29) Drop Call Waiting
The author suggests dropping this unnecessary phone charge (which she says is about $5.00.)
This suggestion actually lit the fire under my buttcheeks – - and I called my cell company. I was checkin’ out the different plans available (on-line) and decided that the 750 anytime minutes with 5 “my circle” peeps would do me good. Interestingly, when I called to talk to the customer service rep, I actually HAD that plan (well with 1000 anytime minutes for the same cost)- – I just wasn’t notified that my plan had changed. (I figured since my kid is married and I don’t talk to The Bitch anymore, I wouldn’t need the extra minutes – - but, it is the best plan for the money.) I added some numbers into “My Circle” – - so, now, I am SET!! Anyone wanna talk? I’ve got tons of minutes!!

30) Don’t Answer the Phone Just Because it’s Ringing
Yikes. I’m not sure I like this one…..or that I could do it. I will have to ponder on it.

31) Don’t Answer the Doorbell, Either!
LOL!! When we had Kayci (the dog), I always knew when someone was there – - but, now, unless people knock loudly, I will miss ‘em. The author stated that she informed her friends to call first (see number 30). LMAO!! I may have to figure out a way to harden my already tactless, social graces.

32) Get Rid of Your Car Phone
LMAO!! Who are these people?? Good Lord….first I should get rid of my boat and now my car phone….where is the justice? *Back to Reality…..
Phew…done!! That was easy.

You know, I gotta say, I am getting the impression that this book is more for folks that are living in a Bi-Ass house, with two or three SUV’s, a Boat the size of Georgia, and full walk-in closets the size of my living room. WTF?? Well, I am gonna keep chuggin’ along just in case they have some brilliant idea that I could actually use!!

24) Rethink Your Meals with Friends
Well, at the risk of sounding like a broken record…I have no friends. Seriously. So, that pretty much takes care of that.
I can say that my Hubby’s recent birthday party was a slam-dunk. I spent about $50 on a pot-luck BBQ (not including drinks) – - only had a couple people show up – - which was okay by me – - and it was lovely. I am a big supporter of the potluck meal – - but, I could totally understand the author’s restaurant preference, as I do enjoy having SMALL get togethers with certain people.

25) Turn Off the TV
First, TV is NOT my biggest problem. The INTERNET, is!! Hi, my name is Happy and I am an internet addict. **Hi, Happy!!** (You knew that was coming so quit groaning!!)
Second, the author was worried about the positive/negative aspects of sitcoms, violence and commercials. I don’t watch much in the way of sitcoms – - and commercials don’t dictate my spending – - so, my biggest thing is violence. Gee, since it isn’t the “News” it isn’t real (and I am using the term “News” as loosely as humanly possible)…..UGH…..so, there is no anxiety about the “what if’s” that reality brings.

26) Stop the Junk Mail
I have done this, actually. Here is the info, if you would like to reduce YOUR junk mail: Send a postcard requesting your name NOT be sold to the following address:
Stop The Mail
P.O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008
That should stop about 75 percent of your junk mail. Next, when requesting a catalog, make sure you request that the company NOT add you to their mailing lists. In the man time, recycle what you can, burn (and then compost) what you can, and finally throw away what is not recyclable.

27) Cancel Your Magazine Subscriptions
I occasionally have a magazine subscription – - but, usually it is for a very unusual magazine (Countryside, Mother Earth News, Positive Thinking, etc.) Last year, I did purchase Family Fun, to help out my daughter’s Brownie Troop. Most of the time, I try to get the magazines I like through the Free magazine exchange our library offers. The author discussed the consumerism that is found in magazines, very much like that on TV – - and I gotta say again, neither the TV nor the magazines influence how and what I spend my money on. (Yes, I did end that with a preposition. Get over it.)

28) Stop the Newspaper Delivery
Done!! LOL!! I had this great deal worked out with my neighbor – - he got the newspaper and would save it (he had been throwing it away); then, periodically, I would get all of his papers and sort through them (taking out the Sunday ads and whatever else we wanted); finally, we would take the newspaper to the recycling bin. It was a win-win-win situation. Right now, my neighbor is on Hiatus – - and no paper is being delivered.

19) Move to a Smaller House
With the exception of one year, as a married couple, my husband and I, have not lived in a large house. At this point, we live in a 900 or so square foot house. It has two bedrooms, one bath, a large living/dining room area, kitchen and back porch (which serves to house our laundry room and home school/spare bedroom. You could probably fit another house our size on the total area of our lot…Plus, we have a driveway and small garage. All of this loveliness (aka mortgage) is less than $300 a month; which includes the house payment, the taxes and insurance.

