It's tax season!!

We're among the many Americans that do not "break even." We get an income tax refund each year. We have thought of it as a savings account in the past ...we let the government take our money & "save" it all year, then give it back in one lump sum. I now know the ridiculousness in that way of thinking, & I know my money would be better invested & earning ME interest, rather than THEM. We may change our exemptions at a later time in order to cut down on the possibility of a refund & to collect more of our money throughout the year like we should be, but for now, this is working for us. I think that until we complete baby steps #1 & 2, we need that tax refund.

Soooo... What will we be doing with our money?? PAYING OFF DEBT!!

With our tax refund we paid off a loan that held a lien against my husbands motorcycle (he's now going to sell it to make even more money), paid off my braces, and a small line of credit. With eliminating those 3 things, and canceling insurance on the bike, we have reduced our monthly payments by $342!!! WOOOO! HOOOO!!

Then--- when we sell the bike we will have another $3K-$4K to put toward something else!! No, it won't be one of those fancy C purses or a new tv, but we will be smart with our money & do something that's going to make a difference in our future!

What will you spend your tax refund on?

I can't see.

I've known for a while that I've been needing to go have my eyes examined & that I probably need glasses. I think I can see fine, but compared to my husband...sometimes there are things he can read from a far distance that I can't... and there are times that I get really bad headaches at work (I'm on the computer allll dayyy). So, after my trip on Saturday to the eye dr, and it being confirmed that yes, I am indeed about half blind (not really but close enough), I now notice things are blurry a lot more & my head is hurting A LOT! I think it's psychosomatic. It's weird!!

It's official... I'm blind!

For the first time in my life, I will now be wearing glasses. I finally had my eyes tested today & low & behold my near sight & far sight are both blurry, I have Astigmatism & Esotropia. I've known for a while that my eye sight is not what it used to be, & I have headaches when I'm on the computer for long periods of time. So.... I now have 2 prescription glasses... One for reading/ the computer/ aka work.. And one for farther distance/driving. So.... As my husband says, I'm blind as a bat!
(UGHHH!)

Mind over matter.

Mind over matter. A simple statement but it holds a lot of weight. It's very difficult to ignore those voices in your head, especially when they say "I'm hungry!" I've fought that battle every single day for about 3 years now. Food is definitely my enemy! I struggle with the love of food & not wanting to gain weight. I think about food 99% of the time.

In 2011 I lost 26 lbs...which was a lot for my small build. I didn't need to lose any more weight...but I thought that I did. I I over-did it...worked out excessively morning, lunch time, & at night. I ate like a bird. I was burning off more than I was taking in on most days. After a while I started having dizzy spells & lightheadedness. Finally, I slowed it down. I started eating more & exercising less & I felt better....except I still didn't have those 6 pack abs that I wanted & I still thought I was fat!

It was all mental. Most everything is. You can do anything you set your mind to, they say...but that is easier said than done. I am an all-or-nothing person. I couldn't "treat" myself every once in a while because I felt like I failed if I ate that piece of cake ...so then I would eat everything I wanted for days, even weeks... It took a lot to get back "on track." I fought this battle ...& I still do. Now I've gained back about 5 lbs...which isn't a lot, but I can see less definition in my arms, my stomach, my legs... It makes me sick!! I hate it that I was so close & I gave up. I hate it that I ALWAYS think I am starving!! I over-eat, sneak food, lie about what I've eaten, & again, I think about food all day long. I can't overcome this within my own head. I'm not sure what to do but I just know I'm not happy with the way things are going at this time.

1 week challenge

If you're anything like me, the first thing I do in the morning is grab my phone...and not just because I use it as an alarm. I see several notifications from Facebook... this person commented on your status, that person posted a new photo... When I open it up its like reading the morning newspaper. I keep scrolling, skimming through what's been left overnight while I lay with my eyes closed. I click "like" or post a quick comment... I do this usually before I even get out of bed. Sometimes I may spend 10-15 mins. That 10-15 mins is crucial when you're trying to squeeze in a workout, take a shower & get dressed for work, put on makeup, cook your child breakfast & get out the door by 6am.

At night I take one last look before I go to sleep. Not to mention the numerous times each day. It's become addictive! It's like a drug!!

This brings me to think... How much time would I have on my hands if I stayed off of Facebook?? Wouldn't I be happier & more productive?

Time to put it to the test. I challenge myself (and you) to stay off Facebook for one week!

I've gotta put it in God's hands.

What's meant to be, will be.
There comes a time when you have little or no control over a situation & you have to step back, have faith & put it in God's hands! That's exactly what I am doing!!!
I should know more Wednesday if things will work out for us, but for now, I'll just pray...

Wanted: a new best friend, apply within

Wanted:
A new best friend to talk to, hang out with, be silly with, share things with, etc.

Qualifications / Job Description:
1. Must be able to go places with me, such as the mall, movies, skating, etc.
2. Must have your own money, as I will not "loan" you any & I don't need a charity case.
3. Must be willing to do crafts, color, & scrapbook.
4. Must keep all my secrets.
5. Must have a positive attitude.
6. Must not be a drama queen.
7. Must not be chemical dependent.
8. Must care more about people than things.
9. Must be willing to share your clothes with me.
10. Must have my back 100% of the time.
11. Must be able to talk on the phone for hours at a time.
12. Must love cats.
13. Must have more pounds to lose than I do.
14. Must not be competitive.
15. Must watch Teen Mom 2 and be ready to discuss.

Only serious applicants need apply.