...

I'm still away from home. I still have to post my December goals, and December budget plan!

In November we paid off three small credit cards, and our computer! I'm so happy and relieved! :) It feels good that we started paying things off! Not much but anything is better than nothing.

Tomorrow my daughter and I are leaving my family and going back home. It was nice to see the family, friends and bunch of other people that came to see my baby,but honestly 'home sweet home is the best place on this planet' :) I miss my home!

Thanksgiving...

Saying 'Thanks' for so much, isn't easy. God is there to give and take, and everything is planned on a certain day! My life was always simple but wonderful. I never wanted too much, and I always was happy and thankful for what I had. My Grandparents, as well as my parents, thought me that being thankful and grateful for little things is a bigger happiness in our heart. The warmth and happiness I feel in my heart and soul is for being Thankful and Grateful to God! I cannot list all the things I am thankful for! I do say Thanks and a prayer to God every night before I fall asleep! This moment, I would just say one thing....

I am Thankful for EVERYTHING that God gave me- My husband, My daughter, My family, great health, My husbands business. I am Thankful that I am not starving and that I can afford the most necessary things in life- food, clothes, apartment!


Wishing you all a great and wonderful year ahead, that will make you say a big Thank you to God next Thanksgiving! :)

Monday...

I used to hate Mondays.
Weekends come and then you enjoy yourself really good, rest, visit family or friends, go catch a movie, have a nice dinner with your loved one, and you just feel like in Heaven.
Then, next morning your alarm clock goes off. You wonder why, and hate the fact that is Monday already.
You enjoy the warmth of your bed, try to cover your head with your comforter and then realize if you don't get up now, you'll be running late for work, school, etc.
Then a hot shower wakes you up, a cup of coffee puts a smile on your face, if there is warm and fresh donut to share the coffee with, you feel like in Heaven again.

But the worst part of that Monday morning is 'work'...You face people you see 5 times a week, more than any family member, and you get back to the same old daily routine.
I just HATED Mondays...


Ever since I'm on my Maternity leave, I enjoy every day, and honestly every day passes by so fast that I sometimes forget what day it is. Baby keeps me really busy. They are adorable but a lot of work.

Today is Monday and I woke up so happy. I fed my baby, changed her diaper, made her burp, and she fell asleep in my arms. I love that part of the day. I enjoy it so much to have her close to me, falling asleep on my chest...And every time I give her a soft kiss on her cheek or forehead while she's sleeping, she smiles. That makes me feel happy because I know she's peaceful and happy. And what else could make a parent happier than to see the kid(s) happy, satisfied and peaceful. :)


Today is not just a regular Monday.
I don't have to get up and go to work.
I had to get up and feed my baby, change her diapers, make sure she burped and then she was falling asleep again :) Peacefully!

Today is a special day.
And I am so happy that I have to do our laundry, pack our bags and make sure everything is in the bag that we (me and my baby) need for our trip.

Tomorrow early in the morning, we're heading to the Airport to visit my family for Thanksgiving :) I'm excited and happy and my family is so thrilled to see her that they just cannot keep their hands off of their phones. They called so many times today that I just want to turn my phone off! :)

Anyway,
In every Monday, and in every other day, there is always something so beautiful that you can enjoy and forget about getting up early while you enjoyed the warmth of your bed. There must be always something that will put a happy and peaceful smile on you face.

It did on mine. I hope it will on yours too.


Wishing you all a Wonderful Monday! :)

Love...

cannot be seen or touch...
Love has to be felt in your heart.
I felt my love. The love of my life-My Husband.
I am very happy and happier today that everything that was staying in our way is gone! Not gone like disappeared, but it is not staying in our way, and that is enough for me to be happy and enjoy my marriage with him..

Tomorrow I have so many things to do because on Tuesday morning, very early, me and my baby are leaving to see my family for Thanksgiving. H will be visiting us on Thursday because he cannot do without us for eight days. :) That made my day..

Yesterday, I sent H to buy couple of things from the Grocery store, and guess what? He brought some flowers for me too. Red, pink, and yellow roses. The bouquet is so pretty! It was a nice surprise, but he is always so kind, and would do things to make me smile and happy!

Friends...

Life brings people into our lives, and takes them away.
Throughout my life I've met so many nice people that I became friends with, and with some of them I am still in touch, and with some of them I've lost the touch.

Today when I had coffee in the morning I was trying to count my REAL friends. By real I mean people who where always there for me, thru good and bad and happy and sad times of my life. And guess how many I counted?

Except my brother, my sister and my husband, I have THREE!

1. My best friend from Elementary school, in my Country. She's in Europe right now, just got married, but that doesn't mean we have to throw away our friendship. :) Ever since Elementary school, we've been such great friends, and still are.

