Thursday, September 23, 2010

It Is Finally Official…

When I started my AmeriCorps VISTA last year, one of the things that I started was the IDA account.  It stands for Individual Development Account, where basically you save a target amount of money ($2000) and once saved, it will be matched 100%.  Yes, you heard me right.  It’s matched 100%.  But it can only go toward whatever your saving up.  In my case, it is for a car.  So, for the whole year I have been saving my money.  My goal was toward the end of my AmeriCorps VISTA that I would have my money saved.  Guess what?  It’s official…I have reached that goal.  Basically starting next year off right basically, I’ll be buying myself a car with the $4000 that I’m going to be getting.  I barely got on the waiting list as the fourth and only person for the list.  I’m so thrilled and excited because basically this is a huge accomplishment for me.  It is my first time that I actually was able to save toward a goal without taking the money out of the saving account for something else.  Of course, having the rule that if you do take any money out, you will lose any match that you earned.  Now you see what I’m happy?

In other things, my new position has the CFS Housing Support Specialist is off to a great start.  Finally was able to nail down my goals, output, and outcomes for this position.  I’m looking forward working with low income families and/or individuals over this upcoming year.  Next Friday, October 1st, is my first monthly training at the LISC office in Cincinnati.  Excited to see the other workers again at the other places.  Also, my flight is booked for my National training in Jacksonville, FL.  I’m getting an all expense paid trip to there.  If last year’s training was any indicator, than I’m in for a hell of a time this year.  Can’t wait.

My diet is still going strong.  Found out that my food stamps really only cover enough for one week.  So, I have been going off script a little and prepared meals that I normally had on week 1 again on week 2.  But I’m still going at it.  In October I’m going to be working out at a gym.  That is a goal of mine and phase 3 of my master plan.

Well, I guess I’m done for now.  Been coming down with either a cold or I have been having a lot of sinus problems.  Either way, I’m heading to bed.

TL