I hope that everyone had a fulfilling holiday season. We had a wonderful Advent filled with family activities and a very nice Christmas celebration with extended family. It wasn't a white Christmas, which saddened by nostalgic daughter. I've made some interesting observations about myself lately that have helped my the best version of myself that I can be, and I've been much more positive in attitude and spirit that has helped things be calm and peaceful.

I've worked the budget for the 1/4 and will be paying an additional $500 to mortgage principle. I am very pleased with that.

I have increased the 401K contributions from 4% to 12%. I'm looking at it as a "getting used to less money" practice.

The meal planning and grocery spending will continue to be an area that I'm challenged by. But, I'm spending a bit of my weekly grocery funds to stock up things when they are on sale. Seems a smart move.

I'm giving some thoughts to concrete goals for 2013. I've got the normal "lose weight" and "eradicate debt" and some other home improvement ones "new carpeting in the bedrooms". Also I've been more outgoing and expanding my circle with like-minded friends. I've unfortunately did the fade with my best friend, taking a hiatus of several weeks (speaking to her once every six days for a minimum of ten minutes AND making an effort to talk to her about what was going on in MY life rather than listening to her ONLY). Making small progress there, and the time away has definitely made her issues HERS and there hasn't been the energy suck

Well, Happy New Year, all!