My family is headed for an adventure folks. We have embarked on our most courageous and ambitious journey yet as a family – the journey to Budgetville.
I’m a little frightened. Scratch that… I am A LOT frightened.
Truth be told, I have always been mindful of what I spend. I was raised in a family with four kids. My dad was a cop. My mom stayed home with us. It felt like we never had money. I know what it means to be frugal.
As a professional adult though, I’ve been blessed enough that I didn’t have to live paycheck to paycheck. Certain times in my life have been more tight than others, but then again, I’ve never been a huge spender. (Meaning: I don’t own Prada. K?)
But this new BUDGET thing is yucky. <—- I’m trying not to say the bad words here.
We are big Dave Ramsey fans so we are trying to work the budget “Total Money Makeover” style. In case you are not familiar with it, let me tell you, it is a strict plan.
And I blew it to bits immediately. Well, the eating out part, at least. I think I am, like, $100 over or something ridiculous like that. Business meetings generally involve food so I am gonna have to try to figure out some way to be creative.
And get this - Because I am so not used to this I ended up cutting into my grocery budget for a haircut the other day. So now I am afraid that I’ll have to tell my kids, “No, we don’t have any milk this week. Or eggs. But doesn’t mommy’s hair look all silky and shiny? Who wants to touch it?”
And speaking of… My biggest challenge by far is GROCERY SHOPPING. Here is where I need you guys! I need to RELEARN how to shop for groceries. I know NOTHING about coupons and all that. I’ve only used them here or there and I know there must be resources out there to help. Come on – the Internet must be filled with them, right? Please give me a clue!!! (Leave a comment.)
So if I seem like a Scroog-Miser then you know why. Budgeting has become a four letter word.
I’m launching my own business in two weeks. Let me say that again… I’M. LAUNCHING. MY. OWN. BUSINESS.
There.
I’ve said it out loud.
What in the world am I thinking?
Remember my goals for 2010? I believe this one falls under the “hop off a cliff” and “take leave of my senses” category. Wouldn’t you agree? In any event, I am learning a lot. A WHOLE LOT.
Like the fact that it is way easier to advise clients regarding their own logos, websites, written copy, marketing and social media than to DO IT FOR MYSELF. You guys, I am a maniac. I have thought and rethought and reworked and rewritten more in the last three weeks than IN MY LIFE. I know you think that I am exaggerating. But ask anyone close to me and they will tell you the truth.
Now, compounding this issue is the fact that I am still full time at my old job. Remember that one? The one I wrote about here? That job will finish up at the end of this month. Theoretically, I will then be able to BREATHE. Then again, maybe not. Until that time I find myself mired in websites, marketing and all of that rigmarole.
So stay with me on this new business journey. I’m sure you’ll be hearing more about it. That is, unless I never actually get the darn copy done.
Don’t ever ask me to get involved in international espionage. I can already tell you that I would fail. If the fate of the country rested in my hands, then let’s just say….y’all are toast.
I know this because every year birthday espionage gets harder. I don’t know why, but trust me, it is true. This year, I almost failed….HORRIBLY.
What in the world am I talking about? Why, THE BIRTHDAY ROOM, of course.
Every birthday my husband and I conspire together in the wee hours of the morning to assemble a “birthday room” for the boys. This basically consists of a ton of balloons all over the floor, streamers draping across the ceilings and beds, and other random festive decorations. So when the birthday boy wakes up on his big day…VOILA! Birthday magic!
Now, for some reason, each birthday gets harder. Case in point: tomorrow is the Jedi’s birthday. While we were in the process of assembling his room the boy woke up three times. Each time I stood there frozen, streamers in hand, like a Greek statue hoping he wasn’t fully alert. I couldn’t move. I didn’t even breathe. I was petrified.
It took thirty minutes to put together a couple of balloons and some streamers. I mean, REALLY! Apparently I am like a bull in a china shop when it comes to my non stealthy ways.
However, I am happy to report that the mission was successful, despite the sad spy skills demonstrated by this mother.
In any event – here’s hoping Young Jedi wakes up to a terrific birthday!
I feel like my children are obsessed with me dying. Actually, scratch that. I feel like my children are obsessed with the the way in which I want to die. Or maybe they are just curious? Or maybe they need psychological help? Or maybe they are plotting something?
It seems like every time I turn around they are asking me bizarre random questions about my untimely demise. It usually goes something like this:
BOYS: So, mom. Would you rather die from a shark attack at sea, be thrown into a vat of lava or fall into a pit of snakes?
ME: Err…. none?
BOYS: C’mon, mom. You have to choose something!
ME: Okay, then. I guess lava because it is quicker.
BOYS: Would you rather be eaten by a dinosaur or killed by a Jedi lightsabor?
ME: I don’t know. Why?
BOYS: JUST ANSWER THE QUESTION, MOM!
ME: Dinosaur.
BOYS: How about a million killer bee stings? Or a giant wall of fire?
ME: Oh for heaven’s sake!
BOYS: What?
This kind of thing happens all the time. They think up the most ridiculous situations and give me a preference between the two. Which makes me wonder…. Are they plotting against me? Am I in danger, here?
The next time I say no to iCarly on a school night should I look over my shoulder for a dinosaur or a swarm of killer bees?
