A Spoonful of Salt

A Spoonful of Salt
Please take everything you read with a grain of salt. But for this blog, please take it with a spoonful.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Living Without a Car


So, I stumbled upon this link somehow http://books.google.com/books?id=7Aaqef3g6J0C (I think while reading http://wyldeandraw.blogspot.com/ ) and I found it very interesting. Until a couple of months ago, I had been carpooling everyday. But truth be told, it saved me zero money. I kind of felt bad for the guy (carpooler) b/c he was the one really trying to save money for his family, so I never charged him anything...AND we drove my car everyday. It was cool though, b/c what I valued the most was being able to drive in the HOV lane and get to work in lightening speed :) So, overall, it was mutually beneficial.

However, lately, I have been the one needing to save money. It seems that lately I have been spending more than I make. Its not like I go on insane shopping sprees or anything. It is just becoming more expensive to live. Food, rent, unexpected expenses...and do I even need to mention gas prices?!

So, I went to the aforementioned site and read the preview of the book. It makes a lot of sense- just not totally for me. While saving $712 a month by not having to pay for gas, insurance or a car payment would be AMAZING, it would be impossible for me to get around without a car, unfortunately. I live 15 miles from work and that is all highway. There is no way hubby would even consider moving closer either b/c we chose or current apartment b/c it is a fair distance between both of our jobs (but still more in my favor- 30 miles to work for him). Even though not owning a car is not an option for me, there still are things I -and everyone- can do to save fuel at least. For instance, I live in a very central location to restaurants, shops, a grocery store- all less than a mile away. I could easily ride my bike (thanks baby!) or walk anywhere I need to go locally. That alone will save me some moola on fuel and hey, I'll even get in some exercise while getting there!

Just something I have been thinking about...

RMc

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Time to Get Back On and Happy Things!

Well, I have fallen off of the "Raw" Wagon this week, figuratively speaking...and hard! I feel terrible about it- not only guilty but also physically terrible. I've been much more gloomy/sad lately and it has been hard for me to muster up the motivation to exercise...Which is really bad b/c I am supposed to be training to RUN (not walk) a 5K with my brother this weekend. Plus, having not been exercising like I should, I feel I am gaining weight which makes me even more sad and almost depressed....grrrrrrr......More than that, I feel like I have failed myself b/c I never finish anything that I start. Well, in all fairness, I never really set a firm goal. So, maybe I set myself up for failure from the beginning....ANYWHO! Ill try these tips(http://rawblog.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html) and get back on and be just fine, I think.

On to some happy things...So, regardless that I havent been training like I should, I am still very excited about running the 5K this weekend with my bro. He has lost lost 40-50lbs in the last 7 months and he is really getting into being healthy and fit. I am proud of him and I am glad this is something we can do together. :) However, right aftwards, we have to go help my parents move which will make for one long, exhausting day! But im ready for it!!!

Happy thing #2-As mentioned above, my parents are FINALLY getting their own place after probably 10 years and I couldnt be happier for them. My mom finally got her big kitchen that she has been dying for...and two bedrooms b/c my dad snores...haha... Good for them!

P.S. I think it is time that I get a home computer so I can upload pics from my camera, huh?

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Best Green Smoothie EVER!


Okay, depending on how long you blend it, it comes out more like a juice...which great too!

I dont like to have to chew mine, so i blend for quite a while. Ingredients below. I hope you enjoy it as much as i do!


Tart Green Smoothie
3 Kiwis
1 Cucumber
1 Handful of Romaine Lettuce
2 Handfuls of Grapes

Taste is very tart and pleasant :)