My happy new year includes:
Starting off my first year of adult life sans credit card debt. And with a strong budget in place to keep things that way.
A sweet and kind guy by my side, day in and out.
A kitchen filled with groceries, a pile of new recipes, and a goal to make 2013 the year of the lunch (since 2012 was all about the breakfast...nearly every day. I'm spoiled).
A laundry list of friends and loved ones who remind me often how lucky I am.
A savings account growing for a big trip in the works.
Hard to complain with those things in mind.
Resolutions to come, but for now, wishing peace and happiness.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
How can it be...
That a person could train for and then run a half marathon and feel out of shape? I'm not sure how this happens, but my gut (har har) says it has something to do with carbs. Specifically, too many of them in the name of "this is what they tell me to do, consume carbs so I don't hit the wall."
Whatever it is, I am SO proud that I made it to the finish line for a second time this year after 13.1 long miles. And it is no question in a large part due to the encouragement of a good friend who ran along with me (thanks Neen!).
But I think the training for these types of races is just not the most sustainable course for me. I get exhausted from the long runs and can't seem to find much time mid-week for the short runs. And, I just really want to run for fun, as well as work on developing my 5k speed. And I desperately miss yoga.
I think I just need more balance in my workouts - something that isn't too far on one extreme or another, and something I can stick with that will encourage better eating habits. Because this is frustrating, to feel flabby and out of sorts despite having run more miles than I ever imagined I'd be able.
Whatever it is, I am SO proud that I made it to the finish line for a second time this year after 13.1 long miles. And it is no question in a large part due to the encouragement of a good friend who ran along with me (thanks Neen!).
But I think the training for these types of races is just not the most sustainable course for me. I get exhausted from the long runs and can't seem to find much time mid-week for the short runs. And, I just really want to run for fun, as well as work on developing my 5k speed. And I desperately miss yoga.
I think I just need more balance in my workouts - something that isn't too far on one extreme or another, and something I can stick with that will encourage better eating habits. Because this is frustrating, to feel flabby and out of sorts despite having run more miles than I ever imagined I'd be able.
Monday, October 15, 2012
30 - updated
A little over a year ago I made a list of thirty things I thought I should try to accomplish prior to turning 30. I had 6 months to take care of it. I wasn't 100% successful (to be honest, I'm not sure I even could have received an "A") but I absolutely enjoyed the process of coming up with the list, working to scratch things off, and talking about it with friends, old and new. In particular, I think my list could have been more "checked off" had a certain person not entered my life but I am NOT complaining. I'll take booked weekends and significantly less "alone" time to be with this guy any day of the week.
So anyway, here's an update on where things stand.
1. Run a 5K race - done! 10/15/11 in 36 mins
2. Run 10K (6+ miles) - done! 3/3/12, and then kept going! Ran a half marathon in April, with a second on the books for October 21.
3. Have my place professionally cleaned
4. Pay off my credit cards (all 4 - but I'll settle for 3 by then) 3 down, 1 to go as of 4/6/12 (thank you student loan surplus). Looks like this will be DONE 12/28/12, if not prior. I've never been more excited for payday than I am now, seeing the balance decline. Woo!
5. Climb Compton Water Tower - done! 10/1/11
6. Take the knife skills class at Kitchen Conservatory - done 1/11/12!
7. Fly somewhere I've never been - 3/25/11 to Seattle for work conference
8. Get another massage at the Chase Spa - planning on doing this post-half marathon in late October
9. Paint the bathroom - done 2/20/12
10. Paint the hallway
11. Clean up the basement storage - in progress. Slow but steady, and avoiding spiders!
12. Use the BBQ grill (burn a bunch of sage on it first!) - done! Success on 10/2/11
13. Finish reading Death and Life of Great American Cities - still working. Goodreads says I'm 57% there.
14. Finish reading The Art of Happiness - even closer, at 91%.
15. Have a bike and ride it around - done this once...a little intimidated but I need to just do it!
16. Wear makeup. Like eyeliner, and maybe lipstick. Regularly. - done, er, rather, habit formed! 12/1/11
17. Get a less than safe haircut - done on 11/11/11 w/ a big drastic chop!
18. Buy a case of wine, all at once
19. Get good at baking sourdough bread
20. Make at least 1/2 my Christmas gifts - didn't happen, but I'm ok with it and not going to dwell on a less than 100% score for this list.
21. Buy a pair of jeans from somewhere swankier than The Gap
22. Go sledding on Art Hill - Winter 2011/12 was a total bust in terms of snow. Bummer! Rumor has it this could be a snowy winter, so maybe I'll get my chance yet!
23. Eat dinner at 1 of the awesome places I never get to go to anymore - done 2/5/12 with a fab dinner at Niche
24. Eat something I've never eaten before - ate beef cheeks and stinging nettles at 2 nice restaurants in March. It was a good eating month!
25. Knit something other than a glorified potholder
26. Watch a roller derby bout - done 2/4/12
27. Buy myself a piece of pretty jewelry - done 4/12, got a cute little ring from Etsy
28. Hang out at the Hilton's new 360 bar. Went with friends on 4/5/12
29. Try contacts. Again. For the 4th time. - not so sure of this...the last eye doc I went to wasn't so convinced contacts were for me...a strong blinker - ha!
30. Take a last minute trip (i.e. sans months of planning) Headed to Everett WA w/ the BF's family for a wedding. As it was their thing, I didn't have much say into planning aside from making the hotel reservation. It was a few crazy days of travel and just going with the flow. I did pretty darn well. Not the spontaneous weekend trip I imagined when I wrote this list, but I think it captured the spirit given present circumstances just fine.
So things are chugging along. I'll probably have more crossed off in the next couple months. Hopefully by year-end this will be mostly wrapped up. Then perhaps time for a new one? I do love a good list.
So anyway, here's an update on where things stand.
3. Have my place professionally cleaned
4. Pay off my credit cards (all 4 - but I'll settle for 3 by then) 3 down, 1 to go as of 4/6/12 (thank you student loan surplus). Looks like this will be DONE 12/28/12, if not prior. I've never been more excited for payday than I am now, seeing the balance decline. Woo!
8. Get another massage at the Chase Spa - planning on doing this post-half marathon in late October
10. Paint the hallway
11. Clean up the basement storage - in progress. Slow but steady, and avoiding spiders!
13. Finish reading Death and Life of Great American Cities - still working. Goodreads says I'm 57% there.
14. Finish reading The Art of Happiness - even closer, at 91%.
15. Have a bike and ride it around - done this once...a little intimidated but I need to just do it!
18. Buy a case of wine, all at once
19. Get good at baking sourdough bread
20. Make at least 1/2 my Christmas gifts - didn't happen, but I'm ok with it and not going to dwell on a less than 100% score for this list.
21. Buy a pair of jeans from somewhere swankier than The Gap
22. Go sledding on Art Hill - Winter 2011/12 was a total bust in terms of snow. Bummer! Rumor has it this could be a snowy winter, so maybe I'll get my chance yet!
25. Knit something other than a glorified potholder
29. Try contacts. Again. For the 4th time. - not so sure of this...the last eye doc I went to wasn't so convinced contacts were for me...a strong blinker - ha!
So things are chugging along. I'll probably have more crossed off in the next couple months. Hopefully by year-end this will be mostly wrapped up. Then perhaps time for a new one? I do love a good list.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
100 days
Drum roll please....
In 100 days, if everything stays on track, I will be completely 100% credit card debt free!!!
This makes me very happy. And grateful for the light at the end of the tunnel I've been chugging along through since probably age 19. I've been SO close to paying off my balances before but never had the nerve to just shut it down and say no more. I'm glad that I'm willing and able to do that now. So very glad.
I'm cutting over 2 months out of the process by putting my "extra" paycheck for November towards the debt - 70% of it, in fact. That's the beauty of being paid 26 times a year, and I need to make better use of that little bonus when it comes around again in 6 months or so.
After the payments have been made, I'll be into the thick of student loan repayment, which is a bummer for the next 10 years. Ideally I'll pay them off early too, but my focus instead will be building up my short term emergency cushion of $1,000. Then it's onward to the long-term 6 month cushion. And THEN it's on to the down payment savings.
Ideally somewhere along that path I'll start bringing home more income and can accelerate my progress. That was the point of grad school - at least on one level! I feel good though. I feel hopeful for the first time in a long time, and I feel proud for doing this bit by bit. Makes the little sacrifices more than worth it. I got myself into this place, and now I'm very glad to be getting myself out. If only I had this revelation 5 years ago. Oh well, c'est la vie.
In 100 days, if everything stays on track, I will be completely 100% credit card debt free!!!
This makes me very happy. And grateful for the light at the end of the tunnel I've been chugging along through since probably age 19. I've been SO close to paying off my balances before but never had the nerve to just shut it down and say no more. I'm glad that I'm willing and able to do that now. So very glad.
I'm cutting over 2 months out of the process by putting my "extra" paycheck for November towards the debt - 70% of it, in fact. That's the beauty of being paid 26 times a year, and I need to make better use of that little bonus when it comes around again in 6 months or so.
After the payments have been made, I'll be into the thick of student loan repayment, which is a bummer for the next 10 years. Ideally I'll pay them off early too, but my focus instead will be building up my short term emergency cushion of $1,000. Then it's onward to the long-term 6 month cushion. And THEN it's on to the down payment savings.
