Boy have I been BUSY lately. I am finishing my dissertation and have been running around like a chicken with its head cut off (although I here chickens don't really do that....). Anyway, between finishing writing, meeting with professors, copying 228 pages 4 times over to hand out to committee members I feel like I am about to burst!
Luckily I am about done and can finally take a breather. It kind of sucks because between DH being out of town thanks to the Navy, by best friend under the weather, and being 35 wks pregnant there isn't a whole lot I can do to relax. No celebratory glass of wine or beer, (ok, pre-pregnancy it was many glasses!), no nice dinner out (yet), and I certainly don't feel like a shopping spree being this preggo!
One thing that has helped me relax is gardening and being outside. Lucky for me, it has been gorgeous, sunny and in the 70's here and I got to just sit at our local park and absorb nature for awhile. Just hearing the birds and being able to just "be".
It appears that, especially in the morning or evening,
The birds have no agenda
No plans to draw
No place to rush off to
They seem only to be concerned with singing.
In the midst of all this, it is nice to know that I don't need a shopping splurge, or some other material "reward". Many in this position would possibly buy a new car or a new wardrobe, but just enjoying the time to reflect and be seemed to relax me a lot more than anything I could buy. I am sure when DH gets back into town a small party or dinner out will be in order (and wonderful!), and I can't say if I wasn't ridiculously pregnant some new clothes wouldn't be nice. But at least for a now, I am content with my accomplishment alone.
And speaking of accomplishments, almost all my seeds have sprouted! I actually had to transfer the beans and seeds to larger containers already and all of my other veggies seem to be sprouting fine. Only the cantelopes seem to be struggling but if even the tomatos and beans survive I will be thrilled! Maybe I won't kill it all this year....
Monday, April 2, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
I honestly don't know how you do it!
I salute you all gardeners and farmers....I don't know how you do it!
The cats ate the flowers, the birds ate my sprouting sunflower seeds, and my tomatos and cantelopes have yet to even sprout.
On the bright side however, the green beans and peas are coming up as well as my broccoli so hopefully I can keep those alive...I may need to get some plants or new seeds for the tomatos and cantelopes though.
I wish more people would garden. I really have an appreciation for gardeners and especially farmers whose livlihood depends on this stuff. Just getting stuff to sprout seems hard enough and then keeping it alive and fruitful...what a task! I think if more people tried it, they would be more willing to shell out the money for organic after appreciating how much work goes into it. We would probably not be so wasteful either....
The cats ate the flowers, the birds ate my sprouting sunflower seeds, and my tomatos and cantelopes have yet to even sprout.
On the bright side however, the green beans and peas are coming up as well as my broccoli so hopefully I can keep those alive...I may need to get some plants or new seeds for the tomatos and cantelopes though.
I wish more people would garden. I really have an appreciation for gardeners and especially farmers whose livlihood depends on this stuff. Just getting stuff to sprout seems hard enough and then keeping it alive and fruitful...what a task! I think if more people tried it, they would be more willing to shell out the money for organic after appreciating how much work goes into it. We would probably not be so wasteful either....
Sunday, March 18, 2007
My Victory Garden
There has been a lot of talk in the simple living world about "Victory Gardens". They were encouraged during WWII to conserve resources, and now many are starting them for similar reasons.
Anywho, mine has been started!
Now keep in mind I have a black thumb...all veggie gardens to date have produced a few puny veggies and promptly thrown up and died. But I did alot more research this year and plan to care for it much more diligently so I will hopefully meet with some success. At least its fun trying.
Here is what I have started:
Sunflowers (for seed - one of DH's favorites)
Bell Peppers
Cherry Tomatoes
Oregon Spring Tomatoes (an early variety)
Peas
Pole Beans
Cantelope
Broccoli
What's even better is that the Sunflowers, Bell Peppers, and Beans were FREE courtesy of the folks at Green, Blue, Brown and the rest of the seeds were on sale for 10 cents a pack at the local hardware store ...they were last years seeds but if even 25% of them sprout I will be inundated with plants! Including containers and dirt, my entire garden cost me 15 bucks.
These first seedlings are really an experiment, I want to see what sprouts and does well first before I plant more. What does ok will be transferred to larger containers and more will be planted after I move at the mid-May (sucks moving during growing season!) Luckily here in the south we have a long growing season and I can get away with planting later in the season as we can grow into October easily.
I also welcome anyone's advice about keep these things alive!
Anywho, mine has been started!
Now keep in mind I have a black thumb...all veggie gardens to date have produced a few puny veggies and promptly thrown up and died. But I did alot more research this year and plan to care for it much more diligently so I will hopefully meet with some success. At least its fun trying.
Here is what I have started:
Sunflowers (for seed - one of DH's favorites)
Bell Peppers
Cherry Tomatoes
Oregon Spring Tomatoes (an early variety)
Peas
Pole Beans
Cantelope
Broccoli
What's even better is that the Sunflowers, Bell Peppers, and Beans were FREE courtesy of the folks at Green, Blue, Brown and the rest of the seeds were on sale for 10 cents a pack at the local hardware store ...they were last years seeds but if even 25% of them sprout I will be inundated with plants! Including containers and dirt, my entire garden cost me 15 bucks.
These first seedlings are really an experiment, I want to see what sprouts and does well first before I plant more. What does ok will be transferred to larger containers and more will be planted after I move at the mid-May (sucks moving during growing season!) Luckily here in the south we have a long growing season and I can get away with planting later in the season as we can grow into October easily.
I also welcome anyone's advice about keep these things alive!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Simple living cures for the "blahs"
I have found more and more that it is NOT the big-ticket items that make me happy.
I went through sort of a "funk", frustrated with frugality, frustrated with being fat and pregnant and just plain bored being stuck at home all day with not a whole lot to do (yet).
However, I honestly could not think of anything I wanted to splurge on that would have made me feel any better.
Plasma screen TV? No way, I don't even care to watch much TV and could care less about that.
Expensive clothes? Ok, I did get a pricey new pair of much needed shoes but I they are very good quality will last a very long time compared to the cheapo ones that wore out within months. They make my feet feel better but did nothing for my boredom/funk.
New car? Nope, I love my little compact with the peeling off bumper-stickers, it serves me so well and no stress about finances because of it!
What else to people even spend money on these days? I honestly couldn't think of anything.
What ended up making me feel better was:
going out to dinner with my best friend,
enjoying the gorgeous weather we have been having by taking walks by the river,
hearing my baby's heartbeat in the Drs office,
listening to and laughing at my husband explain to me how he "needs" a jet-powered beer cooler (some homemade contraption he found plans for on the internet...i hope he's kidding! LOL)
None of these were expensive, needed financing. All were environmentally sustainable (as long as my dear husband doesn't really try to build a jet-powered beer cooler!) and simple.
