a surgery I had last month to remove one of my fallopian tubes. Doc said everything else looks good, and that we can start IVF whenever we want. So we have a plan in place to start the process in January, with the hope of having healthy embryos by March. I'm extremely anxious, but also excited and relieved that we are actually making progress and have a timeline in place. And two of my three sisters are hoping to get pregnant this spring (one for the first time, the other for the second), and I just love the thought of our future children being near the same age - something I never had with my cousins.

thisismynickname2

ShesSoCold said:

thisismynickname said:

Fun stuff everyone!

Nothing too exciting for this moment in time, but we are starting to look at buying a new home. We're putting mine up for sale in March but already got on the MLS to look at what we can afford in other areas. (Not 2 bathrooms, by the way. Want a second bathroom? Cough up another $50k!)

I culled my Amazon Wish List today and realized I had on there the VHS version of Center Stage added back in 2001. HAHA. (I own the DVD now so...)

UGH! You're IN Chicago, though, right? Looking to stay there or out to the suburbs?

We have to look so far out that they're not even considered suburbs anymore to get what we want in our price range.

Yeah, we're IN Chicago now and just looking to try another neighborhood. There are all these beautiful 2 bedroom condos with one tiny little bathroom. Ugh! Dealbreaker! (If I can't have two bathrooms, the one better have enough counter and mirror space for two people to get ready at the same time.)

For kicks recently I looked at my hometown in the farflung NW burbs and could get a big old Victorian for less than the cost of a city condo. That kind of hurts, but then you look at the remodeling and upkeep needed on an old house like that and then the price makes sense. 1970's wood paneling and green laminate countertops, anyone?

Also, watch out for the property taxes in the exurbs. A lot of those newer developments had skyrocketing taxes to pay for the services that didn't exist before. The established towns are probably more stable. 

JaniV123

DH is hopefully getting a promotion, BIG raise, and working closer to our home in January. So far its about 90% sure because his boss told him to start looking for/interviewing a replacement. 

We thought it was going to be in Feb but apparently not, so it is very exciting and I am very proud. He is also starting an MBA in January.

ShesSoCold

thisismynickname said:

ShesSoCold said:

thisismynickname said:

Fun stuff everyone!

Nothing too exciting for this moment in time, but we are starting to look at buying a new home. We're putting mine up for sale in March but already got on the MLS to look at what we can afford in other areas. (Not 2 bathrooms, by the way. Want a second bathroom? Cough up another $50k!)

I culled my Amazon Wish List today and realized I had on there the VHS version of Center Stage added back in 2001. HAHA. (I own the DVD now so...)

UGH! You're IN Chicago, though, right? Looking to stay there or out to the suburbs?

We have to look so far out that they're not even considered suburbs anymore to get what we want in our price range.

Yeah, we're IN Chicago now and just looking to try another neighborhood. There are all these beautiful 2 bedroom condos with one tiny little bathroom. Ugh! Dealbreaker! (If I can't have two bathrooms, the one better have enough counter and mirror space for two people to get ready at the same time.)

For kicks recently I looked at my hometown in the farflung NW burbs and could get a big old Victorian for less than the cost of a city condo. That kind of hurts, but then you look at the remodeling and upkeep needed on an old house like that and then the price makes sense. 1970's wood paneling and green laminate countertops, anyone?

Also, watch out for the property taxes in the exurbs. A lot of those newer developments had skyrocketing taxes to pay for the services that didn't exist before. The established towns are probably more stable. 

Oh yeah, I'm avoiding places like Cortland and Campton Hills like the plague. H doesn't like subdivisions anyway but taxes are the second thing I'm looking at - after price.

CharmedPam

thisismynickname said:

Fun stuff everyone!

Nothing too exciting for this moment in time, but we are starting to look at buying a new home. We're putting mine up for sale in March but already got on the MLS to look at what we can afford in other areas. (Not 2 bathrooms, by the way. Want a second bathroom? Cough up another $50k!)

I culled my Amazon Wish List today and realized I had on there the VHS version of Center Stage added back in 2001. HAHA. (I own the DVD now so...)

Yes, yes, and yes.  When I was looking last year I said I wouldn't look at 1 bathroom houses.  Ha.  So foolish I was.  But 50K is a very good estimate about that.  And it sucks.  I ended up not getting the 2nd bathroom (but love my home!).  My friend bought a house months after myself.  It has the same square footage as me and also three bedrooms - just 2 baths instead of 1.  He paid $60K more.  I think our land size is the same too.  

It really became apparent I needed a 2nd bathroom when my parents visited over the Holidays. ugh!!

WinstonsGirl

Last day of class!!  Whoop!!  Gotta listen more here, and then we're going for drinks

ClaraGrace

Starting to look for a new vehicle here. My car is still going but she just turned over 425,000 miles so yeah. Plus I know the transmission will be the bigger issue soon. But what to get..... I'm tempted to just get a mini van, we'll either have biological kids or be adopting in a few years so why buy something now to replace in a few years.

MCmeow

Congrats on getting fired  Honestly with my fiance's miserable job I wish he was laid off too. This weekend we found THE wedding venue. We fell in love with it. I don't even care that it's a bit above our budget (Buying a house will take longer than planned, ha). It's just so perfect  ;_;

luckya23

luckya23 said:

Congrats on your layoff! Lol Are your classes for agent/broker, or something else? If anything ever happened with my job, I think I would like to be an appraiser. I got my galaxy hair redone (so much better this time!), and our new fridge was delivered this morning!

So HOW CRAZY is this - two days after this post I was laid off from my job of over 8 years!  Not sure what I'm going to do now! 

lyndausvi

luckya23 said:

luckya23 said:

Congrats on your layoff! Lol Are your classes for agent/broker, or something else? If anything ever happened with my job, I think I would like to be an appraiser. I got my galaxy hair redone (so much better this time!), and our new fridge was delivered this morning!

So HOW CRAZY is this - two days after this post I was laid off from my job of over 8 years!  Not sure what I'm going to do now! 

I'm sorry luckya23.