I have been wanting to give you an update on the cabin and life in general, but every time I go to write one, I feel like I'm having to explain things to put them into context for you. Maybe this post would more accurately be titled "Context," because that's really what I'm hoping to give you - an understanding of my life as it is at this present moment in time.
Is it too much to call these bits of information 'context clues?'
Context Clue #1: Since October, I have been working my way toward a Total Money Makeover, a la Dave Ramsey. Mountain Man purchased the book, and though I've read his Financial Peace book, I found this one to be more what I was looking for, in that it is a more literal step-by-step guide, which Dave himself acknowledges.
Why is this important to you? Because it means in my efforts to achieve financial bliss (probably someone else's personal finance how-to novel) I have canceled my home Internet service, which makes updating the blog slightly more difficult. Sometimes, I'll want to write a post about something but won't have access to the Internet and/or the free personal time to do it. Other times, like now, I'll start a post about one thing (spoiler: the Little Cabin), and be forced to put it on hold because my pictures are on another computer or drive.
Besides that and no more Netflix or Hulu streaming on my Roku, I don't really notice it very much and I'm saving myself $50 a month to put towards 1) my emergency fund, 2) my debt, and 3) our wedding! Fifty big ones may not seem like much, but it was one of my only regular expenses I felt I could live without. Maybe one day I'll tell you all about my othercheapthrifty secrets.
Context Clue #2: Speaking of regular expenses, I have another furbaby in the family! Everyone, please welcome Bandit!!
I wish I had some photos of him looking more alert, but this is the only time he's still enough for me to take a photo!
He and Tucker get along well for the most part, but they have such different personalities! They certainly keep life entertaining.If Clue #1 and Clue #2 seem counterintuitive, know that I already had Bandit at the time I began my financial quest. I'm doing my best to be a gazelle, but I can't just get rid of my furbabies. Sorry, Dave.
Context Clue #3: The last time I spoke about my teaching job in Albertville, all I told you about was the interview. Now that I'm here, things are a little different than what I expected. Most significantly, I am teaching at two schools rather than one.
Not long before school began, I was informed that I would be required to travel to another school - on the other side of the county, coincidentally - for the first two class periods, have one travel period, and then spend the remainder of my day here, where I was offered the position.
You might be able to tell that this arrangement doesn't thrill me.
I tell you this mainly to put into perspective what my workload might be like right now, and to highlight this drag on my ongoing struggle to balance worklife with homelife.
Context Clue #4: I'm planning a wedding!
Oh, my gosh, I'm planning a wedding.
And not very well, I might add! Here we are, 10 months away (which sounds like a lot, but isn't in wedding time), and I've barely done anything. My mother, bless her, has done more than I have at this point! I've got lots of ideas but don't know where to start. Also, balance is key. See above.
Context Clue #5: I nearly forgot this one! Just before I moved to Albertville, I committed to singing/performing with a little group organized by a dear college professor and comprised largely of dear college friends. Our first performance of the season is (tentatively) scheduled for next Saturday, December 21.
I am totally loving it, but I will admit it's something else to juggle.
Honest moment: Balance is my greatest struggle. I am stuck in an eternal loop in which I forget all my past frustration and convince myself that I am Wonder Woman and I can do everything.
So, to recap, in the last 6 months I have . . .
- slashed my expenses (no Internet!)
- welcomed Bandit to the Wild Woman family
- juggled teaching at two schools
thought aboutbegan planning a weddingborrowed Hermoine's Time-Turner- began rehearsing with a new choral group
I would like to say 'Check back soon for an update on the Little Cabin in the Woods!', but in the land of no Internet, 'soon' is a lot more relative, so I think I'll just say:
That's all for now,
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