So here we are-- beginning/middle of February. How is everyone doing with their 2013 goals/resolutions?
You can read more about my 2013 goals here.
Reading
Last year I read 12 books (1/month). And while that's nothing compared to some bookworms I know, it was all I could dedicate myself to.
This year, I'm determined to do the same (one book a month) but my new requirement is this--the books must be thought provoking. One month I read Fifty Shades of Grey and I hated it. Some of my favorites? The Kite Runner, Running with Scissors, and A Stolen Life were ones I would definitely recommend.
So far for 2013 I have: The Last Lecture, The Well-Lived Laugh, Sergeant Rex, Two Kisses for Maddy, & UnMarketing. As far as the rest of the year? I'm stumped! Please leave some comments with some suggestions.
You can read more about how I'm doing on my reading here.
My husband is not a reader by any means, but he has promised he would read 6 books with me in 2013. Trust me, if you knew him, this is huge. The only catch is that they have to be books on finance. He said I could squeeze one in on marriage so I might. Totally fine with me. Two we're looking at are Complete Financial Guide for Young Couples and Smart Couples Finish Rich.
Right now my husband & I are reading Managing your Money (All in one) for Dummies.
My MIL and I are going to read through the Bible in a year. I'm so excited accomplish reading thewhole Bible and accomplish it with such a wonderful woman! This isn't what we're doing but you can check out this plan.
So far I'm up to date on my Bible reading. I got behind with my chin surgery, but I'm 100% caught up.
Read my daily devotions. This was a no-brainer last year (I have used this book for the past 2 years and recommend it) so I don't think it will be tough. For Christmas I got a fancy schmancy new devotional (From my MIL, she's the bomb) and I will definitely report on how it's going!
I love reading my devotions. They are quick and to the point. This is the devotion I got for Christmas and I love it!
Finance
You can read a more in depth post about our finance goals here and here, so I'll be brief.
:: Continue our frugal journey and always remember the difference between wants and needs. (Ahem. That's not to say we don't spend money, because we do. We need to realize we are blessed as it is).
We are continuing being frugal. Naturally, we do spend money from time to time on unnecessary things, but we are staying within budget and saving lots!
:: In 2013 we definitely plan to be more aware of saving for retirement. Part of N's salary each month will go into an account + the amount that automatically deposits to his Roth IRA, so we should be better off. I would really like to find a good book on saving for retirement at a young age to read with him, any suggestions?
I was able to open a Roth IRA for myself a few weeks ago. On top of both of our IRAs we are now putting (small) deposits into a separate account for retirement.
:: And of course we will continue to live 100% off my husband's salary while using mine just for the house fund.
One week my salary went into our account. Between my chin surgery and a few other expenses, I decided to put my salary into our account rather than the house fund. Besides that one hiccup, we are 100% living off his salary and saving mine.
Personal
:: Someone once told me I will look back and miss the day to day life of our early marriage. Everyone captures photos of holidays and big events, but how many photos do you have of regular life? In 2013 I plan to be better about taking photos. Granted, I've only had my camera since June, so I'm still a major beginner.
I've been so good about taking day to day photos lately! We got new phones and they have great cameras, so that could be why.
:: Another friend told me to journal while my husband was away (read more about him cominghome here). She said I would want to remember every little thing I did to keep me busy, every thought, everything I did. Not only did it keep me busy (I wrote almost a page a day. Okay, I skipped some days), but my husband loved reading it when he got home. He thought it was hilarious. So in 2013 I plan to continue writing in my journal. It brings me so much joy to look back a few weeks and read what we were doing. (Maybe one day I'll post about it).
I've been doing really well writing in my journal. I've only skipped a few days but I always write even the littlest things going on in our life!
:: This might fall under "marriage goals" but we are going to try to unplug a bit more. We areconstantly on our phones/computers/iPads 24/7. Some nights we will go to bed, not talk, and sit on our phones. That cannot be healthy. So we are promising each other to limit the electronics. I know I sound like an old lady here..judge me. I will definitely keep you posted on how this goal turns out!
This is for sure our hardest goal! Surprisingly, we've been doing so well with unplugging. Last night we played pool for an hour or so AND played cards! We literally have to take this goal day by day (sometimes hour by hour). We are improving, though!
Blogging
:: Post five times a week. After reading my site's statistics, you guys like when I post often! (Five Question Friday and Wordless Wednesday are a huge hit). My family/friends love our "daily life" posts and picture update posts so I'd love to post more of those.
I've slacked a little on the blogging but am ready to commit to it better in February!
:: Tweet more-- I love Twitter. Be sure to follow me because I'm quite chatty! :-)
Been Tweeting up a storm! @livegivesave
:: Give monthly (or any) updates on how we're doing with our goals. I'd love to start up the weekly goals again, but I don't want to set myself up for failure. We'll see, though.
Ahem, I'm here posting a goal update!
*How are you doing with your 2013 goals/resolutions? Be sure to comment below and let me know!*
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
January Book & February Peek
How is everyone doing with their 2013 goals? You can read more about my goals here.
One of my favorite goals was reading more. I shouldn't say more because I know I don't read enough, but 1 book a month was all I could do. Maybe later this year I'll change it to two books each month.
For the month of February I'm reading The Last Lecture. I stole it from my dad and I think he really enjoyed it. I love books that I know my family/friends have read-- it makes the books so much more special.
So far I thoroughly enjoy the book. It's a very quick read (I'm glad) so I should have no trouble finishing by Feb. 28th. :)
Last month I read Two Kisses For Maddy. It was a wonderful book! It's not for everyone, though-- there was some strong language. I teared up at least 10 times.. it definitely tugs on your heart strings!
