Weekly Money Check-up

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on Christmas presents, but nothing has been charged to plastic. I'm content.
2. Today I feel unorganized with money. One thing I plan to do during the holidays is add up expected expenses (birthdays, anniversaries, car expenses, etc. ) for all of 2011 and budget each paycheck accordingly.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was cozy up in PJs with my toddler and watch Christmas specials. Life is good!
4. I will consider this week a success if I take a fresh look at my work situation and learn to enjoy it again.
5. My favorite holiday movie is without a doubt, Christmas Vacation. We could all use a little humour now and then. This one never seems to grow old.

Weekly Money Check-up

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on dinner out with my family. With my hubby's odd working hours, we rarely get the chance to treat ourselves to a meal out together. This is a good thing though, because it makes it more special when we do.
2. Today I feel more respectful towards money. I'm a lot more conscious of what's coming in and what's going out, and what we can and can't afford--the first step towards becoming debt-free!
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was take a drive around the neighbourhood with my family to admire the Christmas lights. It's amazing how creative some people can be!
4. I will consider this week a success if I finish my Christmas shopping. I really want to spend the last week leading up to Christmas in a more relaxed state, so that I can thoroughly enjoy the holiday week. I also need to boost my energy in order to successfully return to work in January (I've been away from the office for 4 months!)
5. My favorite holiday drink is simply a great glass of white wine. My family tends to drink red wine more often than white (when they actually indulge in a glass that is), but secretly I've always preferred the taste of white (and it doesn't stain your lips!)

Getting serious...seriously!

What I'm finding out about this new blogging experience is that it takes a lot of time and commitment to keep it up on a daily basis. But I'm in it for the long haul, and I think that this is going to be the stepping stone for a lot of great changes in my life. If I'm going to get serious about living my life in a fabulous fashion (i.e. making the most of every day and creating an awesome environment in which to live and work), then I'd better get serious about the steps to get me there. The past couple of months have been a little difficult (pregnancy loss, stress leave from work, and shifting family dynamics), but I'm determined to pull through and make the next few years the greatest yet by setting realistic goals and working towards them with the confidence I know I possess. The upcoming holiday is a great time to reflect. What are YOUR goals for the coming year?

Weekly Money Check-Up

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on Christmas gifts. But the best news is that I haven't charged anything to my credit card. Nothing, nada, zip. I think this is the first Christmas I can remember when I've paid everything in cash...and boy, does it feel good!
2. Today I feel less threatened by money. I have the power to control my money, instead of having it control me. Now that I've finally come to that conclusion, I look forward to some great changes ahead.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was take my toddler to our local Santa Claus parade. There's nothing better than sipping hot chocolate and watching my child's eyes light up in awe.
4. I will consider this week a success if I stop procrastinating and plan out my days better. I know I will feel so much better (and a lot more at peace) if I just get organized.
5. My favorite holiday song is anything off of the A Charlie Brown Christmas CD. My Dad put it in my stocking one year. It's from Starbucks, has a fun, jazzy feel to it, and makes me feel like a little girl again :)

Weekly Money Check-up

1. The most I’ve spent this last week was on a romantic dinner out with my hubby. We haven't had a date night in months, so I'm forgiving myself for this one.
2. Today I feel numb towards money. Somedays I wonder if I'll ever be debt-free. Guess I have to stop wondering about it and just focus on making it happen.
3. Money can’t buy happiness. One free/inexpensive thing I did last week that made me happy was carve a pumpkin with my toddler.
4. I will consider this week a success if I take a closer look at my budget and make necessary adjustments.
5. If I could grow one thing, it would be my emergency fund.

On the Hunt

Well, today was an interesting day (I use the term "interesting" loosely here). I literally spent the entire day at my computer completing one--YES, ONE!--online job application to enter a pool of qualified candidates. Is it just me, or is the online application process becoming more and more tedious? Ah well, it's all for the greater good. I can end my day knowing that I've accomplished something important. Now that one is done, the next will get easier.

One of the ways I'm regaining control of my life is reminding myself that nothing is ever handed to you (well, for most people anyway). Oh, believe me, I have worked long and hard to get where I am and I am proud of that. But if I want my current work environment to change, I have to be the one to change it. So I'm taking a little time out of each day to job search and apply to posts of interest. Are you in the midst of hunting for a new job? What is your most effective networking method?

Cherishing my "Me" day

It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood--a crisp, but sunny 13 degrees--and I'm loving it! The thing I am most thankful for today is having some time to enjoy the company of great friends, all of them young mothers who are all too familiar with the daily grind. It's nice to be able to just kick back, eat out, do some shopping, and take in a good chick flick. H and M will also have the opportunity to enjoy some cherished daddy/daughter time this evening.

Since I have to watch my budget, I love shopping in high-end consignment shops...where I can get some really fabulous finds at great prices. I recently discovered one such shop in my nearby city that some friends had told me about. It's got a great mix of trendy, classic, and one-of-a-kind items that any fashionista would drool over. And the SHOES! Well, don't get me started. Sure, I love diamonds...but shoes can be my best friend too. All of this aside, it's just nice to have a little "me" time...and it's a good reminder that it's okay to just take care of myself. How about you? How do you spend your "me" days?

Taking the Plunge

Well, this is it! I've been planning to kickstart my blog for some time. I'm not sure why it's taken me so long, but I'm ready to take the plunge! Or...er...at least get my feet wet. I'm discovering that I'm not quite as computer savvy as I used to be, so it's going to take some patience (and a lot of stumbling around on my part) to get the hang of this. But overall, I'm really keen on learning how to add new things daily and watch my blog come alive.

If you read my welcome message, you'll note that I'm in my thirties (still haven't hit the halfway mark though!), have been married to my husband M for four years, and have a beautiful 3-year-old daughter H. Over the years I've built up a lot of anxiety over my consumer debt, household clutter, secondary infertility issues (trouble conceiving after our first child) and my career. Feeling completely defeated, I woke up one morning recently and decided it was time to regain the passion in my life. I have a whole lot of living to do, and I'm determined to do it fabulously! This is my personal journey about conquering anxiety, regaining control, and feeling inspired on a daily basis. Are you dealing with some of the issues I've mentioned? What keeps you inspired?