If Money Was No Object?

If Money were no object, what would you actually desire to do? Then why aren't you doing that now? Live your passion, the Rest, will Follow!

Xo TrishaTrixie

So Much Overhelm

So much overwhelm.

I dont even know what to say anymore.

I really want to get back to that feeling of pece I had when I was in Brave Girls but I feel like it is so very far away.

I don't have that person. In Grey's Anatomy Meredith and Shtina talk often about how they are each others "Person"

Who is my person?
I don't have one.
I never have.
Just when I think I do, I don't.
I have new friends.
I have old friends
I have those who know me
I have those who tell me to call anytime, but they are not my person.
Will I ever have a "person"

I take solace right now in listening to KLOVE Radio and allowing my heart ot feel.
Allowing my heart to cry
Allowing my heart to feel.

I am marrying a fabulous man in less than 20 days away and as it stands I have no family who is planning on attending my wedding. I, like many brides, am planning so much of this on my own, but even my MOH is MIA and who am I to fault her for being so far away?

I am trying to do things on a shoe string budget, which is fine, but damn it would be nice to have help once in awhile. Even the new gal who was gonna help me, of course bailed on me.

I don't share this often but at time I still feel slightly broken from the life that came before me. I feel I will never shake it. I have overcome it, yes and I am fabulous yes, but there is still that high school girl insecurity deep down and I think we all have our demons. Learning to overcome them does not remove us from them, it merely helps us to survive, succeed and move on.

I am the promoter of my business, doing it alone, netowkring alone, and so much alone.

I have become comfortable being alone and at time relish in it. However, there are times, I really wish I had a "person"

Tonight is a rare night, when I think WAY too much is going on and I am holding my own, but I really just want to go off somewhere and have a good cry....

Fighting for the Dream

I am so frustrated right now that I am just not sure whether to scream or cry.

I am fighting for this dream and I seem to be the only one with the vision.

I am bootstrapping it all the way and trying to get everything ready to go.

On top of that I am planning a wedding, still unpacking from the move, frustrated our house back in Iowa hasn't sold yet and doing everything I can not to go cuckoo!

There is a lack of patience on others part and I am sure it is my own fault because normally I am so responsive that when I am not, they just jump the gun and do what THEY want, not thinking what would be the most help for me or to me.

80% of startups fail.

I am fighting a hard battle and could really use your patience. I may not respond to your FB message right away, your email, or your text. But that doesn't mean I wasn't going to. Give me a breath to answer you, please.

I am a one woman show.

I do not have capital. I am bootstrapping it. Meaning every dollar spent is from my personal income.

I am stressed, in chronic pain I don't show because I refuse to be the grouch,  and frustrated.

I miss my old friends.

I love my new friends, but building those relationships don't happen overnight.

The ones I thought I would see I feel don't care enough to make me a priority in their life. I don't know what to do about that. It saddens me. But what to do.

As always I am alone, the one going and doing everything, alone.

When I want to do social things. Alone.

When I want to do business things. Alone.

I had this misconception that I would be hanging out with friends all teh time and I would come here knowing some people but of course, I am let down because I instilled that expectation and now I have been let down and it is my own fault.

Fighting for the dream to have a successful startup, do your own business, be successful, all of that, takes a lot of work and if I even had ONE person that was that one person I could share all of this with would be so much easier.

I am not giving up the fight.

Just felt the need to vent out my frustrations and I don't even know what to think or say or do anymore without fear of hurting someones feelings or pissing them off if I say something. So like always, my thoughts go out into the sir of the internet...

Maybe others who are also fighting for their dreams will see this. Maybe someone will understand....

Snowball Debt Payoffs

...

Ben and I have a snowball debt payoff plan and we have paid one of our debts off the list and so now I only have two payoffs in my list:

Therapist in Omaha, I only have $225 left to her or 9 payments of $25 a month, which is working out great!!

Child Support Arrearages we only have $7,000 which may sound like a ALOT , however, I originally owed $20,000 plus just a yer ago so we have been snowballing the SHIT out of this debt....

Here's why...

CSRU locks down your passport if you owe over $2,500 to them. Which means nowadays, you are limited ONLY to the US...no Mexico, no Canada, no Europe...

That sucks because Ben and I want to go to Canada in Nova Scotia where he was in immersion French school and we want to travel to the south of France and so on...

