Wut.

Two blog posts in one day? I know, I know, take a seat and breathe for a second. I can't believe it either, but I have so much in ma brain at the moment!

Fall 2015 starts tomorrow. Its hard to believe I have sucessfullyish (real word) completed four semesters here at the University of Tennessee. Its actually still hard to believe that I'm a student here honestly, I never wanted to attend a University so this is still a bit surreal for me.

This semester I'm only taking one class.

Yep. One.

Math 119

Again.

The third time's the charm right?
I wanted to take this during the summer semester, to give me more of an intense experience with it, if you will, but things just didn't work out in that vein. As it is, that probably worked out in my favor.

With any luck I'll be able to locate a foreign language class that I can take either during my lunch break or after work on TR so I don't wind up adding time to my graduation date.

Speaking of summer, I am happy to report I did successfully pass both Philosophy 252 and Economics 256 with C+'s. So I'm happy.

Its funny, years ago I would have been embarrassed with that grade.
But years ago I wasn't also only working part time and taking 12 credits worth of classes at at time.
So there's that.


Fall Goals: 

Now that summer is winding down, I find my desire to go and just be "wild and free" if you will is draining a bit and I find myself wanting to once again join the productive members of society. IF (and only if!) I only wind up taking one class this semester I have some things I want to accomplish this fall:

• Save Money 
• Purchase Another Car! Hyundai Elantra 
• Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (ALL 13 PAGES) 
• For those of you who don't know me, I play the piano. Its my stress relief its 
• Continue de-cluttering my house of furniture! 

#I'mASurvivor

I put a potato in the oven for dinner two hours ago. I just now realized that the oven wasn't on. Can we just blame it on finals brain?

I am one paper away from officially closing the books on Spring Term 2014! To say this has been an intense semester is a gross understatement. I knew working full time and taking classes would be difficult, what I didn't foresee, was becoming an area coordinator for the Gui.de Dog Fo.undation (responsibilities include: running bi-monthly meetings, coming up with times, places and content for said meetings, reviewing tri-monthly evaluations, and dealing with issues as they arose.), taking in another puppy (i'm officially insane. I knew two puppies is a lot, but he was cuuute ... see?)

Insert lots of stressful life decisions/ work drama and you have my life this spring.

Study Sesh @ Panera 

Despite all of that, I really enjoyed being a college student again, I felt since my classes were more relevant to the work I do on a day-to-day basis, and I got more out of them than the two other majors I 'tried out'. Right now I'm majoring in Business Administration, because after working at six different places with different levels of monument dedication.. (shall we say) I'm ready for my turn to make a difference in the work force ... I think.

Right now I'm hunting for an administrative assistant position, as I feel I have all the skills nessecary for that postion, and would be good at it. Now if only I would get my nerve up to actually apply for these positions in a timely manner, instead of procrastinating until they've been taking down.

Ah well. It probably wasn't the job for me anyway.

Now that I can taste the end of the semester, I'm extremely excited to get some goals accomplished this summer. I've learned a lot over the past few months, and I want to go into next semester prepared. So

