Coded green.

Tuesday 12 September 2006

A look into a small house

Pic of the day: I guess it looks cozy enough, but is it worth paying most of the money I earn?

Payday!

Once more the money flows into my bank account. As well it should, that's why I work after all. Unlike some people, I don't (think I) need it for my social needs. At least as long as my DSL works.

And once more it flows back out. Well, I keep enough for food and such. This month I also have a visit or two to the dentist to look forward to. But I don't foresee any big problems. And that's an interesting thing in itself.

Last year at this time, I paid NOK 3500 per month ($535 by the current rate) for a place to live and store all my stuff. Now I pay NOK 9000 ($1375). Admittedly NOK 4000 of this is paying back the loans I took during the infamous double move last winter, including for the deposit which I hopefully will get back if I move out. But the fact remains that this year I am paying two and a half time as much as last year, and closer to two thirds of my income after tax. That's rather a change.

And yet I have no trouble paying my bills so far. I eat what I want (or rather as much of it as I can digest without getting sick). I buy the occasional book and software for myself and my friends. I'm not able to save up anything, and I would certainly not make any intercontinental trips, but when did I do that anyway?

It is kind of fascinating that it makes so little difference. You know, if I continue to put aside the same amount after my emergency credit is paid back (in February), I should be able to save up a decent amount over time. I'll never be rich, of course; that requires a completely different mindset. But over a couple years I might have enough cash to be able to buy some old little house in the countryside, or a cramped apartment. Somewhere I can not be thrown out at a whim. (In Norway, you cannot borrow the entire sum needed to buy a house. 80% however, is acceptable and common.)

But I am not going to actually do that. I know myself too well to even for a minute believe such a thing. If I live to see the pressure let up, I will immediately start spending the extra cash on ale and whores computer stuff for myself and books for my friends.

"The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior", unless there is some deep transformative event. Most people don't experience those at all, and I doubt I'll have another in this lifetime. But who knows... I am the guy who write about "surpassing numerous destinies while we are alive". Still, I sincerely don't believe (or even hope) that I will transform into someone who makes great sacrifices to get tied down. The world has plenty of that as is.


Yesterday <-- This month --> Tomorrow?
One year ago: Boob day
Two years ago: Non-Christian giving?
Three years ago: Chaotic thoughts
Four years ago: Forethought
Five years ago: For my American friends
Six years ago: The magic of expectation
Seven years ago: A very nerdy day

Visit the archive page for the older diaries I've put out to pasture.


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