This year we have WAY too many things that need big chunks of payment so it won't get paid off this year, BUT he just told me before the end of next year we will have it paid off. Which tickles me pink!

I already feel, in just thinking about it, that I won't even know what to do with myself when that happens. I have been paying on that debt since 1993!!! Yes, there were times it didn't get paid which is why so much is owed and I won't go into why that happened with the exception to say, if you owe child support and you think it is a daunting responsibility, think about your future and if you want to be tied to that debt forever? If not, pay it now. Pay what you can, let them garnish you, let them take your taxes, the more they do, the more your debt it paid and it keeps that debt down.

I don't like being handcuffed to a financial responsibility as I am sure MOST people wouldn't either.

Having that debt has interfered with my life in so many ways and looking back, that ALL could have been avoided.

Don't let anyone else tell you not to pay it either.

I do't take if your spouse wants to put money elsewhere or you think you want to do other things than pay that dent, I will tell you, DON'T.

Be financially responsible and just pay it! PAY IT!

For me now, I can see the light at the end of a long dark tunnel.

I can almost feel the air of financial freedom.

I can almost touch the joys of having that debt paid off will grant me.

Don't allow yourself to get behind on your payments or leave gaps of non payment in your Child Support history.

Work three jobs if you have to, make money on the side by doing crafts, whatever it takes to earn money to pay it, it is worth it.

Be a person of credibility, a person of trust, a person who is a credible and honorable person by taking care of it.

...You will thank yourself later when you look back and see honor and credibility in your past so you can happiness and joy in your future!

Until Next Time,

XoXO Trisha Trixie

We didn't use or read Dave Ramsey, but if you don't know where to start he is a great resource
https://www.mytotalmoneymakeover.com/debt-snowball/

I used Andrea from ABC Creativity aka The Creative Dream Incubator
http://theartoftrishatrixie.blogspot.com/2012/06/my-creative-money-map.html

Apartment Scouting Adventure

Today I am traveling from Des Moines to Denver to embark on a new adventure...Apartment Scouting. It has been awhile since I have had to do apartment searching. Hunney Pants and I have been living in the house in Des Moines for so long we forgot what it was like (Even though I grew up in California and am more used to the Metro way of life).

Because we are moving to a NEW area neither of us have lived, we decided to sell the house here and get an apartment out in Denver South until we know the area better. We are still keeping our eyes open for condos and homes etc, but apartment life is going to be the way for us for a little while.

Everyone looks for different things when home hunting and some are even refined for apartment hunting. I have a general way of looking at things no matter what. Hunney and I actually put together a Google Sheets with the things and started Ranking them based on the following:

1. Look and feel of the apartment/home on its own merits. Does it have the bedrooms we need, the living space we desire and the amenities of the apartment that appeal to us the most being : A good layout, washer and dryer IN the unit itself, and the appliances we desire.
2. The look and feel of the complex: Is it in a good neighborhood, what are the surroundings like, are the exterior buildings kept up in good shape, does the property keep it clean and not falling apartment.
3. The neighbors: Can I hear a child screaming through the walls, are there tons of college age kids partying around or kids running amuck, and do the neighbors scents and smells exude to the place I am looking at?
4. I look at online reviews and take heed to what others rave about or complain about. If it appears that the only reviews came from the community, it is likely they are unreal. If there is a mix of good and bad, does the good outweigh the bad? And what they complain about matters too? Is it BS complaints or are they saying real things about the landlords, community or the leasing company?
5. The neighborhood surrounding the community: Is it in a good area? Is the area run down? Am "I" the minority? Would I feel safe? Is it newer or older? What is within walking distance and what do I have to drive to? How hard is it to get to the things I need, use and will want on a regular basis.
6. WalkScore: There is a site called www.walkscore.com and this told us how close or far things are. The place we are in now has a Walkscore of 14, the places we are looking at are anywhere from 47 to 76. Meaning, a higher walkscore means things are ready available in walking distance.
7. Is the price worthy of all of the above? If I don't feel it is, I won't stay there.
8. Parking: Are there garages, carports, how many to each apt, do we have to pay extra for them or does it come with?
9. Do they allow pets? For us currently we have three. In a way I am glad because that REALLY narrowed down our search. What are their rules on pets, deposit, monthly pet rents etc.
10. Distance to work? This is for Hunney because he has to drive. Close, far, freeway, how long?
11. Meeting places for me: Are there business spaces I can use on site or do I have to go off site all the time?
12. Smoking or non Smoking: With me having migraines all the time, smoking is a huge issue.
13. Psycho Application: Meaning did we have to or do we have to jump through hoops to get in the place?
14. Friendliness: Once I DID start talking to people, how kind were they, were they stuffy, was it a call center or did I talk to an ON SITE mgr?
15. Budget: For the things they offer is the price worth it in our budget?

