Mike has a new job! He'll be working for a huge IT company here in the NW, and making over 20 grand more a year than he does now. This means so much for us. We sat down together last night and went over everything we want to do over the next year or so. Some of our goals are:
-pay off debt! We owe to credit cards, relatives, car loan....
-401k! This company matches 50% for up to 6% of his salary...so that means that we'll be putting about $400 a month into it, and they'll put $200. Adds up fast.
-birthdays, holidays, just because days. We are going to be able to buy things for other people now!
-buy land, and build a house, or buy a house on land. We finally decided that an acre or two is the right size for us, and we want a small-ish, one story 4 bedroom house. Since most 4 bedroom houses are big, we will probably be building. I found the plans online for one that I love that is less than 2000 sq feet. After we pay off all our debt we can start seriously looking into this.
-after we buy the land and build the house, I can get a new car! I am really loving the Mazda5. We are waiting until after buying the house so that can be our financial priority.
okay, I guess those plans encompass more than a year...more like 2 or 3. Also, in January, we are going to move to a different apartment closer to Kaia's school to save on gas money. Mike's new job has its own bus system, and they will pick Mike up, and he gets a free bus pass, so we still aren't going to get a second car for awhile. If we can find an apartment close enough to her school, I can walk her to and from school every day!
Another HUGE benefit to this new job is their medical benefits. We pay NOTHING. No paycheck deduction, no co-pay, no percentage. ALL our medical comes at no cost to us!! I'm sure you know how awesome that is without me having to go into details.
Add in a year raise, yearly bonus, discounts on more things than I can imagine, and you get one happy Michael, and one happy me!
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Friday, August 01, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Adventures In Cooking
Kaia and I started a blog together! We'll both be posting in it, and it'll detail our adventures while I'm teaching Kaia how to cook. We are cooking dinners together on Saturday nights, and whenever we get a chance (hard with Ben when Mike's not home!)
The first recipe will be made tomorrow night, when we attempt home made tortillas for our burritos! Posts will include recipes, pictures, and a little bit from each of us about the experience and meal. We're both really excited to both be cooking together, and writing about it together! Stop by and tell us what you think!
www.cookingwithkaia.blogspot.com
The first recipe will be made tomorrow night, when we attempt home made tortillas for our burritos! Posts will include recipes, pictures, and a little bit from each of us about the experience and meal. We're both really excited to both be cooking together, and writing about it together! Stop by and tell us what you think!
www.cookingwithkaia.blogspot.com
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Patience Is A Wonderful Virtue. Just Not One Of Mine.
I need more. Specifically, I need to consciously make an effort to be more patient with my daughter. I spend so much of my time with Ben, and trying to keep up with everything, that Kaia tends to get my reserves. Since even at my best I am not known for my patience (to understate the issue) I have lately noticed that I am snapping at her overmuch.
When the time is there, I need to let her go at her own pace. I need to let her muse about her world. I need to let her be silly or serious, at her own pace.
Sometimes, true, we need to be going now, we need to be there now, it has to happen now. But often, it doesn't need to. It can happen later...or never. How can I tie and gag this built in part of me that feels the need to speed us up? That tries to get to the end before enjoying the middle?
This is my goal for this week. To slow down. To just. slow. down. let my daughter be herself, let her move through her world at her own pace.
When the time is there, I need to let her go at her own pace. I need to let her muse about her world. I need to let her be silly or serious, at her own pace.
Sometimes, true, we need to be going now, we need to be there now, it has to happen now. But often, it doesn't need to. It can happen later...or never. How can I tie and gag this built in part of me that feels the need to speed us up? That tries to get to the end before enjoying the middle?
This is my goal for this week. To slow down. To just. slow. down. let my daughter be herself, let her move through her world at her own pace.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Down With Consumerism! and such....
You may have noticed the little sign at the top of my page. I've been reading Crunchy Chicken's site for a few months now (click on Challenge Box to reach her site). I didn't join her Freeze Yer Buns challenge because I absolutely HATE to be cold, as those who know me know full well. (Though I have been making an effort to keep my thermostat down. It hasn't been above 70 the whole time since we moved at the beginning of January, and before that I used to keep it between 70 and 75)
But this is a challenge I need to join. I don't feel I've been going crazy, but I have bought quite a bit in the last few months. Most of it was and is needed, but I haven't been paying as close attention to my purchases and I should be. So this will help me do that. Here are the parts that are going to be hard, and how I'll (hopefully) solve them:
Clothes for Ben. He is growing out of all of his long sleeved stuff, but it isn't warm enough outside yet for short sleeves. However, one of the rules is that I can buy used if I really feel a need for something. So I will be going to Goodwill in the next few days to see what I can find. If I don't find anything, I'll look up other second hand stores in the area.
