So I left for Jamaica and didn't really say goodbye. Sorry for leaving you all hanging! I feel like I left myself hanging too. I was in the middle of Reverb10 and a few other projects, which never got completed... but will! Got back yesterday and I'm working to catch up on several hundred backlogged posts in my Reader. Expect some comments soon!
I also have some posts that need to be written. Here's a list of posts for you to look forward to:
About Jamaica
More Reverb10
Year in Financial Review
2010 Goals in Review
Realistic and Unrealistic 2011 Goals
Parents, family and money expectations
Anything you want to hear about? Let me know in the comments!
And now onto my net worth! By tracking it on the last day of the month, I hope to keep the numbers more consistent based on the usual fluctuations of paying bills and stuff like that. And here's December!
Liquid Assets
Cash (checking, MMA, W2S): $39,635.76
GNMA: $14,693.53
Total Bond Index: $14,820.33
Total Stock Index: $26,704.25
Total Liquid: $95,853.87
Retirement Assets
Roth IRA (Target Retirement 2045): $6,146.45
403(b) (S&P 500 Index): $18,546.77
Total Retirement: $24,693.22
Total Net worth: $120,547.09
Percent Change: 6.31%
I went up a bunch this month because of a few factors... number one was being reimbursed for $4,000 for my classes. And the stock market rebounding didn't hurt either!
Today I'm grateful for: family time
Friday, December 31, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
3 Reasons why I'm spoiled
In the interest of full disclosure...
(1) My parents reimbursed me $4,000 for the classes I'm taking. Total cost of all of my classes will be $3,550.
(2) I got a Chanukah gift from them for $500 (and am expecting another $500 for my birthday in the middle of January)
(3) I'm going to Jamaica with my family over Christmas. They're paying.
So don't rip me to shreds when you see my net worth this month... okay?
Today I'm grateful for: an opportunity to become more involved in my yoga community AND get free classes
(1) My parents reimbursed me $4,000 for the classes I'm taking. Total cost of all of my classes will be $3,550.
(2) I got a Chanukah gift from them for $500 (and am expecting another $500 for my birthday in the middle of January)
(3) I'm going to Jamaica with my family over Christmas. They're paying.
So don't rip me to shreds when you see my net worth this month... okay?
Today I'm grateful for: an opportunity to become more involved in my yoga community AND get free classes
Friday, December 17, 2010
Reverb10: Prompt 17: Lesson learned.
I've skipped the last couple of prompts and I think that's okay. I'm just going to do the ones that inspire me or inspire me to think a little differently, a little more critically of myself.
Prompt 17: Lesson learned.
What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward?
I don't know if this is the best thing(s) I've learned about myself, but I think it's the most important thing(s) that I've learned to grow as a person. And here it is:
I like doing things my way. I need to be right. I'm not good at sharing. I revert back to my high school self whenever I go home. I can be bossy. I'm not perfect, as hard as I try.
There's nothing like hearing all of these things said to you, about you, by your family. Ouch. At one point during Thanksgiving, I was in tears because all of these things are true about me and are less than flattering. It's hard to hear the truth sometimes. But it's also important to know these things so I can do better. When you're aware of your faults, your shortcomings, it leads to awareness and growth. I'm ready to grow.
Today I'm grateful for: humility
Prompt 17: Lesson learned.
What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward?
I don't know if this is the best thing(s) I've learned about myself, but I think it's the most important thing(s) that I've learned to grow as a person. And here it is:
I like doing things my way. I need to be right. I'm not good at sharing. I revert back to my high school self whenever I go home. I can be bossy. I'm not perfect, as hard as I try.
There's nothing like hearing all of these things said to you, about you, by your family. Ouch. At one point during Thanksgiving, I was in tears because all of these things are true about me and are less than flattering. It's hard to hear the truth sometimes. But it's also important to know these things so I can do better. When you're aware of your faults, your shortcomings, it leads to awareness and growth. I'm ready to grow.
Today I'm grateful for: humility
Thursday, December 16, 2010
20 Financial Milestones for your 20s
Gen Y Wealth lists 20 Financial Milestones You Want to Reach in Your 20′s and I thought I'd share how I'm doing. Feel free to share how you're doing in the comments or on your own blog.
# 1 – Finance a dream vacation…in cash - SORT OF
I could finance a vacation in cash. I just have to figure out where, with who and when. Ya know... no biggie.
