Road to Freedom Update #2: Rethinking the Basics
August 5, 2009
Last Wednesday I started this series of Road to Freedom Updates, in order to keep you involved in the more practical side of our big decision to leave the rat race with no Plan B. In case you missed it, you may want to check out RTF Update #1 first.
The biggest news I have for you is that our road trip will officially begin today! Around lunch time we will embark on the first leg of the trip, from Georgia to North Carolina. We had originally planned to leave tomorrow, but the extraordinary kindness of friends allowed us to get a head start and spend an extra day with Nadia in New York City! So…
Start spreading the news: We’re leaving TODAY!!!
This means, of course, that starting this afternoon I may not be able to reply to comments as quickly as I normally do. But I hope you will still stop by and leave me your thoughts, questions or suggestions, because I will be checking them and replying as soon as I can.
Road to Freedom Update #2:
1. Frugality – The minute it became official that we would no longer have an income, something clicked in my brain, switching over to “SURVIVAL” mode. The first thing to go, as I mentioned last time, was my coffee creamer. After years of indulging in coffee that tastes like dessert, I started using milk instead. After a day or so, I switched to black coffee with sugar. Now I know why spices were more valuable than gold in ancient times… they can make anything palatable.
For more ideas of simple ways to cut back on costs and make every penny stretch as far as it can, I contacted my friend Sherri (from Serene Journey). I don’t know anyone who knows more about frugality than she does, so I’ve asked her to put together some of her most practical and useful tips to help us out.
She was out of town when I asked her, but as soon as I get her advice, I will share it with you. I’m assuming I’m not the only one who could benefit from learning how to make limited funds last a little longer.
2. Theft – My next door neighbors have had a vegetable garden since early spring. I never even thought much about it, other than what a neat project it was for the girls. Well, the other night I felt like Peter Rabbit stealing produce from Mr. McGregor’s garden.
I could see from the road that several tomatoes were incredibly ripe, and I knew the neighbors were gone on a week-long vacation. I thought about this food source just going to waste, rotting on the vine, and couldn’t stand it; so I went and picked them instead.
Now, in truth, I know she won’t mind because we are actually fairly close. But it was interesting to me to note the change in my way of thinking, from taking food for granted to… well, “stealing” from my neighbor’s garden because no food should go to waste.
It’s easier for me to appreciate some of the things people do out of desperation when they have been without food or income for a while. We really shouldn’t judge, unless we’ve walked a mile in their shoes. Our circumstances can greatly affect the way we see the world, and the choices we make.
3. Laziness – Up until recently, I always bought canned beans because they are so much more convenient than the MUCH cheaper dry beans. Without any forethought or planning, beans are always right there, ready to go.
Well, I’ve gotten over my laziness and now I’m cooking legumes the old fashioned way… sort through them, rinse them, and cook them slowly for what seems like an eternity. For the price of one can, I now get the equivalent of five or six cans.
I also used to buy my produce at the grocery store because it was easier than getting some things there, then driving to the curbside market to get the cheaper, locally grown produce (even though it tastes much better). We’ve dropped that habit, along with using the air conditioner or clothes dryer for every little thing. I can dry my sheets and towels outside, and we can tolerate feeling a little uncomfortable from the heat, just like we do when we go to the beach.
I must reiterate what I said last week: I should have been doing these things all along. Comfort and laziness made me wasteful.
Bottom Line: If we had this decision to make over again, would we do it? 100% YES.
What about YOU?
Have you been more wasteful than you need to be? Do you have your own frugality tips to help us stretch every penny?
Thanks!!!
Related posts:
- Road to Freedom Update #4: Free At Last!!!
- Shifting from “Why?” to “Why Not?”
- How I Stay Thin Despite My Neurotic Aversion to Intentional Exercise, and Obsessive Love of Desserts
Posted in Life, Road To Freedom Update, bad habits, choices, needs
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hi Lisis,
What lovely tips on how to save money. We all need them. And when you get some from serene journey please do share.
