Living Intentionally - I already made a mistake

I recently read a post from another blog Frugal Beautiful about how frugal doesn't mean being cheap.

Before the weekend, I signed up for this 'super-sweet offer' from a magazine company. For $39.90 (every 2.5 months and charged to my credit card) I can get 4 of my favorite magazine titles (which equals about $3.88/week), but after 72 hours I am locked in to this contract for 48 months. 48 MONTHS!  Um, what? I can't cancel? I am locked in for the entire contract?  'Well, we offer over 300 different magazines, so if you get bored of the ones you originally order, you can change it up and get 4 new, different ones,' they say. Hmm. So over the weekend, I did some research. Apparently many people are dissatisfied with the service, have had bad experiences with harassing/rude phone calls and have had to make complaints about the company at various state's Better Business Bureaus. Yikes! (Not to mention that I did this without discussing this with the hubby - something I am trying to do better with and more of).

It might not seem like a lot of money -  to save $40 every 2.5  months should be easy. And if it is for you - great! For me, in my current financial situation, saving for a few magazines to come to my door is going to be hard. After much research and hard thinking about this 'suddenly-in-my-mind-stupid-decision' - and not the first one I will ever make either! -  I decided to cancel that new subscription. Alas, I had to wait to Monday but it got done!

The main reasons I came to this conclusion:
1. We visit the library practically EVERY weekend. I almost always hit the magazine section and borrow 1-two past issues of my favorite magazines. And they are FREE.
2. One of my intentions this year is to pay cash for things I want (exception of big-ticket items). Charging my credit card every couple of months DOES NOT fulfill that intention. Sorry, but a charge card is not cash.
3. The library has FREE books and magazines to read. Past and present issues.
4. I went ahead and assumed I would have the extra money every so often to do this; most likely scenario? Do I pay my credit card bill or put gas in the car? Honestly, money is tight for us/me right now and I would rather put gas in the car so I can get to work.
5. Did I mention the library? That card is getting a TON of use, and we've only been here 3 months!
6. Reading this blog and all subsequent posts relating to this.

"Being savvily frugal is about putting your money where it matters & putting consciousness into your consumerism."

Quote is taken directly from this post.

She rants about frugality versus being cheap. And some of, okay, most all of what she writes about is in direct line with how I am trying to shape my life by living intentionally. Here is a few paragraphs from her post:

"I don’t think the issue with frugality is necessarily that we won’t buy high end items- it’s just that we need to direct our way from the impulse shopping, the cheap purchases that really add up over time.  It still amazes me how much my experience around shopping changed when I saved up for a pair of Christian LouBoutins, a MacBook Pro or a silver necklace from Tiffany & Co.    As soon as I curbed my “cheap” purchases- the costume jewelry, the shoes that I only bought because “it was on sale,”  or the obligatory nights out with overpriced martinis,  my spending was ready for the big fish and it felt damn good.

Frugality means buying less, but having more.  I have less junk now, and more shoes that I still swoon over- months later.  It’s authenticity.  When you wear a designer handbag- it may be the only one you own, but it’s bought and paid for- truly, authentically YOURS. When it’s not a debt, but it was paid for without someone (a lender) chipping in, you lie to no one about who you are."

The question came down to this: Would I rather shell out $40 for magazines I can get for free at the library (see? The library is famous!) or try to save that $40 for the Coach purse I have been drooling over for about a year now (pretty much since last Christmas but I feel is too expensive to just go and purchase outright without some major saving)? I'll take the Coach purse!

What do you think?

