I LOVE lists!! Why didn't I know that the Secret Society of List Addicts existed?!? I've already gotten so many fun ideas for posts from their blog. Including this...
What I'd do if money were no object:
Pay off all my debt
I guess if money were no object, I wouldn't have any debt. But as it stands, I've got like a million credit cards, 19 school loans, and like 80 car payments. So, debt would have to be the first thing to go. I ain't owing anyone anything!
Pay off my parent's debt
I had to learn my poor money management skills somewhere, right? Both my husband's and my mother have incurred some debt of their own, including their homes and cars. If I paid off all my mom's debt, there's no question who the favorite child would be...like there was ever any doubt anyways ;)
Buy houses
Right now, I'd be happy with A-house. But if money weren't a thang, you better believe I'd keep multiple homes in Santa Barbara, San Diego, Park City, Miami, Hawaii, New York, and Australia. I've got places to go! Which leads me to my next item...
Travel
And I ain't talking about flying coach and staying at a Best Western. I'd be "Paying cash,first class,sitting next to Vanna White" And since I'd own a house in most of the cities I'd already be visiting frequently, lodging would be taken care of as well as transportation, because of course, every house we own has a 3 car garage, each stocked with a sports car, sadan, and SUV.
Build rock crawlers
Poor Ryan has sold every single one of his Jeeps. He's been reduced to driving a Toyota Yaris. Definitely not manly. I'd buy Ry his unlimited Rubicon and then let him go to town on lifts, lockers, bead locks, roll cages, stingers, etc. Even more fun, I'd sponsor him in building a tube chassis buggy. Then, we'd forget Moab and instead go Aussie to crawl our beasts!!
Commission a chopper from OCC
I don't care who you are, choppers are super sexy. And though American Chopper has turned into just one more dramatic reality show, it doesn't negate the fact that they build some of the most beautiful bikes known to mankind.
Hire a chef and personal trainer
Can you imagine just how skinny I'd be if I had someone cook for me and make me work out?
Purchase Betsey Johnson's entire line
I love me some Betsey Johnson and her 80's prom-esque style. Her leather purses are my favorite bags of all time and I love her funky and chunky jewelry pieces.
Establish a need-based scholarship
I'm a huge supporter and advocate of higher education. I also know how expensive college can be and I would not have been able to afford to attend if it weren't for the scholarships I received.
Host extravagant parties
I love hanging out with friends and I love throwing big events. I'd find every excuse to plan the most awesome galas and soirees for families, friends, and charities.
What are some things you'd do if money were no object?
Showing posts with label Debt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Debt. Show all posts
1.11.2010
1.08.2010
2009 Goals Summary
All right. A week into January and I'm finally ready to post my New Year's Resolutions. But first, a post to conclude my last year's goals and reasons why I did or did not accomplish them.
1)Become more involved in the ward
Moving into a new ward, I was actually able to accomplish this goal. Our stake does volleyball on Tuesday nights, so the volleyball enthusiast I am, I went to play my first week in the new ward and quickly made some new friends. One in particular, has become one of my absolute best friends and I love hanging out and doing things with her and her family. It's easier to go to all 3 church meetings when you have friends in your ward...and if you have an intensive calling that requires you to be there all 3 hours. But with these successes, I'm still a crappy visiting teacher and Ry and I may have accidentally let our temple recommends expire. We're currently working to remedy that situation. The temple recommendation situation, not the visiting teaching situation. I still hate it!
2)Run a 5k
While I never actually ran an official race last year, I don't consider it a failed goal. I finally buckled down and got back to the gym and way into running. And now that I'm training for a marathon, running 5k is like a warm up. In my training, I'm actually up to running about a 10k. So, I consider this goal met!
