Right in the middle of watching "Whose Line Is It, Anyway?" with the teenager, the TV went black and made a little zap noise. It's dead. Even though the title of thist post is about the TV dying, the post is actually about why I'm not freaking out about the TV dying, a really cool feeling actually. I have to thank Dave Ramsey because without his plan to financial freedom, I would have whipped out a credit card to fix everything this last month, and I'd be worrying how to pay it next month. Instead, I checked my checkbook and the only thing I have to think about is where to find a good deal on a good TV that I will buy with cash.
#1 - The TV is 13 years old - it's ancient, right? It's 25" - tiny compared to today's TV standards. I bought it in January 1998 when I got my dinky little apartment in Orange County for me and the now teenager. It was my first major purchase - about $200. I had ordered it from Penney's and used my charge card. I don't know how long it actually took me to pay it off or how much I actually ended up paying. But it was "my" TV - I felt very grown up when I bought it. I knew it wouldn't last forever; therefore, there is no need to freak out that it died. Instead, I laughed.
#2 - H is getting a bonus. So H works A TON, which means he is working A TON of hours that can billed to the company's client, which means that he makes the company a profit and he gets a percentage, albeit a small one, of that profit, which becomes a bonus that pays out over a quarter. Yep, bonus = extra money for crazy stuff like the TV dying = I am not freaking out.
#3 - We have an emergency fund. Does a new TV count as an emergency? Even if H didn't have a bonus, we have an emergency fund, but I am trying to figure out if this counts. Probably not. But, considering that we've have some actual emergencies this month, the emergency fund does cover those (see #4 for the list), so there is money for a new TV! See, no need to freak out here!
#4 - This is the way the past month has been going. Brakes for the SUV = $384. H's computer repair = $180. Heater repair = $184. Dishwasher repair = $194. A grand total of $942 in "extra" spending since mid-November. Really, I am so not surprised that the TV died. It was inevitable that something major would happen after I've already forked out nearly $1000 to keep things running. Really, all I can do is keep laughing. This is funny stuff, right?
Oh did I mention that the Wii is acting up? I am not dealing with that 'til next year....
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Ch-ch-ch-changes....
Here we go - time to make another change in my life!
Remember last year when I was SO excited that I was doing SO much teaching? (need a refresher - go here) Well, that wore off. I am not against working hard, but crap, grading essays is harder than hard. It takes a lot of hours to grade a stack of essays. If they're written well, it's not too bad. But more often that not, the majority of the essays are poorly written, and those take much longer to grade. Of course, then there are the cheaters. It takes time running the document through Turnitin, tracking down original sources to compile the evidence, and finally reporting the student to the program director or dean. And once I've caught a cheater, I'm so mad that I have to stop grading for a while. The process takes up a good chunk of one weekend day for one class. I had 4. Essays have been consuming my life.
But no more! I still have 2 classes at the local community, but I am taking time off from the business school to get control over my own life again. I get to be home and take care of my house again. Actually fold the laundry and put it away, not just toss it on the living room floor. Clean up the piles of various school-related papers that have been accumulately for 2 years (can I finally get them organized? O.M.G!). Do some home improvement projects, plan a garage sale, cook real meals! There is so much I can do now that there will be time! I also get to be home and take care of me again. Anyone want to get to the gym with me?! I've got to get back in the pool. I can take time to plan menus and cook healthy meals. I can go for walks. All without feeling guilty that I should be grading.... Last, but certainly not least, I get to be home to spend time with the family. Arts and crafts with the little princess. Movies with the teenager. Date night?!?!?!?!? Is it really possible?
I will have TIME. Can anyone ask for anything better?
(I have to give so very much gratitude to my wonderful significant other who provides for this family, sometimes being away days or weeks at a time. Without him, this change would not be possible. Thanks, honey!)
Remember last year when I was SO excited that I was doing SO much teaching? (need a refresher - go here) Well, that wore off. I am not against working hard, but crap, grading essays is harder than hard. It takes a lot of hours to grade a stack of essays. If they're written well, it's not too bad. But more often that not, the majority of the essays are poorly written, and those take much longer to grade. Of course, then there are the cheaters. It takes time running the document through Turnitin, tracking down original sources to compile the evidence, and finally reporting the student to the program director or dean. And once I've caught a cheater, I'm so mad that I have to stop grading for a while. The process takes up a good chunk of one weekend day for one class. I had 4. Essays have been consuming my life.
But no more! I still have 2 classes at the local community, but I am taking time off from the business school to get control over my own life again. I get to be home and take care of my house again. Actually fold the laundry and put it away, not just toss it on the living room floor. Clean up the piles of various school-related papers that have been accumulately for 2 years (can I finally get them organized? O.M.G!). Do some home improvement projects, plan a garage sale, cook real meals! There is so much I can do now that there will be time! I also get to be home and take care of me again. Anyone want to get to the gym with me?! I've got to get back in the pool. I can take time to plan menus and cook healthy meals. I can go for walks. All without feeling guilty that I should be grading.... Last, but certainly not least, I get to be home to spend time with the family. Arts and crafts with the little princess. Movies with the teenager. Date night?!?!?!?!? Is it really possible?
I will have TIME. Can anyone ask for anything better?
(I have to give so very much gratitude to my wonderful significant other who provides for this family, sometimes being away days or weeks at a time. Without him, this change would not be possible. Thanks, honey!)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
When I did this last time....
I recently revisited my first Weight Watchers experience in 2004 to give myself a reminder that it CAN be done. I went back in November of last year, and I've been struggling every single day since. Ok, maybe not every day; some days I completely ignore the fact that I should watch what I eat. For the most part, though, it's there, in the back of mind, nagging and bitching at me: "Don't eat that! Ugh, you know better. What's wrong with you?"
So, back to 2004. I started at the end of August and a week later, my dad passed away. My emotions were all over the place, and I had school that I needed to concentrate on. I felt like I couldn't control anything, but I could control food. I was focused, super intense on tracking everything I ate and sticking to my points every day. Obviously, the plan worked. In 18 weeks, I lost 25 pounds. During those 18 weeks, I maintained in Week 4, gained 0.2 in Week 6, gained 0.8 in Week 8, and gained 0.8 in Week 15. Seriously - I lost weight in 14 of those 18 weeks to the tune of 25 pounds. That's awesome. By August of 2005, after one year on Weight Watchers, I had lost 44 pounds. I looked and felt better than I had in about 10 years.
Flashforward to September 2011. I have now been back on the plan since November 29 - 41.29 weeks (thanks WolframAlpha). I have managed, barely, to keep off 2.2 pounds. Are you fucking kidding me? And there I am in my head, wondering every day what my problem is. What is so different this time that I can't seem to focus for more than 2 consecutive days?
Epiphany. It came in the past couple weeks. If you've been reading, a recent post detailed my unhappiness with one of my jobs. Once I made the decision to not teach there in the coming term, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. Part of the conflict was not wanting to disappoint my supervisor, a woman whom I respect and enjoy spending time with outside of work. But I also knew that if I didn't take time for me, I was on a fast track to serious burnout. I really need to work on me.
I was reminded last week by my Weight Watchers leader that when I lost the weight in 2004, I was a single mom going to school and working part time. Life was mellower then - my responsibilities were limited to caring for one kid, passing my classes, and getting work on time. Truly, life was much easier then. Now, I have two kids, a significant other who spends significant time working out of town, a full-time plus workload teaching writing between two schools, a volunteer position with a local group, and various on-the-side business ventures. Yeah, just a little busier than before. Duh, and I wonder why I have no time for me. I'm always doing other things - I'm low on the list.
But no more. When I did this last time, I made ME a priority. It's time to put ME first again.
So, back to 2004. I started at the end of August and a week later, my dad passed away. My emotions were all over the place, and I had school that I needed to concentrate on. I felt like I couldn't control anything, but I could control food. I was focused, super intense on tracking everything I ate and sticking to my points every day. Obviously, the plan worked. In 18 weeks, I lost 25 pounds. During those 18 weeks, I maintained in Week 4, gained 0.2 in Week 6, gained 0.8 in Week 8, and gained 0.8 in Week 15. Seriously - I lost weight in 14 of those 18 weeks to the tune of 25 pounds. That's awesome. By August of 2005, after one year on Weight Watchers, I had lost 44 pounds. I looked and felt better than I had in about 10 years.
Flashforward to September 2011. I have now been back on the plan since November 29 - 41.29 weeks (thanks WolframAlpha). I have managed, barely, to keep off 2.2 pounds. Are you fucking kidding me? And there I am in my head, wondering every day what my problem is. What is so different this time that I can't seem to focus for more than 2 consecutive days?
Epiphany. It came in the past couple weeks. If you've been reading, a recent post detailed my unhappiness with one of my jobs. Once I made the decision to not teach there in the coming term, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. Part of the conflict was not wanting to disappoint my supervisor, a woman whom I respect and enjoy spending time with outside of work. But I also knew that if I didn't take time for me, I was on a fast track to serious burnout. I really need to work on me.
I was reminded last week by my Weight Watchers leader that when I lost the weight in 2004, I was a single mom going to school and working part time. Life was mellower then - my responsibilities were limited to caring for one kid, passing my classes, and getting work on time. Truly, life was much easier then. Now, I have two kids, a significant other who spends significant time working out of town, a full-time plus workload teaching writing between two schools, a volunteer position with a local group, and various on-the-side business ventures. Yeah, just a little busier than before. Duh, and I wonder why I have no time for me. I'm always doing other things - I'm low on the list.
