Sunday, December 29, 2019

2019 a review and 2020 a preview

A decade is ending up, and so more than usual I am reading the year in review and also the last 10 years in review of many friends. What a life we are living! You already know, the celebrations and the grief, the pits and the mountaintops. The moments when we are so happy we could cry and the moments we are so sad and frustrated we can't stop crying. And EVERYTHING in between!

Well this post is looking back on 2019, and onward to 2020. I've done these for the past 8 years, so I don't think I need a decade in review, when it's just a few clicks away.

2019, what can I say, but that it was marvelous, exciting, independent, and well-researched!
So many things changed in my life this year....in chronological order.

late February 2019- I paid off my last credit card! I was able to sigh with relief, and shed a few happy tears because I worked and God changed my money habits to deliver me from the burden of debt. It was the biggest weight lifted off my shoulders. I am now proudly consumer debt free! I do have a student loan, but I pay on that each month. I also have another monthly expense, but more on that later:) Oh, and if you have not heard of the Dave Ramsey "baby steps", I would suggest you Google it, dedicate yourself to it, and watch your life change!

May 8th 2019- Stephen and I officially started our relationship! I met Stephen at the end of March, and right away we hit it off. Our shared faith is the biggest factor that makes our love work. We approach life differently in personality, but we mesh in life goals, future vision, and just blending our everyday lives. We both enjoy movies, family,  good food, and quiet times walking in the park or just relaxing together. Stephen is my blessing that I did not think was coming into my life at this point.

October 2019- I started the look and search, and research for my first home. And in late December I purchased it!!! Yay, insert all the applause, happy dance etc. Seriously though, buying my first home is such a huge accomplishment for me. It was not possible without my loving parents, super supportive sister, brother-in-law, Stephen, the best group of friends in the whole world, family, and God who answered so many prayers through the process. I had to trust so many people, and it's very intimidating, but God brought people of good character across my path and for that I am humbled and grateful.

Now onto 2020
Financial Wisdom- Now that I am living in financial freedom, I can carefully look around at the new landscape and explore. Using a credit card again, to get the cash back rewards, but staying in my budget. Seeing how stocks might play into my financial future. And being very open with my financial story so that maybe other, single income, single women might feel safe to ask me questions about the debt-free process, because it's SO worth it.

Settling in my Home- Even as I write this, I had to take a pause to have the repair guy teach me about my breaker box. I am not a complete ditz, but home repair is not my strong point, so I'm taking notes like a professional! Also, as I write, the electric saw is buzzing outside as my handeyman works on replacing baseboards. So yeah, I'm about that "home" life! So, if it's 2020 and you are looking for me, or I'm a little less social, it's because I am a happy homeowner, and still basking in the glow of a dream fulfilled.

Sabrina and Stephen- I won't write much, but I will share that I have a good love in my life. I thank God for what is growing between Stephen and I and I can't wait to live 2020 in a sweet relationship, that also challenges me to grow, and continue to think of others more than myself. Also, when I looked back on last year, I asked you all to pray for my relationship life, thank you, it's working!

Year 35- That's right, the queen of birthdays will be turning 3-5! I celebrate anyway, but this year is a milestone birthday. Hooray, and get ready! I know it's going to be the best ever, and that is saying a lot because I have had some amazing birthdays!!

Brina Bakes- I look forward to continuing to sell cookies in 2020, and also branching out to host cookie decorating parties. Can't wait:)

Work Life- Waiting to see on some things, but stay tuned.

For 9 years I have closed the same way, so here we go:) Maybe your 2020 be full to the brim of joy and peace. 
Now with all of that said I will say this.....2020 is a completely unknown entity. Sure, I know some things but they are so tiny compared to what I have no idea about. The key is to hold fast to God, have faith and grace, love my family and friends, and be the very best Sabrina Maude Stewart that I can be.....that should not be too hard ( I am kidding) it will probably take me 365 days to kind of get it right!














Sunday, April 28, 2019

33 was...

It's me, celebrating another birthday. 34 is here, and Happy blessed birthday to me!
I am so thankful for this blog, and though I do not update it often anymore. I love coming back to my old friend and sharing life. I started writing birthday posts (looking back over the year) back when I was turning 25! If you are interested in that post here it is.

33 has been a year! How you might ask? Well let's talk about it for a bit.

33 was...WORK
Oh my oh my! I worked a lot this year. From ending my school counseling job on June 1st and starting my TCC job on June 5th. It was an exciting whirlwind of new experiences. It was something for me, with my elementary background to transition to college. But it has been SO worth it. I truly love what I do, and I am grateful everyday to have found this position that is a match for my skills and personality. I'm so glad that I had the frustrations that led to bravery. I remember having a choice to maybe stay in my comfort zone, and I purposefully prayed and with wisdom made the change. And that is a freeing feeling. I also have worked SHIPT and been selling my decorated sugar cookies!  So like I said, 33 was a year of WORK.

33 was... financial freedom 
After 3 years of change and I do mean a complete overhaul of how I act, think, spend and save money; after 3 years of that I am now consumer debt free!!!! It is ah-maz-ing!!! I still have a student loan to pay off, but no car loan, or credit card debt. Unless you have had to struggle to correct your finances, then it just won't mean as much to you. But when I say that I have a level of freedom and maturity that I have never had in my life. I am in awe, thankful, and blissfully happy with the conclusion of my financial saga!

33 was...dreams of home ownership 
More than any year of my life, this year I dreamed and wished and prayed and hoped about my future home. I have a running memo in my phone with notes and reminders. I have my wish-list (and it's really not that bad) ready. I've already pictured my first Spring and the flowers and plants that will add beauty to my life and living space. It was these dreams that kept me motivated during my season of work. It was these dreams that spurred my financial freedom. I am just now realizing this might be my most in "sync" year in quite a while. Love it:)

Have 34th birthday Sabrina! You really rose to the occasion and I think things will continue to look up, with the grace of God as your guide! I'm proud of you girl!