1. Read two books.
2. Stick with daily workout plan: basic crunch, right oblique crunch, left oblique crunch, squat, front lunges, side lunges, static lunge right, static lunge left (30 seconds each) minimum.
3. Update mint.com with Patrick at least once a week/stick to pre-planned budgets.
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
April Goals
1. Read two books.
Check! I read Left Neglected by Lisa Genova and Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love by Matthew Logelin. Both were great books that I enjoyed reading. Two Kisses for Maddy was very sad and difficult to get through. Left Neglected was not uplifting, but I was sad to finish it.
2. Enjoy bed rest.
I won't say I've necessarily had bed rest. In fact I think I've started to do too much too soon. The first week or so was difficult because my stomach did not agree with the pain medication. After that I quickly found myself feeling guilty for not being at work and especially because Patrick has been taking care of EVERYTHING at home. I have enjoyed spending more time with Patrick and Isabel, as well as my mom. I've done some sleeping, some TV watching, some reading, a lot of eating and a lot of shopping. I've enjoyed my time off.
3. Update budgets on mint.com.
Check! Patrick and I are beginning to combine our finances. We've updated mint.com with both of our bank accounts and updated our budgets for the month of May. Our plan is to stay on budget with our separate bank accounts for May and possibly combine in June. Patrick is chipping away at his debt and has made such an impressive dent since the beginning of the year. I still owe Isabel money and hope to be done paying her off by the end of the year. As soon as Patrick is out of credit card debt we plan on putting more money into our savings, focusing on our house, new car and college fund savings.
We also plan on tracking our net worth along the way. I think that if we stay on budget, pay down debt and continue to put money into savings we will benefit from watching our tiny net worth grow. May be time for another goal to track!
Check! I read Left Neglected by Lisa Genova and Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love by Matthew Logelin. Both were great books that I enjoyed reading. Two Kisses for Maddy was very sad and difficult to get through. Left Neglected was not uplifting, but I was sad to finish it.
2. Enjoy bed rest.
I won't say I've necessarily had bed rest. In fact I think I've started to do too much too soon. The first week or so was difficult because my stomach did not agree with the pain medication. After that I quickly found myself feeling guilty for not being at work and especially because Patrick has been taking care of EVERYTHING at home. I have enjoyed spending more time with Patrick and Isabel, as well as my mom. I've done some sleeping, some TV watching, some reading, a lot of eating and a lot of shopping. I've enjoyed my time off.
3. Update budgets on mint.com.
Check! Patrick and I are beginning to combine our finances. We've updated mint.com with both of our bank accounts and updated our budgets for the month of May. Our plan is to stay on budget with our separate bank accounts for May and possibly combine in June. Patrick is chipping away at his debt and has made such an impressive dent since the beginning of the year. I still owe Isabel money and hope to be done paying her off by the end of the year. As soon as Patrick is out of credit card debt we plan on putting more money into our savings, focusing on our house, new car and college fund savings.
We also plan on tracking our net worth along the way. I think that if we stay on budget, pay down debt and continue to put money into savings we will benefit from watching our tiny net worth grow. May be time for another goal to track!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
March Goals
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
I did not reach this goal and honestly don't know where I ended up for the month. I think I was close, but I kind of stopped caring about three days before surgery and haven't done much walking since then.
2. Try to finish the LA Marathon in under 6 hours.
I reached my goal and I crossed that finish line with a smile on my face, tears in my eyes and an official finishers time of 5:52:58. I beat my goal time by 7 minutes and I PR'd by 22 minutes.
3. Read two books.
I finished The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard and Confessions of a Scary Mommy: An Honest and Irreverent Look at Motherhood: The Good, The Bad and the Scary by Jill Smokler.
4. Continue to post journal and photo-a-day posts.
Success!
5. Make a plan to finish paying off debt.
Credit cards have been paid off. Plan has been put into place for paying back Isabel. I should be out of debt by December if not before.
6. Make a plan for working out.
Fail. I kept thinking that I should wait until after the marathon and I kept pushing it off, using that as an excuse, and now I'm laid up and can't work out.
7. Cook three times this month (recipes have all been chosen!)
Fail. No excuses. Just didn't want to cook.
I did not reach this goal and honestly don't know where I ended up for the month. I think I was close, but I kind of stopped caring about three days before surgery and haven't done much walking since then.
2. Try to finish the LA Marathon in under 6 hours.
I reached my goal and I crossed that finish line with a smile on my face, tears in my eyes and an official finishers time of 5:52:58. I beat my goal time by 7 minutes and I PR'd by 22 minutes.
3. Read two books.
I finished The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard and Confessions of a Scary Mommy: An Honest and Irreverent Look at Motherhood: The Good, The Bad and the Scary by Jill Smokler.
4. Continue to post journal and photo-a-day posts.
Success!
5. Make a plan to finish paying off debt.
Credit cards have been paid off. Plan has been put into place for paying back Isabel. I should be out of debt by December if not before.
