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My trip is coming soon

July 28th, 2009 at 07:30 pm

I'm leaving to Alaska tomorrow morning!

Text is http://goxtina.wordpress.com/ and Link is
http://goxtina.wordpress.com/

This is my new blog. If I get the internet access there which I'm sure I will... I will write about my trip from that blog and everything else. I felt like having a blog let me have the freedom to talk about anything... Well not everything since I made it public but to express myself. I won't be putting anything personal just things I would like to share with some of you. Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^
Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

It's all about money now

July 12th, 2009 at 03:20 am

Shoes = money
Cellphone = money
Bus card = money
clothes = money
Grocery = money
Go out = money
Hair = money
Trip = money

Let's see... I was looking for gladiator sandals to walk in the summer. Bought two perfect pairs and I also found two perfect flats for the summer. I do not need that much shoes... Since I got rid of my stuff a month or so ago, I need new flats because all the ones I wore are wearing out or are too hot for the weather. I do not buy wedge or heels and I rely on comfortable shoes.I can opt out for inexpensive shoes but I found one pair of red for $20 and one in black and white for $50. I really love the red ones but I've been eyeing on the black and white ones for awhile now. I am really horrible on deciding for shoes, really. I am just leaving this topic off for the moment because I am really weak for shoes.

Cellphone, I just made a topic whether or not I should cancel my cellphone contract and I calculated the cost involve and everything on the forum.

Bus card, I do not need one for July because I do not go out often. Reason why I bought it? I was on the rush and the machine did not offer tickets.The cost is $45 per month.

Clothes, I don't plan on buying much in the summer only shorts. I've been doing some clean up a few months ago and I am planning to buy classic pieces now because this is what I am attracted the most. I only got a pair of shorts and I want more because is pretty much what I wear now.

Grocery, my parents don't bother to buy anything for the house. Need to stock my own food and it's better than eating out anyways.

Go out, I want to enjoy my summer with a couple of friends. I bought a card for an amusement park and pay $15 for the season pass for parking. The card cost $75 and it provides a lot of fun with my friends. We did barbecue where we split the cost $10 each. We go to the movie some Tuesday where it cost $5 each, I'm planning to do movie night with a couple of friends so it will cost cheaper. I also want to try out new activities such as bungee jumping and rock climbing.

Hair, I only cut my hair every three months and I really love my hairstylist. I used to spend only $25 every three months but now I did red streak. I don't think I'll be redoing till August. I do invest on hairstyle... I just got addicted recently.

Trip, I am not planning to spend much. Probably a souvenir... I am not sure yet.

As you can see, most of those things I can opt out. I guess I've been taking over by my wants... I can't help but to feel such a bimbo. Work hasn't been great because I've been stressing about money. I forget things easily and a coworker of mine is bossing us around. I just obey to her sarcastically which doesn't show much, the reason why she did that is because she thinks she is better than us.

Anyways, I really need to talk with my dad about my cellphone contract so I will get that out of my mind. Also the clothes dillema will have to end... Work is starting to become stressful and not fun anymore.

I really need encouragement... and I really want to get back to my old self, I used to be better at saving money. Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

Hitting the 20 mark

June 20th, 2009 at 08:26 pm

Today is the day that I turn 20 and I received a wonderful news from a very close friend of mine. Will tell you more about it later.

Thanks for those of you who cheer me up on my last post, I really appreciate it when you guys are here to listen to me. I needed you guys! =)

My birthday celebration was a blast! I thought it wouldn't be all that special but my friends made it special for me! Yay! Nothing really amazing happened on that day, just spending time with old friends. ^_^

I admit, I act like a kid from times to times but I noticed some changes in the way I think nowadays. Sometimes, I wonder why people doesn't feel comfortable talking me to me, I guess I don't bring anything good for them or I'm too goody goody and boring. I can't associated myself with studious people and I don't associated with rebellious people, I'm just plain normal. I do have a life outside of school and I got some bad experiences that would be funny to talk about or scandalous. A coworker once told a friend of hers that I was too into my studies and I never do anything risky in life. Well if I am going to start talking now about my life adventure, people will have a different vision about me. Then again, it's not worth losing the good image I have in order to gain attention... I mean, my future career could be a stake here if I decided to let the whole world know about my stupidity. I only tell probably one or two of my friends whom I trust and that is it. Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

In need of guidance in my life

June 19th, 2009 at 01:08 am

Lately, I've been staying home and thinking about my life. I know I have to do something in my free time instead of going out and staying home not doing much.

Tomorrow and the day after will be the days where I'm going out to celebrate my birthday. Next Monday, I might go see my sister's graduation. This September, she's going to middle school next year.

Lately, I've been trying to find guidance in life... I feel a little lost. I always knew that I lack someone in life who can help me out, mainly parental guidance. My parents and I are really cold toward each others, we always argue. My parents act like kids and they always want to be right and they never admit they are wrong. Oh yeah, did I mention they never try to explain anything to us? As we get older, we aren't living in an obvious land anymore and they keep hiding things from us. I told my dad once that I am not a kid anymore and we aren't stupid if something is going wrong in the family or something, he still doesn't get it.

Part of the reason why I wanted to move out was the constant lack of communication between us, is it sacred or something? Even if I show them what I wrote, they will stay quiet for a little while and they will keep doing the same damn mistake again. I confront my dad a few times about him showing bad examples in the family, my parents just brush us off and wants us to admit our wrongs but not theirs. My brother once told my dad he was a bad father. It was harsh but it's the truth, I told my brother not to say anything like this again because it hurts.

