Today went as well as yesterday. I was waiting for the penny to drop, but they both seem to be adjusting very well to home school and both completed 10 pieces of work today! I am so very pleased, though very tired as I’m working hard to get up earlier than everyone else so that I have at least an hour to myself. Last night I didn’t sleep very well, but my resolve to stick to and actively work towards our goals, and an early alarm clock meant I was forced to be somewhat consistent in my routine {and knowing two little ones will soon be up and not only do you need to parent, but educate too, basically forces some extra organization!}.
The only out of typical activity today was a medical appointment for me. Before even thinking about it I had purchased a pack of gum at the subway station. Yes, a pack of gum won’t break the bank ($1.50), but I’m amazed at the number of times I would have {or in todays case….have (ahem!)} spent little sums here and there without even thinking. It reminds me of the british saying “save the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves”. I really need to make sure, even when it comes to everyday items, that I’m fully aware of my spending and not, I don’t know, sleep walking {that is what it felt like, like I wasn’t even conscious of spending}. So that’s a bonus so far of this experiment, I’m learning not only how easy it is to spend, but the areas I do and the impact that has on the budget at the end of the month.
I’ve also noticed another bonus related to making SMART weekly goals, is since I’ve prioritized reading, I’m going to bed earlier. Instead of stumbling into bed at 10 or 11, I’m finding by 9 my mind is on getting to bed so I can menu plan, read, organize and write. That full hour without dashing around, or doing chores, but instead resting and prioritizing what is important to me, is really really helping. I suddenly feel like I have found an extra hour of time I didn’t know existed. And that is a lovely feeling.
And on that note I’m going to dash. I would like, if possible based on the children’s needs, to have an early morning hike tomorrow. I’m learning as a parent of children with special needs that we need to be flexible and understanding when they are struggling, but I’m hoping tomorrow is another good day and we can enjoy the great outdoors.
{And on a related note, the book I mentioned in an earlier post is called: Right-Brained Children in a Left-Brained World. Unlocking the potential of your ADD child. It is written by Jeffrey Freed and Laurie Parsons. The book cover will look like one of these two below.}
How is everyone else doing in this month of nothing?
I’m not committing to the month of nothing, but I am at least committing to a month of less. I’ve given up my morning stop for iced coffee, and am making it the night before instead, and then pouring over ice in the morning (tomorrow’s is already in the fridge). I’ve taken my lunch to work several times…I’m shooting for two out of my four work days…this week I will make three times…tomorrow’s lunch is already packed and in the fridge too. I’ve menu planned, and I did the grocery shop during my ‘lunch’ hour yesterday (lovely to work directly across the street from the grocery and have access to a full-size fridge at work for the cold stuffs), and I’ve been using the crock pot for dinners since I rarely get home before 7:30pm, so cooking time is very short. I’ve also been really trying to turn off the computer by 9pm on work nights and go to bed to read and wind down…5:45am comes so early.
Your initial post really got me moving to think things out and write them down. I’m tracking my progress to stay accountable too!
I like your old British saying. I definitely feel like that is where we get into trouble. Whenever my husband and I look at our finances and wonder where the money went, it is almost always the little things. A cup of coffee here. A quick trip to the store that results in an unnecessary and unplanned purchase. We nickle and dime our budget to death. We don’t make many big, extravagant purchases, and certainly not on a whim. It is the little stuff, the stuff, like you said, that we aren’t even fully concious that we are purchasing, that has the biggest impact on our budget. I like to look at it in terms of what it equates to. For example, a quick lunch out for the family may be under $20 and coffee may be $5, and if I do that twice a month that is a total of $10, equalling a total of around $30, which is the water bill. Anyway, I am definitely trying to be more aware of the little things because they add up in big ways.
Keep up the good work!
ive been reading you blog for a while,i want to say a couple of years.im really enjoying reading these posts.you really are amazing .doing everything that you have done and with so much grace.your kids are lucky to have you.
So happy for you that you are finding your groove with home schooling so quickly. My youngest son was ADD and we learned to take frequent breaks and time outdoors for him to let off some of his energy in between his lessons, I didn’t learn that any where as quickly as you did.
Pingback: One Hundred Ways To Save Money on Food in 2013 – Part I | Notes From The Frugal Trenches – A Downshifting Journey
I’m so eager to learn how you’re doing homeschooling and working your job. You blow my mind, FT! My inspiration for intentional living.
Pingback: Day Nine: Month Of Nothing | Notes From The Frugal Trenches – A Downshifting Journey