I would go around and buy up every piece of farmland that I see for sale in my state. It literally hurts my heart to see beautiful forests, fields, and farms destroyed, clearcut, and turned into soulless neighborhoods with identical houses and no trees.
The other day I was driving and saw a sign that said "For Sale: Great Development Property". It was a gorgeous field backed with woods. Looked like it had been some sort of cattle or horse farm at one time. I assume that if I drive down that same road in 10 years, I'll see a neighborhood there. Or a shopping mall. Or worse yet, a parking lot.
It's such a waste of beauty.
There used to be this big horse farm in my hometown. The property was outlined by a white picket fence. There were 2 very large ponds and areas of both woods and meadow. The little white house stood right in the middle of the property, and the horse stables were off the side and back. In the summer, the fields shone yellow with dandelions, and the horses roamed in peace throughout the property. I used to dream that I could live there.
That farm is now a neighborhood. The white picket fence has been replaced with a very tall stone wall with landscaping along the exterior. There's a big gate declaring "Luxury Homes" and inside are over a hundred homes built from 3-4 master plans. They have sidewalks, 1/4 acre yards, homeowners rules and regulations, but no trees. No playgrounds. No ponds. No woods, no horses, no nature. No fun.
No thanks.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Limited Growth
I posted a while back about an amazing article that I love by Lori Taylor - http://www.fuzbaby.com/articles/businessarticle_smallering.htm.
I was at the kids' dentist office today, feeling the stress I always do there. One of my girls has a problem with the enamel on her baby teeth. Well, the problem is that she doesn't have any. So she has had to endure way more dental work than any 8 year old should have. This, and the fact that I have 2 more children, means that at almost every bi-yearly checkup, a cavity is discovered in someone's mouth. When I go to schedule the filling appointment, the nasty receptionist always makes me feel like an inconvenience to her and her time, and there is NEVER anything less than a month away. This morning took the cake... no free appointments for THREE MONTHS,
So what does that have to do with Ms. Taylor's "smallering" article?
How have we allowed this sort of business to thrive and grow? No personal attention, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels offices like this care more about my money than my child. Obviously, this office has taken on more patients than is reasonable. At least, reasonable to me. I understand that malpractice insurance is killing doctors, but the cause of that would warrant a whole 'nother rant from me about our "sue crazy" society.
So the point of this post? Search out local, small businesses to support. Even doctors and dentists. I know they are still out there- the small local office with 2 or 3 docs. The place that remembers your name.
This is what I've been doing as part of my quest to live more consciously. I used to go to a big, big doctor practice. I delivered 3 babies with this practice, but after 6 years and 3 deliveries, no one in the office knew my name. There were 7+ midwives and 4+ doctors. They were all very nice, and individually, I liked them, but they didn't *know* me. So I set out for a change. I found a local doctor. One doctor in one office. She calls me personally to give me test results (the old office used to make me come in for an appointment just to tell me everything was fine! And charge my insurance $70). After that, I set out for a more personal dentist and found one in my old hometown. Next, I will start searching for the same for my children's dentist.
Go local. Go small.
I just don't believe that a company HAS TO grow. What's wrong with staying the same? What's wrong with getting enough clientele to pay all your bills and then some and STOP? I know that's totally against "the american way", but that's how I feel.
I was at the kids' dentist office today, feeling the stress I always do there. One of my girls has a problem with the enamel on her baby teeth. Well, the problem is that she doesn't have any. So she has had to endure way more dental work than any 8 year old should have. This, and the fact that I have 2 more children, means that at almost every bi-yearly checkup, a cavity is discovered in someone's mouth. When I go to schedule the filling appointment, the nasty receptionist always makes me feel like an inconvenience to her and her time, and there is NEVER anything less than a month away. This morning took the cake... no free appointments for THREE MONTHS,
So what does that have to do with Ms. Taylor's "smallering" article?
How have we allowed this sort of business to thrive and grow? No personal attention, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels offices like this care more about my money than my child. Obviously, this office has taken on more patients than is reasonable. At least, reasonable to me. I understand that malpractice insurance is killing doctors, but the cause of that would warrant a whole 'nother rant from me about our "sue crazy" society.
So the point of this post? Search out local, small businesses to support. Even doctors and dentists. I know they are still out there- the small local office with 2 or 3 docs. The place that remembers your name.
This is what I've been doing as part of my quest to live more consciously. I used to go to a big, big doctor practice. I delivered 3 babies with this practice, but after 6 years and 3 deliveries, no one in the office knew my name. There were 7+ midwives and 4+ doctors. They were all very nice, and individually, I liked them, but they didn't *know* me. So I set out for a change. I found a local doctor. One doctor in one office. She calls me personally to give me test results (the old office used to make me come in for an appointment just to tell me everything was fine! And charge my insurance $70). After that, I set out for a more personal dentist and found one in my old hometown. Next, I will start searching for the same for my children's dentist.