3)Manage a healthier lifestyle
Well, the no soda thing was definitely a monumental fail. Diet cherry Pepsi is just too good! And, making a weekly dinner menu and shopping list? Yeah right. I barely have time to cook, let alone plan an entire menu. Though, if I planned a menu for the week, that probably would actually save me some time...hmmm. And I did track my calories for a pretty long time. But did I stay between 1200-1500 calories a day? Not likely. And especially now that I'm running so much, I eat ALL the time because I need to replenish my depleted calories. But for the record, I have been making healthier choices as to the foods I'm choosing to get my calories from. I've made it a point to eat breakfast everyday and to have 2 additional square meals during the afternoon and evening. I've also been more conscious of the snacks I eat between meals. Lean Cuisines have actually turned into my best friends. MMM! I think I'll go eat one now...
4)Save money
For Christmas this year, I'm happy to report that I didn't buy anything on credit. I couldn't. I cut up my credit cards. Instead, I took advantage of Kmart's layaway plan and paid for my entire Christmas with cold hard cash that I earned from donating plasma. I continue to pay above the minimum payment each month on my credit cards, and Ry and I hardly ever eat out anymore...except when it comes to Five Guys, then we're kind of suckers. When it comes to tithing, though, we've struggled. If we want to get our recommends back, we've gotta start getting in the habit of putting money directly away for tithing the second we get our paychecks.
5)Implement more constructive family time
Does watching Baby Einstein together count? Ice Age? Lolli watches WAY too much TV and Ry and I need to be better about engaging in constructive activities with her. We also need to get back in the habit of family prayer and reading the scriptures. Still, we did teach Lolli to fold her arms and say "Amen" so we're not complete failures as parents.
Overall, I don't think 2009 was such a bad year for goals. I'm not disappointed in myself, rather, I'm extremely happy for how much I actually accomplished. 2009 was definitely a difficult year for us and I could have done a lot worse in trying to accomplish my goals. I have high hopes and expectations for 2010 and I hope to complete the goals I failed to last year.
I'm more positive about our situation and our future, whereas last year, things were very shaky and unpredictable. Granted, life will always be unpredictable but at least now I've got more faith and confidence than I did before.
So, here's to giving 2009 the boot and welcoming the craziness and challenges 2010 is sure to bring!
1)Become more involved in the ward
Moving into a new ward, I was actually able to accomplish this goal. Our stake does volleyball on Tuesday nights, so the volleyball enthusiast I am, I went to play my first week in the new ward and quickly made some new friends. One in particular, has become one of my absolute best friends and I love hanging out and doing things with her and her family. It's easier to go to all 3 church meetings when you have friends in your ward...and if you have an intensive calling that requires you to be there all 3 hours. But with these successes, I'm still a crappy visiting teacher and Ry and I may have accidentally let our temple recommends expire. We're currently working to remedy that situation. The temple recommendation situation, not the visiting teaching situation. I still hate it!
2)Run a 5k
While I never actually ran an official race last year, I don't consider it a failed goal. I finally buckled down and got back to the gym and way into running. And now that I'm training for a marathon, running 5k is like a warm up. In my training, I'm actually up to running about a 10k. So, I consider this goal met!
3)Manage a healthier lifestyle
Well, the no soda thing was definitely a monumental fail. Diet cherry Pepsi is just too good! And, making a weekly dinner menu and shopping list? Yeah right. I barely have time to cook, let alone plan an entire menu. Though, if I planned a menu for the week, that probably would actually save me some time...hmmm. And I did track my calories for a pretty long time. But did I stay between 1200-1500 calories a day? Not likely. And especially now that I'm running so much, I eat ALL the time because I need to replenish my depleted calories. But for the record, I have been making healthier choices as to the foods I'm choosing to get my calories from. I've made it a point to eat breakfast everyday and to have 2 additional square meals during the afternoon and evening. I've also been more conscious of the snacks I eat between meals. Lean Cuisines have actually turned into my best friends. MMM! I think I'll go eat one now...
