Friday, February 21, 2014

Celebrate the Small Things ~ On the Road to Contentment



Last week I met a new to me blogger, VikLit of Scribblings of an Aspiring Author through DL Hammon's Blog Blitz. I'd seen her weekly “Celebrate the Small Things” blog hop all over the place, and now found the founder!  I'm joining in, because it fits so well with my word of the year focus on CONTENTMENT.  

This week I'm celebrating the work I've done on straightening out our finances. We've done Financial Peace University TWICE, yet it seems that every few years we need to do a re-set and basically kick ourselves in the rear and start behaving responsibly with our money. Lots of unplanned expenses lately (which if you've been reading Life is Good even for a little while you're familiar with them...I let it all hang out ;-) 

I'm happy to say we've found some great software that's really helping. It's called YNAB which is You Need A Budget. Yes, yes we do. So far we're liking the 34 (what's up with 34?) day free trial very much and will most likely buy it.

I'm also celebrating some victories in my continual battle with my body image. Some of you know my history (anorexia – there, said it out loud again – and every time I do it gets easier).  I don't like being this size. I struggle constantly with food. 

Alcoholics “get” to just quit drinking. Not saying that's easy AT ALL. My point though is that we can't quit food cold turkey. Well, we can, been there done that and that's the problem...Food is constantly there as a source of stress. My success is that I'm feeling good about my weight for the first time in a long time.  

Maybe the weird combination of meds keeping me breathing is helping me in some way. All I know is that I'm wearing jeans that haven't fit me since 2010. I wasn't going to say anything to anyone, but hey, it's celebration day, so there you go. (To read more about me and this topic here.)

I'm also celebrating my wonderful kids and all they've done for me lately. They have really stepped up and done all their chores and most of mine, and mostly cheerfully. 

Yesterday The Transporter had a very difficult job to do to get his mother to her friend's new apartment. Elevators out of order...four flights of stairs for asthma girl not a possibility...but he (and Mr. Maintenance) found a way to get me up there! (I know you're going to be wondering...we got let into the residents parking garage and drove up to her floor, well as close as we could get anyway and that was enough.) He did all that while carrying a vase of flowers. 

OYT is going on his first overnight youth retreat this weekend which is a huge step for a shy guy and I'm so proud of him.

What are you celebrating this week? Since it's an ongoing, weekly hop, you can join too! Or just leave me your celebration in the comments so I can cheer with you!


~Tina

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Finances stress me out. However, wearing jeans that fit is another matter entirely! I finally found some new jeans this past fall that actually make me feel good when I wear them. They were even the right length, so I didn't have to hem or roll them up. And, on the lining of the pockets, they tell me how sexy I am - gotta love Gloria Vanderbilt! I'm rambling, but since we're celebrating together, it's all good! Glad you joined the hop, T. :)

MJ, A to Z Challenge Co-Host
Writing Tips
Effectively Human
Lots of Crochet Stitches


Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Can't give up food.
Glad the Engineer found a way to get you up there.
I'm in charge of the finances at our house. At first, that was a scary thing. Somehow I've managed. Easier to say no to myself than to my wife though.

Suzanne Furness said...

Welcome to Celebrate the small things. Finances can be such a headache, glad you are working things out.

Rachel said...

We're having a bit of an ironic difference today. You're proud to fit into your jeans (and I am proud for you, as long as you stay healthy). I, however, put on my skinny jeans (literal and figuretive) this morning to find they are almost a full size to big. I worked hard to lose about 3 sizes, where I would be healthy for my height and body type. Now I'm actually uncomfortable because I no longer feel as healthy as I should. (I was once severely underweight, but it was not an eating disorder, I try to only focus on health). But my bright side? I can have all the soda and snacks I want til my jeans fit again!

Sharon Himsl said...

You have much to celebrate. Straightening out the finances is a huge step--especially when you have teenagers. Way to go!!

Unknown said...

My church has the classes, and I've been to see Dave Ramsey in person...I still struggle with medical Debt.

Rusty Carl said...

A budget... I enjoy making them. Following them, not so much.

And congrats for the small victories. You're doing great.

shelly said...

Hi Tina:

I finally signed up for the A to Z. And you have quite a lot celebrate. Sliding into your jeans is a great feeling.

I should sign up for this group, too.

Hugs and chocolate!

shelly said...

Hi Tina:

I finally signed up for the A to Z. And you have quite a lot celebrate. Sliding into your jeans is a great feeling.

I should sign up for this group, too.

Hugs and chocolate!

Anonymous said...

After finishing my book and it's hands of the publishers plus had a greetings card from my three grandchildren, I am going to take a break, if the weather is reasonably good go to my beloved beach.

Enjoy your week-end.
Yvonne.

Brian Miller said...

i hope he has a great time on the youth trip...they can be a lot of fun...ha...

and hey good stuff on fitting in those jeans...its a challenge no matter the addiction...

AJ Lauer said...

Am celebrating my last day of being 30, and also having just taken a very long nap. I was supposed to have been writing but that is a celebration for next week ;)
Glad you had a good week!

klahanie said...

Hey Tina,

I'm celebrating, despite of any of your trials and tribulations, you are upbeat and note the positive possibilities.

Have a peaceful weekend and continue to celebrate that Life is Good.

Gary :)

Unknown said...

Sounds like a good week--here's hoping the weekend is even better for you!

VikLit said...

Thank you for joining in! Glad you are sorting out finances!

JoJo said...

We are in some financial stress right now that might actually bring me to my knees. If things don't go well this week, we will be in big, big trouble.

But hey that's great on your weight loss! I applied for a job the other day but only after I tried on my work pants first to see if they still fit. They're a little tight, but I got them on. lol

DL Hammons said...

I LOVE it when the BLOG BLITZ creates new connections! I also enjoy watching others celebrate their achievements. This is a double dose of joy for me!! :)

Michelle Wallace said...

I'm celebrating my Ubuntu Blog hop which ended yesterday.
Cyberspace has been abuzz with the spirit of Ubuntu!
And congrats on sliding into those jeans... mine feel too tight...
Writer In Transit

Cathrina Constantine said...

Finances is hair pulling business. It sounds like you had a productive week. have a nice weekend.

Anonymous said...

Good stuff worth celebrating, Tina. I took care of our taxes this week, and it looks like we're doing all right -- but a stricter budget might be a good idea heading toward summer.

Julia Thorley said...

I love that you have a word of the year. I worked with 'Simplicity' last year and it reduced my stress levels no end. This year I'm trying to keep in mind the instruction to 'Let Go'. I have it pinned on my computer. Definitely a work in progress.

Claudia said...

smiles.. hope he's having fun...and when it comes to celebrating... i think it's important to celebrate the small things along the way... today was beautiful sunshine... so.. i struggled with anorexia as well when i was a teenager.. it's tough

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Tina .. lots of support coming out from the posting and comments here - so pleased they hoiked you up to your friends apartment .. clever thought processes ...

Then OYT going off on his weekend - sure hope he came back having enjoyed himself ..

Congratulations on addressing all the issues - that's a major accomplishment: well done ..

Cheers for now - Hils