2. My best friend from My Country as well. He's always been there for me, and me for him. We are still in touch, and talk almost every day. A great person, with a wonderful heart. I just love him, like he's my brother!

3. My best friend from College in States. He's been my best buddy for years now. We get along, and share the deepest secrets.

How many true friends do you have?
How many of them are always there, no matter what happens, and what you do, they still stay your friends?

:)

I've completed my school application as well as the financial aid application. Hopefully I'll be hearing some good news soon. The school should start sometimes in December, and I hope to get into that class. Hold your fingers crossed people! :)


H took me out tonight. We had to go get few things for our baby and while we were already out, he said he wanted to take me out for a dinner :) It was such a great night! :)

I'll be heading to my bed, and fall asleep in H's arms...

Wishing you all a peaceful and good night! :)

Am I lonely?

I'm not sure if I feel lonely or just upset. I'm not sure if I even love or hate this day...

I just love to write...Especially Fall is my big inspiration. I sit in my chair and I just grab my laptop and start writing in my Word File! I enjoy it. Sometimes small things inspire me. Coffee for example.

I do have passion to write. Sometimes I would love to write and share so much on this blog sites, but I just can't. I'm afraid if I start, I might never stop! And that I would consider calling an addiction!

I don't want to go outside. It's cold. It's windy. It's beautiful when I look at outside through my window and see all these beautiful 'hot' colors in parks, and on streets! It's amazing. Such a miracle, especially this beautiful Red tree across the street from our place.. I just love it! This is the season where I just need a fireplace, cup of coffee or glass of wine, and a good book!


Wishing you all a wonderful evening!

Christmas in Europe...

I miss Europe. I miss my country.
I am an European girl, and to me, like every other European, Christmas is not a Christmas without snow, without good red wine and good homemade cookies. Streets are beautifully decorated, lights everywhere, Christmas -marts are along the downtown's, and people are happy...smiling... On every corner of the street you can see someone is selling some good, homemade, boiled red wine. Most of you might be saying 'Why boiled?'... There is nothing better in my Country than good homemade, hot and boiled red wine selling around Christmas. It keeps you warm, and makes you experience the beauty of Holidays in a special way.

The tradition in our house/family has never been change, now for generations.

I remember when I was about 6 years old, it was summer, my grandma told me, after we had breakfast and I enjoyed my tea while she enjoyed her coffee, that I am ready to start learning Family traditions. She thought me how to bake cakes, cookies and cook the best traditional foods. I've learned all of these, thanks to her.

Every year, in October I start thinking about Holidays and what kind of cakes, cookies and food am I going to prepare. Christmas tree, some good food, wine, and great cake, and cookies, on the table with coffee, while it's snowing outside, cannot be replaced and cannot be more enjoyable than anything.

This year I will be having a nice Christmas tree, Great cake, good foods, and wonderful cookies ...Coffee cannot be forgotten, I'm an European woman :) We love coffee and a day cannot start without one! :)

I will be posting soon pictures of cakes and cookies I am planning to bake! And make couple of pictures of our traditional Holiday Foods! :)

How's Holiday in your house/ family?
What do you do? What do you enjoy most?


I miss a glass of hot, boiled red wine that's been selling in my hometown for years now, and brings such a joy to our hearts!

Shopping!

I knew I couldn't help myself but to buy something I would love! Yesterday, I saw a beautiful ivory coat & gray suit by Zara, and guess what?
I purchased it! But I got it in a size 8, which is the size I want to be. I'm on a diet and by looking at this suit will help me stay motivated!

H didn't say anything about my shopping. He said that it looks great and he's happy I love it! He was so nice, sweet and thoughtful yesterday. And honestly, I just feel bad that I talked to him what bothers me about his family. I have a feeling that he's trying so hard to be nice to me now so I don't say a word again. I mean, I love him with all my heart but I just can't hold things inside of me. I think he needs to know what I love, enjoy and what I don't!

Sometimes I just feel bad for him that I just want to grab his hand and go far away from everyone. And honestly, as soon as I finish school, and start my career as a teacher, I will consider moving to Canada. But that will be in about 5-7 years from now..

First of all, I need to put my sh*t together and make my life the way it used to be (organized) and focus on important things in my life (H, our baby, our health, school, work, finances).


Next week, we'll be sending our payments for Couple of our credit cards. We'll be paying one big credit card, and either two or all three small ones! :) I'm excited about it!

...

I spoke with H last night and told him exactly how I feel about having his family staying with us for few weeks or months. It bothered me a lot and I finally got myself together and decided to talk to him.