But no more. When I did this last time, I made ME a priority. It's time to put ME first again.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Open Window
I'm at peace with where my life is at the moment. I had to make a tough decision, but once I did, everything else seemed to fall into place. It's a great feeling, but not anything that I can put into words, so I've borrowed some pictures from the internet to show you. Enjoy!
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| http://myartlessonplans.com/ |
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| http://wallpapers.free-review.net/42__Spring_Blossoms.htm |
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| http://www.taltopia.com/view/177265/ |
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http://www.arthit.ru/abstract/0079/abstract-art-18.html |
Monday, September 5, 2011
Grading ... Not Grading
I am supposed to be grading. It feels like I'm always supposed to be grading. Yes, I knew this was going to be part of the job going in, but I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined the sheer tedium of grading essays into which virtually no effort has been put.
I have ranted about students and grading before (here and here), but the apathy appears to be getting worse. Either that, or I am getting more and more bitchy and sensitive about the students' lack of care.
To top it off, at one of the schools where I teach, there is a culture of doing more to make the students happy, rather than put the burden of educational responsibility where it belongs - on the students themselves. How are we teaching them to survive in the real world if we continuously pander to their dependence? My teenager is more independent than more than half the students who come into my classroom. He know that excuses don't fly, so don't even try. He could teach my students a thing or two about taking responsibility, but they wouldn't hear it.
School can be a fun and exciting time, but the majority of the time spent in school is time spent working, including approximately 2-3 hours of work outside of class for each hour spent in. Many students don't do the work for reasons unknown to me. It could be that they're lazy, they forgot, or they just don't bother (I'm leaning toward the last). Am I not supposed to assign work outside of class now? I can just see it: "Students are unhappy with completing homework outside of class; therefore, we have decided that all work must be completed in class, so students are free to party and not think about school once they leave every day." This is not outside of the realm of possibility: students were just given equal parking rights. If you're an adjunct instructor with classes later in the day, you get to park in the back of the lot. Hope you didn't piss off any students today, or you might end up with a keyed door.
The whole thing has made me a bit bitter about my chosen profession. Yes, I entered into this career knowing that I had to do the dirty work, but I didn't foresee the politics involved in making sure students are happy so that they stay enrolled, rather than focusing my energy on those students who give a shit about learning something, about bettering themselves to get that better job, about learning for the sake of gaining knowledge about the world. Why do I have to spend my and my family's time putting energy into something that so blatantly doesn't deserve it? Maybe I'll start using this method to grade essays from now on (he uses exams, but I think the principle will hold): Guide to Grading Exams.
I just now realized that my blue pen and correction tape match, as do the grey pen and stapler - that was totally not planned. I'll try to take that as the silver lining to this cloud. Maybe it will spur me to continue grading.....
I have ranted about students and grading before (here and here), but the apathy appears to be getting worse. Either that, or I am getting more and more bitchy and sensitive about the students' lack of care.
To top it off, at one of the schools where I teach, there is a culture of doing more to make the students happy, rather than put the burden of educational responsibility where it belongs - on the students themselves. How are we teaching them to survive in the real world if we continuously pander to their dependence? My teenager is more independent than more than half the students who come into my classroom. He know that excuses don't fly, so don't even try. He could teach my students a thing or two about taking responsibility, but they wouldn't hear it.
School can be a fun and exciting time, but the majority of the time spent in school is time spent working, including approximately 2-3 hours of work outside of class for each hour spent in. Many students don't do the work for reasons unknown to me. It could be that they're lazy, they forgot, or they just don't bother (I'm leaning toward the last). Am I not supposed to assign work outside of class now? I can just see it: "Students are unhappy with completing homework outside of class; therefore, we have decided that all work must be completed in class, so students are free to party and not think about school once they leave every day." This is not outside of the realm of possibility: students were just given equal parking rights. If you're an adjunct instructor with classes later in the day, you get to park in the back of the lot. Hope you didn't piss off any students today, or you might end up with a keyed door.
The whole thing has made me a bit bitter about my chosen profession. Yes, I entered into this career knowing that I had to do the dirty work, but I didn't foresee the politics involved in making sure students are happy so that they stay enrolled, rather than focusing my energy on those students who give a shit about learning something, about bettering themselves to get that better job, about learning for the sake of gaining knowledge about the world. Why do I have to spend my and my family's time putting energy into something that so blatantly doesn't deserve it? Maybe I'll start using this method to grade essays from now on (he uses exams, but I think the principle will hold): Guide to Grading Exams.
I just now realized that my blue pen and correction tape match, as do the grey pen and stapler - that was totally not planned. I'll try to take that as the silver lining to this cloud. Maybe it will spur me to continue grading.....
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Law Abiding Citizen
So, those who know me know that I follow most rules. I don't want to get into a whole social, political, or philosophical discussion about it, but suffice it to say that I think there are rules/laws that are ridiculous, and I don't feel any remorse for not following them, like these Fresno gems:
Thank you, Mr. Highway Patrol, for giving me a story to tell my students to explain why I was late to class this morning.
- Skipping rocks in a city park is not allowed (full text here)
- No one may annoy a lizard in a city park (full text here)
Thank you, Mr. Highway Patrol, for giving me a story to tell my students to explain why I was late to class this morning.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sunday Morning Ritual
I am a creature of habit. Quite often, I stick to an unwavering routine, though I'm not against change, especially when it's really really good. Today was good.
I wake up by 5 every day during the week, and Sunday is usually the only day of the week I don't have to wake up to an alarm. Of course, when your body is used to waking up at 5, it considers 7 "sleeping in." So it was that I awoke at 7 this morning.
I decided to go with it and get some things done. I got my 5 newspapers (yes, you read that right - visit me at www.suzyqpon.com to see why) and got my 5 coupon inserts and checked the ads for more great coupons. I sorted my inserts and typed up a list of the coupons in today's paper and posted to my website. I then sorted other loose coupons that I have floating around and started my list for Winco.
I had almost 2 hours to myself and got quite a bit done. That little bit of quiet was something I really needed. Once the family began to emerge, I made pancakes for breakfast (Bisquick - recipe is on the box; use the Supreme Pancakes option YUM!), ready to get on with the usual routine - grading and class prep!
Sunday at 7 am - be ready, you'll be seeing me from now on.
I wake up by 5 every day during the week, and Sunday is usually the only day of the week I don't have to wake up to an alarm. Of course, when your body is used to waking up at 5, it considers 7 "sleeping in." So it was that I awoke at 7 this morning.
I decided to go with it and get some things done. I got my 5 newspapers (yes, you read that right - visit me at www.suzyqpon.com to see why) and got my 5 coupon inserts and checked the ads for more great coupons. I sorted my inserts and typed up a list of the coupons in today's paper and posted to my website. I then sorted other loose coupons that I have floating around and started my list for Winco.
I had almost 2 hours to myself and got quite a bit done. That little bit of quiet was something I really needed. Once the family began to emerge, I made pancakes for breakfast (Bisquick - recipe is on the box; use the Supreme Pancakes option YUM!), ready to get on with the usual routine - grading and class prep!
Sunday at 7 am - be ready, you'll be seeing me from now on.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Couponing!
Couponing has taken on a life of it's own. Therefore, all my couponing related posts from now own will be posted at www.SuzyQpon.com! Head on over and check it out.
And while you're at it, come "like" me on Facebook, too: www.facebook.com/SuzyQpon
And while you're at it, come "like" me on Facebook, too: www.facebook.com/SuzyQpon
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Mommy
My daughter calls me "Mommy." I like it; that's who I am to her. I am her "mommy" - there is only one other person in the world who has called me Mommy (he grew out of it - punk). It's my title in my home, but don't confuse it with a descriptor of who I am - the term does not define me.
I hate (loathe, destest, despise, abhor, anathematize) the term "mommy" when used by adult women to describe themselves.
I think it stems from the fact that part of the problem with many kids today is their sense of entitlement. They've been given everything they've ever wanted from the moment they graced their parents' lives. There is a sense in young people that just because they are alive, they don't have to work for anything. And it comes back to their "mommies" in the end.
This new breed of mother, the "mommies," are women who are now making their children the focus of their whole world. Their entire identity is wrapped up in their children, giving all of their time and energy over to the kids. Giving, giving, giving - all the time. And the kids learn to take, take, take with no thought of anyone but themselves.
My mom was a stay at home mom until I was about 7 when she had to rejoin the workforce. Even still, when she was at home, I knew that I was not the sole focus of her life. That's not to say that we didn't spend time together, but she had a home to run and other kids to take care of. I got pawned off on the older siblings at times or was sent outside to play and get out of her hair. My happiness, while I know that my mom wanted to make sure I was happy, was not the whole of her job. She taught me to find happiness on my own and to think about things on my own, without her. Life doesn't work that way. The best moms teach their kids to be independent.
And that's an issue I have with the "mommies" today. Their kids are never on their own! Mommy is always there (helicopter mom), ensuring little darling's happiness at all moments. Mommy has to be sure that the apple of her eye is perfectly comfortable with everything he or she wants to be fulfilled (no, I didn't say need - I don't dismiss that these women provide for the needs of their children, for the most part). Little princess always get a toy when out shopping with Mommy. Little buddy has all the video game systems and every new game that comes out. Mommy is always there, ensuring happiness, but never allowing Junior to learn that sometimes life brings disappointment, sometimes life makes you wait for what you want.
