Currently

Loving: My home. Although it's not as big as I'd like (or we need sometimes), it is enough. I know that by us staying in a smaller apartment we are saving money to eventually buy a house. I've often thought about us renting a three bedroom apartment while we save for a house, but to be honest the thought of packing, unpacking and the extra money we'd be paying a month just does not seem worth it to me. Instead I feel as though our apartment can be decorated and the furniture arranged to be our home. There is nothing better than coming home to a clean apartment and enjoying the patio that has plants and flowers. I love having our books and miscellaneous decor set just right. There's something calming about it.

Reading: I am reading House Rules by Jodi Picoult. Although her books tend to be about difficult topics (such as suicide, cancer, school shootings, etc) there is something about them that draws me in. I have read a few of her books so far and hope to finishih reading all of them (I just have to finish my collection) because they are so well written. I have yet to be disappointed and I really do think she is my favorite author. This book so far has grabbed my attention from the very first page. I have enjoyed reading before bed, on the patio with a glass of wine and I definitely enjoy reading it while on the stationary bike at the gym.

Watching: Patrick and I just finished watching the second season of Sherlock (the BBC version). I've seen all of the episodes before, but he had only watched the first episode with me. I finally talked him into watching the last two episodes. And now we do the waiting game before the next season premieres sometime in 2014. This is one of my all time favorite television shows, so it's difficult to accept that the seasons are only three episodes each and that it takes a year or two between seasons. In the meantime I will have to try to find something to hold my attention. Maybe I'll continue watching How I Met Your Mother on DVD or even finish up the last few seasons I have on DVD for Grey's Anatomy. I'm not a huge fan of most things on TV right now and it takes me quite a while to start something new, including a new movie, so it might just be the same old things for now.

Anticipating: Patrick and I will be going to two concerts this month. The first is tomorrow in Santa Barbara. Patrick bought tickets for us to go see Jason Mraz for my birthday in March. He is one of my favorite artists and the gift was greatly appreciated (even if I had to wait almost 6 months to enjoy it). I know that this is not really his type of music, so the fact that he is willing to go spend the day with me listening to it is pretty amazing if you ask me. To return the favor (and because no one else was able to go with him), I bought Patrick tickets for us to go see Iron Maiden and Megadeth on September 13th. This is his type of music and definitely not mine, so it's a pretty even trade off. I told him my number one rule was that I would not partake in any mosh pits and that I may require earplugs and a lot of alcohol. I just felt so bad when his brother said he couldn't go. I know this is something he's been looking forward to since he found out they were going to be in concert nearby.

Planning: Patrick and I will be celebrating our one year anniversary next month. I absolutely cannot believe that it has been a year already and I think that, even though we've had a few hiccups along the way, we are more in love now then we were a year ago. I truly believe that our wedding was perfect and there is nothing that I would have done differently. Not one thing. We have briefly discussed what we would like to do for the weekend of our anniversary, but we are on a tight budget because we are saving to buy a house so most likely we will end up going to a nice dinner and a cheap movie. Nothing too big and fancy, but then again that's not the type of people we are. I did suggest staying in a hotel for the night of our anniversary, but even that seems a little unnecessary. We'll see though. Maybe we'll find a good deal this month for something close by that we can enjoy together.

Working on: My new craft project. I have really been enjoying putting together medal and bib holders and am seriously thinking about trying to sell them at a local craft show close to Christmas. It will probably have to wait until next year so that I can figure out the best technique to use for the best results and so that I can make quite a few to sell. I am really interested in some extra income for our household and I really enjoy crafting. I briefly thought about making and selling scarves, but to be honest I see a bigger market for these signs because I have never seen them at any of the craft fairs or holidy shows around here. I think they would make great gifts for the runners in people's lives and I am actually planning on making them for my best friend, my sister and my niece for Christmas this year. I think that the DIY gifts are going to be big for us this year because of our tight budget, but sometimes those homemade gifts are the best kind.

Wishing: That Patrick and I could catch a break. I know that what we're doing is the right way and we will end up appreciating it more because we worked so damn hard to get what we want, but sometimes it's difficult to watch our friends and family get things handed to them. I really do understand that things happen for a reason and I know that one day we will have our dream home and a new car but it's not meant to be right now.