6. Make a plan for working out.
Fail. I kept thinking that I should wait until after the marathon and I kept pushing it off, using that as an excuse, and now I'm laid up and can't work out.
7. Cook three times this month (recipes have all been chosen!)
Fail. No excuses. Just didn't want to cook.
Friday, March 15, 2013
March Goals- Check In
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
As of today I am at a total of 44.91/100 miles. Just under halfway where I need to be. Thankfully the 26.2 miles on Sunday will bring me up to a good point for the rest of the month. Enough that I'm still hoping to make up for the miles missed last month.
2. Try to finish the LA Marathon in under 6 hours.
Still hoping to reach this goal. I'm not confident that it will happen, but holding out hope. We will know on Sunday whether or not I am capable. (Yes, I am a slow runner)
3. Read two books.
I started The Perks of Being a Wallflower and have loved it so far. But my nook died and I keep forgetting to find the charger so that I can finish it. Not sure if I will be reaching this goal this month. Not giving up yet though. (Yes, I am a slow reader)
4. Continue to post journal and photo-a-day posts.
Success!
5. Make a plan to finish paying off debt.
Credit cards have been paid off. Plan has been put into place for paying back Isabel. I should be out of debt by December if not before.
6. Make a plan for working out.
Fail. I kept thinking that I should wait until after the marathon and I kept pushing it off, using that as an excuse. I promise that starting next week I will have a plan in place. I was watching The Biggest Loser the other night and Bob Harper was wearing a shirt that said: "3 days on 1 day off 365 days a year." I really like this idea because I know that if I take more than one rest day in a row I will fail.
7. Cook three times this month (recipes have all been chosen!)
Fail. Recipes have been printed, but they are just sitting there waiting to be used.
As of today I am at a total of 44.91/100 miles. Just under halfway where I need to be. Thankfully the 26.2 miles on Sunday will bring me up to a good point for the rest of the month. Enough that I'm still hoping to make up for the miles missed last month.
2. Try to finish the LA Marathon in under 6 hours.
Still hoping to reach this goal. I'm not confident that it will happen, but holding out hope. We will know on Sunday whether or not I am capable. (Yes, I am a slow runner)
3. Read two books.
I started The Perks of Being a Wallflower and have loved it so far. But my nook died and I keep forgetting to find the charger so that I can finish it. Not sure if I will be reaching this goal this month. Not giving up yet though. (Yes, I am a slow reader)
4. Continue to post journal and photo-a-day posts.
Success!
5. Make a plan to finish paying off debt.
Credit cards have been paid off. Plan has been put into place for paying back Isabel. I should be out of debt by December if not before.
6. Make a plan for working out.
Fail. I kept thinking that I should wait until after the marathon and I kept pushing it off, using that as an excuse. I promise that starting next week I will have a plan in place. I was watching The Biggest Loser the other night and Bob Harper was wearing a shirt that said: "3 days on 1 day off 365 days a year." I really like this idea because I know that if I take more than one rest day in a row I will fail.
7. Cook three times this month (recipes have all been chosen!)
Fail. Recipes have been printed, but they are just sitting there waiting to be used.
Friday, March 1, 2013
March Goals
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
2. Try to finish the LA Marathon in under 6 hours.
3. Read two books.
4. Continue to post journal and photo-a-day posts.
5. Make a plan to finish paying off debt.
6. Make a plan for working out.
7. Cook three times this month (recipes have all been chosen!)
2. Try to finish the LA Marathon in under 6 hours.
3. Read two books.
4. Continue to post journal and photo-a-day posts.
5. Make a plan to finish paying off debt.
6. Make a plan for working out.
7. Cook three times this month (recipes have all been chosen!)
Thursday, February 28, 2013
February Goals
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
I did not reach my goal of 100 miles this month. I did make it to 81.67 miles though. Next month is going to be a high mile month. Rachel and I are running 22 miles on Sunday and the marathon is on the 17th. I will be up to 48 miles with just two days, so I'm not worried about making it up.
2. Read two books.
Success! I read Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin and The Stepmother by Carrie Adams. Both were good books. I like The Stepmother better only because Happier at Home was very similar to The Happiness Project. It takes a lot for me to get into a book from the beginning and The Stepmother did that. Granted, it was a little too "too good to be true" of a story, but there was a lot in there that I related to, being a stepmother and all.
3. Take a cake decorating class.
Fail because the class was canceled.
4. Be confident in myself during my interview. Prove to them (and more importantly myself) that I deserve it. Not get down on myself if I don't get it.
Success. I explained this before, but I handled myself well even if my boss didn't.
5. Continue to post journal entries and photo-a-day posts.
Success!
6. Continue to pay off debt.
Success! I am awaiting two bills to arrive in the mail (within a week or two) and they will be paid in full. Then I will be 100% credit card debt free. I am coming up with a plan to finish paying back Isabel. I am also making a plan for my savings account and I am feeling great regarding my finances!