# 2 – Pay off your student loans - CHECK
Maybe I'm a little bit spoiled, but I never had any student loans. My parents paid for my college experience in full and I have enough money to pay for my certificate program, even though I know they are going to insist on paying me back
# 3 – Automate paying your credit card bill in full - NOT EXACTLY
I don't have any of my bills automated, but I do pay them all in full every month.
# 4 – Get rid of all bad debt - CHECK
I don't have any debt and don't think that I will take on any debt unless I buy a home or start a business.
# 5 – Build an adequate emergency fund - CHECK
I have a pretty healthy savings and I mentally earmark about $10,000 of that for my emergency fund.
# 6 – Make your first, and last, investment mistake - NOPE
I'm pretty conservative with my money and don't have it in anything risky. I feel comfortable with the mix of mutual funds and bonds in my portfolio and am investing for the long term. I'm not a day trader and I'm not trying to be. Slow and steady wins the race.
# 7 – Develop a statement of cash flows - YES (I THINK)
I think the author means knowing where your money goes and I keep track of everything on my spreadsheet. I'm 97% good about doing it for all the incoming and outgoing money, so I think I have an accurate picture of where my money is going.
# 8 & 9 Max out a Roth & Contribute to your 401(k) - MOSTLY
I have a Roth and a 403(b). I do contribute to the 403(b), so check on that one. I haven't been the best about contributing to the Roth in recent years because I like having my money feel a little more liquid, especially if I'm going to buy a place to live at some point soon.
# 10 – Get a degree or certification that increases your earning power - CHECK/IN PROGRESS
I do have a college degree which def increases my earning power and I'm in the progress of getting an certificate.
# 11 – Take a career risk - YES
I'm still not sure what I want to be when I grow up. Switching to my current job was something that was not a career path that I foresaw, but I've been so happy there. Here's hoping that I will be equally as happy (or happier!) in my next job.
# 12 – Negotiate something - CHECK
I got such a high from negotiating my car price. I'm kind of looking forward to salary negotiations.
# 13 – Earn your first side grand - CHECK
I always have a side hustle going on. Whether it was the catering gig or babysitting or blog income or selling stuff or investment income, I try to aim for at least an extra grand a year.
# 14 – Start a sub-savings account for an upcoming financial goal - NOT EXACTLY
I definitely concentrate on savings, but I don't have official sub-savings accounts for the goals. They're more like mental sub-accounts.
# 15 – Set a target retirement date - SORT OF
I do have my Roth in a targeted retirement account for the year 2045 when I'll be 62 (gosh that seems like forever away). I'd like to retire sooner rather than later and maybe that's why I'm so aggressive with my savings.
# 16 – Monitor your credit - YES
I get my credit reports every year and they are blemish free. I'm not sure where the actual number stands at this moment, but I know it's high because there are no errors on my report, I have a good amount of available credit and I pay my bill in full and on time each month.
# 17 – Say no to a financial salesman - NOPE
I don't know that anyone has tried to sell me something like whole life insurance or the like. I would say no though.
# 18 – Give just enough to make it hurt - I NEED TO DO BETTER
For awhile I was good and rotated my donations to a few different causes each month. I still get requests from a lot of these organizations each month via the mail. I need to do better. I can afford an extra $100 each month and I just need to be accountable to actually do this. Let's add this to the to do list. Help me be accountable on this one?
2 Milestones for the Over Achiever
# 19 – Invest $1 for every $1 you spend - NOPE
I don't know that this is a goal that I wish to reach. I earmark a certain amount each month for each of my investment vehicles and that works for me at this point. I don't make enough money right now to make this a realistic goal and I don't know that I ever will.
# 20 – Start a 529 College Savings Plan - NOT EXACTLY
I did start a upromise account and I've earned all of $11 in free money over the past 2 (?) years. I don't have a child or plan to go back to graduate school, so I don't think a 529 is a good investment vehicle for me at this moment. But free money on upromise? Works for me.
How are you doing?
# 1 – Finance a dream vacation…in cash
# 2 – Pay off your student loans
# 3 – Automate paying your credit card bill in full
# 4 – Get rid of all bad debt
# 5 – Build an adequate emergency fund
# 6 – Make your first, and last, investment mistake
# 7 – Develop a statement of cash flows
# 8 & 9 Max out a Roth & Contribute to your 401(k)
# 10 – Get a degree or certification that increases your earning power
# 11 – Take a career risk
# 12 – Negotiate something
# 13 – Earn your first side grand
# 14 – Start a sub-savings account for an upcoming financial goal
# 15 – Set a target retirement date
# 16 – Monitor your credit
# 17 – Say no to a financial salesman
# 18 – Give just enough to make it hurt
2 Milestones for the Over Achiever
# 19 – Invest $1 for every $1 you spend
# 20 – Start a 529 College Savings Plan
Today I'm grateful for: being on the right track
# 1 – Finance a dream vacation…in cash - SORT OF
I could finance a vacation in cash. I just have to figure out where, with who and when. Ya know... no biggie.
