Well, my 2010 New Year resolve is dissolving fast! I had determined that I would post in this blog daily, then decided weekly and, it now appears, perhaps only monthly. I am changing the blog name to (Mind) Travels With Sandra, since it doesn’t appear that I will be traveling much this year – except in my mind. So, my thoughts and observations shall be travel enough, for now.
I am happily ensconced in my Scottsdale house sit still (and giving thanks for that daily) and appear to be here until at least November 2010. Other offers have come and gone, but the only one I will be able to take this year is in June for five weeks. I will, for the third time, fly to Sacramento and house sit for a lovely couple, Edith and Charles, and their dogs – now increased by two labradoodles.
The organic garden and swimming pool is quite delightful, more so in June,
and I look forward to lots more walks with the nearly adult Rosy and Rufus, along with Spike, the original Basenji. I hope that Rascal, the old terrier will still be with us too – although his body doesn’t take long walks any more. A change is as good as a rest, my Grandmother used to say, and I will certainly enjoy the change of pace from cats to dogs!
The Endearing Casper of Scottsdale
However, needing a rest is probably not a valid concern, since my life here in Scottsdale is as restful as one could ever hope. In fact, if I think about my life at all, I am probably living the ideal one right here – constant sunshine, lovely mountain hikes in very close surrounding nature, locally grown fresh food, lots of community groups to join and be involved with, one of my children, Matthew with his wife and new puppies ”around the corner,” literally.
The only stress in my idyllic life is the small matter of income. Living on my Social Security would be a breeze, if I didn’t owe so much money to those damn credit card companies. I take full responsibility for incurring the debts in the first place, but I have to say that the amount one ends up paying back is outright robbery nowadays. That being said, I am in no way suffering as so many others are with losing their jobs and homes and complete change of lifestyle. And there’s the rub – maybe it is our lifestyles that have got us into this mess in the first place.
My new motto, for a while, has been – less is more. The minimalist lifestyle really appeals. I have a storage unit full of “stuff” that I pay for monthly and, apart from the occasional book or piece of clothing, do not miss in any way whatsover. Of course, I am living among other people’s “stuff,” so am not deprived of anything really. However, it has been a lesson that will serve me for the future, once my finances look up. Living simply with a healthy diet, lots of exercise, some good friends and being able to see one’s family and travel to new (and old) places and learn about other cultures is about my style now. (The lifestyle is simple, but the money will be plentiful!) This is my affirmation that will come true this year – because the new 2010 me will make it come true.