As for cooking beans…in india we love all our food fresh..so the beans are never canned….we all in india…the smallest to the biggest houses, irrespective of the money factor ..more or less… will have a pressure cooker. It saves time and gas or electricity ..depends on what you use to cook with. Any kind of beans cook in like 15 minutes pre soaked for an hour. And tastes lovely too.
I hope the cooking tip helps.
Am so glad to see you will be OUT and i mean officially OUT of the rat race…just take one day at a time..and you will enjoy….and we will enjoy your updates too!!
Lots of love.
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..Expectations or Contentment???
Hi Lisis,
Oh, I wish you well as you embark on this new journey today, my friend! And really, that journey has already started, when you and your husband chose to go down this path. Today, though, marks a day when it probably feels more “real”, as you really do go down that new path – in a very literal way.
Life is full of twists and turns along the way, and this is just one more twist in your path – a path YOU are choosing. And that’s what is so important – you are consciously making the decision to travel down this new path. And what lies ahead is so unknown. And it’s much more than an adventure down the highway…it’s so much an adventure into “you”, and into your soul.
What really jumps out at me here, is this concept of not judging others until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. You’ve put on some new shoes. In fact, I think you’ll find you have several new shoes (figuratively speaking…you’re saving money, remember…) that this adventure brings. And I happen to think that the more “shoes” you’ve worn, the more compassion you’ll show for all those around you in this world. And that is so, so good.
“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.†~ Irish blessing
And I know we’ll meet again…I’m not going anywhere…know that I wish you safe travels, and that this journey is as much one into your soul as it is down the roadways of America.
Lance´s last blog ..Where Is This Journey Taking Me?
I’m so excited for you and your family — what a wonderful adventure! Your money-saving tips are great ones, too, even just from a sustainability (environmental) standpoint. I can’t wait to see the others from your friend! (And I just might try that dried bean thing… hmmm)
Along the lines of sustainability, I cut way back on my Starbucks trips (just one a week now), try not to eat out ever (if I can help it), and don’t buy pre-packaged ready-made foods like sushi, etc. Too much packaging for my tastes. It’s funny how sometimes environmental sustainability and financial sustainability go hand-in-hand. Not always, but sometimes.
Drive safely and enjoy all the sights along the way!
Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last blog ..The Kids Who “Get Itâ€
This is so awesome, and I’m so happy for you! Take your time, enjoy the ride, and look for ways to help people along the way. This is a grand adventure, and I’m so happy you’re going on it! Part of me still wishes I was coming with you guys!
As always, let me know if I can help in any way.
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..Happy Birthday, Baby
Yay! Road trip! Have a blast, Lisis! Be safe and be ready for the trials and tribulations. But don’t expect bad things to happen: go with the flow and deal with them as they come.
As Jay stated above, if you’re in need of support, I’ll do what I can.
Again, HAVE A BLAST!
John´s last blog ..How to Speak Your Mind Without Feeling Guilty
Very nice. Perception is different for everyone.
When people ask me if they should move to Costa Rica, I say “I don’t know”. Because, you have to think about letting go of some of the comforts you are used to. Like, street signs.
But, since I have moved here. I have de-commercialized (is that a word?) myself. I no longer watch TV. I don’t eat sweets that often, no more coffee shops. For 200 colones I can get a fresh coconut and take a walk…Easy life, and more rewarding, IMO
Jim Gaudet´s last blog ..Legalize It! Watch the Union Online
YES! You are ready to embark upon a magical journey! Enjoy.
Shann Vander Leek´s last blog ..Accessing The Power of Gratitude
Lisis,
I am so excited for you that I have goosebumps. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. You have inspired me to make a big leap in faith myself and it doesn’t seem so scary. Thank you. Can’t wait to get your updates from the Road to Freedom.
