Success is improving my life. Achievements Big and Small. Positive Goals.

Just did a taped audition yesterday for a local commercial!
I was a lot giddier than I though I would be

I hope your voice will be selling me laxatives soon.

So yesterday, I added hard floor cleaning for Fridays and cleaning carpets for Saturdays. This morning I woke up with a feeling of dread and de-motivation. Something was definitely wrong and it turned out to be the floors. On top of the 15 minutes yard work, cleaning nearly all the floors seemed exhausting.

The yard was especially torturous today. Not only was there bright sun (which I hate) and rising heat, but I had a reaction to an earring and had taken it out for my ear to heal and all the stupid bugs were majorly attracted to my earlobe and would *not* leave me alone. It was truly miserable on top of my hatred in general for being outdoors, but I got it done and then was overjoyed to get back inside. But then the floors...

So after procrastinating for a bit and "I need to get those floors done" going through my mind non-stop, I went into Habitica and changed it to 15 minutes of floors as a Daily. The weight on my mood was lifted, and I did my 15 minutes of floors without any issue.

My takeaway from the above is that if there is something noticeably blocking your success in some area, see if you can revise it to make it better. It may be the method holding you back, not whatever it is you want to accomplish, and changing that method will get you moving forward again!

farley3k wrote:

I hope your voice will be selling me laxatives soon.

Condoms or Viagra most definitely

One major thing I've dragged my feet on since moving to CT: dealing with my motor vehicle affairs. I apparently was supposed to switch to a CT license within 30 days of establishing residence in CT, and transfer my registration to CT within 60 days of establishing residence. Well, I didn't do that. And now my parents are re-upping their insurance and they want to know what my plan is. We've sort of skirted all of this because we claimed I was "still in school", so I got away with keeping my car registered in TN for almost 9 years, even though it was in NY and CA for most of that time. Along with the logistic hassle of dealing with the DMV, I think it's also because didn't want to face the reality that I'm growing up, having to take on more independence, more responsibilities, and keeping my residence in TN, at my parents' house, is definitely a proverbial anchor.

So before the month is out, I plan to transfer everything over. Sometime next week, I'll head to the DMV and get my CT license (hopefully I have some letters I can use to prove my CT residence). After that, I can get auto insurance quotes, one of the steps I was really not looking forward to, but AAA may have a deal, so I'm going to get a quote from them first (been a Plus member for 8 years, and I've only called roadside assistance once, the day after I got the membership, I've used them for other sweet perks though). Once I have insurance in my own name and the car passes an emissions test, I can transfer my car title and registration to CT. I'll tell ya, just going to AAA and checking their website about the auto insurance thing made this seem way less scary, I was not thrilled with the prospect of dealing with pushy insurance companies, lord knows they're intrusive enough with their TV coverage (also, I wasn't aware how car insurance worked, I thought registration came first, but insurance is based on the VIN).

It feels more doable, even though my hand is being forced because my parents can't keep me on their policy if I transfer the car out-of-state. One thing at a time...

One option you might consider is finding an *independent* insurance agent, as in one that is not representing a particular insurance company and who works for you rather than the insurance company. They generally have connections to a bunch of different insurance companies and will get the best quotes based on information you give them rather than you having to call around to everyone yourself. Doesn't mean you can't call someone that's not in their "pool" but they take away a lot of hassle, and they will get new quotes for you whenever it's time for renewal.

I had gotten fed up with my insurance company continuously raising rates, so I finally went to an independent agent myself and they found me something $200 less annually than what I was being charged with the exact same coverage.

In any case, congratulations on taking this new step! I hate having to deal with anything relating to cars and/or insurance, so I know it's a huge thing for you!

Made some progress today in terms of taking care of my health: spoke to my internist today about some issues I've been having. Recurring digestive problems, wasn't sure if they were dietary, stress-related or something more serious. He referred me to a GI specialist, I'm heading there on Monday, hopefully that is a productive appointment. I emphasized the stress stuff because it's becoming increasingly noticeable and increasingly disruptive; I had a full-on panic attack during my vacation in Long Island a few weeks ago because the house was swarming with people I had never met and I couldn't deal (my non-biological uncle threw a party for his relatives, and the kicker was that there were probably as many little kids as there were grown-ups, which just freaked me out for some reason). So I got a prescription for an anti-anxiety drug, I'll see if that helps. The possible side effects are a little disconcerting, but I won't know how bad it is until I'm actually taking it.

