I do not know how to save money.
I get paid. I buy clothes. or shoes. I go to restaurants. I impulse buy things at Target. & then I have no idea where the rest goes.
I've attempted saving money, putting it in the actual savings account. Then I find myself in a situation where I HAVE to buy the dress that will be sold out of my size if I don't buy it right now... and transfer the money out of savings into checking.
I'm getting better. [by having TWO banking accounts, one that I don't really have the option of getting into... and have saved $40 so far this year - $10 a week :]]
But there is one thing I do not regret spending my money on, and have actually found so much satisfaction in - items that use the money earned from the purchase to change the world, even if it is of only one person.
Today I finally got my TOMS shoes :] and I love wearing them because with every step I know a child somewhere is taking steps in their new shoes too :]. Without my TOMS, a child wouldn't be able to go to school, and now has the opportunity for that while avoiding death causing illnesses that are preventable by simply wearing shoes! [www.TOMSshoes.com - check out the site. and buy a pair. and if you have little feet, like mine, I wear a youth size 5]
Today I ALSO got my shirt from LiNK. LiNK, Liberty in North Korea, is an organization that was started in 2004 by passionate people who learned about the lack of freedom in the country and wanted to raise awareness and bring about change. I know the purchase from the shirt is not going directly into the pocket of a North Korean who has no food or a place to live, but wearing the shirt raises awareness. Writing about wearing the shirt raises awareness. I was completely ignorant to the complexity of the situation in North Korea until my friend from Invisible Children asked if i'd try and host a viewing of their video here on Bethel's campus [which I am currently trying to work out all the details for]. My LiNK shirt will not directly change laws allowing people to say, write, or even think what they want. But it is forward motion. & that is always positive.
[ www.LiNKglobal.org - visit the site. educate yourself on another part of the world. & even buy a shirt.].
Now that is money well spent :]
Resolution updates: pop free for 29 days :] slacking in reading my Bible daily :/ but still trying. & forget to take my hair vitamins more than I take them - a new approach to remembering = putting the bottle in a place where it is seen first thing when I wake up, like right next to my toothbrush :]
Quote of the Day: courtesy of Pua Hall [my wonderful friend and teammate who resides in the beautiful state of Hawaii]. "I just found out that Cincinnati is not a state... I think I got it confused with Connecticut. All your long state and city names confuse me."
:]
<><
Friday, January 29, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sophomore Status. Ugh.
Since I haven't posted anything in far too long, here is a list of recent happenings:
1. I didn't read my Bible about 6 days in a row :/ but there is good news - I just finished reading Jeremiah 18 & 19 and am determined to read every day this week.
2. Still no pop :] & with much effort on a few occasions when it was right at my fingertips [aka in our fridge in the apartment and a late night craving sent me into a frenzy making raspberry lemonade to try and curb the craving - it helped enough that I didn't give in].
3. Still taking the hair vitamins. Can't really tell if it's actually helped, but I just pretend it does.
4. The weekly saving of $10 to add up in the bank for the whole year [and will eventually have saved $520 by 2011] has been consistent - now I just have to keep it in the bank and not spend it!
5. I recently discovered I am not a 1st semester junior as I thought, I am indeed still considered a sophomore... really? next fall I should be a senior, and I still have soph status. that was a kick to the stomach.
6. Worship chapel was amazing on Wednesday.
7. Coach Pete, my soccer coach, resigned.
8. Spring Break = Florida with the beautiful Brittnee Neal :]
9. Adolescent Literature is the worst class. In the world.
10. I decided my future career is to be a trainer for women during pregancy and post birth :]
11. Last week was the biggest stress week of my life.
12. This weekend was the best weekend ever.
13. This week will be the least stressy week. :] Thank you Jesus for that.
14. Today, Monday, is one of my fave during the week = going to watch Mark play intermural basketball with Brittnee, then sleepover party at her apartment :] :] :] :]
Joke of the Day: There are two muffins in the oven, and one muffin says "daaaang it's hot in here!" and the other muffin looks over in shocked and says "oh my word a talking muffin!?!??"
:] it's a classic.
