TheHaitian
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Post by TheHaitian on Mar 27, 2016 8:11:09 GMT -5
Went to Boston IVF last Wednesday and met with Dr.
We have a plan to start IVF cycle in April. Meeting with anesthesiologist next Wednesday (wife goes under for retrieval) and waiting on Finance Department to contact us after they get all set with our insurance company.
Got list of drugs she will be on and it is simple (same as IUI just stronger drugs and longer). Goal is 1 embryo at a time (lower the risk of multiples) and we will freeze the rest for now.
1 step closer to meeting our 1 goal for this year.
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8 Bit WWBG
Administrator
Your Money admin
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 8:57:29 GMT -5
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Today's Mood: Mega
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Post by 8 Bit WWBG on Mar 27, 2016 9:15:39 GMT -5
I've managed to make $200/paycheck savings a regular part of my budget for every check in 2016. I have $1k in my brokerage account I need to figure out what to do with. This is in addition to being on track to max my retirement for the 3rd consecutive year.
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TheHaitian
Senior Associate
Joined: Jul 27, 2014 19:39:10 GMT -5
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Post by TheHaitian on Mar 27, 2016 9:38:19 GMT -5
I've managed to make $200/paycheck savings a regular part of my budget for every check in 2016. I have $1k in my brokerage account I need to figure out what to do with. This is in addition to being on track to max my retirement for the 3rd consecutive year. Nice!!! 2016 should be my first year maxing ; will be close we will see. Good job!!
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Cookies Galore
Senior Associate
I don't need no instructions to know how to rock
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 18:08:13 GMT -5
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Post by Cookies Galore on Mar 27, 2016 9:43:27 GMT -5
Well, my only goal this year was to buy a f'ing house and our settlement date is June 7, so I guess I'm reaching my goal! We've been saving $1200/month to our house fund, so we'll have a couple of bucks left after we settle. Will still hurt to look at our savings balances for a while, though!
Fitness goal was to finally get a sub-30 5k time (current race PR is 30:13, ugh), but I've been sidelined with bursitis so the goal is to just get healthy and back to running. I am hoping to PR my favorite 10k in November.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Mar 27, 2016 23:32:00 GMT -5
Financial GOAL: Sell the MFH Week 2: we have emptied the crap, set up the necessities with the contractor, the cleaning lady, and the handyman. We're spending tons of money right now, so hopefully it is listed soon. I think we're on pace to list mid-February. Week 3: Same status, just a bit further. Cleaning lady has viewed the house, handyman has started his job, contractor is supposed to start next week. Week 13: House is listed! There have been a few showings, but no offers.
Personal GOALS: Lose 15 pounds and maintain that loss & Reduce gossiping Week 2: down 1.5 - 2.5 pounds, which is where I was prior to Thanksgiving. Doing okay with gossip reduction, especially with some temptations that have presented themselves with my previous employer. Week 3: no additional weight loss. A few slips with some previous employer topics, but all have been people seeking me out. I'm trying to just listen politely and not contribute. Week 13: weight has gone back up. I'm at least two pounds heavier than I was on 1 Jan. Gossiping-wise, I feel like I'm doing okay. It's easier when I just don't talk to adults.
Professional GOAL: Decide what to do with my career: stay in teaching or return to school administration Week 2: too early to work on this. Job postings should start in the next eight weeks. Week 3: too early to work on this. Job postings should start in the next eight weeks. Week 13: There are two jobs posted within a 30 minute-one-way commute. One is part time and would be another $25K/year pay cut. I've decided not to apply for that. The other I am qualified for on paper. I used to work there however, and I'm just not willing to join the dysfunction again. It is 2x my current income and a higher level than I was before I was laid off. I just don't think I'd be happy with the position in this particular organization though. So, right now, I'm staying as a teacher for the next school year.