Go local. Go small.
I just don't believe that a company HAS TO grow. What's wrong with staying the same? What's wrong with getting enough clientele to pay all your bills and then some and STOP? I know that's totally against "the american way", but that's how I feel.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
My girls
Yesterday I took my girls to a birthday skating party. I was positively appalled at all the commerial junk flowing. I'm no purist- we buy the children plastic toys, and we love movies. But the funny part is that we are still considered "weird" by most people. We cancelled our satellite TV because we couldn't take the bombardment of advertisers telling our children they needed to lose weight and wear makeup. Even on harmless channels like The Nature Channel, the quality shows were being interuppted by NutriSystem and ProActive commericals. And don't even get me started on Nickelodeon. I have no problem with the cartoons, but the commericals would literally give me a headache. Bratz dolls. I can't even comprehend how a parent would give them to a child.
Anyway... back to the party. Three of the girls there were wearing Hannah Montana or High School Musical tee shirts. The birthday girl had Hannah-inspired hair extensions. Now, don't get me wrong, there's probably nothing wrong with Ms. Montana, but when I was an 8 year old girl, we were still into CARTOONS, not "real life" tv about high school girls and all the boys they are crazy for. I think when my girls are more into the 11/12 year old bracket, that sort of thing will be more acceptable to me.
It made me feel really proud to see my girls having a good time with the other girls and knowing that they had never watched Hannah Montana or High School Musical. And it made me feel even better to know that they didn't *care*! They show minimal interest. They are way more into playing and doing artsy things.
Anyway... back to the party. Three of the girls there were wearing Hannah Montana or High School Musical tee shirts. The birthday girl had Hannah-inspired hair extensions. Now, don't get me wrong, there's probably nothing wrong with Ms. Montana, but when I was an 8 year old girl, we were still into CARTOONS, not "real life" tv about high school girls and all the boys they are crazy for. I think when my girls are more into the 11/12 year old bracket, that sort of thing will be more acceptable to me.
It made me feel really proud to see my girls having a good time with the other girls and knowing that they had never watched Hannah Montana or High School Musical. And it made me feel even better to know that they didn't *care*! They show minimal interest. They are way more into playing and doing artsy things.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Big Kudos to Publix!
I read in the newspaper this morning that Publix has now converted all of it's generic brand milk to hormone-free! Woo Hoo! AND, they aren't even changing the price. Even sweeter!
Part of my simplicity journey is about living consciously. Frugal, sure, but conscious- that's the key. Living "simple" to me doesn't have a lot to do with money. Well, it has a lot to do with money in the aspect that by changing the way I live, I change the way I spend, but what I mean is that it's not *all* about saving money. It's about being WISE with my money.
Anyway, back to the conscious part.
One of my biggest goals is to buy/eat more local produce and "natural" foods. I would rather eat less and and have quality, healthy foods than to eat more and it just be junk.
So thanks Publix! You've appealed to my quest for healthy as well as helped my featherweight purse. But really, this is just step 1. What I'd love to end up doing is buying local milk. I'll get there. Slow and steady.
Part of my simplicity journey is about living consciously. Frugal, sure, but conscious- that's the key. Living "simple" to me doesn't have a lot to do with money. Well, it has a lot to do with money in the aspect that by changing the way I live, I change the way I spend, but what I mean is that it's not *all* about saving money. It's about being WISE with my money.
Anyway, back to the conscious part.
One of my biggest goals is to buy/eat more local produce and "natural" foods. I would rather eat less and and have quality, healthy foods than to eat more and it just be junk.
So thanks Publix! You've appealed to my quest for healthy as well as helped my featherweight purse. But really, this is just step 1. What I'd love to end up doing is buying local milk. I'll get there. Slow and steady.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Trying something new
Ever have those days where you feel like you've worked your butt off and have nothing to show for it? Well, I have those days. A LOT. I read something from a friend that I'm going to try for a few days:
Keep a log of what you do around the house all day. Everything! It's 9:43, and here is my list so far-
The idea behind the list is three-fold; 1.) Let my hubby know that I really don't sit around all day eating bon bons (he doesn't think that, but it's nice to show "proof" now and again LOL), 2.) listing will make it a competition with myself to "outdo" the previous day's list!, and 3.) Help ME feel accomplished for the day (this is obviously the most important reason). My schoolage children have a tendency to void everything I've done while they are at school, and then at the end of the day I'm exhausted and the house is still a mess.
And really, the issue is teaching my family (myself included) is to learn how to pick up after ourselves better so that I don't feel this way.
Now back to work....