Plans and Things for Summer 2014

1. Establish Credit 
• I have FINALLY found someone who will lend me money and not ask for an arm, a leg and $700. I almost signed up for it this week, but decided to wait until I actually had the deposit amount (and some cushion) before jumping in. Also, I found that I do better thinking things through, rather than making snap decisions. (see also: 2013) 
• Accomplishing this goal: The thing about me, is that my money and I are soon parted, so in order for me to get a credit card I have to have a specific goal in mind for it, or I'll wind up blowing it. I've run through several different options. I could Pay a huge chunk of my vet bill, but that would use all the credit at one time, and I'd have a monthly bill forever and ever amen. I could pay off my remaining school debt. But I'd be in the same boat as with my vet bill. Right now neither of those bills are incurring interest, and are best paid off in big chunks. However, I do need to replace one tire on my car and I need more window a/c units. Both of these are small purchases and I could pay cash for them, therefore it makes sense to purchase it on the card, and immediately pay it off. Credit begins to get established and I'm ... well establishing credit. 
2. Internet! 
• This one is pretty self-explanatory. I'm so tired of having to stay propped up by a window in order to steal my neighbors internet. (Don't worry, they know I'm doing it, so it's all kosher) 
• How I will accomplish this goal: Pay off school, then celebrate by calling Co.mcast to come out and set me up. The end. 
3. Apply for Four Year Schoool 
• So one of the roadblocks I ran into this semester was the fact that I've taken way too many credit hours for a associates degree. You would think that I should be congratulated on that fact, but noooo they slapped my hand, and took away all my financial aid. "Too many credit hours attempted at a two year institution. Now I'm stuck trying to find a four year school, offering the same program that my community college is offering. UT is an option of course, but they are expensive. 
• How I will accomplish this goal: Start reseraching schools, and applying 
4. Apply for a job as an Admin Assist
• It's time to move on from my current position. Just a matter of finding another place. 
• Goal Strategy: Start applying. 
5. Home Improvement 
• Really want add some plants/ landscaping to the outside, finish kitchen decor, figure out my bedroom ... can we say ka-ching, ka-ching
6. Establish a workable Morning Routine/ Weekly PLanning Routine 
• The organizer in me loves routines, (We'll call her Tina) she loves the idea of routines, she loves creating routines, for her the monotony/autonomy of routines is absolutely delightful.. Because it means things are getting done. However, the lazy girl (we'll call her Erin) likes the idea of routines, but dislikes enacting them. She likes to blame her inability to accomplish things on the fact that she is gone 12 hours a day, has six animals to take care of, and really can do nothing more than sit on her behind after a long day. Erin and Tina have some kinks to work out in this relationship. This is the summer its.going.to.happen.
• Maybe. 
• Goal Strategy:
7. No. More. Puppies 
1. Just. Say. No 

What are your plans for this summer? 

This Weeks Goal...

To be less boring and more awesome! 
How exactly I am to go about that goal, is another story, but at the very least I will...

"Believe in my dreams (unless they are stupid, then I'll just get another dream)" - Journey 
I think that's how it goes..... 
And not only believe in them, but start working TOWARDS them. 
Even if its slow... 
Even if its tedious... 
Even if I want to pull my hair out because I can only take baby-steps. 
(Patience is a virtue I'm still working on.) 

Live Intentionally..
Live each day with all the joy and enthusiasm I can muster.

Procrastinate Less 

Look for the good and magnify it. 
Also? Put this blog back on a schedule. :)

What about you? What are you plans for this week? 
Talk to you soon! :)

101 in 1001 - Round 3

source

Yes. I did just begin another 101 in 1001 project. No I haven't come close to finishing the last two, or three. I can't remember how many I've started at this time. However. This time its different, this time, my list is born from a need to accomplish these things; verses a desire to "fit in". 

I'll admit, the last couple of times I started one of these projects was because 1.) everyone else was doing it 2.) It looked like fun to set un-abtainable goals. Climb Mt. Everest? Sure why not.  Lets make it a goal. 

Not this time. On this list you'll see many some seemingly mundane things, but as I said this list was born out of accomplishments for this year, so don't be surprised if you see things projects I want to accomplish, specific songs I want to learn etc.. 

I feel so much, more motivated this year and I want to do, and see, and feel, and be as much as possible. 

Bring it on 2013! 

