Accomplishments

Having once decided to achieve a certain task, achieve it at all costs of tedium and distaste. The gain in self confidence of having accomplished a tiresome labor is immense.
-- Thomas A. Bennett

Thursday, March 8, 2001
One year ago: Avaunt!
Three years ago: Mourning

I actually got some things done today!

I took a big cardboard box (an electric heater came in it) out to the recycling. That box has been sitting by my front door for about five months.

I took two bags of random stuff, and a tray, and dropped them off at Goodwill. The tray originally came from Goodwill! I thought of going into the store and looking for bride stuff, but there was not a parking space to be had. I don't know why it was so crowded, since I didn't see any signs about a big sale or anything. It must have been fate, destiny saving me from buying anything not needed.

I drove back towards home and parked in the grocery store parking lot, then walked over to my local bank. I managed to get my last two paychecks deposited, then approached one of the folks sitting at desks in the lobby.

"Two things: first, I need to order more checks." No problem, although I needed to specify that I wanted the top-stub style even though I'd already said that I wanted the same style I already had, and showed him my checkbook!

"Next, I'd like to get a secured credit card." Huh?

I told him that I thought I would need this, since there are problems on my credit report caused by my slackitude and such. I explained how this would be a credit card that requires you to create a savings account to back it, which the issuing bank counts as collateral. He finally had to turn around and speak to the older coworker behind him, who did know what I was talking about but confirmed that this bank doesn't offer such a product anymore.

"Why not apply for a regular card? You might be approved!" Ok, ok. It was easy enough to apply since they can fill out the form right there, and I had my paystub to help with the questions about my most recent employment. I did query him about the fact that I've been laid off, but he wanted to just let it look as if I was still working, and I submitted. I signed the form, and the young man said he'd call me when he heard anything.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *    *

I walked across the street to a jeweler that specializes in estate jewelry. A nice woman showed me lots of different rings -- I think there are some good values there! The drawback: I can't count on any specific ring still being there when I visit again. Everything is virtually one of a kind. I'll take Jack there next time he's down here.

Ryan from the bank called me. I've been approved, with a cute little credit limit of five hundred dollars! At least I'll be able to buy things online, and my good record for using this should increase my limit in the future.

I really feel good about getting these things taken care of! I need to set a goal of getting rid of something every day.