Two videos I think you need to watch

A few things:
One, I think this woman in this video was on my plane from Boston to Dallas/Ft Worth when I was coming back from visiting my family over Thanksgiving. I am not entirely sure this was her, but I noticed her for obvious reasons. And I am ashamed to admit that I did, indeed, have to look away because her outward appearance is 'different'. At first I wanted to keep looking at her. (Some people may call it staring; I call it curiosity-with-un-moving-eyes). But then I thought about all the other people in the terminal and how they also might be looking at her and I felt that adding me to the mix would make her uncomfortable. So I stopped. Then today I saw this video (making it's Facebook rounds) and I had to watch. Don't watch it if you are just trying to keep up with the latest craze of videos. Watch it to remind yourself that the words 'beauty' and 'ugly' are two liberal, over-used words our society uses to make ourselves feel better. She has overcome odds (in birth and in life) and she is a great reminder about how our actions can uplift others, rather than tear them down.

http://clashdaily.com/2014/01/labelled-worlds-ugliest-woman-lizzie-velasquez-knows-god-sees-true-beauty/

Second.
I am noticing this video in our everyday lives more and more. Someone very close to me recently suggested I upgrade my phone to a smartphone or something with all-the-time-internet-capabilities (even if I only use it for the GPS). I have a cell phone. I like my phone. It can connect to the internet, but a. the screen is so small and b. I choose not to. My phone serves it's purpose: I can call and text and sometimes even take a picture. I want to go on Facebook or Pinterest, post to this blog or search the internet? I can wait until I get home from work to use the computer. I need directions? Stop and ask, or look it up before I go out. I want to listen to Pandora?Well, how about that radio? Or the Ipod?

I must admit, sometimes it would be easier to have a smartphone. Better pictures, more text message storage space, I can do Facetime from my phone rather than having to use Skype or some other program via my computer. GPS at my fingertips - wow that would be so cool (hello to never getting lost and winging it again! Wait, isn't that part of the fun? I discover so many new places I never knew were there before!)

I also admit that sometimes being out with friends or another certain someone who is 'checking' their phone for updates, weather etc etc can be a bit annoying. Like when we are in a restaurant, having dinner or whatever - we are supposed to be talking, laughing, sharing and you 'need' to have your phone on the table? On more than one occasion I have asked others to put away the phone. If I wanted to see what the latest app was, the weather (just go outside!) or who is posting a new picture to FB or Instagram every five seconds instead of spending some quality-in-the-present-moment time with you, I would have stayed home, plunked down in front of the computer.

So watch this video. If your life continues like this, how long do you think those relationships will last? (On either side?) Maybe this will cause you to pause and think about your current life - are you making memories with the people you love or too worried about the next stat or picture?

http://www.artthesystem.com/2013/12/after-i-saw-this-i-put-down-my-phone.html

Hello 2014!

Gosh, can you believe it? 2014! Already? So much has happened this year in our lives - exploring all around Alaska as the last few months flew by around us, packing up our house and saying goodbye to close friends we have made in the last three years, traveling by car through Canada and parts of the US we have never been to, making new memories, settling into Colorado Springs, surprising family for Thanksgiving and enjoying the holidays in our new apartment!

I don't really like the idea of  'resolutions' for the upcoming year - mostly because I tend to break them. I attended my first heated yoga class at Cambio Studios yesterday morning, and the instructor started off the class with a little 'farewell to 2013, hello to 2014' quip and one of the things she said - she is going to be pursuing intentions rather than resolutions. Intentions. I like that. Making a resolution for the new year is setting you up to fail - after all, isn't the word itself sound so final? Intentions is more flexible; if I don't succeed, then there is room to grow and change and make the goal more suited to how life changes.

A few posts ago, I wrote that I want to live a fuller life. What does this look like? To me, this means living more simply, more compassionate, more servant-like. I am not going to be perfect and that is okay with me.

Some of the ways I have brainstormed to help make this overall intention succeed:
Read/listen to one book a month (List coming soon)
Volunteer in the Church's nursery
Experiment more with new recipes; find a couple of new favorites and make a rotating schedule
Sponsor a family for the 2014 Holiday Season
Spark my creativity - see tab under '52 in 52'
Attempt to stick to an allowance for myself every month (not that I spend a lot of money on myself anyway) - The point here is to use CASH for coffees, snacks, little purchases, stamps etc. When it is gone, it is gone. The Question becomes: What is really important to me? Do I really want to give up those $4 for a fancy espresso drink? P.S. The answer is almost always YES!
Attempt to only purchase/acquire clothes etc for the house from second-hand/consignment stores like Plato's Closet, The Salvation Army, Airman's Attic, Warrior Warehouse etc.
         *Exception to the intention (because there are always exceptions): Underthings, workout clothes, gifts given to me. If I have a gift card, intend to only shop the clearance/super-marked-down racks. Sneakers and shoes (special condition of the feet needing good support). The ONLY other non-second hand exception comes from super-discounted sales (like the one Old Navy is having right now to get rid of all their winter stock - Hello l/s shirts for less than $3!!)
Save for something of quality; rather than having lots of quantity. If I can save up for something and use cash to purchase it - it is authentically mine and I am more apt to take better care of it.

