Outside my window... I see the same patio as nine years ago. I see the same tree, the same rose bush, the same chairs...I am grateful to be here, to be safe, to be able to pay the bills, to live in a place with a climate where we complain when it gets over 85 degrees. But I am disappointed and embarrassed. A month ago, we started the process to upgrade just a tiny bit. We sold the townhouse in four days and also had an offer accepted on an old, little house two miles away. It was old and little, but it was a house- room for a garden, a compost pile, a place for the kids to run just a wee bit. It wouldn't be the five-acres with goats and ponies like I had, but it would be something. Well, it all fell through and we won't be going anywhere. The big girls had packed half the house- 30 boxes of books!
I am thinking...that there are good things about not moving...like not having to change my address on everything, enjoying all our upgraded appliances, replacing nine-year old carpet with laminate to ease my allergies, not having to worry that the outside kitty will get lost, paying bills without feeling panic (as long as husband keeps his hospital job!)...so all will be well...
I am thankful... for this new year! For Byzantine Catholics and Orthodox, the liturgical year starts today-
"O Creator and Master of time and eternity, God of all, O merciful One, bless the course of this year, and in your boundless mercy, save all those who worship you, our one and only master, and who cry out to you in fear: O Savior, grant a happy year to all people." (Kontakion for the New Year)
In the kitchen... I'm trying to save money- does anyone have opinions about Costco?
I am wearing... blue!
I am creating... new meal plans!....I need to get beyond soup and salad
I am going...to beg, beg, beg extended family to come for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas....it is only 900 miles!
I am wondering... why I am such a scaredy-cat when it comes to confrontation...the two negative situations of this summer have not been resolved for good or ill. I don't like to 'smile and wave' at people who I consider sisters in Christ!
I am reading... The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
I am hoping... to start a small aquaponics set-up in our little back patio as well as a compost bin...I'm trying to make compost out of lemons!
I am looking forward to...my baby girl starting tap class! She cannot wait any longer!
I am learning... about liturgical history....try this video on Vimeo by Sister Vassa
Around the house... Boy is practicing his tae kwon do moves; he has had two classes and hopes to receive his white belt soon.
A favorite quote for today...
One of my favorite things... is this solid silver, Byzantine-style cross that my brother-in-law created. Click and comment on my anniversary giveaway post (second September 1st post) if you would like a chance to win one! Please, put yourself only in the running if you are willing to email me a address and email me back when you receive the cross. It is always a bummer to do a little giveaway, send out something and not hear anything back!
A few plans for the rest of the week: school, work, paint, cook, work, more school....
Yes yes yes, your husband having a job is huge! :) You'd rather have it this way, trust me (I have a house, but my husband will soon be out of work, again)
ReplyDeleteAs for Costco, I think it depends on how often you will get there. We belonged a few years ago, but it was a half hour away so we didn't get there that often, and it's just the two of us. We spent a lot of money on dumb things... If we had kids, or lived closer, then maybe it would be worth it.
I love the quality of the food at Costco. They have some wonderful healthy options, and for us here in Alaska, the fruit and vegetables are of the best quality we can find at the most reasonable price. We also have lots of kids which makes it a good deal. It is basically the only place where we shop for food. However, this is a place where food can break the bank, and fresh fruits and veggies have little to no flavor.
ReplyDelete(By the way, a good freezer-cooking/cook for a month cookbook can really be utilized with Costco-sized purchases of food and help add variety while not requiring a lot of specialized, expensive ingredients.)
As for the non-move, you will certainly be in our prayers. I pray that you will continue to find peace in these unexpected changes and trust in the Lord's Will.
Happy New Year! What a beautiful quote by Pope Francis, and beautiful cross.
We moved about 5 years ago and have regretted it almost everyday since then. I keep thinking how much better off we would be financially if we just upgraded a few things and stayed put.
ReplyDeleteMy parents are Costco members and shop there regularly. My mom buys most of her meats, salmon, and dairy from Costco. Plus ours has a gas station on site.
ReplyDeleteAs a Latin/Roman rite Catholic, the new liturgical year starts for us in late November/early December. Happy New Year just the same! :)
I'm sorry to hear that everything fell through for your move. Once you commit, it's hard to let go of that. That said, not having to change you address on everything is a bonus.
ReplyDeleteCostco is tricky. I'd recommend it for bulk basics, if that's your thing. Grains, olive oil, coffee, cheese milk, eggs. Their produce is reasonable, and I've heard really good things about the quality of their meats. I think the danger are the convenience/junk foods. Snacky type stuff that can add up really quickly! Also, for me personally, it's a little hard to budget for Costco since it's not a "regular" purchase. Anyway, those are my 2 cents. :)
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