4)Save money
For Christmas this year, I'm happy to report that I didn't buy anything on credit. I couldn't. I cut up my credit cards. Instead, I took advantage of Kmart's layaway plan and paid for my entire Christmas with cold hard cash that I earned from donating plasma. I continue to pay above the minimum payment each month on my credit cards, and Ry and I hardly ever eat out anymore...except when it comes to Five Guys, then we're kind of suckers. When it comes to tithing, though, we've struggled. If we want to get our recommends back, we've gotta start getting in the habit of putting money directly away for tithing the second we get our paychecks.
5)Implement more constructive family time
Does watching Baby Einstein together count? Ice Age? Lolli watches WAY too much TV and Ry and I need to be better about engaging in constructive activities with her. We also need to get back in the habit of family prayer and reading the scriptures. Still, we did teach Lolli to fold her arms and say "Amen" so we're not complete failures as parents.
Overall, I don't think 2009 was such a bad year for goals. I'm not disappointed in myself, rather, I'm extremely happy for how much I actually accomplished. 2009 was definitely a difficult year for us and I could have done a lot worse in trying to accomplish my goals. I have high hopes and expectations for 2010 and I hope to complete the goals I failed to last year.
I'm more positive about our situation and our future, whereas last year, things were very shaky and unpredictable. Granted, life will always be unpredictable but at least now I've got more faith and confidence than I did before.
So, here's to giving 2009 the boot and welcoming the craziness and challenges 2010 is sure to bring!
6.17.2009
Dear Anonymous
First, I shouldn't have to explain myself to anybody. The decisions I make with my husband and family are nobody else's business. So, in no way am I obligated to defend myself to you. But for blogging's sake, let's give it a whirl!
I find it quite interesting that you choose to hide behind anonymity. By the eloquence and intonation apparent in your comment, it's evident that you are very proud of your opinions. Therefore, why remain anonymous? If you have such a strong opinion, claim it!
But even more interesting, you are obviously a close acquaintance of mine. Let's face it. My blog is not that popular. So, you're either a family member or a friend. Which brings me to wonder, if you are my "friend," why couldn't you simply relay your frustrations directly to my face? Instead, you post them anonymously on my blog. How very impersonal, Friend.
And speaking of taking things personally, how dare you render judgment on something so intimate as having children. Where's the merit in attacking Robby's very personal decision to have children just because he does not agree with your stance on something so public as politics?
Regardless, how Ryan and I decide to spend our money is not up for public debate. True, we go on vacations a lot and have nice things. However, you don't know the circumstances under which these event occur. We don't go out and spend money superciliously. Cruises, trips to Lake Powell, babies playing in money, and nice apartments? Well...
We went on a cruise because it was Ryan's graduation and birthday gift, our anniversary getaway and Valentine's day celebration all wrapped up in one. A trip that I actually saved up for and decided to do since I didn't have enough funds to celebrate each event separately.
Our recent Lake Powell trip was actually something we were invited to attend by our cousins. We simply went along for the ride and meekly provided 2 meals for everyone on the boat. Every other expense was covered so generously by our hosts, for which, we are very grateful.
The picture of Lolli playing in money, which I actually never posted on my blog along with details of my trip to Lake Powell, was actually taken as I was making a money lei for my husband to wear at commencement. All the sixty-two $1 bills used to make the lei were given to my by my mother, grandmother, and sister-in-law as a gift for Ryan.
The townhome we just moved into is very nice. I love it. And we wouldn't be living here if it weren't for the support of my father-in-law. He helps us with the rent each month because we can't afford to make the payments on our own due to all the supercilious spending on insurance, medical bills, utilities, car payments, tithing, exam fees, groceries...
Entitlement you say? Well, I guess I do feel entitled to a few things, but only because my husband and I have worked so hard to have them. And when we just can't seem to make ends meet, we have the loving support of family members who are there to pick up the slack. But I guess from your high horse, it's easy to judge our lifestyles.
Good luck finishing school. When you graduate and are required to begin repayment on the thousands of dollars you borrowed in student loans all the while providing for the needs of your family, perhaps then you'll finally understand why Ryan and I have no money.