There are, of course, financial intentions for the upcoming year as well; some I may talk about on here while others I may not. Mostly because financial information within my immediate family is none of anyone's business except between Andrew and I, but I may share some of the frustrations that come from not reaching those goals or lessons I am learning along the way.

There are many other ideas and thoughts floating around in my mind on what it will mean, what it currently means, and what I have imagined it to mean, living a fuller life. Intentions will (and should) change as the year progresses but as for now, I am excited to see what this new year will bring!

Just over halfway there: have I been keeping my 2012 goals?

1. Spend more time with the people I love.

This had been off to a great start. Or at least I thought. But lately I haven't been as good at this. I don't think I've actually spent any time with the Ovels since the last time I did when Andrew was TDY.. back in March/April. But I do make an effort to hang out with Sarah at least once a month. SOmetimes more, but we try for once every month. Bonnie - She had a baby, was on vacation then I was...but she is coming over for coffee on Sunday morning so we can catch up. Which I am excited about. Overall, I've been doing really poor in this area. I only have a little more than a year left here and I'm already failing on the friendship scale in terms of quality time.

2. Be more connected/involved in the Women's ministry at Hospitality House.

Again, another EPIC FAIL. And this is because I stopped going. I feel overwhelmed when I go because there are so many people. Don't get me wrong: this is what this ministry is supposed to do - reach out to soldiers/airmen and/or their families. I stopped going first because my favorite exercise class met at the same time. Then it was because Andrew didn't want to go/didn't want a commitment like that every week. Finally it is because I can't stand the immaturity of the 18 year olds. And I am no longer receiving any growth from it. 

3. Take advantage of low-cost to free activities offered on base, plus in and around Anchorage.

I must admit, I haven't been able to keep up with this one either. There were a few free talks offered at the Campbell Creek Science Center & the Eagle River Nature Center over the course of the winter, but every time I didn't feel safe driving there because of the weather conditions. We did do the Fourth of July parade downtown this year. And we have done some hiking. I know I plan on convincing Andrew to go to some of the performances offered by the Anchorage Concert Association this fall. But those aren't necessarily free. 

4. Be more spontaneous, creative, intuitive, interactive.

I struggle with this too, because I like routine, lists and tasks. It's not really part of my personality. Although, I must say that we hiked Mt. Baldy before jumping on a plane bound for Seattle. (This is also the mountain that put me in this current laid-up position - more on that later). I haven't even thought about that quilt have had a few fleeting thoughts about the quilt but nothing has come of it yet. I've been thinking about re-arranging some wall hangings/photos around the house. I've been thinking about doing some pinterest ideas. That is about as far as my creativity has gone so far. 

5. Invest in a couple of high-quality items.

I've been successful at this one! I FINALLY bought a dress watch - although it becomes my everyday-everywhere-when-I'm-not-working watch, but still. My mom helped me buy it. It is probably one  THE most expensive piece of jewelry I own, apart from my engagement-wedding rings. But not the most valued, as in sentiment. What else have I gotten? We've bought a 3-season tent and two sleeping bags with our anniversary money. My mom gave us a back country cooking/mess set that isn't cheap and Andrew bought the parts for and built his own desktop. I think we did pretty well here. 

6. Be financially sound.

Ha. I think this one is kind of a joke. Really, who is ever really financially sound? I had made it a goal to put aside 10% of every paycheck into a savings account, as an emergency/nest fund and I've done it for the most part. I have had to hold back on a couple paychecks because of bills, but then again there have been other months when I've been able to put aside 20% of every one. I don't have as much saved as I would like but since it is only July, I think I've done a pretty good job.

