WOW... I paid my (share of the) rent today, and realized one thing:

If it weren't for the translations, I'd barely get by on my own salary....

Having said that... I also should be taking better care of where my translation money is going...

Why?...well, my monthly expeses are ~$1,036...my salary is $1,077...that is, of course, if I stay on budget with groceries and utilities (I tend to go over with groceries) AND, if I stopped paying Nanny every 15 days out of my salary, and paying her 1 "quincena" when I get paid and the other one just let her wait until sis actually gives me her share of the money (which would mean up to 10 days wait for Nanny!! -- can you imagine??)

Also, looked at it THAT way, I'm not doing as much as I should with the translation money...not as much is going towards debt as it should...

Hmmmm... I guess I found Goal #1 for 2009!
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looking at it on the bright side....at least now I'm NOT at -$200 on paper!!!- even with just my salary! YAY!