I've been cleaning out my email clutter.
Last week, when we went on our little family getaway, I left my phone behind or turned it off most of the time. The goal was for me to unplug a bit. I will admit that I am terrible about over-checking my email. For real, I will check it, and then immediately recheck it. Sometimes I check it without even paying attention. I won't even open any emails, I just look to see if there are any.
Usually when I wake up in the morning, I have around 65 new emails that were sent overnight. Of those 65, I might actually want to read two of them.
My inbox is flooded with contradictions. One states ideas for raising children to be empowered rather than entitled, the next two will show off the "must have" toy for only $150 or that "gotta have it" back to school item.
I get recipes for cheap and easy meals and then have to read about how to lose those last five pounds. I sit and read about how to simplify and enjoy the little things, then drool over vacation packages and clothes that I can't afford.
How to clean my house in only 15 minutes a day? I can't even sift through my emails in 15 minutes.
Enough!!
I've quite enjoyed unsubscribing and highly recommend it. It has lightened my emotional load considerably. I can't believe it took me so long to do it. I am choosing to live my life, rather than read about what I "should" be doing. Enough with the self help. I'm going to help myself to what is out there!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Things are starting to break
So, three weeks in and things are starting to break!
Last week I dropped the lid to my food processor and this week on vacation, my purse straps started to unravel.
My big decision is if my food processor is a necessity. Well, obviously it isn't, I've lived for years without one before. However, if it sits in my cabinet, without a lid, unable to be used until next year when I allowed myself to buy "items", then doesn't it become clutter?
The purse, okay, I probably have another purse that I can use. I just really like this one!
So, I'm still debating on if I am going to buy the food processor lid. I think that if I don't, then it really will become clutter.
I just got back from a quick vacation with the family. I didn't buy a single thing for myself! No trashy trinkets, no cheap souvenirs, and no unnecessary t shirts. I did buy a few little things for friends, but it was wonderful to just come home and dump out the dirty laundry and be done!
Just a quick note for now, to let you know that I haven't forgotten!
Last week I dropped the lid to my food processor and this week on vacation, my purse straps started to unravel.
My big decision is if my food processor is a necessity. Well, obviously it isn't, I've lived for years without one before. However, if it sits in my cabinet, without a lid, unable to be used until next year when I allowed myself to buy "items", then doesn't it become clutter?
The purse, okay, I probably have another purse that I can use. I just really like this one!
So, I'm still debating on if I am going to buy the food processor lid. I think that if I don't, then it really will become clutter.
I just got back from a quick vacation with the family. I didn't buy a single thing for myself! No trashy trinkets, no cheap souvenirs, and no unnecessary t shirts. I did buy a few little things for friends, but it was wonderful to just come home and dump out the dirty laundry and be done!
Just a quick note for now, to let you know that I haven't forgotten!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The Buck Stops Here
The donation truck came through the neighborhood on Monday. This is our pile.
![]()
It looks so much smaller on our front porch than it did piled in my office. Mr. Challenge got into the spirit of things and went through his closet. He purged bags of clothes and sent plenty off to the trashcan, too. I have to admit, it was pretty sexy.
The first week is over and I haven't noticed an increase in money yet. I'm afraid that I am channelling all my extra money into dining out with friends. That is more enjoyable that shopping alone, I have to admit. I do have a goal to put $1000 in my savings account. Maybe even more, that way when I end the challenge I cango on a shopping spree have a tangible reminder of what I gained this year.
One thing I have gained is time. I am already catching up on housework and my to do list is dwindling quickly. I am excited about the prospect of actually working on some of the unfinished projects in my house. Wouldn't it be nice if I could finish that gift I started for my sister just over 2 years ago?
I went to a thrift store today to pick up a costume for The Boss, who is in a theatre camp this week. I scoured the house for pieces that would work, but we just didn't have a skirt that would be acceptable for a gypsy.
I love thrift stores. I get such a thrill out of finding treasure there, and inevitability, everything I want is less than $5. I waded through racks, looking for just the right thing, when I saw it...the cutest black and white sundress. It looks brand new, it's in my size! It would be perfect for when Mr. Challenge and I go to Vegas next month. I pick it up, it's only $7. It promises me that I will look sexy, but sophisticated in it. Never mind the six other sundresses in my closet, they don't matter. Only this one matters.
I put it down and walk away.
I don't try it on.
And I'm okay.
I did find a perfect long skirt for the gypsy costume, along with a white shirt that we can pair with jewelry and accessories that we already own. I walk out paying only $4 and feel empowered. I feel happy. I didn't waste an entire afternoon buying things that I don't need.
I can't wait for the next donation truck.
It looks so much smaller on our front porch than it did piled in my office. Mr. Challenge got into the spirit of things and went through his closet. He purged bags of clothes and sent plenty off to the trashcan, too. I have to admit, it was pretty sexy.
The first week is over and I haven't noticed an increase in money yet. I'm afraid that I am channelling all my extra money into dining out with friends. That is more enjoyable that shopping alone, I have to admit. I do have a goal to put $1000 in my savings account. Maybe even more, that way when I end the challenge I can
One thing I have gained is time. I am already catching up on housework and my to do list is dwindling quickly. I am excited about the prospect of actually working on some of the unfinished projects in my house. Wouldn't it be nice if I could finish that gift I started for my sister just over 2 years ago?
I went to a thrift store today to pick up a costume for The Boss, who is in a theatre camp this week. I scoured the house for pieces that would work, but we just didn't have a skirt that would be acceptable for a gypsy.
I love thrift stores. I get such a thrill out of finding treasure there, and inevitability, everything I want is less than $5. I waded through racks, looking for just the right thing, when I saw it...the cutest black and white sundress. It looks brand new, it's in my size! It would be perfect for when Mr. Challenge and I go to Vegas next month. I pick it up, it's only $7. It promises me that I will look sexy, but sophisticated in it. Never mind the six other sundresses in my closet, they don't matter. Only this one matters.
I put it down and walk away.
I don't try it on.
And I'm okay.
I did find a perfect long skirt for the gypsy costume, along with a white shirt that we can pair with jewelry and accessories that we already own. I walk out paying only $4 and feel empowered. I feel happy. I didn't waste an entire afternoon buying things that I don't need.
I can't wait for the next donation truck.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)