(Last) Week in Review
Looking back on the week of April 17-21
Alright. I know this is three days late [edit: This was written on the 24th, but not published until late Tuesday night], but—as always—it's been a busy time... had to make my last post, hit the gym, drive and do the whole adulting thing. As I said in that post, I’m still getting the hang of this blogging thing. Since that was more specific, I’d figured I’d give you all a general post of the latest goings-on, both in current events and me.
First, we are nearly a week removed from D-Day... Tax Day. Hopefully you all got your info in to Uncle Sam last Tuesday. I ended up owing $30. Not much, but for someone who is used to getting a refund, this was rather disappointing. Better than owing your state over $400, I guess— I had a sizeable Federal return last year, but owed my state $450. This year, I owed Uncle Sam $30, and nothing to my state. It was explained to me that last year was based off of 2019’s info due to the Coronavirus pandemic, so now we’re back to pre-Covid rules. That, and I’m self-employed, which, as I was also told, most likely means you’re going to owe. Ahh, the life of an entrepreneur.
I switched to Mint Mobile, the cheaper-option cell phone/Internet service headed by Ryan Reynolds. That’s right... in case you didn’t know, actor Ryan Reynolds is the ad man AND part-owner of Mint Mobile. They are cheaper than most due to having no physical stores and operating off of T-Mobile's (my previous provider) towers. There is a caveat, though... in order to take advantage, you have to buy service in 3-month blocks, then commit to a year, essentially placing you under a contract. They’ve actually revamped their plans, upping each data limit but keeping the prices the same. The most is their unlimited for $30. You can find out more here.
Have you ever switched carriers? I must say, it wasn‘t without hiccups... I had to get a transfer PIN from T-Mobile, call Mint, hand it to them and download an eSim. Yes, because they are an online provider (no brick-and-mortar stores), I had to get a digital sim. I had the option to get a physical sim sent to me, but why wait for it to come in the mail? I didn’t realize, however, that it’d be sent via e-mail and I had to either take a pic of the QR code or copy the link into my settings, and as such, I had communication issues for two days... starting Wednesday night (the 19th) to Friday (the 21st), I couldn’t call or text out, but apparently could text to fellow iPhone users (yes, I’ve an iPhone—team Apple). Unsure if I could call them.
It wasn’t until my THIRD rep that I was made aware that it’s possible to physically take out the sim card (via a small pokeable object-- like a bent paper clip—on the side, a tidbit if any of you get into this situation), and place the tray back in.
Gotta love customer service. (To be fair, that last rep owned an iPhone and said that not everyone realizes what may be done to fix this issue).
Maybe I‘m just not used to switching, as I’ve been with T-Mobile for about 12 years, but not having cell service for two days is — as I’m sure you could imagine—quite frustrating. Hopefully this switch will be functional as well as money-saving.
To sum up other news of the real world, we’ve had a celebrity health scare, the start of the NBA playoffs and the economy is still in question. Actor/comedian Jamie Foxx is recovering after suffering from a stroke. Surprising, as he’s rather young and seemingly healthy. Just goes to show, MAKE SURE you’re taking care of yourself—mentally, as well as physically.
The NBA playoff picture is apparently finalized... haven’t really been able to follow, but evidently there was a “play-in tournament?” Comment, if you can, to explain it to me. Finally, as usual, there’s been ups and downs with our economy... from Crypto uncertainty, stock volitility and consumer prices. I’ve noticed that I’m DEFINITELY paying more at the pump. Have you? More push for EV’s and alternative forms of energy, I suppose this’ll influence.
As for more personal news, I’m taking a break from the gym—something I mentioned in my last post. I take a week off at the end of two months: Starting in January, I go the full month, taking off a week at the end of February. I then go all of March, and it’s that time now for my break week. I mentioned ”active rest” in My Fitness Journey, but I’m not sure how “active” I’ll be... as I’ll be catching up on a few things (namely probably this blog). Active rest, also known as a “deload week,” is essentially where you don’t go as hard in the gym, but you do light work, such as walking, jogging, playing a sport, yoga... some kind of leisure activity. Not sure if I’ll be doing any of those, as I said above... if nothing else, taking a break from a rigorous, time-consuming activity like working out leaves space for other things. “Bottom line: Your mind and body alike just need a chance to shut down and reboot once in a while.” (LL Cool J’s Platinum Workout)
I’ll let you all know how productive I am.
Also, my birthday’s this week! Yup... I’m turning 37 on Thursday, the 27th. My birthday wishlist will be attached below. Just kidding! But if you really want to, my CashApp is $YoungIBO.
I’ll leave it there for now, folks. Until next time, blessings.
