I Have Downton Abbey Fever!

I am relaxing in my hotel room tonight and watching a behind-the-scenes show about Downton Abbey. I discovered the show in the middle of the second season. I rented the first season and am still waiting on availability of the second season, so I can see the first episodes that I missed last year. Eagerly awaiting the third season coming up! And in the meantime, I am enjoying Upstairs Downstairs, which apparently Downton Abbey is based on. I am watching the remake of the series, since I never watched the original Upstairs Downstairs. Loving it! All of it.

More Construction In My Hometown

Cranes, cranes, everywhere. In my hometown, with so much new construction going on, you would never know there is supposed to be down economy right now. I hear details about some of the projects--their goals, their plans, and even some of their tiny details, such as their materials like granite surface plate, etc. It is exciting to say the least to see my town get cooler and more hip all the time. And I have to say I love it, since some of the projects are going up in my neighborhood, making my property more valuable.

I May Be Starting Yet Another Chapter In My Life!

As my subtitle to my blog indicates, I am a career changer (apparently) and move at 5,000 miles a minute. Maybe make that 6,000 miles a minute?

A disagreement with my current boss has had me out looking for new opportunities. I have found a 1099 independent contractor situation that marries a lot of my skills. I am at a training meeting this week about it. It sounds like a great opportunity, but there have been a few red flags. Like not showing up to pick us up at the airport when promised. Not the end of the world, but not impressive either.

I am interested in the opportunity, because it has potential for making a lot of money plus work/life balance. Like everyone, I want more money and to be in control of my schedule. To be home more. To travel more. To not be tied to a desk eight hours a day and not make headway with saving money or meeting goals.

Watch this space.

What To Get My Niece and Nephew For Their Second Birthday?

My niece and nephew will be turning two in a few weeks, and I haven't gotten their gifts yet. I will have to get them soon so I can mail them in time. I am not sure what to get them. Probably some clothes and some
large plush toys would be fun. There is something great about a big squishy toy, to play with and to sleep with. Maybe some games and puzzles too. I just wish I could be there with them for their birthday. They will only be two once, and we live too far away. Of course, the terrible twos are not always fun. I am sure I will see them at Christmas. But seeing them more would be good. They are so sweet, and I will enjoy watching the grow up.

Too Much To Do, Too Little Time

One of my nice freelance jobs just ended prematurely, and he gave me a good review. But because it ended early (other writers were also working on it), I will lose out on $1,000 to $2,000. And that hurts. That hurts so much! It is my own fault--I could have worked many more hours each week online than I did. But I was tired at night, and I couldn't get much done. But that is the trade off. Do you sleep or do you do more freelance hours. Wish I could figure out a way to do both.

I Have Had So Many Background Checks!

In the last couple of years, I have had to have two background checks: One to get my law license, an the other to become a foster parent. So, now that I am applying for jobs, I don't get the least bit concerned when I see I might have to submit to a background check. Hey--been there, done that, I think. It is also comforting nothing that there is nothing on my record to find. At some point I may have to do background checks on others. Some people say I should have already started doing background checks since I am online dating. Oh, I have thought about it a time or two--just haven't shelled out the bucks to do so. But, at some point I may look for an easy back ground back ground check to fill my legal and dating needs. Now, that is an interesting pairing!

Older Workers Can Retire Later, Can't They?

In the midst of the downturn in the economy and job loss, the tanking of the stock market a few years ago, and the plunging value of 401Ks, everyone was holding onto a thread of hope: Workers who were not prepared financially to retire could work longer. Rather than retiring at 65, or worse 62, they could wait until 70 or older to help replenish their retirement funds. While not an ideal solution for some, it did provide a safety net for those worried about running out of money in their golden years.

But were we naive to think that could work?  Working until 70 or older not only requires that you want to do that, but that you also have a job that will let you do that, or that you can find another one to fill in. If things weren't grim enough, now they are saying that not everyone who wants to work until 70 will be able to do so. As this article points out, a lot of those who want and need to work longer before retiring are the very people who may not be able to do so because of health problems or disabilities.


http://money.msn.com/retirement/dont-count-on-working-longer