Keep a log of what you do around the house all day. Everything! It's 9:43, and here is my list so far-
- checked email
- unloaded dishwasher
- made bagels
- loaded dishwasher
- cleaned fronts of 2 cabinets
- swept kitchen
- laundry into washer
- took out trash
- put in new trash bag
- finished crocheting teacup
- changed a diaper
- unloaded washer into dryer
- loaded washer with diapers to soak
- started on crocheted teapot
- changed lightbulb in girls' room
- sat my butt on the couch to do this list LOL
The idea behind the list is three-fold; 1.) Let my hubby know that I really don't sit around all day eating bon bons (he doesn't think that, but it's nice to show "proof" now and again LOL), 2.) listing will make it a competition with myself to "outdo" the previous day's list!, and 3.) Help ME feel accomplished for the day (this is obviously the most important reason). My schoolage children have a tendency to void everything I've done while they are at school, and then at the end of the day I'm exhausted and the house is still a mess.
And really, the issue is teaching my family (myself included) is to learn how to pick up after ourselves better so that I don't feel this way.
Now back to work....
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
A tip for Today
If you have small kids, it is CRITICAL that you store away out-of-season clothing. My children will wear whatever is in their closet or drawers. It doesn't matter how many times I tell them that Christmas tights are not acceptable in Spring, they will put them on and attempt to wear them to school. And when I'm not looking or busy and not paying attention, they will "dress up" in whatever they have and leave them on the floor. Or cram them in their hamper not to be discovered until I am washing laundry.
Save yourself the headache!
Keep a big storage box under kids' beds. At the change of seasons trade out. Put away things that can be passed down to younger children and give the youngest child's seasonal clothing to a charity.
Believe me.... 2 hrs of work is a fair trade out for 6 months of "ugh! again!" headaches.
Save yourself the headache!
Keep a big storage box under kids' beds. At the change of seasons trade out. Put away things that can be passed down to younger children and give the youngest child's seasonal clothing to a charity.
Believe me.... 2 hrs of work is a fair trade out for 6 months of "ugh! again!" headaches.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Food for Thought...
taken from the book Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin:
"We want a good future for our kids, so we work harder or become a two-income family and relegate raising the kids to daycare centers or nannies. We buy them the newest toy to prove our love. We earn for their college educations but relinquish the opportunity to spend time with them during their formative years. We bemoan the influences of 'bad company', but we ourselves have never been in their company long enough to influence them. We are spending so much of our precious time earning in order to spend that we don't have the time to examine our priorities."
"We want a good future for our kids, so we work harder or become a two-income family and relegate raising the kids to daycare centers or nannies. We buy them the newest toy to prove our love. We earn for their college educations but relinquish the opportunity to spend time with them during their formative years. We bemoan the influences of 'bad company', but we ourselves have never been in their company long enough to influence them. We are spending so much of our precious time earning in order to spend that we don't have the time to examine our priorities."
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Moms for Modesty
I stumbled upon this blog today. I added a link on the right, but I think it warrants it's own entry as well.
Moms for Modesty
Moms for Modesty
Moms for Modesty Mission Statement
- As a Mom for Modesty I believe in common-sense modesty for girls and young women.
- I believe in refraining from sexualizing our girls and young women.
- I believe that it is unwise and unfair to taunt boys and young men by permitting my daughter(s) to dress in an immodest manner.
- I believe that true beauty comes from within and I strive to teach my daughter(s) this truth.
- I will loyally shop at retailers that provide girls’ and young womens clothing that is modest, affordable and stylish.
I talk about my feelings regarding children's wear on my website a bit, but I'm not sure if I've ever addressed it here on my blog. I think children should look like CHILDREN. The sexualization (is that a word?) of our children makes me ill. The style of having our little girls look like hoochie mamas is just criminal. Not only is it sickening on a societal level, individual parents HAVE TO step up and take responsibility for this. Retailers and clothing manufacturers would not be creating these trends if parents weren't buying them. "But that's what she likes" is NOT an excuse for letting your 8 year old dress in midriff tops and short shorts. I started sewing clothing from THIS PATTERN by Fern & Faerie, a great WAHM who also has a deep passion for maintaining modesty in children and spreading the word of "children looking like children". She created this pattern specifically to address this concern. If you sew, this is a fabulous pattern. It is printed on thick paper to last through years of use!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
TV and Children
When I was a kid, there were cartoons on Saturday morning, and that's IT. We were in the "dark ages" compared to my friends with Cable TV, and at the time I was totally embarrassed that we were so behind the times. Now I am very grateful to my parents for being so cheap!
I have some thoughts on kids and TV. Of course, I think it's bad. Who doesn't? Well...obviously not many people. It seems the "in" thing to say how bad TV is and how you wish your kids would stop watching it so much, but how many parents do I know who are acting on what they say? ONE. And that's my sister because she enrolled my niece in a Waldorf School, which is a whole 'nother topic LOL.
Anyway... back to my TV theory.
