Try, try again...

I love to learn and have decided that I am going to explore some of my interests that I had when I was younger, things like art and design. I am under no illusions that I am somehow the next DaVinci. Even the stuff I do well is not to the level of some masters, but for me it is fine. In other words I can cook well enough to feed myself and guests without having to ensure that the ambulance is on standby, but Iron Chef Feenie I am not. I have decided to learn how to knit and crochet. I figure that this will nurture my creative side without taking away from my practical side. When I get really good I might be able to make sweaters...I do live in Canada and despite global warming it still gets very chilly (read darn tootin cold).

Prior to my deciding to learn these skills, I should note that I can crochet a single line for as long as I would care to, but really that is about it. As for knitting, somehow that is a process that has long had an air of mystery for me. I know and have known extremely talented people who are able to create wonderful items through knitting and/or crocheting, but alas not me. In fact my grandmother was an amazing knitter; I'm not actually sure I remember seeing her sit down to watch television without knitting something. She made sweaters, blankets, toques, and a number of other things. I also have a really good friend who is very artistically talented. When we were housemates for a bit she crocheted these amazing sweaters, not lacy ones, but gorgeous sweaters that fashionable type people wore. Both of these people make it all seem so easy.

My grandmother did attempt to teach me to knit, but for whatever reason, I was never able to get it. As for crocheting, my good friend was able to explain crocheting things other than a really long chain. I remember being able to crochet a square, but really it has been a very long time and honestly I just cannot remember what she was teaching me. Previously I have borrowed from the library (and once in a while bought) in an effort to learn how to do both. Thus far, I have not been successful. Once again I have signed out a book from the library, in the hopes of changing my track record. This time however, I have borrowed a book from the children's section. Perhaps this time Ill have more success.

For the love of pets

Shhh....don't tell my strata, but I share my humble abode with two (yes, I said two) cats. With the exception of the balcony, they are indoors. Mostly they sleep and shed. It is only occasionally they have fits of energy and rip through the apartment like they are on fire. They each have their own very distinct personality and for me they are like children. Love me, love my cats. I am a pet person. You might say that if you are not a pet lover, I'm not the person for you. It is a deal breaker for me. Anyone who knows me will confirm this.


I was talking to one of the women I work with and she mentioned that she is not a pet person. However she also mentioned that her children are really excited to move to a house because they will be getting a dog. She went on to explain that she has already told her husband that she wants no part of a dog, that the dog will not under any circumstances be allowed in the house and that if anything happens the dog will have to leave. She has had bad experiences with pets in the past and has no desire to get one. As for her husband, he works long hours and her children are way too young to assume the full responsibility of a dog. And yet, it would appear that that they will be getting a dog. My prediction is that this dog will not last long in this household. While I do not think ill towards this person, I am hopeful that they do not get this pet, only because this is not a pet who will be allowed to be a part of the family, and when (not if) the dog becomes a hassle or does something irritating, the dog will be forced to leave.


I take my responsibility for my pets very seriously. I got the first kitty (Sweetie Pie) while I was still renting after I asked the property manager if I could get a house cat. Although the place had a 'no pets' policy, I decided to ask anyways. In my mind I had decided that if the property manager was not willing or able to allow me a cat, I would be moving as soon as I could find a place that would allow a pet. At the time I realized that I needed to have some sort of pet for my emotional and mental state of mind. As a child we always had cats and for me they make a home. That and I was tired of coming back to a place where the only sound was the radio or television.


Years later when I was buying my own place, one of the deal breakers was a no pets policy. The place I currently live in allows for one small pet (either a dog or a cat). After a while I found that others in the complex had more than the single pet. In each case it was two indoor cats. So I put out the feelers for another cat as a companion for Sweetie Pie. Enter George. Like Sweetie Pie, George is a rescue.


I recognize that having a pet or two is a big responsibility, but there are also wonderful rewards. Financially, the vet bills can add up. Kitty food and litter are not free either. When I go on vacation I need to ensure that someone takes care of them. There are really nice things about having a pet (they both make for wonderful footsie warmers in the winter and great companions while watching a movie) and some not so nice things (changing the litter box). But for me, the good really does outweigh the not so good.


