Staying Intentional with Decluttering

 

Friday Coffee Chat: Little Changes, Big Progress

Happy Friday, friends!

Can you believe this week is already coming to an end? It honestly feels like it just started. Thankfully, work yesterday was fairly slow, which made the day go by a little easier. I finished with 10 saves. My goal was 12, so I fell a little short, but I’m still grateful for the 10 that I was able to help.

Lately, it seems like my job has become a little more challenging. With the economy, job losses, and families trying to cut every expense they can, I completely understand why people have to make difficult financial decisions. At the same time, I truly believe in the service we offer because I’ve seen how much it has helped people over the years. Sometimes it’s just about planting a seed and hoping it helps someone down the road.

One thing that has brought me so much peace this week has been digital decluttering. I’ve also been working through paperwork, and I can honestly tell a difference in how much calmer my mind feels. It’s amazing how getting rid of little bits of clutter—whether it’s around the house or inside my phone—can make such a big impact.

So far this week I’ve accomplished:

1. Unsubscribed from five email lists.
2. Deleted more unnecessary screenshots from my phone.
3. Wrote two cancellation letters to eliminate monthly expenses.
4. Finished my IRS paperwork and updated my direct deposit information.

Speaking of those cancellation letters…

After work yesterday, I stopped by my chiropractic appointment. I’ve really enjoyed getting adjusted, and it’s definitely helped my back and sciatic nerve. Right now my membership is about $80 a month, which includes four visits. As much as I like it, I’m trying to be intentional with every dollar I spend, so I handed them my cancellation letter while I was there.

The chiropractor mentioned they have some lower-cost plans that we can discuss over my remaining visits. I may end up switching to something that allows me to come once or twice a month instead. I still want to take care of my health while also making smart financial decisions.

I also received confirmation that my Minifig subscription has been canceled, which will save me another $20 each month. Every little bit adds up!

Then came the surprise of the day…

When I got home, I found a letter from the IRS in my mailbox. I immediately thought, “Oh great…what did I do now?” I assumed maybe I owed additional taxes since I had already heard back from the state earlier this year.

Instead, the letter explained that I had forgotten to include my banking information for direct deposit! They simply needed me to log in through ID.me, scan the QR code they provided, and enter my account information so they could send my refund.

I couldn’t help but laugh at myself.

The refund is only about $249, but I’ll gladly take it! It should arrive within the next couple of weeks, and I’ve already decided exactly where it’s going.

Straight to my Jeep payment.

Between that refund, my regular payments, and the small work bonus I’ll receive in August, I’m getting so close to paying my Jeep completely off. Right now I only owe about $1,290, and my goal is to make two larger payments in July and August, with the remaining balance paid in September—or sooner if I’m able to send in a little extra.

That feels incredibly exciting.

This afternoon after work I’m planning to add more family photos to my digital picture frame and spend some time learning more about my electronic calendar. I want to start using it for my weekly menus, appointments, and daily to-do lists so it becomes a tool I actually use instead of just another gadget sitting on the counter.

Little by little, I’m creating a life that feels less cluttered, less stressful, and much more intentional. It isn’t happening overnight, but every email I unsubscribe from, every drawer I clean out, every debt I pay down, and every small decision I make is moving me closer to the peaceful life I’m working toward.

Thank you for stopping by my blog and spending a little time with me today. I always enjoy our coffee chats, and I hope your Friday is filled with a few small victories of your own.

Talk to you later!

Cheers, Karen

Been sick this week!

 

Some weeks just don’t go according to plan, and this one definitely threw me a curveball.

Tuesday morning, I made it to work thinking I could push through whatever was going on. Well…my body had other ideas. By about 7:45 that morning, I was sitting at my desk feeling absolutely miserable. I was so sick that I actually started crying. My boss came over and asked what was wrong, and all I could say was, “I’m so sick.”

She took one look at me and told me to go home and not worry about work. She also asked me to let her know around 2:00 that afternoon how I was feeling so she could decide whether I needed to stay home on Wednesday. I was so out of it that I had Mr. C wake me up around 1:45 so I could figure out if I was capable of functioning. The answer was a definite “No.” I sent Sherry a message letting her know I still wasn’t feeling well, and Wednesday became another day of rest.

Getting older has definitely taught me one thing. At 59 years old, I don’t get sick very often, but when I do…I don’t do anything halfway. If my body is going to have a virus, it apparently wants the deluxe package. My stomach was rolling, I was nauseated, and I had a pounding headache in my left temple that just would not let up. Tylenol didn’t seem to make much of a difference, and honestly, I couldn’t even think straight enough to decide if I should call Dr. Angie.

When I left work Tuesday morning, I called Mr. C, and yes…I was crying. He immediately offered to come get me, along with Brody, but I told him not to. They were already at Brody and Savannah’s because Mr. C was planning to watch Lane while Brody, Savannah, Sophie, and Landon went to Landon’s doctor’s appointment.

I just wanted to get home as quickly as I could and crawl into bed.

Even though I told him there wasn’t anything he could do for me and that he should stay where he was, he came home anyway. They simply took Lane along with them to the doctor’s appointment instead.

That’s just who he is.

I felt bad because it completely changed his plans for the day, but he told me he wanted to be home in case I needed anything. I am so incredibly blessed to have a husband who always thinks about everyone else before himself. He takes such good care of me, and I never take that for granted.

By Wednesday morning, I was finally beginning to feel a little better, although that stubborn headache was still hanging around like an unwanted houseguest who couldn’t take a hint. I spent most of the day in bed because I simply had no energy. Thankfully, by this morning—Thursday, July 2—I finally feel like myself again.

Today is our work potluck before everyone enjoys the Fourth of July holiday. Ironically, I was the one who suggested we have one! My original plan was to make my famous piña colada cake, but after spending two days sick, I figured my coworkers probably wouldn’t appreciate me showing up saying, “Don’t worry…I only sneezed on it once!” 😂

So I pivoted.

Instead of baking, I’m bringing a supreme pizza from Casey’s, along with some festive sugar cookies, plates, napkins, and silverware in navy blue to give everything a little Fourth of July feel.

This morning Mr. C asked if I was taking my insulated lunch bag to work. I decided against it because sometimes simplifying life is the best decision. I packed a little fruit cup, a Zero Sugar Monster, a Zero Sugar Cherry Dr Pepper, and a bottle of water. Ice is free in the break room, so if my drinks get warm, I’ll survive.

My goal today is simple: make lots of saves, enjoy lunch with my coworkers, and ease back into normal life.

After work, I’m finally getting my nails done—which is long overdue—and then I’m stopping by Johnny’s Restaurant to pick up dinner. Mr. C wants chicken fried steak, and I’m planning on ordering a club sandwich. The best part? We’ll both have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

Sometimes life reminds us that our plans can change in a heartbeat. Thankfully, good people, a little rest, and a lot of grace can help get us back on our feet.

Here’s hoping the rest of the holiday weekend is full of fireworks, good food, and absolutely no surprise viruses!