Single Ma’s 2009 Goals
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my 2008 goal review, it’s that the best laid plans can be affected by things outside of my control. I have to take it all in stride and roll with the punches. But then the rigid, overachieving side of my brain reminds me, “he who fails to plan, plans to fail” – and failure is NOT an option for Single Ma. So here’s my attempt at planning for 2009:
1. MAXIMIZE INVESTMENT CONTRIBUTIONS
Despite market fluctuations, I will go against my better judgment (read: emotions) and contribute the maximum ($23,500) to all of my investment accounts by December 2009:
- 401k: $16,500 is the ‘09 max – $635 per pay period
- IRA (Roth if still eligible): $5,000 is the ‘09 max – $192 per pay period
- BabyGirl’s 529: $2,000 is the tax deductible max – $77 per pay period
All contributions have been set up for payroll allotments. Barring any major emergencies or shift in priorities, I’ll leave them on autopilot for the entire year.
2. MEET ALL PERSONAL SAVINGS GUIDELINES
In order to meet the personal savings guidelines I’ve set for myself, I need to save at least 25% of my “net” income (assuming it’s ~$75k). This percentage includes the “after tax” investments in #1 (IRA and 529), so I need to save an additional $11,750 by December 2009:
- E-fund: $5,200
- Non-Retirement: $4,550
- Other (#3 below): $2,000
The e-fund is setup for a payroll allotment of $200 per pay period. The second will be funded by manual savings contributions when there is a surplus at the end of the month and the last will be funded by one of the two extra paychecks in the year.
3. SAVE $2,000 IN “BABYGIRL’S SENIOR YEAR EXPENSE” ACCOUNT
Wow, I can’t believe I just wrote that. In September 2009, my BabyGirl will begin her senior year of high school. Class of 2010 baby! So you know what that means? Lots of fun expenses!
- SAT prep course(s) and SAT
- Campus visit(s)
- College application fee(s)
- Prom
- Homecoming
- Pictures (prom, senior class, sports, activities, etc.)
- Class ring
- Fun: senior trip, graduation party, graduation gifts, etc.
- Misc: cap/gown, year book, memory book, school paraphernalia, etc.
- What did I miss?
BabyGirl is my only child so I will spare no expense. Provided her grades are up to par, she will participate in everything senior year related – gosh I hope I don’t regret writing that. By the end of December 2009, I will save (and probably spend part of) $2k for planned senior year expenses. As mentioned in #2, this will be funded by one of the two extra paychecks in the year.
4. EARN $500/MONTH FROM ONLINE OPPORTUNITIES
Last year, I would say this was an easy breezy target because I earned more than 2x as much. This year…hmm…I don’t know. I think it’s a stretch goal because I’m slowly losing my spark for blogging. Not only do I post less frequently, but I’ll admit, the quality of my writing is slowly diminishing. These two things combined result in less traffic, fewer advertising request, fewer collaboration requests, and generally less exposure to parlay other opportunities. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Wait, I do. I know these are the kind of posts you all want to read, but I just don’t have it in me right now. Am I losing my passion for personal finance or simply getting bored? Whatever it is, I hope to get my mojoe back soon.
5. ENJOY ONE “MAJOR” VACATION
This year, I will not restrict myself to a specific location or time of year. I’m wide open to possibilities – even last minute excursions. The only limitations to this goal are:
- minimum of 7-14 days
- cost less than $5,000
Ideally, I’d like to visit Europe. I’ve been wanting to see Paris and London for almost 2 years now. However, a cruise or any Caribbean island will suit me just fine. This will be funded by windfalls and alternative income sources (i.e. non-salary) throughout the year.
6. REMAIN NON-MORTGAGE DEBT FREE
I’ve been non-mortgage debt free since November 2007, but this is so important to me that it’s worth repeating every single year. No debt. No debt. No debt. Got it? Good!
7. NET WORTH
Although I failed miserably last year, I will go on a limb and try to hit that $200,000 target again by the end of 2009. That’s an increase of over $37,000. Don’t laugh, it’s worth trying! LOL
By the end of 2009, I plan to save $35,000, earn $6,000 in alternative income, and spend $5,000 on FUN – a nice balance. I hope everyone has a prosperous 2009!
This blog is a personal account of my journey to become Healthy & Wealthy. If you like what you've read, feel free to subscribe via (feed reader) or (email) to follow along.