101 in 1001

January 4, 2012 – October 5, 2015

Track my goals with me on DayZeroProject.com

Health & Wellness

1.     Drink less Soda

2.     Remove Wisdom Teeth

3.     Physical

4.     Take a vacation

5.     Run a 5K

6.     Pack Lunches instead of eating out

Spiritual

7.     Be pleasing to God

Dogs

8.     Create a “care” schedule for dogs

9.     Rabies Vaccines

10.  Health Exam for Bubbles

11.  Desensitize Dachshunds to being held

12.  Desensitize dachshunds to nail trims

13.  Puppy Raising break

14.  Bring Home Rei

15.  Go see David Graduate

Wish List

16.  New Vacuum cleaner

17.  Purchase something off of Etsy

18.  Camera/Camera lenses

19.  Non window A/C unit

20.  Photoshop CS6

21.  Hammock

22.  New Couch (Leather)

23.  Vanity/Small table for bedroom

Relationships

24.  Birthday gifts for the Fam & Friends

25.  Spend more time with family (once a week)

Home Décor

26.  More plants

27.  Wall Art from Ross

28.  Canvas Drawings of dogs

29.  Table & Chairs

30.  Headboard for Guest bedroom

31.  Batman Poster(s)

32.  Rugs for Kitchen & Hallway

33.  Paint Wall in Bedroom

34.  Curtains in Bedroom

35.  Curtains in Office

36.  Curtains in living Room

 Home, Sweet Home, Sweet Home. 

37.  Make up Bed Daily

38.  Shampoo Carpets every six months

39.  Get bathroom fixed

40.  Get rid of excess furniture

41.  Washer & Dryer hooked up and working

42.  New Refrigerator?

43.  Hole in floor fixed

44.  Tear down Wall between kitchen + living room

45.  Remove Window A/C and store in white storage building

46.  Get quote about fixing electrical issues

47.  Create Cleaning Schedule

Bettering Myself

48.  Practice Piano Daily

49.  Learn to Play “Hey You” – Jonas Brothers

50.  Learn to Play “Someone Like You” – Adele

51.  Learn a duet with Kristen

52.  Learn to play the bass guitar

53.  Learn to wake up Earlier

54.  Create Morning Routine

55.  Use Camera weekly

56.  Take Kristen & Robyn’s graduation portraits

57.  School Fall 2013

Hey There Good Lookin!

58.  Establish a hair care routine

59.  Find brown scarf

60.  Find orange & White Scarf

61.  UT VOL Fan girl stuffs ­

62.  Work out Gear

63.  Running Shoes

64.  Brown Boots

65.  Black Boots

#NoMoPro13

66.  Sunday Pre-Week Planning Session

67.  Oil Change Every Three months

68.  Wash Car & Vacuum once monthly

69.  Trash & Check tires weekly (when filling up)

Money, Money, Money, Money, MONEY!

70.  Save towards Travel, Pets, Wish list

71.  Create Budget & Print

72.  Use COUPONS!

73.  Revamp Resume

74.  Purchase Dog food through Purina Website

75.  Pay off Library Fine

76.  Pay off School by June 2013

77.  Pay off Rebekah by March 2013

78.  Sell Bridesmaids Dress

79.  Sell old Computer

80.  Sell Printer

81.  Sell Nightstand

iBlog,  iWrite

82.  Create a focal point for each blog

83.  Create a blog schedule for each blog

84.  Journal Weekly

DIY

85.  Make headband holder (As seen on Pinterest)

86.  Make scarves (3)

87.  Repaint Bookcase & Cover Backs

Entertainment 

88.  Read 150 Books

89.  Dollywood

90.  Go Ice Skating

91.  Go Snowtubing

92.  Shop @ Tanger Outlets

Travel

93.  Whitewater Raft

94.  Florida Camp meeting

95.  Youth Jubilee 2013

96.  Charlotte Fellowship Meeting

97.  Morgan City Alabama

98.  Meetup with YPG on Valentines Day

99.  Kristen & Audrey’s Graduations

100.  Blog Conference

101.  Finish This List 

Change is Coming!

Happy Monday Guys! 

Guess what.

There are times when even I, am willing to embrace and except change, especially when the change involves more structure. For a while I’ve struggled with this blog. DO I keep it up; is it really serving a purpose? Is it just something I want to keep up for ranting and ravings, not to mention my readership has dropped significantly since I’ve started this blog.

I was on the brink of shutting it down, when I stumbled across several posts talking about starting blogs, and was re-inspired to keep going.

I originally started blogging because it was the “thing to do”. All my friends were doing it so I did. It quickly morphed into a dog blog and hasn’t turned back. However I quickly I realized I wanted to be known as more than the “girl with the dog” and started this blog.

