Saturday, February 28, 2009

Crisis of Credit

For those of you that are perplexed by the origins of the credit crisis, this Is the best video I’ve seen that easily explains how we got ourselves into this mess.


The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo.

Friday, February 27, 2009

It is all good in the ‘hood

GARETH SAYS…

Amy and I have always got on really well but now we are in our own place we are getting on really really well.

It feels great.

The smoking demons have been tamed.

We are getting to spend lots of quality time together.

We are able to make tea in our underwear.

I think living with Amy’s Mum has made appreciate the very simple things – things we might have overlooked if we had moved in together straight away and skipped the whole ‘living-on-an-air-mattress-for-nine-months’ part of the relationship.

AMY SAYS...

Nah Gareth, we would have loved the simple things either way - I feel like now we are living like a real couple - it is SO SO SO nice not to mention NORMAL!! :)

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Lasagne – Our new best friend

GARETH SAYS…

Lasagne has become our new best friend.

It is so cheap to make mainly because the owner of our sublet said to help ourselves to ‘anything in the cupboards’ and it turns out she has enough lasagne sheets to roof a brownstone!

We have experimented with a load of different fillings. Currently in the fridge we have one that is eggplant-tastic and probably involved us spending $5 on ingredients. Not bad for 4 servings.

Here’s how to make a basic cheese sauce…

Melt some butter – a quarter of a stick should be fine.

Pour in some flour and stir over a gentle heat until you get a paste.

Slowly pour in some milk and stir like crazy.

Keep adding milk until you get a consistency that you like the look of.

Stir in a handful of grated cheese – you can add more but you will need to keep some for sprinkling over the top of your lasagne.

Season to taste.

It’s simple and much better than buying it in a jar.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

NEVER GIVE UP...


AMY SAYS...
This is me and Gareth in about 5 years if we keep up the freelance work...

Fuck you American Tax System

GARETH IS PISSED…

I choose to get taxed heavily throughout the year to ensure I don’t end up owing the government anything.

Last year I got a nice stack of cash back as a tax refund.

This year I went to my accountant and he said I could expect to receive roughly the same amount.

A week after my appointment, my accountant phoned me to tell me the law had changed regarding foreigners and that I actually owed the government $400 because of the money I got back last year - What???? That’s fucked up!!! Taxing me on a tax refund. Why doesn’t the government come round and eat the food out my fridge and sleep with Amy?

I WAS FURIOUS.

I was expecting $10,000

I’m now out of pocket $800 when you take into account the accountants fee.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Late nights

GARETH IS TIRED…

At the weekend Amy got a piece of freelance work that needed a quick turn around. She ended up working until 4am on Saturday night. I stayed up to keep her company and to help as best I can by being in charge of coffee making.

I remember when Saturdays involved going out for a nice meal and getting drunk!!!

Monday, February 23, 2009

A dotty way to make a living

GARETH SAYS…

My friend Nick told be about a new part-time job he has. He gets $10 an hour to be a model for an acupuncture college – OUCH! I would not want amateurs stabbing me with 6 inch needles.

But it turns out no needles are used. Instead it is all done with sticky dots. Prior to the class, the tutor marks his body with a UV pen – highlighting all the key areas. The students then have to place a sticker on each of the UV dots. To see how well they have done the teacher shines a black light onto Nick’s body. If they are within a centimetre or two they pass.

For an afternoon of standing around in his pants he gets about $60. Unfortunately they don’t need models at the weekends so I won’t be able to offer them my modelling talents.

Friday, February 20, 2009

The hardest stretch

GARETH SAYS...

Just like the last 5 miles of a marathon are the hardest, the last $60,000 is proving to be a long and tiring slog!!!

We have a light at the end of the tunnel but it isn't getting any closer.

We've had a few disappointments - unexpected costs and making less money in places where we thought we'd make lots (my tax refund is 60% of what it was last year).

I just want the debt gone.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Say it with pants!!!

GARETH SAYS...

I bet you are wondering what it was that Amy made me for Valentine's Day. Well let me put your mind's at rest...