My mom is not responsible herself, she is part of the reason why my dad's family is having problems and almost all my cousins despise her. Mind you, she can be evil. I can't blame her for not knowing between rights and wrongs, she does hold some understand of her own about the world... More accuratly than my dad. When someone anger my mother, she only sees the bad in that person and she acts irrationally. I used to be like her until someone pointed it out to me about it and I tried to control it. My mom is more like the type that she can do anything she wants as long there's someone who can back her up and she cares a lot about her reputation. When I went to China, she acts all superior and she talks like she's some wise person.

I guess I ressented my family a lot. My mom would put us through hell because she feels inferior to her coworkers, she would come home and starts screaming at us. My dad, I talked about him before. His favourite word on us is money. Just talking about my family, it just so troublesome.

If I didn't come to this website or go see adults to hear me talk about my family problems, who knows... I might stop school and do things like girls at my age are doing. These past few days, I've been showing signs of losing myself. I can't tell what I did but I feel the side effect, am I losing myself again? Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

A week of no shopping

May 27th, 2009 at 10:55 pm

I haven't been shopping for a week already and I have a lot of no spend days except yesterday,I went to my friend's brother birthday.

We went to a Japanese buffet and we stuff our mouth with sushis till we die. I'm not a fan of buffets. I don't know if there's any buffets in Europe or Asia, I feel like the foods are not as enjoyable when we can eat as much as we want. After that, we went to play pool. It was a fun night!

Anyways, I'm still thinking how much I should save for my trip to China next year. I'm thinking of visiting my friend in Switzerland before going to China... So I have to save money for that too. Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

My savings are gone... gone...

May 19th, 2009 at 10:53 pm

Whaaat O.O... I used to be an awesome saver, now I'm horrible! Aaarg... I mostly spend on foods and on some occasion, clothes.

It all started when I started College... I'm not blaiming anyone in particular but it surely influences me a lot. Especially now, I care a lot about how I look and feeding my tummy. Very bad habit.

I'm going to try to watch my spending by writing here daily once school ends and it's soon. Tomorrow is my last exam and guess what? It's Calculus II! Haha!

Speaking of Cal II, my teacher is 24 years old! We are all a bunch of 18 to 20 and he is what? 4 to 6 years our senior? That's awesome yet... He is immature. Just the way he acts.. Today,I came to his office and I waited about an hour and a half waiting till he is done with two girls. I was a bit mad and I got an allergie so it looks like I was really pissed. Well his office hour was 12 to 3 pm and I only got to him at 2:32; I was done with him by 2:48. When I show him my first question, he acts like an ass to me. Seriously, he talks to me like I'm stupid or something. You know how kids mock you, well he acts the same way. I reply back with the same tone and he finally quiet down. Needless to say, I wasn't into the mood to be happy after this incident. It sounds so immature... Well honestly, it was like that.

Anyways, I spend on lunch today... $9. If I manage my time in school, I can save so much money instead of spending it on lunch. Gosh... Will figure out a way to save this summer.

Another thing I want to add before I study for Calculus II... I got tanned! Reason to be happy? I hardly get tanned in the summer and I got tanned without trying by biking to school for the past three weeks. Now I have this brown marshmallow color on me. It is awesome! Well the only bad thing is... I didn't put suncream which I should from now on. Haha xD My friend said pale looks good on me but with my tan, it looks cool. WOoohooo! I love the color of my skin now... Haha... Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

More pictures from my trip

May 18th, 2009 at 04:53 pm

Here the pictures from the rest of my trip in China! It's Xiamen, my parents hometown.

Outside of the Xiamen airport:


I think they are traffic regulator or something... Can't really tell, I see uniforms that look like police but they aren't. LOL


My ancestor's house, dad's side by the way. Some of my relatives live in the country side.:


It's a beautiful house but it's really cold inside, not a good place to spend overnight:




The house is two buildings stick together, like a mini mansion:





The country side again:


Want to know something funny? That baby acts like an old man! The way he holds his bowl and his chopsticks, if you see it in real life you might understand!! LOL The baby knows that I was taking a picture of him too! Smart! Honestly... I find that the babies there are really smart... Street smarts.


It was taken outside the car, sorry for the dirty window:



Some of my mom's old relative, where they are living at the moment:



The market, where people buy their fruits and vegetables:




The garden, a place where people pray:




Street shopping:


My cousins dog Ong A:


Happy birthday or belated birthday Broken_Arrow! If anyone else birthday is today, happy birthday to you! Hehe... Well I gotta study for my final exams, see ya! =D Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

Yes! I am finally back!

May 18th, 2009 at 07:42 am

Sorry for not posting for awhile... I wanted to take a break from the saving world and to enjoy myself. I invest the rest of the money on a new mutual funds so I was left with 0$ in my bank.

My dad decides not to give me an allowance anymore... Well he didn't say it directly, just the way he react said it all. I knew it will happened. I can understand why my dad doesn't want to give me an allowance but I hate the fact that he has to act like a child. Really, communication is really missing in my family and I acquire this from them. Also, my family doesn't know how to keep their words. Another thing I acquire from them.

I am not accusing them for anything,just that I find myself becoming like them and it's not what I want.

What am I doing here? I guess I am going to continue blogging. I really want to take control of my life and my money. After my exams, I will try to post daily. This blog will serve me as a reminder to work on myself and to become the person whom I always wanted to be. It's hard for me to keep my words because I tend to give up easily (Family thing). When I listen to upbeat songs, it always give me this burst of energy and it gives me the feeling that I can do anything.

