2009

Here is my first post for 2009. Although it is a little bit late, I would like to share my 2009 resolutions with you.

1. Make my debt more manageable.
I hate to admit it, but I have 12 open lines of credit, totaling $21,242.00. Yes, that is credit card debt. It has been accruing since I was 18 and obviously I don't have it under control. I do factor in that I was in school for three years, living on my graduate assistant pay, which was not very much. I also factor in that I have had life changes that were out of my control (and left me with more debt than I originally had). Essentially, I lived on credit cards for a few years (obviously) and that has to change, NOW.

The good news is that I have not used one credit card since August and have been making as large of payments as humanly possible.

2. Do not accrue any more debt.
I also have $67,242.00 in student loans. Sadly, I went to TU on a full scholarship, but once again, used money that was not mine to pay for daily things. I have entered into repayment and the payment is like a mortgage.

Now, when I purchase anything, I pay cash for it. I've also adopted this very annoying procedure of not opening/taking the tags off any of my new things, until I have had it in my home for 2 weeks. If I really need it, I use it. If I don't, I take it back. I suppose it would be easier to just not buy it. But, hey...baby steps.....

3. Make the most out of all situations.
Many of you know that because of reasons #1 and #2 and the "D," I am living with my mom and step-dad in Houston. It is a horrendous blow to the ego, considering I haven't lived with any family member since I was 18. I also work in a job that I do not like (not the profession, just the setting) and I dread going to work every day.

I am going to feel blessed that I: a)have family willing to allow me to live with them, while I get everything sorted out b)feel blessed that I HAVE a job, with a steady paycheck.

4. Make more time for the ones who love me and quit wasting time on the ones who don't.
I've learned quickly who my true friends are since I moved and since the "D." I have also learned that old habits do not die and that people do not change, even if you really, really want them to. If you know me well, you know exactly who I am talking about here.

I am going to invest more time and myself into those who love me and stop worrying about the ones who don't. I deserve more.

5. Take up a hobby and meet new people.
I was reminiscing about my life about 10 years ago and how many extracurricular activities I was involved in. Of course, when you are in high school, you have more opportunity. I also have had a hard time with my transition here in Houston, because I haven't made that many friends. I realized that I haven't really being trying. Besides the dad factor (he still lives in Tulsa), having no friends has been a main reason of why I wanted to move back to Tulsa. My close friend Lisa recently said this to me:

"You need to move back to Tulsa for the right reasons. You need to decide what those reasons are. If your reason is just for comfort, then don't move back. That isn't a good reason. You need to plant yourself in Houston for awhile and try to make a life for yourself. You can't do that if your head is living in Tulsa."

I enrolled in the Wilton Cake Decorating I, II, III and Fondant class at the local community college. I also joined a fitness program, CrossFit Houston. I'm so excited.

6. Move on.
A new year is a time for change AND forgiveness. I am blessed with so many things in my life and I somehow always get jaded. I WILL forgive others (you know who) and move on with my life. There is so much more out there waiting for me.

I also need to move out. I have started making a list of things I will need to move out on my own. I am hoping March.

Lastly,
Thank you to everyone who encouraged me and supported me in 2008. I could not have made it through without you.

I look forward to sharing good and bad news with you over the next year. I also look forward to the age that so many dread.....30.

I hope you all have a great year!