tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32895682022306683132024-03-13T06:43:21.650-07:00A Marvelous AdventureThe pursuit of knowledge, joy and good coffee.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-41335954163273554422015-05-17T12:03:00.000-07:002015-05-18T15:03:21.123-07:00$50/Week and Eating Well?Well, we're back on $50 a week for groceries until my husband starts getting a regular paycheck. Prices pretty much everywhere have gone up since the last time we did this so it's even more of a challenge.<br />
<br />
These posts are inspired by GroceryBudget101.com's <a href="http://www.grocerybudget101.com/cheapeats/50-weekly-menus-8/" target="_blank">$50 Meal Plans</a>. They are veterans at this and must have one massive freezer. <br />
<br />
The first step is planning: I plan to shop for produce at the farmers market and everything else at our discount store. While I work in a grocery store, it is considered a "luxury" shopping location and is very expensive. I've always bought meat here but the prices have become unreasonable - $4/lbs. for just about anything except whole chickens. I've had to negotiate with my husband about the meat issue. <br />
<br />
I also utilize a weekly menu and meal prep for my planning. The discount store I shop at doesn't take coupons so I've cut those out (no pun intended!) for the most part. Every once in a while I catch a deal on grocerysmarts.com worth stocking up on.<br />
<br />
Additionally, our garden is just getting started and our rabbits are not old enough for slaughter yet. In later weeks you'll see <br />
<br />
<b>This week we bought:</b> Boneless skinless chicken breast (4 lbs.), ground turkey (2lbs.), mushroom-chicken sausage (1lbs.), beef ramen, coffee creamer, kale, lettuce, green onions, asparagus, bananas, 3lbs. bag of onions, yogurt, 2 boxes of cereal, french bread, and 1 jar of pasta sauce.<br />
<br />
<b>Total:</b> $46.00<br />
<br />
<b>Meal-share Benefits with Family:</b> 1 whole turkey and 3 goose eggs.<br />
<br />
<b>From the Garden (and some Foraging):</b> Morel mushrooms and dandelion greens. <br />
<br />
This hasn't been the healthiest week for us. I've been working late nights so when I come home dinner is the last thing I want to do, and I can't prep it in the morning because I'm doing homework in the mornings. I overspent on some things though - like french bread and jarred sauce - and as a result we ran out of bananas, coconut milk and eggs. Learning to overcome impulse shopping, sticking to your meal plan, making a meal plan you can stick to, etc. are all necessary lessons.<br />
<br />
I've always stuck to a tight food budget but this is only my 3rd month of meal planning.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
This Week's Meal Plan</h3>
<b>Breakfast options:</b><br />
Yogurt and granola<br />
Frogs in a hole<br />
Oatmeal<br />
<br />
<b>Lunch options:</b><br />
Vegan chili verde<br />
Cornbread<br />
Turkey wraps<br />
Sausage pasta with spinach <br />
Leftovers<br />
<br />
<b>Dinner:</b><br />
Saturday - Chicken curry with brown rice<br />
Sunday - Enchiladas<br />
Monday - Turkey and kale soup<br />
Tuesday - Ground beef ramen and salad<br />
Wedensday - Turkey gravy over potatoes<br />
Thursday - Steak, garlic creamed pasta and asparagus<br />
Friday - Turkey meatballs with marinara and fresh bread<br />
<br />
<b>Snacks:</b><br />
Pickled eggs<br />
Crackers<br />
Granola bars<br />
Fresh fruit<br />
Crunchy roasted chickpeas<br />
Quesadillas<br />
Green salad <br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>How do you feed your family?</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-89276470186345549092015-03-20T10:41:00.001-07:002015-03-21T12:13:37.057-07:00Meal prep: breakfast jars<p dir="ltr">Hi everyone!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Its been crazy lately. Working, going to school, getting the garden set up and eeady for rabbits, etc. So I've been making use of meal prep these days. I dont do big batches - I dont have blocks of time that big. But when i make breakfast for example I make double - set the rest aside for tomorrow or later. If you dont mind eating the same thing a lot you could make a whole week of breakfasts with just one morning and one recipe.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Below are two of my favorites, husband approved!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Peaches and cream <u>oatmeal</u><br>
(Makes 4)<br>
1 29oz can peaches (i use canned in syrup, if you don't you might need to add more sweetener) - use the juices too<br>
2 cups of heavy cream or cashew milk<br>
2 cups of rolled oats<br>
1 tbsp cinnamon<br>
2 tsp ginger (fresh or ground)<br>
1 <u>tbsp</u> vanilla extract<br>
1/4 cup honey or 1/2 cup brown sugar<br>
1 tbsp butter or coconut oil</p>
<p dir="ltr">You'll notice there's a lot of choices on the ingredients. You can make these clean and vegan or cheap and wholesome. Or just make use of what you have on hand.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In a saucepan bring milk and a pinch of salt to a quick boil. Toss in oats immediately and remove from heat. </p>
<p dir="ltr">In a small saucepan pour whole can of peaches, juices and all, sugar, cinnamon, ginger and butter. Cook on medium high until it starts to form a sweet, thick syrup. Taste - it should be a little bit too sweet and strong. Remove from heat. Stir in cooked oats and vanilla extract.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Separate into four jars while still hot. Let cool and then refrigerate until ready to eat.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Blueberry Banana Parfaits<br>
(Makes 4)<br>
24oz blueberry yogurt<br>
1 cup cranberry almond granola<br>
1 cup blueberries, frozen or fresh<br>
2 bananas</p>
<p dir="ltr">Layer ingredients equally among 4 jars. I suggest starting with a granola layer but that's just me. Refrigerate until ready to eat.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IeYT3M7kuz0/VQ3C2RuSu8I/AAAAAAAAAv0/E0BEUSR9Gf8/s1600/IMG_20150320_102502_363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IeYT3M7kuz0/VQ3C2RuSu8I/AAAAAAAAAv0/E0BEUSR9Gf8/s640/IMG_20150320_102502_363.jpg"> </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-34852314743312839392015-02-02T12:35:00.001-08:002015-02-23T22:55:31.361-08:00Tropical chia pudding<p dir="ltr">You know those super organized people who pack their lunch, prepare breakfast and clea. The house before bed so that the morning goes as smoothly as possible? I aspire to be one of those people. Unfortunately, im a morning person which means when bedtime is coming up im miserable and exhausted. </p>
<p dir="ltr">On a few rare occasions, especially as I've fallen more and more in love with meal prep and freezer meals (zero waste, of course), I manage to get breakfast ready ahead of time. This cool recipe you can make 24 hours ahead of time (I haven't waited longer than that, let me know if you do). Or the night before. But it needs to refrigerate for at least four hours so please plan ahead appropriately. </p>
<p dir="ltr">This also makes for a good "dessert". </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>You</b><b> </b><b>Will</b><b> </b><b>Need</b><b>:</b><br>
1 cup coconut milk<br>
1/4 cup chia seeds<br>
1/4 cup maple syrup<br>
1 tbsp melted coconut oil<br>
Chopped mango, kiwi, pineapple and sliced almonds for topping. Flaked coconut would be good too. Mix and match as you please.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Mix all ingredients, including your topping, in a jar. <br>
Let sit unrefrigerated for about an hour. <br>
Shake it really good than refrigerate for 4+ hours.<br>
When ready to eat, shake it and dig in. </p>
<p dir="ltr">See, wasn't that easy? </p>
