A Spattering of Nothing Characteristic of Me...

I honestly can't believe I'm writing a post about organization. Sometimes I feel like the most unorganized person! But, this year, we came to a realization that we needed to begin to simplify and organize our life a bit more. Specifically in the area of finances. Wow. I'm actually getting bored as I write this! Sorry! So, I'll make it quick and just let you know that 2010 has been significantly changed by this simple tool...



I used a simple sectioned file folder (this one happens to be Real Simple brand), and split it into 6 sections
1. Handle ASAP (for important things to be addressed NOW)
2. Bills 1-15
3. Bills 16-30
4. Appointments
5. Tithe
6. Receipts

When I get our mail I sort it into one of the 6 sections. In addition, I place cards/notes on the refrigerator temporarily. If the piece of mail doesn't fit one of those categories, it goes in the trash. This has made for a smooth transition into 2010. So, if the bills need to be paid sometime from the 1st-15th, it goes in that tab, and I pay these bills online on the first. If they need to be paid sometime from the 16th-30th, it goes in that tab, and I pay those bills online on the fifteenth. Any appointments (dentist, optometrist, etc...) go in the appointment tab and it's each of our responsibilities to check and stay on top of those for ourselves. The tithe tab is where I file all of our correspondence with mission organizations, non-profits and other organizations or individuals that we give to on a monthly basis. I also pay these online on the 1st or the 15th when I'm paying the bills. The receipts tab is for any purchases using our debit card, so we can keep track of money coming out of checking.

In addition to this simple folder, my fabulous husband created our 2010 budget while I was out to breakfast with a friend. Oh, yes, what a great hubby he is! I HATE creating budgets. Anyway, we log our spending weekly and are keeping track of things MUCH better than we did last year... I can already see and feel a difference.

New Year's "Resolutions"
So... although I talked in a previous post about Donald Miller's New Year's "write your narrative" instead of "resolutions" challenge, I'm still trying to wrap my head around how that plays out for me... I do plan to think and perhaps write more, but until then, I wanted to share a few of my hopes and goals for 2010.

1. Read at least 30 non-fiction spiritual growth, writing, or blogging (you know, make-me-a-stronger-better person) books
2. Strive for simplicity (fleshed out much more in my journal, but for here & now, this will suffice)
3. Blog/journal at least twice a week
4. Exercise 3 times a week
5. Clean up budget/finances "system" (yeah for a head start on this one!!!)
6. Limit time online to 30 minutes/day outside of blogging
7. Dialogue at least once a month with friends (listed in journal) to keep me accountable to acting on this list & other "stirrings" in my soul & heart


Ahh.... although I have been wanting to blog about all that, it really was a bit painful! Like I said, this kind of writing is uncharacteristic, and a tad counterintuitive to me. So, now that I've shared what I feel I need to about the start of 2010, I can look forward with anticipation to finally beginning to do what I've been longing to with this blog... WRITE ANYWAY.

I realize that the purpose of this blog should have been outlined in my first post, but I rarely do things that way! And anyway, I honestly don't think I was even certain WHAT the purpose of this blog was at that time. But now, I think I know. At least for the time being...
Let this be my tag line...
In the midst of life and all responsibilities, in the middle of a mile-long "to do" list, in the buzz of societal pressures to stay busy and press onward, I'M WRITING ANYWAY. Even though I have big dreams, and yet daily feel unsure of how to write creatively and allow the words in my heart to be put on paper (or the blogosphere) ;), I'M WRITING ANYWAY.

Although I might occasionally have "uncharacteristic" writings, or posts about life, simple stories about our family or the great new pair of shoes I happened across at the mall... that's OK because I'M WRITING ANYWAY...