I honestly have enough....so what on earth are people going into all this debt for?
I went through sort of a "funk", frustrated with frugality, frustrated with being fat and pregnant and just plain bored being stuck at home all day with not a whole lot to do (yet).
However, I honestly could not think of anything I wanted to splurge on that would have made me feel any better.
Plasma screen TV? No way, I don't even care to watch much TV and could care less about that.
Expensive clothes? Ok, I did get a pricey new pair of much needed shoes but I they are very good quality will last a very long time compared to the cheapo ones that wore out within months. They make my feet feel better but did nothing for my boredom/funk.
New car? Nope, I love my little compact with the peeling off bumper-stickers, it serves me so well and no stress about finances because of it!
What else to people even spend money on these days? I honestly couldn't think of anything.
What ended up making me feel better was:
going out to dinner with my best friend,
enjoying the gorgeous weather we have been having by taking walks by the river,
hearing my baby's heartbeat in the Drs office,
listening to and laughing at my husband explain to me how he "needs" a jet-powered beer cooler (some homemade contraption he found plans for on the internet...i hope he's kidding! LOL)
None of these were expensive, needed financing. All were environmentally sustainable (as long as my dear husband doesn't really try to build a jet-powered beer cooler!) and simple.
I honestly have enough....so what on earth are people going into all this debt for?
Saturday, March 10, 2007
sustainablity....how do you do this again?
Firstly, I want to thank everyone for their suggestions on forming a simple hobby. I have some herbs planted, but my darling cats have already eaten the flowers!
I have also picked up knitting....again. I actually picked it up awhile ago, but in the rush to finish off my labwork it fell by the wayside. I am in the middle of some potholders for our kitchen and we will see how those go.
I have had the pleasure of spending most of the week in Norfolk with my husband. It has been so long dealing with being apart and now it is finally happening in a matter of weeks that we will be together in the same household again. However, this does bring something up....
When we are together we tend to do two things that aren't exactly great for simplifying your life:
1.) we tend to eat out a lot. Part of the reason is that being my husband lives essentially like a bachelor, keeping food in his house besides beer is a foreign concept to him.
2.) we tend to shop more. Sometimes its because we have waited to purchase something until the other can be there but still...we need to find some more frugal and simple activities!
This isn't easy at the moment. He lives in an apartment complex at the moment and it gets boring. We read a lot, I knit, but you can easily go stir crazy and sometimes we just want to get out. As far as eating out is concerned, until I am up here full time there is no way my husband will actually grocery shop for himself, that is pretty much up to me.
In a few weeks, a lot of habits will be changing drastically or even eliminated. I am blessed that my husband is very open to all the changes towards simple living and reduced consumption. He is also impressed with all of the progress I have made on my own and it will hopefully inspire him a little.
In addition, we are finally buying our own home, with a yard and garage so we can both "piddle" around, garden, and make further progress towards sustainablity. We plan to buy a very very small previously owned home. There is the garden of course, but we are going to work towards making this small house as energy efficient as possible. Since I will be around all the time we can make simple meals from scratch, eliminate fast and packaged food from our diets, and take the time to live a little more slowly and deliberately. We are really looking forward to it! I welcome any suggestions and changes that others have made towards more sustainable living!
I have also picked up knitting....again. I actually picked it up awhile ago, but in the rush to finish off my labwork it fell by the wayside. I am in the middle of some potholders for our kitchen and we will see how those go.
I have had the pleasure of spending most of the week in Norfolk with my husband. It has been so long dealing with being apart and now it is finally happening in a matter of weeks that we will be together in the same household again. However, this does bring something up....
When we are together we tend to do two things that aren't exactly great for simplifying your life:
1.) we tend to eat out a lot. Part of the reason is that being my husband lives essentially like a bachelor, keeping food in his house besides beer is a foreign concept to him.
2.) we tend to shop more. Sometimes its because we have waited to purchase something until the other can be there but still...we need to find some more frugal and simple activities!
This isn't easy at the moment. He lives in an apartment complex at the moment and it gets boring. We read a lot, I knit, but you can easily go stir crazy and sometimes we just want to get out. As far as eating out is concerned, until I am up here full time there is no way my husband will actually grocery shop for himself, that is pretty much up to me.
In a few weeks, a lot of habits will be changing drastically or even eliminated. I am blessed that my husband is very open to all the changes towards simple living and reduced consumption. He is also impressed with all of the progress I have made on my own and it will hopefully inspire him a little.
In addition, we are finally buying our own home, with a yard and garage so we can both "piddle" around, garden, and make further progress towards sustainablity. We plan to buy a very very small previously owned home. There is the garden of course, but we are going to work towards making this small house as energy efficient as possible. Since I will be around all the time we can make simple meals from scratch, eliminate fast and packaged food from our diets, and take the time to live a little more slowly and deliberately. We are really looking forward to it! I welcome any suggestions and changes that others have made towards more sustainable living!
Saturday, March 3, 2007
simple hobbies
Half-time last week and now full-time, I am officially working at home to finish writing my disserattion. Professional writers, I don't know how you do it! Personally, I am going a bit stir-crazy.
Its not even being at home all day....its that I really have trouble having nothing to do but write all day everyday. I have always been able to break up the day between experiments, papers, and literature research, but now all I have to do is write...write....and write some more.
This has led to some temptations as far as consumerism....I find myself wanting to go out and just wander around the shops just to get out of the house and have a change of pace. Not that window shopping is at all bad, but with me I KNOW it will lead me to buying something I don't need, and probably don't even really want. So...I need a frugal, simple-living-friendly hobby to break up the day. I have decluttered, purged, cleaned, and organized to death. Physical activities are out...I am 31 weeks pregnant and getting downright uncomfortable. A walk a day is enough for me. I certainly read enough all day working on the dissertation, so what else can i do? And how can I avoid having to buy a whole bunch of stuff to do it?
I do have some seeds from last year still laying around...I may start an indoor herb garden...provided the cats don't eat it! This would provide herbs for a lot of my cooking endeavors (I love to cook), and make the house smell and look better and help me to hone my gardening skills for the coming spring/summer. I am open to any and all suggestions though...hopefully without having to buy and accumulate lots of stuff...
Interesting, so often when people are bored and unhappy, all the commercials say if we just buy something (whether it be an "adventrous" SUV, a new cell phone, or even soda!) our lives will suredly be more exciting and interesting. Luckiily, I do not feel any of that! Off to plant some basil.....
