What a ride

The past few weeks have been pretty crazy.  On December 29^th, we woke up with the flu.  Of course our biggest fear was that the newborn might get it, and sure enough, a few days later he did.  He and his parents rang in the new year from a hospital room.  And he’s back in the hospital again, apparently he also developed an ear infection, and can’t kick the cough (none of us can) and he was refusing to eat.  But I’m told he’s much better today and might even come home.  This has been miserable for all of us and I am so ready to discover anew what “normal” feels like.

I’d like to say I’ve been focused on my frugal goals because it’s a new year but seriously, with all of us sick we’re barely putting one foot in front of the other.  It’s been a chore to keep enough clean laundry around, and some sort of food on the table.  But just before Christmas I did make a list of goals, I’m sure it’s not complete but it’s a place to begin.  Some are related to being frugal, others are not.  Here’s what I have at the moment.

In 2013 I plan to:

Travel to New Orleans to my nephew’s wedding in April

Travel to Italy

Complete at least 2 semesters

Make bread at least once a week

Continue menu planning and cooking from scratch 4-5 nights per week

Continue my quest to utilize leftovers so there is no waste

Bring breakfast to work every day, eliminating my personal relationship with the drive-thru person at Burger King

Pay down credit card and KEEP it down this time

Increase personal savings, in addition to travel fund

Make most, if not all, gifts again this year

Further declutter my house, beginning with my bedroom closet

 

Regarding gifts, there will be several quilts made this year.  I’m sure people will be expecting their annual pajama pants at Christmas and I have no problem continuing that tradition but to accomplish that, it has to be spread out over the year.  I never want to get caught at the last minute having to buy fabric and make a dozen pair of PJs!  That would not be frugal or fun.  And half the fun is taking advantage of sales throughout the year to get the best possible price on new fabrics.  At least that’s fun for me.