New Beginnings

It's usually the same story. When a new year rolls around everyone makes resolutions, is freshly motivated, and ready to take on the world. The possibilities are endless. The 365 days laid before you are a clean slate. I do not make resolutions. I will not make resolutions this year, either. I am making goals. Goals are not limited to 12/31/whatever the year may be. However, a few of my goals I would like to attain by the end of this year. For me and my little family, I will.


1. Get a "new" car. New to me, anyway. My poor car. I bought it brand new when I was 18. My first big purchase! So I have had it for a few years ::wink wink::. It is time to invest in something else...with four doors. I have another year of rear-facing my son in his car seat. Two doors do not bode well with that. K is my car buddy. We deserve something fresh and "new". I already have my eye on a car, so this goal could be met very soon. And I am excited!

2. Have a decent amount of money sacked away for a house. This one I am really excited about. Thankfully my parents are on board with me regarding this goal, and are being very welcoming with their home. I am very grateful that I will not be putting my hard-earned money into rent. K and I will have a house that will be our home. For that, I am motivated.

3. Get inducted into an honor society. This is a personal goal. If I keep it up I can reach this goal in June. I have 3 years of school left so I will have to keep working hard to maintain my GPA after/should I get inducted. For that, I am motivated.

4. Be money smart. This isn't really a goal; it is more of a mindset that will help me achieve my other goals. I think about all of those coupons that expired and laid dying in the bottom of my purse, and I realize, it actually does add up. So throughout the year I will be aware of my spending. I will pay cash for gas, use coupons, pack a lunch for work, buy in bulk, etc. All of the little things will help me gain a large thing. If you have any ideas that can help me cut unnecessary spending, feel free to leave them in the comments! I am always open to suggestions.

Happy New Year and good luck with your resolutions!!!!

Happy Birthday to Me?

     Well, it finally happened to me. I turned 30 years old yesterday. I tried avoiding it but the universe didn't get my memo. Oh well.

     Looking back on this last year I am amazed, proud, blown away. I thought I would be horribly sad to be leaving my twenties. Does it suck? Yeah. But not too bad.

     During my last year in my twenties I had my little munchkin. My mom was 29 when she had me. It is a pretty awesome way to go out. I was born at 4:46 a.m. on May 29. (I am beginning to think the number 29 may have some significance). At 4:46 on the morning of my birthday, I was feeding my son. Ironic, huh? I finally started chasing my dream of going to college. Which is going great so far! And I am creating a home life that I have always wanted. See why it is so hard to let go of being 29?

     These last thirty years have been fun, exhausting, strengthening, and all together amazing. Looking at Kendrick, I often wonder how I got as far as I did without him. Or anyone in my life for that matter. I know I wouldn't make it now knowing what I have, and would be without.

     So I look forward to these next thirty years. They will be full of love, anticipation, excitement, and probably a fair share of annoyance from Nick! I can say that because he doesn't read these posts. I kid, but seriously.

     Thank you to everyone for the beautiful birthday wishes, your unrelenting support, and begrudgingly admitted love ;)

You're sucking the fun out of it!

     Whatever happened to letting kids be kids?
   
      I am a competitive person by nature, but when an extra-curricular activity or interest starts feeling like a job, then you are doing it wrong; or teaching it wrong. It's different if a child wants to try out for a sport, band, or school play. Practice, practice, practice! But, constructively criticize instead of picking them apart.

     I say this because just recently I took my nephew to his swim class. It was the third class in the series. I sat next to a mom and her dad. She had a child in the same level of the class as my nephew. During the entire 30 minute class they did nothing but pick apart the efforts of her kid. Apparently after your third class you should have the ability to out swim Michael Phelps, have perfect form, and be able to hold your breath for 5 minutes at a time. So after 30 minutes of picking this child apart, they said "Good job, buddy! It was perfect!" and that was all. They moved on to dinner plans. I roll my eyes.

     First off, unclench. You can't expect that much out of a 9 year old kid after his third class. It's ridiculous. Parents are often the reason a child gives up on something that started out as fun, and new to learn.

     Secondly, don't lie to the kid. What is he learning? They had no problem criticizing him when he was out of earshot, but when it came time to do it constructively they had nothing to say. The lesson doesn't stop when he gets out of the pool.

     And lastly, yes I am judging them. I didn't hide my side eye look from them either. Frankly, I don't care. I'm sure my parenting style will be judged constantly. But I will not be the reason my child gives up on something he was excited about or interested in.

    

I Will Practice What I Preach

I have always been a dreamer. I like to stretch my imagination. Not to sound pompous, but I was blessed with a brain. I had goals and plans for my life. After high school, I was going to go to college. I didn't. I had no idea what I wanted to be when I "grew up" and it became a decade long excuse, among others.  I don't know what happened, but I got off track. Or did I? Maybe the concrete road to success was too smooth for me. Maybe,  I am more of a pot hole, bumpy road kind of gal. It seems that way.

I know how I got to where I am. Loud, fast and without regret.

But my son has changed me. I am patient, calm, and inspired. I want him to experience a great life. I want him to LIVE his life, and follow his dreams. But, how can I teach him that if I am not doing it myself? I don't want him to look at me one day and in response to something life changing or significant say, "Well, you didn't so why do I?"

I was curled up with him the other day, and he was just looking at me with his big, beautiful eyes and they were filled with trust and wonder...and eye boogers. So I gave him a bath and the whole time he was smiling and laughing, I was thinking of ways I could make my life better. For him.

The next day I dropped all the excuses, apprehension, and reservations I had and began the process of getting enrolled in college courses. So now I am a mom, an employee, a "housewife", and a student. Not a single person on this planet can look at me and say I am not trying.

I feel rejuvenated. And I have my son to thank for that. He is not even 5 months old and he has already inspired me so much.

I think the increase in posts I have written was my first clue!