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Lizard Queen
Senior Associate
103/2024
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Post by Lizard Queen on Mar 28, 2016 12:39:51 GMT -5
Back on track--sort of, except diet and nutrition is in the crapper. Discovered Cheetos or cheeseballs and pinot noir go great together. Goal 1: at least I'm sort of keeping up with the QB class. Talked to one of my recruiters a little bit about availability (she had a 32 hour/week job, but that's way too much right now with the class.) Goal 2: spending little, but Easter got slightly out of hand with toys for the kids ($11 & $15). I *technically* don't believe in toys for Easter, but got a couple little things for one, so DH tried to even it up and spent more on the second. Got my mom's stuff going again on YNAB. Will start up ours again on the first. Almost got a new used Odyssey. Our 2004 minivan has some issues that aren't terrible, but drive my DH nuts. Plus, it's a little embarrassing to drive with the typical to that model rust spots. DH didn't want to spend $20k+ though, which makes sense. *sigh* Goal 3: stepping up a little more on the housework as DH is picking up some of the laundry that I was doing. I should do all of it, really--the housework, not the laundry. Other habits are pretty much in the crapper. New goal---play less Candy Crush. I get so damn addicted to those stupid games!Goal 4: I've been more prompt with getting things done. Still have a lot of things to finish, though.
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Post by mojothehelpermonkey on Mar 28, 2016 13:14:38 GMT -5
I like to snack on Cheezits while sipping cabernet. It's wine and cheese, so it's still fancy!
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Lizard Queen
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103/2024
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Post by Lizard Queen on Mar 28, 2016 21:23:48 GMT -5
I like to snack on Cheezits while sipping cabernet. It's wine and cheese, so it's still fancy! Cheezits! I'll have to try that! I think anything is a step up from cheese balls.
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Mar 30, 2016 9:49:37 GMT -5
Mini Update: Financials: Raise/Promotion approved; had two interviews..and likely should at least be offered one job. Could be turning a corner, finally, after almost 2 years. Taxes still not done.
Declutter/Exercise: Spent an hour in my gardens before the weather turned.. Produced another bag of yard waste..
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Apr 1, 2016 13:40:46 GMT -5
OK. I can confidently say, I've achieved one of my financial goals
1. Improve our financials a. Continue to increase/acquire income Done. Got one of the part time jobs. It's sweet. 8 hours a week during the school year. Doesn't conflict with my teaching schedule or with my kids' activities. Between that, and my raise, my income should be close to what it was before I lost one of my teaching jobs and students. Plus, it will help cushion things in the fall as I'm going to lose at least two students at the end of this year because they are graduating HS.
I finally feel like I can move on...
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Post by mojothehelpermonkey on Apr 3, 2016 18:52:41 GMT -5
Moving: We are planning to leave in 2 months, and it is starting to stress us out. Still we are looking forward to it. We want to get a puppy. We plan to wait until we are somewhat settled, but we still want to get one soon. I have puppy fever, and I have it bad. Career: Not much progress. I keep seeing a mix of jobs that I am mostly qualified for, but it is still to early to apply for a lot of them.
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Apr 6, 2016 8:21:46 GMT -5
Mini Update: Finances Almost done with my part of taxes. I have two one more task s and I'm done. Start my job today...not a moment to soon. Teaching is getting thinner. New project is getting hold of our ortho's finance person..Our insurance changed and we get another 1500 towards DS1's braces. But, we are still on a payment plan. Need to straighten out, as that would almost eliminate 1 bill. Home
I got rid of three bags of paper crap (including some kids books) and a garbage bag full of crap. Tomorrow will be spent cleaning like a mad woman. DH cleaned another section of our carpet, but needs to do a high traffic spot a few more times. Health
Without trying too hard (ie, doing nothing) , I can move my belt one notch in. That was a pleasant surprise. I downloaded a pedometer for my phone. That was enlightening <sarcasm>. ETA: The ortho bill is done as of May. That's saved us 1500. I do believe this is worth a dancing banana..
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snapdragon
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Post by snapdragon on Apr 6, 2016 11:07:37 GMT -5
2016 Goals
Financial -
1 ) Pay off the 2nd Mortgage. --- I have a great start on this.My plan is to be done by September or October.
2 ) Put $1000 into savings this year. --- Doing better. I hit 24.3% for the quarter.
Personal -
3 ) Meet with friends at least 3 times this year. --- Talking with the BFF's about when. Still in talking mode -- I need to make some calls this week.
