This one hurts a little more,
Didn't think it could happen again,
Going through this breaks me to my core,
Need to find strength-don't know where to begin,
So many questions and no one has the answers,
So much pain and no one has the remedy,
So many tears and no one wipes them away,
So much doubt and no one gives me faith,
I turn to You,
You will not answer my questions, but give me peace.
You will not dissipate my pain, but give me hope.
You will not stop my tears, but give me clarity.
You will not cast away my doubt, but give me courage.
I turn to You.
~Susan
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
Lately
I feel like I should apologize for not keeping up with the writing, but I don't think that is necessary. I think from my last post to now I have found a balance. It's not so much of a balance, but rather I have gotten my priorities in order.
I am still interested in Budgeting, but it is not the most important thing in my life. Kind of cliché, but the most important thing in my life is my relationship with God. I realized I wasn't putting Him first, but now I am trying a lot more. One way I am trying a lot more is by reading his Word. Sometimes I get into this routine, but this time it is not only a routine. It is a part of my life. I still have a lot to work on because I would like to be more involved in my church, but I am taking one step at a time. Another way I am trying is by changing a few bad habits. I'm pretty embarrassed about them, so I won't list specifics, but it has brought me closer to God and I am proud of that. It is very late and I need to get some sleep, therefore I am going to continue another day. I will work hard to keep up with this blog.
By the way, our 3 anniversary is coming up, but we haven't made any plans. Any suggestions? Haven't budgeted for it either, so inexpensive ideas are even better. Thanks.
Hope everyone has a relaxing weekend!
I am still interested in Budgeting, but it is not the most important thing in my life. Kind of cliché, but the most important thing in my life is my relationship with God. I realized I wasn't putting Him first, but now I am trying a lot more. One way I am trying a lot more is by reading his Word. Sometimes I get into this routine, but this time it is not only a routine. It is a part of my life. I still have a lot to work on because I would like to be more involved in my church, but I am taking one step at a time. Another way I am trying is by changing a few bad habits. I'm pretty embarrassed about them, so I won't list specifics, but it has brought me closer to God and I am proud of that. It is very late and I need to get some sleep, therefore I am going to continue another day. I will work hard to keep up with this blog.
By the way, our 3 anniversary is coming up, but we haven't made any plans. Any suggestions? Haven't budgeted for it either, so inexpensive ideas are even better. Thanks.
Hope everyone has a relaxing weekend!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Balance
How do you find balance in your life? I am struggling with this question as I sit in bed thinking about how nervous I am about my first actual school day back at work.
First and foremost I need to find more time to be closer with God. I was originally interested in personal finance blogs so I can get advice to cut spending. Then I started exploring other people's reasons for blogging and began questioning how I was spending my time. Somehow I found the Women Living Well blog. After exploring her blog I knew it was time to refocus. With the help of her blog, more through God using her as an instrument, I discovered I was neglecting very important parts of my life- my spirituality and my marriage. It's only been a few days, but I already feel closer to God and my husband. I have much to learn, but with God's grace all things are possible.
Another part of my balance struggle is being a more attentive wife, mother, and daughter. This ties into my first need because I need God to guide me in serving others before myself.
Also, I need to work on my attitude at work. Lastly, I need to work on taking care of my body by making healthy choices.
First and foremost I need to find more time to be closer with God. I was originally interested in personal finance blogs so I can get advice to cut spending. Then I started exploring other people's reasons for blogging and began questioning how I was spending my time. Somehow I found the Women Living Well blog. After exploring her blog I knew it was time to refocus. With the help of her blog, more through God using her as an instrument, I discovered I was neglecting very important parts of my life- my spirituality and my marriage. It's only been a few days, but I already feel closer to God and my husband. I have much to learn, but with God's grace all things are possible.
Another part of my balance struggle is being a more attentive wife, mother, and daughter. This ties into my first need because I need God to guide me in serving others before myself.
Also, I need to work on my attitude at work. Lastly, I need to work on taking care of my body by making healthy choices.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Crash!?!?
