Mea culpa

Finally, I can breathe. I’m currently at the lab, but I’m unofficially working over so I don’t think the bosses will be too upset about grabbing some internet time that’s not on the company dime this time. Work’s been going okay. We’re in a sort of lull and I’m sure things will soon turn crazy. I’m prepping myself to develop 4 hands. I love it. I know I keep giving mixed messages, but as with all things, you love ‘em sometimes and you can’t bear it sometimes. What’s new? I’m getting much better on the bike. I obviously need to get my biking attire soon because I’m injuring myself in places that would be protected better if I had things like a pair of padded bike shorts, a pair of biking gloves, etc. All told, I’m loving this new experience and I cannot wait to get out and earn my stripes. M says I”m great at powering up hills. Sadly, it’s usually a short burst of energy that lasts me for a short uphill climb. I clearly need to work on my endurance. Anyhow, he’s a great and patient teacher. He’s trading his old bike for a better mountain bike so I’m excited for him and because we can both do rides. He’s been without his for a week now.

Next, I just remembered that (duh) I am enrolled in a retirement plan courtesy of my employer (as is M). However, it would be worth investigating what happens to those funds should I (or we) switch employers. M’s rate of return on his investments is 6% (I just read his statement). I don’t know if that’s due to me upping his contribution rate (shhh, don’t tell M that!). I need to do a lot of reading on this financial stuff so I can make sense of his portfolio. In any case, now is the time for me to go ahead and open up that Roth IRA I’ve been blathering about. First, I do want to talk with an adviser and I would greatly prefer doing my business with one of the big 3 (Vanguard, Fidelity or T. Rowe Price). It’s like a game of Russian Roulette although minus the part where you die. If you are playing the stock market, don’t let temporary losses get you down. Think long-term. I shouldn’t be talking because I haven’t had much experience, but I aim to learn all I can and use this blog as my sounding board. My plan on the other hand is really weird. It’s one of these teacher retirement system programs and I can’t mess with them as far as I can tell. The sanctioned option by my employer is a 403(b) or 457 plan with either TIAA-CREF, Fidelity or AIG Retirement. Right now, looking at their websites, information overload-itis is occuring. So, I really would like to talk to a real live person and a company that comes to mind for that is Edward Jones. Hell, there’s a branch that’s less than 1 mile from my apartment so that is a really attractive option. Anyhow, that’s about it. I’ve gotta run.

Oh, I’m going to be an aunt twice over. lol. My sister and my sister-in-law are expecting. This is awesome.