In Progress...#4, #14, #15, #49, #63

I added a new list - "In Progress". To that list, I added (and deleted from "Todo") the following items:

#4. Save $(private) every paycheck

#14. Run 5 days a week for a month

#15. Start every day with a todo list - for a month

#49. Track my spending and keep a monthly budget for three consecutive months

#63. Drink at least three water bottles of water (66 oz) a day for two weeks.

#4. Save $(private) every paycheck

I think I might be the most excited about starting this goal. I was saving a lot before, when I was employed - but since January, when I got laid off, I haven't been able to save much, if anything. I'm SOOOO grateful to once again have a job and be able to put money away and still have a life. I have a lot of money goals this month that aren't on my list - this includes paying off my credit card (not too bad) and making a huge payment towards my car, to make up for the minimum payments I've been making over the past few months. That being said, I am still pretty optimistic about being able to save my goal amount this month.

#14. Run 5 days a week for a month

So basically, I'm going to run 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. I purposely didn't specify how far or for how long - because I think for me, as long as I get in about 30 minutes each time - I'm good. This is more about starting a routine - a five day a week, no questions asked routine. After I get that down, I can amend my goal to include time, or distance. I'm starting officially today, July 7 - and since it's already Tuesday, I've got to work out every day from today till Saturday for this week to count...

#15. Start every day with a todo list - for a month

I've done it sporadically for about a month now - but I need to be more disciplined and do it everyday. I am really forgetful. It's sad. But when I write stuff down, I am so much more productive. I get things done. I think I mentioned this before, but I truly am motivated by the simple task of being able to check something off a list. It's exciting! Another motivation is the cute little diary/notebook that has been sitting on my bookshelf, unused, for years. I've designated this my "Todo Book" and have done a great job of keeping it in my bag for my list. Now I just need to get better at using it daily. I'm ready to have a productive month... First thing I get to check off is the writing of this blog post...

#49. Track my spending and keep a monthly budget for three consecutive months.

I did this for several months last year, after I bought my car. It was EXTREMELY helpful. I was able to rework my budget to afford to make a huge car payment, cutting down the amount of interest I pay in the long run. I stopped budgeting in Jan when I lost my job (probably a bad time to do that). But I'm ready to start again. I have my spreadsheet ready to go and July is looking good!

#63. Drink at least three bottles of water (66 oz) a day - for two weeks.

I think if I can manage this for two weeks, it will become a habit and I'll be able to keep it up long term. I already drink a lot of water all the time. It's my drink of choice. But I don't track how much I drink and I know somedays I definitely don't drink enough. I have this great little 22 oz water bottle (thank you Elance) that I take to work with me regularly (at my PT jobs, and now at my FT job). Three a day is easy. It's just about remembering. I am already one bottle #4 today... Call me an overachiever.