So... When have you succeeded?

[Cookies Galore]

We got to air our personal grievances on the failure thread, so what is going right in your life?

Even with our (I think) low combined income for the area we live, hubs and I are able to save an okay amount of money each month, bills are paid on time, and we have enough left for fun money.

My student loan balance is less than $1,000 and will be gone in May.

I lost 38 pounds starting in January 2012 and I haven't gained anything back. I also discovered that I love running.

I have a secure job with excellent benefits.

I'm nowhere near where I thought life would lead me, but it's pretty good so far

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

The only thing I can claim is that my 2 kids are still successfully alive 17.5 and 15 years, respectively, after their births.

There were long stretches during which I had no freaking clue what I was doing as a parent and there were no grandparents around to advise/support/warn.

The rest of my life has been an interesting ride that i sort of made up as I went along and life happened.

[Deleted]

I successfully got the kids off to school and myself off to work on time!

(I set the bar really low!  )

[wvugurl26]

Darn beerwench getting to work on time! I was on time yesterday

Getting my masters degree and a good job.

Getting and keeping my CPA license in two states.

It's not what I had planned but it is a pretty charmed life.

I crossed a long time item off my bucket list this summer in Jamaica when we went swimming with dolphins.

I've been in this area for three plus years now. I've succeeded in that. I had plenty of days where I hated it all and wanted to be anywhere but here. I'm pretty sure several people were expecting me to fail at this.

[busymom]

My favorite success (really, it's DS's success)  was when, with the help of therapy, DS started to speak, after losing his ability to speak due to autism.  (I'm crediting a great therapy team, & DS himself, who has always had a great work ethic.) 


My personal success includes paying off all of our credit cards, & graduating from a "less than wonderful" college. 

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

I consider myself successful in my marriage when I take into account some of the crap hurled my way yet I'm still here.

Gwen has lived to 3 years old, so I consider that to be successful parenting.  Set the bar low!

I've self taught myself HPLC.  I'm no where near a master at it but I didn't even know what the acronym (High Pressure Liquid Chromatography) stood for when I was hired for this position.  I have no formal education in analytical chemistry AT ALL.  So having developed 8 assays with minimal supervision is pretty impressive, IMO.

I've written my first professional paper and I'm waiting for my boss to edit it so I can write the second draft.  That's something I've wanted to do for a LONG time.  I get to write the second SLED paper too.

I've crossed two things off my bucket list.  I attended a lecture by Jane Goodall and I got to see the Orangutans in Borneo.

[Deleted]

Nov 15, 2013 7:54:58 GMT -5 Cookies Galore said:

We got to air our personal grievances on the failure thread, so what is going right in your life?

HA! It just hit me...shall I start the "Feats of Strength Thread" now? 

[sheilaincali]

I've lost 26 lbs since October 7th.  Pretty proud of that.  I haven't cheated on my special diet at all.  Which is pretty impressive given that I can't eat:  Dairy, Breads, Grains, Potatoes, Sugar, etc.  I basically eat fresh veggies and protein every day and that's it.  I feel great and am making steady progress but it's still a battle to stay strong and not backslide.

The Boy is my biggest success.  He is 15 and a sophomore.  He loves school and has an amazing group of friends.  Everyone that meets him comments on what a wonderful person he is.  I'm sorry that I am bragging a bit about the kid, but he really is wonderful and one of my favorite people in the entire world.

[muttleynfelix]

I can't really attribute this to me, but I have 2 beautiful amazing kids that I am so proud to be their mom. I'm not sure I can really take credit for them. I think they were just born amazing.

I have managed to make it through almost all of 2013 without losing my mind (there is still a few weeks left, it might change). There were times I wasn't sure I could take much more, but there wasn't an alternative, so I just placed one foot in front of the other and there have been some great moments this year.  We are a lot poorer financially, but we're still standing and that in itself is a success.

Professionally, I'm a licensed professional. I have an excellent reputation in industry and I am very proud of that. I'm usually the person behind the scenes. I don't go to a lot of the meetings with the clients. But they know I'm working on their plans and the love the results.

[swamp]

I haven't had my law degree taken away by NYS.
My kids are still alive.
I got to work and Court on time today.

ETA:  I've met my weekly exercise goals for 2 months going. 