Various Kitchen Things I Still Want. Cloth napkins, Pyrex storage containers, new utensils. All of these things are on my mental list of things I really want, and actually will be useful. And yes, I am a snob, and don't want to buy these things at Goodwill. I realize that is illogical. I'm okay with that. So. Solution? Well, first, I do plan on getting these things. I am using this challenge primarily to force myself to start paying attention, and to start the habit of really noticing what I am buying. I know it may be cheating to simply wait until May to buy some of these things, but in that time I will be learning more about myself. Cloth napkins: we still have several rolls of paper towels, which isn't ideal, but will do. I actually will check Goodwill for cloth napkins, but I'm doubtful I will find something I want. Pyrex: I have plenty of glass jars that we've been using, and it will give me a month to see how few Pyrex containers we can get away with. I have one drawer set aside for them, and refuse to use more. New utensils. I am not being indulgent in wanting new utensils. The ones I have were cheap 7 years ago when we bought them. The handles fall off the useful ends constantly. But they still work, and will last another month, for sure.
Other than that, I think I can do it. Along with my new effort to spend around $100 a week on groceries, it should really help me get a grip on our finances for April, which is one of MY main goals for this challenge, though I realize it's supposed to be for other consumer-ish reasons. Along that line, it will help me too, for if I see anything during April that I want, I will know that if I REALLY want it, I will remember it in May. If the more likely event happens, and I forget all about it, it was severely unnecessary.
Wish me luck. And join me, if you wish! It's only a month, you can do it!
But this is a challenge I need to join. I don't feel I've been going crazy, but I have bought quite a bit in the last few months. Most of it was and is needed, but I haven't been paying as close attention to my purchases and I should be. So this will help me do that. Here are the parts that are going to be hard, and how I'll (hopefully) solve them:
Clothes for Ben. He is growing out of all of his long sleeved stuff, but it isn't warm enough outside yet for short sleeves. However, one of the rules is that I can buy used if I really feel a need for something. So I will be going to Goodwill in the next few days to see what I can find. If I don't find anything, I'll look up other second hand stores in the area.
Various Kitchen Things I Still Want. Cloth napkins, Pyrex storage containers, new utensils. All of these things are on my mental list of things I really want, and actually will be useful. And yes, I am a snob, and don't want to buy these things at Goodwill. I realize that is illogical. I'm okay with that. So. Solution? Well, first, I do plan on getting these things. I am using this challenge primarily to force myself to start paying attention, and to start the habit of really noticing what I am buying. I know it may be cheating to simply wait until May to buy some of these things, but in that time I will be learning more about myself. Cloth napkins: we still have several rolls of paper towels, which isn't ideal, but will do. I actually will check Goodwill for cloth napkins, but I'm doubtful I will find something I want. Pyrex: I have plenty of glass jars that we've been using, and it will give me a month to see how few Pyrex containers we can get away with. I have one drawer set aside for them, and refuse to use more. New utensils. I am not being indulgent in wanting new utensils. The ones I have were cheap 7 years ago when we bought them. The handles fall off the useful ends constantly. But they still work, and will last another month, for sure.
Other than that, I think I can do it. Along with my new effort to spend around $100 a week on groceries, it should really help me get a grip on our finances for April, which is one of MY main goals for this challenge, though I realize it's supposed to be for other consumer-ish reasons. Along that line, it will help me too, for if I see anything during April that I want, I will know that if I REALLY want it, I will remember it in May. If the more likely event happens, and I forget all about it, it was severely unnecessary.
Wish me luck. And join me, if you wish! It's only a month, you can do it!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Thursday
I was reading my perfect day post, and I want to change a few things. First, I won't be going to the fitness center every morning. On mornings I don't, I will still get up at 6, but will just spend some quiet time alone - reading blogs, catching up on email, etc.
Second, I think making lunches for the next day WITH Mike would be more in line with a perfect day.
I forgot I need to go grocery shopping after picking up Kaia so she can watch Ben while I unload the groceries from the car.
After we get a second car, Mike will hopefully be taking Kaia to school. However, she has to be there between 8:15 and 8:30, and he currently starts work at about 7:45, so we'll see.
By the time I am getting this schedule working, Kaia's time to get out of school will have changed, but that's a minor detail.
On another note, Kaia and I found the Magic Tree House books website. There's a part where you can answer 3 questions about each book you read then get a "stamp" for a "passport". I wanted to test her comprehension because I wasn't sure she was really understanding what she reads. But sure enough, she got all the questions right for the books she's read! Even the book she read entirely on her own.
Not really sure what we'll do today...no plans. I am still working on Kaia's room, maybe I'll attempt to hang her curtains.
Second, I think making lunches for the next day WITH Mike would be more in line with a perfect day.
I forgot I need to go grocery shopping after picking up Kaia so she can watch Ben while I unload the groceries from the car.
After we get a second car, Mike will hopefully be taking Kaia to school. However, she has to be there between 8:15 and 8:30, and he currently starts work at about 7:45, so we'll see.
By the time I am getting this schedule working, Kaia's time to get out of school will have changed, but that's a minor detail.
On another note, Kaia and I found the Magic Tree House books website. There's a part where you can answer 3 questions about each book you read then get a "stamp" for a "passport". I wanted to test her comprehension because I wasn't sure she was really understanding what she reads. But sure enough, she got all the questions right for the books she's read! Even the book she read entirely on her own.
Not really sure what we'll do today...no plans. I am still working on Kaia's room, maybe I'll attempt to hang her curtains.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Just a Simple Wish
In an almost perfect world here is how my day would go. (in a perfect world, we'd have magic, so chores wouldn't need to be done.)
6am: Wake up cheerful and rested. Head to fitness center. Son remains blissfully asleep.