Having a pet is a long term commitment. I believe it is unfair to bring an animal into a home that is not entirely keen on having it, or is unwilling or unable to make the commitment needed for the life of the animal. No matter what kind of pet, inevitably the pet will get into something, destroy something or behave in a manner that makes you want to scream. I could talk about the first day I got Sweetie Pie and how she bit through my hand after she became extremely terrified. Or I could talk about how when I am sick, both of them refuse to leave my side, and to this day when I am on the computer, at least one of them is on the back of the chair guarding me from any potential intruder. It is the latter that I chose to focus on.


Finally I believe that each of us needs to be honest with ourselves and others. As I said at the beginning of this post, I am a pet person. I love my pets and recognize that my decisions affect the quality of all of our lives. Even when I live with others, I still crave (need?) the affection of animals. Others are not the same. Some like my workmate have no desire for pets, but are being pulled into pet ownership. Perhaps I am being too harsh on my workmate, and should pretend that it is not a big deal, but then I would not be honest with myself or for that matter others.

Frugal tips

Previously I mentioned that I was going to talk a bit about frugality, without focusing on food, most of what I have is what I refer to as the "what momma always told you". It is stuff that my mom did to make ends meet.

1. Stop shopping. Do you really need the item or are you caught up in the latest must have craze?

2. Eat in, and make it yourself. I am old enough to remember a time when going out for dinner was a special treat. Of course making it yourself means no frozen or ready made meals. You take basic ingredients out of the cupboard or fridge, and make a meal.

3. Eat leftovers. I actually know people who don't eat leftovers because they "don't like them". I agree that turkey surprise is not most favorite meal (especially after I have eaten turkey for the last four days straight), but you can always freeze some for later use.

4. Make a list (and stick to it). In other words don't get distracted by all of the marketing hype.

5. Combine trips. Gas is expensive, so I plan the route.

6. See if you can share the cost with another person. I share the cost of a discount shopping membership with one of my friends.

7. Drink water from the tap. I fill a pitcher and put it in the fridge and I find that the taste goes away.

8. Turn down the thermostat in the winter. If you are cold, put on a sweater. Conversely in the summer, try not to use the A/C, unless really needed.

9. Try eating vegetarian once or twice per week. Meat is expensive.
10. Turn off the lights that you are not using.

11. Line dry your clothes. Even in an apartment I manage to dry my clothes on an fold out dryer.

12. Wash your clothes in cold water. Saves money and energy.

13. If you need something, is it possible to borrow it (from a library or a friend). This is good especially if you are using the item only once or twice or if you are starting a new hobby and are not sure if it is something you are going to stick with.

14. If you have credit card debt, pay more than the minimum. This is a long term savings thing.
15. Buy generic, if you do not notice the difference. For somethings I can easily tell, others I have no idea.

16. Save money. Start a savings plan and have something that you are saving for. Remember to pay yourself first.
17. Keep your car in good condition.
18. If possible take transportation. When I head into the big city (Vancouver) I take transit. Who can afford to park? This also allows me the opportunity to relax and catch up on my reading.
19. Go to the bank once per pay period and take out an 'allowance'. Then pay cash for everything. I believe that my mom used to call this the envelope method of finance. Also track your spending. This gives you a good idea of where your money is going.
20. Go online and see who has the best deal. This is especially good for grocery shopping as I have 3 major grocery stores within blocks of each other.
21. If you are in the market to buy a place, do not buy at the top of what your pre-approved loan is. Do you really need to live in the mansion? Or will a more modest house (or townhouse/condo) do? Remember it is not only the cost of buying, but also the future cost of maintaining (upgrading?) that will affect your finances.
22. Learn to complete simple home repairs yourself. This also includes learning how to maintain your home.
23. Hold a garage sale or at least get rid of your excess clutter. By keeping the clutter down there is less of a tendency to misplace or lose things which means that you don't have to unnecessarily replace things.
24. Use cloth napkins.
25. Maintain your health. This means make sure you eat healthy foods, get enough exercise and sleep, etc. Basically all the things your doctor keeps telling you to do.