It’s not just a bad 90s song.
The last few weeks have been ridiculously exhausting for me. It started with the whole depression thing rearing its ugly head. Then the dog got sick. And if you were on Twitter around 5:30PM my time (EST) on Saturday, you saw this:
Car just got rear ended with me and the family inside. Yay Saturday!
— Jana(@dailymoneypf) April 14, 2012
That’s right. The family and I were in a car accident on Saturday while we were on our way to dinner. Fortunately no one is hurt and there is minimal damage to the car, but we have to buy a new car seat (for those of you who don’t know, if a car seat is in an accident, it is deemed “not safe” or something like that and it needs to be replaced. And car seats are not cheap) and my husband has to take a day off of work to get estimates. Good stuff.
There have been some other goings on as well. For starters, I’m taking a leave of absence from my job, beginning next week (I promise to talk about this soon). I cannot get better if I continue to work at my job right now (here’s a bit of an explanation as to why). Then there’s the fact that we’re moving. Well, planning on moving. Our house, which was supposed to go up for sale last month, is now slated to go on the market at the beginning of May. And last but not least, our finances have become a slight trainwreck lately. We’re not back in debt or anything but our budget and I have not been getting along.
So it’s time to reevaluate some things.
If I am going to get better, I need to make some changes. So that’s what I’m going to do. And I think these changes are going to help get me refocused, healthier, and hopefully eliminate some of the dark clouds that seem to be following me around lately.
- As part of my therapy, I’m required to exercise and meditate regularly; since I have a membership at the local YMCA, it’s time to start using that. I’m thinking about adding a personal trainer once a week as well. But that’s a bit expensive and I can’t do that unless I…
- …get my budget back on track. My husband and I are planning on having a budget meeting to discuss expenses, especially with the change in my pay over the next few months. It’s essential that are finances are as perfect as they can be or we could take a really awful financial turn.
- The blog. Oh, the blog. Well, I should say blogs. The Jealousy Files is progressing nicely and I have big plans for that site. And I’m working on a top secret photo blog project that should launch in early May. But where does that leave Daily Money Shot? Well, there’s no way I’m forgetting about my firstborn. However, I’m going to have to reduce my posting schedule from 6 days per week to 5 (and, if I have to, I’ll go down to 4 by cutting out Money Tune Tuesday). I’m planning on going on a M, T, W, F, Sat schedule. I’m leaving Thursday open for any guest posts and Sundays are just a day off. I also have some special features planned, like wedding week.
- The rest. I have always wanted to be a writer. Since 2nd grade, it’s the only job I’ve ever truly wanted to have. This is my opportunity to try to make that happen. I have significant doubts about my skills and creativity and ability to make a living as a writer but at least I can say I tried. Because I’m going to write a book. Maybe 2! I don’t want to give too many details but rest assured, when they’re done, I’ll let you know.
So that’s it. That’s what’s going on. I don’t know if I’ll be able to conquer this demon but if nothing else, I can make him shut the hell up. I’m hoping that the changes and plans I have in place will help that happen.
Good luck with your writing! You write awesome blogs so I’m sure that will translate over into awesome books. I’m glad you are all okay from the car accident – that’s so scary!
Daisy recently posted…Gnawing Guilt
Glad you were not hurt in the car accident.
At least you have a plan set out for yourself. That is the first step to getting yourself back on track 🙂
Sean @ One Smart Dollar recently posted…Personal Finance Week in Review – April 13
I feel ya and can relate. Our finances are in shambles with taxes due tomorrow, put off property taxes and business slow down. Luckily my anxiety has left after a week or so and feeling a bit better. Need to get back to exercising and meditation as well.
Glad no one was hurt this weekend and I’m cheering you on with the depression.
Jeff @my multiple streams recently posted…The Darkside of Self Employment
*Virtual Hugs* to you Jana!
I’m glad that you are doing things to get healthy and back on track with everything. I wish we lived closer to each other. I would totally go work out with you! 🙂
You are an awesome writer; can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Mackenzie recently posted…Will You Or Won’t You?
I wish we lived closer, too! I think we’d have a good time!
Glad everyone is okay. Even happier you are getting your leave of absence to take care of you. And I expect to be getting some first drafts via email…
shanendoah@The Dog Ate My Wallet recently posted…Sunday Evening Post #38
You will definitely be getting some drafts. I promise!
What is going on with the world? Something is really up because almost everyone I know and everyone I am close with is going through some kind of shit. I am so, so sorry to hear about all your issues. When it rains it pours. But is shall pass. I REALLY hope so.
Hang in there and do what is right for you, your family, your health. All the rest is a nice bonus.
Aloysa @ My Broken Coin recently posted…Mitt Romney, Hilary Rosen and the Dignity of Work
Wow. Really sorry about the accident, but glad everyone’s ok. I hope you find some great results from taking some time to focus on you!
Nick recently posted…10 Secrets to Being a Millionaire – and Enjoying it!
I hope you can get back on track with some sense of normalcy.
I always wondered what constitutes an “accident” when it comes to the car seat. We’ve been in our fair share of fender benders in the last few years, and I was under the impression that it had to be a serious impact where the seat was doing some work to consider it a loss.
I think the rule of thumb is no matter how small an accident, you need to replace the car seat. The rationale is that there could be a really small crack or splinter that is hard to see, which makes the seat more vulnerable in the event of another accident.
Sounds like you have a good plan in place to move forward. It seems like a lot of bloggers are having a hard time these days – I hope everything works out for you. I was just reading about your job which sounds so depressing! I don’t think I’d ever be able to do that. Take care of yourself and if you need to cut down on blogging to get yourself healthy and happy, it’s totally worth it.
Young Professional Finances recently posted…What’s In A Name?
Keeping my fingers crossed that you have some smoother roads ahead…
Julie @ Freedom 48 recently posted…Comment on The Importance of Having an Emergency Fund by Eric
I used to have a trainer and had to let him go because it was too expensive. Then I sought out and found a good running group to work with. We run slow and steady (use a method called Galloway, where you walk/run). If you can’t afford the trainer, maybe begin asking around for a group to train with. I totally enjoy the workouts because it’s healthy time with friends.
AverageJoe recently posted…Worst of the Free Financial Advisor Podcast Episode 5 – Top 5 Ways to Cut Vacation Expenses
Thanks for the tip! I’m pretty uncomfortable exercising in a group (I don’t even take group classes) but maybe it’s time to get over that!
Sorry about the accident! Glad everyone is okay.
This Aggie Saves recently posted…Goal Update
Good luck on finding your ‘happy place’ during your break. Sometimes it’s good to step back and assess things to keep moving in the right direction. 🙂
Jen @ Master the Art of Saving recently posted…How Much House Do You Really Need?
Glad everyone is okay! Check with your insurance company whether they cover the cost of a new child car seat. I work for an auto insurance company in Canada and we do.
Hope things start looking up soon, Jana. I think you write just swell. And it could have been worse. If any of the airbags had deployed, they would have had to be replaced too, and I understand they’re hideously expensive.
101 Centavos recently posted…Cut Out That Middleman! Buying Local Saves You Money