[Chocolate Lover]

My kids are all still breathing. I was technically on time for work today. (I'm not late unless I clock in past the 7 minute mark) I made cookies this week.   I have lost some weight, but since IDK where I was when I started, I can't tell you how much  3 sizes in clothes though. 


And the kids are still breathing, I mentioned that right? 

[cktc]

I feel most accomplished for being resilient. There  have been some bad stretches but I keep going and still have faith things will work out as they should.

[raeoflyte]

 Even though it scares the crap out of me, I'm trying something new in my career.  Which I'm counting as a win.  

[Deleted]

I have a few things:

1) My dad had a business that was pretty successful through the mid-90's and then tanked when he lost a big customer. Since he was very conservative with his money, he weathered the storm and kept plugging along. But during, what should have been, the prime income earning years of his life, he was not making much and still managed to put us all thru college. Around 2004, I was visiting over there and he was saying that he doesn't know how he'll ever retire since his income took such a hit. Around that time, I looked for a business that we could work on together and started it up. I didn't say anything to him about it until I had revenue coming in and then brought him along. In 2006, he started making pretty good money with the business. We ran all the profits through his business because he had a large tax loss carryforward. From 2007-2013, he's earned a six figure income thru the business (along with me). I still am in disbelief when I think about it to be honest.

2) For being as lazy as I am, I have actually found a perfect job. Good money, short hours, close to my house.

3) I have a beautiful wife and 3 great kids that are healthy. Sometimes I just lie in bed before I got to sleep and am pretty darn thankful for what we have. Our kids go to great schools, we don't have money problems, kids are happy, and we have a supportive family.

[imawino]

I have thusfar succeeded in keeping the "functioning" in "functioning alcoholic".   I have to score that a win. 

[giramomma]

I'm a success right now.

Happy, healthy kids. My kids have a better life than I did. And it's not money wise. They have two mentally/emotionally healthy parents raising them. They know their dad well.
Good marriage.
I make a difference in other people's lives. Other people (not related to me) genuinely care about my family because they want to, not because they have to. IOW, we have a huge support network.

[Blonde Granny]

I have succeeded because of the man my son turned into.  He's a great Dad and husband, he has earned the trust and respect of his employees.  He was awarded the entrepeneur of the year award for the state where he lives.

We couldn't be prouder of him, and the person that he is.  If I have had anything to do with it, my life has been a success.

[Sum Dum Gai]

I own my own business.  Something I've dreamed about since I was 12 and selling candy bars out of my backpack at school.  My daughters are still doing well in school, well behaved, get along, etc.  I don't know what I did to deserve or cause that, but I'll take it.  Loop and I are happy.  She asked me last night whether or not I was happy.  It caught me off guard.  I've been working so many hours and feeling like I'm constantly trying to catch up with one thing while falling behind on another that I hadn't really thought about it, but on reflection, yeah I'm happy.  It's work, it's a struggle, but I'm far happier doing this than I was as private leech bleeding the taxpayers dry.

I might be kicking myself in 5 years when it's time to start helping the kids with college, but right now I fell pretty damn good about myself.  Pathetic salary and all.

[Bob Ross]

I succeed at everything I do.

"Bullsh*t" you might be saying, but trust me it is true. 

The key is to redefine "success" after the fact, to ensure that you always qualify.

A few examples:

1)  I tried to lose 20 lbs, but ended up gaining 50.   I succeed at being a fat f*%k.  Woo hoo!

2)  My goal was to stay in for a quiet game of pinochle, but I ended up in a drunken high speed chase with the cops.  I succeed at being like Grand Theft Auto!  Awesome!

I'm gonna write a book about this sh*t and you all better buy it.

[imawino]

Bob Ross!!!  I feel as though I succeeded in getting Bob Ross to crawl out of his hidey-hole to visit us. 

[imawino]

Nov 15, 2013 14:20:20 GMT -5 Sum Dum Gai said:

I own my own business.  Something I've dreamed about since I was 12 and selling candy bars out of my backpack at school.  My daughters are still doing well in school, well behaved, get along, etc.  I don't know what I did to deserve or cause that, but I'll take it.  Loop and I are happy.  She asked me last night whether or not I was happy.  It caught me off guard.  I've been working so many hours and feeling like I'm constantly trying to catch up with one thing while falling behind on another that I hadn't really thought about it, but on reflection, yeah I'm happy.  It's work, it's a struggle, but I'm far happier doing this than I was as private leech bleeding the taxpayers dry.

