I wrote about the encouragement that I get from every corner of my 'world' a few days ago. Today? I'm not.
When I take steps out of the norm, it is not without much thought and reservation. Certainly, I can see that it must appear that I take leaps of faith at times. Appearances can be deceiving. I have looked before I leaped. Well?? There may be the odd time I didn't (when my heart was involved) ... but it all worked out for the best in the end.
There is a lot of silent thought (me? silent??) that has gone into the life-changing decisions that I have made.
Oh, the years that I longed to move back 'home'. Back to the province where I grew up. I was scared silly. I didn't have the courage. I had no idea how to make it become a reality. So when one of my sisters uttered the words, "You should move back 'home' " when I was making the final and end-all split from my husband ... I leaped. I've never looked back.
Another life-changing decision was made when I decided that I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and raise My Youngest. The odds were all stacked against me. I was a single parent. I have always been the sole provider for my children and not fought for financial support. I gained a lot of my self confidence and social skills from my job ... how could I survive without the financial and social support of a full time job??
I quietly made a plan. Eventually I told a few people. Then I started moving towards my end goal. At one point, I talked to one person who was the only critic I encountered. If ever something made me more determined to make something work ... that was it! Twelve years have come and gone. Critic or not, I'd say that I showed 'em! I succeeded.
Yesterday was like rewinding the tape. New dream. Same nay-sayer. Different words. Same essence. Twelve years later ... I'm still chasing my dreams. I've lived, learned and tried new things. Twelve years later ... and my skeptic continues to point out all of the reasons of 'why not' to pursue those dreams.
Yes, I was ready for the skepticism, otherwise I would have kept my dreams tucked safely within myself and not taken the risk of being shot down.
My original plan was one of careful thought, consideration and the overall view that anything I do (whether the end result is as I plan or not), will benefit me personally. I shall continue to take those small, steady steps that could change my life. If I allow it.
I recognize those who quietly listen to me ramble about my aspirations, but don't verbalize their thoughts. They may not see what I see, but they do not taint my dream either. I 'hear' them. I appreciate the insight that they unknowingly bring to my life.
I was ready to be challenged. Because I know that I am on the right path. I can feel it in my bones. The end of my story may vary from what I have outlined in my mind. But I know this is the road I was meant to follow. I'll show 'em.
I cannot imagine a life where I allowed skepticism into my day-to-day world. Been there. Done that.
Embrace the skeptics in your life for the challenges that they help you overcome. And let them go.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Nothing is Certain
"I'm sure we'll chat soon" were the words I wrote in an email Friday night. I sent off the email and thought to myself nothing is certain.
One innocent slip on the ice an a myriad of outcomes could have transpired. My youthful, vital and able bodied Middle Son slipped on the ice a few winters ago and broke a bone in his hand. That is pretty minor in the whole scheme of things but it translated to three months of unemployment and severe financial hardship.
Sitting at the wrong intersection at the wrong time, a friend was hit by a drunk driver. Her injuries led her down a path of recovery which (in the end) changed the direction of her life.
Two sisters driving down a familiar highway were hit by another car. One life was lost. The other life was forever altered.
A unique set of circumstances could bring you together with a person who needs a friend. A life could be saved by the right person being there at the right time. Life altering moments happen all of the time.
One minute life is as you know and expect it. The next could change your life forever.
Friday morning, my mom slipped on the ice and 'broke the fall' with her head. She went to the doctor to ensure no damage (other than the goose egg and small gash) was done. All precautions were taken. She spent the night at my brother's to ensure she wasn't alone for the 24 hours that followed. I talked to her yesterday and she sounds chipper, happy and as 'right as rain'.
As I was hearing the news of Mom's tumble, I couldn't help but think of all of the ways it could have gone wrong. All because she stepped out on her icy sidewalk to retrieve her newspaper.
These are the words that tumbled out of my fingertips yesterday morning:
"I'm sure I'll be talking to Mom later today. As I wrote that, I thought "Nothing is for sure ..." After Mom's tumble yesterday, today could easily been a completely different scenario. It makes you appreciate the small miracles that propel us from one day into the next."
