Eating an Elephant - Part 3

Our monthly debt update looks like this.  I get more and more excited every month!

We have paid off $8,700.07 in debt!

August 1, 2010 Total Debt

(excluding the house)

$41,704.45

February 28, 2011 Total Debt

(excluding the house)

$33,004.38

Another Year

Yesterday was my birthday, but I'm not telling how many this makes.  Ok, well 33.

My sweet  husband, friends and family made it really special.  I am truly blessed far beyond what I deserve.

First, Tommy got up early and headed to my office.  When I arrived, he had balloons, birthday banners, and lots of St. Patrick's Day fun stuff.  Yes, I know I'm lucky to have such a sweet man.

Then, he gave me this little goodie.  I died!

iPad 2

Between the calls, texts, 50+ messages on Facebook and the other happies I received, I really felt special yesterday.  It's good to be loved!

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!

Noah's First Play - "The Dining Room"

Last weekend, Noah performed in his first high school production called "The Dining Room" written by A.R. Gurney.  Noah played three parts in the play which all took place in a dining room, of course!  The play centered around the dying culture of dinner in the dining room and the upper middle class.  Noah's first part was as a pre-teen boy, Michael, who was sad because his nanny/maid/friend was leaving to get married.  His second part was as a carpenter, Paul, who had been hired to fix the aging table and is oblivious to the flirtations of the newly single lady of the house.  The last part is was the son of the family patriarch, Dick, who is trying to avoid his father's requests to talk about his funeral wishes. 

I am SO proud of Noah for actually getting up on stage in front of everyone and really getting into character.  He has always been my more introverted child and it was nice to see him emerge from his shell and really shine.

You can read the article from our local newspaper here.  "The Dining Room" ran February 24-26, 2011.

Noah, in costume and being silly, with my sweet grandparents.

Eating an Elephant - Part 2

For years, my money has controlled me.  I have always wanted to open a children's resale/consignment boutique, but money (well, lack of) has derailed this dream.  It has also caused me to worry, have strife in my marriage and live what I feel like has been an existence of shame.  I have never known if my loan application, car financing, or credit card request would be denied and it made me feel worthless and out of control.

But, Tommy and I have begun to change!  Back in August I posted that we were beginning a budget and trying to get a plan together to work on our debt.  You can read that post here:  Eating an Elephant - Part 1.

I wanted to take the time to give a little update on our progress.

August 1, 2010 Total Debt

(excluding the house)

$41,704.45

January 31, 2011 Total Debt

(excluding the house)

$34,368.88

We have paid off $7,335.57 in only 7 months!

I am so proud of us!  Although we have had some setbacks (car repairs, house repairs, etc.), we have stayed on course and are beginning to see the fruits of all our hard work.  I'll keep you updated!  I can't wait for the day that I can scream that I am debt free!

FYI,  I have a budget spreadsheet that I am happy to share.  If you would like a copy, leave me a comment and I will pass it on.