4 ) Start a game night with work friends --- We have now swapped puzzles for the month of April and I will try to work in a game night next month.
5 ) Try a new recipe every month. --- Haven't found anything to catch my interest so far.
6 ) Go out of state on vacation this year. -- For myself not to visit Mom. --- Talk of California or seeing the Grand Canyon for the fall.
7 ) Work on decluttering the house. --- March was good for that and now I just need to "improve" on my cleaning.
8 ) Check out a different podcast every few months - I am starting with Welcome to Night Vale and Lore. --- I have been to tired lately to listen to the computer so I will work on that this weekend.
9 ) Walk more. --- This has not happened due to low tolerance of the weather. Still hasn't happened.
10 ) Play with my paints. --- Not happened yet.
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Apr 12, 2016 13:08:23 GMT -5
My flooring is in. I it.
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Apple
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Always travel with a sense of humor
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Post by Apple on Apr 12, 2016 17:11:36 GMT -5
I'm still doing well with setting aside overtime money! I won't see any on the next paycheck as I have two weeks off work (only using 16 hours of vacation time! Love my new schedule.) I've been tracking things in YNAB, and it's helping to curb "the wants". I like to see the college fund grow each month, and am trying not to use all of the money in the fun and grocery categories. I didn't buy anymore concert/theater tickets, so that helps a lot. I'll be working on a lot more house stuff these two weeks, but today I'm being lazy watching tv and tending to the smoker (9 pound pork shoulder, should be yummy!) I don't have any buns for sandwiches, so I'm going to try making my own tonight I'm still ok on my grocery budget, even after buying two of those and a half pork loin earlier this month. Yea for $10 off coupons and sales!
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Plain Old Petunia
Senior Member
bloom where you are planted
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Post by Plain Old Petunia on Apr 13, 2016 11:58:12 GMT -5
My goals were:
Pay off credit cards. Done. It was BF's debt, but in my name. His house finally sold and he repaid me.
Pay off car. Done. The last $8,800 came from savings. This is my 2013 Ford Focus which I bought in November 2014. The loan started at $16,099.00.
Contribute 15% of gross to retirement accounts. 1400/estimated 8025 so far. This will get a big bump before April is over.
Rebuild savings to 15k. 3945/15,000 so far. This will get a big bump before April is over. This excludes short-term savings for car insurance, maintenance, house maintenance, etc. I will probably not complete this goal until some time in 2017.
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Apple
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Always travel with a sense of humor
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Post by Apple on Apr 13, 2016 14:10:55 GMT -5
Oh...! I finally set up some money to go to a Roth directly from my paycheck--the place I work for did not offer Roth savings until just a couple years ago, and by then I had a well-funded traditional account so didn't want to split contributions, but keep putting it all there to see maximum compound interest. I've decided to do at least some after-tax contributions though, even if it's not a lot. I'm not sure if I'll max it. I do have the money in savings I could put in there, so maybe I will do that (just take a lower paycheck for a few months and replace it with the savings, effectively moving the money to the Roth).
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Artemis Windsong
Senior Associate
The love in me salutes the love in you. M. Williamson
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:32:12 GMT -5
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Today's Mood: Twinkling
Location: Wishing Star
Favorite Drink: Fresh, clean cold bottled water.
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Post by Artemis Windsong on Apr 13, 2016 14:15:02 GMT -5
Continue working on being worthy and sufficient.
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Post by mojothehelpermonkey on Apr 13, 2016 16:43:56 GMT -5
Moving: I cleaned out two closets and a storage bin. I threw out a bunch of stuff, but I still have a donation pile and a shredding pile to deal with. I think I will go through my kitchen stuff next. We also want to have FH's family over and throw a party for our friends before we leave. Good thing we still have 6 weeks to get everything done.
Career: There is a health care provider in the area we are moving to that has a lot of open positions that list a BA in psychology as a preferred qualification. I double majored in biology and psychology in college, and I think it would be funny if my psych major ended up leading to better job opportunities.