One innocent slip on the ice an a myriad of outcomes could have transpired. My youthful, vital and able bodied Middle Son slipped on the ice a few winters ago and broke a bone in his hand. That is pretty minor in the whole scheme of things but it translated to three months of unemployment and severe financial hardship.
Sitting at the wrong intersection at the wrong time, a friend was hit by a drunk driver. Her injuries led her down a path of recovery which (in the end) changed the direction of her life.
Two sisters driving down a familiar highway were hit by another car. One life was lost. The other life was forever altered.
A unique set of circumstances could bring you together with a person who needs a friend. A life could be saved by the right person being there at the right time. Life altering moments happen all of the time.
One minute life is as you know and expect it. The next could change your life forever.
Friday morning, my mom slipped on the ice and 'broke the fall' with her head. She went to the doctor to ensure no damage (other than the goose egg and small gash) was done. All precautions were taken. She spent the night at my brother's to ensure she wasn't alone for the 24 hours that followed. I talked to her yesterday and she sounds chipper, happy and as 'right as rain'.
As I was hearing the news of Mom's tumble, I couldn't help but think of all of the ways it could have gone wrong. All because she stepped out on her icy sidewalk to retrieve her newspaper.
These are the words that tumbled out of my fingertips yesterday morning:
"I'm sure I'll be talking to Mom later today. As I wrote that, I thought "Nothing is for sure ..." After Mom's tumble yesterday, today could easily been a completely different scenario. It makes you appreciate the small miracles that propel us from one day into the next."
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Great Weeks Begin With a Great Weekend
I worked a full 40 hour week this past week! Within the confines of Monday to Friday. One day I worked until 7:30, but two days I was finished at 4:30. But I did it! The weekend has arrived and I have earned two days off!!
I completed what I set out to do. There was a sense of accomplishment to my days as I scratched off the must-do items in my job(s).
I made time for 'me' at the end of each day. This past week, I was out of the house each night of the week. But it doesn't have to be that way. I know I can find that time within our home.
I seem to have become addicted to keeping physically active. But more importantly, I have come to recognize the value of being a small part of a whole. Socializing and being around people. Zumba-lust, Salsa and ballroom dancing have provided me with the perfect combination of physical activity and contact with people.
Music has found its way into each corner of my life. My job is very repetitive and mundane most days. So I turn on the music. I sing my heart out and practice my upper body 'moves' in the car as I drive. Zumba ... Salsa ... ballroom dancing. They all revolve around music. My heart is singing, my feet are dancing and I am swept away by my new favorite music (which changes like the wind).
My family is the other background 'music' to this life of mine. I was able to help My Second Son with his books this past week. I have promised to help My Oldest sort through some closets and do some organizing in his home. My Youngest (at age 12) doesn't need much from me. But this past week, I have been thrilled that he wants me to make him a morning smoothie. He's not a big lover of food, so it is with great relief that I concoct this morning kick-start 'meal' for him. My family doesn't need much from me, but I'm glad they still need some things.
Work. A sense of accomplishment. Alone time. Physical activity. Social activities. Music. Family. Not listed in the order of importance ... but each a vital part of my state of mental and physical health.
This most excellent week began with a perfect combination of all-things-important to me last weekend. And the good news? This upcoming weekend's forecast is 'more of the same'.
An outing with a friend, 'knowing' that I will most likely be talking with my mom later today, working on my course and a family supper are on this weekend's agenda.
It looks like this weekend will a perfect mix of everything I need and want in my life. A weekend to rest and recharge myself for whatever next week has to throw my way.
I completed what I set out to do. There was a sense of accomplishment to my days as I scratched off the must-do items in my job(s).
I made time for 'me' at the end of each day. This past week, I was out of the house each night of the week. But it doesn't have to be that way. I know I can find that time within our home.
I seem to have become addicted to keeping physically active. But more importantly, I have come to recognize the value of being a small part of a whole. Socializing and being around people. Zumba-lust, Salsa and ballroom dancing have provided me with the perfect combination of physical activity and contact with people.
