tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309952262012-01-27T22:32:10.865-08:00Notes on my quest for balance in a fast-paced city life.sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.comBlogger751100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-43238350015816279322011-04-04T19:11:00.000-07:002011-04-04T19:11:02.643-07:00

March at a glance.... Miraloma Coop auction:  It was an awesome time again.  We spent too much money (basically giving money to our daughter's preschool in exchange for some cool stuff!) Starr King Elementary auction:  Different vibe.  Different school.  But super-cool day.  I love, love Simone's new school.  Plus, I think it's awesome that she has the opportunity to learn another language at

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-74636536094604824812011-03-05T14:51:00.000-08:002011-03-05T14:51:12.388-08:00

I’ve practiced and studied yoga for 14 years.  During this time, I’ve thought a lot about what I wanted to do with my life.  I’ve considered medical school, business school; I’ve wanted to be a high school science teacher, work in development for a non-profit, and also to be a yoga teacher.  Of all of these professional pursuits, the only desire that has remained consistent over the years has

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-15863297550977304212011-03-04T19:13:00.000-08:002011-03-04T19:13:37.935-08:00

Ahh, spring.  Thank you for making your way here.  Even though I'm dosing up on echinacea, herbs, honey and tea, I still think that I'm coming down with a cold.  Perhaps it'll be fleeting.  I sure hope so. I feel like I need to follow up my last post with an update.  All is well.  Really.  This week was back to normal.  I went to work, attended our monthly preschool meeting, practiced yoga. 

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-12158272966982909662011-02-18T11:24:00.000-08:002011-02-18T11:24:39.181-08:00

I'm not quite sure how to write everything that has been happening coherently, so I'll give it all to you in bullet point. I made it to day 12 of tackling my CPD.  Then I failed, and failed again, and failed again.  But now, I'm back on track.  I'm on day 2 today, Friday. I noticed that my triggers to CPD are anxiety, worry, nervousness.  I found out last week that a cousin was in the hospital

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-22556230110877072692011-02-07T19:47:00.000-08:002011-02-07T19:47:24.752-08:00

I've been knitting for a few years now.  It doesn't seem like it has been that long, but if I really think about it it's probably been 3 years or so.  I love knitting.  It's relaxing and calming to my nervous system.  Even though I follow others patterns, I still feel very creative and inspired when I knit.  It's pretty darned amazing that I can take a piece of string and turn it into something

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-74634727504449666202011-02-04T12:45:00.000-08:002011-02-04T12:45:23.754-08:00

I've been reading a lot from Leo Babauta about changing habits.  Have you read anything from him?  One of his blogs, www.zenhabits.net, is all about it!  He's changed a laundry list of habits over the past few years; he stopped smoking,  lost weight, and changed his eating patterns and became vegan.  I'm impressed at how he's been able to create the life that works best for him. Last month, I

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-55438893215332495332011-01-25T14:51:00.000-08:002011-01-25T14:51:20.192-08:00

It's hard to change habits.  I've been working on two this month.  The first was to spend only $100. (The second was to build a daily home yoga practice...more on that in another post.)  When I started, I gave myself all kinds of rules.  Co-pays, doctors visits, yoga, ayurveda, meditation....none of those would count towards my $100 allotment because they were all health-related.  Is there really

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-82919462915914955642011-01-17T20:13:00.000-08:002011-01-17T20:13:10.078-08:00

               Seane Corne: kind, accessible, full of love, compassionate, activist Sharon Gannon:  committed, passionate, unique, activist  Gary Kraftsow:  intellectual, wise, focused, "Om Jyoti Aham - I am light"  Sarah Powers: eloquent, mindful, soft, "Om Mani Padme Om"  Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa:  light, love, bright radiant energy, ecstatic dance, movement, amazing  Cyndi Lee:  integration, humor,

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-34791843705487237062011-01-14T19:58:00.000-08:002011-01-14T19:58:45.772-08:00