6:45: Come home, wake up daughter. Kiss husband on his way out the door, after handing him his lunch that I made the night before. Make one cup of coffee, which is a vice I do not wish to give up.
6:45-7: At some point during this time, son wakes up. I eat breakfast at table with daughter. She then begins to get ready for school. Bring son into bathroom and take quick yet invigorating shower.
7:15: Dress son in adorable, inexpensive and organic outfit (it's my dream world people, so organic isn't expensive!) Dress self in simple yet flattering, inexpensive, organic outfit.
7:30: Unload dishwasher (loaded and started the night before). Start a load of laundry. Pick up any clutter that wasn't gotten to the day before (my almost perfect world allows for a little imperfection).
8:00: Take daughter's lunch, made the night before, out of refrigerator. Gather clean and shining children. Take daughter to school.
8:15: Drop daughter off at school. Run any errands that need done- grocery shopping, etc.
9:30 or so: Go home and put son down for nap. Continue with laundry. Vacuum. Do any household chores that need done.
11:15 or so: Son wakes up from nap. Play with son, maybe go for a short walk. Eat lunch.
12:15: Go to pick up daughter from school. Stay with her while she plays on playground with friends. Chat with other parents.
1:30pm: Go home. Prepare snack for children and self.
afternoon spent with children, playing, etc. Son has another nap at some point. Possibly go to fun event.
4:30: Start delicious dinner which was planned ahead of time.
5:20: Welcome husband home with a kiss. Serve dinner.
6:00: Put away left over dinner, clean kitchen, start dishwasher.
6:30: Spend some time with family.
6:45: Give children baths. Daughter then gets ready for bed.
7:15: Read with kids. Husband then sings with kids. Put both kids to bed.
7:30: Make lunches for husband and daughter for next day. Finish cleaning kitchen if not done.
7:45: Spend time with husband. Spend some time alone.
9:00: Go to sleep. Sleep all night. Begin again.
See? I don't ask for much. Just a regular schedule that I can follow each day. I just need the energy to actually do it, and the co-operation of my son. oh yes, obviously several times during the day I'd be feeding him. I realize however that that can't be scheduled.
whoops, son is awake. I will post later how I plan to slowly start putting this plan into action!
6am: Wake up cheerful and rested. Head to fitness center. Son remains blissfully asleep.
6:45: Come home, wake up daughter. Kiss husband on his way out the door, after handing him his lunch that I made the night before. Make one cup of coffee, which is a vice I do not wish to give up.
6:45-7: At some point during this time, son wakes up. I eat breakfast at table with daughter. She then begins to get ready for school. Bring son into bathroom and take quick yet invigorating shower.
7:15: Dress son in adorable, inexpensive and organic outfit (it's my dream world people, so organic isn't expensive!) Dress self in simple yet flattering, inexpensive, organic outfit.
7:30: Unload dishwasher (loaded and started the night before). Start a load of laundry. Pick up any clutter that wasn't gotten to the day before (my almost perfect world allows for a little imperfection).
8:00: Take daughter's lunch, made the night before, out of refrigerator. Gather clean and shining children. Take daughter to school.
8:15: Drop daughter off at school. Run any errands that need done- grocery shopping, etc.
9:30 or so: Go home and put son down for nap. Continue with laundry. Vacuum. Do any household chores that need done.
11:15 or so: Son wakes up from nap. Play with son, maybe go for a short walk. Eat lunch.
12:15: Go to pick up daughter from school. Stay with her while she plays on playground with friends. Chat with other parents.
1:30pm: Go home. Prepare snack for children and self.
afternoon spent with children, playing, etc. Son has another nap at some point. Possibly go to fun event.
4:30: Start delicious dinner which was planned ahead of time.
5:20: Welcome husband home with a kiss. Serve dinner.
6:00: Put away left over dinner, clean kitchen, start dishwasher.
6:30: Spend some time with family.
6:45: Give children baths. Daughter then gets ready for bed.
7:15: Read with kids. Husband then sings with kids. Put both kids to bed.
7:30: Make lunches for husband and daughter for next day. Finish cleaning kitchen if not done.
7:45: Spend time with husband. Spend some time alone.
9:00: Go to sleep. Sleep all night. Begin again.
See? I don't ask for much. Just a regular schedule that I can follow each day. I just need the energy to actually do it, and the co-operation of my son. oh yes, obviously several times during the day I'd be feeding him. I realize however that that can't be scheduled.
whoops, son is awake. I will post later how I plan to slowly start putting this plan into action!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Yay Me!
I did it! Well, the first step anyway. sort of.
I planned dinners for the next 7 days, then made up a list. I wrote a few days ago that I am giving myself $100 a week for groceries. I'm not going to add it up as I go, but if I have extra after shopping, then I can go to the store again that week.
So we headed out to Trader Joe's this morning, clutching the list in my hand.
I did get a few extras- blueberries, babybel cheeses, and something else I can't remember. Also, I forgot pears, pineapple, and tomatoes, so need to go tonight and only get those three things.
and my total? $104!! I'm excited. This just might work.
gotta go, Ben's mad.
I planned dinners for the next 7 days, then made up a list. I wrote a few days ago that I am giving myself $100 a week for groceries. I'm not going to add it up as I go, but if I have extra after shopping, then I can go to the store again that week.