Music has found its way into each corner of my life. My job is very repetitive and mundane most days. So I turn on the music. I sing my heart out and practice my upper body 'moves' in the car as I drive. Zumba ... Salsa ... ballroom dancing. They all revolve around music. My heart is singing, my feet are dancing and I am swept away by my new favorite music (which changes like the wind).
My family is the other background 'music' to this life of mine. I was able to help My Second Son with his books this past week. I have promised to help My Oldest sort through some closets and do some organizing in his home. My Youngest (at age 12) doesn't need much from me. But this past week, I have been thrilled that he wants me to make him a morning smoothie. He's not a big lover of food, so it is with great relief that I concoct this morning kick-start 'meal' for him. My family doesn't need much from me, but I'm glad they still need some things.
Work. A sense of accomplishment. Alone time. Physical activity. Social activities. Music. Family. Not listed in the order of importance ... but each a vital part of my state of mental and physical health.
This most excellent week began with a perfect combination of all-things-important to me last weekend. And the good news? This upcoming weekend's forecast is 'more of the same'.
An outing with a friend, 'knowing' that I will most likely be talking with my mom later today, working on my course and a family supper are on this weekend's agenda.
It looks like this weekend will a perfect mix of everything I need and want in my life. A weekend to rest and recharge myself for whatever next week has to throw my way.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Encouragement
I am blessed to find myself surrounded in a very encouraging community.
Most importantly, my children believe I am better than I am. It seems that they believe that I can do more and be more than I am. So when I toss out wild and crazy ideas, I get an overwhelming response of 'go for it' from them.
My family is also very much on my side. My mom has been a bit harder to win over, but I'm gaining ground. Her extra life experience makes her more wary and aware of all of the pitfalls. She is cautious in many ways. But when it comes right down to it, I believe that she believes in me. With that knowledge, I feel like I can do anything.
I think I have my friends brainwashed! I have the most amazing amount of support from my circle of friends. In fact, sometimes I think that I'm just dreaming this up. They have become my sounding board. I bounce ideas off of them and see how it sounds, feels and comes back to me.
But what has surprised me the most lately, is the absolutely amazing rapport, support and encouragement from the Zumba community.
From the moment that I walked into my first class, not knowing a soul and 'dancing' (aka exercising) the hour away and being swept up in the Zumba experience, I found myself smiling, turning to others in the class and marvelling at how much fun we had.
Each and every time that I walked into another Zumba class or event, I talked to people that I didn't know. We were all there for the love of Zumba and it felt as though I was ageless. Just another member of a super-fun club!
Then ... I took a step far out of my reach (thanks to the encouragement of my Second Son "Don't just say you want to do something. Do it!") and took a Zumba Instructor course. Once again, I thought that this would be the time that I would be a fish out of water. I wouldn't fit or adapt. But I did! The other students and the instructors were amazing. The outgoing, friendly, fun and vibrant souls that found their way into that class made for a most incredible day.
The most recent surprise that I have found, is in confessing my goals to a few Zumba instructors that are leading the classes that I am presently taking. Honestly, I felt that this would be when I got the attitude that I have been expecting all along. I'm definitely older than most (all??) of the instructors that I have encountered. I don't have a natural talent that makes me any more special than anyone else in the class. Our local Zumba market is becoming saturated. I don't consider myself competition, but I thought other instructors may (then again, after reading what I just wrote maybe they don't feel that I would be competition either!).
Anyway ... it was to my great surprise and amazement, that both of these instructors were so encouraging!
I talked to one instructor face-to-face, so she didn't have a chance to formulate her thoughts ahead of time as we spoke. As we parted ways after that initial conversation, her last words to me were, "We should open a gym together!"
I emailed back and forth with my second instructor. So I suppose that she had an opportunity to edit her thoughts. But each and every response to my confession that "Yes ... I had received my Zumba certification" was incredibly supportive. She told me if I ever wanted to team teach, just to let her know. Wow!!
These latest developments in my quest to go as far as this Zumba road takes me, has me fueled up and eager to continue to give this my best shot. My original plan was that no matter where this road does or does not lead, each and every step along the way will teach me something that is good to know.
What I hadn't realized upon the onset of this journey, is the value of encouragement. I doubt that these instructors realize what an impact their words have made. It could have just as easily gone the other way.