20) Drive a Simple Car
I’m not sure how to gage the term ’simple.’We have had our fair share of automobiles – - most of them were pretty good in the “was it worth it” department. Let’s see, when we met, he had a small car that resembled an older Toyota Corolla and I had a small sporty car. Both were given to us. With the exception of replacing the entire exhaust, my car ran perfectly. Just before we moved from Germany to the states, we sold both of our cars and purchased a Suzuki Sidekick (less than $200 monthly payment). When we got to Colorado, we paid cash for a Geo Metro. Not too long after that, his mother who had some disabilities moved in with us, necessitating a different vehicle (as she was not able to get into the Sidekick, comfortably). This was screw-up number 1: We traded the Sidekick for a van (the payments doubled). Later, we traded the van for a 4-door Chevy Metro (payments were less than $200). Then, we made mistake number 2: we traded the PAID OFF Metro for a Mitsubishi Gallant. A whole lotta problems occurred and we voluntarily had our car repossessed. Then we purchased (with cash) a Mercury Sable. After putting almost $5000 into the Sable on repairs and one day, when putting the car in gear, we hear a suspicious noise….we traded it in on a brand new PT Cruiser ($250 a month payment). We have paid cash for three pick-up trucks since that time, as well: a full size Chevy and two Dodge Dakota’s. At this time, we have less than a year to pay on the Cruiser – - and then we are FREE and CLEAR with car payments!! We are considering a diesel vehicle, which we can convert to vege oil (for fun) – - to drive around our small town. We’ll see!!

21) Sell the Damn Boat
LMMFAO!!! Since we don’t have a boat…….DONE!!!!

22) Build a Simple Wardrobe
We are pretty good in this area, as well. Hubby has uniforms that the company provides…so, much of his wardrobe is already taken care of!! This year, he spent some time weeding out the stuff that had been worn out and looking horrible – - AFTER – - we found the sale to end all sales (at JC Penney), where we purchased enough clothing to outfit him in dressy casual attire for less than $130. I had been “collecting” shoes and clothing for a while – - had gotten spectacular ‘deals’ – - but, in the end, I rarely wore any of it. So, I really pared down my wardrobe. Recently, I received several shirts (hand-me-downs) and purchased new t-shirts, which have bulked my wardrobe once again.
I would say my family has a below average collection of clothing – - which we try to keep contained!! I also try to purchase many of our day-to-day clothing items at garage sales/thrift stores – - saving money AND recycling.

23) Reduce Your Go-Go Entertainment
The author is discussing the reduction of activities such as movies, plays, theater, opera, concerts, cabaret, and nightclubs – - and really focusing on entertainment which is inexpensive or free. The author also discussed making a list of the things we REALLY liked to do. I will ponder on this and make my list soon. I urge you to do the same – - and post your list on your site. (Link here so I can read your list, too!!

Paul at Living Green in Austin blogged about a GREAT idea: If you forget to bring your re-usable bags with you when you shop, purchase new ones (yes, every time) and use them for gift bags when giving a gift.  WOW!!  What a fantastic idea!! Thanks, Paul!! 
I always appreciate those great ideas from people who think outside the box!!  ;)

Number Sixteen: Pets Simplified
DONE!! We gave our dog to one of the guys that works with James.
I know that my Honey really liked having a dog (as did Boo) – - and sometimes he would manage to stick to the deal whereby I take of what goes IN the dog and he takes care of what comes OUT of the dog – - it just boiled down to me not wanting the responsibility of pet ownership.

 

Number Seventeen: Moving Simplified
The author suggests these things to simplify moving: 1) De-Clutter (Exercise Number 1); 2) Pack no more than a week before you are to move; 3) Use this packing order: vases, art, books, linens, clothes, personal items, and finally the kitchen; 4) Make sure the new place move-in-ready; 5) Set up a color-coded system for labels on boxes; 6) If moving across town, move the last things (immediate kitchen items, changes of clothing) in the car with you; 7) Use wardrobe boxes to pack clothing; When packing books, start with the top shelf and move left-to-right all the way down. Put books directly in boxes, label the boxes by bookcase and number. It uses more boxes – but, is easier; 9) Purchase used boxes if possible or use a mover that will buy back your used boxes; 10) Board pets and young children for the day; 11) draw a rough sketch of the new p lace and list where you want things to go – - makes organizing easier.