<p dir="ltr">Chia pudding is a total cheater breakfast. :)<br>
</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-28951251322329067652014-12-20T14:44:00.001-08:002014-12-20T14:44:49.626-08:00My first travel post<p dir="ltr">So excited to announce this as this is my first major adventure in regards to travel. I'm currently on a bus to Oakland, California from eastern Oregon. 24 hour trip and totally worth it.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I'm not an experienced traveler. This first experience is good for those of you getting ready for your first trip - an experiment in adventure. You can learn from me what I learned the hard way.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So here's my list of prep tips. You'll see more on the actual trip later.</p>
<p dir="ltr">1. Make a list of everything you need to bring. Right before you leave, check it. We forgot our water bottle.<br>
2. If it freezes where you live and you're leaving for more than a day, shut your water off at the source and drain your pipes.<br>
3. Make a budget. Save ahead of time. Spare change is a miracle. We saved our spare change in a piggy bank for six months. It can out to over $94. On minimum wage, folks. <br>
4. Research costs, places to visit. Food in Cali is 3 times the cost where I live. Disney world is even worse. <br>
5. Pack light. I'll write more about this later, but in short it will save you time, baggage fees and stress.<br>
6. Buses are wonderful places to meet people. So are airports. I'm not a social person but travel is a rare opportunity to expand your horizons. Consider this part of the experience, its certainly memorable.<br>
7. Take pictures of what you eat. And everything else. Phones are great, I didn't bring my nice camera because I didn't need it. <br>
8. Keep a light journal with some highlights you can look back on.<br>
9. Keep receipts, ticket stubs, etc. Screw souvenirs.<br>
10. Leave your house clean. Coming home to a spotless house makes recovery from travel immensely easier.<br>
11. Bring a water bottle with a built in <u>filter</u>. Not only will this save you money, its cleaner than bottled water and a lot of places won't let you bring outside drinks but they will allow reusable bottles. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I hope some of this helps. What did you learn this first time you traveled?</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-69719009124999367072014-11-13T22:00:00.001-08:002014-12-18T15:18:42.105-08:00The Cause of Financial Emergencies<p dir="ltr">Its exhausting living paycheck to paycheck, constantly terrified of what could happen when the funds run out. You try to budget, spend wisely, work hard. But there's never enough. Something always comes up. Pregnancy, eviction, family emergency, job opportunity, snowstorm, food runs out, hospital bill, check returned, dogs hit by a car, etc.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Frequent financial emergencies that drain your savings account are a direct result of too many financial responsibilities. Do you have more pets than you can take care of? Have you been taking care of someone or lending out money? Do you have kids to take care of? A car? A rental or owned home? Debt? A job that requires a payment from you, such as a personal business or trucking?</p>
<p dir="ltr">It sounds awful, but if your budget is balanced, you can't find a way to bring in more income, and you find yourself facing emergency financial moments this is what you have to do: cut your responsibilities or find help with them. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I'm not saying don't feed your kids. But maybe sell that 2014 truck and get yourself a sturdy Chevy that costs you 1/10th the price and is cheaper to fix. And cheaper to insure. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The second step of budgeting is emergency and longterm planning. Your dog needs vaccines? You should have prepared for this.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Now your whole stability is threatened by a preventable event. </p>
<p dir="ltr">But say you're in my situation - where its vaccines or the gas bill? It means you have too many responsibilities. Learn to say no.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I want kids really badly. I'm saying no, not until my husband can work. My car needs repairs. I'm going to make sure the house I'm renting is insulated for the winter first. </p>
<p dir="ltr">You have to prioritize. Because especially when money is tight, it is a finite resource that won't magically multiply. Make sure you have a real emergency cushion - because things can always get worse. Plan ahead for what you can afford. Say no or ask for help for the things you can't. </p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-15036561964942706052014-09-26T08:54:00.001-07:002014-09-26T09:01:45.057-07:00A New Season's Flavors: Raw Cranberry Peach smoothie<p dir="ltr">My lawn is covered in leaves, smothering the evil weed called grass. But in the produce department I work at we are still receiving plums, peaches and other late summer fare from California and Oregon alike. This is perhaps my favorite time of year because for just a few weeks you have the luxurious opportunity to blend fall and summer flavors at their peak of freshness.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Perhaps my favorite of these combinations? Sweet summer peach and tart, juicy fall cranberries. </p>
<p dir="ltr">This smoothie is a great, elegant way to elevate any entertaining or enjoy it as a healthy energy boost with breakfast (there's not enough protein or fat in this to be consumed as a meal in and of itself unfortunately).</p>
<p dir="ltr">Stick it in popsicle molds, if you've got kids and theres your daily dose of hidden spinach, unprocessed so it retains all nutritional value.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You Will Need:</p>
<p dir="ltr">3/4 cup 100% cranberry juice, raw (use water and 1/4 cup fresh cranberries if you prefer)<br>
1 cup spinach<br>
1 banana, peeled<br>
1 medium to large peach, sliced and pitted, skin on<br>
1/4 cup whole raw pecans<br>
1 tsp raw honey<br>
6 icecubes</p>
<p dir="ltr">Put all ingredients in a blender on high. Blend until it reaches your preferred consistency.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Enjoy :)</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-55134244524043108182014-09-01T14:06:00.001-07:002014-09-01T14:06:08.189-07:00Getting organized<p dir="ltr">I spent most of this morning before work crying and freaking out because my to-do list was too big and I was all burned out. And as a result I made myself more stressed and my list did not get smaller or more manageable. This is a daily routine. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I'm a big fan of the "Edit your commitments" series on zen habits. I believe in minimalism. But I'm still finding myself overwhelmed with projects and tasks and work. I can't find time for myself or my family in this chaos.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I've talked about getting organized a lot before. And I've given up a lot.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I'm here to give it another shot. Small steps. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The first step? Work lunch. I spend 3 hours a week combined packing my lunches, sometimes 6. I don't want to buy food (too expensive and unhealthy). So I'm going to pack a weeks worth in one day. The goal: in under 2 hours. Hopefully even one. These lunches are going to be vegan, healthy, and filling. Each one will have a salad, a sweet and an entrée.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Wish me luck.</p>
