Rant:
I hate the cold.
HATE IT.
As a very petite lady, I seem to suffer from cold more than everyone else. Any time the weather dips below 50 degrees F outside, I can be found huddled in a hoodie under multiple layers of blankets.

Last weekend, the weather got up into the 50’s. People were out washing their cars, running, walking their dogs.… it was great. Until 36 hours later when the temps dropped and we got lots of snow. And then bitterly cold weather. And then lots of wind with some snow and even more cold. Why am I living somewhere it hurts to breathe?
The air is also very dry, so I was forced to go out and get a humidifier. I’m not sure how I ever lived without it. They’re amazing machines!
On the bright side, I pay a LOT less in utility costs. Last month’s bill was $45 for the top floor of a new apartment building. Last year, I paid $220 for gas/electric, plus more for water. That was for a 1940’s house with very poor insulation, cracked windows that wouldn’t lock and doors with no weather stripping. So even though I’m constantly cold, at least I’m not also cold AND paying a lot of money for it.
Good thing is Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow, so spring is just a few short weeks away! I can’t wait get my warm weather clothes out again.
Rave:
I’ve been hitting some milestones with the blog lately and wanted to share! Today, Twitter let me know I have 25 followers. It might not seem like a big deal, but that means I have as many followers as I follow accounts!

Also, I was recently mentioned in an article Jim Collins wrote about the upcoming trip to Ecuador for the 2016 Chautauquas. If you came here from his blog, Welcome! I’ve seen a big boost in daily views since then, so it’s nice to know I’m not just shouting at a brick wall anymore.
I’ve also decided to start ramping up things related to the blog. So, this year, I’ll be going to FinCon! I’m really looking forward to meeting more FI bloggers and what better place to do that a conference specifically aimed at financial bloggers!? If you’re going to FinCon, be sure to shoot me a message and meet up!
I’ll also be attending Camp Mustache this year in Seattle. Paula from AffordAnything, Mr. Money Mustache (of course) and Brandon From Mad Fientist will be there. I can’t wait to team up again with Paula and MMM and I’m incredibly excited about meeting Brandon and getting to pick his brain. I believe tickets are already sold out, but if you’re eager to go, sign up for the waiting list and someone might drop out.
I’d heartily recommend going to the Chautauqua in Ecuador with Cheryl Reed. This year, it’s being held in November over the first few weeks. I’m unable to attend since I’ve already committed to a different international trip this year. I had the best time ever last year and sincerely wish I was able to go again. Maybe next year!
Someone on the Reddit /r/financialindependence sub asked if anyone else had gone to a MMM meet up. They were worried about not being “FI” enough. Let me tell you, there’s no such thing. No one will judge you if you eat cereal for breakfast instead of oatmeal, or drive your car to get to the grocery store. The fact that you’re interested in FI, and trying, is enough. Everyone has a different path to FI and there’s no one “right way”. If anyone tries to sell you the “right way” RUN! The FI people I’ve met so far have been incredibly kind and very supporting. Who doesn’t need a bit more of that in their life?
How has your life been going? Do you have a rant or a rave to share?
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