Totally not good at this blogging (or PF) thing. Ready for round 2.

Wow. It's been awhile. Since June! Ugh. I've definitely been thinking of this place but have been so so busy. Here's a brief update:

In June, I got in ANOTHER car accident! But it wasn't my fault this time, I swear! I got hit on a freeway transition ramp by a car who got hit by another car. Luckily, this time I didn't have to pay out of pocket for repairs because it wasn't my fault. I ended up driving around a rental for almost three weeks but finally got my car back by mid July.

A week after I got my car back I got a promotion! My boss offered me a management position which included a raise of 50%! It happened so fast that my head spun. On Friday, Boss offered me the position and told me to think about it over the weekend. On Monday I accepted (after consulting with many friends and family members). On Tuesday, I assumed the new position.

It was tricky (and still is) because I transitioned from an administrative support role to a manager with my own staff, including an admin I used to consider my peer. I've never managed before and I'm finding that the management side is much more difficult than the actual new job responsibilities. Luckily, Boss suggested to me two mentors within the company that are well respected so I'm meeting with them twice a month. Plus, I have one former boss who I've also asked to be my mentor that does not work in the company - I hope she can give me an outsiders perspective. Additionally, I've enrolled in a few management seminars for the "new manager".

Because I get paid monthly, I haven't seen any money yet from the raise. I'm expecting, after taxes, to be earning about 1K more a month. 1K free and clear of any bills or expenses! Wow! I'm so excited! I'll be able to do so much with it.

I do need to update my wardrobe to be more professional. The business casual I was able to get away with is no longer acceptable in my new role. I've already bought a few new pieces (3 pairs of slacks, two cardigans) but I'd like to get a crisp new suit and a new pair of pumps (I broke the heel off my brown ones which were over three years old).

After the wardrobe update (I promise to preplan my purchases and not go crazy), I'd like to throw money at the rest of my credit card debt and of course the emergency fund (which still does not exist). I haven't been great lately about managing my money. I haven't gotten into any trouble but I did pay two of my credit cards late this month which meant $25 late fees! UGH! And I was just a day late one of them . . . on the other I went to the store to pay it but they wouldn't take a debit card and I didn't have cash. Instead of paying the $1.50 convenience fee at the ATM I decided to pay it online, forgetting that there would be a massive late fee. Lame. I've also made some impulse purchases and have made Starbucks a daily morning destination.

An update on Luna's tail. I ended up canceling the vet appointment at SB's instance and after a day or two her tail did in fact start to get better. It turned out that she had a scratch at the base of her tail on her back that was preventing her from lifting it. I have no clue how she got it - I wish she could talk and tell me. On the bright side, within a week her tail was back to normal. SB was right!

So that's the update for now. I'm going to give this blog another try. I know it is a good tool and with my raise I need to stay accountable with my money. I've still been reading all of you although not commenting. I'll try to do better at that too.

xoxo, Mal