All this is just to say that the phrase, "I'm a mommy," really drives me up the wall. Some will think I'm a bad mother, but whatever. I know I'm doing it right. My kids will be strong, independent members of society. They will treat others with respect, and they will never expect to get something they don't deserve. And that's because I'm only Mommy by title. My actual job description is educator: I am teaching my kids how to live in the real world! And to do that, my kids have seen their mom in all her roles, not just one: mom, teacher, friend, sister, daughter, girlfriend, TV junkie, writer, editor, helper (there's more, but I'm tired)....
Now, if I could only get these women to see themselves as more, too.
I hate (loathe, destest, despise, abhor, anathematize) the term "mommy" when used by adult women to describe themselves.
I think it stems from the fact that part of the problem with many kids today is their sense of entitlement. They've been given everything they've ever wanted from the moment they graced their parents' lives. There is a sense in young people that just because they are alive, they don't have to work for anything. And it comes back to their "mommies" in the end.
This new breed of mother, the "mommies," are women who are now making their children the focus of their whole world. Their entire identity is wrapped up in their children, giving all of their time and energy over to the kids. Giving, giving, giving - all the time. And the kids learn to take, take, take with no thought of anyone but themselves.
My mom was a stay at home mom until I was about 7 when she had to rejoin the workforce. Even still, when she was at home, I knew that I was not the sole focus of her life. That's not to say that we didn't spend time together, but she had a home to run and other kids to take care of. I got pawned off on the older siblings at times or was sent outside to play and get out of her hair. My happiness, while I know that my mom wanted to make sure I was happy, was not the whole of her job. She taught me to find happiness on my own and to think about things on my own, without her. Life doesn't work that way. The best moms teach their kids to be independent.
And that's an issue I have with the "mommies" today. Their kids are never on their own! Mommy is always there (helicopter mom), ensuring little darling's happiness at all moments. Mommy has to be sure that the apple of her eye is perfectly comfortable with everything he or she wants to be fulfilled (no, I didn't say need - I don't dismiss that these women provide for the needs of their children, for the most part). Little princess always get a toy when out shopping with Mommy. Little buddy has all the video game systems and every new game that comes out. Mommy is always there, ensuring happiness, but never allowing Junior to learn that sometimes life brings disappointment, sometimes life makes you wait for what you want.
All this is just to say that the phrase, "I'm a mommy," really drives me up the wall. Some will think I'm a bad mother, but whatever. I know I'm doing it right. My kids will be strong, independent members of society. They will treat others with respect, and they will never expect to get something they don't deserve. And that's because I'm only Mommy by title. My actual job description is educator: I am teaching my kids how to live in the real world! And to do that, my kids have seen their mom in all her roles, not just one: mom, teacher, friend, sister, daughter, girlfriend, TV junkie, writer, editor, helper (there's more, but I'm tired)....
Now, if I could only get these women to see themselves as more, too.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Weight Loss.... Yet Again
(Warning: Lengthy Post!)
Ugh. Here I am again. It's been almost 5 years since I got pregnant with my cute little munchkin. Nearly 5 years since my weight loss progress came to a screeching halt and made a tire-squealing u-turn back the other direction to the tune of 60 pounds. Ugh is about the only word for it. I've been back to Weight Watchers (WW) 4 times since 2007 with no progress whatsoever. I'm getting sick and tired of being sick and tired, as Dave Ramsey would say. But I can't figure out what's holding me back. Apparently, I'm not sick and tired enough. One day I might post my actual weight, but for now, you'll just have to be satisfied that it's A LOT.
My weight loss journey started in 2003. A few months before I graduated from Cal State San Marcos, I decided I would try Atkins (don't worry - I know how bad an idea that is!). In about a month, I lost 20 pounds. That was great as a kick start, but completely unsustainable. I gave up the Atkins and over the next year, managed to keep off 12 pounds.
In 2004, at the end of August, I signed up for WW for the first time in my life. My sister had been on it for several months and was really successful. She had lost a ton of weight, and being the competitive person I am, couldn't stand that she was losing weight while I wasn't. It was on!
One week after I joined WW, my dad died. I felt like my life was out of control. I didn't do as well in school that semeseter as I could have because I couldn't seem to focus on anything school related. But, I could focus on food. And focus I did. It was something I had absolute control over, and I watched my points and tracked my food for days, weeks, months without letting up. My momentum carried me to a 25-pounds weight loss in the first 5 months (including Christmas and New Year's!).
Between 2005 and 2006, I lost another 21 pounds.
In that time, I swam, did Walk Away the Pounds videos, lifted weights, never took stairs, and hiked. I was active and had my food under control. I was maintaining--still above my goal weight, but maintaining very well. I had days when I slipped, but I always got right back on track.
And then came pregnancy #2. It was so vastly different from #1. I was nauseated ALL the time. It abated a little when I ate something, so I snacked A LOT. But I was tired. Sheer physical exhaustion. When I came home from work every day, I crashed. I was barely able to get kid #1 dinner and get him to bed before I passed out. I was spotting and worried every day that I would miscarry. And the weight came on, slowly at first but picking up momentum as each month went by. In about my 5th or 6th month, I gained 10 pounds in a month. And that was the month I watched what I was eating! My doctor was concerned about toxemia because of the weight gain (luckily, it wasn't an issue, as I didn't have the accompanying hypertension). Anyway, I gained 60 pounds with Miss Munchkin and have yet to take it off. That's the point I guess.
I am disappointed in myself. I KNOW what it takes to do well at WW. I know exactly what I have to do to take this weight off and keep it off. I can't blame it on WW, as others do when they fail, because it's not WW--it's me. So what the hell is my problem? I haven't figured it out yet, but I am going to keep going. I have to. I can't spend the next 4 years where I am now. I CANNOT turn 40 and feel like this because I know how good it felt to be strong, toned, and in shape.
In 2009, I started WW again at the beginning of the year, go here and here if you want to read about it. And then I changed careers in early 2010, which derailed me again. In November 2010, I started again. By March of 2011, I had lost 9 pounds. I gained it back (exactly 9 pounds) by May. Since June, I have kept 3 pounds off. But really? In 4 years, that's my progress? Ugh, indeed.
This week, I went back to my meeting. And I'm making a commitment to blog about the ups and downs. Please send your positive vibes my way, and don't be shy about commenting - I need the encouragement!
Ugh. Here I am again. It's been almost 5 years since I got pregnant with my cute little munchkin. Nearly 5 years since my weight loss progress came to a screeching halt and made a tire-squealing u-turn back the other direction to the tune of 60 pounds. Ugh is about the only word for it. I've been back to Weight Watchers (WW) 4 times since 2007 with no progress whatsoever. I'm getting sick and tired of being sick and tired, as Dave Ramsey would say. But I can't figure out what's holding me back. Apparently, I'm not sick and tired enough. One day I might post my actual weight, but for now, you'll just have to be satisfied that it's A LOT.
My weight loss journey started in 2003. A few months before I graduated from Cal State San Marcos, I decided I would try Atkins (don't worry - I know how bad an idea that is!). In about a month, I lost 20 pounds. That was great as a kick start, but completely unsustainable. I gave up the Atkins and over the next year, managed to keep off 12 pounds.
In 2004, at the end of August, I signed up for WW for the first time in my life. My sister had been on it for several months and was really successful. She had lost a ton of weight, and being the competitive person I am, couldn't stand that she was losing weight while I wasn't. It was on!
One week after I joined WW, my dad died. I felt like my life was out of control. I didn't do as well in school that semeseter as I could have because I couldn't seem to focus on anything school related. But, I could focus on food. And focus I did. It was something I had absolute control over, and I watched my points and tracked my food for days, weeks, months without letting up. My momentum carried me to a 25-pounds weight loss in the first 5 months (including Christmas and New Year's!).
Between 2005 and 2006, I lost another 21 pounds.
In that time, I swam, did Walk Away the Pounds videos, lifted weights, never took stairs, and hiked. I was active and had my food under control. I was maintaining--still above my goal weight, but maintaining very well. I had days when I slipped, but I always got right back on track.
And then came pregnancy #2. It was so vastly different from #1. I was nauseated ALL the time. It abated a little when I ate something, so I snacked A LOT. But I was tired. Sheer physical exhaustion. When I came home from work every day, I crashed. I was barely able to get kid #1 dinner and get him to bed before I passed out. I was spotting and worried every day that I would miscarry. And the weight came on, slowly at first but picking up momentum as each month went by. In about my 5th or 6th month, I gained 10 pounds in a month. And that was the month I watched what I was eating! My doctor was concerned about toxemia because of the weight gain (luckily, it wasn't an issue, as I didn't have the accompanying hypertension). Anyway, I gained 60 pounds with Miss Munchkin and have yet to take it off. That's the point I guess.
I am disappointed in myself. I KNOW what it takes to do well at WW. I know exactly what I have to do to take this weight off and keep it off. I can't blame it on WW, as others do when they fail, because it's not WW--it's me. So what the hell is my problem? I haven't figured it out yet, but I am going to keep going. I have to. I can't spend the next 4 years where I am now. I CANNOT turn 40 and feel like this because I know how good it felt to be strong, toned, and in shape.
In 2009, I started WW again at the beginning of the year, go here and here if you want to read about it. And then I changed careers in early 2010, which derailed me again. In November 2010, I started again. By March of 2011, I had lost 9 pounds. I gained it back (exactly 9 pounds) by May. Since June, I have kept 3 pounds off. But really? In 4 years, that's my progress? Ugh, indeed.