I spent the day today at the Yoga Journal conference.  I am amazed at how lucky I am.  I got to meet and attend an all day intensive with Cyndi Lee.  Here's a picture of us:  I especially wanted to meet her and take a class with her because she has studied meditation and Buddhism in the same lineage that I have been studying for the past year and half.  It was a grounding experience for me.  Yoga

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-87255385297580462212011-01-10T19:42:00.000-08:002011-01-10T19:42:03.131-08:00

That's right.  I've committed to two challenges this month.   The first started January 1.  I'm going on a spending hiatus.  I've allowed myself $100 in spending money for them month.  That includes any money for going out with friends, any eating out, MUNI fares, basically anything that I don't *have* to buy!  So far, I've spent $7.00 on a burrito and taquitos (I was out with the family, but

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-64736431649869309882011-01-06T12:41:00.000-08:002011-01-06T12:41:46.486-08:00

Well, to practice yoga, duh!  :) I purchased 3 pair of Zobha pants a few weeks ago: the evolve pant, essential pant, and wide leg pant.  I couldn't be happier with my purchases.  I wear the wide-leg pants several times a week to pick up the kids from school, run errands, basically, I wear them everywhere!  The evolve pant is my preferred pant over the essential, not because I don't like the

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-21051245666361929602011-01-04T20:12:00.001-08:002011-01-04T20:12:45.939-08:00

A few days ago, I posted my personal intentions for 2011.  The last thing I said was, “My biggest challenge is to stay focused and to live my life right now, in the moment, in this reality.”  I’ve been mulling that over for the past week.  Focus.  Stay focused.  But on what? What will really make me happy?  More time to hang out and talk to my kids?  A passionate marriage?  Being less stressed,

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-75764137116879818612011-01-02T07:58:00.000-08:002011-01-02T07:58:47.966-08:00

Happy New Year! I spent most of the day yesterday grocery shopping and cooking just so that we could eat black eyed peas and cabbage for good health and wealth!  It was a lovely day.  My friend DK came over and made the black eyed peas and corn bread for us and I made cabbage rolls and salad.  Mmmmm, it was yummy!  And the best part is that I have left overs for a few days.  No cooking today,

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-6318798935947851362010-12-30T19:45:00.000-08:002010-12-30T19:45:24.600-08:00

Like most people, at the start of a new year, I try to get organized.  This year is no different except I'm changing the wording of my organization from goal-setting to setting intentions.  Small, yet significant difference.  By nature, I'm a goal-oriented person.  And some of the time that can be a fault.  So this year, I'm setting intentions.  I'm putting them out there so that they are in my

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-70739021390212875192010-12-28T13:47:00.000-08:002010-12-28T13:47:51.130-08:00

As I think about thinking about writing on this blog, I'll re-post this article from Zen Habits. I'm not sophisticated with photos and links and such, so this will just have to do. It sums up how I'm feeling now, and it's perfect. Perfect, by Zen Habits

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-16334132977782183982009-04-14T21:40:00.000-07:002009-04-14T21:57:20.523-07:00

Has it really been that long since I've blogged? I'm amazed. I've managed to blog a couple of times on our neighborhood blog and also updated the Fiskar's blog (also for the neighborhood group, but I haven't gotten around to updating here. Honestly, I completely forgot about it. Oops, what is that saying about my commitment or rather my contentment?The family is doing well. I'm in a

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-78220152009342309382009-01-26T07:11:00.000-08:002009-01-26T07:13:34.433-08:00

I've been active for one week now. Since my half marathon at the beginning of November 2008, I've barely done anything! I don't know why I go into exercise hiatus after I have a big run, but I always have.Since I've been thinking of exercising for 3 months, I've finally done something about it. Last weekend, I went out for a walk around the neighborhood. A couple of days later, with a kid on

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-90748759111256497172008-12-15T10:19:00.000-08:002008-12-15T10:27:17.848-08:00

I have been consciously trying to slow down the past few weeks. I've said no to many things just to have free time to think, be with my family, and enjoy the moment. I'm also trying to make time to do the things that I really care about, like knitting, sewing, meditation, yoga, baths, drinking coffee, talking to friends.It has been interesting. I am enjoying it and looking forward to more