Or is it all some kind of pre-pubescent male mommy mind trick?
Call me crazy but I am beginning to feel like perhaps we should seek family counseling.
I found this meme over at Musings of a Housewife today. I really enjoyed reading about Jo-Lynne’s year so I thought I would take this sucker on myself. It was a way bigger project than I had anticipated. Oye!
A WORD OF WARNING BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO READ: This is way more information than you probably want to know about me. You might need to bring along a snack before you begin. I hope you don’t think I am kidding. And please let me know if you put it on your blog. I’ll be happy to stop by and read!
1. What did you do in 2009 that you have never done before?
Self host a blog! (I’d been blogging for others for a couple of years but never ventured out on my own until this year!) Run a style section for a magazine! Pen an article for Maryland Life Magazine. (Out in March of 2010) I mean, I could go on and on. I’ve been very blessed.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Yes and no. I ended up a little disappointed at myself on this one but I have every confidence that 2010 will by MY year to shine!
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
YES! My husband’s cousin had an adorable little munchkin. We haven’t seen her in person yet but boy is she sweet to look at!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. Uncle Lawrence passed away early in the year and my friend Kim passed away in a tragic helicopter accident. So very, very sad.
5. What countries did you visit?
If you count my trip to Disney and Epcot then Mexico, Norway, Italy, Morocco, France, Japan, etc… If you are not counting Disney then let’s just say that I don’t even own a passport. Just call me George Bailey.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A new car, a personal trainer and a gym membership.
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I don’t have a specific date necessarily. Not that I can recall. But I am losing my mind so I tend to remember nothing after 30 days. If I had to pick one or two, they would probably be from our vacation in Disney World this year. So. Much. Fun.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
See #1.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Honestly, I had a huge struggle with anxiety this year as a result of the new job. It rubbed off on every aspect of my life from my relationship with my children to my husband to my weight (gain!) and overall attitude. Majorly ashamed of how I couldn’t overcome the stress.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I had a couple of small bouts with illness but nothing I couldn’t handle.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My new HP laptop, baby! (Courtesy of my family for my birthday!)
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Okay, I have no idea what this questions means.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The President and all of the folks running the country right now. My opinion – get rid of them all.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Food. Possibly Starbucks. Or Dunkin’ Donuts. (I have a coffee problem.)
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Besides blogging? Every time that my sons brought home good grades or said something profound or hilarious. It is shocking how much I love them.
16. What song will always remind you of 2009?
This one. Hands down. (Gee, thanks small children!)
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
b) thinner or fatter?
c) richer or poorer?
Fatter. LOL! Happier. Money issues never change, do they?
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Play with my kids! Read the bible. Spent more time with girlfriends.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Feeling anxious. Worrying. Stressing.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas at home but the rest was spent chillin’ at my relatives house in NJ.
21. Did you fall in love in 2009?
All over again with my husband. Every year with him gets better. Seriously. (And now my iPhone, which the husband gave me so technically he can’t complain that I love another man, err… machine.)
22. What was your favorite TV program?
24. Duh. Jack Bauer is my favorite.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No. I don’t ever HATE people. Ever. I just don’t believe in that word.
24. What was the best book you read?
There are so many! In January I discovered Twilight so, you know, need I say more? I also love inspirational books so…. I go through books like some go through water. I am reading “It’s Your Time” by Joel Osteen right now and it is pretty life altering.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Bizarre but true: Lady Gaga
26. What did you want and get?
New laptop! But more important than all that, I have a healthy happy family, amazing friends, food on the table and a roof over my head. What more could I possibly want?
27. What did you want and not get?
Gloves. Which sounds stupid now that I write it down.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Julie & Julia is all I can think of right now. We watch a ton of movies and I’ve already mentioned the fact that my brain is fried, right?
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 30-something, and I was at the home with friends that night. Yeah, I’m not giving up the age right now. It is childish. I know.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
No idea. I’m pretty thankful for everything. I guess fitting into a size 2 jean would have been satisfying. <—-LOL!
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Anything that my growing (and not in a good way) hips could still fit into.
32. What kept you sane?
My faith. Always my faith.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Ryan Reynolds makes me very, very happy. And so does Alan Rickman. Which is weird. I totally know.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The trillions being spent by our lovely representatives to “stimulate the economy” or “pay for their own special interests.” And this stupid health care bill that is being rushed through…. Grrrrr….
35. Who did you miss?
My sister. Ever since she started to work again I never get to talk to her. (Sniff, sniff)
36. Who was the best new person you met?
This is a hard one. I’ve met so many amazing women this year, not only in the bloggy world but also in real life. The Maryland Mom Bloggers group is filled with some fantastic women!
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
That I am my children’s biggest advocate. That I shouldn’t just wait around for a teacher to do what is best for them. That my job is to protect them and advocate for their needs. Don’t mess with this mamma!
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
This is too deep for me right now. I have no clue. None. “Bow, chica, wow, wow?” (See #16)
Working momma. Flibbertigibbet. Family environs upkeep manager. Deadline juggler. Intellectual magpie... Random postings from a life of a working DC Metro mom. Unapologetically myself.
But this new BUDGET thing is yucky. <—- I’m trying not to say the bad words here.