Ideally somewhere along that path I'll start bringing home more income and can accelerate my progress. That was the point of grad school - at least on one level! I feel good though. I feel hopeful for the first time in a long time, and I feel proud for doing this bit by bit. Makes the little sacrifices more than worth it. I got myself into this place, and now I'm very glad to be getting myself out. If only I had this revelation 5 years ago. Oh well, c'est la vie.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
That point during a big organizing session when...
you realize you've made a bigger mess than you started with. Of course, that's the whole point of organizing things, rather than just tidying up. You've got to bring everything out of hiding and let it makes its case for avoiding certain death via the trashcan, recycling bin, or goodwill pile. My willingness to let things go has only increased over the years and for that I'm glad. While I've had several, "why have I even been keeping this around?" moments today, I know I've avoided many more just by being judicious about what I bring home (freebies are especially unwelcome) and how often I pull things I no longer wear or care for from my closet and drawers to toss in a goodwill bin.
All that said, I'm still cringing at the site of my entire jewelry box laying out on the dining table (the box disintegrated, so a new solution needs to be found ASAP), the growing pile of boxes and bags for donating by the front door, the stack of "memories" I have to flip through before determining how to store the remainder and the as of yet untouched stack of boxes in the basement. Oh, and the pile of mostly-unwanted CDs (and partnering mp3s). Not to mention the fact that a disassembled queen size bed and mattress have taken up residence in my living room and kitchen for the past 6 days.
Tomorrow could be a long day. I had originally planned on heading to the office to catch up, but that's feeling less and less like the best use of my time. Sanity at work < sanity at home...I think!
All that said, I'm still cringing at the site of my entire jewelry box laying out on the dining table (the box disintegrated, so a new solution needs to be found ASAP), the growing pile of boxes and bags for donating by the front door, the stack of "memories" I have to flip through before determining how to store the remainder and the as of yet untouched stack of boxes in the basement. Oh, and the pile of mostly-unwanted CDs (and partnering mp3s). Not to mention the fact that a disassembled queen size bed and mattress have taken up residence in my living room and kitchen for the past 6 days.
Tomorrow could be a long day. I had originally planned on heading to the office to catch up, but that's feeling less and less like the best use of my time. Sanity at work < sanity at home...I think!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Fall Cleaning
Looking back through my entries from years past, it is abundantly clear that I enjoy the following: 1. organizing 2. cleaning 3. living in a tidy space. I used to religiously follow along with the Apartment Therapy folks when they'd embark on their biennial "Cures" - addressing each room of my place in a methodical (and sometimes crazed) manner: purging, deep cleaning, repairing, redecorating as my budget and free time allowed.
I definitely fall more towards the minimalist side of the "how cozy is your abode" scale, and while stark white modernism isn't the environment I crave, cluttered, dusty, uncoordinated rooms make me cringe. And today, my apartment is falling more towards the cringe-worthy side of the spectrum.
While the folks at AT gave up their guided "Cures" several years ago, I still have the book that guides the process and I'm thinking of breaking it out to embark on a fall cure, the first at this apartment, I think (though maybe there was a Kitchen Cure right after I moved in? Too early to really dig in). There are some serious deficiencies that need to be addressed and while the average bystander might not think it, my 650 square feet feel like they're bursting at the seams. To me, at least.
I've already got quite the "Outbox" filled, and a trip to Goodwill and the electronics recycling pickup are on my weekend agenda. Not to mention the fact that cleaning out my basement storage is still lingering on that old 30-before-30 list. No matter that 30 1/2 is around the corner.
I definitely fall more towards the minimalist side of the "how cozy is your abode" scale, and while stark white modernism isn't the environment I crave, cluttered, dusty, uncoordinated rooms make me cringe. And today, my apartment is falling more towards the cringe-worthy side of the spectrum.
While the folks at AT gave up their guided "Cures" several years ago, I still have the book that guides the process and I'm thinking of breaking it out to embark on a fall cure, the first at this apartment, I think (though maybe there was a Kitchen Cure right after I moved in? Too early to really dig in). There are some serious deficiencies that need to be addressed and while the average bystander might not think it, my 650 square feet feel like they're bursting at the seams. To me, at least.
I've already got quite the "Outbox" filled, and a trip to Goodwill and the electronics recycling pickup are on my weekend agenda. Not to mention the fact that cleaning out my basement storage is still lingering on that old 30-before-30 list. No matter that 30 1/2 is around the corner.
Saturday, September 08, 2012
Net Worth
Today, in early September 2012, I've noticed that my current net worth is essentially this: my car. More specifically, the value of my car were I to sell it. Strange, huh? It's not that I don't have a whole bunch of other financial assets and liabilities, it's just that they basically cancel each other out. My cash accounts are just about the same as my credit card debt. And the balance of my retirement accounts bear an uncanny resemblance to my student loans.
Despite this odd moment of realization, I feel as though I'm at a turning point, finally, with my finances. I feel like I am really, truly making progress and beginning to set out on a sustainable path towards future goals and the relief of not being burdened with debt anymore.
It won't happen overnight, nothing good ever does. I'm completely aware and completely ok with that. I'm not going to beat myself up anymore, but I'm going to be so much more conscious of my means - and will be working very hard to live within them, but still live well. I feel good about it all.
Despite this odd moment of realization, I feel as though I'm at a turning point, finally, with my finances. I feel like I am really, truly making progress and beginning to set out on a sustainable path towards future goals and the relief of not being burdened with debt anymore.
It won't happen overnight, nothing good ever does. I'm completely aware and completely ok with that. I'm not going to beat myself up anymore, but I'm going to be so much more conscious of my means - and will be working very hard to live within them, but still live well. I feel good about it all.
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
Today's thoughts on the budget
It's going. It's not easy, but it's what I WANT and I'm going to keep on keeping on. That said...
- Cash is easier than trying to remind myself how much I can spend when I'm still using my debit card. I'm going back to the cash withdrawal on Friday.
- It's hard to say "no" to things that people invite you to - even when they're family or close friends. And it's hard to rationalize your choice when it's decidedly not in the budget. And it's hard to tell those people you can't do it. At this point. I've said "yes" to two things that I don't think I can really afford. I don't want to back out, so that might just mean taking $ from savings...which I also can't afford.
- Cooking, especially on weeknights and just for one, is not exactly my cup of tea. But practice makes perfect and I don't have any other options here. I've learned that just because a magazine can take a pretty picture of a so-called "simple" recipe, doesn't mean it will taste any good. I've got to be far more judicious in where I draw my recipes - I would rather not eat my mistakes, and can't rationalize tossing things out while on a strict budget.
- It's not budget-related, but I am not a morning runner. I was a super crank today and I just can't start my day off well when I'm running late, tired, and don't have coffee. Ok, so maybe it IS budget related. I forgot the coffee, and have now run out of my budget for the week, so it will have to wait till Friday.
Monday, September 03, 2012
Cash-only check-in
This past Friday I successfully made it through one week as a cash-only girl. It was an interesting experience with lessons reaching beyond whether I could possibly make it 7 days on a tight budget without transferring money from savings or breaking down.
Most notably, I was surprised by how acutely aware I was of prices of items at the store, even those I "needed" and planned on purchasing. I took so much longer to shop for just a few items. I browsed carefully, looking at the clearance sections and comparing smaller sizes for overall value. Needless to say, shopping felt a lot more like work and another chore, rather than an enjoyable way to pass some time on a Tuesday night.
And I was much more conscious of how it must feel to do this all the time, be forced to choose the smallest, least expensive item, instead of stocking up because it is cheaper in the long run. When the money isn't there, shopping for value is a LOT more difficult.
This isn't going to be a terrible situation for me. I'm shopping for 2 adults, really, and I'm lucky to have a well stocked pantry and live and work close to several stores, making frequent small trips feasible. People on strictly limited budgets may not have this same proximity, and they also are less likely have large quantities of staple items like olive oil, vinegar, spices, cheese, etc.
So did I make it? Well, sort of.
See, I hosted my book club on Wednesday night, and I didn't exactly include the food I'd be making in my budget. I figured I could go over my $100 budget pretty easily if I took the easy route and bought things ready-made, but maybe I'd be able to stay within, or close to it, if I cooked from scratch. I searched my recipe books and the web, came up with a simple but tasty menu, and made my list. Unfortunately, I wound up over my grocery budget by about $30. Not all of this was attributed to book club, but I'd say at least $20 of it was. But I don't want to worry too much about entertaining. It's a rare opportunity and I'm happy to extend the hospitality my friends have shown me.
But no question about the lesson I learned. For one, I could have saved a bit by just doing more planning - using more of what I had on hand instead of needing to make that last trip to the store. And also, not surprisingly, doing the planning somewhere prior to the very last minute. Things ALWAYS become more expensive that way.
Most notably, I was surprised by how acutely aware I was of prices of items at the store, even those I "needed" and planned on purchasing. I took so much longer to shop for just a few items. I browsed carefully, looking at the clearance sections and comparing smaller sizes for overall value. Needless to say, shopping felt a lot more like work and another chore, rather than an enjoyable way to pass some time on a Tuesday night.
And I was much more conscious of how it must feel to do this all the time, be forced to choose the smallest, least expensive item, instead of stocking up because it is cheaper in the long run. When the money isn't there, shopping for value is a LOT more difficult.
This isn't going to be a terrible situation for me. I'm shopping for 2 adults, really, and I'm lucky to have a well stocked pantry and live and work close to several stores, making frequent small trips feasible. People on strictly limited budgets may not have this same proximity, and they also are less likely have large quantities of staple items like olive oil, vinegar, spices, cheese, etc.
So did I make it? Well, sort of.
