It was only a matter of time. From the start, people told me to switch to WordPress instead of Blogger. But I liked Blogger. I was comfortable with Blogger.
But it wasn't giving me what I wanted. Maybe it was user error but I could not find a nice, not-cluttered template or background. When I did find one, I had so many errors trying to import it to Blogger. And honestly, I wanted to spend more time actually blogging than figuring out the design of it!
Back when I started this blog, I dabbled with WordPress and even set up a sister-site of Slowly But Surely there. And it's just been sitting there. The template is still pretty generic but I designed it myself and I kinda like it. Ultimately, I'm glad I figured it out and can focus on writing once again!
So if you enjoy reading Slowly But Surely, head on over to http://slowlybutsurelykatie.com/ and add that link to your reader OR sign up for e-mail notifications OR follow me on Twitter (@slowbutsure_kp) OR request a carrier pigeon service so you can continue reading regular posts!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Under Construction
Until I can afford for someone to make an awesome custom design for my blog, I'm trying to teach myself. In the mean time, it's going to look pretty funky around here so bare with me please!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Back to the basics - Part II
I took a little break from blogging this past week, even in the middle of the 15 Day Challenge (whoops!) because I just simply wasn't sure what to say. My running goals were funky, my job is a hectic mess everyday, and my finances were a huge state of confusion that I refused to deal with after a day at said hectic-mess job.
But then I slowly processed each area of my life and now I feel a little more in control. I mentioned my running plans yesterday. That means today I'll break down my financial plans.
I've always enjoyed teaching myself how to control my finances. I've made a bit of a hobby out of my Excel spreadhseet budget/ledger, learning new ways to save, and of course blogging about it all. When I moved to Wisconsin, I didn't have an income (yet) and Matt controlled our finances until I got a job and my first paycheck came in. I HATED feeling out of control and I suddenly had images that I would turn into a 50's housewife that never saw or paid a bill in her life. I felt like my hobby was taken away from me, in addition to every other norm in my life before the move. Of course I became emotional and we could hardly have a rational conversation about money without me freaking out.
Then I got a job! And eventually I got a paycheck! And I thought I could have my financial freedom and my hobby back. But I didn't, at least not at first. Matt and I have agreed to keep separate bank accounts and pay our own bills and the rest goes into savings that we will both use to pay for our wedding and big purchases. Despite separate accounts, we originally kept track of our expenses on one big Excel ledger. It was very messy and confusing to me but Matt understood it perfectly (he loves numbers and Excel) so he managed it. I wanted to keep my hobby the way it made sense to me so now we keep our expenses separate and communicate very well about how our finances are, what we spend etc. But things got tricky when it came to mutual expenses like buying groceries, gas, or fun spending money.
Groceries - Obviously we will buy groceries together since we eat meals together. However, with separate accounts, it was hard to determine who should contribute what to our mutual grocery fund and what happens when we stock up on groceries for the week - do we split the bill?? I hate the idea of having to pay my fiance back for groceries (although that may work for some).
So after a few conversations sans tears and a few attempts at grocery shopping strategies, we came up with our most recent plan that I'm excited about. On each of our paydays, we will each take out $100 cash and put it in an evelope labled "Food". $150 will go toward groceries that we will buy throughout the two week period and the $50 left over will cover meals that we eat out.
Gas - Typically we fill up our own cars and budget accordingly for it. I allocate more towards gas since I have a 30 min commute to/from work and he works in town. But things get tricky when we go on weekend trips to visit people, and we do this most weekends. The small town we live in is 1-4 hours away from family and friends, depending who we're visiting. There is not much to do in our town so we typically enjoy going somewhere new and we typically see more than one group of people so it makes sense for us to drive.
So how do we split up who drives where, when? Basically if we're visiting my family or friends, I'll fork over the gas money for it and typicall use my car. If it's his family or friends, he'll cover his extra gas expenses and use his car. Fairly simple. Since our savings is considered mutual, it really isn't a matter of making the other have less money, it just keeps our budgets easier to keep track of. Again, I hate the idea of having to pay Matt back for covering some of my gas so his budget stays normal.
