Life So Far in 2026
Little by little ( and do I mean little) I'm working on various parts of my 2026 aspirations/ goals to be content list. I seem to be doing fairly well on the social front despite hibernating as much as possible. Purging is happening by removing items either through donation, gifting, or trashing. My next door neighbor was ecstatic to accept this child size camping chair for her soon to be one year old and I was happy it found a new owner.
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I've vowed to bring into the house nothing but consumables, and then actually use said items, unless it's a real need or problem solution-the rare exceptions. Now in full disclosure and honesty to myself, I loosely applied several purchases to the exception. These include the blood pressure monitor, a rechargeable handheld vacuum (pet cleanup and the big vacuum gets heavy lugging it floor to floor for controlling pet hair and mess), and an assortment of Command hooks for bathroom organization and hanging pictures up finally.
I'm holding off on my mammogram until warmer weather when I'm not wearing layers and a big coat. I've no history in my family and have always had normal scans. I've other more immediate needed appointments taken care of or at least scheduled. If I'm not getting outside walking or shoveling for exercise, I'm adding a bit more indoor activities, trying to gear up for travelling. On that front, I've started a new notebook from the many pretty ones given to me over the years, with travel ideas, and will add price estimates, sample itineraries, and other details.
I attempted an online French class, but it turned out to be a sales pitch that was set to last over two hours. I clocked out, but am registered for a money management one with AAUW this week. Mental stimulation has been limited and I'm aiming to do better for myself going forward in the year.
I'm cooking and baking bread again. Because I've had some expensive outings for birthday's, it's been essential to my cash flow to not pick up take out so having extras of things to heat up for easy meals with something yummy fits the "wants." 
I've decided starting in February my spending money will be done in cash. Some call this their walking around money, but it'll be what I have in my entertainment budget, not counting Internet and streaming which I've put in my utilities. That's probably denial on my part as streaming is not essential as other utilities are. January ends Saturday. I'm not sorry to see it go, not that February provides much relief from the cold and snow. But, we do get noticeably more light, just as we see the days shorten in November, they grow again in February.
I've decided starting in February my spending money will be done in cash. Some call this their walking around money, but it'll be what I have in my entertainment budget, not counting Internet and streaming which I've put in my utilities. That's probably denial on my part as streaming is not essential as other utilities are. January ends Saturday. I'm not sorry to see it go, not that February provides much relief from the cold and snow. But, we do get noticeably more light, just as we see the days shorten in November, they grow again in February.
I'm working on something similar - basically reducing all of the more frivolous spending. When I got a new job, it triggered some sort of "buy things now" mentality that hasn't been helpful. I've done a pretty good job of reining that in, and now just need to keep myself in check. A good example - instead of ordering takeout last night (which I ended up falling asleep before it was even bed time!), I had M pick up Costco street tacos. Still $16, but way cheaper than anything we could do for takeout. I have to give myself a break on things like travel days when I've been gone for a week & am jet lagged, but there are ways to make even those options cheaper. Normally, m would make dinner, but he's in the midst of fixing all of the things that keep breaking at our house. Yesterday was Sam's car. - Hawaii planner
ReplyDeleteEvery room in my house has those seldom to none used purchases. I feel anything more will just add to that amount. That's so frustrating when so many things break at once. As I've shared, our house was like that (still is) and my husband had a long project list for retirement. It's overwhelming so take it easy and know eventually things will get repaired or replaced if needed.
DeleteSam I just wanted to pop in here to say that all of us here in Canada are thinking of you and all the people of your state. It is horrendous what is happening and we can only hope that it will end soon. Please take care. Elaine
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that. My daughter is in the thick if neighborhoods impacted. I'm worried even more so because these untrained overpaid goons will keep pushing their level of aggressive tactics to observers and protesters as they were given permission to do violence with impudity. Evil.
DeleteIt is pouring rain here with wind so I am inside and puttering in the kitchen. I made scrambled eggs , with plain Greek yogurt, and toast. I am still eating the chili I made and creamed spinach. Oh, and sliced and baked chocolate chip cookies with milk… lol. That was not a necessity at the grocery store but I bought it anyway. Oops! Cindy in the South
ReplyDeleteThe cold will continue this week. I'm so done with January.
DeleteI love your idea of a travel notebook. I often save ideas and bits in my email or on my laptop but I rarely come back to them. I am keen on starting something similar, thank you for the inspiration. - JJ
ReplyDeleteIt's a lot of lists if places, comparisons if areas, and dates with air and hotel so far. Just a start but is a good hobby for now and good prep for future.
DeleteA travel inspiration notebook sounds great. I think your exceptions to only consumables nicely fit the criteria you set for making those exceptions.
ReplyDeleteWe get loose with our interpretation but I really need my money doing better and my space cleared.
DeleteI think your travel ideas note book is a great idea. It's easy to find something/somewhere you might like to go/do and then when you are actually have the money, time and inclination you have forgotten the idea. This way you have it all to hand in your notebook.
ReplyDeleteWishing you continued luck with the 2026 aspirations and goals.
It's a very rough start. But, as I hear of other people's travel, it sparks ideas to track.
DeleteThe idea of a travel notebook is a brilliant idea. I have a couple of journals I have never used and one of them would make a wonderful travel book.
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to cull our eating out, especially at night, and this week every single meal was eaten at home. I had plans for Monday that were cancelled due to intense cold (at least intense cold for those of us who do not have proper winter wear) and I think I will do some baking breads, muffins and maybe even a recipe or two of cookies. I can always freeze them in portions for later, but I agree. Having foods on hand really does quell the desire to run out and buy something.
It's easy with just two people to just want to skip meal prep, I get that. I know you're smart with your balance. I hope you get some travel if choice locations in the coming year.
DeleteI gave away two sleeping bags to the homeless shelter about six months ago - and guess who had to go out and buy a new sleeping bag last week. Still, their need is greater than mine so no harm done. I also tend to use cash a lot too. I just find it easier because if it's in the bank account it's too easy (for me) to just swipe a card but using cash helps keep me in check. AND, the number of times already we've been somewhere (like an event) and the beer stand only takes cash is amazing - or is that just something my son tells me when it's his turn to go buy the beer!
ReplyDeleteI keep finding the opposite- card only. But, I figure if I move the cash even if I use a card, then I'll visually see how much I spent rather than "how the heck did the cc get so high?" at months end.
DeleteI’ll be glad to see January go too. I want longer days and no darkness so early in the evening.
ReplyDeleteBelinda
It's so little light until we'll oast 7 that's hard on me too. I like to rise with the sun.
DeleteI echo Elaine's comment. My herat goes out to you.
ReplyDeleteThe bread looks very professional and it sounds like you're doing a cracking job with the donating and decluttering.
We looked at returning to Athens for Tony's birthday but there's no local flights until the Spring any more. We've got an fabulous alternative looming, I really ought to pack! xxx
Thanks Vix. Ooh, I'm intrigued as to where you travel next.
DeletePlease don't delay your mammogram.
ReplyDeleteI'm talking matter of weeks rather than months or years.
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