<p dir="ltr">What have you done to organize your life?</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-64574178400212308672014-08-21T12:07:00.001-07:002014-12-20T14:50:22.705-08:00Why Millionaires Ride Bikes<p dir="ltr">Well, once they became millionaires they probably stopped. But seriously - riding a bike instead of driving can save you thousands of dollars in just one year.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I'm a wee bit obsessed with money lately - supporting my family on one minimum wage job with no government assistance and a plethora of medical expenses has caused that. And I'm very aware that biking isnt feasible for everyone. </p>
<p dir="ltr">But, it's definitely worth considering.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In one month, including insurance, gas, maintenance and repairs our car costs us about $300. That's not counting how much the car cost to purchase (we payed cash - so if you have a car payment yours is probably even higher), change the title, and get me and my husbands license. ($900 total). Then there's new tags every few years, new tires, etc. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Cars are fucking expensive.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On the other hand, a bicycle (a good one) costs $300, then get a basket to attach to the back for running errands or carrying groceries (or a trailer for your kids) - $75. That bike will need less than $100 in maintenance a year. And it will last at least ten. Broken down, that's less than $25 a month. Significantly cheaper than a car.</p>
<p dir="ltr">For young, single people, students, parents even - this is very feasible. For long trips carpool with a friend - just give some gas money over.</p>
<p dir="ltr">What do you think? How much money could you save riding your bike to work? Or do you have a better idea?</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-56801995020774442182014-05-25T10:44:00.000-07:002014-05-25T10:44:03.075-07:00Tariffs for Small BusinessesIn the beginning of the America's history, there were high import tariffs on foreign goods to protect the delicate, newly developed industries in America. And it worked.<br />
<br />
Now, in a time where good jobs are scarce and our economy is faltering, a small business has little chance of survival because it can't compete with the corporate giants and cheap foreign products. If America implemented high tariffs on imported goods again, and created a "competition tariff" for businesses, say for the sake of argument over 500,000 employees large or over 1 million in net worth, it would increase the ability for American manufacturers and small businesses to compete, promote true diversity in the marketplace, create American industry jobs, and lower the prices of locally produced goods.<br />
<br />
What do you think?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-40826489859752088172014-05-07T12:17:00.001-07:002014-05-07T12:17:28.312-07:00Party Nominees in the Presidential ElectionsThe parties select who our candidates are for us... then we get to choose among them. Just like how communist/dictatorship Russia held their presidential elections - those politically powerful selected two or three potential candidates, then let the people vote. We have a choice between the lesser of three evils, essentially. There's no democracy, no diversity in candidates. It's like having a choice from the menu, but no choice in what restaurant you go to.<br />
<br />
This needs changing. It's why we're never happy with our presidents, and why they never represent us. It's because they're pandering to the needs of their party - the real voters.<br />
<br />
Any ideas on what to do about it?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-74466164486970236692014-04-24T18:29:00.001-07:002014-04-24T18:30:01.284-07:00Vegan Spiced Strawberry Oatmeal<h2>
Vegan Spiced Strawberry Oatmeal</h2>
<div>
I'm a huge morning person, which for me includes eating a gigantic, filling breakfast. As I've begun my transition to ovo-vegetarian (a vegetarian who doesn't have milk), oatmeal has become my crutch. Not only is it healthy, convenient, easy and packed with protein (11 grams in each cup) - but it's also sweet, luxurious, and makes the transition that much more comfortable.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I discovered this awesome combination while scrounging for food in our under-stocked pantry. I was impressed enough to share it with you. When I find my camera I'll take some pictures. This recipe provides two servings of about 1 1/2 cups <i>very</i> thick cooked oatmeal.</div>
<h3>
You Will Need:</h3>
1 cup rolled oats<br />
1 cup water<br />
1 cup rice/almond milk (or more if you like thin oatmeal)<br />
1 pinch of salt<br />
2-4 tbsp pumpkin pie spice (to taste)<br />
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar<br />
1 tbsp honey<br />
2 cups chopped fresh or frozen strawberries (the riper the better; feel free to experiment with other berries)<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Oatmeal:</h3>
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan except rolled oats. Cook until boiling, stirring occasionally. When boiling add rolled oats, and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and serve warm or refrigerate for later.<br />
<br />
Let me know what you think!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-19143652520520414672014-04-05T12:32:00.002-07:002014-04-05T12:32:26.461-07:0050% Project UpdateI haven't had a lot of time to update here lately. I've been cooking a lot, but my camera is in storage so I won't have pictures to accompany many of my posts. I've been working full-time, going to school full-time (I graduate June 14th!!), spending time with my family, and trying to get into an apartment (which is seemingly impossible in this little town).<br />
<br />
On the other hand, I've been doing a lot that I wanted to tell you about. I have $1,800 in savings now, which is <i>over</i> 50% of what I've made since January 1st. December had failed miserably, but I rallied myself and put myself to work.<br />
<br />
Here's what I did to save money:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Minimized what I thought I "needed".</li>
<li>Set a reasonably budget for fun things, because it is important to enjoy life. This cut back on impulsive purchases.</li>
<li>Cooked more food from scratch and ate more whole foods, which minimized my food budget completely on accident. Making my own bread, bagels and hamburger buns has saved me about $25 a month. Eating salads instead of chips has saved me even more ($1 for spinach, or $3 for chips... hm?)</li>
<li>Switched to a dirt cheap cat litter ($2 for 25 lbs).</li>
<li>Started buying my pet food from Grocery Outlet (1/2 the price of Walmart). I only feed my animals Purina and Pedigree, if I could afford it they'd eat Science Diet or Blue Buffalo. But I'm paying $20 for pet food a month.</li>
<li>Make my own laundry soap (bar soap, washing soda and borax).</li>
<li>Pack my work lunches.</li>
<li>Switched to a cheap, but natural bar soap - it's a glycerin soap, which is what my doctor suggested.</li>
<li>Drink water instead of soda (saves TONS of money).</li>
<li>Shop smart - snag discounted items, and buy used.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am one paycheck away from $2,000 in savings - which is halfway to my goal. I thoroughly believe I will meet my savings goal by this next December, if not exceed it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What have you been doing to become more financially stable?</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-91248356622934361522014-01-04T16:42:00.000-08:002014-01-04T16:42:11.549-08:00New Year's Resolutions<div style="text-align: center;">