Jill´s last blog ..About being free and acting free
Hi Lisis,
How exciting! There are parallels; my journey started with traveling as well, to see family and friends and then a long jaunt in India. Frugality develops…most of which I considered essential I can happily do without. Laziness…yes I cook from dry legumes as well…I have used an alarm clock perhaps ten times in the last two years. I have finally understood the true and only purpose of money–it’s just an exchange of energy.
Leaping before looking has its ups and downs. But there is an incomparable overall sense of flow, naturalness and rightness. Any other way is imprisoning.
Congratulations. I look forward to hearing more.
k
Kaushik´s last blog ..A Gentle Honesty
Okey-doke, everyone… T minus 20 minutes to our estimated time of departure.
We spent the morning packing up the car, preparing meals for the road, and leaving this house ready for showings, since it is still on the market. Maybe we’ll get really lucky and a buyer will fall in love with it while we are gone!
I have read all of your comments today (and your text, Nadia!) and I am just touched beyond words by the show of support and the additional frugality tips. Every bit of that will come in handy.
I’m so spoiled as a blogger ’cause I have the very BEST blog readers around. This little Q4B tribe is quite a community, and I’m honored to be a part of it.
Until next time, fellow travelers!!
Lisis
Good luck! I love that picture – is it my imagination or does your husband look a wee bit more nervous than you and Hunter?? Oh, well nerves are part of the excitement. Trying to think of frugality things you haven’t already mentioned…hmmmm…soup?? It’s definitely true that you can stretch vegetables and meat much further in a good old-fashioned soup…throw in pasta or rice and you’ve got a great meal…my mom does them in her slow cooker, which is great, and I think takes less energy for something that needs to cook a long time like soup. So that’s the only thing I can think of that you haven’t already mentioned! Can’t wait to hear about your visit to NYC especially, and go down memory lane myself through your eyes….
Buen viaje, mis amigos! I’ll be with you every step (or mile?!) of the way!
Alison | Quest for Balance´s last blog ..Road to Freedom Update # 2
Dear Lisis,
I hope you dance! Lance’s post with the Irish blessing – I second that! We will all be eager to hear of your travels.
Dried beans – and rice – are both excellent choices for economy. Making “meatloafs” out of lentils and veggies is one thing I do a LOT – meatless and economical and several meals worth or sandwiches. I go on cooking binges. I may roastttwo chickens – debone and freeze in small containers and use for soups, stews, w/rice and beans, on taco’s, w/pasta – if you stretch it right you have weeks worth and not a lot of cooking in between!
Don’t fret about the tomatoe incident. We were all meant to share God’s bounty – a shame people get possessive and want it all! Nobody needs half of what they have.
Big hugs to you and yours!
suZen
suzen´s last blog ..The Power of the Circle
СЧÐСТЛИВОГО ПУТИ!
BON VOYAGE!
(I’m glad you rescued the tomatoes for a more meaningful life than rotting on the vine. Good move!)
I’ll be here rooting you on, Li!
Lori´s last blog ..Tuesday Group Hug
Last year I chose to be more frugal and live more simply. The more I do without the more control I feel I have over my future. I also feel FREE!
No more Starbucks unless it’s a special occasion.
No more new clothes (It will be one year in October)
If we eat out which is rare we split one entree.
Don’t buy new books anymore. Go to the library.
Don’t buy magazines. On my last issue of Runner’s World.
Make a list for the grocery store and only go once a week.
Pack lunches, snacks and a cooler if we go on a trip longer than 1 hour. (My husband is always hungry)
To be continued…
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..Meet Caity! A Bold Blogging Buddy
I know I’m probably not the only one already wondering how they’re doing on the road. I can’t wait for the next update! : )
Alison | Quest for Balance´s last blog ..Road to Freedom Update # 2
Good for you, can’t wait for the next installment. I love cooking frugally especially.
Tony´s last blog ..A New Forest Walk
[...] been a couple of weeks since my last Road to Freedom Update, so I figure we’re due for another one. I can’t say that too much has changed as a [...]