Ohhh I've been a bad blogger. Lashings for me. I could talk about how busy I am and the like, but really that is just an excuse. However, onwards....
Halloween is quickly approaching. Although it is my favorite time of year, nowadays I find it a little depressing. While I love to dress up and as an adult I enjoy watching the trick or treaters, I do not get to do as much of it as I used to. I think that I have mentioned that live in a condo and while I initially thought that would mean hoards of children (as a kid I loved apartments, you got to get to more places, which meant more candy) but in the past I have not had any. I still buy a couple of bags of goodies, just in case, but I have always ended out bringing them to work for everyone.
My memories of Halloween are less sinister than I what I see as today's version. For me the bad house was the person who gave out apples or if you went to the dentist's house who gave out the toothbrush. As a kid it really was all about the candy, and for me apples and toothbrushes never cut it. I loved figuring out what I was going to be, designing the costume, making it. I was thrilling. The fun did stop for a while when I was a teenager (the too cool for life stage) but when I was a younger adult, once again the costumes came out and instead of going door to door it was either a house party or the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Now, if Halloween falls on a work night, I stay in usually watching a movie, hoping that one or two children will knock on my door, if it is on a weekend then I meet up with a few friends. However, it is not the same, perhaps because I am older and do not have children. No need to get depressed, I still have fun and my house is decorated but it is much quieter. Then again I seem to enjoy quiet more often.
Happy Halloween everyone.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
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.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
the high cost of food
With the cost of living rising, and really there being no end in sight, I got to wondering if it is possible to be frugal while still being environmentally conscious. As little as six months ago everyone was talking about what they were doing to save the environment and how we had to take action. Now all I seem to hear is how expensive it is to live and how the price of everything is going up. With the cost of living continually rising and there really being no end in sight, I wonder if it is possible to be environmentally sensitive while still being kind to your bank balance.
For me, it depends on the situation and how you look at it. I figure for today I am just going to focus on how food. Later I will talk about the other stuff (housing, shopping, etc)
In general, my food choices tend to cost more. Almost everything I buy is local, organic and/or fair trade. This food does tend to cost more. I buy local organic milk in glass bottles and my eggs are local, organic and SPCA certified. When I compare the price of something as simple as a dozen eggs I pay $4.98, whereas the factory farmed eggs come in at $2.41. It is the same sort of thing for milk, $2.89 per litre versus $3.38 for 4 litres, $2.61 for 2 litres and $1.55 for a single litre. As much as possible I buy my fruits and veggies from local farmers, usually this is cheaper, if only because what I am buying is in season and when you buy a ton of it (usually for canning, freezing, or some other form of preservation) the farmer tends to take a little pity on you and gives you a bit of a discount. But even without the discount it still tends to be cheaper.
Before anyone starts to think that all I eat is good for you, healthy types of foods, I will confess to a potato chip/popcorn addiction. Again before anyone starts to say, "well popcorn isn't that bad." Popcorn is only edible with butter and salt, without said butter and salt...it is packing material that is biodegradable. While the popcorn might be organic (usually it is not), the potato chips do not even come close to healthy. It is an addiction, what can I say.
I also tend not to eat out very much anymore, in fact if I am eating out it is usually because of a celebration, and it is usually work related. Before I started on my eating local/organic mode, I usually ate out at least twice a week. Now it is down to once maybe twice per month, and that includes the work celebrations.
When you look at my whole food budget, it is relatively the same (eating out is expensive). However if I am compared to a person who buys the factory farmed eggs and milk and does not care where their produce comes from, I probably spend more. However I also choose to look at my food purchases (again with the exception of junk food) as an investment in my personal overall health and the health of my community.
I have yet to meet (or read) the dietitian or nutritionist that does not sing the benefits of fresh food for both the body and the mind. Truthfully I just feel better when I eat healthier. As for how this benefits my community, I figure happy farmers (read farmers with repeat customers) means that they will continue to farm, which in turn contributes to the rich diversity of the community. Finally on a selfish notes, when my local farmers continue to farm, I will continue to get fresh fruits and veggies even after we can no longer afford to ship our food from far far away.
