The difficulty of maintaining my original goals with careful consuming is mounting now that racing season is upon us. I think I mentioned my husband races bicycles and last year we started a local cycling team with his business being the lead sponsor. This being our second year and with no women on the team, I thought I have to race in order to encourage women to join the team. So I have done that and now we have six women racing for us. Very cool except I am one of them! I have never done anything remotely this competitive in my life nor have I ever trained seriously for any sport. I am not sure this is the wisest idea I've come up at age 45 but I am enjoying it. I consider this endeavor to be an exercise in changing how I spend my time and energy, thus part of my careful consuming. Getting outside and riding a bike either competitively or leisurely with friends is a much better way to spend my energy and time than what I was doing before I started riding more.
However, cycling is not a sport for the faint of heart nor light of wallet! It demands commitment to both and trying to watch our spending while participating in this hobby is quite a challenge. I participated in my first race 2 weeks ago which required a 3 hour road trip and an overnight in a hotel. Mike raced as well and since we are promoting his business we can deduct some of the expenses. However, the costs of racing total up very fast. There is the cost of gas, hotel, food, supplies, registration fees and racing license fees. Some of these expenses are covered by his business but it comes out of the same place, our pockets.
I saved some money for racing season and along with the money I raised by selling some things on Craig's List I hope to stay on budget. I have set a limit of $500.00 for races and this includes my registration and license fees along with gear I might need. I am hoping to race 4-5 times this year but I am not sure this is manageable with my budget. There is not much you can buy in the cycling world for less than $50.00 and now that I am racing I need more supplies. I am going to sell my older bike which could bring in a couple hundred dollars. I never ride it, so why not? Also, I am going to try again and sell some stuff on Craig's List so hopefully that nets some more cash. I know I won't save money cycling but I am just trying to break even. While that sounds like a reasonable expectation, this might be the loftiest goal I have tried to accomplish yet!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Lighter Load
Since my last post, trying to maintain the original limits I outlined continues to be a struggle but I am more in sync with them than I was in March. In fact, I am only one month away from paying off a second credit card so I must be doing fairly well. But as I write about that accomplishment, I know I don't want to make this year long experiment solely about money. I am focused on improving the quality of how I spend my time and energy as well.
My energy and time consumption have improved somewhat circumstantially now that I am racing my bicycle and am training more than I have in past years. I simply don't have the time to watch all the useless TV that I once had. Don't get me wrong, I still make time to watch some very bad TV but I have given up Judge Judy; well all the judge shows, most episodes of Hoarders, tosh.o, Celebrity Rehab, just to name a few. However, I might have to add My Strange Addiction to the list of must sees! I still like to watch American Idol, Ghost Hunters and Deadliest Catch, mainly because Mike and I somehow got hooked on these and enjoy watching them together. This is not quality TV but mindless entertainment after a long hard day. We need that.
After four months into this, I am much more selective with what I watch and when. Same goes for what I choose to buy. I haven't bought much other than food, household supplies and toiletries. Although, I did have to buy some bicycling gear but I used a gift certificate and money I had already saved. Food is our biggest expense and I have a hard time staying on my grocery budget of $125.00 every 2 weeks. I think I need to increase this to $140.00 since that seems to be what I spend despite careful consuming with sales, using coupons and making lists. Maybe I need to watch that new show about super coupon users!
I have sold some stuff on Craig's list which was very exciting for some reason. I loved doing that. I am using that money for the bike races registration fees. It feels great to get rid of some things that I don't use and get a little money in return. Since we aren't watching much TV, I cut back on our Netflix and paid TV channels. I thought I couldn't give up HBO but really I don't miss it st all.
It has been harder to completely cut out eating out to once a month, mainly due to having so many business meetings that involve meals. Initially, I was not eating during them but it became very difficult to manage this so I gave myself permission to eat at every other meeting. It isn't perfect but does cut down on the spending and eating out. So many of our family functions also center on eating out; birthdays, holidays and general get togethers. I haven't figured out how to handle that well. We don't eat at all of them but it does feel strange when we don't. Any ideas?
So overall I am a little lighter, with less stuff, less mindless TV, less junk food and less debt. I must admit the lighter load does feel good.
My energy and time consumption have improved somewhat circumstantially now that I am racing my bicycle and am training more than I have in past years. I simply don't have the time to watch all the useless TV that I once had. Don't get me wrong, I still make time to watch some very bad TV but I have given up Judge Judy; well all the judge shows, most episodes of Hoarders, tosh.o, Celebrity Rehab, just to name a few. However, I might have to add My Strange Addiction to the list of must sees! I still like to watch American Idol, Ghost Hunters and Deadliest Catch, mainly because Mike and I somehow got hooked on these and enjoy watching them together. This is not quality TV but mindless entertainment after a long hard day. We need that.
