tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post5835342830783213383..comments2024-03-18T12:04:27.789-05:00Comments on A Home Grown Journal: Here's A Question For YouMama Peahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-83181944436822864382018-09-10T21:59:08.235-05:002018-09-10T21:59:08.235-05:00This post really hit home with me Mama Pea. Being ...This post really hit home with me Mama Pea. Being a broke graduate of college with a MOUNTAIN of student loan debt I am still living with my parents and agonizing over how to buy a new pair of pants for work. <br />I have to say that more financial freedom would help with my stress levels, and possibly my quality of life. However my parents and I have an amazing tight bond that I never would have gotten had I the money to move out. <br />That said I do try to work smarter not harder in everything I do. Both on our land in the garden and in my life. If it's worth the money to pay someone to do it so I can get another project done that's what we do. It's a give and take balance that I don't think most people have quite figured out. Leahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12901630432442427523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-45890275136108823872018-03-31T13:39:13.093-05:002018-03-31T13:39:13.093-05:00Mary - I think many of us are in the same boat in ...Mary - I think many of us are in the same boat in that we don't need a lot, but not having the financial means to cover the "enough" can, indeed, weigh very heavily.<br /><br />It's true I don't know you personally but still from what you've written here, I cannot imagine you being a reckless spender. Under any circumstances.<br /><br />I laughed out loud when you said you were looking forward to buying new underwear. I can so relate! Things like that continually get pushed to the bottom of the list for oh-so-many reasons!<br /><br />I so appreciate your very honest answer to my question and I have a big grin on my face and in my heart for your good fortune. Hooray for April 1st! You sound like a wonderfully deserving person! Thanks for commenting. Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-3265492532640926042018-03-31T13:31:56.241-05:002018-03-31T13:31:56.241-05:00Mark - A well written (and I'm sure thought ou...Mark - A well written (and I'm sure thought out) philosophy. Thanks for sharing. You bring up some very good points worth considering. And, as we all know, our personal health is more important than any amount of money. Hugs.Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-47277960196388296392018-03-29T21:21:43.363-05:002018-03-29T21:21:43.363-05:00What a timely question for me to see on your blog ...What a timely question for me to see on your blog as I have been surfing blogs. My life has been filled with challenges of all types and very few breaks between. At the age of 78 it is the first time in 50 years (starting April 1) that I feel the relief of the heavy burden that "not having enough money" carries. Of course, the word "enough" probably has as many meanings as the stars in the sky. I have tried to live my life with full awareness that "cash in the trash" can be avoided. I have always thought that I don't need a lot but your question is very poignant at this time. Through the years I have learned to do without a lot and I do most of my home repairs. Yes, I am grateful that I have had the ability to learn these skills. The last couple repairs were to repair my electric range and replace my garbage disposal. I pressure wash the cement and house. Up until two years ago I was still leaf blowing the roof of the house. But, it always was paying the larger bills (like insurance, winter heating, medical bills, ect.) that caused the most stress. I can hardly believe that my life is going to be easier. It feels like a huge burden has been lifted from my shoulders. I can't imagine being a reckless spender! When my friend asked what I was going to buy, I said new underwear! I guess my answer to your question is Yes, adequate money makes me happier, a lot!<br /> Sorry, I am not more specific with details but I did not inherit or win the lottery! Blessings to all.Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17326405302018596028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-31474870197427230642018-03-19T18:49:57.009-05:002018-03-19T18:49:57.009-05:00Hi Mama Pea. I admit I'm late to the party he...Hi Mama Pea. I admit I'm late to the party here, so I'll keep it short. Once the basic needs were met, De and I have been no more or less happy in times of plenty than we are in the lean times. <br /><br />These days energy is as much a limited currency as money, but I think the principle is the same: Be a faithful steward of whatever you have, whether it be little or much. We usually prefer to use what we already have even if it's not exactly what we want rather than spending extra energy or money to make something just a bit better. Improvements come, but they are a measured and considered thing, not a given thing. There's a principle we teach young engineers and physicists at the day job: "Better is the enemy of 'good enough'". It applies to spending our own resources as much as it applies to our customers' resources.<br /><br />Would I be happier if I had the money to just go out and buy everything we would like to have for the homestead and have some of it installed? I doubt it. That sort of thing just has never been a big source of happiness for us. <br />Might be a bit less tired, though, and for some things in this season of our life that justifies the cost. Sometimes not. There is more to life than an impeccable manicured lawn or another homestead appliance I don't have time or energy to take proper care of. <br /><br />All that being said, as the seasons of our lives change the way we balance labor vs mechanization vs dollars needs to change to. Right now, for us, we choose to spend a little more where it can help preserve my health. After retirement - hopefully in a couple of years - we'll need to revisit that.Markhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08343134852881572900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-5539081966211063952018-03-14T21:43:00.760-05:002018-03-14T21:43:00.760-05:00Mama Pea,
