Staying Motivated

Today I'm writing about something that is very personal. I know that at times everyone has felt this way, so I thought I would share.

Sometimes it is so hard to go on, and you feel like you are getting nowhere. I feel like the Israelites wandering in the desert, wondering how long I will have to wonder and if I'll ever get into the Promised Land.

I've not had to wander 40 years ... yet. I still get beat down at times. I wonder if I'm doing the right thing or if things will ever get better. I think it's hard when times are tough and you don't know what's around the next corner. It's difficult to stay motivated.

That's my problem right now, motivation. If I knew how long this would last it would be easier, but all of the uncertainty makes everything feel like all of these hard times will stretch out into eternity.

To all of my friends out there struggling through hard times. Keep the faith, and keep hope. We all go through these times and it's important to stay strong.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10

Photo Credit to Josh Sommers

Reluctantly Frugal...

Some people are frugal by nature. They naturally hoarded all of their money as a small child and by the time they were 12 had amassed a small fortune, learning more and more ways to save money. This is NOT me.

If I had it my way I would be on a luxury vacation every other week, spending too much time at restaurants, and going on spending spree for a new wardrobe. For reasons obvious (I am not a millionaire) I cannot do this.

I would call myself reluctantly frugal, but I will admit that it has its perks and there is a certain 'Savings High' you can get from getting a really good deal. I've become somewhat addicted to this feeling.

For these reasons I am not a hardcore couponer, I am sort of obsessed. I would never buy 20 of anything at one time...1 or 2 and I'm thrilled to death if I get something for free, but I don't 100% let money saving take over my life. Life is still what it is, and it is OK to spend it now and then.

For those of you who are really hardcore, good for you! I will probably never be there...for those of you who are like me...a bit wary of different ways to save...well...give it a try! What have you got to lose? You could be like me...reluctantly frugal, and use all that extra $$ to buy yourself something nice!

Do the thing you fear most and the death of fear is certain.
--Mark Twain

About Me...

I guess I'll do an intro post but I don't know what to say about myself. I'm going to be 30 in November and I'm married to a wonderful Scottish carpenter. My mom and sister live with me and our pets...you'll see the general cast of characters in my life as time wears on.

I like all sorts of things. I'm a hockey fan. I like to scrapbook. I read, watch TV and movies, and even video games. I love to travel. I love Disney. I like learning languages. There is always just so much interesting stuff to see and do.

I grew up poor, but we always had a lot, too. That is because of The Lord and my mom -- the boss. She was the original coupon cutter in my house and was so good at it that she could get things all the time for free. All of my friends wanted to come to my house when I was a kid because we had so much cereal for breakfast.

When I was an adult I was tired of being poor so I didn't think that much about saving and spent my money when I got it on what I wanted. It was a bad plan that got me into trouble, like so many people. I have learned my lesson and have paid for my past, and have turned over a new leaf.

I am not manic about deal hunting like some are, but I can be a bit obsessed...especially when coupons are involved. I spend hours a week searching ads, cutting coupons, figuring out where to shop, and shopping. At this point some of you get it...and some of you think that's too much work, but I make more per hour saving money than I do at my job, by far.

Because of the economy, my financial problems, and the fact that my husband is going through the green card process I'm the only one who has a job right now, though everyone contributes around the house. I've had to be crafty, however. The good news is...this is valuable info I'm learning that will carry over all of my life!

I believe God wants me to learn these lessons to help me in my life. I am a Christian and am trying to live a life that would please Him and make Him proud.

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. "
--C.S. Lewis