SNOW SNOW SNOW!!!

It has been a long time since I've been at the computer. We have had 3 snows days, plus Martin Luther King Jr. Day off so it has been a while. One of the "interesting" things that I did was I saw a flyer for a free movie at one of the churches. I thought it was a family fun kind of thing. When I showed up I expected a family atmosphere. I didn't realize it but it was mainly for homeless people. It was nice. They served pizza and popcorn and brownies to everyone so it was fun but it just seemed so different. That is one of the things that I am noticing is that if something is free, it doesn't seem to be valued. For example, people spilled their sodas and didn't clean it up. They talked during the movie and left halfway though.
The good part is that because of all the snow days. I've gotten a little bit more organized. I know basically where everything is now. The bad news is that it is all in different little piles and they drive me crazy. I can't figure out what to do with them. I did find a cross stitch piece I was working on but hadn't finished. I began it when my neice was being born and now she is 7 years old. It is Winnie the Pooh so I may have to find someone else who can use it.

Building Community

Well, now that I am not running around as much, I am taking advantages of other opportunities. I went to a knitting group meeting last night and met some wonderful people. One person even mentioned ETSU. I forgot about all the free things that universities offer to their students and community. I will have to look into that. Usually there is always I free movie or concert of some type. I need to "use what I have".
I am almost finished with my knitted socks and will need some help trying to put the toe part on. Also I have almost finished my aunt's birthday present. I am realizing that I see the benefits of the consistency premise. I also found a new motto for the year. I'd been trying to decide on something for 2009 and could only come up with Feeling Fine in 2009 which in my opinion is rather pitiful. But it finally hit me, 2009 is my year to shine!!! OK, Ipsen it isn't but at least it is something.
Well, gotta go.

The Experiment Begins

Well, it is January 5th,2009 and I am in my fifth day of my experiment on only buying necessities, not luxuries this year. I read the book Not Buying It by Judith Levine last year and was inspired to try the same idea this year. I will try and go an entire year without buying any luxuries.
I must say it has already helped me appreciate the things I do have. Becuase I now must plan in advance (something I hate doing) I get things done more effieciently. For example, I already have my sister-in-laws birthday gift done and her card sent out. She is going to have a fit because I am ALWAYS late with gifts and cards. She even called me today to tell me how excited she is.

As far as the luxuries that I have gotten for free this year.

1. a free blog site ;-)
2. watching Horton Hear a Who on the big screen at our local Hands-0n Museum. I hadn't seen it yet and was earlier debating as to whether or not to purchase
3. Found a free site www.sparkpeople.com for information on exercise and weight loss
4. Since I'm cooking now, I offer extra that I made to friends who were please with the offer. Unfortunately because it was so unexpected, there were no takers :-(

Drawbacks:

1. Friends have asked me to have lunch with them today and I had to say no because I brought my lunch.
2. Feeling a little ungrounded right now