Money won't buy happiness. Granted...Mama Pea,<br /><br />Money won't buy happiness. Granted having money would relieve stress for many people and make living easier. My thought, both you and your husband have worked hard to get things done on your homestead over the year. You budget accordingly therefore, you need to take time (a nice break) to relax your body, refresh, and enjoy each other before starting another project.<br /><br />Hugs,<br />SandySandy Livesayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06183449816586125720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-42177912945491552162018-03-14T06:29:45.889-05:002018-03-14T06:29:45.889-05:00I think that money does buy happiness because it o...I think that money does buy happiness because it offers comfort and security. Of course, I don't have money, but I'm happy anyway because like you and Papa Pea, Alex and I make do and do as much as we can on our own because we don't have the pennies to hire people to do things for us. It would be nice to have less expenses though. When we buy, the work load will increase, but part of me can't wait for all of that. Stars in my eyes? :)<br /><br />When we decided to leave the city life and move up north together, we decided we'd try to survive on one income. Well, I always lived up north, but moved back to Montreal when I met Alex. He was doing well at Bell Canada back then. But we both longed for nature and quiet. We decided to give up the "cushy" lifestyle of having 2 incomes and though we're pretty broke a lot of the time, we get by. We're happier this way. I wouldn't say no to finding a discarded sack of hundreds though lol...Rain https://www.blogger.com/profile/14377719049819222133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-54437581420157793022018-03-13T16:19:07.022-05:002018-03-13T16:19:07.022-05:00Goatldi - Yep, you've been added to my list ov...Goatldi - Yep, you've been added to my list over on the right hand side bar but I've been following you religiously for some time now. Just now getting some needed changes made to the page. Glad this gave you such a chirky boost today, but my goodness, you are worrying me if that's what did it!! Hugs, pal. Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-62667943689829485312018-03-13T16:14:02.741-05:002018-03-13T16:14:02.741-05:00Goatldi - You always make a lot of sense to me. A...Goatldi - You always make a lot of sense to me. As far as the health thing goes, no amount of money in the world can give us back our health so the best we can do is try to structure our lives (gain a healthy balance?) as a preventative to losing ones health. And I fully realize that doesn't always do the trick.Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-49730193010835723122018-03-13T15:04:20.089-05:002018-03-13T15:04:20.089-05:00Right on Smart Alex!Right on Smart Alex!Goatldihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07222031369656684797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-11435423117022514602018-03-13T15:02:11.196-05:002018-03-13T15:02:11.196-05:00Mama Pea you are my Guru. I mean we could have a m...Mama Pea you are my Guru. I mean we could have a mutual admiration society going no? And you what made my day today? I noted that I am now on your following list. I feel like I got the lead in the high school musical! Aw shucks.Goatldihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07222031369656684797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-15051723039570671942018-03-13T14:57:23.918-05:002018-03-13T14:57:23.918-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Goatldihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07222031369656684797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-67173288469360670812018-03-13T14:01:33.940-05:002018-03-13T14:01:33.940-05:00Theresa Young - You're absolutely right in tha...Theresa Young - You're absolutely right in that we can't put a monetary value on family and friends we love. And our needs and wants at different times in our lives certainly does change!Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-56664964300938482862018-03-13T13:59:09.843-05:002018-03-13T13:59:09.843-05:00Phil - Plus, the other thing is what each of us de...Phil - Plus, the other thing is what each of us defines as "a balanced life." Just for the record, I love hoeing and weeding in the garden so I'd gladly pay someone else to do a task I dislike . . . and feel good about it. :o}Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-9690049017870966422018-03-13T12:21:23.722-05:002018-03-13T12:21:23.722-05:00It would be nice to have more money. I could brea...It would be nice to have more money. I could breathe a little easier. But its not necessary. I can say that now that I'm older and know what's, or more accurately who's important in my life. Thirty years ago I would have said give me the money!Theresa Yhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16226952474166295533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-76954019037743667852018-03-13T00:15:11.688-05:002018-03-13T00:15:11.688-05:00Ladies I hear you and raise you one.Cup of Chai te...Ladies I hear you and raise you one.Cup of Chai tea that is. I have two main problems neither of which are money. One is after 33 years with dairy goats it is a hard habit to break. And I use the milk always have. The other is my husband. I try to keep things down to a dull roar in all areas as when he is actively ill again (chronic is a four letter word) life shifts from new normal to new new normal. And the thing that rattles my chain more than the money is if something happens to me even marginal like a broken arm we are in a heap of deep. Makes any