Its not even being at home all day....its that I really have trouble having nothing to do but write all day everyday. I have always been able to break up the day between experiments, papers, and literature research, but now all I have to do is write...write....and write some more.
This has led to some temptations as far as consumerism....I find myself wanting to go out and just wander around the shops just to get out of the house and have a change of pace. Not that window shopping is at all bad, but with me I KNOW it will lead me to buying something I don't need, and probably don't even really want. So...I need a frugal, simple-living-friendly hobby to break up the day. I have decluttered, purged, cleaned, and organized to death. Physical activities are out...I am 31 weeks pregnant and getting downright uncomfortable. A walk a day is enough for me. I certainly read enough all day working on the dissertation, so what else can i do? And how can I avoid having to buy a whole bunch of stuff to do it?
I do have some seeds from last year still laying around...I may start an indoor herb garden...provided the cats don't eat it! This would provide herbs for a lot of my cooking endeavors (I love to cook), and make the house smell and look better and help me to hone my gardening skills for the coming spring/summer. I am open to any and all suggestions though...hopefully without having to buy and accumulate lots of stuff...
Interesting, so often when people are bored and unhappy, all the commercials say if we just buy something (whether it be an "adventrous" SUV, a new cell phone, or even soda!) our lives will suredly be more exciting and interesting. Luckiily, I do not feel any of that! Off to plant some basil.....
Sunday, February 25, 2007
to sell = to distract = to sell more.....fast living=expensive living
Besides the patchwork clothes, the hemp jewelery and all of my organic endeavors...another reason some people label me a "hippy" is that I am a bit of a conspiracy theorist. Probably not a good thing, but sometimes my brain goes places I don't expect.
On that note, I thought about a possible "conspiracy" the other night. I had a couple of choices on how to spend that evening.
1. Watch TV - there were a couple of interesting/amusing programs on and I could have used a good laugh after a rough day.
2. Bake muffins for the week's breakfast, organize a bit to determine exactly what else I need (truly NEED) around what's in the pantry so I don't overbuy/consume.
I'm not saying I couldn't do both, but for me at least, a couple of shows often turns into a couple of hours and before I know it its time for bed....but what's so great about choice #2?
Baking would allow me to use up what's already in the pantry and fridge which would otherwise spoil. The added benefit is I have a healthy homemade breakfast all week without having to buy any packaged cereal or other convenience food.
Planning for the week also helps me to buy much less than I normally would for the week, consuming less resources in the long run.
Now I know the purpose of TV and commercials is mainly to make money and get us to buy more stuff. But could it be that in addition to wanting us to buy the shiny cars and body sprays, they would also prefer us to be distracted from more simple tasks so that we thus need to go out and buy more things in order to save time wasted in front of the Boob Tube? That certainly does make them more money when advertising frozen dinners and fast food chains...coincidence?
Fast living = expensive living, both financially and environmentally. We zip along in our car instead of walking, we discard something that could be fixed in favor of buying new to save time, do the drive-through rather than have a homemade meal, buy produce rather than grow some of our own.
Life these days demands a faster pace. Even in my academic work, with on-line publishing and grant applications, everyone expects more results, faster, cram more into your days and weekends to keep up with our competitors at other universities. Certainly the same is true in other professions. However on top of these increased time demands, many (I am guilty of this too) spend a lot of the free time they do have catching up on their favorite shows, the latest news about the hot star at the moment, ect. Again, we all need our ways to relax but it all leads to more expensive and not-so-green living. And to be honest, I got a lot more satisfaction and relaxation from my freshly baked apple-cinnamon muffins and not being so rushed for a quick bite every morning, and peace of mine from being organize, then from the few laughs I get from some of the shows I watch.
Don't misunderstand me - life is full of distractions, of course I am here playing on the internet instead of doing other things....but what if we all slowed down just a little? What if instead of watching that hour long show, or *gasp* blogging, or reading the latest tabloid we took an hour or so for a bit of planning, making something from scratch, learnign a new useful skill, repairing a broken item rather than running out to the store?
On that note, I thought about a possible "conspiracy" the other night. I had a couple of choices on how to spend that evening.
1. Watch TV - there were a couple of interesting/amusing programs on and I could have used a good laugh after a rough day.
2. Bake muffins for the week's breakfast, organize a bit to determine exactly what else I need (truly NEED) around what's in the pantry so I don't overbuy/consume.
I'm not saying I couldn't do both, but for me at least, a couple of shows often turns into a couple of hours and before I know it its time for bed....but what's so great about choice #2?
Baking would allow me to use up what's already in the pantry and fridge which would otherwise spoil. The added benefit is I have a healthy homemade breakfast all week without having to buy any packaged cereal or other convenience food.
Planning for the week also helps me to buy much less than I normally would for the week, consuming less resources in the long run.
Now I know the purpose of TV and commercials is mainly to make money and get us to buy more stuff. But could it be that in addition to wanting us to buy the shiny cars and body sprays, they would also prefer us to be distracted from more simple tasks so that we thus need to go out and buy more things in order to save time wasted in front of the Boob Tube? That certainly does make them more money when advertising frozen dinners and fast food chains...coincidence?
Fast living = expensive living, both financially and environmentally. We zip along in our car instead of walking, we discard something that could be fixed in favor of buying new to save time, do the drive-through rather than have a homemade meal, buy produce rather than grow some of our own.
Life these days demands a faster pace. Even in my academic work, with on-line publishing and grant applications, everyone expects more results, faster, cram more into your days and weekends to keep up with our competitors at other universities. Certainly the same is true in other professions. However on top of these increased time demands, many (I am guilty of this too) spend a lot of the free time they do have catching up on their favorite shows, the latest news about the hot star at the moment, ect. Again, we all need our ways to relax but it all leads to more expensive and not-so-green living. And to be honest, I got a lot more satisfaction and relaxation from my freshly baked apple-cinnamon muffins and not being so rushed for a quick bite every morning, and peace of mine from being organize, then from the few laughs I get from some of the shows I watch.
Don't misunderstand me - life is full of distractions, of course I am here playing on the internet instead of doing other things....but what if we all slowed down just a little? What if instead of watching that hour long show, or *gasp* blogging, or reading the latest tabloid we took an hour or so for a bit of planning, making something from scratch, learnign a new useful skill, repairing a broken item rather than running out to the store?
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Lent - A Time for Simplicity, Reflection
This post may or may not be of interest to those who are not Christian/Catholic but I do hope that everyone can get a little something out of it.
