for everything else, there's Mastercard
I have been trying to get my finances in order; trying to figure out why I have managed to spend all the money I have earned this summer with practically no effort at all. My anxiety over my spending has taken the best of me the past month, has made me angry and worried and overwhelmed.
So I printed out the account history of my checking account and went through every single one of the transactions made during the past three months, figuring out which things were necessary (food, ferry fares, etc.) and which things weren't (books, books, books). In the end, I was relieved and satisfied. Every single dollar was accounted for (more or less); most expenses classified as necessities, and the things that weren't necessarily necessary (those books, books, books) were worth the money anyways. When a good amount of your money is spent on things you can categorize under "family" (paying for dinner occasionally, giving "just because I love you' kind of gifts to my brothers, sister, and mom, helping with unexpected emergencies, redecorating Maria's apartment, etc. -- expenses you can never regret because just being able to help your family is incredibly gratifying), the fact that you are tired and broke doesn't really matter anymore.
Another rewarding part about going through my account history was being able to look back on everything that's happened this summer, starting from yesterday and going back to when I got my first summer paycheck in June. Yes, its a little materialistic and very capitalistic, and although not everything I did this summer cost money and money can't buy me love or friendship, important dates certainly revolved around me spending money, whether it was for dinner or lunch or a new dress.
PURCHASE ON 9/06 AT SAIGON BISTRO SEATTLE, WA $6.28
Before going to Nathan's epic football game against number one ranked Punahou at Qwest field, my family and I went to Uwajimaya for lunch. This was the first complete family outing since my dad returned from being MIA for two years. Even Jan came from Ellensburg. I bought some Pho, even though I just had some at Chung's the day before. Sometimes, I get these wild cravings for Pho but having to pay more than $7 for it here in Silverdale is ridiculous. BUT OH OH OH! THERE IS GOING TO BE A BEARD PAPA'S AT UWAJIMAYA -- HOME TO THE BEST CREAM PUFFS EVAR. JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WHICH MEANS PUMPKIN SPICE FLAVORED CREAM PUFFS. YUM. Anyways, we were with the Robles family, who we have become really close to these past two summers. They're like family now, and I like that. As expected, CK lost their game 42 to 19, but it was enjoyable anyways. There was a fight on the 1250 ferry, between a grown man and his daughter's boyfriend, which ended up with their entire family shouting at each other. Exciting! We were dangerously close to it and it lasted for a good fifteen minutes, and although we knew we should move out of their way, nobody could stop looking. No enforcement came anyways.
BANKOFAMERICA ATM WITHDRAWAL ON 8/30 AT SEATTLE, WA $30.00
BUMBERSHOOT. Neko Case was mesmerizing and mystical. Thao Nguyen with the Get Down Stay Down was great. PWRFL POWER was cute. Mono in VCF was dreamlike. Band of Horses didn't fail to meet my expectations. But FLATSTOCK was the best part of the day. I was disappointed that we were in a rush to see Mono in VCF and I didn't get to have a second look around at all the posters. Having seen a lot of the prints on FFFFound and Gigposters.com I was amazed to see them irl. I bought two small prints of The Kooks and Kate Nash. They were misprints, so they only cost $5 each. What a deal! Lorraine bought sweet shirts for herself and Jack (We spoil our brothers!). There was a set of posters for The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly that would have been the perfect Christmas present for Jan, but it was sold out! What else did I buy that day? Starbucks to keep warm at night and the worst vegetarian burrito ever. The last band we saw was !!! and Lorraine and I tried reliving our experience seeing Chromeo at the Capitol Hill Block Party and tried to dance our hearts out, but we failed. It just wasn't the same. Probably because Ryan and Arabella weren't there. :(
PURCHASE ON 9/01 HONEY COURT SEAFOOD RES SEATTLE, WA $80.00
It was the weekend before Nathan went back to school and he still hadn't done any shopping for supplies or new clothes. We went to Southcenter to see the new H&M, check out the sale at REI, and to take advantage of Memorial Day sales. It was a bust. H&M was messy and packed with people. REI was already raided and nearly empty. There weren't any good Memorial Day sales. Nathan couldn't find the jacket he wanted at Nordstrom (He later found it at Northgate mall), but my mom fell in love with Gwen Stefani's new line of perfumes, Harajuku Lovers. Maria and I bought her 'Angel' and 'Music' for her birthday. The saleswoman thought our mom was our sister, again. I must buy my mom the other three so her collection is complete, the next time I get paid. Afterward, we went to International District in Seattle for dinner to eat at my favorite Chinese restaurant, Honey Court. We hadn't been here as a family since after Maria's first year of college for one of Jan's graduation dinners. Salt and pepper squid is delicious.
