The Debt Chronicles

New blog:

2010-07-01T08:21:00.001-07:00

I've recently started a new blog:

http://weighterhater.blogspot.com

See you there!

My Last Post.

2009-10-28T09:58:00.007-07:00

Okay okay okay...

It's been three months, I know. But a whole LOT has been happening in the last three months and writing about it all just seemed completely overwhelming.

Well overwhelming or not, it's time to tell you a story.

As everyone knows, I have been under a massive amount of debt. You wouldn't be reading this blog if you didn't know that. Anyway, with all of this debt (one of my monthly payments was $730 each month) I have been unable to save anything, and unable to take advantage of this buyer's housing market.

Until about a month ago.

Mom calls me, out of the blue, on Tuesday, September 22, while I was driving home. She told me she would like to pay off all of my debts so I can buy a house while the market is so good. Have you ever driven a car, talked on the cell phone, and cried at the same time? Yeah, I was one of THOSE drivers that day.

Apparently Mom called all of my sisters before she contacted me to tell them of her plan and make sure that they were supportive of it, since she wasn't offering it to anyone else. They all supported it 100% and when Mom told me that, I knew my life was about to change.

The money Mom used to pay these debts off (they were still pretty significant - almost $37,000) came from my dear dad's life insurance policy. I feel like Dad has had a hand in this from the beginning and I'm continually choked up realizing the course of events that have happened since he died on July 30. I have no doubt that he's helping us out from the other side.

Speaking of helping me out, I started looking at houses almost immediately. I looked and looked and looked, mostly at homes that were short sales. Saw one that was a foreclosure with my sister Andrea, who afterward said she was so discouraged for me after seeing that most DISGUSTING house and thinking that was all that was out there for me. Thankfully, that wasn't the case. Everyone has told me over and over that when I find "my home" I would know.

I found it.

(Picture of the model home - mine will look very similar)

It's almost perfect. Not completely perfect because it's a little far away, but I'm okay with that. It's located in San Tan Valley, AZ (used to be Queen Creek Pinal county) and it's a new build. It has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, maple cabinets, granite countertops, and they're including all of my kitchen appliances, a washer and dryer, as well as a 42-inch screen TV. AND my closing date is November 18, 2009 (3 weeks from TODAY), which means I get the $8,000 tax credit because I'm a first time home buyer and I'm closing before the November 30, 2009, due date.

Ever hear of a USDA home loan? It's offered if you purchase in a rural area, such as Queen Creek and San Tan Valley. It's 100% financed - all they require is $1,000 earnest money and I get that back at closing. No out of pocket costs at all and no PMI is required. I hear that in and of itself is a big deal.

So cool.

The house is awesome. It's 1,614 square feet with a small front and back yard. The builder will landscape the front yard for me, and the backyard is small enough that I won't have to worry too much about it once I get it landscaped.

(My house at it's beginning stages)

Seriously, it's just about perfect.

And I can't wait.

With all of this said, I will probably be going dark on my blog. There isn't much else to share with you. I don't ever plan on getting into the debt situation again, EVER, and therefore my life has nothing else to report on. I am pretty boring, but am awfully happy and content.

But happy and content don't necessarily make for interesting reading.

So I'm signing off. You can catch me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/tara.larue) and Twitter (twitter.com/TaraLaRue).

Love and a debt-free life to you all.
Tara LaRue

Passionate About Savings

2009-08-12T11:08:00.002-07:00

I LOVED this article, because he was speaking personally to me. Have I done anything about it yet? Nope. But it's food for thought and I need to chew on it and digest it and DO IT. Someday.

Once again, may I present you DAVE RAMSEY and his article titled "The Secret to Saving Money."

I hope it affected you as much as it did me.

PS: Dad died two weeks ago tomorrow. We are all doing okay. Tears come and go rather quickly and rather randomly, but they don't seem to be as constant. My mom is brave and AMAZING and I love her example to us all.

Allan James LaRue

2009-07-30T14:14:00.002-07:00

My sweet, darling, funny, kind-hearted dad died today.

He was born on June 18, 1941, and died on July 30, 2009. He was 68 years old.

He and my mom just celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on July 7.

He looks peaceful, for the first time in months.

I'm sad. But I'm grateful.

I love my dad and will miss him terribly, but am happy to know I'll be with him again someday when it's my time to go.

That's all.

My Car, Again.

2009-07-27T08:16:00.002-07:00

I have a confession to make.

I have used a credit card and will now be making payments (AGAIN) to pay it off.

My E flat car was too loud for comfort. I decided I needed to get to Utah (which is where I am now) and driving would be cheaper than flying, not to mention I wanted to have my car with me while in Utah since I don't know how long I'm going to be here. To do this, it needed some help.

$773.14 later, the help came, but obviously at a cost.

It needed two tires, brake pads, battery, wheel bearings, lube/oil, and transmission fluids replaced (or transmission flush maybe?). The good news was the labor costs were less than the parts cost by about half. I feel like they were honest and good to me and I'm grateful for Dana Tire for making me feel that way. First time ever that I didn't feel like I got a lousy deal.

But I didn't have a spare $800, so thank goodness for an empty credit card that I could use and hopefully pay off quickly.

My house plan has been postponed for a few months - I was hoping to be able to seriously start looking in January, but with this new credit card bill, with my need to be here in Utah with my parents (for Dad's status, please go HERE - it's my sister's blog that she updated just today), no merit increase this year, etc., those plans have been postponed for a while - probably for another year.

I'm bummed a little, but I'm also okay with it. There are other way more important things for me to be focusing on right now and honestly finding a house is the least of my worries.

Back to my car. It no longer makes an E flat noise. I have found myself speeding way too much because of this. When it went higher than that sound, I knew I was speeding and immediately slowed down. No more sound - no more obvious sign that I need to slow up. Luckily I haven't gotten in trouble yet, but I do need to watch myself. I can't believe how much I came to rely upon that audible reminder...

Anyway, this blog is my confession to you all and I figured I needed to let you know.

As far as my dad is concerned, it is so hard to see him slipping away from us, yet I wouldn't be anywhere else and I don't want to be anywhere else and I'm oh so grateful for an employer who feels the same way and insisted I come here to be with him and my mom. I love having the ability to work from home and work with people who are kind and thoughtful and sincere and are willing to be "me" in the office when the need arises. I am truly, TRULY blessed.

E flat

2009-06-24T09:40:00.003-07:00

If any of you have driven in my car lately, you know how LOUD it is.

A few months ago I got two new tires. Because of this, for whatever reason, the two new tires and the two old tires aren't loving each other and the ride in my car is friggin' loud. Seriously - ear splitting. I. Am. Not. Lying.

There is one little perk to this, though. I find that the sound that it makes when I'm going the appropriate speed limit sounds like E flat on the piano. If it goes any higher than E flat, I am speeding. Any lower and I'm going too slow.

I can also harmonize with the sound when I'm driving at a steady pace.

It really is hilarious.

And I really am retarded.

I should get two more new tires but these older ones aren't sufficiently worn down yet. Gotta get the most out of them to get my money's worth.

And no one wants to ride with me anywhere any more, so I don't have to drive anywhere so I save gas money.

See, I did manage to tie this to getting out of debt (smile).

My Dad.

2009-06-15T10:52:00.004-07:00

My sister Cassie spent some time with my dad yesterday and updated her blog with his status and some pictures. Please feel free to take a look:

Cassie's Blog

I love this man and wish he felt as good as he looks. Damn Cancer...

My Mom.

2009-06-11T11:15:00.011-07:00

I was talking to my mom last night on the phone. A family friend died earlier this week and we were talking about that, about my dad, about life in general, and mom mentioned that I don't post enough on my blog. She thinks I need to do it more often. She's not the first to tell me this, but she's definitely the most insistent.

I told her there's only so much to say - yes I am still in debt - yes I'm still trying to get it taken care of - yes it's a neverending process, etc. Not a whole lot of new things to report on.

So - since there's nothing new to post, Mom, this blog post is dedicated to you.

SHARON IRENE NELSON LARUE

(Mom and my niece Kalli)

My mom was born October 16, 1941, in Morenci, Arizona (strange town - the hospital where she was born wasn't demolished - it was buried with mining waste - isn't that odd?). She was born to Everett and Laura Nelson. She has two brothers (Norman and Keith) and two sisters (Gayle and Sandy) and was the middle child (just like me). She moved to Mesa, AZ as a baby.

(Mom, Aunt Gayle, Aunt Sandy - Mom's sisters)

Mom grew up in Mesa, Arizona and graduated from the old Mesa High School in 1959. One of the coolest things I got to wear while in high school (Mesa High School class of 1988) was my mom's class ring - it was awesome. (No idea where that ring is today. Cassie, do you have it?) It was cool to have a piece of my mom's history with me every day and I really enjoyed wearing it.

Mom and Dad have been married since July 7, 1962.

(Mom and Dad, Thanksgiving 2008)

Mom was a beauty operator (hairstylist these days) and worked in a salon until she had her first baby. Leslie (my oldest sister) came on May 31, 1963, and Mom has been a full-time hair-styling mother since then. Because she had five daughters, her hair styling talents and abilities were never lost and always, ALWAYS used. I was 20 years old before I had to pay anyone to cut my hair. I was and am so grateful to mom for all the haircuts, henna washes, perms (oh so many perms when you grew up in the 80s), and colors received over the years.

(LaRue sisters with picture-perfect hair: [L-R] Andrea, Stacey, Tara, Cassie, Leslie)

When Andrea and I returned from Maui recently, Mom told me she wishes she could go up and parasail. Isn't that awesome? I would LOVE to see my mom parasail. I would love for my mom to have an opportunity to be able to parasail.

(Tara, Sister and Brother LaRue - Smith Farm, Palmyra, NY)

Mom and Dad served a mission to the Rochester, NY mission from February 2007 to January 2008. I had the honor and privilege of visiting them while they were there. It was a beautiful (COLD) area where they served and they were beloved by everyone there.

(Sister and Brother LaRue, Rochester, NY Mission)

The tenderness I've witnessed lately between my mom and dad is something I will never, ever forget. They love each other so much and thrive around each other. Dad is a much better patient when Mom is near him. When she's not around, he gets a little agitated and doesn't seem to do as well. They are each other's ying to the other's yang (I don't know what that means - I just liked the sound of it).

Mom, I hope this doesn't embarrass you too much, but I just wanted the world to know a little more about you. I love you, I'm grateful for you, and I'm grateful for all you do for me and the rest of our family. I love how you love Dad and am grateful that you're willing to carry the world on your shoulders for him. I hope somehow to find a way to help lighten your burden. In the meantime, I'll just constantly pray for you to have the strength to face each day.

(Mom and Tara, Niagara Falls, Buffalo, NY)

Love you Mom!

Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, Doc, Happy, Bashful, and...

2009-06-04T10:04:00.003-07:00

...GRUMPY.

I woke up this morning mad. And cranky. And grumpy.

No one wants to hear a bunch of whining and gritching and groaning, so I probably shouldn't be blogging while so cranky. Instead, I'm going to direct you to my roommate's blog:

http://jabrink.blogspot.com

She's going to Ethiopia next month and is trying to raise money to do a day long EFY (Especially For Youth) conference for around 200 young church members there. This will take some time and effort (both of which Jennifer is excited to donate) and money (she's hoping to raise around $1,500) to make this happen.

If you go to her blog, there is a PayPal button on the right-hand side that will enable you to donate to her cause.

She can take as little or as much as you can donate - nothing is too small or too big.

http://jabrink.blogspot.com

And if you would like to spread the word, that would be simply fantastic.

http://jabrink.blogspot.com

Thanks everyone.

From,
Grumpy Goat Tara

PS: Again, if you missed it, her blog address is http://jabrink.blogspot.com

Maui Update

2009-05-22T11:04:00.014-07:00

I have been home all week long with a horrible case of pneumonia. Whine whine whine.

During this time home, I should have been blogging like crazy with all this spare time that I have. Instead I have chosen to play on Facebook, Twitter a bit, watch TV, and sleep. A lot. I can't believe how much sleeping I have been doing.

Anyway, because of all of the online activities I've been doing, I haven't felt like blogging. I heard I'm not the only one who feels this way. Since Twitter and Facebook are the thing to do these days, a lot of people are foregoing their personal blogs because they can do snippets of stuff on FB and Twitter.

My mom doesn't like that and has asked me to keep posting on my blog since she doesn't do, nor understand, Facebook or Twitter. I'm happy to oblige.

My sister Andrea and I went to Maui on Tuesday, May 12, 2009. We were seriously squealing with each other, completely amazed that we were going and were going for free. I was a little bummed 'cause I woke up the morning before with a huge weight on my chest, feeling like I was coming down with a good chest cold. I figured I could cough just as well in Maui as I could in Gilbert. Nothing was going to stop me.

(I apologize for those of you who were on my flight both going and coming back - I kept my coughs to myself, but it wasn't fair to expose you and I should have at least worn a mask. I am truly sorry.)

Our flight left Phoenix at 9:30 a.m. and we arrived in San Francisco for about an hour layover. We left San Fran a little after 1:00 and were on our way to Maui. When we first checked in to our flight, Andi and I weren't sitting together on either flight. We at least wanted to try to sit near each other on the flight to Maui, so I talked to the ticket agent. She was willing to change our seats, but it was a $64 upcharge. I don't need to pay $64 to talk to Andrea when I can do it for free, so I declined and sat down. The ticketing agent came over to me a few moments later and said we could sit on the exit row for no extra cost if we were willing to take on those responsibilities if there were to be a crash (!!!). We took it.

When we were seated, Andi and I couldn't believe our luck at how truly GREAT sitting in an exit row is. Massive leg room to start with (couldn't even touch my purse with my toes it was so far in front of me), roomy seats, and the seats in front of you can lean back and you don't feel those effects at all. These seats also lean back and were just plain comfy. They were the best seats EVER!

We got to Maui around 3:30 or so and were even more giddy if possible. WE WERE IN MAUI.

We spent our time at the Westin and couldn't believe what a gorgeous hotel it was. Below is a picture of the view from our hotel room - seriously BEAUTIFUL.

The first night there, we had a reception with all of the other President's Club winners and their guests. Everyone was feeling the same as Andi and I were. Giddy, happy, amazed at our good fortune, appreciative of Infusionsoft, etc. Just good feelings all around.

