I've been delighting in summer: cool breezes, the swing on our back deck, in the summer's sun, the song of the birds in the backyard, and time to relax.
This summer is the first summer in a long time I've been able to slow down, that I've let myself slow down and just relax. I've found time to focus on simple things, and to just enjoy the dailiness. (I know, I'm weird, I've been finding comfort in laundry, cleaning, and organzing. But, we knew that, eh?)
I've also been taking up the challenge of using what we have full force. My sweet hubby and I measured out rooms and furniture this past weekend, and I've been having a blast arranging and rearranging to my heart's content (and his, as he doesn't have to move it!). I thought it would be a while before we did any serious moving of the furniture, but then, my amazing hubby announced that it was possible to do it this weekend.
First of all, I'm estatic because he WANTS to do this. Second, as of this weekend, we'll hopefully have a new playroom/family room in the basement, new guestroom (C&A - are you excited?), newish living room, and a rearranged masterbed room - practically a new house in a sense. Third, did I mention my hubby is amazing and wonderful?
Best of all? All it will cost us to do this is the time, and the new dehumidifier we'll need to get for the computers.
How's that for using what you have? Yay!
Monday, July 23, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
Working with what you have
Have I mentioned, that sometimes it takes me a while to come to a realization/conclusion/or just to grasp certain concepts?
Well in case I didn't, I'm mentioning it now and reminding those of you who are aware.
The best part about it is that I get to embark on a really cool journey of discovery that, though is just plain obvious to others, is completely enthralling to me.
For instance, I realized this weekend why I don't always research things as much as I could (aside from the fact that I work from home while caring for my daughter and looking into homeschooling ideas). Let's just say, it's a family thing. Oh the joy of discovering how my family has influenced me!
In any case, one realization led to another, and by George! The whys of it all became clear while shopping with my mum. (Which, in itself is an experience.)
But, that's just a side note to my post.
We're a pulling in the money belt, buckling up, and reevalutating our life and spending styles. Before this, I could come up with a reason as to why I needed anything (amazingly, my mother is really good at this too!). I had lists of things we planned to buy, and felt bad because I didn't have them. Oh so silly, I know!
This weekend, in reviewing how we can save money, I began creating a list of "needs" (its in quotes because I really don't need anything save for basic food) and wants (like tablecloths for the outdoor tables, a new dinning room set, etc.). Interestingly enough, many of my "needs" turned out to be wants. I also found that some things - like a heater and dehumidifer for the basement are needed in that if we want to make the basement into an office/family room to help with the moisture and keep it warm in winter, so we don't get sick. However, technically, we can just live upstairs if we had to.
But for me, I've managed to come up with solutions I hadn't thought of before. And, it feels really good to get creative with what we have, and to live outside the box, and to just ask for things.
Like I said, sometimes, I'm a little slow. But I don't mind, because it's new to me. And, as a result, I just get really excited. At least I'm enjoying myself and the learning process - right? :)
And the best part? I've got a new support partner on the journey to live a more frugal life. Hi, L!And I'm thinking that I'm going this for the long term. That's the plan for me.
Well in case I didn't, I'm mentioning it now and reminding those of you who are aware.
The best part about it is that I get to embark on a really cool journey of discovery that, though is just plain obvious to others, is completely enthralling to me.
For instance, I realized this weekend why I don't always research things as much as I could (aside from the fact that I work from home while caring for my daughter and looking into homeschooling ideas). Let's just say, it's a family thing. Oh the joy of discovering how my family has influenced me!
In any case, one realization led to another, and by George! The whys of it all became clear while shopping with my mum. (Which, in itself is an experience.)
But, that's just a side note to my post.
We're a pulling in the money belt, buckling up, and reevalutating our life and spending styles. Before this, I could come up with a reason as to why I needed anything (amazingly, my mother is really good at this too!). I had lists of things we planned to buy, and felt bad because I didn't have them. Oh so silly, I know!
This weekend, in reviewing how we can save money, I began creating a list of "needs" (its in quotes because I really don't need anything save for basic food) and wants (like tablecloths for the outdoor tables, a new dinning room set, etc.). Interestingly enough, many of my "needs" turned out to be wants. I also found that some things - like a heater and dehumidifer for the basement are needed in that if we want to make the basement into an office/family room to help with the moisture and keep it warm in winter, so we don't get sick. However, technically, we can just live upstairs if we had to.
