That's a wrap! Onward & upward to a NEW year.. remember when we were saying, wow can't believe it's 1999, doesn't seem that long ago.. now we are entering 21!
I know 2020 was a tough year with the Pandemic and all.. people had to spend alot of Quality Time in their homes, with their family..when normally we all work so much, and have stress and have to think about how we are going to make ends meet.. the pandemic forced our hand a little bit.. people who never saved, maybe really felt the pinch more than ever.. others starting earning unemployment plus the additional monies and were able to put more $$ into savings than ever before.. and still others continued to work through the pandemic (like me, and I doubt I'm considered an 'essential worker'). Whatever the situation.. I think we can all confess that in some ways the pandemic was a blessing and other ways it was/is a 'curse'.
For my family, in the beginning..it was really just about getting people to care for Grace while my husband & I continued to work. My husband clearly had a more flexible job to allow him to cover shifts during the day with Grace.. and 'remote learning'..but we were able to get a few wonderful PCA (personal care attendants) to stay with Grace and help her with learning. Her school and teachers have been fantastic.. and she was able to attend 'summer school' for a month at the school itself. I'll say it again.. all kids need routine, but students with special needs need that extra special 1 on 1.. they need it to thrive..they need that routine in their lives. Grace's school and teacher made sure she was available weekly for at least a few one on ones, and Grace did great with using the ipad for communication during the pandemic home schooling than ever before.. that is a #blessing.
For us financially, we were able to get ahead.. ALOT.. after following #thebudgetmom method for a whole year.. we were able to pay $9,192 in debt; remodel our office for $1,000 cash, repair a window/siding issue that has happened since we moved into this house (2017) for $908 in cash. We were able to fund our first $1300 in emergency fund (that is a continuous deposit), start an ABLE account for Grace (like a 529 but it's for kids with special needs); start funding my husband's IRA (he is self-employed). We are doing great.. takes time, takes alot of tweaking.. but it truly is my new HOBBY.. I love budgeting.. I've sinced had friends/acquaintances ask me to help them move their finances forward.. and I'm really enjoying that.
I continued with my Get Personal with Pattie videos on budgeting - more so through Zoom.. not ideal.. but successful.. I continue to make my own #ALDIHAUL videos for weekly groceries on a budget and upload them to youtube, and I just downloaded some new software to make them a better quality.. I can be found on you tube.. and the link is below.
All is good in my world.. we've had a few daily/weekly struggles with Grace and her belly issues (on-going for-EVER)..but we are getting closer to getting it resolved.. everything takes time.. (deep sigh!)
After a little bit of a struggle with some craziness at my job.. I'm starting to realize that it's just a "JOB".. I love my job.. but my focus is my family.. I want to go into 2021 with a peaceful mind and heart.. I want to be at peace with the decisions I make.. life is too short for any drama to be in my life.. and I CHOOSE what is in my life..
"Protect your peace, get rid of toxicity, cleanse your space & cultivate love".. that's my phrase for 2021.
CHOOSE what's in your life.. i choose to let go of the drama and gossip.. not for me!
Happy 2021.. let's move in a positive space & make the most of it!
pattie
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