This week, I went back to my meeting. And I'm making a commitment to blog about the ups and downs. Please send your positive vibes my way, and don't be shy about commenting - I need the encouragement!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Vacation 2011
We've been back from our 12 day road-trip vacation for 3 days now. We're both back to work tomorrow, the little munchkin is back to preschool, and the teenager is back to riding full time for the remainder of his summer. I feel like it was so much longer that we were away. Probably because I've never actually had a 2-week vacation before. Usually, we go somewhere for a week but spend 2 of those days on the road. This trip was mostly road!
July 2-5, we spent driving. Clovis to Salt Lake City to Casper, Wyoming, to Mount Rushmore, to Worthington, Minnesota, and finally to Bloomington, Minnesota. While on the road, we made sure to look for license plates from other states. We racked up a lot of them at Mount Rushmore, but over the course of the entire trip, we got all but 3 states (Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Alabama). We even spotted plates from 5 Canadian provinces!
While in Minnesota, we saw all my siblings and their spouses and kids (minus a brother-in-law and a nephew); aunts, uncle, and cousins from my dad's side of the family; cousins and an aunt from my mom's side of the family; the town where my mom grew up; the largest boot (Red Wing Shoe Museum); Wisconsin across the Mississippi; Como Park Zoo; and the Mall of America.
On the way home, we went through Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada, coming home through Yosemite. We saw John Wayne's birthplace, which happens to be the same place where a couple of the bridges of Madison County are. We saw 2 of them. In Nebraska, we saw a Pony Express station, and in Wyoming, we saw a Lone Tree in the middle of the highway. We came into Colorado up north through Laramie, Wyoming, and stayed in a ski town where it was about 58 degrees (so nice after the heat and humidity everywhere else on the trip). In Utah, we stayed with my sister and her family for a night. In Nevada, we just drove - it's a long way across!
Our last night on the road, we stayed in Reno, then made our way to Lake Tahoe before taking Tioga Road through Yosemite to get home. We stayed in Staybridge Suites - it was awesome! Lake Tahoe was beautiful. The kids and I had never been there, and we had fun on a trail next to the edge, climbing on rocks and watching a parasailer. The little munchkin got to see snow for the first time on Tioga Road - the road was still closed up until about a month ago, so there is still a lot of snow along the road and in the trees. As always, Yosemite was amazing. The falls were roaring down the rock faces, and we enjoyed the views of the valley from the road, stopping at the Tunnel View overlook to see El Cap and Half Dome one last time on the way out.
We had a wonderful vacation, and survived all that togetherness! We saw quite a bit of the country that we hadn't seen before, found a few geocaches, and got to meet cousins for the first time. But, as with all vacations, it was fantastic to get home!
July 2-5, we spent driving. Clovis to Salt Lake City to Casper, Wyoming, to Mount Rushmore, to Worthington, Minnesota, and finally to Bloomington, Minnesota. While on the road, we made sure to look for license plates from other states. We racked up a lot of them at Mount Rushmore, but over the course of the entire trip, we got all but 3 states (Hawaii, Rhode Island, and Alabama). We even spotted plates from 5 Canadian provinces!
While in Minnesota, we saw all my siblings and their spouses and kids (minus a brother-in-law and a nephew); aunts, uncle, and cousins from my dad's side of the family; cousins and an aunt from my mom's side of the family; the town where my mom grew up; the largest boot (Red Wing Shoe Museum); Wisconsin across the Mississippi; Como Park Zoo; and the Mall of America.
On the way home, we went through Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada, coming home through Yosemite. We saw John Wayne's birthplace, which happens to be the same place where a couple of the bridges of Madison County are. We saw 2 of them. In Nebraska, we saw a Pony Express station, and in Wyoming, we saw a Lone Tree in the middle of the highway. We came into Colorado up north through Laramie, Wyoming, and stayed in a ski town where it was about 58 degrees (so nice after the heat and humidity everywhere else on the trip). In Utah, we stayed with my sister and her family for a night. In Nevada, we just drove - it's a long way across!
Our last night on the road, we stayed in Reno, then made our way to Lake Tahoe before taking Tioga Road through Yosemite to get home. We stayed in Staybridge Suites - it was awesome! Lake Tahoe was beautiful. The kids and I had never been there, and we had fun on a trail next to the edge, climbing on rocks and watching a parasailer. The little munchkin got to see snow for the first time on Tioga Road - the road was still closed up until about a month ago, so there is still a lot of snow along the road and in the trees. As always, Yosemite was amazing. The falls were roaring down the rock faces, and we enjoyed the views of the valley from the road, stopping at the Tunnel View overlook to see El Cap and Half Dome one last time on the way out.
We had a wonderful vacation, and survived all that togetherness! We saw quite a bit of the country that we hadn't seen before, found a few geocaches, and got to meet cousins for the first time. But, as with all vacations, it was fantastic to get home!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Shopping Update - Week of 6/19
For those of us in the crazy couponing world, the shopping week starts on Sunday (Wednesday for grocery stores). I've already cut out and organized all my coupons and reviewed the ads from the Sunday paper to see what deals are out there that I just can't pass up. This coming week, I won't be buying a lot of anything, since we're at the end of the month, and I've done the big trips earlier in the month.
This past week, though, I did stock up on some items from various stores. I promised a shopping recap for the week, so here it is:
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Vons - Spent $47.60, saved $78.13 (62%)
This was the best trip of the week, and my best savings ever at a grocery store! I received VonsClub mailers at the beginning of the week with coupons for free products and really good discounts. Overall, I had $10 off a $50 purchase, 10% off the entire purchase, $5 off Rancher's Reserve meat, $0.30/lb off bananas, and my other coupons. Free items: pineapple, eggs (not pictured), soup, cereal (not pictured), and apple juice. Items under $1: Gatorade, bread, salsa, peanut butter, mac & cheese.
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This past week, though, I did stock up on some items from various stores. I promised a shopping recap for the week, so here it is:
Vons - Spent $47.60, saved $78.13 (62%)
This was the best trip of the week, and my best savings ever at a grocery store! I received VonsClub mailers at the beginning of the week with coupons for free products and really good discounts. Overall, I had $10 off a $50 purchase, 10% off the entire purchase, $5 off Rancher's Reserve meat, $0.30/lb off bananas, and my other coupons. Free items: pineapple, eggs (not pictured), soup, cereal (not pictured), and apple juice. Items under $1: Gatorade, bread, salsa, peanut butter, mac & cheese.
Savemart - Spent $19.50, saved $27.28 (58%)
I mainly went in for the cereal promotion - Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch for $1.49 when you buy 4. I had 3 coupons for $0.50 off each box of Cheerios (none for the CTC), so I paid just $1.12 for each box. Another promotion was for Almond Accents and Marie's Salad Dressing for $1.99 when you buy 4. I bought 2 of each with coupons ($1.25 off 2 Marie's and $1 off one Almond Accents). Regular price for both products is $3.99. I would have saved more, but I also bought milk, which is $3.09/gallon. I didn't want to make the drive to Winco just for milk, even though I would have saved $1.60.
CVS - Spent $7.60, saved $14.09 (58%)
This was my smallest trip of the week. I bought Twizzler's and Pantene. The candy was $4 for 2 packs, so I bought 4 packs, using 2 coupons for $1 off 2 packs. The Pantene was 2 for $6.97 with $2 in ExtraBucks reward when you buy 2. I also had a coupon for $3 off 2 products. I also had a $3 ExtraBucks coupon from another trip. (Note: when calculating savings and cost per item, most couponing sites count the ExtraBucks you earn toward the items just purchased, NOT toward the future purchase. It still works out the same, as long you don't let them expire!)
Target - Spent 39.29, saved $28.55 (42%)
I might have saved more at Target had the refrigerated section not been out of service due to the extensive remodel. That's OK - 42% is still a decent savings. The best deals from this trip were the Sally Hansen nail polish and top coats (I ended up getting them for $1.09 each), Crystal Light packets ($1.22 each), and BBQ sauce (87 cents for one brand, 91 cents for another). The grocery section of Target is getting bigger, and Target has a TON of printable coupons that can be matched with manufacturer coupons for really great savings on a lot of products.
Total Spent $113.99
Total Saved $143.05 (55%)
Friday, June 24, 2011
OCD
Yes, I have it. Obsessive Couponing Disorder. I admit it.
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I already had the bug (read about it here), but this week I really stepped it up. I had a binder, but I had to upgrade to a bigger one to fit all the new coupons I printed (target.com, coupons.com, couponnetwork.com, smartsource.com, redplum.com, and many more). My old binder had a loose organizational system, but when I found the contents and dividers pages at thekrazycouponlady.com, I knew I had to have them.
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I printed, I tabbed, and I reorganized. I used plastic sheet protectors for the divider pages, Post-it tabs to number the categories, and trading card pages for the coupons. I had to buy another 3 packs of trading card pages (total of 6 so far) to have enough (just made it - phew!).
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I already had the bug (read about it here), but this week I really stepped it up. I had a binder, but I had to upgrade to a bigger one to fit all the new coupons I printed (target.com, coupons.com, couponnetwork.com, smartsource.com, redplum.com, and many more). My old binder had a loose organizational system, but when I found the contents and dividers pages at thekrazycouponlady.com, I knew I had to have them.
I printed, I tabbed, and I reorganized. I used plastic sheet protectors for the divider pages, Post-it tabs to number the categories, and trading card pages for the coupons. I had to buy another 3 packs of trading card pages (total of 6 so far) to have enough (just made it - phew!).
