So all around blog land everyone is wrapping up their 2013, so let me just JUMP on that bandwagon.
First let's catch everyone up on my goals for December:
1.Keep Reading More! WIN
I read:
Insurgent by Veronica Roth (Book 2 in the Divergent series)
- This was a good, fast read for me. I'm going to start the third book as soon as its available at the library. It better not be like Mockingjay.
Bringing up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman
Bebe Day by Day by Pamela Druckerman
- These were both interesting looks into parenting, something I'm always trying to learn more about and improve :)
Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
- This was...interesting. A good twisty story!
We'll just call this a work in progress.
3. Finish Christmas Shopping
Obviously I finished, but not until the 24th. I've got to do better next year.
4. Continue to stay on top of my budget, and save $50 into the emergency fund. WIN!
I know for most people saying I'll save $50 seems like no big deal, but for a single mom trying to get out from a MOUNTAIN of debt this was a pretty big accomplishment. I want to continue my momentum so in the new year I'm going to do this:
January Goals:
1. The water thing...come on Whitney!!!!
2. Weekly Savings Goals
3. Read something non-fiction. You majored in History for crying out loud.
4. Open a savings account for Boomer and start talking to her about money. It's never to early!
Ok so recapping 2013!!!!
So much stuff happened this year so here are the highlights I guess.
I went on a a few dates with a guy. It lasted just long enough for me to realize I wasn't ready to be dating.
I sang at one of my dear friends wedding, and we all partied for an entire weekend. I realize I am lucky to have such amazing wonderful lifelong friends.
I got a job teaching voice lessons as a result of singing at their wedding. I realize music is a huge part of my life that I'd been neglecting up to that point.
I got officially divorced. Finally. I realize that I am much stronger than I give myself credit for. I realize that I am surrounded by supportive friends and family, and that Boomer and I will be ok.
I changed my name. I realize that I like me. No, I love me. Even though a name change is a silly detail, it is a big part of getting me back.
I got promoted. I realize that hard work pays off. That going for your dreams and desires is scary but ultimately worth it. I realize that I have proved all the naysayers wrong.
Boomer changed schools. I realize that even though we aren't rolling in money I am able to provide a pretty decent life for this kid. I realize that the sacrifices, the tears, and fighting for her is always worth it.
My grandmother turned 99. I realize she will not be here forever and neither will my mom. I realize I cherish them so much. I realize that many parts of me come from them.
A loss of life touched me. I realize I put off a lot. I put pressure on myself for unrealistic 'someday' goals. I say fuck someday.
I celebrate the holidays with my family. I realize that this is the last year Boomer will be a little girl. I realize that she is a thoughtful child. I realize that I only have a short amount of time to help her become a thoughtful woman. This scares me, but I realize I've done my best so far.
I tweeted earlier today that I'm not going to say 'New Year, New Me!'. Like I said, this year I have learned to LOVE me. I want to keep growing this next year. I want to keep singing. I want to keep learning how to manage my money. I want to keep learning how to be a better mom. I want to keep learning how to be a better woman. Erin at Love Fun and Football wrote about a theme for the New Year. The other day I posted this on my Instagram account, with a caption basically saying how I am in love with the life I have right now.
A friend of mine from high school posted this underneath : 'Love this! Keep on Keepin' on!'
Keep on Keepin' on!
And just in the spirit of wrap ups here is a nice little compilation of the most read/my favorite posts of 2013:
How to Properly Judge: A Hater's Guide - still my most read post EVER
7 comments:
What an amazing year you have had. Through all of your hardships, you seem to have found a way to come out on top! Keep on keepin on, indeed!
Divorce is something I hope I never have to go through, but if I do, I hope I can get through it in the way you have. You dont seem bitter (maybe you were at the time) and clearly realize it's something that had to be done. And I don't think having to change your name is a silly detail at all. Your name defines you. Well, not define, but your name is your name! I struggled with having to change my name when I was married. I like my maiden name so much that I have it tattooed on my forearm.
I'm glad we were able to get connected through the interwebs. I wish you nothing but amazing things in 2014! Oh and I'm also doing that 52 week money challenge! <3
Awesome outlook/attitude! :)
Great and inspiring post! Any we will figure out that water thing, I promise!
learning to love yourself is the best lesson of all. hope your 2014 is just as awesome. and so agree - life is too short for "someday"!
-- jackie @ jade and oak
Drink more water = work in progress. I'm with you there!!!!!! Hey, at least we're trying! ;)
Ha ha---your statement, "It better not be like Mockingjay" totally made me laugh. I was SOOOO disappointed by that book, but most people don't seem to agree with me. Glad I've met a like-minded blogger :)
Is the Divergent series any good?
drinking more water can be challenging! so what i did was buy myself one of those giant water bottles for work and aimed to fill it 3x per day. over time, you just get used to drinking it and then you start to need to drink it.
and yes, we are stronger than we give ourselves credit for!
kathy
Vodka and Soda
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