Live like no one else, so you can live like no one else.

Who has read, listened to, learned and laughed with Dave Ramsey??

He teaches on financial freedom and his most commonly taught class is called financial peace university. While I am not currently enrolled in his class I am forever indebted to my dear friend Dawn for lending me the CD's from her class. They have given me hope when everything looked a little dim.

His main motto is "Live like no one else, so you can live like no else" This takes sacrifice, it takes going against the grain of the typical American. I'm done being the middle class citizen and I am going to work my way to financial freedom and wealth! Perfect timing when I'm unemployed with around $5,000 in debt looming over me!

He lists in your budget as necessities being food, clothing, transportation, utilities, and shelter. Basic stuff right???

The first thing I could knock off the necessities list is clothing! Who knew all of the Gma's shopping would help me in the long run!

I received my unemployment benefits statement yesterday, who knew the state would actually be timely on something??? :) And the monthly amount will cover the necessities listed. And that is it. Literally. Other than about $1,000 in savings I have no other money. Who knew the 3-6 months in expenses was a good idea??

But of course like the average American I have bills other than the necessities which include credit cards, cell phone bill (he covers basic phone in his necessities list, I'm wondering if my $79 bill is a necessity??? :)), gym membership, etc. These "bills" even with the credit cards at a minimum total $375 a month. Woah. Where am I going to find $375 a month even for one or two months until I find a job?

(And the sad part is the unemployment is $700 less than I made full time, and where did that money go??????)

One of Dave Ramsey's theories when you are in debt is to sell everything you can sell in your house until the kids think they are next.

So a lot of the extras that have filled my house are up on craigslist. Go check them out! I know what you are thinking! Am I losing it?? Selling my stuff? I can always buy new stuff later when I have the cash and the means to do so.

And the question that is resting on everyone's mind..the house. My first house. My own space. All mine. It's going on the market. I'm getting out from underneath it before I lose myself trying to hold on to something like a house. I am fourtante to have options in terms of place to live if the house sells before I have a job. And I am so greatful, it makes the decision to sell the house easier because I know I will not be homeless.

It finally hit me today after much speclation that this door is closing, not just the door that closed when I stopped working for the City but the door of living in the central valley. Today my therapist was walking through all my options with me and she said this and a light bulb when off: "You seem to already have one foot out the door." And I guess I do, it's like I've been slowly inching there. And while I know there are many people here that I love dearly, and memories, and places that I love it's time for the next chapter. And I know people will be dissapointed that I am leaving but I truly feel its time.

I've been hesistant to make decisions over the last month because I honestly think I wanted God to say here! Here is the perfect plan, I made it and here it is. And lay it out for me. And he hasn't completely done that. And I can't spend my life waiting for that moment of perfect clarity. Because that's be honest, when is God going to completely show us the cards??? I know he is walking beside me and I have to remember him in everything I do. If I make a poor decision I know it will be revealed and He will walk with me. Good or bad or indifferent He is here as long as I ask Him to be and I trust in Him. And I'm trusting in Him by taking this leap of faith and walking head first into my future. Wherever that may be.