Belt Tightening

It's going to be season of belt tightening, in every sense of the word.

At home, I've needed to actually budget and pay off some debt (not a huge amount -other than the house) but debt nonetheless... and just keep better track and save more. Sometimes being single makes it easier to not be good about budgeting which is not a good thing. It's time to get my butt in gear and January is the month to begin it all. It's a good challenge for me.

Not to mention things at work are not looking good, the economy here is terrible, all the jobs we typically compete for have a dozen more companies in the runnings because they are all hungry for work... yeah, it is not looking so good lately. I'm starting to look around to see if I can pick up a part time job to supplement while things are so bad... but it's also harder to find part time work these days since so many people are out of work and companies aren't hiring as much either. It's not pretty... say a prayer for the whole thing if you think of it.

It's interesting to weed out unnecessary expenses... A few months ago I cancelled the home phone and internet since we didn't use it enough to make it worthwhile. I now use my cell phone for everything, which is fine, I have internet access at work and sometimes at home when the free wireless works. I was splitting a netflix subscription with a good friend, last night I decided I should cancel it, especially since I don't get that much use out of it. And today my friend said they're cutting out extras and could we cancel it, perfect. So netflix is out which is a few bucks a month. And now the next decision: Cable. What should I do? I'm not a TV addict, but I do enjoy it, particularly when I'm doing laundry, paying bills, and stuck inside because it's winter. I already have the cheap cable, but is it really that important? Necessary? certainly not. Should I get it turned off for a few months and put that $15 somewhere else? I would certainly be more productive at home... on the other hand, there are other places maybe i could trim the $ from and keep the cable... Why is this such a hard decision???

I should also be looking for another roommate... which is probably the biggest struggle for me. I've lived with sooooo many people, some really terrific housemates, some really crazy irresponsible ones, and some in between. I don't know of anyone immediately looking who I'd like to live with... and I am at the point in my life where I'd rather be totally broke or get a second job to help pay the house payment than live with someone who makes me miserable at home. So for now I'm keeping my ears open and trusting that God has a plan...

As if that wasn't enough, I'm determined to lose some weight. Again it's something I've needed to do, but struggle to get motivated about it. Thankfully a friend is doing the same thing so we're going to help keep each other accountable. My biggest struggle is the exercising in the winter. In the summer it's much easier because I love to be outside and the dogs and I like to do stuff where we get mutual exercise. In the winter I'm a wuss because it is so cold and dark and miserable and my motivation goes out the window. Sigh.

That's my rant. Thanks for listening, say a prayer for all of the above if you think of it :)

And to clarify, I'm not despairing or freaking out... I'm actually dealing with all of it pretty calmly, even though it looks rather bleak right now. I don't want to give anyone the wrong impression or worry you unnecessarily.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:4-7