Rachel's 2009 Resolutions

I never make New Year's Resolutions... but this year seems like a good year for change. I am determined to accomplish these things, and what better way to make sure they get done than to put them on my blog for everyone to see? ;)

Resolution #1. Get an A in my college course this semester.

I am starting out slowly. I have this enormous, inexplicable fear of college. This will be my third attempt at it (and that is something I am extremely ashamed of). I dropped out of a full course at ODU in 2003 (an administrative withdrawal... no negative effect on my grades, or even any record of my enrollment existing anymore). I decided in 2005 that I would try TCC- and not just any class. Oh no- I was bold enough (or is it stupid enough?) to jump into Human Anatomy and Physiology, along with Lifespan Development. I never really excelled at science in high school, but for some reason I thought it would be fun. I actually did reasonably well until my first exam. Our professor warned us that 60% of his students fail their first exam, and he suggested that the failures drop out and start over again in the next semester. I was one of those failures... but I dropped out for good. Failing reinforced my fear.

So what's so different about this third attempt? Well, first off, I am only taking Eng 111- a freshman course that every degree requires. English is also my favorite subject. I even have new motivation: my daughter. I am determined to be a good example for her; that includes having a college degree. Don't get me wrong- I am doing this for myself first and foremost, but it certainly doesn't hurt to have extra inspiration! I have also been quite motivated by my job with TSA... but as this is a public blog, I won't go into the details of that one. ;)

It is rather embarrassing to have typed that out for (potentially) all the world to see, but there it is. At you all know that I don't give up!

Resolution #2. Pay off my debt.

Now, I really don't have a lot of debt, compared to most people... but it is still more than I ever should have accumulated. I owe about $800 in medical bills (maternity care still- eep! and also Madeline's surgery). I owe about $1800 in credit card debt. $2600- that is the rough total of my debt. Not too bad... but not too good, either! I do owe on my car, of course, but I am not as concerned over that- my car will be paid off in a couple years, as planned.

Resolution #3. Save, save, SAVE!!!

I have no savings. (Wow, this blog is getting embarrassing.) I am one of those paycheck-to-paycheck people. I get my bills paid, and when I have those few extra dollars, I often view it as a "treat" (Ooh, I can finally get some Starbucks, and that awesome shirt on sale over there! Hey- it's a sale: I'm SAVING money, right?!) My mom recently got me hooked to this awesome blog: http://www.thesimpledollar.com/. After reading the guy's story, I immediately realized that I never EVER want to get into a bad financial situation like he was in. I also want to own my own home someday. I want to have a cushion for emergencies (like the tree branch that 'stabbed my car two weeks ago... and my car is STILL in the shop. Ahem.). One thing Brian and I have done is open a savings account for Madeline, which we put money in every month. I am quite proud of that (though I do give the credit to Brian- it was his idea!). Now we just need to plan for our own future!!!

So there you have it. I will try to keep everyone updated on my progress. There are, of course, many more things that I want to do to better myself. I want to read my bible more, strengthen some of my relationships with friends and loved ones, keep my house cleaner... but the three above are resolutions that I have yet to accomplish. These resolutions are uncharted territory!