I’ve been thinking of a few ways to interject more of a personal vibe into this blog in terms of sharing some of the things that are happening in my life from week to week (in addition to the financial advice/information I love to write about). My tentative solution is to add a weekly post of updates that includes topics such as my budget, travel, home improvements, etc. I’d also like an avenue for some of the more random musings/observations I make along the way. Please let me know what you think of this new addition!

Updates:

Marathon training:  I’m happy to report that my broken tailbone is healing quite nicely and I’m finally at the point where the pain is tolerable enough to exercise. So I’ve picked up with the biking to/from work again and I’m also training for the Boston Marathon! I was lucky enough to score a bib this late in the game, so I’ll definitely be doing my best to get in shape before April 16th. I’m also still building a base for the Chicago Marathon that’s in October.

Travel: Plans are moving along quite nicely for my trip to Ireland (the annual goal where I’m taking my Grandmother on her dream trip as a retirement present). I’ve already paid off the entire trip, and I’m saving up about $1K in spending money. I definitely don’t plan to spend that much, but I want a nice buffer since this trip is so special. Also, I’ve drawn up my plan to replace all of the money I withdrew from savings to pay for Kilimanjaro. I should have everything put back by June at the latest, which leaves me July-September to save spending money.

Home Improvements: I completed all of the various repairs/upgrades for my home appraisal, but I’m still working towards adding the crown molding in the other rooms. Up next is adding some very special back splashes to each bathroom!

Budget:  This month is going to be a tight one considering all of the various goals I’ve set, but I’m hopeful that I’ll meet each one. I also need to closely monitor my miscellaneous spending as I only have another $125 left in the category for the month, but I shouldn’t be spending too much during the week and will need to focus my energy on not over-spending on the weekends.