I have an awesome coupon binder, and I am ready to save!
Coming Sunday: Shopping trip update from this past week.... Stay tuned!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Extreme Couponing - California Style
I am hooked on that Extreme Couponing show. I am amazed by what those shoppers can achieve at the checkout line. I am jealous of their 96% savings. I am flabbergasted by their $25,000 stockpiles. I am in awe of the time spent on couponing. You get the idea....
But I can't do what they do where I live. There is no longer a grocery store that double coupons, since Ralphs closed about 5 years ago. And we aren't allowed to do coupon stacking, the process by which a shopper can use multiple manufacturer coupons on one item to bring the price down, sometimes all the way to zero. So how extreme can I actually get?
Well... I can save almost half every time I go to the store. For me, for this area, I think that's pretty darn good. But it takes work, every week to keep it up. I go to 6 different stores almost every week, and the trick to being successful is knowing the "regular" price of the items we use all the time. There will never be a $25,000 stockpile in my garage, but I do stock up on what we use.
There are tricks to maximizing savings. Each Sunday, I clip coupons for items we use and things we might want to try. Then I go through the ads for the stores where I know I can get the best deals: CVS, Walgreen's, and Target (grocery store ads show up on Tuesday or Wednesday). I look for, again, only the things we use. I always try to match up sales with coupons. I also look for rewards that the stores give, so I can save money on the next trip. I had $5 in reward coupons from Walgreen's - Christian and I got our movie candy free! I do the same at Vons and Savemart - at those stores, I ONLY shop for sale items that I have coupons for; otherwise, they are just too expensive. And my final stop is Winco for everything else.
Winco rocks! Let me just put it to you this way: I save almost $3 a box on my Kashi cereal (and I buy 3 boxes at a time), almost $4 a bag on Christian's spicy chicken wings, and over $1 a gallon for milk. Just on those items alone, I save $20 by shopping at Winco every pay period. And that's just a small example of what I save there.
My mom taught me how to coupon when I was a kid. I've done it off and on for years, but this year we got serious, and I am getting a lot more out of our grocery budget. While I may not be able to save 96%, I am still proud of what I am able to do. Want to learn more about my methods? Message me on Facebook!
But I can't do what they do where I live. There is no longer a grocery store that double coupons, since Ralphs closed about 5 years ago. And we aren't allowed to do coupon stacking, the process by which a shopper can use multiple manufacturer coupons on one item to bring the price down, sometimes all the way to zero. So how extreme can I actually get?
Well... I can save almost half every time I go to the store. For me, for this area, I think that's pretty darn good. But it takes work, every week to keep it up. I go to 6 different stores almost every week, and the trick to being successful is knowing the "regular" price of the items we use all the time. There will never be a $25,000 stockpile in my garage, but I do stock up on what we use.
There are tricks to maximizing savings. Each Sunday, I clip coupons for items we use and things we might want to try. Then I go through the ads for the stores where I know I can get the best deals: CVS, Walgreen's, and Target (grocery store ads show up on Tuesday or Wednesday). I look for, again, only the things we use. I always try to match up sales with coupons. I also look for rewards that the stores give, so I can save money on the next trip. I had $5 in reward coupons from Walgreen's - Christian and I got our movie candy free! I do the same at Vons and Savemart - at those stores, I ONLY shop for sale items that I have coupons for; otherwise, they are just too expensive. And my final stop is Winco for everything else.
Winco rocks! Let me just put it to you this way: I save almost $3 a box on my Kashi cereal (and I buy 3 boxes at a time), almost $4 a bag on Christian's spicy chicken wings, and over $1 a gallon for milk. Just on those items alone, I save $20 by shopping at Winco every pay period. And that's just a small example of what I save there.
My mom taught me how to coupon when I was a kid. I've done it off and on for years, but this year we got serious, and I am getting a lot more out of our grocery budget. While I may not be able to save 96%, I am still proud of what I am able to do. Want to learn more about my methods? Message me on Facebook!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Adventures in Gardening
I am not a gardener. I am got good at keeping plants alive, so I never kept any. But since we moved into our house, I have found that some plants can pretty much keep themselves alive. The poppies that come up every March, for example, are extremely hardy and need absolutely no interference on my part to do their thing (you know, make my front yard gorgeous for a few months each year). The roses in our back yard, as well, have fared without me doing much of anything, other than annual pruning.
But this year, our rose bushes have not done so well. They grow well and are producing large, beautiful roses, but they appear to have some sort of fungus and they are full of aphids. We don't like to use pesticides on our plants, so off HC went to OSH to buy some ladybugs. Tonight, after hosing down the rose bushes and waiting for them to be out of the sun, we released our new little friends.
But this year, our rose bushes have not done so well. They grow well and are producing large, beautiful roses, but they appear to have some sort of fungus and they are full of aphids. We don't like to use pesticides on our plants, so off HC went to OSH to buy some ladybugs. Tonight, after hosing down the rose bushes and waiting for them to be out of the sun, we released our new little friends.We all had fun, trying to shake them out onto the plants while many of them flew away and many crawled over our hands and arms. Finally, we got a large number of them onto the bushes, happily wandering, drinking water, and searching for food. According to the container, in a couple weeks, our bugs will lay eggs. I hope in the next couple months, we have lots of larvae and many more ladybugs.
For not being a gardener, I sure am enjoying have living plants in my yard! I have no idea what to do about the fungus on my poor rose bushes, but once our little friends eat those pesky aphids, we'll move on to that.
One of these days, I will post photos about our wildflower garden (which takes no work, either)!
Happy May Day!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Getting Older
April is the month of birthdays for our family. Mom, my three brothers, and I all have our birthdays in April (plus countless friends) - it's a great month.
Mom's birthday starts the month, and every year it makes me re-evaluate what a person's age means. She is still working full-time, on her feet most of the day. Will I be able to do that when I'm her age? Will I still be as strong as she is? Will I look younger than I am, like she does?
Brother #2 has the next birthday. We're 5 years apart, but it seems much closer. Every year, I can't believe he's THAT age! He and his wife just had a baby last year - there's something about a new baby that makes a parent seem younger.
I'm the next birthday. My own birthday doesn't usually bother me, though I have to admit that when I turned 26, it was a tough day. 10 years later, my own birthday didn't bother me (I'll re-evaluate in 4 years). It was just another birthday.
3 days after my birthday is Brother #3. This is the birthday that makes me feel older every year. My brother is the baby of the family. It doesn't matter that I'm next to last - when the baby gets older, I feel it.
And, rounding out the April birthdays is Brother #1, the eldest child. He's turning 50 this year, and I'm still in shock. I have no idea how HE feels about his big day, but I can't believe I have a sibling who will have a 5 in the 10s digit of his age... Sister #2 will be joining the 50 club next year, so it's only getting closer for me. I have a ways to go until I get there, so I take comfort in the fact that my siblings have aged very well!
April brings about a more contemplative me. I wonder what my life will be like as I get older, but what I've learned so far is that I don't change much every year, other than a few more wrinkles and a couple of stray white hairs (only a few!). I'll still be me when I'm 50, perhaps just wiser? One can hope.
Mom's birthday starts the month, and every year it makes me re-evaluate what a person's age means. She is still working full-time, on her feet most of the day. Will I be able to do that when I'm her age? Will I still be as strong as she is? Will I look younger than I am, like she does?
Brother #2 has the next birthday. We're 5 years apart, but it seems much closer. Every year, I can't believe he's THAT age! He and his wife just had a baby last year - there's something about a new baby that makes a parent seem younger.
I'm the next birthday. My own birthday doesn't usually bother me, though I have to admit that when I turned 26, it was a tough day. 10 years later, my own birthday didn't bother me (I'll re-evaluate in 4 years). It was just another birthday.
3 days after my birthday is Brother #3. This is the birthday that makes me feel older every year. My brother is the baby of the family. It doesn't matter that I'm next to last - when the baby gets older, I feel it.
And, rounding out the April birthdays is Brother #1, the eldest child. He's turning 50 this year, and I'm still in shock. I have no idea how HE feels about his big day, but I can't believe I have a sibling who will have a 5 in the 10s digit of his age... Sister #2 will be joining the 50 club next year, so it's only getting closer for me. I have a ways to go until I get there, so I take comfort in the fact that my siblings have aged very well!
April brings about a more contemplative me. I wonder what my life will be like as I get older, but what I've learned so far is that I don't change much every year, other than a few more wrinkles and a couple of stray white hairs (only a few!). I'll still be me when I'm 50, perhaps just wiser? One can hope.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
One More Down... One To Go!
We paid off the SUV yesterday!!!!!
We paid the remaining balance of $3798.97 one year and 4 months early for a savings of almost $500 in interest!
I am so glad I found Dave Ramsey on the radio that day in 2009 - we have paid off half our debt so far. No, I won't tell you how much. Maybe when we're done, I'll shock you with the number.
We will now begin attacking my student loan (I still can't believe it equals half our debt, but it's true). We should have it completely paid off by April 2013. Only 2 more years to get completely out of debt (except for the house), and then the REAL fun will begin (saving, saving, saving, and investing!).
I highly recommend The Total Money Makeover
- it changed the way we think about money.
