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.
Thursday, July 16, 2020
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)
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)