So far, so good

I can't believe the first 2 months of 2011 are already over. Time is just flying by, and it's hard to believe I am approaching the end of my first year of teaching. Things are going well. My student teacher has turned out to be really great. She's definitely independent and a very strong teacher, she just needs to work on her classroom management. Overall though I'd say it has been a great experience, and I would definitely welcome a student teacher again.

Since the beginning of the year, Dan and I have been on a quite different journey... a journey to a more healthier life. We began following Weight Watchers online January first. Then, 2 weeks later we re-joined the YMCA. The financial cost is quite substantial, but going to the gym is actually something that I look forward to now. The first time I went, I could barely go on the cross-trainer for 5 minutes. I have worked myself up to 25 minutes, and it keeps getting better. So far I am down 18 pounds, and Dan is down 32. Recently I have begun to lose my motivation, but today I've decided I need to start tracking my food again, as I lost that part of the plan along the way. Hopefully the next time I report I'll have lost more weight!

Financially we are still struggling, and it just seems like an endless battle. My dad tried for another loan again and was denied because of my student loans (as he co-signed for them). It just makes me feel awful. His overtime was just taken away from him too, so now financially he is struggling even more because of me... I hate that guilt. I called my student loan lender, and they said he can't be removed from the loan until I've made 48 consecutive payments. He has to wait 4 years... that sucks =(

Dan and I had thought about putting money away for a house very slowly, and possibly purchasing within 5 years. However, as we took a closer look at our finances, we came to the conclusion that it wouldn't really make sense to do this, and make our financial situation worse. Within the next few years, we'd like to start renovating the house. For example, I have big ideas for the kitchen (as the whole thing needs to be replaced). My only concern is paying for it at once, since we can't qualify for a loan. We'll cross that bridge when we get there. I have to work on my patience! I want it all done NOW, and I have to understand that it's a slow process of saving and renovating, and that if I can stay to our budget, everything will get done in due time. I just really don't want to struggle throughout my whole kids' lives. But, I guess considering we had children young, we're doing pretty well.

Alright, it's bedtime! I'm reading a book series right now that is hard to put down, but I'm having trouble allowing myself time to read because I'm so busy with everything else!