[amanda6035]

In February, we said adios to a few "family" members who were too damn much drama to deal with. Good thing they live on the west coast - it's alot easier to avoid them that way.

In May, my husband and I took a 7 day cruise to Western Mexico to celebrate my graduation from grad school (last december) and his bachelors (this May). it was the single most best vacation I've ever been on and I cannot wait to go again.

In June, we had to put our Tri-Pawd beagle, Buster, to sleep after the cancer that took his leg returned and consumed him. A month later, we adopted another rescue, this time, a bagel (bassethound/beagle mix) named Freckles.

In July, after 2 years, 5 months and 7 days, we paid off the rest of our 42K in non-student loan debt. This was a big milestone in our journey to getting out of debt. Since then we've been tackling the student loans with a vengence, between 2 bachelors and a masters degree, we'd like to pay them all off in 5 years or less. However, at our current rate, that's not going to happen. Still wishing for hubby to find a permanent full time job.

In August, I started my own Mary Kay business, it's providing a little bit of extra income, but I have no desire to be the crazy cadillac lady.

In September, I found out that I have PCOS....and in November I found out that I'm insulin resistent/pre-diabetic. Hubby and I wont be able to have babies until I get this crap under control. Soooo, bye bye pizza, fast food, and processed garbage. I started the eat clean lifestyle (eatcleandiet.com) in November and have already lost 14 pounds. I'm "maintaining" thorugh the holidays and hoping to really get focused after the beginning of the year.

I continue to be blessed in ways that I cannot put into words with the amazing job I have. I celebrated my 3 year anniversary with the company in October, and I'm really looking forward to some new opportunities in the upcoming year.

While I can't complain....I really hope hubby finds permanent full time work soon. We've made such financial progress, but these student loans scare me. If it werent for the SL, I could handle the household finances. and we wouldn't have anything to worry about... If you're a undergrad student reading this - PLEASE PLEASE keep/get scholarships, work a part time job and AVOID STUDENT LOANS.