We take into consideration MANY things I don't think other renters or buyers are looking at. I honestly think a lot of people just show up and lay the money down.

To my credit, my mother used to be a rental manager so I think of a lot of things others don't. To boot, Hunney and I are VERY picky.

I am looking forward to this excursion and finding a place that will be our new home for the next twelve months.

I also recognize that Hunney Pants has a lot of faith in me. He helped with research but ultimately he is leaving the decision to me and he won't even see the home or surroundings until we arrive to unpack and pick up our keys! 

That's another reason why I gave myself enough time. Once I find the place, then I want to REALLY get to know the surroundings so I can help us acclimate.

This is a very exciting time in our lives. For the first time we BOTH will be in an unknown area and get the chance to explore it TOGETHER and once married, as newleyweds!

Huzzah to new adventures!!

Until Next Time,

XoXo Trisha Trixie

Selling with a Checklist: The Trixie Way

This is our Selling Checklist. This is another one I found online. Again, it is a helpmate, but I realize not everything pertains to us.

We made many repairs before we even listed, however, I failed to realize all the MANY things we would STILL need to do even after we listed the house. GAH!!

Hope this helps you if you are selling your home too!

To Do List

Selling House

Project / Task

The condition of your home's exterior is most important when it comes to buyer appeal. Touch up trim paint on doors, window frames, fascia, etc.

If your lawn shows no signs of life, a little fertilizer and some water will do wonders for its color. Mow and edge the lawn frequently until the home is sold.

Overgrown shrubbery should be cut back to show as much of the exterior as possible.

A low-cost investment in seasonal flowers or ground cover will add a personal touch.

Replace missing shutters, gutters, and downspouts and remove any debris.

Inspect the roof for necessary repairs and any visible broken shingles or tiles.

Cracks in the driveway and sidewalks can be easily repaired with ready-mix cement. For excessive stains, there are easy-to-use cleaning agents at your home repair store.

Stucco water stains can be repaired using a mild bleaching agent.

Fences should be mended and painted.

If the street sweeper does not come every week, make sure the area in front of your curb and driveway are clear of debris. Wash it down with the hose.

Wash all windows inside and outside.

All of these suggestions may also apply to your back yard or child's play area.

Clean your home from top to bottom.

Put all valuables in a safe place.

Repair any cracks or holes in walls and touch-up paint.

Doors should be cleaned and touched-up as well. All torn screens should be repaired or replaced.

Avoid repainting the entire house unless current colors are very loud or offbeat. White or light pastels are the easiest for new homeowners to work with and they make your rooms look larger.

Have carpeting and draperies cleaned.

Carpeting should be vacuumed throughout the house the day your home is being shown.

If you have a fireplace, make sure all tile is in good condition, the screen is in good shape, and the hearth is clean.

Lubricate squeaking doors, windows, and cabinets.

Put deodorizers in each room and closet.

Store out-of-season clothes so closets do not look cluttered.

Pre-pack items, which may clutter your home and make rooms appear smaller.

A few colorful plants will help liven and add color to the interior.

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house. Keep the counters clean and clear of appliances. All appliances should be clean and neatly organized. An open appearance with sunlight and green plants here and there will make the room a focal point. Make it light and bright!

Never leave dirty dishes in the sink.

Clean and wax the kitchen floor. If the floor looks old and dull, consider replacing the flooring.

Clean fans and vent hoods.

All bathroom appliances should be thoroughly cleaned. Remove stains from sinks, toilets, and bathtubs.

Replace old caulking around bathtub and sinks.

Repair or replace leaky faucets.

Unclog and sanitize drains to remove odors.

Clean all mirrors.

Keep all toilet seat lids closed.

Fresh towels should be in the bathrooms at all times.

Have a garage sale to dispose of any unwanted items. Family heirlooms, which you will take with you, should be boxed and stored in the garage until you move.

Degreasers are available at your local home repair store to remove stains from the garage floor.

Remove any cobwebs.

If the basement or attic is a functioning part of the house, make sure the area is clean and in good repair.

