Hellloooo! I'm a little bit late with this post. I've done a lot of thinking lately and had some rough moments, but all of that thinking was about where I want my money to go and what I want to accomplish these next few months. I think that sometimes, these tough spots are good for us. It pushes us to action and forces us to re-evaluate our strategies.
Having said that, I'm not sure that you'll notice a huge difference in my goals this month. I'm still trying to pay down student loans. I'm still trying to build a savings buffer. I'm still cleaning out the garage, trying to plow through some books, and soak up time with my family. I promise to write about my thinking moments soon, but for now, here's what I want to do this month:
Get serious about fitness: Weight-loss goals are great, but I just want to feel healthier. I get winded going up stairs. That's dumb. No more of that.
Pay down student loans: A given.
Concentrate more on savings: Even though one of my favorite blogs says that paying down debt counts as savings, an extra student loan payment does NOT pay for emergency things, medical bills, or anything else. The key here is to find a balance, which, I admit, is a work-in-progress.
Come up with a Contributer page for the blog: I'd like to start swapping buttons, having Guest Posts, and hosting sponsored reviews, but I don't want that to be a focus of the blog. I want people to *want* to work with me, so I'd like to have an easy-to-find FAQ page for that information.
Plant herbs: I have Basil and Parsley seeds from Christmas, and it's time to plant them. I want to be able to use them before I head abroad.
Read more books: No number on it this time, but I'd like to read more instead of listen as much. This should be easier now that I've replaced my broken Kindle. I also need to get through a pile of hard-copy books hanging out on my nightstand so I can take a big box to Half-Price.
Keep working on the visa paperwork: Enough said.
Get 2 manuscripts out the door: This is from my grad school days. Even though I'm not going for a PhD yet I want to be published so that I have a greater chance of funding and acceptance at my top choice.
What are your goals for this month?
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
February Goals Recap
Whoa, y'all. Where the heck did February go? I mean, seriously?!
I feel like I looked up and there it went. Time is flying by far too fast, especially given all of the big things that are happening for me in three months. Oy.
Here's a recap of the goals for this past month:
Lose 10 Pounds: No, this did not happen. I actually did not go anywhere in this department. And actually, I consider that a success considering I basically ate my way through Disney World {a blog post on that soon} and lived off of coffee and McDonald's while I was driving. I'll recycle this goal for next month.
Read 10 books: This also didn't happen. I did read 6 though, which is not shabby. I've been doing a lot of reading, just not books. That is, I've been reading fanfiction. #iamadork #somefanfictionisreallygood. I'm going to recycle this goal, also, and see if I can do this in March.
Clean Out the Garage: It's a work in progress, as I expected it would be. I'm shooting for a garage sale at the beginning of April {I should know more about the visa situation by then} when it's pretty outside and not too hot. I'm hoping to get some pictures of what the garage looks like now and what it looks like when I'm done.
Pay Down Student Loans: We're getting there. It's also a {huge} work-in-progress. But, if I keep at it, I can be gone with one of my loans in two years. Shorter if I dedicate future bonuses and income tax returns to the cause. I'm pretty proud of the progress I have made.
Get my visa paperwork in order: Another work-in-progress. I'm waiting on a lot of things {passport renewal, duplicate diploma, etc.}, and should be ready to send them out by April, USPS willing.
Meet some bloggers in real life: I did this! Heather and I met for brunch a few weeks ago {and that place is now my favorite new breakfast spot! Yum!}, and it looks promising that I might be able to make the next blogger meet-up for my area!
How did you meet your goals this past month?
I feel like I looked up and there it went. Time is flying by far too fast, especially given all of the big things that are happening for me in three months. Oy.
Here's a recap of the goals for this past month:
Lose 10 Pounds: No, this did not happen. I actually did not go anywhere in this department. And actually, I consider that a success considering I basically ate my way through Disney World {a blog post on that soon} and lived off of coffee and McDonald's while I was driving. I'll recycle this goal for next month.
Read 10 books: This also didn't happen. I did read 6 though, which is not shabby. I've been doing a lot of reading, just not books. That is, I've been reading fanfiction. #iamadork #somefanfictionisreallygood. I'm going to recycle this goal, also, and see if I can do this in March.
Clean Out the Garage: It's a work in progress, as I expected it would be. I'm shooting for a garage sale at the beginning of April {I should know more about the visa situation by then} when it's pretty outside and not too hot. I'm hoping to get some pictures of what the garage looks like now and what it looks like when I'm done.
