"We're Debt Free!"

So…I really love my new job.

I just realized I never even mentioned on this blog that I have a new job. I ended up getting a position at a great marketing firm in White Plains. I am basically an Administrative Assistant to the entire office. From the CEO, the EVP and the Accounting Department- I do a little bit of everything for everyone. I help the Purchasing Department by issuing purchase orders- which is a fancy way of saying I shop for them. I even help the Director of Merchandising do a bit of product research. Yesterday, he plopped a few new products on my desk and told me to go on the internet and find what other products are out there similar to it, prices, where to find it. Basically, I get paid to shop on the internet. I even get to take some cool samples home that are leftover inventory.

It’s pretty darn cool.

On Friday, the Marketing Department took me out to lunch to welcome me to the company. There were about ten of us. They took me to a place called Tramonto, a great little Italian place. Of course, I was nervous as hell.

The thing that I like about this job is that I sit alone. I work at my own pace and get done what needs to be done. I am not micromanaged. This also gives me the opportunity to be somewhat anti-social, which I sometimes enjoy. So the idea of sitting at a table with ten people I have never met before was a bit… daunting. When I got to the lunch, I thought I was fine until I realized that the focus of the entire luncheon was on me. Can you say heart palpitations?

So…I talked myself through it. Pretty soon I found myself saying some of Brian’s jokes and making the table laugh and smile. It worked out perfectly. I soon discovered that most of the executives were very close to my age. This was pretty inspiring but also pretty intimidating. I found myself wondering what I shoulda woulda coulda been if I had kept my eye on the ball and finished college.

All in all, my co-workers were incredibly cool. They treated me like an equal, made me feel incredibly welcome and also made me realize… I am working with a really great group of people. Talk of drinks after work and our next lunch made me realize that I was becoming part of a whole. It made me feel really good.

So work is work again. It is different this time around, though. The stress of the job is not there. I find myself having more fun at work than ever before. It is a good feeling. Everyday, I get up early. I am so punctual now that I actually get to work five minutes early every single day. Not to mention, it is so nice to have money coming in again.

I’m starting to feel a bit more but together. A bit more focused on what is next.

Lately, Brian and I are on a new page with our finances. We are reading a book by Dave Ramsey called “Financial Peace.” Every night we read two chapters out loud. We write down what we learn and have actually been taking the steps that Dave recommends to get “financial peace.” It’s already starting to help. It’s not that Brian and I are struggling, its that we want more out of the money that we work so hard to make. It’s kind of exciting to learn different tips and tricks on how to get your money to work for you. I thought I was clueless… but apparently I just needed some guidance.

I’m getting better at the budget thing. Granted, I’ve had a few slips. My money has gone from mine to ours. Everything is deposited jointly. Everything is shared. It’s tough but absolutely necessary.

So… my drunken I-Tunes downloads now become a major marital discussion on the couch. Last night, I downloaded the Rascal Flatts ultimate I-Tunes collection for $15. (I am going to a meet and greet with the Rascal Flatts on 11/2 and need to be prepared!! I mean can you blame me?) Anyway, I had to confess this to Brian this morning since I had done it in secret. I woke up with the worst feeling of buyer’s remorse. More or less, this had to do with the fact that my I-Tunes purchases are now debited out of our checking account and not my Capital One card. I’d forgotten I’d be caught red handed today. It wasn’t pretty. But…I’m learning! I am sure when I start to see the debt diminish and the savings sky rocket, I will be much more willing to follow the rules. Again…I’m learning.

Dave Ramsey also has a radio show that we stream once in a while from his website. People actually call and scream at the top of their lungs, “We’re debt free!!” We are waiting patiently for our turn. I can’t wait for it to happen. As a matter of fact… we should have a debt free party!! It would be so cute… dollar bill napkins and paper plates! We could have Pay Day candy bars and pictures of Ben Franklin and GW… Wait… er- no parties. It’s against the Dave’s financial goddamn plan. F*ck.