Spending money - Matt and I each get $125/paycheck to spend on whatever we want. If I want one more pair of shoes, I can use that money and he can't say a darn thing. If he wants another video game, more power to him. But in the past we have always used this "allowance" differently so it's been tricky getting on the same page.
If I have an allowance, I use it for a mix of going out with friends and trips to Target/the mall. If there is a bigger purchase I want to make, I set aside some cash from each allowance and save up. Matt doesn't typically go to Target for fun (crazy, I know) and almost always uses his spending money for going out with friends. If he wants to make a bigger purchase, it simply comes from savings. A lot of his spending money though is also spent on me since he'll pay for my drinks or take me to dinner when we're out. That is sweet of him but I feel bad taking away from his allowance. Again, I don't want to feel like I should pay him back for my drinks.
So now we have reached an agreement that I think will work. We budgeted $50 of our food money for us to go out with. If we spend more, we will pay for ourselves (or I buy a round, he buys a round etc.) and that way we maintain equal amounts of our allowance for whatever we want to buy. This includes bigger purchases since our savings really does need to be used for our wedding and student loans etc.
I have created a spreadsheet on Google Docs that tracks my spending. I like the Excel format but I need to be able to access my info when I'm out and about or update it on my lunch break at work. The simplicity and accessibility of Google Docs works for me and Matt will probably never stray from his Excel and that works for us. When we get married, we will eventually join accounts but we'll let the future figure that out.
Now if you're still reading AND you were able to follow all of that, go pour yourself a glass of wine! And yes, it might just be 8am when you read this, but that's just more reason you deserve it!
No one needs to concentrate on mundane topics that early! My apologies! Tomorrow will be funnier, I promise.
But then I slowly processed each area of my life and now I feel a little more in control. I mentioned my running plans yesterday. That means today I'll break down my financial plans.
I've always enjoyed teaching myself how to control my finances. I've made a bit of a hobby out of my Excel spreadhseet budget/ledger, learning new ways to save, and of course blogging about it all. When I moved to Wisconsin, I didn't have an income (yet) and Matt controlled our finances until I got a job and my first paycheck came in. I HATED feeling out of control and I suddenly had images that I would turn into a 50's housewife that never saw or paid a bill in her life. I felt like my hobby was taken away from me, in addition to every other norm in my life before the move. Of course I became emotional and we could hardly have a rational conversation about money without me freaking out.
Then I got a job! And eventually I got a paycheck! And I thought I could have my financial freedom and my hobby back. But I didn't, at least not at first. Matt and I have agreed to keep separate bank accounts and pay our own bills and the rest goes into savings that we will both use to pay for our wedding and big purchases. Despite separate accounts, we originally kept track of our expenses on one big Excel ledger. It was very messy and confusing to me but Matt understood it perfectly (he loves numbers and Excel) so he managed it. I wanted to keep my hobby the way it made sense to me so now we keep our expenses separate and communicate very well about how our finances are, what we spend etc. But things got tricky when it came to mutual expenses like buying groceries, gas, or fun spending money.
Groceries - Obviously we will buy groceries together since we eat meals together. However, with separate accounts, it was hard to determine who should contribute what to our mutual grocery fund and what happens when we stock up on groceries for the week - do we split the bill?? I hate the idea of having to pay my fiance back for groceries (although that may work for some).
So after a few conversations sans tears and a few attempts at grocery shopping strategies, we came up with our most recent plan that I'm excited about. On each of our paydays, we will each take out $100 cash and put it in an evelope labled "Food". $150 will go toward groceries that we will buy throughout the two week period and the $50 left over will cover meals that we eat out.
Gas - Typically we fill up our own cars and budget accordingly for it. I allocate more towards gas since I have a 30 min commute to/from work and he works in town. But things get tricky when we go on weekend trips to visit people, and we do this most weekends. The small town we live in is 1-4 hours away from family and friends, depending who we're visiting. There is not much to do in our town so we typically enjoy going somewhere new and we typically see more than one group of people so it makes sense for us to drive.
