Thursday, March 22, 2012

Misc updates

Since I have been quite absent from my blog as of late, I thought that I'd take a moment for a brief update.

It has been so incredibly warm here lately, but I just haven't had time to turn my garden over. I hope to get to that this next week. I have some herbs and veggies growing in my family room. Quite a few have come up and I talk to them daily. I look forward to the yummy home grown foods that they will provide for me. I'm hoping to get potatoes, peas and lettuce seeds planted within a week.

I'm still enjoying my new work out routine and have lost another pound. My energy level is higher and I just feel happier! That winter blues thing really does exist. Sunshine and exercise have brought me out of my funk!

We are hoping to have the last debt paid off within the month. After that, we will tackle the mortgage with gusto! I hope to be completely debt free within 4-5 years. I look forward to that!

I have not stayed on budget with the groceries. I'm still trying to find a balance between working and homemaking. It is a challenge. One that I plan to conquer. I need to get back to menu planning. Time to get back on track.

Hope all is well with you. Happy Spring!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Just ran out....

I have just used the last Ziploc bags of shredded zucchini, from last years garden. I have soup simmering on the stove. I'm a little bit sad about that. ( the end of my home grown veggies, not the simmering soup. Ha ha)

I have 2 more 2 cup bags of pumpkin left. After that is gone, I will no longer have home grown goodness in my freezer. ( insert sad face here)

I have my seedlings growing, in the family room, and I have high hopes for this years garden. Hopefully, we won't experience such a devastating summer storm this year. I would love to have produce, in the freezer, well into the following summer.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

I did what I said I would not do....

Yes, I joined a gym. For so long I was completely against gyms. The frugal girl in me couldn't justify the expense. I didn't want to use sweaty equipment. I didn't want people seeing me all sweaty and gross.

I have a stationary bike, hand weights, stairs to climb and work out videos. I was doing so well. I lost almost 19 pounds on my own! I walked and worked out at home. So, what happened?

I got a job. For that reason, when I was home, I was either catching up on chores or the kids needed my attention. Either that or the dogs and cats needed attention. There are too many distractions. I've tried to work out, and then I would notice I didn't vacuum yet. Oh, and I need to throw that load of laundry in. Oh yeah, gotta take the trash to the curb, etc. I haven't really worked out in months! I feel yucky and tired all of the time. I'm getting cranky. My digestion is angry.

Hubby told me his gym was running a special, to add on a family member. I know, I've not been supportive of hubby belonging to 3 gyms. Why spend so much money, when you can just run around the neighborhood? Yes, I am eating crow. I admit defeat. So, for $10 a month I will now be a member of a gym. Ta-da! Did I like it the first time? I actually did. My preconceived notions of going to a gym were wrong. Its actually pretty fun. And, after 2 weeks, I feel good again. Less cranky. Lost 2 pounds. I'm sitting here, waiting for hubby to wake up, so we can go!

Sometimes, you have to spend money for your health. Sometimes, you have to come out of your comfort zone, and try something new.

Monday, March 5, 2012

You know that it's been awhile when...

You forget your blogs password! Ha ha

Well, I've been beyond busy with work and home life. I am sooooooo exhausted. My to do list get keeps growing. I need a nap.

The good news about being so busy, is that you don't have time to go shopping, thus keeping you on budget. The bad news is that you don't always have time to clip coupons, make a grocery list or plan a menu. Hubby has been great about making dinners, but he will just go to the store and spend $30 or so for one meal! yikes!

My temp job, that was to end on Dec. 31st, is still going strong. Unfortunately, I was just informed that if sales do not increase, I will be laid off. So, here's my dilemma. Am I happy or sad about this news? I'm not too sure. I miss being a stay at home mom and my chores are a bit behind. I also like having the extra money and a place to have grown up conversations. I do enjoy working hard and being part of a team. There comes a sense of happiness and satisfaction with both positions.

I have absolutely no influence on keeping or losing my job. I just can't decide how to feel about this news.

On an unrelated note, my heirloom veggie seeds just arrived. I have been saving yogurt and produce cups for seed starting. I'm off tomorrow. I think that I will start my planting. It's a beautiful sunny and 60 degree day today. It will be the same tomorrow. I know that snow is coming again, in a few days, but I still am enjoying my Spring fever!

Here's to you, Spring. I will be waiting for you!