Well, 2009 has proved to be the most life-altering year I can remember except for when Tony went to Iraq. Life throws these mind blowing experiences at us. Then we are supppose to walk away with new ideas on how to live and somehow be a better a person from it. I must be a saint, because this year was down right painful in many aspects, and I am learning heaps as the Aussies say.
The biggest impact was going from a two-salaried family to a one-salaried family. I won't lie, I still pout when I go out shopping and can't get what I want, or we can't go out to eat 10 times a week versus the one or two times we dine out currently. What a heck of a lesson to swallow. But, here is what I have learned.
The other day I made a list of all the fun things I want to do here in Australia that cost little to nothing. Then I made a list of high dollar activities I am interested in. Get this. My frugal money list was about 36 items long. My big money list was three items long. Interesting. Practically all of my items on my "free" list were mostly physically oriented with several mentally challenging activities as well. My mad money list was mostly about travelling further distances and staying in better accomodations. Snob-a-rella!
Another interesting observation I found was neither list was about shopping or acquiring materialistic items. WHOA NELLY! Who have I become? I can't believe it. I am finally at place where shoes, purses, and clothes have little meaning to me other than to cover my naked body, well, because it is the law!!!
Another observation seems to be I spend very little time fretting about money. I don't stress out about making the next dollar to cover my desires. My current desires all seem to be experientially based and not about accumulation. This is huge for this big-time, instant gratification girl. Is it cognitive dissonance? Maybe. But, I could go out and find a big business girl job, but then I would be going backwards to that crazy buying/spending cycle. Oh, no thank you very much.
How do you get back to basics? How do you experience life versus gathering stuff in it? Here is what I can suggest (Hint: You already know this!):
1) I really use the library. I don't buy magazines anymore and just read them at library. I also get books, cds, and dvds! It can all be done on-line except for the picking up and dropping off part!!
2) Look for cheap places to buy gas on-line. Here in Adelaide, Wednesday is the cheapest day to buy. You can also bring a coupon code from the bottom of your grocery receipt and save an additional 4 cents!
3) Cook at home more and/or bring your lunch. Really, it just takes a bit more planning. Not only is it cheaper, but way more healthier as well. Currently, Tuesday night is date night for us and instead of going out to dinner we each pick a country and then cook a dish from the area....Indian Food night was this past Tuesday! Get your recipes on-line or from the library!
4) Grow your own food in containers! You don't have to grow everything, but choose a few items your family commonnly eats. For us, it is tomatoes and peppers. All of our herbs from our container garden as well. It is cheap, healthy, and organic! I am exploring lettuces this year!
5) Ride your bike, walk, bus, or carpool once a week to work. Not only will you save money, but oh my, the experiences you will have on your journey!
6) Throw away five things a day. Clearing the clutter will allow you to attract new and more interesting things in your life.
7) Plan your meals and shop by the list. JUST DO THIS ONE!
8) This one is painful. Stop smoking and/or reduce your alcohol intake. GULP. Just add up what you spend on either, or worse both, of these items and see what you get.
9) Review your auto, home, health, life, and any other insurance you have NOW and see what can be clipped away.
10) Review your cable bill and cut one thing. You can save over $200 annually immediately.
Pick one of the above or a couple. Don't try it. Just do it. My biggest learning lesson of 2009: I cannot be happy if I am attached to stuff, things, too much convenience, and being overly comfortable. The thing about being overly comfortable is when change hits you are less likely to adapt to the changes. Resilience is where it is at man. The quicker the emotional reovery from the changes, the quicker you can get on with your life.
Bring on the simple life!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Let's Be a Beginner For A Change
I am declaring this week at our house "Be a beginner week." Every day I am trying something new, going somewhere I have never been, or doing something I have always wanted to do. So, this week my beginner status starts with Health Indian Cooking. I found a cook book at the library on Indian Cooking. Let the cooking begin! But first, you gotta gather the goods.
Yesterday I went to an Indian and Pakistanian Grocer. It was very cool.....I really had no idea that the two populations ate almost exactly the same. See?! Learning everyday, everywhere! Indian food is all about the spices, so that is where I started. Amchoor (mango powder), cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander seeds, cumin, fenel seeds, fenugreek, and garam masala (hot spices). My world was blown away by the spice section. Hold onto your seats.....AND THEY WERE SO CHEAP! If you have been following my journey in Australia, you know I constantly complain about the high prices of everything, so this was a joy to my eyes and ears!