2011 is the year of paying it forward for me. The value of positive and encouraging words is multiplied when shared. You never know what a difference you will make in another person's world, by simply acknowledging and encouraging someone. One has no idea what is quietly going on beneath the surface of another. By sharing the positive, you just may turn someones day around.
Encouragement - pay it forward. What you give in life comes back to you. I am living proof.
Most importantly, my children believe I am better than I am. It seems that they believe that I can do more and be more than I am. So when I toss out wild and crazy ideas, I get an overwhelming response of 'go for it' from them.
My family is also very much on my side. My mom has been a bit harder to win over, but I'm gaining ground. Her extra life experience makes her more wary and aware of all of the pitfalls. She is cautious in many ways. But when it comes right down to it, I believe that she believes in me. With that knowledge, I feel like I can do anything.
I think I have my friends brainwashed! I have the most amazing amount of support from my circle of friends. In fact, sometimes I think that I'm just dreaming this up. They have become my sounding board. I bounce ideas off of them and see how it sounds, feels and comes back to me.
But what has surprised me the most lately, is the absolutely amazing rapport, support and encouragement from the Zumba community.
From the moment that I walked into my first class, not knowing a soul and 'dancing' (aka exercising) the hour away and being swept up in the Zumba experience, I found myself smiling, turning to others in the class and marvelling at how much fun we had.
Each and every time that I walked into another Zumba class or event, I talked to people that I didn't know. We were all there for the love of Zumba and it felt as though I was ageless. Just another member of a super-fun club!
Then ... I took a step far out of my reach (thanks to the encouragement of my Second Son "Don't just say you want to do something. Do it!") and took a Zumba Instructor course. Once again, I thought that this would be the time that I would be a fish out of water. I wouldn't fit or adapt. But I did! The other students and the instructors were amazing. The outgoing, friendly, fun and vibrant souls that found their way into that class made for a most incredible day.
The most recent surprise that I have found, is in confessing my goals to a few Zumba instructors that are leading the classes that I am presently taking. Honestly, I felt that this would be when I got the attitude that I have been expecting all along. I'm definitely older than most (all??) of the instructors that I have encountered. I don't have a natural talent that makes me any more special than anyone else in the class. Our local Zumba market is becoming saturated. I don't consider myself competition, but I thought other instructors may (then again, after reading what I just wrote maybe they don't feel that I would be competition either!).
Anyway ... it was to my great surprise and amazement, that both of these instructors were so encouraging!
I talked to one instructor face-to-face, so she didn't have a chance to formulate her thoughts ahead of time as we spoke. As we parted ways after that initial conversation, her last words to me were, "We should open a gym together!"
I emailed back and forth with my second instructor. So I suppose that she had an opportunity to edit her thoughts. But each and every response to my confession that "Yes ... I had received my Zumba certification" was incredibly supportive. She told me if I ever wanted to team teach, just to let her know. Wow!!
These latest developments in my quest to go as far as this Zumba road takes me, has me fueled up and eager to continue to give this my best shot. My original plan was that no matter where this road does or does not lead, each and every step along the way will teach me something that is good to know.
What I hadn't realized upon the onset of this journey, is the value of encouragement. I doubt that these instructors realize what an impact their words have made. It could have just as easily gone the other way.
2011 is the year of paying it forward for me. The value of positive and encouraging words is multiplied when shared. You never know what a difference you will make in another person's world, by simply acknowledging and encouraging someone. One has no idea what is quietly going on beneath the surface of another. By sharing the positive, you just may turn someones day around.
Encouragement - pay it forward. What you give in life comes back to you. I am living proof.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Going Buggy
I have a bit of a bug phobia. I have become accustomed to (most) of our local bugs, but my desire to travel to warmer climates has been hindered greatly by the stories that I have heard about the new and improved varieties of bugs (and snakes!!) in higher temperature zones.
During my daycare days, head lice ran rampant through the school. I could almost feel the bugs in my own scalp as I read the notices, checked heads and learned that some of 'my kids' had picked up some lice from school. The lice didn't spread (my obsessiveness about sharing hats, combs and 'head space' saved the day more than once I'm sure), but it didn't help that it was a fact that these bugs had been in the house ... thus, could infest any one of us at any moment.