For the few who read, I'll try and be more consistent this week in posting
1. I didn't read my Bible about 6 days in a row :/ but there is good news - I just finished reading Jeremiah 18 & 19 and am determined to read every day this week.
2. Still no pop :] & with much effort on a few occasions when it was right at my fingertips [aka in our fridge in the apartment and a late night craving sent me into a frenzy making raspberry lemonade to try and curb the craving - it helped enough that I didn't give in].
3. Still taking the hair vitamins. Can't really tell if it's actually helped, but I just pretend it does.
4. The weekly saving of $10 to add up in the bank for the whole year [and will eventually have saved $520 by 2011] has been consistent - now I just have to keep it in the bank and not spend it!
5. I recently discovered I am not a 1st semester junior as I thought, I am indeed still considered a sophomore... really? next fall I should be a senior, and I still have soph status. that was a kick to the stomach.
6. Worship chapel was amazing on Wednesday.
7. Coach Pete, my soccer coach, resigned.
8. Spring Break = Florida with the beautiful Brittnee Neal :]
9. Adolescent Literature is the worst class. In the world.
10. I decided my future career is to be a trainer for women during pregancy and post birth :]
11. Last week was the biggest stress week of my life.
12. This weekend was the best weekend ever.
13. This week will be the least stressy week. :] Thank you Jesus for that.
14. Today, Monday, is one of my fave during the week = going to watch Mark play intermural basketball with Brittnee, then sleepover party at her apartment :] :] :] :]
Joke of the Day: There are two muffins in the oven, and one muffin says "daaaang it's hot in here!" and the other muffin looks over in shocked and says "oh my word a talking muffin!?!??"
:] it's a classic.
For the few who read, I'll try and be more consistent this week in posting
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Never Have I Ever...
...kept all my New Years Resolutions for this stretch of time [12 days. kind of pathetic. but true]
...been anxious to fall asleep so I could wake up and open my Bible
...had this much homework to do on the 4th day of classes.
until now :]
The past few days have been roller coaster highs of spending time with friends, church, and chapel, to the lows of realizing my work load this semester and my never ending indecisiveness about how to use my degree and the length of time it is going to take me to complete my undergraduate work. I love learning. And am so thankful I have the option to go to college, something many women do not have, however I struggle with the thought that I'm getting my degree in exercise science. Which basically means I can be a personal trainer. Which you can technically do without a degree and just take certification classes. Degree= thousands of dollars. Certification= a lot less than that. I love what I am learning. It's interesting. It's fun. It's so useful for knowing how to live a healthy life and to also encourage others to do the same. But really... I just want to be a soccer mom.
Jeremiah 10:23 - "I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps." So. I will not direct my own steps, but be directed by His. And study hard. Love dramatically. Practice & play passionatly. & wait for God's direction. [and being a personal trainer for women pre- & post- pregnancy sounds like a wonderful goal].
Other thoughts: Since January 5th, when I made my New Year Resolutions, I have read Jeremiah 1-11. And am continually shocked that despite God's constant reminder to throw out all ungodliness and obey Him, Israel continually chose to forsake God. The word forsake is to choose to forget or set aside. I wonder if I too am guilty of the same sin, however I think there is a difference in choosing to forget God and ignoring His commands than simply allowing myself to become too consumed with things of this world - school. soccer. social activities, and not giving enough of myself to Him. That is my prayer, & something I have been thinking about throughout my days; that I will not forget my God. I will think of my Savior. Praise Him. & acknowledge Him in all my actions throughout the day.
pop=none.
vitamins=every day.
Bible= 2/2 this week.
<><
...been anxious to fall asleep so I could wake up and open my Bible
...had this much homework to do on the 4th day of classes.
until now :]
The past few days have been roller coaster highs of spending time with friends, church, and chapel, to the lows of realizing my work load this semester and my never ending indecisiveness about how to use my degree and the length of time it is going to take me to complete my undergraduate work. I love learning. And am so thankful I have the option to go to college, something many women do not have, however I struggle with the thought that I'm getting my degree in exercise science. Which basically means I can be a personal trainer. Which you can technically do without a degree and just take certification classes. Degree= thousands of dollars. Certification= a lot less than that. I love what I am learning. It's interesting. It's fun. It's so useful for knowing how to live a healthy life and to also encourage others to do the same. But really... I just want to be a soccer mom.