Pay Down Student Loans: We're getting there. It's also a {huge} work-in-progress. But, if I keep at it, I can be gone with one of my loans in two years. Shorter if I dedicate future bonuses and income tax returns to the cause. I'm pretty proud of the progress I have made.
Get my visa paperwork in order: Another work-in-progress. I'm waiting on a lot of things {passport renewal, duplicate diploma, etc.}, and should be ready to send them out by April, USPS willing.
Meet some bloggers in real life: I did this! Heather and I met for brunch a few weeks ago {and that place is now my favorite new breakfast spot! Yum!}, and it looks promising that I might be able to make the next blogger meet-up for my area!
How did you meet your goals this past month?
Sunday, February 05, 2012
February Goals
I'm a smidge late in posting my goals for February because I wanted to share with you some news first. It completely changes my game plan {sort of} and makes a huge difference in my priorities.
1. Lose 10 lbs: Losing 5 was relatively easy so I'd really like to challenge myself this month. However, I'm not going to be super upset if I don't get there as long as I'm eating well and being active. I'm a firm believer in dessert and letting your body tell you what it needs {as long as it's not dessert for every meal}. Sometimes, I need some chocolate {or, in a few weeks, Mickey Ears ice cream}!
2. Read 10 more books: I was pretty pleased with myself that I got through so many this month. I feel accomplished, and a nice side effect is I have more to distract me than Facebook and Twitter.
3. Clean out the garage: Definitely a priority now! We're going to try and sell some things on Craig's List and/or have a garage sale because I'm not taking everything with me to my new job. Many apartments are furnished, so there isn't much reason to keep taking up my parent's garage, especially since my furniture is of the Ikea variety. Easily replaceable.
4. Pay down student loans: My salary abroad will be great for the area {really great} but not so great for living in the States. So, I'm trying to make some early payments and stockpile some money to cover my financial obligations in case I can't make ends meet. I don't think that will be a problem, but since I'll be so far away from home I want to cover my bases. Also, I want to have fun over there, too!
5. Get my visa paperwork in order: Visas are kind of a mess where I'm going, so I want to deal with this early. That way, if there's a problem I can a) fix it, or b) regroup. Worst-case-scenario, the offer has to be rescinded, and if that happens I don't want to be scrambling for a job at the very last minute. I want to know ASAP that that has happened.
6. Meet some bloggers in real life: I know I'll be meeting one for sure {yay!}, but I also want to try and make it to a blogger meet-up {will depend on an upcoming family vacation}. It will be nice to put names to faces.
What are your February goals?
1. Lose 10 lbs: Losing 5 was relatively easy so I'd really like to challenge myself this month. However, I'm not going to be super upset if I don't get there as long as I'm eating well and being active. I'm a firm believer in dessert and letting your body tell you what it needs {as long as it's not dessert for every meal}. Sometimes, I need some chocolate {or, in a few weeks, Mickey Ears ice cream}!
2. Read 10 more books: I was pretty pleased with myself that I got through so many this month. I feel accomplished, and a nice side effect is I have more to distract me than Facebook and Twitter.
3. Clean out the garage: Definitely a priority now! We're going to try and sell some things on Craig's List and/or have a garage sale because I'm not taking everything with me to my new job. Many apartments are furnished, so there isn't much reason to keep taking up my parent's garage, especially since my furniture is of the Ikea variety. Easily replaceable.
4. Pay down student loans: My salary abroad will be great for the area {really great} but not so great for living in the States. So, I'm trying to make some early payments and stockpile some money to cover my financial obligations in case I can't make ends meet. I don't think that will be a problem, but since I'll be so far away from home I want to cover my bases. Also, I want to have fun over there, too!
5. Get my visa paperwork in order: Visas are kind of a mess where I'm going, so I want to deal with this early. That way, if there's a problem I can a) fix it, or b) regroup. Worst-case-scenario, the offer has to be rescinded, and if that happens I don't want to be scrambling for a job at the very last minute. I want to know ASAP that that has happened.
6. Meet some bloggers in real life: I know I'll be meeting one for sure {yay!}, but I also want to try and make it to a blogger meet-up {will depend on an upcoming family vacation}. It will be nice to put names to faces.
What are your February goals?
Saturday, February 04, 2012
A decision
I'll let that sink in for a second.
Sometimes, you have to make a leap. You have to do something with an uncertain outcome. I've made my decision, but there is still some uncertainty. Will my visa be approved? I don't know. I think so. My company does. But no one knows until it gets approved and until then? I just have to trust that I am in this situation for a reason.