# 2 – Pay off your student loans - CHECK
Maybe I'm a little bit spoiled, but I never had any student loans. My parents paid for my college experience in full and I have enough money to pay for my certificate program, even though I know they are going to insist on paying me back
# 3 – Automate paying your credit card bill in full - NOT EXACTLY
I don't have any of my bills automated, but I do pay them all in full every month.
# 4 – Get rid of all bad debt - CHECK
I don't have any debt and don't think that I will take on any debt unless I buy a home or start a business.
# 5 – Build an adequate emergency fund - CHECK
I have a pretty healthy savings and I mentally earmark about $10,000 of that for my emergency fund.
# 6 – Make your first, and last, investment mistake - NOPE
I'm pretty conservative with my money and don't have it in anything risky. I feel comfortable with the mix of mutual funds and bonds in my portfolio and am investing for the long term. I'm not a day trader and I'm not trying to be. Slow and steady wins the race.
# 7 – Develop a statement of cash flows - YES (I THINK)
I think the author means knowing where your money goes and I keep track of everything on my spreadsheet. I'm 97% good about doing it for all the incoming and outgoing money, so I think I have an accurate picture of where my money is going.
# 8 & 9 Max out a Roth & Contribute to your 401(k) - MOSTLY
I have a Roth and a 403(b). I do contribute to the 403(b), so check on that one. I haven't been the best about contributing to the Roth in recent years because I like having my money feel a little more liquid, especially if I'm going to buy a place to live at some point soon.
# 10 – Get a degree or certification that increases your earning power - CHECK/IN PROGRESS
I do have a college degree which def increases my earning power and I'm in the progress of getting an certificate.
# 11 – Take a career risk - YES
I'm still not sure what I want to be when I grow up. Switching to my current job was something that was not a career path that I foresaw, but I've been so happy there. Here's hoping that I will be equally as happy (or happier!) in my next job.
# 12 – Negotiate something - CHECK
I got such a high from negotiating my car price. I'm kind of looking forward to salary negotiations.
# 13 – Earn your first side grand - CHECK
I always have a side hustle going on. Whether it was the catering gig or babysitting or blog income or selling stuff or investment income, I try to aim for at least an extra grand a year.
# 14 – Start a sub-savings account for an upcoming financial goal - NOT EXACTLY
I definitely concentrate on savings, but I don't have official sub-savings accounts for the goals. They're more like mental sub-accounts.
# 15 – Set a target retirement date - SORT OF
I do have my Roth in a targeted retirement account for the year 2045 when I'll be 62 (gosh that seems like forever away). I'd like to retire sooner rather than later and maybe that's why I'm so aggressive with my savings.
# 16 – Monitor your credit - YES
I get my credit reports every year and they are blemish free. I'm not sure where the actual number stands at this moment, but I know it's high because there are no errors on my report, I have a good amount of available credit and I pay my bill in full and on time each month.
# 17 – Say no to a financial salesman - NOPE
I don't know that anyone has tried to sell me something like whole life insurance or the like. I would say no though.
# 18 – Give just enough to make it hurt - I NEED TO DO BETTER
For awhile I was good and rotated my donations to a few different causes each month. I still get requests from a lot of these organizations each month via the mail. I need to do better. I can afford an extra $100 each month and I just need to be accountable to actually do this. Let's add this to the to do list. Help me be accountable on this one?
2 Milestones for the Over Achiever
# 19 – Invest $1 for every $1 you spend - NOPE
I don't know that this is a goal that I wish to reach. I earmark a certain amount each month for each of my investment vehicles and that works for me at this point. I don't make enough money right now to make this a realistic goal and I don't know that I ever will.
# 20 – Start a 529 College Savings Plan - NOT EXACTLY
I did start a upromise account and I've earned all of $11 in free money over the past 2 (?) years. I don't have a child or plan to go back to graduate school, so I don't think a 529 is a good investment vehicle for me at this moment. But free money on upromise? Works for me.
How are you doing?