So how do we split up who drives where, when? Basically if we're visiting my family or friends, I'll fork over the gas money for it and typicall use my car. If it's his family or friends, he'll cover his extra gas expenses and use his car. Fairly simple. Since our savings is considered mutual, it really isn't a matter of making the other have less money, it just keeps our budgets easier to keep track of. Again, I hate the idea of having to pay Matt back for covering some of my gas so his budget stays normal.
Spending money - Matt and I each get $125/paycheck to spend on whatever we want. If I want one more pair of shoes, I can use that money and he can't say a darn thing. If he wants another video game, more power to him. But in the past we have always used this "allowance" differently so it's been tricky getting on the same page.
If I have an allowance, I use it for a mix of going out with friends and trips to Target/the mall. If there is a bigger purchase I want to make, I set aside some cash from each allowance and save up. Matt doesn't typically go to Target for fun (crazy, I know) and almost always uses his spending money for going out with friends. If he wants to make a bigger purchase, it simply comes from savings. A lot of his spending money though is also spent on me since he'll pay for my drinks or take me to dinner when we're out. That is sweet of him but I feel bad taking away from his allowance. Again, I don't want to feel like I should pay him back for my drinks.
So now we have reached an agreement that I think will work. We budgeted $50 of our food money for us to go out with. If we spend more, we will pay for ourselves (or I buy a round, he buys a round etc.) and that way we maintain equal amounts of our allowance for whatever we want to buy. This includes bigger purchases since our savings really does need to be used for our wedding and student loans etc.
I have created a spreadsheet on Google Docs that tracks my spending. I like the Excel format but I need to be able to access my info when I'm out and about or update it on my lunch break at work. The simplicity and accessibility of Google Docs works for me and Matt will probably never stray from his Excel and that works for us. When we get married, we will eventually join accounts but we'll let the future figure that out.
Now if you're still reading AND you were able to follow all of that, go pour yourself a glass of wine! And yes, it might just be 8am when you read this, but that's just more reason you deserve it!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Starting with the basics
As a kid I played basketball and regardless of my poor skills, I had a dream to surpass the WNBA and be the first woman in the NBA. I typically have the "Go big or go home" mindset when I set goals. When I decided to start running, I thought my first race should be a half marathon even though I hadn't even ran a full mile ever in my life.
Well I didn't end up in the NBA but I did do a half marathon. My performance was hardly anything to brag about and I only ran a few minutes straight. After recovering from that race, I refused to settle for anything less than a half marathon. Ultimately, I want to run a marathon, so my brain assumed the only way to get there was to make forward progress. If I got more comfortable with running an entire half marathon, I am pretty close to being able to run a full marathon. Well, yes, that would be ideal.
But I got WAY too far ahead of myself. I don't want to run/walk a marathon. I want to run every step of the way and I want my body to be prepared for it and maybe actually enjoy it. Some people are natural runners but I'm certainly not one of them. That being the case, I can't just dive into another half marathon and expect results.
So instead of making big huge plans for another half marathon this fall, I'm taking a few steps backward and starting with the basics.
In my head, it sounds minimal but a 5K is the perfect next challenge for me. Despite doing a half marathon, I have never ran 3 miles straight. And it has been 4 months since the race and 4 months since I've done any major running. A 5K actually sounds a little difficult to me at the moment and I'm excited about it.
I will not compare myself to those who regularly run half or full marathons. I will not compare myself to those who can run effortlessly and don't have to walk. I will simply start from the beginning and see how far I can go.
I've realized I need to go easier on myself with my goals. With a new job, a new location, and many other big life adjustments, I want running to be fun and doable and realistic. I always dream so big, set up these huge, unreasonable tasks and expectations to meet these big goals and then I wear myself out.
It's time for a different approach and I can't wait to see where it takes me. And just because I'm starting small does not mean that a full marathon is out of sight. It will happen one day and this way, I will actually be ready for it!
July 28th - Brandon's B+ 5K (It's only $20 and for an AMAZING cause. Go register right now!!)
-I will run/walk this race as training for a fall 5K
Sept 23 - Instead of running the Fox Cities Half Marathon as planned, I'm stepping down to do the 5K. I will run the whole thing and my goal pace is 11 minutes.
We'll see where running takes me from there.