As a comeback post, here are the rest of my travel pictures from China --> Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

Working out

February 18th, 2009 at 01:41 am

I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

Picture time

February 11th, 2009 at 10:12 pm

I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

Continuing the year 2009 being single

February 10th, 2009 at 03:49 pm

Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

4th semester started

February 2nd, 2009 at 07:12 am

I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

Fresh out of depression

January 23rd, 2009 at 03:06 am

I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

He doesn't trust me

January 14th, 2009 at 05:54 am

It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

Parents accept my decision

December 9th, 2008 at 05:23 am

Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped*

November 30th, 2008 at 12:56 am

Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

Red day = Black Friday?

November 29th, 2008 at 04:41 am

Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

I am moving out

November 26th, 2008 at 04:11 am

I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

My O Noir experience

November 25th, 2008 at 02:40 am

Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

Emotional reasoning

November 22nd, 2008 at 05:04 pm

It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

Skin so dry...

November 22nd, 2008 at 03:11 pm

Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

A big spend day

November 22nd, 2008 at 04:27 am

Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^
Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

Hectic week

November 20th, 2008 at 04:01 am

This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

No budget for Christmas presents this year

November 18th, 2008 at 07:18 pm

I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

A moment of reflection

October 19th, 2008 at 09:01 pm

I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

Dad is stressing me about money

October 10th, 2008 at 08:19 pm

I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

Not a big saver here

October 9th, 2008 at 04:04 am

I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

Is there a future in being a Financial planner?

October 3rd, 2008 at 03:05 am

My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

Brought my lunch to school today

October 1st, 2008 at 06:21 am

I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->

No spend day!

September 30th, 2008 at 06:20 am

I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D Guangzhou:

The places where farmers work.


The scenery was amazing... I felt like I was in a movie or something!










The spring resort outside Guangzhou.


Our little private spring resort. Water is heated by a volcano.


We each get our little spring house. LOL

I didn't take any pictures of the city of Guangzhou... I was afraid that people will steal my camera lol!

My next post will be from Xiamen, my parents hometown. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48559] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48559 [entry_title] => Working out [entry_stub] => working-out [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/18/working-out_48559/ [entry_date] => 1234921311 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-17 19:41:51 [entry_text] => I don't think I would be able to go take bellyclasses this semester especially when it's cold outside and I finish pretty late in most days.

I went to my local gym area where they offer all kind of classes and a physical condition all equip with a trainer. My muscles lately have been very weak lately and just using my treadmill will just not do. I would very much like to sign myself up for a membership for a year since it's about 10 minutes of walk from my house and my schedule fit with the hours avalaible.

The cost for a year is $528 including tax and membership cost. Initially, the membership cost 100$ but they have it on special this week until Friday. The payment per month after the first month is 34$. The first month however is 158$. However, a memebership for 2 months and a half is 258$.Although... I was thinking long term. I'll think about it.

As for my trip in London, I decided to stay in Canada this summer mostly because I want to take summer school. I told my friend I won't be going. However, I might go to New York this July for three days if everything goes well and the Canadian dollars is not too low. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48382] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48382 [entry_title] => Picture time [entry_stub] => picture-time [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/11/picture-time_48382/ [entry_date] => 1234390337 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-11 16:12:17 [entry_text] => I will post more pictures from my trip later on. I seem to have problems uploading them. I started taking a picture of my outfit and my new haircut outside and it turns out pretty good.


I feel like I am in a manga...



I will post my challenge money soon. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 1 ) [48331] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48331 [entry_title] => Continuing the year 2009 being single [entry_stub] => continuing-the-year-2009-being-single [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/10/continuing-the-year-2009-being-single_48331/ [entry_date] => 1234280940 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-10 09:49:00 [entry_text] => Well that's it people... My boyfriend broke up with me last Sunday because he was confused with his feelings toward me. He just wants us to remain friends for now.

There's some tears here and there... I don't think that matter that much. I knew it will come sooner or later when I came back from China, especially with the way he treats me on the very first day of my return. I called GuiGui on that day and his dad said he will call me back. Throughout the afternoon, I received no phone call from him. When his parents drove me back to his house on that day, he doesn't look happy when he saw me and he already knew that I called him.

We are on a break right now he told me. Honestly,I treat it more like a breakup than anything else. I can't put up with this anymore. I tried my best to keep this relationship going and he just gave up trying. He is quite the opposite of me and he doesn't seem to accept or love me the way I am. Most importantly, he sees himself as being alone in life. Then so be it.

Yesterday, I went to see a couple of my friends to talk it out. I talk with a good friend of mine for hours about it and he said with all the effort I put in the relationship, I deserve better. I guess I do.

Anyways, I have to write out my challenge money this week. I save a bundle so far. =) [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 7 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [48059] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 48059 [entry_title] => 4th semester started [entry_stub] => 4th-semester-started- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/02/02/4th-semester-started-_48059/ [entry_date] => 1233558732 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-02-02 01:12:12 [entry_text] => I started my 4th semester last Monday and I had fun.

It was Chinese New Year on that day so I wore a beautiful red bracelet that I bought from a street seller in Guangzhou for less than 10$ with my belge sweater. Needless to say, it looks cool and festive hihi... Gotta post the picture of it later on.