My New Year's Resolutions</div>
<ol>
<li>Graduate High School</li>
<li>Save money</li>
<li>Get my own apartment</li>
<li>Learn to drive</li>
</ol>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-5133285405068959842013-12-14T22:22:00.001-08:002013-12-14T22:22:45.230-08:00Food Shouldn't Be a Barrier to Better Education<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://th00.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2010/311/3/9/tears_of_hunger_by_alcausin-d32cqux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://th00.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2010/311/3/9/tears_of_hunger_by_alcausin-d32cqux.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit <a href="http://alcausin.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">Alcousin</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I live in a small town, with a poor, badly managed public school with a horrid bullying problem. Last school year we had two teen suicides. The school has a bad habit of kicking students out over health-related problems. The teachers and administration are some of the biggest bullies. The high school has a very high dropout rate.<br />
<br />
The only option for many of us is online school. Oregon has 2 great statewide public (AKA free) online schools - Oregon Connections Academy (ORCA) and Insight (K-12).<br />
<br />
However, so many impoverished students can't enroll in the school. Not because of lack of access to technology - but because the local high school's free lunch program is their main source of food. Foodstamps, SNAP, doesn't provide enough food money to feed growing teenagers who are home all day.<br />
<br />
And without proper nutrition, students can't be expected to succeed in education.<br />
<br />
So many students must stay in the local school - enduring bullying, harrasment from teachers, a subpar education, and most likely not finishing high school - just so they can eat. <br />
<br />
The best suggestion I have is that the online public school's should provide a SNAP credit to students who qualify for the free and reduced lunch program.<br />
<br />
What do you think?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-41213048162801873342013-12-10T14:03:00.002-08:002014-04-05T11:50:42.751-07:00The 50% Project<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
"No matter how much you make or where it comes from, save 50% of everything."</blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/318/d/b/dbef5eac2497cf27576be066a7958683-d1o8fe9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2010/318/d/b/dbef5eac2497cf27576be066a7958683-d1o8fe9.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit <a href="http://julie-de-waroquier.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">Julie de Waroquier</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That right there is the best financial advice I've ever gotten. However, living up to it is harder than it looks. I recently got my first job (part-time, entry-level), and of course, there's the bills. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Me and my husband still live with his mom, and we want to get our own place. We want to get a car. I'm going to college next year (hopefully). These things cost a lot of money, money I'm not going to find in my small paychecks. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We can't take out a loan, and even if we could we don't want to.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So instead, <b>I'm doing the 50% Project</b>. It starts today, with my most recent paycheck. And the goal is simple - save 50% of every penny that enters my wallet. Don't let my expenses exceed my means.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Eventually, I'll have enough to open a savings account. And then accomplish those goals I mentioned above. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>So how will the project work?</b> If you want to join in, here's what I'm doing:</div>
<br />
<ol>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Put away 50% of <i>all</i> income, whether it's from work or gifts.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Make it as difficult as possible to spend the money you're saving, so you're less likely to spend it. This can be putting it in a locked savings account, or just giving it to a more responsible spouse to keep safe. Safety deposit boxes work well, and old fashioned piggy banks are good too.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Keep track of how much money is coming in, how much is going out, and where it's going. I do this in a small, portable notebook. I save all my receipts, organized in little envelopes by month.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Every once in a while I'll post an update here on the blog of what I've managed to save, and a glance at where my money went, and any suggestions I have or lessons I've learned. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Daily motivating myself by looking at my bank account statement as it grows with every penny saved.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Doing Christmas for as little money as I can possibly manage. I'm hand-making gifts, writing letters and mailing photos instead of buying gift cards, using leftover cards from previous years, and making Christmas Eve phone calls to the distant but precious family. I'm only buying gifts for 3 people, and I'm keeping it under $20 each.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Staying accountable - I promised my husband that I'm going to stick to this, and now I'm promising you.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Stay positive - if I mess up, I'm not going to beat myself up. I'm going to keep moving forward, and so should you.</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>What do I hope to accomplish with this project?</b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: justify;">A small savings to help me and my husband accomplish our goals.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Develop self-discipline and better money-managing skills.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Learn to live minimally.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Stay out of debt.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Be financially independent of others (not needing to rely on help from family or welfare).</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>When will the project end?</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For me, I'm going to wait to end the project until I reach my goal of $4,000 in a locked savings account. However, if you're participating in this project, too, you can do it until whenever you feel like. If that's for only 1 month as an experiment, or until you have the $400 for your new PlayStation 4, so be it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>But it's Christmas.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am very aware that it's December, the hardest month for almost anyone to save. But I also believe that it's the perfect time to test this, to try and stretch the limits of our self-control and practice delayed-gratification. For more information on a minimalist Christmas, I highly suggest this post over at <a href="http://zenhabits.net/bah/" target="_blank">Zen Habits</a>. Christmas doesn't have to cost you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I wish all of you luck with your own financial journeys, thanks for sticking around to read about mine.</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-32633279003447310892013-12-08T19:33:00.001-08:002014-03-12T18:33:51.130-07:00Delicious, Nostalgic Red Cabbage Rolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQX3VcZiJlU/UqU0A_sfdUI/AAAAAAAAAmo/wfkOWvkrlNw/s1600/IMG_5967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQX3VcZiJlU/UqU0A_sfdUI/AAAAAAAAAmo/wfkOWvkrlNw/s400/IMG_5967.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