I have this bad habit of neglecting my personal health, for a few reasons, so taking charge and doing something about it is a big deal for me. Feels like progress, which is a good thing.

I've been forced by a significant health crisis (so not entirely something I came up with on my own) to clean up my diet. I haven't eaten any processed food (outside of olive oil) or sugar for over 3 weeks now. I feel pretty bad in terms of the health issue I'm struggling with, but I think the diet change is doing me a lot of good. Outside of veggies and fruits the only carbs I've eaten in that time is some brown rice. Wish me luck keeping this rolling.

What about beans? Can you eat beans (pinto, black)? They seem so much more healthier a starch than even brown rice.

fangblackbone wrote:

What about beans? Can you eat beans (pinto, black)? They seem so much more healthier a starch than even brown rice.

Yes. I'm eating beans as well. They don't seem to upset my system right now. You make a good point. Some of these rice servings could just become bean servings. Or half and half or something. Something for me to consider.

My diet is somewhat limited right now as I'm trying not to upset my system too much before I move, but I could eat more beans.

DSGamer wrote:
fangblackbone wrote:

What about beans? Can you eat beans (pinto, black)? They seem so much more healthier a starch than even brown rice.

Yes. I'm eating beans as well. They don't seem to upset my system right now. You make a good point. Some of these rice servings could just become bean servings. Or half and half or something. Something for me to consider.

My diet is somewhat limited right now as I'm trying not to upset my system too much before I move, but I could eat more beans.

Rice and beans are a power-combination for a reason.

Each is an incomplete protein, but they're complementary, so that eating both gives you a complete protein (i.e. *usable* by your body). The link I provided explains in more detail.

Caveat - there's some controversy about the notion of a "complete protein", but I couldn't find a single reference against the notion that didn't scream "quackery", and many trustworthy sources supporting it.

Thanks. Rice and beans used to be a staple for me in my vegetarian years. I just haven't had as much prep time lately. That and I don't know what to put with the rice and beans to make them less dry since I'm basically off sugar and almost all sauces contain sugar.

DSGamer wrote:

Thanks. Rice and beans used to be a staple for me in my vegetarian years. I just haven't had as much prep time lately. That and I don't know what to put with the rice and beans to make them less dry since I'm basically off sugar and almost all sauces contain sugar.

Yeah, don't use a preprepared sauce - those are mostly all sugary garbage.

Got a crockpot?

I make a big 'ole batch of one of these frequently. 10 minutes prep time, then a long cook in the crockpot.

I often assemble it in the evening, then put whole crockpot in the fridge overnight, then in the morning, it takes < 1 minute to add the water and turn the crockpot on, and I come home to a delicious giant bowl of sloppy beans, at which point I usually make a big batch of rice, eat some with my dinner, then make single-serving sizes of beans-and-rice with the rest and freeze them. Boom! Instant rice and beans for a few weeks.

I joined Habitica! Seem pretty cool and hoping it will help with my daily dreaded quest (dishes).

So after my last two posts in this thread, I'm happy to say things are going pretty well for me. Been taking anxiety meds (Lexapro) for about 3 weeks now, I think it's really making a difference. I still have access to my whole personality, but I feel more in control now. The energy barrier to doing things is a lot lower. There's a department happy hour after work this coming Wednesday; in the past, I would decline with extreme prejudice, this time I'm really eager to take part. I finished all of my annoying loose ends with my move to CT: got a CT driver's license, my own insurance, and transferred my title/registration for my car. Also renewed my passport, because it expired in June of this year and I thought I had until some time in 2017.