PURCHASE ON 08/22 AT WSFERRIES SEATTLE WA $5.40
So this is only one out of 15+ ferry trips from Seattle that I took this summer, but I can't find any other transactions made on my debit card this day. The day that I spent with Nicole and Arabella. I liked that this day trip required absolutely little to no planning at all. I text Nicole in the morning, only wondering if she still has her APUSH textbook for Nathan. She calls me back, telling me that she doesn't have her book anymore and she's leaving for college the next day. I'm floored. Why did she fail to tell me this a month ago? It works out perfectly though. There's this singer she's been into for the past couple of weeks, who is playing at a house of a secret location at the U District that day and she wants to go. Its perfect because she needs to say goodbye to Arabella too. We catch the 3o'clock ferry. I have a nice and long and much needed talk with Nicole on the ferry. Arabella is actually at the terminal when we arrive, dropping her sister off. We head to U District. Long bus ride gives us a chance to catch up with Arabella. Get there late. House smells like B.O. But everybody seems nice, they make room for us to sit with them on the floor. Madeline's (was that her name?) set is real short though. We leave, explore URBN on the ave. Nicole realizes that she should stock up on clothes before leaving for Massachusetts. When we're walking on the Ave. Nicole claims that the Asian guy we just passed by is PWRFL POWER. Eat Phad Thai at Thai 65 instead of getting bubble tea at Yunnie. Catch the 49 to Capitol Hill. Walk to Half Price Books. Explore the store for an hour or so. (It's way better than Half Price in U District.) Buy A Million Little Pieces for $1. Catch a bus to the ferry terminal. Arabella gets off at Westlake. Nicole and I read the book I bought together while waiting for the ferry. Another nice and long and much needed talk with Nicole. Drop her off at her house. Goodbyes. Hug.
PURCHASE ON 08/14 AT JACK IN THE ELLENSBURG WA $26.05
For some reason, whenever Nathan gets a long break from school and football, he wants to spend it with Jan in Ellensberg. I decided to tag along to drop him off because I hadn't spent any quality time with Jan since the beginning of summer and I still hadn't seen his new house. My mom actually let our dog, P.D., come along. I bought Jack in the Box for dinner one night. It was sweltering hot all weekend, it reached 107 degrees during the day and Jan's air conditioner was broken. P.D. really enjoyed being able to run around in an actual house. We walked him around downtown and he loved it. Jan has a front porch! The kind that you would see in a movie about the South or read about in Their Eyes Were Watching God. No cable + hot hot heat + no computer = excellent time to read (This was the week I bought 5+ books). I attempted to read on the porch when it was cool enough at night, but it was impossible to keep P.D. in the front yard in viewing distance. But, I missed two of Michael Phelps's swims and Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin in the all around. :( Really bonded with Jan and Nathan. Jan introduced me to The Wire. Contemplated staying with Nathan and Jan for the entire week, but had to go back home to work and to watch the Olympics!
PURCHASE ON 8/11 THE GLOBAL BEAN COFFEE SILVERDALE, WA $4.07
Woke up early to have chai and lunch with Garrett. Talked for 3+ hours. Some things and some friends never change. He makes me want to transfer to a different school, to his school, to have crazy drunken nights, to get lost in the ghetto part of D.C., and to intern for the Peace Corps. I'm glad he loves college, but he makes me miss my senior year of high school. We always spend time reminiscing about fourth period.
PURCHASE ON 08/07 AT CROSSROADS TR SEATTLE, WA $25.62
I bought new shoes and a new dress at Crossroads for Darlene's wedding for the following day on 8.08.08! I ended up not wearing the dress I bought, but the shoes were perfect since my only pair of black heels are going to break soon (too much dancing at Neighbours). I forgot how great weddings are. Steve is so obviously in love with Darlene, even after 6 years, something I had never seen between the two of them before. I missed the majority of the Olympics Opening Ceremony though and had to watch it on the internet with German commentary the next day.
PURCHASE ON 07/27 AT JACK IN THE SILVERDALE WA $24.63
Bought Jack In The Box for Arman, Amanda, Jen, Maria, Nathan and I when we slept over at the house they rented in Suquamish for Darlene's bridal shower. The house is beautiful, near the water, a good half hour from downtown Poulsbo. We gathered around a fire outside when we heard noises coming from the woods. It sounded like screaming, heavy breathing, and it seemed to be getting louder. We all screamed, turned off the fire, and ran inside. The entire night we were on edge, scaring ourselves with any kind of noise or movement, afraid to be alone or in the dark. We ended up sleeping all together in the master bedroom. Three of us on the king sized bed and three of us on the floor. We actually believed that we were going to get murdered that night.