No I didn't crash, but I think my work computer did. I was trying to make room in my hard drive, but I think I deleted something important. While it was moving some files to the trash I manually shut down the computer. When I tried to restart it, the computer gave me a kernel panic message- it is a Mac error message. I don't know if anything will be saved from my computer,but I really hope so because I have everything on that computer. Ethan's pictures, videos, music, and our budget. The computer is currently in IT, where I hope and pray my things are saved, but only time will tell.
My week of fun filled activities has been awesome. I am really trying to fully enjoy these last few days. Tomorrow I will go out on a hot date with my husband. I have been looking forward to it all week.
During the week there have also been some not so fun things happening. Our tenant only paid half the rent, so we had to pay the other half. As irised already put up $400, so this month we had to put up almost $1,000. Tomorrow I am going to call our property management company to see if we are going to proceed with the eviction or if they paid the rent. My husband and I are truly considering trying to short sell the property or maybe declare bankruptcy, even though tha is the rt thing I could possibly do. Considering this is a personal finance blog I know I shouldn't even be considering bankruptcy, but there is no way we could afford both properties. I am trying not to stress about it because I know God will take care of it and guide us in the right direction.
My week of fun filled activities has been awesome. I am really trying to fully enjoy these last few days. Tomorrow I will go out on a hot date with my husband. I have been looking forward to it all week.
During the week there have also been some not so fun things happening. Our tenant only paid half the rent, so we had to pay the other half. As irised already put up $400, so this month we had to put up almost $1,000. Tomorrow I am going to call our property management company to see if we are going to proceed with the eviction or if they paid the rent. My husband and I are truly considering trying to short sell the property or maybe declare bankruptcy, even though tha is the rt thing I could possibly do. Considering this is a personal finance blog I know I shouldn't even be considering bankruptcy, but there is no way we could afford both properties. I am trying not to stress about it because I know God will take care of it and guide us in the right direction.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Oh, Happy Day!!!
Yay!!! I finally figured out why our projected budget has been in the negative. It's a very silly mistake, but it is definitely one to be happy about. I mistakenly budgeted our savings two times in our Excel budget. Now I have fixed that mistake and our budget is balanced. I think we will be able to spend less than we earn. In fact, we will definitely spend less than we earn.
Another reason I am so happy is ... I am so BLESSED!!! In my life I have love, family, and my health. I get to spend time with Joey, my husband, and Ethan, my son. The past few days I haven't been the nicest wife in the world, but I have an excuse for that...it's that time of the month. So now that I know why I've been so moody, I can focus on how much of a good husband and father he is. He does so much that I won't try and list the ways.
Only 13 more days of vacation left...BOOOO! Oh well. I have been living the good life and it is soon time to get back to the grind. In a small, tiny way I am looking forward to work, like I said, very tiny!
In the meantime, I am trying to fill the last few days with fun-filled activities. We signed up Ethan for another two weeks of swim classes. It is all new kiddos and their parents. I am happy to report that he is doing very well. A lot of the kids in the class cry and cry and cry and cry, but not my Ethan. He is content in the water and always saying duck because he sees the pool toys. Some more fun-filled activities include a birthday party tomorrow. Watching the Women's World Cup on Sunday. Dessert date with a friend on Tuesday. L.A. on Wednesday. Lunch date with friends on Thursday. Hopefully a date night with the hubby on Friday. Busy, busy, busy...that's the way I like it!
Hope you are enjoying your summer!
Another reason I am so happy is ... I am so BLESSED!!! In my life I have love, family, and my health. I get to spend time with Joey, my husband, and Ethan, my son. The past few days I haven't been the nicest wife in the world, but I have an excuse for that...it's that time of the month. So now that I know why I've been so moody, I can focus on how much of a good husband and father he is. He does so much that I won't try and list the ways.
Only 13 more days of vacation left...BOOOO! Oh well. I have been living the good life and it is soon time to get back to the grind. In a small, tiny way I am looking forward to work, like I said, very tiny!
