Hello everyone and happy Friday! Today's post will be a mix of everything going on in my life. We'll start off with a short life update, 10 Spectacular Things Happening Right Now, and then my November goals.
October was a fun and relaxing month. I was able to work a good amount, have some fun, and enjoy life. October also marked one full year since I left my day job and I had an expensive dinner out (thanks to a gift card we were given, of course!) with Wes to celebrate.
In October, I went indoor rock climbing for my very first time. I also bought a membership at the rock climbing gym because I became so addicted to it. We've gone nearly every other day, and it's a hobby I already can tell I will love for a very long time.
Rock climbing is a lot of fun, but it's definitely expensive in the beginning. We've had to buy rope, harnesses, helmets, climbing shoes, and a lot more. REI has been our best friend recently. It's a ton of fun though so we are finding it well worth it.
We plan on trying some outdoor climbing later this month. We have plans for Joshua Tree, and if everything goes as planned then we will be visiting there soon. This is pretty crazy to think about because just a few weeks ago I was terrified of climbing. It's crazy how quickly that fear has passed!
10 Spectacular Things Happening Right Now
A blogger I love posted something really interesting the other day (10 Spectacular Things Happening in My Life and Biz Right Now, it all started with Coach Jennie), and I thought it would be a fun post to do as well. I think being positive and optimistic about life can drastically change a person's life, and it's something I have been working on in my own life. I've noticed changes ever since changing this part about my life and I'm loving it.
Here are 10 things going on in my life right now that I love:
1. I enjoy waking up and working every day. It's been a little over one year since I left my day job for self-employment, and I still enjoy waking up each and every morning to work. I never felt this way when I had my day job, so it is truly a wonderful feeling. I hope that everyone one day can experience this.
2. I love fall and the wonderful weather. Fall is my favorite season. The weather is amazing, the clothes are comfy, the holidays are right around the corner, and it's beautiful outside with all of the changing colors.
3. Rock climbing is a blast. Like I said above, I love rock climbing. It's a great way to get a work out in, you can really challenge yourself mentally and physically, and more. I always feel amazing after climbing at the gym so I cannot wait until I can climb outside. Even though I am just a beginner at this, I know I love it.
4. Location independence is an amazing thing. One of the best things right now about my business is the fact that I am location independent. I can work from wherever. All I need is my laptop and internet. This makes traveling so much easier because I can just pick up and go. I don't have to plot my whole year's worth of vacation time and carefully (and almost scientifically) select which days I will take off.
5. Wes. Awww, I know right? I don't get romantic on my blog EVER, but Wes is definitely great and someone I love, so, of course, I had to include him here in this post.
6. My family. No matter how small my family is and how far away they all are, I love them incredibly. I also love Wes's family and how great they've been to me. I'm a lucky girl!
7. My dogs are pretty awesome. Can't forget my pups!
8. Being able to travel. We have a good amount of traveling in store for 2015. If everything goes as planned then 2015 will be an amazing year.
9. My home. Even though I love traveling, I love being home every now and then. October was a non-traveling month and I LOVED it. I'm a homebody and I don't care.
10. My life. Okay, I'm not sure if this one really counts. However, life overall is great right now. No, I'm not trying to rub it in anyone's face or be annoying. It's just the truth. And this is my blog so I can be as positive as I want 🙂
Wes bike riding and me following behind being a paparazzo.
October Goals Update
- Make $15,000 in business income. PASS kind of. I made over $15,000, but after expenses I came in a little under that. I'm still going to call it a pass though! You can read my income report here.
- Work out! PASS! I finally started working out. I have been taking my dogs on more walks, and I've been going to the climbing gym a few times a week.
- Work ahead on MakingSenseofCents posts. PASS. I'm still not too far ahead when it comes to posts, but I am far enough to where I can relax during the week while trying to think of new posts.
- Eat in 5 days a week. FAIL. This is an area that we have been failing at. I need to get back into meal planning. I really have no excuses for this fail.
November Goals
- Work out! This is something that I know won't be too difficult to do anymore now that I'm paying for the climbing gym. It's a lot of fun and I'm going to want to get my money's worth! 🙂
- Work ahead on MakingSenseofCents posts. I am still working on this goal. I would like to be at least one month ahead. Eventually I would like to be two months ahead when it comes to my more detailed posts (my income reports and weekly recaps of course cannot be done ahead of time).
- Eat in 4 days a week. My plan is to start meal planning again, meal prepping, and finding more interesting meals for us to eat. Eating in is somewhat hard for us because we tend to eat five or six meals a day, and it gets tiring eating the same thing over and over again. It's a huge waste of money to eat out as often as we do though. And it's unhealthy!
- Successfully complete a 5.10 at the rock climbing gym. Okay, I'm probably not reaching high here with this goal seeing as how I've never attempted a 5.10 so I don't know whether or not I can do it. Right now I'm really just going through the 5.8s and working through the 5.10s until I can master them perfectly.
What amazing things are going on in your life?
How did you do in October? What is your main goal for November?
