And a dollar short? Ha! No, while we could definitely use some more money (who doesn’t?), we continue to make progress on paying off our debt. Recently though, the recurring theme of my days seems to be that I’m always falling behind on something. I remain convinced that working full-time prevents you from truly “having it all.” When work dominates your schedule, there is always something else that will have to suffer. I’m continuing to try, but an occasional sense of being overwhelmed is unavoidable.
Making Money
February was a good month for my expanding freelance writer side hustle. I added a bunch of good posts to this site, including some sponsored content. The really big news was my feature on Scary Mommy. Not only was it awesome to see my writing on such a popular website, but they pay $100 for original content. I’m hopeful that they will accept more of my submissions in the future.
There were some other small financial wins. I got called back for another phase of a research study and received $100 in exchange for a couple hours of my time. It was the TMJ study, so there was one painful part, but it was over very quickly. It was in the name of science, right? I received another payout from Inbox dollars. Also, Mr. Smith and I each received checks for $4.25, for a settlement for the Red Bull class action lawsuit. Every little bit counts!
Spending Money
This month was Mr. Smith’s birthday. We splurged by going out to eat, for the first time in who knows how long. We went to a casual place, and each had one beer with our dinners. The total, with tip, was less than $35. We don’t usually buy each other gifts, but his one video game controller broke a while back (due to a baby chewing on it). Video games are his way of relaxing, so I had to do something. I found him a used one on eBay, for a total of $14 (with shipping). We also baked him a cake – from scratch. For about $50, we had a very happy birthday boy.
Family
Little Trey has learned to crawl. The day after he started doing that, he was pulling himself up on the furniture. His mobility is motivating us to clean up. Hopefully we can start some major decluttering, and maybe find some things to sell on eBay in the process. Trey is eating more and more table food. We do buy some jars of baby food because of convenience, but it doesn’t look like we will have to buy them for much longer.
Tornado is such a sweet and crazy little girl. The other day I asked her what she wanted to be when she grows up. Her answer? “A chicken.” She loves doing “mommy and me” manicures with the bright pink, sparkly nail polish from Christmas. I try to limit it to weekends, because it’s not the most professional color.
Goofball is amazing me with his reading and mathematics abilities. He is in kindergarten and it seems like he just started reading all of a sudden. We’ve been working with him for a while, but it just “clicked” and now he is reading everything! Also, he lost his first tooth. I’m not sure of the tooth fairy’s current rate, but figured that a gold dollar was sufficient.
Harmony
I’ve been trying to find bits of time to relax and enjoy my hobbies (including sleep). I am working on a new crochet project. I’m really enjoying my latest audio book, Stephen King’s Dr. Sleep (sequel to The Shining). I use my commuting time to listen to audiobooks. It makes the driving much more enjoyable and productive.
I have been struggling a bit with a lack of energy and motivation. There is a lot on my plate (hence, this Monday Medley post on a Tuesday night). I’m already having trouble getting all of work done for my primary job and keeping up with side hustles. It’s hard to keep working after the kids go to bed, or to wake up early when I’ve been up all night with the baby. There are so many evenings when I just want to crash, or be a television-watching zombie like the rest of America . . . with a big glass of wine. But then I remember all of my plans. I’m still trying to write an eBook. I have a great idea for a coaching course. And there are a ton of half-written blog posts that need to be finished.
For now, all I can do is my best. While I strive to “live like no one else,” the present is important too. There are a lot of different things being juggled and shifted around as I’m creating my kaleidoscope, but our priorities are in the right place. We will take one day at a time, doing our best to make good financial decisions for our future and making the most of our time together.
Sounds like a pretty good month all around!
Money Beagle recently posted…How Companies Active On Social Media Can Still Come Out Looking Bad
Thanks! I always try to focus on the positive 🙂
What great inspiration! Sounds like you have balance dialed in.