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Wednesday, April 23, 2014

My Post-Lent Challenge (#2)

Well, my first 40 days (Lent) challenge was partially successful.  I have given up Pepsi and I've decided to keep this up for at least the next 6 months.  I'll reevatuate at that time, but I suspect I will not be having any more Pepsi.

The part I wasn't successful at was the chocolate, but as I've explained earlier, that was the "backup" plan in case pepsi didn't work and it did...

Now, for the next 40 days, I'm taking care of ME!!

I've started going to see a Physiotherapist for my back.   I've been to my doctor and have some vitamins I should be taking which I will do this time as I'm usually bad at things like that.  I'm also making an appointment to the dentist this week as it's been a little while.  Also I'm looking for a good massage therapist in Orleans.

If you know me - you know that I'm allergic to exercising so for the next 40 days, I will be doing some light exercising every day.  I will be starting Yoga with a couple great friends and also walking more. 

The best way for things to work for me is to start slowly and build from there.  If I exercise a little every day and form that habit, I can then add more exercises to the workout.  I'll likely start adding during the next 40 days, but if not, this challenge will still be successful. 

Finally, I am not going to be buying / eating potato chips / Doritos for the next 40 days.  This does not include pretzels or Nacho chips or fries for that matter.  Potato Chips and Doritos have been my downfall for years and I can go through a family size bag in no time whatsoever.  I have to stop!!! 

Once the 40 days is over, I will evaluate whether or not this will be a permanent thing or if I can let myself have some occasionally.

This challenge will end June 3rd.   Let's see how I do with this part.  Wish me luck!!!

Julie / @Flip_4

Monday, April 7, 2014

Money

Originally posted on KickassOttawa April 7th, 2014 
Who doesn’t sometimes dream of winning the lottery? What would you do with all that money? I have so many plans of things I’d love to do…one of them being setting up a charity of my own.
Unfortunately, winning the lottery, especially since I don’t buy tickets very often, is not likely…AT ALL!!!
Reality instead isn’t as fun.
I’ve been in drowning in debt in the past. I was able to get myself out of it and buy myself a condo. You have no idea how proud I was to be able to buy my condo, furniture, appliances and everything else that comes with a new house, and not have any credit card debt.
I haven’t carried a credit card balance in years, but that doesn’t mean that I’m anywhere near stable in the financial department. So much so that I’ve been seriously contemplating getting a part time job to supplement my income and help me with the bills.
I am able to pay all my bills, but I am not saving anything. Sure, I’ll get a pretty good pension, but that’s not enough. Should I need to replace appliances or hot water tank etc…there would be no money to pay for that. I have a car but it’s 7 years old. It won’t last forever, and I have no money to buy a new one or pay for any major repairs. Have you noticed that all the costs seem to be going up by a lot these days too?
Being honest with myself, I’ve been spending a lot more than I should lately. I’ve bought things for myself thatg I don’t need, and I’ve bought things for others that I truly have no money for. I love giving to others, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of myself. I’ve gone out to the restaurants MUCH MORE OFTEN than I ever should have…I almost have my own table at Big Rig. (note: oh how I miss my fried pickles)
With that said, I am going to be using Gail Vaz-Oxlade’s Budget to set everything up…again, and start saving the money that I do need for that rainy day. If you haven’t done that yourself, you really should. It’s an amazing budget and was able to get me out of the insane mountain of debt I needed to climb over.
I really don’t want to stop my season tickets to the Sens, but unless I do find that second job to help out, I’m afraid next year might be my last.
Let’s get started with the Budget. Let’s get control of my financial life again!!
Julie / @Flip_4