My first day, I had three classes that day from 8 am to 6pm with a long 4 hours break in between class. I used my break by going to my brother's (non-relative) appartment with a friend to get my math books. Then I went to eat with my friend in a Vietnamese restaurant. I volunteer to pay for his meal because it was his first time eating something different from what he is used to. As you can see, he from Haiti (black) and he wanted to try something new. I introduced him to a meal that composed to rice,egg, beef and vegetable with sweet sauce. He likes it. I also introduced him to bubble tea [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47682] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) [2645] => Array ( [category_id] => 2645 [category_name] => $20 Challenge [category_stub] => 20-challenge ) [2794] => Array ( [category_id] => 2794 [category_name] => My voyage [category_stub] => my-voyage ) ) [entry_id] => 47682 [entry_title] => Fresh out of depression [entry_stub] => fresh-out-of-depression- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/23/fresh-out-of-depression-_47682/ [entry_date] => 1232679969 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-22 21:06:09 [entry_text] => I did not do anything stupid these past few days due to depression lol... More like spending time with my friends and my boyfriend.

For my challenge, I spend a little of it on clothes a week ago so I am good for now. My mutual funds have the biggest loss, I lost 2000$ dollars due to the recession so I am down to 5200$. My money in the bank has dropped significantly. Since I had 7200$ in mutual funds before, I will not included it in my challenge money. Who knows what will happend with the rest of the money this year... Hopefull, I will let it sit there and wait till it goes up. I don't need the money right now or in the near future.

Next Monday, I am starting my 4th semester in College. I am very excited to go back... I am getting really bored of having one month and a half of vacation now... Can't wait to go back. Not to mention, I have a nice schedule this semester. I cleaned my room and the bathroom today. I'm very happy at the result... My room look very welcoming. There's a few box here and there that I need to get rid of. For now, I guess I am just going to rest and think about it tomorrow.

Since last Friday, I did not spend anything other than a dinner and a movie with a friend I haven't seen for awhile. I watched the Unborn and the movie was pretty good. The plot actually make sense.

My next trip this summer is London for one to two weeks, 70% of chance that I'm going. If my savings go well or I don't plan on taking any summer courses. I have saved 500$ so far for the trip and I need approximatly another 1500$ for it. Hopefully, it will go well. I hope...

I know I keep changing my challenge money... I still have a lot of trips to do with my money lol.

Pictures of my trip in China will be posted soon! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [47354] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 47354 [entry_title] => He doesn't trust me [entry_stub] => he-doesnt-trust-me- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2009/01/14/he-doesnt-trust-me-_47354/ [entry_date] => 1231912496 [entry_date_mysql] => 2009-01-13 23:54:56 [entry_text] => It's official, I have the proof that my dad doesn't trust his own daughter. He opened my credit card enveloppe today and he dares to give me back open. What the hell...

I have made some big purchases last month and this month. I got the feeling he thinks I am in big debt or I'm stealing his money or something. When clearly, I saved for my money for a long time and I work really hard for my own money.

What's the matter? He doesn't want to communicate anymore. Then fine. He will eventually accused me of something in the future, that's what I am waiting for. Yes I spent a lot lately, the money which was supposed to be for the rent and everything. I spent them on clothes. Do I have a spending fever lately? Yes probably. Do I have a spending problem? No. Why do I buy so much clothes? Because I feel like it and I buy what I like.

Eventually, I have made some stupid purchases which I can return them. I probably spend that much to get rid of some feelings like being worthless in my family but that is temporary like usual.

I am getting back on the saving wagon by saving my recent tips and taxes money. I have 92.25$ on tax refund, I have 60$ on tips. All this for London. I have approximatle 7200$ in mutual funds and 630$ now in my bank account. I bought some things with my cousin today which will be pay back on the stupid purchases I made online.

I have... Canceled my beauty product online and I'm opting for the counter product so I am saving 48.90 every two months. My acne was never bad to start with after college. I am using spectrogel to clean my skin and I will eat more healthy by drinking more water and eating more fruits. I look through my closet and see what I can buy to add more flavors in my closet, with the recent purchases. I bought things such as two (black and brown) belts, a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer to complete my wardrobe. They are all discounts for 50% to 75% off. I do have concious but I need to work on controlling my spending.

I'm sorry if I failed on saving... Maybe I need to see someone because I felt like even my boyfriend has given up on me about my problems. Nobody to listen to me because they are busy with their life. I probably need a therapy session.

One thing for sure, I am not turning crazy. More like emotionally depressed right now. I do not regret most of my purchases but spending the money. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45936] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45936 [entry_title] => Parents accept my decision [entry_stub] => parents-accept-my-decision [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/12/09/parents-accept-my-decision_45936/ [entry_date] => 1228800227 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-12-08 23:23:47 [entry_text] => Well I haven't talk to my parents since last Friday. My parents ask my aunt to give me the message that whenever I need money, they will give me money when I need it. They don't want me to drop out of school... Well not like I plan to anyways.

So yeah... I got their support indirectly. I find it cowardly to ask my aunt to tell me that.

My mom was pissed for no reason yesterday because she assumed I didn't give back the luggages or something. She came to my room at midnight by opening the door with force and she just stares at me like she wanted to kill me. One of the reason why I don't like living in this house, my mom gets angry for no big deal.

Anyways... I moved all my stuff in my new appartment. Some stuff remain in my room but for now, I am going to wait till Wednesday to move out for sleep there. Hopefully, some stuff will be ready. For now, I am just going to study hard for my three final tests this week.