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-86588629146596461042008-10-05T08:01:00.000-07:002008-10-05T08:05:13.700-07:00

About 2 weeks ago, ES started preschool at a Cooperative Nursery School here in the City. She absolutely loves it, so much so that she quizzes us before we drop her off about exactly how long we will be there before we leave! She's only 3.5 she can't want to be rid of her parents already!!!She's doing very well. She easily makes friends and loves the art projects, playing outside, and show and

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-35563764865924188842008-09-14T10:13:00.000-07:002008-09-14T10:53:53.552-07:00

I'm very excited to stay home and relax today. Yesterday was much of the same. I have been super busy these past few months and I'm working on letting go of some of these responsibilities and projects that have required my attention. Along the way, I've thought about blogging about them, but when I have a few quiet moments in the evening, I find that I don't want to be on the computer. I WILL

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-82625765438323579932008-08-23T17:35:00.001-07:002008-08-23T17:48:17.066-07:00

We had CC's first birthday party last weekend. It was a nice time. We had friends over in the afternoon to share cake and ice cream. One of the young boys asked if the cake was a hedgehog! ES has been telling me for a week that it wasn't a hedgehog, it was a ladybug. I think it's cute, but I can see how it could be mistaken:) As we sang "happy birthday" to CC, she hid her face as if she

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-2731808565102413542008-08-23T10:19:00.001-07:002008-08-23T10:32:18.078-07:00

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-77647789409627218862008-08-18T20:51:00.001-07:002008-08-18T21:03:18.900-07:00

This is a little taste of vacay for you. I can't get any other photos uploaded; it's taking way too long tonight. I'm exhausted and am short on patience:)Here is my baby girl. Happy Birthday CC! I love you.

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-46404570275439732008-08-11T19:13:00.000-07:002008-08-11T19:18:02.062-07:00

We finally made it home this afternoon. We had a wonderful visit with AW and LPF. It was crazy to have 5 adults and 5 children under 5 years old in one house for the weekend, but it all worked out. Now, I'm pooped! I need a vacation from my vacation. I have a normal, busy work week ahead, and I have to start thinking about what kind of cake to make for CC for her 1st birthday party this

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-71486166934462298762008-08-07T10:13:00.000-07:002008-08-07T10:26:36.708-07:00

If there were such a thing as reincarnation, I firmly believe that in a former life I drowned in a large body of water. Ever since I was 5 years old, I've had a recurring nightmare of being out in the middle of a lake or ocean without anyone around. As far as I could see, there was water, no land in sight! I remember waking and being terrified of this dream. I would try to think happy

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-61272975866907168632008-08-06T21:23:00.000-07:002008-08-07T10:02:16.134-07:00

I've been looking forward to this week for quite sometime. We are all in Lake Arrowhead at our friend, JR's father's lake house. We left at 8:30pm on Monday night for the drive down here. It took us exactly 7 hours; we parked the car at 3:30am. I thought that this drive would be better for all of us, but admittedly, I was wrong!S is in a very talkative stage. She is very inquisitive and

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-66500356213824774522008-07-19T20:59:00.000-07:002008-07-23T10:27:05.789-07:00

I started an entry about my neighborhood group last weekend, and then L's computer froze up and I didn't get to finish. I think it was fate because I'm writing now with amazing news. But first, let me fill you in...Approximately two and a half years ago, I started meeting with some of my neighbors to clean up the hillside at the end of our street. We live on a discontinuous street in the

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-40801312077971604052008-07-02T21:30:00.000-07:002008-07-02T22:03:39.982-07:00

I've been crazy busy here. Come on, I know you've been checking back here to find out what we've been up to. Well, I don't know that it has been overly exciting, but it has been busy, busy, whoa, busy!Monday ended the 2nd quarter for work which means that I was doing everything possible to hit my numbers and bring home the moola. Mama's gotta bring home the tofu AND fry it up in a pan! It

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-13616837038658405852008-06-20T18:09:00.001-07:002008-06-20T18:33:31.383-07:00

