#one-twenty-five

I started a budget in May, 2020.  My intention was to start using Liz’s @one-twenty-five 2020 Budget Spreadsheet in June.  

I forgot.  I did a paper/pencil/computer printout budget in May and June.

I did okay in May.  Not perfect, but okay.

June?  Fuck.  June.was.awful. (budget/finance-wise)

This morning I went back and entered in May and June numbers into my copy of the Google Sheet.  It was so easy!  I’d highly recommend you give it a shot if you need a budgeting tool!

I realized one of my problems with my budget is that it hasn’t been specific enough.  I think using Liz’s budget spreadsheet will work so much better.  

In May, it fascinated me to see where my money was going.

In June, it was just embarrassing that I was spending so much money.  I ate out too much.  I went over on groceries (that kind of surprised me).  I bought too much random (unnecessary) shit.

So, I’m looking forward to July 1.  I’m going to take what I learned from May and June and do better in July.

Well gosh - welcome, new followers! I assume y'all linked over from Liz's post at One Twenty Five, and I'm flattered. I haven't posted anything in a while because I was trying to be more balanced, and while I groan at the cliche of starting up in a new year, the prospect of getting to know you all and being a part of this community again is too tempting to pass up. So, let's do this.

Five quick things to bring everyone up to speed:

1. I'm on tumblr every day, staying updated on the ppl I follow while contributing nothing myself, lol. This'll change. Shoutouts to a few of my favs, though, in case you're looking for other women to follow:

Liz (obv)

Jilda - Crossfit and paleo and loveliness in the pacific northwest

Alex - Squatting heavy and taking the corporate world by storm

Kelton - This woman's writing brings me to tears

Teneshia - "Thick brick shithouse" are her words. Total inspiration.

Courtney - Powerlifting or Figure? Hmm, Both. + Science.

2. 2013 was a massive transition, and not an easy one. This time last year, I was self-employed, living with my best friend and (ex-)boyfriend, and traveling willy-nilly. I took a fulltime 9-5 gig heading up a consultancy's research department in April, moved out in June and then bought a condo in Toronto last month. The Google calendar that used to contain all my upcoming flight info now consists of mortgage payment reminders, but on the bright side, you guys should see my kitchen! It's gorgeous and increasingly filled with friends, wine and Mexican food. Which brings me to #3.

3. OMG Mexican food. Seriously. I can't get enough. I spent a week at a cooking school in Tepoztlan, Mexico this past November and it's my absolute go-to for everything from dinner parties to weeknight slowcooker meals. godo2point0 on instagram if you like food pics and gym selfies. Oh, right - the gym...

4. I lift. I maxed my deadlift at 275lbs before tweaking a dumb thing in my lower back in September, so I'm currently back at 135lbs and increasing by 10lbs per week as long as I don't feel any pain. A shitty hip problem and very long legs have made squats frustrating, but I can leg press 520lbs and barbell lunges are my default lower body exercise. Trying to be responsible and taking it one day at a time to prevent further injury, but less weight on the bar means fewer tacos and cupcakes. My goal is to maintain a balance that lets me live a happy life while looking, feeling and performing my best. NOT EASY, YOU GUYS. But we're all in this together :)

5. I don't know. I said there'd be five things... Feel free to drop a question in my Ask or tell me about you!