Yes, yes 2008 is gonna be great! 2007 wasn't a bad year by any means, but I really feel good about 2008. Ivan & I have finally got our money under control, are making headway, and have big plans. Our first year out of college we moved to California and lived like we were on a year long vacation. Our second year in California we got rid of credit cards and struggled for a long while to recover from our 6 weeks off work... we didn't plan well enough for that 'summer break' because I didn't expect it to be that long. And adjusting to living with only the money you make is well, it's really hard. This year in Arizona things have been so much better! It was a rocky start because I had a lot of car troubles but being able to pay for those in cash without any real difficulties is pretty awesome in itself. So, we are now firmly on our feet, 'off' credit cards (because yes, I would say we, as most people are, were addicted, or at the very least dependant on them for some time), and paying off bills, BIG TIME! Financially, 2008 is going to be OUR year!!
So I am just going to look at what I'd like to improve upon in 2008. I refuse to call them resolutions. I don't plan to just magically change my life 3 days from now. These are things I want to change, work towards, learn more about etc. in 2008. And I am completely confident that I will.
1. Obviously number 1 is to pay off old debt and majorly save some money. This should be no problem at all if I just focus. And hell, even if I don't focus 100%, this should still be very feasible now that the holidays are over, I have started my second job, credit cards are out, we already 'binged' on our new TV's and entertainment center, and we're ready to committ to our financial goals. I'm super psyched about this. And it helps that I am at home right now and everywhere I turn everyone is obsessed with Dave Ramsy, this financial guru, and they appear to be doing very well. Anyway, it's great motivation and I really have no excuses left. This is OUR year.
2. As usual I need to get my health in check. I have been on a yo yo weight thing for years and once again I have packed on some pounds. I just need to get more active. I need to find something I enjoy. Ivan just bought me a bike so I do think that will help. I'm not saying I'm going to lose a ton of weight or anything like that, I just need to put more effort into being active and healthy (and ENJOYING being active and healthy).
3. I want to learn more about Buddhism...am I going to be a "Buddhist?" Doubtful! But I think the Buddhist way of life is something that anyone should be trying to live. I think it's a positive way of life...and at the very least, I just want to learn about it. Even more than that I just want to focus on positive thinking. I have 2 Buddhist books right now I'm reading so I can see what it's really all about. I even found a Buddhist group in Surprise. I'm scared of it though...We'll see. Like I said, I just want to learn about it. ***And for those of you worrying and questioning this, I'd just like to lay out the disclaimer that Buddhism really IS NOT a religion.
Those are my biggies for 08, finances, health, and positive thinking. Can't hurt anyone.
My goal had been to get to South Africa this year and I don't know if that is going to happen or not. Seeing as how I'm trying to eliminate my old debt I think I should do that first and next year be able to go to South Africa with complete financial freedom! haha On the other hand I SOOOOO want to go and talk South Africa into the living right & positive thinking category very easily. We shall see. Maybe money will be amazingingly great... :) haha...
Anyway, I'm very excited about 2008 and am sure it will be a fantastic year!
