Starting the New Year in Style

New Year 2013 crept in silently.  We did watch the New Year's Rockin' Eve Dick Clark tribute and countdown and we almost got to the ball dropping, but Mom pooped out.  I watched it online.

While I was watching ABC that night I realized I have been forever old.  Odd at 53 to believe that, but really - rockin' eve?  I'd rather have Guy Lombardo-like entertainment.  Actually, when I was 20 I preferred the Guy Lombardo New Year's Eve.  I often flipped over to whichever channel had the big band countdown so I could hear Auld Lang Syne big band style.  I was singular in my preference.  My companions on any given New Year's Eve preferred the Rockin' version.

Watching this year's show, I was semi-tallying the "I've seen them", "I've heard of them," and "Who the heck is that?" observations.  I think there was an even split - but the overarching category?  "I could do without seeing this act/singer/spokesperson ever again!"  I believe that applied to every single act/person!

Old, I am you.

The fact that my yearly upper respiratory infection was beginning may have put an extra layer of "I don't give a darn, it's just another day" on the festivities.  The infection took hold of my son first.  We visited the Doctor on Jan 2.  Diagnosis: a flu and infection.  It took him three full days of antibiotics, rest and alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen every four hours to even hit his fever.   He seems to be on the mend, no elevated temperature by Friday evening.

Jan 3 about 1 PM, I could feel the aches building and a slight temperature and that punched in the face/chest feeling I get with upper respiratory infections and sinusitis.  Temperature was hovering around 100F, when I finally got home from work and took it.  Friday, I called the doctor's office when the opened, explained my symptoms (identical to my son's) to see if they could call in meds for me, or if I'd have to come in.  Receptionist said doctor "would surely want to see you, but he is fully booked today".  She asked for my call back number to let me know either way.  Luckily, my doctor knows me, knows this is an annual event, and trusts that I know my body.  He had them call in the z-Pack prescription.

Two doses of the Zpack and the alternating Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen every four hours seems to have knocked the temperature down.  I still have some body, joint, muscle achiness, though not as bad as it was.  Cough is now more productive, which is a good thing, though it adds to the body aches at my lower rib cage.  I believe I am also on the mend.

I bought masks to wear around Mom and Aunt, so I wouldn't breathe my germs all over them.  I have been washing my hands like crazy.  Unfortunately, Mom got at least a head cold out of it... either from me or from getting out of the house last Friday and this Friday for her basal cell carcinoma surgery and follow-up.  I was so hoping she wouldn't get sick.   She is sneezing and has a runny nose and a slight cough.  We'll keep our fingers crossed that it is just a head cold.

I promise not to be a whiny blogger all the time, but felt the urge to share my new year fun.

See you next time.

Out with the Old, In with the New

2012 is almost over.  The past few years have been filled with many challenges and my blog has long been neglected.  I'd like to rectify that for 2013.

I am praying for a happy, healthy, prosperous new year for everyone I know and love - especially my family and friends.

May 2013 be the year

• for dreams fulfilled and goals achieved;
• for dreaming new dreams and planning new goals; 
• for keeping in touch; 
• for living each day to the fullest and seizing opportunities; 
• for opening our eyes and hearts to new experiences;  
• for charity; 
• for love; 
• for happiness

I make no resolutions. All my I resolves tend to dissolve in a day or two.  However, I do have plans - long range plans.  Each plan starts with one small step and continues with more small steps, until the plan is fulfilled.  I have decided, regardless of how small the step, as long as I move forward, and forgive myself for moving backward, I will make progress and my goal will be reached.

Long Range Plans:  

1. Debt Freedom (except the house) -- goal date:  Summer 2014.  
2. Hefty savings -- goal date: December 2014, my planned retirement date after 32+ years of federal service.
3. Weight loss -- Goal date: Summer 2014
4. Less Cluttered home -- goal date:  December 2013

I have started on one and four.  I will continue stepping toward those goals and incorporate number 3 beginning on January 5th.  The second goal cannot begin until the first is achieved, but I will keep my eye on that prize!

I have heard that a goal is not a goal until it is written down.  A goal cannot be achieved without a plan - a written plan.  A plan cannot be implemented without written steps.   And so I continue....

Debt Freedom:  I have a budget in place (written step); I have a debt reduction list with payment amounts and schedules (written steps); I am working on trimming the budget to free up more cash to add to the debt reduction step.

Less Clutter:  seven large bags have been taken to the dump in the last three weeks.  Two more are ready to go.  I am starting upstairs and working my way down.  Right corner of the bedroom is half done.  I will complete that and move to the left corner.  I have a book with a list of each room in the house and what needs to be done - my written plan with steps included.

Weight Loss:  I am planning menus this week to begin on Saturday (written plan with daily steps).  I will work through the stores on hand this week, eating as well as I can with what I have, and begin with the new menus on Saturday, January 5th.  The first two small steps begin tomorrow.  

1. I will begin juicing for a minimum of five days per week with the aim at daily juicing. 
2. Reduce soda intake and replace with water.

I took these two steps for a little over a month this past summer.  I felt better.  My cholesterol numbers and blood pressure numbers improved.  I lost 14 lbs.  And now I begin again.

There will be challenges to my plans.  Emergencies will occur.  Setbacks are inevitable.  I will pray for the strength, guidance and good fortune to weather the emergencies without getting off track.

Vision Board

Vision Board
Originally uploaded by radarkaty.

TTMMO is having a Biggest Loser Debt Edition for March and April. One of the 'tasks' is to create a vision board of what I see my debt-free future to be. This is mine.