- it changed the way we think about money.Sunday, April 10, 2011
Book Club Selection - April
Reading Waiting for the World to End 
by Nicole Hunter this month. So far, it's a slow read, but interesting. After reading essays, in which I hunt for sentence fragments for hours on end, the author's extensive use of fragments is kinda wearing on me. She also uses the second person narration A LOT, which drives my crazy, as it's mixed in randomly with the third person narration of the rest of the story.
I'm not even half way through; I thought a week would give my plenty of time to read this one, but I find myself thinking of ways to avoid reading it. I think it's probably a good story, but the delivery is not my cup of tea.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Freedom!
Yesterday, at 1:53 PM, I felt the most amazing, incredible, wonderful sense of relief. It washed over me, taking (almost) every bit of stress out of my body. It wasn't until about 15 minutes later, getting out of the elevator at Howard's office, that I felt the sense of freedom that the end of the quarter brings. I had a huge, goofy grin on my face as the elevator doors opened.
It is difficult to describe this quarter. As I do every quarter, I change up the information a little bit, present it a little differently, try to change those things that didn't work in previous quarters. I don't think it was me. In two of my classes, my students did well. The ones who didn't pass knew the reasons why, and they know what they need to do to pass next time. In my other 2 classes (2 sections of the same class), I had the worst results ever. It's disheartening when out of a total of 36 students, only 10 pass. But again, I don't think it was me.
The 26 students who didn't pass all had one thing in common: missing work. There seems to be this sense among students that it's OK to miss work. I have this feeling that in high school, students were allowed to make up work at the end of the term in order to bring up their grades, which gave them a false sense of how the world actually works. In real life, you don't get do-overs every time you screw up or forget to do something. Sometimes, forgetting or blowing something off has real, definite, and serious consequences. So, too, in my class. I allow late work - students have basically 2 weeks to get every assignment turned in. So why is it so difficult to get it done?
The questions will remain - I don't know why the students do what they do and don't do what they should. All I know is that I'm free today, and I feel good!
It is difficult to describe this quarter. As I do every quarter, I change up the information a little bit, present it a little differently, try to change those things that didn't work in previous quarters. I don't think it was me. In two of my classes, my students did well. The ones who didn't pass knew the reasons why, and they know what they need to do to pass next time. In my other 2 classes (2 sections of the same class), I had the worst results ever. It's disheartening when out of a total of 36 students, only 10 pass. But again, I don't think it was me.
The 26 students who didn't pass all had one thing in common: missing work. There seems to be this sense among students that it's OK to miss work. I have this feeling that in high school, students were allowed to make up work at the end of the term in order to bring up their grades, which gave them a false sense of how the world actually works. In real life, you don't get do-overs every time you screw up or forget to do something. Sometimes, forgetting or blowing something off has real, definite, and serious consequences. So, too, in my class. I allow late work - students have basically 2 weeks to get every assignment turned in. So why is it so difficult to get it done?
The questions will remain - I don't know why the students do what they do and don't do what they should. All I know is that I'm free today, and I feel good!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Opportunity
Many have heard the saying, "When opportunity knocks, open the door."
But I think this quote by Louis L'Amour says it better: "Some say opportunity knocks only once. That is not true. Opportunity knocks all the time, but you have to be ready for it. If the chance comes, you must have the equipment to take advantage of it."
So I am always on the lookout for opportunities, whatever they may be. Usually, I am looking for opportunities of the writing or editing variety that I can squeeze in to my already hectic teaching schedule. There aren't many legitimate opportunities posted on Craigslist, but every so often something interesting shows up. Earlier this week, I was hunting around the writing gigs section and there was an ad for someone to create an office procedures manual using existing memos. I sent email inquiry email (no resume, just to find out if it was actually legit). I got a response - email my resume or fax it. I looked up the name of the sender and cross-checked the fax number. Yep, legit! I updated my resume and emailed it.
I got a call the next day to come in to the office and fill out an application and take a test. I asked what kind of test they wanted me to take. A DISC personality test..... o-k. I wondered if I should save them trouble and just let them know that I'm a C-D (and have been the past few times I've taken it). Nah, I figured I'd take it again and see what came up. So yesterday, was my appointment. I showed up on time, looking professional, ready to impress.
After filling out the standard job application and taking the test, making sure I chose all the C-D answers I could (oooooh subversive...), I took another test - word use, patterns, math, etc. It made me sympathize with my students for a moment. Then I got to the good part - reviewing the binder of memos they want turned into a manual. So far so good. Thank goodness for my brief foray into medical assisting - I still remember terminology and abbreviations. Finally, they asked me to prepare a proposal, so they could make a decision that day between me and another person. They never did tell me what I scored on the DISC test, but I'm guessing it's the same as usual (exacting, systematic, and likes rules and procedures with a mix of assertiveness and determination).
This is where the other part of Louis L'Amour's quote comes in. I had a solid chance of getting this job and bringing in some extra cash to help us with our financial goals. And I knew I had the equipment to take advantage of it. I drove home wondering how I was going to write a proposal, then realized I spent nearly 6 editing then writing proposals at the old job. And I knew that I could do the job because before I left the old job, I put those nearly 6 years of job duties into a reference manual, just like the one this company was asking for. I got this.
The response to my proposal? "Would you like to start Monday?" Yep, I got this. I answered the door.
More opportunity quotes at Quote Garden.
But I think this quote by Louis L'Amour says it better: "Some say opportunity knocks only once. That is not true. Opportunity knocks all the time, but you have to be ready for it. If the chance comes, you must have the equipment to take advantage of it."
So I am always on the lookout for opportunities, whatever they may be. Usually, I am looking for opportunities of the writing or editing variety that I can squeeze in to my already hectic teaching schedule. There aren't many legitimate opportunities posted on Craigslist, but every so often something interesting shows up. Earlier this week, I was hunting around the writing gigs section and there was an ad for someone to create an office procedures manual using existing memos. I sent email inquiry email (no resume, just to find out if it was actually legit). I got a response - email my resume or fax it. I looked up the name of the sender and cross-checked the fax number. Yep, legit! I updated my resume and emailed it.
I got a call the next day to come in to the office and fill out an application and take a test. I asked what kind of test they wanted me to take. A DISC personality test..... o-k. I wondered if I should save them trouble and just let them know that I'm a C-D (and have been the past few times I've taken it). Nah, I figured I'd take it again and see what came up. So yesterday, was my appointment. I showed up on time, looking professional, ready to impress.
After filling out the standard job application and taking the test, making sure I chose all the C-D answers I could (oooooh subversive...), I took another test - word use, patterns, math, etc. It made me sympathize with my students for a moment. Then I got to the good part - reviewing the binder of memos they want turned into a manual. So far so good. Thank goodness for my brief foray into medical assisting - I still remember terminology and abbreviations. Finally, they asked me to prepare a proposal, so they could make a decision that day between me and another person. They never did tell me what I scored on the DISC test, but I'm guessing it's the same as usual (exacting, systematic, and likes rules and procedures with a mix of assertiveness and determination).
This is where the other part of Louis L'Amour's quote comes in. I had a solid chance of getting this job and bringing in some extra cash to help us with our financial goals. And I knew I had the equipment to take advantage of it. I drove home wondering how I was going to write a proposal, then realized I spent nearly 6 editing then writing proposals at the old job. And I knew that I could do the job because before I left the old job, I put those nearly 6 years of job duties into a reference manual, just like the one this company was asking for. I got this.
The response to my proposal? "Would you like to start Monday?" Yep, I got this. I answered the door.
More opportunity quotes at Quote Garden.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Why I Despise Grading
Most of us love what we do. Teachers, I mean. We do love teaching - most of the time. But then it comes time to grade the papers. Those who can run all their tests through the Scantron machine have it easy, of course. But I'm talking about those of us who have to read and respond to nearly every assignment because it's our job to make sure these students can string words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs together in a way that makes sense and includes correct punctuation (seriously? OMG, yes correct punctuation).
With every red mark on the page, I am amazed by the lack of understanding of the concepts I just went over in class. I can't help wondering what exactly I did wrong:
"Did I somehow not explain what I was looking for in this assignment?"
"Did I just need to explain it a different way for this student to understand?"
"Should I even be teaching?"
And then, I get to the "good" papers in my stack. I employ a method of grading whereby I reward myself with the "good" papers after I have dragged through all of the "bad" ones. The good ones are those students who make it all worthwhile. Some of them started out in the bad part of the stack, but have actually worked to understand the material and use what they've learned. Others have natural ability and just get it. They are my reward because they take way less work to grade, and it's a joy to read when a student actually thinks about the assignment and responds thoughtfully. And it's a reward to know that I didn't totally botch the explanation because someone got it.
Does it make me a bad teacher that I resent having to wade through all the bad ones? After beating myself up about it, I realize that most of those students just don't care to improve. They're perfectly happy doing half ass work the night before the assignment is due to get a mediocre grade that will allow them, just barely, to pass the class and move on to the next class, where I will again have to deal with their unwillingness to improve themselves in a way that will positively affect their entire professional careers. (And yes, before you get all up in my case about that sentence, it is gramatically correct). Is it too much to ask for them to care at least half as much as I do about their grades?
With every red mark on the page, I am amazed by the lack of understanding of the concepts I just went over in class. I can't help wondering what exactly I did wrong:
"Did I somehow not explain what I was looking for in this assignment?"
"Did I just need to explain it a different way for this student to understand?"
"Should I even be teaching?"