She gave me 4 pairs of boxer shorts from Uniglo - $5 a pair.

She them decorated each pair with silly phrases such as 'Morning Monkey' and 'Something Spethcial!'.

I'd take a picture of me wearing them but i'd hate for the blog to get shut down.

And what did i buy Amy i hear you cry!!!

A big box of chocolates that i brought on the 15th and got 50% off.

AMY SAYS...
I wake up every morning with a huge smile on my face cause I know he's wearing my silly inspirational undies -tee hee - so cute!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Rep you say?

AMY SAYS...

I always get the typical call from reps wanting to take me out for a drink or lunch so that I will use them as my production, animation, media company.

In the past I have always said, 'No thanks." Especially because I've always been so busy at work I couldn't afford to spend an hour out to lunch.

But today said YES!

YES to Nobu at noon, yes to Spice Market at 2...yes, yes, yes take me to a fancy lunch please!!!

So for the next 3 days I will eat like a queen for FREE!!!

:)

GARETH SAYS...

I will be eating leftover Tuna Bake x

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Tuna Bake

GARETH MADE...

Tuna Bake last night!!

A classic dish from my student days and very cheap and quick to make - crushed crisps/chips on top are optional. It is a great meal for a cold night and if you make lots you can have it for packed lunches.

Get a dish and empty into it one box of pasta (I used Penne - $1.89)

Stir in a tin of condensed mushroom soup ($1.99)

Stir in some more water (free)

Add some sweetcorn ($0.89)

Stir in a tin of tuna ($1.89) - stir in another if you are feeling flush.

Slice up a tomato and place it on top ($0.50)

Sprinkle on some grated cheese ($2.99 for a bag - we didn't use it all)

Bake in the oven at 350 for about 30 minutes or until the pasta is cooked.

Voila.

Monday, February 16, 2009

What does Gordon Ramsey drive?

AMY SAYS...

I was watching the travel channel this eve and they did a segment on Moscow.

Russia has changed fuck it's expensive!!

In an upscale fashion retail store they have Maserati's for sale at check out...$180,000!!

Should I tell Gareth that he could have had a Maserati?

I think I'll keep this info to myself ;0

Oh right Gordon Ramsey drives a Ferrari worth 110 Pounds!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

HAPPY HAPPY

AMY SAYS...

VALENTINES DAY. I know know most people, and I agree think this Hallmark Card made up holiday is a load of crap. But what the fuck - it's free to post I LOVE YOU on the internet... so hear goes..


GARETH I LOVE YOU
ALWAYS AND FOREVER
AMY


GARETH SAYS...

Roses are red
violets are blue
I love you amy
Even when you go into graphic detail about your poo
x

Friday, February 13, 2009

ADMITS ONE CHILD

AMY SAYS...

Last weekend I went to go see the Wrestler, great movie by the way!!

Anyway, I bought my ticket on line and headed to the theater.

I bought popcorn + soda (a very special treat!)

When I was doing the laundry this morning I found the pay stub - it read $7.00 admits one child
- ha ha - I bought a childs ticket by accident and no one checked it!!!

Don't try this ladies and gentlemen ;)

Thursday, February 12, 2009

FINDERS FEE?

AMY SAYS...

I landed a relatively big piece of business this month!! Woo Hoo!!

I've Bern promised a finders fee for it!!!

Double Woo Hoo!!

Oh I hope, I hope it's a nice chunk of change!!!

“I married a smoker”

GARETH SAYS…

And I thought ONB was tough!!! Amy is now in her second month of not smoking and she is doing brilliantly but it is far from easy.

It is proving to be a bit of a bumpy ride. I keep worrying that it is me that is making her so miserable and depressed – perhaps she is just being polite when she says it isn’t ;)

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Phone Bills

AMY SAYS...

Well before the world decided to melt down finacially, my company was paying for 50% of my cell phone bill.

I use my cell all the time for work! To check emails, texts, to view work when I'm traveling...etc.

Anyway, they have told mr that they are no longer going to pay for it.

