hubby signs

Today at lunch at the dinner, my husband suggested getting food wrapped to go.  I was impressed to see him moving the right direction.  Of course, we were eating at a restaurant with the kids which is not the best step forward in our efforts.

Yesterday we spent part of the day cleaning his office, prepping for its shut down.

Holiday traditions

What's up with holiday cards.  I try to write a funny little family letter to let our closest friends know what's been up in the last year.  So far this year, and yes it is Christmas eve, we have received two cards from families that we don't even know that share the same preschool class as our boys (like why bother?) and a slew of cards from friends with their names printed on them but they didn't even bother to sign them or even try to put in a note.  Yeah, its nice to see a picture of your kids.  But if that is all you are sending, without even signing, then either we are not close enough for you to waste the stamp, or we are so close you didn't need bother.  Maybe I'm the only one that likes a letter, but I want to reach out and let you know what is up, and frankly I'd love to hear what is up on your end.  Frugal, yeah, stop the endless cards if there is no content and no connection.  Just email me.  Then at least I'll have a good address at which to reach you.

Garbage

Garbage to me seems overwhelming.  How can I be controlling cost, limiting our expenditures, yet still taking out bag after bag of garbage.  Yes, there is diapers and food stuff from cooking. but the rest of it amazes me.  I think this will be one thing I wish to reduce in the year to come.  A smaller foot print in just garbage.

Hello

On Frugal

- a google search on the word "Frugal" will yield 9,520,000 results!

 - a result for definition from the Merriam-Webster dictionary provides, "characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources".

 - but when using the same Merriam-Webster but by thesaurus the following is provided;

Meaning: careful in the management of money or resources frugal, the family is able to stretch its monthly budget>

Synonyms economical, economizing, provident, scrimping, sparing, thrifty

Related Words conserving, preserving, saving; fore handed, foresighted, prudent; penny-wise; cheap, close, closefisted, miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, stingy, stinting, tight, tightfisted

Antonyms prodigal, wasteful

This blog is about my struggle with become frugal not just with money but, more importantly my most precious resources, time, energy and love.  It is no coincidence that I start writing today, as I have real goals for changes to make in 2010.  2008 was hell.   2009 was transition and interesting.  But wow I'm emerging hopeful and beaten down.  So 2010 is about really making it happen.  It is now clear to me I can't do it all.  I may want to have it all, but it takes work.  And some things have to change.  

I have ideas about what to change.  But I am scared shit less about making the changes.  I am the bread winner for my family.  And they seem nervous as they note I am about to start demanding some big changes.  Is it about being economically frugal?  Partially.  But it is about being self-frugal; I just can't do it all and things have to change.