Doesn't get any slower

Cutter's Log - Stardate 0102.51.60
Current Song - You're My Best Friend (Queen)


I released the 2010 NISB State of the Site Address, and updated the website a bunch. Hopefully I can live up to these changes. There are still a few kinks to work on. As to when I can find time to do it, I'm not sure of.

I begin a string of nights working beginning Thursday. I'll be at my store on Thursday and Saturday, and at Dixon on Friday and Sunday. This week should be over 40 hours once again. I worked a tad bit over 40 last week between the two stores. I also know what I'll be doing next week. I'll be doing at least 33 hours at my store.

Aside from working, I'm trying to make up plans for NISB summer coverage. I don't know what will happen just yet, but I'm hoping next week I'll be able to come up with something.

All of this working will make my paycheck somewhat bigger. Sometime over the summer I will be making good on my plan to try to get off on my own two feet. I will be trying to figure out what the "living bills" will be.

What are they? (I'm trying to remember the Mr. Underwood math class budget)

Groceries
Fuel
Verizon/Phone
ComEd/Electric
Water
Nicor/Heating
Cable
Internet

Fun Stuff ("Entertainment" just doesn't sound right)

Out of my paycheck, roughly 15% is taken out for taxes. If I work a minimum of 20 hours a week (I will almost always work more than 20) @ $8.50/hour, that's $170 total. Take that times 0.15 and the weekly check is usually $144.50. That's a minimum monthly earning of $578.

Divy up that 144.50 into the bills:

Phone - I use the refill cards. I currently recharge $15/week. (129.50)

Fuel - The tank goes from top to bottom in about a week. A max of $3 in a 12-gallon tank: $36. It may just end up being $30/week instead. They say it's not wise to top off. (93.50)

Groceries - I haven't figured this one out yet. It's just me for now. I wouldn't mind trying it out for one week. In preparation for a bunch of work on the State of the Site Address, I bought a 12-pack of Dr. Pepper last night for $5.34 (w/tax). It's about half gone now. I may have to go 24/30 pack and try to save it for a week. That's just pop. Other stuff is just not known right now.

Electric, Water, Heating, Cable - Five people live in my house. I don't know whether or not to just divide the monthly bill, or perhaps the highest month thus far, my parents get by 5.

Internet - I don't even know how this one works.


All of this is NOT counting the biggest expense of them all: RENT