I made some major progress in sorting and packing for the move over the weekend. I feel like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulder, like somehow this move will be manageable. A big thank you to my mom and ex for helping me!!! Yay, it's so nice to have help! I am already feeling a little lighter with anticipation of my expenses being reduced in the coming mont
The family and I went to the St. Paul Winter Carnival on Sunday. Perfect day for it, the weather was amazing, we got to be outside, and of course it was free. The kids had a blast. I spent 48.00 in groceries for the upcoming week. I needed to get some fresh fruit and a few items for the lunch boxes.
I am looking forward to a great week and getting through more stuff in the house. I feel like I am having a lifestyle makeover - which is great.
Although, I may not be the strictest compactor on the block, I am trying. So far, I don't feel like I am sacrificing, I genuinely feel like I am gaining so much more.
Best to you,
Freddie
Showing posts with label compact. Show all posts
Showing posts with label compact. Show all posts
Monday, January 28, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
21st Century Depression Era Paradigm
Last night I covered the left overs from dinner with my last shred of tin foil...
I am reverting to a depression era mindset. Use everything you've got, want not - waste not, track every nickle, and be grateful for what you have. Let's be honest, survivors of the Great Depression were Compactors to the max. That is an amazing legacy.
I am thankful for my blessings everyday.
Best,
Freddie
I am reverting to a depression era mindset. Use everything you've got, want not - waste not, track every nickle, and be grateful for what you have. Let's be honest, survivors of the Great Depression were Compactors to the max. That is an amazing legacy.
I am thankful for my blessings everyday.
Best,
Freddie
Thursday, January 24, 2008
A Work in Progress
Good Afternoon!
I have been very calmed by joining the Compact. It's a relief not to cave to the pressure to consume. I feel like I have a valid alibi for not spending an afternoon at a mall or...? It's as though once I say I can't or rather I am choosing not to shop for new because I am in the Compact, the pressure is off. Although I am really wanting a new brand of mascara... I my eyelashes will have to wait to be fuller and thicker than ever before. In my earlier life, I was a cosmetic consultant, so I am still flush with sample sizes of mascaras and other product. (make-up not skin care, this became a big difference after 30)
This past weekend I went to my favorite second hand store to look for jeans for my oldest dependent. I left with two pairs of Levi's, a 1968 mounted world map from London, a Spider-man sleeping bag, a giant bag of Lincoln Logs, and the find of the day... nine pieces of orange Fiesta ware!! Grand total just a hair shy of 48.00.
My other recent expenses have included a cell phone bill, late of course, 99.00 for groceries (for 4 people for over one week), food only, no sundries, cleaning or paper products, and of course the staple expense of daycare. I have been really lax in the eating out department and the coffee pit stops.
I started my new adventure in consulting, which means a very flexible schedule and too much time for the java. I am working on it though.
Always a work in progress...
As I get ready for my upcoming move, I am going through my home and deciding what to take and what needs to be purged. Today I was able to donate a good size box to the Epilepsy Foundation. I have a little more breathing room and I hope someone else will be able to use some pots and pans and other random items. I was also happy to see on my way in to my temporary office a Freesale in the Prospect Park neighborhood. Very cool.
I am loving the new schedule and the extra time it is giving me and my family.
Best,
Freddie
I have been very calmed by joining the Compact. It's a relief not to cave to the pressure to consume. I feel like I have a valid alibi for not spending an afternoon at a mall or...? It's as though once I say I can't or rather I am choosing not to shop for new because I am in the Compact, the pressure is off. Although I am really wanting a new brand of mascara... I my eyelashes will have to wait to be fuller and thicker than ever before. In my earlier life, I was a cosmetic consultant, so I am still flush with sample sizes of mascaras and other product. (make-up not skin care, this became a big difference after 30)
This past weekend I went to my favorite second hand store to look for jeans for my oldest dependent. I left with two pairs of Levi's, a 1968 mounted world map from London, a Spider-man sleeping bag, a giant bag of Lincoln Logs, and the find of the day... nine pieces of orange Fiesta ware!! Grand total just a hair shy of 48.00.