I mentioned everything. I just feel so empty and unhappy. They all want their privacy and can't accept each other when they really 'should' because they want to enjoy their peace and freedom, and they just pack their stuff and move in with us without even talking to us or asking. It bothers me. After all this is my house. I just hate that. And they've done it for couple years now.

After the conversation I felt great by telling him the truth and explaining why I think this is wrong, and why noone should stay with us whenever they feel like it. I just need to have my privacy too...He listened to me and I realized when I was done talking that he didn't feel good at all. He was sad and upset, and in my opinion he didn't like the truth I guess... He was so quit and sad for the rest of the night.

I am not sure what will happen or what I will do, but I know one thing for sure. 'I did mention it to him, talked to him honestly and it's up to him now to fix it. If he doesn't fix it, then I wouldn't be able to live with someone who can't stand up for him self and his family (wife and kid)... We'll see how things will go today!


Yesterday's good thing: Helped my brother resolve a little 'relationship' problem :)

Today's good thing:

It's me again...

Since I moved in with my H, there was always someone staying with us (his family) either for few weeks or few months.

This evening I realized that this is what makes me unhappy. We do have one of his family's member living with us for a month already. I'm not saying anything, but I do not enjoy our peace at all.

Should I talk to him honestly?
Should I tell him how I feel?
What if I hurt his feelings?

I am just afraid that one day I will pack my stuff and go, leave him. I do love him with all of my heart but I just love my peace and happiness too.


Today's good thing: I invited my family's friend to stay over at our place instead of hotel! :)

Is it just me?

Do you ever feel empty and unhappy with your very important (life) decisions?

I do, sometimes.

I've always been a very easy going person.
I've always wanted so little, but enough to make me happy.
I never had big dreams. I had dreams that were able to become realty. I've always wanted a simple and peaceful life, Degree in my pocket (which I got but not the one I want), a good job, happy marriage, kids, etc.

I don't feel that for couple years anymore. I just don't! I don't dream any more. I don't have the desire to want things in my life. I just don't make myself happy.

Sometimes, like today, I just want to scream, but really scream, and say 'I want my life back'! I just don't feel alive.

Don't judge me please. I am not sure if it's this Fall and Holiday season or just me. But I do feel like that for a while- couple years now. I feel that something has to be changed, really soon. I cannot live with this unhappy and empty feeling inside of me any longer. It's bothering and killing me...

I need to start making a list what makes me happy and what doesn't.
It's time to start cleaning my life. Get rid off things and people that make me feel this way!

Lately, there is only one reason that makes me smile and that is my baby ... She brings that pure happiness to my life and makes me feel alive!


Wishing you all a wonderful Sunday!


Today's good thing: Going to gym! (Finally doing something good for myself)

Starbucks..

They are expensive, but they DO have wonderful coffee! Different tastes...

Last night I had one of their new coffee with Peppermint! Words cannot describe how great that tasted! I loved it!


I want to go back sooonnnnnn!!!!


Yesterday's good thing: I took H out for dinner & coffee!

Today's good thing: I bought my mother-in-law the jacket she's been saving money for!

Goals & Wishes

I updated my One Year Goals. I changed some things. I don't want everything within that short period of time.

Right now the most important thing is to study and pass my Compass test for University so I can start my School in January. After that I will focus on school, and next thing is to get my car fixed! I also want to get my self this 'My Palm Tungsten E2' to help me get organized. Then in May, for Mother's Day, I want to buy myself that Cashmere by Donna Karan perfume,and these beautiful earrings for my mom! Buy August, my 29th Birthday, I will hopefully pay off my Student loan and have 5K saved!

Right now, like I said, I am focusing on studying for my Compass test, which is on 21st of November, and I really WANT to pass it so bad. If I pass it, I will be getting my financial aid, as well as sign up for my classes.

Next thing is car, and then a job! I want to start my Retirement plan, and college funds for my baby. I want to do something that I can later, when I am old, look back and smile! I need to do this for me & my kid!

Guys wish me luck while I'm studying this weekend and all week next week!

Christmas is almost here..

I've been thinking about Christmas a lot. I will be gone from my family on that day, but I will send them a Card. We decided not to have Christmas gifts (My mom's idea) except for kids. Everyone agreed because we all are trying to pay off debts and save money. It was actually very thoughtful of her and dad. Card is all they want, and card is all me and H want. H was very happy about their idea. He mentioned it to his family and I don't think they all were happy about it. Not happy for missing a gift from their son & brother this year. It was kind of rude but who am I to say anything about it? It's his family. I personally will do what H and I decide to do.

