I’m Trying To Evolve

I never used to make New Years Resolutions because the new year never really meant much to me. In the past, I’ve felt like the coming of a new year has meant nothing more than a change of calendar date, like any other day.

However, the older I get, the more intentionally I’m trying to live. I’m trying to be aware of myself, the progession of my life, and the passage of time.

(It might seem like I talk a lot about my dad’s passing. I´m aware.) In February it’ll be 10 years since he passed away. My mom is turning 65 this year. I don’t have children yet. My friend’s dad is dying quickly of cancer. My niece and nephews are growing with lightning speed. I’m thinking about time a lot, these days.  These realizations have led me to wanting to be aware of the passage of time, is all.

And to be present.

I´d like to share with you my goals for 2015:

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Small Victories: Paying Off My First Credit Card

I had a really lovely day yesterday.  After the long Black Friday hours, I was exhausted and maybe starting to feel sick.  It was my day off but it was the last day of the month.  I really felt like I should go in to work, but ultimately I decided to instead stay home and let my body recuperate.  Kirsten recently wrote about finding work-life balance during the holidays, and I feel like I´m starting to find my own balance between really hustling at work, and being happy with the time I have at home.

The cookies we baked

I was torn about what to do but what sealed the deal was when Saturday night Michael took my hands in his and told me to sit down, we needed to have a serious conversation.  I figured he was joking–but who doesn´t get nervous when their partner says that?!

Small Victories: Paying for Travels with Real Money

Thankful to get to spend time with my sweet niece

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving! We normally run the Turkey Day Race in New Orleans’ City Park, but at 7am we decided it was too cold to go out, and well, we do it for fun, not to be miserable–so we stayed in. In the afternoon the sun came out, and it ended up being a lovely day. We had lunch at Michael’s aunt’s house, and it was nice to see his mom’s side of the family.

At work, Black Friday was a blast. It always is! We’re super busy all day, customers are buying and everyone is having fun. Also, we always do a potluck on Black Friday, and everyone shows off and brings their best dish.

Good News Everyone!

THE GOOD NEWS:
I got a new job! I couldn´t be happier.

THE STORY:
Let me back up. In college I double-majored in International Marketing and German, and double-minored in Math and French. I love foreign languages and international business in general. I always had vague dreams of translating, or maybe working for the UN.

Before my junior year in college I started as an intern at the Alabama International Trade Center as a Global Project Manager. I loved it and they hired me on part-time. I stayed there until it was time to graduate. They could only offer me part-time work but I knew I was looking for something similar to be my real job. I realized I loved international market research, and I was happy I found something so specific to be passionate about.

The Story of a Setback: Stupid IRS and Stupid Me

I had a bad day yesterday.

I was going to go in to work an hour early, but my hubby and I were snuggled up so warmly together, I couldn´t bear to leave him and brave the cold. He asked me to make him breakfast, and I did. It was a sweet morning.

I showered and got dressed and as I was about to head out the door, I popped open my laptop to see my paycheck for Friday (they post the paystubs online two days before we get paid).  I was so excited to look at it, all these extra hours I´ve been working, and I´ve been saving and living wisely and I´m paying off debt!  Yeah!

And well then, my eyeballs almost fell out of my head. My paycheck was severely lower than what it should have been. I inspected it closely and there was a large “tax levied.” What is this??

Small Victories: Quitting Smoking

I have an announcement to make… It’s been an official two months since my husband quit smoking! I know it’s a process, and maybe I won’t fully believe he’s quit for good once it’s been like a year maybe, but for now I’m just really happy.

SMALL VICTORY: QUITTING SMOKING

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION: $1348+

I met my husband twelve years ago, when we were only sixteen. We were only babies in my mind, but he was already a smoker. Through the years he always said he could quit if he wanted to, but that he didn’t yet want to. (Uh huh.)