Ultimately, it is a matter of choice, and right now I am very fortunate that I am able to make these kinds of choices (I have a decent paying job that is relatively secure). Everytime I buy something I decide who I wish to support, the local farmer, or the big factory farm. For now I am going with the farmer.
For me, it depends on the situation and how you look at it. I figure for today I am just going to focus on how food. Later I will talk about the other stuff (housing, shopping, etc)
In general, my food choices tend to cost more. Almost everything I buy is local, organic and/or fair trade. This food does tend to cost more. I buy local organic milk in glass bottles and my eggs are local, organic and SPCA certified. When I compare the price of something as simple as a dozen eggs I pay $4.98, whereas the factory farmed eggs come in at $2.41. It is the same sort of thing for milk, $2.89 per litre versus $3.38 for 4 litres, $2.61 for 2 litres and $1.55 for a single litre. As much as possible I buy my fruits and veggies from local farmers, usually this is cheaper, if only because what I am buying is in season and when you buy a ton of it (usually for canning, freezing, or some other form of preservation) the farmer tends to take a little pity on you and gives you a bit of a discount. But even without the discount it still tends to be cheaper.
Before anyone starts to think that all I eat is good for you, healthy types of foods, I will confess to a potato chip/popcorn addiction. Again before anyone starts to say, "well popcorn isn't that bad." Popcorn is only edible with butter and salt, without said butter and salt...it is packing material that is biodegradable. While the popcorn might be organic (usually it is not), the potato chips do not even come close to healthy. It is an addiction, what can I say.
I also tend not to eat out very much anymore, in fact if I am eating out it is usually because of a celebration, and it is usually work related. Before I started on my eating local/organic mode, I usually ate out at least twice a week. Now it is down to once maybe twice per month, and that includes the work celebrations.
When you look at my whole food budget, it is relatively the same (eating out is expensive). However if I am compared to a person who buys the factory farmed eggs and milk and does not care where their produce comes from, I probably spend more. However I also choose to look at my food purchases (again with the exception of junk food) as an investment in my personal overall health and the health of my community.
I have yet to meet (or read) the dietitian or nutritionist that does not sing the benefits of fresh food for both the body and the mind. Truthfully I just feel better when I eat healthier. As for how this benefits my community, I figure happy farmers (read farmers with repeat customers) means that they will continue to farm, which in turn contributes to the rich diversity of the community. Finally on a selfish notes, when my local farmers continue to farm, I will continue to get fresh fruits and veggies even after we can no longer afford to ship our food from far far away.
Ultimately, it is a matter of choice, and right now I am very fortunate that I am able to make these kinds of choices (I have a decent paying job that is relatively secure). Everytime I buy something I decide who I wish to support, the local farmer, or the big factory farm. For now I am going with the farmer.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Adventures with the CSA
This year I joined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). I wanted to make sure that I was supporting the local economy, that I was getting the freshest local food available, and I was expanding my produce horizons.
I have not lived on a farm and really most of my exposure to plants is limited to say the least. The CSA I am a part of sends out an e-mail list of available produce on Monday, by Wednesday I choose what I would like and then on Saturday I pick up my produce. My first trip to the farm involved me driving around this very small farming community desperately trying to figure out which farm I was supposed to pick up my order. Now before anyone starts to wonder why I just did not look at the address. The farms did not seem to have addresses, and when they did, the numbers were either partially or completely obscured by some sort of plants. Finally I found the one I was looking for and after a few wrong steps made my way to the fridge where my produce was waiting for me. When I go home and unpacked my bounty, there were a few things that I did not recognize. I quickly figured out what the majority of it was, but I was still left with what look like green onions on steroids. After checking my order, and the Internet I found my garlic. Who knew out of the ground garlic looks like it does (other than my farmer friends).