Will I be upset if I turned down another {awesome} opportunity to pursue this one if I run into issues? Yeah. But I think I would have always wondered about whether I should have tried.
So stay tuned y'all. It's going to be a stressful, wild, crazy ride.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
January Recap
It's been a busy, busy month. I've had some great news and changes, and such and have been doing well in the goals department!
Here's a recap of how I've been doing.
Pay down student debt: I've been doing this, and paying more on some loans than I have to. As you'll see after my post on Saturday, this goal will change a little bit based on some of the upcoming changes in my life.
Read 75 books: I've read quite a few books this month! I'm almost 20% there! I don't think I will have trouble meeting this goal.
Get a full-time job: This happened. No details, yet, but it did happen! Squee!
Learn another language: Not yet. But soon.
Clean out the garage: I didn't make much {any} progress with this. But it will have to become a priority because of those changes I mentioned earlier.
Lose 5 lbs: Did this. Aiming for 5 more by mid-February!
Overall, a great month. How have you done on your goals?
Here's a recap of how I've been doing.
Pay down student debt: I've been doing this, and paying more on some loans than I have to. As you'll see after my post on Saturday, this goal will change a little bit based on some of the upcoming changes in my life.
Read 75 books: I've read quite a few books this month! I'm almost 20% there! I don't think I will have trouble meeting this goal.
Get a full-time job: This happened. No details, yet, but it did happen! Squee!
Learn another language: Not yet. But soon.
Clean out the garage: I didn't make much {any} progress with this. But it will have to become a priority because of those changes I mentioned earlier.
Lose 5 lbs: Did this. Aiming for 5 more by mid-February!
Overall, a great month. How have you done on your goals?
Monday, January 02, 2012
Goals for 2012
I've been pretty bad about keeping up with my goals. I've been meeting them {sort of} and I am conscious of them, but blog recaps have pretty much gone to hell in a handbasket over the past few weeks. So, in honor of the New Year, I'm revamping some of my goals and making some of them a bit more long-term.
*Boost savings: Always a goal, but definitely one I need to pay attention to. I had several things that brought my savings down in the past few months, and my odd jobs just aren't building it up as fast as I'd like. So, I'm looking for some new ways to earn money until I get full-time employment.
*Pay off 20% of student loans: I've started paying my student loans, and while I can't afford to pay them down yet, I want to make this a priority. I'm technically allowed to defer many of them, or reduce payments. While I might opt for this for a time, I still want to pay more than I have to every month. I think that sets up a good habit, and will whittle away at the principle.
*Run a 5K and a 10K: I've wanted to run a 1/2 marathon for awhile, but I'm not a runner. I'd like to work up to these small races so that I can reasonably begin half-marathon training next year. I hope that moves a little faster {ha!}, but I think these are pretty realistic limits for me.
*Learn to sail: Why have I not done this? There's not a good reason, so unless something happens in the job department, I will be doing this. This will knock a thing off my bucket list.
*Read 75 books: This past year I made it to 51 {see my list here and here}, and I'd really like to knock out more. I'm going to be more selective about what I read in the sense that I often got stuck this past year. I'd start a book, and keep reading it even though it wasn't interesting to me. So, I'd procrastinate reading it and would lose several weeks in the process. Life is too short to avoid reading because of a slow book! I'll keep track of this via my A Year in Books tab, and via the Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge.
*Get a full-time job: Self-explanatory. I'm concentrating on my job hunt strategies and networking skills, and hopefully these will make my job search a bit more fruitful.
*Learn another language: I used to speak Spanish fairly well for a beginner, but I stopped using it. I'm going to brush up on those skills and hopefully expand on them. That will make me more marketable, and more able to travel and/or live in other countries. This is also on my Bucket List.
In the short-term {January} I'd also like to:
*Clean out the garage: I've been holding off because I don't know where I'll end up, but there are some things I know I want to eventually replace. Rather than moving them when I do move, it makes more sense to sell those items on Craigs List and replace them with what I want when I can afford to do so.
*Lose 5 lbs: Normally, weight doesn't motivate me. I want to be healthy and comfortable, and feel attractive. Healthy food and being active take care of these, but recently I've enjoyed playing numbers games {how fast can I build up my savings, how little can I pay for something, etc.} and so I think it will be fun to challenge myself to this goal.
What goals have you set for yourself this year?
*Boost savings: Always a goal, but definitely one I need to pay attention to. I had several things that brought my savings down in the past few months, and my odd jobs just aren't building it up as fast as I'd like. So, I'm looking for some new ways to earn money until I get full-time employment.
