OK, so my last post (a while ago... ) was about my 8 New Years Resolutions that I made for myself and I hoped I could keep up. I've heard a few requests for both a new blog as well as an update on these... So, here ya go- all in one!
1. By May 2009, be credit card debt free. So, when I made this resolution, I dont think I knew how much I was in and this was also assuming my tax return would be about two or three times as much as it is. At least, I now have a plan for myself, a realistic one at that, to get out of credit card debt. By May, I can't make it. But, by the late part of the year, I should be good.
2. Improve my credit score. Self-explanatory from #1. (We're on our way...)
3.Decrease my dosage of sodas. When I wrote this, I was drinking 1 a day/7 a week. Right now, I'm at about 2-3 a week. Go me! (And no, it did not include caffeine. I work too much to not need my coffee.)
4.I have a gym membership. Slowly but surely I am getting back into the swing of things. I'm going about once a week. But I'm trying!
5. By March 2009 I will be able to run a mile non-stop. Yeah, um... If there are 2 that dont quite make it, it will be this and number 1 (the timeline of it anyway.) I've ran once since I made this and it was this past week. It was hell.
6. I will learn how to put my emotions into check. If I may say so, this is the one I've done the best on. I'm learning a lot about myself and saving relationships because of it.
7. No more ridiculous insecurities... Again, I'm doing it. It's a learning process and I am on top of the learning curve. Of course, I may slip every now and then, but in my opinion I'm doing much better than 2 months ago.
8. Spend more time with the girls. Especially lately, I have been doing this, AND I'M LOVING IT!
So... there ya go. For the most part, I'm doing what I promised myself. Especially the important ones.
How are yours going?
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
My life's changing.
So, this is the time of year that everybody makes promises to themselves that in 1-2 months, they usually break anyway. I think it's funny that we (for the most part) hold our promises to other people before we hold ourselves responsible. This concept is ironic because in order to make someone else happy, we have to be happy ourselves.
I don't know about you, but this year, I refuse to let myself down, thus not letting down everyone else in my life. Especially my love.
We are 8.5 hours away from 2009, which is when these promises to myself come into effect. Here they are (and in no particular order:)
- By May 2009, be credit card debt free. This will be a HUGE thing for me to pull off, considering my bills aren't all getting paid at the moment, and my bank account is constantly negative. (Hence job #2.) I think this is my main one and I will be hugely disappointed if I let myself down on this one.
- Improve my credit score. Self-explanatory from #1.
- Decrease my dosage of sodas. Growing up I was always only allowed 1 soda a day, which is a rule I still hold myself to. Sometimes I break it, but I try really hard not to. Plus, I'm finding it harder every day to turn them down... I hate that feeling. So no more. (This is going to be a steady decrease, rather than cold-turkey.) Note: I have not decided if this includes caffeine or not, as caffeine does help with the headaches.
- I have a gym membership. No more excuses. At least 2-3 times a week I'll be there. Even if I have a second job.
- By March 2009 I will be able to run a mile non-stop. Speed doesn't matter to me. I just want to be able to run a mile. After this, I'll start increasing my speed. Hell- I used to run 4.5 miles a day! I haven't been able to run a mile non-stop since 9th grade... (9 years ago!)
- I will learn how to put my emotions into check. This includes everything from not starting fights with Jonathan because I over react about something, to my family and friends, to work. But mostly, I will not sabotage this amazing thing I have with this amazing guy.
- No more ridiculous insecurities... Especially those stemmed from ridiculousness from my past. I'm tired of this affecting the most important people in my life. And me. Period.
- Spend more time with the girls. The important ones in my life know who they are. And if that doesn't work out, I'll find new ones. But I need more time with them so I can be more secure and independent. Oh, and I love spending time with them!
If you think 8 resolutions aren't enough, let's hear yours. These are all life changing resolutions, and I intend to keep every single one. Starting in 8.3 hours.
See ya on the other side!
Daily fortune cookie: "Endurance and persistence will be rewarded." Appropriate huh?
Saturday, December 20, 2008
I've Sold Myself. Again.
So, I've had to swallow my pride, suck it up and realize that it was about time for a second job. Actually, I've known for a while that I needed a second job (part-time, of course) due to funds (or lack thereof.)
Anyone that knows me, knows I've been in the restaurant business since I was 15. That's almost 9 years now. And anyone that has been in the restaurant business, knows that it's one of those industries that is impossible to get out of. The money is instant and usually pretty good, especially if it's meant as a supplemental income.
When I graduated last year I thought I'd be done with working 2 jobs and won't have to work in another restaurant again. Wrong. Last June I realized my single income wasn't quite paying the bills (well, realization=creditors reminding me of this great fact.) I decided to get a job working at a bar- it sounded much more exciting than working in a restaurant, and the money was better too. The excitement only lasted until some creapo decided he wanted to stalk me and harass me. The cops took care of him.
Plus, near the end of the bar gig, I got a raise at work. Along with the raise came a promise to my boss that I would quit the second job and focus more at the office. When I made that promise, Jonathan was still making decent money at Outback, and I got a good enough raise to pay my bills.
