June Check In

So! I didn’t do a May check in because I just put it off too long and by the time I felt like doing it, the month was half over, and I still haven’t wrote up a post about my amazing time in Mexico. But so much has happened! And on top of that, this makes 1 year into my debt free journey so that I can take a year off and travel to New Zealand in (northern hemisphere) summer 2023.

The most exciting and stressful and wonderful and money-hogging thing to happen in the past two months is that as of May 31 I officially have my very own one bedroom apartment! My living expenses have just about doubled as well as gotten more unpredictable since I used to pay one flat fee and now I have rent, utilities, and internet bills all in my name. I have only been here for less than 6 days but I absolutely love it. I had a lot of things donated to me by friends who were also moving so I write this from a free (and very comfortable) love seat and I have spent some time exploring a repurpose “store” near my house that has probably become my new favorite thing. My new place is by no means perfect but it’s all mine. Eventually it will start feeling like home, right now it feels more like living in a sparsely decorated Airbnb.

Another big change in the past 2 months is that I started taking circus classes! I am absolutely in love with them and after a month of taking 2 classes a week I just upgraded to 3 classes and an open gym. I have always secretly wanted to be a trapeze artist and now I am on my way! Feeling my body grow stronger and develop those skills each week is unbeatable. I also made some new friends through the class and I am happier than I have been in a long time.

The school year is ending in only 8 more school days so that means I will soon have a lot more free time and opportunity to make up some extra cash flow, though I’m mostly looking forward to just finally having a chance to relax. I planned 2 small trips toward the end of summer and really flirted with the idea of going to Costa Rica in July, but after having so much of my savings wiped out by that $1200 security deposit and realizing how many things I still need to buy for the new place, I think it’s a better idea if I take advantage of this time to rest and reflect and enjoy my new hobby and friends. We also have a new rock climbing gym in town and I’m thinking about picking that up as well. Always on to the next adventure!

In May I read 9 books, journaled and practiced mindfulness both 24/31 days. I had 0 alcohol on 13 days and had 2 no spend days. I practiced Spanish 25/31 days.

I am nervous about money in these coming weeks, but I have to remember that not being able to pay off huge chunks of debt at once is not the same thing as not making enough or spending too much. All the same, I signed up for a babysitting app I used to use to try to get a few injections of cash here and there over the next few weeks.

This move is necessary and good, taking circus classes is so so good. I have some creative projects and adventures planned for summer. I am making the most of my life and I am so so happy and light. What more could I hope for?

Let’s see where I’m at:

Credit Card Debt: $4335 (-$420 since April 1)

Savings: $4555 (-$981 since April 1)