It is time to take a look at your financial situation – written in 2012

25 Thursday Jan 2024

Posted by in Daily Life, Daily Message

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THIS ONE WAS WRITTEN IN JULY 2012. I AM NOT SURE WHY I DIDN’T CLEAN IT UP AND PUBLISH IT BEFORE.  I GUESS, MONEY IS SOMETIMES MORE TABOO THAN SEX. 

EVEN THOUGH IT IS VERY OLD, I DECIDED TO PUBLISH IT, AS IT COULD BE A REMINDER TO EVERYONE TO LOOK AT THEIR FINANCES.

Last week I took 2 big financial hits! It blindsided me, but it shouldn’t have since I am used to paying those 2 large bills every year.  Buying an apartment, moving, and embarking on a personal growth path, and also starting this blog has kept me busy and too distracted to remember little details such as IRS and Brazil.

BUT, last week, all of a sudden I was forced to wake up and smell the Brazilian coffee.

When I took a look at my bank account and realized there were 2 large bills that needed to still come out,  I got this tight feeling in the pit of my stomach.  There was terror for a second, but then as with everything that goes wrong in my life, I snapped out of it, rolled up my sleeves and went to work on damage control.

I haven’t gotten a raise in over 5 years.  No, I cannot ask the boss for one. First I am a partner, so I am one of the bosses, and second, I am the one that handles the books so I know we cannot afford to give me a raise.  I am lucky to have a job and to be allowed to keep my assistant, and not have to do all myself.

Still, even with not getting a raise in 5 years, I have been enjoying a great life. With manageable debt I must add.  I don’t live paycheck to paycheck, and I was never in danger of losing my apartment.

These 2 bills, on top of all others, will not wipe me out but will give me less wiggle room. I believe that these 2 bills are warning signs that I should pay a closer look to my finances.

I am going to have to make hard choices.  Having money gives one plenty of choices.   Lack of money gives one less choices. but still we are the masters of our destiny.  I am going to have to choose where to spend my money.  I am going to have to look at Need versus Want.

I agree with Benjamin Frankly, a penny saved is a penny earned.  So, since I cannot make any more money, I will try spending less and saving more, no matter how little.

What a great chance to stop and take stock of life, financial and otherwise.  I have been going for personal growth, physically and spiritually.  I have been neglecting the financial part.

The good, or bad,  thing is that I am already a frugal person. So there is not a lot to save on, there is not a lot to trim.  I don’t like waste and excess.

I have decided to collect memories and not material stuff. Still, I do have more material stuff than I need.

So here we go, to trim bills and live light!

Update: Now in January 2024, I still get surprised by my IRS bills, but I am happy to report that I buy less and less. Material stuff never made me feel happy.  I spend on what brings me joy: vacations and treating my family.

Fully embracing possibilities… Fully embracing you…

23 Tuesday Jan 2024

Posted by in Daily Life, Finding Me

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As I continue to clean up my Drafts Folder, I have to make a decision: delete or publish. This one I am publishing, just because I don’t want to delete it, and I don’t want to just let it sit there.

PLEASE NOTE: This was written in July 3rd, 2012.  It was the first year of this blog.  I was still struggling with the break up that made me start this blog, but I was hopeful.  I am not doing any editing, just publishing as is.

This one I wrote around

Please forgive this old foolish heart

I am not 15 I just play the part

My head spins and my body is in a rush

so don’t mind the writings of a teenager and her first crush

Bloated, sugar crazy, cry baby, PMS raging in full bloom

In the TV Wimbledon in on, Sharapova grunts fill the room

I hear your voice; it calms the fire breathing dragon within me

It waltzes through my ears, dances into my heart – I smile with glee

I float in the air of possibilities; you bring me back with your concerns

I think of sweet soft kisses, you remember the painful burns

I am in love with falling in love, that intoxicating and blinding feeling

You fear I am on the rebound; you don’t want to be left reeling

Can’t make promises, can’t read the future, can only give you now

I will communicate, love and respect.  Honesty is my vow

Your heart and body says yes, your head wants to ban

I mention killing this eternal curiosity and we start to plan

The clock says 12:30 and I am still Cinderella

I want so much to take the next Acella

We are blessed to be able to dream and plan, 2 kids in a candy store

When? Where? Here or there? I just want to see you walk through the door

On the TV there is a Russian or perhaps a German playing  yet another game

My mind swirls with delight as I picture your mouth as it says my name

I have to get up, brush my teeth, take a shower and get ready to bed

But how can I act so normal with all the is going on in my head?

I wake up with a smile on my face

Feeling like a runner on his best race

My jaw hurts, was I smiling the whole night?

