This is my last week of the semester and I have two presentations due this week, plus I’ve been given the gift of some extra transcribing these past few weeks, so I’ve been a busy girl! Also, two of my cats have had dentals performed in the past week, and so I’ve been worried about them and their recovery, which takes me away from other duties. (Poor little HoneyBun – check out The Herd page – she’s my beautiful orange/buff colored beauty) has a cone on her head now. But she remains her extremely loveable self, even rolling onto her side so we can rub her belly.) But I want to let you know I’m still here and plan on getting back to posting twice a week once this week is over.
I’m excited because next semester, I will be taking two classes: (1) Animal Protection and (2) Writing for Social Change. These are two classes that I already know will be near and dear to my heart. The latter is one that is usually taken in your second year of the program but my advisor thought it to be a good idea for me to take it now, earlier on.
I’m looking forward to using my blog to include some of my humane education efforts, but for those of you who read it (maybe to cure your insomnia?!) to follow along with my life, don’t worry, I won’t abandon writing posts to discuss my life, decisions, hopes, and of course, simple dreams, etc., so please keep with me!!
And in case you are looking for some good books to read, or maybe to even give as a gift, please check out my newly improved Helpful Books page, which I’ve recently changed and plan on updating regularly.
As always, thank you for reading! What’s been keeping you busy lately? Drop me a line below!
And to any of you who have used or plan on using my Amazon Affiliate or Ebates Referral links for your shopping this holiday season or just in general, thank you!!
image courtesy of pixabay.com. The ocean and nature, what could be better?!
This holiday season, if you shop for holiday gifts online, via Amazon, would you kindly use my Amazon Affiliate link? It will cost you nothing extra but I will earn a small percentage of your purchase! If you’re looking elsewhere, please use my Ebates referral link – I will get a small referral fee, and you can save money on something you were going to buy online already it can even be airline tickets or hotel reservations, etc.). Please!! And thank you!!
As I mentioned in my last post, I’ve been getting daily emails from Mrs. Frugalwoods of the Frugalwoods blog. Today’s email asked the following at the end:
When are you most content? When you are spending money? When you are spending less money? Can you be content with fewer material possessions?
The first is an easy one for me to answer – I’m content when:
I am with my animals (The Herd) watching them all sleep peacefully, knowing they are safe and sound, and they will not go hungry, wanting for another meal.
I’m writing (blog post or otherwise) and I feel like I’m “in the flow.”
I’m reading a good book that I just can’t put down! (Check out my Helpful Books page for some of the most helpful to me.)
I’ve just finished an awesome run or workout at the gym. I don’t smell like a rose but who cares?!
I’m spending time in nature, feeling at peace and just “being.”
I’ve just finished up a transcription or other type of project, or accomplished all the goals I set out to complete on a certain day.
I help someone over the phone at work, and feel my inner librarian coming out, and they tell me I’ve been very helpful with all the information I’ve provided.
I check my retirement accounts and see that the balance is growing! It’s hard for me to save right now with such a low salary, but I’m trying to sock away 7% into a 401(k) and $95/paycheck for my Don’t Touch (emergency) fund, my insurance premiums and travel/tiny house funds. (I just calculated that $95 savings amount to be roughly 13% of my after-tax salary!)
As you can see, I’m perfectly content to spend my time in activities that cost me very little, or nothing, and in some instances, actually earns me some money. Also, I can definitely be content with fewer materials possessions! When I moved from my Boston apartment to Utah, to live in the fifth wheel travel trailer, my car held everything of value I owned (and my animals who I don’t own as they are living creatures and my family). All except for one painting of a coastal setting, which I ultimately gave to my friend Michele back in Kanab. I just had this feeling that she was the right person to receive it and her reaction to it confirmed that.
You can only see two pet carriers in the photo, but there were five of them inside, plus Osito on my lap!
These days, I don’t buy much. When I do, it’s usually something I have thought about a lot, such as my first Christmas tree since 2014. Someone told me that Hobby Lobby was selling all of their Christmas stuff at 50% off, so I bought a 4.5 foot tall tree and ornaments. It makes me happy to look at it, and I feel like it makes the house more of a “home.” When alone over the holidays, it can be very easy to feel down. Believe me, I know. And it’s small enough that I can put it up in a tiny house later on!
My first Christmas tree in three years. A whopping 4.5 feet tall. My baby girl, Callie, approves! Yes, one of the ornaments is a tiny, vintage travel trailer!
When do you feel most content? When shopping or indulging in retail therapy? Or some other type of activity – exercise, etc.? Tending to a hobby? Reading a book?
Please drop me a line below and let me know! And as always, thanks for reading, and if you think someone else would like or benefit from reading this post, please share it!
Chasing Simple Dreams 