But it didn't stop there. Other spices such as pomegranate seeds, saffron, tamarind, and turmeric (which is used mainly for color) all found there way to my basket. I also bought a few key ingredients like pulses and dahls. What the heck you may be asking yourself? Basically, beans and lentils! The colors and varieties took my breath away!
Next I had to gather some veggies. The only veggie I had not hear of was an aubergine or a Bringal. When asking the shopkeeper what an aubergine was he just looked at me puzzled. Finally, I looked up the other name "Bringal" and he says, "Oh, you can get those from the regular grocery store easy!" He found a picture in my cookbook and pointed excitedly to a large purple gourd looking thing. I could not believe it. It was an EGGPLANT. So, not only was I learning about ingredients, but I got to learn some wonderful Indian words and language as well. We had a good laugh at this.
The real specialty ingredents were ghee (clarified butter) and panir (kinda like cottage cheese), kewra and rose water, and the most interesting of all: silver leaf. Silver leaf is an edible thinly beaten silver leaf for decorating on special occasions. Boy, it was on now!
I have everything I need. Tonight we eat like Gurus! I will be making Prawn and Vegetable Kebabs (not on a stick, but little fried balls). Soon to be followed by Cholay (chickpea snack) and a delicious side of masala vegetable samosas.
Kya tum mere saath aaoge? In Hindi, this phrase means "Will you come with me? This is what I ask of you as we both travel down this new path of being a beginner. Kya tum mere saath aaoge? You just have to!!
Yesterday I went to an Indian and Pakistanian Grocer. It was very cool.....I really had no idea that the two populations ate almost exactly the same. See?! Learning everyday, everywhere! Indian food is all about the spices, so that is where I started. Amchoor (mango powder), cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander seeds, cumin, fenel seeds, fenugreek, and garam masala (hot spices). My world was blown away by the spice section. Hold onto your seats.....AND THEY WERE SO CHEAP! If you have been following my journey in Australia, you know I constantly complain about the high prices of everything, so this was a joy to my eyes and ears!
But it didn't stop there. Other spices such as pomegranate seeds, saffron, tamarind, and turmeric (which is used mainly for color) all found there way to my basket. I also bought a few key ingredients like pulses and dahls. What the heck you may be asking yourself? Basically, beans and lentils! The colors and varieties took my breath away!
Next I had to gather some veggies. The only veggie I had not hear of was an aubergine or a Bringal. When asking the shopkeeper what an aubergine was he just looked at me puzzled. Finally, I looked up the other name "Bringal" and he says, "Oh, you can get those from the regular grocery store easy!" He found a picture in my cookbook and pointed excitedly to a large purple gourd looking thing. I could not believe it. It was an EGGPLANT. So, not only was I learning about ingredients, but I got to learn some wonderful Indian words and language as well. We had a good laugh at this.
The real specialty ingredents were ghee (clarified butter) and panir (kinda like cottage cheese), kewra and rose water, and the most interesting of all: silver leaf. Silver leaf is an edible thinly beaten silver leaf for decorating on special occasions. Boy, it was on now!
I have everything I need. Tonight we eat like Gurus! I will be making Prawn and Vegetable Kebabs (not on a stick, but little fried balls). Soon to be followed by Cholay (chickpea snack) and a delicious side of masala vegetable samosas.
Kya tum mere saath aaoge? In Hindi, this phrase means "Will you come with me? This is what I ask of you as we both travel down this new path of being a beginner. Kya tum mere saath aaoge? You just have to!!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Time...Can't Seem to My Arms Around It
Funny, how when you have a million things to do all you can think about is how you wish you had time to do more fun and interesting things. I have this time now. It is not easy to manage. I have previously managed/organized/coordinated a business, employees, a house, renters, clients, interns, cleaning ladies, handy men, doctor's appts, a boat, a pool, a yard, cars, pets, clubs, boards, marriage and a several hundred more roles that I can't even think of right now all in the normal 24/7 hour time span.
But, throw me a day with no appointments and I am at a loss. It is overhelming and paralyzing at the same time. Boohoo. I know. Poor little, time-rich, girl with too many hours in the day. I used to say, "Wow, wonder what it would be like to be a housewife." Poof. My wish has come true. Now, I think I need a housewife coach. (I still have had no epiphanies with wanting to be a cleaning goddess..ever.)
