MARCH MADNESS
There are few comforts to me in the world quite like the saint coming home on a really bad day. Either I am easier to read than I fancy myself, or something about him intuitively knows that there is nothing more I need in that moment than some saving. He sees me laid out on the couch with a 1900s period piece playing, and he knows I will need him to help me on the project that went awry, make plans for dinner, and help me find a safe place to spoil myself without ridicule or condemnation. Care-giving is one of his very best and easiest qualities. It's a cute nickname, but he really is a saint. That's how my Saturday ended...after a rather tragic and emotional end to what I thought would be a cool project.
Today I sit here full of visions of dogwoods and weeping cherry trees. We've just returned from a local nursery where I wanted to buy every single tree under the sun. We decided on a wonderful crab apple tree, and cannot wait to plant it. Perhaps that's a country task I'll save for my sis! I am now snacking on cheddar and carr's crackers, and feeling rather deliciously happy to be a country girl. Today. I think I shall make some chicken cacciatore for dinner...
But this is all neither here nor there. What I really wanted to tell you was how amazingly pleased I am with the conclusion of February's Frugality Challenge. If you remember, here were the goals:
I have failed at pretty much all of it except for the transferring of money to savings. Each week as I sat to do the bills (another key to financial clarity), I totaled up our restaurant, pub, coffee, and cocktail receipts. I would then divide it by two and transfer that amount into savings. My goal was to save 15% of our monthly income...and I believe I have just calculated the total savings to be 13% (I would have had 15%, but an emergency came up at the beginning of the month that I was absolutely grateful to have the funds to attend to..and isn't that a nice thing about savings anyway?). I am happy about this indeed!
The goal of this 12-month challenge was to implement things into my life slowly...things that I've wanted to change but felt too overwhelmed to actually attempt. One of the greatest things about February was that the saint and I have decided to keep this practice going, this rewarding our bank account for something we already love and soulfully peruse as part of our relationship. For YEARS, we've attempted to punish ourselves for our lifestyle, and it simply never worked. I love how this changes my perspective about going out.
SOOOOO.
On to March.
Well, I've become increasingly aware of 6-10 extra pounds sticking with me since I retired from my city walking life. I simply do not move as much as I used to because it isn't built into my lifestyle. In honor of the inspiration of the Olympics and college basketball, I will be exercising every day this month. This morning, I did yoga and feel so great. Other days I hope to take walks around the property, maybe grab the family dog and teach her how to heel, and remember how much my body is made for movement...not just sitting in quiet thought.
(i've used this photo before, but it makes me laugh so much
that i thought i would extend the treat to your funny bones)
Whadda think? I think it sounds great. I think it's just about the only thing (besides lots of gin) that might help me find some comfort in my loss.
What do you do to get moving?
~crm
4 comments:
I think I love that picture of you with all that wonderful trolldoll hair.....you did really great for the month; putting funds into savings is no easy feat GOSH. and a crab tree! oh so gorgeous and a great spirit lifter as well as brisk walks through your forest. and I am so sad for you. knowing a close friend lives within short driving distance is a gift.
heartfelt thoughts going to you Candace Ruth AND drop me a line with your address if you would, I have some treats I would like to send because you are just GOOD.
What a charmed lady to have a Saint that knows how to fix everything (especially your broken heart!)! I am sorry for your loss, friends moving away is soo hard! Start planning vacation to see her now so you have something to look forward to!
*that's amazing that you actually were able to save some $, best of luck continuing it! (why does typing "good luck" always seem sarcastic to me!?!)
*hugs*
oh Candace!
I so feel your loss. My best friend moved far away almost one year ago. I'm in Saskatoon and she's in Tucson. I wish that I could send you a hug.
I do promise to take you out for gin in June. We'll toast long-distance friends for life.
Candace,
Sincere sadness at your loss - nothing like a good friend nearby.
In times like that I try to remember that everything happens for a reason, but it ends up sounding like the teacher on Charlie Brown specials.
"Wha Wha Whaaaaa Wha Whhhhhha Wha"
Go get em' with the exercise, girl!!!! :)
xoxoxox,
Allison
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