We have moved a LOT – - here are our tips: 1) De-Cluttering is SO valuable – - but, usually it is most effective WHILE you are packing. I like the FlyLady system (www.flylady.net); 2) If you are prone to moving, invest in plastic boxes – - it is far easier to stack – - and it protects your stuff better than cardboard; 3) If you can’t board the kids, have them help out whenever possible (cleaning the boxes, folding/packing clothes, etc.).
We have discussed moving around the country to just “see the sights” – - if we would do that, our moving would be even more simplified.

 

Number Eighteen: Recycling Simplified
The author points out that by using the methods of Simplifying Your Life (suggestions throughout the book), you will automatically be reducing your waste, which will be a major part of the solution. She doesn’t give much more advice. Our small town has a “traveling” recycling center that stops by weekly. We are able to recycle the following: newspapers, milk jugs, clear glass, brown glass, tin cans, aluminum cans, Number 2 Plastic, cardboard boxes and soda bottles.
I really like the coupon inserts in the Sunday paper; however, I usually forgot to pick up the paper – - and if I DID remember, it was an almost total waste of money, as I almost never used the rest of the paper. I talked to my neighbor who gets the paper everyday, then throwing it away – - and decided that I would kill three birds with one stone: I asked him to save the papers for us, which my girl picks up weekly (usually on Tuesday’s). I go through the papers, take out the coupon inserts and set aside a paper or two, if we need it for art. Whatever is left, we take to the recycling truck on Wednesday.
I burn all of our paper products – - and use the ash in our compost pile.
Our trash is picked up on Monday’s – - and usually we only have one kitchen sized bag per week. That’s good, right?

That ends the “Household” Section. Next up: “Your Life-Style”

Number Ten: Leave Your Shoes at the Front Door.
I totally understand WHY this suggestion is made; however, I also understand why FlyLady (www.flylady.net) suggests wearing tie-up shoes (you are always at the ready.) I try to compromise in this area: My husband keeps his work boots outside (when they are greasy), when not in his work boots, he and my daughter put their shoes on the runner by the door and I usually wear my shoes all the time. My Honey has this unique ability to mess up my carpets – - he doesn’t mean to – - it just seems to be his “gift.” So, I get to steam clean at least twice a year. I know that seems excessive (especially when trying to ’simplify’ your life); however, one of my “OCD issues” is a ‘clean’ carpet – - so for MY mental health and that of my family (“If the Mamma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”) my carpet gets cleaned OFTEN!!

 

Number Eleven: Go For Patterned Carpets!
As you can guess from the paragraph above, I don’t have patterned carpets (except the runner by the door) – - it is on our to do list when we remodel the LR/DR. Since we have several other things on the to do list first, I get the pleasure of steam cleaning at least twice per year!

 

Number Twelve: Use Food Trays.
Considering how my husband’s “gift” graces my carpets, I think I will dig out the tray that my Dad made and insist on this rule, as well.

 

Number Thirteen: Keep Your Plants Outdoors.
YES!! Finally an excuse {for-reals} to dump the plants I have on my Mamma!! She is a plant/garden fanatic!!
For years I just could not understand why I couldn’t keep a dagum plant alive – - and now, in my older, wiser body, I am at least able to acknowledge that much of my angst in having the plant(s) was some sort of way to feel like I was able to live up to my Mom’s expectations – - and to prove to everyone {including myself} that I CAN measure up. Well, I am getting better about being able to see when something is MY dream or an attempt to keep up with the Jones’ my Mom.
Oh, and I have also managed to figure out HOW to keep a couple plants alive; hence, the plants that I will be dumping off.

 

Number Fourteen: Git Rid of Your Lawn.
LMAO!! That is too funny after having completed lawn maintenance on six yards today. My husband actually ENJOYS lawn care – - so, this one will not get done. Besides, the author suggests low-maintenance ground cover…..well, that is not NO-maintenance…so, there would be expense and work to consider.

 

Number Fifteen: At the very least, Simplify Lawn Maintenance.
A) Make it smaller. Our lawn is fairly small; although, we are talking about purchasing the lost next door (which is a large corner lot) – - and until Honey’s dream garage is [ut in, we would have to maintain both.
B) Most people overwater their laws by up to 40 percent. I do NOT water my lawn. DONE!!
C) Mow it less frequently. Like the shoe maker whose kids were shoeless….our lawn sometimes gets more neglected than the customers lawns. LOL!! We don’t mow more than every other week.
D) Don’t rake grass clippings. DONE!! If it is really bad, we do put the grass clipper attachment on the mower and then put the clippings in the compost pile.
E) If you use pesticides, use organic rather than chemical ones. LOL!! I think this one will be done next year. Honey had new gravel put on the driveways – - and when Spring hit, weeds/grass burst through the gravel. Honey argues for weed killer – - I argue to do nothing with it (or if he feels he HAS to, use organic). Well, he gets his weed killer. It killed the weeds, alright, but it made the grass grow MORE – - so now our gravel driveway is almost all covered in grass. LOL!

