How to get through a Furlough!!

   

      Well Furloughs are happening right now in different areas of the federal government and I am one of those being effected by it.  DOD will be furloughed for 11 days one day each week for next 11 weeks from the beginning of July until end of September.  I've decided not to rant about it because one it's not going to do me any good and two, I don't want my comments to be seen by the wrong people. Especially, with what has been going on in the news lately. I'm very thankful I get the opportunity to go to work even if there are some things I don't like and there are certain people there I don't like as much because of different lifestyles we lead. I'm making the best of things and I don't want my family nor my friends to have to hear about my problems and I know you all don't want that. I've decided to try to make the best of things and I'll hopefully be a better person for it and I'll end it on that note.  

As for myself I'm trying to not let these 11 furlough days (if they get cut back down or not) get the best of me. I'm trying to focus and use some options on how to get through this furlough financially, mentally, physically, spiritually and personally.http://moneyfor20s.about.com/od/yourjob/ht/survivefurlough.htm

This article was very interesting and I thought it could be helpful and I'm going to break my stragegy down into a couple parts.

1.) I've decided to sign another year lease at my apartment complex since it would be cheaper and I could save monthly over the year than I would month to month or with another short term. This would save me $90 a month over the next year. I'm not ready to afford my own place yet especially by myself. Hoping that my sister after finishing school would come back down to Columbus looking for a job next year and we can get a house to rent or a condo of sorts but we'll see. I'm saving on living right now.

2a.) Expand my coaching prospects - This is an important one that I broken down into 2 parts. I'm very anxious to do some more personal coaching. I have some tools to use, but I may charge a little for my service. Don't know what? This is where I need help from readers to see what price is fair. If anybody wants to get ready for a race like a 5k up to a Marathon let me know and I can help. This is sort of my rough beginning for my coaching services. I'll try to keep in touch with my clients on their training, health, a little bit of diet though I could recommend a nutrist if needed, and their goals and how to achieve them.

2b.) Coaching job within the Jr High/High School ranks - Another one I'm trying to get into. I've talked to other about. Anybody let me know if any school in the Franklin County Ohio Area is in need of a Cross Country Coach or even as an Assistant, please let me know. I would really like to get my foot in the door somewhere around the Columbus area in terms of jr high/high school coaching.  I know this doesn't get me much but it's something that I now want to do on the side of my job besides Officiating Track Meets. I feel it would be very rewarding and I can make a difference in kids lives. :)

3.) Watch a little bit of what I spend the next 3 months- Goes back to the link I posted above. Food and gas is the majority of what I usually spend outside of my bills. Don't know if I want to plan a 2nd vacation to Colorado in August due to plane travel costs. I'm trying to save up for another trip in December and that's out to Eugene/Bend Oregon for the USATF Club XC Nationals. I've always wanted to go out to Oregon especially to Eugene. It's like a Mecca for Distance Runners!!! But we'll see on Colorado.

4.) Limit myself to Going to Possibly One Ohio State Football Game- This might have to be against Buffalo or San Diego State at the beginning of the season as a birthday gift to myself. I know that the Buckeyes will be out in Indianapolis for the B10 Championship Game (knock on wood) this year. Ticket Scaplers and Ticket websites charge more for bigger games anyway. I've tried to get them from friends or people I know to see if they have them a little more often.

5.) Train like a beast- As of right now my Furlough day will be on a Friday which on a positive note could work out for the best. I could use that day to sleep in and rest up. Also, use that as my BADASS-ANIMAL TYPE WORKOUT DAY!! I could do repeats, or a super-threshold run with one of my friends. Go to the gym and do that workout also. I plan on running my fastest Half Marathon in October in Columbus so that extra training day would be great for my fitness.

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Me in Hulk Mode!!!

6.) Read & Resume- I could use a little bit to catch up on my reading and work on my resume. There is one book my friend and my Mom want me to read so I'll try to read it this summer. Also, for my resume I can retool it to see if there are any openings within either DFAS or DLA. Hopefully it would get my closer to making a little more money.

7.) Strengthen my Faith-  One of the most important things one can do to get through a furlough. Plan on reading my bible more, getting a little more involved with my church, and find another small group to join within my church. Pray for our government to make the best decisions as possible to help our nation.

I hope to follow those carefully this summer and early fall. These are just goals I would like to achieve during this time in the next few months. Everyone else has their different ways of getting through a furlough. I realize there are individuals that I know of who are worse off than me because it effects their whole family and I have to remember that.

I know I have people around me to help me get through this. Everyone knows of someone will who will be effected by the Furloughs in some way or another. We live in a great country where we are blessed with many freedoms we take forgranted. Let's try to make it better for ourselves, others, and our children in the future. That's my two cents and I promise my next one will be funny!!