The season of Lent is here. Lent is a very solemn and special period in the church and while a lot of others may dislike all the "rules" and regulations of Catholicism, I have actually gotten alot out of them, especially by knowing the spirit in which these regulations were thought of.
My priest gave an excellent homily on Sunday (luckily for me he usually does a great job, even talking about materialism and environmentalism on occasion) and talked about how Lent is not supposed to be just about giving up chocolate for a month, meat on Fridays, or whatever else it is people do. He describes it as a time to slow down and simplify our lives.
Its certainly not a bad thing to practice a little self-discipline and certainly money that would otherwise be spent on things like chocolate bars or coffee could be put to better use. However the purpose of Lent is truly to take a break from things that prevent us from hearing the voice of God and to tend to the more important things in life. He suggested maybe giving up TV or internet to make more "space" in our lives. Another thing one can do is give up things that hurt others such as swearing or gossip (and believe me, giving up gossip would simplify my life a lot!). You can then use the time to add other things such as prayer and meditation that truly enrich our lives. Simple living isn't necessarily about eliminating tons of items or tasks from our lives, but rather focusing only on what is truly important and enriching which sometimes means both taking away adding things to our life.
I think that even those who are not religous could probably benefit from a sort of "Lenten" season every now and then. Giving up some things that complicate our lives or suck up resources that could be put to better use for a more fulfilling purpose.
This season comes at a time for me when it doesn't make sense for me to slow down. A baby on the way and a dissertation to write make for very hectic times. However, I see God's plan in this as I learn to trust God, and make the time to follow my simplicity endeavors. Life will always have the potential to be hectic and cluttered, if I don't continue to simplify and make time for the truly important things now I never will. What I am giving up isn't going to help the environment, save me money, or even free up more time. I won't share here what I am giving up as I don't want to do this in hope or expectation of recognition or praise. However, I do hope that it will make some spiritual "space" for me and declutter myself of anger and bad temperment.
Regardless of religous affiliation, I think periods of spiritual and personal reflection are a good thing. It can help us declutter emotionally and point us back in the right direction of where we want to go. Sometimes we lose our way without even realizing it and just stopping and taking notice of our surroundings can get us back on the right trail.
The season of Lent is here. Lent is a very solemn and special period in the church and while a lot of others may dislike all the "rules" and regulations of Catholicism, I have actually gotten alot out of them, especially by knowing the spirit in which these regulations were thought of.
My priest gave an excellent homily on Sunday (luckily for me he usually does a great job, even talking about materialism and environmentalism on occasion) and talked about how Lent is not supposed to be just about giving up chocolate for a month, meat on Fridays, or whatever else it is people do. He describes it as a time to slow down and simplify our lives.
Its certainly not a bad thing to practice a little self-discipline and certainly money that would otherwise be spent on things like chocolate bars or coffee could be put to better use. However the purpose of Lent is truly to take a break from things that prevent us from hearing the voice of God and to tend to the more important things in life. He suggested maybe giving up TV or internet to make more "space" in our lives. Another thing one can do is give up things that hurt others such as swearing or gossip (and believe me, giving up gossip would simplify my life a lot!). You can then use the time to add other things such as prayer and meditation that truly enrich our lives. Simple living isn't necessarily about eliminating tons of items or tasks from our lives, but rather focusing only on what is truly important and enriching which sometimes means both taking away adding things to our life.
I think that even those who are not religous could probably benefit from a sort of "Lenten" season every now and then. Giving up some things that complicate our lives or suck up resources that could be put to better use for a more fulfilling purpose.
This season comes at a time for me when it doesn't make sense for me to slow down. A baby on the way and a dissertation to write make for very hectic times. However, I see God's plan in this as I learn to trust God, and make the time to follow my simplicity endeavors. Life will always have the potential to be hectic and cluttered, if I don't continue to simplify and make time for the truly important things now I never will. What I am giving up isn't going to help the environment, save me money, or even free up more time. I won't share here what I am giving up as I don't want to do this in hope or expectation of recognition or praise. However, I do hope that it will make some spiritual "space" for me and declutter myself of anger and bad temperment.
Regardless of religous affiliation, I think periods of spiritual and personal reflection are a good thing. It can help us declutter emotionally and point us back in the right direction of where we want to go. Sometimes we lose our way without even realizing it and just stopping and taking notice of our surroundings can get us back on the right trail.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Attached to Outcomes
One thing that is nice about simple living....one thing that I often take for granted in favor of all the distractions of modern life (constant business, TV, work work work...) is that I have time to reflect on my own self...that is if I choose to do it.
A hectic week led me to watching more TV to wind down (didn't help at all), and feeling that getting busier and busier and more and more flustered would get the task done (also didn't help at all). Now the week is almost over, some major projects and tasks completed and I finally took some time for ME instead of distracting myself with other things. Why didn't I do this earlier? I feel much better, more relaxed and content doing this rather than TV or anything else that I do to try and "relax"......
So what did I find? I have found that I am attached to Outcomes. DESPERATELY attached. And when these Outcomes don't occur, I mourn them like a tragic loss, rather than just a change of plans....
I want to accept what God and the universe has to offer me that day, regardless of how I envisioned it.
Don't Be Angry. Don't Be Bitter. Don't Be Spoiled....Be Grateful, Be Joyful, Be Blessed....Just Be.
A hectic week led me to watching more TV to wind down (didn't help at all), and feeling that getting busier and busier and more and more flustered would get the task done (also didn't help at all). Now the week is almost over, some major projects and tasks completed and I finally took some time for ME instead of distracting myself with other things. Why didn't I do this earlier? I feel much better, more relaxed and content doing this rather than TV or anything else that I do to try and "relax"......
So what did I find? I have found that I am attached to Outcomes. DESPERATELY attached. And when these Outcomes don't occur, I mourn them like a tragic loss, rather than just a change of plans....
- I want the light to turn green....NOW so I can be to mass 10 minutes early...no later.
- I want plenty of closer parking spaces when I get to work (the university sold 600 more parking passes then they had spaces this year...)
- I want my experiments to turn out in a specific way and the data to tell me exactly X, Y, and Z and on the first try.
- I want chores and tasks to follow the timeline I set out...no longer.
- I want vacations and trips to go along exactly as I envisioned them.
- I want friends and family to treat me a certain way, all the time, regardless of how their day went.
- I want the store to have exactly what I want, when I need it.
I want to accept what God and the universe has to offer me that day, regardless of how I envisioned it.