After four months into this, I am much more selective with what I watch and when. Same goes for what I choose to buy. I haven't bought much other than food, household supplies and toiletries. Although, I did have to buy some bicycling gear but I used a gift certificate and money I had already saved. Food is our biggest expense and I have a hard time staying on my grocery budget of $125.00 every 2 weeks. I think I need to increase this to $140.00 since that seems to be what I spend despite careful consuming with sales, using coupons and making lists. Maybe I need to watch that new show about super coupon users!
I have sold some stuff on Craig's list which was very exciting for some reason. I loved doing that. I am using that money for the bike races registration fees. It feels great to get rid of some things that I don't use and get a little money in return. Since we aren't watching much TV, I cut back on our Netflix and paid TV channels. I thought I couldn't give up HBO but really I don't miss it st all.
It has been harder to completely cut out eating out to once a month, mainly due to having so many business meetings that involve meals. Initially, I was not eating during them but it became very difficult to manage this so I gave myself permission to eat at every other meeting. It isn't perfect but does cut down on the spending and eating out. So many of our family functions also center on eating out; birthdays, holidays and general get togethers. I haven't figured out how to handle that well. We don't eat at all of them but it does feel strange when we don't. Any ideas?
So overall I am a little lighter, with less stuff, less mindless TV, less junk food and less debt. I must admit the lighter load does feel good.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Success in failing
As of late, I have been failing miserably at being a conscious consumer; however, this failing is actually been quite successful for me. While I haven't adhered to my budgetary restrictions (namely shopping), I am still feeling quite successful in my endeavors. Specifically, while I am spending money that has not been budgeted, approved (by me), or even applied toward something that is absolutely "needed," I have been more consciously aware of what I've been doing, and to me, that seems like a positive step forward in a long process.
This blog should begin with a personal disclosure that is likely essential to the context of my entry. I'm moving to Australia in about two months. I got a new job and we are off to explore new lands. My conscious consuming has been geared toward saving money for the transition as well as a deep desire to rid myself of a large chunk of the crap that I've accumulated over the years. These goals have been coupled with the shared perspective of my fellow bloggers that far too much of our time, energy, and money are freely given to junk TV, mindless drivel, and stuff that we don’t really even want. In fact, the process of getting rid of stuff has been so great--I just ask myself, "Is it worth it to drag this thing 20,000 miles away?" Typically, the answer is a resounding “no.” I find posing a similar question to my TV viewing equally as helpful: “Do I really care about this?” While I haven’t set any parameters on the amount of TV that I watch, I have been more considerate in what I do watch and think about other things that I could be doing instead (like clearing more closets!).
I have been on a clothes and book buying hiatus as I really don't need any more of either at the moment. Nonetheless, I found myself shopping for clothes, and I made a decision to not totally deny myself some new things, but instead to put some guidelines on the buying. First, I am only allowing myself to purchase items that can be worn to work. I have lots and lots of play clothes and far less dress-up. Second, I only buy something if it's on sale. This has worked out well since I'll be leaving for Australia soon and it'll be winter there when I arrive (which on a side note--hardly seems fair or right; it's the winter of my discontent) and all the winter merchandise here is drastically reduced. All of this is to say that I am trying to think through what I really could use (or maybe even need if we are defining that term very broadly) and that pleases me (once I process the guilt of shopping). Nonetheless, I have now basically reinstated the no buying rule here; several new outfits are sufficient to get me started at my new job (plus the clothes over there might be excellent!).
So I as I take positive reframing of failure to the next phase, I hope to continue to be successful. As we make our way down under, purchases will need to be made to establish ourselves but at least we are more prepared for them, both financially as well as cognitively.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Falling off the wagon
So it has been a while since I blogged and there is good reason. I have totally fallen off the wagon and I didn't want to admit it. But now I am coming clean. Making amends and getting back up there. Over the past few weeks several things have made my careful consuming difficult to maintain. I am going to write about these difficulties, not in an effort to make excuses for myself, but in hopes I can get back track after admitting what has led me astray.
It all began about four weeks ago when my schedule began to get very busy at work. I was also scheduled to give two presentations in one week and my good friend (she is one of the other bloggers)came in town for a few days. My life got very busy very quickly and I simply lost it.
Trying to maintain the rules I set in place for myself takes a fair amount of planning and time. It seems when my time gets limited and the stress level rises the first thing that goes is cooking. I do the majority of the cooking and during this time I was working 10 plus hours a day so cooking wasn't on my radar. Of course cooking involves shopping (my least favorite thing to do) and we were just scraping by. We were trying to avoid eating out but convenience won out. We tried to use gift certificates and did so but we also began bending the rules. If our businesses bought dinner, it didn't count! Rationalizing crap like that began to become the norm. When my friend came to visit, we totally blew it and ate out whenever we wanted. I also traveled to Indianapolis whiout meant I was going to eat out.