Sticky wicket!

Well, then I shouldn't use it for work...that's judy not fair! It's not a ton of money a month but every little bit helps!!

Hmmmm... what should I do?

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Acupuncture vs. Therapy

AMY SAYS...

I've started seeing an acupuncturist. Apparently, if they stick needles in your ears it will help you quit smoking.

So far I've had 6 needles in my ears and for one session she attatched the needles to an electric charge!!! She stuck needles in my forehead, my toes, my shins, my arms!

When she attatched my needles to an electric charge I screamed 'that hurts' to which she responded, 'No pain. No gain'

Ok ok, it's $60 a session and Ivd had 3 sesdions so far I've slept better then ever! My headaches have calmed down AND my insurance covers it all!!

Basically I can't believe I didn't try this stuff sooner!

I have been through 4 years of therapy at $60 a session and I feel no different!

Acupuncture = free + effective
Therapy = $$ + not effective

Tax TIME

AMY SAYS...

Yes oh yes it's that time again!! Tax REFUND TIME - woo hoo.

Gareth and I plan to put whatever we get back straight towards the loans!!!

I'm meeting with my accountant today!!

Fingers crossed I get a chunk of change!!

GARETH SAYS...

And i met with mine too!

He said I'd be getting something nice and big pretty soon! I'm hoping he was referring to my refund ;)

Monday, February 9, 2009

Inspirational...

AMY SAYS...

Well I have made Gareth a surprise something something for Valentines Day :)

It only cost me $20!!

I hope he likes them...I'll post photos after I give them to him.

Thoughtful gifts are always cheaper than typical ones.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Gareth said...

AMY SAYS...
Last night I asked Gareth what he thought about moving back into my moms from April 15th - June 15th...

On April 15th we will still owe approximately $15,000 and have absolutely NOTHING saved - no safety net!!!

If we go back to my moms for a month or two we can finish everything and stash some cash away for when we move out permanently.

Gareth, said..'No, let's come up with a different plan."

Ha ha ha ah...I laughed my ass off...

Ok freelance work it is... I'll need 3 different jobs paying around $5,000 each or 5 jobs paying around $3,000 each ;)

HELP anyone?

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Safe Travels Poo

AMY SAYS...

I bought a huge calendar from Staples the other day so that Gareth and I can put everything we're up to on it front and center in the living room.

Gareth filled in almost an ENTIRE month with work trips back to back :(

Because of the economic melt down both of us have been trying to go above and beyond the call of duty at our jobs - without complaining or asking for more money. Our motto has been 'heads down and kick ass.'

But, knowing that this is and will be our life together, I'd average he's away 2 weeks out of every month, is super depressing for me.

And I don't really want to be the annoying one who says, 'I miss you all the time." or the one who is constantly upset cause he's not around. And I really don't want to hold him back!!!

Ugh - dilemma - because when I met him I knew this!!

Well, at least he doesn't spend any money what-so-ever when he's on work trips.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Spot the difference (Part two)


AMY THOUGHT THIS WAS FUNNY...

At a recent training course the clients thought i had an uncanny resemblance to a certain International Man of Mystery!!! Needless to say Amy made me feel good about myself by putting together this image and emailing it to me!!!

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Spot the difference!


GARETH SAYS...

Puzzle of the day - One person in this picture is wearing a pair of headphones costing several hundred dollars and made by BOSE. The other is wearing a pair of headphones costing $1 and made by JetBlue airlines. Can you guess which is which?

PS Sorry for the smiley face - I just haven't had a chance to check with the person to see if they mind me splattering their face on the web.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Packed lunch

AMY SAYS...

I've been packing my lunches for quite some time now. But I have to say that this weeks lunches were THE BEST!!!

I actually packed lunch AND dinner.

Home made goodness without venturing into the cold.

I also figured that if I pack lunch everyday I am saving approximately $10,000 a year!!!

And if Gareth does it too that's $20,000 SAVED!! Woo hoo!

How far will it stretch???

Amy says...