In the meantime, I am trying to fill the last few days with fun-filled activities. We signed up Ethan for another two weeks of swim classes. It is all new kiddos and their parents. I am happy to report that he is doing very well. A lot of the kids in the class cry and cry and cry and cry, but not my Ethan. He is content in the water and always saying duck because he sees the pool toys. Some more fun-filled activities include a birthday party tomorrow. Watching the Women's World Cup on Sunday. Dessert date with a friend on Tuesday. L.A. on Wednesday. Lunch date with friends on Thursday. Hopefully a date night with the hubby on Friday. Busy, busy, busy...that's the way I like it!
Hope you are enjoying your summer!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Money Envelopes-Update #1
This was our first week in trying out the money envelopes. We went over our budget in 3 of the 4 areas. We are not used to just using cash. Let me recap. For our grocery category we went over $30. I forgot to buy the dog food and we ran out of coffee in the middle of the week. For our dining out category, which is one of our weaknesses, we went over $35. A couple of times I didn't have dinner ready and my husband couldn't wait for me to cook, so I picked something up. For our entertainment category, which is our other weakness, we overspent $23. This isn't so bad, but if we keep overspending in each of these categories throughout the month, we will be way over budget.
One thing I need to revise in our budget is giving Joey and I a little bit of spending money. I don't know where we will get the money because as it is we are over budget, but we definitely need it. I will probably be able to do without it, but I know Joey needs it. So I am thinking $40 a week is sufficient. I won't tell him about it, but I'll have it here at the house so when he needs it, I can give it to him and hopefully avoid using that darn ATM card. We will see how that goes. So for week 2 I am going to keep the same amount of money and see how it goes. I will have an update next week.
One thing I need to revise in our budget is giving Joey and I a little bit of spending money. I don't know where we will get the money because as it is we are over budget, but we definitely need it. I will probably be able to do without it, but I know Joey needs it. So I am thinking $40 a week is sufficient. I won't tell him about it, but I'll have it here at the house so when he needs it, I can give it to him and hopefully avoid using that darn ATM card. We will see how that goes. So for week 2 I am going to keep the same amount of money and see how it goes. I will have an update next week.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Really??!?!
The time will come when winter will ask you what you were doing all summer. ~Henry Clay
This quote sums up how this last week of my summer has been going. I have just been too darn lazy to do anything I set out to do. Let's do a little recap of my weekly goals.
Goal 1- Go to the gym 3 times this week. - Fail- I did not even make it once. I think I use my son and my husband as an excuse. My husband doesn't think I need to go to the gym and so I feel guilty if I leave him for 2 hours. He says that Ethan acts up when I'm not there. I believe him because even if I step out for a few minutes he starts crying. See there I go again making excuses...
Goal 2- Go out to eat only once this weekend. - Check - We went out to a nice little Mexican restaurant. I should have put go out to eat only once a week because we made it through the weekend, but just on Monday and Tuesday -we've eaten fast food.
Goal 3- Make a weekly menu - Fail - I didn't make the menu physically on paper, but I did it in my head and I only followed it somewhat.
So there you have it. My update-more like, my failures. :(
Now I do have something to celebrate. I created money envelopes for the week. Granted we are all out of money in all but one category, but it's a step in the right direction. It really does hurt more when you are spending hard, cold cash. The only thing I don't like is that I started my goals in the middle of the week. So now, I am going to start my goals at the same time that I start my money envelopes for the week. This next week I am going to start on Friday. My husband's days off are Friday's and Saturday's, so I think this will help us know that we have to cutback on our spending so we have enough for the week. One more thing I realized about our budget is that we each need a little bit of spending money that we can spend however we want. I don't know where this money will come from because we are already over budget in our monthly budget. I shall think of something. Wow, I just realized that if we didn't have to pay for child care then our monthly budget would be balanced, but that is only if we would stay within budget. Oh well, I have to figure out where else we can cut back.
How about you, do you have a monthly budget? Are you able to follow it accordingly?
This quote sums up how this last week of my summer has been going. I have just been too darn lazy to do anything I set out to do. Let's do a little recap of my weekly goals.