With regard to the 529 account, there was a relevent article in the NYTimes today on this topic.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/03/your-money/paying-for-college/03money.html?8mon&emc=ym
It is especially relevent to students who will be attending college in the next year or two.
Interesting article, thanks. [-SM]
Hi, Single Ma! Wow, i just gotta say GRACIAS for paying me a lil attention yesterday! I had the same thoughts as you regarding what us-people (loyal readers) really love and hope for when they pull you up on their screen every morning… especially those of us who came from single-parent families. There are specific things that draw me to your blog, and things i love to hear… As you can tell, when i take personality tests i’m always the dudette who wants to make everything better! :) Even if they’re already awesome! Let me know if you want any thoughts… by the way, your daughter is gonna l-o-v-e you this year!! (Senior year Fun) – shaki :)
Feel free to share. [-SM]
Europe seems boring to me, Carribean is where it’s at !! much more flavor there.
For as Net worth we all failed, thanks to the sharp decline in the stock market.
It really depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation. Have you been to Europe? [-SM]
I hope you will continue to inspire us with all your stories and wisdom. Instead of trying to get back your old mojoe, maybe think of it as a new season and adjust accordingly. I must admit that I LOVE reading your post daily however if you only posted once a week I would still be a loyal follower. Happy New Year!!!!!
Very very good point. I hadn’t thought of it that way. Hmm…[-SM]
Ahhh, BG better know how good she has it! Will you call my house and remind her of that please? [-SM] No debt, no debt, no debt! You are absolutely right, it bears repeating!
If you do come to Europe, I hope you’d consider some sort of wine or coffee meetup with your loyal European readership. :-)
European readers! Yay! [-SM]
Are you sure that good lookin’ man isn’t navigating your passion in a different direction? Hmmm. A passionate relationship can do that…. That good looking man has been downgraded. LOL [-SM]
I realize I haven’t commented in a while, but I’m not alone when I say, “We NEED you!!”
Even if the posts are less frequent, you are my go-to women for financial inspiration.
All extremely good goals. Challenging not unrealistic.
I don’t have set pay periods so I can’t even say an amount each cheque. It all depends on my projects so my goals are more vague.
I just know I want to save 50% of my net earnings, and hit $150k this year in net worth. Which includes contributing, even though the Market values take a dive and I only have my Book values to whimper over..
That vacation sounds nice …that reminds me, BF and I are going to Europe in 2010, I ought to save for that.
Ooooh, where in Europe are ya going? [-SM]
don’t stop blogging! :) of course i prefer the more “personal” finance related blogs than the “finance” related blogs…does that make sense? lol! but i love them all. your writing style is genius!
You’ve been a reader for awhile, so where’s YOUR blog missy? I like to read “personal” finance related blogs too. [-SM]
You’re so smart to think about the senior year expenses and plan ahead – most people wouldn’t until it was on top of them and then they’d panic. My school, which was Catholic, offered a well respected senior year retreat that had an additional fee – a few friends didn’t go because of the cost, but I still think of it over a decade later as one of my most significant spiritual experiences and the last time in my life I’ll probably be able to take a few days and do something like that.
Of course, no harm in having BG pay for some or part of those expenses out of her savings or part time job. I was the only one of my friends who wore my class ring senior year because I saved up to pay for half of it, and appreciated it a bit more I think. Most of my friends wore them once or just a few weeks, which seemed like such a waste.
BG quit her job to focus on grades, music, and sports. At least one of them will be her ticket to free college tuition. So if she’s delivering the effort, I don’t mind forking over a few hundred on a class ring – even if she only wears it once. [-SM]
Those are some very solid goals there SingleMa and don’t even think about stopping the blog. I really like your writing style and wish I could write my posts like that.
Also, I didn’t realize BabyGirl was going to be graduating so soon. What are you going to do when she leaves the nest?
Party like it’s 1999!! LOL! You saw how I lost my mind this summer. [-SM]
SingleMa see if BabyGirl can get the college application fees waived. When I was in HS, I was able to go to my Guidance Counselors (they still have those, don’t they???) and get waivers. Of course, this was a looonnnnggg time ago but its worth a try, right??
ElleX
You can do that? Hmm…I’ll look into it. Thanks. [-SM]
I read often but rarely post, but I just wanted to mention two things. The first being that I think it’s excellent that you are saving for all those expenses. My kids are still very young but I know that’s going to be filed away now and I hope to follow in those footsteps in 10 years time.