I might be kicking myself in 5 years when it's time to start helping the kids with college, but right now I fell pretty damn good about myself.  Pathetic salary and all.

Good for you.  You have definitely succeeded in taking a risk, and looking complacency in the eye and saying "suck it".  I admire that, and wish you, Loop and the kids lots of luck. 

Now get the fucking website open so I can buy a Toy for some infernal Tot.  They already dropped off the stupid boxes in my workplace. 

[HoneyBBQ]

My kid will be 2 yrs old in 2 weeks... I don't want to jump off a cliff yet, and she's still a happy, cute, fun kid.  

I went to the dentist the other day for the first time in 4 years. I have serious issues with going to the dentist. I'm trying to be a better role model to my kid.

I improved my life/work balance last year by switching jobs and have got to spend a lot more time with DD this year.

[Peace Of Mind]

Crap.  I was feeling pretty good until I read all that you guys accomplished today.

My only accomplishment is I woke up and get to live another day.  Yay!! 

I would have to say my biggest success is my marriage.  I've never stuck with anything or anybody for so long.  People gave us 6 months when we were dating.  It's been 26 years (last month) since the day we've moved in together and 21 years married.  We are also financially sound at this time.  <<crosses fingers and knocks on wood>>  And I'm still alive and pretty happy.  Thank God for HRT!   

[Malarky]

When I walked away from my toxic parents.

When I reinvented myself after EXH and started over from scratch.

When I decided to take a chance with DH.

It hasn't always been easy, and we've enjoyed a few really good years financially that got us ahead a bit.  We may be taking another big financial hit this year.  (I still am not back full time since my shoulder surgery.)   DH's department is "restructuring."  If he gets laid off, we'll deal.  And we'll be OK.

Overall, my life is a success.  I have family, friends, a job I like most of the time.  

And all of you.  

[midjd]

A few weeks ago I helped MIL redo her resume and submit an online application for a job she REALLY wanted. She works doing housekeeping/maintenance at a state facility and is eligible for a pension in January 2017, but has already had several elbow operations and was told to cease any repetitive arm activity ASAP. She applied for a purchasing/A-R job with the same employer, no window washing/toilet cleaning required, and about a $5K pay bump.

Today she texted me to tell me she got the job! Yay MIL!!!

Not really my success, but I feel good that I could help her.  She has been trying to switch to a new department for at least 3 years and was really starting to get discouraged.

[Jake 48]

DS1 27, making a career out of the Navy and growing up to be a responsible adult, DS2 25, working on his Masters at Harvard, the brains of the group, DSD 25 has over two years of sobriety, has started to figure out whats important and I actually enjoy being around her (for awhile drowning her was an option) DW is working her dream job, we bought a condo for her to live in rather than throwing money away on rent, although we are living apart we are making it work, I get along with my boys mom(my ex), my job is safe for now, going to start a new part time teaching gig, so over all not a lot to complain about 

[Phoenix84]

Well, I said in the failure thread that pretty much everything I attempt in my life ends in failure, except for my career.  My career is the main success I can name.

I have a good, secure job, with the financial security that brings.  I also have good benefits.  I make a good wage for my age and experience level.  Plus the job just seems to be a good fit.

I guess you could also say I live in a nice area.  I'm sure there are many other worse places in the U.S to live. 

[tskeeter]

There's beer in the fridge, hog parts in the freezer, and wood chips in the smoker.  Life is goooood!

[Formerly SK]

I'm not an addict/criminal like my parents or three siblings.  Some days that seems like a really low bar.  Other days it boggles my mind I could achieve so much. 

[BeenThere...DoneThat...]

...timely thread, since I was thinking along these lines with some recent health crises that we've had in our family... I figure that the bottom line is that as an evangelical Christian, saved by God's grace, there is absolutely nothing "more" I would ever need... I certainly would prefer not to kick the bucket anytime soon, but I've chalked up quite a few bucket list type things through my years...

...I'd still like to visit my last 3 of 7 continents... I'd like to visit the pyramids... I'd still like to do some more cross-cultural training... maybe a PhD, although I'm not as sure about that... and having children would be quite the adventure... but all in all, I feel like I'm a success story... and I've got the trophy spouse to prove it...