What Worked For Me in 2012
I made a list of the things that worked and didn't work for me in 2012. I'm using it as a way to help in deciding what changes I need to make in the coming year. I got this idea from Lara Casey's blog. I don't know Lara Casey from Adam's house cat, but she writes a pretty inspiring blog.
So here it goes....
What Worked For Me in 2012
Less shopping
I bought a lot less stuff this year. I definitely cut back on the clothes and the random trips to Target, etc.
Saving Money
I was able to save $12,000 in a little over three months, which really helped when it came time to go under contract for our new house. Granted, I was fortunate enough to have no debt, no bills, and very few expenses during this time. Having saved this sum of money helped me feel like I was contributing to the purchase of our house, even though it was a very small amount in the grand scheme of things.
Taking Lots of Pictures
I can thank Otis for this one. I took a lot of pictures this year!
Colby and Otis
This combination works. While I was worried that Colby wouldn't like Otis at first, they actually get along beautifully. They play pretty rough, but they manage to tire each other out. It's a win-win situation because it exhausts all of their energy and they get to have a lot of fun together. I want to make a better effort of taking Otis over to my parents' house during the week to play with Colby.
No Cable
Brian and I don't watch TV. It's wonderful. It works for us.
"K Love" Christian Music radio
I started listening to Christian music on the radio after my sister mentioned that it helped her to start her mornings out on the right foot. I was sure that I would despise Christian music, but I figured I would try it one morning and see what I thought.
I now listen to it 90% of the time when I am driving. It has truly made a positive difference in my life.
Trips with Brian
Wilmington, Asheville, Annapolis, Florida, Vegas.... I love the time we can spend together.
Not Stressing about Imperfections
For the first couple years we dated, I wanted Brian to think I was a perfect housewife (errr...house girlfriend?) A perfectly clean house, perfectly prepared meals, a perfectly polished image....
I'll never forget one of the first nights I ever slept over at Brian's condo. He probably doesn't remember this, but when he went to work the next morning I stayed at his place and did all of his laundry. He got home at lunchtime while I was folding his clean clothes.
The first words out of his mouth were "Are you trying to impress me?"
I smiled at him and said, "Is it working?"
Looking back, that may be the moment he subconsciously decided I was a keeper. ;-)
Well, low and behold, I've given up on being perfect.
For example, we had friends over for dinner last week. I scrambled through the fridge about an hour before they came over to see what I had for them to eat. The house was a mess, and we didn't have any beer or wine for them to drink (they had to bring their own).Well you know what? We had a great time regardless! It may not have been a very impressive meal, but it was perfectly imperfect and we enjoyed great company.
Here's to not being perfect in 2013....
So here it goes....
What Worked For Me in 2012
Less shopping
I bought a lot less stuff this year. I definitely cut back on the clothes and the random trips to Target, etc.
Saving Money
I was able to save $12,000 in a little over three months, which really helped when it came time to go under contract for our new house. Granted, I was fortunate enough to have no debt, no bills, and very few expenses during this time. Having saved this sum of money helped me feel like I was contributing to the purchase of our house, even though it was a very small amount in the grand scheme of things.
Taking Lots of Pictures
I can thank Otis for this one. I took a lot of pictures this year!
Colby and Otis
This combination works. While I was worried that Colby wouldn't like Otis at first, they actually get along beautifully. They play pretty rough, but they manage to tire each other out. It's a win-win situation because it exhausts all of their energy and they get to have a lot of fun together. I want to make a better effort of taking Otis over to my parents' house during the week to play with Colby.
No Cable
Brian and I don't watch TV. It's wonderful. It works for us.
"K Love" Christian Music radio
I started listening to Christian music on the radio after my sister mentioned that it helped her to start her mornings out on the right foot. I was sure that I would despise Christian music, but I figured I would try it one morning and see what I thought.
I now listen to it 90% of the time when I am driving. It has truly made a positive difference in my life.
Trips with Brian
Wilmington, Asheville, Annapolis, Florida, Vegas.... I love the time we can spend together.
Not Stressing about Imperfections
For the first couple years we dated, I wanted Brian to think I was a perfect housewife (errr...house girlfriend?) A perfectly clean house, perfectly prepared meals, a perfectly polished image....
I'll never forget one of the first nights I ever slept over at Brian's condo. He probably doesn't remember this, but when he went to work the next morning I stayed at his place and did all of his laundry. He got home at lunchtime while I was folding his clean clothes.
The first words out of his mouth were "Are you trying to impress me?"
I smiled at him and said, "Is it working?"
Looking back, that may be the moment he subconsciously decided I was a keeper. ;-)
Well, low and behold, I've given up on being perfect.
For example, we had friends over for dinner last week. I scrambled through the fridge about an hour before they came over to see what I had for them to eat. The house was a mess, and we didn't have any beer or wine for them to drink (they had to bring their own).Well you know what? We had a great time regardless! It may not have been a very impressive meal, but it was perfectly imperfect and we enjoyed great company.
Here's to not being perfect in 2013....
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