Spending Fast Update - 8 months down! Oh, and I GOT A NEW JOB!! :D

HEY GANG!!! 

So I'll tell you all about my new super awesome job that I'm totally excited about in just a minute (even though I know you're dying with anticipation), but as far as my Spending Fast goes, I think I did pretty darn well this month!  

I'm mostly excited about my Discover bill (the biggest one with the highest interest rate).  Check out THIS awesomeness: 

STARTING AMOUNT:  $4,423.11
CURRENT AMOUNT:  $1,017.41

SHIT. YES. 
I was so happy when I realized how close I am to getting that number under a grand.  Especially since that $4k number pretty much made me cry at the beginning of this year.  There's nothing you can't do if you just put your mind to it!  WOOT! 

Here is how I did with non-spending during the month of August: 

AUG
Date	Not buying	Approx $ not spent	Total $ Saved
8/1/2012	Derby Dues	$50.00	$50.00
8/4/2012	Waterworld (couldn't get free tix this year) :(	$40.00	$90.00
8/5/2012	Concert (Megan & I decided not to go, and save the $)	$8.00	$98.00
8/6/2012	Free burrito AND free chips & queso!!  (thanks, Qdoba!)	$13.00	$111.00
8/9/2012	Lunch at Breck Brewery (brought my own lunch, just went to say hi)	$15.00	$126.00
8/9/2012	Flavored Vodka (really wanted to get this for hot cocoa)	$20.00	$146.00
8/16/2012	Dress at Ross (I can't believe I walked out without it!  I'm growing!)	$15.00	$161.00
8/20/2012	The Clymb - big sale (would've gotten free stuff, but still $8 to ship!)	$8.00	$169.00
8/27/2012	TJ Maxx stuff (bought over weekend - returned items due to guilt)	$35.00	$204.00
8/27/2012	Comemerative beer mug (sale) for Oktoberfest (dangit!)	$10.00	$214.00
8/29/2012	Bottle of wine (really wanted one!)	$10.00	$224.00

Not too shabby!  
I started out with $13,168.04 of debt at the beginning of this year. 
I'm now left with $7,863.64 - that means I've paid off $5,304.40 in the past 8 months!  WOOHOO!  

And now on to the big news... 
I'm going to be working at a BAKERY!! 
I'm so doggone excited. 
Unfortunately this means I'll be taking a pretty big pay cut (the debt will now be decreasing in much smaller baby-steps), but I'll finally, FINALLY be doing something that I'm really excited about.  

I'm just starting as a "team member" - which means helping customers, probably cleaning, helping with prep work & all that, but I'm hoping to eventually move up the ranks.  The people at this bakery seem pretty darn awesome too, and I can't wait to start with them!  

OH, and did I mention the best part?  They're going to have me decorating CUPCAKES!!!  :D  

SO. AWESOME. 

Funny story on how it all happened actually.... 
On Wednesday I was thinking about how I really wanted to do something where I wasn't sitting at a desk all day.  That it would be fun to be working with food and people - both of which I enjoy doing so much!  Then I thought "What about a bakery?"

I went on Craigslist, and lo & behold, a bakery near my house was hiring. 

I was so excited that I emailed them my resume and explained how thrilled I was for the opportunity. 

That night, I decided to take a bit more initiative. 

Firstly, I prayed.  I haven't prayed in a long time, and I was much overdue.  I realized that I needed a little extra help - I could come so far, but I needed another little push in any way I could find it.  I realized that the money wasn't important - my happiness was.  That's what I truly wanted, and I prayed for it with all my heart. 

Secondly, I got up early, and scooted my butt down to the bakery with my resume.  I decided, they needed to meet me in person.  The email wasn't gonna cut it. 

Luckily, they wanted to do an interview on the spot!  I was totally honest about what I wanted to do, and explained how excited I was to work with them.  I told them that I love baking and cooking at home, and I'd be thrilled to do anything in regards to that - and I was more than ready to get out from behind a desk again.

The hired me right then & there!! 

The girl said that they had been through a bunch of interviews, and that they were just about to call someone that they would be OK with hiring...

...then I walked in the door. 

I cried the whole way home of happiness!!  
And of course, thanked God for the help. :) 
 
So this does mean that I will be away from the computer more, and posts may be a bit more infrequent starting next month.  But you know what?  That's OK with me.  I will be away from a computer and out living my life.  Don't worry though, I'll still keep you kids updated every chance I get!  

Especially about the opportunity to come and eat some cupcakes. :) 

I'm SO ridiculously excited about this new chapter in my life!!