We also blew it with TV. I am not sure what really happened there, other than when we are tired we just want to sit and vege out in front of the tube. Not surprisingly, it actually makes us more tired because we stay up later watching bad TV but we don't have to think. We still tried to limit it but we went over our allotted amount for each week. At one point, I think we just said screw it, we are so far gone let's just give in to being totally careless. I must admit, it felt gotarbell careless for a while!
Does this situation feel familiar to anyone? I know Mike and I aren't alone in trying to maintain a change in behavior but instead face numerous obstacles. I see it happen all the time in my practice. Changing a behavior is hard. I know it is hard. And we are trying to change many at once as well as changing behaviors we've been mindlessly doing for years. I guess it was predictable this would happen but now we have to jump back on and figure out what will help us stay committed to this project.
We didn't buy anything during this time. That's the good news. The only issues were eating out and TV. I will write more about what I learned and what I need to do to avoid this in the future in my next entry. For now, no more rationalizations, no more bending the rules and no more excuses. Admission complete, now back to being a careful consumer.
It all began about four weeks ago when my schedule began to get very busy at work. I was also scheduled to give two presentations in one week and my good friend (she is one of the other bloggers)came in town for a few days. My life got very busy very quickly and I simply lost it.
Trying to maintain the rules I set in place for myself takes a fair amount of planning and time. It seems when my time gets limited and the stress level rises the first thing that goes is cooking. I do the majority of the cooking and during this time I was working 10 plus hours a day so cooking wasn't on my radar. Of course cooking involves shopping (my least favorite thing to do) and we were just scraping by. We were trying to avoid eating out but convenience won out. We tried to use gift certificates and did so but we also began bending the rules. If our businesses bought dinner, it didn't count! Rationalizing crap like that began to become the norm. When my friend came to visit, we totally blew it and ate out whenever we wanted. I also traveled to Indianapolis whiout meant I was going to eat out.
We also blew it with TV. I am not sure what really happened there, other than when we are tired we just want to sit and vege out in front of the tube. Not surprisingly, it actually makes us more tired because we stay up later watching bad TV but we don't have to think. We still tried to limit it but we went over our allotted amount for each week. At one point, I think we just said screw it, we are so far gone let's just give in to being totally careless. I must admit, it felt gotarbell careless for a while!
Does this situation feel familiar to anyone? I know Mike and I aren't alone in trying to maintain a change in behavior but instead face numerous obstacles. I see it happen all the time in my practice. Changing a behavior is hard. I know it is hard. And we are trying to change many at once as well as changing behaviors we've been mindlessly doing for years. I guess it was predictable this would happen but now we have to jump back on and figure out what will help us stay committed to this project.
We didn't buy anything during this time. That's the good news. The only issues were eating out and TV. I will write more about what I learned and what I need to do to avoid this in the future in my next entry. For now, no more rationalizations, no more bending the rules and no more excuses. Admission complete, now back to being a careful consumer.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
My New Normal
The last two weeks seem to be about settling in to this new routine. There have been some challenges for sure, especially last week when Mike & I were both sick. It was hard to pass by a restaurant and just pick up some food when we wanted because we didn't feel well enough to cook. It was also difficult to avoid the TV. We both wanted to lay around and vege out to some bad TV. We might have watched more than six hours but not by much. We did allow ourselves our one time eating out during that week so all in all we maintained.
This week I have been struck by how relatively easy these changes have been. Really, the greatest challenge is sticking to the food budget. Food is just crazy expensive. I actually enjoy looking around the house for things before I buy them. It is like my personal treasure hunt. It sounds weird but finding something and getting rid of it has feels rewarding! Maybe I have a secret fear of becoming a hoarder. All I know is clearing out things feels good. I have almost gone through all the tiny hotel soaps and lotions! Next is checking out what is in the medicine cabinet. Six years of various sundries. Who knows what's in there? I am hoping to find some Udder Butter, a cyclists intimate friend when riding a lot of miles. We are out of this vital product.
One of the best rewards so far? We have already paid off one credit card and we aren't even two months into this project. The goal of having no debt other than our house is in view. This time next year it will be a reality. So when we are being lazy, greedy or whiney about our experiment, I just remember the impetus for taking this on and the rewards keep surfacing.
This week I have been struck by how relatively easy these changes have been. Really, the greatest challenge is sticking to the food budget. Food is just crazy expensive. I actually enjoy looking around the house for things before I buy them. It is like my personal treasure hunt. It sounds weird but finding something and getting rid of it has feels rewarding! Maybe I have a secret fear of becoming a hoarder. All I know is clearing out things feels good. I have almost gone through all the tiny hotel soaps and lotions! Next is checking out what is in the medicine cabinet. Six years of various sundries. Who knows what's in there? I am hoping to find some Udder Butter, a cyclists intimate friend when riding a lot of miles. We are out of this vital product.