7. Start printing pictures for photo albums.
Success! There are a lot of CDs that I have to go through, but I have started. I'm going through my CDs and printing from a few of them at a time. I'm then organizing them into envelopes by month and will eventually be putting them into the albums that are empty and have been for years. Yes, empty for years..
8. Start (and finish) the 21 Day Organization Challenge.
Fail. In fact, the apartment is less organized than it was at the beginning of the month. I don't know why, but it's something that I want to work on and just can't seem to figure out.
I did not reach my goal of 100 miles this month. I did make it to 81.67 miles though. Next month is going to be a high mile month. Rachel and I are running 22 miles on Sunday and the marathon is on the 17th. I will be up to 48 miles with just two days, so I'm not worried about making it up.
2. Read two books.
Success! I read Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin and The Stepmother by Carrie Adams. Both were good books. I like The Stepmother better only because Happier at Home was very similar to The Happiness Project. It takes a lot for me to get into a book from the beginning and The Stepmother did that. Granted, it was a little too "too good to be true" of a story, but there was a lot in there that I related to, being a stepmother and all.
3. Take a cake decorating class.
Fail because the class was canceled.
4. Be confident in myself during my interview. Prove to them (and more importantly myself) that I deserve it. Not get down on myself if I don't get it.
Success. I explained this before, but I handled myself well even if my boss didn't.
5. Continue to post journal entries and photo-a-day posts.
Success!
6. Continue to pay off debt.
Success! I am awaiting two bills to arrive in the mail (within a week or two) and they will be paid in full. Then I will be 100% credit card debt free. I am coming up with a plan to finish paying back Isabel. I am also making a plan for my savings account and I am feeling great regarding my finances!
7. Start printing pictures for photo albums.
Success! There are a lot of CDs that I have to go through, but I have started. I'm going through my CDs and printing from a few of them at a time. I'm then organizing them into envelopes by month and will eventually be putting them into the albums that are empty and have been for years. Yes, empty for years..
8. Start (and finish) the 21 Day Organization Challenge.
Fail. In fact, the apartment is less organized than it was at the beginning of the month. I don't know why, but it's something that I want to work on and just can't seem to figure out.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
February Goals- Check In
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
So far I am at 39.93/100. I really need to step it up if I'm going to make it to 100 this month.
2. Read two books.
I am almost finished with the first book, but unless I get going on this goal as well I will probably only finish one.
3. Take a cake decorating class.
I had signed up for a 4 week cake decorating class, however the class got canceled by the teacher. There are no plans to sign up for another one until my wrist surgery is done and my wrist starts feeling better.
4. Be confident in myself during my interview. Prove to them (and more importantly myself) that I deserve it. Not get down on myself if I don't get it.
I succeeded in the confidence part. I did feel like I proved that I deserved it. I was okay with not getting the job, however the way my boss handled it was not the best and that's what upset me,
5. Continue to post journal entries and photo-a-day posts.
I've forgotten to post a couple of times, but posted the next day and I'm okay with that.
6. Continue to pay off debt.
My parents surprised both me and my sister with a portion of the money our Great Uncle left him when he passed away a few years ago. I decided to pay off my credit card debt with it, as well as put part of it toward what I owe Isabel. As soon as my bills arrive in the mail I will pay them off and be debt free!
7. Start printing pictures for photo albums.
I have not started this yet, but I plan to.
8. Start (and finish) the 21 Day Organization Challenge.
This is a fail. I did not last very long before realizing that it just wasn't going to happen. As of right now I have a never ending to do list that I keep on my phone and I am slowly, but surely getting to everything on the list. I think for me, this way doing things will help make it last longer.
So far I am at 39.93/100. I really need to step it up if I'm going to make it to 100 this month.
2. Read two books.
I am almost finished with the first book, but unless I get going on this goal as well I will probably only finish one.
3. Take a cake decorating class.
I had signed up for a 4 week cake decorating class, however the class got canceled by the teacher. There are no plans to sign up for another one until my wrist surgery is done and my wrist starts feeling better.
4. Be confident in myself during my interview. Prove to them (and more importantly myself) that I deserve it. Not get down on myself if I don't get it.
I succeeded in the confidence part. I did feel like I proved that I deserved it. I was okay with not getting the job, however the way my boss handled it was not the best and that's what upset me,
5. Continue to post journal entries and photo-a-day posts.
I've forgotten to post a couple of times, but posted the next day and I'm okay with that.
6. Continue to pay off debt.
My parents surprised both me and my sister with a portion of the money our Great Uncle left him when he passed away a few years ago. I decided to pay off my credit card debt with it, as well as put part of it toward what I owe Isabel. As soon as my bills arrive in the mail I will pay them off and be debt free!
7. Start printing pictures for photo albums.
I have not started this yet, but I plan to.
8. Start (and finish) the 21 Day Organization Challenge.
This is a fail. I did not last very long before realizing that it just wasn't going to happen. As of right now I have a never ending to do list that I keep on my phone and I am slowly, but surely getting to everything on the list. I think for me, this way doing things will help make it last longer.