*Pay off 20% of student loans: I've started paying my student loans, and while I can't afford to pay them down yet, I want to make this a priority. I'm technically allowed to defer many of them, or reduce payments. While I might opt for this for a time, I still want to pay more than I have to every month. I think that sets up a good habit, and will whittle away at the principle.
*Run a 5K and a 10K: I've wanted to run a 1/2 marathon for awhile, but I'm not a runner. I'd like to work up to these small races so that I can reasonably begin half-marathon training next year. I hope that moves a little faster {ha!}, but I think these are pretty realistic limits for me.
*Learn to sail: Why have I not done this? There's not a good reason, so unless something happens in the job department, I will be doing this. This will knock a thing off my bucket list.
*Read 75 books: This past year I made it to 51 {see my list here and here}, and I'd really like to knock out more. I'm going to be more selective about what I read in the sense that I often got stuck this past year. I'd start a book, and keep reading it even though it wasn't interesting to me. So, I'd procrastinate reading it and would lose several weeks in the process. Life is too short to avoid reading because of a slow book! I'll keep track of this via my A Year in Books tab, and via the Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge.
*Get a full-time job: Self-explanatory. I'm concentrating on my job hunt strategies and networking skills, and hopefully these will make my job search a bit more fruitful.
*Learn another language: I used to speak Spanish fairly well for a beginner, but I stopped using it. I'm going to brush up on those skills and hopefully expand on them. That will make me more marketable, and more able to travel and/or live in other countries. This is also on my Bucket List.
In the short-term {January} I'd also like to:
*Clean out the garage: I've been holding off because I don't know where I'll end up, but there are some things I know I want to eventually replace. Rather than moving them when I do move, it makes more sense to sell those items on Craigs List and replace them with what I want when I can afford to do so.
*Lose 5 lbs: Normally, weight doesn't motivate me. I want to be healthy and comfortable, and feel attractive. Healthy food and being active take care of these, but recently I've enjoyed playing numbers games {how fast can I build up my savings, how little can I pay for something, etc.} and so I think it will be fun to challenge myself to this goal.
What goals have you set for yourself this year?
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
October Goals and Recap
Another month, another set of goals, right? If you'll remember, I've had these goals for a few months. Here's the recap from October:
1. Apply for every opportunity I've been presented with: So far, so good. Just waiting on some nibbles.
2. Finish the thesis: Check and check! I have some minor edits I'll have to do for the Thesis office, but I'm basically D-O-N-E!
3. Read a book a week: Yes! Now that I've gotten into audiobooks {yay, library}, I've been getting through several a week. One of my babysitting jobs gives me a lot of reading time as well, so I've been flying through them!
4. Pad the emergency fund: Yup. Still getting there. It doesn't grow as fast as I would like, but finding new part-time employment at this point seems counter-productive.
5. Catch up with old friends: Doing better! We recently welcomed home one of my friends from Afghanistan, and we'll be welcoming home another in November. I've also been making it a point to go out every once in awhile. I'm such a homebody, but being around people is a good thing!
6. Focus on the blog: Better! I've got some ad space and have been working on finding good guest post avenues! I'm also happy to report I have several new subscribers! Welcome!
7. Find a worthy cause: Yes and no. I just started having more time, so I've found several worthy causes but have only been supporting them with money. I hope to fix that soon, especially with the holidays coming soon.
8. Get healthy: Getting better! I've been a bit more active lately, and I'm getting better every week.
New goals for November {to add to previous ones}:
Get two manuscripts out the door: One based on the thesis, one based on a different project. They need to be done.
Finish most of my holiday shopping: Self explanatory. I really dislike waiting until I have to fight crowds.
Organize my stuff: My parent's garage is a mess. Big mess. This is partially due to me needing things and having to move boxes, and partially because I have so much crap. I have some time to fix that now. Hallelujah.
What are some of your goals for this month? Did you meet your goals from last month?
1. Apply for every opportunity I've been presented with: So far, so good. Just waiting on some nibbles.
2. Finish the thesis: Check and check! I have some minor edits I'll have to do for the Thesis office, but I'm basically D-O-N-E!
3. Read a book a week: Yes! Now that I've gotten into audiobooks {yay, library}, I've been getting through several a week. One of my babysitting jobs gives me a lot of reading time as well, so I've been flying through them!
4. Pad the emergency fund: Yup. Still getting there. It doesn't grow as fast as I would like, but finding new part-time employment at this point seems counter-productive.
5. Catch up with old friends: Doing better! We recently welcomed home one of my friends from Afghanistan, and we'll be welcoming home another in November. I've also been making it a point to go out every once in awhile. I'm such a homebody, but being around people is a good thing!