I find it quite interesting that you choose to hide behind anonymity. By the eloquence and intonation apparent in your comment, it's evident that you are very proud of your opinions. Therefore, why remain anonymous? If you have such a strong opinion, claim it!
But even more interesting, you are obviously a close acquaintance of mine. Let's face it. My blog is not that popular. So, you're either a family member or a friend. Which brings me to wonder, if you are my "friend," why couldn't you simply relay your frustrations directly to my face? Instead, you post them anonymously on my blog. How very impersonal, Friend.
And speaking of taking things personally, how dare you render judgment on something so intimate as having children. Where's the merit in attacking Robby's very personal decision to have children just because he does not agree with your stance on something so public as politics?
Regardless, how Ryan and I decide to spend our money is not up for public debate. True, we go on vacations a lot and have nice things. However, you don't know the circumstances under which these event occur. We don't go out and spend money superciliously. Cruises, trips to Lake Powell, babies playing in money, and nice apartments? Well...
We went on a cruise because it was Ryan's graduation and birthday gift, our anniversary getaway and Valentine's day celebration all wrapped up in one. A trip that I actually saved up for and decided to do since I didn't have enough funds to celebrate each event separately.
Our recent Lake Powell trip was actually something we were invited to attend by our cousins. We simply went along for the ride and meekly provided 2 meals for everyone on the boat. Every other expense was covered so generously by our hosts, for which, we are very grateful.
The picture of Lolli playing in money, which I actually never posted on my blog along with details of my trip to Lake Powell, was actually taken as I was making a money lei for my husband to wear at commencement. All the sixty-two $1 bills used to make the lei were given to my by my mother, grandmother, and sister-in-law as a gift for Ryan.
The townhome we just moved into is very nice. I love it. And we wouldn't be living here if it weren't for the support of my father-in-law. He helps us with the rent each month because we can't afford to make the payments on our own due to all the supercilious spending on insurance, medical bills, utilities, car payments, tithing, exam fees, groceries...
Entitlement you say? Well, I guess I do feel entitled to a few things, but only because my husband and I have worked so hard to have them. And when we just can't seem to make ends meet, we have the loving support of family members who are there to pick up the slack. But I guess from your high horse, it's easy to judge our lifestyles.
Good luck finishing school. When you graduate and are required to begin repayment on the thousands of dollars you borrowed in student loans all the while providing for the needs of your family, perhaps then you'll finally understand why Ryan and I have no money.
3.05.2009
Resolutions Recap
So now that we're 3 months in to this new year, I've had a while to work on my new year's resolutions. The following is a progress report. Get ready for a long post. Sorry!
1) Become more involved in the ward
eh...I'm still inactive. But recently, I actually have made a better effort to be on time for church and to stay for all 3 meetings. It's kinda funny, though. Last week in RS, our ward clerk came in and was reading off our attendance numbers for the different meetings. RS and EQ had something like 85% attendance while Sacrament only had like 60%. Well, no duh!!! Sacrament is at 9:00am. Nobody wants to get up that early on a Sunday!!! I thought Sunday was a day of rest. With church starting at 9:00am, I have to get up just as early as any other day of the week when I'm getting ready to head to work!
I also haven't even tried to do any of my visiting teaching. Though, I've tried making myself a lot more accessible to my visiting teachers so they could at least fulfill their callings. No use taking everyone else down with me.
And in an effort to be more involved, I've actually taken kindly to our RS book group. Right now we're reading Sense and Sensibility. I'm not really that big of a Jane Austen fan...even though I've actually read many of her major novels. Still, Sense and Sensibility is actually my favorite Jane Austen, so I've been looking forward to our next group meeting.
Lastly, I really did try to join one of our ward intramural teams. But when it comes to basketball, I'm crap. I'd rather save myself the embarrassment.