On Wednesday, our first full day there, Andi and I decided to hit the beach and stay at the beach. We rented an umbrella and two beach chairs at about 9:30 a.m. that morning, and stayed put until around 3:30 p.m. that afternoon. Below is a picture of my view all day (not a bad one):

Wednesday night we shopped and shopped and shopped. I have always realized I am not a great shopper. I shop well when I have money and a purpose, but to shop just for the sport of it is not my thing. Not so with Andrea. She LOVES the sport of it - loves to look and try on and think about things and move on knowing she can come back if she wants. So not me. When I find something I like, I get. No need to see if something is better out there. We are so different it constantly amazes me that we get along so well.

Anyway, Thursday was much like Wednesday. Laying out on the beach, napping, being lazy, shopping again that night.

On Friday we jumped on the Gemini ship that took us to Honolua Bay to go snorkling. I was apprehensive to go, mainly because I enjoy the water so much more when I DON'T know what's swimming underneath me. But I also had a curiosity about it all and was convinced to do the snorkling. Andi and I were fortunate enough to share this ride with several other people, including Dave and Karina Lee. I work with Dave at Infusionsoft, so it was fun to get to know him and his wife a bit better. The ride out was AWESOME. There was a pod of dolphins that swam alongside our boat and put on quite a show for us. Amazing.

We got to Honolua Bay, had a quick snorkling lesson, got fitted in our snorkling gear, and got in to the water. It was freaky. I couldn't believe how close some of those fish were to me, as well as the gorgeous coral. Andrea took to it (sorry for the comparison here) like fish to water. She was in Heaven. I, on the other hand, started to hyperventilate. I turned over on my back, took my mask off to beathe a bit better, and give myself a stern talking to, telling myself how ridiculous I was being, etc. I felt like I got control, put my mask back on, turned over, swam a few feet more, marveling at what I was seeing, and then my mind took control and I started wondering what I WASN'T seeing, but what was seeing me. Seriously wigged out and couldn't get back in the boat fast enough. SO. FRIGGIN'. DUMB.

Andrea got to see a lot of stuff, including a sea turtle that swam THISCLOSE to her. She could have touched it if she wanted to risk her fingers. Here's a picture she took of it:

Pretty cool, huh?

Well, we saved the best for last. We were leaving Maui for home on Saturday night. Saturday morning Andi and I wanted to do parasailing, since it was the first day it started. We went to check it out and was told the earliest we could go was 12:30. We had to check out of our hotel room at 12:00 noon so we were in a dilemma. The lady who was telling us about the parasailing said the hotel had a hospitality suite that we could look in to. Anyway, we both ended up booking our parasailing adventure for 12:30. We went back to our room, packed up, took a quick shower (we were to take off and land on the boat so we didn't think we would get too wet), dropped our bags off at the bell desk, and went parasailing.

Here we are taking off. We were both laughing and swinging our legs - it was amazing!

This is when we were higher up - they took us up 600 feet for about 10 minutes. Plenty high enough and plenty long enough. And I'm so grateful Andi and I were able to do it together so we could talk about what we were seeing and doing. It was so GREAT!

And this is when the boat driver decided to "skim" the ocean with us. I had told him I didn't want to touch the water, and apparently Andrea told him she did. She's much cuter than I and must have batted her eyes enough that he was happy to oblige. Like my face?

Luckily we were able to use the hospitality suite and shower up and be clean for the flight home. We left Maui at 9:30 Saturday night, arriving in L.A. at 5:30 a.m. We didn't leave L.A. until almost 9:00 a.m. and got to Phoenix around 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning.

It was a marvy trip - we stayed at an amazing hotel, got to do some amazing things, had some spending money to be able to play (THANK YOU INFUSIONSOFT) and traveling with Andrea was probably the easiest thing of all. We got along so great and traveled very well together.

I'm grateful for the many, MANY blessings in my life. This Maui trip was just one in a million.

My President's Club Trip

2009-05-09T19:07:00.002-07:00

Back in February, I announced that I was the winner of a spot on our President's Club trip to Puerto Vallarta.

As many of you know (and if you don't know - you must have been hiding under a rock or sumptin'), the swine flu has been a problem, here in the U.S., but especially in Mexico.

The Executive team at my work decided they didn't want to put their employees through a possible risk of infection, so they decided to change the location of the trip.

I AM NOW GOING TO MAUI.

Less than two weeks away was when this decision was made, so they had a fun time trying to find and secure flights to Maui for 60+ people, figure out where all these said people were going to stay, what they were going to do, etc. It took nine months to plan Puerto Vallarta, they had 12 days to plan Maui. And plan it they did!

We are leaving this coming Tuesday, May 12, 2009, on the 9:30 a.m. flight. We will have a layover in San Francisco, then be on our way to Maui, arriving there around 2:30 p.m. Hawaii time (which is three hours earlier than Arizona time).

I am so stinkin' excited I can't see straight (again, if you didn't know how excited I was about this through my Facebook status updates, then SERIOUSLY, how BIG is that rock you've been hiding under anyway?!?). It has been a blast planning this trip with Andrea and figuring out what to wear, swimsuits and flipflops and coverups to get, how many books to bring, what activities we want to do, etc.

She and I have decided all we really want to do is go there and stay on the beach and read and listen to our iPods and have no one call Andrea Mom for four whole days. We'll probably do some other stuff since my company also provided some cash for us to spend while we're there.

They really do treat me well and I can't say enough nice things about the company I work for (Infusionsoft), who I work for, and who I work with. Talk about being truly blessed.

Anyway, I promise to take lots and lots of pictures and write about my trip when I get back (our flight gets in to Phoenix on Sunday May 17, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. - only bad thing about this trip is it's an overnight flight home).

A L O H A ! ! !

Dad

2009-04-16T16:00:00.002-07:00

My little sister does these updates better than anyone, so please take a look at her most latest post: http://kerbyfam.blogspot.com/2009/04/latest.html

Since her post, he had an MRI today. He has a tumor on his brain. It is cancer, but it is very small and in a good spot, if that is possible. They are going to treat it with laser surgery. No going in and opening him up (thank goodness), but shoot several lasers at different angles and kill that lesion. The doctor was positively optimistic that it would get rid of that tumor and will not allow for any more to grow there.

I'm scared to be happy with this news because every time we get an answer about his cancer, two to three more questions get raised and they're always, "Let's see what can stump the doctors today" type of questions. Frustrating puts it mildly, but all we can do is remain optimistic and pray. Pray like we've never prayed before. Which is what we all do. It's what all of you are doing.

Thank you.

Quick Dad Update

2009-04-13T10:45:00.003-07:00

So many people have asked me about my dad. Here's the most recent posting (she did this on Thursday, April 9, 2009) that my sister Cassie did (she lives in Utah about a block away from my parents):

Yesterday seemed like it was going to be just a typical day. I left my house at 7:00am to pick up my parents so we could head up to the Huntsman Cancer Facility for my dad's check up. It was actually to visit with the oncologist to figure out when his Chemo would begin again. Since his surgery 2 weeks ago he has been in more and more pain. Everyday it has gotten worse. To see your father's eyes well up with tears every time he has to stand up really gets to you after a while. Any how this was supposed to be a routine check up and I was going to be home at 10:30am. Well his doctor took one look at him and the amount of pain he is in and called in his other doctors and nurses. We had about 4 doctors and 4 nurses in his room. At that moment a decision was made. They needed to admit him ASAP and get him into surgery...Again. We had very little time to prepare. They got him all ready for surgery and informed us that it would begin in 15 minutes. My mom and I were very nervous. My dad really wanted a blessing. I was able to go to the front desk and ask if they could find two priesthood holders to come and administer a blessing for my dad. Sure enough about 10 minutes later two men in scrubs showed up to give my dad a blessing (definitely a bonus to living in UT). So surgery was performed and sure enough my dad's hip had filled back up with infection, the antibiotics apparently are not working. So he is resting up at Huntsman for now. The lab will culture the infection and if it comes back positive than the next step is major. He will have to have surgery next Wednesday to take out his hip and put in an antibiotic spacer and they probably would not put a hip back in. The doctor said that this is the last resort that they like to do but with the infection and pain that my dad is in it looks like it will be his best option. We continue to go day by day with this and again I cannot thank those who have helped me and my family out enough. We really are blessed!

So Dad is going back into surgery this Wednesday (April 15) to get his hip removed. He will probably go the rest of his life without a hip. Apparently this is possible, I just can't wrap my mind around it yet.

Luckily, I'm going to Utah this Friday to play Aunt Mommy to my sister's six kids, so I'll be close to my parents again and hopefully be some kind of help to them while mommy-ing my nieces and nephews.

Thanks for the kind words, notes, prayers, calls, chats, etc. I am surrounded by AMAZING people and feel the love and prayers you all offer on a daily basis. I have no doubt my parents are strengthened by you too.

Love you all.

The LaRue Family

2009-04-07T08:53:00.003-07:00

With all the CRAP (sorry) going on with my dad these days, I've gotten a whole new appreciation for my entire family. One of the General Authorities in General Conference a few times back said Cancer is a disease of love. I couldn't understand/comprehend/grasp that phrase until it happened to us and Dad got this dreaded disease.

I have always been a fan of my family. I thank Heavenly Father every single night for sending me to this particular family. I'm even more grateful for them now - for who they are, for how they live their lives, for how we all love each other, for their support and guidance.

I am going to be a little indulgent here and share with you my family and who they are:

Allan LaRue is the patriarch of my family. He's my dad and I've never loved a man more. He has one wife, five daughters (no sons), and two sisters (no brothers) and is therefore surrounded by women who constantly mother him. He has more patience with the women in his life than anyone should have to have, yet it's what he knows and he loves us all. Dad has cancer and is in a lot of pain right now. He hasn't talked much during this time, but you can see the pain/frustration in his eyes and that's hard to see knowing he's hurting. Yet, true to my dad-ness, he says he's grateful this happened to him and not any of his family. He really is quite selfless. I love Love LOVE my dad.

Sharon LaRue is the matriarch of my family, my mom. I went to Utah a couple of weeks ago and spent some really good one-on-one time with my mom while my dad had some more surgery. She and I are a LOT alike in so many ways and it was comforting to share with someone the strange quirks that I have. I love my mom and I love how much she loves us and especially loves my dad. This cancer has put us all through the ringer, but most especially my mom. She sits all day in Dad's hospital room, just needing to be near him and near his doctors. It's inspiring to see the love that is between them.

Leslie LaRue Julian is my oldest sister. She lives in Colorado with her husband Jason Julian, has 3 boys (James, Jake, and Jackson Julian), 1 girl (Jonni Julian), 1 daughter-in-law (Tabitha), and 1 granddaughter (Olivia) (my sister is a grandmaw, can you believe it?!?). I believe she has coined the phrase "Suck it up," or if she didn't come up with it, has used it more than anyone else on this earth. She not only says that phrase, she believes in it wholeheartedly and applies it to her life as she expects others to apply it to theirs. She's one of the hardest workers I know and really loves her family. I think she's happiest when they are all together at a wrestling tournament of some sort. I really love my sister Leslie.

Stacey LaRue Johnson is my 2nd oldest sister. She lives in Utah with her husband Kirk Johnson and her two sons Travis and Dylan Johnson. Stacey has discovered how to paint. And man alive does she do it well. I get so excited to see her new masterpieces - usually one a month or so, and feel privileged that I have one of her originals hanging on my wall. I'm proud to display it in my bedroom right now and can't wait to have a house some day where I can show it off a little more. Stacey is Switzerland in our family. She's always been neutral in arguments, fights, skirmishes, etc. that the LaRue girls seem to occasionally have. I love Stacey and am grateful she's my sister.

Andrea LaRue Derrick is my sister that is just 18 months younger than me. She is married to Ron Derrick and has seven children (6 girls, 1 boy): Bryndee, Porter, Torie, Kymber, Abby, Ellie, and Taralee Derrick. Andrea and her family live about five miles away from me and I get to share in their lives. Their home is my home and I'm so grateful to be a part of their family. Andrea loves to cook and is a part of a line of fabulous cooks: my grandma, my mom, and Andi. All of my sisters are fantastic cooks, but because Andrea lives near me, I get to experience her cooking the most, and she's excellent. She loves recipe books (sits down and reads them like they're novels) and loves to try new things. I love Andrea. She's my best friend and I'm grateful that she's my sister as well as my friend.

Cassie LaRue Kerby is my baby sister. Cassie is married to Chad Kerby and has 3 boys (Tyler, Andrew, and Max Kerby) and 3 girls (Raegan, Kalli, and Sydney Kerby). Cassie is Supermom. This girl can go Go GO better than anyone. She's happiest when she's on the move, whether it's carting her kids around town, helping my mom and dad with their massive amounts of doctor appointments, being a bishop's wife, going on fun excursions (Disneyland, Boston, Guatemala, New York, etc.), and being one of the most embarrassing parents in America (anyone see Rachael Ray?). I love my baby sister and am inspired by all that she does and accomplishes.

I love my family and appreciate you taking a moment to get to know them a bit better. I think they're pretty terrific and am humbled to be able to call them family.

Just be happy.

2009-04-03T08:58:00.004-07:00

I found this in the October 2008 Real Simple magazine and I loved it. I'm going to type it up word for word so you can get the full gist of this article. I've been asked by several people lately to update my blog a bit more frequently (though I'm not sure what to say other than, "Yes, I'm still in debt" and "Yes, I'm still working on it"). So I'm going to start posting a bit more on more random things and I hope you forgive me if you're looking for straight up me-getting-out-of-debt info. That's important and I'll update/post whenever something happens on that, but will sprinkle in other things too.

10 WAYS TO BE HAPPIER

How happy are you - really? If there's room for improvement, then Gretchen Rubin has some suggestions. After spending a full year studying the art - and science - of true contentment, she found her bliss and some surprising nuggets of wisdom.

A few years ago, on a morning like any other, I had a sudden realization: I was in danger of wasting my life. As I stared out the rain-spattered window of a New York City bus, I saw that the years were slipping by.

"What do I want from life?" I asked myself. "Well...I want to be happy." I had many reasons to be happy: My husband was the tall, dark, handsome love of my life; we had two delightful girls, ages 1 and 7; I was a writer, living in my favorite city. I had friends; I had my health; I didn't have to color my hair. But too often I sniped at my husband or the drugstore clerk. I felt dejected after even a minor professional setback. I lost my temper easily. Is that how a happy person would act?

