Taxes

I did not work this year!! Hurray, no W-2's to file. We have survived as a family of 4 with one income for one year. Can we do it again? The transition to the civilian world has not been easy, but is worth it. I am learning how to manage my own health care, which is VERY expensive. I had no idea how much it would cost. I don't think I will ever forget our very first bill from a civilian doctor. Katherine's 3 month check up cost $720. We will be going to get her shots at the health department from now on, $8 a shoot. I wonder if I can apply that to my unbelievably high deducible. I may have to go back to work just for the insurance. But we are taking our vitamins and trying our best to stay healthy to avoid the doctor.

They really should update the life skills class in school, maybe they have since I was there. But it was a joke for me. They should teach you about saving money, avoiding credit card debit, the steps in buying a house, health care coverage. In Econ class we spent an enormous amount of time playing the "stock market game." But it seems like that is putting the cart before the horse. You have to learn to manage your money before you will have the extra income to invest.

Britney

I will admit that I enjoy reading about celebrity gossip. I feel like by me paying to go see their movies and buying their CDs I have helped make them millionaires, so I am entitled to know a little about their personal life. But truly, the gossip magazines have jumped over the line and are still running. Some time during Britney's many rehab stays I decided I was no longer going to watch E News and would not buy the magazines. My own silent protest. But I can't even watch my local news channel anymore with out hearing about Britney Spears! Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC have all had segments on a celebrity this week. With everything going on in the world right now Britney Spears many breakdowns qualify as NEWS!!

New Year, New Me?

Well no. I generally don't believe in making new years resolutions. Why should I wait until the new year to start doing something I should be doing anyway? But if they work for you then that is great. All the talk of the new year has got me thinking about things in my life that could change. But for me it always boils down to the lack of time in a day. Yes I would love to work out everyday, I would LOVE to catch up on my scrapbooking, keep up with the laundry, and find time to make a few baby blankets a week. But before I can turn around it is time to make dinner and get the kids to bed. Then it is time to clean the kitchen, enjoy a little time with my husband before I get some much needed sleep.

This year, I am going to find the time to do the things I enjoy for my self. Because we all need to do something for ourselves. Justin bought me a gift certificate for a crop class at a scrapbook store so that is number one on my list. I am really excited to get back into that. I am also going to be selling my baby tag blankets at the South Bend Farmers Market. Justin's mom and grandmother have a booth their and have offered to sell them for me. Who knows, maybe someday I will be as good as my mom and really could be a stay at home mom forever. Oh, I hope the sewing talent gene was passed on to me. Practice, Practice, Practice. So for me that means less time spent watching TV and more time being productive. That sounds a lot like a resolution doesn't it.

Speaking of productive, the laundry is waiting!

Happy New Year!