money money money

I don’t think it’s any secret that I enjoy shopping. I’ve been trying to think of the best way to actually set a fairly decent clothing budget for 2013 and stick to it, which is easier said than done when I walk by shops every day, get emails with great sales all the time, and just have a love for wearing something new that makes me feel nice. I am not uber trendy, but I am enjoying the pretty colors in the windows – and I do enjoy purchasing items for certain special occasions or for specific trips. I also have a closet bursting full of clothes that really has way too much, and plenty to wear. For this year, I thought about how can I start trying to curb the shopping and clean out some of the clutter. I decided to essentially pay myself for a shopping budget by three ways- $50 flat right in the bank account for clothing shopping each month, “earning” $5 per every lunch I bring to work (remember that was one of my goals for 2013), and “earning” $5 for every workout I do (general thought – trip to the gym, run outside, worth $5, if for some reason I go once in the morning and do something at night – that’s two trips, but that’s probably not going to happen).  I am hoping by having ways to earn more shopping budget will get me motivated to work out regularly (good for the body, good for the wardrobe), keep up the good lunch habits and just give me a better sense of not instantly buying new clothes just because I can. I’ll definitely do an update about how this is going at some point down the line.

(photo from pinterest)

it's bulls and blood

The photos are extremely blurry- but I think you still get the excitement of, Professional Bull Riding, probably one of the most exciting sports to watch and just think oh my goodness these guys are crazy and this is awesome. As part of my birthday extravaganza weekend, I asked my friends if we could go to PBR as part of the fun. I am pretty sure at first people thought what the heck are you thinking - bull riding in New York City, because that's completely normal. However, this was one of the most fun events I've been to in ages, it's pretty insane watching grown men get bucked off of bulls, and that 8 seconds of glory is awesome. I was also intrigued to find out that Mr. Luke Perry (oh 90201, I will always love you) starred in a movie about bull riding, and that's now on my list of things to see.  The bull riding was so exciting, and the rodeo clowns were really fun too - everything was just different then a typically Saturday night. I definitely would recommend checking this out if it comes to your town, or next year when PBR returns to NYC.

Letters to Norby #17

Dear Norby-

My goodness little man, you are growing up so quickly. Your momma reported that you've now climbed up to ten pounds in size - which means you are gaining about two pounds a month, as you were such a little peanut when you were born. You are truly one happy guy too, I cherish every single photo I receive of you, and I miss those little cheeks and sweet smiles. I am lucky though as I have already planned our next bonding weekend in February, and I cannot wait. I look forward to playing with you as you use your baby gym, and play with all your toys. I am hoping that January goes by quickly so we can get right to the fun.

Counting down the days

Love your favorite auntie

holding out for a hero

Confession time- I am in a book club this year, and well I still have several weeks before we starting meeting, but I cannot for the life of me motivate at all to start reading Life of Pi. I really want to, however the book seems a bit heavy and I keep looking at the book, and then I keep reading books from the young adult series by Rick Riordan - Percy Jackson and the Olympians. I feel about fourteen because I am totally loving the storyline, and the characters. I get to the end of one book and I am eagerly awaiting starting the next installment. It's great picking up a series that's been completed so you aren't waiting publication dates. I am enjoying the lightness of the series- it's Harry Potter-esq but unique so that it doesn't feel like a new version of my beloved Potter days. I am finally on the last book of the first five books (there's a second series with Percy- so excited), so I am hoping that I can feel concluded for a few weeks so I can read the book I am suppose to.

(picture from Pinterest)