Kids are brats today. Plain and simple. They are manipulative, self-righteous, and arrogant. Obviously, not ALL kids, but I'm making a generalization based on observation in my community. There are countless reasons and failings of society that have molded children in this way, but the biggest influence is parents. We live in a society where parents complain to the school Principal if their kid makes a bad grade or pays the kid's way out of trouble. We reward our children with expensive toys instead of our love. I know one kid who got a GOLF CART for his birthday so he wouldn't have to walk 2 blocks to his friends house- now he can *ride*. And he's overweight, go figure.
I think one particularly naughty new parental habit is making the entire world revolve around children. It has it's perks, naturally, but it's hindrances as well. TV is one of those hindrances. Back to my original statement- "When I was a kid, there were cartoons on Saturday morning, and that's IT." Now, we have 4 or 5 channels (maybe more?) devoted 24/7 to kids. My children can turn on the TV at any time day or night and find a cartoon. This may be a minor player in "the world revolves around me" game, but it's a player nonetheless.
And there you have it.
I have some thoughts on kids and TV. Of course, I think it's bad. Who doesn't? Well...obviously not many people. It seems the "in" thing to say how bad TV is and how you wish your kids would stop watching it so much, but how many parents do I know who are acting on what they say? ONE. And that's my sister because she enrolled my niece in a Waldorf School, which is a whole 'nother topic LOL.
Anyway... back to my TV theory.
Kids are brats today. Plain and simple. They are manipulative, self-righteous, and arrogant. Obviously, not ALL kids, but I'm making a generalization based on observation in my community. There are countless reasons and failings of society that have molded children in this way, but the biggest influence is parents. We live in a society where parents complain to the school Principal if their kid makes a bad grade or pays the kid's way out of trouble. We reward our children with expensive toys instead of our love. I know one kid who got a GOLF CART for his birthday so he wouldn't have to walk 2 blocks to his friends house- now he can *ride*. And he's overweight, go figure.
I think one particularly naughty new parental habit is making the entire world revolve around children. It has it's perks, naturally, but it's hindrances as well. TV is one of those hindrances. Back to my original statement- "When I was a kid, there were cartoons on Saturday morning, and that's IT." Now, we have 4 or 5 channels (maybe more?) devoted 24/7 to kids. My children can turn on the TV at any time day or night and find a cartoon. This may be a minor player in "the world revolves around me" game, but it's a player nonetheless.
And there you have it.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
"Just in Time for Spring"
You have got to be kidding me.Just in time for Spring... now that you feel all renewed and refreshed... get yourself in DEBT!
The barrage of credit card offers I get daily amazes me. I keep meaning to opt out of pre-screened offers with the credit bureaus, but I'm lazy and never think about it at the right time.
I read somewhere once that whenever you get junk mail with postage paid envelopes inside to stuff that thing as full as possible and send it out. If everyone started doing this, the junk-mail senders would not be happy with all that postage they were paying and according to theory, stop sending so much. Personally, I don't think it would stop them. I think they would get some sort of statement printed on the envelopes that they could only be used for the intended purpose. Maybe something like that already exists? I dunno, but if it doesn't, I'm sure the credit card bigwigs could get it legalized.
"What's wrong with society" rant over.
I've been a busy little bee planting my herbs for the summer. I now have chives, spearment, catnip, camomile, hyssop, and lavender in dirt. I have passionflower seeds soaking per package instructions and stevia seeds waiting on warmer soil, again per package instructions.
I made my first ever natural bug repellent for summer use, but the bugs aren't too bad yet. I've been hanging clothes on the line religiously. The baby boy has been ill, so I fell behind on laundry and have had to use the dryer today to catch myself back up, but I'm pretty proud of the consistency I've stuck to so far. I get up and wash one load every day. Hang it on the line and then bring it in after dinner. Every day. It keeps the laundry completely under control!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Mmm Mmmm Fresh
I just took my first load of sheets off the line for the season. I LOVE the smell of fresh-dryed-outside sheets!
Okay, so I *know* I could have been hanging clothes out before now, even during the winter, but I got lazy and fell back into easy dryer mode. But I'm out...
It's Spring, the air smells so fresh and clean, it is uplifting and reviving. I have been busy cleaning my yard and getting the herb garden ready for planting. The kids have been busy clearing the "trail" in our backyard through the "wild area" (aka... area overgrown with weeds amid trees) and making mudpies and mud milkshakes. Today I witnessed the baby boy simply basking in the sun. I saw him sitting in a sunny spot in the grass and watched for a minute. He was just sitting and taking it all in. I wondered what all he could be thinking of, what he was hearing, smelling, and feeling. It did my heart good, seeing him basking in nature like that. And best of all, I know it did HIS HEART some good as well :)
Okay, so I *know* I could have been hanging clothes out before now, even during the winter, but I got lazy and fell back into easy dryer mode. But I'm out...