Dreaming of you my white knight?

The spinach is slow dancing with the egg in the pan

Is my breakfast aware of my plan?

The super says how are you and I want to spill the beans

I am happy, blessed in love, I can’t help it is in my genes

Grand Central is specially crowded on this day before a holiday

I go deliberately slow, my mind still thinking of yesterday

Young and old carrying bags, some going, some coming back

I am basking in the knowledge that you decided to give it a crack

I cross 39th Street smiling, people must think I am a looney

I look around and wonder why is everyone so gloomy

You are going all out, daring to dream, willing to risk, I like you taking a stand

I tremble when I think about the first time; the first time you hold my hand

So here I am on 34th, work beckons, no work actually screams

I will whistle while I work, so happy that I am bursting at the seams

I want to be your cutie, your babe, the one that makes you scream

You will be my lover and friend and the one that makes me dream

Fun Saturday in New Smyrna

22 Monday Jan 2024

Posted by in Daily Life, Daily Message, Food

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On Saturday morning, I went for a bike ride around the neighborhood. Then we drove to the beach and walked around for a little.  It was too cold and windy to stay too long.

In the afternoon, I took a dip in the freezing pool of the complex.  They are having issues heating it, but I believed that the cold water would be good for my sore knee. 

For dinner we went to Spanish River Tapas and Wine.  It was good, but I was a bit disappointed that the menu was completely different than what I had seen online. I had in my mind what to order, but there was none of it in the menu.  So I just chose a few things. 

We had feta cheese with honey and pita, a grilled mushroom dish, patatas bravas – spicy potatoes, and fish skewers.  For dessert we had Olive oil cake and cheesecake. The food was good and the service very attentive.  We will probably go back.

Here are some pictures from my Saturday:

New Smyrna Beach Park

Smyrna Dunes Park

 

Mushroom, feta and tortilla

Mushroom, feta and tortilla

Brulee cheesecake and Olive oil cake

Brulee cheesecake and Olive oil cake

2023 in Mosaics

19 Friday Jan 2024

Posted by in Daily Life, Mosaic and other crafts

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In 2023, I didn’t go to the mosaic studio as much as I did in 2022.  Therefore, I didn’t make as many pieces as in 2022.  I also lacked inspiration and motivation. I am happy that I completed every piece and didn’t abandon them, just because it didn’t go as planned.

I promise, they all look much better in person.

Here is all I did.  Some I may have posted before.

I did this one for my sister when she became a US citizen. It is meant to be funny and not a real likeness.

I did this one for my sister when she became a US citizen. It is meant to be funny and not a real likeness.

A star, not as intended, but still a happy star

A star, not as intended, but still a happy star

Either a chicken or a rooster, but a very colorful and happy fowl

Either a chicken or a rooster, but a very colorful and happy fowl

Fashionable dog. This one was done at home, with whatever materials I had.

Fashionable dog. This one was done at home, with whatever materials I had. After this picture I grouted and then applied resin to it.

A peaceful flowery cow

A peaceful flowery cow

A mirror in various shades of blue

A mirror in various shades of blue

A mosaic vase made to look like stained glass

A mosaic vase made to look like stained glass

A cigar box turned into a jewelry box. My sister loved it so much, that I gave it to her.

A cigar box turned into a jewelry box. My sister loved it so much, that I gave it to her.

Another attempt of making a little dog.

Another attempt of making a little dog.

Tray or hanging fixture. I almost didn't post this, as it is not like I intended at all. But I am happy I finished it.

Tray or hanging fixture. I almost didn’t post this, as it is not like I intended at all. But I am happy I finished it.

I don't have a photo of this one finished, as it is in NY. It is missing the grout on this one. This one I made for Michael. The first couple of times we went to the beach here we go we got ice-creams from the truck that drives up and down the beach.

I don’t have a photo of this one finished, as it is in NY. It is missing the grout on this one. This one I made for Michael. The first couple of times we went to the beach here we go we got ice-creams from the truck that drives up and down the beach.

Just like riding a bike

18 Thursday Jan 2024

Posted by in Daily Life

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Michael gave me a bike.  We went to Walmart on Monday and I chose one that I thought would be perfect.  I didn’t want anything too expensive, as I didn’t know if I would actually use it.  We can always upgrade it later.

The last time I was on a bike was over 35 years ago.  I remember driving around New Rochelle, and at one point a man sticks his head out of his car window and yells: “Lady, you are going to kill yourself”.

To this day I don’t know what I did wrong.  Perhaps I was driving on the wrong side of the road.  What I know is that. I don’t remember ever riding a bike after that.