sense? Goatldihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07222031369656684797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-51168641127183282202018-03-12T23:06:56.961-05:002018-03-12T23:06:56.961-05:00It's such a hard question. And being human and...It's such a hard question. And being human and imperfect, we all come at this from a different direction. My own feelings on money, since an early age, have moved around "putting it away for a rainy day." We have to have fun too. But my idea of fun is getting the lawn mowed an hour earlier, or getting a car wash in town and not doing it at the hydrant in front of the barn. Maybe one way to approach it is getting the house pressure-washed and painted (of course at a reasonable cost, ha) and using the time to get the garden hoed and weeded, and the basement cleaned myself. That's how I look at it, I guess. Maybe even using some of the time to go to town for coffee and an apple fritter.The Wykeham Observerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04223636697571715201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-58878020080316155452018-03-12T15:57:22.879-05:002018-03-12T15:57:22.879-05:00Charade - How interesting that question you asked ...Charade - How interesting that question you asked at Christmas time. I'm wondering how our daughter would answer it.<br /><br />So many people we know are living waaaay beyond their means. (Maybe they've taken their cue from our government. Arrrgh.) Sounds as though you've done a great job of raising your kids and making some sacrifices to insure you can be secure financially at this stage of your lives. Kudos to you!Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-19075518115999524732018-03-12T15:52:21.364-05:002018-03-12T15:52:21.364-05:00MrsDM - I have to admit I feel selfish and whiny t...MrsDM - I have to admit I feel selfish and whiny thinking an adequate amount of money would make me happier, but I honestly do. At any rate, I'd like to give it a try and report back. ;o)<br /><br />In our current day society, the rich are getting richer and the middle and low financial classes are having a harder and harder time of it. You're right. That does make one sad.Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-31817044687613253172018-03-12T15:48:06.003-05:002018-03-12T15:48:06.003-05:00tpals - I just love that you say unequivocally say...tpals - I just love that you say unequivocally say you'd be happier without the worry of finances. Me, too!!Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-46937283917364777702018-03-12T15:47:31.563-05:002018-03-12T15:47:31.563-05:00What a great discussion you've started. We tal...What a great discussion you've started. We talked about a similar thing when our two kids and four grandkids were here for Christmas. The question was asked of everyone, "What is the most important life lesson you learned from your parents?"<br /><br />Our daughter said it was teaching her about Cost Per Wear. She never liked to wear anything more than twice, so when I pointed out that a $100 outfit better make her happy, because it actually cost her $50 every time she wore it versus a $30 outfit which only cost her $15/wear, that lesson has stuck with her every time she shops for anything. <br /><br />Our son said it was learning never to tie his self-esteem to the car he was driving. He, like us, only buys used cars, maintains them very carefully, and drives them until they become a charitable donation. Everyone at the table named a friend or two who upgrade their vehicle frequently or buy one they really can't afford.<br /><br />By the end of the discussion, they laughed at how aggravated they used to get when they thought we were too frugal (stingy) with our money. Now they're grateful that, barring catastrophe, we may have enough put away to fund our retirement and end-of-life needs. It feels good to consider what we have as enough for our simple needs. Now praying that remains the case. Charadehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16461603001722068211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-70657826810515776772018-03-12T15:45:04.045-05:002018-03-12T15:45:04.045-05:00wisps of words - No, it's really not off topic...wisps of words - No, it's really not off topic. It's part of getting that balance. (Anybody tired of hearing me say that word?) Maybe it's not the bigger, no longer needed house that's weighing you down, but rather just all that accumulated stuff. If you concentrated on going through, organizing and getting rid of the "stuff" I'm thinking you might look at the house structure in a different light. I think it's great that you have family next door. Family is more important these days than every before!Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-3201787956299847032018-03-12T15:40:41.467-05:002018-03-12T15:40:41.467-05:00wisps of words - Yes, having the money to structur...wisps of words - Yes, having the money to structure your life in a way that brings daily joy and contentment . . . that's the balance I'm talking about!Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-2807334761708724622018-03-12T15:38:31.932-05:002018-03-12T15:38:31.932-05:00wisps of words - Methinks having time to do things...wisps of words - Methinks having time to do things for simple joyful pleasure (i.e., getting that balance) would then make the "work" easier and more joyful, too!Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1423140573667417407.post-78756975132023284972018-03-12T15:35:03.487-05:002018-03-12T15:35:03.487-05:00Susan - We're on the same wave length . . . pa...Susan - We're on the same wave length . . . paring down to a smaller lifestyle in the hopes of not having to work so hard. And it's not that the "work" we do is unpleasant or something we don't like. It's just that it takes about 98-1/2% of time available! When much of what we're trying to do relates to being in good shape when the you-know-what hits the fan, it's hard to figure out what should be cut. :o\Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.com