No Data Package, Thank You

I have never been much of a "techy" person, but I do enjoy having a computer, cell phone, and an iPod to use. My thoughts on smartphones such as the Droid and iPhone have been mixed. I have nothing against people who own such phones, I on the other hand have no desire to be so "connected." I'm beginning to think however, that staying connected will be inevitable.

It's time for a cell phone upgrade, so last night I was on AT&T's website checking out some of the latest cell phones. I browsed the site knowing that I was looking for a cell phone with: great texting capabilities, excellent battery life, and a camera that takes better quality pictures than the one I have now. I found a few excellent candidates until I read the fine print below indicating the extra monthly charge I would need to pay for a REQUIRED data package. Soon I became quite frustrated that I am being required to pay for a data package that I simply do not want to use.

The phones that caught my eye prior to realizing they required such a spendy package were:

The Sony Ericsson Vivaz with an 8.0 megapixel resolution and the Motorola Backflip with a 5.0 megapixel resolution.  Realizing that these phones are out of my budget with the required data package monthly payment I began a new search and found the following:

               
The Pantech Impact with a 2.0 megapixel resolution and the Pantech Link with a 1.3 megapixel resolution. Let me recap for you quickly: Data Package Phone camera resolution = 8.1 megapixels, Phone Without Data Package = 2.0 megapixels. WHY?!!!!

I feel like there is some great marketing ploy to stop improving basic cell phones to increase customer desire for a smartphone with a data package. If that's their game, it's working. I so badly want to pay the extra money for a data package JUST to have a better camera on my phone. I won't do it because it's a waste of my money right now and I don't need a data package. I guess I don't need a nice camera on my phone either. This may need to be my mantra as I enter the AT&T store next weekend for a phone "I don't need that cool feature, I don't need that cool feature, I don't need that cool feature," so that by the time I make my purchase I can tell the clerk "No data package, thank you."

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~Matthew 6:19, 21


Blessing: I am able to continue my Master's Program this week with my first class of fall term.

A Budget Keeping, Coupon Clipping, Receipt Saving Kinda Girl

 
I am 42 days into a 90 day study on living the Proverbs 31 life. I started reading Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be by Donna Partow when I realized that I would not be teaching full time. I knew that I needed God to carry me through this trial and thought this would be a great study to draw me closer to Him. So far in my study, God has taught me about how to change my life by incorporating the following: Godly habits, healthy eating, strengthening my body, management tools, and financial planning.

The most recent chapter I studied dealt with Financial Planning. I am incredibly aware of finances now that I do not have a steady income and I am disappointed that I was not more conscious of my spending while I had a steady income. By no means was I a "shopoholic", but I definitely took advantage of picking up a pizza when I didn't want to cook dinner, making a late night run to McDonalds for a McFlurry, or grabbing a Chai Tea when I was near a Starbucks.

I am currently obsessed with updating our monthly budget, making the best use of coupons, and saving money wherever I can. Last week I realized how greatly I had fallen into society's idea that you need to have the trendy clothing, matching home decor, or food court meal at the mall. Greg insisted on going to the mall last weekend to purchase a video game (he traded in some of his used ones to get a discount. He's doing so well with this saving thing!) As we headed into the mall my mind started to race knowing that I was not there to shop. I had done such a good job for 3 weeks of only spending money on needs and not wants. As we passed by a clothing store I said to Greg, "Wow. I think I have a problem. My stomach is seriously hurting right now just knowing I can't buy anything while we're here." He laughed and said, "I think you're just hungry." Before leaving the mall I used a coupon for a free pretzel at Auntie Anne's and felt much better. Maybe I was just hungry... or maybe I felt better because I had "purchased" something. At any rate, I was proud of making a purchase without spending any money!

I'm so thankful to see that God is teaching me so much already in this trial I'm going through. It's not ideal to be unemployed at the moment but I think that God is teaching me to be wise when it comes to finances and preparing me to support, provide for, and take care of my family in the future.

Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? ~ Matthew 6:25

Blessing: I have 3 sub jobs next week and have scheduled many more for October and November!

A Stay at Home Mom... Only I'm Not a Mom

A recent victim of our economy, I find myself unemployed after teaching 3rd graders for 2 wonderful years. Awaiting confirmation on my substitute teaching registration has left me at home 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I am beginning to realize how stay at home moms feel, only I have no children, not even a pet at home to keep me busy.

My average day consists of the following:
8am: up with the hubby, eat breakfast, and make him lunch.
8:30am: TAG (Time Alone with God)
9:30am: Monmouth Fitness for an hour of cardio and 30 minutes of strength training.
11am: hit the showers, hair, makeup, etc.
12pm: lunch
12:30pm: Try to find something to do to keep me from watching television all afternoon!

When I first found out my teaching position was cut in June I thought, "God's going to take care of me." July rolled around and I thought, "Maybe I should start looking for other jobs. Nah, I'll be fine, God will take care of me." August approaches with the promises of stimulus money and I think "Praise God! I knew He would take care of me!" The end of August comes and as I'm cleaning out my classroom I think, "Lord, why didn't You take care of me?"

September starts and I feel angry, hurt, betrayed, and helpless. I decided to throw myself quite a few pity parties which my incredible husband put up with, bless his heart. Greg has had to wipe many tears, give several hugs, and say lots of encouraging words the past few weeks. And now, after a few weeks of tearful prayers questioning God, I'm praising Him for all He can do and will do in my life.

One reason I wanted to start this blog was to see how God blesses Greg and I during this tough financial time. He clearly has other plans for us than we had for ourselves. I can't wait to look back on the struggles we have been facing and see how God worked it all out for good. 

And we know in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him. *Romans 8:28

Blessing this week: God provided medical and dental care for me free of cost at the Health Center at Chemawa. Amazing how He planned all the way back to something like my heritage to help provide for me.