This Week...Beyond Money 3/28 - 4/3

For me, a life beyond money is making choices so that you can live the best possible life, regardless of your income level. Obviously, you have to make a living, but there are many ways to improve your quality of life without increasing your income levels and correspondingly your expenses. This regular post will be some of the ways that we improve our quality of life beyond just trying to make more money.

Gardening:
* The okra sprouted! Only four of the dozen or so I planted, but I'm happy. I also have a few more pepper plants and several tomato plants.
* I've started breaking off twigs of problematic shrubs in the landscape and feeding them to the bunnies. They get so excited, squeal and devour them before considering the pellets. Lower feed costs + happy bunnies = a win!

Cooking/Groceries:
* I made applesauce from some of the storage apples that were getting a bit past their prime. I used very little sugar and loads of cinnamon.
* I cooked some steak from the freezer. I used half of it to make tacos with sale tortillas, manager's special lettuce, salvage grocery salsa, manager's special taco sauce and on-sale sour cream. I saved half of the steak for another meal.
* We made popcorn for a snack.
* We ordered pizza out one evening when we didn't plan our meal better. By the time we got our errands done, we were starving and it was late. While I wish I'd planned better, we did use a promo code to get 50% off and we used the loyalty program to earn points towards a free pizza.
* I made pumpkin pie pudding. So yummy

Food Preservation:
* I froze more fruit from my job. This is going to be great for the summer.

Fun:
* My sister came out one day to go thrifting with me for the chain's half off day. I made us breakfast before we went out: fried eggs, pork belly and toast with coffee.
* Trucker got discount movie tickets for us to see King Georges. I am a culinary nerd, so I was delighted. He got $5 tickets that included a small popcorn (I was very happy when after a couple bites of the theatre popcorn, Trucker leaned over and said he thought my homemade popcorn was much better).
* We went to a free concert at a local coffee house. It cost $4.30 for our coffees. The power went out shortly after it began. Fortunately, it was an acoustic duo and they were good sports. They played several more songs and everyone in the packed house sang one of them. It reminded me perfectly why I love live music.
* I took my friend out to lunch for her birthday. I saved half of my meal to give Trucker for his dinner that day. We also went thrifting together. I got a little inventory, but avoided spending anything on myself.

Frugality:
* When Mom was in the hospital, I accidentally misplaced a bill. I realized it this week, but it was a couple days past due. There was a $25 fee. I called and explained what had happened and told them I'd just mailed the check. They were very understanding and since I've never been late before, they waived the fee. It never hurts to call and ask. I was very pleased that they were so good to me.

I love seeing the weeds sprout each spring. Time to start foraging!

Work:
* I put in my notice at both of my other jobs. It was so hard because I really like everyone I work for/with. I know that I'm doing what I need to for my future, but it doesn't make this part any easier. In the end though, I think its best to do what needs to be done and not just what is comfortable.
* We got sent home early one day from my regular job, and a little early both days at my second job due to lack of business.
* Fortunately, I was able to pick up an extra day at the regular job. I worked at the factory that my dad works out, so I was able to have lunch with him and my sister's fiance. I got to meet some of his coworkers and hear some funny stories. Plus, the time-and-a-half pay made up the difference from the lost hours.
* I packed a lunch each day I worked at the regular job. I nibbled on fruit scraps at my second job and was able to bring home a large container of them.
* Trucker's boss's wife brings in a hot meal for them each longer day they work. So incredible sweet of her. I got to meet them this week. They are really nice and I'm happy that he gets to work for good people.

Health:
* I took my physical and lift test for the new job. While overall I did fine, I did realize I need to work out my triceps more.
* I've started lifting weights to try to get a little more prepared for the outrageous work load I'm undertaking.
* My blood pressure is staying at a nice, healthy level.

Community:
* The more I find out about the farm, the more excited I get. I just found out that there is a program to deliver fresh produce to the door of home-bound seniors in my community. How cool is that?

How was your week?