And then, I get to the "good" papers in my stack. I employ a method of grading whereby I reward myself with the "good" papers after I have dragged through all of the "bad" ones. The good ones are those students who make it all worthwhile. Some of them started out in the bad part of the stack, but have actually worked to understand the material and use what they've learned. Others have natural ability and just get it. They are my reward because they take way less work to grade, and it's a joy to read when a student actually thinks about the assignment and responds thoughtfully. And it's a reward to know that I didn't totally botch the explanation because someone got it.
Does it make me a bad teacher that I resent having to wade through all the bad ones? After beating myself up about it, I realize that most of those students just don't care to improve. They're perfectly happy doing half ass work the night before the assignment is due to get a mediocre grade that will allow them, just barely, to pass the class and move on to the next class, where I will again have to deal with their unwillingness to improve themselves in a way that will positively affect their entire professional careers. (And yes, before you get all up in my case about that sentence, it is gramatically correct). Is it too much to ask for them to care at least half as much as I do about their grades?
Monday, March 14, 2011
Confessions of a Farmer
I am a farmer. I grow green roses, lilac daffy, and nachos. I have orchards of trees, a beehive, and a winery. I raise sheep, cows, horses, pigs, and chinchillas. There's an enchanted forest, a beanstalk, and a bridge with a troll on my farm. You can even see the Eiffel Tower. Yes, I am a farmer.
I got hooked on Farmville quite a while ago. I didn't go into it expecting to become addicted, but there's just something about the time limit of the crops that challenged me to come back, to not let those innocent crops wither in my negligence. Then Farmville added special shops where you could take those crops and make special products to sell to your neighbor farmers. Hence, the winery.
I got hooked on Farmville quite a while ago. I didn't go into it expecting to become addicted, but there's just something about the time limit of the crops that challenged me to come back, to not let those innocent crops wither in my negligence. Then Farmville added special shops where you could take those crops and make special products to sell to your neighbor farmers. Hence, the winery.
I now have a 5-star winery. I'm working on Green Rose Water right now. There are only 23 days left to gain mastery of this product, so of course, I am planting Green Roses and White Grapes as often as possible to get enough bushels to make the rose water. Seriously, is this what I think about?
The answer is yes. I think about farming. Not all day - I'm busy enough with other things. But when I come home from work, I want to relax and to not think about writing assignments, students' problems, and grading. So I farm. And I make my farm look pretty. I harvest crops and cross-breed seeds and collect eggs from chickens. And I work to win the challenges to win special prizes. Because I can. Because it's fun. Because in what other game can I get a princess tower, a beanstalk, a bridge with a troll under it, and a leprechaun tree house? Thanks Farmville.
Yes, I farm. I am a fairly intelligent, educated woman and teacher, and I farm. I am not ashamed.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Sunday Evening Blog
This makes the third Sunday in a row that I've written. Could this be a habit in the making? Let's hope so.
I've been thinking of something to write this week, and because my life is not as eventful and wildly interesting as I would like, there are limited topics to discuss: bad students, good students, my kids, Farmville.... See, not all that extensive. Or exciting, for that matter. But then I remembered the nifty little gadget that I got for Christmas and have just now put to use - my Nook.
I love my Nook. I have tons of books at my fingertips. Currently, I am reading "The Help
" by Kathryn Stockett for the book club meeting this month. It's a great story so far. I'm not that far in, but I have a feeling I am going to greatly enjoy this one. I long for the days in high school when I could read a 500-page novel in a day because I had the time. I may just make it in time for the meeting with this one.
This is also my first experience as being part of a book club. I was invited to join by one of my colleagues at the business school, and my supervisor and another director are also in the group. The women, who have been together for many years, were very welcoming to a newcomer.
So far this year, we've read "Rebecca
" by Daphne du Maurier and "Devil's Bargain
" by Jade Lee. When school gets busy, I usually just read Harlequins because they're all the same formula and don't require any deep thinking. They're a good escape after reading textbooks and student papers all day. But the book club reading list is taking me out of that zone and getting me back into real reading again. I didn't realize how much I missed finding new books and reading different things. Thank you book club!
And I have to thank Howard for getting me a Nook because without it, I would have to add to our already overloaded giant bookshelf! Did I mention that I love my Nook?
I've been thinking of something to write this week, and because my life is not as eventful and wildly interesting as I would like, there are limited topics to discuss: bad students, good students, my kids, Farmville.... See, not all that extensive. Or exciting, for that matter. But then I remembered the nifty little gadget that I got for Christmas and have just now put to use - my Nook.
" by Kathryn Stockett for the book club meeting this month. It's a great story so far. I'm not that far in, but I have a feeling I am going to greatly enjoy this one. I long for the days in high school when I could read a 500-page novel in a day because I had the time. I may just make it in time for the meeting with this one.This is also my first experience as being part of a book club. I was invited to join by one of my colleagues at the business school, and my supervisor and another director are also in the group. The women, who have been together for many years, were very welcoming to a newcomer.
So far this year, we've read "Rebecca
" by Daphne du Maurier and "Devil's Bargain" by Jade Lee. When school gets busy, I usually just read Harlequins because they're all the same formula and don't require any deep thinking. They're a good escape after reading textbooks and student papers all day. But the book club reading list is taking me out of that zone and getting me back into real reading again. I didn't realize how much I missed finding new books and reading different things. Thank you book club!And I have to thank Howard for getting me a Nook because without it, I would have to add to our already overloaded giant bookshelf! Did I mention that I love my Nook?
Sunday, February 27, 2011
We did it! We did it!
It hasn't cleared the bank yet, but we authorized payment to the credit card for the remaining balance, which means we are almost half way through our debt and only have the SUV and my student loans left to pay off. Oh my gosh! I drew a black line through the credit card on our poster-sized budget on the kitchen wall. It's amazing to know that we will be able to nearly double the SUV payment for the next few months and then it will be paid off - about a year and a half early!
It's already nice knowing that the Honda is paid off, but when the Expedition gets paid off, it will be amazing. I can't even begin to describe how it feels to know that we won't have any car payments. Yeah, we have 10 year old vehicles, but they're ours. I can't fathom paying $300 or more a month just to have a new car. It's never been important to me to have the newest, coolest car. Plus, being my practical self, I just can't see paying for a new car that depreciates almost by half the minute I drive it off the lot. What a horrible waste of money that is. And, as evidenced by our journey to financial freedom, we don't waste money any more!
Ah, to be debt free..... We're nearly half way there in just 18 months. In another 18 months, I'll be posting, "We're Debt Free!"
It's already nice knowing that the Honda is paid off, but when the Expedition gets paid off, it will be amazing. I can't even begin to describe how it feels to know that we won't have any car payments. Yeah, we have 10 year old vehicles, but they're ours. I can't fathom paying $300 or more a month just to have a new car. It's never been important to me to have the newest, coolest car. Plus, being my practical self, I just can't see paying for a new car that depreciates almost by half the minute I drive it off the lot. What a horrible waste of money that is. And, as evidenced by our journey to financial freedom, we don't waste money any more!
Ah, to be debt free..... We're nearly half way there in just 18 months. In another 18 months, I'll be posting, "We're Debt Free!"
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Downsizing
Downsizing for most people probably involves getting a smaller space, cutting out the clutter, that kind of thing. For us, it means purging the bookshelves. For those who don't know, when we moved into our house, we built a massive wall of shelves. Seriously massive. This is no sissy bookshelf. It's 9 feet high and 14 feet across. The lower 3 feet is cabinets to house CDs, DVDs, and even some VHS tapes that we just haven't gotten around to replacing yet... Which leaves, of course, 6 feet of open shelving for books. And we've filled it - nearly every inch of it with books from Dr. Seuss to the Qu'ran and everything in between. And it still wasn't enough, especially considering that we are constantly reading and acquiring new books. Today, we downsized a little bit, and our books can breathe a little easier. There's actually space on some of those shelves!
In addition to the books we wanted to keep, we had approximately 8 boxes of books in the garage that we knew we didn't want to keep. We have a hard time throwing out books (could you tell?), so we didn't want to just dump them. And yet we also would like to see some kind of return on our investment, so we were hoping that at some point, maybe someone would buy them all at a garage sale. No luck there. I found a site called Cash4Books (http://www.cash4books.net/) and thought it looked promising. Nothing like getting some cash for all those books, right? That would be true if they bought all the books. They don't. But I'll get to that later.
I also found another site called PaperBackBookSwap (handy link is on the right side of my page - sign up, it's free, I get credit, yadda yadda). This is cool - post your books and send them to people who request them. In return, earn credit for each book you send that can used to request a book from someone else. You pay postage to mail the books, and you receive your requests free. So $3 for a book instead of $10-whatever. It's cool. I got 2 of my book club selections and am waiting on several more to arrive. I sent out 6 books today, and have about 13 more in the queue. The cost to send them adds up, but I will have that many "free" books coming my way in the future.
So, after finding these sites, I realized that we could try to sell some and whatever we couldn't sell at Cash4Books, I would post on PaperBackBookSwap. And today that's what we did. We set up an assembly line, if you will. Howard ran the ISBN numbers through Cash4Books, setting aside those that could be sold through them. Everything else came through me to post on the Swap. Of the nearly 200 books we went through, we are able to send 11 to Cash4Books for a total of about $42 (and they pay shipping). The rest have been posted on the Swap. I already ran out of Tyvek envelopes!
At the end of the day, we've done a good thing. We downsized the bookshelves, decluttered part of the garage, made a little cash (well, as soon as we send the books), and will make many people happy with books for their own collections. It was sad, too. We threw away about 2 boxes of books - some of the books had no ISBN numbers and were just in bad shape, and another box had been peed on by a cat (damn those neighborhood cats sneaking into my garage!)... And I now have 4 four-foot stacks of books in my kitchen, so perhaps I'm not as decluttered and downsized as I thought?