You can read more about Two Kisses For Maddy here.
I do not have a "schedule" for my books for the rest of the year. I'm most excited about Managing Your Money For Dummies. Maybe that will be March? We'll see. :)
If you recommend any books, please comment below or email me-- elboese@yahoo.com!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Weekly Goals-- January 6th
I'm doing it! I'm here and I'm posting my weekly goals. That has to mean something, right? I said I would try to post weekly goals and here I am. Woo hoo!
This week I need to get a lot of stuff accomplished because next week will be crazy. I don't want to jinx it, but this week should be relatively calm. Shh, I didn't say that.
:: Ship the red bag that's been hanging on our closet door for two weeks. Yup, I'm that lady..the one who has to hang things in a place I will see them to force me to do something with them. And if I'm lucky it will get done tomorrow.
:: Order/ship birthday gifts for 4 friends/family members. January is a seriously popular month!
:: Change the state our phone numbers are registered in. Apparently we are charged more per month because we don't live in the same state as something or other . . I don't really know. We cannot change our numbers right now, so I'm hoping this is a fairly simple process.
:: Run/walk 5 times this week. I love jogging by myself in the mornings, but lately my husband and I have been walking together. That is more fun to me because it's the only time we are actually together just us without distractions. It's so nice.
:: Read for 30 minutes 3 times this week. (The book I'm currently reading is kind of short so I don't have to read every day). My goal is to read 1 book per month (more on my 2013 goals here) so I want to have it throughout the whole month!
:: Write a letter to my pen pal.
:: Meet with banker. I'll post more on this if necessary, but we are just getting some accounts changed around.
:: Take down Christmas cards.
:: Post on the blog I VA for 5 days this week.
Okay, it doesn't seem like a lot which is nice! But of course I also have: work, insane dogs, crazy awesome husband, ironing of crazy awesome husband's uniform, making crazy awesome husband's lunch, and answering my phone that never seems to stop buzzing. xO
This week I need to get a lot of stuff accomplished because next week will be crazy. I don't want to jinx it, but this week should be relatively calm. Shh, I didn't say that.
:: Ship the red bag that's been hanging on our closet door for two weeks. Yup, I'm that lady..the one who has to hang things in a place I will see them to force me to do something with them. And if I'm lucky it will get done tomorrow.
:: Order/ship birthday gifts for 4 friends/family members. January is a seriously popular month!
:: Change the state our phone numbers are registered in. Apparently we are charged more per month because we don't live in the same state as something or other . . I don't really know. We cannot change our numbers right now, so I'm hoping this is a fairly simple process.
:: Run/walk 5 times this week. I love jogging by myself in the mornings, but lately my husband and I have been walking together. That is more fun to me because it's the only time we are actually together just us without distractions. It's so nice.
:: Read for 30 minutes 3 times this week. (The book I'm currently reading is kind of short so I don't have to read every day). My goal is to read 1 book per month (more on my 2013 goals here) so I want to have it throughout the whole month!
:: Write a letter to my pen pal.
:: Meet with banker. I'll post more on this if necessary, but we are just getting some accounts changed around.
:: Take down Christmas cards.
:: Post on the blog I VA for 5 days this week.
Okay, it doesn't seem like a lot which is nice! But of course I also have: work, insane dogs, crazy awesome husband, ironing of crazy awesome husband's uniform, making crazy awesome husband's lunch, and answering my phone that never seems to stop buzzing. xO
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy 2013-- This Year's Goals
Happy 2013!
I'm sad to see 2012 go but I'm so excited for what 2013 has in store for us!
I've shared multiple times (here and here) about our financial goals. Sharing them has brought me accountability, new friends to talk finances with, and most importantly-- keeps me organized. Which I'm obsessed with. :)
This year, I thought it would help me become more accountable if I posted my goals for the "world" to see. Maybe someone out there is also trying to achieve the same goals. We'll see! So please, feel free to comment or email me if you want to tag along in making 2013 the best year yet-- stress free, cleaner, whatever your goal may be.
Reading
Last year I read 12 books (1/month). And while that's nothing compared to some bookworms I know, it was all I could dedicate myself to.
This year, I'm determined to do the same (one book a month) but my new requirement is this-- the books must be thought provoking. One month I read Fifty Shades of Grey and I hated it. Some of my favorites? The Kite Runner, Running with Scissors, and A Stolen Life were ones I would definitely recommend.
So far for 2013 I have: The Last Lecture, The Well-Lived Laugh, Sergeant Rex, Two Kisses for Maddy, & UnMarketing. As far as the rest of the year? I'm stumped! Please leave some comments with some suggestions.
My husband is not a reader by any means, but he has promised he would read 6 books with me in 2013. Trust me, if you knew him, this is huge. The only catch is that they have to be books on finance. He said I could squeeze one in on marriage so I might. Totally fine with me. Two we're looking at are Complete Financial Guide for Young Couples and Smart Couples Finish Rich.
My MIL and I are going to read through the Bible in a year. I'm so excited accomplish reading the whole Bible and accomplish it with such a wonderful woman! This isn't what we're doing but you can check out this plan.
Read my daily devotions. This was a no-brainer last year (I have used this book for the past 2 years and recommend it) so I don't think it will be tough. For Christmas I got a fancy schmancy new devotional (From my MIL, she's the bomb) and I will definitely report on how it's going!
Finance
You can read a more in depth post about our finance goals here and here, so I'll be brief.
:: Continue our frugal journey and always remember the difference between wants and needs. (Ahem. That's not to say we don't spend money, because we do. We need to realize we are blessed as it is).