About 4 or 5 years ago at my best friends house, her mother (who is an incredible cook as it is) served me red cabbage rolls. But instead of the mushy, tomato-sauce drowned rolls I'd had at Middle Eastern restaurants in the past - these rolls were heavenly. The cabbage was still firm, the beef exquisite. There were fresh vegetables and a slightly sweet taste. They were delicious.</div>
<br />
<br />
Now, while this is a variation of her original recipe, it is still just as good.<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Red Cabbage Rolls</h2>
You Will Need:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 head red cabbage</li>
<li>2 lbs ground beef</li>
<li>2 (red, yellow or white) regular onions (or 1/4 cup onion powder), diced</li>
<li>4 garlic cloves, minced</li>
<li>1/4 cup fresh/canned/dried mushrooms, diced</li>
<li>1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce</li>
<li>1 cup white rice</li>
<li>1 6oz can tomato paste</li>
<li>1 diced tomato</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>1 tbsp paprika </li>
<li>4 tbsp salt</li>
<li>1 tsp pepper</li>
<li>1 tbsp Italian seasoning blend (or 1 tbsp worth of basil, oregano and thyme)</li>
<li>Bacon grease for greasing the pan (if you don't have any, shortening will work)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If your ground beef is frozen, make sure it is completely defrosted before starting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zwhzyfoVi_M/UqU0Aa2F4hI/AAAAAAAAAms/ABHhNe1nabg/s1600/IMG_5965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zwhzyfoVi_M/UqU0Aa2F4hI/AAAAAAAAAms/ABHhNe1nabg/s400/IMG_5965.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fill a large soup pot with water and some salt. Heat to boiling, and add the whole cabbage. Parboil for about 5 minutes. Do not over boil, your leaves will disintegrate. Carefully remove the cabbage head from the boiling water - do not drain. Cut off the flexible leaves at the base, one by one, pealing the thick stem off for easier rolling. Be careful to keep the leaves whole. Set them aside. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When you reach the stiff inner leaves, return the cabbage head to the pot and boil for another 5 minutes. Remove again, do not drain, and peel off the remaining leaves. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In a small pot, combine 1 cup of dry white rice and 1 cup of water. Add a dash of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cover. Let simmer until water is completely absorbed, approximately 8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, mushroom, Worcetershire, cooled rice, tomato paste, tomato, eggs, paprika, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. The best mixing is done with bare hands, but if you don't like that a wooden spoon works adequately. </div>
<br />
When everything is thoroughly mixed, take 1 large 13x9 inch glass baking pan. Grease with the bacon grease, thoroughly.<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 350 F.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctiDao8I6D0/UqUz4QNi0rI/AAAAAAAAAmc/WjC2b5O5KhQ/s1600/IMG_5970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ctiDao8I6D0/UqUz4QNi0rI/AAAAAAAAAmc/WjC2b5O5KhQ/s320/IMG_5970.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Take your cabbage leaves, and fill them with the hamburger mixture, rolling them. Place them in your greased glass baking pan. When done, pour 1 cup of the reserved cabbage boiling water in, then cover with tinfoil.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bake for 1 hour. Then, remove the tinfoil and bake for another 20 minutes. There will still be some fluid left in the pan.</div>
<br />
These are best served with mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy, but I like them with ketchup.<br />
<br />
Enjoy. )<br />
<br />
<b>Important Note:</b> DO NOT put more water in your glass pan. It will shatter. Once the initial water is added, while your glass pan is still cool, do not add more. Ever.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-34750419835385566752013-05-01T16:42:00.003-07:002013-05-01T16:42:28.807-07:00"Hungry for Change" Documentary Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.newvideo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Hungry-For-Change-DVD-F1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.newvideo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Hungry-For-Change-DVD-F1.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1362703444"></span><span id="goog_1362703445"></span>The documentary "Hungry for Change" was a very positive, very motivating film in a category that tends to feel vaguely apocalyptic. The documentary focuses on several key aspects of dieting, considering first what we're doing wrong and why it's not working, then switching gears to what does work. The film discussed eating habits, exercise, detoxes and cleanses, psychological practices that are proven to work, sleep, personal care products, and hydration. Every aspect of this film is backed up by two or more credible experts' interviews and a plethora of current scientific research.<br />
<br />
"Hungry for Change" was nothing short of impressive. It's one of the best films I have <i>ever</i> seen in this category, for it's positive attitude, credibility, and how well-done the filming was.This was not a boring documentary.<br />
<br />
This film exploded conventional thinking with its strong, scientific facts backing up each and every claim. In an area I feel myself to be well-educated in, I learned several new things in a variety of areas. If you are looking to be healthier, feel better, or lose weight, this film is an absolutely necessary piece of education.<br />
<br />
I can't begin to say how important I think it is that you see this documentary. Check it out. I promise you, it'll be worth your time. You can watch the first 20 minutes online for free on the website <a href="http://www.hungryforchange.tv/" target="_blank">hungryforchange.tv</a>, and you can also find it on Netflix's watch instantly.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-5155450373671255092013-04-07T11:56:00.003-07:002013-04-07T11:57:37.292-07:00How to Not Be Crazy Without Being Normal<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2009/352/d/d/Maybe_We__re_Crazy_by_Kezzi_Rose.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2009/352/d/d/Maybe_We__re_Crazy_by_Kezzi_Rose.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Maybe We're Crazy" by <a href="http://kezzi-rose.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">Kezzi-Rose</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is, probably, the weirdest post title you have ever read. But it sums up the largest issue in my life at the moment: I'm the crazy girlfriend. I mean <i>crazy</i>. I don't like it, I hate being like this. But here's my catch 22 - normal people are boring as fuck.<br />
<br />
I need to find a balance. I need to be eccentric, without being nuts. Original without being weird. Normal without being boring. Special without being "special".<br />
<br />
But you know what? When you go down the mental rabbit hole and you hit the bottom, no one tells you how to get out. Sure, there's medications. "Coping" skills. But in all honesty... no way to return to a healthy mental state without drugging up. No way to once and for all leave the suicidal hole you've dug.<br />
<br />
I mean really? C'mon. I knew there had to be more to it.<br />
<br />