Then there was the time when our cat contracted a case of fleas. The unfortunate part is that the vet didn't diagnose them at first (I thought our cat was sick, but in fact he was just itchy and the vet thought it may be an allergic reaction to his food), so the fleas had at least two months to go forth and multiply within our home (and on our cat).
After the fact, we realized that the little cluster of 'bumps' on My Youngest's arm were flea bites. Ewwww!! We learned a lot about fleas and their endurance during that time.
Now there is much talk of bed bugs. I have heard this before but it felt so removed that I felt that we should be okay. "Don't buy used furniture" and "Keep your luggage off of the floor in hotels" were the precautions that I remembered. Now it seems that not only has a local used clothing/furniture store been infested ... but a new clothing store ... movie theatre seats .... ugh!!
A person simply can't obsess about this. Take precautions - yes. Be mindful of your habits - sure. But one cannot stop going to the movies out of fear.
It is one thing to think this. Another thing to do.
The night that we sat around and chatted about the bed bug situation, I noticed a line of little scabs on my hip when I got ready for bed. Oh no!! Could it be bugs?? Upon reflection, I remembered that I had been wearing some clothing that was far too tight (that is a story unto itself) and the line of scabs was right on a seam line that was irritated by my excessive hips. Whew! (not about the wide hips ... but about the lack of bug bites).
A few weeks later, I found a little cluster of scabs on my chest. Oh no! There is no excessive 'bulk' there, to account for clothing to bind and irritate this area of my body. Could it be?? Oh, I hope not ...
Then we noticed that our cat was losing weight. The last time (I thought) he lost weight was when he had fleas. So I just sat and watched him. Watchful of any symptoms of itchiness or fleas. Nothing. Then I remembered that he didn't lose weight when he had fleas. He lost hair (thus the illusion of a loss of weight). Maybe he is 'just' sick ...
I don't have the end to this story. But it is a distraction to have our cat lose 20% or more of his total body weight. It is my instinct to just go and buy him some kind of high calorie food. Or restart giving him the milk that we took away from his regular diet (this could be related). I do not even want to think of what kind of 'bug' may be accountable for such an extreme weight loss.
It puts my bug phobia into perspective when one thinks of how much worse it could be ...
During my daycare days, head lice ran rampant through the school. I could almost feel the bugs in my own scalp as I read the notices, checked heads and learned that some of 'my kids' had picked up some lice from school. The lice didn't spread (my obsessiveness about sharing hats, combs and 'head space' saved the day more than once I'm sure), but it didn't help that it was a fact that these bugs had been in the house ... thus, could infest any one of us at any moment.
Then there was the time when our cat contracted a case of fleas. The unfortunate part is that the vet didn't diagnose them at first (I thought our cat was sick, but in fact he was just itchy and the vet thought it may be an allergic reaction to his food), so the fleas had at least two months to go forth and multiply within our home (and on our cat).
After the fact, we realized that the little cluster of 'bumps' on My Youngest's arm were flea bites. Ewwww!! We learned a lot about fleas and their endurance during that time.
Now there is much talk of bed bugs. I have heard this before but it felt so removed that I felt that we should be okay. "Don't buy used furniture" and "Keep your luggage off of the floor in hotels" were the precautions that I remembered. Now it seems that not only has a local used clothing/furniture store been infested ... but a new clothing store ... movie theatre seats .... ugh!!
A person simply can't obsess about this. Take precautions - yes. Be mindful of your habits - sure. But one cannot stop going to the movies out of fear.
It is one thing to think this. Another thing to do.
The night that we sat around and chatted about the bed bug situation, I noticed a line of little scabs on my hip when I got ready for bed. Oh no!! Could it be bugs?? Upon reflection, I remembered that I had been wearing some clothing that was far too tight (that is a story unto itself) and the line of scabs was right on a seam line that was irritated by my excessive hips. Whew! (not about the wide hips ... but about the lack of bug bites).