I didn’t really work, and I suddenly realized that I couldn’t define myself outside of my dogs, and this blog floundered. And has been floundering. Hopefully that is all about to change. Armed with my newfound knowledge this blog is about to get a content makeover! (Design coming as soon as I re-purchase Photoshop)

Before you all panic, yes the random, rantiness will still be alive and well; but it will be balanced by posts about what I’m reading, posts about my photography, what I’m cooking and lots of and lots of lists.

I like lists.

I have a notebook full of them.

Except I lost it in Alabama.

I digress.

Another goal I have for this blog is to set up a more scheduled approach to blogging, completely with calendar reminders. Clean out my drafts section and keep it clear for the remainder of the year! Update my design! The ideas just don’t stop coming!

I’m looking forward to appearing in your news/google/twitter feeds more often!

C25K - Week 6

Excuse me while I take a moment to proud of myself, for running 25 minutes straight.

[basks in self praise] 

Ok I'm done.

But fur real guys, six weeks ago I was having a hard time running in 1:00 minute increments and now I ran 2.5 miles? Five more minutes and I would have officially completed my 5K distance!

What? 

When I got up this morning, my goal was to run 12 minutes straight before walking again. However when we got to the track, and I realized we'd run a mile already, I knew my goal was going to run 1.5 miles, then 2 miles. Then 2.5 miles.. and next thing I know "Good job! Now cool down".

Today's stats were: 3.06 miles @ 11:22 per mile, Warming up for 5 minutes, and jogging 25 mins.

Other Stats:  

Week 6 Day 1  

5 minute warm-up, Jog for 5 minutes, Walk for 3 minutes, Jog for 8 minutes, Walk for 3 minutes, Jog for 5 minutes
2.65 miles @ 12:59 per mile 

Week 6 Day 2  

5 minute warm-up, Jog for 10 minutes, Walk for 3 minutes, Jog for 10 minutes
2.62 miles @ 12:37 per mile 

What are our 5-K plans at this point? We're hoping to run the Butterfly run in *gulp* two weeks, and the color run in October. 

You CAN pretty much do anything you set your mind too! Who knew! 

Have you done something that you thought you never thought you could do?

Pep Talk To Myself

How many times have you been scrolling your Twitter feeds or Facebook status and come across and inspiring video? If you are anything like me, you can't count the times you've laughed, or cried at a video that touched your heart. But how many of those videos actually inspired you to CHANGE?

Recently a friend of mine posted an inspirational video to her Facebook wall and I boredly clicked it. I was intrieged by the guy standing on his head. I wasn't looking for "inspiration" but I found it. In the most unlikely of sources.

The video tells the story of a wounded vetern who was injured so badly doctors told him, he'd never walk un-aided again. He, as would anyone, believed them and gave up. He couldn't walk or run, so exercising was next to impossible. He was turned away by most Yoga instructors. All by one.

That one man, believed in him and encouraged him to do what everyone else deemed was impossible.

You'll just have to watch the video for the rest of the story...



As I watched this video, it struck a chord with me.

Here I am, 22 years old, reasonably health, I have all my senses... what's holding me back from accomplishing my goals? There is nothing, I have nothing to OVER COME, why am I sitting here allowing myself to hold me back?

Yes, I can admit that I am my own worst enemy. There are times I've looked at things people have done, that I want to do and just shook my head. "I could never be that good of pianist" or " I could never be that [fill in the blank]."

Well WHY NOT?

How in the world do XYZ get there? In words of Dolvett Quince "Hard Work and Dedication"

That thought has been with me all week, as I've gone about my activities. There are somethings I want to be better at, small in comparison, but important to me.

I want to be a better pianist. I can be a concert worthy pianist. If. I. put. in the work.
I can be a great dog trainer. If. I. put for the effort.

I can even be more for God, my family and friends if I get quick thinking of all the things I CAN'T do, and start with the things I can.

This month, I am done holding myself back.

How about you? What's stopping you from reaching your goals? Lets go out there and do it people!

March 1

February was a month of highs and lows, good times and bad. In other words? Normal. 

