Off to a Good Start

It’s day 6 of the new year, and I feel like I’m doing pretty well in regards to my resolutions.  Actually, I’m feeling pretty good about the amount of things I’ve managed to accomplish so far.  Getting off to a good start is always a nice bonus, and helps keep me motivated.

I’ve yet to write my “official” budget post, but I think it’s going to be Get Organized January.  So far I’ve organized my receipts, and got the supplies to start a new filing system (which technically doesn’t involve filing, per se).    I’m also coming up with ideas of what I need to save for, and how I want my budget to work.  Perhaps I should be looking for a slightly irregular approach, as that seems to be when I succeed best at other things.

As for my speeding,  I’m doing really well at not doing it.  :-)  Not much else to be said.

That leads to the fact that I got my brother to wash Putt-Putt for me today.   I was going to go to a drive-through car wash, but the line was too long, and then it was closed.  So we went to a do-it-yourself one.  And I asked, and he did.  No complaints from me, especially since he can do it faster than I can with the same results.  Not quite sure why, but I’ll take it.

I’ve yet to decide whether Putt-Putt is a guy or girl though.  To me, cars are girls.  But the name doesn’t make me think so.  Maybe Putt-Putt is an “it”?  My next car is going to be a girl though.

As for the self-improvement portion,  I printed off my January goals check-list (and updated it).  I’m not scoring 100% or anything, but I’m doing way better now than I was back in October when I started the check-list.  And I know what I need to work on, which is half the battle.

I also started my move out list today.  Nothing too detailed, but the plan was basically to start the file.   So I’ve got different categories, like: kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, miscellaneous, etc.  The plan is to basically go through my (parent’s) house from top to bottom and write down everything I think I will need for myself.  And then check off what I have already.  I’ve got a lot of the big things, but I know there’s going to be tons of little random things (like a can opener, tape measure, screwdriver, measuring spoons, silverware organizer…).

So I can honestly say that I’m not as big of a candy fan as I used to be.  I bought $12 worth the other day, and it’s been 3 nights, and I’ve still got stuff left.  That would’ve been gone within 2 hours back in the day.  Definitely a good thing.  I’m eating more healthy foods now too.  Still no where near what I should be, but a little improvement is better than nothing.  And I do need to acquire a taste for a lot of things.

Without really realizing it, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about snowboarding, and just how important it really is to me.   And honestly, it’s nowhere near important as it was last year.  I’m not even sure how many competitions I’m going to do.  It’s just not a priority anymore.  I still love it (don’t get me wrong on that).  But there are other things I want to do in my spare time now.  I don’t think I’m really saddened by this development, although I am a little bit surprised.  This means I probably won’t be planning on buying any new gear this season, and that ultimately affects how I budget.

I’ve been attempting to clean up my bedroom a little bit every day now.   In some way, shape or form.  Like today I went through a bunch of my clothing, and got rid of tons!  And I’m moving things off my desk to their proper place.  Still lots to do, but I feel way better about it already.  I’ve collected a lot of junk over the years, but I’m getting more critical about what I keep.  I’d like to think that this attitude will stick with me when I go shopping for new things now.  But only time will tell with that…

Katherine and I went to yoga for the first time in 2008 on Saturday morning.  The 8am class too.  It was really fun – the instructor left a lot of time for playing around with handstand and shoulderstand.  I’m looking forward to going to more of his classes because he’s really helpful and encouraging.  I think that a combination of fun, playful classes and structured classes will be really great.  But I need to make sure I set some money aside for my studio passes.

I bought this gorgeous blue scarf the other day.  And it’s so soft.  But it sheds like fricking crazy!!!  Whenever I wear it, I end up covered in fuzz.  And I mean covered.  Today I tried to put it in the dryer with some tennis balls.  The tennis balls (and lint thingy) came out covered, as I expected, but the scarf is still shedding.  I’ve got no clue how to make it stop.  So if anyone has ANY ideas, please pass them my way.  Because I really love this scarf.

Here’s to a New Year!

Looks like it’s that time of year again…the beginning of a new one.  And that means resolutions.  Last year I impressed myself and showed dedication pretty much throughout the whole year.  I aim to do the same this year.  So let’s begin, shall we…?

1. Budgeting
This year my main focus needs to be on budgeting my money.  I’m horrible at it – I always start, but never stick with it.  So that’s going to change.  I’ve decided I’m going to treat this “issue” on a month-to-month basis (it worked for me last year…).  Basically, it gives my resolution a bit of adaptability.  Theoretically, there’ll be at least one blog a month dedicated to that month’s goal.
So for January, I’ll probably write an “official” post, but I’ll get the goals down now.  Just to get me started.  First off, I need to sort my receipts.  I’ve got labeled envelopes sitting on my desk already.  No more throwing them into a huge pile – it just keeps growing and growing!.  Secondly, I need to sit down and come up with a list of how my money is going to be divided up – a budget, if you will.  For now, I think that’s enough.  No use in overdoing it and failing before I even get started.  And this way, there’s always room for improvement.  :-)

2. No more speeding!
Pretty straightforward – I need to be more patient, and leave myself more time to get where I’m going.  Speeding honestly doesn’t get me anything besides speeding tickets (and I’ve been really lucky on that front!).  I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but every little bit will be an improvement.  And hopefully I can create a good habit to replace the bad.

3. Self-improvement.
This isn’t really a major resolution, just a continuation of last year’s.   Maybe I’ll do the monthly themes again, but I haven’t really decided.  This’ll be more of a “Take It As It Comes” thing this year.  But really, my budgeting goal falls under this.  Because if I can succeed at that, that’ll be a major self-improvement achievement.  This also gives my monthly goal charts, journaling and blogging a place to go.  As well as doing ab workouts, going to yoga, going climbing, etc.

If nothing else, it’ll be a year full of learning.

PS – if you’d like to join me, you’re more than welcome to.  Sometimes having a buddy (or two or three or more) makes it easier.