I decided on the spot to begin a systematic study of happiness. (A little intense, I know. But that's the kind of thing that appeals to me.) In the end, I spent a year test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific studies, and tips from popular culture. If I followed all the advice, I wanted to know, would it work?

Well, the year is over, and I can say: It did. I made myself happier. And along the way I learned a lot about how to be happier. Here are those lessons.

1. Don't start with profundities. When I began my Happiness Project, I realized pretty quickly that, rather than jumping in with lengthy daily meditation or answering deep questions of self-identity, I should start with the basics, like going to sleep at a decent hour and not letting myself get too hungry. Science backs this up; these two factors have a big impact on happiness.

2. Do let the sun go down on anger. I had always scrupulously aired every irritation as soon as possible, to make sure I vented all bad feelings before bedtime. Studies show, however, that the notion of anger catharsis is poppycock. Expressing anger related to minor, fleeting annoyances just amplifies bad feelings, while not expressing anger often allows it to dissipate.

3. Fake it till you feel it. Feelings follow actions. If I'm feeling low, I deliberately act cheery, and I find myself actually feeling happier. If I'm feeling angry at someone, I do something thoughtful for her and my feelings toward her soften. This strategy is uncannily effective.

4. Realize that anything worth doing is worth doing badly. Challenge and novelty are key elements of happiness. The brain is stimulated by surprise, and successfully dealing with an unexpected situation gives a powerful sense of satisfaction. People who do new things - learn a game, travel to unfamiliar places - are happier than people who stick to familiar activities that they already do well. I often remind myself to "Enjoy the fun of failure" and tackle some daunting goal.

5. Don't treat the blues with a "treat." Often the things I choose as "treats" aren't good for me. The pleasure lasts a minute, but then feelings of guilt and loss of control and other negative consequences deepen the lousiness of the day. While it's easy to think, I'll feel good after I have a few glasses of wine...a pint of ice cream...a cigarette...a new pair of jeans, it's worth pausing to ask whether this will truly make things better.

6. Buy some happiness. Our basic psychological needs include feeling loved, secure, and good at what we do and having a sense of control. Money doesn't automatically fill these requirements, but it sure can help. I've learned to look for ways to spend money to stay in closer contact with my family and friends; to promote my health; to work more efficiently; to eliminate sources of irritation and marital conflict; to support important causes; and to have enlarging experiences. For example, when my sister got married, I splurged on a better digital camera. It was expensive, but it gave me a lot of happiness bang for the buck.

7. Don't insist on the best. There are two types of decision makers. Satisficers (yes, satisficers) make a decision once their criteria are met. When they find the hotel or the past sauce that has the qualities they want, they're satisfied. Maximizers want to make the best possible decision. Even if they see a bicycle or a backpack that meets their requirements, they can't make a decision until they've examined every option. Satisficers tend to be happier than maximizers. Maximizers expend more time and energy reaching decisions, and they're often anxious about their choices. Sometimes good enough is good enough.

8. Exercise to boost energy. I knew, intellectually, that this worked, but how often have I told myself, "I'm just too tired to go to the gym?" Exercise is one of the most dependable mood-boosters. Even a 10-minute walk can brighten my outlook.

9. Stop nagging. I knew my nagging wasn't working particularly well, but I figured that if I stopped, my husband would never do a thing around the house. Wrong. If anything, more work got done. Plus, I got a surprisingly big happiness boost from quitting nagging. I hadn't realized how shrewdish and angry I had felt as a result of speaking like that. I replaced nagging with the following persuasive tools: wordless hints (for example, leaving a new lightbulb on the counter); using just one word (saying "Milk!" instead of talking on and on); not insisting that something be done on my schedule; and, most effective of all, doing a task myself. Why did I get to set the assignments?

10. Take action. Some people assume happiness is mostly a matter of inborn temperament: You're born an Eeyore or a Tigger, and that's that. Although it's true that genetics play a big role, about 40 percent of your happiness level is within your control. Taking time to reflect, and conscious steps to make your life happier, really does work. So use these tips to start your own Happiness Project. I promise it won't take you a whole year.

(You can check out Gretchen Rubin's blog at www.happiness-project.com.)

Nicely-Nicely

2009-03-13T12:00:00.005-07:00

I wanted to show this video to my family, but didn't have a forum to upload it to except my blog, so those of you who don't know who this kid is, my apologies.

Family/friends, take a look at Porter and his performance as Nicely-Nicely in Guys and Dolls last week (and I do apologize - I don't have the steadiest hand). Absolutely ADORABLE. (Porter - you rock and I couldn't have been more proud. Torie, you were darling in your town girl's outfit and your dance number. I loved seeing both of you up there!)

2 Down, 2 More To Go

2009-02-27T18:54:00.002-07:00

Guess what?!?

The credit card I opened in order to get my teeth done last spring still had a $1,422.50 balance. My MasterCard that I've been slowly paying off still had a $1,793.73 balance.

I received my AZ state and Federal refund deposit into my bank account this week.

The health credit card now has a big, fat ZERO balance.

The MasterCard now has a big, fat ZERO balance too.

I still have my Bank of America LOC (I know - that surprises you [smile]) (I owe $32,159.95) and my AZFCU car loan (I owe 5,480.68), for a total of $37,640.63.

But I eliminated ALL OF MY CREDIT CARDS. The last time I didn't have any credit card debt was in the summer of 1988, right before I started college at MCC and applied for my first credit card. That was only 21 years ago (zoiks). Crazy huh?

ANYWHO, That is still a lot of money that I owe, but eliminating two more accounts is such a huge deal for my mental health and working on this debt snowball just got a whole lot easier!

Life is seriously good right now.

I'm goin' to Mexico!

2009-02-09T14:49:00.002-07:00

My wunnerful employer Infusionsoft has a President's Club that is for all of our sales team. If they exceed their goals and/or quotas for the year, they join the President's Club and get to go on a spectacular trip.

This year the trip is an all expense paid trip for two to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on May 13-17, 2009.

Each year, the President's Club invites one person from each department to join them for this trip. They announced the winners this past Friday and one of the names they read was Tara LaRue.

How 'bout 'dat?

I've never traveled out of the country and have never done something swanky like this and I simply CAN NOT wait! I've invited my sister Andrea (mother of seven children) to come along as my guest. We're both like little kids in planning for this thing.

Funnily enough, Andi used this as a teaching point for her kids. She and I shared a bedroom our entire lives, since her birth (1972) until she left for college in 1990. We still like each other a whole lot and enjoy being friends as well as sisters. Andi told her children (particularly two of her girls who share a room and don't really enjoy it) that if they would get along, maybe one of their siblings would taken them to Mexico some day. Not sure it stuck.

But it sure cracked me up.

And hey - I'M GOING TO PUERTO VALLARTA!

Wow, I've Got The Blessings!

2009-01-30T08:36:00.004-07:00

I woke up this morning feeling incredibly optimistic. This is after spending this week down in the dumps, having no motivation to do anything, having a less than wonderful conversation (AGAIN) with Bank of America, having no desire whatsoever to get up and go to the gym, having no desire to stick to my diet, having no desire to be pleasant to anyone, not having much desire to even get out of bed.

But this morning, when my eyes popped open around 5:30 (and I SO should have gotten up then to run to the gym, but bad habits are horribly hard to break), I laid there thinking about the week, thinking about the future, and realizing I am so lucky and so incredibly blessed and to just get over myself. Yes, I'm in an unbelievable amount of debt, but the problem was recognized, a plan was made, and I have been working on it for well over a year now and now is not the time to just forget about everything I've done.

I have so many people rooting for me, praying for me, loving me through this and it has made it bearable. I have a fantastic job at a fantastic company that supports me and pays me well and helps me pay my bills every month. I love going to work every morning and how many people can actually say that?

My family are my favorite people. I have lots of sisters, lots of brothers-in-law, two fantastic parents and lots of nieces and nephews who are just plain cool and funny and talented and pretty dang awesome. People I am thrilled to be related to. My best friend is my sister. How many people can say that?

I live with a roommate who is pretty terrific. She's such a good friend and confidant and she doesn't charge me an arm and a leg to live under her roof, making it possible for me to really work on this debt problem. She's incredibly supportive of this adventure for me, and has total empathy for me as I'm going through this.

My friends are phenomenal. I don't know how many of you are Facebook users, but I can't believe the amount of friends, old friends that I've known for most of my life, that I have found or who have found me on Facebook and how wonderful it has been in reconnecting with them. It's incredible! Thank you friends (past, present, and future) for enriching and blessing and touching my life. I am grateful for you.

This is fairly random after what I wrote above, but I need to mention that Dave Ramsay's latest post is awesome: Thoughts on Obama's plan - a great read for a great day.

Lastly, I'm grateful I got to wear my cute shoes I bought in Chinatown in San Francisco last summer:

How fun are they?

(Smile) I had to end on a fun note, but seriously, THANK YOU to everyone for being my blessings and being my support and strength through this frustrating and obnoxiously difficult time. I couldn't do it without you! I wouldn't want to do it without you.

For those of you that I don't know that blog stalk me, thank you too. It's fun to think that perfect strangers can related to what I'm going through. That in and of itself is also a strength to me.

Love to you all!

STILL

2009-01-28T09:46:00.002-07:00

I am still alive.

I am still in debt.

I am still trying desperately to get out of debt.

I still despise Bank of America more today than ever.

I still fight discouragement every single day.

I still believe I will conquer this!

It's Recipe Time

2009-01-13T08:48:00.003-07:00

Happy 2009 everyone! I apologize for not blogging sooner and I'm certain I'm probably not busier than any of the rest of you out there, but this is the first time I can actually think about writing anything. So I thought I'd start the year off with a good recipe that's not too expensive to make. I'm all about being cheap as you well know by now.

I have to tell you about a wunnerful recipe I tried last night that turned out divine.

You take a roast (I used eye of round - not a lot of fat on it) and put it in the crock pot. Next I added two small jars of whole peperoncinis to the crock pot (if you can find a 32-ounce jar, then only one is needed). Dump in the peppers and juice. Next add a single packet of dry Good Seasons Italian salad dressing. THAT'S IT. You don't need to add water or anything else.

Turn on the crock pot to low and let it cook for 12 hours. I started it last night and when I woke up this morning it was done (and the house smelled amazing).

The peperoncinis and juice give it a great flavor, it's not too spicy, but it has a nice kick.

I shredded the beef with two forks, added some of the "juice" to it to make it moist (the whole peperoncinis are too rubbery to use at this point because they've been cooking too long - I wouldn't recommend adding them to your meat), and it filled a large bowl. I plan on freezing some of it to have at a later time.

It's really good on rolls that are toasted (even better when they're garlic toasted). For the "glue," mix equal parts mayonnaise, mustard, and sour cream (just a spoonful of each one will go far and low fat mayo and sour cream will work just fine) and a lot of cracked black pepper. Spread just a little bit on the roll, add the shredded beef, and enjoy. Andrea tried the meat on tortillas with a little cheese and it makes for a tasty wrap.

So much cheaper than eating out, it makes lots of leftovers (at least for a singleton like me) that I actually will eat (not a fan of leftovers in general), and it just tastes better than anything out there.

Try it. Let me know what you think!

A personal note to 2008:

2008-12-31T09:33:00.003-07:00

GO AWAY!

GOOD RIDDANCE!

YOU WILL NOT BE MISSED.

(2009 don't let me down!)

You grew up in the 80s in Phoenix if you...