That didn't last long. This amazing recession that we're in- well, that cut Jonathan's income into about a 1/3 of what he was used to making. Slowly, I started paying more of the bills, groceries, extra-curricular activities, etc. It's since been made more than evident to me that my income cannot support a family of 2 + a dog. It just can't. Especially around the holidays.
The credit cards are maxed out, plus some... I'm back to having to choose which bills will get paid on time; I'm playing catch-up with my bank account (where a good part of my paycheck is dedicated to bringing my bank account back up to a positive amount.) Anywho- this is when I decided I'm going back to the restaurant business. Sorry boss! The bills just gotta get paid...
If I've learned anything from Jonathan's experience, people just aren't tipping the way they are supposed to be right now. Plus, there is a huge decline of customers at restaurants. I found a great new restaurant that needs hostesses. It's in an upscale mall here in Austin and it pays well (for a hostess position, and especially for it to be supplemental.) I chose a hostess position because I get that reliable, steady paycheck every week, and I don't have to put up with tips. Nor do I have near as many responsibilities!
I got hired today, and on Monday Jonathan is going to go apply as a server. I'm excited about this opportunity. It won't interfere with my day job, as it's from 6pm-10ish, just a few days a week. This paycheck is dedicated to paying down those credit cards every month... Meaning by May or June, I'll be credit card debt free (which is my New Year's Resolution!) I'll be starting when I get back from Phoenix next week.
Anyway, once again I've sold my soul to the restaurant business. It's just too hard to walk away from. This time, though, it is a means to an end.
Oh- and in 48 hours I will offifically be on vacation! Yay for me :)
Anyone that knows me, knows I've been in the restaurant business since I was 15. That's almost 9 years now. And anyone that has been in the restaurant business, knows that it's one of those industries that is impossible to get out of. The money is instant and usually pretty good, especially if it's meant as a supplemental income.
When I graduated last year I thought I'd be done with working 2 jobs and won't have to work in another restaurant again. Wrong. Last June I realized my single income wasn't quite paying the bills (well, realization=creditors reminding me of this great fact.) I decided to get a job working at a bar- it sounded much more exciting than working in a restaurant, and the money was better too. The excitement only lasted until some creapo decided he wanted to stalk me and harass me. The cops took care of him.
Plus, near the end of the bar gig, I got a raise at work. Along with the raise came a promise to my boss that I would quit the second job and focus more at the office. When I made that promise, Jonathan was still making decent money at Outback, and I got a good enough raise to pay my bills.
That didn't last long. This amazing recession that we're in- well, that cut Jonathan's income into about a 1/3 of what he was used to making. Slowly, I started paying more of the bills, groceries, extra-curricular activities, etc. It's since been made more than evident to me that my income cannot support a family of 2 + a dog. It just can't. Especially around the holidays.
The credit cards are maxed out, plus some... I'm back to having to choose which bills will get paid on time; I'm playing catch-up with my bank account (where a good part of my paycheck is dedicated to bringing my bank account back up to a positive amount.) Anywho- this is when I decided I'm going back to the restaurant business. Sorry boss! The bills just gotta get paid...
If I've learned anything from Jonathan's experience, people just aren't tipping the way they are supposed to be right now. Plus, there is a huge decline of customers at restaurants. I found a great new restaurant that needs hostesses. It's in an upscale mall here in Austin and it pays well (for a hostess position, and especially for it to be supplemental.) I chose a hostess position because I get that reliable, steady paycheck every week, and I don't have to put up with tips. Nor do I have near as many responsibilities!
I got hired today, and on Monday Jonathan is going to go apply as a server. I'm excited about this opportunity. It won't interfere with my day job, as it's from 6pm-10ish, just a few days a week. This paycheck is dedicated to paying down those credit cards every month... Meaning by May or June, I'll be credit card debt free (which is my New Year's Resolution!) I'll be starting when I get back from Phoenix next week.
Anyway, once again I've sold my soul to the restaurant business. It's just too hard to walk away from. This time, though, it is a means to an end.
Oh- and in 48 hours I will offifically be on vacation! Yay for me :)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Learning About Myself
That's what my purpose of creating this blog is: to learn about myself.
I've never kept a journal or diary, and I've definitely never blogged. In fact, I've never understood the concept behind blogging. But, it's been suggested to me by a certain professional that I used to visit on the weekly that I write as an outlet. Apparently I need to have some sort of outlet for my thoughts, and it shouldn't always be my boyfriend.
Reading this is optional. I'm sure I'll write when I'm emotional and need to vent. I'm sure I'll write when I'm as happy as a clam. But if you're going to read what I write, don't judge. This is going to be me being honest to myself. I won't be censoring myself, nor will I hold anything back. As long as you understand that before you read, we'll be good. If you don't like what I have to say, just stop reading. Your comments will always be appreciated!
I've chosen to do this publicly as the support from my friends and family will always be appreciated. I'm not the type of person to call someone to cry on the phone, or to call and gloat about my day. So, here it is. Me in the raw.
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