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Maker Space – Free at Your Library

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I’m still not sold on living in Texas. It’s just so, so hot! But man, there is so much to do here within just a few miles. And that has been a breathe of fresh air after living in a teeny, tiny town for the last 9-ish years.

One of the first things I did when I moved here was get a library card. I read voraciously. All the time. Daily. Multiple books per week. Constantly. You get the point.

While I much prefer a book in hand, with all the moving and traveling, not to mention late fees if you don’t return it on time, I’ve learned that digital access is much more conducive to my lifestyle. So now, I only do digital checkout.

Here’s what I discovered as I presented myself and my piece of mail to get a library card. They have a Maker Space! And it’s free to use!

What is a Maker Space?

This is what Google had to say when I asked it that question:
“A makerspace is a collaborative workspace, often found in schools, libraries, or community centers, where people can gather to share tools and resources to create, invent, and learn. These spaces provide access to a wide variety of tools, from high-tech equipment like 3D printers and laser cutters to more traditional crafts and materials, fostering a hands-on, “learning by doing” environment. They encourage creative problem-solving and the development of skills in areas like STEM, digital fabrication, and entrepreneurship.

maker space example

Not my library’s space but it’s very similar to this.

And they offer free classes…every single week! This just makes my arts and crafts heart so excited.

They have laser cutters, 3 D printers, sewing machines, Circuits and so much more. You can reserve time to use the space for your own projects or take one of their many classes.

I took a laser cutting class. Gymnast and I went to a class where we made shadow boxes with electric circuits and lights, and this week I’m taking a book making class.

Free, fun…good for all ages! (We did not have this at our local library in teeny, tiny town Georgia.) Check out your local library. (And yes, definitely a tool I’m using as I approach this Christmas, giving season!)

Hope’s Debt Update – November, 2025

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We are there guys! We and by we, I mean I hit $10,000 in my high interest savings account this past month. Woot, woot! So now it’s time to turn my eye to my remaining debt – time to pay off those student loans. Finally!

This is the balance as of today.

Debt DescriptionOctober, 2023 TotalInterest RateMinimum PaymentCurrent TotalPayoff Date (Est)
Student Loans$22,1212.875%$307$18,246
CC - Apple**$500$0May, 2025
CC - Frontier$3,85729.99%$0$0May, 2025 - Closed
Dad - New Furnace$2,6000%$0$0
May, 2025
CC - USAA$5,00019.15%$0$0May, 2025
CC - Sam's Club$0May, 2025 (again)
CC - Amazon$0May, 2025 (again) - Closed
CC - Southwest$0May, 2025
Painter$0May, 2025
CC - AMEX$89429.24%$0$0Mar, 2024 - Closed
CC - Sams$1,10629.99%$0$0April, 2024
Personal Loan #1$2,5000%$0$0July, 2024
Personal Loan #2$2,5000%$0$0August, 2024
CC - Wander$1,63029.24%$0$0August, 2024 - Closed
CC - Amazon$1,49729.99%$0$0September, 2024
Total$44,206$307$18,246

And today, I scheduled an extra $400 payment. That was my overage last month after all my regularly budgeted items plus hitting my $10K goal in savings.

The Plan

I will continue to put $130 into my various investment accounts and savings accounts every week. This is broken down as: $50 into high interest savings and $80 into investment accounts. Those are on auto-draft.

All monies outside of my regularly budgeted items will then be poured into my student loan debt. Looking at the past few months, that should end up being a minimum $2,000 per month to my student loans. As I’m writing this, I realize that I have not shared my updated budget. I’ll get that shared in the next week or so.

Work

Work continues to go well. Most of my work for the past 6 months has come from 3 main client and a handful of small projects. I’m currently working on applications for a number of other small clients/projects. And have two smaller projects to complete this month in addition to my ongoing work from my 3 primary clients.

I’m enjoying a very nice work/life balance for the first time in a really long time. In the past it has always seemed I had too much or too little work. Now I am enjoying staying busy and earning a good living, but having the time and capacity for a life. In addition to ongoing caretaking for my mom and supporting my dad, I’ve found a church I love, joined a couple of women’s Bible studies, and signed up for a number of free classes at the local library. This week I’m going to a book making class.

Life is good.

 

 

 

 

 

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