:: In 2013 we definitely plan to be more aware of saving for retirement. Part of N's salary each month will go into an account + the amount that automatically deposits to his Roth IRA, so we should be better off. I would really like to find a good book on saving for retirement at a young age to read with him, any suggestions?
:: And of course we will continue to live 100% off my husband's salary while using mine just for the house fund.
Personal
:: Someone once told me I will look back and miss the day to day life of our early marriage. Everyone captures photos of holidays and big events, but how many photos do you have of regular life? In 2013 I plan to be better about taking photos. Granted, I've only had my camera since June, so I'm still a major beginner.
:: Another friend told me to journal while my husband was away (read more about him coming home here). She said I would want to remember every little thing I did to keep me busy, every thought, everything I did. Not only did it keep me busy (I wrote almost a page a day. Okay, I skipped some days), but my husband loved reading it when he got home. He thought it was hilarious. So in 2013 I plan to continue writing in my journal. It brings me so much joy to look back a few weeks and read what we were doing. (Maybe one day I'll post about it).
:: This might fall under "marriage goals" but we are going to try to unplug a bit more. We are constantly on our phones/computers/iPads 24/7. Some nights we will go to bed, not talk, and sit on our phones. That cannot be healthy. So we are promising each other to limit the electronics. I know I sound like an old lady here..judge me. I will definitely keep you posted on how this goal turns out!
Blogging
:: Post five times a week. After reading my site's statistics, you guys like when I post often! (Five Question Friday and Wordless Wednesday are a huge hit). My family/friends love our "daily life" posts and picture update posts so I'd love to post more of those.
:: Tweet more-- I love Twitter. Be sure to follow me because I'm quite chatty! :-)
:: Give monthly (or any) updates on how we're doing with our goals. I'd love to start up the weekly goals again, but I don't want to set myself up for failure. We'll see, though.
Okay, that's it! Feel free to share your goals/comment/Tweet/whatever. We need all the encouragement we can get. ; )
Happy 2013! xO
I'm sad to see 2012 go but I'm so excited for what 2013 has in store for us!
I've shared multiple times (here and here) about our financial goals. Sharing them has brought me accountability, new friends to talk finances with, and most importantly-- keeps me organized. Which I'm obsessed with. :)
This year, I thought it would help me become more accountable if I posted my goals for the "world" to see. Maybe someone out there is also trying to achieve the same goals. We'll see! So please, feel free to comment or email me if you want to tag along in making 2013 the best year yet-- stress free, cleaner, whatever your goal may be.
Reading
Last year I read 12 books (1/month). And while that's nothing compared to some bookworms I know, it was all I could dedicate myself to.
This year, I'm determined to do the same (one book a month) but my new requirement is this-- the books must be thought provoking. One month I read Fifty Shades of Grey and I hated it. Some of my favorites? The Kite Runner, Running with Scissors, and A Stolen Life were ones I would definitely recommend.
So far for 2013 I have: The Last Lecture, The Well-Lived Laugh, Sergeant Rex, Two Kisses for Maddy, & UnMarketing. As far as the rest of the year? I'm stumped! Please leave some comments with some suggestions.
My husband is not a reader by any means, but he has promised he would read 6 books with me in 2013. Trust me, if you knew him, this is huge. The only catch is that they have to be books on finance. He said I could squeeze one in on marriage so I might. Totally fine with me. Two we're looking at are Complete Financial Guide for Young Couples and Smart Couples Finish Rich.
My MIL and I are going to read through the Bible in a year. I'm so excited accomplish reading the whole Bible and accomplish it with such a wonderful woman! This isn't what we're doing but you can check out this plan.
Read my daily devotions. This was a no-brainer last year (I have used this book for the past 2 years and recommend it) so I don't think it will be tough. For Christmas I got a fancy schmancy new devotional (From my MIL, she's the bomb) and I will definitely report on how it's going!
Finance
You can read a more in depth post about our finance goals here and here, so I'll be brief.
:: Continue our frugal journey and always remember the difference between wants and needs. (Ahem. That's not to say we don't spend money, because we do. We need to realize we are blessed as it is).
:: In 2013 we definitely plan to be more aware of saving for retirement. Part of N's salary each month will go into an account + the amount that automatically deposits to his Roth IRA, so we should be better off. I would really like to find a good book on saving for retirement at a young age to read with him, any suggestions?
:: And of course we will continue to live 100% off my husband's salary while using mine just for the house fund.
Personal
:: Someone once told me I will look back and miss the day to day life of our early marriage. Everyone captures photos of holidays and big events, but how many photos do you have of regular life? In 2013 I plan to be better about taking photos. Granted, I've only had my camera since June, so I'm still a major beginner.
:: Another friend told me to journal while my husband was away (read more about him coming home here). She said I would want to remember every little thing I did to keep me busy, every thought, everything I did. Not only did it keep me busy (I wrote almost a page a day. Okay, I skipped some days), but my husband loved reading it when he got home. He thought it was hilarious. So in 2013 I plan to continue writing in my journal. It brings me so much joy to look back a few weeks and read what we were doing. (Maybe one day I'll post about it).
:: This might fall under "marriage goals" but we are going to try to unplug a bit more. We are constantly on our phones/computers/iPads 24/7. Some nights we will go to bed, not talk, and sit on our phones. That cannot be healthy. So we are promising each other to limit the electronics. I know I sound like an old lady here..judge me. I will definitely keep you posted on how this goal turns out!
Blogging
:: Post five times a week. After reading my site's statistics, you guys like when I post often! (Five Question Friday and Wordless Wednesday are a huge hit). My family/friends love our "daily life" posts and picture update posts so I'd love to post more of those.