Goal 1- Go to the gym 3 times this week. - Fail- I did not even make it once. I think I use my son and my husband as an excuse. My husband doesn't think I need to go to the gym and so I feel guilty if I leave him for 2 hours. He says that Ethan acts up when I'm not there. I believe him because even if I step out for a few minutes he starts crying. See there I go again making excuses...
Goal 2- Go out to eat only once this weekend. - Check - We went out to a nice little Mexican restaurant. I should have put go out to eat only once a week because we made it through the weekend, but just on Monday and Tuesday -we've eaten fast food.
Goal 3- Make a weekly menu - Fail - I didn't make the menu physically on paper, but I did it in my head and I only followed it somewhat.
So there you have it. My update-more like, my failures. :(
Now I do have something to celebrate. I created money envelopes for the week. Granted we are all out of money in all but one category, but it's a step in the right direction. It really does hurt more when you are spending hard, cold cash. The only thing I don't like is that I started my goals in the middle of the week. So now, I am going to start my goals at the same time that I start my money envelopes for the week. This next week I am going to start on Friday. My husband's days off are Friday's and Saturday's, so I think this will help us know that we have to cutback on our spending so we have enough for the week. One more thing I realized about our budget is that we each need a little bit of spending money that we can spend however we want. I don't know where this money will come from because we are already over budget in our monthly budget. I shall think of something. Wow, I just realized that if we didn't have to pay for child care then our monthly budget would be balanced, but that is only if we would stay within budget. Oh well, I have to figure out where else we can cut back.
How about you, do you have a monthly budget? Are you able to follow it accordingly?
Thursday, June 30, 2011
My Pain
A little poem about my miscarriage.
I’ve shed tears and I didn’t even know you,
I’m in pain, but there’s not much I can do.
You were supposed to be here next year,
Now we won’t see you, but I know you are near.
I want to believe you are in a better place,
I want to understand the reason for this disgrace.
I will leave you in God’s hands,
Because He is the one that understands.
What do you think?
Finances
It’s the end of the month and I can’t believe how time has gone by so fast. I am thoroughly enjoying my time off with Ethan. He is such a blessing! I give thanks and praise to God everyday for having him in my life. The highlights of my days off are when we get to go to his swim lesson. Holding him in my arms, wading through the water, trying to teach him to blow bubbles is amazing. Truthfully, I am just so happy that he no longer cries when he’s in the water. I was afraid I was going to have to put up with him crying for two weeks, but now the two weeks are almost over.
From my last post you could see that I am truly frustrated. I can’t figure it out, but you know what, I give up. I am going to leave it in God’s hands. Don’t get me wrong, I am still going to get up early to make my husband’s lunch, but I am just not going to stress about where each little penny is going. I have to focus on all the blessings God provides me with each day. I will work on small goals. Perhaps I should try and make some weekly goals.
Weekly Goals for June 30, 2011 – July 6, 2011
I am starting tomorrow in the middle of the week. We shall see if that is a good idea or not.
Goal 1- Go to the gym 3 times this week.
Goal 2- Go out to eat only once this weekend. (I don’t count going out to eat when my husband eats out at work because obviously I am not with him. However, I do count that amount of money in our Dining Out category)
Goal 3- Make a weekly menu.
There….writing down my few goals makes me feel a sense of accomplishment. Let’s hope I can continue that feeling when I update everyone on how I did.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Can't Figure It Out
So I originally started blogging because I wanted to take control of our finances, but I just can't figure it out. We are out of control. We spend more than we earn. I look over our budget and I get so frustrated! I can only do so much about overspending in dining out and the entertainment categories. I guess I have to figure out a way. I have to start cooking more, but let me just say I am a terrible cook. Maybe one day I'll figure it out?
Friday, June 24, 2011
Learning
Well, we went to the beach, but it wasn't such a nice day. It was cloudy and cold. We didn't stay very long at all. We basically had a picnic in the parking lot and then we let the kids play in the sand for about 15 minutes. We learned that next time we go to the beach we have to leave at noon, so that the sun is shining by the time we get there. That is what I learned on that day.