I have some other ideas in mind for possible next "action items". One, I'm thinking of finding a personal trainer. I was working out once every three days for the last few months, and then last week I think I overdid it on my abs. I had pain on the right side of my abdomen that didn't feel like regular aches-and-pains, it freaked me out so much that I went to the ER fearing it was my appendix or my gall bladder. Haven't worked out since then, and I think it would be helpful to have someone give me some structure and guidance, plus the contact with another person is not a bad idea at all (I've said before that I'm not introverted, I'm shy and reclusive as a defensive tactic, anything that gets me healthy interactions with other people is a good thing). I don't know where I would look to find trainers near me, I will confess I'm not comfortable going to Google or Yelp for every little thing like that (I'm due for a dentist appointment and I'm stalling for similar reasons).

Two, and this one is a little sillier: I'm actually hyped for the upcoming UFC 205 event, been watching UFC Fight Night during Bottle Rockets the past few weeks and the card for that event looks amazing. It's a PPV event, and UFC events are a tad exorbitantly priced (the last one I considered watching cost at least $50, maybe even as much as $80), and I would rather not drop that much money to watch an event like that (I'm trying to think of anything else where you'd pay that much money and have nothing to show for it after a few hours, legally of course, and I'm drawing a blank). I've thought of two possibilities which I think would be great experiences beyond just being a cheapskate: host a viewing party and charge admission and/or make it a potluck dinner in addition to the event (i.e. - bring money and/or food), or find a sports bar that's showing the event. I have zero experience with either of these ideas. On the first point, I've never been one to host parties (let alone have company over), seriously doubt my friends would want to watch a UFC event, not sure how to find people who would want to watch, not sure if I'd want those people in my house, the main card starts at 10 PM and will probably go until after midnight, etc. On the second point, no idea what sports bars are near me, no idea who would be showing the fight, never been to a sports bar period, not sure what the crowd will be like, the main card starts at 10 PM and will probably go until after midnight, etc. I am thinking when I go to this happy hour next week, maybe I can ask the organizer or other attendees if they know of any sports bars nearby. Seems like a bit of a stretch, but at least I'm considering scenarios and not ruling them out as instant catastrophes (my default programming). The event is November 12th, so I have about a month to figure something out in that regard.

I haven't watched that many UFC fights. The few times I tried there was 30 minutes of history talk and about 5 minutes of actual fighting. I'm not sure if the fights ever go beyond a few minutes.

Bubs14 wrote:

Two, and this one is a little sillier: I'm actually hyped for the upcoming UFC 205 event, been watching UFC Fight Night during Bottle Rockets the past few weeks and the card for that event looks amazing. It's a PPV event, and UFC events are a tad exorbitantly priced (the last one I considered watching cost at least $50, maybe even as much as $80), and I would rather not drop that much money to watch an event like that (I'm trying to think of anything else where you'd pay that much money and have nothing to show for it after a few hours, legally of course, and I'm drawing a blank). I've thought of two possibilities which I think would be great experiences beyond just being a cheapskate: host a viewing party and charge admission and/or make it a potluck dinner in addition to the event (i.e. - bring money and/or food), or find a sports bar that's showing the event. I have zero experience with either of these ideas. On the first point, I've never been one to host parties (let alone have company over), seriously doubt my friends would want to watch a UFC event, not sure how to find people who would want to watch, not sure if I'd want those people in my house, the main card starts at 10 PM and will probably go until after midnight, etc. On the second point, no idea what sports bars are near me, no idea who would be showing the fight, never been to a sports bar period, not sure what the crowd will be like, the main card starts at 10 PM and will probably go until after midnight, etc. I am thinking when I go to this happy hour next week, maybe I can ask the organizer or other attendees if they know of any sports bars nearby. Seems like a bit of a stretch, but at least I'm considering scenarios and not ruling them out as instant catastrophes (my default programming). The event is November 12th, so I have about a month to figure something out in that regard.

On the UFC bit: any Buffalo Wild Wings in the state is a good spot for watching the fights. I live in CT, too, and my pals & I used to pick the closest one between us and gather there a few times a year when the main events looked promising. I don't go as often now, but if you're worried about how many of your friends might show up, this is probably your best bet.