A few weeks later, I found a little cluster of scabs on my chest. Oh no! There is no excessive 'bulk' there, to account for clothing to bind and irritate this area of my body. Could it be?? Oh, I hope not ...
Then we noticed that our cat was losing weight. The last time (I thought) he lost weight was when he had fleas. So I just sat and watched him. Watchful of any symptoms of itchiness or fleas. Nothing. Then I remembered that he didn't lose weight when he had fleas. He lost hair (thus the illusion of a loss of weight). Maybe he is 'just' sick ...
I don't have the end to this story. But it is a distraction to have our cat lose 20% or more of his total body weight. It is my instinct to just go and buy him some kind of high calorie food. Or restart giving him the milk that we took away from his regular diet (this could be related). I do not even want to think of what kind of 'bug' may be accountable for such an extreme weight loss.
It puts my bug phobia into perspective when one thinks of how much worse it could be ...
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Numbers, Numbers, Numbers!
Yesterday morning, I started the day by analyzing my spending habits and my personal financial 'stats'.
From there, I went to working my My Second Son's company books. I spent the entirety of the day trying to put all of the facts and figures together in a fashion that will make income tax time easier.
My bookkeeping duties revolve mainly around numbers. I love, love, love when I have a project that I can balance so that I know what I've done is correct. Mindlessly entering numbers and information into a program without the ability to balance and ensure that what I've entered is correct bothers me.
I worked in the banking industry for the first thirty years of my working life. As a teller, it was always my goal to balance to the penny. Working in other areas of the banking world were also logical and challenging. Creating financial scenarios and financial planning is something I've been doing my entire life.
I enjoy numbers. They make sense. Errors can be located, corrected and you end up with a 'perfect' document if all of your information is correct. Having the correct information to start with, is vital.
Thus my frustration in my work lately. I am given work in bits and bites. Databases aren't functioning so I can't keep up to date. I have questions that are not being answered. It is impossible to balance one thing, if information is missing, incomplete or all that precedes it is out of whack.
It's math! It is right or it is wrong. It is an exact science. If ... you have all of the information you need to work with.
There is (and always has been) a piece of me that craves perfection. I have learned to accept the fact that I am not, never was and cannot become perfect. I'm learning to accept myself as I am. Warts and all.
Then there are numbers. It is a part of my world where 100% accuracy and perfection is attainable. I believe that must be why working with numbers has always been a part of the career choices that I have made. Choices that are not about fulfilling a passion ... but to attain the perfectness that I strive to attain.
My work has always been about fulfilling the part of me which craves perfection. That satisfies only a small piece of who I am.
It is much more fun to follow your passion! Thus, my Zumba-Lust ... my love of ballroom dancing ... writing projects ... and desires that push me out of my comfort zone and into a place where perfection is impossible.
Again ... it's all about balance. It is very good and comforting to have a part of your world where you feel in control. When everything else in your life is running amok, it is important to have a place to go to to regain your equilibrium. Maybe this is why the workaholic works obsessively ... work is the place where they are all powerful.
But that is not what life is all about. It's about pursuing your passions as well. I believe it is that pursuit that keeps us vital and excited about life. It is the reason that I write ... dance ... and 'Zumba'!!
From there, I went to working my My Second Son's company books. I spent the entirety of the day trying to put all of the facts and figures together in a fashion that will make income tax time easier.
My bookkeeping duties revolve mainly around numbers. I love, love, love when I have a project that I can balance so that I know what I've done is correct. Mindlessly entering numbers and information into a program without the ability to balance and ensure that what I've entered is correct bothers me.
I worked in the banking industry for the first thirty years of my working life. As a teller, it was always my goal to balance to the penny. Working in other areas of the banking world were also logical and challenging. Creating financial scenarios and financial planning is something I've been doing my entire life.
I enjoy numbers. They make sense. Errors can be located, corrected and you end up with a 'perfect' document if all of your information is correct. Having the correct information to start with, is vital.
Thus my frustration in my work lately. I am given work in bits and bites. Databases aren't functioning so I can't keep up to date. I have questions that are not being answered. It is impossible to balance one thing, if information is missing, incomplete or all that precedes it is out of whack.
It's math! It is right or it is wrong. It is an exact science. If ... you have all of the information you need to work with.