7. Giving to God what is God's.

Um...yeah. This DEFINITELY hasn't happened. And I will tell you why: I worry too much. I worry too much about my school loans. I worry too much about how we are going to pay for things - like if the car breaks down. I worry about money. A lot. I know what you might be thinking. how can I worry about money when last year we flew home/to the NE area like four different times? Well, those where special circumstances. And sometimes our inability to say no to our best friends. Or because we were asked to be a part of something long before we got married and couldn't back out of that commitment. Whatever it was, we haven't done that this year. Just one trip. And now that's done. And we won't be flying home again for a while. Probably not until we move away from here. Which is in October of 2013. 

So I haven't been tithing. and the sad thing is, I no longer feel guilty about it. 

Overall:

I suck at keeping my goals. Maybe I have too many expectations? Could I be pushing myself too hard too soon in too many areas? We are just over halfway to January 2013. Let's hope that these next few months perk up a little bit.

Until then.

Professionalism and snot rockets

One of the topics we had to go over at work was Professionalism. This includes not gossiping about the workplace, keeping other people's (and your own) lives private as well as how much information you share with parents about other children in the room. At the end of the session, we have to make  a goal to work on and sign/date it when completed. I decided to begin for the month of June to not listen to or engage in gossip/other people's lives in that sense.

I've already failed. An issue happened today with one of the caregivers in my room where she had to leave early and probably will not be here tomorrow...and maybe not next week either. One of the lead teachers from across the way poked her head in and asked what's up with her (the first caregiver from the room) and I basically just told her the story. Then when my girl came back, the other woman came in again and was sayin' "oh I heard what happened! Are you going to fly to XXX etc etc?"

As you can see, I failed. I've only lasted for TWO days. And it's not even June yet!

On another note, I have my first race tomorrow and I have a very stuffy/full of pressure sinus and I would appreciate prayers for it to go away. Overnight. I would rather be able to run clear tomorrow and save my fellow runners multiple (if not many hundreds) of snot rockets.

Thanks.

To run and not be weary; walk and not faint.

Not my shoes, but similar.

 I have a love-hate relationship with running. I've endured it through high school when I played Field Hockey and Basketball and even ran track my last two years. I ran with friends in college - but that mostly just happened my junior year before I injured my knee and had to stop for much of the rest of my college career.

Then I met Andrew. Little did I know that one day I would marry him. Then run.

The Skini Mini 6k is next Friday, June 1st. I ran this race last year. Andrew got me started mid-march last year and ran with me a lot. I finished in 34:33. Then I stopped running. I picked it up sometime last October and continued on for a few months before stopping again.

Yet I've started again. This time is different. Andrew signed me up (and paid for) my race a mere three weeks ago. Out of the 21 days, I've run about 12-15 (don't know for sure) days. I am running a faster pace than last year at this time. I can run the 5k loop in 29 minutes. Andrew runs with me when he only has 3-6 miles to do otherwise I run by myself. I like to run with others because it pushes me to go past the limit I set for myself and do better. Go farther, push harder.

This is different. All my life I've despised running - especially by myself - because I lack motivation, I'm more likely to walk/stop etc. I've been running by myself....multiple days. Rainy days (like today). Days when Andrew has a rest. Days when he runs 10+ miles. Days when I am not into it. I am running.


I hate running because of the work/energy it takes. I love running because I like the way it makes me feel afterwards. I like that my legs are toning up nicely. I like that I am getting a tan (however slight it is, I still have a shorts tan line!) I like that I can run, eat healthier and feel great.


Recently I attended a bridal shower/get-ready-for-the-wedding party. I was unable to run that day. As I drove to the event I thought to myself  "Today is such a beautiful day. It's too bad I won't be running today."

What? Did I just say that?

And you know what? When I don't run - especially on those gorgeous days - my body misses it. I am actually beginning to enjoy running by myself. I can push or go slow, I rarely stop because I know this race is a short week away. I even have plans to keep running weekly after the race. I am looking forward to doing another race in July with Erin should she come for a visit and then again at the end of August during the Big WILD Life Events.

Who knows? Maybe I will become a mid-life runner. Andrew would surely be pleased!