I'm sitting in the backyard on our comfy outdoor furniture, enjoying an ice cold beer, listening to birds chirp, perusing the blogosphere. It's quiet. L took both of the girls to Speakeasy Brewery. Yes, it's actually a family friendly affair.I'm feeling peaceful now. I'm reveling in the quiet and the fact that I have no one calling my name or hanging on me or asking me for anything.Ahhh,

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-33089135018877903512008-06-16T15:42:00.000-07:002008-06-20T18:33:10.031-07:00

I spent 2 hours on Saturday morning preparing for the day. After spending $17 on lunch Friday afternoon, I decided that we would be packing snacks for the day. I've recently discovered that S will eat more veggies if she has something to dip them. Easy enough. For the raw broccoli and carrot sticks, I had ranch dressing. For the apple slices and celery sticks, we had both almond butter and

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-43050146163339271432008-06-15T08:27:00.000-07:002008-06-15T21:03:48.317-07:00

After a strong cup of coffee and a short segment of Callilou, we were ready to embark upon the day's journey. I didn't lose my temper at all as I cooked breakfast for the girls, got them ready, packed the day bag, packed S's backpack, and skaddadled out of the door. You see, I was in a spectacularly happy mood. I was going to pick up my bicycle! I felt like a kid at Christmas. Was the

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-11803253868976891002008-06-14T16:56:00.000-07:002008-06-14T17:31:02.890-07:00

I have to admit that I was a little worried a few days ago that I was going to be overwhelmed and exhausted with having the girls by myself this weekend. I know that sounds horrible. I am lucky to spend so much time with them. I know this. But I also like to rest and have my space. I'm also lucky that L helps out and gives me time to rest! I know it's difficult to have young children, but

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-41975494609397142072008-06-13T07:51:00.001-07:002008-06-15T21:02:59.489-07:00

L went away this weekend to the Redwood Run which is a very large camping-festival-mostly-Harley-big-bad-biker-dude gathering. The girls and I have a busy few days ahead of us.We'll update you with some photos of our activities. Right now, I'm trying to get a few things done while ES is at Billygoats. That is if CC will cooperate!

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-59647207031716698952008-06-10T20:39:00.000-07:002008-06-15T08:32:51.985-07:00

These clothes are designed and made by my new favorite designer, Hacker. Many of her clothes are made with soft, stretchy cotton which is my absolute favorite. I'm all about comfort and fashion! I found her about a month ago at The Mission Bazaar which is this funky, wonderful shopping experience in the old armory building in The Mission District of San Francisco. Because she had sold most of

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-73330307753978675962008-06-08T14:56:00.000-07:002008-06-08T15:49:07.784-07:00

I took a little time this morning to organize the magazines and books in our house. This is when I realized that we have a problem. We have hundreds of books and magazines lying around our house. Some are in the to-be-read pile:Some are in the to-be-sorted-and-filed pile:This is L's pile...And this is my pile...This is the basket of books that are in my to-read section:This is L's basket of

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-73792685592292201572008-06-07T20:46:00.000-07:002008-06-15T21:06:21.999-07:00

Well, I don't have it yet, but I'm getting it this Friday! I'm so excited that I can't wait to share all of the details. What I can say is that I wrote a 50-word essay describing how a new bike would set me free. I received an email yesterday morning that my essay was chosen and I'm one of several people in San Francisco that will get to cruise around on this sweet bicycle.I've been thinking

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-78517175108690583072008-05-31T20:18:00.000-07:002008-06-15T21:06:08.913-07:00

I am so excited. I've just received my very first "real" computer. According to my friend, JR, I've now entered the real world of technology. Apparently, everyone he knows who has purchased an Apple computer has been enlightened and are now drinking the company kool-aid. I won't say that I'm thirsty just yet, but maybe by the next MacWorld in January 2009, I'll be singing a different tune.I

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-19983198529650299012008-05-26T18:24:00.000-07:002008-06-15T21:02:14.066-07:00

I'm an all or nothing gal. It's either happening or not. I'm all in or I don't want to play the game. I either love you or hate you. I'm committed or I quit. I'm 100% or 0%. It doesn't really have to be that way. I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I can find the middle ground and find happiness there. The trick is to find out how. Easier said than done for me. One way I've been