# 1 – Finance a dream vacation…in cash
# 2 – Pay off your student loans
# 3 – Automate paying your credit card bill in full
# 4 – Get rid of all bad debt
# 5 – Build an adequate emergency fund
# 6 – Make your first, and last, investment mistake
# 7 – Develop a statement of cash flows
# 8 & 9 Max out a Roth & Contribute to your 401(k)
# 10 – Get a degree or certification that increases your earning power
# 11 – Take a career risk
# 12 – Negotiate something
# 13 – Earn your first side grand
# 14 – Start a sub-savings account for an upcoming financial goal
# 15 – Set a target retirement date
# 16 – Monitor your credit
# 17 – Say no to a financial salesman
# 18 – Give just enough to make it hurt
2 Milestones for the Over Achiever
# 19 – Invest $1 for every $1 you spend
# 20 – Start a 529 College Savings Plan
Today I'm grateful for: being on the right track
Monday, December 13, 2010
Reverb10: Prompt 13: Action
Prompt 13: Action.
When it comes to aspirations, it's not about ideas. It's about making ideas happen. What's your next step?
I was kind of alluding to my plans in yesterday's catch up post and I think it's time to share. These plans for 2011 won't start for probably 6 months, but here is what I'm thinking. I'm going to leave my job in June, specific date TBD. Hopefully in May/June I can begin those 100 required internship hours for my certificate at 2-3 strategic places. It's my goal that 1 of those internships will transition into a full time job. I'm hoping that I can bump my salary up to something in the $50-$60,000+ range. I think that with 5+ years of experience, a certificate, internship experience and all of the advice on the blogs about negotiating your salary, I think that this range is definitely feasible.
I want to spend some of the summer traveling, visiting friends and maybe meeting some fellow bloggers. Places on the potential travel itinerary are: Minneapolis, Tampa, New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and France. I want to spend some time relaxing on a beach, doing some yoga and centering myself. After 5 years in this position, I'm in desperate need of some time to rejuvenate.
Seeing these things written down is blissful. It makes me feel as though these goals, these ideas are attainable. I'm looking forward to this transition, even though I know I am going to need a lot of support. But you'll all be there for me, right? :)
Today I'm grateful for: seeing this plan that's been in my head for so long written down
Daily Yakezie: Sustainable Life Blog hosts the Yakezie Carnival... must remember to submit to carnivals again.
When it comes to aspirations, it's not about ideas. It's about making ideas happen. What's your next step?
I was kind of alluding to my plans in yesterday's catch up post and I think it's time to share. These plans for 2011 won't start for probably 6 months, but here is what I'm thinking. I'm going to leave my job in June, specific date TBD. Hopefully in May/June I can begin those 100 required internship hours for my certificate at 2-3 strategic places. It's my goal that 1 of those internships will transition into a full time job. I'm hoping that I can bump my salary up to something in the $50-$60,000+ range. I think that with 5+ years of experience, a certificate, internship experience and all of the advice on the blogs about negotiating your salary, I think that this range is definitely feasible.
I want to spend some of the summer traveling, visiting friends and maybe meeting some fellow bloggers. Places on the potential travel itinerary are: Minneapolis, Tampa, New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and France. I want to spend some time relaxing on a beach, doing some yoga and centering myself. After 5 years in this position, I'm in desperate need of some time to rejuvenate.
Seeing these things written down is blissful. It makes me feel as though these goals, these ideas are attainable. I'm looking forward to this transition, even though I know I am going to need a lot of support. But you'll all be there for me, right? :)
Today I'm grateful for: seeing this plan that's been in my head for so long written down
Daily Yakezie: Sustainable Life Blog hosts the Yakezie Carnival... must remember to submit to carnivals again.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Reverb10: Prompts 10, 11 and 12
Prompt 10: Wisdom.
What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out?
I think that going back to school (however unimpressive it was...) was a wise decision. Sure, it's just a certificate program, I'm only 5/7 of the way through the classes and still have 100 hours of internship left, but it's a step in a new direction. It's a step in the right direction. I'm slowly formulating a plan for how to end my current job, complete those internship hours and start a new chapter. This decision is still playing itself out and will continue to do so in 2011. However, the more I think about it, the more I know it is moving me in the right direction.
Prompt 11: 11 Things.
What are 11 things your life doesn't need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life?
1. Negativity. I strive to be an optimist, but I think I sometimes fall in the opposite side of that spectrum. I need to keep these thoughts in check.