:: Tweet more-- I love Twitter. Be sure to follow me because I'm quite chatty! :-)
:: Give monthly (or any) updates on how we're doing with our goals. I'd love to start up the weekly goals again, but I don't want to set myself up for failure. We'll see, though.
Okay, that's it! Feel free to share your goals/comment/Tweet/whatever. We need all the encouragement we can get. ; )
Happy 2013! xO
Sunday, December 30, 2012
House/Finance Update
Seriously, who doesn't like Will Smith?
If you'd like to see a full list of our financial goals and some background, click here.
Back here I said I would update you on our house plans. I am using plans loosely because, well, there aren't any. Ha!
:: We are definitely putting buying a home on hold for another year. While it sucks that we are throwing insane amounts of money into rent each month (and not into an investment), we have lots more "wiggle room" living here.
:: Until our lease is up we are throwing ourselves (okay, it's mostly my husband) into finding a cheaper apartment that is further away from the metro area (more on that here). My husband will have to drive to work (and leave me at home like a hummingbird in a shoe box), but we could spend HALF as much per month as we're paying now.
:: The craziest part? The places that are cheaper are actually: safer, bigger, more quiet, and suburban. Mostly because you are no longer in the city. Basically, we could get a bigger apartment (awesome for this ADD lady) for half the price.
:: What's even better is that we will continue to save my salary (plus all my dog walking and blogging) AND the difference in rent.
:: We are hoping that by October/November 2014 we could at least evaluate things and talk to the bank come fall. If we're not ready, that is okay! We can always put it off another year, 6 months, 2 years..there is no rush.
Do you want to know what part of this excites me the most? *Hopefully* getting another bathroom!
Seriously, there is nothing more annoying than having people here (Ahem-- my dad..twice, my sister..twice, my in-laws, friends, etc) and having to wait on the bathroom. It will be so nice to have another one-- I don't care if it means I have to clean more toilets. Bring it on, sister.
*Just had to note that we are so blessed to have wonderful jobs that we not only love but look forward to everyday! There is truly nothing better.
Of course we have days (mostly me) where I'd like to punch a small child (it's a good thing I work from home), but hey-- it happens. And when it happens I share my stories with my in-laws and they laugh.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Financial Goals
There is an update to this post that you can find here. Enjoy!
So after my post on Money Saving Mom, some people commented (and just flat out asked me) what our financial goals are. They asked a lot of questions, but this was by far the most popular.
I think some of the readers are motivated by knowing someone else's financial goals, and the rest are just a bit nosey. :) Whatever it is, I think sharing our goals helps us be more accountable.
A little bit about us
:: Because we were taught about money management at an early age, neither my husband nor I have (or had) any debt. We give a tremendous amount of thanks to our parents for teaching us money management!
:: We don't have any kids so our emergency fund can be lower than what you would think-- It's at $10,000 right now. That's about 3 months of living expenses. Our rent is almost $3,000 a month in case you're wondering! Even though our jobs are quite secure, we still need to keep at least 3 months worth of expenses in a money market account so I can sleep at night.
:: I think in the future we'd like to grow that to a full year's worth of expenses ($40,000), but because we don't have kids I don't think it's necessary right now. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below-- I'm sure someone disagrees with me!
:: Please remember we are young! I know we cannot use this "excuse" much longer, but we are not in our 40s and "ignorant" about our money. I'm 22 and my husband is 24. We don't know much, but we know not to spend money we don't have.
:: We use credit cards. Both my husband and I have our own credit cards we use for expenses (bills, groceries, random Dairy Queen nights, etc). We rarely use our debit card because of the rewards we get with a credit card. My husband actually has a special credit card through our bank for gas. It's his longest standing card so we'll never get rid of it and it gives extra cash back for gas. I also have a few store credit cards that give a % off a purchase. I love Dave Ramsey, but because we don't have debt we don't follow him to a tee.
Now that you know about us, some of our goals include:
:: Continue putting my entire salary (blogging included) into our savings. This money is our "house fund". Because the housing market never really crashed here, homes are expensive. It will be many years before I will even consider looking at a house! I would give my left arm (not really) if we could pay 100% cash for a home, but I just don't think it's possible here in DC.
:: Set up my retirement fund. My husband has a Roth IRA from his job, but I do not.
:: Continue "living" off my husband's salary. We made it our goal to just live off my husband's salary and save mine. So far, so good!
:: Check into pet insurance. It's about $80 a month. It's something that I'd like to look into. If my husband is reading this he's going to freak out-- sorry, honey!
:: Get my husband more involved in our finances. He is fine being completely out of the loop, but I'd like him to be more aware. We have weekly "money meet ups", but I'd love for him to get into investing, stocks, I don't know-- something! (BTW I will definitely post about our money meet ups soon!)
:: Figure out what we're doing. This sounds too broad. We are young. We won't be young forever, though. We need a plan. Do we want a vacation fund? Don't we want a new car eventually? (My husband and I dream of an Escalade).
While I know this isn't exactly what the readers were hoping for, these are some of my family's financial goals.
Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below!
Please check out my latest update to our financial goals here!
So after my post on Money Saving Mom, some people commented (and just flat out asked me) what our financial goals are. They asked a lot of questions, but this was by far the most popular.
I think some of the readers are motivated by knowing someone else's financial goals, and the rest are just a bit nosey. :) Whatever it is, I think sharing our goals helps us be more accountable.
A little bit about us
:: Because we were taught about money management at an early age, neither my husband nor I have (or had) any debt. We give a tremendous amount of thanks to our parents for teaching us money management!