But for me, I've managed to come up with solutions I hadn't thought of before. And, it feels really good to get creative with what we have, and to live outside the box, and to just ask for things.
Like I said, sometimes, I'm a little slow. But I don't mind, because it's new to me. And, as a result, I just get really excited. At least I'm enjoying myself and the learning process - right? :)
And the best part? I've got a new support partner on the journey to live a more frugal life. Hi, L!And I'm thinking that I'm going this for the long term. That's the plan for me.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Letting go of some mental clutter
I spent a good part of last night writing one of those letters you write to not send, but to get your thoughts in order and say all those things you'd never say to a person's face, usually because that person wouldn't understand or would take it the wrongs way, etc.
I was going to post it here, but after a short but powerful conversation with a dear friend (Hi R!) last night, I don't need to. Just telling him about it, having him listen and understand why I needed to write it, and explaining the situtation was enough.
So, dearest R, THANK YOU! And, sorry you don't get to read it, but you already got the jist of it. ;)
The best part, is that the people I was writing the letter too, well, I've had my own issues with over the past, especially in regards to one particular incident. And every now and then, something will flare up, and I realize that I need to deal with this issue on another level, and then I can let it go.
Hubby, who really doesn't care about the situation, doesn't understand why the whole thing was such an issue for me. I think it's great that it doesn't bother him and he can just brush it off, and it isn't an issue for him, but sometimes, I'm discovering new things I didn't know, and need to deal with.
Today, I was blessed to exchange emails that helped me to clearly see, that when someone is truly comfortable and confident when following his or her heart, it really doesn't matter what others think or say about the matter, because you know it to be true and right for you. I've been in this place of confidently knowing how I feel, and not needing to defend it. A smile and a simple No are hard to argue with. :)
How does this apply to the situation? Because I realized that dag nabit - my feelings were hurt. And yes, there were a lot of things that could've or should've been. The thing is that I didn't realize it, nor did I want to admit that my feelings were hurt. One, because I don't believe that people hurt your feelings, I believe you allow them to hurt your feelings because you are taking it personally. (For instance, if some one comments negatively about my parenting skills, I laugh it off, because I know in my heart, I'm doing what's best for our family and child.)
So, you can see, admiting my feelings were hurt meant accepting responsibility. What to do? Let it go, and realize that maybe things could've been different, and that maybe I don't know the whole story. And that's all okay.
Besides, just the admission and confession of the letter I wanted to write, made me feel SO much better. I have to laugh though, because there was a time when I'd write off those letters and not think twice about sending them. He he... thankfully, I've gotten wiser in my age and give myself 24-48 hours before doing anything.
I was going to post it here, but after a short but powerful conversation with a dear friend (Hi R!) last night, I don't need to. Just telling him about it, having him listen and understand why I needed to write it, and explaining the situtation was enough.
So, dearest R, THANK YOU! And, sorry you don't get to read it, but you already got the jist of it. ;)
The best part, is that the people I was writing the letter too, well, I've had my own issues with over the past, especially in regards to one particular incident. And every now and then, something will flare up, and I realize that I need to deal with this issue on another level, and then I can let it go.
Hubby, who really doesn't care about the situation, doesn't understand why the whole thing was such an issue for me. I think it's great that it doesn't bother him and he can just brush it off, and it isn't an issue for him, but sometimes, I'm discovering new things I didn't know, and need to deal with.
Today, I was blessed to exchange emails that helped me to clearly see, that when someone is truly comfortable and confident when following his or her heart, it really doesn't matter what others think or say about the matter, because you know it to be true and right for you. I've been in this place of confidently knowing how I feel, and not needing to defend it. A smile and a simple No are hard to argue with. :)
How does this apply to the situation? Because I realized that dag nabit - my feelings were hurt. And yes, there were a lot of things that could've or should've been. The thing is that I didn't realize it, nor did I want to admit that my feelings were hurt. One, because I don't believe that people hurt your feelings, I believe you allow them to hurt your feelings because you are taking it personally. (For instance, if some one comments negatively about my parenting skills, I laugh it off, because I know in my heart, I'm doing what's best for our family and child.)
