There are two major things on my mind these days. Lose weight, and save money. I think pretty much every American has this goal. I thin k I have had these goals my entire life! Sometimes I do very well; then it all disappears! Be it gaining back the weight, or having to spend the saved money on something unexpected.
I have been successful in the weight loss department this time around. So far, since May, I have lost 30 lbs total. I have fallen off the wagon a bit upon returing to Utah. I got out of a routine, and I am just starting to get back into it. So far this week, I lost another pound. I have continued to eat well, splurging every now and again, so I didn't gain any weight. Work and Carson also provide me with a bit of physical activity. However, not to the degree I was getting this summer. I began to do Zumba again daily, and I am feeling better! Less tired, more motivated. I want to stick to my goal!
As far as finances are concerned, things just are not working out like we planned. We wanted to move in with Devin's parents because we assumed the cheaper rent would save us quite a bit of money. Our goal was to have a little extra spending money, and at least $300.00 a month leftover to put into savings for a down payment on a house. I was also thrilled that I would be making more money in a new district. Well, life happens. The extra money moved me to a higher tax bracket- no extra in the check. Gas is more expensive since I have a commute. Carson ended up having to go to daycare. There goes anything "extra" and our savings account. Fabulous! We were in a bit of a tough spot, not sure what to do! We had enough for our needs, but we wanted to be responsible and save as much as we could so we wouldn't have to resort to credit cards and so that we could get a house when Devin graduated. I was really stressed out for a few days. I was really upset, too. I prayed and prayed for a solution. Devin fasted on Sunday. We had a righteous desire, so we decided to turn to the lord for help. I feel like we were immediately blessed. We had some friends give us suggestions. Devin decided to try to donate plasma. He went on Tuesday, and the process took 5 hours- (riding TRAX, screenings, bloodwork, physical, the actual donation, and back on TRAX) We were so glad that he qualified! Also, it didn't make him feel sick afterward, and didn't bother him. It just so happens that the clinic is right next to the U of U, and since he can donate twice a week, he will go after school. That money every month (for as long as he can handle it) will be the EXACT amount we wanted to put into savings. Devin considered getting a job, but we would need something VERY flexible because of our hectic schedules. I am so glad this worked out! Also, yesterday, during a meeting, it was brought up that they needed after school tutors, and the pay would be significant, and the hours would be extremely flexible. I automatically volunteered. I can't express how blessed we feel. I am grateful that things are working out, and I hope that they can continue to.
I think that if you have goals, you need to have a plan. It is always nice to say, "Oh yea, I want to do this this and this," and then not follow through. How can you? You need a starting place, and you need to have realistic goals. My weight loss goal is 7 lbs a month, but the main goal is making sure I work out at least 20 minutes a day, and make smart choices. For money, the main goal is to save every month, but we have to be more conscience of our shopping decisions, driving decisions, entertainment and so on. If you can set little goals along the way, it can help you accomplish your main goal much more quickly! I won't be sad if I only loose 2, 4, 5 whatever lbs each month, as long as progress is made. I won't mind if we only get $100 in savings because progress is made.
Maybe this doesn't work for everyone, but for me it is important or I would go crazy and feel like I failed every time. I don't want to spend every month feeling like a failure, because then I would want to quit and give up on whatever it was I was trying to accomplish in the first place. I have learned that from past experience, and this is what works for me. I am curious, what works for you? What have you found that works best? Any input is always appreciated!
Alicia
3 comments:
your awesome!
You are doing so awesome! I struggle with both of these things too, but this is what helps me: 1) I weigh myself EVERY day...that way I can't fall too far off the bandwagon anymore (even after huge meals and possible binge weekends, holidays, etc.) 2) Put your spending money (flex money, groceries, etc.) in cash. It helps me be more aware of what I spend and when it's gone, it's gone. We did this when we were abroad and haven't done it again in the states and my wallet has noticed the difference! So easy to overspend! Ok, sorry for the long comment! :)
love you girly!
You are amazing, Al!! So proud you've lost so much weight already and you're making such great goals! Stay positive and optimistic. If you have a bad day, start fresh the next day. You've inspired me to do the same. xoxo!
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