Second, your blogging is fun to read whether it’s about you getting to your goals, reaching your goals, or enjoying your hard work of being at your goals and striving for new ones. When you (you being anyone) are woring hard for something, it’s easy to make that your focus and talk about it a lot. But when you reach them and get over the initial excitement of having done it, your focus changes. It’s like you want a break from all of that since you accomplished what you set out to do. The same thing happened to me when I finally got debt-free. I’m guessing that might be where your mojo went a little bit. You’ll find your blogging groove – it just might not be what it was before because you’re different now. I would love for you to keep at it now though! Since yours is more about what to do to keep moving forward instead of getting out of debt, which parallel’s my current position, I really enjoying reading it.
Wonderful goals! Knowing you, you’ll meet every single one. I think you’ll like both Paris and London. Perhaps you can spend a week in each place (taking the train between the two). The history and architecture of both cities is just fabulous. My only (slight) disappointment was that London was less ‘foreign’ than I expected. It reminded me a lot of SF or NYC, only with an accent.
Just a thought on the class ring. . .The parents of one of my friends were smart enough to offer to buy her a classic opal ring (her birthstone) instead of a class ring. She continued wearing the ring until she went to vet school (about 15 years later) and had to stop wearing jewelry while working with the animals. They paid about $100 more than the class ring would have cost, but she wore it much longer, and she can still wear it other than at work.
I plan on offering the alternative ring option to my daughters, and I hope they’ll choose it. If they would rather have a class ring, they will have to chip in.
I hope you leave that Roth IRA in the dust!
These are good goals. But what about us?!? LOL. I’m sorry. I’ll write a post next week about goals and open the floor to everyone. LOL [-SM] (I secretly look forward to your goals question so that I can think about it, comment on it, print it out and keep it handy…see, we need you!)
I really only am thinking about my new goals for 2009…the what else. My main thing is my vacation…I am going somewhere. My other goal is centered around managing a new cash flow reality: our medical costs have increased substantially this year and there is a new tax in my state that will dent my take home pay. So, I will have to adjust to the increased expenses at the same time that my raise is likely to be smaller than in previous years due to the economy. Managing this change is my main goal for 2009.
For what it is worth: I think if you write about what interests you, people will read. I know I will.
This all sounds great, but where’s the FUN stuff? You know the stuff that makes memories? Like dancing on top of tables in Vegas?
*smh* Only S23. LOL
I’ll add that to my list of goals, only if you agree to dance on the tables with me. [-SM]
Hot damn! You do your thing girl. Maxing out all those vehicles is freakin’ genius :) I”m gonna go w/ the 401k again for my 3rd year in a row, but can’t hit up the other ones just yet.
‘09 will be the year for everyone, i can feel it in my bones!
No I haven’t. I see Paris as old buildings and Museums. It’s more of a cultural thing.
The Carribean is nice weather, and more outdoor activities. I don’t knock Europe, I just see it as a cultural experience, not super fun.
I’m sure in the future, I will probably go to Europe at sometime
Hey if you do decide to come to the Caribbean, choose Barbados. You wont regret it.
I’ll have to keep that in mind. I’ve heard great things about the island. [-SM]
OK SM, you asked for it! This is gonna be long… apology offered at the top. :)
I think Kim’s comment is right on, saying a good part of what my brain was already thinking… we reach a goal, it becomes stale, we move on. What draws persons to your blog is this: “Single Mom… how can she succeed?” Well, you succeeded in your financial goals, and you hope to stay in that routine. So now what? That original reader may just move on to another blog, just to find someone else who is still in the struggle, like they are.
That’s one of the keys. Nothing is interesting, really, unless someone steps outside their Comfort Zone. You were broke– you were outside your CZ. You intrigued us. You, like us, found that you had a choice: More Debt … or Pay Cash for food, car repairs, rent, tuition, debt, tragedies… We all sacrificed, and it was hard. But the story of the struggle keeps it inspiring. Because it’s a noble cause. The principle is: someone who borrows and doesn’t pay back is a loser. Even if you owe to a credit card. You still owe, you still need to *salir airoso*… come off victorious! Pay those guys, quit being their slave!
Now you’re free. Now you’re somewhat in a CZ. Whatcha gon’ do now? That’s the question in the reader’s mind.
Stackin’ up dollar bills is awesome, but not inspiring per se. (ok, you wanted my thoughts, don’t be offended PuhLEEZE!) It’s very beneficial to you to keep track of your progress, now that you’re out of the danger zone. And others like me, who escaped debt, will be interested in what YOU do with YOUR stacks… because we are also deciding.