BANKOFAMERICA ATM WITHDRAWAL ON 07/26 PIKE STREET SEATTLE WA $30.00
CHRO-ME-OH-OHHH OHHH! Best show evar.
PURCHASE ON 07/19 AT AMC KITSAP 8 Silverdale WA $9.00
MAMMA MIA! with Ryan and Lorraine. It was ridiculous. But ABBA is great anyways! I can't remember if we went back to Ryans house to talk or not. The three of us alone just reminds me of the night of a thousand tears last summer.
BANKOFAMERICA ATM WITHDRAWAL ON 07/12 REDMOND WA $20.00
SubPop20! Really great day of music. Loved loved loved Iron & Wine and Fleet Foxes, duh! See other post. Got free BoostMobile shirts, KEXP stickers and buttons, SupPop Merch, etc. I love free stuff! This was the first and one of the only times that I hung out with the entire Rainbow Rayban crew from last summer + the additions (Nadine & Kevin). Finally bought the Fleet Foxes S/T vinyl that I still haven't found a record frame for. The car ride with Kevin and Chase was a little awkward. I do like sweet and sour sauce over BBQ sauce though. Thanks for asking Kev, sorry to disappoint you Chase.
PURCHASE ON 06/29 AT URBAN OUTFITTER SEATTLE WA $15.26
Went to Pride! with Ryan, Tony, Andrew, and Mike. I love the gays ;) and free stuff and the Obama logo! I bought two new Dunnys. Got one I already have for the first time and now I don't want to buy anymore of the French series. But the 5 series just came out and with GOLDEN TICKETS! :D
PURCHASE ON 06/19 AT RED ROBIN 164 SILVERDALE WA $17.00
This was the first and last time I saw Kristina all summer. Sad. I hate Red Robin. So expensive for crap food, but it never fails to be the perfect place to meet up with high school friends.
PURCHASE ON 06/17 AT WOW SEATTLE WA $4.59
I had bubble tea with Ryan, Eva, and Michelle after the day long design exam. Much needed dessert/pick-me-up after slaving for hours designing logos and airport seating.
Okay, that was ridiculously long. I dwindled in the end though, not only because I can recall very little about the first couple weeks of summer, but because its now past 3am and its been 3 days since I started this post. I've got other things to say and more numbers to crunch, but I will save that for another post, another day.
So I printed out the account history of my checking account and went through every single one of the transactions made during the past three months, figuring out which things were necessary (food, ferry fares, etc.) and which things weren't (books, books, books). In the end, I was relieved and satisfied. Every single dollar was accounted for (more or less); most expenses classified as necessities, and the things that weren't necessarily necessary (those books, books, books) were worth the money anyways. When a good amount of your money is spent on things you can categorize under "family" (paying for dinner occasionally, giving "just because I love you' kind of gifts to my brothers, sister, and mom, helping with unexpected emergencies, redecorating Maria's apartment, etc. -- expenses you can never regret because just being able to help your family is incredibly gratifying), the fact that you are tired and broke doesn't really matter anymore.
Another rewarding part about going through my account history was being able to look back on everything that's happened this summer, starting from yesterday and going back to when I got my first summer paycheck in June. Yes, its a little materialistic and very capitalistic, and although not everything I did this summer cost money and money can't buy me love or friendship, important dates certainly revolved around me spending money, whether it was for dinner or lunch or a new dress.
PURCHASE ON 9/06 AT SAIGON BISTRO SEATTLE, WA $6.28
Before going to Nathan's epic football game against number one ranked Punahou at Qwest field, my family and I went to Uwajimaya for lunch. This was the first complete family outing since my dad returned from being MIA for two years. Even Jan came from Ellensburg. I bought some Pho, even though I just had some at Chung's the day before. Sometimes, I get these wild cravings for Pho but having to pay more than $7 for it here in Silverdale is ridiculous. BUT OH OH OH! THERE IS GOING TO BE A BEARD PAPA'S AT UWAJIMAYA -- HOME TO THE BEST CREAM PUFFS EVAR. JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WHICH MEANS PUMPKIN SPICE FLAVORED CREAM PUFFS. YUM. Anyways, we were with the Robles family, who we have become really close to these past two summers. They're like family now, and I like that. As expected, CK lost their game 42 to 19, but it was enjoyable anyways. There was a fight on the 1250 ferry, between a grown man and his daughter's boyfriend, which ended up with their entire family shouting at each other. Exciting! We were dangerously close to it and it lasted for a good fifteen minutes, and although we knew we should move out of their way, nobody could stop looking. No enforcement came anyways.