We got the bike home and after a few iffy moments, I was able to balance myself and actually ride it.

I rode a few minutes yesterday, and a few more today.  I am taking it very slow, as I have tendency to over do it.  My butt already hurts, even though we swapped the hard seat that the bike comes with, with a much softer one.

I struggle with the gears.  I have no idea when to use them.  I guess it will come.  I hope to ride a little each day and hopefully explore trails with Michael.

My black and blue beauty

My black and blue beauty

Happily learning to use my bread maker

14 Sunday Jan 2024

Posted by in Daily Life, Food

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“Good bread is the most fundamentally satisfying of all foods; and good bread with fresh butter, the greatest of feasts.” ― James Beard

One of my Christmas gifts, from my sister, was a bread maker.  I had mentioned wanting to buy one for the longest time, but never did. I was not sure I would really use it. 

I have been using it non-stop.  As soon as we got to Florida, Michael ordered one for the house.  He also got an air-fryer and toaster-over, two other appliances that I love.

In NY I made a whole wheat bread with molasses and honey, and also a chocolate cake.  I made the whole wheat bread 3 times.  It is so good. 

The chocolate cake was good, but I think I like better in the over and I can make a larger one.  I filled the cake with 2 different fillings, one with coconut cream, and the other chocolate fudge cream.  I frosted with chocolate ganache. All the chocolate made from scratch. So delicious!

Here in Florida, I made a 100% whole wheat bread.  This one had only whole wheat flour and honey.  It didn’t contain white flour, molasses and the hint of chocolate, like the one in NY.  Michael liked this one even better.

This morning I made a Rye bread, Michael’s favorite bread. I don’t care for rye bread and specially caraway seeds, so I used only one teaspoon of it, instead of two.  Next time I will use two.

Next I will make a white loaf. I also want to try Irish soda bread.

“All sorrows are less with bread. ”
― Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

Here are are some pictures:

First Bread made: Whole Wheat with molasses and honey

First Bread made: Whole Wheat with molasses and honey

Chocolate cake with coconut and chocolate

Chocolate cake with coconut and chocolate

100% whole wheat bread (ps. the whipped cream can is for my coffee)

100% whole wheat bread (ps. the whipped cream can is for my coffee)

Rye bread

Rye bread

Rye bread with some caraway seeds

Rye bread with some caraway seeds

Sunday breakfast

Sunday breakfast

My life is in the Drafts folder

13 Saturday Jan 2024

Posted by in Daily Life, Daily Message, Finding Me

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“Sometimes it’s about working with your bad parts, not fixing them.”
― Leah Thomas, Nowhere Near You

Hello friends, 

Tomorrow will be one week since I arrived in Florida.  This time we drove.  18 hours!   It was not bad.  We took turns driving.  We left Saturday at 2:30am.  We were supposed to spend the Saturday night at a hotel halfway there.   

I suggested driving directly to Florida, because… I am me… I like results, I like getting there.  Yes, it is about the journey, not the destination.  Sometimes I forget that.  Michael took the wait and see approach. He wanted to see how tired he was going to be, and also watch the tired.

In the end, we drove 18 hours including the multiple breaks, and arrived at Michael’s place at 8:30pm.  We both agreed that it was the best decision.  We weren’t tired, and we had the whole Sunday to get stuff in order before my work on Monday.

Since I arrived here, I have been overwhelmed with office work.  This is my busiest time.  I have an audit to submit, compliance review, bonus calculations, taxes, etc.

I hope there will be some time to relax before we get back to NY.  I probably work harder in Florida than in NY.  I guess I don’t want to make it seem that I am in Florida relaxing instead of working. 

I am still struggling with work/life balance.  I need to work less, and have more fun.  More mosaics, more exercise, more blogging, more reading, more skiing.  No more crying about it, I will just keep trying to do better next time.

I have so much to write about… gosh, it is the same song and dance every time.  I will try to do better 😊 The goal is the same: to write more and to publish posts instead of leaving them in Drafts folder.  With that in mind, I am hitting publish on this mess.   Please forgive the typos. 

Have a wonderful weekend! You are loved and deserving of the best weekend ever – go claim it!!

ps. I meant to post it yesterday, and of course, I forgot it in the Drafts 🙂

Changing and growing in 2024

03 Wednesday Jan 2024

Posted by in Daily Life, Daily Message

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“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” ― Rumi

Happy 2024!  I hope everyone had a great start of the Year.

Every new year is the perfect time for a new beginning.  A chance to renew and restart.  Whatever you have in mind to do, start now!

But no pressure. Follow your heart!  Follow your bliss! At your own pace.