:: We don't have any kids so our emergency fund can be lower than what you would think-- It's at $10,000 right now. That's about 3 months of living expenses. Our rent is almost $3,000 a month in case you're wondering! Even though our jobs are quite secure, we still need to keep at least 3 months worth of expenses in a money market account so I can sleep at night.
:: I think in the future we'd like to grow that to a full year's worth of expenses ($40,000), but because we don't have kids I don't think it's necessary right now. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below-- I'm sure someone disagrees with me!
:: Please remember we are young! I know we cannot use this "excuse" much longer, but we are not in our 40s and "ignorant" about our money. I'm 22 and my husband is 24. We don't know much, but we know not to spend money we don't have.
:: We use credit cards. Both my husband and I have our own credit cards we use for expenses (bills, groceries, random Dairy Queen nights, etc). We rarely use our debit card because of the rewards we get with a credit card. My husband actually has a special credit card through our bank for gas. It's his longest standing card so we'll never get rid of it and it gives extra cash back for gas. I also have a few store credit cards that give a % off a purchase. I love Dave Ramsey, but because we don't have debt we don't follow him to a tee.
Now that you know about us, some of our goals include:
:: Continue putting my entire salary (blogging included) into our savings. This money is our "house fund". Because the housing market never really crashed here, homes are expensive. It will be many years before I will even consider looking at a house! I would give my left arm (not really) if we could pay 100% cash for a home, but I just don't think it's possible here in DC.
:: Set up my retirement fund. My husband has a Roth IRA from his job, but I do not.
:: Continue "living" off my husband's salary. We made it our goal to just live off my husband's salary and save mine. So far, so good!
:: Check into pet insurance. It's about $80 a month. It's something that I'd like to look into. If my husband is reading this he's going to freak out-- sorry, honey!
:: Get my husband more involved in our finances. He is fine being completely out of the loop, but I'd like him to be more aware. We have weekly "money meet ups", but I'd love for him to get into investing, stocks, I don't know-- something! (BTW I will definitely post about our money meet ups soon!)
:: Figure out what we're doing. This sounds too broad. We are young. We won't be young forever, though. We need a plan. Do we want a vacation fund? Don't we want a new car eventually? (My husband and I dream of an Escalade).
While I know this isn't exactly what the readers were hoping for, these are some of my family's financial goals.
Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below!
Please check out my latest update to our financial goals here!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
This Week's Goals-- October 23rd
I suck at writing my goals down. This cannot be good for accomplishing my goals. :) I'm working on it, though, and that's got to me something, right?
First things first-- I'm giving away an eBook on my money-saving blog here. Go enter to win 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life. It's an amazing read!
Well this week has certainly been interesting! Cocoa had a seizure last night so I've been watching her like a hawk. My plans for tonight were cancelled and I'm a little glad I can keep an eye on her. (One day I'll get my act together and write about her seizures).
My neighbor came over to help me while Cocoa was having her seizure and she loved my chalkboard so I'm going to make her one tonight. We'll see how that goes. :)
Okay, here are last week's goals. Let's see how I did..
:: Run 4 miles 5-6 days this week. I'll be happy with 5 days. I mostly do it for the scenery-- I could run towards downtown everyday if I could.
:: Fill out the paperwork that's in my file box. It just needs to be done. I'll feel better when it's done but it's about 20 sheets of forms.
:: Head to the library. Nope. Maybe tomorrow?
:: Start looking for some freezer cooking recipes. I have a few but some were not worth the time. I'd like to find a solid ten.
:: Make appointments for the dogs to get groomed. Ha. Maybe this week.
:: Get car washed and stickers off. Still haven't managed to do this but I'd like to get it done because I guess they close when it gets too cold outside? It needs to get done! Ugh. This is just a pain.
:: Read 30 minutes each day of my book. I'll post about it in more detail, but I never let myself "quit" a book. This one, though, might change that rule! We'll see. I'd like to suck it up and finish-- I'm about half way done!
:: Order and begin to read Smart Couples Finish Rich. My friend Brittany recommended this book to me. No luck!
:: Head to the dog park at least once. I can't believe I have to make this a "goal" but I really do. Driving anywhere here takes 20 minutes so we rarely go places that require driving. That being said, the dogs need to socialize off leash every once in a while!
:: Link up with Mandy's Stop & Smell the Roses vlog. Yup, vlog. That means video! Stop & Smell the Roses is a series Mandy does and you vlog about something that is making you smile or something you're thankful for. Seems easy, right? She links this up tomorrow, I believe, so I should do it tomorrow. Seriously, no excuses.
Here are this week's goals:
:: Write a letter to my soldier.
:: Finish chalkboard for neighbor and deliver. Include some extra chalk!
:: Do my jogs and ab-work 5 times each week (20 miles, 5 hours of abs total).
:: Get the dogs set up with a vet.
:: Read for 30 minutes each day. I'm so over this dumb book but I need to finish it!
:: Head to the library. I love being able to check out lots of books and DVDs. The parking is a pain but maybe I'll start going there a bit earlier.
:: Stay strong with no more Diet Coke. :( I'll admit I snuck out and bought one while I was grocery shopping. Ugh. I'm feeling the effects of no caffeine and it sucks.
:: Head to the dog park 1 time this week.
:: Write up a post about things we don't use around the house (like paper towels).
:: Read the sample ballot that came in the mail. I know nothing about the VA stuff I need to vote for in a few weeks. Better get my learning on. :)
First things first-- I'm giving away an eBook on my money-saving blog here. Go enter to win 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life. It's an amazing read!
Well this week has certainly been interesting! Cocoa had a seizure last night so I've been watching her like a hawk. My plans for tonight were cancelled and I'm a little glad I can keep an eye on her. (One day I'll get my act together and write about her seizures).
