Looking back

I have a huge list of things that I want to work on in my life. Some of them are for me, some are for the environment, some are for peak oil prep, and a lot of them are really just a combination. But, like I said, the list is long. Really long. Sometimes overwhelmingly long.

I plan to write out this list on the blog at some point. Writing things out seems to make me feel more accountable and, in some cases, inspired. But sometimes I find it more useful to look at what I'm already doing, or have already done, as a reminder of good things that I'm already doing.

1. I live below my means. I know how much I make every month, and how much I should be spending on expenses, so I can stay within these limits. Sure, there are months when I spend a bit more on groceries, or the phone bill goes up a bit from usual, but this tends to even out with months where I spend less. And, knowing what these limits are makes it easier to stay within them, and also makes it a bit of a fun challenge to stay below them.

2. I have savings. I'd like them to be more, but I'm proud of the fact that I've managed to get through undergrad and five years of grad school with savings in the bank. I put aside a little almost every month, and it's good to know not only that it's there, but that I was capable of making that happen.

3. I have no debts. I'm also proud of the fact that I've managed to get through undergrad and five years of grad school without needed to turn to loans. I'm not out of the woods yet, but I'm hopefully that I can complete this degree debt-free (and, with any luck, maintain my savings in the process.)

4. I've eliminated (or never had in the first place) a lot of things that just aren't necessary for me - this helps rather a lot with number one. I don't have cable, or a cell phone. I have an answering machine that sits on my table rather than paying the monthly fee for voicemail. I have a bus pass from the university, so I don't have a car, which means no car payments, gas payents, maintenance, or insurance. I try not to keep up with Joneses, as it were, so I don't feel compelled to have the latest gadgets, clothes, or whatever else.

5. I've gotten pretty good at secondhand shopping. I still have a few things that I need that I haven't been able to find yet, but this allows me to save money, recycle, and sometimes help charities all at the same time.

6. I have skills that I can put to use. I can knit, crochet, sew, cook, and bake. I can also play saxoophone and some guitar. I know a bit about basic bicycle repair. I'm a good teacher. There's more to learn, but this feels like a pretty good start all the same.

7. I have food and other supplies, just in case. I have a fair amount of grains and beans, as well as dried veggies and other supplies. I have extra blankets, warm clothing, and good shoes. It takes up room, but it makes me feel a bit more secure in the face of all the uncertaintly that's going on in the world right now.

8. I'm working really hard to declutter my apartment - less time cleaning, more room to move are what I'm hoping for (although that might have to wait until I can find a way to get the huge pile of donations out of the middle of my living room.)

Those are the biggies for now, although I'm sure there are more. And, as always, I'm going to keep going with this, and work out what else I need to do to simplify my life and make it that much more enjoyable.

Christmas planning

I haven't been buying anything other than food and basic necessities recently. In the name of downshifting, I've been working really hard to get rid of stuff and declutter my apartment rather than bringing yet more into the fray.

I did buy something today though. It's a sewing pattern - Simplicity 2860, a pattern for a variety of fabric shopping bags. I probably could have figured these out myself, given enough time, and probably some wasted materials, but these are exactly what I've been wanting to make, and the pattern was on special for a whole $2.49. Happily, given the amount of fabric that I have kicking around here, I didn't even have to buy materials while I was out.

I'd like to make some for me, but I was also thinking that, if I can get my act together, they might make for some good Christmas gifts for friends, either on their own or with some environmental-type things in them.

My family and friends don't really do a big Christmas. We have family time, and exchange gifts with a few people, but there really isn't much in the way of mass celebration, or mass consumerism (although, yes, we do buy some things.) And I like it that way. But I think some homemade gifts might fit in well here. Also, it might be a nice gesture to give out a few more gifts this year, especially if it means that a few people use a few less bags. We may need drastic change, but I'm still willing to entertain the idea that every little bit counts.