So we headed out to Trader Joe's this morning, clutching the list in my hand.
I did get a few extras- blueberries, babybel cheeses, and something else I can't remember. Also, I forgot pears, pineapple, and tomatoes, so need to go tonight and only get those three things.
and my total? $104!! I'm excited. This just might work.
gotta go, Ben's mad.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Starting Strong
The first task on my list that I am tackling is to eat everything that is currently in my cupboards. This does not mean I want - or will have - empty cupboards, but I don't like how I have canned goods and such from several months ago, just languishing there. So I marked everything with a black pen, and in the next two months I will use it ALL up. (actually, not ALL, I didn't mark things like spices or baking powder. I use those things pretty regularly anyway)
I will be grocery shopping during that time, of course, but I am going to try to only buy things on my grocery list, which will be made according to menus I plan ahead. Because I do want to have things on hand, I will buy extras of things I know I use often, such as refried beans and canned corn. But I will try my best not to buy something just because it looks tasty in the store. If I really want something, I will write it down, and incorporate it into the next week's menu. That way I know it will get used.
Today I made pancakes for my lunch using the Bisquick that's been in the cupboard since we moved here, and the frozen berries that have been in the freezer since we realized our blender is not up to making smoothies with them. Kaia also eats them in her lunch, but true to form, I bought WAY too many, and we need that freezer space.
Although I do use my spices, and didn't mark them, I do want to use them MORE. So I am also going to be looking for recipes that use more herbs and spices, instead of simply salt. Mike and I are trying to cut down on our sodium intake, as well as show Kaia how good food can taste even without it.
Wish me luck! And if you know of anything I can do with canned kidney beans, please let me know....
I will be grocery shopping during that time, of course, but I am going to try to only buy things on my grocery list, which will be made according to menus I plan ahead. Because I do want to have things on hand, I will buy extras of things I know I use often, such as refried beans and canned corn. But I will try my best not to buy something just because it looks tasty in the store. If I really want something, I will write it down, and incorporate it into the next week's menu. That way I know it will get used.
Today I made pancakes for my lunch using the Bisquick that's been in the cupboard since we moved here, and the frozen berries that have been in the freezer since we realized our blender is not up to making smoothies with them. Kaia also eats them in her lunch, but true to form, I bought WAY too many, and we need that freezer space.
Although I do use my spices, and didn't mark them, I do want to use them MORE. So I am also going to be looking for recipes that use more herbs and spices, instead of simply salt. Mike and I are trying to cut down on our sodium intake, as well as show Kaia how good food can taste even without it.
Wish me luck! And if you know of anything I can do with canned kidney beans, please let me know....
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
In Which I Make Yet Another Plan
Did you notice my list on the left?! It's not in it's own post so that I'll remember to actually DO it! I got the idea from Zoot and took a few of the ideas from her list and others I read. Most of them I thought up on my own. Here is what it is....
The Mission:Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
Start Date: March 5th, 2007
End Date: December 1st, 2010
1001 days
143 weeks
33 months
Anyone who wants to join me (with or without blogging about it), I'd love to see your lists! I'll be blogging about each task after it's finished.
The Mission:Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
Start Date: March 5th, 2007
End Date: December 1st, 2010
1001 days
143 weeks
33 months
Anyone who wants to join me (with or without blogging about it), I'd love to see your lists! I'll be blogging about each task after it's finished.
Monday, February 25, 2008
In Which I Show Some Oddness
Someone who reads my blog recently told me that they (using "they" incorrectly so as not to use "he" or "she". sorry) wished they were happy all the time, like me. I was shocked, and assured them (you know what? Let's just call this person "Z".) So, I assured Z that I wasn't always happy, and had my bad days too. Z said that on my blog, I always write so positively, so happily about my day to day stuff. So, to keep it real, and to make Z feel better, I want to make something very clear.
I have bad days. I have nights where I cry in the bath (those aren't often). I have mornings where I am pissed off at various people and yell at them in my head. I have evenings when I really want someone to just come take these children somewhere for the night so I can SLEEP ALL NIGHT and maybe even late into the morning! I get irritated about my housework, husband, kids, parents, other friends and relatives.
There are two reasons why I don't talk much about all that here, other than a rant occasionally. The first one is that most of them read this blog, and I don't want to make our issues public, or I might not even really feel I want to get into it with them.
The second is the most important. I really feel that I create my reality. My thoughts and words move out into the universe and solidify, surrounding me with the colors and feelings of themselves. If I yell and bitch and whine all the time, the universe (through me) will only create more things to yell and bitch and whine about. If I smile, and laugh, and love those around me, that is also magnified.
Wait a minute before you hate me and think I'm all sanctimonious. I DO yell and bitch and whine. trust me, I DO. But when I can, and were I can (this blog) I TRY to limit it. I try to help the universe help me. I am getting better and better at it. I KNOW how lucky I am. I have a husband who loves me and our children. I have family and friends who have my back. I have two kids who are happy and healthy and growing.
and, Z...don't worry...it WILL get better. You're strong. And yo u have a happy Z inside you just waiting to break free and sing show tunes! or something.