In addition to the books we wanted to keep, we had approximately 8 boxes of books in the garage that we knew we didn't want to keep. We have a hard time throwing out books (could you tell?), so we didn't want to just dump them. And yet we also would like to see some kind of return on our investment, so we were hoping that at some point, maybe someone would buy them all at a garage sale. No luck there. I found a site called Cash4Books (http://www.cash4books.net/) and thought it looked promising. Nothing like getting some cash for all those books, right? That would be true if they bought all the books. They don't. But I'll get to that later.
I also found another site called PaperBackBookSwap (handy link is on the right side of my page - sign up, it's free, I get credit, yadda yadda). This is cool - post your books and send them to people who request them. In return, earn credit for each book you send that can used to request a book from someone else. You pay postage to mail the books, and you receive your requests free. So $3 for a book instead of $10-whatever. It's cool. I got 2 of my book club selections and am waiting on several more to arrive. I sent out 6 books today, and have about 13 more in the queue. The cost to send them adds up, but I will have that many "free" books coming my way in the future.
So, after finding these sites, I realized that we could try to sell some and whatever we couldn't sell at Cash4Books, I would post on PaperBackBookSwap. And today that's what we did. We set up an assembly line, if you will. Howard ran the ISBN numbers through Cash4Books, setting aside those that could be sold through them. Everything else came through me to post on the Swap. Of the nearly 200 books we went through, we are able to send 11 to Cash4Books for a total of about $42 (and they pay shipping). The rest have been posted on the Swap. I already ran out of Tyvek envelopes!
At the end of the day, we've done a good thing. We downsized the bookshelves, decluttered part of the garage, made a little cash (well, as soon as we send the books), and will make many people happy with books for their own collections. It was sad, too. We threw away about 2 boxes of books - some of the books had no ISBN numbers and were just in bad shape, and another box had been peed on by a cat (damn those neighborhood cats sneaking into my garage!)... And I now have 4 four-foot stacks of books in my kitchen, so perhaps I'm not as decluttered and downsized as I thought?
Friday, January 28, 2011
Heating Woes
It's a chilly winter day... IN MY HOUSE! When I arrived home yesterday at 6:00 pm, it was 64 degrees in the house - much too cold for the likes of me, who keeps it 72 all winter long. We reset the thermostat and changed the batteries, all to no avail. I knew I was in for a cold morning. I was right. 59 degrees as of 5:00 am. I wonder how "warm" we'll get today.
Last year, we replaced the motor in the heater to the tune of $990 because the motor was a non-standard part. Last month, we replaced the thermostat when this happened before, thinking that it was the cheap thermostat we bought when we moved in. It seemed to do the trick...until yesterday. I hope it's not an expensive fix this time.
Woe is cold me.
Last year, we replaced the motor in the heater to the tune of $990 because the motor was a non-standard part. Last month, we replaced the thermostat when this happened before, thinking that it was the cheap thermostat we bought when we moved in. It seemed to do the trick...until yesterday. I hope it's not an expensive fix this time.
Woe is cold me.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Financial journey continued...
It's been a long road on your journey to financial freedom following the plan laid out in Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover, but we have made amazing progress since our start in September 2009. In that time, we've gone through some changes:
But that's okay because our outlook for 2010 is even better. I am still teaching a total of 5 classes at a time, which is considered full-time, though it's still between 2 schools. My salary is still a little lower than it was at the full-time job, but that's okay, too. We've learned a lot through Dave Ramsey's plan: we know where we can tighten our budget and still be financially fine. Howard's promotion (and the raise to go along with it) will give us some extra money each month to attack our debts. I could possibly be full time at the business school this year, which would give us another boost to get us closer to our goal, maybe faster than we have planned.
We are now down to a car payment, one credit card, and my student loans. Our plan is to knock out the credit card and the car payment in the next few months with our tax refund. We will start paying the student loan and our goal is to pay off the entire balance in one year to be debt free by March 2012. It is amazing to think that in just over a year we could be debt free other than the house and be ready to start on Baby Step 3 to fully fund our emergency fund of 3-6 months of expenses. I cannot imagine having a bank account with that much money sitting in it!
What I'm really excited about is getting to Baby Step 4, where we start funding our 401Ks again and start saving for retirement. Howard is a little nervous that aren't doing this now, but I believe in this plan we're on, and I know that in the long run, we will reach our money goals!
- Our wages returned to the full amount early 2010 (after a 10% pay cut in early 2009)
- Howard was given the only pay increase in the company at the end of 2009 (other than employees who were given held promotions from the year before)
- I went to 3/4 time at the full-time job in January 2010 and started teaching a class at the community college in the spring semester
- I left the 3/4 time job when my second class started in March 2010 (late start)
- I picked up 2 classes at a business school (April quarter)
- I taught 4 classes in the next 2 quarters (July and October quarters)
- I also taught an early morning class at the community college in the fall semester of 2010
- Howard got his anxiously awaited promotion at the end of 2010
But that's okay because our outlook for 2010 is even better. I am still teaching a total of 5 classes at a time, which is considered full-time, though it's still between 2 schools. My salary is still a little lower than it was at the full-time job, but that's okay, too. We've learned a lot through Dave Ramsey's plan: we know where we can tighten our budget and still be financially fine. Howard's promotion (and the raise to go along with it) will give us some extra money each month to attack our debts. I could possibly be full time at the business school this year, which would give us another boost to get us closer to our goal, maybe faster than we have planned.
We are now down to a car payment, one credit card, and my student loans. Our plan is to knock out the credit card and the car payment in the next few months with our tax refund. We will start paying the student loan and our goal is to pay off the entire balance in one year to be debt free by March 2012. It is amazing to think that in just over a year we could be debt free other than the house and be ready to start on Baby Step 3 to fully fund our emergency fund of 3-6 months of expenses. I cannot imagine having a bank account with that much money sitting in it!
What I'm really excited about is getting to Baby Step 4, where we start funding our 401Ks again and start saving for retirement. Howard is a little nervous that aren't doing this now, but I believe in this plan we're on, and I know that in the long run, we will reach our money goals!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Welcome to 2011
It seems like a good day for a blog post, first day of the year and all that. I am ready for this new year. I don't know that there is any greatly profound reason why, it's just a feeling that this year is the year I get my shit together. There are always so many things I want to accomplish in any given year, and the end of the year comes around and I find that I haven't accomplished as many of them as I would have liked. Not that I feel like I have failed in any way, things change and those things that seemed so important at the beginning of the year no longer take precendence, and why worry about the things you cannot change, anyway? So in this first hour of the first day of 2011, I can see all the possibilities in what lies ahead in this year.
Some of 2011 is already planned, so there are fun times to look forward to. In May, I will walk/jog in my 5th Bay to Breakers in San Francisco. It has become a tradition since 2006, our first year. I missed 2007 because Spencer was due the day of the race. I probably should have gone anyway - she was 5 days late! In July, we're traveling to Minnesota with Mom to see where she grew up and learn more about her side of the family. We've never been there with her. We'll also have a reunion with my dad's side of the family and celebrate my oldest brother's 50th birthday. Can't wait for May and July to roll around!
And of course, there are the resolutions we're supposed to make every new year. I can never decide if I want to make them or not, and when I do, I make half-hearted resolutions that last about 2 weeks and then are forgotten in the daily grind. Perhaps if they weren't called resolutions it would make them last longer. Okay, goals then. I will set goals for myself instead. So what do I want to do? What do I want to see happen for myself in 2011? Let's take a look....
-- Complete the Bay to Breakers 12K in under 2 hours
-- Lose 20-25 pounds before the Bay to Breakers
-- Pay off the SUV and the last credit card
-- Pay down my student loans
-- Finish the work on the front yard
-- Plan better
-- Procrastinate less
-- Achieve a better work/life balance
-- Drink more water
-- Allow myself time to read
-- Walk, hike, and swim more
-- Blog more consistently
Welcome to 2011 - there sure is a lot to be done!
Some of 2011 is already planned, so there are fun times to look forward to. In May, I will walk/jog in my 5th Bay to Breakers in San Francisco. It has become a tradition since 2006, our first year. I missed 2007 because Spencer was due the day of the race. I probably should have gone anyway - she was 5 days late! In July, we're traveling to Minnesota with Mom to see where she grew up and learn more about her side of the family. We've never been there with her. We'll also have a reunion with my dad's side of the family and celebrate my oldest brother's 50th birthday. Can't wait for May and July to roll around!
And of course, there are the resolutions we're supposed to make every new year. I can never decide if I want to make them or not, and when I do, I make half-hearted resolutions that last about 2 weeks and then are forgotten in the daily grind. Perhaps if they weren't called resolutions it would make them last longer. Okay, goals then. I will set goals for myself instead. So what do I want to do? What do I want to see happen for myself in 2011? Let's take a look....
-- Complete the Bay to Breakers 12K in under 2 hours
-- Lose 20-25 pounds before the Bay to Breakers
-- Pay off the SUV and the last credit card
-- Pay down my student loans
-- Finish the work on the front yard
-- Plan better
-- Procrastinate less
-- Achieve a better work/life balance
-- Drink more water
-- Allow myself time to read
-- Walk, hike, and swim more
-- Blog more consistently
Welcome to 2011 - there sure is a lot to be done!
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