Jeremiah 10:23 - "I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps." So. I will not direct my own steps, but be directed by His. And study hard. Love dramatically. Practice & play passionatly. & wait for God's direction. [and being a personal trainer for women pre- & post- pregnancy sounds like a wonderful goal].Other thoughts: Since January 5th, when I made my New Year Resolutions, I have read Jeremiah 1-11. And am continually shocked that despite God's constant reminder to throw out all ungodliness and obey Him, Israel continually chose to forsake God. The word forsake is to choose to forget or set aside. I wonder if I too am guilty of the same sin, however I think there is a difference in choosing to forget God and ignoring His commands than simply allowing myself to become too consumed with things of this world - school. soccer. social activities, and not giving enough of myself to Him. That is my prayer, & something I have been thinking about throughout my days; that I will not forget my God. I will think of my Savior. Praise Him. & acknowledge Him in all my actions throughout the day.
pop=none.
vitamins=every day.
Bible= 2/2 this week.
<><
Friday, January 8, 2010
[Compassion]
To simplify the past 2 days, I'll make a list, because I love making lists and have them all over my room on post-it notes and throughout my planner.
Thursday, Jan 7th
1. I simply ran out of time to write about the day's happenings as I was being productive with working ahead on homework, working out, and reunited with friends who have been away in the Dominican Republic for a semester abroad while watching the National Championship Game [that I actually didn't watch].
2. I read my Bible first thing in the morning - actually at 6am when I woke up 3 hours before my alarm and couldn't fall back asleep. Another 'hooray' to Jesus for giving me the desire and for myself for listening to Him :]
3. The first opportunity to actually choose pop as a beverage came at dinner time, and I chose water. Another hooray for myself as I was desperate for a cherry coke to go with my pizza.
Today, Friday, Jan 8th
1. I set my alarm for 7:50 as my first class is at 9. This would allow me to read my Bible for at least 10 minutes before getting out of bed and preparing for the day.
2. I didn't turn my alarm on... so I was woken up [thankfully!] by my roommate at 8:30... meaning I had to rush in order to make it to my class at 9:02 :/ and did not read my Bible.
3. I have remembered to take my vitamin 3 days in a row. And that is a record :]
4. Chapel was AMAZING. First, the speaker worked for Compassion, which does child sponsoring, enabling kids to go to school, receive food and health care, etc. He showed a video about children in poverty and the impact that $38 a month can have a child's life. And it was just another reminder that I feel God putting on my heart that this is something I need to involve myself in. We are commanded to love. & to ignore someone in need, that we are fully capable of providing living necessities for those who cannot provide them for themselves, would be contrary to how God wants us to live our lives. If buying a new dress means someone goes without a meal, then I no longer want to make that choice. Once I start working in the admission office again [in one week] I will be able to write my first check to help a little girl go to school, have food, and most importantly feel the same hope and love that I have come to known through Christ.
- "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all those who are destitute." -Proverbs 31:8.
-Every 14 seconds a child is orphaned by AIDS
-1.4 million children die each year from preventable causes
One person cannot change the world. I cannot change the whole world. But I can pour myself into a few people, and change their world.
My challenge to you, the few who read my posts : is there something you can sacrifice so a child can receive medication necessary for survival, education, food, and hope?
JOTD: [courtesy of Josh Stannard - check out his website, a tshirt brand called Doxa, meaning glory, that has Christ at the center of their company & is using their gift of art and creativeness to get the gospel out. and if you're really ambitious, buy a shirt, then you'll be prepared for the up and coming "doxa day" with event details to be posted here & on facebook]
-Doctor: "I have good news and I have bad news"
-Patient: "Go with the good news first"
-Doctor: "You only have 24 hours to live"
-Patient: "What!?!? How about the bad news?"
-Doctor: "umm... I forgot to tell you yesterday"
Thursday, Jan 7th
1. I simply ran out of time to write about the day's happenings as I was being productive with working ahead on homework, working out, and reunited with friends who have been away in the Dominican Republic for a semester abroad while watching the National Championship Game [that I actually didn't watch].
