New here, hoping I can make this work

[Literacy Goddess]

Hi everyone - I'm a 39 year old married mother of five (19, 16, twins 5, 3) and I've taught school for 16 years.  Due to health issues and ankle surgeries, I have gained over 100 pounds in 10 years.  I am miserable at my job and miserable with myself.  Our home is not huge, but my disorganization and excess clutter makes it seem even smaller than it is.  I love to create things and I want to be able to put more work into my Etsy shop, as well as to finish a novel I have been trying to write for years. I feel that my creativity is both fueled and hindered by my A.D.D. - which, along with my depression and anxiety, is getting worse.  I have mountains of medical bills, student loans, and other debt I need to get under control.  In short, I need a total life makeover.  I've tried to do these things before, but without a support group, I pretty much fell flat.  I am hoping that this site will allow me to have some camaraderie and support, as well as accountability.  

 

These are my long term goals (for the moment) 

1. Lose the 100+ pounds I have gained.

2. Organize and declutter my home, and maintain it

3. Finish my novel and have it published

4. Get my finances under control to the point where I can leave my job for one I love, even if it means a major pay cut

5. Become proficient in Yogo

 

I have some short term challenges for the next month.  I have no idea how to rank these as far as points go

 

Start replacing 1 soda a day with water

Walk for 5 - 10 minutes per day

Declutter for 15 minutes per day in my home

Work on my writing at least 10 minutes per day

Gather all of my bills together so that I can know how much I owe, who I owe it to, and when it is due.

 

What makes me "nerdy"?

     My husband says it is because I hate the outdoors and am happier reading than most anything else, but I disagree with him.  I do love reading, mostly non fiction.  I love Steampunk.  I build dollhouses and miniature furniture to go inside of them.  I enjoy cross stitching. I paint wooden peg dolls and sell them on Etsy (my Lizzie Bordon peg doll is my best seller)  I love all things British.  I love all things Victorian.  I love true crime stories. Jack the Ripper theories fascinate me.  I don't read a lot of fiction, but I do love some books by Steven King.  I love Nikola Tesla and Keith Richards.  I love watching British TV shows, but Big Bang Theory, NCIS, and Criminal Minds are my favorites. I also love all things "retro" especially fashion, decor, and cars.  Oddly enough, the last "video" game I played on a regular basis was The Sims (original version) - so the only concept of "leveling up" that I have is from that game, where characters earn "points" in different areas, for example cooking, intelligence, fitness, etc.

 

All in all, I hope I can find my "people" here.

[Kiki Dee]

Hi!

 

I love your collection of interests, you sound awesome!  I love crafting but I'm not naturally gifted so I just potter.    Is your crafty side the direction you're hoping to take your future career change?

 

Those are great challenges!  I wouldn't worry about "points" - they work for some people, others (like me) aren't using them and are just assessing whether we meet our goals each week or not.  Come chat with us in the Rebel challenge thread!  (it's where most of us newbies are hanging out!)  

[Elastigirl]

Love your long term and short term goals-well thought out. Have you watched the season final of NCIS yet? Made me cryl, but it was really good.

[Elleica]

Hi! Popping in to say hello  and looking forward to seeing you around the forum and ultimately hearing you achieve your goals. Though I'm mostly around the Assassins Guild where competition is intense as we push each other to reach our goals. We do have our hang ups in life but ultimately, with everybody else being so supportive, we find ourselves picking up and achieving what we set out to achieve.