Having worked for McDonald's for nearly three years now, I've watched our teen employees grow from kids who needed treatment for acne to young adults, venturing out into the world and developing their own lives. At this time of the year - graduation time - it's heartwarming to know that I played a small role in their lives by teaching them good work habits and encouraging them to stretch to meet new challenges. They may not remain McDonald's employees forever, but their experience with us will go with them during their college years and beyond, into their career choices.
I have grown fond of many of them and will miss them as they continue on with their lives. I hope they stop by for a visit from time to time!
Selasa, 28 April 2009
Home size
I've determined that the "office" area of my home is only about 16 square feet. I haven't measured my house yet to learn what percentage it is of the entire house, but my best guess is that the house is only about 800 square feet total. Yes, it's really tiny. It's a 2 bedroom "mother-in-law's" house next door to the main home structure of the property. This means the office area is still a very tiny portion of even this house but I can still use it for next year's tax returns. I might see if I can expand that without encroaching too much on my actual living space.
As tiny as it is, I love it. It's like living in a country cottage. It's easy to clean and low on utilities. It even has its own well so there's no water bill. The electricity used for the well pump is minimal and much less than paying the local community water bill.
Honestly, if I could swing it, I'd try to buy this little corner of the world! I still talk to people who are wanting bigger homes, more property, and on and on. My thought is that living a more minimalist life might contribute more to their own sense of security in tough economic times.
As tiny as it is, I love it. It's like living in a country cottage. It's easy to clean and low on utilities. It even has its own well so there's no water bill. The electricity used for the well pump is minimal and much less than paying the local community water bill.
Honestly, if I could swing it, I'd try to buy this little corner of the world! I still talk to people who are wanting bigger homes, more property, and on and on. My thought is that living a more minimalist life might contribute more to their own sense of security in tough economic times.
Minggu, 26 April 2009
Living outdoors
Now that I really am spending more time outside when I'm not at work, I'm really wishing I had some furniture for the yard or deck. As I shop for other things, the patio sets really catch my eye and I find myself imagining sitting on a glider under the shade while a water feature gently babbles nearby.
Still, there is much work to do in the yard before I have time to kick back like that. I still have a lot of raking and mowing to do, as well as getting the rest of my garden put in so it will reward me later with fresh produce. This is my contribution to my personal, ailing economy - growing some of my own food.
I'm doing this in flower beds and flower pots just to show that you don't have to have a huge garden. Any small space, well utilized and intensively gardened, will produce enough fresh food to offset your grocery bill at least a little.
Still, there is much work to do in the yard before I have time to kick back like that. I still have a lot of raking and mowing to do, as well as getting the rest of my garden put in so it will reward me later with fresh produce. This is my contribution to my personal, ailing economy - growing some of my own food.
I'm doing this in flower beds and flower pots just to show that you don't have to have a huge garden. Any small space, well utilized and intensively gardened, will produce enough fresh food to offset your grocery bill at least a little.
Jumat, 17 April 2009
Balancing your time
Someone visited me the other day and found me out gardening. He asked if I work all the time. I said yes, I guess I do, but that's OK because some of my "work" is fun stuff. Gardening contributes a great deal to my food supply and is very enjoyable at the same time. Like many of you, I have several hobbies that help my mind refocus so I can actually do my real work better. I think it's important for us to have these things in our lives.
Not everything we do has to be super-productive either. For instance, I enjoy macrame and make simple objects with this craft, such as plant hangers or jewelry. These serve a purpose without being such serious work. It's an inexpensive hobby to enjoy. It's portable. It take my mind off of more serious issues for a short time so that I can return to those issues refreshed and ready to tackle them.
The main thing to keep in mind is to balance your time well so that you aren't wasting a lot of time in non-productive pursuits but you also aren't so driven to work that you find yourself worn and frazzled and unable to do your best at whatever job you have.
Not everything we do has to be super-productive either. For instance, I enjoy macrame and make simple objects with this craft, such as plant hangers or jewelry. These serve a purpose without being such serious work. It's an inexpensive hobby to enjoy. It's portable. It take my mind off of more serious issues for a short time so that I can return to those issues refreshed and ready to tackle them.
The main thing to keep in mind is to balance your time well so that you aren't wasting a lot of time in non-productive pursuits but you also aren't so driven to work that you find yourself worn and frazzled and unable to do your best at whatever job you have.
Tax returns revisited
Tax filing is over for this year and I had better results this go-round than I did last time. Keeping better records really helped a lot, and my tax preparer gave me a couple of tips on how to reduce my tax burden a little more next year.
This time, I did break even on my Federal tax and I'm getting a few bucks back from the state tax, so that's a real improvement. Last year, I owed both! So, I'll continue with keeping every receipt, as I did for the past year, and I'll be mindful of how much money I make outside of my regular job so I will be able to balance that out better.
I need the extra money, just like everyone else does, but I have to remember that to make that money means I need to spend some on various supplies, internet connections, and the tools with which to do a proper job. Some of my extra money is made through writing for some online companies. That's the easiest for me and the job that requires the least amount of expenses by it's very nature. However, there still are some expenses involved including paper, ink, and other regular office supplies so I can keep track of what I do.
I will be cranking up my eBay site again soon. I am working a regular job closer to home and that means I don't have to spend as much time driving. It also means I don't have to let that job overtake my whole life! I can now spend some time at home pursuing hobbies, gardening, and still generate income that I need on the side. I'm more well-rested now and able to focus energy on these various pursuits.
This time, I did break even on my Federal tax and I'm getting a few bucks back from the state tax, so that's a real improvement. Last year, I owed both! So, I'll continue with keeping every receipt, as I did for the past year, and I'll be mindful of how much money I make outside of my regular job so I will be able to balance that out better.
I need the extra money, just like everyone else does, but I have to remember that to make that money means I need to spend some on various supplies, internet connections, and the tools with which to do a proper job. Some of my extra money is made through writing for some online companies. That's the easiest for me and the job that requires the least amount of expenses by it's very nature. However, there still are some expenses involved including paper, ink, and other regular office supplies so I can keep track of what I do.
I will be cranking up my eBay site again soon. I am working a regular job closer to home and that means I don't have to spend as much time driving. It also means I don't have to let that job overtake my whole life! I can now spend some time at home pursuing hobbies, gardening, and still generate income that I need on the side. I'm more well-rested now and able to focus energy on these various pursuits.
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