Sunday, March 22, 2009

on being thirty-twelve*


looking at the year ahead and the year behind. i always feel like doing that on my birthday. i made a list last year of the things i wanted to do. i didn't publish it here because it felt a bit like some of the items were too frivolous and some were too serious. but i've referred to it off and on, just for myself. in a way it's a bit like the new year's resolutions that i don't really make, it's just at the beginning of a new year of the calendar of ME. i did some of the things and others, i wonder why i even put them there. but as i wrote last year, it somehow seems like the act of putting things down on paper is what matters. it helps you to envision how you want things to be. and that's surely a healthy thing to do.

this year, in the face of daily news of global economic crisis (GEC), i feel much more ready to pare down and live more simply. we really have all that we need, so there are no big purchase needs on the horizon (let's face it, i don't really NEED an 8,000DKK espresso machine). i want to be better at using all of the veggies that come in my weekly organic box. i want to eat less meat. i want us to use the car less. i'm not really ready to say we shouldn't have one at all, but we should park it more and use our bikes and the trains. (it's a bit easier to say that as the weather gets warmer and more spring-like). i don't need any more additions to my stash. i could craft for an entire year without buying anything at all and still have something left over. so, these are the things i'm going to work on during the year ahead . using what we have and not acquiring anything new. i think i'm really ready to do that this time.

*i don't really mind turning 42, so the thirty-twelve reference is just to be funny.

11 comments:

paris parfait said...

Bonne anniversaire! Hope it's the beginning of a fabulous year for you, with lots of unspoken dreams unfolding. xo

Char said...

yay for another year older and wiser...we all should live by your example - - more frugally, more thoughtfully.

hope this year is even better than the last.

Bee said...

Pared down feels good -- particularly as we add things, like new years to our grand total!

Happy Birthday. xx

Delwyn said...

Best wishes for another 30-12

Barb said...

Loved this post ~ Happy Birthday to you my friend! Guess since you're turning thirty-twelve that makes mae thirty-twenty five on Wednesday when I celebrate another year. Much love Barb xo

heidikins said...

Happy Happy Birthday!!!

xox

Relyn Lawson said...

This coming year I wish for your peace in the struggles, laughter and silliness, great books and conversations, and many happy surprises. Happy birthday, dear Julie!

Relyn Lawson said...

Oh, one more thing! Where, oh where did you find that marvelous ring??

Tess Kincaid said...

30-12 is cute! Happy Birthday! I guess that would make me 30-22. (ick--I don't like the sound of that!)

Paula & Skip said...

Lykkelig fodselday to thirty and twelv :-) all the best to you. Paula

tangobaby said...

Thirty twelveses and unbirthdays and all days worth celebrating with you and for you, lovely julochka.

(You are looking extra Lashy today, is there a YSL mascara in your kit?)

I was checking things off your list in my head, so I think I'll continue to use your list as my own. Except I don't get the veggie box. Striving to be better always, that's what I admire in you. Happy Birthday Week because one day is never enough.

xoxo