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Lizard Queen
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103/2024
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Post by Lizard Queen on Apr 16, 2016 7:50:37 GMT -5
Yeah, I'd be shocked if my BS in psychology ever turned out to be useful. ? Just a quick update: I was getting tired of just treading water and not getting anywhere. I finally found some inspiration. Started exercising every other day this week. I feel very sore, but good! I still have lots of other things to work on, but think I should focus my energies on this for a while.
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TheHaitian
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Post by TheHaitian on Apr 16, 2016 10:04:57 GMT -5
Ordered IVF drugs yesterday, paid $300 copay (have another $830 in Dr bills that came in this week) and they will be overnighted to us... Expecting them today!
Aunt Flow is any day now and we will officially start our first (and we pray only) IVF cycle.
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TheHaitian
Senior Associate
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Post by TheHaitian on Apr 16, 2016 10:23:01 GMT -5
I guess God was listening to me... Just got this text from DW:
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Apple
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Always travel with a sense of humor
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Post by Apple on Apr 16, 2016 15:03:03 GMT -5
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giramomma
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Post by giramomma on Apr 18, 2016 15:37:33 GMT -5
Update: Financial nearly done. Just mailed taxes. Need to fill out form for a bit of scholarship for the kids' school, and then I can focus on other goals. I also put in $25 into our eFund. So, working on the goal of increasing savings... . We just need 9, 975 more. In the short term I'm focusing on more flooring replacement, getting the DD's signed up for summer things, and I have to find some quick, portable crafts to keep my anxiety at bay. Otherwise I'm going to eat all the chocolate and bite everyone's nails.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Apr 18, 2016 22:20:51 GMT -5
Financial GOAL: Sell the MFH Week 2: we have emptied the crap, set up the necessities with the contractor, the cleaning lady, and the handyman. We're spending tons of money right now, so hopefully it is listed soon. I think we're on pace to list mid-February. Week 3: Same status, just a bit further. Cleaning lady has viewed the house, handyman has started his job, contractor is supposed to start next week. Week 13: House is listed! There have been a few showings, but no offers. Week 15: DONE!!! This went far more smoothly than I expected. DH and I are establishing a new financial goal for this year.
Personal GOALS: Lose 15 pounds and maintain that loss & Reduce gossiping Week 2: down 1.5 - 2.5 pounds, which is where I was prior to Thanksgiving. Doing okay with gossip reduction, especially with some temptations that have presented themselves with my previous employer. Week 3: no additional weight loss. A few slips with some previous employer topics, but all have been people seeking me out. I'm trying to just listen politely and not contribute. Week 13: weight has gone back up. I'm at least two pounds heavier than I was on 1 Jan. Gossiping-wise, I feel like I'm doing okay. It's easier when I just don't talk to adults. Week 15: weight is back under control. Now to resume losing. Gossiping--did well in a circumstance presented last Friday.
Professional GOAL: Decide what to do with my career: stay in teaching or return to school administration Week 2: too early to work on this. Job postings should start in the next eight weeks. Week 3: too early to work on this. Job postings should start in the next eight weeks. Week 13: There are two jobs posted within a 30 minute-one-way commute. One is part time and would be another $25K/year pay cut. I've decided not to apply for that. The other I am qualified for on paper. I used to work there however, and I'm just not willing to join the dysfunction again. It is 2x my current income and a higher level than I was before I was laid off. I just don't think I'd be happy with the position in this particular organization though. So, right now, I'm staying as a teacher for the next school year. Week 15: An elementary principal-ship has opened up sixty driving minutes away. Our lives are content at the moment, and with the sale of the MFH, the urgency to increase my income is significantly reduced. Adding two hours of car time per day to my life is not appealing at the moment. So, staying in teaching as of right now.
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lurkyloo
Junior Associate
“Time means nothing now,” said Toad. “It is just the thing that happens between snacks.”
