My Fast From Social Media

This has been something that's been on my mind for awhile now.  Kind of like a leaky faucet; always in the back of my mind.

I don't know about you, but I have a love-hate relationship with social media.  Facebook, Instagram, and blogging, to be exact.
I'll admit, me becoming a stay-at-home made these things a lot more appealing, since I basically fell off the face of the earth and lost all contact with the outside world.  I'm sure any new mom can agree with me. Sometimes these things are the only contact I have with anyone besides my baby and husband like, all day.
There's nothing better than seeing a friend's pregnancy announcement, or adorable little baby.
Also, I love posting pictures of my cute baby.

Enter the hate part of my relationship with social media.
It's just become... unhealthy.  There's no other word for it.
Social media has become the ultimate form of rejection and isolation.  If I'm wrong than maybe I'm over-analyzing stuff way too much. :)  I spend a ridiculous amount of time stressing out why so-and-so hasn't followed me back yet, or what's-their-face unfriended me, or this or that person hasn't "liked" my photo yet.  There is a group of moms on Instagram that are like, the epitome of cool.  I found I was spending way too much time poring over their pictures of their perfect children with perfect clothes and perfectly clean homes and perfectly-phrased hashtags.  This is nothing against them-nothing at all.  In all honesty I'm just totally jealous of them.  How do they have time to keep such a spotless house and take their kids on all these amazing playdates and still have time to snap a photo of their OOTD?  (Outfit of the day-no I did not make this up).  I was comparing my life way too much, and that's just never a good thing to do.
When it comes down to it, I love my life.  I have an amazing husband, a hilarious and adorable baby girl, two awesome puppy dogs, super great and caring friends, and an incredible family.
But I have been losing sight of that lately.
And if I'm being totally honest with myself, I haven't been the greatest mom, wife, or friend lately, and I'm going to go ahead and blame my obsession with other peoples' blogs, and Instagram, and Facebook for that.
Did you know that I amazingly spend a total of an hour and a half each day sitting next to Aria's highchair as she learns the art of feeding herself?  It can get boring really fast, and I've found my eyes glued to my phone when I should be interacting with her.  Especially when she's trying her hardest to get my attention.  Cord has complained to me on more than one occasion that I'm on my phone WAY too much, and you know what?  He's right.
The bottom line is this.  Til the end of the year I'm done with blogging, Instagram, and Facebook.  No more worrying about the people that don't actually matter, and focusing on the people that really do.  I have a feeling that I'll become a lot more appreciative of the family and friends and life I do have.

Let's Talk Money

Ok I've turned into a super-nerd when it comes to money.  I have discovered I LOVE LOVE LOVE budgeting.  Yes, I'm weird.  I know. 
I'm on a Babycenter chat board that talks all about money and finance and budgeting, and that's kind of what got me started.  I realized just how sad me and C's financial situation was.  Not that it was terrible, because it wasn't.  We've never had a problem paying bills, or even paying for anything that we wanted, really.  With both of us working, especially, money wasn't much of an issue for us.  Then we cut down to one income, and life got hard.
I was always under the impression that "budgeting" was simply listing out your mandatory monthly bills, and as long as you can make those payments, you're in good shape.  How not-true this is.  You have to make your money work for you. 
I've learned about how important a REAL budget is.  You know, one that lists out every single expense that might ever come up, and have a plan for it.  Then, there is no need to use credit cards.
I've learned debt is bad news.  (Duh.)
I've learned how important an emergency fund is.
I've learned that being financially prepared to buy a house BEFORE you buy is a good idea. 
I've learned there's no such thing as a simple savings account; you should always be saving for a specific purpose.

Since we decided to have this "Total Money Makeover", we have payed off thousands of dollars in credit card and student loan debt. 
When we get our paychecks now, I immediately allocate every cent to a specific purpose.
I no longer dread what horrid disaster might hit us financially, because we've got a plan.

Ok seriously, I need a hobby.  This is what gets me excited.  Budgeting.  Ha ha.