It's Spring, the air smells so fresh and clean, it is uplifting and reviving. I have been busy cleaning my yard and getting the herb garden ready for planting. The kids have been busy clearing the "trail" in our backyard through the "wild area" (aka... area overgrown with weeds amid trees) and making mudpies and mud milkshakes. Today I witnessed the baby boy simply basking in the sun. I saw him sitting in a sunny spot in the grass and watched for a minute. He was just sitting and taking it all in. I wondered what all he could be thinking of, what he was hearing, smelling, and feeling. It did my heart good, seeing him basking in nature like that. And best of all, I know it did HIS HEART some good as well :)
Thursday, March 15, 2007
I highly recommend this book!
Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
This book is wonderful. It's about children and how the lack of free play in the "wild" is affecting them. The author has coined the phrase "nature deficit disorder", and I think it's a perfect name. It is SO true and such a dose of reality. If you have kids, read it! I checked it out of my local library, and I'm only about 1/3 the way into but already so amazed and enlightened.
I've wanted to unplug our home, but this is really giving me that extra push. Spring is just around the corner, and here in the South, it is already warm and buzzing. My children have been playing outside non-stop for about a week now, and I can see a huge difference in them. The outdoors clears their minds, and mine as well. Today they collected 4 leaf clovers and told me stories about how there must be a pot of gold buried in our yard because there are so many "lucky clovers".
This book is wonderful. It's about children and how the lack of free play in the "wild" is affecting them. The author has coined the phrase "nature deficit disorder", and I think it's a perfect name. It is SO true and such a dose of reality. If you have kids, read it! I checked it out of my local library, and I'm only about 1/3 the way into but already so amazed and enlightened.
I've wanted to unplug our home, but this is really giving me that extra push. Spring is just around the corner, and here in the South, it is already warm and buzzing. My children have been playing outside non-stop for about a week now, and I can see a huge difference in them. The outdoors clears their minds, and mine as well. Today they collected 4 leaf clovers and told me stories about how there must be a pot of gold buried in our yard because there are so many "lucky clovers".
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Time to revive the blog
We visited some friends of my husband this weekend. They are living my dream, and I hadn't realized how much I had strayed from it. I am reviving the simplicity blog to keep myself on track for a bit! Last time, it really helped to have somewhere to record progress.
I become more and more disheartened daily with society and what is considered "socially acceptable".
I need to first do another "spring" cleaning of my house and restore it's easy-to-clean, clutter-free state. I haven't gotten *that* off track, but I do see it sliding in that direction, so I need to catch it before it totally derails. I'll be posting daily progress reports per room as I did before.
I become more and more disheartened daily with society and what is considered "socially acceptable".
I need to first do another "spring" cleaning of my house and restore it's easy-to-clean, clutter-free state. I haven't gotten *that* off track, but I do see it sliding in that direction, so I need to catch it before it totally derails. I'll be posting daily progress reports per room as I did before.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Slowing Down
I was reading the other day about slowing down. Driving slower. Living slower. Taking everything in instead of racing past life.
As I sat in the pick-up line at my childrens' school yesterday, I saw a prime example...
There are 2 women who take turns directing traffic at the school. All parents have a card w/a # on it. Our kids have the same # and come out when it is called. One of the women rushes around. I used to think she really takin' care of business and doing a fabulous job. But now I realize, that she's just frantic and stressed. She races down the line taking numbers 1/2 way down the street. She yells at the cars that don't move up fast enough to "move up! squeeze in!" trying to get as many cars as she can out of the road and into the school's driveway. She actually directs traffic like a police officer! And like I said, I always think she's doing a fabulous job.
Then there's woman #2. She is laid back, calm, and relaxed. She NEVER walks to the street, she just takes numbers as you pull into the driveway. She walks slowly and talks softly. She *never* yells. I've always thought she was lazy and didn't like bus duty.
And then I read a chapter in Elaine St. James' book, Simplify Your Life: 100 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy the Things That Really Matter. So I timed the ladies. It takes me the EXACT same amount of time to get through the line, regardless of who is out there working. Ms. Frantic is just stressing herself out for nothing. I want to tell her to calm down, relax, and smell the roses now :) And I want to tell Ms. Blah "Right On" and apologize for thinking Ms. Frantic did a "better" job just because she LOOKED more busy.
I stopped speedracing in the car long ago. I realized when I was in my early 20s that cussing, flipping people off, and getting fuming angry behind the wheel did nothing to change the traffic but only made me feel nervous and stressed. I'm a much more relaxed, and I think better driver now. In the past, if someone pulled out in a parking lot w/o looking and almost hit me, "Moron". Now...well, I still think they are a moron, but I don't get *angry* about it because I figure they were obviously distracted and not intentionally trying to hit me. So many people I know that things so personal. My ex-husband used to think everyone on the road was intentionally trying to wreck with him.
Slow Down. Enjoy.
