2nd habit

As I said the other day I want to change two habits. The first was about money the second is to get into better shape.

I'm going to start small with the power of 10. That's right 10 sit-ups, 10 push-ups, 10 squats, 10 lunges, 10 crunches, and a 10 minute walk every day for 10 days.

New Habits

With the New Year comes the need for new habits. This year is no different. I was reading different ways to change habits and they all recommend not trying to do too much too soon.
So with this in mind. I want to change two habits. one is to have a better handle on my money and reduce my unsecured debit, and to get into better shape.

In order to get a better handle on my money and my sending habits, I have created a budget. This budget is just an idea of where I think my money is going each month. I broke down that budget into two parts, since I get paid twice a month. I'm going to post a copy of this on my computer at home where I'll see it every day. The second thing is to track when and what I spend money on. Some of that will be easy. I use Quicken to keep track of my accounts so if I use my ATM card I'll know where and what I spent it on. I will be aware of what and where I spend and I will also be aware of why I sent. Was it something I needed? wanted? Was I responding to the moment? Was this a binge spend? At the end of 30 days I'll have an idea of two things, how realistic the budget was and my feelings about money for the month. For the second month I'll continue to track my spending and adjust the budget as needed.

I'm posting this here because when you post as publicly as possible that you are trying to change a habit it's about accountability. So I'll be posting here to let you know about my progress.

...And it's over

Yep Christmas is over and I'm not sure how I feel about that. There was lots of good stuff, seeing my family and friends and hanging out.
On Christmas eve we went to my girlfriend Lisa's boyfriend's home for her annual Christmas eve bash. Great food and good friends.
On Christmas day we went to my parents house for the annual Christmas potluck brunch. Again good and much laughter. We even went to the movies. Nine of us saw the new Sherlock Holmes movie. A good flick. I want to see it again.
The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing, putting stuff away and playing with fiber. I was able to work on a couple of projects that had been put on hold for the holidays. I wove 13" on a new scarf. Plied some more of the 20oz of purple BFL I got from Jen. I cast on a new project for one of my nieces. Worked on my sisters sock and all round had a good time.

Christmas is coming

One hat done. Baby bottoms almost. Maybe enough time for a scarf? Delusional? Probably!

Retreats are fun! Christmas not so much.

Every summer I have the opportunity to run away from home and hang out with a great group of very talented women and this year is no exception.

On Mimi's farm you can feed animals, spin yarn, knit a hat, stay up late, drink wine, cook pizza's from scratch, make new friends, get caught up the old ones, swim in the pool and lay out under the stars. Everything summer camp is suppose to be.

I'm thinking back on that warm, lazy summer weekend as I look at the snow in the yard and the mound of half finished christmas presents the may or may not be done by next week.