Friday, February 1, 2013
21 Day Organization Challenge
I found this on Pinterest last night and I absolutely love the idea. (Because, you know all the other challenges I've started have worked out so well..)
I'm going to change a few of the days so that it works with my living space, but I think it's a great way to get things done without overwhelming yourself.
Day 1: Medicine Cabinet
Day 2: Coat Closet
Day 3: Under beds
Day 4: Laundry Room
Day 5: Handbag
Day 6: Under sinks
Day 7: Fridge/freezer
Day 8: Kitchen cabinets
Day 9: Make-up
Day 10: Bedroom closets
Day 11:Garage Work space
Day 12: Craft supplies
Day 13:Linen closet Bathrooms
Day 14:Backyard Patio
Day 15: Bedroom dressers
Day 16: Jewelry box
Day 17: Living room
Day 18:Attic/basement Night stands
Day 19: Car
Day 20: Playroom/den
Day 21: Relish in the cleanliness!
I'm going to change a few of the days so that it works with my living space, but I think it's a great way to get things done without overwhelming yourself.
Day 1: Medicine Cabinet
Day 2: Coat Closet
Day 3: Under beds
Day 4: Laundry Room
Day 5: Handbag
Day 6: Under sinks
Day 7: Fridge/freezer
Day 8: Kitchen cabinets
Day 9: Make-up
Day 10: Bedroom closets
Day 11:
Day 12: Craft supplies
Day 13:
Day 14:
Day 15: Bedroom dressers
Day 16: Jewelry box
Day 17: Living room
Day 18:
Day 19: Car
Day 20: Playroom/den
Day 21: Relish in the cleanliness!
February Goals
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
2. Read two books.
3. Take a cake decorating class.
4. Be confident in myself during my interview. Prove to them (and more importantly myself) that I deserve it. Not get down on myself if I don't get it.
5. Continue to post journal entries and photo-a-day posts.
6. Continue to pay off debt.
7. Start printing pictures for photo albums.
8. Start (and finish) the 21 Day Organization Challenge.
2. Read two books.
3. Take a cake decorating class.
4. Be confident in myself during my interview. Prove to them (and more importantly myself) that I deserve it. Not get down on myself if I don't get it.
5. Continue to post journal entries and photo-a-day posts.
6. Continue to pay off debt.
7. Start printing pictures for photo albums.
8. Start (and finish) the 21 Day Organization Challenge.
January Goals
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
I successfully reach my goal of walking and/or running 100 miles this month. It definitely helped to have the 26 Angel Run on the 26th and I'll admit I slacked a little on my walking because I knew I'd reach my goal with that mileage. There are a few long runs in February, but I want to work on making my two walks at work a habit next month.
2. Read two books.
Success! I finished The Happiness Project by Gretchin Rubin and Please Stop Laughing At Me by Jodee Blanco. Both were excellent books and a joy to read. I started reading Apples and Oranges but I just couldn't get into it. I take no shame in not finishing.
3. Blog in my journal every day.
Success!
4. Take a picture and attach to journal every day.
Success!
5. Keep working on paying off debt.
Success! I have paid off $200 in debt for the month of January, which was my goal. I think the amazing thing is that although I don't like paying the bills because of the money being gone, I am excited to be watching my debt go down. Maybe that was the problem. Maybe I was too focused on the negative (spending the money on bills) and I didn't pay enough attention to the positive (being a step closer to being credit card debt free).
I decided that I am going to focus on being credit card debt free in 2013. My debt to Isabel is 1. To large at the moment and is distracting me from reaching my goal and 2. Is interest free and can be paid off over time. I fully intend to pay her back every single penny, however I think breaking my goal down to smaller goals (credit card vs Isabel) is easier to appreciate when I pay off a debt completely. For example, next month I will pay off a credit card and have three left. If I had Isabel's debt staring at me on my debt tracker than I wouldn't celebrate the fact that I've paid off a card, I'd focus on how much more I have left to pay off.
Not sure if that makes sense at all, but this is what's working for me at the moment. It's keeping me excited and I'm going to roll with it. I will adjust as I see fit in the future.
January was a highly successful month and I am really excited about that. As you may recall, last year I had some difficulty completing the goals I set for myself. This was in part due to difficult, unattainable, unrealistic goals I set for myself but mostly it was because of my lack of motivation, extreme skill at making excuses and pure laziness.
Finishing the month with success at all five goals makes me excited to start February off on the right foot. I've been thinking of some goals I'd like to accomplish and making sure they are manageable. Therefore, you will most likely see the same goals for next month with one or two new ones.
I successfully reach my goal of walking and/or running 100 miles this month. It definitely helped to have the 26 Angel Run on the 26th and I'll admit I slacked a little on my walking because I knew I'd reach my goal with that mileage. There are a few long runs in February, but I want to work on making my two walks at work a habit next month.