I have bad days. I have nights where I cry in the bath (those aren't often). I have mornings where I am pissed off at various people and yell at them in my head. I have evenings when I really want someone to just come take these children somewhere for the night so I can SLEEP ALL NIGHT and maybe even late into the morning! I get irritated about my housework, husband, kids, parents, other friends and relatives.
There are two reasons why I don't talk much about all that here, other than a rant occasionally. The first one is that most of them read this blog, and I don't want to make our issues public, or I might not even really feel I want to get into it with them.
The second is the most important. I really feel that I create my reality. My thoughts and words move out into the universe and solidify, surrounding me with the colors and feelings of themselves. If I yell and bitch and whine all the time, the universe (through me) will only create more things to yell and bitch and whine about. If I smile, and laugh, and love those around me, that is also magnified.
Wait a minute before you hate me and think I'm all sanctimonious. I DO yell and bitch and whine. trust me, I DO. But when I can, and were I can (this blog) I TRY to limit it. I try to help the universe help me. I am getting better and better at it. I KNOW how lucky I am. I have a husband who loves me and our children. I have family and friends who have my back. I have two kids who are happy and healthy and growing.
and, Z...don't worry...it WILL get better. You're strong. And yo u have a happy Z inside you just waiting to break free and sing show tunes! or something.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
making plans
Please excuse the meandering of the following post.......thank you.
I've created a one-year budget for us after we move. We will finally have some money to do some things, but first up is paying off debt. Thanks to my mom, we have NO school loans, but we do have other bills. We owe my mom a fair amount, but that will be the last chunk of debt paid off, as she would prefer we pay off interest debt first.
My Uncle Chris lent us another fair amount (though less) to move with, and that repayment will be started in May 2008 and paid off sometime the following year, 2009. The first bills we will pay off will be from Ben's birth, about $2000 total (after insurance paid 80%!). Then the MasterCard will be sent serious payments ($200-$400 per month) until paid off, probably by the first few months of 2009. Then we will start paying my mom back.
Rounding up, (possibly by a few thousand, not totally sure) we have a total of about 16 grand to pay off, and how awesome is it that ALL of it will be done by the end of 2009?
Plans for right after we move include making wills and getting life insurance for both of us. We will be immediately contributing to Mike's 401-k so we don't get used to that money, so our retirement plans can get back on track. The kids' college funds will have to wait until after debt is paid off, but then we can start putting several hundred a year into each of those.
We may, I'm not sure, have the Toyota paid off by the end of 2009 too, but at some point during that year I'm hoping to get a different car (Mike might keep the Toyota, he's not sure). Not a new one, but hopefully one that only 1-3 years old.
For the next year, we will each have a small monthly allowance so we can have some fun :-)! I will be taking that out in cash at the beginning of each month, and not carrying my debit card or checkbook around with me, to curb spending. I will be paying for groceries with cash too, and sticking to a set amount each month. Right now that amount is $400, but that may have to change.
One thing we are considering to reward ourselves for the hard work we've done these past three years, is getting iPods with one of his first checks. Not the most expensive ones by a long shot, but just something that says "We DID IT!!!" Then the budget can be followed from then on.
I'm trying to think of something I can do, that doesn't cost money obviously, for following the budget each month. I know it's going to be hard for me, but I really want to reach that zero debt mark. Mike really wants to be out of renting in a couple years, and I don't want to buy until we are in a really good place, financially, for that. Any extra money at the end of each month is going to be rolled over into a savings account, and I need something to motivate me not to touch it! ANY IDEAS?!?!
To keep from getting bored, I am already putting plans into place for activities the kids and I can do while Mike is at work. Kaia will be getting out of school at 12:30 each day. I have found some moms' groups I am going to try out.
On Saturdays, there is a Zen meditation group I am hoping will be really cool. I asked Mike about it and he is happy to give me those mornings if it turns out to be something I enjoy.
Wednesdays I am going to take the kids to the library, and Mondays will will go grocery shopping.
Mike will have every other Friday off, and we have already decided to see if we like the zoo and the aquarium enough to get year long memberships to them. (with each of those, 3 visits per year will make a membership worth the cost)
During the summer, I am going to sign Kaia up for swimming lessons, and since Ben will be over six months old, he and I can do a babies and mom's swimming time.
I am going to ask Mike's step mom to show me the ropes for ebay-ing. She and Mike's father were really good at it, and made quite a bit of money. She stopped after Bill's death, but she is getting back into it now, and Mike and I think that would be something fun I could start doing, to make money (hopefully!) and to occupy my time. So during the summer we'll be going to a lot of yard sales!
I'm excited to show Kaia the space needle, and I know I'll find lots of other fun stuff (like Pike Place Market!) in Seattle, as well as the town we'll live in, to do. My aunt and uncle live only 30 minutes away from us, so we'll be spending lots of time with them too!
wow. okay, that's enough babbling for now.
I've created a one-year budget for us after we move. We will finally have some money to do some things, but first up is paying off debt. Thanks to my mom, we have NO school loans, but we do have other bills. We owe my mom a fair amount, but that will be the last chunk of debt paid off, as she would prefer we pay off interest debt first.
My Uncle Chris lent us another fair amount (though less) to move with, and that repayment will be started in May 2008 and paid off sometime the following year, 2009. The first bills we will pay off will be from Ben's birth, about $2000 total (after insurance paid 80%!). Then the MasterCard will be sent serious payments ($200-$400 per month) until paid off, probably by the first few months of 2009. Then we will start paying my mom back.
