Thursday, July 19, 2012

Off Topic

Today I decided that I am going to get a little off topic and talk about a few things that are happening in my life, so please excuse my post if it doesn't make much sense and I go from one topic to the next.

So I think I am almost done week 2 of my spending fast and as weird as this may sound I feel like I have way too much time on my hands. This cannot be a good thing, though I suppose it is a good thing. Did I or should I say we as a family really go shopping that much that we didn't even realize how much we actually did it and how much time we were spending doing it. And here I thought we were making progress with becoming less of consumers. Clearly the process is happening now. Also let me add how tricky birthday shopping can be when you only have 7 stores to choose from and your shopping for a 2 year old. I could have taken the easy way out and just grabbed a gift card, but come on how exciting can a gift card be to a 2 year old when it's not even exciting for me as an adult. But I managed to pull together a pretty good present and I would have to say the birthday girl seemed pretty happy.

Now onto the next thing. Recently I have learned that I am a behind the scenes kind of girl. Ha who would have ever thought that? I always wanted to be a famous person when I was kid...maybe even sometimes I still dream of it. But for the first time I went and volunteered where I had to physically be seen by complete strangers, and boy was I out of my comfort zone. Just before I was about to pull into the place I prayed to God that he would help me get through the evening. Well I made it through the evening and my eyes were wide open the whole time about how blind I was to world around me. Here I thought to make a difference I was going to have to go to a different country, well folks that is not the case. I can drive 20 minutes to see what a difference I can help make. Now back to the behind the scenes thing. Though I will continue to go back to help volunteer, I definetly feel like I am being led to help in creative ways. I never considered myself creative but I'm telling you, it's finally coming out and I am loving it!

Have you ever felt like your heart was going to explode? Ya, me too. I had that moment today when I was given three blogs to read. At one point I was bawling at the kitchen table while a bunch of kids were looking at me like I was crazy cause I was staring at a computer screen. Plus it didn't help that not one but 2 of the blogs showed pictures of Haiti, where I am heading to in March 2013. Yes, let's ruin Jo-Anne before she even gets there. But I will take it as a sign of it preparing my heart.

After today, I sit here and wonder, Why Me? Why I am so lucky to live in such a marvelous place, where I can choose to have something? Why was I chosen to do the things I do? Sometimes people question the way my life has changed. Shouldn't they be happy that I have become a better person, that I want to make a difference? I thank God that he has been so wonderful to give me a second chance. My life is in no way the way I had imagined it to be, but it's far better. So if I need to continue to change for His glory, then I am His.

"For I know the plans I have for you,"says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
                                                 Jeremiah 29:11

Monday, July 9, 2012

Month 4- Spending

Today I start a new month and everytime I start to think about I cringe. So let me first start with how my Month 3 ended.

Month 3 for my family was an overall success.It was amazing to see how much stuff we had in our house and got rid of and I probably couldn't tell you what 90% of it was. The kids all did really good on their days when they had to look for things to get rid of. Super proud of them :) But just yesterday as I was putting stuff away in the kitchen, I had already found myself complaining about that we still have too much stuff. I don't understand why I allow these things to take space in my house if there isn't spot for them. It's because the little voice is saying you may need them someday Jo-Anne. Really? Couldn't I just get rid of them now and then if I ever do need them get them when the time comes? But then I think, wouldn't that be wasteful spending if I already have them and just keep them stored away? See this is how my head works. I overanalyze everything.

Now onto this coming month. Eeekkk, only shop at 7 different places for a whole month. Call me crazy but I actually start to feel a bit light headed thinking about. What if I choose the wrong places? What is my family going to for a whole month without spending money for our entertainment? Please understand this. When I think of family time and having fun, I think dollar signs!!! It's terrible I know.Time for this mamma to get creative. I have already decided that the kids will go get their CRA cards which will allow us to go to the outdoor base pool and swim for FREE!!! And it will allow us to go spend a day at Kingslanding for FREE with of course a picnic packed lunch. I can do this, I know I can. I just have to keep myself away from places that will call my name and tell me to shop. So basically I should lock myself up for the next month. Why oh why must I love to shop. It never occured to me how hard this month might be until well...today.

So you may be wondering where are my seven places of choosing. Here you go:

1) Sobeys-Everyone needs groceries
2) Sobeys Gasbar- We need gas to get around
3)Dollarama- I am dayhome provider, I need supplies
4) Costco- Need a place for cheap milk and eggs
5) Shoppers- This is where I do my coupon shopping on the day of 20x the points
6) Canadian Tire- Who knows when you might need tools.
7) Boston Pizza- It's Ethans birthday tomorrow and it's our tradition to go out for supper

There you go, now you know where I will be when I'm out shopping.

Have you thought about joining in? Pick 7 places to only shop or maybe cut out 7 places to go to for the next month, maybe you'll see a few extra dollars this month.

Well here my family goes...

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Days Are Getting Harder

Day 25 and it's my turn to get rid of 7 things. So far I sit here with a pair of high heels and a star shaped muffin pan. I wonder aimlessly around the house looking at ALL this stuff yet I struggle with finding just 5 more things to get rid of. How can it be so difficult to get rid of some of this stuff. I don't dare touch my beloved Nicholas Sparks books or go down into that basement where my scrapbooking stuff is and take something out of there. You know I might need it someday... someday when I actually decide to get back into, if that day ever comes. What about some more clothes? Guh, didn't I rid of enough already!!! I could probably get rid of another pair or two of high heels....BUT I might need those one day too, cause you know I wear them so often as it now *sarcasm*.

I am lost and completely frustrated that I am struggling to get rid of just 7 things. It shouldn't be this hard. I want a more organized life, this is a good thing. But there goes that voice telling me you need to have that stuff, and you know what else, you should have more. Society is telling me that more I have the happier I'll be, but I really know that is less is more.

Well I'm off to complete this mission today and see what I come up with. But I shall remember this, maybe hang it on the fridge for a good reminder today.

Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destry, and where theives break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where theives do no break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
                                                                                                  Matthew 6:19-21