2. Read two books.
Success! I finished The Happiness Project by Gretchin Rubin and Please Stop Laughing At Me by Jodee Blanco. Both were excellent books and a joy to read. I started reading Apples and Oranges but I just couldn't get into it. I take no shame in not finishing.
3. Blog in my journal every day.
Success!
4. Take a picture and attach to journal every day.
Success!
5. Keep working on paying off debt.
Success! I have paid off $200 in debt for the month of January, which was my goal. I think the amazing thing is that although I don't like paying the bills because of the money being gone, I am excited to be watching my debt go down. Maybe that was the problem. Maybe I was too focused on the negative (spending the money on bills) and I didn't pay enough attention to the positive (being a step closer to being credit card debt free).
I decided that I am going to focus on being credit card debt free in 2013. My debt to Isabel is 1. To large at the moment and is distracting me from reaching my goal and 2. Is interest free and can be paid off over time. I fully intend to pay her back every single penny, however I think breaking my goal down to smaller goals (credit card vs Isabel) is easier to appreciate when I pay off a debt completely. For example, next month I will pay off a credit card and have three left. If I had Isabel's debt staring at me on my debt tracker than I wouldn't celebrate the fact that I've paid off a card, I'd focus on how much more I have left to pay off.
Not sure if that makes sense at all, but this is what's working for me at the moment. It's keeping me excited and I'm going to roll with it. I will adjust as I see fit in the future.
January was a highly successful month and I am really excited about that. As you may recall, last year I had some difficulty completing the goals I set for myself. This was in part due to difficult, unattainable, unrealistic goals I set for myself but mostly it was because of my lack of motivation, extreme skill at making excuses and pure laziness.
Finishing the month with success at all five goals makes me excited to start February off on the right foot. I've been thinking of some goals I'd like to accomplish and making sure they are manageable. Therefore, you will most likely see the same goals for next month with one or two new ones.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
January Goals- Check In
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
As of today I am at 38.56/100 miles. I'm technically behind where I need to be in order to reach my goal, however there are a lot of miles planned the next two weekends, so I have no doubt that I will reach my goal. Time to start walking each day though. Need to make it a habit...
2. Read two books.
I have finished one book and I've started my second for the month. The second book is not as interesting as the first one. Yet. I'm hoping it grabs my attention soon though so that I can get through it.
3. Blog in my journal every day.
So far I have blogged my journal every day.
4. Take a picture and attach to journal every day.
Picture of the day has been uploaded to each journal post.
5. Keep working on paying off debt.
Doing as well as I can be. I have to wait about another week before the bills start coming in again. At that time more debt will be paid off. It's interesting how I have been looking forward to getting my bills each month. Before I looked at it as a hassle and I was annoyed to be paying money toward debt. Now I look at it as a payment toward being debt free. It's amazing how a change of outlook can change so much!
As of today I am at 38.56/100 miles. I'm technically behind where I need to be in order to reach my goal, however there are a lot of miles planned the next two weekends, so I have no doubt that I will reach my goal. Time to start walking each day though. Need to make it a habit...
2. Read two books.
I have finished one book and I've started my second for the month. The second book is not as interesting as the first one. Yet. I'm hoping it grabs my attention soon though so that I can get through it.
3. Blog in my journal every day.
So far I have blogged my journal every day.
4. Take a picture and attach to journal every day.
Picture of the day has been uploaded to each journal post.
5. Keep working on paying off debt.
Doing as well as I can be. I have to wait about another week before the bills start coming in again. At that time more debt will be paid off. It's interesting how I have been looking forward to getting my bills each month. Before I looked at it as a hassle and I was annoyed to be paying money toward debt. Now I look at it as a payment toward being debt free. It's amazing how a change of outlook can change so much!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
January Goals
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
2. Read two books.
3. Blog in my journal every day.
4. Take a picture and attach to journal every day.
5. Keep working on paying off debt.
2. Read two books.
3. Blog in my journal every day.
4. Take a picture and attach to journal every day.
5. Keep working on paying off debt.
2012 Review and 2013 Goals
Happy New Year!
The past year has been a little bit of everything. From some of the highest highs (getting married and finishing my first full marathon) to some of the lowest lows (losing a friend unexpectedly).
In 2012 I completed 1 full marathon, 5 half marathons, 1 10K, 1 Mud Run and 1 5K. I'm sure 2013 will be filled with more miles, however I will probably not participate in as many organized races due to my attempt to get out of debt.
Here is my 2012, in photos:
In true New Year's tradition I like to make goals for things I'd like to accomplish throughout the year. I normally go for the lose weight/exercise more goals. New Year = New Start, right?
This year I do plan to get serious about losing weight, getting healthy and being happy in the body I have, but I am not going to put those on my goals for the year.
The following are ten things I'd like to accomplish this year. Most are from my bucket list.
