Setting Aside Fear

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by Andi B.

So I'm thrilled to announce that we will be owners of a house soon. Due to constant unforeseen occurences that keep popping up we don't know when, but it should be in the next couple weeks. I've actually been more than a little nervous because of upcoming expenses.

We currently live in a 500 sf studio and are moving into a 1200 sf house. While I love the simplicity of our lifestyle it doesn't allow us to entertain, and I'd love to have friends over. Our space has also limited the possessions we can acquire. Looking at the new house, I know we'll be needing a dining table and chairs, a couch, a guest bed, a refrigerator, and more. In fact, due to space constraints, we've haven't had a toaster or microwave for over two years. I plan to get as much as I can off of the free section of craigslist or through freecycle, but some items will need to be purchased.

Last night I decided to take the dog out to potty at 11:30 PM when I realized he probably had to go, even though he hadn't asked. It was odd...I'm not usually that generous and I make my husband do it. One of our favorite neighbors was moving out this week, and was throwing things away in the dumpster. We said our goodbyes and then she asked, "Hey do you need a microwave?"
"Actually, we do."
"Really?"
"Yeah, how much would you like for it?"
"Um, free."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I'd rather see it go to a good home, come on up and get it."
I thanked her when I came upstairs to get the gorgeous microwave that now sits in my living room, waiting to make its journey to the new house. It's saving us $100, and it's helping me to mitigate my fears. I'm not going to have to empty my bank account for creature comforts. Everything's going to be okay.

House-sitting is Going to Save me Money

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This week we've been house-sitting for some friends, and it's been a great experience. I love their dog, and it's nice to be in a different space sometime. They also have something we don't have that I'd officially like to....a microwave.

Yes, I've lived over two years without a microwave. That's nothing new for me, though; when I was a kid, our microwave broke and my mom refused to fix it. I've never noticed it as a need. I can pop fresh popcorn on the stove and I just plan ahead.

This morning, I had a micro-ephiphany. I was wandering the aisles of Trader Joe's, and realized that even though I think of TJ's as more of a specialty niche store, I could actually use it to save money, if we have a microwave.

My husband and I work eight hour shifts that begin early in the morning. We're lucky to grab a quick early meal, and by the time we realize it, we're past famished. This usually results in the uber bad habit of stopping for fast or fastish food on the way home which can easily ramp up to ten or fifteen dollars for lunch a few times a week.

If I go to Trader Joes and pick up several pre-made frozen or refrigerated microwaveable meals, we can just head straight home. We'd be eating within the same amount of time, and knocking at least a third of the cost off the top.

I figure if we get a decent microwave, we'll be able to pay for it with food savings within two-three months. Today is pulled pork sliders with mac & cheese. I could get used to this.

Moment of Reflection

by Andi B.

With (supposedly) one week until closing on our house, I was standing at the top of the hill waiting for my dog to relieve himself and reflecting on my life. My father passed away eight days after I turned 18. I was lucky enough to have a father that I could respect. He was firm, followed through on his word, and made sure I knew he was proud of me before he died.

For a long time I've wondered if he'd be still be proud of me. I know my life hasn't turned out the way I expected, let alone the way he may have hoped. For some reason as I stood at that hill and my dog refused to go to the bathroom I realized he still would be. My life is simple, I love my husband and my stubborn dog, but more than that, I'm happy. I know how truly blessed I am.

I don't measure my life in dollar signs or the number of zeros in my bank account. I measure it in fresh-baked bread and half-baked ideas. I know that he'd appreciate my entrepreneurship with MealPlanRescue.com, my willingness to put myself out there on this blog. I invest myself in my family. I kick arse and take names. I am my father's daughter.

Keeping your life simple is never an easy task. There's always more things to buy, a new gadget, something's wearing out. Prioritizing makes it easier. Being able to cook dinner for my family is a priority. I could work more hours to pay for a nicer place, but I couldn't necessarily still care for my family the same way. It's amazing how defining what you care about can make all the other static melt away.

One of my favorite personal exercises is:

1. Write down the three things you want out of life.
2. Write down what you need to have those three things.
3. Write down what interferes with what you want.

What is your moment of reflection?