New opportunities

I love being able to discover new things, especially when they are a "deal". lol. I coupon, I hit the "red tag aisles" first in Target, I research codes for discounts, I try to ensure that I am taking every opportunity to achieve the lowest price or greatest bargain. I try not to cut corners on things that are important to the well-being of my family. In other words: I.am.a.Mom
There are some pretty amazing examples all around me of people who create opportunities of greatness in their lives, and I am fascinated by them. I tend to gravitate in their direction, hoping the awesomeness will rub-off. They represent the great things that I want to have in my life, and in my family.
  So, here we are in 2013. I thought I knew my "goals" for this year. I've re-adjusted a couple, but decided the path I've chosen is really what I want to achieve. So..here I go, putting it in "bold type" for the world to see, and ultimately hold me accountable. lol.

                      Amy's New Year's Goals 2013

1. Financial Freedom (aka; The year of becoming debt-free): I had to make decisions. What is really important to me, and what can I live without. Things. Lots of THINGS. This year, month to month..paycheck to paycheck.. whatever gets me there, I am going to be shopping less, spending less, and getting this balloon of debt PAID OFF. If my numbers (and will-power) are good, and I stick to my budget. This time next year I will be enjoying the fruits of my labors. Will it be hard YEPPERS. I have found that every thing in life that is worth having, comes with a price. Good bye Starbucks, Eating out (over the allotted budgeted amount), and impulse buying because it was such a great deal. Allan always says, " Look how much money you saved". Teasing me about buying something because it wasn't necessarily on my radar to purchase, but on sale or clearance. I am sooo guilty of this and hope to really do better within the parameters of this goal!
2. Workin' it Out! (aka; getting back on the band-wagon): Needless to say, I was not exactly ummm..good about watching my good-vs-bad food intake the past few months, and I have slipped. Time to get back into the mind set and focus. I hate the word "diet". It does not put a positive thought in my head. So, I am not "dieting". What I am doing is going back to my old school, tried and true techniques that got me where I am (well, was). More protein, more fruits and veggies, increase in water drinking, good- bye carbs, soda, snack foods, and wasteful eating. Food will not be a focus. I am going to make friends with the good, and unfriend the bad. lol. I am also starting a Zumba class twice a week, starting the end of this month. My number goal: 40lbs. When I hit that, I will make another. For now, that's my focus, and within a realm of possible.
3. ME time! (aka; hello scrap booking..I have missed you): I had a beautiful wedding, I had four beautiful children. Unfortunately, my wedding album is unfinished, and Caitlyn is the only child in my scrapbooks. lol. I have a LONG period of time to "catch up". I am going to attempt to do simpler pages, and get them into my albums. I feel that if I do this, I can always add to them if I ever feel like it, but they will at least be done!! Plus, it is a stress outlet that will be mine!! I have an entire cabinet downstairs for goodness sakes...I need to utilize it or get it out of my house. The latter would be a complete waste of money..so let's not go there!

      That is it. I could add more, I could do more. But I don't want to stretch my self thin. I want to achieve things, feel good about what I've done. So, they are in bold type. Feel free to give me a nudge if you see me slacking...I will probably need it =)