Slowing Down: new, old & recyled

Lately this hashtag has been rolling around in my head: #nonewthings

I first saw it on a thrift site...a brand that promotes purchasing secondhand clothing and awareness of the environmental costs of "fast fashion." It's been challenging to wrap my head around all the elements related to this phrase. Downright difficult in fact because it makes me aware of how I feed the machine of consumerism and the wastefulness that goes with it. 

Here are some mind bending questions for consideration: 

What items do you HAVE to buy new?

Have you ever actually explored alternative options for these items?

Are you buying new things that are necessary? 

How often do you buy used things? 

What is the impact on your wallet (this varies depending on the item, I know) and is it worth it?

Ramblings of a consumer who is waking up to a house full of...things. And wondering why I have so much.

Pura Vida.

Summer Sandals

This summer I have worn three pairs of sandals. One pair to work, one pair around the yard, one pair around the house and pool. (See photo)

That being said, I have five more pairs of sandals in my closet that I am not wearing. 

Slowly,  slowly realizing that I do not actually "need" all these. Learning a little something every day in the quest to simplify. 

Thoughts & Questions: 2020

This year marks seven years since my move back to the USA.
Never would I have imagined the life I live now, the places I have been and where I am going.

In 2015 some good friends introduced me to a man that I would fall in love with and marry. It was totally unexpected, not something I was looking for at all and caught me by surprise in the best way. As we spent time together (traveling, family visits, getting outside, talking honestly about past experiences) we fell in love and got married.
Because he is more established I moved and started all over again in making a  life together. It has been challenging in big and small ways but also the most satisfying journey with someone who is on the same page and who wants to grow TOGETHER. It's a beautiful and powerful experience and I trust that we have many more years ahead. The gratitude I feel for this man is just overwhelming.
Mr. V rocks my world, while being the rock that I need.

Upheaval, change, growth.
As the saying goes, "the only constant in life is change." Truer than true, amigos.

Thus far 2020 has been a roller coaster!
Early on we went on a family vacation and took Little V (my stepson) with us. We traveled internationally and it was a great time. In hindsight we could have planned some pieces a little better, but there is always next time.

Shortly after we got home, "normal" life got turned upside down with the rise of COVID-19 and the impact globally and locally. I am now working from home, while Mr. V continues to go to work daily. Little V doesn't go to school anymore and being a mom, teacher and full time employee is no picnic. (I know that I changed my major for a reason in college.) Having to stay at home and not traveling beyond the grocery store or pharmacy has been surprisingly difficult.
I know my "difficulties" are trivial compared to many others in the world (and in my local community). There are things in "daily life" that are taken for granted, considered mundane or normal or regular... and once they are gone you realize how enjoyable they were.
So here are a few of my thoughts and questions for you, amigos.

1. Local economy.
The places most impacted by the pandemic and prolonged closures are small businesses. Local restaurants, the small business owners and shops. I am not concerned about WalMart, or Texas Roadhouse, or Burger King. Those businesses are all large enough to go on with or without my business. But I am thinking small, in a good way.
Ask yourself: who do you do business with? Who is profits from what you buy?
I would rather the family run business or entrepreneur make a buck off of me than WalMart.

2. Made in China.
Here is a challenge for you: go look at things in your home and find something NOT made in China.
That plastic spoon you use, your toaster, the frozen fish in your freezer... where does it come from?
We don't pay enough attention to where and how things are made. This is because we are focused on the pricetag. And unfortunately, this isn't likely to change anytime soon. To bring back manufacturing and production to become more self reliant requires massive change in how buisness is done and laws, regulations, policies in place. And again the bottom line is the dollar so if it is less expensive to own a factory in China and pay workers there a pittance and ship what they make back here to sell then this will keep going on.
HOW CAN WE GET AWAY FROM THIS? It seems overwhelming and pretty much impossible, but here are a few ideas.... Not perfect ideas, but better than nothing.
-Buy local (hey, see how this connects to #1?).
- Buy used (pick up what you need from a thrift store, garage sale, second hand shop or online marketplace).

3. Sustainability.
The idea of being self reliant and able to take care of my own needs in a sustainable way has become more and more appealing. We have a small box garden outside and I would really like to grow more of my own food. Apart from dry goods (rice, pasta, can products) I often have to buy fresh food. What if I grew the fruits and vegetables I shop for? There is certainly a trade off in time and energy for convenience but I would definitely like knowing EXACTLY where my food came from. 

Literally... Food for thought, amigos. 

