It’s been almost two weeks since the New Year quietly rolled in. I’m attempting to stay true to my 2024 goals to see what progress, if any, that I can make.
This post will be my first update on how well I’m sticking with my resolutions.
Resolution #1 – Lower A1C
The last Hershey’s Pot of Gold box has been emptied. The Mike and Ikes that Santa left in my stocking are a thing of the past. I’m ready to start focusing more on what I’m eating, rather than just relying on Ozempic and other medicines to lower my A1C.
I checked my sugar right before I sat down to write and was pleasantly surprised with a 148. Yesterday, one of my numbers was in the 120s, while I also saw 170. I’m feeling good with those numbers.
To work on this goal, I’ve made changes to my food choices at home, but I also made a commitment to not eat any fast food for the month of January.
Like many people, our lives are hectic. Practices, games, and after school meetings are a constant. Because of this, we have been relying on fast food more often than not.
I’m looking forward to seeing how January continues with the absence of chicken sandwiches and fries. (The rest of the family is not on a ‘fast food’ ban. I may be serious about working on this for myself, but I’m not yet at the crazy stage of including everyone in my endeavors.)
Resolution #2 – Earn $200 Extra per Month with Side Hustle and/or Passive Income
Brian and I have talked for a few years now about seeing if there’s a way to make a little bit of side money by either working on the computer a few hours here and there per week, or by doing something else in our off hours. (You know….all those extra hours we have when we get home after a basketball game at 9:00 or 10:00 or in between basketball tournaments on the weekends…)
Survey Junkie
I signed up for Survey Junkie. I like the clear format of the website. The expectations on time and the number of questions being asked is straight forward. I’ve only just started with this website, but it’s one I’d like to continue with. My total for this app so far is approximately $2, but I’ve only been on it a few times. I’ll follow up with more details next month after having tried it for more than just a few days.
InboxDollars
After reading a few articles about earning extra money, I signed up for Inbox Dollars. This website has you play online games and complete surveys to earn cash rewards. My total so far on that website is $10.53.
I’m not really into playing games on my phone, but one of the games has been fun to do while waiting in the truck for the kids to come out of practice. If you reach certain levels, you earn different cash amounts.
I’ve tried some of the surveys with Inbox, but I’m not as excited about their format. We will see how it goes.
Selling on Craigslist/Facebook Market Place
Do you ever have this feeling as if you are drowning in stuff?
It seems as if our family has accumulated years upon years of various useless, and some not so useless, items. From a truck cap and an old tea cart, to a collection of ice fishing gear and a dog cage – we seem to have a little bit of everything.
In this quest to earn an extra $200 a month, we decided to try and start to list items on local selling websites, such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. We have had success in the past with unloading different items this way (lawnmowers, weed whippers, goats…) so we will see if we can find any success with this avenue. If so, the benefits would be two-fold, make extra cash and get rid of items that haven’t been used in a while.
Resolution #3 – Keep House Organized/Clean
I’m obsessed with watching videos people post on social media that show a transformation of a messy room, to an organized, clean version.
Watching items being stored neatly in beautifully stacked containers brings a peace to my soul.
A spotless floor and a clear countertop warms my heart.
The New Year’s Resolution of trying to keep my home organized and clean has been going well.
I make it a point to pick up the house each night before I go to bed. This usually involves carting cups from the living room to the dining room, picking up socks on the floor (or nagging kids to do so), and maybe starting the dishwasher.
While this 10-15 minute walk through of the house helps, it doesn’t address the disorganized cabinets, messy sock drawer, etc…
This past week, I was able to organize the porch, work in the pantry, and throw out old water bottles and dishes from one of the kitchen cupboards.
I feel like I can breathe easier now.
I crave the organization to help keep life in balance. I’m hoping this venture stays successful well into the year.
Finishing January Strong
How long will I be able to stay consistent enough with my actions to impact my goals?
I have no clue. I do know that Google says 23% of people quit their New Year’s Resolutions the first week of January.
I’m past that and still excited to continue!
Goals for Today:
- Read a Chapter or Two
- Clean out the Silverware Drawer
- Go For a Walk