One of the best rewards so far? We have already paid off one credit card and we aren't even two months into this project. The goal of having no debt other than our house is in view. This time next year it will be a reality. So when we are being lazy, greedy or whiney about our experiment, I just remember the impetus for taking this on and the rewards keep surfacing.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Will work for food
A couple weeks ago I was having a rough time at work. We were really busy and as usual I had more projects going than I should have. Just when I thought I couldn't handle any more, one of my office staff mysteriously left me an email saying that they would not be able to work their shifts anymore. Considering that I am always a day or two or five behind on my emails this caused me a bit of stress. I couldn't find anyone to work the next Saturday and we had new clientele coming in for appointments.
As you may know Caron and I have put restrictions on how many times we can eat out. We allow ourselves one dinner out per month but we have a loophole. We can go out if we don't have to pay, so we allow ourselves to barter or use gift cards that we have laying around. I found a need to barter and use a gift card.
To sum things up I asked Caron to work the front office on that Saturday in return for lunch at the restaurant next door. I used a gift card that I had received from a student as a Christmas gift. Not only was I able to have some bad fast food with Caron I was able to hire the most cost effective employee I've ever had.
Mike Boren
The Guitar Lab
1010 S. Weinbach Ave.
Evansville In 47714
www.theguitarlab.com
Mike@theguitarlab.com
Friday, January 28, 2011
The Honeymoon is Over!
So I am almost a month into this year long experiment and overall it has been an eye-opening and rewarding experience. Then last week happened and the party was over. I wanted things. I wanted to get food on my way home from work, I wanted to watch bad TV with no time limit, I wanted to go to the grocery store and buy something, it didn't really matter what. I wanted to do anything but what I had been doing. I was seriously jonesing to exercise my capitalistic nature in some capacity!
I wasn't sure if it was just the winter blahs. It has snowed quite a bit for southern Indiana over the last month and I haven't been able to get outside much. It could have been boredom setting in although I really haven't felt bored. It was a more subtle feeling, somewhere between discontentment and resentment.
So what was going on? Was the newness of a different routine just wearing off? Or was I simply being a greedy hungry ghost? I did have a twelve-day period which could not have helped the situation.(Perimenopause is hell!) It might have been a combination of all of these things which usually is the case. But I think it had more to do with how I have traditionally handled stress.
What I am learning is that when under stress, I typically go for what will distract me the
fastest. Food and TV are the most readily available of course, but if those don't satisfy go
out to eat, go buy something, or see a movie. Do anything to distract from reality. This is of course a common human affliction and we all have done it. And it might actually be a good coping mechanism if done in moderation. But when your distractions are limited, it becomes clear this tendency is more of a hindrance than a help in dealing with life stressors.
So I have been stressed and now my distractions are limited. I had to sit with the ugly feelings, figure out why they were there and then determine what if anything could or should be done with them. After the feelings subsided, the experience wasn't so terribly bad. However, I admit that allowing myself to watch the season premiere of American Idol did help just a little bit!
I wasn't sure if it was just the winter blahs. It has snowed quite a bit for southern Indiana over the last month and I haven't been able to get outside much. It could have been boredom setting in although I really haven't felt bored. It was a more subtle feeling, somewhere between discontentment and resentment.
So what was going on? Was the newness of a different routine just wearing off? Or was I simply being a greedy hungry ghost? I did have a twelve-day period which could not have helped the situation.(Perimenopause is hell!) It might have been a combination of all of these things which usually is the case. But I think it had more to do with how I have traditionally handled stress.
What I am learning is that when under stress, I typically go for what will distract me the
fastest. Food and TV are the most readily available of course, but if those don't satisfy go
out to eat, go buy something, or see a movie. Do anything to distract from reality. This is of course a common human affliction and we all have done it. And it might actually be a good coping mechanism if done in moderation. But when your distractions are limited, it becomes clear this tendency is more of a hindrance than a help in dealing with life stressors.
So I have been stressed and now my distractions are limited. I had to sit with the ugly feelings, figure out why they were there and then determine what if anything could or should be done with them. After the feelings subsided, the experience wasn't so terribly bad. However, I admit that allowing myself to watch the season premiere of American Idol did help just a little bit!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Hmm
I just got back from a trip to Tampa and didn't do much careful consuming. Since I went to give a conference presentation, my trip was funded by the school. I had a per diem for my food, but I have to admit, I didn't really monitor this allowance. While I didn't really live extravagantly--it is Tampa, after all--I wasn't really in the moment either. In fact, I even bought a new shirt. When I knew that I'd do a little shopping with a friend that I only see once a year, I made a deal with myself--I can buy something appropriate for work--and work only--as long as it's on sale. So, I stayed within that parameter, but still felt guilty.