This Saturday to come, I am going to China. I won't be hanging out too much with my parents. We never get along when we are together. My mom spends her time caring what other people think of us and she criticized us. My dad likes to say random things wherever we go on a trip, like our trip to Florida almost two years ago. He talks bad on random people back on the street, restaurant... You name it. So yeah, my dad learns we need to go on our separated ways on some places like Hong Kong. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45596] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45596 [entry_title] => 5 1/2 for 650$?!! *Jaw dropped* [entry_stub] => 5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/30/5-12-for-650-jaw-dropped-_45596/ [entry_date] => 1228006576 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-29 18:56:16 [entry_text] => Today, I went with my friend to see an appartment that a collegue (Let's called her B) from work suggested my friend. The guy who own the building is a friend of B and he gave us a very good price for the appartment.

The appartment is pretty big, there's a big salon, a normal size kitchen, there's one master bedroom and one relatively big bedroom and a small bedroom. The bathroom is small but I can live with that. We have all the things included like oven, dishwasher, washing machine, a dryer, sofas for the living room with a TV, a single bed and the guy is repairing everything in the apartment even repainting the wall. Basically, we only pay electricity or water (Don't remember which one), our cellphone, food and all personal expenses. Internet will be included also.

Reason why we have it so cheap is because he wants to use a part of our appartment as his office. Meaning, he uses a bedroom and turn it into an office. He's going to need a wireless internet and he said we can use it for free.

The location is EXCELLENT. It's near many grocery stores, blockbuster, many bus stops... Not to mention... It's 10 minutes of walk from my boyfriend's house!! What a deal!

So yeah... I talk with my friend who I'm living with in the future and we agree that this deal is sweet. The owner of the building ordered coffee from our workplace many times a day so he is our regular client... LOL By the way, he has a dog named Princess and it's a Tibetian dog. She is sooo adorable! She runs everywhere and she loves when we play with her.

The date that we are moving will be on the 15th of December. Although on the 13th of December, I'm going to China and I'm comming back on the 5th of January. My friend told me I can just pay 150$ for the rent since I'm not going to be there the whole month.

I calculated the monthly cost that I will be expecting to pay:

- Rent: 325$
- Bus pass: 45$
- Phone bill: 45$
- Beauty: 25$ (Will reduced the amount soon)
- Insurance for the appartment: $15-??/month

I'm going to expect other things but for now... This is what I'm going to be paying.

So yeah... I'll talk more about it later on. =D

[entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45573] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45573 [entry_title] => Red day = Black Friday? [entry_stub] => red-day-black-friday- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/29/red-day-black-friday-_45573/ [entry_date] => 1227933679 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-28 22:41:19 [entry_text] => Today, my cousin wants me to come shopping with her because she told me Montreal is trying to make a Black Friday like the US. I was curious about it so I went to check it out. I also return the sweater I bought two or three weeks ago.

The sales are not that good. I told my cousin that the Red Day is like peanut to the US. I bought nothing except two sweaters brushers for 14$. I don't really like walking in St-Catherine, because the clothes look all the same and the stores are all mainstream. Not to mention, they are overprice for nothing. My cousin doesn't like it when I whine... But hey, I didn't feel like shopping today because I'm super tired from my hectic week in school. I didn't need anything in particular, just some sweaters. Though, they are still expensive and not warm enought.

Anyways, I don't think I'm going to be shopping for any clothes till the end of term. I'm going to China and I hope to find nice sweaters at very good price.

What can I say about the Red Day? It was not a success. Everything remains expensive and the crowd is not big.Boxing day is better. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45492] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45492 [entry_title] => I am moving out [entry_stub] => i-am-moving-out- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/26/i-am-moving-out-_45492/ [entry_date] => 1227672685 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-25 22:11:25 [entry_text] => I made my final decision now. I am going to move out come January and move in with a collegue at my workplace. She has the same age as me and she is only two days older than me. We both have similair family problems and similair goals.

Today, I went to eat with my dad, brother and sister to a restaurant. I figure it's a good time to tell him about me moving for real. As usual, he didn't take it easily and tell me that it doesn't make any sense and etc. I told him the reasons but less in details because you know... He wouldn't understand.

Since our point of view on this subject is different, I just leave it as simple as it is. He refused to help me in any ways except paying for my books for school. He tries to discourage me but I made it my final decision with my friend at work. I am simply not happy in my house and with everything going on so far. I think it's time for a new atmosphere... A new change and possibly, a way for me to grow up. I've been dying for something challenging.

The place that I am going to be living will be in the South Shore of Montreal. I prefer to stay in the Suburbs where it is less expensive and quieter. I hope to live near the bus station. That way, I will be close to my boyfriend's house, close to Montreal, close to take the buses to school and everything. The place near the bus station is unexpensive when I live with someone of course. I'm crossing my fingers that it will work out and I will find a nice place! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 6 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45454] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45454 [entry_title] => My O Noir experience [entry_stub] => my-o-noir-experience [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/25/my-o-noir-experience_45454/ [entry_date] => 1227580800 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-24 20:40:00 [entry_text] => Yesterday at 9pm, I went to eat at O Noir restaurant with a friend.

It was a terrifying experience... I was eating my three courses meal in the dark without knowing if I finish my meal or not. I have to describe it in details... Hehe...