Don't Be Angry. Don't Be Bitter. Don't Be Spoiled....Be Grateful, Be Joyful, Be Blessed....Just Be.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Everyone Else's Dreams and How Little I Need
Whew! A very hectic week so I haven't posted in awhile. Work is crazy as I try to finish up labwork and my dissertation so I can graduate in April and be Dr. SimpleNeoHippy before the babe arrives.
One of my favorite sites is www.simpleliving.net , particularly the discussion forums. Lots of thought-provoking stuff, inspiration for simple living and nice people. There was a post from a woman there who is due about the same time and is getting really aggravated with "Everyone Else's Dreams". Basically - everyone is trying to tell her and her husband what they really want - big house, big car, ect. ect. and of course tons of stuff for the baby...but they really don't want any of that for themselves.
I must say I share the same problem. Everyone has an opinion on what we "need" to survive. How interesting how as I get closer to being a mother, my life has been an experiment on how LITTLE I can live with. I have cut expenses dramatically, cooked frugally, decluttered, and even cut back on TV and other "needs". I have been pleasantly surprised on how little you actually need to live....and not just get by...to live WELL, fulfilled, happy, and content. Some things I have found I do NOT need to live well....
1. I don't need all 5 pairs of jeans I own...I am finding I only wear two pair frequently Same goes with the rest of my clothes, many of which will be donated to others who actually need them.
2.I don't need to eat out all the time. I get satisfaction out of cooking, and even spending time with friends, we have had just as good a time..if not better...sharing a homecooked meal together. I am healthier and have cut WAY back on my expenses this way.
3. I don't need TV. There are maybe two shows I actually watch but I end up missing them anyway because I get busy doing something else such as working, knitting, cooking, or reading.
4. I don't need a lot of space. I have been spending almost all my time in one room. I work on the computer, read, and eat all in this room. And of course as I declutter, I have 2 rooms of my house that are half empty...no need for a McMansion here.
5. I don't need kitchen gadgets. I have finally gotten into the habit of cleaning up the kitchen everynight. And I have found only a handful of utensils and pans get used, and certainly none of the "gadgets", even when I get creative.
6. I don't need a lot of food - being content with leftovers (actually a Godsend after a late night at work!) I really only need to shop for 3 meals to make the whole week.
7. I don't need a big car - The car seat fits, I plan to use a fabric baby sling, and my gosh half the backseat and the entire trunk is empty still! My little tiny 4-cylinder compact is more than enough for me, DH, and baby - even two later down the road - SUV is totally unnecessary for us.
8. I don't need cosmetics - short hair, sensitive skin - hair gel and expensive shampoo totally worthless for me, and with my sensitive skin prone to breaking out makeup only makes it worse. I only have to wash my hair every other day, and the look of my skin has actually improved by not wearing make-up (i think its silly anyway), or all the moisturizing, "revitalizing", "pore-cleaning", expensive stuff out there anyway...I don't think any of it really works better than simple soap and water anyway...at least not for this girl.
So how little do you need to live well? Are you living YOUR dream or everyone elses?
One of my favorite sites is www.simpleliving.net , particularly the discussion forums. Lots of thought-provoking stuff, inspiration for simple living and nice people. There was a post from a woman there who is due about the same time and is getting really aggravated with "Everyone Else's Dreams". Basically - everyone is trying to tell her and her husband what they really want - big house, big car, ect. ect. and of course tons of stuff for the baby...but they really don't want any of that for themselves.
I must say I share the same problem. Everyone has an opinion on what we "need" to survive. How interesting how as I get closer to being a mother, my life has been an experiment on how LITTLE I can live with. I have cut expenses dramatically, cooked frugally, decluttered, and even cut back on TV and other "needs". I have been pleasantly surprised on how little you actually need to live....and not just get by...to live WELL, fulfilled, happy, and content. Some things I have found I do NOT need to live well....
1. I don't need all 5 pairs of jeans I own...I am finding I only wear two pair frequently Same goes with the rest of my clothes, many of which will be donated to others who actually need them.
2.I don't need to eat out all the time. I get satisfaction out of cooking, and even spending time with friends, we have had just as good a time..if not better...sharing a homecooked meal together. I am healthier and have cut WAY back on my expenses this way.
3. I don't need TV. There are maybe two shows I actually watch but I end up missing them anyway because I get busy doing something else such as working, knitting, cooking, or reading.
4. I don't need a lot of space. I have been spending almost all my time in one room. I work on the computer, read, and eat all in this room. And of course as I declutter, I have 2 rooms of my house that are half empty...no need for a McMansion here.
5. I don't need kitchen gadgets. I have finally gotten into the habit of cleaning up the kitchen everynight. And I have found only a handful of utensils and pans get used, and certainly none of the "gadgets", even when I get creative.
6. I don't need a lot of food - being content with leftovers (actually a Godsend after a late night at work!) I really only need to shop for 3 meals to make the whole week.
7. I don't need a big car - The car seat fits, I plan to use a fabric baby sling, and my gosh half the backseat and the entire trunk is empty still! My little tiny 4-cylinder compact is more than enough for me, DH, and baby - even two later down the road - SUV is totally unnecessary for us.
8. I don't need cosmetics - short hair, sensitive skin - hair gel and expensive shampoo totally worthless for me, and with my sensitive skin prone to breaking out makeup only makes it worse. I only have to wash my hair every other day, and the look of my skin has actually improved by not wearing make-up (i think its silly anyway), or all the moisturizing, "revitalizing", "pore-cleaning", expensive stuff out there anyway...I don't think any of it really works better than simple soap and water anyway...at least not for this girl.
So how little do you need to live well? Are you living YOUR dream or everyone elses?
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Simple Tasks and the Next Green Decision
As I have eliminated a lot of unnecessary things in my life, whether it be stuff, obligations, TV or other activities, I find I am a lot more content with simple tasks and the mundane. For example...I used to DREAD doing the dishes....I would put it off as long as possible with an overflowing gross sink in favor of doing other things. But now, I do them every night and it doesn't bother me. The same thing with laundry (this post was inspired by some quiet-time in the laundromat today), paying bills, ect. I can't say I get an ecstatic joy out of these things, but I do feel peaceful and happy doing them. Not only to get it "out of the way", but just feeling geniunely OK with my quiet life. Don't get me wrong...I still desire adventure and excitement whether it be traveling or other endeavors, butI actually look forward to having my quiet time doing laundry, dishes or whatever else needs to be attended to that day. It reminds me of alot of the Buddhist and some Taoist schools which used simple every day tasks...thinks that are truly necessary in life like gardening, washing, ect...to reach enlightenment. I guess once the necessary is completed...you realize that there really isn't much else! No striving for the newest fashion, car, or plasma TV...at least that is how I feel at the moment. I'll bet though after I have this baby I will want a new wardrobe! We will see....hopefully I can resist the urge!
