Shevonne Polastre

Well I found out that I’m more underwater than I thought, and so I am stuck where I live for another year. I’m pretty sad about it, but what can I do? Nothing, so I’ll have to deal. 3 months ago

Today I am meeting with a realtor to find out how much I can sell the condo for. I really hope that I can break even on that place because we need to get out. The older the kids have gotten; the more stuff we have accumulated. I am good at controlling clutter, but I cn’t anymore. We need a bigger place.

I am also sick of condo living. It isn’t for me. I know that in a house or townhouse, I will still have to deal with neighbors, but not to the close proximity that I have to now. I will never again live in a condo.

The kids are excited to have a bigger space, and my daughter is already pitching the idea to get a dog. I am crossing my fingers that the realtor tells me that I can sell that condo for what I hope to get, and we can be out of there by the end of August. I refinanced last August, so my mortgage lady said that one of the stipulations is that I have to stay put for 12 months.

I’m hoping to get a single-family home in a great neighborhood with good schools, like where we are now. If not, a luxury townhouse will do. Yay for the light at the end of the tunnel! 3 months ago

I’m applying every day, and I am not giving up. 3 months ago

I’m a bit bummed that I’ve gone on three interviews and still nothing. Yes, finding a great, permanent job takes awhile, but I think what is making me sad is that there was one position that I really wanted. I REALLY wanted. Great team, fast-paced environment, and the work I am really passionate about. I never heard from them again after interviewing.

I’m not giving up. I will find the right company for me. 3 months ago

I started programming my coffee machine every night before I go to bed, and I have been saving so much time. I get up in the morning, and I don’t have to spend a few minutes preparing my coffee. Now, I am waking up, pouring myself a cup, and enjoying my coffee while I relax for a few minutes.

It’s like I read in “The Power Of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life And Business,” a habit is formed with three parts: cue, routine, and reward. Additionally, you have to believe in it. My cue is I am heading to bed, programming the coffeemaker, and my reward is a few extra minutes to enjoy my coffee. 5 months ago

A year ago, I was always out and about. Whenever the kids were with their father or there was a special event going on, I was there. I don’t recognize my life anymore. I actually don’t have one. My life is filled with working, and then rushing the kids to their different extracurricular activities. Their father has never helped, so it’s all up to me. Even then, I still tried to do something on the weekends, and I haven’t for a long time. I don’t know why I’ve become such a hermit.

Enough is enough. I need to break out of this phase. Even if it’s having a cup of coffee somewhere for an hour, I need to do that. When spring comes, I want to be able to go mountain biking with this group I joined. The excuse of “I have the kids” is getting old even to me. I’ve decided to join Care.com to find a couple of sitters I can call if I ever want to do something.

I’ve already communicated with a few, and they seem promising. One of my problems is that I’m super paranoid when it comes to the kids. Care.com runs background checks so that already eases my mind. I’ve used them before, and the last sitter was great. The only issue was that she was unreliable. Therefore, this time I emphasized “Reliability,” and I’m going to find a couple.

Fingers are crossed. 5 months ago

I usually try to read 12 books a year. However, I want to double that number this year. I already read one book for this month so one more to go. 5 months ago

Thanks! I hope so. :)