Yesterday, I took the baby and preschooler to a Nature Preserve. It was so nice and peaceful. Nothing but the sounds and smells of the wetland. We sat there on a bench talking about what we heard and smelled. It was so refreshing and a wonderful reminder to me to slow down and LISTEN to the world around me :)
As I sat in the pick-up line at my childrens' school yesterday, I saw a prime example...
There are 2 women who take turns directing traffic at the school. All parents have a card w/a # on it. Our kids have the same # and come out when it is called. One of the women rushes around. I used to think she really takin' care of business and doing a fabulous job. But now I realize, that she's just frantic and stressed. She races down the line taking numbers 1/2 way down the street. She yells at the cars that don't move up fast enough to "move up! squeeze in!" trying to get as many cars as she can out of the road and into the school's driveway. She actually directs traffic like a police officer! And like I said, I always think she's doing a fabulous job.
Then there's woman #2. She is laid back, calm, and relaxed. She NEVER walks to the street, she just takes numbers as you pull into the driveway. She walks slowly and talks softly. She *never* yells. I've always thought she was lazy and didn't like bus duty.
And then I read a chapter in Elaine St. James' book, Simplify Your Life: 100 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy the Things That Really Matter. So I timed the ladies. It takes me the EXACT same amount of time to get through the line, regardless of who is out there working. Ms. Frantic is just stressing herself out for nothing. I want to tell her to calm down, relax, and smell the roses now :) And I want to tell Ms. Blah "Right On" and apologize for thinking Ms. Frantic did a "better" job just because she LOOKED more busy.
I stopped speedracing in the car long ago. I realized when I was in my early 20s that cussing, flipping people off, and getting fuming angry behind the wheel did nothing to change the traffic but only made me feel nervous and stressed. I'm a much more relaxed, and I think better driver now. In the past, if someone pulled out in a parking lot w/o looking and almost hit me, "Moron". Now...well, I still think they are a moron, but I don't get *angry* about it because I figure they were obviously distracted and not intentionally trying to hit me. So many people I know that things so personal. My ex-husband used to think everyone on the road was intentionally trying to wreck with him.
Slow Down. Enjoy.
Yesterday, I took the baby and preschooler to a Nature Preserve. It was so nice and peaceful. Nothing but the sounds and smells of the wetland. We sat there on a bench talking about what we heard and smelled. It was so refreshing and a wonderful reminder to me to slow down and LISTEN to the world around me :)
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
The Holidays
I'm getting simple this holiday season, too. No more buying crap because I "have to" give a gift. And I somehow need to spread the word to return the favor. I'd rather get no present than something I don't need. It's insincere and ridiculous.
So what am I doing for gifts this year? Well...I've taken up crocheting, so I'll be making some toys and clothes for the children in my life. I'm working on a cute baby bunting doll right now that I'm hoping will become a gift. I've been practicing my Dandelion Dreamers teaset to hopefully make a set for my niece. I actually ordered one set by the DD owner for my own children because 1. Patti is an AWESOME artisan, and my work could never compare, and 2. Now I have a perfect set to look at and try to get my skills 'that' good knowing what it is *supposed to* look like LOL.
I've also gotten really good at trading with other crafty mamas, so I've already set up a trade for a little bag for knitting supplies for my sister (and yes, she may be reading this and spoiling her suprise, but oh well). I have my end of the trade complete, just waiting for the other party to finish and then we will ship together closer to the holidays. I'm pretty excited about this one, it's going to be something I want to keep!
My niece has several smocks by me that she wears as jammies. Her dad commented that he wanted some flannel jammies to match hers (not smock, though LOL), so for Christmas, I'll be sewing them up a coordinating set!
So all my presents will be various handmade crafts by either myself or my friends. That makes me feel good :) And for the hubby...well...he'll just get the same present he's gotten the last few years...sex. What more could a man want? Seriously.
So what am I doing for gifts this year? Well...I've taken up crocheting, so I'll be making some toys and clothes for the children in my life. I'm working on a cute baby bunting doll right now that I'm hoping will become a gift. I've been practicing my Dandelion Dreamers teaset to hopefully make a set for my niece. I actually ordered one set by the DD owner for my own children because 1. Patti is an AWESOME artisan, and my work could never compare, and 2. Now I have a perfect set to look at and try to get my skills 'that' good knowing what it is *supposed to* look like LOL.
I've also gotten really good at trading with other crafty mamas, so I've already set up a trade for a little bag for knitting supplies for my sister (and yes, she may be reading this and spoiling her suprise, but oh well). I have my end of the trade complete, just waiting for the other party to finish and then we will ship together closer to the holidays. I'm pretty excited about this one, it's going to be something I want to keep!
My niece has several smocks by me that she wears as jammies. Her dad commented that he wanted some flannel jammies to match hers (not smock, though LOL), so for Christmas, I'll be sewing them up a coordinating set!
So all my presents will be various handmade crafts by either myself or my friends. That makes me feel good :) And for the hubby...well...he'll just get the same present he's gotten the last few years...sex. What more could a man want? Seriously.