Rounding up, (possibly by a few thousand, not totally sure) we have a total of about 16 grand to pay off, and how awesome is it that ALL of it will be done by the end of 2009?
Plans for right after we move include making wills and getting life insurance for both of us. We will be immediately contributing to Mike's 401-k so we don't get used to that money, so our retirement plans can get back on track. The kids' college funds will have to wait until after debt is paid off, but then we can start putting several hundred a year into each of those.
We may, I'm not sure, have the Toyota paid off by the end of 2009 too, but at some point during that year I'm hoping to get a different car (Mike might keep the Toyota, he's not sure). Not a new one, but hopefully one that only 1-3 years old.
For the next year, we will each have a small monthly allowance so we can have some fun :-)! I will be taking that out in cash at the beginning of each month, and not carrying my debit card or checkbook around with me, to curb spending. I will be paying for groceries with cash too, and sticking to a set amount each month. Right now that amount is $400, but that may have to change.
One thing we are considering to reward ourselves for the hard work we've done these past three years, is getting iPods with one of his first checks. Not the most expensive ones by a long shot, but just something that says "We DID IT!!!" Then the budget can be followed from then on.
I'm trying to think of something I can do, that doesn't cost money obviously, for following the budget each month. I know it's going to be hard for me, but I really want to reach that zero debt mark. Mike really wants to be out of renting in a couple years, and I don't want to buy until we are in a really good place, financially, for that. Any extra money at the end of each month is going to be rolled over into a savings account, and I need something to motivate me not to touch it! ANY IDEAS?!?!
To keep from getting bored, I am already putting plans into place for activities the kids and I can do while Mike is at work. Kaia will be getting out of school at 12:30 each day. I have found some moms' groups I am going to try out.
On Saturdays, there is a Zen meditation group I am hoping will be really cool. I asked Mike about it and he is happy to give me those mornings if it turns out to be something I enjoy.
Wednesdays I am going to take the kids to the library, and Mondays will will go grocery shopping.
Mike will have every other Friday off, and we have already decided to see if we like the zoo and the aquarium enough to get year long memberships to them. (with each of those, 3 visits per year will make a membership worth the cost)
During the summer, I am going to sign Kaia up for swimming lessons, and since Ben will be over six months old, he and I can do a babies and mom's swimming time.
I am going to ask Mike's step mom to show me the ropes for ebay-ing. She and Mike's father were really good at it, and made quite a bit of money. She stopped after Bill's death, but she is getting back into it now, and Mike and I think that would be something fun I could start doing, to make money (hopefully!) and to occupy my time. So during the summer we'll be going to a lot of yard sales!
I'm excited to show Kaia the space needle, and I know I'll find lots of other fun stuff (like Pike Place Market!) in Seattle, as well as the town we'll live in, to do. My aunt and uncle live only 30 minutes away from us, so we'll be spending lots of time with them too!
wow. okay, that's enough babbling for now.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
baby steps...
My propensity for making new goals, then completely forgetting about them is known. So I haven't really posted anything about the new things I've been doing in my quest to live a little more Green. (I just found that website, actually....gonna look more into it.)
But I've actually followed through on some things for this goal, so thought it was time to talk a bit about it. Also, Ben is asleep and I want a reason not to have to get up and do dishes....
SO!
First--Andrea and I found these bags for $1 each, and I bought five to use instead of grocery bags.
But I've actually followed through on some things for this goal, so thought it was time to talk a bit about it. Also, Ben is asleep and I want a reason not to have to get up and do dishes....
SO!
First--Andrea and I found these bags for $1 each, and I bought five to use instead of grocery bags.
I confess I have forgotten them occasionally...but I am getting better!Second, I used money sent by my grandmother -she wanted me to get a diaper service. While I appreciate the gesture, I am not a cloth diaper sort of person. However, I do care that (did you know this?!) diapers take 500 years to decompose. This means every diaper EVER made is still in existence, and will be for hundreds of years more. I thought about going cloth for about 2.5 seconds, but sadly, it is not for me. However! I discovered g diapers ! So I used the money to buy the initial supplies and a bunch of liners for those. The liners break down completely in very little time, OR, you can flush them! Right now I am still using disposable diapers when I go out, but after I am used to using the g diapers, will exclusively use those.
Third, I am switching over to using natural products for household cleaning. After I move, I plan to use vinegar, baking soda and lemon for most of my cleaning needs. (does Costco sell those things in bulk? anyone know?) I will be taking my chemical cleansers to the waste disposal at the dump so they can dispose of them safely and NOT buying any more!
I am also trying to use more natural products for everything else...food, shampoo, etc. many natural products still have things that aren't good, such as parabens, but I'm doing my best to pay attention to what I put on or in my body!
There will be other ways I go more environmentally safe, will go into details later! Ben's awake....
Sunday, November 11, 2007
no really, THIS time I'll actually do it!*
have I ever mentioned my lack of follow-through-ed-ness? No? But you know anyway? How'd you guess? oh....the DOZENS of posts that start "I have a new goal!!" then you never hear about how it went? that's cause it didn't. Went. Go. whatever.
I really mean to follow through on things. I have gads of enthusiasm for everything I start. then....