See, I hosted my book club on Wednesday night, and I didn't exactly include the food I'd be making in my budget. I figured I could go over my $100 budget pretty easily if I took the easy route and bought things ready-made, but maybe I'd be able to stay within, or close to it, if I cooked from scratch. I searched my recipe books and the web, came up with a simple but tasty menu, and made my list. Unfortunately, I wound up over my grocery budget by about $30. Not all of this was attributed to book club, but I'd say at least $20 of it was. But I don't want to worry too much about entertaining. It's a rare opportunity and I'm happy to extend the hospitality my friends have shown me.
But no question about the lesson I learned. For one, I could have saved a bit by just doing more planning - using more of what I had on hand instead of needing to make that last trip to the store. And also, not surprisingly, doing the planning somewhere prior to the very last minute. Things ALWAYS become more expensive that way.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Monday morning
I read an article posted by a friend this weekend about spending the first hour of your workday actually working or doing some other productive task, and not yet digging into emails. It was really nice. I unpacked some files that were shipped to me on Friday, installed software on a co-worker's computer, and sent a request for some corrected insurance certificates. I opened my Outlook so it could get started and I could refer to my tasks list if needed, but minimized it. And then at 9:30 I had a sense of accomplishment and was able to quickly sort/respond/delete the emails that were waiting. A good feeling. I will definitely be trying that again.
I'm hoping it helps me finally feel caught up. Ever since finishing school and being able to throw myself completely into the daily grind at the office (with the occasional bout of overtime as needed), I've felt like the big/time-sensitive stuff gets done but maintenance or special projects linger. Some of this is because right around that time we began taking on new consulting projects, of which I have a decent-sized support role. I'm looking forward to shaking that and looking forward to seeing some great progress on my LARGE to-do list by Friday. Onward!
I'm hoping it helps me finally feel caught up. Ever since finishing school and being able to throw myself completely into the daily grind at the office (with the occasional bout of overtime as needed), I've felt like the big/time-sensitive stuff gets done but maintenance or special projects linger. Some of this is because right around that time we began taking on new consulting projects, of which I have a decent-sized support role. I'm looking forward to shaking that and looking forward to seeing some great progress on my LARGE to-do list by Friday. Onward!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Today's accomplishments
Today's accomplishments include running 8 miles (when I had planned on just taking it "easy" with 6) and making it through Target on another shopping trip (list in hand this time) without buying anything off the list and unnecessary. Still it feels as though I've put myself on food stamps or something - and I'm developing a keen sense of gratitude for what I have already. It's really crazy how different shopping with a limited amount of cash is, even compared to simply breaking out the debit card. I have a couple more things to pick up at the local grocery store and then I'm about out of money till Friday.
So I'm hoping to add the following additional accomplishments to today's list:
So I'm hoping to add the following additional accomplishments to today's list:
- Make spaghetti and meatballs (all ingredients already on hand) for dinner tonight/leftovers (this one that I recently pinned from a fave blogger, but in traditional American style w/ pasta instead of polenta, though I'm certain that would be juts as tasty). Check! They were so tasty!
- Make veggie chili (had to buy two cheap cans of beans, otherwise other ingredients on hand) for lunches (ALWAYS love this recipe. I'm forever grateful to Anna for sharing. Seriously). Check again! Lunch for work = happy :)
- Make Greek-style grain salad for lunches (also have most items but a few are left to buy) - this might actually happen tomorrow but I need to at least gather the ingredients (basically this recipe with shrimp added as desired and using spinach and olives and maybe cucumber).
- Figure out how to host book club on the c-h-e-a-p. Need several app-type foods and a dessert or two - it's hard because any other time I entertain I just rationalize it as a worthy reason to break out the plastic at Trader Joe's. Not this time around.
- Oh, and make major headway on the book that I'm supposed to read/lead discussion for. I seem to be distracting myself pretty well on that front
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Cash-only
Maybe the idea of going cash-only for my daily spending is a bit more appealing because I've never had a job that paid me in cash, and thus rarely have cash on hand. I've always wanted to be a person who COULD pay for things with cash - though not because she's on a strict budget. Nonetheless I can already tell the difference it makes while out and about doing errands.
This afternoon I took a quick trip to Target and Whole Foods with a friend - she needed to pick up several things and I couldn't find my list, but I remembered a handful of items I wanted to buy. Wandering through the aisles I usually have decent self control (no bottles of wine, browsing only in housewares and domestics, etc.) - but once I hit the "staples" I tend to rationalize each $2 and $3 item until I get to the checkout and see a big 5-0 staring back at me. So today I carefully chose my few purchases, and even turned down an item that was marked on sale but didn't ring up correctly. Total spent at both places? Just under $20. Total items purchased? 5. Ridiculous. But far less ridiculous than letting myself grab that fancy bottle of soap or expensive jar of jam. Rethinking the "wants" and realizing what is really truly a need has been enlightening already.
Hoping I can stretch this last $50 or so. I HAVE to do some meal planning this weekend, and prep some healthy lunches based on my pantry staples and some select choices at the store. I'm lucky to have what I do and I think that paying cash will raise my awareness of that good fortune even more. Down to the handful of change I received before walking out of "Whole Paycheck" feeling very much in control (and yes, maybe a tiny bit wistful for that lovely jar of blackcurrant goodness left behind).
This afternoon I took a quick trip to Target and Whole Foods with a friend - she needed to pick up several things and I couldn't find my list, but I remembered a handful of items I wanted to buy. Wandering through the aisles I usually have decent self control (no bottles of wine, browsing only in housewares and domestics, etc.) - but once I hit the "staples" I tend to rationalize each $2 and $3 item until I get to the checkout and see a big 5-0 staring back at me. So today I carefully chose my few purchases, and even turned down an item that was marked on sale but didn't ring up correctly. Total spent at both places? Just under $20. Total items purchased? 5. Ridiculous. But far less ridiculous than letting myself grab that fancy bottle of soap or expensive jar of jam. Rethinking the "wants" and realizing what is really truly a need has been enlightening already.
Hoping I can stretch this last $50 or so. I HAVE to do some meal planning this weekend, and prep some healthy lunches based on my pantry staples and some select choices at the store. I'm lucky to have what I do and I think that paying cash will raise my awareness of that good fortune even more. Down to the handful of change I received before walking out of "Whole Paycheck" feeling very much in control (and yes, maybe a tiny bit wistful for that lovely jar of blackcurrant goodness left behind).
Friday, August 24, 2012
Budget update
One week left in August, and while I said I was going to kick the budget's behind this month I didn't quite make it, BUT I stayed much further on track. And I have a great sense of where I'm going for next month. AND I'm feeling good about the $100/week plan.
Some potential budget-busters up ahead are a few birthdays (I really need to get a "gift fund" set up for year round expenses - maybe after the new year and possibly a raise!) and hosting book club - but I know I can come up with some perfectly delicious budget snacks if I just plan. The only two categories on my mint.com budget in the red for August are "shopping" and "gifts" - the first is mostly because of the shoes and alterations I had done on dresses for the Seattle trip as well as groceries. Then there's the "other" which I don't budget for and this month is basically car registration costs and AAA renewal. Again, things that aren't huge expenses but when there's no wiggle room, out comes the plastic. And now that the plastic is no more, next time I'll have to just find the cash.
Tackling the food expenses once and for all is my #1 goal in the short term. That means more planning, more cooking, and less wasting. I read yesterday that in our country we waste approximately 40% of our food! That's insane. I don't think it's quite so bad in my situation but there's absolutely room for improvement especially in terms of produce. And I absolutely don't need to waste my money (or my waistline) on processed foods - so out go the snack crackers and ice cream and treats. They are rare to find in my pantry, but I need to make them even more so.
I'll take one last look next week at the final breakdown, and it'll be onward to crushing September's budget! For now, I'll get my $80 "ration" from the ATM tonight after putting $20 of gas in the car. Man oh man do I ever miss that free Metro pass I had in grad school. I really didn't take advantage of it. Saving on the gas for my commute and having time to read sounds pretty enjoyable now that I'm not rushing back and forth to school. The irony, huh?
Some potential budget-busters up ahead are a few birthdays (I really need to get a "gift fund" set up for year round expenses - maybe after the new year and possibly a raise!) and hosting book club - but I know I can come up with some perfectly delicious budget snacks if I just plan. The only two categories on my mint.com budget in the red for August are "shopping" and "gifts" - the first is mostly because of the shoes and alterations I had done on dresses for the Seattle trip as well as groceries. Then there's the "other" which I don't budget for and this month is basically car registration costs and AAA renewal. Again, things that aren't huge expenses but when there's no wiggle room, out comes the plastic. And now that the plastic is no more, next time I'll have to just find the cash.
Tackling the food expenses once and for all is my #1 goal in the short term. That means more planning, more cooking, and less wasting. I read yesterday that in our country we waste approximately 40% of our food! That's insane. I don't think it's quite so bad in my situation but there's absolutely room for improvement especially in terms of produce. And I absolutely don't need to waste my money (or my waistline) on processed foods - so out go the snack crackers and ice cream and treats. They are rare to find in my pantry, but I need to make them even more so.
I'll take one last look next week at the final breakdown, and it'll be onward to crushing September's budget! For now, I'll get my $80 "ration" from the ATM tonight after putting $20 of gas in the car. Man oh man do I ever miss that free Metro pass I had in grad school. I really didn't take advantage of it. Saving on the gas for my commute and having time to read sounds pretty enjoyable now that I'm not rushing back and forth to school. The irony, huh?
