I’ve had a few blog posts sitting in my queue for a while now but for someone reason I don’t feel like publishing them. But I guess the good thing is that this is my blog so I can publish what I want
So, instead of doing a “how-to” today I just thought I’d give you a little glimpse into what life’s been like over the past few weeks.
Working from Home
This is still going good. Not as good as what I had originally hoped but I might have had some high expectations.
I actually turned my focus to a few unfinished projects I had going on, which is where I’ve spent the majority of my time this week. I’ve been working on some projects that I really enjoy and that will benefit me in the long term rather than the short term.
I am still doing quite a bit of writing for others as well. (And determining which magazines I want to pitch.)
Birthday Party Success
Kailyn did end up getting to have her birthday party last weekend despite the bad weather. She ended up having a ton of fun.
And, I made peace with my brother so that his kids could come to the party. I’ve been missing my nephew pretty bad so it was so good to finally spend some time with him again. Going into this I’m definitely going to be more cautious about things but holding a grudge against my brother isn’t worth missing out on my nephew’s life.
It feels good to bury the hatchet.
Spending
Spending is technically up since Christmas is approaching but the increase in spending is all gift related.
I’ve actually saved on normal expenses since working from home. I’m only spending about $50 a month (maybe less) on gas now and my food budget has went down too.
One of my bad habits used to be stopping at the gas station in the morning before work and buying energy shots at three bucks a pop. Since I don’t leave the house now this has come to a stop. However, I do still stock up on the cheap energy shots when I visit Kroger or the Dollar Store.
Exercising/Getting Out of the House
One word: awful.
Seriously, I am lucky that I have a high metabolism or I probably would have packed on some serious weight over this past month. I really don’t eat much (in fact sometimes I have to force myself to eat.) But I haven’t been active at all.
About once a week I force myself to take a walk and I feel great and energized after I do. I tell myself that I will exercise everyday but then – I don’t.
I gotta get myself up and moving.
On top of all that I’m hardly getting out of the house. I wish my Dad’s store wasn’t so far away or I’d take my laptop and work from there a few days a week.
It’s way too cold to spend too much time outdoors right now so I’m going to have to start visiting my mom or something once a week so that I can get out of the house.
Ok my rambling is over. That’s what life is looking like around here.
How’s everything been going for you?
I’ve worked a lot these days. The business is thriving, fortunately, so I do have quite some work to do. Happy to hear you enjoy your new life, having more time for your family is clearly a great thing
I’m so glad your business is thriving. That’s awesome!
I’m a daily walker 9 months out of the year, but I really struggle during the wet/gray/cold season here in Georgia. I have a neighbor who walks every single day no matter what. He’s an inspiration out there with his raincoat, hat and boots!
I really need to start walking. Or doing something – anything – for exercise. I always feel so much better when I do but I’m struggling to get myself moving!
I run a couple times a weeks since I sit writing for hours and my day job has be chained to a desk. I know what you mean about the weather. This is the first year I’ve forced myself out in the cold. I live in Canada. Running when the ground is icy and snow is hard but I feel so much better. Good luck with your walking. I know it really clears my head.
Mo Town! Just dance around the house and goof off! You won’t be able to sit still.
Lack of exercise is the worst thing about working at home. I feel the same way…if I didn’t have a high metabolism I would probably be 300 pounds! I’m ready for spring!
That’s why on most days I try and do it first thing in the morning. The quote goes, “Exercise before your brain catches on to what you’re doing!” As you know, once you’re out there, you feel awesome.
Alexa, after my hike my exercise routine has basically gone to zero. I’ll play some sports but that’s about it. If you end up figuring out a way to establish a lasting routine, please post about it.
I also find a pretty big gas savings now that I work from home — it’s funny how much we spend just getting to work and getting back home.
You guys got so much snow, I cannot wait until we get an actual snow like that so I can bundle Emmett up and take pictures of his first time with snow.
I hope working from home gets better for you and reaches your expectations. I know how you feel, it can be scary!
I know what you mean about the exercising. When I go take my dog out for walk I feel great after. However, it is so hard to get the motivation especially when it is freezing cold!
You and the girls are cute. Glad you mended the relationship with your brother. That is good, especially around the holidays. No big plans for me this weekend, just a gig and hopefully finding some more
“in fact sometimes I have to force myself to eat.” I have SO never had this problem. lol! I have skinny friends who never work out and wonder how it’s possible.
Glad you were still able to have the birthday party!
Hey Alexa…
Boy do I hear ya about the exercise!!
I was really happy to read that you and your brother are back on speaking terms again…especially during this time of year. You said it perfectly “…holding a grudge against my brother isn’t worth missing out on my nephew’s life…” I’m sure your nephew feels the same way
Thanks again for a wonderful post and for sharing how things are going in your daily life. It’s good to read that you are doing well!!
Take care and all the best.
Lyle
Glad to hear how great things are going for you. But the most that I find touching is your reconciliation with your brother. That was a very admirable move.
I haven’t been working out lately either. I also eat more than usual since it’s December and I get to go to some supplier sponsored and work parties. No more excuses in January! It looks like you’re enjoying your time with the girls and I am sure January will be a much busier month for you in terms of work. It’s awfully quiet in my office during the holidays, but work normally picks up in January. Happy holidays!
I can hear you on not getting out the house. That is one of my biggest fears for when I finally do retire. It’s just too easy to stay inside (especially when its cold outside).
I really enjoyed this post : ) I should really write a more personal post sometime soon. I’m afraid of energy shots even though I consume massive amounts of coffee and have a can of pop a day. I used to drink more energy drinks before I drank coffee, but have since stopped for the most part.
Glad to hear you and your brother buried the hatchet and everybody was able to get together for your daughter’s birthday. And also good to hear that the snow didn’t interfere with the party…I’ve been hearing that this winter will be especially harsh…I’m not looking forward to that.
I really want to exercise every day but it’s just too hard to do that.
Whenever I sit down in front of my laptop I can’t hardly stop working.
I’ve got a coffee shop pretty close to my apartment that I haul the laptop to some days when I need a change of scenery. It seems silly to go buy coffee I could just make, but the coffee shop atmosphere is enticingly creative.
So glad things are going better with your brother, Alexa!!! I know it must’ve taken lots of work to bury the hatchet after everything that’s happened with him. I hope he’s maybe starting to straighten up a bit? Sounds like you’ve had some really fun days this month, and that’s always worth the effort, isn’t it? We haven’t been doing a whole lot of outdoor stuff due to sub-zero temps, but it’s warming up a bit now, so we’ll do some ice skating and sledding soon, hopefully.