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-2639105382580055512008-05-23T21:06:00.000-07:002008-06-15T21:01:36.315-07:00

Getting our children to sleep is a constant struggle in our house. It has been for the past 3.5 years. Usually what happens is that we go with the flow until I am about to snap from sleep deprivation and/or lack of personal time. We are about at that point again. I'm the first to admit that it is our fault. Our fault for not sticking to a schedule, for not being more firm in our expectations,

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-80312141315225453332008-05-18T08:59:00.000-07:002008-06-15T21:01:24.702-07:00

I've been thinking about this blog for the last few weeks. Since many of my friends and family have blogs updating everyone about their family, I thought that maybe I could join in and share my thoughts too.Of course, my blog started off with a personal finance twist. I originally thought that I would have to post daily (or at least more often than once a year!). That I should contribute to

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-48021597813020561882007-02-09T08:18:00.000-08:002008-06-15T21:04:04.118-07:00

Today, like everyday, I began my day perusing some of my favorite PF blogs. I always start with Single Ma's Fabulous Financials.. And to my tired, surprised eyes, she featured me as her Guest Blogger. Thank you Single Ma.One of my goals for 2007 was to be a more consistent blogger. Confessions here that obviously I've not been faithful to that goal. However, I will offer an honest explanation.

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-52864921637233794612007-01-08T05:46:00.000-08:002008-06-15T21:04:16.799-07:00

We finally made it to my home town on Saturday afternoon after several long hours looming about the Dallas Fort Worth Airport. All of our flights were on time, the issue was that they were over-booked. Now, when I hear that, a thought passes my mind that it would be nice to get the money, but then I quickly get over it and happily board the plane. When I start a journey, I'm ready to get to

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-35068018605954573122007-01-05T07:47:00.000-08:002008-06-15T21:06:40.408-07:00

The fam and I are leaving this morning for vacation in Louisiana. We are going to visit my family. I'll see my new Nephew, my Grandpa who is recovering from major surgery, my Aunt who is on leave from Iraq, and plenty of other family.We will take a tour of New Orleans on Monday and have dinner there too. I look forward to sharing some of our journey. (Well, I'll spare you the family drama:)

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-42705340472826271912007-01-04T08:17:00.000-08:002008-06-15T21:04:37.365-07:00

Yesterday, I responded to a post on the MBN Forum. The question was about Net Worth. Do you calculate your real estate equity into your net worth? or not?I do both. I had such a struggle purchasing this house in SF. that it's important to me to know that this investment is worth something! According to this article in today's SF Chronicle"Your Bay Area Home as Profit Center", 97 percent of

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-35129938359229614692007-01-03T10:00:00.000-08:002007-01-03T16:11:33.341-08:00

A few weeks ago Single Ma asked us to describe our fabulous financial life. I participated and submitted this review:I'm glad that you posed this challenge to me. I started my own blog back in July and was really gung-ho about it. Mostly, I wanted to be held accountable for my financial actions and learn how to save and invest my hard-earned money. I found out quickly enough that keeping up a

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-55055860066057746102007-01-02T10:44:00.000-08:002007-01-02T10:48:46.107-08:00

I've revamped my financial goals from July 17th. Here is the updated list:*Savings1) Save $10,000 in HSBC E-fund. $2838.33 already there. 28% complete. $7161.67 left to go.2) Save 5% of gross sales to 401(k) plan. (This is approximately the maximum I can save per year per IRS regulationsh.)3) Save maximum allowed for tax purposes to Traditional IRA. If we qualify, max-out Roth IRA.4)

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-31004727165220922862007-01-01T07:52:00.000-08:002007-01-01T07:53:53.877-08:00

Life is funny. We live each day the best we can and we learn many lessons along the way. I've taken a long hiatus away from blogging, but I'm here now to re-enter the blogosphere and ask for your forgiveness and patience. It was hard to try to learn HTML, write, participate and, frankly, I couldn't keep up with it all. However, I'm back. I have plenty of stories in the pipeline. I look