I’m not offended. I actually find your comment to be quite entertaining. Some parts made me laugh out loud. [-SM]
But one thing that keeps us coming back is the struggle. What struggle? [-SM] So, Single Ma, now that you found your comfort zone, when are you going to STEP OUT OF IT? For instance, instead of vacationing in a sweet spot, why not find a third-world situation that is relatively safe, and go there? And take Baby Girl? Or a part of our own country that FEELS third-world? Btw, i hate the “third-world” terminology. I don’t prefer “developing” either.
*side eye* Very strange recommendation. There is nothing about a third world or developing country that interests me so I will never have the desire to visit one. Think I’ll stick to developed countries that have centuries of fascinating history and “sweet pots.” LOL
But it’s interesting that you mentioned comfort zones. If you think I live within a comfort zone, I wonder how long you’ve been reading my blog. Anyone who knows me – even a little – knows that I always push the envelope, challenge status quo, and take HUGE leaps of faith. [-SM]
I know so many people who ran around in their CZ for years, only to finally visit an Out-of-Comfort-Zone place or people, and realize that their whole brain changed due to the experience.
I’m curious – why does an “out of comfort zone” experience have to be a 3rd world country? Why can’t it simply be doing things you’ve never done before – like traveling outside of your own country to any place you’ve never been before. And why is “comfort zone” associated with a posh lifestyle but living outside of it is associated with struggle? I don’t understand the negative spin. [-SM]
I don’t want to sound like a commercial, cuz i am definitely NOT into all the TV ads, “Send in $1″… blah blah. I’m into people actually DOING. That is what makes people noble, intriguing, interesting. Their active struggles to do good, whether that involves the fight to provide for one’s family in the midst of debt, struggle with maintaining family relationships (although they don’t share your same values! And maybe are a touch Ca-razy!), or learning from others who are supposedly in a “worse” situation than we are.
So now that you are bringing in the bucks, as a child of a single parent I (theoretically)wanna know next… how are you gonna be my hero again?? You helped me, you helped you, now what superhero thing are you gonna do next?
A hero? Are you kidding! LOL You give me way more credit than I deserve. I do not intend to be anyone’s hero. The way I see it, I made poor decisions, my life became harder because of those decisions, and I’ve had to deal with the consequences. No one should get credit for overcoming difficult circumstances they created for themselves.
However, the difference between me and the average Joe is that I don’t let my poor decisions and the consequences dictate my life or define who I want to be. I live my life on my own terms and create the rules as I go. So I hardly consider where I stand as “bringing in the bucks” or “stackin up dollars” but I guess it’s all relative. From my perspective, I am on par with my peers and my life is just beginning. Anything prior was simply digging myself out of a hole and making up for past mistakes.
As for what’s next? Currently, my focus is how to prepare and support my daughter through 4 yrs of college so she can begin her young adult life with a head start. It may not be as interesting because it isn’t a “struggle” people can relate to, but aside from building and sustaining wealth for the long term, it is my next financial priority. [-SM]
Because you know, all Single Moms really are superheroines!! REALLY! :)
I got lots more to say about what i LIKE about Fab Fins… but i figure you’re already sleepin’ at the screen! Ciao! -tu Shaki
Why you gotta call me out SM? :) I’ve thought about starting a blog but I just don’t think I would be able to consistently write well written and interesting blogs…but never say never :) Regarding someone’s comment about college application fees, you can get college application fees waived (I work for the company that owns the SAT and AP exams) as well as getting SAT fees waived. The fee waivers are given to counselors at HS and they determine who to distribute them to. They are “supposed” to be given on the basis of need but it is up to the discretion of the counselor as to which students they give the fee waivers to. If you want to discuss more about the SAT just email me. I also took several AP exams in HS and got 15 college credits (a full semester!) when I started school b/c of the scores I got on my AP exams. You know my mom was very happy to save that money! Best of luck to you and BG in the college application process!
Thanks for the info! I’ll be in touch.
And I’m still waiting on the blog, missy. [-SM]
Regarding writing, don’t stress too much about your inspiration and mojoe. Sometimes a pause, or a slowdown like you’re in now, can be a force for rejuvenation not just a force of blockage.
I LOVE Shaki’s ideas about stepping out of your comfort zone. That can lead to growth on many levels, and growth can re-inspire and drive renewed focus.