I also made a green decision with my husband today. We will hopefully purchase our first home soon and we essentially have NO appliances (save a toaster!) I really don't want to buy new but DH wants Energy Star appliances...both have green value to them however I really think so much pollution and materials are used up in the production of these goods, sometimes equal to or more so than there use. (Another blog, Earth Home Garden talks about this with cars...a great and interesting post recently). We certainly don't need a lot...we aren't into anything fancy, we just want the basics. We reached a compromise that we are going to Freecycle or Craigslist as much as possible AND try to find ones that are Energy Star off of these lists...hopefully we will get the best of both worlds. Hopefully we can be patient and disciplined enough to do this right for our budget and more importantly for a greener world.
I also made a green decision with my husband today. We will hopefully purchase our first home soon and we essentially have NO appliances (save a toaster!) I really don't want to buy new but DH wants Energy Star appliances...both have green value to them however I really think so much pollution and materials are used up in the production of these goods, sometimes equal to or more so than there use. (Another blog, Earth Home Garden talks about this with cars...a great and interesting post recently). We certainly don't need a lot...we aren't into anything fancy, we just want the basics. We reached a compromise that we are going to Freecycle or Craigslist as much as possible AND try to find ones that are Energy Star off of these lists...hopefully we will get the best of both worlds. Hopefully we can be patient and disciplined enough to do this right for our budget and more importantly for a greener world.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Can we just "be" ?
I used to think that if I just bought this, or invested my money in that...that would be the solution to being who I want to be. Surely if I bought the outdoor gear...I would be an outdoors person! Or surely if I bought the magazine on something I would gain that interest. It is almost an exercize in self-loathing...instead of being content and happy and just doing what I wanted to do, I thought I could buy my way into being who I wanted to be. Thank goodness I have gotten over that mentality...not only for my own sanity, but for the sake of the earth, and of others.
I have really truly enjoyed my last few weekends. I think it is mainly because I have taken the time to do nothing, to relax and simply enjoy what I have. This has given me time to reflect not only on my own life and happiness, but some general musings as well. I guess I am REALLY happy that during these nice quiet down-times I have truly felt "Enough". I am happy with where I am in life, and I definitely I feel as if I have enough in life - enough food, enough clothing, enough friends and family, ect. I feel no striving for a new plasma-screen TV, the latest fashions, or whatever. I don't feel like this everyday, but I guess that is why it is important to me to take stock of my life on a regular basis so I don't get sucked in by Society's - BUY BUY BUY siren song. And I am by no means perfect! It has taken me a long time to have the courage to just be.
One thing that was disconcerting today...I got the chance to go to a local park and just enjoy nature, observe the river (I got to see a Great Blue Heron harass a flock of mallard ducks today!) and just chill. I was amazed at how many people seemed unable to do that! Everywhere I looked there was at least one person yammering on a cell-phone or doing something else to distract themselves electronically or otherwise.
Are so many really that conditioned by The Consumer Culture to feel DIScontent, restless, and unfulfilled that it is impossible to simply enjoy some quiet moments and reflect? To not be connected for even a short time for fear of missing out on the next big thing?
Even in my day-to-day life, I am amazed at how the majority of conversations turn to TV or the next product to purchase. Fewer people seem to be just reading books, spending quality time with loved ones (without the Idiot Box), or simply having their own independent thought or even hobbies beyond shopping for the next big bargain. We have more leisure time then ever and what do we do with it....do we create? do we explore? do we challenge ourselves and our thinking? do we help others or solve problems?
No.... we fill our lives with all these distractions. Its amazing number of people who just CAN'T BELIEVE how little TV I watch, how I never shop "just to shop", and intentionally remove myself from consumer culture. I don't even bother to listen to the radio anymore beyond NPR as it is 70% commercials and 30% crappy music with the same 10 songs repeated over and over and over.... (Thank you Crappy Clear Channel Corporation).
Are we beyond hope? It seems we need to go beyond appealing to the goodness of people's hearts to change our massive overconsumption that is destroying the planet and keeping others in poverty. People's very way of thinking and way of life needs to change...living by example I think is key...showing society there IS another way. But...are there any willing to venture into this new territory...to go seemingly backwards from supposed progress....to boldly experience our own lives, own minds, our own ideas without distractions...without anyone telling us how, why, or what is important for us? Can we just be?
I have really truly enjoyed my last few weekends. I think it is mainly because I have taken the time to do nothing, to relax and simply enjoy what I have. This has given me time to reflect not only on my own life and happiness, but some general musings as well. I guess I am REALLY happy that during these nice quiet down-times I have truly felt "Enough". I am happy with where I am in life, and I definitely I feel as if I have enough in life - enough food, enough clothing, enough friends and family, ect. I feel no striving for a new plasma-screen TV, the latest fashions, or whatever. I don't feel like this everyday, but I guess that is why it is important to me to take stock of my life on a regular basis so I don't get sucked in by Society's - BUY BUY BUY siren song. And I am by no means perfect! It has taken me a long time to have the courage to just be.
One thing that was disconcerting today...I got the chance to go to a local park and just enjoy nature, observe the river (I got to see a Great Blue Heron harass a flock of mallard ducks today!) and just chill. I was amazed at how many people seemed unable to do that! Everywhere I looked there was at least one person yammering on a cell-phone or doing something else to distract themselves electronically or otherwise.
Are so many really that conditioned by The Consumer Culture to feel DIScontent, restless, and unfulfilled that it is impossible to simply enjoy some quiet moments and reflect? To not be connected for even a short time for fear of missing out on the next big thing?
Even in my day-to-day life, I am amazed at how the majority of conversations turn to TV or the next product to purchase. Fewer people seem to be just reading books, spending quality time with loved ones (without the Idiot Box), or simply having their own independent thought or even hobbies beyond shopping for the next big bargain. We have more leisure time then ever and what do we do with it....do we create? do we explore? do we challenge ourselves and our thinking? do we help others or solve problems?
No.... we fill our lives with all these distractions. Its amazing number of people who just CAN'T BELIEVE how little TV I watch, how I never shop "just to shop", and intentionally remove myself from consumer culture. I don't even bother to listen to the radio anymore beyond NPR as it is 70% commercials and 30% crappy music with the same 10 songs repeated over and over and over.... (Thank you Crappy Clear Channel Corporation).