Well I didn't end up in the NBA but I did do a half marathon. My performance was hardly anything to brag about and I only ran a few minutes straight. After recovering from that race, I refused to settle for anything less than a half marathon. Ultimately, I want to run a marathon, so my brain assumed the only way to get there was to make forward progress. If I got more comfortable with running an entire half marathon, I am pretty close to being able to run a full marathon. Well, yes, that would be ideal.
But I got WAY too far ahead of myself. I don't want to run/walk a marathon. I want to run every step of the way and I want my body to be prepared for it and maybe actually enjoy it. Some people are natural runners but I'm certainly not one of them. That being the case, I can't just dive into another half marathon and expect results.
So instead of making big huge plans for another half marathon this fall, I'm taking a few steps backward and starting with the basics.
In my head, it sounds minimal but a 5K is the perfect next challenge for me. Despite doing a half marathon, I have never ran 3 miles straight. And it has been 4 months since the race and 4 months since I've done any major running. A 5K actually sounds a little difficult to me at the moment and I'm excited about it.
I will not compare myself to those who regularly run half or full marathons. I will not compare myself to those who can run effortlessly and don't have to walk. I will simply start from the beginning and see how far I can go.
I've realized I need to go easier on myself with my goals. With a new job, a new location, and many other big life adjustments, I want running to be fun and doable and realistic. I always dream so big, set up these huge, unreasonable tasks and expectations to meet these big goals and then I wear myself out.
It's time for a different approach and I can't wait to see where it takes me. And just because I'm starting small does not mean that a full marathon is out of sight. It will happen one day and this way, I will actually be ready for it!
July 28th - Brandon's B+ 5K (It's only $20 and for an AMAZING cause. Go register right now!!)
-I will run/walk this race as training for a fall 5K
Sept 23 - Instead of running the Fox Cities Half Marathon as planned, I'm stepping down to do the 5K. I will run the whole thing and my goal pace is 11 minutes.
We'll see where running takes me from there.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Catch Up - #15DayChallenge
So if I have to do a catch up post, I suppose that means I haven't successfully done the challenge but oh well. The weekend was busy and fun and worth a little less blog time.
So where did I leave off?
[Day 6] Recommend a book for us to read. Why do you think it's important?
If I could, I would probably give you a long list but I'll keep it at two for today.
State of the Union: A Novel - Douglas Kennedy
**There are other books called State of the Union. When I recommended this to my friend, she got the wrong book and ended up reading an entirely different story. Oops.
My aunt gave me this book for my 23rd birthday. It starts with a woman roughly my age, maybe a little younger, who settles for the first man she meets. Although they are not crazy passionate about each other, he is a doctor and a good guy. They get married and it shows how her life unfolded because of this decision. I found it incredibly important at a time where everyone (including myself) seems to be getting engaged, married, or is running wild waiting for "the one". All I hear about is right now, but it's nice to see how that can unfold down the road based on young decisions.
I know people who have settled and I know people who continue to wait. It was so easy to absorb myself into this character. It is a long book but I couldn't put it down.
The Missing Piece - Shel Silverstein
I have no idea when I was introduced to this book but whenever I babysit and the kids have this book, I always always always read it to them before bed.
I think a lot of kid classics are incredible but this one always stands out (and The Giving Tree of course). There is something just so sweet about a broken circle realizing he doesn't need something to complete it. It has fun enjoying life just the way it is. Everyone should know that, not just little kids.
[Day 7] - Describe the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of yourself
The Good:
I'm funny and I'm really curious. It keeps life interesting and fun.
The Bad:
I'm terribly impatient and I change my mind quite often.
The Ugly:
I'm rarely content for long (part of being curious). I'm always looking to improve or learn/do something new instead of appreciating what I have. That probably explains why I'm always moving and changing my plans.
[Day 9] Describe the best day of your life to date.
The day I got engaged - May 27, 2012.