I feel as though I haven't changed much in my life yet and I'm not sure why. I have been working on some projects that I've been meaning to do for years, but I do it while the TV rambles on in the background. I'm making more conscious decisions about what it is that I watch (I love films and documentaries), but it does seem to be on all the time still. Today, my partner and I ate lunch without the TV or our using our iPhones; it was real challenge and lunch only took up about 15 minutes.
I feel like my contribution to the blog at this point is some kind of confession or mea culpa. I'll try to work on that too.
You can't always get what you want?
How many people can say that they have a spare set of Shimano cleat adapters for cycling shoes? How about an extra tremolo arm for a G&L tremolo or a spare Univibe chorus pedal. Up until a week ago I would have confidently told you that I used to have a Univibe but I sold it several years ago. I lost my G&L tremolo arm one night at a club when I went a little too Jimi Hendrix on my guitar and why would I have a pair of Shimano cleat adapters? I don't even ride Shimano pedals.
What these items are doesn't really matter. The scary thing is I owned all of them without even knowing it. Since I'm trying to not spend frivolously I've been looking for stuff that will get me by and I keep finding things. I at least remember owning the tremolo arm and the chorus pedal once upon a time. I never expected to find them while looking for spare parts but finding the cleat adapters was a little weird.
Caron and I recently started doing some spinning classes at one of the local gyms (we got free memberships because of a local cycling team I manage and race for). Rather than use tennis shoes I wanted to use some old cycling shoes, but the type of cleat I needed didn't fit without an adapter. I started rummaging through the garage looking for solutions and within ten minutes I was holding a brand new pair of cleat adapters still in the bag. I have no idea when or why I purchased them. I was glad to find them but it was a little embarrassing. I clearly wasn't paying much attention when I made that purchase.
What these items are doesn't really matter. The scary thing is I owned all of them without even knowing it. Since I'm trying to not spend frivolously I've been looking for stuff that will get me by and I keep finding things. I at least remember owning the tremolo arm and the chorus pedal once upon a time. I never expected to find them while looking for spare parts but finding the cleat adapters was a little weird.
Caron and I recently started doing some spinning classes at one of the local gyms (we got free memberships because of a local cycling team I manage and race for). Rather than use tennis shoes I wanted to use some old cycling shoes, but the type of cleat I needed didn't fit without an adapter. I started rummaging through the garage looking for solutions and within ten minutes I was holding a brand new pair of cleat adapters still in the bag. I have no idea when or why I purchased them. I was glad to find them but it was a little embarrassing. I clearly wasn't paying much attention when I made that purchase.
You can't always get what you want?
How many people can say that they have a spare set of Shimano cleat adapters for cycling shoes? How about an extra tremolo arm for a G&L tremolo or a spare Univibe chorus pedal. Up until a week ago I would have confidently told you that I used to have a Univibe but I sold it several years ago. I lost my G&L tremolo arm one night at a club when I went a little too Jimi Hendrix on my guitar and why would I have a pair of Shimano cleat adapters? I don't even ride Shimano pedals.
What these items are doesn't really matter. The scary thing is I owned all of them without even knowing it. Since I'm trying to not spend frivolously I've been looking for stuff that will get me by and I keep finding things. I at least remember owning the tremolo arm and the chorus pedal once upon a time. I never expected to find them while looking for spare parts but finding the cleat adapters was a little weird.
Caron and I recently started doing some spinning classes at one of the local gyms (we got free memberships because of a local cycling team I manage and race for). Rather than use tennis shoes I wanted to use some old cycling shoes, but the type of cleat I needed didn't fit without an adapter. I started rummaging through the garage looking for solutions and within ten minutes I was holding a brand new pair of cleat adapters still in the bag. I have no idea when or why I purchased them. I was glad to find them but it was a little embarrassing. I clearly wasn't paying much attention when I made that purchase.
What these items are doesn't really matter. The scary thing is I owned all of them without even knowing it. Since I'm trying to not spend frivolously I've been looking for stuff that will get me by and I keep finding things. I at least remember owning the tremolo arm and the chorus pedal once upon a time. I never expected to find them while looking for spare parts but finding the cleat adapters was a little weird.
Caron and I recently started doing some spinning classes at one of the local gyms (we got free memberships because of a local cycling team I manage and race for). Rather than use tennis shoes I wanted to use some old cycling shoes, but the type of cleat I needed didn't fit without an adapter. I started rummaging through the garage looking for solutions and within ten minutes I was holding a brand new pair of cleat adapters still in the bag. I have no idea when or why I purchased them. I was glad to find them but it was a little embarrassing. I clearly wasn't paying much attention when I made that purchase.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Weekend Wonder
Now that I think I have totally weaned myself off TV, it seems like I don't really want to watch the six hours I've given myself permission to watch. I thought Mike and I would save our allotment up for the weekend, since we typically watch movies or recorded shows once we have time off. Instead, Mike and I are spending more time actually talking to one another about all kinds of subjects.