Anyway,
to be able to make them happy, his older sister is having a Christmas dinner (big one) for us and her H's family. But since H and I want to spend our babies first Christmas alone with her and at our place, we will not be attending her dinner party. H explained our wish to her and she didn't complain or didn't get mad at all. She understood and said that she was happy for us. We might even consider renting a cabin in the mountains and go away if we can find something cheap and affordable..

Last night when we talked about Christmas gifts with his family, his sister was the only one to agree about the gift for kids only, but not for adults. She thought it's a great idea for we are all paying off debts and trying to save every Penney.

H & I decided to spend at most $30 per kid, and that is $90 for his niece, my nephew and our baby. It will be tough to find a nice gift for kids, but I'll try my best. I'm not sure what to get them yet, but I will get something cute that they will love.

For his mom I will create a Photo book. I have picked 10 pictures (my favorites) of her and her kids, me and her grandkids, and I will make it look really cute and nice with all these Christmas colors. That will cost me nothing, because I already have all the materials in H's office. So his mom's gift will cost me a big $0. Not bad, and it will be a very thoughtful and nice gift I think!

For his older sister, who's having the dinner at her house I will be baking cake and bunch of other Christmas cookies. And for her I will frame a picture of my and her daughters together! She will be happy and it will cost me a $0. I've received a nice picture frame for my Birthday that I really don't need, so I decided to regift it, and it would be to her. It's a really nice frame but it just doesn't match the colors I have in my house. It will actually match her colors in her house perfectly!

My cookies will be in a different shapes, and with different tastes...I cannot wait. I'm so excited about it.

H's business clients will only get a card this year!

What are you guys doing for your families?
Any special gift ideas?

It's Friday...

I'm so happy :)

I'll be enjoying my weekend and do something good for myself. I deserve it!

Last night H got home, and after the dinner he gave me a little box. I opened and saw a Visa Gift Card of $100. :) I'm going to buy myself one of the perfumes I wanted (Even tough I have tons of them) or save the money for something else ...I have to make that decision today... To spend or not to?

Wishing you guys a wonderful weekend :)

11-13 Spendings

Business Expenses: $59.68

Total spending: $59.68



Yesterday's Good thing: Finished some important stuff for my mom's refinancing of her house :)

Hopefully I'll have a new baby soon...

Few days ago I heard that 'My Palm Tungsten E2' is a new tool that keeps you organized. I'm not sure how exactly it works but I am assuming that is not that hard. I read some reviews online and everyone, who purchased this item, seems to be very happy and satisfied with it.

I am thinking since I started watching our expenses and making sure everything is paid on time, all my contacts are in my computer, all my appointments are in my computer so I don't miss any, all my must-do things for my baby are in my computer, but what if my computer brakes? I will lose everything.

So...My wish list is growing. I want this baby soooo bad!

I'm not sure if it's because it's a new thing and I just want it so bad, or is it because really need one.

Does anyone know anything about it?

I read on FB blog that she owes one and it was one of her 10 must-haves, and something she wouldn't give up to save money!

I hope I'll be having one soon. I saw it on Ebay selling for $145, brand new. So, the price is not that bad. I'm thinking to purchase one for myself as a Christmas gift?! Not a bad idea, not at all. I think I deserve it, right?

Update...

Here is where H and I are standing with our finances this month! Since we are trying to save and pay off our debts, I only came up with a budget plan that is so far working out good for us. He brings me receipts when he spends money, I write them down, and list them on my blog, and that way I know what we spent, how much, where, why, etc.

I am very proud of us so far. We are trying very hard. He wants to pay off all our debts until Summer (August) 2009 and would love to start a retirement plan for both of us, as well as a college fund for our kid. I think that is a great idea to help our child out so she doesn't have to worry about her college funds later on. I know some of you might say that is too early to worry about it, but I thought the sooner you start saving college funds for your child or children the better it is! I don't want her to be in my shoes and worry how and when to pay off her education. I don't want her to start her independent life the hard way. It's not fair! I'll try to do my best to make her life easier!

Here is my list that I calculated just a moment ago:


Entertainment- $66.98 ($33.02 left)
Toiletries- $72.45 ($27.55 left)
Business expenses- $1103.49 ($651.51)
Groceries- $272.54 ($327.46)
Family- $350 ($300.00)
Cell phone- $123.25
Utilities- $357.05
Cable- $59.08
Rent/HOA- $2174
Payments- $1,575
Baby- $34.93 ($65.07)
Car insurance- $193.08


Total: $6381.85 ($2,218.15 left)


Hopefully we'll be successful with out budget plan! :)

11-12 Expenses

Business Expenses- $49.00

Total spending: $49.00



Today's good thing: I shared my dinner with my Sister-In-law who stopped by after work, hungry & Tired!