2008-12-30T15:04:00.001-07:00

1) Would have done anything for a Ladmo bag.
2) Tired to fry an egg on the sidewalk.
3) Can still remember the words to the hepatitis song.
4) Spent way too many summer days in a mall.
5) Remember KZZP.
6) Went ice skating at Metrocenter.
7) Get irritated when people say "yeah, but it's a dry heat."
8) Have red burnt cheeks in ever childhood picture.
9) Had a pool in your backyard.
10) Vacationed in San Diego or Rocky Point.
11) Know what it feel like to come out of an icy cold movie theater into 110 degree heat - I miss that feeling!
12) Saw your mom drive with potholders.
13) Know what "tubing" means.
14) Have been "ice blocking."
15) Have a T-shirt that says "I survived the hottest day in Phoenix history" referring to that summer day in 1990 when it got up to 122 degree in the shade.
16) Consider yourself a "Zonie."
17) Ever put Christmas lights on a cactus.
19) Burnt the bottom of your feet running out to get the mail because you were too lazy to put on shoes.
20) Know some Spanish even though you never studied it.
21) Won hot pink scrunchies at Metro Midway!
22) Enjoyed making song requests at Organ Stop Pizza.
23) Got in trouble for leaving crayons in the back seat of the car.
24) Are not intimidated by a Super Big Gulp.
25) Your heroes were Kevin Johnson (KJ), Mark West, and Tom Chambers.
26) Had to pay full replacement price for the rented VCR tape you left in your car.
27) Shopped at Goldwaters, Broadway Southwest, Federated or Diamonds.
28) Remember Dave Pratt the Morning Mayor on 98 KUPD.
29) Can count the number of times it snowed in Phoenix on one hand.
30) Stood in line to watch movies at the original Cine Capri.
31) Snow Cones and brain freezes made summer worthwhile.
32) Cried when Wallace and Ladmo went off the air
33) Went to Pistol Pete's pizza, ShowBiz pizza, and can recall Tex Critters at MetroCenter
34) Thought Streets of New York had the best pizza in Phoenix at 19th and Northern
35) Remember Gemco
36) Ate at Furr's Cafeteria
37) Shopped at Mervyn's
38) Saw your first concert at the Arizona State Fair
39) Remember the Madhouse Macdowell (Purple Palace)
40) Remember Suns Fever
41) Recall Thunder Dan
42) Mourned the loss of Cotton Fitzsimmons
43) Believed in the 100 year flood
44) Did the hokey pokey at Great Skate.
45) Cruised Central, Metro or Mill Avenue.
46) Worried about drive by shootings at school.
47) Remember only TWO freeways either the I-10 or I-17.
48) Remember who Rose Mofford or Evan Mecham is.
49) Know what Sonoyta Motors is.
50) Know what Price Club is (and when there was only 1).
51) Had Dimension Cable.
52) Know what the Phoenix Gazette is.
53) Went to Legend City or Compton Terrace.
54) Know what Yellow Front, Lucky's, Smittys, AJ Bayless, are.
55) Suffered with a swamp cooler.
56) Went boogie boarding on irrigation day.
57) Fished in the canal.
58) Went to the hot air balloon races at Thunderbird.
59) Thought 19th Ave and Cactus was in the boonies.
60) Speaking of the boonies - drank in the desert with the rest of your high school friends until the bright light of the helicopter came blaring down.
61) Were ever excited about your appearance on "Pets on Parade."
62) Suffered the consequences of leaving your sister's favorite vinyl record in the car.
63) Remember your parents voting (or not voting for) for the monorail.
64) Thought Big Surf was Rad!
65) Danced at Club Rio.
66) Remember Tex Earnhardt and his "No Bull commercials"
67) Attended a birthday party in a railroad car at the McDonald's on Bethany Home and 23rd Ave.
68) Remember the Dr. Demento show on KZZP every Sunday night.
69) Burned your hand trying to open your locker at school.
70) Locking your car doors as soon as you got south of Bethany Home.
71) Wished you lived in California.
72) Didn't believe that High schools actually had indoor halls and full size lockers like they do on TV.
73) Didn't go to the park until AFTER dark.
74) Sweatband were not just a fashion statement.
75) Your Hypercolor T-shirt was permanently a different color under your arms.
76) Knew not to shoot at a Saguaro because it could fall over on you and kill you.
77) Thought Flagstaff was REALLY cold.
78) Always saw at least 10 people you knew on Mission Beach (San Diego)
79) Knew who worked on Van Buren.
80) Remember when the Roadrunners were the only hockey game in town
81) Remember when Buckeye was BFE
82) Wore jellies in the summer even though you had really bad feet sweat.
83) Went to see Santa @ Westridge Mall (that was the best one with the whole set up).
84) Remember when Ahwatukee was a retirement community half way to Tucson.
85) Remember 50 cent movie Tuesdays at Valley West Mall
86) Have a scar on the back of your thighs from the 3rd degree burns sustained from the metal clip your seat belt clicked in to. No protection given from the OP short ,shorts.
87) Remember the orange trees planted all the way down the middle of Black Canyon Freeway (Now called I-17).
88) Ever get your butt and legs burned by metal slides at the Whataburger across from Metrocenter? (What sadist would put metal slides on a kids playground in Phoenix????!!)
89) Remember when Sun City wasn't connected to the rest of the valley?
90) Ever have brunch at Mother Tuckers?
91) Remember when it only took 2 hours to drive to Flagstaff
92) Going to slide rock in Sedona and hoping it wasn't closed due to high levels of bacteria in the water!
93) Remember when Terminal 2 was the only passenger terminal at Sky Harbor and you had to walk on the tarmac.
94) Got free tokens at the Valley West Mall arcade for good grades on your report card
95) Celebrated a birthday at Ed Debevick's
96) Thought Bobby McGee's was the coolest restaurant ever
97) Ever rode the "crack the whip" ride at Encanto Park.
98) Ever got attached by a jumping cactus
99) Know what to do when you hear a rattle in the desert.
100) Used to shop at LaBelles, eat lunch at Liberty Bell Pizza or get soda at the U-TOTEM on Cactus.
101) Remember the commercial about Valley Fever..."Dustyyyy, dustyyyy, dustyyyy"!
101) Remember when you could get 2 tacos and a small drink at Taco Bell for $2
102) Had hot air balloons land in your backyard when you lived on 75th Ave and Bell by the orange groves known now as "Arrowhead Mall"
103) Witnessed the shock when the "art" on the 51 when installed. (Referring to the lovely toilet and large silver sphere.)
104) Had the bell run for their birthday at Farrell's (Christown)
105) Remember going to the Phoenix Firebirds baseball games
106) Remember Dewey Hopper-the weather guy who always wore school t-shirts,
107) Watched World Beyond on Sat. mornings.
108) Ate at Bob's Big Boy.

From me to you:

2008-12-23T15:18:00.003-07:00

I won't have access to the Internet for the rest of the week, so I just wanted to say:

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

My Favorite Radio DJ

2008-12-22T14:24:00.006-07:00

I am one of those people who enjoy listening to the radio in the mornings for the TALK portion of it, not necessarily the music portion of it

Every morning I have looked forward to Dave Pratt and his cronies on KMLE Country 108. They were funny, he's been in Arizona in forever (so he had great stories that I could relate to growing up here myself) and I just enjoyed him and his humor and everything about their morning show.

KMLE fired their entire morning show on Thursday (12/18) afternoon. Merry Christmas to them, huh?

I think the timing was pretty rotten and am severely disappointed in KMLE for their thoughtlessness. And I'm royally bummed that I don't have a morning crew to listen to any longer. I really and truly liked and thoroughly enjoyed these guys.

Dave Pratt, Stacey Brooks, Shappy, Dooley, et. al., you are awesome and I hope to find you on the air again soon.

In the meantime, any suggestions on who to listen to for my morning ride to work each day? KMLE has lost a long-time listener. Shame on them.

To Billy or not to Billy:

2008-12-09T11:08:00.003-07:00

If you know me at all, you know that I love, Love, LOVE Billy Joel.

(Love him.)

He's coming to Phoenix with Elton John on March 26, 2009, for their Face-To-Face tour. I saw this show in Las Vegas (with Thelissa and Holly) in 1995 and loved it. Watching them together on stage was incredible, especially when they were sitting at their pianos - man I LOVE the way they play their pianos. I do remember thinking there was too much Elton, not enough Billy, but I'm certain a lot of that was because I love Billy so much.

I've been in a quandary since I saw this ad. Tickets go on sale this Saturday the 13th. I've never missed a Billy concert since I "discovered" how much I loved him (late 80s, early 90s).

Getting out of debt doesn't really allow for non-important things such as concert tickets. I've been incredibly good at avoiding presents for myself for the most part, and find myself talking me out of things I would normally absolutely buy all in the name of "but I'm being so good."

Just today, several people have told me I should get a ticket for myself for Christmas. I deserved it and would truly enjoy/appreciate it. And I really would. Man, I REALLY would.

But I'm still in debt. I got myself into this mess because for my entire adult life, I've always had the attitude of, "But I deserve it because [insert excuse here]." I don't deserve it. Not this time.

Sigh. Bye bye Billy.

Black Friday Confession...

2008-12-02T16:11:00.006-07:00

I bought...

NOTHING!

You'd be so proud! I went shopping with all of my sisters and the only thing I bought was breakfast at Mimi's that morning. That's it. I even carried around a shirt I wanted to get and I asked my sister to tell me to not purchase it. She did. I put it back. No regrets (though it was a really cute shirt).

Can you believe it?!? I'm quite pleased if I do say so myself.

Now I gotta share with you some picture memories of Thanksgiving 2008:

(This is the first time I've seen my nephew Jackson [16] in a while. He gives the BEST hugs and I've really missed him.)

(I have the extreme privilege of living near Andrea and her family. She's always saying I'm her kids' second mom - which I absolutely love hearing. Because of this, I asked to get a picture with them and here it is. [Kymber is front and center, then from left to right is Porter, me, Taralee, and Ellie with Abby standing behind Ellie, then the back row is Bryndee and Torie.])

(Here are the original LaRues: Mom and Dad [Sharon and Allan], with from left to right Andrea [4th], Leslie [1st], Tara [3rd], Stacey [2nd], and Cassie [5th].)

(And finally the entire LaRue clan [minus oldest nephew James who lives in Virginia with his wife/child and couldn't make the trip, as well we Jake who is on a mission to the West Indies]: front row is Sydney; 2nd row is Torie and Raegan; 3rd row is Ellie, Jackson, Porter, Mom holding Taralee, Dad holding Max, Andrew, Tyler and Dylan; 4th row is Bryndee, Jonni, Abby, Kymber, Tara, Cassie, Kalli, and Travis; 5th row is Andrea, Ron, Leslie, Jason, Chad, Stacey, and Kirk.)

WHAT A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY! Happy Thanksgiving and now Christmas to you all!

The ugly, almost naked guy

2008-11-18T13:43:00.002-07:00

I have a neighbor that works out in his yard, all day and night long, in only his underwear. Not sure why he thinks this is okay, but he does it and it brings all sorts of giggles and chuckling by anyone who either lives near him or has heard about him.

My friend/neighbor who has the privilege of living across the street from him got some pictures a while ago and posted them on her blog.

Take a look.

I'm all about saving money, so here's your free entertainment!

Needs vs. Wants

2008-11-18T09:49:00.003-07:00

I've written in the past about need vs. want.

I just read a blog post by Seth Godin that I thoroughly enjoyed that brings that point to home a bit more. He writes for small businesses/entrepreneurs, but I think his words can be applied to all of us personally as well. Take a look: HUNGRY

A tip from me to you:

2008-11-17T10:28:00.003-07:00

Are you one of those people who gets email after email about safety issues, ways to gas your car up properly, what to watch out for, etc.?

I get those kinds of emails ALL THE TIME. I usually don't read them (sorry if you are one of the ones that send me those kinds of things).

But I did end up reading one that gave suggestions on how to get better gas mileage for your car. For whatever reason, it "stuck" in my brain and the suggestions seemed good and made sense.

It says to fill your car up in the morning when it's still cool outside and to not put the "lock" on the highest setting - you know, the thing you set on the gas pump that makes it so you don't have to hold it the entire time. It tells you to put it on the slowest setting instead of the highest setting.

I tried this the other day and would you believe I got 75 more miles out of this tank of gas? Granted, because the gas pump was set on the slowest setting, it was REALLY slow (I was able to go into the convenience store, fill up a soda, wait in line to pay for it, pay for it, then walk back outside and it still wasn't finished) - but it didn't produce any vapors as a result and it filled my tank up completely. I have just a dumb little Ford sedan, so 75 miles is actually quite a bit more for this car.

Maybe the cars with bigger tanks will get even better gas mileage than I did if you try it. Let me know how it goes for you. Seriously - I wanna hear about it!

Book Recommendation

2008-11-13T09:42:00.003-07:00

Anything by Shannon Hale is always great. I just read her book The Princess Academy and was completely satisfied with it.

Run to your library (don't buy it - save money and get it from the library) and check it out. It's fantastic!

Chad and Cassie on Rachael Ray

2008-11-11T16:39:00.005-07:00

Most of you know my little sister spent some time on Rachael Ray as a guest tagged as the "Most embarrassing family in America!"

I don't know how to embed a video here (someone will have to show me some time), but here's the link to watch their segment. It's only about 5 minutes long but kinda fun to see them on National TV: Chad and Cassie on Rachael.

It's free entertainment, which is why I'm posting. I'm all about free everything these days.

Love to you all...

Don't forget to vote!

2008-11-03T15:08:00.002-07:00

It's vitally important that each and every one of you vote. Please be sure to get out there and do it. The lines will be long and the wait will seem like forever, but it will be worth it (and next time consider the early mail-in ballot - it's awesome).

Make your votes COUNT!

To Bryndee, Porter, and Torie:

2008-10-27T12:57:00.001-07:00

I am very sorry I swore in an earlier post. It highly offended you and for that I apologize. I will try to be better in the future.

Thank you for keeping me on the straight and narrow...

Mesa High Jackrabbits, Class of 1988

2008-10-26T15:15:00.004-07:00

Yesterday I went to a picnic that was part of the Mesa High School Class of 1988 reunion weekend. It consisted of many of my classmates and their families. THANK YOU to Wende and Mindy and any and everyone else who helped to make this happen.

It was a blast to see so many good, old friends: Mistie, Heidi, Kim, Darce, Sean, Nick, JoNeal, Doug, Kenny, Kristie, Nikki, Mindy, and Wende, just to name a few. I missed seeing Cindy, Alice, Cory, Brian, Liselle, Candace, Brad, Brooks, Dennis, Damon, Bill, Stacy, Rowan and many others who couldn't make it this go round. I hope to catch you at the next one, maybe even before!

What a wonderful day yesterday was. I'm so grateful to have gone to Mesa High, to be able to make such fantastic friends, and to be able to still stay in touch with so many of them today.

Obviously this has nothing to do with getting out of debt, but it does have to do with blessings and I feel this is a good place as any to list my blessings publicly. Mesa High Class of 1988 was definitely a blessing in my life!

Happy One-year Anniversary!

2008-10-24T08:36:00.006-07:00

My roommate reminded me the other day that it was exactly a year ago that I started this getting-out-of-debt mission. As I looked at my first post she was right - I wrote it on October 29, 2007. She suggested I do a year update and I always try to do what Jennifer says (wink and smile goes here).

Anyway, it's a good idea so here goes:

I started out at over $50,000 in debt (to type that number still sends pangs in my stomach) last year. Here is where I am today:

Bank of America LOC (still really HATE them): $33,031.51
Mastercard: $1,988.07
Car loan: $6,343.67
Dental loan: $1,777.50

GRAND TOTAL: $43,140.75

It hasn't gone down much, but as several of you have said it took a really long time to amass this amount of debt and OF COURSE it's going to take a long time to get out of it and I just need to be patient.

So my constant thoughts are, "Be patient Tara. Be patient. Be patient. BE PATIENT (dammit)!" If you know me at all, this is NOT a strong virtue of mine and swear words usually are associated with it.

Anyway, thanks to all of you for your constant kind words and thoughts and even prayers. This has been quite the year for me and my family and the support my family and I have felt from all of you has been completely amazing and beyond words.

Thank you. Off to year #2!

Tender Mercies

2008-10-15T16:58:00.003-07:00

Dad's surgery went really well today. They got 85% of the tumor (more than they thought they were going to get) and had to use only two units of blood (a lot less than what they thought they were going to have to use - I guess tumors use up a LOT of blood and with this tumor being over 11 centimeters long, well, you do the math). They plan on doing radiation in two weeks, chemotherapy in four weeks, and they get him using his hip tomorrow when they take him for a walk.

My sister Stacey said the doctor was rather pleased with the surgery and was very positive with the prognosis.

I'm so giddily relieved I don't know what to do with myself...

I am so grateful for tender mercies.

Another update:

2008-10-14T08:15:00.002-07:00

Here is a quick update on what is going on with my dad and his cancer. Last week he had what is called a PET Scan and a Scope. The Scan is really the last test they can do on him to try and figure out what type of Cancer he has.

