New Year's Eve

Oh look: it's New Year's Eve.  Has this been a year or what?

I continue with the ragged tradition of setting out goals or intentions for my year.  I also continue with my ragged tradition of keeping them in the back of my mind and not sweating them too much.

Last year, I lost 20 lbs.  I'd like to say it was from healthy eating and exercise, and maybe the healthier eating was a big part of it.  However, I am eating better food because I don't have much of an appetite.  The doctors are checking me out, and I've given them strict instructions not to cure me until I lose 20 more lbs.

And so, number 1:  Lose 20 lbs.  Continue to eat good food:  rainbows of fruits and veggies, whole grains, light white proteins... Continue to Eat the Angel Way, even more.  I also intend to exercise the Angel way this year... move my body in ways that make me happy, stronger, more flexible, and more energetic.

Number 2:  Become financially independent.  Bob and I are writing a budget (although I haven't told him that yet.)  We are going to stop wasting money on things that aren't important.  I am going to SIMPLIFY.

Which leads to Number 3:  Simplify my house.  Purge, recycle, donate... why do I need three can openers?  Because I couldn't find one and bought another.  You can see how this ties to number 2.

Number 4:  Continue on my spiritual journey to the center of my soul.  That was supposed to sound poetic, but I think it sounded sort of pompous.  (Number 4.5: sound less pompous.)  What I mean is that I want to find out what I'm supposed to do with my life.  I'm 51.  It's time to get serious.  Sort of.

Well, here they are, written out in fine pompous words.  It's up to me now...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Doldrums

It is said that one shouldn't make big decisions during a crisis or time of stress. I'm not sure what that leaves, because I'm finding it hard to make decisions in the aftermath of stress time. I guess I need a vacation.

Tax season is over, and I am immediately hit with my LIST OF THINGS TO DO AFTER TAX SEASON. Clients, bless their hearts, do not understand that although I don't plan to wait until October 31 to do their tax returns, I need a freaking break, and no, bringing in a box of stuff April 12 did NOT give me enough time to get it done by April 15.

My house needs attention pretty soon. My new car needs an oil change (it actually tells me these things, which is sort of cool.)

I have planted some seeds in my incomplete accidental garden, but I don't have the cash flow I'd expected at this time of year and can't buy more plants right now. If the seeds I bought earlier grow, that will be nice. A surprise, of course, since my gardening method is to plant stuff and go away. I'd like to buy some tomato plants to plant in pots around the deck. Maybe the cash flow will improve next month.

Part of my cash flow problem is related to the purchase of a study program for the enrolled agents exam. I think it is a good investment. I've started working on it, and plan to finish the exam (three parts) by the end of July. July 30 is my birthday, so I've set that as a goal date.

I am torn right now. I can go to work a little (helping the cash flow and making some clients happy) or I can clean my house (helping my psyche and getting rid of that unpleasant odor in the garbage can beside my chair.)

I feel like a revving engine stuck in the mud. Where to go? Will I get moving before I run out of gas? And will someone please take out this dang trash can?