My friend and I went to the restaurant a little before 9 pm. The entrance is really small and a lot of people are waiting for their table. We check our coats in a little locker and we got in front of the counter to choose what we want. I chose the entry meal, main course and a dessert. My friend chose a entry meal and a main course. We have the choice between having a surprise entry meal, main course or dessert. I chose a surprise entry meal and a main course. The dessert, I choose the Venise chocolate cake. I am not too fond of the other dessert available so I want to avoid getting a dessert that I don't like.

After choosing what we want, we waited for our waiter. When the waiter came to get us, I had to put my hand on his left shoulder and my friend put his hands on my shoulder to go into the dark room. It was pretty scary and I was afraid of tripping into something or someone =S... Went we arrive at our table, the waiter instructed us where our table and chair are located.

The first thing our waiter gave us was two pieces of bread. I have this phobia of people touching me in the dark. Whenever my friend touched me, I jump and slap his hand. It was pretty funny... For him... LOL

My main entry was two pieces of ravioli. I had a hard time eating it... LOL To make sure I finish my ravioli, I put my hand on the plate. It was something that I never think of doing when I could see my meal but damn... It's so hard to eat when you can see nothing!! xD

My main course, I also have a hard time eating it. I was picking on my plate with my fork. I tried just using the folk to eat all my meals till the end, I tried grabbing my potato and it keeps running away from me. I gave us so I used my hand instead LOL.

For dessert, my friend did a trick on me. He took my plate away from me while I was eating my dessert. I tried grabbing a piece and when I grab nothing after two minutes, I thought I accidently flatten my cake.

While eating my food, there was a orchestra playing in the dark. Everybody was cheering and talking. Having a good time in the dark. The music they played was pretty good hehe... Also, it was someone birthday. We heard chant and there was a little light at the end of the room.

Sorry I have to write this quick, I have homework to do hehe... So yeah. We were the last to get out of the room. We got back to the main entrance... My eyes were shock to the light lol. I had a hard time adjusting myself to the light and everything for about two minutes.

The meal came at 75.34$ and my friend paid the tips. Overall, I had a great time. It really helps me understand how blind people live and I find them courageous to live their life like that. All the waiters are blind and they manage to have this outgoing personality. They manage to be pretty funny and talkative. There's no stain or anything on my clothes and I am pretty surprise that I made it through the three courses. Oh yeah... The food was good! Worth the money!

Anyways, I gotta go do my homework. ^.^ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 4 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45378] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45378 [entry_title] => Emotional reasoning [entry_stub] => emotional-reasoning [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/emotional-reasoning_45378/ [entry_date] => 1227373497 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 11:04:57 [entry_text] => It's my second posts of the day... Yeah. I am having a lot of depression lately. Probably thats why I feel useless somehow. Probably that's why I spend irrationally sometimes. Probably why I spend so much time on the computer listening to music. I just want to get out of this world.

My mom is cold with me, my dad is oversensitive about everything and my brother trying to put me down so he could feel better about himself. Worst of all, I feel like I don't have any worth in this family.

Last thursday, my mom took my sandals to my aunt. It's not the first time she does that to me so I was not happy about it. When I talked to my mom about it in a normal way (I was annoyed a little), my mom was super aggressive with me and accused me of being too oversensitive about it. I just want to tell her next time to just buy extra sandals for visitors, that way,I won't have any surprise... Meaning I won't find anyone with my sandals. She invents all sort of excuses as to why she can't buy an extra sandals for the visitors so I just gave up. I just told her that it's common sense that's all.

She did all sort of things to me in the past that hurt me so much. Even when I cry in front of her, she would just make things worst by telling my dad to yell at me again. I still remember two years or so ago, my aunt came over unexpectantly and slept on my bed with her son. When I came back from work and I was looking forward to sleep on my bed, I found my aunt on my bed and I learned that I have to sleep on the floor in the fourth floor. I just feel so insulted and I feel like someone whom she can toss around to make room for someone else. She just cares about her image. Even at her workplace, everybody hates her because she thinks she's all that and she tries to kick some people out of the business (My dad's brothers) by doing things behind their back.

I think I am moving out. I don't care about traveling as much anymore... Just staying in this house make me feel more depressed. My dad will probably act like a jerk again. Insulting me and everything. When he is being an ass, you can't reason with him... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45373] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45373 [entry_title] => Skin so dry... [entry_stub] => skin-so-dry [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/skin-so-dry_45373/ [entry_date] => 1227366676 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-22 09:11:16 [entry_text] => Both sides of my neck and my legs are so dry lately. Dermatologist said I have enzyma. Gosh... I have to get my medicine at the pharmacie today.

This year, I've been getting all kind of skin problems. Is it because of the weather?

When I went to Morocco beach where my friend's live. After going for a swim and exposing myself to the sun, my skin gets those red spot everyone. I have to see the doctor to see if I am allergic to salt water. I don't want to wait 4 hours... -.-" Here in Quebec, we are running short on doctors. So the waitline is really long. Since our health care system is practically free for everywhere (Thanks to our taxing system), people don't need to pay hundreds even thousands of dollars to see the doctor. Probably that's why all the doctors go to the United State, they privatize them and they get pay more than the doctors here. However, I don't like my dermatogolist. She looks burn out and she gets mad easily. I think I'm going to see another one. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45370] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45370 [entry_title] => A big spend day [entry_stub] => a-big-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/22/a-big-spend-day-_45370/ [entry_date] => 1227328027 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-21 22:27:07 [entry_text] => Today was one of those very rare moments where I spend up to 100$ in a day. No it's not clothes!

I bought a digital camera, an MP3 and some soaps for my body and oil blotter sheet.