I've come so far, and yet...
...I still have so much further to go! In fact, I don't think this is actually a journey that EVER ends. I think the simple lifestyle is always evolving and changing within me.
I haven't been posting with as much frequency as in the beginning, because I have already done so much of the major 'start up'. At this point, I feel like I'm just maintaining and fine-tuning my life/home.
I still have several projects that need to be done, but they aren't top priority, so I'm procrastinating. For one, I need to get all the pictures in the house together in ONE spot! I've been putting them in a box as I find them, but I still need to take that box, the other boxes, and the various albums and get them all sorted and organized. I'd like to have all my photos in albums by date (or a general timeline). I'd also like to do some kid-specific scrapbooks with blank pages to keep updating through the years.
I feel like I"ve done a great job maintaining the laundry, living and bed rooms, but I'm really slacking in the kitchen. I only have enough dishes and silverware as we need, but with a family of 6, just one meal racks up a TON of dirties! I feel like the kitchen is a constant battle, so I'm posting it here to get my ass in gear again. I *need* to be more diligent about cleaning as I cook as well as cleaning up RIGHT after meals.
I also have too much fabric. I've tried selling it cheap, I've tried ebay, and I've sold some but still have more. It's not a ton compared to some of my friends, but it's a lot to me. Anyone know of a charity that sews? I'd love to donate it to someone who will actually sew for charity. I tried a diapering company that donates diapers to low-income families, but they said they didn't need it. I gave some a while back to a friend who was supposed to sew and then donate the diapers to that same charity, and I'm fairly certain it's still sitting at her house untouched :( There's a great sewing room at the center in Oaxaca, but customs likes to steal packages- nice, huh?
So those are my 2 new goals: Maintain the kitchen better & get this fabric out of here!
I haven't been posting with as much frequency as in the beginning, because I have already done so much of the major 'start up'. At this point, I feel like I'm just maintaining and fine-tuning my life/home.
I still have several projects that need to be done, but they aren't top priority, so I'm procrastinating. For one, I need to get all the pictures in the house together in ONE spot! I've been putting them in a box as I find them, but I still need to take that box, the other boxes, and the various albums and get them all sorted and organized. I'd like to have all my photos in albums by date (or a general timeline). I'd also like to do some kid-specific scrapbooks with blank pages to keep updating through the years.
I feel like I"ve done a great job maintaining the laundry, living and bed rooms, but I'm really slacking in the kitchen. I only have enough dishes and silverware as we need, but with a family of 6, just one meal racks up a TON of dirties! I feel like the kitchen is a constant battle, so I'm posting it here to get my ass in gear again. I *need* to be more diligent about cleaning as I cook as well as cleaning up RIGHT after meals.
I also have too much fabric. I've tried selling it cheap, I've tried ebay, and I've sold some but still have more. It's not a ton compared to some of my friends, but it's a lot to me. Anyone know of a charity that sews? I'd love to donate it to someone who will actually sew for charity. I tried a diapering company that donates diapers to low-income families, but they said they didn't need it. I gave some a while back to a friend who was supposed to sew and then donate the diapers to that same charity, and I'm fairly certain it's still sitting at her house untouched :( There's a great sewing room at the center in Oaxaca, but customs likes to steal packages- nice, huh?
So those are my 2 new goals: Maintain the kitchen better & get this fabric out of here!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Major Thing Happened Today...
Okay, so it won't seem major to most anyone else, but to me, it was huge.
A friend emailed me today to say she would be in town tomorrow. She wanted to meet up somewhere, but my very first thought was 'just come hang out here at my house'.
I can't remember a time when I WANTED someone to see my house. Normally, my first thought is what I can do to be sure someone WON'T see my house. For example, at my old job, I would meet up with co-workers to visit clients. Sometimes, if the clients were near one of our homes, we would just meet at someone's house and go from there. When it was MY house, I'd make up some reason why we had to meet at the first appointment because I was deathly afraid someone would want to come in to use the bathroom.
Not anymore :)
C'mon Over! Anytime!
A friend emailed me today to say she would be in town tomorrow. She wanted to meet up somewhere, but my very first thought was 'just come hang out here at my house'.
I can't remember a time when I WANTED someone to see my house. Normally, my first thought is what I can do to be sure someone WON'T see my house. For example, at my old job, I would meet up with co-workers to visit clients. Sometimes, if the clients were near one of our homes, we would just meet at someone's house and go from there. When it was MY house, I'd make up some reason why we had to meet at the first appointment because I was deathly afraid someone would want to come in to use the bathroom.
Not anymore :)
C'mon Over! Anytime!
Monday, September 11, 2006
My 9/11 Story.