Measurements
Arm (L):
Last month: 12.75"
This month: 12.5"
Difference: -.25"

Thigh (L):
Last month: 26.75"
This month: 26.25"
Difference: -.5"

Bust:

Last month: 40.5"

This month: 40"

Difference: -.5"

Waist:

Last month: 35"

This month: 36"

Difference: +1"

Hips:

Last month: 44.5"

This month: 44.5"

Difference: 0

Progress Pictures:

Last month: 

This month:

Thoughts: I'm actually pretty happy with the results considering I didn't do as well as I could have. Taking measurements is definitely a different experience than weighing myself weekly. These results I can live with and not stress about or let take over my emotions. I know that since I just recently started strength training that I can expect to see better results next month. I also feel as though my progress pictures are similar, but improving. I am really a lot happier with what I see in the mirror these days.

Net Worth:
Last month: (as of 8/1/13)- $20,593.46
This month: (as of 8/31/13)- $20,187.87
Difference: -405.59

This month was kind of weird for us regarding net worth. While I was out of work with my wrist I had to write a check every two weeks for my health insurance. They just deposited all six checks this month. Although the money was in the account, it made the net worth take a hit doing it all at once. There was also the fact that the child support Patrick pays normally gets taken directly out of his paycheck but recently has not been. He had to pay for all of July and half of August this month. Another hit. There was also my car maintenance. Hit! And I signed Isabel up for swim lessons.. Hit..

You've sunk my battleship.

These are not normal things that happen monthly, so I feel as though we're doing well even if our net worth doesn't show it. We had the money for these things and didn't stress about them. That's a huge success in my opinion. We were able to transfer money to all of our savings and we currently have money left over from our last paycheck. Enough to not stress and probably transfer some extra over to our house savings again. I feel good about things financially, even if we're still on the uphill climb to get where we want to be.

Finding Our Financial Footing

Patrick and I have successfully been budgeting and watching our spending for a whole two weeks!

Yes, in the grand scheme of things two weeks is not that long, but compared to how we were spending to how we have been doing is amazing and I am really proud of the two of us. Unfortunately we ended this pay period with not a lot left in our checking account, but the bills are all up to date and we are feeling good about the next two weeks.

We did end the week in the positive, but not with enough to roll over into our house savings. He and I agreed on an amount that we would like to keep in our checking at the end of the pay period. Anything over that amount will go directly to savings. Again, bills are all up to date and since they usually come around the same time I wasn't expecting to have much left over.

I will admit that I am a little nervous about Patrick's paycheck. He closed his bank account last weekend and joined me at my bank. We are now functioning financially 100% joint. So far, so good... But, since his paycheck was on direct deposit he had to make sure to cancel where the check was going. It was after the pay period had ended, so I'm a little worried that 1. His check will try to go to his old bank because he didn't cancel it in time or 2. He will receive a "live" check but it will get delivered to one of the other three stores he's worked at in the past 6 months.

I know I'm probably worrying about nothing and it's really not that huge of an issue if something did go wrong, but I'm the type of person who needs to worry about something for a few hours and then I'm over it and can work on a solution.

It will not be the end of the world if we have to wait a couple days to get a check. We can live off of my check until we are able to deposit his, especially since all of the bills have been paid. Groceries will just have to wait until the check is received and since we've gone longer than 2 weeks between grocery trips I know we will be fine.

The fact that we are both so ready to be financially stable has me very excited. In the past it has always been me pushing the issue and trying to get Patrick to jump on board. I was able to get him to pay off the majority of his debt over the past six months to a year and I am so proud of him for doing so. Now it's time to tackle the rest of it, improve our credit scores and build up our savings.

After talking to the gentleman at the bank about home loans, Patrick and I became curious about our credit scores and decided it was time to check them. They're not bad, at all, but there is room for improvement and that's our current goal. We are going to pay off the rest of his debt and begin to make some conscious purchases using our credit card. We have decided that we will save for big ticket items (a dryer, a small television for the kids for Christmas and DVD player for their room, etc). Once we have the money in our checking account we will purchase those items on a credit card and then pay them off immediately.

The other thing we are working on is building our savings accounts.

I'm obsessive compulsive and we have a total of 10 savings accounts, each are nicknamed and have a set amount that automatically transfer each payday. Isabel has a college fund, Leah has a college fund, Kaleb has a college fund, the cat has a savings account for vet visits, we have a retirement savings account (on top of each of us having a 401k, we have a vacation fund, a new car fund, a savings account for Christmas (so that it's not as much of a financial burden, but we still don't have to do the bare minimum), I have a savings account for The Dopey Challenge and of course a savings for our future home.

