Brief update

I've been very slack in posting as of late.

I'm still sick :( which makes it 3 and a half weeks now. Went back to the doctor's last week and they weren't much help. I don't have swine flu, just another virus and there isn't much they can do for it. I ended up taking some time off work at the end of last week, but I still had study which had to be done.

Only good thing about being sick is that I stayed at home and didn't spend money! Makes me realise how much money I often waste when I go out (such as to work). Just little bits here and there that add up. But nothing I actually need.

Not too much happening - work, study, sleep.

Have completed a rough tax estimate and I should get back a very nice refund. Hopefully will finish it off this coming weekend and will have my refund by end of August. Any refund will go directly into my bank account and then I will send it straight off to one of my credit cards.

My job is meant to be paying for half my tuition fees once I successfully complete subjects in my Masters degree. I successfully completed two last semester (2 more this semester and then I will be finished!) so they should be giving me $2010 (each subject is $2010). My boss is currently overseas but will have to talk to her about it once she gets back. I know from my last job that there is a big difference between saying they will pay for it and actually getting it in your bank account! In my last job, I really pushed the issue and was ready to quit over it, but I like my current job, I know finances are tight, and I really want them to renew my contract this year. So I'm not sure how hard to push if they are resisting paying it.

Firebugs responsible for mass murder

As you may gather from my first post about Rudd's 42b rescue plan, I don't always agree with him, but I completely stand with him on his comment about the Victorian bushfires:

"A clearly shaken Kevin Rudd has told the Nine Network that if firebugs lit some of the bushfires then they are responsible for "mass murder".
"What do you say about anyone like that — there are no words to describe it other than mass murder.""

From:
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/744864/at-least-93-dead-in-victorian-bushfires

I encourage everyone to donate to the bushfire appeals - I still couldn't get online to the Red Cross, but through www.bendigobank.com.au I was able to donate to the bushfire appeal and the North Qld flood appeal. (Australia really has been having crazy weather lately). Certainly the best money I've spent in a while.

Victorian Bushfire Appeal

I'm watching Channel 9 news. The death toll from the Victorian Bushfires is now up to 84, expected to go to over 100.

The Red Cross is having an appeal in conjunction with the Victorian government - you can donate at www.redcross.org.au or call 1800 811 700. I can't actually get onto the web site at the moment, which may be because of the enormous support they are receiving. The phone line will be open all week if you can't get through straight away.

You can also donate through Bendigo Bank - www.bendigobank.com.au

Bushfire deaths

Completely non-finance related, but please pray for everyone affected by the bushfires in Victoria (Australia).

So far 35 people have died and this is expected to rise.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/744864/worst-day-in-history-vic-fires-kill-14

New South Wales is also experiencing bushfires, but thankfully there have been no deaths.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/744906/nearly-60-bushfires-burning-across-nsw

I've been complaining no end about the heat, but this really puts things into perspective.