2011

This is THE year. I can feel it. Here's why:

I don't know. I just feel it.

New Years Resolutions

So I'm generally on the ball with these things. Not like "go me, I'm the best," but I feel like I take them seriously enough to follow through with them. Remember the No Shopping Challenge that got me into this thing in the first place?
Last year, for example, was The Year of Hugs. I can't tell you (America) how much I hate having been known as "not a hugger." Here's the reality of the shiz: I'm not a hug initiator by nature. It's just not my first thought to hug someone. Maybe it's because my fam isn't a huge hugging fam...I don't know. Who even cares why, right? But that doesn't mean I HATE hugs. Just because you don't write me a thank you note doesn't mean I think you're "not a note writer," or that you HATE thank you notes. But sometimes, you feel like you have to tell people WHY you didn't think to hug them when they got back from the big trip, and then assume that you hate hugs so much.

I don't hate hugs. I'm just a hug receiver.

Anyway, after a lifetime of people taking that to the next level, it got to be real awkward, because people would hug me, then apologize, or pre-warn other people NOT to hug me, which is even weirder. So anyway, 2010 was the Year of Hugs. I hugged the hell out of people, all in hopes to eradicate that image. It's been a few months since I've been introduced as "not a hugger," so I'm calling it at least on the road to successful.

That was an unnecessary tangent.

So 2011, I have so deemed, is the Year of Fiscal Responsibility.

What, why? Aren't you a stable, together lady?

First of all, I'm not a lady, because I don't have kids. Second, sure, sort of, but I spend money like I'm a carefree trophy wife.

Not really, but sort of really. I'm WAY too old to not have plans or budgets or all of that stuff.

So here's the Year of deal...every month is themed with challenges in hopes that I will finish 2011 with a more mature, sustainable way of living that also doesn't rob me of all joy. Here's it:

January: The Month of the Budget.
I'm coming up with one. I don't have one already, because I'm like a child.

February: The Month of No Online Purchases.
What can I say...it brings me joy to purchase things while making a list of phone calls at work.

March: The Month of Not the Mall
No mall purchases. Blurg.

April: The Month of Eating Out Once a Week
Again...I'm a little nervous on this one. Haven't been single at 28? You don't get it.

May: The Month of Saving 1/3 of my income.
This is going to be interesting.

June: The Month of No Unnecessary and frivolous gifts.
This one sounds selfish, but one of my internal tricks when I'm trying to save money is to buy a bunch of stuff for OTHER people, because I looooove buying gifts, and I feel like somehow, it's not real spending. I'm like a child.

I'll get back to you about the rest of the month SOON. Wish me luck...or don't. I mean, I don't want to tell you how to feel.

Finally, these two images popped up when I Googled "fiscal responsibility," and I just couldn't' choose!