I'm sure you remember me talking about how much I'm still on the computer. And, it bothers me a bit. I never wanted to completely stop using the computer, but I did (and do) want to cut back. It's easy for me to say that I'm just going to jump on for a second to check my email, but it invariably turns into more than that. In addition, I'm in the process of starting up two at-home businesses. One focuses on kids, the other on adults and both will require me to put in some more time at the computer. So, I need to make some changes. If you follow the blog on Facebook, you know already know what one of those changes is. I'm going to restrict my regular blogging to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Now, that doesn't mean I won't throw in an occasional Wordless Weekend or Tuesday Tidbit, but I think that this will not only free up some more of my time to actually learn and do all the things I want to tell you about. It will also ensure a high quality post. As I learn more and readership grows, I may go back to every day posting. We'll see where this leads and play it by ear.
Another change, is a step back from some of my crafting. I love my clay, but listing and promoting Michigan Mud is another chunk of online time that I could be using to do something more immediately pressing. The studio is going to remain open and I'm still going to list from time to time, but there is definitely going to be a pullback. Now, I'm crafty by nature so I'm still going to do crafts, but I'm going to be in more of a learning phase for awhile and not limit myself to things that I have to get posted in the store. Some of what I make will be for gifts, some will be for me and my family to enjoy and some will just be for the learning experience. I promise I will still show off all the successes and failures to you.
So, there it is. A couple steps that will be harder for me than for you, I'm sure. :) I hope you keep reading. In the next few weeks I have plans to show off my gardens (which actually have things growing in them!), a whole bunch of craft and project ideas and my business plans. Stay tuned and I'll be back on Wednesday!
Showing posts with label technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label technology. Show all posts
May 23, 2011
May 2, 2011
Progress...
Yesterday marked the 3-month anniversary of the launch of this blog and the formal start of my experiment. I think it's time to stop and take stock of how I'm doing so far.
Food
As I suspected, this has been the easiest aspect to change. I cook from scratch 99% of the time when we are home these days. The fun of trying new things, as well as the need for a bit more planning, has eliminated those nights that we would get takeout or head to a restaurant simply because I didn't have a meal planned. When we do choose to go out to eat we choose a locally owned restaurant whenever one is available. It's also more fun to cook from scratch. Opening a bag of frozen stuff and throwing it in a pan is not fun. It's work. Crafting a meal from great ingredients is enjoyable. We have joined a CSA and are eagerly awaiting our first bundle of fresh, organic produce. Our garden is getting underway and I'm installing edible landscape all around our yard, including raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and rhubarb. These plants are native to Michigan which makes them more sustainable and hardier.
Technology
Also as I suspected, this has been harder. I'm still on the computer a lot. So is my husband, and my four year-old is on more and more as he discovers how much is really out there. I can longer convince him that PBS Kids, Kids CBC and Starfall are the only websites that exist. At least it is still easy to monitor and limit his time on the computer. I know it will only get harder when he heads off to full-time, public school next fall. We have cut back on our TV watching and my husband and I have downgraded our cell phones to a prepaid plan. They are mainly for emergencies now. It's much cheaper and we were hardly using them before, anyway.
Money
A constant battle, isn't it? I think we're on the right track with money. We've gotten some more things paid off and have enough saved up to take care of a few things that we need or want to do. Fun stuff, like new siding and insulation on our house. Whee...but, a wise investment in the long run. There are still three huge money things that we need to get going on.
1) Retirement and estate planning (This is obviously a must.)
2) College funds for both boys (We have a plan that will result in us paying for up to 100% of their post K-12 education.)
3) Retirement/vacation property (This is clearly third in importance, but it's first in my heart.)
I continue to make a few extra bucks a month teaching classes through community education and selling my craftiness online and at craft shows. I'm also in the process of starting up a home-based business. It's still in it's infancy, but, once it gets rolling, it will combine my science expertise, my love of planning events and my desire to make some money without depending on a "regular" job.
The past three months have not felt too much different than what we were doing before. I cooked from scratch often and we were always fairly diligent about finding local things to eat, see and do. Now, as spring and summer take hold, things may get a little more different. In the next 3-6 months I plan to learn canning, try my hand at cheese-making and step up the DIY projects in general. I hope you stay tuned!
Food
As I suspected, this has been the easiest aspect to change. I cook from scratch 99% of the time when we are home these days. The fun of trying new things, as well as the need for a bit more planning, has eliminated those nights that we would get takeout or head to a restaurant simply because I didn't have a meal planned. When we do choose to go out to eat we choose a locally owned restaurant whenever one is available. It's also more fun to cook from scratch. Opening a bag of frozen stuff and throwing it in a pan is not fun. It's work. Crafting a meal from great ingredients is enjoyable. We have joined a CSA and are eagerly awaiting our first bundle of fresh, organic produce. Our garden is getting underway and I'm installing edible landscape all around our yard, including raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and rhubarb. These plants are native to Michigan which makes them more sustainable and hardier.