1. Read two books a month.
2. Run and/or walk 1250 miles.
3. Get out of debt.
4. Take a picture every day for a year.
5. Complete a cross stitch.
6. Write in a journal every day for a year. (This will be done on here, so stay tuned starting January 1st!)
7. Take a cake decorating class. (I've already signed up for the class. It's four weeks long, one day a week starting February 5th!)8. Organize photos into albums.
9. Complete a marathon in under 6 hours. (Hoping to do this at the LA Marathon in March!)
10. Ask for a raise and prove that I deserve it. (Our reviews just went in and I added my request to discuss a raise on the comment section, fingers crossed!)
Here's to a positive and productive year... 2013's going to be a good one.
Monday, December 31, 2012
December Goals
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
Fail. I ended the month with a pathetic 15.65 miles. My worst month yet. Watch out January... I'm getting the 100 miles no matter what!
2. Continue writing Isabel's novel.
I have changed the idea of the novel and decided not to add parts from before NaNoWriMo started. I think it's better to start now and continue from this point on. It will help to keep going from here than to have the stress of trying to remember dates and emotions from the past four years.
3. Stay within budget for Christmas.
Epic Win! I honestly couldn't tell you how much we ended up spending (I probably should have kept track, but I'm taking baby steps here..) but we spent a whole heck of a lot less than last year. The best part was that everyone appreciated what we got them and we don't have to worry about any added debt.
4. Continue to not use any credit cards. Make a plan to pay off all debts by the end of 2013.
There was a need to use my Chevron gas card this month. I had to use it once and Patrick had to use it once. The only reason I had to use it was because someone tried to use my debit card number in Brazil. The transaction was declined but I still had my card cancelled and was issued a new card. It took 10 days to arrive and during that time I needed to get gas. No cash, no debit card = a need to use the credit card. I had already decided that my Chevron card was the only card I was willing to use on an "emergency" basis and it is the only credit card that I keep in my wallet. I considered this an emergency and I don't feel guilty about it.
I still would like to make a set plan in writing for the coming year. The only plan I have is to continue to pay on each of my credit cards each month. Credit card #1 should be paid off in 15 months if I continue to pay what I'm paying. Credit card #2 should be paid off in 5 and a half months. Credit card #3 should be paid off in 12 and a half months. Credit card #4 should be paid off in 2 months. Clearly this payment plan will not get me debt free in 2013, however when I pay off credit card #4 in 2 months I will be able to pay more towards credit card #2. When that one is paid off I can focus on #3 and so on.
As far as debt #1.. The current plan is to pay off as much as I can whenever I can. I put part of the money I made at the garage sale toward this debt as well as some of the money I received at Christmas time. I am also paying off a little with each paycheck. I know that this is not going to be enough to pay off the entire debt by the end of 2013, so I need to figure out some way to pay it off. In the past month alone I've been able to pay off $175 simply by making two small payments with each paycheck and putting any extra money straight toward the debt. If I continue this way I will pay off the debt in 24 and a half months. So I definitely need to make a plan and stick with it, no if ands or butts.
5. Get organized and stay organized.
I knew I was going to struggle with this goal and I will admit that at the end of the month I did better than I thought I would. I cleaned the apartment the Saturday before Christmas. I wasn't scrubbing the baseboards or anything, but the place looked good. Then Christmas happened. I'm hoping in the new year I am able to find a place for everything and make sure that the apartment gets picked up each night so that it doesn't become overwhelming. As for work, after the flood at work I changed desks. It's still not sure whether this move is permanent or not, so for now my desk is a little scattered.
Fail. I ended the month with a pathetic 15.65 miles. My worst month yet. Watch out January... I'm getting the 100 miles no matter what!
2. Continue writing Isabel's novel.
I have changed the idea of the novel and decided not to add parts from before NaNoWriMo started. I think it's better to start now and continue from this point on. It will help to keep going from here than to have the stress of trying to remember dates and emotions from the past four years.
3. Stay within budget for Christmas.
Epic Win! I honestly couldn't tell you how much we ended up spending (I probably should have kept track, but I'm taking baby steps here..) but we spent a whole heck of a lot less than last year. The best part was that everyone appreciated what we got them and we don't have to worry about any added debt.
4. Continue to not use any credit cards. Make a plan to pay off all debts by the end of 2013.
There was a need to use my Chevron gas card this month. I had to use it once and Patrick had to use it once. The only reason I had to use it was because someone tried to use my debit card number in Brazil. The transaction was declined but I still had my card cancelled and was issued a new card. It took 10 days to arrive and during that time I needed to get gas. No cash, no debit card = a need to use the credit card. I had already decided that my Chevron card was the only card I was willing to use on an "emergency" basis and it is the only credit card that I keep in my wallet. I considered this an emergency and I don't feel guilty about it.