Are we beyond hope? It seems we need to go beyond appealing to the goodness of people's hearts to change our massive overconsumption that is destroying the planet and keeping others in poverty. People's very way of thinking and way of life needs to change...living by example I think is key...showing society there IS another way. But...are there any willing to venture into this new territory...to go seemingly backwards from supposed progress....to boldly experience our own lives, own minds, our own ideas without distractions...without anyone telling us how, why, or what is important for us? Can we just be?
Friday, January 26, 2007
The "I Deserve" Mentality
I have noticed that a lot of my family and friends do care about the environment.....but not enough to change to greener habits.When it comes down to it, many have either the "I Deserve" or the "I Need" Mentality
"I know this car is a gas guzzler, but i have worked so hard for it and deserve a new car"
"I know disposable plastic is a bit wasteful, but I am so busy and deserve the convenience"
"I know the packaged food is bad for the enviornment but I deserve this treat"
"I know soda takes so many chemicals and such to produce but I need the caffeine/sugar"
When did this mentality start to emerge? I am guilty of it at times as well, but where does it come from? Advertising? Peer Pressure? Both? Why don't people realize that having all of these things is a PRIVELEGE and not a need? I personally get very tired of the whole "I Deserve" way of thinking. I think there are very few things people actually deserve - Food, Water, Shelter, Safety, Adequate Healthcare - and that is about it. Sounds harsh I know, but why do we NEED to have all these things when others must go without...sometimes BECAUSE we consume these things? When did a luxury car or a gigantic SUV become a NEED and not a privilege? When did we start to NEED highly processed food, iPods, ect.?
I am trying to change my vocabulary about this. Yes I would LIKE to have an iPod, and I would LIKE to have the convenience of throw-away containers....however I don't feel that I DESERVE these things or NEED these things...especially when it destroys our environment and puts others in a bad situation (i.e.-unfair trade, sweatshops, ect.). It is a privilege but not necessary and thus I can do without in order to help others and the earth. At least I am trying...believe me I need a lot of work myself! No more "I need" or "I deserve"!
"I know this car is a gas guzzler, but i have worked so hard for it and deserve a new car"
"I know disposable plastic is a bit wasteful, but I am so busy and deserve the convenience"
"I know the packaged food is bad for the enviornment but I deserve this treat"
"I know soda takes so many chemicals and such to produce but I need the caffeine/sugar"
When did this mentality start to emerge? I am guilty of it at times as well, but where does it come from? Advertising? Peer Pressure? Both? Why don't people realize that having all of these things is a PRIVELEGE and not a need? I personally get very tired of the whole "I Deserve" way of thinking. I think there are very few things people actually deserve - Food, Water, Shelter, Safety, Adequate Healthcare - and that is about it. Sounds harsh I know, but why do we NEED to have all these things when others must go without...sometimes BECAUSE we consume these things? When did a luxury car or a gigantic SUV become a NEED and not a privilege? When did we start to NEED highly processed food, iPods, ect.?
I am trying to change my vocabulary about this. Yes I would LIKE to have an iPod, and I would LIKE to have the convenience of throw-away containers....however I don't feel that I DESERVE these things or NEED these things...especially when it destroys our environment and puts others in a bad situation (i.e.-unfair trade, sweatshops, ect.). It is a privilege but not necessary and thus I can do without in order to help others and the earth. At least I am trying...believe me I need a lot of work myself! No more "I need" or "I deserve"!
what IS important to me?
A question was posted on another blog: http://www.naturally-natural.blogspot.com/
as to what is truly important to you....do you have to much junk in your life, what can and can't you live without?
I KNOW I have too much junk in my life! but I am working on that, slowly but surely. (going on 3 weeks of a decluttered house...um...the first floor anyway!) Getting rid of things that have no use and limiting/eliminating your intake of stuff helps...but I think this question is really important and a great way to take stock of things to help me continue to simplify.
What I Can't Live Without or Don't Wish to Do Without
There is the obvious (not in order of importance)
1. My husband
2. My two insane cats
3. My best friend
4. My parents, in-laws, and siblings.
There is the not-so-obvious but understandable
5. Meaningful and challenging work
6. Quietness and time for reflection - something I have only recently discovered.
And the material, but also important to me
7. Wholesome, natural organic food...makes me function so much better to be healthy!
8. Good wine and beer (ok, not while pregnant but otherwise this is something I enjoy)
9. My "hippy" one of a kind patchwork clothes I love but DH hates (hee hee)
10. Baggy sweatshirts and flip-flops (comfy!)
11. A porch with chairs to be outside and observe my surroundings
12. A good hot cup of coffee
13. Books, magazines, and other material to broaden my horizons.
14. Contact with nature and nice natural surroundings (please don't make me look at concrete all day!)
Some things I could DEFINITELY live without?
1. TV
2. knick-knacks
3. An SUV or any brand new car (totalled mine months ago and have been perfectly satisfied with my tiny, cheap, used, no frills car)
4. Eating out for lunch everyday (expensive and un-necessary -love my PB&J!)
5. Credit cards (woohoo, don't have one anymore!)
I will continue to add to this list after my "experiment"! (sorry for the science geek talk)
I have an empty spare bedroom save for another bed and an empty dresser. I am going to "move in" and only bring in what I use on a daily basis (will do this slowly as I need/use things). After a month or two, I am going to chuck/donate/recycle anything in my currently disasterous cluttered mess of a bedroom that I haven't used or missed. Wish me luck!
as to what is truly important to you....do you have to much junk in your life, what can and can't you live without?
I KNOW I have too much junk in my life! but I am working on that, slowly but surely. (going on 3 weeks of a decluttered house...um...the first floor anyway!) Getting rid of things that have no use and limiting/eliminating your intake of stuff helps...but I think this question is really important and a great way to take stock of things to help me continue to simplify.
What I Can't Live Without or Don't Wish to Do Without
There is the obvious (not in order of importance)
1. My husband
2. My two insane cats
3. My best friend
4. My parents, in-laws, and siblings.
There is the not-so-obvious but understandable
5. Meaningful and challenging work
6. Quietness and time for reflection - something I have only recently discovered.
And the material, but also important to me
7. Wholesome, natural organic food...makes me function so much better to be healthy!
8. Good wine and beer (ok, not while pregnant but otherwise this is something I enjoy)
9. My "hippy" one of a kind patchwork clothes I love but DH hates (hee hee)
10. Baggy sweatshirts and flip-flops (comfy!)
11. A porch with chairs to be outside and observe my surroundings
12. A good hot cup of coffee
13. Books, magazines, and other material to broaden my horizons.
14. Contact with nature and nice natural surroundings (please don't make me look at concrete all day!)
Some things I could DEFINITELY live without?
