In 2003, Sycamore will...

[elSicomoro]

Almost two months into the year...let's see how we're doing here:

Originally posted by sycamore on 12/28/2002
Finding a real job

We're working on it. At least I have a job that pays more than my last one. Now I'm waiting on Montgomery County (or anyone else I've recently applied to) to call.

Reducing my debt by a substantial amount

Overall, it's in the 10-15% range so far for the year...and we're only in February. I caught a very lucky break from Frankford-Torresdale Hospital last week...they cut my hospital bill from November in half, so I was able to pay it off.

Using fewer emoticons on the Cellar

Proof is in the pudding. I still use them, though nowhere near as much as I used to.

Quitting smoking for good

Ummm...next.

Completely cleaning the apartment and throwing away shit that doesn't need to be here anymore

In progress. The goal is to get as much shit out of here as possible by the end of July, since we'll most likely be moving at the end of September.

Cooking more

Definitely happening. Rho and I generally only eat out one night a week, instead of 2 or 3.

Exercising more (we got a good start on this in mid-2002, but tailed off in the past month)

30-40 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Got thrown off by the snow this past week, but I've been pretty consistent.

Putting patio furniture on the patio this summer

We'll probably buy some next month...the stores are starting to put their spring and summer stuff out now.

Buying a car (even if it's just a rusted-out hulk that gets me from point A to point B)

This may be on the horizon. If my brother determines one my parents' neighbors are selling to be a good solid car, I'll be going out to St. Louis in April to drive it home.

Buying a PS2 (if you really want me to break it down, I will, but trust me...this will make my life better)

Delayed until the summer.

No new ones to really add for myself. I'd like to see Rho get an assignment that pays better, but the one she has at the moment is going well.

I don't want to be one of the masses that conveniently forgets their resolutions. I made sure before I made mine that they were good realistic ones that I could take on.

So far, so good.

Originally posted by dave on 12-31-2002
This year, I resolve to...

• Be a better person. A bit nicer, more smiles to my check-out clerks and more donations to those who need it more than I. I am low on funds right now due to an incident at my home, but I plan to start back up once I'm on track again.

I think I'm doing okay here. I find myself a lot more irritable though. I guess it's because I'm not getting my frustrations out as well. However, I failed miserably last night, when our waitress totally sucked and I left $22 for a check of $21.27 - and only because I couldn't scrounge up $0.27 and leave her no tip at all. That's the first time I've ever tipped less than 15%.

Spend more time with Jenni. I'm getting the better end of this deal and I want to make it more even. I spend a lot of time by myself, which I'm perfectly happy with. I don't have enough time to do everything I want, and I tend to neglect her because of this. I have been working at putting this to an end, and I resolve to keep doing so. That means fewer minutes spent in front of a computer.

I'm doing this too, but yesterday was bad 'cause I was busy. But all in all, we're spending more time together. I think it's good, and I like it.

Work out more and keep moving toward getting in shape. The fire kind of ruined my schedule, but I'm back on it Thursday and hope to make up lost ground by the end of January. I hope to be mostly in shape by 2004.

Things have still been kinda shitty, but I am indeed doing this. It's been sporadic, but I'm still building muscle. Once I get back to eating better, things will be great.

Listen to all these comedy CDs. Thanks to everyone who pitched in, I definitely appreciate it (they're all here now).

Eh, I am stuck on Lewis Black and Bill Hicks. They're so damn good, I haven't listened to much else. I'm sorry :\

Engineer the death of Joann. Because I still hate that bitch.

Not there yet, but I have made very good headway into destroying her relationship with my father. I think it'll only take two more big incidents. Unfortunately, I have to wait for these to come to me, because it's not actually me doing anything - it's her making him realize what a bitch she is. I just don't give her an opportunity to be a good person - not that she would seize it anyway.

Eat lunch with Tony. You twat, get down here.

Er... Hi Tony!

[elSicomoro]

Originally posted by sycamore on 12/28/2002
--Buying a car (even if it's just a rusted-out hulk that gets me from point A to point B)

Done...whoohoo!

[xoxoxoBruce]

Yeah but you missed the St Patrick's day sale on Paddy O'Furniture.

[elSicomoro]

Rho and I saw a killer patio set at Super Fresh tonight...too bad it was $170 and probably wouldn't fit on our balcony.