My other recent expenses have included a cell phone bill, late of course, 99.00 for groceries (for 4 people for over one week), food only, no sundries, cleaning or paper products, and of course the staple expense of daycare. I have been really lax in the eating out department and the coffee pit stops.
I started my new adventure in consulting, which means a very flexible schedule and too much time for the java. I am working on it though.
Always a work in progress...
As I get ready for my upcoming move, I am going through my home and deciding what to take and what needs to be purged. Today I was able to donate a good size box to the Epilepsy Foundation. I have a little more breathing room and I hope someone else will be able to use some pots and pans and other random items. I was also happy to see on my way in to my temporary office a Freesale in the Prospect Park neighborhood. Very cool.
I am loving the new schedule and the extra time it is giving me and my family.
Best,
Freddie
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Two Week Check In
I have been away from the blogging for a while, obviously. I had a family matter to direct my attention to.
Since the New Year I have bought groceries, tp, and I did violate a Compact rule by purchasing new from Target, 5 laundry baskets. I bought them because I am going to be moving shortly and felt they would be helpful with the move. I have also gotten a hold of many, many boxes (used) for the rest of my packing.
The organizing and packing so far has been awesome, although somewhat overwhelming.
Why do I have so much sh*#???? Seriously? I am so looking forward to purging this from my life.
People have asked me if I prepared for my year of the Compact by stocking up on items. No. No stockpiling for me. Maybe I should have?
This came to my attention so clearly the other day when I used the last Ziplock bag in my house and the last shred of Seran wrap the next day. It made me realize, wow, it has really started.
The other prep I have done was practicing the art of reusing and recycling. I recycle like a maniac. And I had been buying from resale shops whenever possible. I love it, even though I haven't visited one yet in 2008! I find it very satisfying to donate and recycle clothes. As well as furniture and household items, I don't find much problem with obtaining such items when needed from resale shops. It's like going on a treasure hunt. Of course I have my favorite haunts for such items.
Other new developments... I had my last official day of employment last week. I now fully considered self employed. So far the response to my consulting work is very positive. I hope the momentum keeps up. I actually feel better than ever. I woke today thinking - wow, this is my day! It's all up to me. I love it!!!
Best to each of you!
Freddie Rose
Since the New Year I have bought groceries, tp, and I did violate a Compact rule by purchasing new from Target, 5 laundry baskets. I bought them because I am going to be moving shortly and felt they would be helpful with the move. I have also gotten a hold of many, many boxes (used) for the rest of my packing.
The organizing and packing so far has been awesome, although somewhat overwhelming.
Why do I have so much sh*#???? Seriously? I am so looking forward to purging this from my life.
People have asked me if I prepared for my year of the Compact by stocking up on items. No. No stockpiling for me. Maybe I should have?
This came to my attention so clearly the other day when I used the last Ziplock bag in my house and the last shred of Seran wrap the next day. It made me realize, wow, it has really started.
The other prep I have done was practicing the art of reusing and recycling. I recycle like a maniac. And I had been buying from resale shops whenever possible. I love it, even though I haven't visited one yet in 2008! I find it very satisfying to donate and recycle clothes. As well as furniture and household items, I don't find much problem with obtaining such items when needed from resale shops. It's like going on a treasure hunt. Of course I have my favorite haunts for such items.
Other new developments... I had my last official day of employment last week. I now fully considered self employed. So far the response to my consulting work is very positive. I hope the momentum keeps up. I actually feel better than ever. I woke today thinking - wow, this is my day! It's all up to me. I love it!!!
Best to each of you!
Freddie Rose
Friday, January 4, 2008
It's Been a Rough Start!
Happy New Year! I am so excited to welcome in 2008!!
As you know I am committed to not buying anything for new for the year! Many have asked me why I would to even attempt to do this. Is it because of the environment, the cost factor, or to simplify my life?? All of it! I have too much, consume too much and am really the last person who should have as much as I do. It clutters my brain, my house and the maintenance of it all is a major drain my time.