So today's the day we all remember. I'm going to take a break from my usual posts and share my story. Everyone has a 9/11 story, and here is mine:
It was my 2nd day in the new office. I'd been working for the same company for 4 years but moved to a different location, so I was already familiar with everyone. Our Sales Manager had her radio on and heard the first reports of a plane. She and I hovered at her radio listening. More reports. More planes. So we headed next door to the office with a TV. That entire office of 25ish people here all sitting there. watching. completely silent. eerily silent.
And then I remembered my sister. She had just taken a new job in Manhattan. I knew it wasn't at the WTC, but I didn't know where or how close. I didn't even have a number. So I called my other sister. She was in a meeting, but they got her out. She had a number, called, everything was fine. But for about an hour there, I had a creepy, dark feeling, and it was pretty freakin' scary. I talked to her that night, and she told me about it all. She saw the 2nd tower fall. They had gone to the top of their building to watch the commotion after the first one fell. She started to walk away, heard a crash, turned around, and the 2nd one was gone.
She and her boyfriend, to this day, still consider themselves to have post-traumatic stress disorders because of it. But thankfully, they did not know anyone who was a victim. They had one friend who worked at the WTC, but he was late for work that day and spared.
At my work, we sat there the rest of the day in silent shock. We did our duties, but no one really spoke. No laughing, just everyone thinking. Which, if you knew about me and my co-workers, you would know how serious that is.
When I got home, I couldn't stop watching CNN. It was all the same thing over and over again, but I just couldn't look away. When I went to work the next day, my boss told me that he had had the same thing happen when he went home.
It was just complete and utter disbelief.
It was my 2nd day in the new office. I'd been working for the same company for 4 years but moved to a different location, so I was already familiar with everyone. Our Sales Manager had her radio on and heard the first reports of a plane. She and I hovered at her radio listening. More reports. More planes. So we headed next door to the office with a TV. That entire office of 25ish people here all sitting there. watching. completely silent. eerily silent.
And then I remembered my sister. She had just taken a new job in Manhattan. I knew it wasn't at the WTC, but I didn't know where or how close. I didn't even have a number. So I called my other sister. She was in a meeting, but they got her out. She had a number, called, everything was fine. But for about an hour there, I had a creepy, dark feeling, and it was pretty freakin' scary. I talked to her that night, and she told me about it all. She saw the 2nd tower fall. They had gone to the top of their building to watch the commotion after the first one fell. She started to walk away, heard a crash, turned around, and the 2nd one was gone.
She and her boyfriend, to this day, still consider themselves to have post-traumatic stress disorders because of it. But thankfully, they did not know anyone who was a victim. They had one friend who worked at the WTC, but he was late for work that day and spared.
At my work, we sat there the rest of the day in silent shock. We did our duties, but no one really spoke. No laughing, just everyone thinking. Which, if you knew about me and my co-workers, you would know how serious that is.
When I got home, I couldn't stop watching CNN. It was all the same thing over and over again, but I just couldn't look away. When I went to work the next day, my boss told me that he had had the same thing happen when he went home.
It was just complete and utter disbelief.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Interesting Read about Diapers
I think a lot about diapers. Lately, I've been thinking a lot about the overall effect of cloth vs. disposable. Yes, using cloth- natural fibers in particular- will lessen what I leave on this planet. And for me, that reason is good enough.
But...I read all these websites advocating FOR cloth, and it makes me wonder. Overall, how do they REALLY compare? You know, it takes pesticides to grow conventional cotton. It takes energy to produce the fabric, gas to get the fabric to you, energy to run your washing machine, etc, etc, etc. The argument that has always bothered me is the "disposables are filling our landfills" statements. When I was in college a thousand years ago, I got a degree in Anthropology. During my stint as a student, I did a report on something called "Garbology"- taking garbage and landfills and using their contents in anthropological studies. I remember reading that a common misconception is that disposable diapers are filling our landfills, that in fact, they are a very small percentage of what is found.
So that's the history of what lead me to do a search today for "Garbology + Diapers" to see what I could come up with. And here's what I found: Beyond The Pail. It's long, but a very interesting read.
That said and read, I still think cloth is better. Hands Down. :)
But...I read all these websites advocating FOR cloth, and it makes me wonder. Overall, how do they REALLY compare? You know, it takes pesticides to grow conventional cotton. It takes energy to produce the fabric, gas to get the fabric to you, energy to run your washing machine, etc, etc, etc. The argument that has always bothered me is the "disposables are filling our landfills" statements. When I was in college a thousand years ago, I got a degree in Anthropology. During my stint as a student, I did a report on something called "Garbology"- taking garbage and landfills and using their contents in anthropological studies. I remember reading that a common misconception is that disposable diapers are filling our landfills, that in fact, they are a very small percentage of what is found.
So that's the history of what lead me to do a search today for "Garbology + Diapers" to see what I could come up with. And here's what I found: Beyond The Pail. It's long, but a very interesting read.
That said and read, I still think cloth is better. Hands Down. :)
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