It cost me in total 550$. Here a little break down of all this.

My Canon SD770IS camera: 199.99
A 4 GB memory card: 24.99$
Canon case: 30.99$
My blue 8BG Zune MP3: 149.99$
Insurance for my camera: 49.99$ (Garantie for 2 years, since I am going to be traveling more often from now on. I don't want to risk it from breaking unexpectantly. Since I am clumsy, I kinda want it...)

With tax, it comes out to 514.66$

I went to Clinique to buy acne soap. Since I am very sensitive to the parfums one my mom bought and I sweat alot=have a few acne on my body. The clinique works for me. I bought two of them because I don't want to go back once per two months to get it. Two of the soaps cost me 30$. I tried the oil blotter sheet there which cost me 17.99$. I haven't tried it yet but I heard good review about it so I'm going to try it out. Though, I'm likely going to China to buy them since they are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Total with a 10% discount: I paid 49.27$

Total spend for the day: 563.93$

Also, I talk to my boyfriend about the Japan trip. He said he is going to take the Jet program. So... I am free to do whatever I want with the money for my Japan trip. Though I plan to spend some on my Challenge money to buy a camera and an MP3 player for awhile. It's been years that I've been thinking about buying a camera and mp3. Since I am no techno-pro here. I just bought whatever is in my price range and that I am satisfied with. I predict no big spending for the next weeks to come. Though, my challenge money will suffer a little bit.

Here goes:

Old amount: 9800$
Deducted: - 565$
-----------------------
New amount: 9235$

I am happy. No more fighting over the camera with my brother and dad. No more word called "Sharing" in the house with me. Since sharing is a very very dangerous word in the house because of my dad obviously, it's better not to share.

By the way, I envy you people from the United State. You guys get no taxes like 13.5%, get the best internet shopping selection and... get a lot of awesome coupons. There not much difference here when it comes to electronics, clothes and such. There's not much of big sales... Only little sales here and there. With the high taxes, we get most of the things paid such as health care, education and such. I feel lucky... Though not much for clothing and such. =(

We are starting to have outlet stores where I live and I bought awesome summer shoes last summer, 2 pairs of shoes for 30$!! We also have an outlet Ardene store where they sell 10 pairs of socks and + for 10$.

You can see pictures of my purchase that I took from the internet and I post it on my blog. I also took pictures of my outfit today. ^.^

Text is http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ and Link is
http://simple-n-satisfied.blogspot.com/ [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45301] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45301 [entry_title] => Hectic week [entry_stub] => hectic-week [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/20/hectic-week_45301/ [entry_date] => 1227153672 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-19 22:01:12 [entry_text] => This week is getting really hectic. I have all kind of school work to do and a lot of exams. Arrrg... so stressful! Though, I'm hanging on. So far, I talked to my Calulus II teacher to postponed the test for next week if he can. He said he can do it for me... So yeah! I took this opportunity because I don't want to fail Cal II!!

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I will be running everywhere. These past few days, it is getting harder to have a computer because everyone is using it for games, school works and etc. Arrg...

Oh yeah... I received my phone bill and they overcharge me on things that I didn't use. I couldn't reach to a representative today but I'm going to be calling them tomorrow again.

By the way, I have a NPD!! I'm happy I didn't spend any $$ on food today. xD

That's all I have to say. Have a good night =D ! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [45244] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 45244 [entry_title] => No budget for Christmas presents this year [entry_stub] => no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/11/18/no-budget-for-christmas-presents-this-ye_45244/ [entry_date] => 1227035895 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-11-18 13:18:15 [entry_text] => I'm not a fond believer of giving gifts in Christmas. That's why I don't put it in my priority list to save. I never celebrate Christmas or New Year with my parents because they are always working at this time of the year.

However, I only give birthday presents to those I truly care in my life.

Giving gifts at Christmas times is not celebrated in my family. I think it's great because we never associated Christmas with gifts, it's a holiday for us. Though, we don't celebrate it like everyone else in Canada because it's not our culture. Thank god I have my boyfriend's family side to celebrate with. xD Too bad I'm going to China this year... I won't get to celebrate my first Christmas with GuiGui. =O [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 2 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [44263] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 44263 [entry_title] => A moment of reflection [entry_stub] => a-moment-of-reflection [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/19/a-moment-of-reflection_44263/ [entry_date] => 1224446505 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-19 15:01:45 [entry_text] => I took a day off from work today because I was feeling sick because of stress and everything. I'm done with my P.E class last week so I am down with five courses and three days of work this semester. Monday is the last day of mid-term but I have exams coming up this week to come.

This weekend in particular, I started thinking about my goal in life and why I am feeling depressed lately... I guess because my grades went down. I caused this to myself so I told my boss last Friday that I want Sunday off from now on. Next semester, I will only work once per week since I am taking 6 courses and I have to take this seriously. School is more important than having money right now. I guess some of the people you hang out with influence you... It did for me. I gotta stop this... and I should not have mercy on anybody. It's my life anyways...

I will come back when I am feeling better. Gotta find a way to balance my life out. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 3 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43997] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43997 [entry_title] => Dad is stressing me about money [entry_stub] => dad-is-stressing-me-about-money- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/10/dad-is-stressing-me-about-money-_43997/ [entry_date] => 1223666382 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-10 14:19:42 [entry_text] => I dislike asking my dad about something related to money.

Whenever we go out as a family and eat, he expects me to pay my part since I work. He always says don't you work? And I always reply: Well I don't expect this expense!

