est1987.net » Productivity

The Balance.

Raely B. — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:53:55 +0000

Change is the only thing that is constant, and I’m constantly changing for the better. I must say that it is quite relaxing to be able to find an equilibrium within all that surrounds me. My mommy, school, and work schedule were able to align themselves in the order I needed them to and as a result, I’m able to get a lot of things done. Particularly, relaxing has become a much more feasible task than before and I don’t feel as though I’m running on fumes anymore. I actually feel like my head is attached to my neck. I’m resigning and allowing the Vice President to govern all those that Run-Around-Like-A-Chicken-with-Its-Head-Cut-Off.

This semester I’m taking 15 hours. Although none are computer courses, they are still courses that I need to obtain my Bachelor’s degree. I’m very confident that I won’t have to withdraw from any courses. They are relatively easy and with my regular attendance, everything seems to be going well. I’m excited about school again. I feel like I felt when I first started. I’m determined and I’m focused. I’m organized and I’m staying on top of things. I will make this an awesome semester.

Graduation is so close and I am very proud of myself for making it this far. I have 35 hours remaining, which is about 2 semesters. Even if it ends up being longer, I will definitely graduate. I’ve learned not to compare my life to others because I can only live mine. I can’t ever express how being a parent, being an undergrad, and being a full-time employee takes hard work, determination, and faith. I am definitely aware that my struggle is not in vain. I’ve drifted into the thought of me walking across the stage to receive my Bachelor’s degree and I always smile and/or shed a few tears. It was always apparent that I would make it this far; it’s also apparent that stopping is not an option. Even if it were, I’d choose otherwise.

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Finally, an OK morning.

Raely B. — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:31:19 +0000

Suprisingly, I awoke this morning around 5:30 AM to make sure my daughter and I made it to school on time. I woke my daughter up around 6:45 AM so she could wash her face and brush her teeth. While she did that, I got my son ready, whom was still asleep. It’s amazing how independent and obedient she is. Granted, we have our days where I may need to spank her, but we’re getting better with understanding each other. It’s not often that I have to raise my voice or scold her; I’m trying to break out of that altogther.

She arrived to school–on time. WOOT! I was proud of myself. When she was in Head Start, she hardly ever eat breakfast with her class. We woke up a little later, ate breakfast at home or on the way to school, and she made it to school around 8:30 AM, when her class returned from breakfast. I could tell she was excited to eat with her little friends.

I dropped my son off at his daycare and proceeded to school. My first class began at 9AM and I had plenty of time to spare. I sang aloud; I drove the speed limit; I even stopped for breakfast, the most important meal of the day! When I got to school, my first class was cancelled because of a flood on the first floor and no air conditioning on the second. I visited my advisor until my next class started. Finished up with school and headed to work.

Even though there was a little problem that I had to attend to, I’m still trying to look at the glass as being half full. This “problem” created a massive headache for me on a day that had the potential to be fantastic. So tomorrow, we’ll try this again.

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Protected: 24 hours

Raely B. — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:34:30 +0000

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Status: Processing

Raely B. — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:28:45 +0000

It’s apparent that I’ve been occupied for the past few weeks. I’m still trying to get everything ready for my daughter and myself in regards to school. I have yet to get her more uniforms, but she doesn’t have to start school until the 19th so I still have time before that’s needed. I’ve also been looking into other schools when she reaches Kindergarten. I’ve narrowed it down to three choices–all of which have remarkable curriculums.

Besides school, so much has been going on that I prefer, at this time, to keep quiet about. Maybe I’ll spill my guts out in a private entry. Right now, I’m just trying to remain focused on what’s important. It’s just that sometimes, things get a bit overwhelming for me. I’m trying to make more time to get things done, but that’s a process in itself.

Nevertheless, what’s amazing about this process is my support system. Granted, I have an impeccable one. They are truly some remarkable people and I am very blessed to have them in my life sharing tears, joy, etc. I’m adapting and in a few more weeks, order will be restored and I’ll be able to relax. This summer has really flown by and I wasn’t able to do a lot of the things that I’d planned to do. Hopefully, I can take a break in September and get some things done.

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Budget Renovations

Raely B. — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 16:41:35 +0000

I finally sat down at my desk, which I haven’t seen for months because of all of the clutter, and concocted a budget that is almost fool proof. School starts in about two weeks which means I’ll be getting the bigger “Refund Check” and I plan to make wiser choices about what I that money will be spent on. I have decided to pay my rent 4 months in advance which is $3200. Even after paying that much upfront, I’m left with almost $2500. After multiplying, dividing, adding, and subtracting, I couldn’t help but to wonder what I’d spent all this money on in the past. I’ve spent money on clothes, shoes, etc. but that still doesn’t add all the way up. The only conclusion that I could draw is that I’ve been extremely careless and I refuse to keep this up any longer.

I’ve always been good at saving money and budgeting. That’s something my mom and dad always made sure I understood. I’ve strayed from the path, but now, I’m focusing more on my future. This summer hasn’t been an extremely hard one, but I’ve had my moments where I’ve held on to a dollar like my life depended on it. I plan on making life as easy as I can. As long as I stick to this budget, I don’t see how life can’t get easier.

There still are a few things that I need to get, and a few things that I want to get. I’ve separated those into two lists. I make about $2300/month. By paying in advance, I had dedicated $400 a month towards my rent until I receive another check in February. Here is what my budget looks like:

$2300 NET – $400 rent (after advance payment) = $1900 NET

Now, I still have the following expenses:

Expense	Amount
Electricity	± $130
Daycare	$100 (premium)
Cell	$75
Auto Insurance	$87
After School Care	$67
Grocery	$140
Gas (auto)	$240

So..

$1900 – $839 = $1061 disposable

After taking care of the Necessities List, I’ll focus on a few of my wants, which will only receive funding from my paychecks. I refuse to touch my savings for something that is not needed. (~~Too bad for the iPad, but I’m still considering..~~ The iPad has been moved to the Necessities List. #dontjudgeme)

Another method that I’m thinking about adopting is the use of both my accounts. The plan is to have money directly deposited into the two accounts for two different purposes: Account #1 = Rent and Account #2 = Miscellaneous Expenses. My parents used to do this and I’m considering it just to see how well it works for me.

What are some of your tactics/methods when it comes to your spending?