[xoxoxoBruce]

I'm so glad I got a PC so I can just call up my resolution list from memory........ every year.

[elSicomoro]

5 months along...let's see where el sicómoro stands:

Finding a real job

I think I finally licked this one...I think.

Reducing my debt by a substantial amount

Eh, haven't done much since earlier in the year. Rho lost her last job (more on that in another thread...that's going to get ugly), and is now at the maximum she can make, pretty much for good (social security disability plus unemployment/future part-time job). Me getting a significant raise helps though; so does working overtime.

The goals this summer are to get Putt-putt completely fixed up (including getting the car stereo--which has been sitting here for 7 months--installed) and pay down more debt. Then in September, we shift to redoing the apartment--some new furniture, new colors, etc. The plan is to stay one more year where we are (which I threaten every year) and to move in September '04--for real.

Using fewer emoticons on the Cellar

Still doing good on this.

Quitting smoking for good

I believe the prescription plan that I will get if I am hired on permanent covers Zyban. I'm going to try that.

Completely cleaning the apartment and throwing away shit that doesn't need to be here anymore

We've been working on this, slowly but surely. I did a bit while I was out of work, but I want to do more. We've been throwing around the idea of renting a storage space, but I want to see what our new rent is going to be...we'll find out in mid-July. Plus, I don't want to fall into the trap of "more money coming in, more money going out."

Cooking more

We slipped a little on this...we've recently been eating out Fridays and Saturdays. This week was Thursday and Friday. And that shit can add up quickly. I'm going to go to the grocery store tomorrow...the goal: a week's worth of food, Sat-Fri, for $70. On average, we spend $85 a week. I think I can pull it off.

Exercising more (we got a good start on this in mid-2002, but tailed off in the past month)

Completely blew this off after I left my last job...I'm paying for it now. But I'm working it back into the routine. I walk to and from work from the train station (5-10 minutes each way). Plus, the way the train station is set up at the park and ride lot, I have to walk a fair distance to get back to my car in the evening. Since the days are longer now, I want to get a good walk in when I get home from work.

Putting patio furniture on the patio this summer

The second week of June. By then, all the bills for the month will be paid, and I can finally buy a couple of chairs and a small table.

Buying a car (even if it's just a rusted-out hulk that gets me from point A to point B)

Done.

Buying a PS2

I will finally have a PS2 by my birthday, which is in October.

This is the first time I've ever resolved to make good on my resolutions for a year. And I think having them here for the world to see has actually made me more determined to achieve them.

And there's still 7 more months to go...

[wolf]

I believe the prescription plan that I will get if I am hired on permanent covers Zyban. I'm going to try that.

Check on this VERY carefully. Most prescription plans do NOT cover Zyban ... however, what you can do is have your doctor write you a script for "Wellbutrin". Same med, same strength. When it's sold as an antidepressant it's covered. When it's sold as an aid to stop smoking, it isn't (This, incidentally, is despite most plans having an incentive program for quitting smoking as part of the "wellness" package).

[elSicomoro]

One month left to go in the year...let's do a progress report:

Finding a real job

Done. Came on as a temp in May, got hired permanently in July. Just got a great review and a raise (more on that later)...plus, it looks like I might be in line for a promotion in January. *crosses fingers*

Reducing my debt by a substantial amount

Broke even on this. Will try again next year.

Using fewer emoticons on the Cellar

Done.

Quitting smoking for good

Will not happen this year...maybe I'll try again next year.

Completely cleaning the apartment and throwing away shit that doesn't need to be here anymore

Still in progress, though it will pick up steam soon, since Rho and I will probably start looking at new places in January.

Cooking more

Done.

Exercising more (we got a good start on this in mid-2002, but tailed off in the past month)

This has been touch and go since my office relocated. I'll try working on this more next month, even though it's the holiday season and the weather will be getting colder.

Putting patio furniture on the patio this summer

Did not happen. May still happen if the next place we move to has a balcony or patio, but I doubt it.

Buying a car (even if it's just a rusted-out hulk that gets me from point A to point B)

Done.

Buying a PS2

Just bought it 2 weeks ago...early Xmas present from Rho.

So, I completely resolved 5, am in progress on 2, and didn't accomplish 3. That's not too shabby, considering that most people probably forget about their resolutions after the first week.

My list for '04 should be up in the next couple of weeks.