I must say I am looking forward to this weeks' selection and am really glad I have started this. Whoo hoo, and bring on the fruits and veggies.
I have not lived on a farm and really most of my exposure to plants is limited to say the least. The CSA I am a part of sends out an e-mail list of available produce on Monday, by Wednesday I choose what I would like and then on Saturday I pick up my produce. My first trip to the farm involved me driving around this very small farming community desperately trying to figure out which farm I was supposed to pick up my order. Now before anyone starts to wonder why I just did not look at the address. The farms did not seem to have addresses, and when they did, the numbers were either partially or completely obscured by some sort of plants. Finally I found the one I was looking for and after a few wrong steps made my way to the fridge where my produce was waiting for me. When I go home and unpacked my bounty, there were a few things that I did not recognize. I quickly figured out what the majority of it was, but I was still left with what look like green onions on steroids. After checking my order, and the Internet I found my garlic. Who knew out of the ground garlic looks like it does (other than my farmer friends).
I must say I am looking forward to this weeks' selection and am really glad I have started this. Whoo hoo, and bring on the fruits and veggies.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Happy Birthday Canada
Happy Birthday Canada. Today our country turns 141 and everywhere there were celebrations. In my community there was a parade and general festivities including parties in the park and later tonight, fireworks.
Today is also the day of the new Carbon Tax here in BC. Basically it will cost you an extra 2.5 cents per litre. The news has been reporting that we in BC are fed up and opposed to the tax. To listen to the news or read a newspaper, gas prices are first and foremost on everyone's mind. The opposition party is demonstrating against the tax, and people are crying 'unfair' (actually they are using much stronger language).
Let me just say that in general I am not opposed to the tax. I know that this is an unpopular stand. Don't get me wrong, this along with the increase in food prices, and everything else, is quite frankly, killing my budget and I am being forced to make changes. Some of the changes I was planning to make, others I wasn't, but financially I have no choice but to make some changes. When I talk to other people, financial considerations are a big part of their decision when making positive changes for the environment. One of the women in my book club has recently started hanging her clothes to dry, rather than using the dryer after I pointed out to her not only the environmental benefits, but also the financial benefits. I made similar arguments to another woman when I found out that she left her cell phone charger plugged in, whether she was charging her cell or not. In both cases, it was the financial benefits that prompted and has thus sustained the change. It seems that while we may wish to do things for the environment, if there is a financial incentive to making the change, either the change will happen, or it will happen quicker. Basically, it is my hope that this tax will spur people to conserving, if not for the environment, then for their pocketbooks.
Today is also the day of the new Carbon Tax here in BC. Basically it will cost you an extra 2.5 cents per litre. The news has been reporting that we in BC are fed up and opposed to the tax. To listen to the news or read a newspaper, gas prices are first and foremost on everyone's mind. The opposition party is demonstrating against the tax, and people are crying 'unfair' (actually they are using much stronger language).
Let me just say that in general I am not opposed to the tax. I know that this is an unpopular stand. Don't get me wrong, this along with the increase in food prices, and everything else, is quite frankly, killing my budget and I am being forced to make changes. Some of the changes I was planning to make, others I wasn't, but financially I have no choice but to make some changes. When I talk to other people, financial considerations are a big part of their decision when making positive changes for the environment. One of the women in my book club has recently started hanging her clothes to dry, rather than using the dryer after I pointed out to her not only the environmental benefits, but also the financial benefits. I made similar arguments to another woman when I found out that she left her cell phone charger plugged in, whether she was charging her cell or not. In both cases, it was the financial benefits that prompted and has thus sustained the change. It seems that while we may wish to do things for the environment, if there is a financial incentive to making the change, either the change will happen, or it will happen quicker. Basically, it is my hope that this tax will spur people to conserving, if not for the environment, then for their pocketbooks.
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