6. Focus on the blog: Better! I've got some ad space and have been working on finding good guest post avenues! I'm also happy to report I have several new subscribers! Welcome!
7. Find a worthy cause: Yes and no. I just started having more time, so I've found several worthy causes but have only been supporting them with money. I hope to fix that soon, especially with the holidays coming soon.
8. Get healthy: Getting better! I've been a bit more active lately, and I'm getting better every week.
New goals for November {to add to previous ones}:
Get two manuscripts out the door: One based on the thesis, one based on a different project. They need to be done.
Finish most of my holiday shopping: Self explanatory. I really dislike waiting until I have to fight crowds.
Organize my stuff: My parent's garage is a mess. Big mess. This is partially due to me needing things and having to move boxes, and partially because I have so much crap. I have some time to fix that now. Hallelujah.
What are some of your goals for this month? Did you meet your goals from last month?
Sunday, October 02, 2011
September Goal Review & Recap
A little late {hello, October!} but here's a recap of the goals I set at the end of August:
1. Apply for any opportunity that presented itself: Done! I got some big nibbles, but nothing that worked out. However, I'm not discouraged! It is always a good experience to learn about how others do things, what they value, and how you might fit into that plan {or not}. I'm much more ready for the next nibble I get!
2. Finish the Thesis: Almost there! I defend in a week and a half {it seems so surreal!}. Then there's an editing process, and then done! I can't really believe I can see a light at the end of the tunnel.
3. Read a book a week: Ha, no. I've been reading as much as possible, but not a book a week. However, now that I've started checking books on tape out from the library I might get through a few more.
4. Pad the Emergency Fund: Yup! I sit for two families and make some decent money for someone who doesn't have a job. I do a few little other things on the side, too and I'm back up to my target savings! Whoop!
5. Catch Up With Old Friends: Sort of. I'm still working on this.
6. Focus on the blog: Again, sort of. I have some new followers {hello, thank you for thinking my blog is interesting!} and have made some great connections, but I haven't had the time to sit and plan. Hence, sometimes I don't post for a week. Oops.
7. Find a worthy cause: I suppose I should have said, find a second worthy cause. I have historically done a whole lot with Girl Scouts, and I still do. I'm at the office or at a camp at least twice a month {this month a whole lot more}. So, I have that on my plate, and I'm not ready to add anything else yet. Not until the thesis is done for real. On the other hand, I am sponsoring a pretty cool blog this month whose ads go directly to Africa {more on this later} and I have a new blog series on giving.
8. Get Healthy: Not as much as I'd like. I've been going to the gym, but this month my gym is hosting a 30 day challenge that I'm going to take part in. Hopefully that will kick start the process a little bit more.
How were your goals during September? Did you meet any?
1. Apply for any opportunity that presented itself: Done! I got some big nibbles, but nothing that worked out. However, I'm not discouraged! It is always a good experience to learn about how others do things, what they value, and how you might fit into that plan {or not}. I'm much more ready for the next nibble I get!
2. Finish the Thesis: Almost there! I defend in a week and a half {it seems so surreal!}. Then there's an editing process, and then done! I can't really believe I can see a light at the end of the tunnel.
3. Read a book a week: Ha, no. I've been reading as much as possible, but not a book a week. However, now that I've started checking books on tape out from the library I might get through a few more.
4. Pad the Emergency Fund: Yup! I sit for two families and make some decent money for someone who doesn't have a job. I do a few little other things on the side, too and I'm back up to my target savings! Whoop!
5. Catch Up With Old Friends: Sort of. I'm still working on this.
6. Focus on the blog: Again, sort of. I have some new followers {hello, thank you for thinking my blog is interesting!} and have made some great connections, but I haven't had the time to sit and plan. Hence, sometimes I don't post for a week. Oops.
7. Find a worthy cause: I suppose I should have said, find a second worthy cause. I have historically done a whole lot with Girl Scouts, and I still do. I'm at the office or at a camp at least twice a month {this month a whole lot more}. So, I have that on my plate, and I'm not ready to add anything else yet. Not until the thesis is done for real. On the other hand, I am sponsoring a pretty cool blog this month whose ads go directly to Africa {more on this later} and I have a new blog series on giving.
8. Get Healthy: Not as much as I'd like. I've been going to the gym, but this month my gym is hosting a 30 day challenge that I'm going to take part in. Hopefully that will kick start the process a little bit more.
How were your goals during September? Did you meet any?
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