Live More, Work Less

Tiny Buddha did a great post on what it means to change your lifestyle to actually enjoy more and work less. She begins by asking the question - how much do you actually need to feel comfortable? If you are without a job right now, doing with less is not something you want to read more about - but you may find some useful information that may be helpful during this stressful time. Links are provided that give practical guidance in finding ways to reduce your spending - and learning to enjoy life in a whole new way. I especially liked the link with thoughts on meaningful and inexpensive gift-giving.

As I look around me each day, I'm startled to realize I'm not as attached to some of these things as I thought I was. If I had to name five things I couldn't live without - it would be hard to come up with five. But I guess that could all change if I were one of the people now living along the Mississippi, or in the way of multiple tornadoes. Having never been in that situation, I have no idea how I would react. But I continue to be amazed at the people who bravely face their worst fears, the one thing standing out to me is the way they are there for each other.

Last night I watched the movie "The Day After Tomorrow" for the second time.  I had just finished a new book by Whitley Streiber, (The Key), and remembered that he had written the book (Superstorm) that the movie was based on - anyway - the take-away from the film is that if something catastrophic happens in the world; absolutely nothing I own would mean anything - the only thing I would care about when the chips are down are people. I wouldn't be lamenting my couch or a chair - or even jewelry or art. People, pets, and, well, that's about it - everything else is just not that important. 

Women In Step With Themselves

I really enjoyed watching two of my favorite websites come together in one interview. Lilou Mace, of Lilou Mace Web TV, who shucked it all to follow her heart, interviews Regina Meredith of Conscious Media Network, who just happened to do the same thing! Women doing exactly what they feel is the right and perfect thing for them to be doing during these energetic times. What's not to love?

Cooperation, higher intelligence, resonance, coming together, true wisdom, changing the world.

Here is Regina's story:

Semantics & Our Economy

Jayne did a post on her take of the economy, found here, as only Jayne can. Funny and biting, she is always a kick to read.

However, we had weekend visitors who are currently out of work. This was a man who was at the top of a division of one of the largest companies in the world. If he can be out of work, anyone can.

I was reminded, once again, of the economy. Sometimes, just for a moment, you forget once you start working again. After all, any paycheck feels like hitting the lottery after two years without one. Then you pick up the paper, or tune into the news and are brought back to our current state of affairs.

So what exactly is the difference between a full-blown Depression and the current Great Recession? We still see long lines of people looking for jobs on the streets, curled around corners and continuing for blocks. We know that families are being displaced by the thousands every month. We know that schools are struggling to feed hungry children, who are not getting enough at home. The only new job numbers being added are the census workers. And now I read that some job postings are saying that the unemployed need not apply. They are only looking for employed workers! Whoa, I wouldn't want the karma coming to the genius who thought that one up.

So what is the difference? Can anyone tell me?

Some Drawbacks

There are definitely some drawbacks to my husband returning to work. Spoiled, I know, but I am quite used to having my coffee delivered to me in my chair by the window each morning.  I miss having my breakfast cooked and delivered to same chair by the window as I check my blogs. I have a humidifier that is constantly out of water, and I haven't had to vacuum in two years. Now I'm expected to remember the dry cleaning and to pick up the mail. Not to mention cooking. My husband now wants dinner. (Can you imagine?) Gone is the don't bother with dinner dear, I've been snacking all afternoon.

But the worst part about him returning to work? I have to do dog duty. Yep, without even my morning coffee to sustain me, I have to follow my dog around with a little pink bag at 7:00 a.m. after slipping and sliding down a damp incline and crossing a creek. That is so not right.

New Economy & Clothes

We go to Oregon quite often to visit family, so I generally save any shopping for when we head in that direction. Oregon doesn't have a sales tax, and Nevada's continues to rise. Which brings me to an annual event my daughters and I share. Fall shopping for warm clothes. Both Portland and Tahoe require such expenditures. Some things just wear out by the end of the season, and warm boots take a beating in the snow and rain. I purchased just what was needed, and so did the girls. Basic layering t-shirts and a sweater or two, to spiff up last year's winter jeans and skirts. I looked at all of the things people probably wouldn't buy this year, and thought this economy is not going to improve through consuming. I think those days are over. People are being very conservative. Our country, and maybe the world, needs to retrain and retrench.

My younger daughter needed a few things in order to segue from college hippie to working girl. Baby steps with that one - she doesn't feel the need to dress up for much. But she actually seemed pleased when I took her shopping, explaining that going to work with holes in your leggings should be a thing of the past. That, no, it was not okay to save all of her good clothes for going out at night, and wearing the worn ones to work. (She doesn't work with the public, except by phone.) It was time to think about moving up from her basic job and maybe into a more interesting position in the company. Hers is one of the few companies actually growing in this economy. That if she wanted a different car, that held friends and camping equipment - she would have to improve her income. Parental units are pretty much finished with their responsibilities. She knows she is lucky to have a college education minus student loans. She is lucky to have a job that has health insurance, including eye care and dental. She is lucky to have the possibility of upward mobility. Her dream of farming may have to be on her own time, however, starting in her own yard. Travel will have to wait until she can take a leave of absence, but she is lucky to work for a company that will allow her to leave for three months and come back! In other words, it is time for her "to paddle her own canoe," as my father used to say. She graduated into a new world. A new economy less forgiving, and not at all conducive to moving around looking for just the right fit. More like the world her father and I knew when we graduated high school. The Vietnam war was raging and inflation was double digits. Gas lines were long, and finding a good job was a blessing.

I actually think she was listening.

Hmmm... Maybe we are entering a new era, she and I. She is growing up, and I am learning to let go. Maybe, just maybe, we did a good job raising her. She is capable and prepared. Smart and industrious. She is loyal, honest, and works well in a team environment. Good workplace qualities. She always earns an additional bonus at the end of each month, given to those making few errors.

In a country where one in ten Americans are out of work, an estimated 15.1 million and growing, I'm grateful. And more importantly, I think she is, as well. At least for the moment. And isn't that where we're supposed to be living?