My everyday life

I just ordered the latest Google Home Hub. I do not need it. At all. But, I do want it. So there you go. Just because I have x $ in my tech budget that I have not spent does not mean I have to buy a tech thing, does it? Apparently so. Alexa has been giving me some grief lately. She needs competition.

Robby is doing the bedroom and sewing room this morning. Biggie is watching. The usual. Ooops nope, he's decided to take the morning shift in the cat tree on the terrace. I get that.

The big news this week is Wednesday. The house cleaner comes in the morning and then I go to the Mariners game in the afternoon. That's week's worth of excitement in one day.

Until then, nothing big. I'll do some grocery shopping probably, while the house cleaner is here and I have plenty to hold me until then.

I watched the two seasons of Home this weekend (HBO Max) and I hate that there are only 12 episodes. It is hilarious and charming and on political point. Just the best.

Every time I think I need to drop HBO Max because it is just too expensive, it delivers a goodie like Home. Not fair. I do think I'm going to let it go until at least baseball is done. Ditto with Hulu. I have enough to watch.

But, first. I need a shower.

(For my birthday, I asked for Ask Me Anything Questions. I got so many wonderful ones. I'm answering them in entries from here until I get to the end. If you think of something you want to ask, just leave a comment or a note. Deadline is totally not a thing.)

Tanya MacDonald


2. What decision (or decisions) most shaped your life as it is now?

Probably the decision to talk to a financial planner 30 years ago. I had about 3 months between the time I told IBM I was leaving and my actual leaving. And not much to do every day. So I studied the benefits book to see if there were any I needed to take advantage of. I found one that paid for the initial consultation with a financial advisor. They listed three companies and I picked the first one and made an appointment. Because of that, I have enough money now to live very comfortably exactly the way I want to. Boredom pays!! (And, while the guy I talked to that day retired a few years ago, he sold his practise to the guy who manages my finances to this day.)

A couple of notes. 1. At the time I first went to this financial planner, I had $0 savings. IBM paid me, I think, about $12,000 to leave (umbrella-ish deal) and the job I had lined up to go to after IBM was iffy at best (and actually lasted only a couple of months). So I was clearly in need of financial help. I got very lucky in my selection of advisors but I also knew immediately, he was for me.

No one is really asking for advice here, but if someone wanted to know how to go about picking a financial planner, I'd offer a few simple guidelines. Make sure they are a CFP (Certified Financial Planner) and that they charge a flat-ish fee (as opposed to a per transaction fee) and - most importantly - you feel comfortable with them.

I'd say if you are on the fence about even going to one, do it. Go talk to one and see.

The other note is that 2. Because of the great advice and help I got, I now have enough money so that I no longer worry about how to pay my bills and feed myself and pay for Biggie's surgeries.

I thought about that after the Moment Of Joy answer the other day. I can afford to wallow in moments of joy far more easily than most. This is always always always my greatest moment of joy. I never take it fore granted ever.

(For my birthday, I asked for Ask Me Anything Questions. I got so many wonderful ones. I'm answering them in entries from here until I get to the end. If you think of something you want to ask, just leave a comment or a note. Deadline is totally not a thing.)

Tanya MacDonald


3. Aside from Biggie and having enough eggs, what is the thing in your home that brings you the most comfort or contentment?

MY SHOWER!! Last September I had my bathtub yanked out and a stand up shower put in and I love love love love it every single day. It's bright and roomy pretty and easy and wonderful. For years I showered at the gym after my morning swim. When I quit swimming I came home to a bathtub shower that just felt like showering in a dark cave that was trying to kill me. Hence the love.

The Flickr album of all the days.