First Rejection Letter

Another highlight from this past month was getting my first rejection letter.

This is not something that I'd normally say qualifies as a highlight. But when I first got it, it oddly felt good.



Alice In Wonderland (Original Manuscript)

Rejection letters are to be expected when it comes to trying to get published. I hadn't created a full length manuscript, but I have written a few shorter pieces since starting this journey and so I thought I'd take a stab at trying to get one of them published in a Literary magazine. After waiting for a grueling 5 weeks, I finally got a response. Thanks, but no thanks.

When I saw this response I almost felt relief. I had passed another rite as a writer. My first of many rejection letters to come.

I'm sure it feels good to get published. But it also feels good to be rejected and still love the act of writing.
 

Debt Free (#5)

This past month we had something else very exciting happen to us - we finished paying off my student loan! This means we are officially debt free!!!

I know financial stuff can be a bit of a bore to read through. But I am a total nerd and find it exhilarating to read and learn about, especially when I can apply it to my life.

If you're like me and get all giddy when it comes to finances I'd recommend looking up a few fellows to help expand your thoughts on this matter.

You've probably already heard of him, but if you're looking to get out of debt or not knowing where to start with taking charge of your finances, Dave Ramsey is who I'd recommend. He's a great motivator, and his "baby steps" are great for those who feel like they have no idea what they are doing.

If you've already set up your financial foundation and want to stretch your frugal muscles some more, I'd recommend heading over to Mr. Money Mustache's blog*. (Beware you may stumble across some explicit language) He has some great suggestions to help you shift your views on financial freedom and general consumerism along with some good info to help you get started right in investing. The forums over there are also extremely helpful (and free!).

Our plan from now on is to stay out of debt. We have one credit card open that never keeps a balance on it (but we do get rewards points!) which we will keep open and we will probably be looking to buy a house in the next five years or so (depending on our status with the Army). These are our only exceptions to the no debt rule.

Next step is to open an IRA account! We even have the money set aside for this. We just need to sit down and do it. But of course not a lot gets done around here with a toddler and a brand new baby in the house :)


*I'd really only recommend Mr. Money Mustache, but reading one of Dave Ramsey's book is what got me interested in finances in the first place so it feels wrong not to mention him.
 

Our New Arrival

No news is good news right? Well this little cutie is the reason you haven't been hearing from me for awhile :)

Jane decided to join us on January 22nd. We all love her to pieces!