Two bowls

Two bowls doesn't seem like a lot.  But they add up.  I keep unpacking boxes and marveling at how many of each item I have.  So far the only bowls that have not escaped the departure box are hand made pottery ones that I have picked up when traveling.  And I love them.  They are the perfect size and shape and make me smile every time I use them.  Yes, I know that some day I will likely break them if history is any indication.  And it will be sad but will also be an opportunity for new amazing lovely bowls to join my kitchen.

We had a short chat about how many place settings did we think we needed.  We agreed on four because we only have four chairs for our (packed) table and our kitchen/dining area is small.  We enjoy smaller groups of people much more than larger ones.  And, if we have more than four people at the house for food, we will just use paper plates.  Because I really hate washing dishes.  Silverware and coffee mugs are so far exempt from this rule.

Additional positive - I packed lunch and breakfast for us and made dinner at home multiple times this week.  Yay!!  This is normally a huge time crunch issue for the mornings.  I kept this goal in mind when I was grocery shopping and it looks like a success so far.  We harvested greens from the garden for salad last night even.  It was delicious.  And I managed to use some coupons before they expired.

I have been shopping for new bike shorts, lots of good sales on right now and the weather looks like it might allow for some evening rides.  The great quality/price battle continues.

Next challenge - traveling out of state this weekend.  And it's payday tomorrow.  So I will be focusing on paying bills first and not impulse buying.

It begins with small steps...

Yesterday (and today) I rode my bike to and from work.  I have missed this ritual and allowed myself to become inefficient with my vehicle trips.  Motivation - my car is not in great shape and though I know exactly what I want for a next vehicle, my budget for this is $0.  

I also re-assembled a box, destined for the donation/recycle store when filled.  I put in two plates (recently unpacked) and a shirt.  I suspect the longer things are packed the more of them will end up with this fate.

I also bravely checked my checking account balance...and calmly sent an email when I discovered a deposit I had been expecting had not arrived.  

Tonight - adding to the box....the biking briefs that did nothing for me yesterday.  Luckily my husband is close enough to my size to loan me his padded riding shorts.  Saddle sore is not a difficult sell for new shorts.  Mine must be packed, I dug in all the logical places last night to no avail.  Several quality ones are available at really good prices right now, so I think I will be making a purchase to continue to be motivated to ride.  My old ones certainly have earned their retirement spot and I'm excited about the new styles that are available.  I have been a bike commuter for many years and in all kinds of weather so I know the new ones are a good investment.    

Purpose

For me, the start of the year is not based on a calendar; it's your birthday.  This is when I look back at the past year and make goals for the next year.  For too many years 'pay off debt' has appeared on this list.  I'm tired of it being there.  I have enough stuff and have never liked buying stuff that I haven't earned the money for yet.  This blog is for me; to chronicle my journey of having enough stuff, simplifying my life, and moving from living in the red to living in the black.  Let the purge begin.