Your comment is exactly what I’m talking about. Everyone I know who previously NEVER had an interest in visiting a developing country, and yet stepped out of “what interests them”, into that environment… changed. And yes, even *those* countries have centuries (millennia) of fascinating histories, culture, as well as amazingly beautiful and festive sides.
I’m sure they have fascinating histories, culture, etc. but nothing that fascinates ME. [-SM]
As far as “comfort zone” terminology… it’s stepping outside of a former way of thinking and acting. When you decided to get out of debt, it involved change in thought and action. And you did it for a good reason: provide a good foundation for your daughter. It has less to do with posh living, and more to do with doing something outside the previous mode of thinking. And yes, I know that is already a part of your personality, change and pushing the envelope, or I wouldn’t even consider talking about it with you! lol
And no… it doesn’t “have to be a third-world country”, as I previously mentioned. I’m not talking about a vacation. Go to Europe, Japan, etc., it’s fascinating! What I was talking about was, now that our own financial world is headed in a pretty stable direction, taking a side jaunt into something that widens a person’s scope in a different way… It doesn’t have to take away at all from BG’s college dreams and life prep; it would add to it.
I understand now, thanks for explaining. [-SM]
The trip was just a suggestion, SM. I wasn’t saying it was the only thing. You had been saying that you were losin’ something, you felt your writing may have been affected, mojo and all… I just couldn’t help but tell you that your blog still is desired by your readers, but IF you were looking for a new, fresh way of looking at your world, financially or otherwise, definitely getting involved in something that exposes one to the real value of a dollar, forced frugality, simplicity in life… as well as living life to the fullest extent everyday, because you may not have a tomorrow… well, it is inspiration, not just some sort of pity, that you walk away with.
First, it sounds like I should have explained better what I meant by “losing my mojo.” I was talking about this blog ONLY – meaning my desire to write, my desire to discuss PF articles or topics that interest me, finding interesting things I want to share with readers, etc. I did not intend for others to think I was bored with life in general and/or losing something personally. Off the blog, I’m still the same Single Ma making big moves – just don’t share it all.
Second, I’ve personally lived enough hardship and struggle to understand the real value of a dollar and forced frugality. My history goes beyond being a single parent with debt. When you’re raised in the inner city and your family’s daily concern is putting food on the table and how to pay the utility bill, the memories and survival skills last a lifetime – despite any relative amount of success. [-SM]
Listen, I’ve got NO problem whatsoever with a posh lifestyle – I grew up with millionaires, and there’s no gripe in this camp against having money. I know that “struggle” doesn’t go away, just because someone has a bank account. I’ve enjoyed many things that the average joe maybe just dreams about. “Struggle” that I was referring to is when we do something that previously we did not do, and had to perhaps fight a desire or tendency to accomplish. Like your “no-shop” months. I’ll bet THAT was a struggle!!
I still don’t understand the negative spin. Perhaps it’s because my brain doesn’t operate that way. Or maybe it’s semantics. When I think about stretching myself to do something I’ve never done before, I view it as a challenge and plan my course of action for success. My MO is and always will be how to be better than I was yesterday, last month, or last year – I have no desire to struggle or relate to anyone who is struggling. [-SM]
But see, maybe half the people reading your blog ARE in debt, and maybe NEED some “no-shop” months. For them, seeing you do it, even though you don’t HAVE to, is inspiring, and helps keep them on track. Your blog details a Struggle… to meet your financial goals. When it appears to the reader that it’s not a struggle anymore, the inspiration can wane.
Hmm… [-SM]
“Stackin’ up dollar bills” (to me) meant, how are we allocating our income? It is a necessary thing to do, it is not negative.
Single Ma, don’t get me wrong! I know you write the blog for your own benefit, and this is YOUR life. You are not trying to be anyone’s hero. But, just remember, we are sometimes heroes or inspirations to others, without even trying! And when someone tells you why they admire your actions, it’s not to make you seem like you’re bigger than life. We all get our inspirations from a million different sources every day. You should feel great that you are one of those sources everyday for many people.