Yesterday (Monday) the doctors were able to show them the scan over the computer. It goes through his entire body, major organs and glands. The result of that was nothing that we don't already know. It is in his hip, lung and a few glands, but his Heart, Liver, Pancreas, Stomach and Kidneys all are clean and apparently they look great!

They still cannot figure out where the source of the cancer is. So right now his condition is labeled "Cancer of the Unknown Primary" which is only about 5% of all cancers - very rare.

They admit him today at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital to start his prep for his surgery on Wednesday. Today they are doing an Embolism which is where the doctors cut off all blood supply to his tumor in his hip (about a 2 1/2 hour procedure). Then on Wednesday he will be getting a full hip replacement and a removal of that yucky tumor. That procedure will be about 6 hours. Then he will have a recovery in the hospital anywhere from 5-10 days. His healing at home will be about 4 weeks.

After the 4 weeks then the doctors will discuss what type of Chemo he will be on. They only have two to choose from. They will try one type for about 2-3 months and then x-ray to see if the cancer is shrinking. If that doesn't work than they have one more to try.

We still have a long road of waiting. If you feel so inclined, please keep him in your prayers, especially on Wednesday.

Thanks everyone. My entire family and I have felt your prayers and are amazed at the love and kindness we've been shown. Love to you all...

I really can do it, right?

2008-10-13T17:31:00.004-07:00

I am REALLY struggling. Seriously so. I am not seeing any progress and even though I recently got a raise, I feel like I'm as strapped as I've ever been.

Then I see this video and my will gets renewed:

She's really debt free!

15 months to get $30k out of debt. Hmm, methinks it might take a bit longer than than, but I really can do it, right?

Dad Update

2008-09-23T10:44:00.002-07:00

Okay okay okay - time to update. Sorry - this has been so overwhelming and though we've gotten a lot of answers, more and more questions get generated, which has made me not want to post until I knew everything that's going on with my Dad. I've been asked to tell anyway, so here goes.

Dad had some major hip pain going on and while he was on his mission in NY, and he also got pneumonia. When they did a scan of his lungs to determine if it was pneumonia, they saw some spots on them. They told him to get them checked out when he got home.

He saw a doctor shortly after he got home from his mission and the doctor wanted to wait a few months and take another scan to contrast and compare.

Dad got another scan several weeks ago and it showed the spots were bigger, so he was then scheduled to get a lung biopsy. He got that and they determined it was cancer but it wasn’t lung cancer, that the cancer was being generated in another location

In the meantime, he got a bone scan on his hip to find out why it was so sore and there was an 11-centimeter cancer tumor on his pelvic bone. They then thought that was where the cancer was being generated from and decided to do a biopsy of that tumor to figure out a course of treatment.

The biopsy was done about a week or so ago and when Mom and Dad met with the doctor on Monday, he said Dad’s hip looks like termites got to it – that the cancer has eaten through his bone and joints and he has to have a full hip replacement, including his socket. This will take place on October 15.

BUT – they still don’t know where the cancer is being generated from, because the tissue samples they took showed it was being generated somewhere other than the hip, around the abdomen region.

He now has an appointment with a gut doctor on Monday to have a scope go down through his throat and see if they can’t find the source that way (they’ve already done an MRI on his abdomen and it came up clean).

Every time he has a doctor's appointment and we get an answer, another question gets generated – kind of like two steps forward three steps back. It’s incredibly frustrating.

Anyway, so many of you have told me you've prayed for both me and my dad/family and you've put his/our names on the temple roll and are keep him in your constant thoughts and prayers. Thank you thank you THANK YOU for that. It's these prayers that get me through the day.

We grow up thinking our parents are invincible, and even though as an adult I know that is not the case, I've still been caught completely unprepared to really deal with this. Knowing that there are people who don't know my dad at all yet are praying for him brings incredible strength.

Thank you.

Your Prayers Please.

2008-09-04T11:45:00.006-07:00

I have been bound and determined to make this blog more about finances and less about my personal life and family (unless it had to do specifically with my finances). But I have to do a post here because I need your prayers. No, my dad needs your prayers.

As some of you know my parents returned home from their mission in New York in February of this year. Since they have been home my dad has had numerous health issues. A blood clot in his hip, constant coughing, and rapid weight loss just to name a few.

This past week his pulmonary doctor requested that he get a biopsy on his lungs to find out what was there. She had seen some unusual spots on his x-rays and wanted to check them out. After a biopsy of the lung (from what I understand this is an awful surgery) that kept him in the hospital for four days, the report is in and the spots are that horrible C-word: CANCER.

She said it isn't lung cancer but another form that is being generated from another source in his body. Next week he will be undergoing some more x-rays as well as more testing to find the source of the cancer. He's meeting with an oncologist from the Huntsman Institute - nothing but the best for my dad.

He is scared (incredibly brave but scared). I am scared (terrified is a better word). My mom and sisters are scared. My dad has always been very healthy. He exercises, he eats right, he has never let anything "harmful" enter his body (except maybe an occasional deep fried chimichanga), and he has come from healthy stock. His mom just died earlier this year at the age of 96 and she was healthy. Her body just quit. His dad was 82 when he left us (went missing and was never found) and the only thing wrong with him was he was hard of hearing.

And he's my DAD. He's the only male I grew up with and he managed to survive a house full of silly girls.

I HATE that he is going through this and I HATE that I can't be there to help (they live in Utah) and I HATE that it's him and not me going through this. What I would do to take this from him...

My mom is so strong and is turning into quite the Nurse Nightingale. He has always taken care of my mom and his daughters and now it is her turn (and hopefully all of ours) to take care of him.

And now here is my plea: Please pray for him. Pray that he will be able to kick this cancer in the butt (excuse me) and that he will live to see his grandchildren get old and gray. Or his one single daughter to get married (smile). In other words at least 100 more years!

Either way, Allan LaRue needs to be here for many, many, MANY more years to come!

Once again, tagged.

2008-08-26T09:37:00.003-07:00

SIX RANDOM THINGS

Jennifer tagged me on her blog. I've been tagged before about something different, and recently I've decided to be better at blogging about what I actually started this blog for (getting out of debt - duh!). But it's Jennifer and, well, I just need to do it. So, although I could very easily come up with six random things about me (random is what I'm best at), I've decided to tweak the rules a little and give you six random things having to do with debt (lucky all of you).

1. Read Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. It has changed my life (thanks Sam).

2. Avoid any and all expenses that has a monthly charge. These are what add up and they diminish (significantly) your spending cash. This includes Internet, cable, gym fees, water services, etc. Anything that, until you get out of debt completely, are not necessities, get ride of 'em.

3. Do NOT use Bank of America for anything. They are completely unreasonable.

4. Find a way to be accountable to someone or something. Don't do this alone. Get as much help and encouragement as you can get from those who love you.

5. Set up and stick to a budget. Seriously.

6. This pertains to #5 - know where every single penny of yours goes to, including Circle K sodas, eating out, etc. Mark it down and you'll know better where to cut expenses, even if it's only a dollar a day. Those dollars and cents add up quickly.

There you go. My six random getting-out-of-debt things. Those of you who play should do it differently, writing six random things about yourselves. I can't wait to see what you write!

Here are the rules:

1.Link the person who tagged you.
2.Post the rules on your blog.
3.Write 6 random things about yourself.
4.Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.
5.Let the person know you tagged them on their blog.
6.Let the tagger know when you've posted.

I tag Deanna, Lori, Clint/Natalie, Shawna, Porter, and Tricia.

Christian/Stephanie Nielson

2008-08-25T13:38:00.004-07:00

Many of you had probably heard about the horrible airplane accident that happened in St. Johns. I grew up two doors down from the Nielson family. I love this family and want to do anything and everything I can to help them out.

If you'd like to hear about the story, please go HERE to get the story and the updates.

This is why I have the donation button at the top of my blog. If you can, please help them out. Their medical bills will eventually land in the millions. Yeah. You read that right. MILLIONS.

Thanks for your kindness and consideration.

Funny Maxine for the weekend.

2008-08-22T13:57:00.003-07:00

It's only funny because it's SO PAINFULLY TRUE...

Memories...

2008-08-12T14:59:00.003-07:00

I got this from a couple of my sister's blogs. I thought this would be fun. I hope you will play along. Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

3. I'm adding one more: If I don't know you (and THANK YOU FOR COMING), please leave me a note saying hello and introducing yourself. I see visits from all over the country, including OUT of the country, and I'd love to know who's visiting my blog.

Here we go...

I'm going to get out of debt.

2008-07-30T16:08:00.004-07:00

I have been feeling bad that I haven't contributed anything to my blog for a while, but as I'm going through my list of friends' blogs, I see many of them aren't either, so I'm chalking it up to being summertime and being busy with other things.

Time to get serious. This article has inspired me to get serious.

I have decided to get out of debt. I'm re-committing myself to this project and will be very serious about it.

It's funny. I recently got a decent raise and you know what some of the first things I thought of when I found out? "Ooh, now I can get such and such," and "Ooh, I can finally afford this and that" and "Ooh maybe I can take a weekend trip and fly to a beach somewhere," and STOP THE MADNESS!

I'm such a dork.

I have lost my focus. Completely and totally and it's time to find it again. With this raise, I can really start thinking seriously about a house now. But I've GOT to pay down my debt load in the meantime and I've GOT to have it be my number one priority.

And I've GOT to get rid of that stupid Bank of America 18.99% LOC.

That's actually my next project. I'll keep you posted.

Your Typical Sunday School Lesson On Tithing

2008-07-16T10:02:00.002-07:00

I have been debating on sharing this story with you just because I'm not proud of myself and my weaknesses and it's about a pretty private battle going on with me. But this whole blog is about being public with all of my financial decisions and battles and triumphs and this story falls right into that realm. For what it's worth, read on:

Because of my fabulous trip to San Francisco, I way Way WAY over did it on the spending. Because of this, I was short quite a lot to be able to pay my tithing on Sunday. I had the money in my savings, but not any in my checking. I did't want to tap into my precious savings account and figured I would just wait until my next payday and pay double tithing.

But I didn't feel good about that and figured Heavenly Father would bless me if I paid Him first. Please note I didn't come to this decision lightly.

Well then I woke up Sunday morning in a very grumpy mood. No idea why. But I did not want to get up and go to Church and I didn't want to see anyone and I just didn't want to do anything. Eventually, me being the good girl, I did get up to get ready to go (Church is at 8:00 a.m.) but was determined to take my time getting ready and if I was late, then I was late and SO WHAT! (Awful, I know - I don't know where my bad attitude came from!)

As planned, I was still getting ready when my roommate was ready to go to Church, so I sent her on her way and would meet up with her in a few minutes. At 7:58 a.m., I went out to my car and it was dead. It wouldn't turn over and it wouldn't even make a noise. Because I just replaced my battery last year, I was certain it was my alternator. It's four years old and it's a Ford and well, it just seemed like it might be time for that to go out. The lack of noise it made when I tried to turn it on seemed like it coincided with alternator issues I've had in the past with other cars.

Anyway, perfect opportunity to stay home since I couldn't reach Jennifer and of course everyone was already at Church. Well, almost everyone. All of a sudden, because I couldn't make it there, I felt an urgency to be there. I immediately thought I needed to call a neighbor friend of mine who happens to be a little late each week to Church. Luckily enough, he didn't disappoint and he was still home and was getting ready to leave. He very kindly picked me up and I made it in to Church about 10 minutes late.

The talks were all on Faith and things I really needed to hear. I also quickly turned in my tithing to ensure I didn't talk myself out of giving it (which I'm really good at doing - talking myself in and out of things I really shouldn't).

I came home from Church and went into my room and bawled my head off (not sure why again, just feeling really low) and prayed and apologized to Father for my attitude and bad mood/feelings. I felt better and the day went on as a nice, slow, easy-going day.

Monday evening my brother-in-law came over (thanks Ron) to check out my car. When I tried to turn it on, it made a clicking noise that's indicative of a bad battery. It didn't make that noise the day before and Ron was able to diagnose right away that it was a bad battery. He gave my car a jump and we drove over to Checker Auto to talk about the battery that was only a year old that was bad.

Last summer, my battery died on June 23, which was just over a year from when I took my car back this past Monday. They honored their year-long guarantee (even though it was over a year) and gave me a new battery for free!

What I thought was going to be a $300-400 job ended up costing me the gas to get to Checker Auto. That's it.

I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that because I paid my tithing, as painful as it was, I was blessed. I'm certain it was the alternator on Sunday and only the battery on Monday.

What a great lesson in humility and faith, eh?

San Fran Pictures

2008-07-16T09:32:00.005-07:00

As I said in an earlier post, this method of travel was my favorite. This is Ginger, Maddie, and myself on our way home (well hotel) from our seminar on the first day. It was simply beautiful outside and I loved having the wind in my face - I felt/looked like a dog the entire time! (smile)

This is me, Maddie (middle) and Debbie on our first day there. We are at Pier 39 (on Fisherman's Wharf) and were getting blown away (almost literally) by the wind gusts. It's was gorgeous.

One of our bosses insisted on sending us to tour Alcatraz on Monday night, which was one of the coolest things ever to see and hear (thanks Marc!). This is Debbie, me, Alyssa, Ginger, and Maddie (the whole group) after the tour was over. We (well everyone but me) are all in coats and jackets because the drive over and back on the boat to the island was cold. It was great - I loved having my cheeks pink from that fresh, cold air. Again, just call me your local dog loving that wind in my face!

And last but not least, this is me with a couple of monkeys in Chinatown. What a cool bench, huh? You've got Mr. Speak No Evil, Ms. Shopping Is Evil, Mr. See No Evil, and Mr. Hear No Evil. That was a great/exhausting/expensive day.

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaack......

2008-07-10T13:22:00.004-07:00

I got back late last night. I had a total ball and I'm in love with being outdoors. I couldn't get enough of the weather and just wanting to be outside all the time. What a concept - wanting to be outside in July.

I think we must have walked hundreds of miles while we were there. I wouldn't have it any other way.

My favorite method of transportation (besides walking) were the trolley cars. Awesome way to go from Point A to Point B - especially when it's work-related.

Least favorite were the F-line cars. Blech. A thousand people trying to cram into a skinny bus. Just completely gross.

