Spring of my financial disconcertion

Time has come for another update. I have been on an unprecedented spending spree. And the indecisiveness that tends to accompany my spending. New beds, new bikes, new tools to put up shelves. It is amazing how new purchases multiply themselves. Since I upgraded in size the new bed mean new sheets, new mattress pads, and new pillows. The new bike means I need to buy a helmet, an army/navy duffle bag, an air pump and tire pressure gauges, and various other tools. I'm sick of new things. It has left me in a bit of a financial quandary, nothing serious, but I have to dip into some savings I'd rather not dip into. The good news it is has led to me finally getting the shelves up, sleeping more comfortably than ever before, and having a bike which I may in the future find convenient for getting around.

I have only used it briefly on the Sunday I bought all the tools. That is the problem with living in such a compact pedestrian friendly city with good mass transit, I don't feel much need for biking. People swear by it, though, so perhaps I too will become reliant. It was nice for tool shopping, definitely cut down on the time buying tools leaving more for drilling big holes into my walls. I discovered that Upper Darby is a whole lot more hilly than I realized before.

The bike is really cool though (http://www.breezerbikes.com/bdp-compact.html (it is the i-3)). The problem is that all of the kids in my neighborhood seem to think so too. We already know what they do to packages that look interesting so I can only guess how long the bike will last (by the way they steal packages for those of you that are new to this). I am insured, though, so I will have to shell out significantly less for a replacement.

Not only does my bike fit my constant quest for novel items, but so will my helmet. I am getting one that plays music in such a way that you can still hear things around you. (http://www.epinions.com/kifm-Toys-All-Gen_X_Equipment_Inc_Rage_Solo_Sound_Helmet_-_Small_Medium/display_~full_specs) It will hopefully make bike riding more enjoyable for me. I was always annoyed by the inability to listen to music while biking. So now I have a bike that I can take on the train, listen to music while riding, and keep in a closet when not in use. Many annoyances avoided.

After 5 months, the shelves are up, which is certainly cause for celebration. I am having a housewarming party sometime next weekend to celebrate. I don't know the details yet, as my apartment is very tiny and surrounded by old people who like to sleep, but I'll work something out. The only problem is that I didn't buy enough shelves and the colors I bought them in have been discontinued. If anyone spots any "LACK" shelves at IKEA in green or orange I'll pay you back for them + shipping. I doubt they exist as they are colors that most people would think of as extremely ugly, but I love. (Roughly 99cc33 & FF9933 on http://www.lynda.com/hexh.html)

They have unveiled a plan to revitalize my neighborhood by adding lots of parking and offices, widening the sidewalks and planting trees (http://www.upperdarby.org/gateway.html). I have some mixed feelings about the plans, but at least they have decided to leave the 69th street pedestrian bridge. They actually said they were surprised when they actually did a count and realized people used it. Where do these guys live at? It certainly isn't anywhere near my questionable neighborhood. I went to a township council meeting in the building that looks just like the clock tower on Back to the Future (and is featured on the top of the website and it at the end of my block). The council was all old and white, unlike 90% of the people I see on the street. It was pretty surprising to me, but it shouldn't be. Further analysis revealed that the majority of Upper Darby is indeed old and white, just not my neighborhood.

I also found out that I qualify for low income home ownership programs that our housing department makes available. That is a blow to the old financial ego. I'm hoping that once I pay off all of these various and multiplying one time purchases I should be alright. But NO, because people keep on getting married. I mean I'm happy that you're in love and all that and it is lots of fun to hang out at receptions and stuff, but geez. So far 4 weddings this summer and 5 last summer. All of them requiring some expensive form of travel and hotel rooms. I want to declare a moratorium on marriage for the summer of 2003. I don't care how happy or in love you are... want to share your joy with the world, don't come crying to me. Est Verboten. We can all do our part to make the summer of the twenty trip the summer of zero love. Cancel those weddings now and you still may be able to get back some of your deposit.
I suppose it is probably too late for this year and I'm sure I'll have a great time once the money leaves my miserly little hands. I suppose I am actually looking forward to them, but next year I plan on starting a wedding fund to match my plans for an x-mas savings fund (which is what I am dipping into to go to weddings this summer so I suppose I'll have to dip into next summer's wedding fund to buy gifts and so on and so forth until just like Enron I collapse financially.)

Well, I'll sign off for now. I hope you are all well. As always if you want to respond to this, I will write you back personally. Scouts honor.
Later,
Justin
PS an update for those of you concerned about the trolley regulars.
Beverly Hills man has become more flexible in his seating
Ambulance guy is gone, perhaps in the line of duty
conductor's best friend who did needlepoint of all the same color. It turns out that was one of those tissue box cozies.
A not previously mentioned favorite of mine is lazy surly kid, who I usually see on the way home. Today I took the train an hour earlier and I know why he is so lazy and surely. He has a full extra hour to his day.