2. Clutter. Even though I try to stay on top of the amount of stuff I bring into my apartment, it still seems like I just have so much stuff. I think 2011 might be a good time to bring back those Get Rid of Stuff Sundays.
3. Complaining. I've become so much better at not doing this, but I still find myself coming back to complaining when I feel like I have nothing to say. I think it's better to be silent than talk about how tired I am or how busy I am at work or the like. No one likes to hear it.
4. Multi-tasking. I am always doing two things at once. Or thinking of something while I'm in the middle of something else. And it just takes away my focus and makes it harder to do the original task at hand. I'd be more productive if I was less of a multi-tasker.
5. Perfection. I've gotten better at not striving for perfection in everything. Sometimes good or okay is really good enough. I need to follow through with this in all areas of my life.
6. Stress. And with that striving for perfection comes stress. I constantly live in a state of self-imposed stress. The yoga is helping, but I think I need more regular and frequent yoga practice in my life.
7. Grudges. I hold grudges. I will be the first to admit it. But it's not a good habit to get into and I need to stop.
8. Facebook Stalking. It doesn't make me happy to see the seemingly perfect lives of acquaintances on facebook or to do the periodic ex-boyfriend stalk-round-the-web. I know that you only see what people put out there and that leads to a very skewed perspective, but it still gets to me.
9. Bad Sleep Cycles. When I get enough sleep (and I need a lot!), I'm an all around better person. I need to go to bed every night at a regular time and wake up at a regular time. Easier said than done.
10. Unhappiness. And all of those negative things in #1-9 are bringing me down. So lastly I'm getting rid of unhappiness in my life.
And I've been struggling to come up with an 11th thing for awhile, so I'm just going to follow #5 above and not strive for perfection. It's okay if this list is slightly incomplete.
I hope that getting rid of (or letting go of) these 11 things will help bring me greater joy and happiness in 2011.
Prompt 12: Body integration.
This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn't mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present?
Yoga has brought me feelings of integration with my body and mind. Even when I don't want to go, I leave class feeling more alive, more together and more me. There's something about the pure focus of mind and body, of appreciating the strength of my body and mind working together, of seeing little changes for the better in myself, that has been such a wonderful thing in my life.
Today I'm grateful for: my busy weekend being over
Daily Yakezie: eemusings reverbs and I feel the same way... and feel slight embarrassed about reading The Secret also :)
What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out?
I think that going back to school (however unimpressive it was...) was a wise decision. Sure, it's just a certificate program, I'm only 5/7 of the way through the classes and still have 100 hours of internship left, but it's a step in a new direction. It's a step in the right direction. I'm slowly formulating a plan for how to end my current job, complete those internship hours and start a new chapter. This decision is still playing itself out and will continue to do so in 2011. However, the more I think about it, the more I know it is moving me in the right direction.
Prompt 11: 11 Things.
What are 11 things your life doesn't need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life?
1. Negativity. I strive to be an optimist, but I think I sometimes fall in the opposite side of that spectrum. I need to keep these thoughts in check.
2. Clutter. Even though I try to stay on top of the amount of stuff I bring into my apartment, it still seems like I just have so much stuff. I think 2011 might be a good time to bring back those Get Rid of Stuff Sundays.
3. Complaining. I've become so much better at not doing this, but I still find myself coming back to complaining when I feel like I have nothing to say. I think it's better to be silent than talk about how tired I am or how busy I am at work or the like. No one likes to hear it.
4. Multi-tasking. I am always doing two things at once. Or thinking of something while I'm in the middle of something else. And it just takes away my focus and makes it harder to do the original task at hand. I'd be more productive if I was less of a multi-tasker.
5. Perfection. I've gotten better at not striving for perfection in everything. Sometimes good or okay is really good enough. I need to follow through with this in all areas of my life.
6. Stress. And with that striving for perfection comes stress. I constantly live in a state of self-imposed stress. The yoga is helping, but I think I need more regular and frequent yoga practice in my life.
7. Grudges. I hold grudges. I will be the first to admit it. But it's not a good habit to get into and I need to stop.
8. Facebook Stalking. It doesn't make me happy to see the seemingly perfect lives of acquaintances on facebook or to do the periodic ex-boyfriend stalk-round-the-web. I know that you only see what people put out there and that leads to a very skewed perspective, but it still gets to me.
9. Bad Sleep Cycles. When I get enough sleep (and I need a lot!), I'm an all around better person. I need to go to bed every night at a regular time and wake up at a regular time. Easier said than done.