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Nicola says
November 7, 2014 at 1:15 amI love Fall too and staying in all cosy when it’s dark and cold outside 🙂 I’ve never tried rock climbing as the height thing bothers me, but it does look exciting! Lots of arm strength needed though I suspect? 🙂 good luck with your aims in November!
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 10:51 amLots of arm strength! I didn’t think I had much so I’m surprised I can do anything haha!
Kirsten says
November 7, 2014 at 3:26 am15,000 in one month?! Wowzers. Ian trying to earn 15k in a year (do I can stay home with my girls). I realize you’ve been at this for a lot longer than me but I’m floored anyway!
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 10:52 amHaha a lot of people say that. I used to think the same thing about other bloggers.
Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life says
November 7, 2014 at 5:51 amI’d love to get one month ahead on the blog- maybe that’ll be a New Years Resolution.
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 10:52 amGood luck! 🙂
Mrs. Frugalwoods says
November 7, 2014 at 6:18 amAwesome! I love your inspiring updates! And, I have to laugh at that photo of Wes biking away because I’m constantly doing the same thing to Mr. FW and Frugal Hound. I can’t help myself! I just love taking their photos! I’ve never gotten into rock climbing–I know it would be a natural complement to my hiking, but, I’m just so afraid of heights. I admire you for going for it!
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 10:53 amI am definitely afraid of heights, but I got over that fear quickly. Now I’m just afraid of ropes breaking haha!
Sarah says
November 7, 2014 at 6:19 amRock climbing sounds awesome!! We also eat out WAY too much. We added up how much we spent on groceries/restaurants/household and it was not pretty. This month will be better!!
Also, what state do you live in?! That photo is beautiful!!!
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 10:56 amI hope this month is better for you!
I live in Missouri. That picture was taken at my husband’s family’s property. It’s beautiful there!
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
November 7, 2014 at 6:48 amThere is an indoor rock climbing roll at the school I work at and you’ve inspired me to give it a shot next time I’m there!
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 10:56 amYes, do it!
Tonya@Budget and the Beach says
November 7, 2014 at 7:44 amCongrats on your new hobby and sounds like you have a lot of great things going on in you life!
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 10:56 amThanks Tonya! I’m trying to be more positive in life and I can tell that it’s working. I used to fret about the smallest (and biggest things, of course) and it was just a huge waste of time.
Charlotte says
November 7, 2014 at 8:25 amI love this post and all the positivity in it! I also love rock climbing, it’s such a fun workout. A few years ago there used to be a rock climbing spot near my house and I went quite often but unfortunately, they moved to a larger location that is quite far away 🙁 I’d love to get back into it someday! Have a great weekend, Michelle !
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 10:57 amThanks Charlotte!
breanna says
November 7, 2014 at 8:38 amLove rock climbing! Not only a great workout, but strangely therapeutic.
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 10:57 amYes, I love it!
Kate @ Cashville Skyline says
November 7, 2014 at 8:42 amWow, great job Michelle! I actually have a climbing gym a block away from my house. I really should give that a try! I’ve been much more focused on health than my career over the past couple of months. I seem to be making a little headway on the weight loss goals, so that’s motivating! My job also offers location independence, so I’m looking forward to spending a week in Texas later this month.
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 10:58 amYes, you should definitely go. It’s a ton of fun!
Have fun in Texas 🙂
Kayla @ Femme Frugality says
November 7, 2014 at 9:03 amSounds like October was a pretty successful month for you! I understand Rock Climbing is expensive, but at least you love it and it helps you get in your exercise. Sometimes I get criticism for having joined Crossfit, but if that’s what keeps me exercising because I actually ENJOY it, then I think it’s worth paying for (even though it slows down my debt progress).
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 10:58 amYeah, I was afraid I would get flack for joining the rock climbing gym, but it is so worth it.
Paige says
November 7, 2014 at 9:57 amRock climbing sounds neat, need to go visit the one here in Houston to check it out.
I got married in October!!! We’re doing a No-Spend November (really more of a Reduced-Spend November) because we’re off to Costa Rica in December. Fall is ending up nicely!
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 10:59 amCongrats on getting married Paige! Sounds like you have a nice fall planned 🙂
cece says
November 7, 2014 at 10:15 amSounds life is just darn good overall!! That is awesome. You finally started working out and I’ve been working out but am slacking. I’ve totally lost my motivation. It can be so up and down.
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 11:00 amYeah, I love motivation for a while. I just need something more fun, which is why I’m glad I found rock climbing.
Sky says
November 7, 2014 at 10:16 amI love reading about the wonderful things in other people’s lives so thanks for sharing! Being location independent is, I think, a definite bonus of any job!
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 11:01 amThanks! You should do a post about the wonderful things in your life as well 🙂
Connie @ Savvy With Saving says
November 7, 2014 at 11:07 amI’ve been thinking about tring out rock climbing. I definitely prefer activities and classes over just going to the gym and running on the treadmill. Was it difficult when you first started? I don’t have much arm strength ha.
Michelle says
November 7, 2014 at 11:13 amHaha yeah it was definitely hard when I first started. I’m extremely weak but I can tell that I’m already getting stronger.