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Settling back in
Even though it was just a few days away, I still feel like I'm adjusting back to the real world - which includes remembering to grocery shop, do laundry, and run. To be perfectly honest, I wouldn't mind several more days of eating out (I actually did pretty well staying healthy, even at the airport!), throwing dirty laundry in a pile in the corner of a hotel room and hiking up mountains or winding through little neighborhoods in cities across the country.
I'm finally feeling like I'm back on track. A difficult run this evening followed by several loads of laundry and a simple dinner at home helped. So has thinking about (and talking about) my renewed commitment to get out of debt, find a workable budget, and feel in control about my financial life. I looked up the 50/30/20 Budget Plan today (link) and compared my actual bills and savings to the plan. Unfortunately I'm coming in at 60% "needs", 12% "wants", and about 27% savings and debt pay-off. I don't exactly see much room for reducing the needs category and it's even going to increase when my grad school loans come due (I've already decided not to consolidate, just to suck it up and take the straightforward 10 year payment plan to reduce my overall interest and simply be done with them). In fact, I'd need a 20% increase in my take-home pay to get down to the 50%. But the book that goes along with this plan is on my to-read list and I think it's just going to be the start of a change in thinking. I can't get wrapped up about not perfectly meeting the goals. I just have to work at getting better. And while a raise would be nice, I know that if I stay on track my debt-pay off will decrease and I will free up some cash for "wants" which makes life that much more enjoyable.
As for the "wants" - towards the top of my list is a gym membership. I'm doing pretty well with the half marathon training and I've learned how great it is for me to run with a group. I wouldn't be at 6 miles already without the great folks I get to see each Sunday. But cardio isn't going to cut it if I want to look and feel my best - and I'd love to get back to yoga or even kickboxing. Of course I should just find some workouts online and do what I can at home. Plenty of people get flat abs in their living rooms and honestly I have no excuse - I certainly have the time. Think I need to settle into yet another new routine.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Things that happen after vacation
5 days away, with over one day's time spent traveling (yes, 24+ hours) - but still completely worth it for a break in the routine, a change of scenery and pace and perspective. Vacations are nice. I need more of them :) So what happens when I get back? Apparently:
- Some minor cursing for not buying any coffee beans whilst in the Pacific Northwest. I mean, really. I'm disappointed in myself and severely under-caffeinated
- Minor depression upon opening (and then re-starting, twice) the work computer and Outlook. Mostly shaken off by mid-afternoon. Catch-up is my least favorite game in the office.
- You eat a can of soup for lunch, which, as you might gather, doesn't come close to the fresh-off-the-boat sushi you devoured two days prior.
- You cut up your credit card. That's right, as previously mentioned as something I wanted to do, I sat at my desk over lunch and snipped it in half. Time to just deal with life as it is, spend what I have, and do without. I can't imagine this will be in the least bit enjoyable at first but I'm thinking it's just about necessary. I don't have the resolve to let it lie untouched for too long so I just have to say goodbye. Looking ahead to some nice casserole dinners, leftovers, and learning to become creative with my limited wardrobe and cooking skills. Necessity breeds creativity, right? I hope so.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
I have got to stop spending $
I mean it. I have to stop spending money on everything but essentials. I almost feel as though I have no idea what is actually essential and what I can live without and not undergo some sort of terrible deep sadness because I didn't buy the $4 toothpaste or the extra snacks for the plane or the clearance this-or-that or the "perfect" accessory for the wedding outfit, etc.
I would cut up my credit card if I actually had an emergency savings account worth a damn, but I don't - so I'm afraid to lose that safety blanket. And instead, I abuse it.
If I can get through this trip without any more credit card charges, I will be a.) thoroughly impressed with myself and b.) very happy.
I would cut up my credit card if I actually had an emergency savings account worth a damn, but I don't - so I'm afraid to lose that safety blanket. And instead, I abuse it.
If I can get through this trip without any more credit card charges, I will be a.) thoroughly impressed with myself and b.) very happy.
Thursday, August 09, 2012
A bunch of little things
Today was one of those days where nothing terrible has happened, yet a bunch of little things refused to go right. It all added up to some seriously glazed over eyeballs by the end of the day and a feeling of treading water - on what could have been an amazingly productive day in a nearly empty office. Frustrating and tiring.
I'm working on keeping perspective though - and it's honestly not that hard at the moment, considering one of my Dad's oldest friend's brother (and also great friend) passed away after a brief bout with cancer. About the same age, with daughters about the same age, and about the same wonderful personality and demeanor. Much better plumbing skills. Just one of the good ones, you know?
So when all these little things pile up and frustrate me and make me wish I could crawl into bed, I'm reminding myself that I'm lucky to have the day, have the chance to BE frustrated, and have the wonderful family and friends to shake me out of the funk. And that there are SO many things in life that don't matter but we wind up spending absurd amounts of energy thinking about them - far more than necessary.
And to kick back at the universe for giving me a bunch of little annoyances, I'm going to try to attack a few tonight. Starting first with the utterly neglected apartment building hallway. Which will hopefully lead into my utterly neglected kitchen. And maybe some dinner. And definitely a drink. In honor of Ted, and all the little things (good and bad) I'm damn lucky to feel, and all the GREAT things I'm lucky to have.
I'm working on keeping perspective though - and it's honestly not that hard at the moment, considering one of my Dad's oldest friend's brother (and also great friend) passed away after a brief bout with cancer. About the same age, with daughters about the same age, and about the same wonderful personality and demeanor. Much better plumbing skills. Just one of the good ones, you know?
So when all these little things pile up and frustrate me and make me wish I could crawl into bed, I'm reminding myself that I'm lucky to have the day, have the chance to BE frustrated, and have the wonderful family and friends to shake me out of the funk. And that there are SO many things in life that don't matter but we wind up spending absurd amounts of energy thinking about them - far more than necessary.
And to kick back at the universe for giving me a bunch of little annoyances, I'm going to try to attack a few tonight. Starting first with the utterly neglected apartment building hallway. Which will hopefully lead into my utterly neglected kitchen. And maybe some dinner. And definitely a drink. In honor of Ted, and all the little things (good and bad) I'm damn lucky to feel, and all the GREAT things I'm lucky to have.
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
7 days in - update
7 days into the month of August - so how am I doing with my goals?
Well, the good news is that I've done all of my training runs! Woo! And I feel great about them. I'm looking forward to this half marathon and the training program a lot more than I was in the spring.
I've also brought my lunch each day to work! Getting up early has helped, so has a renewed sense of urgency to learn how to cook (or rather, learn how to enjoy cooking). Why? Because it's something that I'm just going to have to do, part of caring for other people, not just myself. But I might as well treat myself to wonderful home cooked food either way.
The not so great news is that I've had to dip into my savings to the tune of $140. The prior post explains where most of it went. This is basically a product of paycheck-to-paycheck living and my first August check not hitting the bank till the 10th. As well as those "non-budgeted" things - namely clothing - that more or less had to be paid for. There was another charge for shoes and a purse, which will maybe also come from savings if they work out and aren't returned (always a big possibility - I bought two pairs of heels. I am not a heels girl).
I think this is still net progress. 1 week in and feeling ok.
Well, the good news is that I've done all of my training runs! Woo! And I feel great about them. I'm looking forward to this half marathon and the training program a lot more than I was in the spring.
I've also brought my lunch each day to work! Getting up early has helped, so has a renewed sense of urgency to learn how to cook (or rather, learn how to enjoy cooking). Why? Because it's something that I'm just going to have to do, part of caring for other people, not just myself. But I might as well treat myself to wonderful home cooked food either way.
The not so great news is that I've had to dip into my savings to the tune of $140. The prior post explains where most of it went. This is basically a product of paycheck-to-paycheck living and my first August check not hitting the bank till the 10th. As well as those "non-budgeted" things - namely clothing - that more or less had to be paid for. There was another charge for shoes and a purse, which will maybe also come from savings if they work out and aren't returned (always a big possibility - I bought two pairs of heels. I am not a heels girl).
I think this is still net progress. 1 week in and feeling ok.
Saturday, August 04, 2012
$100
Being a female isn't cheap. Ok, I guess it COULD be cheap, but professionalism and personal care standards tend to call for certain expenses which are often hard to get around.
I just spent $100 (that I don't exactly have) on makeup, razor blades, and alterations. Perhaps these aren't "needs" but they surely weren't things I want to spent $100 on either. But I DO want to look put together, not sloppy. We're talking drugstore expenditures and the local tailor - not luxury versions of the same.
Sigh. It's always something.
I just spent $100 (that I don't exactly have) on makeup, razor blades, and alterations. Perhaps these aren't "needs" but they surely weren't things I want to spent $100 on either. But I DO want to look put together, not sloppy. We're talking drugstore expenditures and the local tailor - not luxury versions of the same.
Sigh. It's always something.
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Accomplishments of the day
1. Smiled like it was my job until I put myself in a better mood.
2. Trekked through two meetings and an event, with a positive attitude despite my crawling ahead but just barely to-do list.
3. Took out the trash. I promise this is an accomplishment - it was bad. And quite full. And heavy. A feat of upper body strength to get inside the dumpster, in fact.
4. Bought several key items at the grocery, and spent just under $12 - within budget.
5. Made dinner. Dinner that tasted good from a recipe I will definitely use again and hopefully someday also accomplish in the laughably short 35 minutes it claims to take.
What I have yet to accomplish:
1. Turning off the computer (9pm has come and gone).
2. Reading. That book club pick isn't going to read itself. (Thankfully there's a movie...just in case).
2. Trekked through two meetings and an event, with a positive attitude despite my crawling ahead but just barely to-do list.