February Goal Update: 

• Early to Rise [Otherwise known as my 12 in 12 goal] - I have met my goal of getting up at least 30 minutes before it was time for me to leave. It helped that another goal of mine, was to cut down on my caffeine, as it allowed me to drop off to sleep faster, as well as wake up easier. 
• Continue working towards my 100 books in 2012 goal. [ 25 30 down!]
• Continue to drink more water and less soda [ so/so]

March Goals: 

David sleeps next to me at the Library

• Early To Rise Version 3.0 
• We're upping the criteria to consistently getting up an hour earlier. Now that I have a "baby" I no longer can afford to be lazy, as I have to make sure he potty's and gets a short walk before I leave for the day. The dachshunds? I could just let into the yard, they'd do their thing and we'd move on, however the Guide Dog Foundation requires their puppies to relieve on leash, on concrete. So yeah. 
• Continue whittling down my book goal. 
• have I mentioned how much I love the library? Sometimes my dog and I  just hang out among the stacks, reading books and playing on my phone. 
• Apply for (5) jobs a week 
• I was supremely lazy this month, I can admit that now. I've, maybe, applied for 4-5 jobs this month. My past experiences haven't helped, as with every job I've obtained, it was through emailing a place I wanted to work, or having someone know something, somewhere. So this whole pounding the pavement thing is foreign to me. Not to mention, I'm still scared at the idea of working full-time/ getting another part time job. Its not fun working two jobs, and I'm not really looking forward to the idea of doing it again. But i NEED the money. 
• Caffeine 1-2 times a week 
• I've actually started to lose my taste for the heavily caffeinated drinks, I once did love. MOuntain Dew? Blech. Dr. Pepper...amazingly enough, I'm starting to think it tastes gross. WHAT'S HAPPENING TO ME?
• At least (5) posts to this and other blogs. 
• :) 

Monday Musings

Ways to know its Monday:

(In case you are like me, and are wildly hoping you got itconfused with Friday)

• Waking up at 8:00AM [time you need to be up]
• Waking up again at 8:30AM [the time you need to be in thecar]
• Prying yourself out of bed and almost getting hit by a kamikazebird, IN YOUR HOUSE.
• Standing on the porch, with the door wide open straining tosee (with your near sighted vision) if the bird is still fluttering around inthe house.
• Giving up, and dashing for the bedroom to complete yourmorning toilette

Welcome to my life.

The good news is, by the time I got dressed, and the glassesin place, the bird was nowhere to be seen. I declare, I have never had such anissue with vermin, wild animals, or bugs in my entire life!

Things Are Looking Up!

At the beginning of the month, I started writing a draftregarding my goals and such like for February, [a draft that has yet to beposted] it went a little something like this:

“…I just so much more optimistic about February, like things might start to happen. Perhaps, I'm still just giddy from the fact, that the Judge dismissed my ticket yesterday. (As long as I don't get another one in thenext 30 days) or maybe I'm excited that my puppy will be born this month.. regardless,I believe February will be a good month.”

And things did happen.

Just not in the “good” way I was thinking.

• Losing a loved one?
• Gaining two new bills in a week?
• A fruitless job search?
• Living paycheck to paycheck?

Not exactly the good I was thinking.. 

Last week, seemed to be especially hard, for reasons I can’t explain, it just was. So God knew I needed the ONE of the phone calls I got Friday morning. (The other I really could have done without but whatever)

By 12PM Friday afternoon, I had secured something to fill those lonely, long hours for the next year at least.

Life is Officially Good. 

[You want pictures? Check out his blog here: Chronicles of a Puppy Walker] 

Goal Update: 

• Early to Rise[Otherwise known as my 12 in 12 goal]  - This month I've been working on getting up at least 30 minutes early, as well as attempting to be at least 5 minutes early- on time for things such as work, church or etc..  There were a couple of days were I just couldn't get it going, but for the most part I've done really well on this. 
• Continue working towards my 100 books in 2012 goal. [ 25 down!]
• Continue to drink more water and less soda [ so/so]

Short,sweet and attainable. :)  

January: The Goal

♪♫...Another year over, and a new one just begun.. ♪♫

Hello Two Thousand Twelve. 


Like everyone else, in the world, quite possibly, the beginning of the year gives me the chance, to evaluate my previous year, what I liked, what I didn't like... and set some goals I would like to tackle in the coming year. Last years goals were good, but vague... looking back on them, I can't cross them off my list, simply due to the fact, I don't know exactly what I was hoping to accomplish with them. 