2023 was a great year for me.  Of course, the number 1 reason was Michael and I met each other.  I am so glad I never settled for the guys that felt almost perfect, or for the guys that looked good on paper, and for so many others.

Michael is not perfect, like me, but he is perfect for me.  I am immensely grateful for having him in my life.

As for 2024, I want to do a lot this year.  More of everything, but I am not sure exactly what  that will look like. As I get older I am starting to get a sense of urgency: to live as much as I can.

For right now, my plan is to get all my doctor’s appointments done.  In 2023 I skipped all my doctors.  I guess I was having too much fun traveling and getting to know Michael.  Lab work done last week. Physical done today. Eye doctor and dentist tomorrow.

Even my beloved mosaics have been neglected in 2023.  I have done a couple of things and will be posting them soon.  We shall see what will happen.

In 2024, I hope you continue being kind to others, being generous, treating others how you want to be treated; but above all, I hope you are kind to yourself.  Put yourself first! Do what makes your heart sing!!

I needed to read the excerpt below.  Perhaps you do too.  It is okay to change.  It is okay to grow.  It is okay to leave relationships and people behind.

“Your new life is going to cost you your old one.
It’s going to cost you your comfort zone and your sense
of direction.
It’s going to cost you relationships and friends.
It’s going to cost you being liked and understood.
It doesn’t matter.
The people who are meant for you are going to meet you
on the other side. You’re going to build a new comfort
zone around the things that actually move you forward.
Instead of being liked, you’re going to be loved. Instead of
being understood, you’re going to be seen.
All you’re going to lose is what was built for a person you
no longer are.”
― Brianna Wiest, The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery

Bye Bye 2023, thank you for everything! Welcome 2024!

30 Saturday Dec 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Daily Message

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2023 is coming to an end.  It flew by.  I want to give thanks to you for another year of support and love.  May 2024 bring you blessings and miracles, adventures and joy, and so much more!!

In looking back throughout my posts, I found a New Years post from December 2014.  I am reposting it here, as I feel the same way.

A million thanks to you- my reader, my teacher, my therapist, my friend!

So many reasons to be grateful.  This year I am extra grateful for Michael coming into my life. 

“Hope Smiles from the threshold of the year to come,
Whispering ‘it will be happier’…”   ― Alfred Lord Tennyson

 

Skiing in Park City, Utah – Dec23

24 Sunday Dec 2023

Posted by in Daily Life, Food, travels

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If you don’t do it this year, you will be one year older when you do – Warren Miller

Hi Friends,

The busyness of the season has kept me away from here.  I am promising myself to budget my time better in 2024. The hope is to post more, to connect more.

The trip to Park City, Utah was perfect.  Michael and I had been there in March.  That was our first trip together, just a couple of weeks after we had met.  Here is the post about that trip: https://blessedwithastarontheforehead.com/2023/03/24/where-fear-and-happiness-meet/

This time we traveled directly to Park City.  We didn’t rent a car as we stayed right at the mountain.  We skied 3 days. There wasn’t a lot of snow.  They made some snow, but a lot of the trails weren’t opened. Still, for me, the green trails that were opened were enough.

We went out to eat 3 evenings.  We ate tapas at 710 Bodega Tapas, Italian food at Buona Vita and Mexican food at Don Gallo.  All three restaurants were delicious. The most memorable item for me was a dessert at 710 Bodegas,  called Broken pavlova; meringue, strawberries and whipped cream. We had it on the first trip and I wanted it again.

To summarize, the trip was a success. I always want to go skiing in new places, but I am finding joy in visiting a familiar place. I think we will be going to Park City every season.

Back home, I am swamped with end of the year work stuff. As usual, I can handle it.

We managed to go to see a Broadway show yesterday: Some Like it Hot.  Really well done and fun!  After it, we had dinner at Via Brazil – we had a lot delicious food: skirt steak, chicken fried steak, potato puree, rice, beans, yucca fries. Michael doesn’t eat meat so he had a hearts of palm stroganoff, which was equally delicious.

I think that will be a new holiday tradition for us: Broadway and dinner!

I am wishing you all a blessed holiday, celebrated in a way that brings you the most joy: with delicious food, with loving family and friends, with gratitude in your heart.  Thank you for stopping by, and being a part of my journey!  Thank you for your thoughts and great wishes!

Skiing is the next best thing to having wings.-Oprah Winfrey

Some photos of our trip to Park City:

Skis are not just pieces of wood, steel & fiberglass. They are tools for escape, a medium for personal expression, a way to challenge fears, push limits and share incredible experiences with your friends.”- Unknown