So, you can see, admiting my feelings were hurt meant accepting responsibility. What to do? Let it go, and realize that maybe things could've been different, and that maybe I don't know the whole story. And that's all okay.
Besides, just the admission and confession of the letter I wanted to write, made me feel SO much better. I have to laugh though, because there was a time when I'd write off those letters and not think twice about sending them. He he... thankfully, I've gotten wiser in my age and give myself 24-48 hours before doing anything.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Putting things into order
That's what I seem to be doing lately. It's not even autumn, and here I am, getting things cleared out, cleaning things out, and taking a good look at our style of living, eating, and where we've been putting our money.
I don't know if it's because it's summer, and thus my work is slow, or because I'm in a good place where I can see things, but, I'm cleansing on several levels. Hecht, if I were pregnant, it'd be so much easier to explain.
Maybe, it's because I've been slowing down a bit. Stopping to smell the roses. Things always seem clearer and crisper when you aren't rushing around.
Of course, sometimes that clarity makes things more interesting. Like realizing what I've been eating, where I've been spending money, and that it's getting to the point where I need to make some changes. After the intial shock, I'm looking forward to the challenge, and to see where it will all lead.
I do admit, though, that I'm enjoying the slow pace of the days of summer. It's not something I want to give up anytime soon either. And so, I'm just sort of going step-by-step, taking my time, doing my own thing, and putting things into order at a slow pace.
I don't know if it's because it's summer, and thus my work is slow, or because I'm in a good place where I can see things, but, I'm cleansing on several levels. Hecht, if I were pregnant, it'd be so much easier to explain.
Maybe, it's because I've been slowing down a bit. Stopping to smell the roses. Things always seem clearer and crisper when you aren't rushing around.
Of course, sometimes that clarity makes things more interesting. Like realizing what I've been eating, where I've been spending money, and that it's getting to the point where I need to make some changes. After the intial shock, I'm looking forward to the challenge, and to see where it will all lead.
I do admit, though, that I'm enjoying the slow pace of the days of summer. It's not something I want to give up anytime soon either. And so, I'm just sort of going step-by-step, taking my time, doing my own thing, and putting things into order at a slow pace.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Catching up
I've spent today catching up. I've a list of projects in the works that have been glaring at me for quite some time. The main one being - back up the computer. It's been a year since I burned copies of the pictures, general files, etc. So, each time I'd look at it - I'd cringe. So today, I tackled the desk top and laptop (hubby's on his own!) and finally backed up the pics.
Over the last two weeks, I've been watching this list dwindle down. I've also though about things along the lines of whether I wanted them on my To Do list. For instance, one of the things is to learn a computer software program. I don't have to do it. It might make my life easier if I do, but then, I haven't used it until now... so. Other things I've been doing haven't been on the list, but they are things I'd forgotten, and that are finally getting done.
Next week, though, it's all about Pook. Her summer camp was canceled, and I've been seriously debating about if I should enroll her in another week, or just create my own. I'm not sure. There are actually two things I've been seriously considering: whether to send her to the Kindermusik camp and if I want or should decline a project to create a new writing class for work. It's been in the works for a while, but I'm to the point where my inspiration isn't there, nor is my heart.
I think it's about streamlining my life. Well, that and it's time to pull in those belt straps and save up for a bit. In any case, a whole lot of thinking going on here. I am enjoying the quiet though. It funny how you don't notice it, or appreciate it, until you're in it. Ah...
Over the last two weeks, I've been watching this list dwindle down. I've also though about things along the lines of whether I wanted them on my To Do list. For instance, one of the things is to learn a computer software program. I don't have to do it. It might make my life easier if I do, but then, I haven't used it until now... so. Other things I've been doing haven't been on the list, but they are things I'd forgotten, and that are finally getting done.
Next week, though, it's all about Pook. Her summer camp was canceled, and I've been seriously debating about if I should enroll her in another week, or just create my own. I'm not sure. There are actually two things I've been seriously considering: whether to send her to the Kindermusik camp and if I want or should decline a project to create a new writing class for work. It's been in the works for a while, but I'm to the point where my inspiration isn't there, nor is my heart.