3. Took out the trash. I promise this is an accomplishment - it was bad. And quite full. And heavy. A feat of upper body strength to get inside the dumpster, in fact.
4. Bought several key items at the grocery, and spent just under $12 - within budget.
5. Made dinner. Dinner that tasted good from a recipe I will definitely use again and hopefully someday also accomplish in the laughably short 35 minutes it claims to take.
What I have yet to accomplish:
1. Turning off the computer (9pm has come and gone).
2. Reading. That book club pick isn't going to read itself. (Thankfully there's a movie...just in case).
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
Excuse me, have you seen my motivation?
I seem to have lost my motivation to be a productive person after work. This is the second night in a row I've had with nowhere to be and nothing to do, and its been one of dozens since finishing school. Yet I can't seem to get back into the swing of things with cooking, cleaning, and tackling the to-dos.
Exhibit A are the two dresses and one skirt I desperately need altered - the dresses for an upcoming out of town wedding, the skirt to augment my terribly sparse work wardrobe. The tailor I plan on going to is nearby, and open till 6:30. And yet the pile has sat in my living room for about 2 1/2 weeks now. Maybe more.
Exhibit B is the mess of a refrigerator, jumble of a pantry, and deathtrap of a storage cabinet lurking in the kitchen. Alongside the haven't-been-mopped-since-probably-May floors.
I could go on but the picture is clear. Last night, though I was successful with my no-internet-past-nine rule I only managed to wash the dishes then crawl into bed at 9:30, read a bit, and pass out around 10.
It's 7:45 tonight. I have neglected to plan or cook or eat dinner yet again. I might just have a gin and tonic.
Perhaps it's the heat, the constant white noise of the air conditioners too - lulling me into an unproductive stupor.
Whatever it is, I really hope to shake it soon. Or at least channel my lethargy into conquering the 300+ pages left in my August book club pick, Pride and Prejudice. As the host, it would behoove me to actually finish, I think.
Exhibit A are the two dresses and one skirt I desperately need altered - the dresses for an upcoming out of town wedding, the skirt to augment my terribly sparse work wardrobe. The tailor I plan on going to is nearby, and open till 6:30. And yet the pile has sat in my living room for about 2 1/2 weeks now. Maybe more.
Exhibit B is the mess of a refrigerator, jumble of a pantry, and deathtrap of a storage cabinet lurking in the kitchen. Alongside the haven't-been-mopped-since-probably-May floors.
I could go on but the picture is clear. Last night, though I was successful with my no-internet-past-nine rule I only managed to wash the dishes then crawl into bed at 9:30, read a bit, and pass out around 10.
It's 7:45 tonight. I have neglected to plan or cook or eat dinner yet again. I might just have a gin and tonic.
Perhaps it's the heat, the constant white noise of the air conditioners too - lulling me into an unproductive stupor.
Whatever it is, I really hope to shake it soon. Or at least channel my lethargy into conquering the 300+ pages left in my August book club pick, Pride and Prejudice. As the host, it would behoove me to actually finish, I think.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Dear August Budget:
I'm going to crush you. I'm not 100% sure how, but I am bound and determined to stay in the black, even if it means eating pantry-and-freezer-inspired meals at the peak of produce season and being a hermit.
That is all.
That is all.
Monday, July 30, 2012
check-in / log-out
Yesterday's run came bright and early - ok, NOT bright, because after a month and a half it finally rained. It was wonderful - and between the water coming from the sky and the slightly cooler temps the run went great.
I stuck with a slower pace group because I'm more focused on finishing strong than running fast. I want to be slow and steady with much less walking. A lot of this will depend on doing well with the mid-week runs of course, but a great long run makes a huge difference.
I noted another benefit about the 7am Sunday start time yesterday: fewer opportunities to overhear the droning and drivel from Sunday morning political talk shows as the election season drags. Woo! Win for me and win for that person who LIKES watching the Sunday talk shows.
Now for the log-out part: if I want to meet the goals I outlined in my last couple of posts, something else has got to give. After an unnecessarily frustrating Monday morning and subsequent discussion on the "why", I was led pretty directly to the "how". Basically if I want my mornings to go smoothly, and if I want to get up early for running, yoga, and general peace before the start of the day, more preparation needs to take place at night. This means lunch prep, deciding what to wear, reading, etc. And in order to make THAT happen, I'm vowing to log off the computer and institute a no-internet policy after 9pm. NOTHING on the internet is more important than being able to start my day in a positive manner. I'm generally reading things to relax/decompress, but I have so many books I'd love to get through and plenty of crossword puzzles that can take the place of the screen, and that are likely to be a bit more fulfilling. I sit in front of a computer all day as well - surely my body and eyes would like a break.
So that's the plan. Onward!
I stuck with a slower pace group because I'm more focused on finishing strong than running fast. I want to be slow and steady with much less walking. A lot of this will depend on doing well with the mid-week runs of course, but a great long run makes a huge difference.
I noted another benefit about the 7am Sunday start time yesterday: fewer opportunities to overhear the droning and drivel from Sunday morning political talk shows as the election season drags. Woo! Win for me and win for that person who LIKES watching the Sunday talk shows.
Now for the log-out part: if I want to meet the goals I outlined in my last couple of posts, something else has got to give. After an unnecessarily frustrating Monday morning and subsequent discussion on the "why", I was led pretty directly to the "how". Basically if I want my mornings to go smoothly, and if I want to get up early for running, yoga, and general peace before the start of the day, more preparation needs to take place at night. This means lunch prep, deciding what to wear, reading, etc. And in order to make THAT happen, I'm vowing to log off the computer and institute a no-internet policy after 9pm. NOTHING on the internet is more important than being able to start my day in a positive manner. I'm generally reading things to relax/decompress, but I have so many books I'd love to get through and plenty of crossword puzzles that can take the place of the screen, and that are likely to be a bit more fulfilling. I sit in front of a computer all day as well - surely my body and eyes would like a break.
So that's the plan. Onward!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Another set of goals
One of the most frustrating and on-going issues I've dealt with in this so-called adulthood is that of money. I am completely aware that I'm not alone. I'm completely aware too that I have it really good, far far better than millions of people. AND I'm fully aware that I've worked hard to get where am, yet I've made mistakes (often the same ones time and again) to be in this place where I still consider money an issue.
But I've had it. I've probably said it before, but I'm completely serious at this point. Perhaps it's the shift from student to loan-repay-ee. Or the fact that my gently-used-when-purchased Civic is 1 payment away from being mine. And certainly a lot has to do with the fact that I've turned 30.
I've always been meticulous about tracking my income and expenses, but not about staying within the resulting budget. Despite "knowing better", I've yet to build up an emergency fund and thus turn to good old plastic when the need arises (mostly car, travel, and gift-related expenses - not 100% necessary, but from from extravagant...it's all relative).
I had been on track to pay off my credit cards before turning 30 until a big car bill (new tires/brakes) and some emotional splurges around Christmas ratcheted the balances back up. But now, if I stay on track, I'll be paid in full in February. And to be honest, there's no reason why I can't get there. I've got savings accounts going to Christmas expenses, taxes (no more tuition deduction, boo!), and travel and my regular savings account is slowing growing too (in case of another car repair, for example).
The hardest parts - as I've learned through the aforementioned meticulous expense tracking - will be food and gifts. Birthdays, graduations, weddings, babies - there's always something and someone to celebrate. This is evidence of a life filled with people I care about. But being frugally generous seems like a contradiction in terms, doesn't it? And as for food, it's not like I go out to eat at the trendiest spots each week and only grocery shop at Whole Foods. But because I tend towards last minute cooking (if any) and haven't religiously brought my lunch to work in months, my bills to Local Harvest, Schnucks, and downtown "fast" lunches make up a significant portion of my expenses. I know I can do better.
So here are my main goals:
But I've had it. I've probably said it before, but I'm completely serious at this point. Perhaps it's the shift from student to loan-repay-ee. Or the fact that my gently-used-when-purchased Civic is 1 payment away from being mine. And certainly a lot has to do with the fact that I've turned 30.
I've always been meticulous about tracking my income and expenses, but not about staying within the resulting budget. Despite "knowing better", I've yet to build up an emergency fund and thus turn to good old plastic when the need arises (mostly car, travel, and gift-related expenses - not 100% necessary, but from from extravagant...it's all relative).
I had been on track to pay off my credit cards before turning 30 until a big car bill (new tires/brakes) and some emotional splurges around Christmas ratcheted the balances back up. But now, if I stay on track, I'll be paid in full in February. And to be honest, there's no reason why I can't get there. I've got savings accounts going to Christmas expenses, taxes (no more tuition deduction, boo!), and travel and my regular savings account is slowing growing too (in case of another car repair, for example).
The hardest parts - as I've learned through the aforementioned meticulous expense tracking - will be food and gifts. Birthdays, graduations, weddings, babies - there's always something and someone to celebrate. This is evidence of a life filled with people I care about. But being frugally generous seems like a contradiction in terms, doesn't it? And as for food, it's not like I go out to eat at the trendiest spots each week and only grocery shop at Whole Foods. But because I tend towards last minute cooking (if any) and haven't religiously brought my lunch to work in months, my bills to Local Harvest, Schnucks, and downtown "fast" lunches make up a significant portion of my expenses. I know I can do better.
So here are my main goals:
- Bring lunch every day in August. If someone else wants to treat me, great, otherwise it's brown bag. I've got stacks of recipes I've been meaning to try and most of the necessary staples on hand - I just haven't made cooking a priority with my time.
