A concept of time, Internation Travel and Trying to Give up Starbucks
As a child, there is no concept of time. If I wanted to go somewhere and do something my understand is that I had all the time in the world. I could not grasp when it was time to leave, or time to get out of the pool, or time to go in. The play never ended. As I got older, the play disappeared. I had tests to study for, homework to finish, chores to complete, people to visit, people to take care of, dishes to wash, health to maintain, a job to work at, a place to call home, and a world that exists on time.
What time does the train/plane/car/taxi/bus depart? What time does my day start? What time shall I pick you up? What time do I need to be there? What time will you be there? What time is dinner? What time is your appointment? What time do we need to leave? What time is it? Not only are we conscious of time, but of each other. Lately these last few months, a couple of naysayers have called out and teased me about my international travel plans. Not naming names, but I have worked very hard to try to make these work. Yes, I have the travel bug and it's so bad, I have two europe trips planned in a year. I am eating on budget to go, and May is Bike Month is here, so hoping to save on gas. It's funny how you wonder if these people are jealous and think for some reason I'm rolling in it. I am not, but I definitely not forget to take care of myself. I won't give up going out to eat, or renting a good movie etc. I for a little while, and maybe still do, feel guilty that that money isn't going to the church. My time is devoted there though. Every other Sunday, my time is for the kids. I really want to teach them all I can. Someone is always going to hate what another person does or something. A lot of my friends are getting married and having children, which is amazing and special, but I'm over here, not ready yet. I know I'm not. I thought I was. In fact, I still think I am, but right now, God isn't finished with what he has for me.
EF College Break program has been remarkable. The trips have been crazy, challenging, rewarding and fun. Each time I leave, I come back with more knowledge than before, and I feel rejuvenated, but privileged enough to go. When I get flac, I ask people, "Do you really want to know what it is like to live on a budget? or watch your pennies, grocery bill?" Ask my friends and ask my family. I even read a book to help me learn. It's called Living Well, Spending Less. We really don't need all this stuff. People tell me you can put away money for school, family, home, etc, something better they say. To me, travel is something I won't ever get back.
There are moments though where I have felt that my money should go towards my aging family, or causes like my grandma used to donate to. My ability to be selfish fills me with this uncomfortable feeling that something more can be done, or that I could come up with something better. I am trying to give up Starbucks (Yes, seriously). It stinks. There is something about a good cup of coffee. But as it turns out, that good cup of joe is 5 bucks! That is absurd. I could buy a meal or two things at Winco for that amount. I pass the beloved green sign on the road, and half whine about not being able to go in. I took my gold card and hid it. I hid it so that I wouldn't use it. I have taken my five bucks and used it towards gas, or even towards the church.
Giving up things we really don't need, can sometimes be a pain, and frustating. I got into a fight with a family member about my evening wear to bed and how that should change as I age. Apparently sweats are no longer acceptable for a woman. What he/she doesn't know is my comfy reno sweats, and my And1 sweats are hiding in my apartment ;)! You will have those days where you want to snuggle up and hide from the world, or take a day in, or sleep in, or when it's cold, and I promise you won't want to look like a VS model in winter! BRR! I gave up pedicures, which I love, and eventually will have to give up my love of changing my hair color and style. Some things you sacrifice in order to save for other things, especially if you know you are going to need it. I also have to work to pay off bills, like the leftover hospital one (which was a drag), and make room for ones that could be unforeseen, should something happen.
It is a loaded bore if you think about it, but the more you try to plan, the better prepared you will be if something should arise. However, I hope I don't lose my sense of adventure. My dad tells me I got that from my mother, of always wanting to go somewhere or try something new. I love my go-getter attitude(trying this whole compliment/love myself deal, weird, but slowly working on it). Starbucks, unless my Aunt is buying, I don't think I will be going, that soon goes for you too Dutch Brothers. Oh company coffee, your dirt water will eventually fade out into those odd taste buds of mine. Happy May is Bike Month. 100 miles pledged before I leave for my first trip.
What time does the train/plane/car/taxi/bus depart? What time does my day start? What time shall I pick you up? What time do I need to be there? What time will you be there? What time is dinner? What time is your appointment? What time do we need to leave? What time is it? Not only are we conscious of time, but of each other. Lately these last few months, a couple of naysayers have called out and teased me about my international travel plans. Not naming names, but I have worked very hard to try to make these work. Yes, I have the travel bug and it's so bad, I have two europe trips planned in a year. I am eating on budget to go, and May is Bike Month is here, so hoping to save on gas. It's funny how you wonder if these people are jealous and think for some reason I'm rolling in it. I am not, but I definitely not forget to take care of myself. I won't give up going out to eat, or renting a good movie etc. I for a little while, and maybe still do, feel guilty that that money isn't going to the church. My time is devoted there though. Every other Sunday, my time is for the kids. I really want to teach them all I can. Someone is always going to hate what another person does or something. A lot of my friends are getting married and having children, which is amazing and special, but I'm over here, not ready yet. I know I'm not. I thought I was. In fact, I still think I am, but right now, God isn't finished with what he has for me.
EF College Break program has been remarkable. The trips have been crazy, challenging, rewarding and fun. Each time I leave, I come back with more knowledge than before, and I feel rejuvenated, but privileged enough to go. When I get flac, I ask people, "Do you really want to know what it is like to live on a budget? or watch your pennies, grocery bill?" Ask my friends and ask my family. I even read a book to help me learn. It's called Living Well, Spending Less. We really don't need all this stuff. People tell me you can put away money for school, family, home, etc, something better they say. To me, travel is something I won't ever get back.
There are moments though where I have felt that my money should go towards my aging family, or causes like my grandma used to donate to. My ability to be selfish fills me with this uncomfortable feeling that something more can be done, or that I could come up with something better. I am trying to give up Starbucks (Yes, seriously). It stinks. There is something about a good cup of coffee. But as it turns out, that good cup of joe is 5 bucks! That is absurd. I could buy a meal or two things at Winco for that amount. I pass the beloved green sign on the road, and half whine about not being able to go in. I took my gold card and hid it. I hid it so that I wouldn't use it. I have taken my five bucks and used it towards gas, or even towards the church.
Giving up things we really don't need, can sometimes be a pain, and frustating. I got into a fight with a family member about my evening wear to bed and how that should change as I age. Apparently sweats are no longer acceptable for a woman. What he/she doesn't know is my comfy reno sweats, and my And1 sweats are hiding in my apartment ;)! You will have those days where you want to snuggle up and hide from the world, or take a day in, or sleep in, or when it's cold, and I promise you won't want to look like a VS model in winter! BRR! I gave up pedicures, which I love, and eventually will have to give up my love of changing my hair color and style. Some things you sacrifice in order to save for other things, especially if you know you are going to need it. I also have to work to pay off bills, like the leftover hospital one (which was a drag), and make room for ones that could be unforeseen, should something happen.
It is a loaded bore if you think about it, but the more you try to plan, the better prepared you will be if something should arise. However, I hope I don't lose my sense of adventure. My dad tells me I got that from my mother, of always wanting to go somewhere or try something new. I love my go-getter attitude(trying this whole compliment/love myself deal, weird, but slowly working on it). Starbucks, unless my Aunt is buying, I don't think I will be going, that soon goes for you too Dutch Brothers. Oh company coffee, your dirt water will eventually fade out into those odd taste buds of mine. Happy May is Bike Month. 100 miles pledged before I leave for my first trip.
Get it girl!
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