Back from vacation. It was a much needed escape. I rested on the beach, had tons of fun with my kids and family, and created some pretty good memories. I had one blow-up though… I yelled at the wife because she snuck away and bought some things for the step daughter. We were TONS of money over budget and going deeper and deeper... Most of the time she sees my money as ours and hers as hers – I know this is typical but we were running through money like Niagara Falls runs through water!!! I apologized. Now we have to recover from the sand infested in EVERYTHING, smoke filled cloths from the camp fires, and a really small bottom line on the budget sheet. We took tons of pictures and video. I am going to put together a family vacation movie for the family it will be amazing. I will share some of my photos with all my blog people - but it will be a few days. As a side note, I started noticing a lot of staring while I was there. I had on muscle shirts and for the first time in a log time I was being watched – the world noticed my goals too!
Now to get down to business! After reaching my goal of 55 pounds lost I now have to set a few new goals. One that comes to mind right away is maintaining a 4 pound window around my goal weight 188-192. Another goal is setting a financial strategy for retirement. And the final goal will be to continue growing the strength of my family.
The next three months should be very interesting as well. Stay tuned – should be a fun ride.
Sounds like a good vacation was had. We all need to escape for a bit. ANd we all need to come back ready to face the challenges of reality. Staying tuned...
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you had a good vacation and made some good memories. Nice to be noticed too.
ReplyDeleteI can identify from both sides concerning the step daughter issues. 7 yrs ago I got custody of my nephew (my sister's son). The first few years were pretty tough. I always felt like I was defending my nephew with my husband. I really tried hard to have them have more bonding time with each other. I know it was tough on my nephew too seeing my husband love and hug on our 2 kids and he felt like the odd one out. As the years went by though and nephew and hubby spent more time together things finally seemed to smooth out. Having a blended family is tough. I'm wondering if some quality time just you and the step daughter might help. I loved reading when you said you liked her dress it made me smile because I know it really is the little things that count the most sometimes.
Sounds like your vacation was great. I always hate the first few days back. Seems like my mind just takes a while to shift back to reality.
ReplyDeleteMoney is one of the big 3 in marriages-money, sex, kids/house. It's a big one. My husband and I had many arguments about that one. The best thing is to sit down together and both get on the same page. When we did, our marriage was so much better.
The problem with 1:1 time is that she absolutely does not want it and could care less. I have to put my pride aside everyday because she wants my taxi service, money, and time but gets irritated if I talk to her about almost anything else in life. I continue to try and do little things but it is soooooo hard to do them.
ReplyDeleteThe "sit down" talks are hard for her (I have blogged about it before). All the big three still need talks but it's hard to do with her.
ReplyDeleteYea, it seemed that way with my nephew for a long time with my husband but now after 7 yrs I can see a bond between them. He really is the only father he's known. I don't know the situation with your step daughter but if you are the only father she's known maybe with years will come appreciation for all you have done for her. You are doing well just to keep on trying, hang in there.
ReplyDeleteIt's great you had a nice holiday.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I argued about money for years. I would spend some and he would get mad. Finally together we decided a reasonable amount that I could spend on clothes a month, and I stick to it. It has made things SO much better!!!
I forgot to mention that years ago I bought a book called "All Your Worth" (Ultimate lifetime money plan) by Elizabeth Warren, it really changed things for my family. It made the week to week money worries go away which was a huge burden off my shoulders.
ReplyDeleteDarwinstable – That’s a big reason why I continued to blog… I want to motivate and I am happy that you found it. The formula is simply (eat less, eat healthy, and sweat your ass off) but doing is the infinitely hard part. Desire and Motivation. Onward!
ReplyDeletebbubblyb – Good suggestion I will look into that book
therightfit – money – a big one with us! Setting a budget is the right way to go – our problem is keeping it…
Awww....I feel very moved. I am SO glad things are working out for you. I wish you continued success.
ReplyDeleteI have just read from start to finish and I am full of admiration. If only I had one tenth of your determination! Your strong will has changed so much for you - and I am really pleased. You deserve all the positive changes in your life. I hope it continues to go well for you. Some of your strength has rubbed off...thousands of miles away! I am fired up now to make today (at least) a good day. Thank you.
Grump - thanks for the kind words. I am happy that I have provided some strength for you. This is 75% :) why I started this thing. You can make the changes you need in your life. Desire and Motivation. Find them any way you can!
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