If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I did absolutely nothing of interest this week besides receiving seven measly dollars in return for a bagful of old CDs and books that I brought in to sell at Half Priced Books. When I first went up to the counter to receive my bid, I thought the employee said $37, which I was going to be rather surprised and gleeful about. Alas, though, when I looked at the receipt, that $7 couldn’t be mistaken for anything else–as it gazed up at me with what I swear was a smirk.
I must admit, I wasn’t expecting much from this load given most of the books dated from the early 2000’s–and given that the majority of the world doesn’t even listen to CDs anymore. I mean, even the ever so popular iPod is out of date these days with the emergence of music streaming. Even still, I was optimistically hoping for at least an even $10. Oh, woe is me! Though, I suppose, life will go on…
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that I have spent the majority of this week searching and applying for jobs in the D.C. area.
I am saving my money in order to move to Washington D.C. and, as a result, have really been limiting my expenditures of late (this, I might add, was very difficult to adhere to while waiting for my bid at Half Priced Books).
Given this new found need and desire to save money, I haven’t been going much of anywhere or doing much of anything of late.
The first time I actually left the house in three days was to go to Half Priced Books.
I’ve also been reading a lot, washing a lot of dishes (I find the act rather relaxing), and binge watching Friends.
If we were having coffee, I’d be in pretty good humor about this currently extremely mundane life of mine because I’m well aware that good things take time and sometimes, good things require saving money (you know, good things like moving to one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. with no current income).
I’m determined that I can and will make this move successfully…and to do so, I need to be a little bit more conscious about where I’m putting my money for the time being.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that I am making a visit to see my grandparents this weekend with my mom and brother, which I’m very excited about (mostly because my grandma is like my BFF and I haven’t seen her since before I left for Thailand almost eight months ago now). So, stay tuned for a more exciting coffee share next week, as I’m sure I’ll have plenty to report from this upcoming journey.
If we were having coffee, I’d be done now–and I’d wonder if you have anything to share.
This post is part of the Weekend Coffee Share link up at Part Time Monster
It's a Britta Bottle! 
Sounds like a nice relaxing week. What are you reading?
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It was in the sense that I wasn’t running around going places–but still a little stressful since I’ am worried about obtaining a job and making the move to D.C.
I am currently making it toward the end of “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt.
Thank you for reading a commenting, Carol.
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A few years ago I sat down at the computer with a huge stack of DVDs. I think I made something like 5 dollars. The funny thing is the more popular ones were the less valuable – I guess everyone who would want them already had them. I ended up giving away about 30 DVDs to friends and family.
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I always give my DVD movies to the library. They put them on the list for people to check out. I get on those lists to wait for a movie but I am usually #30 in line for them.
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Giving them to the library is a good idea. One time I tried to give them CDs and they wouldn’t take them, but perhaps DVDs.
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That’s smart, Connie. Libraries are always looking for more donations and that way you’re given the DVDs a good second life, given that someone will probably check them out at some point.
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I specifically went to Half Priced Books because I was looking to make a little extra money–given that I don’t have a job right now and I do want to make the move to D.C. in the near future. I knew I probably wouldn’t get much, but also had my hopes up a little too high because when I brought in a couple bagfuls a few weeks ago, I got $45 (I guess I had some really good textbooks from my college days included in the bunch, hence the much larger sum). I knew I certainly wouldn’t get $45 this time around, but I guess I was still primed for something a little higher than $7!
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How exciting to have a plan about what you want to do Britta. Many years ago I spent a summer in Washington DC and it was fabulous. Wishing you lots of success in your savings campaign. And have fun visiting your grandmother – that sounds like fun.
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I spent the summer of 2014 in D.C. completing an internship and absolutely fell in love. I have been meaning to get back since then since I’m, quite frankly, not done with the city yet. I spent the last seven months in Thailand, where I was teaching English, but I’m so eager to get back to D.C. now; I absolutely adore the place.
Yes, the visit to my grandparents has been quite lovely so far. 🙂
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Best of luck with your move! Yes, I found selling books and cds/dvds to be rather disappointing as well, especially thinking of what I paid for them new. Oh well.. I’ve found some good ideas at The Penny Hoarder on Facebook for some ideas on saving/making extra money. Good luck!
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Yes, it was rather disappointing. Even though I wasn’t expecting much, I was primed for something a little higher than $7 because when I brought in a couple bagfuls a few weeks back, I received $45 in return (a result of having some really good textbooks from my college days included in the bunch). Oh well, at least I tried!
Perhaps I will look up the Penny Hoarder. I definitely would like to find some other ways to save/make money while I’m job hunting. Thanks for the suggestion, Kathleen!
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I have lots of cd’s but I put the songs on my mp3 player. I keep the cd’s for a back up because the mp3 players do break. I check them out at the library for songs too sometimes. You are right though, I don’t buy new ones, just songs I like on Amazon.
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I still do have a decent collection of CD’s (decent for someone my age, at least–I’m 23). I decided to sell some older CDs from my teenage years that I really didn’t care much about anymore–musical artists that I was more interested in when I was younger. I subscribe to Spotify Premium these days, so have access to a lot of music via streaming. I find its worth the price because I use it ALL the time and have access to so many albums that I would otherwise have to pay for individually.
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I’m glad you have such a special relationship with your grandmother! That’s awesome!
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Yes, I’m very thankful for the relationship I have with her. She’s a keeper. 🙂
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I, too, find washing dishes relaxing. I think it is the sense of completion when everything is done and the sink is scrubbed and shiny. Years ago I read on flylady (http://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/flying-lessons/shine-sink/) the important lesson about keeping your sink clean and shiny. It has stuck with me. I try to always go the bed with a relatively clean sink and counter area and at least a small sense of accomplishment for the day.
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Perhaps it is the sense of completion. I also think, for me, it is the relaxing motion of scrubbing the dishes with sponge and soap in hand. I like to turn music on and just let my mind wander; I find it to be very peaceful.
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