2. I read my Bible first thing in the morning - actually at 6am when I woke up 3 hours before my alarm and couldn't fall back asleep. Another 'hooray' to Jesus for giving me the desire and for myself for listening to Him :]
3. The first opportunity to actually choose pop as a beverage came at dinner time, and I chose water. Another hooray for myself as I was desperate for a cherry coke to go with my pizza.
Today, Friday, Jan 8th
1. I set my alarm for 7:50 as my first class is at 9. This would allow me to read my Bible for at least 10 minutes before getting out of bed and preparing for the day.
2. I didn't turn my alarm on... so I was woken up [thankfully!] by my roommate at 8:30... meaning I had to rush in order to make it to my class at 9:02 :/ and did not read my Bible.
3. I have remembered to take my vitamin 3 days in a row. And that is a record :]
4. Chapel was AMAZING. First, the speaker worked for Compassion, which does child sponsoring, enabling kids to go to school, receive food and health care, etc. He showed a video about children in poverty and the impact that $38 a month can have a child's life. And it was just another reminder that I feel God putting on my heart that this is something I need to involve myself in. We are commanded to love. & to ignore someone in need, that we are fully capable of providing living necessities for those who cannot provide them for themselves, would be contrary to how God wants us to live our lives. If buying a new dress means someone goes without a meal, then I no longer want to make that choice. Once I start working in the admission office again [in one week] I will be able to write my first check to help a little girl go to school, have food, and most importantly feel the same hope and love that I have come to known through Christ.
- "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all those who are destitute." -Proverbs 31:8.
-Every 14 seconds a child is orphaned by AIDS
-1.4 million children die each year from preventable causes
One person cannot change the world. I cannot change the whole world. But I can pour myself into a few people, and change their world.
My challenge to you, the few who read my posts : is there something you can sacrifice so a child can receive medication necessary for survival, education, food, and hope?
JOTD: [courtesy of Josh Stannard - check out his website, a tshirt brand called Doxa, meaning glory, that has Christ at the center of their company & is using their gift of art and creativeness to get the gospel out. and if you're really ambitious, buy a shirt, then you'll be prepared for the up and coming "doxa day" with event details to be posted here & on facebook]
-Doctor: "I have good news and I have bad news"
-Patient: "Go with the good news first"
-Doctor: "You only have 24 hours to live"
-Patient: "What!?!? How about the bad news?"
-Doctor: "umm... I forgot to tell you yesterday"
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Wow. That's A Lot Of Snow.
Current Location: Apartment [empty] @ Bethel.
Current Snow level: A LOT.
Current Activities: Solo dance party until the roommates get here. Unpacking stuff. Buying books for the semester.
Resolution status: 6 days without pop. hooray! Read Jeremiah 1 & 2 this morning. Right when I woke up. & it wasn't because I felt I HAD to for my resolution sake, but because i truly WANTED to :] The first thing on my mind as my eyes opened to the tune of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance was "hm... now where is my Bible". Thank you Jesus for making that be the first thought of the day!
I'm sitting at Sara's desk as I write. I'm not sure why I didn't choose to sit at my own desk... anyways, she has, without knowing, reminded me of another thing I want to do this year. I want to 'adopt' a child through World Help or another organization of that kind and sponsor a child, because right now I am looking at the beautiful face of the little girl that Sara is sponsoring. $30 a month and a child can be clothed, fed, and given education. What do I need that extra $30 for? To be more materialistic than I am already am thanks to the culture I have been raised in? So for a child, I will sacrifice $30 a month. And it will bring a child hope, me joy, and my Father pleased that I have used what I'm blessed with to bless someone else, rather than being selfish.
Watch This Video. & then choose to do something.
2010 so far... so rad :]
PS: roomies... hurry up and come back. It's boring in this place without you!!
PSS: Shout out to my husband Joshua McKenna who is also growing his hair out this year :P
JOTD: [written by yours truly this past summer at On Goal camp to amuse my fellow coaches and confuse the campers as the punch line is not funny in the slightest... making it hilarious when we would try to 'explain' the joke to the campers... who after a few minutes would agree that "i geeet iit!! hahahahah" and laugh as if there was something to get... so enjoy!]