I took some pictures, but I borrowed a friend's camera (thanks Shawna) and need her help in getting them uploaded to my computer. They will be coming later.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I spent WAY too much money (could NOT resist Pier 39 and Chinatown).

I had a blast - a total and complete blast - but I'm happy to be home.

Happy July everyone!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

2008-07-03T08:26:00.003-07:00

I am OFF to San Francisco bright and early tomorrow morning. Tomorrow night, I get to view this:

My friends and I are going on a cruise around the harbor to watch the fireworks tomorrow night. How cool will it be to see them over the water? Frankly, I'm a little excited about this.

We get to play until Sunday night, then starting Monday morning, we are there for a 3-day intense seminar. My company is sending all five of the executive assistants in our office. This is why a couple of us decided to go early, especially with it being a holiday weekend before the seminar. It worked out perfectly and the personal cost will be minimal (hotel and food only for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).

I haven't been to San Francisco in years - not since I was a kid (yeah, at least 100 years ago) so I feel like I'll be experiencing it really for the first time.

Like I said earlier, I CANNOT WAIT.

In the meantime, I'd like to wish you all a happy and safe Independence Day!

Great (and cheap) Mexican Food

2008-07-03T08:20:00.003-07:00

My roomie Jennifer and I went to a new Mexican food restaurant last night. It's called Los 7 Compadres and it's at 2795 S Market Street. It's in the shopping center just west of Circuit City, Ulta, Old Navy, etc. It's right next to Quiznos. (Nearest crossroads are San Tan [Greenfield] and Williams Field.)

The price was great (I had a bean/cheese burrito for $2.78), the food was great, and the service was great. It's family owned and operated and I want for it to stay in business and do really well. So next time you NEED good Mexican food (and don't we all really NEED good Mexican food?), check it out. AND let me know what you think...

Here's a link to a review Jen found on it: http://chowdownphoenix.com/los-siete-compadres-mexican-food-gilbert-az/

Splurge and Savings

2008-06-30T08:23:00.003-07:00

I have two favorite items. One has been a favorite for a while, and one I just discovered recently.

The one that's been around for a while is not cheap. It's a splurge item that I still insist on getting because it makes me eat my salad.

Oh mylanta, this is stuff is delicious. So far I've only been able to find it at AJs Market (I believe they only exist here in Arizona) and it's $6.00 a bottle. But seriously folks, it's the BEST. DRESSING. EVER.

I made a salad last night that consisted of spinach and strawberries and candied nuts. I poured a little of this dressing in a bowl and added poppy seeds and about a teaspoon of dried onions. It was simply marvy. Seriously. Oh. So. GOOD!

Like I said, it's a splurge, but one you won't regret and will find you'll need always. And again, it gets me to eat my veggies.

BUT IT'S EXPENSIVE.

Now, talk about random, but the one that's a new discovery is a cheap alternative to pedicures. (Okay, so what's wrong with doing a single blog post about salad dressing and pedicures?)

I am going to San Francisco later this week and am in dire and desperate need of a pedicure (seriously GROSS FEET!). I didn't want to spend the money on one, but was considering it because though logically you would think, "Just give yourself one," physically I'm a pedicure moron. I won't explain, just know I have problems (if you know me, that's a given anyway - HA!).

I then remembered my cousin then my sister and eventually my roommate talking about this little contraption - The PedEgg. I purchased one on Saturday for $9.99 (the cheapest pedicure is $25) and proceeded to make my feet look and feel like a baby's bottom. Oh. So. Wonderful.

AND CHEAP.

Happy Birthday Ellie Bellie!

2008-06-27T08:22:00.002-07:00

You're THREE years old today and what a fun character you are! I love you sweetie...

Tagged!

2008-06-25T12:46:00.006-07:00

I don't get tagged all that often, so when I do, I feel I need to respond. Please bear with me (and thanks muchly Jen H.). I've been "TAGGED" and must now share 3 joys of mine, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 obsessions/collections, & 3 random or surprising facts. Then I tag 5 more people at the end. Here I go:

3 JOYS

1. I actually have 19 joys - James, Jonni, Jake, Jackson, Travis, Dylan, Bryndee, Porter, Torie, Kymber, Abby, Ellie, Taralee, Raegan, Kalli, Tyler, Sydney, Andrew, and Max. These are my nieces and nephews and nothing and no one makes me happier than these critters. I thank Heavenly Father every night for them.

2. Music - I love music. I love the way it makes me feel, I love hearing it and making it and never tire of it. There's not a lot of music out there that I don't enjoy, and if I don't enjoy it, then I probably don't really count it as music anyway.

3. Family togetherness - I LOVE it when my entire family makes an effort to get together. I love the chaos that it always brings and I love the sense of stability I get when I am with my family. Granted when we are all together, there's a good chance a lot of JOY isn't around (we have a tendenancy to be a little hot headed at times - shocker, I know), but if I had my druthers, we would all live near each other and be more in each others' lives on a regular basis.

3 FEARS

1. Losing any member of my family to death. I can't even think about it without tearing up. I pray I won't have to deal with this for a very long time.

2. Creepy crawly things, especially spiders. I am so afraid that they are going to land on me or crawl on me or even jump up on me. It's an irrational fear, but it's very real and I HATE them!

3. Having the bottom fall out in my life before I get to pay off all of my debt. Seriously - with the economy the way it is right now, it's a very real fear, one that's always in the back of my mind.

3 GOALS

1. Get completely out of debt.
2. Establish some savings.
3. Purchase a house.

3 OBSESSIONS/COLLECTIONS

1. Shoes - it doesn't matter how fat or thin or pretty or ugly you are, if you got cute shoes - ALL IS WELL!

2. "Lost" - based on recent posts, need I say more?

3. The Cooking Channel - I don't cook. It's just me, myself, and I and it's too messy to cook for just one, not to mention I'm not a huge fan of eating my own cooked meal (weird, I know). But I LOVE the Food Network and some of their regulars on there: Rachael Ray, Giada DeLaurentis, Ina Garten, Tyler Florence, Paula Deen just to name a few. My sisters absolutely LOVE it when I tell them how to do something when I see they're not doing it the way the experts on TV do it (sarcasm really doesn't come over well in the written word).

3 RANDOM OR SURPRISING FACTS

1. I lettered in high school
2. I can stick my entire fist in my mouth (SO not proud of this one...)
3. I type 118 WPM with 0 errors (great free testing site: http://www.typingtest.com/)

TAGS: I tag Melanie, Bryndee, Brenda Whiz, Cousin Kristen, and Tricia! Love you all...

I love old friends...

2008-06-24T19:11:00.003-07:00

A few posts ago, I mentioned that my childhood home burned down.

My old friend from that neighborhood did a tribute to our home on a recent blog post. Her memories of our house sparked many more of my own and I appreciate you Allyson for your kind words and thoughts.

Take a look: Tribute

Lost Season 3

2008-06-24T16:58:00.002-07:00

I don't really know what to say here to tie Lost Season 3 in with my getting out of debt. All I know is I am hooked. Hook. Line. And Sinker!

That's it.

Lovely People

2008-06-24T09:14:00.003-07:00

In my quest to get out of debt, I have met or have been reacquainted or have strengthened friendships because of how I'm being so public about this very private issue.

Melinda is a girl that I met through my roommate a couple of years or so ago. She's a cool, awesome girl who makes and sells fabulous jewelry (I own several pieces of hers that I've purchased throughout the years - all with cash thankyouverymuch). I recently was reacquainted with her through another friend of mine who had a vendor fair in her home, where Melinda had a booth.

Melinda found out about my blog through my roommate and has been reading it off and on for a while. When I saw her a few weeks ago, she mentioned it, mentioned how happy for me she was for what I was doing, and wanted to reward me.

I couldn't believe she wanted to reward such bad decisions, but she said she was rewarding the good decisions of conquering the bad. She then let me choose a favorite piece of jewelry that was on display and I immediately went to this:

The moment I walked in the door, this was the first piece I saw and fell in love with (if you know me at all, green is my all time favorite color, and this particular shade of green is probably tops of all the shades). I don't know what the stone is, but it's awfully cool and it has turned into my favorite piece of jewelry that I own.

Thank you Melinda. This was not an easy gift for me to accept as I don't feel I deserve anything until all this debt is paid off completely by me. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, kindness, and especially for your talent and your willingness to share it with others!

She doesn't know I'm doing this, but I wanted to give her a plug. Please visit Melinda's website and see for yourself: www.melindasjewelry.com - you will love anything you get from her!

A Cheaper Alternative

2008-06-24T08:42:00.004-07:00

One of my all time favorite things to eat are desserts (as you can obviously tell by my svelte figure). My all time favorite dessert is a chocolate croissant. I don't get them very often because, well, they're really fattening not to mention it's an extra cost that I don't need to spend (though that doesn't stop me from getting them every once in a while [smile]).

I recently read in a magazine about a cheaper alternative to chocolate croissants. You get the Pilsbury crescent rolls and add chocolate chips to them before you roll them up and bake them. It sounded intriguing to me so I tried it last night (the picture above is a "real" chocolate croissant - the picture below is my attempt at the alternative).

Mmm...

The buttery goodness of those rolls were so divine with the chocolate in the middle. It's a perfect blend of savory and sweet, but not too sweet (I prefer semi-sweet chocolate over milk chocolate - dark chocolate would be even better but I didn't have dark chocolate chips).

Not to mention for about the cost of one chocolate croissant from the bakery, I was able to make eight of them. Much smaller and of course the quality is not near as good, but still, a great, cheaper alternative.

Happy Birthday Sydney and Kalli!

2008-06-24T08:39:00.005-07:00

Sydney Rae Kerby, you are a whopping SIX years old today! Have fun riding the horses tonight. I love you!

Kalli LaRue Kerby, you turned NINE on Saturday and I wish I could have been there to celebrate your birthday with you. I love you sweetie!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2008-06-18T12:40:00.002-07:00

(My dad with Max, Andrew, and Tyler Kerby - they all LOVE their Grandpa!)

You're 67 years young today. I sure do love you!

Not related to finances in any way...

2008-06-17T11:53:00.005-07:00

I grew up in two homes - one in west Mesa from the age of 0 to 15, and the 2nd one in east Mesa from the age of 16 to whenever I moved out as an adult.

I drove by the first one yesterday and found this:

Apparently it burned down just Saturday morning (today is Tuesday) and they're not sure why. It was sad to see my childhood home in such a mess (and so incredibly ugly too - it was MUCH cuter when we lived there - thanks Mom and Dad for keeping our homes so nice).

Anyway, I keep looking at this picture, remembering where certain rooms were, where my piano sat, where the kitchen window was located - totally going down amnesia lane. Lots of good memories were made there and I guess in the end, that's all we really need anyway.

Update

2008-06-17T10:12:00.002-07:00

As of today, my debt totals are:

Bank of America (stupid bank): $33,784.39
Mastercard: $2,235.91
GE Care Credit (for my dental stuff): $2,168.50
AZFCU (car): $7,175.33

GRAND TOTAL: $45,364.13

The last time I did an update in February (four month ago), the number was almost exactly the same. This is very discouraging. I know I had to add the dental stuff on there, and I KNOW that the 18.99% is killing me for the BofA loan (which I'm eventually going to put on a couple of low interest rate cards), so I shouldn't get too discouraged because I have a plan, right?

Blech. I'm tired of plans. I just want to get me out of this mess!

What I've Learned From "Lost" (Season 2) So Far...

2008-06-10T08:52:00.002-07:00

I'm really struggling with this one. I LOVED Season 2. A lot more than Season 1 actually. It was a lot more intense, crazy story lines, strange characters introduced, and on and on and on.

But seriously - POLAR BEARS?

Anyway, finding a debt message out of this season has proven interesting to say the least.

Okay - here goes. A lot of this season was about faith. Faith in ourselves, faith in the island (??), faith in each other. My faith in getting out of debt is strong. My will, on the other hand, not so much. I'm constantly working on that.

But I have faith. Actually, I HAVE to have faith to keep going. This has been one of the most exhilarating and hardest things I've ever EVER had to do and though my will many times seems very weak, my faith has always remained strong.

I know I'm doing the right thing and that this is absolutely the best thing for me. I seriously can't wait to be done with it all and move on to other goals. This has helped me realize I CAN make a goal and work to achieve it. I've never been very good at that and have actually never been a fan of making goals to begin with. I always thought that all they are are promises to yourself that you can make or break if you wanted. Why do something that I could easily fail at, since I am NOT a fan of failure or even the option of failing.

Anyway, a whole other topic there.

It's all about faith.

Happy Birthday James!

2008-06-04T14:44:00.002-07:00

Today is my oldest nephew's birthday. He's 24 years old, he's a husband and daddy and I sure love him a lot.

Happy birthday James Allan Julian! Love you bud.

What I've Learned From "Lost" So Far...

2008-06-04T14:33:00.003-07:00

Okay, in order to justify my watching "Lost" every waking moment is I have to glean something from it and apply it to my debt struggle.

This may be stretching but...

In the first season (which I finished last night), one of the characters talks about a caterpillar that turns into a moth. Not a butterfly but a moth. He said the butterflies are much prettier than the moths, but the moths' cocoon's are tougher and made out of silk and are harder to break out of.

He said he could very easily help that moth along by widening the hold in the cocoon, which would ease the moth's struggle of getting out. But our lives are made for struggles like this so we can be stronger in the end.

That's how I feel about this whole getting-out-of-debt process. I just want it to be over and done with NOW. But I need to struggle with it and chip it away little by little so I can be stronger in the end and will never find myself in this situation again.

I'm struggling and chipping away at this debt and even though this lesson totally does work for me and applies to me, I would still be completely okay if it was done with NOW (smile).

In a perfect world - maybe. As we all very well know, this isn't a perfect world and I absolutely do not live a perfect life. So here's to struggling a lot and getting stronger every day!

Stupid Bank of America

2008-06-03T08:48:00.003-07:00

I'm so frustrated I could scream. I did a little when I was alone in my car yesterday.

As you all know, I have a line of credit with Bank of America. It's my biggest form of debt with the highest percentage rate (18.99%). Because of this, even though I've been paying on it for about a year now, It's only gone down about $1,500 (I pay $730 a month - zoiks, I know). This percentage rate is killing me and my plan.