It's not that I am flaky. Well, obviously I am, but not deep down. I am actually quite a reliable person when it's important.
I don't lose interest....I don't get frustrated. I FORGET. out and out, complete amnesia. someone will bring up a goal..."so, how're the simplicity lessons going?" and I will look at them, blankly at first. then it will hit me what the hell they are talking about. "OH!!! RIGHT!!!" I will shriek, making them regret mentioning anything. "umm...yeah....well....I forgot...."
"Oh..." they will say. "You seemed so enthusiastic about it."
"Yeah....I was....I mean am....well...yeah...." I will lamely mutter.
I would prefer to think of it as an endearing quirk than a horribly annoying fault. I guess that depends on how much you love me, eh?
*can't you just smell the sarcasm?!
I really mean to follow through on things. I have gads of enthusiasm for everything I start. then....
It's not that I am flaky. Well, obviously I am, but not deep down. I am actually quite a reliable person when it's important.
I don't lose interest....I don't get frustrated. I FORGET. out and out, complete amnesia. someone will bring up a goal..."so, how're the simplicity lessons going?" and I will look at them, blankly at first. then it will hit me what the hell they are talking about. "OH!!! RIGHT!!!" I will shriek, making them regret mentioning anything. "umm...yeah....well....I forgot...."
"Oh..." they will say. "You seemed so enthusiastic about it."
"Yeah....I was....I mean am....well...yeah...." I will lamely mutter.
I would prefer to think of it as an endearing quirk than a horribly annoying fault. I guess that depends on how much you love me, eh?
*can't you just smell the sarcasm?!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
A new endeavor...wish me luck
made a couple changes....mainly added a few more blogs to the Blogs I Love part...so check them out! Also cleaned up my categories a bit...though it probably doesn't show.
I'm going to sign up for NaBloPoMo....National Blog Posting Month...which is November. All I have to agree to do is post every day for November! Gonna be difficult, but for some reason sounds right. Will readdress some old goals, and possibly make some new ones.
Ben was restless last night..didn't sleep until around 1:30-ugh! We fed him his first bottle of formula mixed with breast milk in the late afternoon. He took right to the bottle, and didn't seem at all confused when I fed him again later. We will probably feed him by bottle once a day, just to make sure he stays okay with it. In a few days, we'll let Kaia feed him it! She pretty excited about that. Oh, and I don't think the formula was what made him restless...he slept well after drinking it, and he gets restless in the early part of the night often. Not enough to really call it colic, but enough to be a bit stressful for all involved. Got some gas pills by Hyland's, and they seem to work.
Was going to post a picture Kaia drew of our new four-member family, but Blogger still won't let me....
I'm going to sign up for NaBloPoMo....National Blog Posting Month...which is November. All I have to agree to do is post every day for November! Gonna be difficult, but for some reason sounds right. Will readdress some old goals, and possibly make some new ones.
Ben was restless last night..didn't sleep until around 1:30-ugh! We fed him his first bottle of formula mixed with breast milk in the late afternoon. He took right to the bottle, and didn't seem at all confused when I fed him again later. We will probably feed him by bottle once a day, just to make sure he stays okay with it. In a few days, we'll let Kaia feed him it! She pretty excited about that. Oh, and I don't think the formula was what made him restless...he slept well after drinking it, and he gets restless in the early part of the night often. Not enough to really call it colic, but enough to be a bit stressful for all involved. Got some gas pills by Hyland's, and they seem to work.
Was going to post a picture Kaia drew of our new four-member family, but Blogger still won't let me....
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Another cleaning endeavor
My god. I swear, sometimes I have no idea what is going on in my brain!
Last night Mike and I decided to clean out the storage closet that is off of our dining room. It's a long closet about 8-10 feet long by about 3 feet deep. On both ends are shelves, one side of which we use as a pantry.
This closet was FULL. We had computer stuff, scrap booking stuff, craft, music, sewing stuff, gift wrap, decorations, party supplies, baby stuff, kid stuff, you name it, it was in there.
Now here's the interesting part. We've gone through this stuff 3 or 4 times since we've lived here. However, last night we ended up with
SEVEN bags to go to goodwill and
OVER FIVE BAGS of garbage!! GARBAGE BAGS, people!
Why did we have all that crap?! Why did I feel the need to keep it? I am so glad to get rid of so much!
If I had known how much we'd be getting rid of, I would have taken a before picture!
Last night Mike and I decided to clean out the storage closet that is off of our dining room. It's a long closet about 8-10 feet long by about 3 feet deep. On both ends are shelves, one side of which we use as a pantry.
This closet was FULL. We had computer stuff, scrap booking stuff, craft, music, sewing stuff, gift wrap, decorations, party supplies, baby stuff, kid stuff, you name it, it was in there.
Now here's the interesting part. We've gone through this stuff 3 or 4 times since we've lived here. However, last night we ended up with
SEVEN bags to go to goodwill and
OVER FIVE BAGS of garbage!! GARBAGE BAGS, people!
Why did we have all that crap?! Why did I feel the need to keep it? I am so glad to get rid of so much!
If I had known how much we'd be getting rid of, I would have taken a before picture!
Friday, July 06, 2007
Flylady.net ROCKS
My first full week of doing Flylady.net stuff is complete. Here are the results!
