Just an update (who cares right)

 So here's a quick update for those who don't care. 

I finally have a job! I will say I enjoy it and it's good paying, however… it's seasonal and as of right now a little low on hours, however...since the pay is good I do make a few less dollars than a full time job. There is hope I make it to full time but only time will tell.

Next. I always say have a Christmas meeting to discuss what your expectations and budgets are for Christmas. My wife and I had one by ourself and one with our kids. Here's the jist. We are not as financially sound as other Christmas's. We are not hurting but at the same time we've had to considerably decrease our Christmas budget. Last year we spent over 3 grand on our family cruise. This year we have set around a 150 per person budget. That puts us around 1 grand. We feel very blessed to even have that amount of money and with my job we will be able to pay the whole thing off in less than 2 paychecks.

The one thing that is covered 100 percent is anything food related. Thank you government!! Christmas dinner hot cocoa stocking stuffers my seasonal shrimp craving cookies Christmas crack chocolates gingerbread puddings eggnog. Ok I think you get the point. This will be weird this year. I've never had basically a blank check to buy, within reason, whatever I'm craving.

Moving on

If my job continues, I will be soon off FOOD STAMPS! Not that I want to leave but I for one hope I only use them for what they were originally intended. An aid to get back on your feet not a reliance. I hope some day I will pay it forward to someone in need.

Other than that, this year has sucked for future planning. I mean what are we suppose to plan for that covid couldn't destroy? Even are Christmas cruise was destroyed by a flu like illness that cause me to be bedridden for 2 days.

Which brings me to my next point. The Honeymoon I hope to take one day. Guess what it was actually planned for this year! Yep covid destroyed that. So as of right now the only thing I am doing is forcing myself to set aside 10 dollars a week for that eventual trip. It's honestly heartbreaking at this point. I at times feel like God is not even on my side when it comes to that subject.

Other than that guys. Keep your heads high, work hard. buy a lotto ticket and dream big!

Christmas hope.

 So this is my annual Christmas hope post for all those who feel like there's no hope for Christmas magic. For years I did not look forward to Christmas. It was just another expense that would pull me further into debt. It was a time of once again not knowing what to buy my wife and seeing the disappointment behind her smile. I remember very vividly having a conversation with my wife one morning before leaving to work. It was Christmas time and she let me know she had not had a good Christmas in a long time. That was heartbreaking to hear. I promised her that I would try harder and I did. Since then we've had a great Christmas every year regardless of our presents or our budget. It is my belief you can have a great Christmas in any financial situation. Sure it's great to receive and give presents but it's more than just that. It really is a sense of happiness and joy one can receive on the best holliday.

Here is what I have learned over the years that have put my mind at ease and made Christmas an easy more enjoyable holiday.

1st sit down and have a meeting with your spouse and or your family. Discuss what you expect and what your budget is for Christmas. If there is not a lot of money discuss creative ways to get gifts. I am serious when I say this, even if your entire budget can only be spent at a dollar store, it still will be a great Christmas because both or all of you know what your budget is and what you expectations are.

2 Start planning for Christmas EARLY. I would have a plan in place before Halloween. This makes it possible for inexpensive presents from China. China can take up to 3 months to get here! This is again another reason I like to start early.

3. Have a list of what your spouse wants. Ask for clothing sizes colors, pictures. Yes try to make it a surprise but this reduces the chance of a bad gift.

4. Try the 4 gift rule! We did this two years in a row and loved it. My kids even felt more in tune with the holiday spirit. Something you want, need, wear, read.

5. I was going to end of 5 but I realized one more. That is, if you feel like you need help with gifts food or something else, start asking EARLY. The sooner the better. Do not be prideful. There are SO many organization that want and are willing to help. Getting this done sooner than later can reduce a lot of heartache and stress. Every year, last minute, there's a mother out there heartbroken begging for help.

6 Give what you can. If you can financially do so Give. Even if you can't give monetary, give service.

7. Lastly remember to find Jo