Good Things

I'm going to try to write this post, but it might turn out boring or annoying, as the main things on my mind right now are 1) Food, 2) Things to Do, 3) $$ and 4) Goals. Oh, and Hanky Panky. But that will be taken care of tonight, as will the food.

Hmm. Let me break this down to make it easier for myself.

Pychiatrist/Med Drama
This area is going pretty well. As I mentioned in my last post, I think the lithium level is where it needs to be. I've been on a rather even keel. My stress level has gone down somewhat because my thoughts are much more organized. I decided to hold off on the therapy side of things, because of the following area...

$$$
Well, I've obviously talked about this enough in past posts. So today I'm just going to mention that in addition to my budget, I have listed out my goals in order of priority, and mapped out ways to make those goals happen, as well as rewards for completing said goals. First thing, I'm not buying any more alcohol. Honestly, that's the first thing that should and can go. That's not to say I won't drink it; I will, but only if someone gives it to me, or if I already have it in the house. However, this is going to be very difficult as Ben and I often go to events and concerts where drinking is expected. So I'm going to try this plan: everytime I feel like I would purchase a drink or two, I won't, and instead I'll go home take that $$ out of my bank and put it on my card. I've also banned sushi. Sigh. On the up-side, my reward for reaching the first goal (paying off my largest credit card) is a nice sushi dinner with sake. That will be a meal to look forward to, because the satisfaction will make the heretofore banned sushi and sake that much more delicious. Then on to the next goals. I have separated these into about 4 goals. When I reach ALL of those goals, I will take at least one day off work to get a pedi, massage and go shopping, before having a delicious Melting Pot or steak (or sushi) dinner that evening. So, I think my goals are feasible, but the limitations and sacrifices I put on myself to reach those goals will be frustrating.

Work
Very good things! On Monday, I start working in Marketing Development - the same department I was working in before I moved to Ohio. The people are good, the work is infinitely more interesting, I'll get to travel again, be classified as a 'specialist' (meaning larger bonuses), and have my old awesome boss  back.

School
That's right. I'm starting school in January. I am one of 10-12 people in the entire district who was accepted into the Creative Writing Certificate Program this semester. I met with the head of the program on Tuesday... and was completely overwhelmed with how at-ease she put me, her (and other instructors) reviews of my portfolio, and the benefits for certificate students. She even volunteered herself to be my mentor for the three one-on-one courses which are required, even though we'd have to do the meeting after 4, which she doesn't prefer to do. I cried happy sobs and tears for most of the evening. I feel so validated and re-inspired. Help IS out there. I just have to look for it.

Okay, those are my areas. Ben and I are still doing quite well - I'm happy with him, but we're still taking things slow. I've acquired a fondness for coupons, and have a binder to keep them in. Who knows if I'll use them, though. The quiznos and subways 'BOGO's are pretty nice to have around.  I've also begun cooking things in large quantities and freezing them for future dinners and lunches. That's mostly soup though. Not meat or pasta, because, frozen pasta? Eww.

I'm also trying to move around and exercise more. Now that the meds have leveled, I'm feeling more energetic. Tomorrow is the JDRF Walk (juvenile diabetes research foundation), and Tempe is the world largest JDRF walk ever. Ben and I will be going and alternating between jogging/walking the 5k. Since it's cooled down outside, we'll also be hiking on the weekends.

Wow, so that got long. I'm going to close it for now and maybe do some TREKA work. Or clean things a little more before Ben gets here for the night.