2) Run a 5K
This is the one resolution that I thought I'd have the toughest time keeping up on. But, it's turned out to be the one goal that I've actually worked the hardest to meet. Three days a week, I run for about 30-45 minutes. I'm on a running program that gets you running for 60 consecutive minutes in only 8 weeks. Right now, I'm on week 3 and I can run about 35 minutes non stop. I'm pretty proud of that!! And actually, just this past Monday, I finally met my 5K mark. Yup. I ran 3.1 miles. Nevermind the fact that it took me about 45 minutes to do it. It's still a HUGE victory for me.
About 2 years ago, when I was playing rugby, I was running up to 7 miles a day. After I tore my ACL, had surgery, and got pregnant, I did nothing to get back in shape. Now, about 2 years later, I've FINALLY pulled myself out of my sedentary rut and begun running again. It just gets frustrating though, when I struggle to run 3 miles since I was once fully capable of running 7. Oh well, I'll get back there eventually. In the meantime, I'm tentatively shooting to run my first real 5k on May 2nd. Until then, I actually signed up to walk a 5k with Mom, Wikki, and the babes. I'm excited!!
3) Manage a healthier lifestyle
This is actually another goal that I've been trying really hard to meet. I've done pretty well with the no soda thing and with drinking at least 8 cups of water a day. (I sure have to pee a lot!) But
consuming only 1200-1500 calories a day has been a lot more difficult. What can I say? I LOVE food!!! And don't worry, on the cruise I gained 5 pounds, and over Lâlea's luau weekend I gained about 3. But alas, I've actually worked those pounds back off. So technically speaking, I've lost 8 pounds in the last month!!! I know, not really. Don't ruin it for me.
I also haven't done very well at maintaining a weekly dinner menu or shopping list. To be honest, I haven't even tried! It's hard when you don't know where you'll be at dinner time. Sometimes we don't even make it home til like 9:30pm and by that time, you're too tired to make a meal. Or, we'll be over at someone's house and just eat dinner over there. So, it's hard trying to plan meals. But, I should be better at not wasting food. I've already lost so much fresh produce...sad.
4) Save money
Well, these last few months have been saturated with parties and celebrations. Needless to say, we've spent a lot of $$$$$. But now that all the birthdays and stuff are over for a while, Ry and I have decided to really buckle down.
I've cut up my credit cards and have committed to paying about $50 more than the minimum payment on all my debts each month. Slowly but surely, I'm hoping that those 50 extra dollars will add up and help me get rid of my debt faster.
Ry and I also just recently purchased a whiteboard that we use to record all of our spending. We actually call it "The Board of Sorrow," because it's a visual representation of all the money we really don't have. And it's already dissuaded me from spending money on superfluous things and eating out. I'll be on the way to go buy something, then I'll think of the board, haunting me at home. I feel guilty, so I don't end up buying anything. Money saved!!!
And going back to being inactive...pretty sure I'm gonna fail my temple recommend interview. I haven't been very good at paying a full tithe. Don't get me wrong, I pay it about every other paycheck. So I'm not a complete heathen. But if I don't stay on top of any of my other money saving methods, I really should make paying tithing my #1 priority.
5) Implement more constructive family time
Well, I'm a horrible mother and a terrible wife. I've yet to take Baby on a walk outside, though Ryan did take her to the park last week. And, I haven't done much about helping Ry study for the GMAT. However, the weather is getting warmer and I've been trying to get home from work earlier, so, I think I'll be able to start taking Lâlea on more walks soon. And since none of our job prospects have panned out yet, Ry has started going back to his GMAT class on T/TH and plans to take the GMAT in May.
Also, we've started doing FHE with the Huntsmaniacs on Monday nights. During all the craziness with birthdays, the cruise, and anniversaries, we missed a couple Mondays. But, we're trying to get back on track. Likewise, Ry and I both recognize the need for family praryer but have done poorly to implement it. Now, as we need more help than ever with getting jobs and securing our future, I think we recognize the importance of praying together. So, we'll definitely start doing better. Shoot, during this recession, we need all the help we can get!!!