I pay for my own outings, my own clothes, my entertainment and my own trip (i.e Morocco). Oh not to mention I pay my own medication whenever I have problems... Oh and shots that I have to take which cost up to 60$ per shot because dear dad don't want me to get Hepetite B shots while it was free before I turn 18. Smart... Seriously. It was not written on my vaccination book and he just said: I remember you took them!! Don't need to!! He would whine about me having all sort of health problems... Is it my fault that I am more sensitive compare to my other siblings? Beside, I am the one paying for my own medications, why should he whine about it?

He literary abuses me when we pass by Tim Hortons. He would ask me: You got 50% discount there right? Let's go eat there. Oh... Not to mention I pay for his food!! Oh nice nice! I love to spend money on him and get abused. When we pass there, he would ask me to buy more than if he has to pay regular price. With my 50% off, he decides to be generous by inviting other people to eat with donuts, lots of coffee and etc. That's what he did when I first work there.

What I consider fair in him is that my brother and me get 50$/week to pay for our phone bill, our bus pass and everything else. I work part-time to earn extra money to be able to travel and to pay any extras that I want/need. I also pay him food at my workplace if I consider the situation ideal for it, meaning that the reasons to buy there is good enought. Not just, I decide not to eat at home because I can get food at my daughter workplace and she will pay for it. That's because she loves me that much. When does spending money = love ?!

About the asking money part. Well I don't ask him much. My brother asks him to pay this and that... You know those big expenses. Dad never complains since brother is 'oh so studying hard and not working' therefore, dad don't complain. When I didn't work for five months, dad still asks me to pay everything by myself while he is paying everything for my brother. That's why I avoid asking him money or else,he will get mad at me and claim I abused him. Though yesterday, for the first time for a long time, I asked if he can pay for my bed sheet set. He just gets mad at me. When I took the wrong size for my bed sheet, I asked if he can drive me there (Since it's far and it's super heavy). He gets really mad at me and yells at me for always taking the wrong size and he tells me to go there by myself. I reply back without yelling that I almost never ask him anything and when I do, I rarely took the wrong size of anything. I mean... What the hell is wrong with him? Why am I always the one getting yell at when I ask him for simple things? I just ask for a bed sheet and that's about it. While my brother and sister get all the luxury. I am the one that he stressing more about money than my other siblings. WHY ME??!! [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43942] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43942 [entry_title] => Not a big saver here [entry_stub] => no-big-saver-here- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/09/no-big-saver-here-_43942/ [entry_date] => 1223521449 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-08 22:04:09 [entry_text] => I'm not a big saver... Well. I used to be but not anymore. I'm more in the middle I guess. Before, I used to be cheap now, I guess I am frugal? I don't try to save as much as I can... Though it would save me a bundle of $$. If only I can manage my time.

Well... Recently, I cut my hair today so I spend 25$. I bought fall/winter clothes online from a friend which cost me 142.20$ for five article of clothing. I'm going to receive it probably this Friday and I'm going to test the quality. If I judge the quality bad or if I don't like it on me, I will get my money back. So yeah... I have enought summer clothes to get me through but not enought winter clothes. Also... My style has grown significatly these past few months. I guess I need to buy clothes that reflect my grown.

My saving goals seem.. Weird lol... I don't save for my retirement at this moment. I guess I have other things to achieve before thinking of that.

So yeah, my challenge money will be growing a little slower for this semester especially that now, I have to save for my China trip. -.-" Everything will be included except my personal expense. I will watch how I spend there. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 1 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43758] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43758 [entry_title] => Is there a future in being a Financial planner? [entry_stub] => are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/03/are-there-a-future-in-being-a-financial-_43758/ [entry_date] => 1222999518 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-02 21:05:18 [entry_text] => My cousin told me that there is no future in the financial industry due to the market crash. We are heading for a recession... Is it true that they are cutting people who work in Finance? I do not like where this is going... [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 5 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43685] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43685 [entry_title] => Brought my lunch to school today [entry_stub] => brought-my-lunch-to-school-today- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/10/01/brought-my-lunch-to-school-today-_43685/ [entry_date] => 1222838506 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-10-01 00:21:46 [entry_text] => I brought my lunch today... Though, I was eating in my Calculus class. Mom adds more stuff to my lunch and she had the idea of giving me two chicken legs. It's the sort of barbecue kind and I had difficulty eating it because I don't want to dirty my hands.

*sigh* I have to cut it next time... I am not going to eat like a pig.

Today, I save money because I brought my lunch to school. [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) [43650] => Array ( [journal_id] => 3357 [journal_url] => goxtina [author_photo] => 0 [journal_name] => This time is my way [journal_author] => Christina [journal_author_email] => [category_ids] => [categories] => Array ( [2642] => Array ( [category_id] => 2642 [category_name] => Me,myself and I [category_stub] => memyself-and-i ) ) [entry_id] => 43650 [entry_title] => No spend day! [entry_stub] => no-spend-day- [entry_url] => https://goxtina.savingadvice.com/2008/09/30/no-spend-day-_43650/ [entry_date] => 1222752050 [entry_date_mysql] => 2008-09-30 00:20:50 [entry_text] => I didn't spend a dime today which is incredible!! I usually spend around 5$ per day. Today... NOT A PENNY! =D [entry_active] => 1 [total_comments] => 0 [contest] => 0 [ever_published] => 1 [contains_images] => 0 ) ) -->


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