Usually, on Friday, I start thinking about what I need to do Saturday. It usually consists of HOURS of cleaning. Dishes, ALL the laundry from the week, picking up the chaos in the living room, scrubbing the bathroom, making Kaia clean her room, and any other cleaning thing I have energy for.
NOT THIS WEEK!
Throughout the past week, I've being doing my Morning Routine, which includes Swish and Swipe (more on that in a minute), and putting away dishes. It also includes putting a load of laundry in the washer if there's a full load dirty. I also pick up the living room, which takes about 2 seconds.
Swish and Swipe is this: Every morning after I am done in the bathroom, I grab a washcloth. Under my sink I keep a bottle of homemade glass cleaner. I spray a bit on my cloth and get the dirty spots on my mirror. I do not clean the whole mirror. Then I spray down the counter a bit and just swipe the main areas. I don't do an in depth scrub. With the now damp-with-cleaner cloth, I go to the toilet and wipe down the outside of the toilet, again quickly, not worrying about being perfect. Then I drop a bit of body wash on my toilet brush and sswish it around in the toilet bowl. I throw the cloth in the laundry, and I am done! My bathroom looks clean, and I have spent maybe 4 minutes total on it.
Evening Routine includes putting washed laundry in dryer, then putting away the clean clothes, picking up living room, and doing the day's dishes. Mike has been doing this with me, and it's a wonderful time to talk with my husband about our day! Wiping off the kitchen counters is included in that.
My house is not PERFECT, but it is FAR cleaner than usual, and I realized this morning that I have maybe an hour of work tomorrow, and that will be used to do things I don't always do, such as vacuum and dust! My bathroom is fine, and my kitchen is clean, dishes done. Laundry has been done all week, so only have to do my usual Morning Routine there.
I love it. Mike loves it. Kaia isn't living in chaos, and now I can enjoy my Saturday!
I haven't been doing ALL of the things Flylady suggests. I have been taking Baby Steps, and not trying to be perfect, which is what she teaches. I am slowly trying to add new habits instead of changing up my whole system at once and getting overwhelmed.
I am finally feeling successful at a cleaning goal!
Usually, on Friday, I start thinking about what I need to do Saturday. It usually consists of HOURS of cleaning. Dishes, ALL the laundry from the week, picking up the chaos in the living room, scrubbing the bathroom, making Kaia clean her room, and any other cleaning thing I have energy for.
NOT THIS WEEK!
Throughout the past week, I've being doing my Morning Routine, which includes Swish and Swipe (more on that in a minute), and putting away dishes. It also includes putting a load of laundry in the washer if there's a full load dirty. I also pick up the living room, which takes about 2 seconds.
Swish and Swipe is this: Every morning after I am done in the bathroom, I grab a washcloth. Under my sink I keep a bottle of homemade glass cleaner. I spray a bit on my cloth and get the dirty spots on my mirror. I do not clean the whole mirror. Then I spray down the counter a bit and just swipe the main areas. I don't do an in depth scrub. With the now damp-with-cleaner cloth, I go to the toilet and wipe down the outside of the toilet, again quickly, not worrying about being perfect. Then I drop a bit of body wash on my toilet brush and sswish it around in the toilet bowl. I throw the cloth in the laundry, and I am done! My bathroom looks clean, and I have spent maybe 4 minutes total on it.
Evening Routine includes putting washed laundry in dryer, then putting away the clean clothes, picking up living room, and doing the day's dishes. Mike has been doing this with me, and it's a wonderful time to talk with my husband about our day! Wiping off the kitchen counters is included in that.
My house is not PERFECT, but it is FAR cleaner than usual, and I realized this morning that I have maybe an hour of work tomorrow, and that will be used to do things I don't always do, such as vacuum and dust! My bathroom is fine, and my kitchen is clean, dishes done. Laundry has been done all week, so only have to do my usual Morning Routine there.
I love it. Mike loves it. Kaia isn't living in chaos, and now I can enjoy my Saturday!
I haven't been doing ALL of the things Flylady suggests. I have been taking Baby Steps, and not trying to be perfect, which is what she teaches. I am slowly trying to add new habits instead of changing up my whole system at once and getting overwhelmed.
I am finally feeling successful at a cleaning goal!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
More house cleaning project pictures
Before and After shots of front closet.....
More Before and After shots of front closet.....
Here is a picture I meant to post yesterday, but forgot. This is another view of my living room now. I unfortunately don't have a Before...not sure why!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Stage Two Pictures
Here is the Before and After of one of the bookshelves. I just look around and grin.
And the Before and After of one of the walls in my living room. I moved Kaia's toy kitchen into the living room because Mike HATED it where it was. I can't wait for them to get home! He's going to be so surprised!! :-)
More to come.....
Flylady.net--not about insects!
Yes, another effort at keeping my house clean...this time I've joined an online thing.
http://www.flylady.net/index.asp
You get an email each day telling you what your task is during the first month, taking Baby Steps! It helps you set a routine up that works for you, and helps you keep it.
Wish me luck!
http://www.flylady.net/index.asp
You get an email each day telling you what your task is during the first month, taking Baby Steps! It helps you set a routine up that works for you, and helps you keep it.
Wish me luck!
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