So, through much trial and error, I've identified some ways to make myself less crazy without being a dull, flat person. The trick to finding these was reverse-engineering. I identified how I got in this mess, step by step, and then figured out how to back my way out so to speak.<br />
<br />
These awesome, all-natural, effective methods?<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Better habits</li>
<li>Objective opinions - asking the opinion and advice of people who I thought would give an educated, unbiased opinion.</li>
<li>Experimentation - try everything, and drop what doesn't work. What works? Cling to for dear life.</li>
<li>A Healthy body</li>
<li>Brainwashing - you have to change how you think. Think positive, efficient, and rational. All crazy thinking habits need to be exterminated.</li>
<li>Effective problem-solving - identify the problem, brainstorm solutions, then fix it. If the problem is out of your control, learn to let go.</li>
<li>Constant self-evaluation - come back, about once a week, and look at your progress. Celebrate your growth, your triumphs. Identify your mistakes, and where you need to work on for next week.</li>
<li>Hard work </li>
</ul>
<br />
Yeah... probably the weirdest list on eliminating the crazy, but true.<br />
<br />
What do you think?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-89331183287486813242013-01-24T13:24:00.005-08:002013-01-24T13:24:53.184-08:00Bullying<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Be the change you seek." - Mahatma Gandhi</blockquote>
In one semester, in my tiny little town, two kids have killed themselves. One of them was my friend.<br />
<br />
Now, we can place blame all we want. Blame the media. Blame the school. Blame the bullies. Blame the victims. Blame the parents.<br />
<br />
But let's stop talking about whose fault it is, and talk about what you can do to stop this. Because the leading cause of death of teenagers, of my <i>friends</i>, is suicide. Drunk driving kills less kids.<br />
<br />
The solution is really simple though. So simple it's a shame that this is even a problem.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Be nice. Be loving. Help. Think before you speak. Promote other people to be nice. Raise nice kids.</blockquote>
<br />
Because if the problem is the media, being nice will be show them the media is lying. If the problem is school, being nice will make it easier. If the problem is the bullies, raising nice kids will prevent it. If the problem is the victims, helping them will pull them through it. If the problem is the parents, showing love will save them. <br />
<br />
And be like this with everyone. Not just the people you think are "at risk". No one "deserves it". I don't care if she cheated on you, I don't care if they're mean. When you stoop to the level of bullying you are even worse than they are.<br />
<br />
Take this from a girl who's tried to kill herself 6 times, and almost did last night - I'm considered one of the happiest people my friends know.<br />
<br />
You won't know who's "at risk". It could be anyone. It could be your best friend. It could be the cashier at the grocery store. It could be the head cheerleader.<br />
<br />
"Fighting back" won't fix it - believe me, I've tried. So has science. Studies have proven, though, that fighting back only makes it worse. Standing up for them helps, in a way. You give them hope, show them someone cares. But it also makes the bully angrier, and sneakier.<br />
<br />
So seriously. Stop blaming people. Stop trying to find some "perfect" prevention plan. It's an easy problem to solve.<br />
<br />
Be nice.<br />
<br />
I am so very sick of the cruelty that is accepted in America on the grounds of free speech. In a given day, I'm told by some youtube commenter to kill myself. I'm glared at and shoved by in the grocery store. I'm yelled at by my mother. I have nightmares about the crap my Dad put me through. I find out about a new rumor my ex-boyfriend has spread. I'm confronted by the judgement in my church. I'm told how worthless I am. My nose is rubbed in my failures. I'm anonymously texted about what a bitch I am. I'm told I'm a slut and a whore. And this isn't just me.<br />
<br />
Every teenager I know goes through the same exact thing. Some go through even worse. No one escapes it, not even the "popular" or "well-adjusted" kids.<br />
<br />
Every week, there's a school shooting in the news. Every three months someone I know dies.<br />
<br />
When I was in public school, it was even worse. My cell number was given to everyone, including college students. I turned my phone off to stop getting those disgusting, disturbing and traumatizing texts and calls.I shut my facebook off for the same reason. I was cornered in empty hallways, shoved around and laughed at. My stuff was stolen, hidden around school, destroyed. I was laughed out of classrooms. Publicly humiliated by teachers. Tripped when I walked by. Rumors spread like wildfire. Sexually harassed. Sexually assaulted. Every time I got food at lunch, I was told how fat and disgusting I was. I stopped eating. Derogatory essays on how "disgusting and wrong" homosexuals are was accepted as school appropriate. I was alone - in an overcrowded lunch room, I sat at an empty table. The few who pretended to be my friends told everyone the secrets I told them. I was followed home, watched, threatened. I can't count how many times I was told to just kill myself and get it over with. <br />
<br />
And this is just some of what happened. And no, it's not just me. I wasn't a "rare exception". It wasn't because I'm gay - I'm not. It happens to <i>all</i> of my friends. No one escapes high school unscathed.<br />
<br />
So please.<br />
<br />
Be nice.<br />
<br />
It could save a life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-8847103918622033792013-01-08T11:04:00.005-08:002013-01-08T11:04:45.919-08:00Minimalism: Obsessions and Collections<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs51/f/2009/297/1/a/Hello_Kitty_Art_Show_by_camilladerrico.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs51/f/2009/297/1/a/Hello_Kitty_Art_Show_by_camilladerrico.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting credit camilladerrico. Hello Kitty credit Sanrio.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love Hello Kitty. A lot. Probably too much. I also have an obsession with Batman, the X-men, and the Avengers. Again, I like these probably a little too much. If my Batman blanket were to dissapear I'd mourn it like a friend.<br />
<br />
I'm a minimalist. So whenever I say I collect Hello Kitty stuff I tend to get weird looks. "But you're a minimalist" they say, "you can't have collections!"<br />
<br />
Well, that's just not true. The point of minimalism is to prioritize what's important, and get rid of the excess. So the plethora of Hello Kitty plushies, were donated to Goodwill. But the alarm clock, or the T-shirt? It's useful. It can stay.<br />
<br />
I've found a rather unique way to personalize my minimalist room with my obsessions. Half my clothes are Marvel or Sanrio. My pencils are kept in a Batman bucket. My loose art is kept in a Hello Kitty organizer. I sleep every night with a Batman and Avengers blanket.<br />
<br />
Now, the point of this message is to explain to you how you can keep your collections, in part, without letting them become clutter. There are two options here. Option one is to find your obsession in useful things. For example, if you like Star Wars, perhaps get a Star Wars laptop cover. But the plethora of Star Wars memorabilia in the garage can probably go. The second option is for less general collections, such as paintings or glass dolls or stuffed animals. These you minimize to only what you love the most, then display them. Use them to decorate your home.<br />