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Post by lurkyloo on Apr 19, 2016 6:32:14 GMT -5
-Kid evaluated for delays (behind average, within normal range, we continue to work with and encourage him) -Pup's nose removed, as it had become a giant tumor (pup is doing great, clean bill of health) -Taxes done and submitted. My guess is that if they audit us they'll find they owe us money--didn't want to mess with the split between MD/CA on investment income, so we wound up paying some minor double taxes -Myriad of other things have not yet eaten me (ordered clothes online & returned what didn't fit; filled glasses Rx before it expired, DS is signed up for gymnastics, soccer and basketball, DS' birthday party locale reserved & well-child visit scheduled, yard is not great but essential tasks are getting done bit by bit.) -Cooking quite a bit! Occasionally too much; we have trouble getting to all the leftovers. -Fighting some passive resistance from DH and DS on pushing age-appropriate boundaries/expectations on the latter, and it's working! Not so good: House is on a downward trend. Just treading water at work rather than challenging and/or distinguishing myself. Frankly I think the dog surgery question triggered a depressive episode that made it difficult to focus... Potty training is one step forward, two steps back. And I really need to either eat healthier or get some d*** exercise. So...progress?
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giramomma
Distinguished Associate
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Post by giramomma on Apr 23, 2016 7:12:15 GMT -5
I thought it would be interesting to force myself to go through my whole list:
1. Improve our financials a. Continue to increase/acquire income Done for Now. I think I will delete this item in the future. b. Rebuild my teaching business: One of my college aged clients is coming back for summer, got another client, and a lead on an after school program possibility. c. Save: Will get a boost when we get our refund. I think we're at a point where I can start putting money away.
2. Career a. Get in a position to apply for grad school in a year: I think this has to go off the table for another year. I'm going to leave it off the list and re-evaluate in a few months. I think it's still a need, but my time horizon for it has lengthened significantly.
3. Health a. Exercise: Nothing. I did put a step tracker on my phone. When I work my new part time job, I get in 7K steps, give or take. The other 5 days a week, pitiful. Will bump this up.
4. Start working through my stash: This has totally languished. Since we're almost done with the school year and done with FHC, I think I can make good progress on this again.
5. Work on our House: Getting quite a bit done here. Now that the weather is nice, I need to concentrate on outdoors. a. Declutter b Repair c Update
What the hell, I'll shoot for the stars: 6. Read something other than blogs and messageboards.
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TheHaitian
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Post by TheHaitian on Apr 23, 2016 8:12:50 GMT -5
Still 1 goal for 2016
- currently at the IVF clinic for ultrasound and blood work.
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Lizard Queen
Senior Associate
103/2024
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Post by Lizard Queen on Apr 24, 2016 9:55:57 GMT -5
Just a quick update again. Continuing exercising 3x/week. Ramped up duration on it. Feel awesome afterwards. I wish exercise had always made me feel so good--I'd have a great bod! Down 1.4 lbs as of Thur, only 1.2 on Sat., then up later in the day. Weird. Anyway, I've decided to go for broke with this and try to get back into my high school/early 20's range. Some people are still very attractive with some extra weight--I just don't think that's me, and it really brings me down. I'm so stuck with so many other things in my life, this at least I can do right now. I can see this having far-reaching effects in my life--health, as well as career-wise. Some people are still very attractive with some extra weight--I just don't think that's me, and it really brings me down in a variety of ways-- more than I've ever realized.
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Apple
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Always travel with a sense of humor
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Post by Apple on Apr 24, 2016 11:21:50 GMT -5
Just a quick update again. Continuing exercising 3x/week. Ramped up duration on it. Feel awesome afterwards. I wish exercise had always made me feel so good--I'd have a great bod! Down 1.4 lbs as of Thur, only 1.2 on Sat., then up later in the day. Weird. Anyway, I've decided to go for broke with this and try to get back into my high school/early 20's range. Some people are still very attractive with some extra weight--I just don't think that's me, and it really brings me down. I'm so stuck with so many other things in my life, this at least I can do right now. I can see this having far-reaching effects in my life--health, as well as career-wise. Some people are still very attractive with some extra weight--I just don't think that's me, and it really brings me down in a variety of ways-- more than I've ever realized. I've noticed I always weigh more as the day goes on, so if I want the scale to show the best number, I weigh first thing in the morning only. Obviously, this means sleeping for hours and hours is the best workout I get too frustrated with the scale since it seems to go up and down too much. I try to stick with how clothing fits (and cross my fingers that I start to notice a change soon to keep up motivation).
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