Simplifying Life

vivw_2

lightisfading wrote: »

Aloe Vera is one plant that genuinely thrives on neglect - leave it somewhere sunny and barely water it at all (ie when its bone dry). During winter I almost never water mine and it's far healthier than when I do!

I agree there....mine is hardly ever watered and looks so healthy on the kitchen windowsill.

I have been trying to simplify for the past year but this thread has given me another push to take this further....thanks everyone

Hardup_Hester

I'm decluttering books today, about 10 carrier bags for freecycle, I've put a few on Amazon, but the bulk I'm freecycling, here's hoping I get a better response than I did last time!

mary43

Oh the best laid plans of mice and men.....................lol Just about to get my paints out and 'play'...........phone rang and it was the police about last weekends blue permanent market drawn along the front of the house. 'Had I cleaned it off ?'............'no' says I. If anyone should it's the lad who did it'
Then I had a look and lo and behold...............no blue marks at all ! Last weeks rain has washed it all off !! But P.C. said as I've got a witness and even worse graffiti was done further down the road they'll slap an £80 fine on the lad responsible. That'll do me, Long as he doesn't get away with it scott free.
Then one of the girls I used to foster called with her OH and new dog........cats left home straight away !!! Then OH came back from the pub.........by now I've gone right off the idea of painting............lol
OH now watching Star Wars (he bought the trilogy cheap at charity shop), joint of pork cooking away nicely so decided to come back on here.............lol:rotfl:

ceridwen

Hi all

Keep up the good work on the decluttering front. It seems like a good idea to get this done before the local Councils start charging us all one way or t'other according to how much rubbish we throw out.

Reminding myself not to "throw out the baby with the bathwater" - as in I have spares for various minor electrical items (kettle/toaster/those other 3 hairdryers!) and I do think its worth keeping them - knowing that items like this have a B.O. Point in them these days (ie Built-in Obsolescence Point - as the manufacturers have decided these things are to only last us a few years and then require replacing - and designed them accordingly with a much too short lifespan).

I'm currently contemplating a comment in a simplifying life book I am reading about the virtues of a "sabbath" - as in a designated day a week which one doesnt do any paid work and doesnt schedule ones time with things to do. She is suggesting maybe a gentle start-off to this - like 2 hours to start with and then adding on gradually up to a days worth of unscheduled time. :eek: to a "product of my times" like I am. We are all pretty much expected to schedule our time 24/7 with things to do. Can I do this I ask myself? and then remind myself that maybe 2 hours a week of totally unscheduled time isnt that much and should help keep the stress levels down. Thinks....2 hours of just listening to music or doing stuff I NEVER do - like maybe listening to a play on the radio or something. Hmmmm.....I'll go away and think about that one. It sounds like a good idea. Thinks:idea: - maybe a couple of hours listening to Classic FM with some candles lit after I've finished the breadmaking today...

edit: and, of course, having a selection of blankets/throws to wrap round oneself and guests to help keep warm. Yep...I've been reading the fuelsaving threads and am experimenting with how long each day I really need the central heating on for.

JAMIEDODGER

hi guys, i have three 'simplicity' books i have finished reading and i wondered if anyone wanted them

i have:

voluntary simplicity by duane elgin

timeless simplicity by john lane

affluenza by john de graff


i am happy to post to whoever PM's me first, you dont have to have all three just pm me the one you want (if any lol)

jamie

mary43

originally posted by ceridwen

Thinks....2 hours of just listening to music or doing stuff I NEVER do - like maybe listening to a play on the radio or something

Just given me an idea of how to organise my day.........I love the radio, radio 2 is my thing so:
Wake up with Wogan: exactly what it says, wake up with coffee and plan the day.
Ken Bruce 9.30am - pop quizzes and music I remember..........I can listen to than, answer the quiz (sometimes) while doing a bit of 'housework'
Jeremy Vine 12: Good discussion programme.......have lunch and do paperwork
Steve Wright 2pm - not so keen so good time to go upstairs and have a purge on bedroom/spare room, clean bathroom etc. or internet time
Chris Evans -not sure what time - I like his programme so good time to get the dinner ready without actually realising I'm doing something I don't like -cooking !!
That way I'm listening to something I like as well as actually getting things done.

Going to give that a try on Tuesday when OH is back at work:T

Can only try................:j

JAMIEDODGER

ok then:D

timeless simplicity - viv w

affluenza - chunksmum

voluntary simplicity - ceridwen

please email me your details guys and thanks!

ceridwen

Thanks very much for that Jamie...I'll look forward to a good read.

vivw_2

wow, thanks Jamie....you have made my day

Aril

Hi everyone!
Have been a good girl today and have got back to doing some more decluttering. Have now filled up the garage with recycling tut instead:rotfl: but at least the pile of jumble will be going next weekend. The trick will be not to bring back as much as I took [I help set it up]...it brings out all my Steptoe instincts...why is it that someone's elses unwanted possessions instantly look attractive:D
My decluttering tip for the day is once you think you've worked your way all round a room go back and open all those drawers and doors you ignored the first time. I generally keep a tidy home but one of my ways is to hide things in drawers [out of sight out of mind syndrome] . It's quite interesting what you find lurking still on a second look. Today's discovery has been a half finished velvet scarf [cut up from an old skirt] which I had secreted away. I'd even bought the beads and lining for it so I have left it somewhere prominent as I know it'll really annoy me if it's sitting around where I can see it and then I'll get on and finish it.
Today's quote for anyone who've perhaps not had the best of days and are being hard on themselves.
Whatever your age, race, abode or experience you are a skillful member of the planet Earth, You have the priceless heritage of life from your ancestors; you inherit the riches and responsibilities of your planet. You are a precious human being with the gifts of love and laughter within you.
John and Caitlin Matthews.
I hope you enjoy it.
Aril