<br />
Minimalism doesn't have to be blank white walls with blank white sheets and blank white clothes. It can be personalized to your color and vibrancy and passion. The unnecessary isn't what everyone else says is unnecessary - it's what you feel you don't need. The rest you can keep. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-33673331612132461542012-11-30T09:46:00.001-08:002012-11-30T09:48:02.592-08:00A Simple Life, With a Simple Future<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.japhethlim.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Farmstay2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://blog.japhethlim.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Farmstay2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Japheth Lim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>I don't want much out of life.</b><br />
<br />
I want to learn. Everything.<br />
I want to drink coffee.<br />
I want to make the world a better place. <br />
I want to be in love.<br />
I want a dog.<br />
I want a beautiful, luxurious garden.<br />
I want a teeny-tiny house that's mine. <br />
I want to be free.<br />
I want to read good books. <br />
I want to be a mommy to kids who don't have one.<br />
I want to hang out with my friends.<br />
I want to eat good foods.<br />
I want a strong, loving community.<br />
And I want to have fun doing it.<br />
<br />
<b>None of these things requires a college degree. None of these require a high school diploma or GED. Most of them don't need any money. I don't need to wait for any of these things. I can have them right now, if I started working for them.</b><br />
<br />
My purpose in life is simple, and to me it is everything. It's who I am. I don't want money, or fame, or glory. I don't want success. I don't want the big house, the big family, and the fancy job. I want something simple. I want something that makes me happy. <br />
<br />
But I'm not happy. Right now I have none of those things. I've been working my butt off on school... but for what?<br />
<br />
I know it's a good idea to get my diploma and go to college. You know - more opportunity. I could care less about the income level and job "benefits". But it really doesn't seem worth it. It's not worth the time, the energy, the stress. I'd much rather be pursuing something truly meaningful. <br />
<br />
<b>What do you want out of life? How are you getting it? </b><br />
<br />
<u><i>Further Reading:</i></u><br />
<a href="http://zenhabits.net/the-short-but-powerful-guide-to-finding-your-passion/" target="_blank">The Short But Powerful Guide to Finding Your Passion </a><br />
<a href="http://zenhabits.net/passion-and-purpose-in-life/" target="_blank">The 5 Percent Trick: Finding Passion and Purpose in Life </a><br />
<a href="http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/01/how-to-discover-your-life-purpose-in-about-20-minutes/" target="_blank">How To Discover Your Life's Purpose in About 20 Minutes</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-33423358062711197752012-11-22T13:22:00.002-08:002012-11-22T13:22:23.833-08:00Broadening Your Horizons<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs31/i/2008/196/a/3/Growth_by_Masterwks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs31/i/2008/196/a/3/Growth_by_Masterwks.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Michelle from InLightImagery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>I believe it's very important to grow. As people, we have a fundamental duty to be better people. </b>Now, this duty has several meanings. It can mean being better by being healthier. Being better by being nicer. But it can also mean by being more. By expanding our identity, and learning new skills, and building the foundation of who we are.<br />
<br />
<b>For me, this means a lot of exploration. Of learning new things, of broadening my horizons. </b><br />
<br />
This first time I "broadened my horizons" was when I read my first philosophical treatise. I was suddenly exposed to a radical new way of thinking. I learned something new. I became just a little bit less ignorant.<br />
<br />
Since then, I have been voraciously seeking out new ways to grow and expose myself to new ideas. I've watched hundreds of documentaries. I read everything, even things that I don't agree with (like traditional Taoism). I talk to people, and ask them about their lives, how they feel, how they experience and see life. I look at different cultures, different religions, different languages and mannerisms... even in music and art, I try to constantly expose myself to new things.<br />
<br />
This exploration has become an adventure in itself, and I'm always seeking out new ways to grow. I read a lot of self-improvement books. I'm going to travel someday - so I can directly expose myself to new cultures and new experiences.<br />
<br />
But there's one fundamental aspect to this, that without which none of this growth would be possible. <b>I learned to accept that I don't know everything, I'm not always right (in fact I'm usually wrong), and that I can never, ever judge someone no matter how righteous I feel because I don't understand, and I will never fully understand.</b><br />
<br />
A good illustration of this fundamental principle is my mom. My mom is a Type 1 diabetic. She will never be better. She is always sick, she always feels sick. Her roller-coaster blood sugars can never be completely controlled. I can sympathize with this - I can listen to her, try to understand, be compassionate and accept her experiences as true. But I will never truly understand - because I can't feel it. I am not in her body.<br />
<br />
And that's true with everyone. No human being has ever shared an experience that is exactly the same as someone elses. Now, that's not to say we can't understand each other.<br />
<br />
But it's important to remember, so that we can humble ourselves when we've made an innacurate judgement. For example, for a very long time I thought all ranking millitary officials were war-mongers. I had someone very clearly point out to me how wrong I was, and in the process I hurt someone I cared about because of my ignorance. So I humbled myself, I apologized, and I learned.<br />
<br />
I broadened my horizons. <br />
<br />
I greatly encourage you to do the same.<br />
<br />
<b>What are you doing to broaden your horizons?</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-22102285197047394562012-11-16T17:11:00.005-08:002012-11-16T17:46:06.146-08:00The Cupcake Movement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/redcarnwrapperspsd.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Help keep over 69.4 billion pounds of trash out of landfills every year!</h2>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/redcarnwrapperspsd.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/redcarnwrapperspsd.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit Christina Friedrichsen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>What is The Cupcake Movement?</b><br />
The
Cupcake Movement is a fun, exciting, simple way to introduce the world
towards sustainable, waste-free living. All you have to do is quit
cupcake liners. It's an affordable change (it actually saves you money)
that anyone can pull off.<br />
<br />
And it will change the world.<br />
<br />
<b>What do I do?</b><br />
It's quite simple really. All you have to do is quit using cupcake liners. That's it!<br />
<br />
<b> </b>Now,
don't laugh. I'm serious. If every American quit using cupcake liners
we'd keep over 69.4 billion pounds of trash out of dumps EVERY YEAR.<br />
<br />
This
is a small, simple change. You will barely even have to think about it.
