Spending money like it's going out of style

Okay, so I'm a poor scientist. AND working for the University. They're grumbling again about another small raise to get our salaries to be more competitive, but I somehow doubt I'd see a 3% raise because I'm sure they'll raise my health care premiums or such to compensate.

So I got paid Friday. What do I do as soon as I transfer the money to my checking account - spend it!

Seriously, I did need to buy my contacts. I will be getting a rebate with my order, but got screwed because I need them by Friday (otherwise wouldn't have had to pay for shipping). So it came out to over $300. I'll file a claim with my insurance company and see how much (if any) they'd be willing to pay me. I would think they'd applaud someone for shopping around for the best price (I'm paying about $20/box less than if I had gone through my eye doctor). Again, why should they reimburse me when I've already paid for them, plus I'm still paying for eye care coverage.

Then it was time to resupply the liquor cabinet. Based on how quickly (and wonderfully) the Teton potato vodka disappeared, I ordered three bottles. Then I found a supplier for vodka that my boyfriend really liked, but hasn't been able to find on the store shelves anymore. For $17.99/bottle, you can't argue with the price. Since he doesn't do any online ordering, he asked if I'd take care of it. So I asked him "their inventory shows 10, how many do you want?" "I'd take all 10 if I could." *sigh*

It's still going to be close to a month (three weeks if we're lucky) before I get to see him to get paid back. I'm not complaining too much - I wouldn't feel comfortable ordering anything online with his unsecured wireless connection. (Yes, there are still some advantages to a hard cable connection.)

So as quick as the money came, it's pretty much shot to hell now. I have enough food money (I hope), and money to refuel the car next week. Gosh, I hate this living from paycheck to paycheck life.

I'm not too terribly shocked

Anyone who really thinks that they can get away with making "funny money" by using a color printer are totally wrong. According to this article, every page you print using a color laser printer leaves a signature with very small dots that you can then use to interpert the date and the printer's serial number.

I get a "big brother" feeling from this concept. But I'm not too totally shocked either.

If you want to see how they figured out how to visualize the dots and interpert the pattern, you can check it out here. The article is posted here.

Well, off for my follow up to see if I get to keep my contacts. I truly hope so - I forgot my glasses at home.