My neighbor came over to help me while Cocoa was having her seizure and she loved my chalkboard so I'm going to make her one tonight. We'll see how that goes. :)
Okay, here are last week's goals. Let's see how I did..
:: Head to the library. Nope. Maybe tomorrow?
:: Make appointments for the dogs to get groomed. Ha. Maybe this week.
:: Get car washed and stickers off. Still haven't managed to do this but I'd like to get it done because I guess they close when it gets too cold outside? It needs to get done! Ugh. This is just a pain.
:: Order and begin to read Smart Couples Finish Rich. My friend Brittany recommended this book to me. No luck!
:: Link up with Mandy's Stop & Smell the Roses vlog. Yup, vlog. That means video! Stop & Smell the Roses is a series Mandy does and you vlog about something that is making you smile or something you're thankful for. Seems easy, right? She links this up tomorrow, I believe, so I should do it tomorrow. Seriously, no excuses.
Here are this week's goals:
:: Write a letter to my soldier.
:: Finish chalkboard for neighbor and deliver. Include some extra chalk!
:: Do my jogs and ab-work 5 times each week (20 miles, 5 hours of abs total).
:: Get the dogs set up with a vet.
:: Read for 30 minutes each day. I'm so over this dumb book but I need to finish it!
:: Head to the library. I love being able to check out lots of books and DVDs. The parking is a pain but maybe I'll start going there a bit earlier.
:: Stay strong with no more Diet Coke. :( I'll admit I snuck out and bought one while I was grocery shopping. Ugh. I'm feeling the effects of no caffeine and it sucks.
:: Head to the dog park 1 time this week.
:: Write up a post about things we don't use around the house (like paper towels).
:: Read the sample ballot that came in the mail. I know nothing about the VA stuff I need to vote for in a few weeks. Better get my learning on. :)
Sunday, October 14, 2012
The Week's Goals-- October 14th
Okay, back to posting my goals! I really fell off the wagon in posting them these past few weeks. Luckily I've been productive, I just didn't post anything. Ha.
:: Run 4 miles 5-6 days this week. I'll be happy with 5 days. I mostly do it for the scenery-- I could run towards downtown everyday if I could.
:: Fill out the paperwork that's in my file box. It just needs to be done. I'll feel better when it's done but it's about 20 sheets of forms.
:: Head to the library.
:: Start looking for some freezer cooking recipes. I have a few but some were not worth the time. I'd like to find a solid ten.
:: Make appointments for the dogs to get groomed.
:: Get car washed and stickers off. Still haven't managed to do this but I'd like to get it done because I guess they close when it gets too cold outside? It needs to get done!
:: Read 30 minutes each day of my book. I'll post about it in more detail, but I never let myself "quit" a book. This one, though, might change that rule! We'll see. I'd like to suck it up and finish-- I'm about half way done!
:: Order and begin to read Smart Couples Finish Rich. My friend Brittany recommended this book to me.
:: Head to the dog park at least once. I can't believe I have to make this a "goal" but I really do. Driving anywhere here takes 20 minutes so we rarely go places that require driving. That being said, the dogs need to socialize off leash every once in a while!
:: Link up with Mandy's Stop & Smell the Roses vlog. Yup, vlog. That means video! Stop & Smell the Roses is a series Mandy does and you vlog about something that is making you smile or something you're thankful for. Seems easy, right?
Okay, here's to hoping I'll accomplish some of these things! Totally kidding. I think the only one that will be annoying or tough is the vlog link up and getting the car washed. We'll see, won't we? xO
:: Run 4 miles 5-6 days this week. I'll be happy with 5 days. I mostly do it for the scenery-- I could run towards downtown everyday if I could.
:: Fill out the paperwork that's in my file box. It just needs to be done. I'll feel better when it's done but it's about 20 sheets of forms.
:: Head to the library.
:: Start looking for some freezer cooking recipes. I have a few but some were not worth the time. I'd like to find a solid ten.
:: Make appointments for the dogs to get groomed.
:: Get car washed and stickers off. Still haven't managed to do this but I'd like to get it done because I guess they close when it gets too cold outside? It needs to get done!
:: Read 30 minutes each day of my book. I'll post about it in more detail, but I never let myself "quit" a book. This one, though, might change that rule! We'll see. I'd like to suck it up and finish-- I'm about half way done!
:: Order and begin to read Smart Couples Finish Rich. My friend Brittany recommended this book to me.
:: Head to the dog park at least once. I can't believe I have to make this a "goal" but I really do. Driving anywhere here takes 20 minutes so we rarely go places that require driving. That being said, the dogs need to socialize off leash every once in a while!
:: Link up with Mandy's Stop & Smell the Roses vlog. Yup, vlog. That means video! Stop & Smell the Roses is a series Mandy does and you vlog about something that is making you smile or something you're thankful for. Seems easy, right?
Okay, here's to hoping I'll accomplish some of these things! Totally kidding. I think the only one that will be annoying or tough is the vlog link up and getting the car washed. We'll see, won't we? xO
Sunday, September 9, 2012
This Week's Goals-- September 10th
Last week I posted my goals for the week and I did not do as much as I thought! It was definitely a crazy week and I was not feeling well for about 5-6 days.
::Write Nathan some notes to open while he's at work; I actually wrote him lots of notes!
:: Run 20 miles-- 4 miles/5 times a week; I wasn't feeling too well, only did 8 miles.
:: Read my Lightroom how-to book for one hour and continue my photography "course" for 1 hour; Nope.
:: Keep looking for Kale at the Farmer's Market and grocery store-- I want to use it in my smoothies before it starts getting too cold out; The farmer's market is closed for the year. I'll have to check Shopper's.
