Outdoor Adventures and Reflections on the Move so far

 Well it's been about 2 months since moving to new town. And I just got back from my second camping/cabin trip.

I didn't make any friends or really have any substantial converations. But I loved being out in the woods and doing random outdoor things.

Eventhough these are not really my people, I am solo living. So it matters less. I enjoyed being in the outdoors. And the BBQ was good.

I liked the downtown and being nature.

So I'm adding it to my list of things I want to do next year.

I still remember some blogger who eschewed the pursuit of constant new things. She said they just continue to visit places they enjoy. I think that's the balance I'm coming up against. The call of doing new things isn't as strong. I like finding some things I enjoy and returning to do them.

It's November and I haven't made my plans for next year, yet. Imagine!

I already kind of had to update my budget because of the new car payment, so there's no shock there. I'm still hoping to be 65% of the way to my next financial goal by the end of this year. And glad I didn't get too ambitious when the stock market started rising not too long ago.

Because I have a much more active social calendar, some of my aggressive savings goals have fallen to the back burner.

This isn't to say I'm not saving. It's just not the dictator of my life anymore. I am way too busy with social events and exploring my new town. Plus, everything that needs to be done is automated.

So the day to day frugality is what's already baked in. Now new or significant big wins anymore. Or if they're happening, maybe they're not as celebrated. My priority is just elsewhere.

I barely have a desire to blog anymore. I sort out my feelings elsewhere it seems, what little bubble to the surface. Yay, medication!

So my budget for next year is pretty basic:

And as for life plans:

First, I'm so glad I decided to focus on mental health this year. That worked swimmingly. I think I'll still keep up with therapy just for my first year in Newtown.

I thought I'd do physical therapy in 2024, but I'd rather do Pilates.

But the doc did recommend just the 6 weeks. So maybe I can squeeze 6 straight weeks in, and continue with Pilates. I already know, I won't keep up with the exercises on my own. 

Sounds like plan, I just made.

Before I look into next year... let's look at what I wanted to do for 2023...

Well..

Jan - Mar 2023: 

Planned: Focus on work; max out 401k;  divide up bonus money 3 ways. 

Actual: I did focus on work. I was quite busy and was sick for almost 2 months. I liked the idea of dividing up my bonus for the  $6k for Overseas Family. The other 1/3 went to savings and 1/3 for upgraded lifestyle. That seemed fine. I'd like to do that this year. And max out my 401k. So we'll see what unplanned life events happen this Winter. 

Apr - May 2023:

Planned: I believe I was going to play softball again and get out of the house, maybe try Pilates

Actual: I cried a lot on my birthday; went to Philly and Nashville; sold my house and began prepping to move to Newtown. Big twist! 

For the second half of the year (Jun to Dec 2023):

Planned: Spend like 3 months in Seattle + 1 month in Miami in the December; consider dating and making new friends

Actual: Decided solo living is the path I choose; slowly moved halfway across the country, which was kind of fun. Did not make it to Seattle or Miami. Went to Cabo, and did a lot of fun stuff right here in Newtown. Currently, planning to go to North Africa for a week. And Panama at the end of December. Not quite the 1 warm month, but I think it'll do. There are fun things I want to do here! 

As for next year, I'm still thinking about what I want to do. A lot of the things I have been doing so far. Go out, get out of the house, have low social expectations. 

I definitely want to switch apartments because my nose is running and I already started coughing!