Our home savings is the one we are most excited about. It is fun to put money into it and watch it grow so that we can start looking sooner rather than later. Patrick and I are very lucky people and we will most likely be able to borrow money from our parents. He and I have decided that we will be saving a certain amount before asking them for help so that we can also contribute to our down payment (we are set on paying the 20% down payment and no less) but also use it as an emergency fund since it's very rare you can buy a house without at least a few headaches.

I think he and I are both antsy to have this happen as soon as possible, but we both know that we are doing it the right way. We will financially be in a great place and I just know that "our home" isn't ready for us yet (believe me, I've looked in our price range in the area we want to move to...)

All in all, I am feeling very positive about where we are and where we are heading and I am absolutely loving tracking our progress. I see good things in our future. Very positive good things.

Currently

After reading a blog a while ago (HelloMissKelly) I came across a post that I really liked. She found this particular type of post here.

I'm planning on posting a new "Currently" update on the first of every month. I think that will give me enough time between posts for things to have changed. And I can add my current measurements, BMI and body fat % and even our net worth as well.

Loving: Fashion. This isn't a new development, but one that I am getting more serious about. I love the way that clothing makes me feel when I can put an outfit together and not just throw on pants and a t-shirt. There is just something about being put together that makes me hold my head a little higher and have a smidge more confidence about myself. This love of fashion often times has me searching pinterest for ideas which in turn makes me wish that I had these clothes. I know that for now I can make due with what I have and just continue to keep my eye out for cute clothes and good sales.

I've been using pictures off of pinterest for inspiration to make cute outfits with the clothes I have. I just wish my clothing selection was bigger, but I'm working with what I have. Here are a few of the pictures I have saved:

Reading: I am in the middle of a few books. I tend to do that and then I just randomly stop because I feel like I have too many things going on at once and because other things in my life take more priority over reading. I love to read, even if I am a slow reader, but sometimes my time is better spent on other things that make me happy as well, most importantly being my family. But I also enjoy crocheting and other crafty things, so it's just a matter of making the time to read daily, even if it is only for 10-20 minutes before bed.

Watching: I have very few shows that I watch on a regular basis. Same goes for movies. I'm just not a big fan of either. Since it is summer, I do have my guilty pleasure of Big Brother. I try to watch it live, but I tend to forget when it's on so I DVR it and catch up when I have some free time. The only show that I watch religiously is American Dad weeknights at 10pm on Cartoon Network. Most adults my age are either sleeping or watching the 10 o'clock news, but I just cannot handle it. I would much rather watch something light that makes Patrick and I laugh then something that I personally find depressing.

Anticipating: Isabel starting kindergarten in 18 days! I cannot believe that she will be starting elementary school and I just know that I am going to be a mess that day. My little girl is growing up, and since the chances of Patrick and I having any children of our own is pretty small, this may be the first and last time I have a kindergartener. She is so excited to be starting school and I am so excited (as well as terrified) for her. She is a smart little girl and I can only hope that her teachers notice that and work with her instead of her getting in trouble. I took the entire day off of work so that I can be there to drop her off and pick her up. It's such an exciting time!

Planning: I am beginning to plan my training schedule for the next few months leading up to Santa to the Sea. My awesome sister already created a schedule for our long training runs on the weekend, however she is currently still debating whether or not she is going to be running LA this year. I am in desperate need of a weekday training plan and figure there is no better time to work on that. I am hoping that despite Patrick's schedule (which we won't know until the week before) that I will have full support of my parents and of Patrick to make sure I get in these workouts when scheduled. It may be time to start going to bed earlier than I do in order to wake up earlier to get my workouts in before work. That could eliminate a lot of problems. I'm planning on printing out this monthly schedule and posting it at work at my desk, at home on the refrigerator and the bathroom mirror, and maybe even in my car. The more I see it the more accountable I will feel to accomplish the daily workout.

Working on: Scheduling and following through on workouts. It would help me to see a monthly workout schedule, but I can already tell it's going to be an issue without knowing Patrick's schedule ahead of time. I would love to get into the routine of going to the gym in the morning before work, but on the mornings that Patrick opens I can't go because I won't be home in time to be with Isabel, get her up and take her to my parent's before heading off to work. It's not the end of the world to go to the gym after work on those days, but I would feel guilty working out for an hour and a half when I get off of work rather than an hour in the morning and a half hour at night. I know it will all work out, but for now it is slightly frustrating.