So about once a month, I call Bank of America to see if they're willing to lower my percentage rate. Yesterday was the first time they patched me through to someone else besides the initial person who answers the phone. This was encouraging since it was the first time they've done this.

The person I spoke with asked me what I wanted - I told her I wanted and needed a lower interest rate to be able to pay off this loan more quickly. She asked me if I was planning on using any more of the money from it. I told her no. She then asked permission to pull my credit report. Okay. She did and came back stating my debt ratio was too high and therefore they couldn't grant me the smaller percentage rate.

How does this make any sense?!?

I told her my debt ratio is large because of the single LOC I have with them. My other two forms of debt are rather small amounts and this large amount remains large because of the huge interest rate. I told her I've never been late on a payment, in fact pay extra and have an impeccable history with them. Her response: "I'm sorry ma'am, your debt ratio is too high." That's all she said and wouldn't give any other answers. I hung up on her. I probably shouldn't have I know - but they're just STUPID.

I was livid yesterday, and as I type this, I'm getting angrier by the second.

Stupid Bank of America.

I will call again and ask for a manager or supervisor.

I HATE this stuff...

Happy Birthday Torie!

2008-06-02T08:14:00.002-07:00

Happy birthday to my darling, sweet, kind, hard-working, generous, beautiful niece Torie. This picture was taken yesterday and I appreciate her willingness to be a poser with her Aunt Tara.

Love you sweetie!

Happy Birthday to...

2008-05-31T15:35:00.002-07:00

...my oldest (and SHE thinks wisest) sister Leslie. You're 45 today. My goodness, how am I related to someone so old?!? (smiley face here) Love you sistah dear!

PS: Happy birthday to you too Ronaldo (my bro-in-law)!

Cheap Entertainment

2008-05-31T08:59:00.004-07:00

Today is Saturday. My chores day. And guess what I'm NOT doing? CHORES.

I sit near a bunch of boys at work that are the TV show "Lost" fanatics. It's all they talk about. I live with a roommate who is also a "Lost" fanatic. I work with an executive who couldn't believe I've never seen the show "Lost" and asked me what kind of ridiculous shows DO I watch if not "Lost."

Hmm, maybe they're all trying to tell me something?

I went to my local public library yesterday and guess what I found? The first three seasons of "Lost" on DVD that I could check out. I've avoided this show for the past four years - why in the world should or would I start on it now?

Because it's summer and I will be here in town alone for most of it, and heck, why not jump on the bandwagon?

So instead of chores and weekly grocery shopping and even getting dressed or showered for that matter, I'm sitting on the couch, completely enthralled in "Lost." Totally addicted already.

But heck, it's free entertainment and I aint spending any money. How's that for justification? (Mom, you would be so proud!)

I Am Pocahontas

2008-05-29T15:56:00.001-07:00

You Are Pocahantas

Free-spirited and wise. You have a strong passionate spirit that touches and changes all who know you. The wisdom and common sense that you have is really what guides you through life. Even so, you also have a very playful side that loves adventure and excitement.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

The Great Dave Ramsey

2008-05-23T09:37:00.002-07:00

I love this guy. Everything he teaches and talks about is purely common sense. This month's newsletter has him talking about how to pay for the gasoline that is so expensive.

Dave's Thoughts on Gas Prices (click here if you want to read his stuff online)

Gasoline has gone up 26% since this time last year. SHOCKER! Since most of us are used to daily commutes, running the kids here and there for their various activities, and visiting friends and family, this price increase is affecting us. The Consumer Price Index figures say this is the number one thing that's gone up in our household budgets this year — and it's only May!

"But there's nothing I can do," some say. I say, "Oh, yes there is!"

It's time to revisit the budget.

When I tell people this, some tell me they've crunched their budgets as much as they can. Then I ask, "How much is your car payment? ... How much is your monthly cable or satellite bill? ... Is the Starbucks drive-thru a regular stop on your morning commute?"

I hate to break it to you, but new cars, cable, and Starbucks are luxuries, NOT necessities! You can easily survive with a used (and paid-for!) car, no cable reality shows, and coffee made at home. Just think of all that money you could use to pay off debt and put toward your gasoline money for the month if you did just those 3 things!

Earlier this month, an algebra teacher in Michigan sent me a great email that I read on the radio show. She wrote:

Dave, I often give my math students this calculation to figure out. A typical latte costs $3.59 for 16 oz. That's 22 cents per ounce or $28.72 a gallon! Ask your listeners if they've drank a gallon of latte lately!

HOLY COW! If that doesn't put things into perspective, I don't know what will!

First Things First: You must remember there IS a difference between needs and wants in life. The first things at the top of your budget should be your needs: shelter, food, transportation, clothing, and utilities. If you currently go to the movie theatre every weekend or have a Hawaiian vacation at the top of your list when you struggle to pay the electric bill, your priorities are out of wack. Don't sacrifice your needs to finance your wants. If you do, it will catch up with you and you'll regret it.

Plan Ahead: You can also strategically plan ahead when running errands and commuting to work. If you go to the grocery store twice a week, reorganize your list so you only have to go once a week. If you have a lot of errands to run, plan your route ahead of time so you're not retracing your steps around town. You could also organize a carpool with some of your coworkers who live near you.

June will be here before you know it, so go have a Budget Committee Meeting right now to see where you can free up some more money — because every little bit adds up when gas is $4 a gallon!

I remember complaining when it cost me $16 to fill my little Honda Civic. I filled my Ford Focus up this morning for $43 and some change. ZOIKS.

Anyway, the purpose of this post is just to pass along Dave's common sense. He mentions eliminating vacations if money is too tight. I have a mini-vacation coming up in July. No, it's not necessary, but the opportunity is there and because I know about it ahead of time, I can save a little bit more on the day-to-day spending to enable me to do this trip, including eliminating unnecessary expenditures, which includes needing to drive everywhere. Gas is a killer!

I am as excited about the financial planning of the trip as I am actually taking it. It will probably be the first trip I take that will be paid with cash rather than credit. THAT'S what I'm excited about.

I've never been smart about money. I still struggle with it to this day, but I'm working on it and trying to be smart about it and I'm doing an okay job. Still not great, but oh so much better than when I started this blog back in October.

Meet my niece.

2008-05-20T17:03:00.002-07:00

You have to meet my niece Sydney (click below):

Comments from Sydney Kerby

Read her comments over and over and read them out loud to yourself. They get funnier and funnier the more you read them.

I'm still crying over it.

A HORRIBLE way to save money...

2008-05-17T18:12:00.003-07:00

...is to get really, REALLY sick.

I've been puking and pooping (sorry) since Wednesday night. It is now Saturday night and this is the first time I've even ventured out of my bedroom.

You save money because you aren't going anywhere so therefore you save on gas money, not to mention wear and tear on your car.

You save money because you aren't eating or drinking a single, solitary thing, so no grocery money is spent.

You save money because you can't drag yourself out of bed long enough to take a shower. You're saving on water, heat, toiletries, energy in general.

You save money because when you're not puking and/or pooping, you are sleeping, so there are no energy costs going on there with the TV on or the lights on.

You save money because when you're puking and/or pooping, you don't want to go anywhere, do anything, see anyone, and you save on entertainment costs.

I'm WAY tired of saving money this way. I hope never, Ever, EVER again to be so gosh dern frugal. BLECH.

There's going to be a prom...

2008-05-14T11:22:00.002-07:00

...on Saturday night, it's May 14th!

This was the beginning of a song that Mistie Davis, Stacy Malone, Staci Blythe, and myself sang to our dates (Brian, Andy, Dennis [I think], and Nick) in front of our class, telling these guys that our answer was yes we would love to go with them to our senior prom.

Exactly 20 years ago today. May 14, 1988.

Gulp.

I really AM that old.

Happy Birthday...

2008-05-11T18:54:00.003-07:00

...to my just-younger sister Andrea. Thank you for allowing me be a part of your family. I love you sis!

Looking Back...

2008-05-05T08:48:00.003-07:00

For some reason, my roommate Jennifer and I were talking about our youth and I told her about my first bike - my first banana seat, basket-on-the-front bike.

My sister Andrea and I got our "new" bikes for Christmas one year. The interesting thing was they weren't new. They were used (I don't remember if they belonged to our older sisters or if they were purchased elsewhere - Mom and Dad, would you like to comment on that?) and in pretty bad shape. I believe when we realized what they were that Christmas morning, some disappointment was felt - at least by me.

But the thing that sold us on them was the fact that we got to go to the store with Dad, pick out whatever color of paint we wanted the bike painted, chose a new seat, and chose a basket for the front.

I don't remember what Andi chose, but I chose the color copper. (Weird color, I know, and as I see the pink bike above, why couldn't I have chosen a cool color like that instead?) Anyway...

These bikes never felt used. They were our very own from the very beginning because we got to be part of the process of making them new again. I loved that bike.

I'm sharing this trip down amnesia lane because my parents weren't wealthy. But as kids we never really felt poor. My folks new how to scrimp and save and make do and we always felt comfortable growing up.

I'm not exactly sure where I got my horrible, HORRIBLE spending habits. It was definitely NOT an inherited thing or learn-by-example thing. I went completely against the grain on this front and am paying dearly for it now.

Silly me.

Do you have memories to share on making do with what you have/had? Please comment. I'd love to hear your stories. Seriously.

American Idol

2008-05-01T13:39:00.002-07:00

I just had to share what my niece thought of the vote for last night's American Idol. You have to know her to really appreciate this, but just know she's got a very low, scratchy voice, and she's a very no nonsense, tells it like it is, wonderful girl.

Click HERE to learn about her thoughts from last night's contest.

I LOVE that Kalli girl...

Count Your Many Blessings...

2008-04-29T10:10:00.002-07:00

...Name them one by one: Stephen, Rachel, Jake, Hannah, Chip, Simon, Lauren, and Calvin Hixon. You are my blessings.

After reading my post yesterday, the entire Hixon family came over last night for Family Home Evening. After a lesson from my roommate, they swept our porch and driveway, and then Stephen proceeded to teach his boys how to fix brakes. They took my car away, and a couple of hours later, I got my car back with new brakes. And the car was sparkling clean as well - they washed it! Couldn't tell ya the last time my car got a shower. Heaven.

This act of service kept me up all night long. I am very humbled and grateful for people like the Hixons who see a need and act upon it. I am very weepy today (service + no sleep + painful dentist appointment makes Tara an emotional girl) and am still marveling at last night's events.

To the Hixon family, THANK YOU. I don't deserve your generosity but am so grateful for what you did for me. I love you guys!

Two Steps Forward, Three Steps Back

2008-04-28T11:13:00.002-07:00

I went to the dentist last week.

Sigh.

I now have $2,500 worth of dental work I need to get done in order for my teeth to not fall out. Starting tomorrow. Urg...

Luckily they have a 12-month 0% financing program, so I will be able to pay this off in 12 months, but it's going to take away from my debt snowball and as a result that will take that much longer to pay it off. Joy and rapture.

And now my brakes on my car are making awful noises.

I'd be sobbing like a baby if I wasn't laughing manically!

Let's hope Tara doesn't go completely bye bye...

Happy Administrative Professionals Day

2008-04-23T10:25:00.002-07:00

It used to be called Secretaries Day, but apparently that term went out of style several years ago and the PC term is now Administrative Assistant.

I am one of these. Actually I'm an Executive Assistant, but it's close to the same thing.

I always thought this was a day that was made up by the card and floral companies. I still personally don't find it necessary, most especially because I work at a place that constantly praises and recognizes everyone on a regular basis, not just because the hallmark companies out there say to. But it was awfully nice to come in and have a bouquet of flowers not only from my boss (daisies - amazing colored ones) but also from a fellow assistant (yellow tulips - wunnerful!). We've been getting high fives and well dones all day long from random people. Kinda makes me blush.

A great history of why this day exists is mentioned HERE. You may or may not be interested in it, but apparently the card companies did NOT create this day, though I find it hilarious to see the floral links at the bottom of the aforementioned article. They gotta get their digs in there somewhere.

Anyway, I guess what I'm saying to all of you wonderful Administrative/Executive Assistants out there, HAPPY DAY TO YOU! And to all of you wonderful bosses out there, thanks for making this day/week special!

How do you like my background?

2008-04-10T13:31:00.004-07:00

Does it hurt your eyes yet?

My darling niece is rather brilliant at creating these blog backgrounds. I love to change things up a bit every once in a while, and she has a blast doing them. Not to mention she does a dang good job at them.

I've put a link to her background-making blog to the right (you too can get fun backgrounds from her), but you can also check it out HERE.

This particular background probably won't last long 'cause I don't want to hurt people's eyes too much. But I sure like looking at it...

It's been a heck of a couple of weeks!

2008-04-02T13:38:00.007-07:00

Sorry I've been AWOL for a while. It's been a crazy couple of weeks and I'm only now starting to feel like my life is getting semi-back to normal.

On the same day that my grandmother passed away (March 19), my oldest nephew married the love of his life:

(James and Tabitha Julian)

Tabitha had a daughter from a previous marriage, so I became an instant great-aunt, my sister became a grandmother, and my parents are great-grandparents. So cool. Anyway, how adorable is she?

(James and Olivia)

My grandmother's funeral was last week. It was lovely. All of my sisters attended:

Left to Right: Cassie [youngest], Stacey [next to oldest], Tara (me) [middle child - explains a lot, huh?], Andrea [next to youngest], and Leslie [oldest]

This was probably one of the best days I've had in a really long time. I am happiest when I am around my family, and to have my parents and all of my sisters close by was just simply wonderful.

Two days later, I flew to Colorado to attend the temple with my nephew who was receiving his own endowments in preparation for his mission (he's going to Trinidad Tobago West Indies French speaking) and to hear him give his farewell talk. Another weekend full of family and friends and it was lovely.

Left to right: Me, Jake the missionary, and Cassie in front of the Denver, CO temple.

When I flew home on Sunday night, my mom came with me to stay with Andrea's kids while Andi goes through some surgery. So my mom is around and has decided there is a reason why women are mothers in their early years. Here's why:

This is a picture of my 2-year old niece's leg and foot after she found a container of red nail polish this weekend. When my mom saw this picture, right before she was to get on the airplane to watch these kids, she got a little nervous to watch this particular 2-year old, a 2-year old that is REALLY good at being 2.