Reading throught his progress report, it sounds like I've really slacked off. But in all honesty, I think I've done pretty well! It could be a lot worse, let me tell ya!! I've become really obsessed about working out and TRYING to eat right, so things are looking pretty good there. Now, I just need to become obsessed with paying tithing and visiting teaching. Eh, maybe I'll put a hold on obsessive visiting teaching. Let's not bite off more than we can chew.
1) Become more involved in the ward
eh...I'm still inactive. But recently, I actually have made a better effort to be on time for church and to stay for all 3 meetings. It's kinda funny, though. Last week in RS, our ward clerk came in and was reading off our attendance numbers for the different meetings. RS and EQ had something like 85% attendance while Sacrament only had like 60%. Well, no duh!!! Sacrament is at 9:00am. Nobody wants to get up that early on a Sunday!!! I thought Sunday was a day of rest. With church starting at 9:00am, I have to get up just as early as any other day of the week when I'm getting ready to head to work!
I also haven't even tried to do any of my visiting teaching. Though, I've tried making myself a lot more accessible to my visiting teachers so they could at least fulfill their callings. No use taking everyone else down with me.
And in an effort to be more involved, I've actually taken kindly to our RS book group. Right now we're reading Sense and Sensibility. I'm not really that big of a Jane Austen fan...even though I've actually read many of her major novels. Still, Sense and Sensibility is actually my favorite Jane Austen, so I've been looking forward to our next group meeting.
Lastly, I really did try to join one of our ward intramural teams. But when it comes to basketball, I'm crap. I'd rather save myself the embarrassment.
2) Run a 5K
This is the one resolution that I thought I'd have the toughest time keeping up on. But, it's turned out to be the one goal that I've actually worked the hardest to meet. Three days a week, I run for about 30-45 minutes. I'm on a running program that gets you running for 60 consecutive minutes in only 8 weeks. Right now, I'm on week 3 and I can run about 35 minutes non stop. I'm pretty proud of that!! And actually, just this past Monday, I finally met my 5K mark. Yup. I ran 3.1 miles. Nevermind the fact that it took me about 45 minutes to do it. It's still a HUGE victory for me.
About 2 years ago, when I was playing rugby, I was running up to 7 miles a day. After I tore my ACL, had surgery, and got pregnant, I did nothing to get back in shape. Now, about 2 years later, I've FINALLY pulled myself out of my sedentary rut and begun running again. It just gets frustrating though, when I struggle to run 3 miles since I was once fully capable of running 7. Oh well, I'll get back there eventually. In the meantime, I'm tentatively shooting to run my first real 5k on May 2nd. Until then, I actually signed up to walk a 5k with Mom, Wikki, and the babes. I'm excited!!
3) Manage a healthier lifestyle
This is actually another goal that I've been trying really hard to meet. I've done pretty well with the no soda thing and with drinking at least 8 cups of water a day. (I sure have to pee a lot!) But
consuming only 1200-1500 calories a day has been a lot more difficult. What can I say? I LOVE food!!! And don't worry, on the cruise I gained 5 pounds, and over Lâlea's luau weekend I gained about 3. But alas, I've actually worked those pounds back off. So technically speaking, I've lost 8 pounds in the last month!!! I know, not really. Don't ruin it for me.I also haven't done very well at maintaining a weekly dinner menu or shopping list. To be honest, I haven't even tried! It's hard when you don't know where you'll be at dinner time. Sometimes we don't even make it home til like 9:30pm and by that time, you're too tired to make a meal. Or, we'll be over at someone's house and just eat dinner over there. So, it's hard trying to plan meals. But, I should be better at not wasting food. I've already lost so much fresh produce...sad.
4) Save money
Well, these last few months have been saturated with parties and celebrations. Needless to say, we've spent a lot of $$$$$. But now that all the birthdays and stuff are over for a while, Ry and I have decided to really buckle down.
I've cut up my credit cards and have committed to paying about $50 more than the minimum payment on all my debts each month. Slowly but surely, I'm hoping that those 50 extra dollars will add up and help me get rid of my debt faster.