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-56271734163306625882006-12-29T10:13:00.000-08:002008-06-15T21:04:52.078-07:00

Hi everyone. It's official. I've been thinking about this for a long time. I'm coming back.I'll officially send out my MIA message on Monday, January 1st.Enjoy your weekend. I'm very much looking forward to joining the blogosphere again.sf mom

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1164520218579980482006-11-25T21:48:00.000-08:002008-06-15T21:05:05.682-07:00

Ok, so I can't really stay away from reading blogs. I've had too much happen in my life in the past couple of months. Maybe I'll elaborate later. What I really want to know is if anyone out there has used Prosper.com to lend out money? Have you made money? What's your experience? What do you think?I think it's intriguing.

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1161190293996491852006-10-18T09:44:00.001-07:002006-11-16T15:56:18.430-08:00

I've said before, I've been in this strange space in my life lately. I'm working through it. My life really is wonderful. However, I'm much too absorbed with my child, work, life, class, etc. to put in the time to continue my blog now. Rather than worry about it daily (which I do whether you see me or not!), I'm going to bow out of the blog world for a little while.I hope in the meantime to

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1160608184707793622006-10-11T16:04:00.000-07:002008-06-15T21:05:29.956-07:00

I've been writing for a couple of months now about how I've been in this funk. The funk has cost me $14 in late fees and $140 in change fees on airline tickets.I'm writing now because I'm getting out o' the funk. I have to. This is killing me, probably literally. I started to do a yoga tape today and pulled a muscle in my back. (lovely!) The depression, the anxiety, the achy body have all

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1160078884915456512006-10-05T13:01:00.000-07:002008-06-15T21:05:49.820-07:00

I am ususally the most diligent, up-to-date organized person. However, lately, I've done some major goof ups when it comes to my finances. I wrote about one the other day, and now I must confess to another. I was booking my flight to Louisiana in January to visit my family. I don't know what I was thinking, but I put the wrong dates. I confirmed, reconfirmed, pressed the button of no return

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1159983112150736952006-10-04T09:56:00.000-07:002008-06-15T21:06:55.221-07:00

First of all, I'm very grateful to have a company car, please don't get me wrong. I love that I pay a small amount (about $700-1000) for the personal use of my company car, but I'm irritated with what I've gotten.I just got a Chevy Uplander. New 2007 model. It has 4 wheels and a steering wheel and an a/c and a radio...um, that's about it. Oh, yeah, and I got seats with seatbelts too, thanks.

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1159809642567160282006-10-02T10:11:00.000-07:002008-06-15T21:07:14.760-07:00

I'm such a slacker! I can't believe that I've been incognito for over a month now. And, it's not just with blogging; my whole life has been dragging lately. Here is a short recap:1) September was the last month of the 3rd Quarter for work. Since I work on commission, I had to follow up on last minute projects, close business and ensure that I hit my sales numbers. All is well! I ended Q3

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1158943287957530852006-09-22T09:38:00.000-07:002008-06-15T21:07:32.080-07:00

I can't believe it's been so long that I've been away. Sorry that I didn't leave a message (I guess I didn't realize that people were going to miss me...Thanks Erin:)I've been away visiting family in New York and then work for a few days and now, I'm off to Genoa, NV to visit more friends.My hiatus will end soon; and then, hopefully, I'll be back on track. I've missed all of you. I'll be back

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1156982812194585462006-08-30T17:06:00.000-07:002008-06-15T21:07:55.378-07:00

We have done a tremendous amount of work on this property, ahem, my home. So, when I left off, we had just purchased our house here in San Francisco. This house was in horrible shape when we bought it. It was, what my husband calls, a cosmetic fixer-upper. We got to work right away. In the two weeks before we moved in, we cleaned and painted the walls and ceilings, resanded the hardwood

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1156825826609460402006-08-28T21:24:00.000-07:002008-06-15T21:08:11.957-07:00