- No new credit card charges from August onward - until it's completely paid off in February (or before, who knows!).
- 50% of all extra cash received channeled towards savings - at least. So if I housesit, bartend, find $20 in a coat pocket, etc., I'm going to immediately deposit half into my regular savings account, or start a new targeted fund in Smarty Pig.
- Stay on the 10 year plan for my student loans. Sure, consolidating them would lead to about $100 a month in savings but the repayment terms would be at LEAST 15 years, and being done at age 40 doesn't sound too bad at all.
- Get creative with gifts and "fun" - and remind myself that spending $50+ on someone doesn't make me a better person...it makes me generous, but also broke. I can learn to be more generous with my time and stay on track instead.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
In 12 weeks...
In 12 weeks I could run another half marathon. Or it could just be late October. Either way, it's my choice.
Obviously I know which outcome I want to see!
Went to a meeting last night for a free training team put on by a great local running store and I'm feeling good about the upcoming weeks and miles ahead (186 miles or so, according to my training plan).
This is advice I heard this week and it's so simple but makes so much sense. In 12 weeks, if I want something to be different there's just one way to get there.
My other goal/rule-imposed-upon-me-for-choosing-to-do-another-race: no complaining. That one may be even harder but I'm up for it too. Treating myself to new, REAL running shoes is probably going to help. Game on.
Obviously I know which outcome I want to see!
Went to a meeting last night for a free training team put on by a great local running store and I'm feeling good about the upcoming weeks and miles ahead (186 miles or so, according to my training plan).
This is advice I heard this week and it's so simple but makes so much sense. In 12 weeks, if I want something to be different there's just one way to get there.
My other goal/rule-imposed-upon-me-for-choosing-to-do-another-race: no complaining. That one may be even harder but I'm up for it too. Treating myself to new, REAL running shoes is probably going to help. Game on.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Running journal #3
Well - since I last posted, I didn't bike and I didn't do yoga. I DID go on another 2 mile jog, and then one more. And a little bit of swimming yesterday but it wasn't much and hardly counts - except for when you spend 9ish hours at a desk you should at least pat yourself on the back for doing something remotely active.
In other fitness related activities, I watched that documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead and started using a website to track my eating and workouts - at least for a bit so I can hone in on the big issues and try to do better. The documentary is about a couple dudes who are overweight, have chronic medical issues (probably from malnutrition) and work themselves back into better health by juicing. Like the one dude didn't eat solid food for 82 days or something. I'm certainly not considering anything that extreme but don't mind the idea of a bit of detox. I think it has to be more than a few days to really have significant impact but from a psychological perspective it could be the right amount of focus on what you're taking in to stop consuming processed junk and unhealthy food in favor of real food - fruits, veggies, nuts, beans, etc.
Just a consideration at this point. I think it would take a ton of planning and effort which I don't seem to have the ability to handle lately - I have cooked one meal in the last 2 weeks and have yet to figure out how to consistently bring my lunch to work. Old habits are long gone and I need to make it a priority again.
In other fitness related activities, I watched that documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead and started using a website to track my eating and workouts - at least for a bit so I can hone in on the big issues and try to do better. The documentary is about a couple dudes who are overweight, have chronic medical issues (probably from malnutrition) and work themselves back into better health by juicing. Like the one dude didn't eat solid food for 82 days or something. I'm certainly not considering anything that extreme but don't mind the idea of a bit of detox. I think it has to be more than a few days to really have significant impact but from a psychological perspective it could be the right amount of focus on what you're taking in to stop consuming processed junk and unhealthy food in favor of real food - fruits, veggies, nuts, beans, etc.
Just a consideration at this point. I think it would take a ton of planning and effort which I don't seem to have the ability to handle lately - I have cooked one meal in the last 2 weeks and have yet to figure out how to consistently bring my lunch to work. Old habits are long gone and I need to make it a priority again.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Running Journal #2
Today was another 1.5 mile jog. It wasn't something I came home from work dying to do but that's probably because I was hungry and tired and needed a break. I think it's best if I just get home, puff on the inhaler, change, and head out quickly, but I'm trying not to snack at work - which means I come home ravished. Then I eat. Then I wait. Then I feel lazy.
Needless to say it wasn't the same energy level I had on Monday but I still ran the whole way, despite increased asthma and allergy symptoms. Heat and humidity were lower though, and my walk home from the park was super nice. I think one of my favorite parts of running is just getting to be outside for a bit, staring at the trees and smiling at people while I listen to good music.
Hopefully my asthma won't be as bad next week - The next run planned is 2 miles on Saturday, plus a bike ride tomorrow and some yoga on Sunday. Simple enough!
Needless to say it wasn't the same energy level I had on Monday but I still ran the whole way, despite increased asthma and allergy symptoms. Heat and humidity were lower though, and my walk home from the park was super nice. I think one of my favorite parts of running is just getting to be outside for a bit, staring at the trees and smiling at people while I listen to good music.
Hopefully my asthma won't be as bad next week - The next run planned is 2 miles on Saturday, plus a bike ride tomorrow and some yoga on Sunday. Simple enough!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
#11
A long overdue update on my list - I bought myself a piece of jewelry - a cute little ring from an Etsy seller that I had my eye on. Not very expensive, but I love wearing it and it makes me smile knowing it was something special I did for myself.
Also I'm almost 3 months past 30 and have 19 things left on my list, 2 of which are probably not going to happen, 1 didn't work out due to weather and the others may or may not be in progress - and I can't help but think I need a new list. But I'm going to keep at this one until the end of the year at least. Surely many of the remaining items will happen. I hope I can make it so.
Also I'm almost 3 months past 30 and have 19 things left on my list, 2 of which are probably not going to happen, 1 didn't work out due to weather and the others may or may not be in progress - and I can't help but think I need a new list. But I'm going to keep at this one until the end of the year at least. Surely many of the remaining items will happen. I hope I can make it so.
Running
Back on the running bandwagon after 2 months off post-half marathon and just in time for the heat of summer. I'm not sure how I came to the conclusion that I wanted to spend more money on another 12 weeks of training and one very long 13.1 mile run around town, but I did. I think it's mostly because I wasn't as happy as I should have been with my results this past April and my attitude was poor. I'd love a do-over and I can't help but think that being finished with school will give me the opportunity (and energy) to stick with my training. Plus I found a more reasonable program and I have some confidence knowing that I DID do it once before.
So I'm going to do a little journaling to track my runs and keep myself on target. I also want to keep my overall goals in mind. Namely: increase my fitness, feel better, improve my speed, and develop a real sense of pride in my accomplishments. And of course, stay positive all along.
Training for the October half marathon begins the last week of July so until then I'm working on getting back to the 5k. Yesterday was my first run - 1.5 miles, 95 degrees (lower humidity though), after work. Remembered my iPod, forgot my watch, kept myself going slow and steady and just enjoyed being outside. It was a good run and I didn't have to do any walking (just when I got a sip of water). By the end I was tired, but not too sore today. Planning on getting back out there tomorrow for another 1.5 again without my watch - didn't miss it and kept my focus on my surroundings and how I felt instead of how many seconds I had left before I would allow myself a walk. It was a good start.
So I'm going to do a little journaling to track my runs and keep myself on target. I also want to keep my overall goals in mind. Namely: increase my fitness, feel better, improve my speed, and develop a real sense of pride in my accomplishments. And of course, stay positive all along.
Training for the October half marathon begins the last week of July so until then I'm working on getting back to the 5k. Yesterday was my first run - 1.5 miles, 95 degrees (lower humidity though), after work. Remembered my iPod, forgot my watch, kept myself going slow and steady and just enjoyed being outside. It was a good run and I didn't have to do any walking (just when I got a sip of water). By the end I was tired, but not too sore today. Planning on getting back out there tomorrow for another 1.5 again without my watch - didn't miss it and kept my focus on my surroundings and how I felt instead of how many seconds I had left before I would allow myself a walk. It was a good start.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Progress and Patience
I didn't get much from my to-do list this weekend.
I did have an amazing time for about 95% of the time, however, and that's more important than most to-do list tasks. I'm not beating myself up for it. And that's progress. But that stuff isn't going to get done on it's own. And the real list is even longer, I am still struggling to figure out a routine without having school in the mix - it's a great thing but I've taken the "have lots of fun" part to the extreme and ignored the whole "be a productive responsible 30 year old" bits. Here's where it stands.
1. Complete the mound of paperwork that I volunteered to sort out and which is currently holding my lovely dining table hostage. Finished it tonight.
2. Stop living in squalor. I haven't kept up with cleaning all semester and my place is GROSS. Deep cleaning would be nice but heck, some sweeping/dusting/vacuuming would go a long way. And then there's the bathroom - my true nemesis (ick!). Sort of made the bathroom presentable and tidied up some stuff, but precious little cleaning has yet to take place. Tomorrow night.
3. Manage to cook something. And also end up on Monday night with food in the fridge/pantry to bring for work lunches. It's been too long since I prepared anything ahead of time and my waistline is bearing the brunt. Note to self: the pot of black beans you just pulled from the oven, while lovely, does not count as cooking. Keep going. Made someone else's family recipe for baked spaghetti. They all agreed it was good - and not a bit was left. Though I didn't have anything made for lunch and need to drag myself into the kitchen right now to remedy that.
4. Buy some clothes for work. The sales abound this weekend and my closet is in terrible shape. This really needs to happen. Got a few things. Need a lot more. Have a plan. Have a little spare cash after payday.