Technology
Also as I suspected, this has been harder. I'm still on the computer a lot. So is my husband, and my four year-old is on more and more as he discovers how much is really out there. I can longer convince him that PBS Kids, Kids CBC and Starfall are the only websites that exist. At least it is still easy to monitor and limit his time on the computer. I know it will only get harder when he heads off to full-time, public school next fall. We have cut back on our TV watching and my husband and I have downgraded our cell phones to a prepaid plan. They are mainly for emergencies now. It's much cheaper and we were hardly using them before, anyway.
Money
A constant battle, isn't it? I think we're on the right track with money. We've gotten some more things paid off and have enough saved up to take care of a few things that we need or want to do. Fun stuff, like new siding and insulation on our house. Whee...but, a wise investment in the long run. There are still three huge money things that we need to get going on.
1) Retirement and estate planning (This is obviously a must.)
2) College funds for both boys (We have a plan that will result in us paying for up to 100% of their post K-12 education.)
3) Retirement/vacation property (This is clearly third in importance, but it's first in my heart.)
I continue to make a few extra bucks a month teaching classes through community education and selling my craftiness online and at craft shows. I'm also in the process of starting up a home-based business. It's still in it's infancy, but, once it gets rolling, it will combine my science expertise, my love of planning events and my desire to make some money without depending on a "regular" job.
The past three months have not felt too much different than what we were doing before. I cooked from scratch often and we were always fairly diligent about finding local things to eat, see and do. Now, as spring and summer take hold, things may get a little more different. In the next 3-6 months I plan to learn canning, try my hand at cheese-making and step up the DIY projects in general. I hope you stay tuned!
April 13, 2011
Next Week is Screen Free Week
My family plans on participating in TV Turnoff Week, April 18th-24th. I have some ideas for fun activities that will get us out enjoying the community. Are you going to do anything for the week? Will you be trying to spend less time with a screen? Let me know what your family is going to be doing next week!
SCREEN-FREE WEEK is Proudly Endorsed by the Media Education Foundation from Media Education Foundation on Vimeo.
SCREEN-FREE WEEK is Proudly Endorsed by the Media Education Foundation from Media Education Foundation on Vimeo.
March 19, 2011
Remember When I Said I Would Be Online Less?
Well, as you may have noticed, I started a Facebook Page for the blog. I know, I know...I'm supposed to be unplugging, but sometimes I have little tidbits I feel like sharing. Said tidbits do not always warrant a full blog post, so I will add them to the Facebook Page. Come join me over there! You can use this link or you can use the link in the button over on the right side of the blog.
February 4, 2011
Guidelines #2: Technology
So here's a tougher one. After all, this is 21st century America. To not be plugged in at all hours of the day is crazy, right? I don't think so. I think my family and I can make do with less modern technology. So, what are the guidelines? 1) Less television. I admit I'm not willing to completely cut the cable. My husband is a sports junkie; I'm not going to take that away from him. And, honestly, I enjoy some mindless drivel from time to time. I am, however, going to turn it off instead of using it as company when I'm home alone or the boys are napping. I'm going to make sure my sons know how to entertain themselves without staring blankly at a screen and that the next cartoon is not the only thing they are looking forward to.
2) Less computer time. Obviously I'm writing a blog, so I'm going to be on the computer. I also have an online store to sell my arts and crafts. Those things are not going to change. I will still be using email and Facebook to stay in touch with folks on a daily basis. However, I'm going to strive for more face-to-face and handwritten communication. I'm also not going to spend time mindlessly surfing. The computer is a tool and that's how I plan to use it.
3) Phones. This one is easy. We have a land line which we will keep for every day use. My husband and I have already switched to prepaid cell phone plans since we use our cells phones so rarely. I don't need a fancy phone. There is absolutely no reason for me to have one. My laptop is sufficient for my internet needs and if I'm bored I can talk to the people with me, read a book, or just wait patiently rather than playing games and other apps.
4) Other stuff. My husband has an iPod Touch. My older son loves it. I already try to limit his use of it and my husband humors me by not playing with it all the time...mostly. We do not have a video game system in the house. My older son has a Leapster handheld that he is allowed to play occasionally. I have a Nintendo DS that I play once every few months. For us, nothing else is necessary. We have all played video games at friends' houses and will continue to do so when invited, but we don't need one of our own. When, at some point, the boys start the inevitable campaign, we will tackle the issue head-on and reasonably.