Number Seven: Run All Your Errands in One Place.
I’ve considered using the grocery store in our town as our main source of food; however, the difference in the bottom line bill is greater than the gas necessary to travel “to town.” The other thing I have considered is shopping at Wal-Mart only, because of the convenience of one stop shopping – - but, I won’t do it for a couple reasons: 1) Meat and 2) Sales Prices. I shop at Dillon’s because no other store in the area compares in either arena. It doesn’t have the selection that some other stores have – - but, I can manage to keep us fed for two weeks for less than $150.
I do try to “go in a circle” without backtracking when I run errands – - and only go once a week.

Number Eight: Cut Your Laundering Chore in Half.
She suggests the rule of thumb: one load of laundry per person, per week. (Which can also be cut in half again once you have culled your wardrobe.) I REALLY like that. I will have to pay attention to how much laundry we do. I know that I launder more due to my husbands job than I would if he were working in a “clean” environment. He wears his uniform once – - after three uniforms are dirty, I put them through the “quick wash” cycle twice. We have sent his uniforms to the cleaners that his work provides (FREE) – - but, the clothes don’t come back as nice – - so, I would just as soon clean them and send him out into the world lookin’ as hot as he possibly can in oil covered uniforms.

Oh, she also suggested that you assign one washcloth and one towel to each person per week. When we had two bathrooms, each bathroom had butt-loads of matching towels/washcloths. When we moved here, I had so many towels to keep track of, I finally decided to assign specific towels to each person. For example, Boo has three Barbie/Princess/Pink towels. It cut down on the number of towels that were laying around their rooms/in the laundry/etc. – - as I knew EXACTALLY who the towel belonged to – - and who got extra chores for not keeping their towel clean for the week. I also gave each kid a loo-fah, which reduced the need for washcloths. Both actions reduced my laundering significantly!!

Number Nine: Stop Buying Clothes that need to be Dry Cleaned.
DONE!! LOL!! At one point, I gathered all of our “dry-clean only” outfits and took them in – - the bill was over $100. Well, let me just say…..I don’t own ANY of those clothes any more. I also do not own clothing that needs to be ironed. It has saved on time, money and closet space…totally worth doing if you haven’t already done so!! : )

So number four in the simplify book is: Cut Your Grocery Shopping Time in Half. I suppose this one doesn’t apply to me as it may to some others….since I don’t spend a lot of time at the grocery store to begin with. I typically spend two hours, every other week doing the actual grocery shopping. If I need to get something that I missed, I will occasionally make a quick stop at Wal-Mart when I am in town (usually once a week). On the really rare occasion that I NEED something really bad (milk, usually), we will stop at the grocery store in our town.

When I do shop, the reason it takes so long is because I shop around the sales (with coupons). I will usually spend about $150 every other week on grocery/cleaning/paper products, etc. (That is a combined total from both the grocery store and Wal-Mart.) Then, I figure out what to make based on the food I got on sale. Of course there are some standard meals that I get stuff for (spaghetti, red beans and dirty rice) – - but, for the most part, I figure it out as I go along.

I have tried to make menu plans and then make lists for the store – - and NOT ONCE have I ever spent LESS than usual – - and typically, I miss getting something on the list and have to rush to the in-town grocer in the middle of making dinner. I figure that since the author was spending over 4 to 6 hours every other week – - I’m doing okay. : )

Oh, and it talked about using a computerized list for convenience sake – - with the extra bonus of other people being able to shop if the primary shopper was unable to do so. LOL!! When I send my husband to the store with a list – - he comes back with everything on the list AND more – - PLUS, not one of the items was on sale. Nope, it wouldn’t do us much good in that arena, either. LOL!! : )

 

Number Five: Buy in Bulk

Again, I have mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, I can totally see where this might be beneficial in MANY ways: less packaging, less expensive, etc. However, on the other hand, much of what I already get is dirt cheap (sales with coupon) and considering the cost of gas to the nearest wholesale mart (150 + miles round trip) plus the cost of membership ($35), is it worth it in the end? I will have to ponder on this one.

 

Number Six: Plant a Garden.