Fun stuff is on the agenda as well - including a trip to the grand opening of the Chinese Lantern Festival at the Botanical Garden, the requisite Memorial Day BBQ and family time here and there too. Definitely done.
Oh, and one more thing - I MUST acquire and then consume a glass (or several) of Rose'. Must. Done.
I did have an amazing time for about 95% of the time, however, and that's more important than most to-do list tasks. I'm not beating myself up for it. And that's progress. But that stuff isn't going to get done on it's own. And the real list is even longer, I am still struggling to figure out a routine without having school in the mix - it's a great thing but I've taken the "have lots of fun" part to the extreme and ignored the whole "be a productive responsible 30 year old" bits. Here's where it stands.
1. Complete the mound of paperwork that I volunteered to sort out and which is currently holding my lovely dining table hostage. Finished it tonight.
2. Stop living in squalor. I haven't kept up with cleaning all semester and my place is GROSS. Deep cleaning would be nice but heck, some sweeping/dusting/vacuuming would go a long way. And then there's the bathroom - my true nemesis (ick!). Sort of made the bathroom presentable and tidied up some stuff, but precious little cleaning has yet to take place. Tomorrow night.
3. Manage to cook something. And also end up on Monday night with food in the fridge/pantry to bring for work lunches. It's been too long since I prepared anything ahead of time and my waistline is bearing the brunt. Note to self: the pot of black beans you just pulled from the oven, while lovely, does not count as cooking. Keep going. Made someone else's family recipe for baked spaghetti. They all agreed it was good - and not a bit was left. Though I didn't have anything made for lunch and need to drag myself into the kitchen right now to remedy that.
4. Buy some clothes for work. The sales abound this weekend and my closet is in terrible shape. This really needs to happen. Got a few things. Need a lot more. Have a plan. Have a little spare cash after payday.
Fun stuff is on the agenda as well - including a trip to the grand opening of the Chinese Lantern Festival at the Botanical Garden, the requisite Memorial Day BBQ and family time here and there too. Definitely done.
Oh, and one more thing - I MUST acquire and then consume a glass (or several) of Rose'. Must. Done.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Long weekend
This long weekend has been much-anticipated. While I'd love to travel or just sit around with nothing to do and nowhere to be, that is not exactly a priority or realistic statement of my life right now. I'm still in the process of getting into a new groove and am grateful for the extra time to buckle down at home.
My goals:
1. Complete the mound of paperwork that I volunteered to sort out and which is currently holding my lovely dining table hostage.
2. Stop living in squalor. I haven't kept up with cleaning all semester and my place is GROSS. Deep cleaning would be nice but heck, some sweeping/dusting/vacuuming would go a long way. And then there's the bathroom - my true nemesis (ick!).
3. Manage to cook something. And also end up on Monday night with food in the fridge/pantry to bring for work lunches. It's been too long since I prepared anything ahead of time and my waistline is bearing the brunt. Note to self: the pot of black beans you just pulled from the oven, while lovely, does not count as cooking. Keep going.
4. Buy some clothes for work. The sales abound this weekend and my closet is in terrible shape. This really needs to happen.
Fun stuff is on the agenda as well - including a trip to the grand opening of the Chinese Lantern Festival at the Botanical Garden, the requisite Memorial Day BBQ and family time here and there too.
Oh, and one more thing - I MUST acquire and then consume a glass (or several) of Rose'. Must.
My goals:
1. Complete the mound of paperwork that I volunteered to sort out and which is currently holding my lovely dining table hostage.
2. Stop living in squalor. I haven't kept up with cleaning all semester and my place is GROSS. Deep cleaning would be nice but heck, some sweeping/dusting/vacuuming would go a long way. And then there's the bathroom - my true nemesis (ick!).
3. Manage to cook something. And also end up on Monday night with food in the fridge/pantry to bring for work lunches. It's been too long since I prepared anything ahead of time and my waistline is bearing the brunt. Note to self: the pot of black beans you just pulled from the oven, while lovely, does not count as cooking. Keep going.
4. Buy some clothes for work. The sales abound this weekend and my closet is in terrible shape. This really needs to happen.
Fun stuff is on the agenda as well - including a trip to the grand opening of the Chinese Lantern Festival at the Botanical Garden, the requisite Memorial Day BBQ and family time here and there too.
Oh, and one more thing - I MUST acquire and then consume a glass (or several) of Rose'. Must.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Not so fast
Just when I thought I was going to be getting a huge bump in my free-time allocation (aka the ability to get my life in order, do things like clean the house and buy groceries/cook dinner), the universe seems to have had other plans.
I feel as though I have LESS free time now that I'm done with school. This entire year has sped by and my post-graduate days are no exception. My workload at the office has spiked and I'm treading water each day - working late, coming in on weekends, and hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel.
I'm teetering on the brink of a full-on panic attack looking at the messy house I live in, my flabby stomach (apparently I'm now allergic to running since the half marathon) and the steady balance on my very last credit card.
I wish I had a pause button where I could get everything back into some semblance of order and then hit play again on the hectic (though quite good) parts of life. Or hire a cleaning service and personal chef. That would help too.
Enough whining, I know. I don't have it bad. I just wish for a tiny little bit more control.
I feel as though I have LESS free time now that I'm done with school. This entire year has sped by and my post-graduate days are no exception. My workload at the office has spiked and I'm treading water each day - working late, coming in on weekends, and hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel.
I'm teetering on the brink of a full-on panic attack looking at the messy house I live in, my flabby stomach (apparently I'm now allergic to running since the half marathon) and the steady balance on my very last credit card.
I wish I had a pause button where I could get everything back into some semblance of order and then hit play again on the hectic (though quite good) parts of life. Or hire a cleaning service and personal chef. That would help too.
Enough whining, I know. I don't have it bad. I just wish for a tiny little bit more control.
Saturday, May 05, 2012
Self imposed deadlines
Don't work on me.
I need to remedy this. I also need to finish my school work so I can enjoy the heck out of the beer fest tomorrow. I am oh so very close to being done with all of my grad school stuff but the "real" deadlines aren't until later next week so apparently my brain won't get it together.
I can't wait to completely shut down "academically" for a tiny bit, re-energize, clean my house top to bottom, purge the closets and cupboards and get a fresh start. Soon.
Until then, back to the books.
I need to remedy this. I also need to finish my school work so I can enjoy the heck out of the beer fest tomorrow. I am oh so very close to being done with all of my grad school stuff but the "real" deadlines aren't until later next week so apparently my brain won't get it together.
I can't wait to completely shut down "academically" for a tiny bit, re-energize, clean my house top to bottom, purge the closets and cupboards and get a fresh start. Soon.
Until then, back to the books.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
30 things is quite a "thing"
I recently stumbled across this post from Glamour, now over 5 years old, when another site linked back to it because they felt it was such great advice. After reading it through at least twice and thinking it through the past few days with my "slowly accepting 30 and beyond" mindset, I would have to agree.
And I'm not really surprised that lists of 30 things people (mostly women) should know/do/experience/purchase etc. by the the time they are 30 have been so popular. It really does seem to be quite the milestone from an emotional perspective, and honestly, I am starting to think that it's all for the best (despite the slowly vanishing youth - from my face to my waist and so on).
Some of these items occurred to me right as I turned 30 (the suitcase, in fact, was purchased for my 30th b. day trip) and some of them are likely in the cards for the next year (due to funding constraints that are just now beginning to lessen - as they should be, or lessons that are still settling into my subconscious). But I think I'll try to revisit the list as I chip away at my original 30 and think I'll only be better for it. And that, I think, is exactly the point.
And I'm not really surprised that lists of 30 things people (mostly women) should know/do/experience/purchase etc. by the the time they are 30 have been so popular. It really does seem to be quite the milestone from an emotional perspective, and honestly, I am starting to think that it's all for the best (despite the slowly vanishing youth - from my face to my waist and so on).
Some of these items occurred to me right as I turned 30 (the suitcase, in fact, was purchased for my 30th b. day trip) and some of them are likely in the cards for the next year (due to funding constraints that are just now beginning to lessen - as they should be, or lessons that are still settling into my subconscious). But I think I'll try to revisit the list as I chip away at my original 30 and think I'll only be better for it. And that, I think, is exactly the point.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Almost there
I love a good countdown. Actually, I don't know if I love them, but I do know that I am constantly using them. For example, as I ran the half marathon last week...or "running" may be a generous term. Trudged along the course is more accurate. I counted down each and every mile of course and tried to determine halfway points along the miles as well. I made it, but probably could have worked on my mental stamina - countdowns probably weren't helping.
And for school - almost there. 2 more weeks of classes and 20 days until my final assignment is due. I've been counting down like crazy - and I'm going to be so very happy to walk across that stage (23 days).
BUT, I can't help but think that maybe (and perhaps this is the 30 year old speaking) I should stop counting down. What's the point of only focusing on getting things over with? What good is it to always be focused on making it through another point. What about that quote where it's all about the journey. Are my countdowns keeping me from really just being? Enjoying the present? Part of me thinks probably.
That's all I've got on this for now. Maybe when school is done I can dedicate more brain cells to this though...ha! There I go again.
Saturday, April 07, 2012
Catching up with 3-0
Now officially 30 for nearly a week, I thought I should revisit my list of the 30 things I wanted to accomplish by now. Of course, my last post was just at #10 and I've not been as busy as I'd have to be to wrap up those other 20 things since then.
But - progress has been made nonetheless. And I'm not giving up on the list - I think it's a good idea to try to knock out the rest of these during my 30th year. Except the crafty one about making Christmas presents. Unless I somehow gain an impressive knack for making things in my spare time post-graduation, I highly doubt that one will happen. Never say never though.