I can report that so far, Grandma and kids are alive and well and are enjoying each other immensely. Mom told me last night that if I was able to stop by each night this week, she wouldn't be unhappy about it. That's nothing but a treat for me.

Anyway, life is crazy and good and busy and all that good stuff.

The debt is still there. It's ALWAYS still there. But it's not being ignored. Sometimes I would really like to pretend it went away and use that money for fun things, but I quickly realize if I were to do that, it would take that much longer to get out of debt, and that much longer to NOT get a house that my family can come and stay in when they're in town.

Sure wish I had that house last week.

Someday...

A Tribute: Ruby Ann LaRue

2008-03-19T11:07:00.003-07:00

This is probably one of the worst pictures of me (though darling of my sister Cassie and my Grandma LaRue):

I'm posting it because my sweet, 96-year old grandma LaRue passed away tonight. This picture was taken just two weeks ago, but a week later, she fell, hit her head and broke her hip and it is what finally "helped" her pass on to the other side. Up until then, she was healthier than anyone I knew. Anyone.

I'm happy she's finally getting to be reunited with my Grandpa, who took a walk 20 years ago and hasn't been seen from since. She'll finally get to learn what happened to him. The rest of us will have to wait until it's our turn.

We are having a double funeral/memorial for Grandma and Grandpa LaRue. I can't wait to be able to celebrate their lives and relive memories of them with the rest of my family.

In the mean time, I'm sad that I won't get to see her again on this earth, but oh so happy she's no longer in pain and has moved on to her eternal life and companion.

Love you Grandma.

Just a quick note:

2008-03-17T15:07:00.003-07:00

I was so lucky and got to sing with my 8-year old niece yesterday in her ward. We sang "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" and were actually able to harmonize a bit with each other.

I want to thank Kymber for asking me to do this. It was an honor and privilege to get to be the first one to be a part of Kymber's first official musical number.

I hope there are many, MANY more to come. You have a beautiful singing voice m'dear...

I've Been Tagged...

2008-03-17T10:49:00.002-07:00

I have managed to escape being tagged... UNTIL NOW. My "darling" niece tagged me on her blog. I don't like to do these, but because it's her, I'll do it this one time. Here's to you Bryndee Boo...

THE ABC'S OF ME

A - Attached or single: single (sigh)
B - Best friend: Andrea
C - Cake or pie: White cake with the gooiest chocolate buttercream frosting.
D - Day of choice: Friday (you get the anticipation of Saturday).
E - Essential item: Blistex.
F - Favorite color: Green!
G - Gummy bears or worms: Neither one - GWOSS!
H - Hometown: Gilbert, AZ.
I - Indulgence(s): Chocolate croissants (zoiks!), Pepsi (Mmm).
J - January or July: In town, JANUARY - out of town (like San Diego), JULY!
K - Kids: 19 nieces and nephews.
L - Life is incomplete without: My Family.
M - Marriage date: Now, that's the fruit you're talking about, right? Marriage, what is this marriage you speak of?
N - Number of siblings: 4.
O - Oranges or apples: Oranges.
P - Phobias or fears: Any of my family members being hurt.
Q - Quotes: "Can I sit by you?" as quoted by Bryndee, Porter, Torie, Kymber, and Abby every Sunday when I come over for dinner.
R - Reason to smile: "You're awesome!" from my boss (as I already know this [grin]).
S - Season of choice: Arizona winters - absolutely.
T - Tag three friends: Tricia, Rachel, Alisa.
U - Unknown fact about me: I can seriously stick my entire fist in my mouth.
V - Very favorite store: Any shoe store probably.
W - Worst habit: I like my junk food - salty and sweet.
X - X-ray or ultrasound: Huh?
Y - Your favorite food. Peanut Butter anything.
Z - Zodiac sign: Scorpio.

Cheap Entertainment

2008-03-12T07:56:00.003-07:00

On Monday night, I went with my friend Jenny to the LDS Visitor's Center in Mesa. They had an AMAZING showcase of pictures that a local photographer took depicting scenes of Christ's life from the Bible. He used his friends and family in the pictures, and he went all over Arizona to take these pictures.

Right now they're only being shown at the Arizona Temple, but I hope they make the rounds eventually as they are some of the lovliest pieces of art I've seen in a long time.

If you get a chance, you should go see these pictures. They're beautiful. Go here to learn more about them. You really will be amazed and inspired.

And it didn't cost me a dime.

Happy 32nd Birthday...

2008-03-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

...to my baby sister Cassie. Love you sis!

I am not suffering...

2008-03-05T10:09:00.010-07:00

A lot of people (especially at work) ask me how I feel sacrificing the "niceties" in life by doing this getting-out-of-debt program. I answer them all the same. It's not a sacrifice, and there are people in my life who supply me these niceties on a regular basis, whether it's taking me out to lunch, giving me gift cards, putting movie tickets in my purse (I still don't know who did this), etc. I'm so blessed.

I was going through my purse the other day looking at all the gift cards, etc. that I can still use and I have quite a bit. Take a look:

Funnily enough, this came from the bank that supplied me my horrible Line of Credit - it was a "bonus" for using them (quite a bonus at 18.99%). I still don't know how to use it since supposedly it was supposed to come with some kind of code to activate - I got the card but never the code.

Here is a single movie ticket that landed in my purse towards the end of last year (I think). I can't tell you who it came from or when it showed up in my purse or even why I was fortunate enough to receive it. I also got a gift card to the movies (for Christmas), as well as a gift card to Chick Fil-A (from my 12-days-of-Christmas Secret Friend). I'm not a huge fan of fast food, but Chick Fil-A is one of two that I do enjoy. A lot. I LOVE this card.

This is another set of movie tickets that also landed in my purse. Hmm, methinks maybe I leave my purse unattended too often (smile). Anyway, what a pleasant surprise to find these. I'm just waiting on a good enough movie to use them for.

My lovely friend Lori gave me this Barnes & Noble gift card for my birthday last year. I got it shortly after I sold all of my books at my garage sale and was feeling a little blue about it. It was so fun to get this and so far, save it for that special book that I absolutely HAVE to have, no matter the cost. (Still waiting...)

I received these two gift cards from a friend of mine last year (one just because and one for Christmas). Both go to Carrabba's, which is one of my all time favorite restaurants. Because it's so much food, I don't eat here very often (though the one right by my house calls my name on a regular basis - I don't answer it near enough), which is why I still have some left on these cards. But what a great night out when it's Carrabba's free food.

Last but not least, when I do go out to lunch or go get lunch for my bosses, I have a punch card. These tend to get filled up fast because of how many orders I do. Because of this, I get free lunches on a fairly regular basis at these two restaurants. How delightful is that?

Yeah - there isn't a whole lot of suffering going on here. I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing and not only benefitting from getting out of debt, but am being spoiled rotten by those who love me.

I love my life!

Happy Birthday Bryndee!

2008-03-04T15:41:00.003-07:00

My beautiful Bryndee (yet another niece) turned 14 this past weekend. She's lovely. Absolutely lovely. Inside and out - her parents got a gem of a teenager in this one.

Happy birthday Bryndee Boo. I sure do love you!

Debt Update

2008-02-19T13:27:00.002-07:00

When I started this blog, I was about $52,000 in debt. It's gone down some and I wanted to share with you my new numbers (I'm really opening this personal thing up even more to all of you):

Credit card: $3,264.20
Car loan: $7,985.65
LOC: $34,523.56

This makes for a grand total of $45,773.41. It's still a huge number. An extremely huge number. But it is going down. Slowly, but definitely surely.

I love that it's no longer in the $50,000 range. And once I hit the $30,000 range, that will be another huge milestone for me, so that's my next goal I'm looking forward to.

Thank you so so much for all of your kind words and support in this process. It really keeps me going and having all of you to report to has made a world of difference in truly achieving this goal.

On to the $30,000 number!

No House.

2008-02-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

Sigh. I really thought I could do it. Figure out a way to have a mortgage and work on this debt at the same time. The housing market is such that NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY.

Now for everyone but Tara.

I saw a bunch of homes this Saturday as Andi and I went out and looked and scouted. Really fun homes, not-so-cute-but-oh-so-practical homes, and new construction homes. I must admit I liked those the best.

I thought maybe I could roll my line of credit into my mortage. My LOC is at 18.99% and mortages are between 5-6% right now. I thought if I paid extra on my mortgage at the much lower rate, it would be better than paying the higher rate.

Anyway, I was told I couldn't do that and I'm better off just working on the LOC myself.

Wah. I REALLY want a house. I'm not known for my patience. But Heavenly Father is teaching me it on a constant basis these days.

It's for the best, I know.

It WILL be done.

Some day.

SIGH.

Two More Kids...

2008-02-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

I'm going to honor my nieces/nephews by posting a little something about them when it's their birthday.

Today it's all about Tyler and Raegan.

Tyler's 7th birthday was Friday. Raegan's 10th birthday is tomorrow. They are brother and sister and got to celebrate their birthdays with their family together (though they had separate parties with their friends). Their mom is embarrased about this cake, but it just goes to show it's homemade and those are always the yummiest, even if they're not the prettiest.

I don't get to see Tyler and Raegan all that often as they live in a different state than I do. But I sure do love them. Fiercely. And I miss their beautiful faces all the time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAE RAE AND TC! I love you a whole lot!

My 19 Kids

2008-02-01T19:30:00.001-07:00

As you all know, I have not had the pleasure of having a family of my own. I'm a 37-year old old maid and as much as I would love to have a husband and children, I have been oh so blessed with having 9 nephews and 10 nieces to be related to.

I love these kids. Fiercely.

Let me tell you about one of them right now (and I'm sure I'll share more stories about others in the future).

Porter is his name. He will be 12 years old tomorrow and he's as handsome as the day is long. Take a look:

This is a big birthday. He receives the Priesthood on Sunday. Being the only boy in his family (he has 6 sisters and no brothers), this is the first and only time the Derrick family gets to experience this.

He's a sweetie and I love him a whole lot.

This doesn't have anything to do with debt, but I just wanted to celebrate someone special.

Happy birthday Porter Bug!

Farewell...

2008-01-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

After hearing the news last night, I kept thinking about the wonderful reunions he was having in heaven, especially with his sweet wife Marjorie.

I dearly love President Hinckley and will miss him and his absolute wisdom.

From his own words:

"This is a time to be strong.

"It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth and the importance of our mission.

"It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow.

"It is a time to be found keeping the commandments.

"It is a season to reach out with kindness and love to those in distress and to those who are wandering in darkness and pain.

"It is a time to be considerate and good, decent and courteous toward one another in all our relationships. In other words, to become more Christlike."

My First Fiscally Responsible Decision...

2008-01-21T15:44:00.000-07:00

Many years ago, I worked in an office - a very fun, lighthearted office - where I was given the nickname Tarushka LaRueski. Thank goodness Tarushka did not stick, but LaRueski did.

Many years later, I decided to advertise my nickname on my license plate:

It was a fun thing to do and I got lots of inquiries about it, making it fun to tell the reason why, where it came from, the fun people I worked with, etc.

Well in October, when it came time to renew my car registration, I saw that it was, once again, an additional $25 to have a vanity plate. It was $25 the first year, and I figured since they had to make a special plate, well, okay. But $25 each year you have the plate? That's just goofy and didn't make any sense to me at all, especially since this time around I was all about getting out of debt and knowing where every single one of my dollars go to.

So I was deeply saddened to tell them no for the vanity plate (and the fact that I am not using my vanity plate, they had to make a NEW plate for me, but didn't charge me a cost to do it - HUH?) and go to a much more hum drum one that begins with a Z.

Like in snore...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

A light at a very long tunnel

2008-01-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I met with a friend who is rather smart with his money. Extremely smart in fact. I was able to bend his ear for about 2 hours or so and really figure out how I'm going to be able to succeed in this getting out of debt business.

He created a spreadsheet for me listing all of my debts, the amounts I owe, the percentage rate, minimum payments, etc. and really helped me see the benefit of extra payments, which debt I should pay off first, etc. Every single thing was listed in this spreadsheet and REALLY helped me see a light at the end of a very looooooooooooooong tunnel. Still, it's a light and I will reach it eventually.

I have a rather long way to go, but a plan - a rock solid plan and I'm totally rejuvinated.

Thank you to everyone for the kind comments and words of encouragement. They help me probably more than anything and I appreciate the support and the tough love!

Tell me what you would like me to blog about. It's been a long time since I blogged and I want to be more consistent. The problem is I don't know what to write about.

Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?

My New Year's Resolutions

2008-01-02T14:33:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year's everyone. I hope your 2008 is happy and successful and, well, just really good.

My new year's resolutions (which to be quite honest, I have NEVER done before) are these:

1. Pay off my credit card ($5,000)
2. Pay off my car ($8,300)
3. Pay down significantly my line of credit
4. Start to really look for a property to purchase (probably not until the very end of the year)
5. Lose weight

Had to put that last one in there 'cause I hear it's the law.

Putting these down really make me accountable to do them. I can REALLY use any and all encouragement, as I've been getting rather discouraged a lot lately 'cause it's just so much and I don't have enough to make it go away.

Anyway, here's to you and yours for a phenomenal 2008!

9, 10, 11, and 12

2007-12-27T14:25:00.001-07:00

12 Drummers Drumming - a drum filled with random items with famous drummers hot glued to each item with a lovely note from the sender stating she was going to remain anonymous, but listed several things she has learned about me.
11 Pipers Piping - a New Year's hat filled with noisemakers (the piping tools).

10 Lords a Leaping - There were 10 plastic frogs that you push on their tails and they leap in the air with 10 different Lords pasted on their backs, i.e., Lord of the Rings, Lord & Taylor, Lord Voldemort, etc.

9 Ladies Dancing - 9 brownies with 9 laminated ladies sticking out of each brownie under a silver ornament meant to look like a disco ball. HILARIOUS.

Eight Maids A' Milking

2007-12-21T08:38:00.001-07:00

Eight Milky Ways with a little girl pasted to them, along with a cow print pencil. Seriously funny...

Seven Swans A' Swimming...

2007-12-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

Every day is my new favorite. This one consisted of a basket with seven of these acryllic swans filled with candy, all sitting on top of a blue CD (pictured) so it looked like they were on a lake. The kicker was the CD was Swan Lake. I can't believe the cleverness of it all! I have the BEST Secret Santa (or Secret MRS. Santa)!