So far, I’ve failed to meet either challenge or goal this week. A three minute shower is just too short. I like a nice, unhurried hot shower. So, I’m trying to think of other ways to cut back. I might try to shower only twice a week, which would definitely even out the shower time to 3 minutes a day, but it would take a month for my hair to get used to this, and in the meantime, I’d look like a total greasebum (yes, I just made that word up).
I keep procrastinating with the yogurt. I’m not sure why, since I like experimentation – I have a sourdough starter fermenting on a shelf in my kitchen – it’s been there since Saturday, and I keep revitalizing it each day. I keep making excuses like “I don’t have a pilot light in my oven” or “it’s too cold in the apartment” or “won’t heating the milk kill all the good bacteria in it?” and manage to talk myself out of making it. I think I will make yogurt tonight.
I also have managed to not get a bunch of books back to the library on time, and ended up with a rather large fine of $6.30. Yeah, ashamed to admit it I am. I couldn’t even look the librarian in the face. I’ve cut back drastically on my library use, because I want to read more books than I possibly can, and it’s just unrealistic to expect to read so many books in a three week time period.
On the upside, over the weekend I picked up my first bulk order from a local company, Azure Standard, and have been happy with what I’ve gotten and an anticipating placing another order next week (delivery is every two weeks). Organic Lentils at just over a dollar a pound is a very good deal, as are Organic Split Peas for a little under a dollar a pound. I’m excited to get Salmon for $8/lb, which, since they closed the season, is over $20/lb at most stores. Generally, it’s been my attitude to not buy more than we need on any given week, but I’m starting to see the wisdom of buying dried and frozen foods in bulk. I’m hoping that this will eliminate our weekly trips to the grocery store. Eventually, I’d like to cut out trips altogether – everything is overpriced, and there is just too much temptation (although I generally skip the snack aisle, I always end up with something extra). A couple of days ago, when I went to do my weekly grocery shopping, I went with a very specific list and amount which I was going to spend. They didn’t have leeks, raspberries or liver, so I sort of justified buying some grapes, cherries, and more peaches than originally planned. Oh, and a $6 hunk of Port Salut cheese and some Valrhona Manjari Feves (dark chocolate). I suppose it could be worse. Nathan asked me last night, in a discussion about whether or not I liked cookies, what my favorite cookie was. To which I replied, “Oreos, hands down”. I haven’t had an Oreo in 6 months, mind you, but of all the cookies on the shelf, I will go for those first (actually, I’d go for the Newman’s Own version to feel less guilty – they taste more or less the same). No, I guess I don’t really like cookies.
2 Comments
June 5, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Tips from another greasebum: I think I was forced into showerlessness with the second child. Right now I shower once every 6-7 days. Sometimes there is a true 3-minute shower in there as well, but if I can’t wash my hair, I don’t feel like the rest is even worth it. I think it took my hair more than a month to adjust, but hopefully yours will cooperate more. Do you have a boars bristle brush? That helps distribute the oil. =) Also, I use a salt stick for deodorant, the salt kills the bacteria that cause the smell. I think I got mine at Trader Joe’s, but I’d bet Azure has those too!
Did I tell you about my experiment making yogurt in my cooler? I need to try again, and I think I have extra milk this week. We can compare notes next week.
Thanks for your updates. You’re keeping me inspired to continue making changes here.
June 6, 2008 at 9:28 am
Don’t get depressed! You are trying. That is important. Try to check out less books. From week to week I don’t always get to read the same amount. Can you access your library online? We can. I can look at the items that I checked out and when they are due. If it is getting near the date, most times I can renew it online. You can also call the library and ask them to renew it. But if it is a new book or someone is waiting for it, it may not be renewable.
About the yogurt, you still have 3 more weeks in June to reach this goal!