Over the past 24 hours, I've spent a lot of time, contemplating what I want to do this year, what's important, and attempting prioritize things. It wasn't easy, and by the time I finished, I wound up with 65 goals. 

Its a little excessive, I'll give you that, but if I put some effort into I can accomplish them. Out of that 65, there are 12 goals, that I have committed to working on once a month. A month or so ago, a blogger/twitter friend of mine, came up with the idea to work pick 12 goals to focus on in 2012. I, loving the idea of small steps, signed up as soon as I could. To be honest, coming up with one goal per month was a bit difficult, as 


This month, my goal is to drink at least one glass of water a day. Sounds simple right? For me...Not so much. Drinking is not only about wetting my thirst, but also sating my appetite. I'm not a morning person, so the thought of breakfast at 7:00am is nauseating to me, not too mention, I never have TIME for breakfast.  So juice winds up being a quite way to tide me over until lunch time. 


Drinking water does not sate your appetite. 


However, I need it. 


So, I downloaded an app called Waterlogged to help me keep track of my water drinking... (my co-worker/nutritionist major will be soo proud). Right now, success = 1 glass of water, but as the habit develops I hope to get up to the required 64 ounces a day. 


Good Lord. 


Other goals that I will be working on over the year include: 

• Learn to Eat Breakfast 
• Blog @ least five times a month (or once a week) 
• Work on Concentrating on One Task for longer periods of time .. 
• Creating a morning routine that is productive.. 
• Memorize a scripture a month.. 
• 3 D.I.Y Projects a Month 
• Read 4 Books a month 
• More specified training sessions with my pet dogs...

Just to name a few... 

I'm looking forward to updating you all on my progress.  

How about you? What goals are you hoping to tackle this year? I wanna know. 

....Recap: May 2011

May 2011 

First off, would someone PLEASE tell time to slow down just a little? Blink and half a year is almost come and gone. I wanted this year to be one of personal growth, and I think I'm definitely getting a work out to be sure. 


I learned I could try harder, I learned that sometimes MY best isn't good enough, I've learned that some decisions need to be thought through a little more throughly before they are made. 


This month, my third semester at PSTCC ended badly. Something I haven't yet revealed to my parents; I'm already pretty disappointed in myself, and I can't handle anyone else being disappointed in me as well. Yes I had some adversities this semester, but I have every semester since I started. Either I've got to put up, or shut up. and I'm not ready to "shut up" just yet. 


Change majors? Perhaps. I'm toying around with going back and finishing up what I started in the web design field, but haven't decided just yet. 


This month, I learned patience. 
This month I learned, that no matter how much I stressed and worried over a situation it ultimately wouldn't change the out come. Especially since it was out of my control.
This month, I learned that stressful situations are so much easier to handle, if you just cross bridges when you get there. 
This month I learned, I really really really really really really dislike calling and forcing people to do their jobs. 
This month I learned God's grace is sufficient. 


This month, I sent out my resume's looking for part time work and found it. (Score!) 


This month I was able to get 20 hours of over time in..which is really good considering my job position. (Double Score!) 


And lastly, this month I became a new car owner.  (Triple Score!) 


Next Month I hope too: 

• Exercise More  (Family Quit snickering!) 
• Eat more Vegetables 
• Drink More Water and less Soda 
• Get my Teeth looked at/fixed (yiikes) 
• Get all three dogs out of the house once a week. (Think 2- 2year olds and a 10 year old. Craziness) 

June's "Splurges: 

• New Shoes!  $60.00 of awesomeness.  

Alright. I'm done.

Budgets Part III

There are times I feel old beyond my years.
Why is a 21 year old worrying about budgets?
*Says the girl who thinks cleaning is fun*


I've posted before about the struggle budgeting is for me before. Well, I should say "the struggle controlling the impulsive shopper, in me is." So unless I have money to blow (which never happens) I avoid places such as: Bookstores, Target, Old Navy, Ross, Kohl's, Petsmart etc.. unless I have money to blow, or just need to do some Therapy shopping.

