How Are You?
I wrote the other day about how I came across this "Check on your friends" message on a telephone pole. It prompted me to check in with a couple friends, which turned out to be an enjoyable addition to my day.
Of course, my social circle also includes you, my readers. So many of you have been reading the blog for years and regularly share your life celebrations and troubles, even when they're unrelated to nonconsumerism. So I ask:
How are you these days?
What are you doing to stay afloat during these trying times? I'd love to read what's going on in your lives -- whether it's good or bad. Let's take a moment to come together to support and lift each other up!
Well, you asked… lol. Life kinda sucks for a variety of reasons of reasons. A crushing workload at work, not being paid enough for the crushing workload, a new, inexperienced (and doesn’t care, to be real) demanding and somewhat arrogant and clueless boss, significant grown kid problems, and not enough $$$$$ to deal with all the above… lol. Still, I am alive, have running water and electric, roof over my head, and a way to make a living. So I consider my problems to be minor compared to what folks are suffering around the globe. At 66, I would like to retire but it is not in the cards at the moment!!! It is what it is!! Not complaining, just being real. Are you sorry you asked…. lol.
I am keeping my head up. Staying positive. Only catching news headlines to keep updated (and then staying away from news except for recent Artemis crew stories and splashdown!
Love them!) Enjoying my recent retirement, my rescue dog I adopted last summer, reading, bargain shopping. I enjoy your posts,
Katy. We are of like frugal minds.
How am I? Part of me wants to say, "Terrible, thanks for asking!" But that's because of the state of our country and world. Personally, I can't really complain except for the increasing number of planes flying over our house (felt like a day-long bombardment yesterday and we're 20 miles from MSP) and an incomprehensible, devastating family estrangement coming up on two years. I know how lucky I am. The timing of your question goes nicely with a weekly newsletter I receive. Check out this thoughtful and humorous post if you can; it's free: https://theisolationjournals.substack.com/p/not-to-complain-but
I think focusing on the positive, and being grateful for what we have, is definitely the way to go! I'm incredibly grateful that: 1) My kid got 1 of 15 slots available at his school for their summer program. 2) That we have a savings that will cover the upfront tuition cost for this ($1,800 is nothing to sneeze at!). 3) That my husband agreed our couch has seen better days. We bought it used and we both hate it. It's too worn in. Super uncomfortable. Far too large. etc. So we went shopping at a new place about an hour away from home. And we agreed on the exact couch AND fabric immediately, and got it ordered in under 2 hours. 4) That next to that store, we saw a costco next door and got done with our shopping for the next few weeks (the store would have been closed by the time we drove back to the one by our house yesterday!) 5) That I have a specific talent that benefits a nonprofit I love. And I'm grateful they're allowing me to share that talent with them!
I like that reminder stapled on the post!
There is a story about authors Kurt Vonnegut and Joseph Heller at a party at a multi-million/billionaire's home. Vonnegut points out how much money the man has, and Heller replies that Heller has the one thing that man can never have-- Enough. I am most fortunate that by temperament, upbringing, and life choices, my family has enough. I don't want excess, just enough.
A great many things are not the way I would wish, most of all medical issues that have no symptoms but are identified through "tests". I made it through a bone biopsy last week and am amusing myself by considering it a UFO kidnapping while I wait for results. The nurse holding my hand and telling me I was doing great was very helpful.
Thank you, Katy, and others, for posting often and sharing your lives! I like the expression "We're all just walking each other home." Ram Dass.