So this year, I am all about reducing while increasing my standard of living.
To date, I have not broken the rules of my compact, but I have not lived up to the spirit in which I intended to. My new year’s eve was a little brutal – no, I wasn’t drinking. It just got started on a bum note. But no more!
Since the New Year, I have gotten an oil change (29.95) but I didn’t use a coupon! I also visited my local grocery store and got a few food items, but again, because I did not plan, I did not use coupons.
I have also eaten out much more than I typically do or would even like to do… Lunch at McDonald’s while waiting for oil change (4); lunch at Matty B’s during a work day (11), breakfast at McDonald’s (running late) (3.20) and now I am really embarrassed, and a work lunch at Picosa’s (10).
While I have technically not cheated, I have far exceeded my eating out limit and also I am ashamed that I was not a more vigilant consumer.
Next on my to-do list is to downsize my housing. I currently live in a little big house, (that’s what my youngest child calls it) a three bedroom that costs a lot to rent month plus all utilities – garbage, water, sewer, electric and gas, as well as shoveling and lawn care. Holy cow, that is a lot for one person to do!
So I am downsizing! I have found a duplex that I love that is much more manageable in size, although still a three bedroom, the rent is much more affordable for me, with rent 200.00 less a month minus the expense of utilities - except electric and I don’t have to do the lawn care and snow removal as I have before! Although everything looks like it’s a go… I won’t believe it until I am actually in the door! I hope to be moved in by the beginning of March, sooner if possible.
My ex was nice enough to recover a heaping pile of retail store boxes for me, so I can begin the packing process. I am really going to sort through items seriously and I hope to purge a lot of belonging that really should belong somewhere else… in another home, with another family, a local shelter…? I am finally ready to literally ditch the extra baggage. Please wish me luck; this is going to be a hard process for me.
Best,
Freddie Rose
As you know I am committed to not buying anything for new for the year! Many have asked me why I would to even attempt to do this. Is it because of the environment, the cost factor, or to simplify my life?? All of it! I have too much, consume too much and am really the last person who should have as much as I do. It clutters my brain, my house and the maintenance of it all is a major drain my time.
So this year, I am all about reducing while increasing my standard of living.
To date, I have not broken the rules of my compact, but I have not lived up to the spirit in which I intended to. My new year’s eve was a little brutal – no, I wasn’t drinking. It just got started on a bum note. But no more!
Since the New Year, I have gotten an oil change (29.95) but I didn’t use a coupon! I also visited my local grocery store and got a few food items, but again, because I did not plan, I did not use coupons.
I have also eaten out much more than I typically do or would even like to do… Lunch at McDonald’s while waiting for oil change (4); lunch at Matty B’s during a work day (11), breakfast at McDonald’s (running late) (3.20) and now I am really embarrassed, and a work lunch at Picosa’s (10).
While I have technically not cheated, I have far exceeded my eating out limit and also I am ashamed that I was not a more vigilant consumer.
Next on my to-do list is to downsize my housing. I currently live in a little big house, (that’s what my youngest child calls it) a three bedroom that costs a lot to rent month plus all utilities – garbage, water, sewer, electric and gas, as well as shoveling and lawn care. Holy cow, that is a lot for one person to do!
So I am downsizing! I have found a duplex that I love that is much more manageable in size, although still a three bedroom, the rent is much more affordable for me, with rent 200.00 less a month minus the expense of utilities - except electric and I don’t have to do the lawn care and snow removal as I have before! Although everything looks like it’s a go… I won’t believe it until I am actually in the door! I hope to be moved in by the beginning of March, sooner if possible.
My ex was nice enough to recover a heaping pile of retail store boxes for me, so I can begin the packing process. I am really going to sort through items seriously and I hope to purge a lot of belonging that really should belong somewhere else… in another home, with another family, a local shelter…? I am finally ready to literally ditch the extra baggage. Please wish me luck; this is going to be a hard process for me.
Best,
Freddie Rose
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