I think it's about streamlining my life. Well, that and it's time to pull in those belt straps and save up for a bit. In any case, a whole lot of thinking going on here. I am enjoying the quiet though. It funny how you don't notice it, or appreciate it, until you're in it. Ah...
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Summer's Calling
Summer's been calling me, with her tender breezes and sunny days. The shady back deck and swing tease me, whispering, begging for me to come out and sit in it. The birds sing for me. And tomorrow, I will. :) Well, maybe today too.
Lately, well, since I've returned from my two week sabatical to visit family, life has taken on a new pace. You know, that slow summer pace of summer's long ago when you could just sit back, relax, and enjoy a good pool day?
I've also been taking action on my goal to streamline my life in the physical sense. Another carload was deposited to Goodwill yesterday. All that is left in the basement, is hubby's Tool Bench, the clearing off of an old computer, a bag of books eagerly awaiting someone (ahem, some twins due to visit in August - hurrah!) to look through them and take a few before the rest are off to Goodwill, the rest of my desk and a few files. And then, it'll be done. Never, in all my life did I think I'd been in this space. The space where I'd walk into my basement and not be able to find anything to let go of because it's all loved or being used. Wow.
I have gone through Pook's room and toys. I've cleared through my own rooms. Hubby joined the bandwagon this weekend by finally going through boxes of stuff that he's planned to go through years ago and going through his desk. (I'm SO proud of him!!!) And, I can't find anything else to give away - because it's in use or I really, really like it! Now, 6 months or so from now, I'm sure I'll have things (when we eventually get a new bed, the old one will have to go), but for now, there's this feeling of peace and joy just knowing - it's gone.
I've found time to make collages, to add a few summery touches to the house, to swim in the pool. Life has been quiet - purposefully I might add - the last two weeks especially, so that Pook and I can sit back and relax, and enjoy. Eventually, it'll start up again, but for now - it's summer! And I forgot how I do love thee Summer's days!
And tomorrow, well, tomorrow, we plan to celebrate summer proper with a visit to the pool, hubby's herbed burgers, and a dear friend. It will be quiet (save for the surrounding fireworks), and the perfect way to celebrate - my birthday! Cause, y'all know - those fireworks are really just for me! ;) I'm just saying...
Lately, well, since I've returned from my two week sabatical to visit family, life has taken on a new pace. You know, that slow summer pace of summer's long ago when you could just sit back, relax, and enjoy a good pool day?
I've also been taking action on my goal to streamline my life in the physical sense. Another carload was deposited to Goodwill yesterday. All that is left in the basement, is hubby's Tool Bench, the clearing off of an old computer, a bag of books eagerly awaiting someone (ahem, some twins due to visit in August - hurrah!) to look through them and take a few before the rest are off to Goodwill, the rest of my desk and a few files. And then, it'll be done. Never, in all my life did I think I'd been in this space. The space where I'd walk into my basement and not be able to find anything to let go of because it's all loved or being used. Wow.
I have gone through Pook's room and toys. I've cleared through my own rooms. Hubby joined the bandwagon this weekend by finally going through boxes of stuff that he's planned to go through years ago and going through his desk. (I'm SO proud of him!!!) And, I can't find anything else to give away - because it's in use or I really, really like it! Now, 6 months or so from now, I'm sure I'll have things (when we eventually get a new bed, the old one will have to go), but for now, there's this feeling of peace and joy just knowing - it's gone.
I've found time to make collages, to add a few summery touches to the house, to swim in the pool. Life has been quiet - purposefully I might add - the last two weeks especially, so that Pook and I can sit back and relax, and enjoy. Eventually, it'll start up again, but for now - it's summer! And I forgot how I do love thee Summer's days!
And tomorrow, well, tomorrow, we plan to celebrate summer proper with a visit to the pool, hubby's herbed burgers, and a dear friend. It will be quiet (save for the surrounding fireworks), and the perfect way to celebrate - my birthday! Cause, y'all know - those fireworks are really just for me! ;) I'm just saying...
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