Ry and I also just recently purchased a whiteboard that we use to record all of our spending. We actually call it "The Board of Sorrow," because it's a visual representation of all the money we really don't have. And it's already dissuaded me from spending money on superfluous things and eating out. I'll be on the way to go buy something, then I'll think of the board, haunting me at home. I feel guilty, so I don't end up buying anything. Money saved!!!
And going back to being inactive...pretty sure I'm gonna fail my temple recommend interview. I haven't been very good at paying a full tithe. Don't get me wrong, I pay it about every other paycheck. So I'm not a complete heathen. But if I don't stay on top of any of my other money saving methods, I really should make paying tithing my #1 priority.
5) Implement more constructive family time
Well, I'm a horrible mother and a terrible wife. I've yet to take Baby on a walk outside, though Ryan did take her to the park last week. And, I haven't done much about helping Ry study for the GMAT. However, the weather is getting warmer and I've been trying to get home from work earlier, so, I think I'll be able to start taking Lâlea on more walks soon. And since none of our job prospects have panned out yet, Ry has started going back to his GMAT class on T/TH and plans to take the GMAT in May.
Also, we've started doing FHE with the Huntsmaniacs on Monday nights. During all the craziness with birthdays, the cruise, and anniversaries, we missed a couple Mondays. But, we're trying to get back on track. Likewise, Ry and I both recognize the need for family praryer but have done poorly to implement it. Now, as we need more help than ever with getting jobs and securing our future, I think we recognize the importance of praying together. So, we'll definitely start doing better. Shoot, during this recession, we need all the help we can get!!!
Reading throught his progress report, it sounds like I've really slacked off. But in all honesty, I think I've done pretty well! It could be a lot worse, let me tell ya!! I've become really obsessed about working out and TRYING to eat right, so things are looking pretty good there. Now, I just need to become obsessed with paying tithing and visiting teaching. Eh, maybe I'll put a hold on obsessive visiting teaching. Let's not bite off more than we can chew.
1.05.2009
New Year's Resolutions
I have been hesitant to state my resolutions just yet because I wanted them to be fully formed before implementing them...not simply ideas or things I'd like to do this year. Instead, I wanted my resolutions to be specific and be backed by a plan. And, I think I've finally gotten everything organized and to my liking. So, here goes. I've first listed the goal, then I've listed ways that I plan on accomplishing it.
1) Become more involved in the ward
2) Run a 5K
3) Manage a healthier lifestyle
4) Save money
5) Implement more constructive family time
Wow, when I put them all in writing, it looks like a really extensive list. Maybe I should have started smaller. Or, maybe one of my goals should have been to complete at least one goal! Wish me luck!
1) Become more involved in the ward
- attend ALL 3 church meetings
- join one of the ward's intramural teams
- complete my visiting teaching each month, and have a better attitude about VT in general
- attend book group
- attend ward temple nights (first one is January 15th!)
- magnify my calling by arranging musical numbers for relief society
2) Run a 5K
- complete a minimum of 20 minutes of cardio workout at least 3 days a week
- follow a running workout plan
- track my running minutes
3) Manage a healthier lifestyle
- NO SODA!!!
- consume at least 8 cups of water a day
- track my caloric intake, consuming between 1200-1500 calories a day
- create a weekly dinner menu and shopping list
4) Save money- cut up credit cards
- pay more than the minimum payment on credit card and school loan
- pay a full tithe
- cut back on eating out
- buy off-brand groceries
- take advantage of KSL, craigslist, and Ebay whenever possible
5) Implement more constructive family time
- cook meals at home and eat together as a family
- take baby on walks in her wagon and do more outdoor activities
- help Ry prepare for the GMAT, or create an environment for him that's conducive to studying
- have family prayer every night
- begin holiday traditions
- read one Ensign article a week in place of FHE
Wow, when I put them all in writing, it looks like a really extensive list. Maybe I should have started smaller. Or, maybe one of my goals should have been to complete at least one goal! Wish me luck!
