December 31

Posted on December 31, 2006 9 Comments

December 31. A day for reflecting back on the highs and lows of the year that was; a day for thinking ahead about all the glorious possibilities that might be, that could be, in the year ahead. But mostly, a day to sleep in, primp and get really, really drunk with your friends at some bar you’ve never been to, surrounded by mostly total strangers, where likely some drama will occur, your cell phone and coat will be lost, all the cabs will be full and you’ll usher in the New Year by fending off some greasy dude looking for sweet 2007 lovin’ while you attempt to get just one more martini from the bartender, even though the drink special’s over and your neon pink plastic bracelet is long gone.

Good times.

As a favor to you, my pretties, while you take your last long hot showers of 2006, slice and spice the meat for your fondue parties while wearing velcro rollers, polish your nails with that deliciously addictive Chanel Black Satin and contemplate the merits of wearing a plunging neckline tonight, I have studiously compiled my list of the best and worst of 2006, all from my vantage point, of course. And mostly from my collection of receipts, mind you. Also, I’ve attempted to take a look back at my financial goals for 2006.

So here it is, my year that was:

Raves

• My California trip. The central coast of California is one of the most beautiful places in America. I would say the world, but I haven’t seen enough of it yet to make that call. I’ve never felt more relaxed.
• New hair. I went from long, layered summery blond to coffee brown bob. And so far, it’s been a smashing success. Ladies (and gents), never be afraid to try a new look. Be daring, be bold. And most importantly, be age appropriate.
• Paying off my braces. That just happened. I was so excited the day I swiped my debit card, I think I squealed.
• iPod nano. Although this one was a gift, I love it. Highly recommended for your 2007 birthday lists.
• Green tea. This was the year that I officially gave up coffee. Well, for now. Decaf green tea only for me, please. I finally sleep through the night, and wake up rested.
• Gap jeans. They fit well. And they’re cheaper than the $122 pair that I bought and later returned. I don’t miss those at all.
• Target. My entire Christmas outfit came from there. Under and outer layers. Sayonara Victoria’s Secret!
• Books. The Time Traveler’s Wife, Middlesex, Shopgirl, Founding Brothers and the Life of Pi all earn high marks from me.
• Health. My friends, my family, me. We are a healthy bunch, and for that, I am blessed.
• Employment. We lost our biggest account, and I kept my job. Phew!
• Flex spending. A total success in my first year.

Rants

• Braces. I am tremendously excited to get them removed in 2007. It’s sort of difficult to fathom yourself an adult when you wear rubber bands to bed.
• Bridesmaids dresses. I love my girls more than anything, and by purchasing three bridesmaids dresses in 2006, I have shown my love and loyalty. Do you know how unfriendly bridal shops are to girls who walk in without engagement rings???? I do.
• Biological clocks. Tick, tick.
• Expensive jeans. I long for an expensive pair, but feel super guilty when I buy them, and end up returning them.
• Stiletto heels. I hate getting my heels retipped. I think it’s a rip off. They should really last longer than a few months. Thank god flats are in style.
• The scheduling of Scrubs. When is it on, exactly? And why can’t I ever find it?
• Macy’s. Sorry, you are no Marshall Fields. I’ll still shop there, but I won’t be happy about it.
• Moving. Brian just reminded me how upset I got when we almost moved to Naperville. It seemed very scary and foreign at the time.

Sure, I know there were a lot of really big things happening in the world this year, what with the passing of civic and world leaders, agenda-changing elections, the debate over the terms “sectarian” vs. “civil war,” the rise of user-generated content (and my own myspace page) and the divorce of Britney and K-Fed, but I trust that’s not what you come here to hear about.

Regarding my goals for the year, I did well! Let’s take a look:

1. Increase my savings (account) to $7,000.
I’ve actually split my savings into two accounts, and together they now total more than $10,000!!! I nearly want to cry when I read what I just typed. I know it sounds like a lot, but remember, I’m trying to save at least $20,000 for a downpayment. So I’m about halfway there. I can’t, can’t, describe how amazing that feels.

2. Increase my 401k to 5%.
It’s up to 6% now!

3. Decrease student loans to $7,500
As of today, they’re at $7,440.95.

4. Pay off my braces.
Completed on December 8.

Now THERE’s a reason to celebrate!

As for 2007, well, there’s a time for goal setting, and that time is not today. I will do that next week, and I hope you will, too. For now, I have to paint my nails a lovely shade of vixen, pick out my plunging neckline and fiddle with my hair and makeup, for a night out with the bubbly.

Enjoy your evening and have a healthy and happy 2007!

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I'm a working girl on a budget. Follow my journey from chronic overspender to power saver!

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