Dust and vacuum the whole house thoroughly.

Lightly clean and straighten up living areas.

Open all drapes and blinds to let in as much light as possible. Turn on lamps and other lights as necessary to brighten each room.

If you're planning to move around the same time you're selling your home, try to arrange showings while the furniture is still in the house.

Any household or children's items should be stored away. This includes toys, bikes, skateboards, etc.

Turn television sets off. Turn on a radio with soft music at low volume.

While your home is being held open, arrange to spend the time away from the house, especially if you have small children. If this is not possible, go for a walk, visit a neighbor, or keep children quiet when your home is being shown to prospects.

Keep pets away from potential buyers and keep pet areas clean.

Your agent may request to serve refreshments. If not, feel free to suggest this.

Try baking chocolate chip cookies or brownies just before the open house. A pleasant aroma means �home� to many people.

Once the open house begins, let your agent do the job. Do not try to assist unless asked by the agent showing your home.

If you're trying to sell any household items, do not bring this up, unless you are asked. Remember to keep your valuables in a safe place.

Should a buyer stop by when your not having an open house, refer all inquires to your agent. Feel free to answer questions the buyer might have, but again, refer as much as possible to your agent, as he/she will be able to answer in the most positive manner.

Save visiting agents' business cards for your agent. Write down the date on the back of the visiting agent's business card and indicate if the agent had buyers with them.

Notify your agent if you'll be out of town and how to contact you. Timing is EVERYTHING!

Moving with a Checklist: The Trixie Way to Go

Moving. The every daunting task. If moving out of one home was all there was, I think it would nto be so daunting. However, we have Sell the house, pack, find a new place, arrange trailers or trucks, move to new place unpack and yeah, oh by the way, plan a wedding and handle two businesses along with your health issues.

Hey, but I'm not complaining. (Ok I am a little) I keep telling myself "I wanted this" so as not to kill myself for suggesting it. I found a sheet on line that I am using to help me do everything needed for the move.

There are a few things on here I don't need because I don't have littles (however I do have cats) and some things don't apply, but for the most part, this is ONE of the sheets I am using. I have a whole other one for selling the house (I'll do that post next) but for now, this to me comes first. Either way, we are moving and all these things need to be done.

It is all a bit daunting to me, but I know one way or the other it will get done even if it isn't in my perfect little checklist or order.

I am using this to help me along the way so I don't go cray cray.

Some would say, the ship has sailed on that one ! :)

Hope this helps you if you are moving.

Or perhaps you are a follower or friend who delights in the life of Trisha Trixie and how she handles thing in her world.

Ok, I am talking in third person now....I things the moving has gotten to me. :)