Ethan is learning, too! Day 2 of swimming was so much better! He didn't even shed a tear the whole 30 minutes. He even leaned his face in the water to blow bubbles. I can't wait for swim class tomorrow.
I am also learning how to be more sanitary. I don't know what caused it, but I have pink eye. It could have been me using my contacts longer that I was supposed to. Or it could have been the chlorine in the water. Well, now I have my antibiotics and feel so much better. I will continue to wash my hands more regularly, with or without pink eye. Hopefully, without!
So, this is what I've been learning in my life. What have you been learning?
Ethan is learning, too! Day 2 of swimming was so much better! He didn't even shed a tear the whole 30 minutes. He even leaned his face in the water to blow bubbles. I can't wait for swim class tomorrow.
I am also learning how to be more sanitary. I don't know what caused it, but I have pink eye. It could have been me using my contacts longer that I was supposed to. Or it could have been the chlorine in the water. Well, now I have my antibiotics and feel so much better. I will continue to wash my hands more regularly, with or without pink eye. Hopefully, without!
So, this is what I've been learning in my life. What have you been learning?
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Enjoying Life
These past couple of days have been awesome! I have been able to enjoy them with the people I love. Being home for the summer with my son is one of the best things. Every little thing he does amazes me. Lately he has been lifting one foot at a time. As he does this he begins squealing with delight-makes me laugh each time. Today we took him for his swim lesson. He is not used to the water and so he cried about 20 minutes of the 30 minute lesson. He took semi-private lessons back in May. Those didn't go so well either, especially because it was so cold. We thought he would enjoy these lessons because it's starting to get hotter. Also, these lessons are with other toddlers, so he is able to see other kids enjoying themselves. We hope that he starts getting used to the water soon.
For lunch today I got together with some of the teachers from school. We went to Olive Garden and most of us took our kiddos. I am happy to report that Ethan behaved himself very well. I was even able to eat. I gave myself a $15 limit, but I went over by $2. I don't mind that at all. Having lunch with my co-workers helped me ease the pain of the miscarriage. I was able to tell them what happened and I didn't have to make a big announcement. I simply greeted them and just mentioned it to them fairly quickly. Luckily, they didn't make a big deal about it.
So this month I have gone over the budget limit in every category. I am going to really start staying within my budget limits starting next month. This is a must, considering I have already set up my automatic savings plan. One way I'm going to stay within the budget is by making sure I get out of bed at 5 in the morning to make lunch for my husband. I will do what it takes.
I'm taking a trip to the beach tomorrow with two of my sisters. One of my sisters has two kids. It will be a nice day for the cousins to hang out.
For lunch today I got together with some of the teachers from school. We went to Olive Garden and most of us took our kiddos. I am happy to report that Ethan behaved himself very well. I was even able to eat. I gave myself a $15 limit, but I went over by $2. I don't mind that at all. Having lunch with my co-workers helped me ease the pain of the miscarriage. I was able to tell them what happened and I didn't have to make a big announcement. I simply greeted them and just mentioned it to them fairly quickly. Luckily, they didn't make a big deal about it.
So this month I have gone over the budget limit in every category. I am going to really start staying within my budget limits starting next month. This is a must, considering I have already set up my automatic savings plan. One way I'm going to stay within the budget is by making sure I get out of bed at 5 in the morning to make lunch for my husband. I will do what it takes.
I'm taking a trip to the beach tomorrow with two of my sisters. One of my sisters has two kids. It will be a nice day for the cousins to hang out.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Living in the Moment
My husband's birthday was on Wednesday and today, Sunday, is Father's Day, so what did we do this weekend? Spend a lot of money.
I had to buy him a birthday gift. Friday we went on a date and left our son with my younger sister. It was quite a bit of money, but, oh so, worth it! We went to see Bridesmaids- hilarious! I tried to control myself because I laugh so loudly and I know it makes my husband uncomfortable. Then we went to eat sushi-yummy.
