Stepha1202

I am going to mark this one as complete, though I will continue making efforts. I feel like I am reaching out to my current friends and hanging out more. Yay! My friends rock!

this is in progress… ETA: July 24! now, if only I can make sure I pick it up next Tuesday!

We visited the zoo today with longtime friends and it was a great day- awesome weather, excellent company, lots of walking. Then we had dinner at my favorite Greek restaurant, Olympia. Super day!

This was one of the most difficult things for me. I’ve been trying to kick my soda habit for years. Finally, I am off of it. What worked? The Phase One of South Beach Diet. I’ve been on it to help kill my carb addictions and after 3 days I didn’t want all of that sugar.

Yayness!

Frames are bought! I’m now picking out photos and I want to take a few more recent shots of my sweet boy.

I read two books in February, but I’m slacking majorly for March. I’ll have to see what I can fit in within the next week or so.

I was sidetracked on this one for some time, but now I’m back at it. Last night I started lifting weights again and I did a good job of sticking with it for about 20-30 minutes. I haven’t lifted in two years, so it felt awesome to have that good muscle burn again!

On Saturday I finally had a pedicure. It was so wonderful to splurge on myself like that. I’m so happy every time I look down at my pretty in pink toes.

I have paid the balance in full on three more credit cards. I’ve become obsessed with paying down debt and it feels really good to see that 0 balance on the credit card statements!

We have a great Parents as Teachers representative who comes to our house every two months to check in with Hugo and teach us ways to help his development. However, without fail, I always forget the date and time and then she shows up (luckily we’re always there!) and I feel awkward. SO our next appointment is set for 6:15pm on April 10 and it is my goal to remember and maybe even be prepared!

I turned in my first batch of paperwork re: starting up some investments today. It felt really good to take a step in the right direction.

Also, this month I expect to pay off more than 1/2 of our debt. Then, over a period of 4 months I will pay the rest.

My grandpa loves to garden and always has the most impeccable roses in the city. He is not expected to be with us much longer, so my tribute to him will be to plant a rosebush or two on the side of our house.

This is one smaller goal leading to my #1 goal. In the book there is a code that you can use to open an account at TD Ameritrade for free. Then, if you deposit a minimum of $50 per month for 12 months Ameritrade will deposit another $100 for you on that 13th month. Completely worthwhile and in line with how I want my big picture to be a year from now. So . . . I’m just waiting for the release of the book at this point.

Water has become an integral part of my day, so I’m going to consider this one done!

Complete elimination has not yet been reached, but every time I use the word I do stop and think about it. And that is really my goal here- to think about what I am saying and be a little more pointed with my words.

I spent some time researching pottery and glass bead making classes today. I’m really leaning toward the pottery because I feel like I would get a lot out of really getting my hands into it. For the same reason, cooking is such a stress reliever for me. There is something to be said for being able to physically connect to a piece of art like that, so I’m thinking I might find some time in Feb to take a class.

I am happy to report that this one is accomplished! I don’t know why I always dread doing these things because once you start doing it, it takes no time at all. Plus, if you put on some good tunes, the time just goes that much faster.

Oh, Taxman, take pity on my sad, American soul. How I miss La France and all of her beauty. But you can make a difference dear, Taxman. Yes you can. With your help a little time can be spent in Paris, not to mention a week in a southern French villa, as soon as this spring. Please do the right thing, for a girl needs her cheese and her wine, and oh, holy hell does she need some of that olive oil where you can taste the dozens of generations of olive groves that led to that one drip of sinful delight.

This is going really well so far. The last two weekends were spent with a couple of my newer friends and those times were among the highlights of those weekends.

Last week I did a pretty stellar job of getting in all of my water. Friday was probably the weakest day, as I only drank about 35 oz of water. But every other day was 64+.