Valentine's week

Here we are February 10th, for some of us this is the week of LOVE. For others the week of TURMOIL! Oh be still my heart with all of the red and pink hearts floating around. 

For me personally this is the beginning of mid month. Which means I'm working harder and harder. Yes I am in love with a human who loves me in return, I just don't demand the over the top Valentine's day expectations. Honestly, he works until 10pm and I will have an 8am success seminar. So pretty much it will be a kiss and maybe my favorite candy (giant size) with a message written on it. I once told him, we don't need to celebrate Valentines. He asked, why? Well sir, you will adore me everyday of the year, so instead of the flowers cards and dinners I asked for a day of appreciation. 

Do you ever feel like the expectation for this holiday makes people crazy, I think more fights happen over gifts or plans more than than anything else. Do not be that person, remember why you're with the person next you. If you're alone then remember why, you raised your standards and not just anyone will do. Speaking the singles, really appreciate yourself.  Give yourself a gift and cater to your needs. 

Maybe this year skip the hype, share your favorite candy and just give each other a list of things you appreciate about them. But more than a list today just say I love and respect you. Then a tight hug and lick their face!!

I gotta say it has been a long while since I shared any info with this page. I not sure why I stopped?
All I know is this:

I've stepped into a whole new me. Like really the person I was has almost disappeared. I have started to enjoy the simple things in life. Like literally just waking up makes me happy. Seeing my wonderful husband smile and getting a glimpse of my adult children as they run out the door.

Life has become hard yet so easy. I have learned to just let the negative go, I needed to surround myself with encouragement and positivity. I know, I know.....what a cliche'. Honestly, I have never felt so relieved in my life. I can be upfront, direct and honest. This is what I want and I would like it by (whatever date or time)

Communication with my partner is at an all time high and I am completely and utterly in love with my adult humans.

Is it all sunshine and roses. HECK NO! But I can chose to see it from a different POV. I cannot let the everyday drama of life drain me or rob me of my mindset.

I leave you with this today:

Life is a journey, we can make it difficult or we can embrace the course and enjoy the obstacles.

Need for CHANGE!

What is my calling? 

I've been struggling with the fact that I've done nothing amazing, been successful or made any big contributions to the human race. I try to be a good person, but how can I be a better me than I was yesterday? Everyday somebody else in some place else is creating, organizing or building something great. I've been complacent far too long and believe it is time to rally for my future.

Motivation: how do I get it? Where can I find it?
Passion: I have misplaced mine, can I replace it?
Risk: Afraid to leap, what if I fall?

The START by Jon Acuff

So I'm reading this book by Jon Acuff "START" subtitles "PUNCH FEAR IN THE FACE" "ESCAPE AVERAGE" and "DO WORK THAT MATTERS"

He discusses in this book that we need to find our inner awesome, do what brings you joy. Well that's some great advice, however what if at the time you have absolutely no idea what that is? I can tell you on a day to day basis its very rare when I think hmm yes this makes me happy or I am enjoying this. He mentions in the book, your awesome is probably something you're unaware of something you do so often that you don't consider it awesome but part of what you do.

HOW DO YOU FIGURE OUT YOUR AWESOME? HOW DO I FIND MY JOY?

Not to be a complete downer but I need a little direction, a hint , a clue or a giant neon sign saying hey "you're good at this". Woo hoo I'm good at lying (great) not huge lies but just little white lies.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU'RE AT PEACE? HELP ME FIND MY AWESOME!

Ballin on a Budget

I was on a blogging hiatus, I need to figure out some things on my journey to "Financial Peace" so I thought I would get advise from some one smarter than I. Recently I purchased our Financial Peace University Kit. Now this is no walk in the park but it is very helpful.

 

Once I did my worksheets I felt like I had just been kicked in the gut. How has my family been surviving? How have I just thrown so much  money away? How could I have let this happen? Well at the time it was pretty easy! I mean 1,2 or 3 COACH bags a couple pair of new shoes. My excuse "well I work hard, I deserve it!" Yes, with that attitude I deserved what I got. A whole lotta crap and nothing of value to show for it.

 

We're getting on track, coming to an agreement about our lifestyle (the spouse and I that is). Our adventure will bring new and exciting ways to think about our relationship with OUR MONEY.

We've shied away from reaching for the Debit card, cut up the Credit card and started with the trusty ENVELOPE SYSTEM.   

 

Here's to the future of "Ballin on a Budget" woot woot!

Best Pieces of Advice?

WOW DOES THIS LADY HAVE IT ALL!

I mean really she could probably wipe her nose with $100 bills, bajeezus! But yes she is amazing, who'd thought way back in the 80's hey this chic's got something. Well like many kids my age all of our mothers watched this mogul at 3pm FAITHFULLY! Why? She was magic, her wieght was an issue, her style and yes she is a black beautiful woman.  Anyhow, while I was strutting pass a table I saw this magazine. 101 Best Pieces of Advice EVER! Got me thinking well we could all use a bit of advie from time to time. Well I would sincerely love to thank whom ever ripped the pages out! JERK. Yeah I was totally looking forward to ready this article and yet a huge disappointment. GRRRR So I'm gonna GOOGLE it and see if I can find this darn thing because know I'm on a mission.

Save a Dog, Save Yourself!

ON A MISSION

I have been away for some time, I took a pity party break. Yes, I'm done!

After feelings of FAILURE & LOSS I pulled up my big girl pants and realized it could be worse. I could be away from my family like many soldiers over seas, I could be homeless like many women on skid row, I could be alone without my beautiful children, I could be in the unemployment line like many of my friends & family, I could be hungry like many of the children I see everyday. And last I could be cold & heartless, without feeling, love, generosity and just plain humanity.

 

With the ugliness we see from day to day whether it be the news, the internet, the freeway (road rage) or in plain sight. Have we become desensitized to compassion, caring for one another, being courteous and polite.

 

I would like to make a difference in this world, be even the smallest change. Something positive for my children to see. I just don't know where to start. 

I have a love for dogs!

My hope is to able to foster the abandoned, abused and rescues out there. I'm gonna have to start with one small factor: PURCHASING A HOME! okay so not so small but I need a yard. Then secure my yard for my visitors and making sure they are safe and cozy. I may be acting unrealistic but oh well this is the internet I can be whatever I want.  Currently I am not following my passion but my job seems to pay the bills, thats my sad truth. Baby steps will hopefully get me going in the right direction.

These are our little hunks, I could never imagine them lost wihtout a home. They're so important to our family, couldn't imagine our lives without them.