I mentioned over in the loathe thread that I responded to a Craigslist personal and didn't hear back. Tried again twice, still nothing, so I'm taking a different approach: I created an OkCupid profile. I even sent a message earlier this evening, probably not going to hear back though. Somehow, this whole process is feeling easier and more doable with every passing day. I genuinely don't understand how or why, but I'm not complaining at all. I like that I'm taking charge and doing something, it's better than doing nothing.

Not sure if I've said it before, in this thread or elsewhere on GWJ, but at the same time that many people are probably going to be very happy to see 2016 in the rear view mirror, it's been a banner year for me. Found a great job, striking a good work/life balance, getting my physical and mental health in order, trying to develop my social/personal life, it's wonderful. I'm in a really, really, really good place right now, people are noticing it, and I'm noticing it too, which is awesome. Something in me has really galvanized in the last few weeks. I guess this is what it feels like to be an adult.

BTW, I decided to just watch the UFC fight at home by myself. Just too late in the evening to go out or host a party. I'm not as amped as I was last week for it, but I'm still amped. Should be a really good event.

More things to post!

I tried to cook a real breakfast this morning: bacon and pancakes. Didn't get anywhere though, I overheated the cooking spray I used for my pancake pan and set off my smoke alarms. Gonna try again tomorrow, it was a good thing I didn't have anything opened or mixed up yet.

I'm taking a more active interest in my personal investments. Opened an IRA and I'm moving some of my "under the mattress" money from my checking account to it. My existing investment profile is very heavy on stocks, I want to diversify it a bit with some REITs and fixed-income securities like TIPS, treasury and corporate bonds.

Along those same lines, I've decided I'm going to register for the next CFA Level I exam in June. My employer, a FinTech firm, really wants their employees to understand our clients' business, so they offer incentives for people who want to take the CFA. I have to pay for the materials up front, but if I pass they'll reimburse the exam fee and the cost for study materials, and I get a bonus if I'm still employed 12 months after I pass (not a question in my mind at this point). I'm going to get my study materials and bring them with me when I head home for my end-of-year "burn those vacation days" trip. If it goes well, I'm going to consider trying for an FRM certification, since I work on software for risk management.

Wish me luck!

Use a cooking margarine or butter. Happy to hear that things are cycling up.

Good luck Bubs!

I actually find it kind of inspiring that out of all the disasters I've created in the kitchen throughout my life, someone has accomplished one that I have yet to do. Now I have something else to strive for!

Good luck, Bubs!

I've started using coconut oil on my skin which works really well and is cheaper than my normal skin cream. Also I can cook with it but I would use butter for pancakes.

Lol, nice, baron

Bubs14 wrote:

Something in me has really galvanized in the last few weeks. I guess this is what it feels like to be an adult.
.

Glad to hear things are picking up for you, Bubs! Keep it up.

Instead of buying cookies or round sugar goodness I bought all healthy snacks.

I got something called nut butter which seems to be lite peanut butter or something. People use it to dip stuff in it. I used it for dipping apples and pretzels. I rate this snack 9 out of 10. The downside is nut butter cost 3 times more than peanut butter.

Got some other stuff but the nut butter was the only new thing I got.

I've always been a horrible sleeper but this year I've decided to make getting at least 7 hours of sleep a priority and so far except for a night or two I've been successful. I started paying attention to how many hours of sleep i got vs. how i feel the next day (both physically and mentally) and it started to dawn on me how much higher I function with a proper amount of sleep.

I'm in my 40's and always regretted not getting a college degree. I did well for not having one, rising from a temp, to an entry level job, to an analyst, then finally to operations manager but when my company moved out of state, and offered me a move package, I declined and decided to do something different. I was tired of all my hard work going to fill the coffers of a corporation I really didn't care about.

So I went back to school. This past summer I got my first college degree, an Associate of Arts (yay!) and now I'm working towards my bachelors in Nonprofit Management so I could fulfill my dream of working somewhere that actually helps people instead of making a rich, sh*tty company, richer. Knock on wood I'll graduate next year.

Nice

Congrats!

Congrats, RooksGambit! Learning is great at all ages. Sounds like you did the right thing.