But if we do this, and we stick to it, it's one huge step towards a
sustainable planet.<br />
<br />
<b>What about bake sales? Or my cupcake business?</b><br />
If
you're one of the groups affected financially by giving up cupcake
liners, don't worry about it. There's actually two really effective ways
to fix this problem. 1) Switch to reusable, stainless steel or ceramic
cupcake liners. Give customers a credit for bringing them back, kind of
like pop cans. 2) Be vocal about why you're giving them up, bring your
customers in on your crusade for cupcake liners (maybe throw in a line
or two about how it'll lower your prices) and save the planet together!
We can do this!!<br />
<br />
<b>How can I help?</b><br />
Spread
the word! Like our page on facebook, encourage your friends, have a
cupcake-liner-less cupcake party! This movement will change the world
and it can be fun!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>So come on: ditch the cupcake liners. And tell everyone about it. Let's start a movement!</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-31725147364906306192012-11-16T16:06:00.000-08:002012-11-16T16:06:15.188-08:00What I've Been Doing Wrong...There's this circular system of growth when it comes to being a disciple of Christ. There are two primary aspects to Christianity: Action, and Heart.<br />
<br />
Action is what you do. Action is paying your tithing, going to church, being nice to your neighbor and reading your bible. It's all of the doing, the following of the rules. It's obedience, sexual purity, the expression of love. It's all about you, your choices, and how you behave.<br />
<br />
The Heart isn't that at all. The heart is our motives, our feelings, our thoughts. It's our inner selves. It's the part that truly loves, that truly believes, and it's the part of us that God wants the most.<br />
<br />
Now, when I first started following Christ, I started the way everyone else did - changing my behavior. I learned the rules God gave us (I read Proverbs and Corinthians like 8 times through). I learned to obey. But after a while... I realized I was missing something.<br />
<br />
When they talk about the Pharisees in the New Testament, they're following the rules. They obeyed every law of Moses. Yet Christ called them hypocrites, fakes... and I realized I was just like the Pharisees.<br />
<br />
I followed the law. But I didn't <i>feel</i> anything. I acted loving to my neighbors, but I felt no love. I worshiped God because I was supposed to, not because of an overwhelming need to. I had all the action right.<br />
<br />
I had none of the Heart.<br />
<br />
Now, there is NOTHING wrong with action. Proper action is where it all starts. If we love God, we keep his commandments. If we follow Christ, we walk as he walked. There's a passage in John 15:9-11. It says that if we keep Christ's commandments, we abide in his love.<br />
<br />
But the problem I ran into was what do I do once I got there? I'd gotten so focused on making myself a better disciple, on doing this myself... that I'd actually left God out of the equation. I became self-centered in my pursuit of perfect Christian behavior.<br />
<br />
I needed to return my focus to God. To let <i>Him</i> change me. To let Christ remake me. I needed some remodeling done on my Heart, and I couldn't do it.<br />
<br />
So that's what I'm working on now... on <i>not</i> doing it. On letting go of my self-improvement, and just focusing on God and letting him do his thing.<br />
<br />
What does focusing on God mean?<br />
<br />
It means prayer, meditation, praise and honest thanksgiving. It means in every moment of every day thinking about who He is, what He's done, and what He wants from us. It means being still, silencing yourself, and listening to him. It means practicing spiritual disciplines. It means letting go. It means stop thinking about you, about what you can be doing differently... and just giving all of your attention to Christ.<br />
<br />
Moving away from the action is hard. And it doesn't mean you stop going to Church, stop serving others. It just means the focus needs to move from what you're doing, to what God is doing. He'll take care of remaking your Heart into one that's loving and Christian.<br />
<br />
You just need to let him.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3289568202230668313.post-71778500789604768052012-10-30T10:31:00.000-07:002012-10-30T10:31:11.188-07:00More on Gratitude<b>It's easy, too easy, to get wrapped up into what I don't have.</b> To get wrapped up in what I can't do, can't have, don't have time for, and all those other things that can't be summed up into two words: "not enough<br />
<br />
But, with a little bit of conscious effort, it's just as easy to remember what I do have. What I can do. What I do have time for. What is achievable. And when I can do more than remember those things, but appriciate them, that's being grateful.<br />
<br />
It's really hard, though, to be grateful, to appriciate the sunshine or a good cup of coffee, when there isn't enough money to pay the bills. The sunshine and the coffee don't make it any better, don't make it any easier. Lately I've been asking myself why I even bother.<br />
<br />
Don't be dismissive about this, now. It's an important question. Knowing the why helps you persevere even when it's hard.<br />
<br />
<b>So why? Why is it important to be grateful? Why should I be grateful for something when there's all this other stuff sowing malcontent?</b><br />
<br />
Well, the first answer is the most obvious. Would you rather be smiling about how nice the warm morning sunlight feels, or agonizing about the sink full of dirty dishes? Well, smiling about the sunshine makes you feel happy, which would energize you, so you could do the dishes and enjoy it. But agonizing about the dishes would make you feel depressed and angry, which would zap all your energy away and accomplish nothing while making you miserable. The logical choice would be to choose gratitude.<br />
<br />
In her book <u>The Happiness Project</u>, Gretchen talks about the benefits of gratitude: "<i>...studies show that consistently grateful people are happier and more satisfied with their lives; they even feel more physically healthy and spend more time exercising. Gratitude brings freedom from envy because when you're grateful for what you have, you're not consumed with wanting something different or something more. That, in turn, makes it easier to live within your means and also be generous to others. Gratitude fosters forbearance - it's harder to feel dissapointed with someone when you're feeling grateful toward him or her. Gratitude also connects you to the natural world, because one of the easiest things to feel grateful for is the beauty of nature.</i>"<br />
<br />
Again, I think I'd prefer being grateful.<br />
<br />
<b>What do you think? Is it better to be grateful, or is it unrealistic and not worth it?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Further reading:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin</li>
<li><a href="http://marvelous-adventure.blogspot.com/2012/08/being-more-grateful.html" target="_blank">Being More Grateful</a></li>
</ul>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0