Wishing: That we already owned a house. We are still a ways away from even beginning to look at houses, but that doesn't keep me from wishing that we arlready owned a house. I go with my mom once a month (except I had to miss this month) to a swap meet nearby. I am always finding great deals on little miscellaneous items. I have also found some things that I would love to put into our home, but our current home is just too small. No, buying a house because I want to decorate it is not a good enough reason to start looking, but it does inspire me to work harder towards saving so that it can happen sooner rather than later. Since we have only just fixed up our budget and are only just beginning to implement it, we really have no idea how long it will take us to save enough money for a down payment. I would like to have a decent amount before borrowing from the bank and it may take us a few more years to get there.

Measurements
Arm (L): 

Last month: 13"
This month: 12.75"

Difference: -0.25"

Thigh (L): 
Last month: 27"
This month: 26.75"

Difference: -0.25"

Bust: 
Last month: 41"
This month: 40.5"

Difference: -0.5"

Waist: 
Last month: 35.5"
This month: 35"

Difference: -0.5"

Hips:
Last month: 45"
This month: 44.5"

Difference: -0.5"

BMI: 
Last month: (From weight taken on 7/7) 27.91- overweight
This month: (From weight taken on 7/28)-  27.32- overweight

Difference: -0.59

Body fat %: 
Last month: (From weight taken on 7/7)- 31.37%
This month: (From weight taken on 7/28)- 30.98%

Difference: -0.38%

Net worth:
Last month: (As of 7/26/13)- $19,046.59
This month: (As of 8/1/13)- $20,593.46
Difference: +1,546.87

What are you currently up to?
Be sure to respond in the comments, or link back here! (Again I got this idea from Kelly @ Hello Miss Kelly and she got the idea from Cara @ The Marvelous Flight of Cara )

Setting a Budget

Patrick and I have never been very good about sticking with a budget. We've made budgets and we've had full intentions of sticking to those budgets, but then something happens. Or nothing happens. Either way, we end up going over budget and we don't really make any progress towards our financial goals.

Patrick is 34 years old, I am 28 years old. As of right now we rent a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment. It's smaller than we'd like, but it works for us and our needs. Yes, it is cramped and slightly uncomfortable when the kids are here, but we make due and I think everyone puts in the effort to make it a home. It took us almost a whole year to make it feel that way, but it is our home and I, personally, love it there.

But, I cannot wait to buy a house. I so desperately want a house to call home. A 3+ bedroom 2+ bathroom house. With a backyard. I want to decorate each room to the point of saving photos on pinterest and excitedly showing Patrick (who probably couldn't care less about these things). I want a garage so that Patrick can finally fulfill a dream of his to restore a classic car.

For now though, we are happy and I can't complain about that. What I can do, is make a plan so that we can save up as much as we can over the next couple years to make buying a home just a little easier.

Living in California means that home buying is an expensive investment, one that Patrick and I do not take lightly. We very easily could walk into a bank today and apply for a loan, but that would not be in our best interest. Instead we are planning on saving our money for a down payment, continuing to pay off the rest of Patrick's debt and then start the process of looking at homes in the area we would like to buy in and comparing prices to our list of must haves, would likes and would not likes.

In the mean time, though, we also have other things that are important and things that we are saving money for as well. Patrick and I would like to send our children to college, so each of them have a college fund. We are also in the market for a new (to us) car that will become a necessity in a year or so as Patrick's car has quite a few miles on it from picking up and dropping off the kids. I have been putting a small amount of money away a month so that when Marley has her annual vet check up we can use that money instead of it being a financial burden. We also have a savings account for future vacations so that when we do have a chance for some time off we are able to go without breaking the bank. Same with Christmas.

It's easier for us to take money out each paycheck and put it into savings. If I don't see the money then I don't miss it and it's been working pretty well for us.

At the same time, other than the bare minimum each paycheck, we are not putting anything extra away and progress has been slow. It's frustrating and I'm ready to make a change.

So we sat down and made a plan. Our plan is to stick to our budget, have a cash allowance each paycheck and put whatever is leftover in our checking accounts the day before payday into our house savings. There will be kinks to work out and nothing everything is going to change over night, but I really see this being a positive change and I really think we are both more serious about it this time around.

I know that things are going to change drastically when Patrick finishes paying off his debt (almost there!!!) And I am excited to see our net worth grow. I have been learning a lot of saving tips and receiving a lot of great financial "advice" from this blog I follow. I say "advice" because obviously not everything she suggest will work for everyone. I have found a lot to be useful and I look forward to the beginning of the month when she posts her net worth. She is my age and her net worth is so incredible to me.

We are no where near where she is, but our net worth of $19,046.59 is a starting place and I can only see us going up from here. I am planning on keeping track of our net worth and a few other details monthly. I am excited about this change and feel like Patrick and I are making some very positive, very big steps!