10. Unhappiness. And all of those negative things in #1-9 are bringing me down. So lastly I'm getting rid of unhappiness in my life.
And I've been struggling to come up with an 11th thing for awhile, so I'm just going to follow #5 above and not strive for perfection. It's okay if this list is slightly incomplete.
I hope that getting rid of (or letting go of) these 11 things will help bring me greater joy and happiness in 2011.
Prompt 12: Body integration.
This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn't mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present?
Yoga has brought me feelings of integration with my body and mind. Even when I don't want to go, I leave class feeling more alive, more together and more me. There's something about the pure focus of mind and body, of appreciating the strength of my body and mind working together, of seeing little changes for the better in myself, that has been such a wonderful thing in my life.
Today I'm grateful for: my busy weekend being over
Daily Yakezie: eemusings reverbs and I feel the same way... and feel slight embarrassed about reading The Secret also :)
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Reverb 10: Prompt 8: Beautifully Different and Prompt 9: Party
Prompt 8: Beautifully different.
Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different - you'll find they're what make you beautiful.
I'm a mess of contradictions...
* a pessimist who is trying hard to become more optimistic
* a saver who spends too much on clothes
* highly organized with an apartment that is kind of a mess right now
* an aspiring minimalist who still has too much stuff
* a good listener at work who doesn't have as much patience the rest of the time
* a book lover who doesn't read enough
* a healthy eater who loves dessert best
...except when I'm not
* Jewish
* petite
* yoga enthusiast
* jdate-ing failure
Prompt 9: Party.
What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.
I was in two weddings this past summer, so I feel like I should mention those. Even though Bride #1 was CRAZY, I think I had more fun at her wedding. It was definitely more interesting/entertaining and I went with a date, so I had someone to slow dance with. And I freaking love slow dancing. I also found it to be more reflective of the couple's personalities, even though I was annoyed during every part of the planning. It's nice to really see the couple in the ceremony and the party. Here's hoping that 2011 leads me closer to my own wedding...
Today I'm grateful for: free yoga
Daily Yakezie: eemusings is reluctant to admit that she's special... you are!
Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different - you'll find they're what make you beautiful.
I'm a mess of contradictions...
* a pessimist who is trying hard to become more optimistic
* a saver who spends too much on clothes
* highly organized with an apartment that is kind of a mess right now
* an aspiring minimalist who still has too much stuff
* a good listener at work who doesn't have as much patience the rest of the time
* a book lover who doesn't read enough
* a healthy eater who loves dessert best
...except when I'm not
* Jewish
* petite
* yoga enthusiast
* jdate-ing failure
Prompt 9: Party.
What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.
I was in two weddings this past summer, so I feel like I should mention those. Even though Bride #1 was CRAZY, I think I had more fun at her wedding. It was definitely more interesting/entertaining and I went with a date, so I had someone to slow dance with. And I freaking love slow dancing. I also found it to be more reflective of the couple's personalities, even though I was annoyed during every part of the planning. It's nice to really see the couple in the ceremony and the party. Here's hoping that 2011 leads me closer to my own wedding...
Today I'm grateful for: free yoga
Daily Yakezie: eemusings is reluctant to admit that she's special... you are!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Welcome Budgets are Sexy Readers!
J. Money was nice enough to feature my post about my babysitting side hustle on his blog and I'm noticing a nice little spike in the number of visitors here. I wanted to welcome you all to my little corner of the internet and offer you a taste of what my blog is all about.
Here are a few of the things that I write about:
My net worth which I'm pretty proud of
Dating and stupid boys
Inspiration and gratitude
Coupon-ing and tracking my deals
Minimalism and getting rid of stuff
Mistakes and not being able to do everything right
Today I'm grateful for: all my new visitors and all of my regular readers
Here are a few of the things that I write about:
My net worth which I'm pretty proud of
Dating and stupid boys
Inspiration and gratitude
Coupon-ing and tracking my deals
Minimalism and getting rid of stuff
Mistakes and not being able to do everything right
Today I'm grateful for: all my new visitors and all of my regular readers
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Reverb10 Prompt 7: Community
Prompt 7: Community.
Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?
In 2010 I became involved with a young professionals group. I've gotten to know a lot of new people and offered my professional experience to help the group grow and change. I've continued to be involved in this lovely lady PF community and built stronger connections in my community through my job. In 2011, I'd like to stay involved with all of these communities, but it is going to be important to figure out a way to stay involved with the work community since I will definitely be leaving my job at some point near June. I'd also like to build stronger ties to a yoga community here. I've started, but it's an expensive and time consuming proposition. And building those relationships is something that just takes time.
