February 3, 2014

     So we're back to the daily grind. The boys and I were in California for a couple weeks to help my mom watch my oldest sister's kids while she and her husband vacationed in Hawaii. It was a nice visit, Donovan was VERY happy to be playing with his cousins for longer than a day or two. Karl flew into Sacramento Airport on Saturday morning to drive back up with us because the Yukon's transmission had been acting up while we were in Cali and I was MORE than a little nervous driving back home by myself. And I'm glad he did fly down! It was nice to have an adult to talk to and another driver. Just as we got home, the Yukon's transmission died. It wouldn't go into reverse!!
So the next decision is to figure out what to do with it.
    The whole vehicle thing got me thinking: why do we hold attachments to things? I know that for me, memories are easier to store if the object is in front of me. For instance, the Yukon represented my "new" life after I left Louisiana and the Air Force. It represented my new relationship with Karl. It took us on many road trips in the past four years. It was the vehicle that took me to my doctor appointments with both boys and it was the vehicle that brought both boys home from the hospital when they were born. It was a good vehicle and it took me awhile to realize that my memories aren't going to change because we get rid of it. So when I got to the point where I was "okay" with letting it go, I began to evaluate the other "things" in my life. Thus we begin the purge! No, not like that creepy movie about one night of inconsequential killing sprees but the process of getting rid of stuff that has no use or purpose in my life. I say "my" because I don't want to start a revolution by purging things that belong to my husband :). The boys are young enough that a toy and clothing pure wouldn't be traumatic (well, not for them at least. I may be a different story).
    Since we moved in with my in-laws shortly after Cooper was born in October, we have been attempting to follow the Dave Ramsey path to paying of debt. So far it's been a slow go but I think we are finally getting the hang of this whole budget thing. We plan on staying here for at least a year to get as much debt paid down as possible and in October 2014, we will re-evaluate our situation. It's been an adjustment for everyone but the fact that my in-laws graciously welcomed us to their home with two small kids and a truckload of stuff is nothing short of a blessing. Not many families nowadays are open to living in confined quarters with a rambunctious toddler! I have to take time throughout the day to remind myself why we are doing this and the frustrations we may feel are temporary. They may not feel temporary at times with a two-year old...but they are!
     So the point of this post is that besides purging our debt and our stuff, I believe purging our feelings and thoughts about certain situations are necessary for our sanity and our health. I've heard that the definition of contentment is being at peace no matter where you are in your life. So my search for contentment continues and I'll be unloading some junk (and debt) along the way!
      Happy Monday!!!

V/R
Shara