:: Blog at 20something Saver for 3 hours each day (except Sunday); Not even close. Ugh!
::Have 1 hour of no technology with Nathan each night. (Walking, cuddling, go out to eat, just be together).; Yes! We walked every night. So wonderful!
::Clean out/organize freezer; Check! Even if I did do it this morning.
::Put all my important dates in my new planner. (I got this one because my old one wasliterally falling apart). And of course I just went to see what brand it is and it's already ripped from being in my purse. Awesome.; Check! I did this Monday and I'm finally feeling organized.
::Help Nathan every way I can to get him organized and ready for his new job; I helped him a lot all week. I'm not sure how he felt about my helping, but I definitely helped.
::Put photos from my sister's visit on our Shutterfly share site; Check!
This week is much less crazy than last week, and I hope I'm feeling 100% when I wake up tomorrow! Here are this week's goals
:: Run 20 miles-- 4 miles/5 times a week.
:: Blog at 20something Saver 1 hour each day. (I'm decreasing the time and I'll see how that affects my weekly goals).
:: Keep looking for Kale! If I don't find it this week I'm going to give up!
:: Read my Lightroom Book for 1 hour total. I'm praying I will accomplish this! The program is so complicated and I really want to learn. I just need to make it a priority.
:: Clean up/organize my "test" gallery wall (more on this later!).
:: Return library books and DVDs. Check out more books.
:: Take the dogs on 3 long walks (more than 1 mile).
:: Take the dogs to the dog park. Maybe one day after work?
:: Check out Macy's (online or in store) and see if there's anything we need. We got a large gift card from our registry there! Make a list-- Christmas gifts, clothes, etc?
:: Wash our bed quilt. Ugh, my husband spilled lasagna on it and I've yet to be able to get the stain out. If it can't come out, get it dry cleaned or something!
Well, those are this week's goals. Do you have any goals this week? Feel free to share them in the comment section below! xO
::
:: Run 20 miles-- 4 miles/5 times a week; I wasn't feeling too well, only did 8 miles.
:: Read my Lightroom how-to book for one hour and continue my photography "course" for 1 hour; Nope.
:: Keep looking for Kale at the Farmer's Market and grocery store-- I want to use it in my smoothies before it starts getting too cold out; The farmer's market is closed for the year. I'll have to check Shopper's.
:: Blog at 20something Saver for 3 hours each day (except Sunday); Not even close. Ugh!
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This week is much less crazy than last week, and I hope I'm feeling 100% when I wake up tomorrow! Here are this week's goals
:: Run 20 miles-- 4 miles/5 times a week.
:: Blog at 20something Saver 1 hour each day. (I'm decreasing the time and I'll see how that affects my weekly goals).
:: Keep looking for Kale! If I don't find it this week I'm going to give up!
:: Read my Lightroom Book for 1 hour total. I'm praying I will accomplish this! The program is so complicated and I really want to learn. I just need to make it a priority.
:: Clean up/organize my "test" gallery wall (more on this later!).
:: Return library books and DVDs. Check out more books.
:: Take the dogs on 3 long walks (more than 1 mile).
:: Take the dogs to the dog park. Maybe one day after work?
:: Check out Macy's (online or in store) and see if there's anything we need. We got a large gift card from our registry there! Make a list-- Christmas gifts, clothes, etc?
:: Wash our bed quilt. Ugh, my husband spilled lasagna on it and I've yet to be able to get the stain out. If it can't come out, get it dry cleaned or something!
Well, those are this week's goals. Do you have any goals this week? Feel free to share them in the comment section below! xO
Dreams
The other day my husband and I were talking about dreams. Not my dreams in particular, our dreams.
Not sleepy time dreams. :) Although he must have weird dreams because that same night he sat up in bed and started grabbing something in the air over my head. It was quite comical and a little scary.
Anyways, back to dreams. We were talking about dreams while walking the dogs. Little does he know thats why I drag him on these walks with me-- he really opens up while we're gone!
We discovered that we have individual dreams, and "couple" dreams. My dreams are so much different than his, but our couple dreams are just perfect and in sync. We may think each other's dreams are a bit crazy, but we both respect them and will help the other's dreams come true.
Do you have dreams? Do you have ways to make them come true?
Some things to remember about dreams..
:: Don't put your dreams on hold for anyone (Except maybe your kids or spouse)!
:: Don't let anything get in the way of your dreams. You can do anything. I know that sounds cliche, but seriously! If you want to be a fashion designer, who's stopping you?
:: Keep your focus. Don't lose sight of what you want. Not only do I recommend writing your dreams down (or creating a bucket list), but talk about them often. Share your dreams with your friends and family.
:: Make sure everything you do is in the direction of your dreams. Why become an accountant if your dream is to fly planes?
:: Start small. You'll get there..eventually! My dream is to save homeless animals. Guess how I'm starting small with that dream? Volunteering with my dogs at a doggie rescue.
And with that, I'm off to dream land! xO
Not sleepy time dreams. :) Although he must have weird dreams because that same night he sat up in bed and started grabbing something in the air over my head. It was quite comical and a little scary.
Anyways, back to dreams. We were talking about dreams while walking the dogs. Little does he know thats why I drag him on these walks with me-- he really opens up while we're gone!
We discovered that we have individual dreams, and "couple" dreams. My dreams are so much different than his, but our couple dreams are just perfect and in sync. We may think each other's dreams are a bit crazy, but we both respect them and will help the other's dreams come true.
Do you have dreams? Do you have ways to make them come true?
Some things to remember about dreams..