BANKOFAMERICA ATM WITHDRAWAL ON 8/30 AT SEATTLE, WA $30.00
BUMBERSHOOT. Neko Case was mesmerizing and mystical. Thao Nguyen with the Get Down Stay Down was great. PWRFL POWER was cute. Mono in VCF was dreamlike. Band of Horses didn't fail to meet my expectations. But FLATSTOCK was the best part of the day. I was disappointed that we were in a rush to see Mono in VCF and I didn't get to have a second look around at all the posters. Having seen a lot of the prints on FFFFound and Gigposters.com I was amazed to see them irl. I bought two small prints of The Kooks and Kate Nash. They were misprints, so they only cost $5 each. What a deal! Lorraine bought sweet shirts for herself and Jack (We spoil our brothers!). There was a set of posters for The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly that would have been the perfect Christmas present for Jan, but it was sold out! What else did I buy that day? Starbucks to keep warm at night and the worst vegetarian burrito ever. The last band we saw was !!! and Lorraine and I tried reliving our experience seeing Chromeo at the Capitol Hill Block Party and tried to dance our hearts out, but we failed. It just wasn't the same. Probably because Ryan and Arabella weren't there. :(
PURCHASE ON 9/01 HONEY COURT SEAFOOD RES SEATTLE, WA $80.00
It was the weekend before Nathan went back to school and he still hadn't done any shopping for supplies or new clothes. We went to Southcenter to see the new H&M, check out the sale at REI, and to take advantage of Memorial Day sales. It was a bust. H&M was messy and packed with people. REI was already raided and nearly empty. There weren't any good Memorial Day sales. Nathan couldn't find the jacket he wanted at Nordstrom (He later found it at Northgate mall), but my mom fell in love with Gwen Stefani's new line of perfumes, Harajuku Lovers. Maria and I bought her 'Angel' and 'Music' for her birthday. The saleswoman thought our mom was our sister, again. I must buy my mom the other three so her collection is complete, the next time I get paid. Afterward, we went to International District in Seattle for dinner to eat at my favorite Chinese restaurant, Honey Court. We hadn't been here as a family since after Maria's first year of college for one of Jan's graduation dinners. Salt and pepper squid is delicious.
PURCHASE ON 08/22 AT WSFERRIES SEATTLE WA $5.40
So this is only one out of 15+ ferry trips from Seattle that I took this summer, but I can't find any other transactions made on my debit card this day. The day that I spent with Nicole and Arabella. I liked that this day trip required absolutely little to no planning at all. I text Nicole in the morning, only wondering if she still has her APUSH textbook for Nathan. She calls me back, telling me that she doesn't have her book anymore and she's leaving for college the next day. I'm floored. Why did she fail to tell me this a month ago? It works out perfectly though. There's this singer she's been into for the past couple of weeks, who is playing at a house of a secret location at the U District that day and she wants to go. Its perfect because she needs to say goodbye to Arabella too. We catch the 3o'clock ferry. I have a nice and long and much needed talk with Nicole on the ferry. Arabella is actually at the terminal when we arrive, dropping her sister off. We head to U District. Long bus ride gives us a chance to catch up with Arabella. Get there late. House smells like B.O. But everybody seems nice, they make room for us to sit with them on the floor. Madeline's (was that her name?) set is real short though. We leave, explore URBN on the ave. Nicole realizes that she should stock up on clothes before leaving for Massachusetts. When we're walking on the Ave. Nicole claims that the Asian guy we just passed by is PWRFL POWER. Eat Phad Thai at Thai 65 instead of getting bubble tea at Yunnie. Catch the 49 to Capitol Hill. Walk to Half Price Books. Explore the store for an hour or so. (It's way better than Half Price in U District.) Buy A Million Little Pieces for $1. Catch a bus to the ferry terminal. Arabella gets off at Westlake. Nicole and I read the book I bought together while waiting for the ferry. Another nice and long and much needed talk with Nicole. Drop her off at her house. Goodbyes. Hug.
PURCHASE ON 08/14 AT JACK IN THE ELLENSBURG WA $26.05
For some reason, whenever Nathan gets a long break from school and football, he wants to spend it with Jan in Ellensberg. I decided to tag along to drop him off because I hadn't spent any quality time with Jan since the beginning of summer and I still hadn't seen his new house. My mom actually let our dog, P.D., come along. I bought Jack in the Box for dinner one night. It was sweltering hot all weekend, it reached 107 degrees during the day and Jan's air conditioner was broken. P.D. really enjoyed being able to run around in an actual house. We walked him around downtown and he loved it. Jan has a front porch! The kind that you would see in a movie about the South or read about in Their Eyes Were Watching God. No cable + hot hot heat + no computer = excellent time to read (This was the week I bought 5+ books). I attempted to read on the porch when it was cool enough at night, but it was impossible to keep P.D. in the front yard in viewing distance. But, I missed two of Michael Phelps's swims and Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin in the all around. :( Really bonded with Jan and Nathan. Jan introduced me to The Wire. Contemplated staying with Nathan and Jan for the entire week, but had to go back home to work and to watch the Olympics!
