My Crazy Mad March

Things might be a little quiet around Fighting Foreclosure for the next couple of weeks, although I am going to try to keep posting frequently. Starting this week I am doing a whole bunch of volunteering. I'll be working for a nonprofit organization on a special project from now until the end of the month. The next two weeks especially are going to be hectic! I will be going straight from my job to the volunteer site and working an additional 4-6 hours each night plus more on the weekends. Why? Because I love it and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity! I don't volunteer nearly as often as I would like because my other responsibilities usually stand in the way, but this time they are doing a project I absolutely had to be a part of. I got a taste of it last night, and even though it will make for some long nights, I am looking forward to it in every way.

I thought that because of my volunteering I wouldn't be able to work at my part time jobs, however, I managed to squeeze out three shifts. This means that on top of working a 40 hour a week job and volunteering another 28-42 hours, I'll also pick up a few 4-5 hour shifts. Am I crazy? Probably.

However, in many ways this is the perfect time to be doing this...

The weather here is not so nice that I could be doing anything outside, but not so miserable that I have to worry too much about driving from one gig to another. The lack of extra income I can earn pushed me to try the No Spending Challenge, which has so far been a wonderful learning experience. On the other hand, I am so busy that I don't have time to shop or run errands, which fits in perfectly with my challenge.

In addition, should the money not come in as hoped this month, I know I have a large windfall in the works in terms of a tax refund. I am planning on putting 100% of that into my emergency fund, but should I need it... well, that is what an emergency fund is for. I would prefer not to have a shortfall, but I can cover it if I do.

I am noticing something else too - because of the Challenge, I have also sworn off pop. (I am not even ordering sodas in restaurants so as not to tempt myself.) In addition, I am also trying to stretch the food I have already in the house by cooking what I have. That way I can hold off grocery shopping as long as possible. Well, guess what? I have lost some weight! I don't know how much (I refuse to own a scale) but some of my clothing is fitting much better. Being a little healthier during times of stress is definitely a bonus! (Don't worry I am not starving myself - the house was well stocked with tasty food.)

March should be a very interesting month!


Photo by: mamako7070