I like to cook a bunch of different dishes during the weekend so that we have nice home-cooked meals throughout the week. I don't have a lot of time during the week to cook healthy nutritious meals, so I stock up on the weekends. This weekend I cleaned out the fridge and cooked all of the fresh vegetables; honestly, they needed to be cooked or soon thrown out. I hate to waste food, so the

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1156703225618774992006-08-27T11:26:00.000-07:002008-06-15T21:09:15.912-07:00

Not too many years ago, I felt like a slave to money. I couldn't stop obsessing about how much I made, how I was going to pay for college for a child that not only wasn't even conceived but wasn't even thought of, and how I was going to buy a house; I needed more money because more would allow me to live my lifestyle, save for the future and buy a nice home. It's taken me a few years, many

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1156370065165012542006-08-23T14:49:00.000-07:002006-08-28T12:22:39.516-07:00

A vacation. Alone. By myself. I just did a quick search of the internet for flights and decided that going to see my family or going to meet other family in Vegas next weekend just can't happen right now. When it's all said and done, it'll be $500 (or probably more). I can't justify the expense just because I'm feeling crabby right now and want to escape from it all.Maybe I'll just take a

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1156352263871757062006-08-23T09:35:00.000-07:002006-08-23T09:57:43.933-07:00

I know, I know, it's Wednesday morning and I'm just getting around to an update from my Friday post. I'm absolutely amazed that moms who work full-time and mom full-time can keep up with everything. I've said it before, ad naseum, and I'll say it again that I'm inspired by these organized, super-moms!We had a WONDERFUL family weekend. SF dad, sf babe and me (sf mom) had a fun-filled weekend of

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1155953377116819632006-08-18T19:07:00.000-07:002006-08-23T09:57:54.396-07:00

I'm very excited to say that we've got a busy weekend planned. Luckily for us, it's all FREE! Yesterday on my drive to Fresno (I had to go for work:(, I won tickets to the Fogg Fest courtesy of KFCF 81.1. I'm super-excited. We'll get to see some great bands all because I was the 11th caller:)Then, on Sunday afternoon, we are going to the Giants/Dodgers game courtesy of our friend, A, who just

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1155870006742894322006-08-17T19:59:00.000-07:002006-08-18T19:10:05.836-07:00

Have you checked out this website? The Center for a New American Dream A few days ago, I mentioned how much I love GladRags. I just recently received their August Newsletter. Sara re-introduced me to The Center for A New American Dream. Here's what she said:The folks at www.newdream.org have revised and updated the traditional American Dream of “work hard and you will achieve a better life

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1155507668727897252006-08-13T15:08:00.000-07:002008-06-15T21:09:38.304-07:00

Reusable Menstrual products. I've wanted to write about this for a few weeks, but couldn't figure out a way to discuss it without getting an "eewww, that's gross!" reaction. The Simple Living Network has an article that eloquently describes the message I wanted to get out. Check it out!Simple Living Network NewsletterI've been using the Glad Rag products for several months now and I LOVE them.

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1155010622387042862006-08-07T21:09:00.000-07:002006-08-16T10:29:13.673-07:00

OK. I normally try not to buy water. It's a pet-peeve. I don't like to buy water and I don't like to pay to park; both should be a God-given right!! However, I was traveling Friday through the San Francisco airport and wanted some water. More so, I wanted the bottle to keep with me throughout the day. (I'm trying to stay hydrated:) I went to one of the coffee shops and when the cashier

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1154613736151876332006-08-03T06:54:00.000-07:002006-08-16T10:20:36.783-07:00

I'm joining the band wagon over at AllFinacialMatters. Here are 100 Things that tells you something about me.1. Born on May 15, 19752. I have 2 siblings: a sister and a brother3. I grew up in South Louisiana.4. And went to college in New Orleans.5. I was a pre-med, Biology major6. I wanted to be a doctor.7. I don’t want to be a doctor anymore.8. I’ve lived in Tampa, FL9. and in Chicago.10. I

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1154573423755184302006-08-02T19:35:00.000-07:002006-08-17T16:30:37.476-07:00

Our finances are a bit different than most of our friends (and what I've seen from other PF blogs.) I get commission checks every three months. I get a small, but not inconsequential, base salary which provides a paycheck every 2 weeks. Still, I have to budget carefully so that we don't overextend ourselves. In an ideal world, we would live on my base salary and we could save everything "

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1154484042381644252006-08-01T19:00:00.000-07:002006-08-17T16:32:35.160-07:00

I don't know how single parents do it! Working full-time, parenting full-time, shopping, cooking, cleaning...when is there time for exercise and personal fulfillment? I'm finding balance. Ssssllllooooowwwllyy, but surely, I'll get there.

