Warring factions

Economy's in a hole, gas is up up up, and simple living is back in style. I'm down with that, I really am. But there's a little bitty battle being waged in my mind.

Consider these two viewpoints:

1. Weaning oneself off the sugar tit of conspicuous consumption is something we should all strive to do. Our actions will affect future generations, so it's important to live mindfully and with a small footprint upon the earth.

2. Buying new non-durable goods is beneficial to the economy. I like to buy things because it's fun and it makes me feel better; they don't call it retail therapy for nothing. I don't bother reusing things, it's inconvenient to do so and my time is very valuable.

Then think about which one you agree with more.

I am really, seriously torn about this.While on one hand I want to try to make things myself, be more ecologically-minded, and not contribute to the rampant consumerism, on the other hand I really like stuff. Clothes, shoes, jackets, books, more clothes... I am fond of these things.

Oh, sure, I could go thrifting and save myself both money and angst, but the deeper issue is that I don't really like used things. There. I said it. I like new clothes. I like new shoes. I like new books. Being the first owner of something makes me excited. I like going into stores like Nordstrom and Anthropologie and spending a disgusting amount of money on a single item. I don't even feel particularly guilty about it.

But as I try to live more mindfully and really consider my actions, the materialistic side is starting to chafe under the new shackles. This morning, I went to Target. I looked at all of the shiny new things (the Calypso line, for example, and the mirrored side tables) and I swear to you, if I had actually remembered my wallet, mama would have walked out with way more than a bag of doggie doo bags.

What's a girl to do?!

It's official.

This weekend I attended the NOFA-NY organic farming conference in Saratoga.

OMG wow.

It was so inspirational to hear people's stories of getting started, having animals, bringing soils back to life... I failed at the whole small talk/networking thing, which was half the point of attending, but was expected.  I did, however, take copious notes and got a slew of websites to visit.  Every day I came home practically bursting with excitement and ideas.

Farming is still a budding dream, but I feel fairly confident that sometime in the next 6 years, this will move from an idea to reality.  Now I just have to get over my chicken phobia.

New year, new you.

Having completed a list of accomplishments for 2010, I compiled a list of top 11 for 2011. The title of my list is: Stop being so damn trifling.  

1. Run a minimum of 6 miles a week. Every week, no matter where I am or how I feel.
2. Can more food. This is no joke, I have space in my freezers for maybe 2 extra half-gallons of ice cream, and that's it.
3. Spend an extra 5 minutes each night putting something away. Hopefully this will make my sporadic clean-ups of the house much easier. It should also help my marriage. Hi, my name is Joanna, and I'm a slob.
4. Grow a fully organic garden. I'm not fully against chemicals, god knows I love me some processed food. But when I'm the one delivering the lethal doses of pesticides, it seems a lot more evil.
5. Take pilates/gyrotonic classes. My mother routinely kicks my butt at strength exercises, and now I'm ashamed of my core muscles. Plus, it's no fun having a beer gut if you don't drink beer.
6. Beat my Army Ten-Miler time from 2010. At the rate I'm going, I should have a respectable time when I turn 40. 
7. Spend 20 minutes every day doing something with the dog. Waking, running, fetching, training, roughhousing, whatever. Even on Mondays. Especially when I don't feel like getting out of bed. Yelling "no! off!" does not count.
8. Do more projects. A continuation of last year's accomplishment. 
9. Remember the joy of sitting with a book. In the sun, on the porch, by the fire, curled up under a blanket. I was a champion reader as a child, and have somewhat gotten away from that. I miss that pleasure and want it back.
10. Continue exploring homesteading and similar endeavors. 
11. Run a half marathon. I have no illusions of running one quickly, I just really want to earn the right to a 13.1 sticker for my car. 

So far, 1.5 weeks in, I'm doing ok. I'm on track to get 6+ miles fun for this week, did 8+ last week. The dining room table continues not to have stuff piled on it, so I must be putting it away. I finished another scarf. I have only slacked one day with the dog. Onward!

Radical homemaking

After hearing about this woman, Shannon Hayes, and her new book, Radical Homemaking, from a few different people (including my boss, who gave me an article in the Gazette to read while at the dr's office waiting for the endoscopy), I decided to buy the book. Because really, what's another book in my big ole pile of 'em?

After reading bits of the website , I feel a touch guilty for buying the book and not just getting it out at the library. Still, I'm feeling suddenly inspired, motivated, and a bit jittery about this whole idea. Am currently trying to wrap my mind around homemaking as a feminist activity; will post once that's closer to completion.

In the meantime, know this: I think I want this life. More to come.