1. TV
2. knick-knacks
3. An SUV or any brand new car (totalled mine months ago and have been perfectly satisfied with my tiny, cheap, used, no frills car)
4. Eating out for lunch everyday (expensive and un-necessary -love my PB&J!)
5. Credit cards (woohoo, don't have one anymore!)
I will continue to add to this list after my "experiment"! (sorry for the science geek talk)
I have an empty spare bedroom save for another bed and an empty dresser. I am going to "move in" and only bring in what I use on a daily basis (will do this slowly as I need/use things). After a month or two, I am going to chuck/donate/recycle anything in my currently disasterous cluttered mess of a bedroom that I haven't used or missed. Wish me luck!
true connection, green action, and frugal choices
I was reading another blog about sustainable living : http://pathtofreedom.com/journal/
I highly reccommend it. They have been dealing with heavy frost and their harvest is severely effected. It is so humbling to read about others who are truly living in connection to the earth. It is a good reminder for all of us that although the grocery store isles are far removed from nature, it all comes at a price. That 99cent box of Mac and Cheese really isn't 99cents when you factor in all the costs of manufacturing, transport, packaging, processing ect. It may not get passed onto the consumer...yet. I actually wish it would. I wonder what things would TRULY cost if these factors were actually accounted for? I don't think we here in the United States would be so spoiled if that was so.
Speaking of green things - I finally emailed the priest at my church in regards to "greening up" our parish. I am not sure if we are recycling or things like that but I emailed him to volunteer to get us started in some more sustainable practices. I think as Christians we should be setting an example for others as far as respecting His creation and using God's resources wisely.
Not a whole lot of decluttering the past couple of days but am successfully keeping what is done clean and organized. I also resisted the urge to get take-out/packaged food for dinner after an exhausting day and instead made a frugal dinner out of some random stuff I had at home. This recipe I got out of a cookbook but it was all stuff I just had sitting unused in the cabinet - it was great! And enough leftovers for tomorrows lunch.
Pasta
1 can salmon or tuna (dolphin safe of course)
1 can navy beans
Pasta
Lemon Juice, basil, salt and onion powder to taste
Olive Oil (~2 tbsp.)
Warning: If you have cats you will have to fight them for it!
Sorry its not exact but it is pretty good! Now off to make some frugal/sustainable menus so I don't overshop at the store this week :)
I highly reccommend it. They have been dealing with heavy frost and their harvest is severely effected. It is so humbling to read about others who are truly living in connection to the earth. It is a good reminder for all of us that although the grocery store isles are far removed from nature, it all comes at a price. That 99cent box of Mac and Cheese really isn't 99cents when you factor in all the costs of manufacturing, transport, packaging, processing ect. It may not get passed onto the consumer...yet. I actually wish it would. I wonder what things would TRULY cost if these factors were actually accounted for? I don't think we here in the United States would be so spoiled if that was so.
Speaking of green things - I finally emailed the priest at my church in regards to "greening up" our parish. I am not sure if we are recycling or things like that but I emailed him to volunteer to get us started in some more sustainable practices. I think as Christians we should be setting an example for others as far as respecting His creation and using God's resources wisely.
Not a whole lot of decluttering the past couple of days but am successfully keeping what is done clean and organized. I also resisted the urge to get take-out/packaged food for dinner after an exhausting day and instead made a frugal dinner out of some random stuff I had at home. This recipe I got out of a cookbook but it was all stuff I just had sitting unused in the cabinet - it was great! And enough leftovers for tomorrows lunch.
Pasta
1 can salmon or tuna (dolphin safe of course)
1 can navy beans
Pasta
Lemon Juice, basil, salt and onion powder to taste
Olive Oil (~2 tbsp.)
Warning: If you have cats you will have to fight them for it!
Sorry its not exact but it is pretty good! Now off to make some frugal/sustainable menus so I don't overshop at the store this week :)
a closet full of foolish purchases....letting go and scaling down!
I cleaned out an entire closet today! I was dreading it but finally got it done.
3 boxes for donation
1 BIG trashbag of crap.
I couldn't believe some of the stuff I found. All the trash, a lot of papers from when DH was in college (2 years ago!) and from when I was in college (4 years ago!) and just junk in general. Even a broom handle...no broom, just the handle! Why on earth would we keep something like that?
It was embarassing and even depressing to find all these things that I have accumulated. So much wasted money, wasted resources on foolish purchaes, things I never used or only used once. It was nice to let those things to so I can start fresh and be more mindful of my spending and what I truly need. The added benefit is that it will help me pursue an ecologically sustainable, greener lifestyle as I will be consuming WAY less, and simplifying. Being more organized keeps me from buying more things as I know exactly what I have and what I need. My goal for this year is to buy ONLY what is really necessary (and no, that new yoga mat is NOT, I already have one!) and/or adds beauty and substance to my life (such as a really good book). This decluttering project, which is far from over, has really given me perspective on what I really use and need and how nice it is to be organized and neat! My house is so much more peaceful and serene since it is neat and very simple. I can breathe!
In addition to drastically reducing my consumption, some other green goals are keeping the heat low, keeping only the lights on that I am using (switching to compact fluorescents too), and reusing everything I can until it totally wears out. Now if I can only convince my family that my little baby girl really does NOT need 5000 cute pink onsies......
3 boxes for donation
1 BIG trashbag of crap.
I couldn't believe some of the stuff I found. All the trash, a lot of papers from when DH was in college (2 years ago!) and from when I was in college (4 years ago!) and just junk in general. Even a broom handle...no broom, just the handle! Why on earth would we keep something like that?
It was embarassing and even depressing to find all these things that I have accumulated. So much wasted money, wasted resources on foolish purchaes, things I never used or only used once. It was nice to let those things to so I can start fresh and be more mindful of my spending and what I truly need. The added benefit is that it will help me pursue an ecologically sustainable, greener lifestyle as I will be consuming WAY less, and simplifying. Being more organized keeps me from buying more things as I know exactly what I have and what I need. My goal for this year is to buy ONLY what is really necessary (and no, that new yoga mat is NOT, I already have one!) and/or adds beauty and substance to my life (such as a really good book). This decluttering project, which is far from over, has really given me perspective on what I really use and need and how nice it is to be organized and neat! My house is so much more peaceful and serene since it is neat and very simple. I can breathe!
In addition to drastically reducing my consumption, some other green goals are keeping the heat low, keeping only the lights on that I am using (switching to compact fluorescents too), and reusing everything I can until it totally wears out. Now if I can only convince my family that my little baby girl really does NOT need 5000 cute pink onsies......
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