I have been thoroughly enjoying my time off from work this week. I've really been able to disconnect, which is unusual for me.

The end of the year is wrapping up nicely:

1) Kids went to the dentist, and DS has his annual doctor appointment on Monday

2) Finalized the 2013 budget and am pretty happy with where it stands.

3) Organized the rest of my finances, including an inventory of gift cards, getting the kids to deposit their Christmas money in the bank, etc.

4) DH, the kids and I are going to dad's today to see him for Christmas. I usually visit him every couple of weeks by myself, so he'll be excited to see the rest of the family with me.

5) Submitted by 2013 Death Bet entries. Had to make a few late minute switches, but I'm pretty happy with my list.

I do have a few things to do tomorrow. I need to get the year end balances on my 401(k) and other accounts, return a few things from Christmas, and run a few errands. We're planning a very quiet New Year's Eve - at most one family will come over, otherwise we'll be on our own, which means family game night and Ryan Seacrest's show.

I set my 2013 goals on my sidebar. I'm focusing on 2: Paying down my HELOC and losing weight. (Gee, do you think anyone else has New Year's goals to save money and lose weight? LOL!). Here's the plan:

With regard to the HELOC, based on the 2013 budget I layed out, I should be able to save at least $500/month through the 1st half of the year, and $1500/month in the 2nd half of the year. That would be $12k, with the rest coming from odds and ends money. So I think it's reasonable.

With regard to the weight loss, I'm down 7 pounds from the beginning of October. Getting to the gym 3-4 times per week should be doable, and hubby and I are moving to a healthier diet (more toward vegetarian without being over the top). In order to meet the goal, I'd need to lose less than 1/2 pound per week, which I think is a legitimate goal.

I've gotten back to Swagbucks after many months away, and snagged 3 quick $5 gift cards to Amazon. I'm going to shoot for 1 per week, and put it toward my 2013 Christmas fund. I've also gotten back to Viggle, and had enough points to get 3 $5 gift cards there too. I can't wrack these up as quickly as Swagbucks, maybe 1 every 2 weeks, so that will be my 2013 goal there.

I hope everyone has a safe, happy, healthy New Year!