12.18.2008
Musings: Christmas Presents
I've decided that it's time I start asserting my opinion...as if I haven't been doing that already. Therefore, I've created a category of my blog entitled Musings. As one would expect, this category will contain all my thoughts on a particular subject. You don't have to agree, or disagree with my opinions. Shoot, you don't even have to read! I don't need your approval to feel validated! I just wanna write!
So, to get the ball rolling, I thought I'd start off by talking about Christmas presents. Tis the season, ya know?!
The main thing I struggle with is this: why do people throw themselves into debt each year just because it's Christmas? Why is Christmas the time to start spending? Why not just accrue debt all year long? That way, it'd be like Christmas everyday! I mean, I get the fact that Christmas is the time to be generous and giving, but isn't it more important to be giving of ourselves rather than giving of Xbox 360s? I'm pretty sure that the true meaning of Christmas is supposed to be focused on Christ's birth, not centered around Juicy Couture purses and plasma TVs.
Yet every year, I find myself maxing out my credit card just so I can get Ryan that perfect present. But, I think this year I've finally reached my limit. Sorry, Honey. No surprise rims for your car hiding in the closet this year. Mama Toot is way too far into debt to buy you anything more than a hoodie from TJ Maxx.
Besides
, like I said, we should be giving of ourselves anyways, not of our wallets. So this year, I'm gonna give you unconditional love and adoration as a gift. Now isn't that more satisfying than a new Range Rover? We're already in it for the long haul, time and all eternity. So instead of buying you any gifts, I'm just gonna remind you of the most important gift you 
could ever have and wish for...ME!!! The woman who bore your child after a miserable and whiny pregnancy. The woman who has worse bawdy humor than most men you know. The woman who bought massage oil, vowing to give you a back rub, but who has yet to live up to that promise. The woman who forces you to play board games with the family.
For your gift this year, I'm just going to shower you with those memories and experiences. Little Baby Jesus will surely approve of that instead of some frivilous material good. And since it's from the heart, I'm sure you'll enjoy it more than a new laptop, don't ya think?
You're right. I guess I'll just open up another credit card and head over to Best Buy.
So, to get the ball rolling, I thought I'd start off by talking about Christmas presents. Tis the season, ya know?!
The main thing I struggle with is this: why do people throw themselves into debt each year just because it's Christmas? Why is Christmas the time to start spending? Why not just accrue debt all year long? That way, it'd be like Christmas everyday! I mean, I get the fact that Christmas is the time to be generous and giving, but isn't it more important to be giving of ourselves rather than giving of Xbox 360s? I'm pretty sure that the true meaning of Christmas is supposed to be focused on Christ's birth, not centered around Juicy Couture purses and plasma TVs.
Yet every year, I find myself maxing out my credit card just so I can get Ryan that perfect present. But, I think this year I've finally reached my limit. Sorry, Honey. No surprise rims for your car hiding in the closet this year. Mama Toot is way too far into debt to buy you anything more than a hoodie from TJ Maxx.
Besides
, like I said, we should be giving of ourselves anyways, not of our wallets. So this year, I'm gonna give you unconditional love and adoration as a gift. Now isn't that more satisfying than a new Range Rover? We're already in it for the long haul, time and all eternity. So instead of buying you any gifts, I'm just gonna remind you of the most important gift you 
could ever have and wish for...ME!!! The woman who bore your child after a miserable and whiny pregnancy. The woman who has worse bawdy humor than most men you know. The woman who bought massage oil, vowing to give you a back rub, but who has yet to live up to that promise. The woman who forces you to play board games with the family.For your gift this year, I'm just going to shower you with those memories and experiences. Little Baby Jesus will surely approve of that instead of some frivilous material good. And since it's from the heart, I'm sure you'll enjoy it more than a new laptop, don't ya think?
You're right. I guess I'll just open up another credit card and head over to Best Buy.
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