Today I'm grateful for: Reverb10. It's nice to have a built in thing to write about every day!
Daily Yakezie: eemusings did a better job on yesterday's "Make" prompt that I did... I can't recall the last thing that I made, so I skipped that one!
Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?
In 2010 I became involved with a young professionals group. I've gotten to know a lot of new people and offered my professional experience to help the group grow and change. I've continued to be involved in this lovely lady PF community and built stronger connections in my community through my job. In 2011, I'd like to stay involved with all of these communities, but it is going to be important to figure out a way to stay involved with the work community since I will definitely be leaving my job at some point near June. I'd also like to build stronger ties to a yoga community here. I've started, but it's an expensive and time consuming proposition. And building those relationships is something that just takes time.
Today I'm grateful for: Reverb10. It's nice to have a built in thing to write about every day!
Daily Yakezie: eemusings did a better job on yesterday's "Make" prompt that I did... I can't recall the last thing that I made, so I skipped that one!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Reverb10 Prompt 4: Wonder and Prompt 5: Let Go
Prompt 4: Wonder.
How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year?
This is a tough one because I don't know that I really know what wonder is. I went on Twitter and read a few blog posts for inspiration that left me even more confused. I'm not someone who takes the time to stop and take in everything. I'm not someone who is particularly artsy or creative. I'm a "let's get this done and move onto the next thing"-sort of gal which I don't know translates well to feeling and cultivating wonder. In my searching, I came across a blog that captures how I feel about this prompt pretty well, so I thought I'd use some of Kristen's words.
If you know me well, you know that I am a type A personality. I like my routines and schedules. I want my days planned out to maximize efficiency for work and time for fun. I don’t like something being thrown at me at the last minute. That’s not how I operate. But, after a recent conversation with my fiance, I realized how this characteristic of my personality isn’t always a positive attribute. I lose the ability to be spontaneous. I forget to take risks. I miss opportunities to experience a sense of wonder.
I want to be open to new opportunities. I want to take risks and grow. I want to allow room for the unexpected and unfamiliar to challenge and inspire me.
Thanks for helping me out with this prompt, Kristen! 2011 is going to be my year to take risks and grow, to allow room for the unexpected and unfamiliar to challenge and inspire me.
Prompt 5: Let Go.
What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why?
My first love. During my Get Rid of Stuff Sundays, I trashed my "boyfriend box", his old, comfy sweats, and a few other clothing items. Yes, I know those were in 2009, but it's a process okay?! This past summer he got married (obviously not to me...) and I unfriended him on facebook beforehand. I realized that knowing (and seeing the pictures on facebook ) about his joy would only make me feel sad and jealous, so I let go. I hope that truly letting go of him and what we had so many years ago will help me find the love and relationship that I so badly want. I can and will move forward and I know that 2011 will be my year for love and the joy and wonder that comes with it.
Prompt #1: One Word
Prompt #2 ~ thought it was lame so I didn't do it
Prompt #3: Moment
Today I'm grateful for: new realizations and moving forward
Daily Yakezie: Ninja's adorable post about PB&J (my fave!) and how he will never be his spouse
How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year?
This is a tough one because I don't know that I really know what wonder is. I went on Twitter and read a few blog posts for inspiration that left me even more confused. I'm not someone who takes the time to stop and take in everything. I'm not someone who is particularly artsy or creative. I'm a "let's get this done and move onto the next thing"-sort of gal which I don't know translates well to feeling and cultivating wonder. In my searching, I came across a blog that captures how I feel about this prompt pretty well, so I thought I'd use some of Kristen's words.
If you know me well, you know that I am a type A personality. I like my routines and schedules. I want my days planned out to maximize efficiency for work and time for fun. I don’t like something being thrown at me at the last minute. That’s not how I operate. But, after a recent conversation with my fiance, I realized how this characteristic of my personality isn’t always a positive attribute. I lose the ability to be spontaneous. I forget to take risks. I miss opportunities to experience a sense of wonder.
I want to be open to new opportunities. I want to take risks and grow. I want to allow room for the unexpected and unfamiliar to challenge and inspire me.
Thanks for helping me out with this prompt, Kristen! 2011 is going to be my year to take risks and grow, to allow room for the unexpected and unfamiliar to challenge and inspire me.
Prompt 5: Let Go.
What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why?