There is (and always has been) a piece of me that craves perfection. I have learned to accept the fact that I am not, never was and cannot become perfect. I'm learning to accept myself as I am. Warts and all.
Then there are numbers. It is a part of my world where 100% accuracy and perfection is attainable. I believe that must be why working with numbers has always been a part of the career choices that I have made. Choices that are not about fulfilling a passion ... but to attain the perfectness that I strive to attain.
My work has always been about fulfilling the part of me which craves perfection. That satisfies only a small piece of who I am.
It is much more fun to follow your passion! Thus, my Zumba-Lust ... my love of ballroom dancing ... writing projects ... and desires that push me out of my comfort zone and into a place where perfection is impossible.
Again ... it's all about balance. It is very good and comforting to have a part of your world where you feel in control. When everything else in your life is running amok, it is important to have a place to go to to regain your equilibrium. Maybe this is why the workaholic works obsessively ... work is the place where they are all powerful.
But that is not what life is all about. It's about pursuing your passions as well. I believe it is that pursuit that keeps us vital and excited about life. It is the reason that I write ... dance ... and 'Zumba'!!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Learning to Live Within My Means
I just spent the last half hour tallying up my spending for the month of January ...
Simply stated? I overspent. Short story long? I think my spending was (for the most part) warranted.
I indulged my Zumba-Lust in many ways. I am taking three Zumba classes. I went to a Zumba Dance Party fundraiser. I went to Edmonton to take a Zumba instructor course. I enrolled in two classes which are stepping stones to becoming a Group Fitness instructor. Oh ... then there is the wardrobe. I also indulged myself in a few items from Lulu Lemon (I love, love, love my new racer style tank tops!!).
Ranking: "Good Investment" (in my health and my future)
Then I had to spend some money on my car. Much needed and necessary repairs and maintenance. Of course January would also happen to be the month that my plates/insurance expired. I spent money out of necessity.
Ranking: "Necessary Expenditures" (cheaper to repair my paid off car than to take out a loan for a new one)
I spent a total of $87.24 in take out food in the month of January. That may sound excessive to some ... but you don't even want to know what my average take-out costs are for a month. It was a most excellent month in the take-out department.
Ranking: "Success!!" (reward yourself with an Egg McMuffin!!)
Income levels? Not pretty. January was not a very 'fruitful' month.
Ranking: "Barely eking by" (aim to make February better)
All in all, January was not a month that I hope to repeat any time soon (financially). Sometimes you simply can't pick and choose the timing of your expenses. I don't regret my choices. But I am aiming to make the months ahead more financially viable so that I can repay my overspending.
The goal for the month(s) ahead: "Live within my means!!"
Simply stated? I overspent. Short story long? I think my spending was (for the most part) warranted.
I indulged my Zumba-Lust in many ways. I am taking three Zumba classes. I went to a Zumba Dance Party fundraiser. I went to Edmonton to take a Zumba instructor course. I enrolled in two classes which are stepping stones to becoming a Group Fitness instructor. Oh ... then there is the wardrobe. I also indulged myself in a few items from Lulu Lemon (I love, love, love my new racer style tank tops!!).
Ranking: "Good Investment" (in my health and my future)
Then I had to spend some money on my car. Much needed and necessary repairs and maintenance. Of course January would also happen to be the month that my plates/insurance expired. I spent money out of necessity.
Ranking: "Necessary Expenditures" (cheaper to repair my paid off car than to take out a loan for a new one)
I spent a total of $87.24 in take out food in the month of January. That may sound excessive to some ... but you don't even want to know what my average take-out costs are for a month. It was a most excellent month in the take-out department.
Ranking: "Success!!" (reward yourself with an Egg McMuffin!!)
Income levels? Not pretty. January was not a very 'fruitful' month.
Ranking: "Barely eking by" (aim to make February better)
All in all, January was not a month that I hope to repeat any time soon (financially). Sometimes you simply can't pick and choose the timing of your expenses. I don't regret my choices. But I am aiming to make the months ahead more financially viable so that I can repay my overspending.
The goal for the month(s) ahead: "Live within my means!!"
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