TTFN...
XOXO Trisha Trixie

Moving Checklist
		Moving Checklist by Vertex42.com
		© 2010 Vertex42 LLC
	1-2 Months Before Move
	[ ]	Create binder/folder for moving records (estimates, receipts, inventory lists, etc.)
	[ ]	Plan your moving method (truck rental, hiring movers, etc) and get cost estimates
	[ ]	See if your employer will provide moving expense benefits
	[ ]	Research storage facilities if needed
	[ ]	Schedule disconnection/connection of utilities at old and new place
		[ ] Phone [ ] Internet [ ] Cable [ ] Water [ ] Garbage [ ] Gas [ ] Electric
	[ ]	Plan how you will move vehicles, plants, pets and valuables
	[ ]	Plan how you will arrange furniture in the new place - use a floor plan or sketch
	[ ]	Hold a garage sale, donate, sell, or trash unnecessary items
	[ ]	Schedule transfer of records (medical, children in school, etc.)
	[ ]	Get copies of any records needed (medical, dental, etc.)
	[ ]	Acquire packing materials (boxes, tape, stuffing/padding, markers, etc.)
	[ ]	Make any home repairs that you have committed to making
	[ ]	Return borrowed, checked-out and rented items
	[ ]	Get things back that you have lent out
	[ ]	Start using up food you have stored so there is less to move
	3-4 Weeks Before Move
	[ ]	Finalize moving method and make necessary arrangements
	[ ]	Begin packing non-essential items
	[ ]	Label boxes by room and contents
	[ ]	Separate valuable items to transport yourself - label as DO NOT MOVE
	[ ]	Keep a box out for storing pieces, parts and essential tools that you will want
		to keep with you on move day - label as PARTS / DO NOT MOVE
	[ ]	Create an inventory list of items and box contents, including serial numbers
		of major items - use this as an opportunity to update your home inventory
	[ ]	Fill out a Change of Address form at a post office or online
	[ ]	Provide important contacts with your new address:
		[ ] Employers [ ] Family & Friends [ ] Attorney [ ] Accountant [ ] Others
	[ ]	Notify your insurance and credit card companies about change of address
	[ ]	Cancel automated payment plans and local accounts/memberships if necessary
	[ ]	Take your vehicle(s) in for a tune-up, especially if you are traveling very far
	1-2 Weeks Before Move
	[ ]	Continue packing and clean as you go
	[ ]	Pack items separately that you will need right away at your new place
	[ ]	Plan to take the day off for moving day
	[ ]	Find useful things for your children to do - involve them as much as possible
	[ ]	Find someone to help watch small children on move day
	[ ]	Begin to pack your suitcases with clothes and personal items for the trip
	[ ]	Reconfirm your method of moving with those involved
	[ ]	Make sure your prescriptions are filled
	[ ]	Empty out your safe deposit box, secure those items for safe travel
	[ ]	Schedule cancellation of services for your old place
		[ ] Newspaper [ ] Housecleaning [ ] Lawn [ ] Pool [ ] Water Delivery
	[ ]	Check your furniture for damages - note damages on your inventory
	[ ]	Take furniture apart if necessary (desks, shelves, etc.)
	[ ]	Make sure all paperwork for the old and new place is complete
	[ ]	If traveling far, notify credit card company to prevent automated deactivation
	[ ]	Get rid of flammables such as paint, propane, and gasoline
	[ ]	Try and use up perishable food
	2-4 Days Before Move
	[ ]	Confirm all moving details and that you have necessary paperwork
	[ ]	Make a schedule or action plan for the day of the move
	[ ]	Plan when/how to pick up the truck (if rented)
	[ ]	Prepare for the moving expenses (moving, food, lodging)
	[ ]	Continue cleaning the house as you are packing
	[ ]	Defrost your freezer and clean the fridge
	[ ]	Make sure essential tools are handy (screwdrivers, wrench, pliers, tape, etc)
	[ ]	Pack a bag for water bottles, pen/paper, snacks, documents, and essentials
	[ ]	Set aside boxes/items that you are moving yourself (make sure you'll have room)
	Moving Day
	[ ]	Remove bedding and take apart beds
	[ ]	Go early to pick up the truck if you rented one
	[ ]	Take movers/helpers through the house to inform them of what to do
	[ ]	Walk through the empty place to check for things left behind - look behind doors
	[ ]	Leave your contact info for new residents to forward mail
	[ ]	Take inventory before movers leave, sign bill of lading
	[ ]	Make sure your movers have the correct new address
	[ ]	Lock the windows and doors, turn off the lights
	[ ]	Use a padlock to lock up a rented truck
		At your new place …
	[ ]	Verify utilities are working - especially power, water, heating, and cooling
	[ ]	Perform an initial inspection, note all damages, take photographs if needed
	[ ]	Clean the kitchen and vacuum as needed (especially where furniture will be going)
	[ ]	Direct movers/helpers where to put things
	[ ]	Offer drinks and snacks, especially if the helpers are volunteers
	[ ]	Assemble beds with bedding
	[ ]	Begin unpacking, starting with kitchen, bathroom and other essentials
	Moving In - Weeks 1-2
	[ ]	Check for damages while unpacking - be aware of deadline for insurance claims
	[ ]	Replace locks if necessary and make at least 2 copies of your new keys
	[ ]	Confirm that mail is now arriving at your new address
	[ ]	Make sure your previous utilities have been paid for and canceled
	[ ]	Complete your change of address checklist
		[ ] Bank(s) [ ] Credit Cards [ ] IRS [ ] Loans [ ] Insurance [ ] Pension plans
		[ ] Attorney [ ] Accountant [ ] Physicians [ ] Family support
		[ ] Newspapers [ ] Magazines [ ] Licenses [ ] Memberships
	[ ]	Schedule a time to get a local driving license and update vehicle registration
	[ ]	Get local phonebooks and maps
	[ ]	Find new doctors, dentists, etc, depending on your needs & insurance
	[ ]	After you are moved in, update your home inventory, including photos of rooms
	[ ]	Update your renters insurance or homeowners insurance if needed