(No not my butt hole after having Salmanilla ;) Sorry, I just couldn't resist!)

The cashola!!!

10 days of antibiotics and I'm back on my feet!

So Gareth and I had the weekend we really wanted to have way back when, Jan 15....

We went for a stroll in our new neighborhood $0.00

We ate brunch, a block away from the best restaurant in Prospect Park (doh :) $20.00

We walked further still into the hood $0.00

We bought movie theater pop corn bags for free stay at home movies $3.99

Gareth and I hung out and worked in the studio $0.00

We went shopping $40.00

We cooked a feast! Packed lunch and dinner for a whole week!

$63.99 total for 2 people, for 3 days of entertainment and 1 weeks worth of healthy delicious food!!!

Not bad!

Who is Bailout Bill?

GARETH SAYS...

I awoke to an email from my sister this morning telling me about the free money that was being given away in NYC. The line went for miles and brought back depressing images of people queuing up in Russia for bread. Unfortunately i'm about a 1000 miles away from NYC so i won't be lining up anytime soon.

"Imagine getting £35 for doing absolutely nothing. Well in New York, a man is giving away stacks of cash to anyone who's prepared to stand in line for it.
The mystery man, who calls himself 'Bailout Bill', says in the middle of an economic crisis ordinary Americans who are struggling to make ends meet deserve a bailout.
In order to get the money people have to go the 'Bailout Booth' in the heart of Manhattan's Times Square.
It's a small cubicle, a couple of blocks away from the massive Virgin Megastore.
The minimum anyone can get is $50 (£35). The maximum is $5,000 (£3,513).
No matter who you are or what you do Bailout Bill guarantees that you'll get something if you just show up and tell your story."


I liked this request from the Bailout Booth website...

I NEED CASH, DINERO, PESOS, CHEESE, CREAM, LOOT, SQUASH, GWAP, PAPER, NOTES, STICKY BANG BANG, GREEN BEANS, GREEN BACKS, GREEN LEAVES, CABBAGE, SPINACH, LETTUCE, TOMATOES, WHEAT BREAD SLIGHTLY TOASTED, AND LASTLY A JOB SO I CAN STOP ASKING STRANGERS IF THEY'D LIKE A LAP DANCE. IT JUST DOESN'T WORK THAT WELL IF YOUR A DUDE.
.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Torn

GARETH SAYS...

"Are you going to come out for lunch to celebrate Matt's birthday?"

Arghhh dilemma.

I knew a meeting was just about to finish at work and there was going to be loads of food left over.

Do I go out and splurge or do i wait for the leftovers?

I chose the leftovers and vowed to buy Matt lunch when we've paid it all off.

Monday, February 2, 2009

BROGEN LIKE YOZURT

AMY SAYS...

Gareth came straight from the airport to my mothers to take car of me. We decided to sleep in the living room while I was still super sick.

11:00pm
We pulled out old reliable (the inflatable mattress) and went to sleep.

12:00am
It was either the incredibly flammable air coming outta me melting the mattress or there was a hole in it!!!

12:15am
Slowly but surely we deflated to the floor.

1:00am
I continued to, well fart, all night and suffocate poor poor Gareth.

3:00am
My little sister stumbled home and woke us both up.

4:00am
Teddy (the dog) comes in to join us on the floor

6:30am
Gareth's alarm goes off and we're up

6:45am
Gareth says to my mother, "That had to be the worst nights sleep I've ever had.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Abbott Labs

AMY SAYS...

Well I called Abbott Laboratories to see what the deal was with compensation for my pain!

They are refunding me for the 2 power bars I bought!! BULL-FUCK-ING-SHIT.

Well, there is nothing I can do until my blood tests come back and I have the proof in my hands..but when it does I would like:

a) a lifetime supply of Abbot Products for me and my whole Family
b) $10,000 check and a trip to anywhere Gareth and I want to go in the world (all expenses)
c) A high paying, stay at home job for whomever I know needs one at Abbott
d) A plan of action to help people in need in developing countries
e) A donation to a charity of my choice

Think that's too much??