It makes me feel good when someone says I inspire them to BE better or to DO better. I don’t mind that at all. But a “hero” I am not. Heroes are held to higher standards. Heroes are expected to do great things. Heroes are not allowed to make mistakes. Heroes ARE bigger than life because people put their “heroes” on a pedestal, then are disappointed or let down when their hero doesn’t uphold a standard or live up to their expectations. I am just a single mom who lives life on her own terms and try to encourage others to do the same. [-SM]
And as for your comment, “No one should get credit for overcoming difficult circumstances they created for themselves,” I completely, COMPLETELY disagree!! 100%! Perhaps the better half of all people’s difficult circumstances are self-created. It takes an attitude of responsibility to ‘dig one’s self out of a hole’ they dug. There are WAY too many people, especially in a wealthy country, who DO NOT do this. Your taking the reins IS commendable. Being there for BG, helping her find her own way of providing, perhaps, for her own future family is also a goal that many are Unprepared to do, either knowledge-wise or motivation-wise. We can relate to it, and will follow your adventures! Cuz they will be adventures!!
It’s ok if you disagree. You’re entitled to an opinion. I’m of the mindset, you made your bed so you must lie in it. A drug addict shouldn’t be rewarded for kicking the habit. So what. A murderer shouldn’t be rewarded because he served time and has now turned his life around. So what. A deadbeat father shouldn’t be rewarded because he decided to care for his child after being absent for 10 years. So what. The same way a single mom shouldn’t be rewarded for earning a college degree and a decent job to create a comfortable lifestyle for her children. When you overcome difficult circumstances you created for yourself, that’s great. But doing what you SHOULD do and what you’re SUPPOSED to do is not worthy of reward – in my opinion. [-SM]
All the best, Shaki
Thanks for the dialogue. You have an interesting perspective. Maybe I should get YOU to blog over here until I get my mojo back. LOL! [-SM]
Hi, SM! For some reason, what i write is seen with a “negative spin” in your eyes… it’s not, be assured. You told us readers that you were losing your mojo for writing your blog. I just said that stepping out of a CZ, doing something majorly off-the-track, might help you find some added inspiration in your blogging. (somehow it got translated into you thinking i thought you were depressed in life.. i never thought that.)
I know you’re not fascinated by developing countries. Guess what. Nobody is. Except those that go, and who go for more than to find the only Howard Johnson and Taco Bell in the country.
I know you’ve got survival skills, branded into you since childhood, like many of us. I know you understand the value of the dollar. So do I. So does my mom. Maybe you know what it’s like to wear something to school that was taken out of the garbage.
It doesn’t mean that we are never again to be benefitted in some way by being confronted with (or hosted by) persons who have extremely few resources. When i mentioned that it’s inspiration, not pity, that one walks away with, i wasn’t referencing you as the inspiration. I was referencing THEM.
Struggle is not a dirty word. It does not have a negative spin in my eyes. Struggle is doing something difficult. Use another word if you have to. Challenge. Your Challenge is what keeps your readers interested. Your Challenge is interesting, because they have the same Challenges. Maybe it’s self-control. You going without shopping showed that you have self-control. It’s not amazing. It’s everyday. It’s the Everyday Challenges that make up a life and make it noble. And yes, being a single parent is noble, i don’t care how much you want to deny it! :) I couldn’t help but think, “She is so adamant to reject the title ‘hero’, you’d think i had said ‘diety’!” lol Well, guess what, SM! Heroes aren’t always perfect. They are people who think of others, perhaps putting others ahead of themselves or other more selfish choices. No fireman actually believes he is a hero, either, by the way. I’ve known quite a few, and they all say the same thing: “You’d have done exactly what i did. Nothin’ heroic about it.” Yeah, right. Tell that to the mom whose baby just got saved out the window!
Need more? I just found this website: http://www.myhero.com/mothers/single.asp
It seems that semantics did cause misunderstanding. But hey! Anyone who’s ever learned another language knows that misunderstandings can be half the fun! :)
And yes, i agree with you… no axe murderer should be given an award for puttin’ down the hatchet. But that’s not what i meant anyway. Just talkin’ about good people gettin’ good words. I’ve learned in life to show appreciation for the little things in life… it doesn’t mean i’m grovelling in some way.
In the eyes of a child (as all GOOD single moms should know), your mama takes care of you first, then by taking care of herself she continues to give you a stable foundation to spring from, thereby solidifying her position as one of your lifetime Heroes. You can deny it, SM, but that doesn’t change it!! :) Ask Baby Girl! lol
Nice chatting! I’ll be your guest anytime you want to go on VACAY! lol :)
-tu Shaki
Senior Year can get expensive, it’s good that you are thinking ahead! I am sure your girl appreciates you saving for her!