Friday night, I made a pizza and we talked for 2 hours about Buddhism, impulsivity, destructive relationships and more. Then we decided to play with our dog, Baxter, who was very tired of us sitting at the table. Mike and I got on the floor and played with him for at least 45 minutes. Baxter was very excited to have us on his level. He and Mike are a hoot to watch play. Baxter likes to play hide and seek and Mike obliges. I laughed so hard my side hurt. We had a great evening together. No TV.
Sunday then, we had about five hours of TV to watch if desired. We decided to just watch stuff we could half pay attention to while doing other things. I needed to catch up on some work and Mike wanted to play with his iPad. What happened next surprised me. The more I just mindlessly watched TV, the more I seemed to desire watching more. I started thinking about what shows I was missing, what news I hadn't seen yet, what popular culture I'd cut myself out of knowing about and how I was going to stay up on all of it. And so it went until I realized I was becoming greedy for more saturation, more information and more sensory overload.
The same thing happened when we had to return some gifts and had our first meal out since starting this project. Being at the restaurant and going to several stores, gave me a sensory experience that could not initially be satisfied. My senses desired more, "I need a new shirt. I need a new set of glasses. I want more chips and salsa." I hadn't felt that desire until being exposed to all the stuff. In fact, it has been a nice surprise that I haven't felt deprived. As an only child raised by a single parent, I have been trained to eat out and get what I want. I truly thought giving up these things would be much harder.
Once I noticed my mind desiring more, I quickly checked it and redirected it to enjoy the experience of being with my husband and mom instead of wanting more. I guess this doesn't help our capitalistic society but it does help me stay focused on what is most important and my goal of careful consumption.
Friday night, I made a pizza and we talked for 2 hours about Buddhism, impulsivity, destructive relationships and more. Then we decided to play with our dog, Baxter, who was very tired of us sitting at the table. Mike and I got on the floor and played with him for at least 45 minutes. Baxter was very excited to have us on his level. He and Mike are a hoot to watch play. Baxter likes to play hide and seek and Mike obliges. I laughed so hard my side hurt. We had a great evening together. No TV.
Sunday then, we had about five hours of TV to watch if desired. We decided to just watch stuff we could half pay attention to while doing other things. I needed to catch up on some work and Mike wanted to play with his iPad. What happened next surprised me. The more I just mindlessly watched TV, the more I seemed to desire watching more. I started thinking about what shows I was missing, what news I hadn't seen yet, what popular culture I'd cut myself out of knowing about and how I was going to stay up on all of it. And so it went until I realized I was becoming greedy for more saturation, more information and more sensory overload.
The same thing happened when we had to return some gifts and had our first meal out since starting this project. Being at the restaurant and going to several stores, gave me a sensory experience that could not initially be satisfied. My senses desired more, "I need a new shirt. I need a new set of glasses. I want more chips and salsa." I hadn't felt that desire until being exposed to all the stuff. In fact, it has been a nice surprise that I haven't felt deprived. As an only child raised by a single parent, I have been trained to eat out and get what I want. I truly thought giving up these things would be much harder.
Once I noticed my mind desiring more, I quickly checked it and redirected it to enjoy the experience of being with my husband and mom instead of wanting more. I guess this doesn't help our capitalistic society but it does help me stay focused on what is most important and my goal of careful consumption.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
One week of careful consuming
So it has been a week since I started this experiment. And I must say it has been a week with some experiences I didn't expect. Sleeping more being one of them. I didn't know I was that tired. I was sleeping over 10 hours the first few few nights! The TV was distracting me from how tired I was. I also found myself resting which is something I don't do much. I have really enjoyed that along with the silence.
I thought the weekend would be difficult, not eating out, having more time to fill, etc., but it wasn't at all. In fact, I invited my Mom over for lunch, went to the library, napped, read, meditated, exercised and cooked soup. It was a very relaxing weekend.
But the most interesting thing was how aware I was of what I was doing. I am feeling more deliberate in my actions, choices and behaviors. That sounds strange but it's true.
Another interesting turn of events has been getting things I need without spending money. I was offered free tickets to a basketball game, lunch, and got some money in the mail from a friend who owed it to me from fall of last year. Now I can buy some new tennis shoes I really need. I wasn't sure how I was going to swing that but problem solved.