There are times you just need the fun of bringing home something new, you know what mean?

But I digress.

After the serious failure of the last couple of months, and the purchase of a new (for me) car in my near future, and hearing someone-of-influence-in-my-life, say incredulously "What in the world are you doing with your money!?" (oh I don't know spending it?)  My determination to come in way UNDER budget this month is at an all time high.

So I spent days going over my shopping lists,Checking and double checking my house to make sure I wasn't over buying. I also wanted to purchase some extra things, so I had to create a budget for that; which meant taking away from other things, but it worked our pretty well in the end. Anyway, my March Budget ended up with these categories:

• Food
• General Items (Decreased by $50)  
• Home Decor  
• Tithe
• Gas (increased by $10)
• Pets 
• Fast Food (Decreased by $10) 
• Education (aka Books which also decreased by $10)
• Savings (aka whatever's leftover)
• Plus all the usual bills (cell phone,insurance.. yada)

On your mark...get set.....GO! 

Day 2 
Soooo I was really proud of myself Tuesday. I priced shopped everything to the inth degree, found low to free shipping on everything I bought online (from flashlights to dog food), and had stayed well below my budget food wise. However, I didn't factor one small detail  into my purchases. Shipping time. While most of my supplies could arrive whenever...I quickly discovered I was completely out of Rob's food. Rob's very expensive food. Think $16.99 for 4lbs of dog food. Needless to say, we'll be changing foods as soon as I can get the "A-OK"..as much as I hate to feed "my" dog that......purinaonestuff.. my budget needs it.

Anywhooo....

When I went to check the order status, I just got a "Order is being being packaged" notification with no indication when it would leave, much less arrive at my house. So I decided I could probably afford a small bag, to tied him over, that way I didn't run the risk of giving him the runs, by letting him eat my other dog's food. So after our trip to the vet yesterday, (Where I impulsively purchased one of these amazing candles, a must have if you have a pet you're potty training, but NOT in the budget) we stopped by Petsmart.

Yes the Petsmart that is on my list of "NO-GO" places.Cause I can't help but by more treats or toys. Sure enough, an hour later ( you can't go anywhere fast with a 9week old puppy, wearing a yellow jacket stating: FUTURE GUIDE DOG on it. Especially if he doesn't like to stay in the shopping cart you placed him in.) we walked about $40 poorer, with dog food, a new toy, bitter apple spray and some treats..and a very happy puppy.

Then today, I get online and see...our food is scheduled to arrive at my door.......TODAY. 

Waaaaah

He totally could have survived for one day on my pet dog's food. Oh well. Live and learn.

So I kinda blew in the pet category this month. I'm so annoyed with myself.

However, I did stay way under budget in my other categories, which gave me a little cushioning in my spending indiscretion.

So. Yay Me!

And Better luck next month.

March Goals

Spring is almost around the corner! I cannot wait! While it hasn't been all that cold lately, I sure am tired of wearing my boots, and resisted the urge to purchase some more sandals yesterday.

This month I'm printing my goals out and posting them "all" over my house. The biggest problem I have with setting goals, is forgetting about them, so we'll try this again. This may be one of those  that's more for me than it is for "you" so yeah. Do with it what you will.
:-)
Goals for 3/2011

1. Purchase a Car. Yeah yeah. 
2. Put down my cell phone while driving. I've seen the last story I want to see about a teen/person dying because they were texting and driving.  I know I've had some close calls, which has caused me to put my phone down more often, but not often enough. I don't text and drive, but I do read texts, and emails, and surf the net while I'm driving, which isn't better i know,
   
3. Stay within Budgeted Means. 
• Gas -my gas budget exceeded its amount by $40 this month! I knew it was a lot but that's kind of scary! Hopefully the purchase of a new vehicle will help this stay down...granted the extreme hike in gas prices over the last WEEK will have something to say about that I'm sure.  ($2.99 last Monday $3.28 today) 
• Buy Online - As in impulse shopper, buy online not only makes me stop and think about why/what I'm purchasing (as I'm watching the price get higher the more stuff I "add to shopping cart") but it also saves gas and time! {Alice.com, stockngo.com,samsclub.com}
• Eat out ONCE a week - Started taking my lunches/snacks to work last month, which did help, I still went over my "fast food" budget by $6. 
4. Be more prepared. Procrastination yada yada. 
5. Review my 101 N 1001. Wait What? I know I forgot about it too. 

