How much is convenience worth?

How much would you pay to save time or effort? This is a question we have to answer many times every day. Sometimes it is big, like hiring a maid. Other times it is small, like buying pudding in the cups instead of making it yourself.

Today, I decided it was worth the $10 a month add-on to my cell phone for web access. The deciding factor was Google Calendar. We keep all our family events there. We can all see it and make changes from work or home. And, now, I can even access it when we are in the doctor’s office making the next appointment. Yes, I could carry a paper calendar instead or type everything into my cell phone’s calendar. But, this way, there is only one calendar that we are all modifying. Less chance for mistakes.

I admit it, I will also use the web access for fun stuff, too. Life is not all work and appointments!

Something old, something new

After a weeks (or weak?) attempt to break out of our routine, things were not looking good. I ordered my new glasses (bifocals). I did try to find trendy frames, but ended up with ones that are a lot like my old glasses. We tried to find something new to do this weekend. But, we ended up with a house full of my children’s friends from our old town, just like most weekends before we moved. We did the same things and ate the exact same meals.

Then, without trying – the NEW thing showed itself. We were at one of those pottery painting places that are everywhere. And, they had a sign that they offered glass fusion classes. So, my daughter and I will learn a new art medium.

We can’t wait to start!

What's new? Nothing.

So, I am hitting a mid-life crisis. I was hoping this move would let us break free from the same-old same-old: shake things up and try new things. Didn’t work out that way. Same type neighborhood, same type of schools, same type of people, and exactly the same stores as in our old town. That’s not bad, and I do feel blessed we can provide a great lifestyle for our family. But, some days, I wonder if we missed our big chance to become adventurers.

With that in mind, my husband and I vowed to start with small changes. We would NOT eat at a chain restaurant tonight (I said it was a small change). I promised to try something different, so we headed to an Indian restaurant spotted earlier. Turns out, it was not open yet – in fact there was not even any drywall up.

Try again.

I see a Mexican restaurant calling itself a Cancun experience. We make our way inside, and I am feeling excited about this single, symbolic gesture. Oops. It wasn’t Cancun, it was Cajun. And, everything they served had seafood. I hate seafood with a passion! Our grand experiment ended with probably the only cheeseburger served in there tonight.

OK. I’ll do something exciting tomorrow. Maybe. After my eye doctor appointment to get bifocals. (Sigh) Middle age indeed.

3rd time's the charm

Starting over in a new house can be a real pain in the butt. We are adding ceiling fans, wiring speakers, hanging curtains and, occasionally, unpacking a box.

Why is it that every project big or small takes three trips to Lowe’s? Not two, not four, but three. Every single time. Wrong size screws. Shelf cut to wrong size. Wrong mounting bracket. Curtain color looks horrible…

But, when it’s all done, I know I’ll be bored. So, I’ll start yet another project that won’t go as planned and will require three trips to the store. Go figure.

Boxes verses having fun

The kids are at their Grandma’s house for a week. The plan is that I will be able to finally get us all settled into the new house. However…

I think the thing that will unstress my husband and me the most is to spend lots of time together. We finally saw Star Trek last night (loved it!). We’ll have a few rounds of golf later this week.

And, we’ll talk. Without the kids interrupting. For the first time in a year, we won’t be having to talk about his job search, selling our house or buying a new house.

A few boxes will get unpacked, but more importantly we’ll celebrate making it through this past year. How relaxing!