-There is a guy and he has $5 and is very hungry. So he goes to a McDonald's and orders a hamburger, but that is only $3.. so he decides he would also like some fries, but those are only $1. So he still has a dollar to spend... what does he do with his extra dollar?...
= ...HE BOUGHT A MILKSHAKE!!!!!
<><
Current Snow level: A LOT.
Current Activities: Solo dance party until the roommates get here. Unpacking stuff. Buying books for the semester.
Resolution status: 6 days without pop. hooray! Read Jeremiah 1 & 2 this morning. Right when I woke up. & it wasn't because I felt I HAD to for my resolution sake, but because i truly WANTED to :] The first thing on my mind as my eyes opened to the tune of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance was "hm... now where is my Bible". Thank you Jesus for making that be the first thought of the day!
I'm sitting at Sara's desk as I write. I'm not sure why I didn't choose to sit at my own desk... anyways, she has, without knowing, reminded me of another thing I want to do this year. I want to 'adopt' a child through World Help or another organization of that kind and sponsor a child, because right now I am looking at the beautiful face of the little girl that Sara is sponsoring. $30 a month and a child can be clothed, fed, and given education. What do I need that extra $30 for? To be more materialistic than I am already am thanks to the culture I have been raised in? So for a child, I will sacrifice $30 a month. And it will bring a child hope, me joy, and my Father pleased that I have used what I'm blessed with to bless someone else, rather than being selfish.
Watch This Video. & then choose to do something.
2010 so far... so rad :]
PS: roomies... hurry up and come back. It's boring in this place without you!!
PSS: Shout out to my husband Joshua McKenna who is also growing his hair out this year :P
JOTD: [written by yours truly this past summer at On Goal camp to amuse my fellow coaches and confuse the campers as the punch line is not funny in the slightest... making it hilarious when we would try to 'explain' the joke to the campers... who after a few minutes would agree that "i geeet iit!! hahahahah" and laugh as if there was something to get... so enjoy!]
-There is a guy and he has $5 and is very hungry. So he goes to a McDonald's and orders a hamburger, but that is only $3.. so he decides he would also like some fries, but those are only $1. So he still has a dollar to spend... what does he do with his extra dollar?...
= ...HE BOUGHT A MILKSHAKE!!!!!
<><
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Hello 2010 [a couple days late]
I have never had a blog.
I have never made a New Year's Resolution.
2010 has made me 2/2 in these to items :].
Alyssa has inspired me to start a blog that will hopefully keep me dedicated & consistent in my resolutions, which include the following:
1. No pop [the goal is to make it through January and February, then build from there, 12 months sounds very intimidating].
2. Reading my Bible at least 5 days a week when I wake up - BEFORE I start my day.
3. Grow long hair [aka take my prenatal vitamins that improve hair and nail growth and quality, not that I'm preparing for a baby].
4. Overall live healthier, love bigger, grow emotionally, spritually, physically, & intellectually.
Today was a good day.
Mile and half run with Biz. 30 minute cardio work-out after that.
Packed stuff for school.
Dinner with Ally.
& no pop :]
So to end my posts, I decided I want an above average blog, and in order to that I'm going to have a joke of the day :]
JOTD: What is pink and smells like purple paint...
=PINK paint :]
<><
I have never made a New Year's Resolution.
2010 has made me 2/2 in these to items :].
Alyssa has inspired me to start a blog that will hopefully keep me dedicated & consistent in my resolutions, which include the following:
1. No pop [the goal is to make it through January and February, then build from there, 12 months sounds very intimidating].
2. Reading my Bible at least 5 days a week when I wake up - BEFORE I start my day.
3. Grow long hair [aka take my prenatal vitamins that improve hair and nail growth and quality, not that I'm preparing for a baby].
4. Overall live healthier, love bigger, grow emotionally, spritually, physically, & intellectually.
Today was a good day.
Mile and half run with Biz. 30 minute cardio work-out after that.
Packed stuff for school.
Dinner with Ally.
& no pop :]
So to end my posts, I decided I want an above average blog, and in order to that I'm going to have a joke of the day :]
JOTD: What is pink and smells like purple paint...
=PINK paint :]
<><
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