Living The Good Life

Mitch and I have made some significant changes to our lifestyle, which was already far from extravagant, for me to stay home with Clara this year.  I've been finding the challenge of budget-living invigorating.  It's amazing how much I used to think I needed that I really don't need, or really even want when I put it all in perspective.

Stuff is great, and I like stuff, but it's also fun to figure out how to do without stuff.  You know, like shop the ads, buy off-brands, make my own cards, cloth diapers, turn up the AC, no dryer sheets, make my own baby food, go for walks or runs instead of to the gym, let the dishes air dry in the dishwasher, think twice before buying something, turn off the lights, switch to cheaper contact solution and toiletries, get creative with toys for baby, use the library, no new clothes (not even from Goodwill), no cable, find the free entertainment, no professional childcare, et cetera.  It's really amazing.

Clara and I had a little date to Costco today.  It was representative of our new season of life, as Mitch pointed out at dinner after I'd described our day.

First we went to the photo center to pick up our prints.  I'd ordered pictures for a photo album I'm putting together for Clara of her out-of-town family members and friends.  I apologetically paid with one dollar bill and three dollars in quarters.  The cashier didn't mind.  Then we walked around and tried all the free samples.  After that, we walked around again, browsing the store for entertainment and exercise.  Then, when the sample people changed shifts, we went back around for more samples!  And that was lunch.

When Clara was sleepy we loaded up in the car and returned home.  It was a great afternoon!  I met a lot of nice Costco employees and we had a little outing.  This cute baby I stroll around attracts her fair share of attention.

On a side note, Clara really liked her photo album.  She was especially happy when she saw her Uncle John. After a few pages, we went back to John, and she gave the same excited, happy reaction as before.  So cute.

The photo Clara most enjoyed today.