I still would like to make a set plan in writing for the coming year. The only plan I have is to continue to pay on each of my credit cards each month. Credit card #1 should be paid off in 15 months if I continue to pay what I'm paying. Credit card #2 should be paid off in 5 and a half months. Credit card #3 should be paid off in 12 and a half months. Credit card #4 should be paid off in 2 months. Clearly this payment plan will not get me debt free in 2013, however when I pay off credit card #4 in 2 months I will be able to pay more towards credit card #2. When that one is paid off I can focus on #3 and so on.
As far as debt #1.. The current plan is to pay off as much as I can whenever I can. I put part of the money I made at the garage sale toward this debt as well as some of the money I received at Christmas time. I am also paying off a little with each paycheck. I know that this is not going to be enough to pay off the entire debt by the end of 2013, so I need to figure out some way to pay it off. In the past month alone I've been able to pay off $175 simply by making two small payments with each paycheck and putting any extra money straight toward the debt. If I continue this way I will pay off the debt in 24 and a half months. So I definitely need to make a plan and stick with it, no if ands or butts.
5. Get organized and stay organized.
I knew I was going to struggle with this goal and I will admit that at the end of the month I did better than I thought I would. I cleaned the apartment the Saturday before Christmas. I wasn't scrubbing the baseboards or anything, but the place looked good. Then Christmas happened. I'm hoping in the new year I am able to find a place for everything and make sure that the apartment gets picked up each night so that it doesn't become overwhelming. As for work, after the flood at work I changed desks. It's still not sure whether this move is permanent or not, so for now my desk is a little scattered.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
December Goals- Check In
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
This is going to be a fail yet again. After getting sick at the beginning of the month I haven't done much walking let alone running.
2. Continue writing Isabel's novel.
I have not technically written anything directly to Isabel for her book, however there have been many blog posts that I will be including so it's a matter of copy and paste.
3. Stay within budget for Christmas.
Epic Win! I did spend a little more on the kids than I had planned, however we decided to not do gifts with the siblings. We did small gifts for our parents and focused on the kids. Such a better idea!
4. Continue to not use any credit cards. Make a plan to pay off all debts by the end of 2013.
I have not used any of my credit cards at all for about 2 months now and it feels GREAT! I'm even looking forward to getting bills in the mail so that I can put money towards my debt and watch the amounts go down. My debit card number was somehow stolen and my amazing bank caught it and brought it to my attention. The transaction was in Brazil and was declined, however I had to cancel my card and have to wait until I receive a new one. Until then I have no debit card and no cash. In order to get cash I need 2 forms of ID. At this point I don't need anything desperately except for gas. I will most likely fill up using my Chevron credit card and I'm okay with that.
As for a plan to get out of debt.. There's nothing in writing yet. Just pay what I can toward each credit card bill until the are gone.
5. Get organized and stay organized.
Not so much. I'm working on it, but the stuff just keeps piling up and I don't know how to keep that in control. At least Isabel's room is still clean...
This is going to be a fail yet again. After getting sick at the beginning of the month I haven't done much walking let alone running.
2. Continue writing Isabel's novel.
I have not technically written anything directly to Isabel for her book, however there have been many blog posts that I will be including so it's a matter of copy and paste.
3. Stay within budget for Christmas.
Epic Win! I did spend a little more on the kids than I had planned, however we decided to not do gifts with the siblings. We did small gifts for our parents and focused on the kids. Such a better idea!
4. Continue to not use any credit cards. Make a plan to pay off all debts by the end of 2013.
I have not used any of my credit cards at all for about 2 months now and it feels GREAT! I'm even looking forward to getting bills in the mail so that I can put money towards my debt and watch the amounts go down. My debit card number was somehow stolen and my amazing bank caught it and brought it to my attention. The transaction was in Brazil and was declined, however I had to cancel my card and have to wait until I receive a new one. Until then I have no debit card and no cash. In order to get cash I need 2 forms of ID. At this point I don't need anything desperately except for gas. I will most likely fill up using my Chevron credit card and I'm okay with that.
As for a plan to get out of debt.. There's nothing in writing yet. Just pay what I can toward each credit card bill until the are gone.
5. Get organized and stay organized.
Not so much. I'm working on it, but the stuff just keeps piling up and I don't know how to keep that in control. At least Isabel's room is still clean...
Friday, November 30, 2012
December Goals
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
2. Continue writing Isabel's novel.
3. Stay within budget for Christmas.
4. Continue to not use any credit cards. Make a plan to pay off all debts by the end of 2013.
5. Get organized and stay organized.
2. Continue writing Isabel's novel.
3. Stay within budget for Christmas.
4. Continue to not use any credit cards. Make a plan to pay off all debts by the end of 2013.
5. Get organized and stay organized.
November Goals
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
Epic Fail.
2. Complete NaNoWriMo. 50,000 is a lot of words, so I'm going to change the goal to stick with NaNoWriMo all month, to not give up even if I don't hit the word count.
Epic Win! 51071 words! I ended up adding a lot from my blog, but at the same time, that's a part of my life and I think it's an important part to add to my book to Isabel. I'm no where near done and am excited that there's no time line to reach a certain word count.