USA for real

This country is so big.
Literally the USA is from "sea to shining sea," and in between we have all kinds of places and people from GA to IA to WA. Crazy!
I have made many trips outside of the USA, but I am concious of the fact that I would really like to see more of the 50 states as well.
A close friend and I have joked about driving cross-country in a motor home. I would be 100% on board with that. I would drive a lot more, except it's wear and tear on my little car and it is not always easy to coordinate time off.
I really would like to make an effort to see one new state at least, every year. Last year in 2014 I went to LA for the first time since Katrina, and visiting NOLA as an adult is very different from NOLA as a 14 year-old. 2015 presents the chance to get to see more.

Next month I will be going to Costa Rica for a few days, and am highly anticipating this trip! I have not been to Tiquicia in over a year, and I ache for it. Though there is a shadow cast over my time there, I am determined to make the most of every moment spent there and enjoy to the utmost.

Now that I live in the USA, I can travel here more. But it hurts too because I will not be in my beloved CR as often anymore...

The only constant in life is change. SO! Just rock and roll with it.

Pura Vida!!

20 Questions

1. What are you greatest indulgences?
    NetFlix & white wine
2. What are three things on your last credit card statement?
     Plane tickets, drinks in NOLA, a txi ride in NOLA
3. What is your biggest regret?
     Not sticking up for myself in my relationships.
4. What can you not  miss on TV?
     I miss everything... because I watch NetFlix (see question #1!).
5. What brings you the greatest joy?
     Being with my family, and spending time with my dog.
6. What is on your bucket list?
     Switzerland.
7. What is the best gift you have recieved?
     A photo album my grandma made with old family photos of my mother and grandparents and great-grandparents.
8. What is on your perennial to-do list?
     Clean the house.
9. What apps can you not live without?
    Instagram!
10. What is your go-to kareoke or shower song?
      Fortunate Son by CCR
11. What superstition do you believe in?
      None of them.
12. Of the seven deadly sins, which one are you guilty of?
      Gluttony.
13. What charities do you support?
       Goodwill gets donations from me monthly!
14. Who are your heroes?
       Mom. And my Avia.
15. What should every woman try at least once in her life?
      Mud bath .
16. Who is on the guest list for your ideal dinner party?
      Eva Mendez, Denzel Washington, my Uncle and my friend Becky.
17. Do you have a secret talent?
      I can play piano by ear.
18. Who do you follow on Twitter?
      I don't have Twitter.
19. How did you make your first dollar?
      Baby-sitting.
20. What is one thing you wish you had known when you were younger?
       That time with my family and especially Mom is precious.



PURA VIDA:

It's Going to Be a BIG Year: 2015

Well hello! Seems I have been AWOL since 2014. Time manages to sneak past me in such a way that I always find myself wondering-- where did that minute, hour, day, week go?!

2015 is a year of changes.
Biggest change: My husband and I have agreed to a divorce. We have come to this decision together, amiably, with the realization that it really would be in our best interest, for both of us. So! While I am still coming to terms with this and accepting a certian amount of dissapointment, in my heart of hearts I know that this is a good decision in the long run. All the same, it will be a very difficult adjustment after three years of investing in a person and a relationship. And I wish him all the best.

Another change: I have a dog. E and I had become quite enamored of this dog, and had always joked about taking him home with us. Well, my friend who had him to keep her elderly mother comapny recently announced that her mother will be relocating and the dog will need a new home. I jumped at the chance! He is already trained and very well behaved. He is a golden doodle, and I have been enjoying his company so very much. In fact his presence in my life has been a great emotional support, espcially considering afore-mentioned changes happening at this time.

Goals for 2015:
Financial improvement. This year I hope to increase my savings and make more strides toward paying down my student debt.
Travel. My passport needs to be renewed this year, so I would like to fill it again with stamps from new plsces and have some new adventures. A close friend will be going to Itlay this year, and I hope to accompany her.
Edit. In our materialistic culture I find that I continue to amass a huge amount of STUFF... Another goal this year will be to edit not only what I own, but continue to clean and edit (or throw away!) the overwhelming number of things here at home as well.

Ok, well there you have some insight into 2015.
Time to get moving... it's going to be a busy year!

Pura Vida :)

and the beat goes on....

How are we already 8 months into 2014??
My breain keeps flashing back to this bitter winter, the slow spring and now I am trying desperately to hold onto what is left of summer.

Quick version of 2014 to date:

January: Cold. Very cold.
February: Got hired at a big-girl job.
March:Trained and started working at big-girl job.
April: Birthday and suprise visit from hubby.
May: Bought first car.
June: WAIT, it's June??!! The year is halfway over!
July: Family vacation.
August: Married 3 years, and glad to celebrate with hubby.

Present: Time is a gift, that is why this moment is called the "present."

Got to go keep on living!
Catch me later.

PURA VIDA

Wisconsin, Family Vacation 2014