Short list..I've learned the hard way its easier to start small and get bigger.  

In the words of Bob the Builder: "Can we do it? YES WE CAN!?  

Or was that Obama? I forget. 

:) 

Until I blog again,

February 2011

Is it over? Wow this month flew by. Emotionally an extremely tough month for me, but we got through it by God's grace. Its hard to believe I only posted five times in the past month. yow. 

February's Goals:

1. Survive Photojournalism Class. Since I'm considering dropping it (until later) I would guess that would = fail. I've pretty much made up my mind, just trying to decide if I should drop now, show up Thursday to claim my USB drive and grade, or drop after class and suffer through one.more. class. I know a really lame decision, but its a long/expensive drive! 
2. Continue shooting daily. Yes! Missed one or two days but still have a photo up daily on my photo blog. 
3. Purchase a car!!!!!!- #fail
4. Start raising my fifth guide dog puppy - One week down, 51 more to go! 
5. Drink more water, watch calorie intake: #FAIL #FAIL #FAIL #FAIL
6. Redo Hair. Have an "appointment" with my sister for Saturday. 

Other smaller goals include: Being on time for things, being prepared ahead of time, trying to get my homework done before the last minute, continuing to not procrastinate about things that scare me...... #gulps.  

• Since the arrival of puppy I've been getting out of bed between 7:00AM - 7:10AM, which is good I really need to get up around 6:30AM in order to have myself and all three dogs completely situated before I take off at 7:30AM. 
• Homework + Last Minute = Fail!
• Procrastination + Scary Things = FAIL!!! 

Soo in regards to goals this month, I would say overall grade would be a BIG FAT F! 

I guess its a good thing I'm not being graded eh?

Project Erin: Day 43: Metal Assignment Part 1

February Focus

I had this big long depressing post written up about how long and horrid this week has been, but I only managed to depress myself further, so I scrapped that and decided to make some goals for myself this month.. 

1. Survive Photojournalism Class. Ok.To say this class makes me nervous is a HUGE understatement...mainly because we have to work, hard, and fast. One week turn around on most assignments and on top of that a Photo Story/Essay that's due in six weeks. Only school can make a week the shortest amount of time ever. 
2. Continue shooting daily - I did miss one day this week, because well my motivation took a vacation. But I'm pleased that I've kept it up this long.
3. Purchase a car!!!!!! - as I alluded to in previous post, I am in need of a car. Like...NOW. Like as in I don't have a car to drive anymore...and let me tell you this. When I grow up, and get married I WILL NOT (please God?) have more than 4 kids. Driving a 15-Passenger van  (especially at 21) is NOT cool...but what's sad, is that is the ride is so.much.smoother than my dad's car. (sorry dad) So I'm scraping together every little bit of money I can so I can purchase a vehicle. Right now I'm looking at the 2000-2002 Acura TL or the 2003-2005 Mazda6.  I'm going to have to finance this car, so I have to get something I can afford on my meager salary. PRAY!! 
4. Start raising my fifth guide dog puppy - 3 weeks 4 days.....
5. Drink more water, watch calorie intake: Completely failed on that last month, what can I say. Stress. This month will get back on the band wagon, logging what I eat, so I can start moving towards something a little healthier. 
6. Redo Hair. So in case you were wondering...that is all my real hair, and it takes about 3 hours to get flatten into shape. I normally will do it this way in the winter, due to less heat which equals less sweating, which means my hair stays flatter longer. get it? But its starting to fuzzzzzz so I need to make some time pre-puppy to get that taken care of. :-/ 

Other smaller goals include: Being on time for things, being prepared ahead of time, trying to get my homework done before the last minute, continuing to not procrastinate about things that scare me...... #gulps. 

Not a long list but challenging enough I supposed.
How about you? What are some of your goals for this month?