Today is my first day at home since being laid off from work. Of course I received a decent severance check and a bonus for staying on a bit longer to help train the department in the other office. I still have a full pay check coming tomorrow, and another one for 3 extra days and my vacation pay that I did not take. I plan to apply for unemployment today as well. So really - i'm not in such a bad position. I should be just fine for at 3 to 4 months (should I not find something right away). But all in all I'm going to take this opportunity of 'time off' to recooperate and improve. I plan to do the following...(This list is subject to change by order of the management - me.)

1) Incorporate a daily exercise routine. Lately I've been calling 'cleaning house' my exercise. It seriously is the only physical activity that I get. I loathe exercise. But considering i have a free gym in my building just two floors from my condo - I can't pass that up. I will exercise at LEAST 3 days a week while I'm out of work.

2) Take a multivitamin. Since I'm trying to up the 'healthy' factor - why not.

3) Apply for unemployement (this will be done today as stated earlier)

4) Apply for at LEAST 3 jobs I'm interested in every day. Keep a log of applications.

5) Do taxes (this will be accomplished by this weekend)

6) Clean up this dump. I've been neglecting my condo. Everything needs to be cleaned. Spring cleaning time!

7) Take a walk somewhere everyday - just to get out of the house (Weather permitting).

8) Visit my mother more. She only lives on the southside of Chicago, but I hardly visit unless there's something I need or some kind of family event or things to do. I just need to go and say hi, have a meal, help with something she needs and see my dog Smokey (black lab...old pooch)

9) Continue to work on my budget to save, pay off debt and spend less on trivial things. Except for food. Love food.

10) ????

I need a 10th goal? Any suggestions?