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1154029695911937632006-07-27T12:44:00.000-07:002006-07-27T12:48:15.920-07:00

I took a Personal Finance class in college. The one (and only) thing I remember from that class was about saving money. My professor said that if we saved 20% of the money we made, no matter how much money we made, we would retire millionaires. I got a job the summer after I graduated from college in medical sales. I was lucky. Looking back on it, it was like winning the lottery. I worked

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1153804423574949782006-07-24T22:11:00.000-07:002006-08-23T22:48:10.210-07:00

I'm adding my very, very best money saving tip to No Credit Needed's plea for a collection of savings ideas. My very, very best money saving tip is to utilize your local public library. The interlibrary loan system in San Francisco County is accessable online to request the most recent books, movies, music, sheet music, etc. We don't buy books anymore or rent movies from Blockbuster or NetFlix

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1153534278302946752006-07-21T19:09:00.000-07:002006-08-06T11:43:44.683-07:00

Should I have gotten the HELOC? I don't know why I'm so worried about this. What's done is done and there is nothing I can do about it now. But still... At first, we couldn't get "another" HELOC because we had already opened one to purchase the house. We took out a second(HELOC) loan to pay 20% on the primary loan. In this way, we avoided PMI. Naturally, we couldn't take out another HELOC

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1153403488491687122006-07-20T06:47:00.000-07:002006-10-02T19:12:11.960-07:00

I realize that everyone goes through emotional stress when they purchase a first home (or any subsequent homes), but it was over-the-top stressful doing it in San Francisco. I've come a long way in three years, but it has been quite a journey. After husband and I got married, we started a full-on search for a house in San Francisco. I would have been more than willing to extend the search

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1153275383762079242006-07-18T19:09:00.000-07:002006-11-12T19:32:08.483-08:00

We spend a lot of money on gifts: Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, wedding gifts, host/hostess gifts. The great thing is that we are pretty darn generous when it comes to giving gifts. I'm learning from my mother-in-law to start early and search the sales! Well, this year, I've decided to make bags/purses as Christmas gifts. A few years ago, my mom decided to start making cloth purses after

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1153193681023203062006-07-17T20:32:00.000-07:002006-07-17T20:35:13.796-07:00

Short Term1) Pay off credit cards and debt to the electrician for the kitchen remodel.2) Re-start automatic monthly deductions for Roth IRA ($355.75), Traditional IRA ($250.25), and Daughter's 529 College Savings Plan ($175.00). Next 12 months: August 2006 - August 20071) Contribute $10,000 into my HSBC E-Fund. Comes out to $833.33 per month, $2499.99 every 3 months (or each commission

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1152991439015662742006-07-15T12:17:00.000-07:002006-07-30T08:12:50.963-07:00

It's official. I've entered the Online Savings world. I got my password from HSBC in the mail today, logged in, and ta-da, I see my accounts! This is the start of my E-fund and while it only has $10.00 for the initial start-up, I can't wait to see it grow.I actually have 2 HSBC online savings account. One is set up for my daughter. My mom has been depositing a small amount per month into a

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30995226.post-1152915858657444022006-07-14T14:55:00.000-07:002006-07-16T21:30:48.223-07:00

I've finally gotten the courage to start this blog. I'm not a shy person, but there is something intimidating about starting an online journal. Perhaps I don't want criticism, hmmm. I've been reading other personal finance blogs for the past month or so. Reading about other people's financial journeys is fascinating to me. Rather than reading dry articles about IRAs and 401(k) plans, I'd

sf momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740296471060429591noreply@blogger.com1