Not only did I get engaged, it was just one of those simply perfect days. I got to sleep in, eat my favorite New York breakfast of a Bagel Mill bagel and Starbucks, enjoy gorgeous weather in a surprisingly-not-so-crowded city, and see views from my favorite place in the world (the Top of the Rock). I got to call my family to tell them life-changing news and hear their squeals of excitement. I got to celebrate with my best friend over our favorite dinner of Tiny Thai and we enjoyed a post-dinner walk around the reservoir in Central Park. Yes, I also had to pack up my New York apartment but I saved the sadness for another day. I shared a beer with a friend before I left to say goodbye and share the good news and I got to end the day in bed next to my fiance scheming about an actual wedding date.
It will be tough to beat that.
So where did I leave off?
[Day 6] Recommend a book for us to read. Why do you think it's important?
If I could, I would probably give you a long list but I'll keep it at two for today.
State of the Union: A Novel - Douglas Kennedy
**There are other books called State of the Union. When I recommended this to my friend, she got the wrong book and ended up reading an entirely different story. Oops.
I know people who have settled and I know people who continue to wait. It was so easy to absorb myself into this character. It is a long book but I couldn't put it down.
The Missing Piece - Shel Silverstein
I think a lot of kid classics are incredible but this one always stands out (and The Giving Tree of course). There is something just so sweet about a broken circle realizing he doesn't need something to complete it. It has fun enjoying life just the way it is. Everyone should know that, not just little kids.
[Day 7] - Describe the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of yourself
The Good:
I'm funny and I'm really curious. It keeps life interesting and fun.
The Bad:
I'm terribly impatient and I change my mind quite often.
The Ugly:
I'm rarely content for long (part of being curious). I'm always looking to improve or learn/do something new instead of appreciating what I have. That probably explains why I'm always moving and changing my plans.
"Better is the enemy of good."
[Day 9] Describe the best day of your life to date.
The day I got engaged - May 27, 2012.
Not only did I get engaged, it was just one of those simply perfect days. I got to sleep in, eat my favorite New York breakfast of a Bagel Mill bagel and Starbucks, enjoy gorgeous weather in a surprisingly-not-so-crowded city, and see views from my favorite place in the world (the Top of the Rock). I got to call my family to tell them life-changing news and hear their squeals of excitement. I got to celebrate with my best friend over our favorite dinner of Tiny Thai and we enjoyed a post-dinner walk around the reservoir in Central Park. Yes, I also had to pack up my New York apartment but I saved the sadness for another day. I shared a beer with a friend before I left to say goodbye and share the good news and I got to end the day in bed next to my fiance scheming about an actual wedding date.
It will be tough to beat that.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Something I've Always Wanted To Do - #15DayChallenge
[Day 6]: What's something you've always wanted to do but haven't? Why not?
I've always wanted to skydive, specifically in Hawaii or Australia. I mean, if you're going to go that high and risk your death, you might as well have a spectacular view, right?
Why haven't I done it yet?
Well, for starters, I haven't been to Hawaii or Australia, yet.
I'm also ridiculously afraid of heights. I might be too afraid to actually enjoy the experience.
Lastly, it's pretty expensive and I'm kind of sort of trying to get out of debt.
But we are going to Hawaii on our honeymoon and we are working hard to tackle our debt. The starts just might align and it could happen relatively soon!
Why haven't I done it yet?
Well, for starters, I haven't been to Hawaii or Australia, yet.
I'm also ridiculously afraid of heights. I might be too afraid to actually enjoy the experience.
Lastly, it's pretty expensive and I'm kind of sort of trying to get out of debt.
But we are going to Hawaii on our honeymoon and we are working hard to tackle our debt. The starts just might align and it could happen relatively soon!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Dinner with 5 People - #15DayChallenge
I'm a little late today but I guess I could just say "sorry I'm not sorry for partying." Hope you all had a wonderful 4th and are enjoying the fact that although it feels like Monday, it's already Thursday!
Today's prompt is:
[Day 5]: If you could have dinner with any five people, who would they be?
Today's prompt is:
[Day 5]: If you could have dinner with any five people, who would they be?
- Oprah
- My dad's mom - I never got to meet her but I heard she was pretty cool.
- Secretary Arne Duncan - Department of Education
- Obama
- Tina Fey
Is that a random group, or what?! Either way, I would love to pick all of their brains - even though I'm not sure I could hold my own with most of them. I just know I would laugh, learn a lot, and get inspiration from all of them.
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