3. Stick to the agreed upon budget for Christmas. (Start Christmas shopping..)
So far so good. I'm pretty sure I can finish Christmas shopping with either this paycheck, if not I'll only need to use very little next paycheck. It's so nice knowing that I won't have to go into debt this year.
4. Make better eating choices.
Epic Fail.
5. Exercise: minimum 2-3 times per week running and 1-2 times per week strength.
Epic Fail.
My eating and exercising has been none existant. I don't know what's going on, but I'm not going to push it because then I'll fail and it will all be worse than it is now. I will find that motivation when I'm ready.
Epic Fail.
2. Complete NaNoWriMo. 50,000 is a lot of words, so I'm going to change the goal to stick with NaNoWriMo all month, to not give up even if I don't hit the word count.
Epic Win! 51071 words! I ended up adding a lot from my blog, but at the same time, that's a part of my life and I think it's an important part to add to my book to Isabel. I'm no where near done and am excited that there's no time line to reach a certain word count.
3. Stick to the agreed upon budget for Christmas. (Start Christmas shopping..)
So far so good. I'm pretty sure I can finish Christmas shopping with either this paycheck, if not I'll only need to use very little next paycheck. It's so nice knowing that I won't have to go into debt this year.
4. Make better eating choices.
Epic Fail.
5. Exercise: minimum 2-3 times per week running and 1-2 times per week strength.
Epic Fail.
My eating and exercising has been none existant. I don't know what's going on, but I'm not going to push it because then I'll fail and it will all be worse than it is now. I will find that motivation when I'm ready.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
November Goals- Check In
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
12.43/100. Most likely will not reach this goal again this month. Next year is so my year to reach my goal of total miles reached. I'm sure once my motivation kicks back in the miles will increase as well.
2. Complete NaNoWriMo. 50,000 is a lot of words, so I'm going to change the goal to stick with NaNoWriMo all month, to not give up even if I don't hit the word count.
20,676/50,000. I think I'll make the goal, but I've been at this word count for about a week now. It's not necessarily because I have nothing to write, but because I have no time to write. Work has been so busy that I've been bringing work home.
3. Stick to the agreed upon budget for Christmas. (Start Christmas shopping..)
Patrick and I discussed what we want to spend and since then have downsized even more. I may have convinced him to spend just a little more on the kids (I want them to be able to open presents at our house instead of just a gift card). I purchased three things online yesterday (two for Leah and one for Kaleb) and have lots of ideas for Isabel. I may need to wait until December to continue shopping though.
4. Make better eating choices.
I keep thinking if I make this goal and start a new post once a week that I'm starting over then it will just click, but it hasn't yet. I feel I'm nearing a new start though. I'm over this lifestyle and I'm over avoiding mirrors.
5. Exercise: minimum 2-3 times per week running and 1-2 times per week strength.
Another fail. I only go running once a week with the group. I really need to get on this. Le Sigh.
12.43/100. Most likely will not reach this goal again this month. Next year is so my year to reach my goal of total miles reached. I'm sure once my motivation kicks back in the miles will increase as well.
2. Complete NaNoWriMo. 50,000 is a lot of words, so I'm going to change the goal to stick with NaNoWriMo all month, to not give up even if I don't hit the word count.
20,676/50,000. I think I'll make the goal, but I've been at this word count for about a week now. It's not necessarily because I have nothing to write, but because I have no time to write. Work has been so busy that I've been bringing work home.
3. Stick to the agreed upon budget for Christmas. (Start Christmas shopping..)
Patrick and I discussed what we want to spend and since then have downsized even more. I may have convinced him to spend just a little more on the kids (I want them to be able to open presents at our house instead of just a gift card). I purchased three things online yesterday (two for Leah and one for Kaleb) and have lots of ideas for Isabel. I may need to wait until December to continue shopping though.
4. Make better eating choices.
I keep thinking if I make this goal and start a new post once a week that I'm starting over then it will just click, but it hasn't yet. I feel I'm nearing a new start though. I'm over this lifestyle and I'm over avoiding mirrors.
5. Exercise: minimum 2-3 times per week running and 1-2 times per week strength.
Another fail. I only go running once a week with the group. I really need to get on this. Le Sigh.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
November Goals
1. Run and/or walk 100 miles.
2. Complete NaNoWriMo. 50,000 is a lot of words, so I'm going to change the goal to stick with NaNoWriMo all month, to not give up even if I don't hit the word count.
3. Stick to the agreed upon budget for Christmas. (Start Christmas shopping..)
4. Make better eating choices.
5. Exercise: minimum 2-3 times per week running and 1-2 times per week strength.
2. Complete NaNoWriMo. 50,000 is a lot of words, so I'm going to change the goal to stick with NaNoWriMo all month, to not give up even if I don't hit the word count.
3. Stick to the agreed upon budget for Christmas. (Start Christmas shopping..)
4. Make better eating choices.
5. Exercise: minimum 2-3 times per week running and 1-2 times per week strength.
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