Anne @ Money Propeller says
November 7, 2014 at 11:21 amThe term Spectacular is just so… awesome. I love it.
Rock climbing and I just are not friends… I stress myself out WAY too much doing it. I’m glad that you’re falling in love with it though, a bunch of my friends live to rock climb. My absolute favourite part is the hilarious names the routes are given.
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 4:54 pmHaha I definitely get stressed doing it, and I usually have to force myself to do some things because I get so afraid that everything will fail and break.
Amanda M says
November 7, 2014 at 12:05 pmMy sweetheart and I have date nights at the rock gym. It is amazing and you are right, so addicting !
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 4:54 pmAwesome!
Lisa says
November 7, 2014 at 12:51 pmMy fiance just joined a rock climbing gym and he says it’s super fun! He wants me to join with him, but I think I’ll try a free trial first before I commit with the big purchase.
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 4:55 pmYes, you should do the free trial first! It’s a lot of fun.
Asset-Grinder says
November 7, 2014 at 12:57 pmMe and the wifey have been lookin for a new activity to do other than geocaching and we talked about rock climbing in the past as there is an indoor place not too far from us. Thinking mayeb we will just give it a try with an intro course of some sort! Sounds like a riot!!!!!
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 4:55 pmYes, you should try! We tried geocaching once and we are horrible at it haha
Jason says
November 7, 2014 at 3:34 pmOctober was great. My goal for November is to start my emergency fund back up. I also want to continue making at least $100 online as well.
Michelle S. says
November 7, 2014 at 4:56 pmGood luck Jason!
Prudence Debtfree says
November 8, 2014 at 10:49 amA few minute ago, I published my post for the week – about gratitude. And here you are listing all that you’re grateful for!
For November, my goal is to stay true to Tonya’s Health and Wealth Challenge. I want to lose 5 pounds and not to overspend as Christmas approaches.
Thanks for reinforcing an attitude of gratitude: )
Michelle S. says
November 8, 2014 at 11:02 amAwesome! Glad you posted about gratitude 🙂 Good luck with your November goals.
jackie says
November 8, 2014 at 3:10 pmlove this post and your positivity! and i’m pretty jealous of your ability to work wherever you want 🙂 i’ve started making a little income from my blog and it’s nice to have that to fall back on.
Michelle S. says
November 8, 2014 at 8:51 pmGood job on making some money from your blog. It’s fun! 🙂
Katelyn @ Diaries of a Wandering Lobster says
November 8, 2014 at 5:49 pmRock climbing is awesome! I first learned the summer I was living in Montana. So much amazing climbing out west! Climbing outside is a whole other ball game compared to climbing inside, so I would recommend climbing with someone way more experienced or a guide for the first couple of times. I had an old climbing buddy died this past summer in Utah from a freak accident. Climb on sister! 🙂
Michelle S. says
November 8, 2014 at 8:52 pmOh my I am so sorry Katelyn! We are going out to Joshua Tree soon and will have a guide with us. We’ve taken some climbing classes but we still want to be safe.
Dennis says
November 8, 2014 at 10:26 pmThis is why I love your blog Michelle.
I’m inspired again to start working out. The last few months of my wife’s pregnancy phase + work have taken up almost all my time. 🙁
Have a great weekend!
Michelle S. says
November 8, 2014 at 10:49 pmGood luck! I’ve been trying for months to work out and I’m glad I finally found something that is more enjoyable 🙂
John says
November 9, 2014 at 8:16 pmI started my blog a few years ago and after making myself a good chunk of change, I kinda went into auto-pilot and lost almost all of my success. I’m back at it though and can say that I love your blog as you are giving me motivation. As far as working out is concerned, its a great way to not only improve your physical health, but mental health as well. Thanks for the read!
John
Michelle S. says
November 9, 2014 at 8:35 pmThanks John! 🙂
Jayson @ Monster Piggy Bank says
November 10, 2014 at 3:51 amMy spectacular things happening right now are I have committed myself to daily exercise after getting my gym membership. I am seeing immediate results, I want to keep it coming. Aside from those, we are going to Hong Kong and Malaysia in 2015, it’s almost set! I am really happy and so excited!
Michelle S. says
November 10, 2014 at 9:59 amYour trip sounds amazing! How long will you be there for?
OceanographyNews says
November 10, 2014 at 9:04 amNice personal post and a great way to mix in some gratitude with your success. Keep crushing it girl!
Michelle S. says
November 10, 2014 at 9:59 amThanks!
Tennille says
November 10, 2014 at 10:52 pmI don’t comment often, but I find your blog to be inspirational. I can’t even imagine making $15,000 in a month. I would love to make even $2,000 in order to help my famlies bottom line.
Michelle S. says
November 10, 2014 at 11:12 pmThank you! I’m glad you find my blog inspirational. I hope my extra income blog posts will help you reach your goal 🙂
catherine says
November 11, 2014 at 7:47 pmI really want to try indoor rock climbing, I think it would be fun. There are a few places around her but not close enough to where we live to make it worth it and no way would I climb outside, I’m a big wimp!
Michelle S. says
November 11, 2014 at 8:10 pmYou should definitely try it one day! 🙂