My first love. During my Get Rid of Stuff Sundays, I trashed my "boyfriend box", his old, comfy sweats, and a few other clothing items. Yes, I know those were in 2009, but it's a process okay?! This past summer he got married (obviously not to me...) and I unfriended him on facebook beforehand. I realized that knowing (and seeing the pictures on facebook ) about his joy would only make me feel sad and jealous, so I let go. I hope that truly letting go of him and what we had so many years ago will help me find the love and relationship that I so badly want. I can and will move forward and I know that 2011 will be my year for love and the joy and wonder that comes with it.
Prompt #1: One Word
Prompt #2 ~ thought it was lame so I didn't do it
Prompt #3: Moment
Today I'm grateful for: new realizations and moving forward
Daily Yakezie: Ninja's adorable post about PB&J (my fave!) and how he will never be his spouse
Friday, December 3, 2010
Reverb10 Prompt #3: Moment
Prompt: Moment.
Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors).
At the risk of not being so anonymous, I'm not going to be as specific as I probably should be. I'm thinking more of a hybrid of events with a few things in common. The moments that I've felt the most alive have been outside. Farm adventures, weekends at camp, hiking the chasm, haunted forests, rocking out to my ipod during the first moments of spring... Crisp, cool air in my lungs, sun shining on my shoulders, friends nearby. Just a feeling of profound happiness and fulfillment, like I can just completely be myself. I don't feel that often, but for some reason it always happens outside.
I never realized that I need some nature in my life (even though I do not consider myself outdoorsy at all!). Maybe this is something to keep in mind for 2011.
Prompt #1
Prompt #2 ~ thought it was lame so I didn't do it
Today I'm grateful for: weekend!
Daily Yakezie: Red thinks wrapping paper is a waste of money and I agree
Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors).
At the risk of not being so anonymous, I'm not going to be as specific as I probably should be. I'm thinking more of a hybrid of events with a few things in common. The moments that I've felt the most alive have been outside. Farm adventures, weekends at camp, hiking the chasm, haunted forests, rocking out to my ipod during the first moments of spring... Crisp, cool air in my lungs, sun shining on my shoulders, friends nearby. Just a feeling of profound happiness and fulfillment, like I can just completely be myself. I don't feel that often, but for some reason it always happens outside.
I never realized that I need some nature in my life (even though I do not consider myself outdoorsy at all!). Maybe this is something to keep in mind for 2011.
Prompt #1
Prompt #2 ~ thought it was lame so I didn't do it
Today I'm grateful for: weekend!
Daily Yakezie: Red thinks wrapping paper is a waste of money and I agree
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Reverb10 Prompt #1: One Word
I've decided to participate in Reverb10 this year. It's "an annual event and online initiative to reflect on your year and manifest what’s next. The end of the year is an opportunity to reflect on what's happened, and to send out reverberations for the year ahead." Basically, every day for the month of December they send a prompt that inspires reflection and sending out your intentions for the next year. It's kind of like what I was trying to do in those days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, but never actually did. It's kind of like the secret and putting out there in the universe what you want. I'm not sure what all of the prompts will bring or if I will do every single one, but I'm pretty much on auto-pilot with the finances, so I think it's a good time for some reflection.
Prompt: One Word.
Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you're choosing that word. Now, imagine it's one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?
2010 ~ same
This year has been more of the same for me. Same job, same city, same apartment, same friends, same routine. It's fine, but nothing special.
I'm really ready for...
2011 ~ growth
I know the next year will bring a lot of growth and change for me. I will be finishing my job after nearly 5 years and moving on to something new. This may mean a new apartment in a more convenient location. Hopefully it means a pay increase. I want 2011 to slowly move me towards being the person I am meant to be. Oh... and finding true love wouldn't hurt either!
Today I'm grateful for: beauty in the mundane
Daily Yakezie: Young and Thrifty turns one
Prompt: One Word.
Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you're choosing that word. Now, imagine it's one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?
2010 ~ same
This year has been more of the same for me. Same job, same city, same apartment, same friends, same routine. It's fine, but nothing special.
I'm really ready for...
2011 ~ growth
I know the next year will bring a lot of growth and change for me. I will be finishing my job after nearly 5 years and moving on to something new. This may mean a new apartment in a more convenient location. Hopefully it means a pay increase. I want 2011 to slowly move me towards being the person I am meant to be. Oh... and finding true love wouldn't hurt either!
Today I'm grateful for: beauty in the mundane
Daily Yakezie: Young and Thrifty turns one
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