Today, for instance, I have had a full day to do anything my heart desires AND in Australia. The weather is a lovely 70F and gorgeous blue skies. A list with about 40 "lovely things to do and see" sits on my desk. I am completely ovewhelmed with what to do. I should be writing. I should have already taken my walk. Nope. Sitting right on the computer, surfing the net, reading about Expatriotism, drinking a skim latte. Took two naps as well and read a book on "The Secret Life of Backpackers". Hilarious.
Maybe some days are just like that. Perhaps it's ok to just sit back and pick your nose as my dear friend Lise says. Just scratch your butt. Apologies for the visual. I think that is a huge problem being so busy in that the second you get time to do the really fun stuff, well, you fill it up and then your busy again. Whose tired of being busy? Well, me for one....doesn't matter if it is "work" busy or "fun" busy, we are all just too busy. I am not even sure I am enjoying myself when I am doing the "fun" busy stuff.
Yesterday, I walked two miles to my favorite library. Had a very relaxing time reading all the mags (they are excruciatingly expensive over here). Dined at the outdoor community centre cafe on salmon and rye. I just sat there and read until I got hungry again and had to order a cappucino and what they call a melting moment cookie. I took a cab home and talked the poor cabbies head off about his religion (Sikh). Took nap. Read. Walked to a pilates class and came home and did 20 laps in the pool. Sheer perfection. Not too much, not too little. I have to confess, I did have more on my list to do and see.
I am tired of living life by a checklist. Use to be on the Meyers Briggs that ENTJs were great leaders because they are people who got a lot of stuff done fast. I wonder if all us ENTJs should dip our toes in the ISFP pool. The exact opposite. I wont lie. It has been painful to try out those waters. I am grateful for the opportunity though. Certainly I will be a better person from it. See? Always trying to get the most out of an experience...sigh.
I solemnly swear, as of today, I vow to become more of a nose picker and butt scratcher...not simultaneously though because then that would be multitasking...another no-no.
Yes, think I will blow up my float and glide along this river instead swimming so friggin hard against the current. Yes, for sure. Latte, anyone?
But, throw me a day with no appointments and I am at a loss. It is overhelming and paralyzing at the same time. Boohoo. I know. Poor little, time-rich, girl with too many hours in the day. I used to say, "Wow, wonder what it would be like to be a housewife." Poof. My wish has come true. Now, I think I need a housewife coach. (I still have had no epiphanies with wanting to be a cleaning goddess..ever.)
Today, for instance, I have had a full day to do anything my heart desires AND in Australia. The weather is a lovely 70F and gorgeous blue skies. A list with about 40 "lovely things to do and see" sits on my desk. I am completely ovewhelmed with what to do. I should be writing. I should have already taken my walk. Nope. Sitting right on the computer, surfing the net, reading about Expatriotism, drinking a skim latte. Took two naps as well and read a book on "The Secret Life of Backpackers". Hilarious.
Maybe some days are just like that. Perhaps it's ok to just sit back and pick your nose as my dear friend Lise says. Just scratch your butt. Apologies for the visual. I think that is a huge problem being so busy in that the second you get time to do the really fun stuff, well, you fill it up and then your busy again. Whose tired of being busy? Well, me for one....doesn't matter if it is "work" busy or "fun" busy, we are all just too busy. I am not even sure I am enjoying myself when I am doing the "fun" busy stuff.
Yesterday, I walked two miles to my favorite library. Had a very relaxing time reading all the mags (they are excruciatingly expensive over here). Dined at the outdoor community centre cafe on salmon and rye. I just sat there and read until I got hungry again and had to order a cappucino and what they call a melting moment cookie. I took a cab home and talked the poor cabbies head off about his religion (Sikh). Took nap. Read. Walked to a pilates class and came home and did 20 laps in the pool. Sheer perfection. Not too much, not too little. I have to confess, I did have more on my list to do and see.
I am tired of living life by a checklist. Use to be on the Meyers Briggs that ENTJs were great leaders because they are people who got a lot of stuff done fast. I wonder if all us ENTJs should dip our toes in the ISFP pool. The exact opposite. I wont lie. It has been painful to try out those waters. I am grateful for the opportunity though. Certainly I will be a better person from it. See? Always trying to get the most out of an experience...sigh.
I solemnly swear, as of today, I vow to become more of a nose picker and butt scratcher...not simultaneously though because then that would be multitasking...another no-no.
Yes, think I will blow up my float and glide along this river instead swimming so friggin hard against the current. Yes, for sure. Latte, anyone?
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