5 Things I’m Pretty OK With

1

August 14, 2013 by drandmrso

Taking inspiration from my friend Elizabeth over at Bo-pinion Log, here’s a round-up of the five best decisions I’ve made recently (in no particular order).

1. Manning up and purchasing a salad spinner

For years I have been under the impression that salad spinners are of the sort of kitchen gadget reserved only for cooks who know what words like “parboil” or “fricassee” mean. But I’ve seen the light: salad spinners are practically required when you have a CSA share and your lettuce isn’t power-washed in a factory and then vacuum sealed before making it to your fridge. I’ve been rinsing and spinning my CSA lettuce for a couple of weeks now, and it is making a huge difference in how long it lasts. Dry lettuce is happy lettuce, people.

2. Replacing my Toms

Two years ago I got my first pair of Toms on a trip to Boulder, Colorado. I wore them practically every snowless day thereafter. Finally, this spring, the holes that I had worn into the toes were just too big to ignore. So I ordered a new pair online (since there aren’t any retailers that carry them in my area) and my feet are happy once again. Toms shoes are incredibly comfortable, casual but not ugly, and when you buy a pair they send a pair to someone in need. That’s really the definition of #winning.

3. Canceling cable

I’ve already talked about this decision, but can I just reiterate how good it feels to not be paying a giant cable bill this month—and every month from here on out? Money well saved.

4. Conducting informational interviews

I’m considering a career change—with strong emphasis on the word “considering.” More on that to come, but in the past few weeks I’ve been talking to people who have the job I’m interested in and it has been remarkably inspiring! They were all more than willing to meet with me, and they provided some great insights on the field and on the educational requirements (read: master’s degree). As an introvert by nature it’s hard for me to reach out to strangers to ask for favors, but so far, at least, this experience has been nothing but enjoyable.

5. NOT buying that [book, picture frame, swimsuit, jacket, nail polish, etc.]

I realized that my first two good decisions were about buying things. So I want to emphasize that I’m going strong on my semi-minimalism kick. I’m still tempted, of course, by all the pretty, shiny things out there, but I’m finding their forces on me waning. (Perhaps I’ve achieved a level of Anti-consumerism Jedi? Ok, maybe not Jedi. Let’s go with Apprentice.) I’m proud of the fact that I now only own five purses (a huge decrease—just ask Dr. O), or six shades of nail polish, or ten pairs of shoes. There’s still a lot to be done to totally de-clutter my house, but my bank accounts and closets are looking mighty happy right now.