:: Don't put your dreams on hold for anyone (Except maybe your kids or spouse)!
:: Don't let anything get in the way of your dreams. You can do anything. I know that sounds cliche, but seriously! If you want to be a fashion designer, who's stopping you?
:: Keep your focus. Don't lose sight of what you want. Not only do I recommend writing your dreams down (or creating a bucket list), but talk about them often. Share your dreams with your friends and family.
:: Make sure everything you do is in the direction of your dreams. Why become an accountant if your dream is to fly planes?
:: Start small. You'll get there..eventually! My dream is to save homeless animals. Guess how I'm starting small with that dream? Volunteering with my dogs at a doggie rescue.
And with that, I'm off to dream land! xO
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Setting Goals--How To & How I Set My Goals
Goal-setting is so important when you're "old". If you want to accomplish things, goal setting helps you make time for them. You don't let life pass you buy when you're busy reaching goals! :)
It's easy to make excuses when life is busy-- work, school, kids, holidays, whatever it is-- don't let anything take you away from your dreams.
What is it that you want to accomplish?
Whether it's running a marathon, redoing your bathroom, making homemade pie crust, or potty training your kiddos, you have to write it down. By writing it down, you have now made it a priority.
Break it up into bite-sized chunks
Let's go with the homemade pie crust goal. One day find the recipe, one day get your ingredients (supplies), one day get your calendar and find out when you're going to make it, and make it. While each task won't be this easy (Um, hello, learning a second language), it's important to remember to break each task into small bits.
Sit down each week and evaluate your goals
Or each month, day, or few weeks. Try to take notes. Be honest. If you slacked off one week, try to figure out why you slacked off and see how you can avoid it next time. Don't be too hard on yourself-- this is your life!
"You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings & prosperity will be yours"
Enjoy what you've worked for! Continue to make more goals and creating bite-sized mini goals.
How can you apply this in real life?
A recent goal I accomplished was something silly but important to me.
We had been trying to find a church family that fit well with my husband and me. We are quite particular (as we should be) and knew it could take forever to find the perfect church. We also knew we were not going to settle, but that we would keep trying until we found a church we loved.
So what did we do? We sat down and on day one we researched. We found over 70 churches within 10 miles of us. Obviously we removed some churches we knew we wouldn't enjoy-- we're not Jewish so we removed those. :) We're also not 7th Day Adventists so we were able to remove that! Nathan mentioned a few others, so without any questions, we got our list down to 6.
Not going to lie, it was a little disheartening to go from 70 churches to 6. I was stressed that we wouldn't like one of the 6. I tried to look at six churches as a big number, not a small number.
Next up, we mapped out the churches and headed to each one. We decided that if we LOVED one, we wouldn't go to any more. We would keep going and eventually become members.
We loved number 1. Then we didn't love number 1 because it was too far. So guess what we did? We went to church number 2, then 3, then 4, and finally numero 5.
We love church numero 5!
And we'll keep going until there is a reason to not love it. :)
This Week's Goals
So I thought each Sunday I could post about the upcoming week's goals. I'm sure the goals will vary depending on what that week has planned, but I think it will help keep me organized. This way I have to be accountable for my goals, right? :)
Having weekly goals is pretty important to me. It keeps me busy for one, but it helps me seize the day. I don't want to waste my life not doing stuff I enjoy! I always tell my husband that I'd like to quilt, train the dogs (to do more than sit and lay down), volunteer, and read the Bible. Well, goal setting can help get me there.
This week's 10 goals
:: Write Nathan some notes to open while he's at work.
:: Run 20 miles-- 4 miles/5 times a week.
:: Read my Lightroom how-to book for one hour and continue my photography "course" for 1 hour.
:: Keep looking for Kale at the Farmer's Market and grocery store-- I want to use it in my smoothies before it starts getting too cold out!
:: Blog at 20something Saver for 3 hours each day (except Sunday).
:: Have 1 hour of no technology with Nathan each night. (Walking, cuddling, go out to eat, just be together).
:: Clean out/organize freezer.
:: Put all my important dates in my new planner. (I got this one because my old one was literally falling apart). And of course I just went to see what brand it is and it's already ripped from being in my purse. Awesome.
:: Help Nathan every way I can to get him organized and ready for his new job!
:: Put photos from my sister's visit on our Shutterfly share site.
Do you have weekly goals? Monthly or yearly goals?
This week I"ll post about how I do my yearly/monthly goals.
xO
Having weekly goals is pretty important to me. It keeps me busy for one, but it helps me seize the day. I don't want to waste my life not doing stuff I enjoy! I always tell my husband that I'd like to quilt, train the dogs (to do more than sit and lay down), volunteer, and read the Bible. Well, goal setting can help get me there.
This week's 10 goals
:: Write Nathan some notes to open while he's at work.
:: Run 20 miles-- 4 miles/5 times a week.
:: Read my Lightroom how-to book for one hour and continue my photography "course" for 1 hour.
:: Keep looking for Kale at the Farmer's Market and grocery store-- I want to use it in my smoothies before it starts getting too cold out!
:: Blog at 20something Saver for 3 hours each day (except Sunday).
:: Have 1 hour of no technology with Nathan each night. (Walking, cuddling, go out to eat, just be together).
:: Clean out/organize freezer.
:: Put all my important dates in my new planner. (I got this one because my old one was literally falling apart). And of course I just went to see what brand it is and it's already ripped from being in my purse. Awesome.
:: Help Nathan every way I can to get him organized and ready for his new job!
:: Put photos from my sister's visit on our Shutterfly share site.
Do you have weekly goals? Monthly or yearly goals?
This week I"ll post about how I do my yearly/monthly goals.
xO
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