The grocery was a challenge. I spent $115.00 but still had to go to a wholesale store. After doing a return and using a gift card, I still ended up $8.00 over my budget. I didn't feel too bad though considering I hadn't been to the store since before Christmas and I bought some stuff that will last all month. Hopefully, I can stick to the budget next time. I will have to set a budget for toiletries, cleaning & pet supplies, however. These will be an additional expense from the $125.00 for food.
So its been a good first week. I'm not missing anything. I don't feel deprived. I've got some energy to do some things I've want to do and look forward to coming home after work and doing them. I feel calmer, more attentative and definitely more awake! Humm, there might be something to this.
I thought the weekend would be difficult, not eating out, having more time to fill, etc., but it wasn't at all. In fact, I invited my Mom over for lunch, went to the library, napped, read, meditated, exercised and cooked soup. It was a very relaxing weekend.
But the most interesting thing was how aware I was of what I was doing. I am feeling more deliberate in my actions, choices and behaviors. That sounds strange but it's true.
Another interesting turn of events has been getting things I need without spending money. I was offered free tickets to a basketball game, lunch, and got some money in the mail from a friend who owed it to me from fall of last year. Now I can buy some new tennis shoes I really need. I wasn't sure how I was going to swing that but problem solved.
The grocery was a challenge. I spent $115.00 but still had to go to a wholesale store. After doing a return and using a gift card, I still ended up $8.00 over my budget. I didn't feel too bad though considering I hadn't been to the store since before Christmas and I bought some stuff that will last all month. Hopefully, I can stick to the budget next time. I will have to set a budget for toiletries, cleaning & pet supplies, however. These will be an additional expense from the $125.00 for food.
So its been a good first week. I'm not missing anything. I don't feel deprived. I've got some energy to do some things I've want to do and look forward to coming home after work and doing them. I feel calmer, more attentative and definitely more awake! Humm, there might be something to this.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
#%?! in #%?! out
There is a not so polite but common saying in the recording industry. #%?! in #%?! out. If the music you are recording is well written and played by good musicians chances are you'll have a quality product when your finished. If you have poorly written material and the musicians are either hung over from last nights gig or just not that good, things probably won't end well. What goes in really matters. There is a lot that an engineer can do to "fix" a performance but there is nothing better than having good song and a good band to start with.
As I go through this year trying to carefully consume I intend to really pay attention to what goes in. I want to pay attention and choose more wisely everything I ingest from the sounds I hear, to the food I eat, to the things I need to buy.
It's been one week since Caron and I have started our self imposed sanctions and I have to say it's been kind of fun. Turning off the TV has been very interesting. I've actually slept when I was tired. I had a moment where I looked at the couch and wasn't sure what to do with it when the TV was turned off. My position at the Dinner table now faces Caron. I've read and started projects that I've wanted to do for years.
Rather than ingesting 30 hours of television, I've taken in rest, looked at my wife across the table and engaged in some things I really enjoy but never had time for. I suspect that things will mellow and become more subtle as I get adjusted but it's a good start. Now that I'm putting in some healthier things it will interesting to see what comes out the other end.
As I go through this year trying to carefully consume I intend to really pay attention to what goes in. I want to pay attention and choose more wisely everything I ingest from the sounds I hear, to the food I eat, to the things I need to buy.
It's been one week since Caron and I have started our self imposed sanctions and I have to say it's been kind of fun. Turning off the TV has been very interesting. I've actually slept when I was tired. I had a moment where I looked at the couch and wasn't sure what to do with it when the TV was turned off. My position at the Dinner table now faces Caron. I've read and started projects that I've wanted to do for years.
Rather than ingesting 30 hours of television, I've taken in rest, looked at my wife across the table and engaged in some things I really enjoy but never had time for. I suspect that things will mellow and become more subtle as I get adjusted but it's a good start. Now that I'm putting in some healthier things it will interesting to see what comes out the other end.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
So far, so good
I've started this year long project and yet I really haven't. Yesterday, I had tickets to see a show on Broadway that I bought months ago. I actually tried (half-heartedly) to sell my ticket in the spirit of careful consumption, but when I had no takers, what could I do? Off to NYC, that's what. So, I set a limit on how much I could spend for the day on food and drinks--a modest $25. It turned out that I only spend $9, but the generosity of friends accounts for part of that story. Does this still count?
While my parameters are slightly different (I'll get to those another day), my goals are generally the same as Caron and Mike. I'd like to not frivolously spend my earnings and instead focus my efforts (and cash) towards things that enhance my life (like having new experiences). With that in mind, my savings efforts will go toward something big--an adventure! But that's a story for another day.
This blogging business will take some getting used to. It feels a little narcissistic and I'm feeling a bit on the self-conscious side about the whole thing.
While my parameters are slightly different (I'll get to those another day), my goals are generally the same as Caron and Mike. I'd like to not frivolously spend my earnings and instead focus my efforts (and cash) towards things that enhance my life (like having new experiences). With that in mind, my savings efforts will go toward something big--an adventure! But that's a story for another day.