This is the fourth year that I have had an active role in gardening. The first year, was more as an assistant to my sister-in-law, in West Virginia, The garden was AMAZING!! We got a TON of produce from it – - and I learned a great deal. Two years ago, when we moved her, I had a small plot that I put several tomato and pepper plants on – - and the heat just burned them to a crisp. I think I got a total of 5 or so tomatoes – - and since they were purchased already started….I lost money in the deal. Last year, I planted cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, lettuce, carrots, peppers, beans, cabbage, and radishes. The cucumbers and squash were doing okay until my dog destroyed them – - I think I got a squash and maybe three or four cucumbers before it was over. The tomatoes grew like mad dogs – - but, I got less than you’d have thought with three big plants. I did get two cabbage, several peppers, several radishes and carrots – - but, in the end, if I broke even, it would be a surprise to me.

This year, it was so cold and rainy that it was impossible to get anything into the ground – - I purchased started tomatoes, (2) and cucumbers (2), watermelon (1) and cantelope (1) – - plus a couple bags of onion bulbs. I’ve managed to get enough produce to MAYBE break even – - but even then, it has been a mess. OH, I did plant some basil, dill and parsley – - yikes – - I have become an herb addict!! ; )

I REALLY like the idea of growing my own food; however, I don’t like the time/attention it requires. Next year, I an going to work on using some of the plastic containers I have behind the garage – - and doing a “raised garden.” Also, with the exception of the tomatoes and cucumbers, I will not purchase any other started produce. I would like to spend less than $25 – - so that I could be sure I am at least going to break even. I’m not sure if I will keep doing this if I can’t go more than break even – - I mean what is the point? UGH!!

How are YOU doing on your simplifying journey?

When I was perusing www.Whatsonmybookshelf.com, I ran across Simplify Your Life by Elaine St. James, which finally came in today. Family, Friends, and blog followers will know that this is one of the things I have been trying to do for a while now. I hoped that getting this book would help me to compartmentalize all of those “things to do.” I tend to have theory without practice.

Number 1 on the list is: Reduce the Clutter in Your Life. LOL!! Yup, that is just what I have been trying to do for quite some time now. It seems like once we have it down to nothingness; we turn out the light….and….POOF….things multiply…exponentially. I feel like I am constantly getting rid of stuff – - this year, thus far, we have had two garage sales with another scheduled for this coming weekend.

I have a hard time just throwing stuff out – - or taking it to the Thrift Shop – - I prefer to at least get a little of the investment back. Plus, it’s really hard for me to toss out stuff that I “might use later on.” For example, I only like fru-fru coffee – - so I purchased an espresso maker when I worked nights at the motel. I haven’t had a homemade cup of fru-fru coffee, and therefore, have not used my espresso machine since 2003. I just can’t seem to let it go.

So, anyway, since my boy-child is living with my parents, we have decided to use the space that was his room, as the homeschool room – - which will clear up the dining room, making it easier to keep the “common areas” clean. : ) It will also provide more space for Maddie’s room, as I have three boxes of homeschool stuff occupying an entire corner of her bedroom. I would also put the musical instruments in the back – - also clearing some space.

Our garage is fairly full, as is our storage shed. (Although, with the two garage sales and Kim moving out, it has dwindled down some.)

Since this is one of those on-going assignments, I will bookmark the section – - but, will move on in the book.

The next suggestion is: Use Dave’s Uncluttering System. Pack a box with stuff that you haven’t used in a while….date it for sometime in the future (a year or so) – - do NOT label what is actually in the box – - and if you haven’t touched it by the date on the box, toss it. I have mixed feelings about this method. Number one is if you already had something, let’s say the espresso maker, and you didn’t know where it was (’cause it was in an unmarked box), and for whatever reason you needed one (another night job) – - then you bought another one, what would that solve? Also, we have quite a few nick-nacks that I would like to keep – - but, no longer have the display cases I once had – - next thing I know, all of my crystal is gone….to charity or worse, the trash. YIKES!!

Topic Number Three: Use “Speed Cleaning” to clean your house. Elaine suggests Speed Cleaning by Jeff Campbell and the Clean Team to teach you how to clean you house effectively and efficiently – - using environmentally safe cleaning products. I just ordered this book through www.bookmooch.com. Hopefully it will help with the cleaning issue…..LOL!! : )

Okay well, that’s it for now…I’m gonna keep reading and see what else I can do to “Simplify my Life.” I can tell you, with certainty, the less cluttered my life – - the less stress I feel – - and the calmer I (and my family) feel.