Let’s flush squandering instead of precious time

Two Sundays ago, I plopped some early spring crop seeds into the containers on my back deck. Some of the seed was from 2005, so I wasn’t terribly hopeful that they’d grow. Also, something has messed a little with the containers and a few of my fudgecicle stick markers are missing. Erring on the more optimistic side, I’ve been checking the pots every few days for any changes. This morning I was rewarded with some tiny green sprigs in a couple of the pots. Hurrah!!!! Their markers happen to be gone, but I know I planted lettuce of some sort in those spots, so we may be having home-grown salad in a few weeks.Speaking of home gardens and DIY stuff, I read Taran’s post highlighting Brad’s post (from McBlog) about frugalista gulching. After reading this particular post, I felt I came into the movie about half way through, so using the McBlog search tool, I found the first post Frugalistas Unite, penned by Wendy. From there, Wendy and Brad share their frugalista philosophy (multiple posts, I linked to the first one) and even some tips. I highly recommend reading this ongoing discussion over at McBlog if you are interested in shaping your lifestyle to improve your quality of life.Contrary to first impression, being a frugalista isn’t just about money. At its core is knowing what you want, where you want to go and how you’re going to get there. It’s fluid, because it’s all about living the one life you have in such a way that you are content. Per Wendy:

A frugalista is not one who clenches onto pennies — tho’ that may be involved in the process; a frugalista is one who knows what they value and will not squander precious time on anything less.

I have to admit, I was mildly depressed after reading the frugalista posts. Lately I’ve felt like I’m spinning my wheels and putting much of my energy into things that I don’t necessarily care about but are important to my loved ones. I don’t mind doing this; such exchange is integral to a relationship. It’s just that I haven’t been feeling the love returned in kind. I thought about the subject further, as my viewpoint came across as so egotistical and skewed. Upon more in-depth consideration, I believe that technology, specifically time on the computer, is zapping my ability to spend time doing that which I find to precious. In turn, I squash important stuff, but not the gold nugget kind of stuff, into my day and when my head hits my pillow I experience that theoretical flush— there goes another day down the toilet, never to be regained.Rather than wallow, I choose Queen and Shaun of the Dead. I want to be the champion of my time. Rather than cower in my house, plugged into the machine, I echo Ed’s sentiment of f*ck the man– here’s to doing the hands’ on, person-to-person activities I want to do. Now that’s a splendid slice of fried gold!

Thanks go out to Taran, Wendy and Brad.