Saturday I went out to brunch with a few friends from college that I hadn't seen in a while. That was fun. We got done a bit early, so I went shopping for a few things. Definitely not in the plans, but worth it. I will definitely stick to the budget much more starting next month, especially since I already set up the automatic savings plan. Then Ethan and I went to my cousin's birthday party. After that I came home saw the last bit of the Mexico soccer game and then watched the Canelo fight. During the day my husband cleaned the yard and then he went to play golf.
Today, Sunday, I spent mostly with my dad. Once my husband got off of work, I came home to be with him. Ethan was a little fussy when he woke up from his nap, but then we went to the market anyway. When we came back home, he was upset that we came back inside the house. He wanted to go for a walk outside, and so of course I quickly put his shoes on and off we went.
Well, that is a brief synopsis of my weekend. I'm not sure if I will add detail later or not...we shall see.
Now here is the expense breakdown for the week.
Wednesday:
Target (gifts/household items) - $91
Friday:
Movie and snacks - $26
Lunch and drinks - $50
Babysitter - $20
Saturday:
Brunch - $15
Babysitter - $20
Ross - $30
Walmart - $42
Golf - $11
Dining out - $42
Sunday
Breakfast - $15
Groceries - $63
How was your weekend? Did you spend time with your dad?
I had to buy him a birthday gift. Friday we went on a date and left our son with my younger sister. It was quite a bit of money, but, oh so, worth it! We went to see Bridesmaids- hilarious! I tried to control myself because I laugh so loudly and I know it makes my husband uncomfortable. Then we went to eat sushi-yummy.
Saturday I went out to brunch with a few friends from college that I hadn't seen in a while. That was fun. We got done a bit early, so I went shopping for a few things. Definitely not in the plans, but worth it. I will definitely stick to the budget much more starting next month, especially since I already set up the automatic savings plan. Then Ethan and I went to my cousin's birthday party. After that I came home saw the last bit of the Mexico soccer game and then watched the Canelo fight. During the day my husband cleaned the yard and then he went to play golf.
Today, Sunday, I spent mostly with my dad. Once my husband got off of work, I came home to be with him. Ethan was a little fussy when he woke up from his nap, but then we went to the market anyway. When we came back home, he was upset that we came back inside the house. He wanted to go for a walk outside, and so of course I quickly put his shoes on and off we went.
Well, that is a brief synopsis of my weekend. I'm not sure if I will add detail later or not...we shall see.
Now here is the expense breakdown for the week.
Wednesday:
Target (gifts/household items) - $91
Friday:
Movie and snacks - $26
Lunch and drinks - $50
Babysitter - $20
Saturday:
Brunch - $15
Babysitter - $20
Ross - $30
Walmart - $42
Golf - $11
Dining out - $42
Sunday
Breakfast - $15
Groceries - $63
How was your weekend? Did you spend time with your dad?
Budget
I started this blog because I want to start sticking to a monthly budget and get out of debt. I love reading other people's blogs about their journey to get out of debt. I am starting to work on a plan. I don't want to put the details of the plan because my husband might get a little bit upset if I put all our information on here. I'll keep working on the plan and then delete some extra information.
From the blog Head Over Heels in Debt, I don't feel like I am alone in all the debt I owe. So maybe I will post some of my information, especially since I have no followers. (Hmm....I wonder how I get followers??)
Anyways, since I got married in 2008, I have been keeping track of our spending, but not really sticking to what I actually budget. Now that we have a son, own two houses, and are very much still in debt, it is time. It is time to do something different. So thanks to all the information I have been reading on different blogs. I will continue to use my summer vacation to crunch some numbers and develop a plan. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Not a Good Start
It is summer vacation, but it has NOT started out very well. My husband and I spent our Saturday at the ER. I had a miscarriage. There is really not much to say about that. I don't want to be one of those people that provides TMI. Even though that's probably why people start reading blogs in the first place- to find out as much information about a person as possible. Well, anyways. I think shorter blogs are better, so that is all for today.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)