PURCHASE ON 8/11 THE GLOBAL BEAN COFFEE SILVERDALE, WA $4.07
Woke up early to have chai and lunch with Garrett. Talked for 3+ hours. Some things and some friends never change. He makes me want to transfer to a different school, to his school, to have crazy drunken nights, to get lost in the ghetto part of D.C., and to intern for the Peace Corps. I'm glad he loves college, but he makes me miss my senior year of high school. We always spend time reminiscing about fourth period.
PURCHASE ON 08/07 AT CROSSROADS TR SEATTLE, WA $25.62
I bought new shoes and a new dress at Crossroads for Darlene's wedding for the following day on 8.08.08! I ended up not wearing the dress I bought, but the shoes were perfect since my only pair of black heels are going to break soon (too much dancing at Neighbours). I forgot how great weddings are. Steve is so obviously in love with Darlene, even after 6 years, something I had never seen between the two of them before. I missed the majority of the Olympics Opening Ceremony though and had to watch it on the internet with German commentary the next day.
PURCHASE ON 07/27 AT JACK IN THE SILVERDALE WA $24.63
Bought Jack In The Box for Arman, Amanda, Jen, Maria, Nathan and I when we slept over at the house they rented in Suquamish for Darlene's bridal shower. The house is beautiful, near the water, a good half hour from downtown Poulsbo. We gathered around a fire outside when we heard noises coming from the woods. It sounded like screaming, heavy breathing, and it seemed to be getting louder. We all screamed, turned off the fire, and ran inside. The entire night we were on edge, scaring ourselves with any kind of noise or movement, afraid to be alone or in the dark. We ended up sleeping all together in the master bedroom. Three of us on the king sized bed and three of us on the floor. We actually believed that we were going to get murdered that night.
BANKOFAMERICA ATM WITHDRAWAL ON 07/26 PIKE STREET SEATTLE WA $30.00
CHRO-ME-OH-OHHH OHHH! Best show evar.
PURCHASE ON 07/19 AT AMC KITSAP 8 Silverdale WA $9.00
MAMMA MIA! with Ryan and Lorraine. It was ridiculous. But ABBA is great anyways! I can't remember if we went back to Ryans house to talk or not. The three of us alone just reminds me of the night of a thousand tears last summer.
BANKOFAMERICA ATM WITHDRAWAL ON 07/12 REDMOND WA $20.00
SubPop20! Really great day of music. Loved loved loved Iron & Wine and Fleet Foxes, duh! See other post. Got free BoostMobile shirts, KEXP stickers and buttons, SupPop Merch, etc. I love free stuff! This was the first and one of the only times that I hung out with the entire Rainbow Rayban crew from last summer + the additions (Nadine & Kevin). Finally bought the Fleet Foxes S/T vinyl that I still haven't found a record frame for. The car ride with Kevin and Chase was a little awkward. I do like sweet and sour sauce over BBQ sauce though. Thanks for asking Kev, sorry to disappoint you Chase.
PURCHASE ON 06/29 AT URBAN OUTFITTER SEATTLE WA $15.26
Went to Pride! with Ryan, Tony, Andrew, and Mike. I love the gays ;) and free stuff and the Obama logo! I bought two new Dunnys. Got one I already have for the first time and now I don't want to buy anymore of the French series. But the 5 series just came out and with GOLDEN TICKETS! :D
PURCHASE ON 06/19 AT RED ROBIN 164 SILVERDALE WA $17.00
This was the first and last time I saw Kristina all summer. Sad. I hate Red Robin. So expensive for crap food, but it never fails to be the perfect place to meet up with high school friends.
PURCHASE ON 06/17 AT WOW SEATTLE WA $4.59
I had bubble tea with Ryan, Eva, and Michelle after the day long design exam. Much needed dessert/pick-me-up after slaving for hours designing logos and airport seating.
Okay, that was ridiculously long. I dwindled in the end though, not only because I can recall very little about the first couple weeks of summer, but because its now past 3am and its been 3 days since I started this post. I've got other things to say and more numbers to crunch, but I will save that for another post, another day.