#11 - Fly somewhere I've never been: went to Seattle late last month for a work conference. Loved the city, very cool place though I could never live somewhere with the rainy gray sky nonsense for too long.
#12 - Eat something I've never eaten before: braised beef cheeks at Home Wine Kitchen (no menu Monday, lots of fun), which were tasty and well, beefy. Also stinging nettles at The Coterie Room in Seattle. Basically I'm now pretty excited for the Farmer's Market season and have given myself the challenge of buying something new each month to cook and eat. Life's too short to stick with what you know!
#13 - Hang out at the 360 Bar - made this happen w/ a bunch of high school friends this past Thursday. What gorgeous views! I can't wait to go back sometime sit facing the river and Arch. Definitely a great addition to downtown.
Several other items are underway, like reading both books and paying off my credit cards. I'm getting close and I know 30 will be a great year for accomplishing these goals. I've got my sourdough starter thriving and a Kitchen Aid stand mixer ready and waiting for my next batch - which will hopefully help in the quality control department. The bike I'm borrowing from my little sister is in my basement, waiting only for a proper fitting helmet and a small (I hope!) repair. I'm saving money for a random trip, and don't want to just buy my way through the rest of my list on credit cards - since paying them off is one of the biggest goals. That means some of these things will just take a bit more time. Smarty Pig accounts for all! Ha! Not far from the truth, actually.
Getting there. Trying not to be so hard on myself, and I'm happy to keep trekking forward...and also looking forward to making the next list! This time, with someone else :)
But - progress has been made nonetheless. And I'm not giving up on the list - I think it's a good idea to try to knock out the rest of these during my 30th year. Except the crafty one about making Christmas presents. Unless I somehow gain an impressive knack for making things in my spare time post-graduation, I highly doubt that one will happen. Never say never though.
#11 - Fly somewhere I've never been: went to Seattle late last month for a work conference. Loved the city, very cool place though I could never live somewhere with the rainy gray sky nonsense for too long.
#12 - Eat something I've never eaten before: braised beef cheeks at Home Wine Kitchen (no menu Monday, lots of fun), which were tasty and well, beefy. Also stinging nettles at The Coterie Room in Seattle. Basically I'm now pretty excited for the Farmer's Market season and have given myself the challenge of buying something new each month to cook and eat. Life's too short to stick with what you know!
#13 - Hang out at the 360 Bar - made this happen w/ a bunch of high school friends this past Thursday. What gorgeous views! I can't wait to go back sometime sit facing the river and Arch. Definitely a great addition to downtown.
Several other items are underway, like reading both books and paying off my credit cards. I'm getting close and I know 30 will be a great year for accomplishing these goals. I've got my sourdough starter thriving and a Kitchen Aid stand mixer ready and waiting for my next batch - which will hopefully help in the quality control department. The bike I'm borrowing from my little sister is in my basement, waiting only for a proper fitting helmet and a small (I hope!) repair. I'm saving money for a random trip, and don't want to just buy my way through the rest of my list on credit cards - since paying them off is one of the biggest goals. That means some of these things will just take a bit more time. Smarty Pig accounts for all! Ha! Not far from the truth, actually.
Getting there. Trying not to be so hard on myself, and I'm happy to keep trekking forward...and also looking forward to making the next list! This time, with someone else :)
Saturday, March 03, 2012
#10
Aptly titled #10 on my list, I hit the 10k mark somewhere in the last mile of my half marathon training run today. It was a really cool feeling considering how I've never been a runner till the past year. The only reason I had 10k on the list was because I wrote it when I'd just about run 5k so for a challenge I figured I'd double it. And now I'm signed up for an even longer run - the half marathon, in mid-April. Still feeling a bit skeptical about whether I can actually make it for 13.1 miles, but after today those worries have subsided a little bit. 8 miles next weekend. And so it goes.
Monday, February 20, 2012
#9
Paint the bathroom. After priming the pepto-pink (not what I intended over 2 years ago, but what laziness led me to live with) bathroom about 4 weeks ago, I finally made it to Home Depot, grabbed some supplies and a fresh gallon of (newly VOC-free!) Behr paint in Swiss Coffee. Man that stuff is good! Covered super well, hardly used any, and no fumes. The whole thing was over and done with in 3 hours. Finally got to hang my new shower curtain as well. I'm proud that I finally accomplished it. Thanks Presidents! I needed this day off.
Now...about that homework.
Monday, February 06, 2012
#s 7 & 8
I'm starting to look at the list of 30 things (one of which is completely out of the running) and wonder if I'll get them accomplished. But this weekend was especially successful and I'm continuing to work on several other items. Honestly, 2012 has been a whirlwind. I can't believe it's February and I can't remember the last week I had with a calendar that didn't totally overwhelm me. Just trying to take things a day at a time but I feel like I'm not giving 100% on anything. It's probably going to be after graduation though when I finally feel caught up. Thankfully that's 95 days away, really not too far.
So what did I check off the list? A trip to roller derby -which was long overdue and a great way to spend a Saturday night with a good friend. I think by the end of the second bout I had mostly figured it out and look forward to watching again. It's a great addition to St. Louis's cultural/sports scene and I'm happy to see it drawing a great crowd.
I also checked off the nice dinner out - last night I got to go on a real "double date" for the first time in forever and stuff myself silly with delicious food, wine, and conversation at the Pastaria preview dinner at Niche. It felt really nice to sit back and enjoy a leisurely dinner with great service - and it was fun sitting near the pass-through hearing the kitchen work through service with amazing efficiency and professionalism - but while having a good time. That's another thing that makes me happy for St. Louis - that the bar has been raised so much in terms of dining experiences in the last 10 years or so. And yet it's still a great value - comparatively. Of course this was still a budgetary splurge but by no means unreasonable.
So - onward with the list. Trying to read those two books, finish painting the bathroom, and muster the courage to venture into the cobwebby basement storage room. It's time to buckle down.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Winter and Adjusting
Winter has got to be the most inconvenient of all the seasons. Granted this year we've been pretty lucky (well global warming might not be luck I guess) but I still am not a fan of forcing myself to run in the cold, not to mention the ice that screws up everyone's commutes and cuts into the traffic for pretty much every small business in town.
I enjoy staying in and curling up with a book like the best of them but I haven't had much time to do that either - looking forward to being finished with school and having free time once again. And even though things are going pretty darn great - finally - the low light gets me down. SAD I guess. Winter just isn't my favorite.
But I'm also trying to adjust to a new schedule, one that accommodates work, school, stuff around the house, and now someone else. I love a good routine and mine's been thrown for a loop the past few weeks and it's just going to take some time to find the balance again. Thankfully I'm spending time with one of the most thoughtful and kind people I know. And I'm also being pushed to reach out, ask for help, and learn how to do things with a partner - instead of just with my stubborn self - once more. I think I'm going to like it, but it's going take a little getting used to. All good things in life are worth some extra effort, no question. Just have to keep reminding myself to enjoy it, take things one step at a time, and make the best of this fun new beginning.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
#6
Took the knife skills class tonight I'd been meaning to try for, oh, over a year. It was totally worth the price, and I got a nice new paring knife out of the deal. I realized that I didn't have as poor knife skills as I thought, but also learned some good techniques and it was a confidence booster to just do it, on my own, and do well. Looking forward to that next onion I have to dice!
The rest of the list is moving ahead pretty well, although it's not going to be a 100% success - I wasn't able to commit to making my Christmas gifts this year - both time, energy, and inspiration were lacking. But it's ok, I didn't mean to force myself to do things I just couldn't handle. And there are a lot of other activities on the list I am much more excited about. Sledding on Art Hill for one...maybe soon! Snow is in the forecast. Finally!
Friday, January 06, 2012
Resolving
Since I already have quite the un-accomplished list of things to do in the next few months, I didn't feel the need to go overboard on resolutions. Yet I couldn't pass up the chance to challenge myself to be a better person and commit some ideas to paper. And yes, real paper, as in my journal. Or in the words of that girl in Bridesmaids, "a sad, hand-written book". Ha! Well, I guess it's not all sad stuff in there, but plenty of it. Hopefully that will be changing in 2012. And so, about those resolutions...
- Big commitment to less food waste and better meal planning and frequent cooking. This is something I got started on last year but need to step it up, both for my diet, my life (crazy w/ school sometimes) and my budget.
- Cook at least one recipe out of every cookbook on my shelf or it goes in the Goodwill pile. I don't have a ton, but I know some are just collecting dust and there's nothing I love better than simplifying my "stuff". Less is more.
- Continue focusing on my mental well-being and just be a more calm, rational, thoughtful person and friend.
- Conquer my budget once and for all - find a balance and get there, without falling back into the awful cycle of paying off credit cards then racking them up again. This could be tricky with some recent life developments, but I'm serious about it now. 30 has me REALLY ready to drop the plastic and start saving for a house.
- Stay in touch with people I love and do a better job with birthdays, sending cards, etc. I'm not a huge celebrator but I know it's very important to let others know you remembered them on their day and I want to do this. I need to get a stash of cards, write up dates on my calendar and stay on top of things.
That's really all I could come up with. Of course, there's still the list of 30 things...down to 25, but really 24 since one had to do with Christmas gifts and I most certainly did not catch the DIY bug as I had hoped. But that's ok. It's better to be honest about ourselves than hold ourselves accountable to things we cannot or do not want to do.
Ok 2012. I'm liking you already. And I'll like you even more if I can manage these few resolutions. Let's do it.
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