This blogging business will take some getting used to. It feels a little narcissistic and I'm feeling a bit on the self-conscious side about the whole thing.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
This is weird
Okay it has only been two days but I am experiencing an interesting feeling that I didn't expect. I am not sure what it is exactly but it feels like a mixture of relief, freedom and excitement. I am feeling the openness for other possibilities and opportunities that have been overshadowed by the habit of consuming without mindfulness.
I feel relief because the limits I have imposed make decisions easier in some instances. I don't have to be burdened with things that really did take a lot more of my time. No more trying to find something to watch on TV. No more trying to decide where to go eat. I have to make due with what I've got in the fridge.
I'm not sure why that is liberating but it is. I'm sure it's the honeymoon phase and it will get tough but for now I'm enjoying the sensations of these pleasant emotions.
Very interesting!
I feel relief because the limits I have imposed make decisions easier in some instances. I don't have to be burdened with things that really did take a lot more of my time. No more trying to find something to watch on TV. No more trying to decide where to go eat. I have to make due with what I've got in the fridge.
I'm not sure why that is liberating but it is. I'm sure it's the honeymoon phase and it will get tough but for now I'm enjoying the sensations of these pleasant emotions.
Very interesting!
Monday, January 3, 2011
And so it begins...
So this is the first entry of what I hope is many in this year long experiment in reducing how I consume. This blog came about after I decided I wasn't happy with how I was spending my money, time and energy. After talking with my husband, Mike, about this, we determined that making some changes was in order. I wanted to really dedicate myself to these changes and it seemed like if I announced it to friends, family and the world then I might actually follow through with it, hence the blog idea.
Over the course of the last month or so, we came up restrictions on how we consume. We wanted to make the restrictions those we could live with in our world of owning two small businesses, a house, a business property, two animals, a cycling racing team and social interactions. We couldn't give up all consuming without a major life shift nor did we want that. We just wanted to become more careful about how we allocate our money, time and energy.
As I talked about this with friends and family, it seemed to intrigue people to learn more and to think about how they might become careful consumers also. A good friend, Jill, decided she wanted to participate with us and she will be blogging as well. She and Mike will have different restricitions, goals and observations.
Over the next few days I am going to post more about this process and my motivations. But now I want to share my restrictions for the year:
Reducing TV consumption from 32 hours a week to six hours a week.
Reducing cable by eliminating premium pay channels.
Limit computer game time to four hours a week.
Limiting iPad time. The TV rules apply to watching movies, etc. on the iPad.
Eating out at restaurants once a month versus eight to ten times a month.
Budgeting $125.00 every two weeks for groceries.
No buying clothes, books, or music.
No buying presents for people over the age of six years old. I will give gifts of time or service.
No out of town vacations.
Limit number of paid cycling tours and rides to four a year.
Limiting number of cycling races.
Budgeting work expenses to $1500.00 for the year. Includes CEUs, books, supplies, etc.
I will try to use something I already own before purchasing.
I will try to barter or borrow what I need before buying.
I might need to add to these as I go but this is my starting point.
I invite you to share this journey with us and follow our experiment. It should be interesting. I am already excited but feeling a little deprived.
Over the course of the last month or so, we came up restrictions on how we consume. We wanted to make the restrictions those we could live with in our world of owning two small businesses, a house, a business property, two animals, a cycling racing team and social interactions. We couldn't give up all consuming without a major life shift nor did we want that. We just wanted to become more careful about how we allocate our money, time and energy.
As I talked about this with friends and family, it seemed to intrigue people to learn more and to think about how they might become careful consumers also. A good friend, Jill, decided she wanted to participate with us and she will be blogging as well. She and Mike will have different restricitions, goals and observations.
Over the next few days I am going to post more about this process and my motivations. But now I want to share my restrictions for the year:
Reducing TV consumption from 32 hours a week to six hours a week.
Reducing cable by eliminating premium pay channels.
Limit computer game time to four hours a week.
Limiting iPad time. The TV rules apply to watching movies, etc. on the iPad.
Eating out at restaurants once a month versus eight to ten times a month.
Budgeting $125.00 every two weeks for groceries.
No buying clothes, books, or music.
No buying presents for people over the age of six years old. I will give gifts of time or service.
No out of town vacations.
Limit number of paid cycling tours and rides to four a year.
Limiting number of cycling races.
Budgeting work expenses to $1500.00 for the year. Includes CEUs, books, supplies, etc.
I will try to use something I already own before purchasing.
I will try to barter or borrow what I need before buying.
I might need to add to these as I go but this is my starting point.
I invite you to share this journey with us and follow our experiment. It should be interesting. I am already excited but feeling a little deprived.
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