Christmas on The Compact

Good morning and Merry Christmas. I am having a wonderful Christmas still on the spending "Compact." For those of you who are new to my Blog or have forgotten - it was a pledge I took last January to try to go an entire year without buying anything new (except for food, cosmetics, hand creams etc, medicines, and craft items to handmake things.) I will be writing about the Compact soon as it has been LIFE-CHANGING! First of all - about Christmas. When you can't buy anything new, you get CREATIVE!! I have bought gifts all year at newly-rediscovered Thrift Stores and Good Will. You get a four-fold blessing buying at such stores - first you are using something again (and it did not then get thrown away in a land fill); second, you are blessing whatever charity is benefiting from the store; third someone is getting employment from your purchase and Fourth - You are spending about a 10th or even less then you would have buying it new. I am also sewing again and thoroughly enjoying making gifts. I can't describe the gifts (will do that after Christmas complete with pictures) but I LOVE the feeling of creating something handmade and special for my loved ones! I also love the money savings and knowing that I can truly live (BETTER) on less. My sister just emailed me the following link to a woman who moved her suburban kids to a farm in the middle of nowhere and describes how they are thriving. You will be blessed to read about their progress. http://suzannemcminn.com/blog/2008/12/16/a-homemade-christmas/

Inspired by Andrea! Back to Blogging!

Hello everyone (my two readers!!) After a 6 month absence, I am back to blogging. It has been a very busy time with lots of travel, lots of wonderful family visits and my going into business practicing law as: Arvold Law! I love my new life working about 1/2 time and finally having time again for quiet time with God, time to spend with Bill, exercise (the "E" word) and of course family and friends. I have been inspired by Andrea just posting again and putting some pictures up for your enjoyment. I am going to do the same. First here is a sample of the FUN summer that we had:

Return to Blog Land!

Hi it is me again. I have been (maybe noticeably) absent for awhile. I have been to visit both Abby and Christian's families, done much work traveling and much work at home (per usual!) I will be posting this week so I can catch up before summer and lots of wonderful family visits. Here are some pictures of part of my Spring Vacation - Aidan's 4th birthday. Enjoy and many more picture to come this week!

Aidan's 4th Birthday cake

made by Kate ~ Davis having fun too!

Grammie and Halle at the party!

Rash Vow - the Diet - Update

I have been stuck at a loss of 10 lbs which I know is great but I am just about half way and wasn't ready to give up. However, I was getting really hungry again and thinking about junk food (and just MORE food) all of the time and was getting a little bored - okay a lot bored! But - somehow I got remotivated this past week and am back on the losing path :-)) Bill has been really helpful and encouraging. We have started walking (with a little break for the FINAL - you hear me weather - freak snow storm of the season!!) and now have walked for two nice sunny days in a row. I had my annual physical and my already low blood pressure is now down to 100 over 60 (a drop of 10 points each). My doctor/friend said that even 10 pounds lost can give such a good result. Talk about an incentive!!! So now onward and down!! I will be sorely tested starting on Friday - I will be a Christian and Kate's for a long birthday weekend, then 5 hour drive to MN (I like to nibble in the car out of boredom but have been breaking that habit), 4 days of work, and then flying to Abby and Greg's (time sitting in airports smelling and seeing LOTS of good food and lattes!) and then a week at Abby's. I will let my faithful reader(s?) know how I do. I feel so much better and a little bit more in control of my eating. It also helps that Margie and John are also on the same diet (and were stuck at - 10 bls too.) Marcia has also been a real help and inspiration to me.

Rash Vow - The Compact - Update - Birthdays

Okay - the latest issue. I got through Grandchild Birthday #1 by going in with Abby to redo Josh's bed. I sent some UW Badger fabric I already had :-) and sent money which Abby and Greg used to buy a used bed frame and make a bulletin board-type head board. Perfect! Now it is Aidan's turn - Grandchild Birthday #2. Since Aidan can't read yet (he is a brilliant almost 4 year old but come on it's okay to not be reading Grammie's blog yet!) - I am putting my idea for his birthday this next week on my blog. I am getting him his very own gift certificate to the Milwaukee Brewers!! If his parents are really nice to him, they can go to a baseball game with him. The Brewers are awesome this year - and unfortunately are in the same Division with the St. Louis Cardinals. So this will be a fun (I hope) year of competing with Warren and Marcia's favorite team! Anyway - I also have a bag of candy to take as well - since I can buy "food." And as a Grammie - I am defining "food" rather liberally. Happy Birthday Aidan. Also - remind me to sing Happy Birthday backwards as Bill's Mom did this week at a Birthday Party with her friends in Hot Springs Village!

Politics, Movies and God

Bill and I watched a disturbing and powerful movie last night - Rendition. Without giving away the plot, the basic story line is an Egyptian citizen who is married to an American and who has lived in the US for 20+ years. He is suspected of being a terroist and with the approval of the US CIA, is tortured in Egypt. The bottom line for us - is that there is evil everywhere in the world. It does not really matter which country you are a part of. The only hope the world has is to know God through Jesus Christ. Even the best (and of course the worst) country will disappoint - but only God will never disappoint.

I haven't posted since the bruhaha about Obama's pastor. I, for one, am happy that at least the concept of whites not really understanding racism and what it is like to be black in the US is finally being discussed in the context of a Presidential Election. While I don't agree with all his pastor said, at least we are talking about these things in the open. That is progress. One other point that both Greg made on his blog and an editorial in the Milwaukee Journal also stated is that pastors (especially apparently in the black church) have a duty to speak forth for God and it may not always be pleasant to hear. Perhaps Obama's Pastor was being faithful to a call. Think about it.

Rash Vows - Update

Rash Vow #2 - I have now lost 10 lbs. I am obviously very happy! Have been stuck at -10 lbs. for a couple of weeks - so am very motivated to get into the teens! I am enjoying eating healthy food - still feel the draw to sugar. Probably always will. More later.

Rash Vow #1 - Am now in my 4th month of not buying anything new. I am still amazed at how easy this has been. I find choices to make. Christian and Kate even honored my vow and found some great books for Bill's birthday at a second-hand book store. (Bill was heard to say - "It is not my vow!!") Anyway - now that spring clothes are in the stores and in the many catalogs that come in the daily mail, I will admit I was very tempted (especially the pretty shoes!) But once I decided I was not going to break the vow to buy more clothes - I was okay. This trip to MN, I am going to a large Good Will in St. Paul and looking for a few casual spring tops. During my last trip to this Good Will, I was amazed at the quality of items and the low prices!!

"Spring" in the North

This post is for my sister in Missouri who is fully into spring!! Here in the North Woods we are now into the strange season called "When is spring ever going to come!" Then we go right into Summer which we will match with anyone's Summer. :-) Anyway - today some of the brown earth was visible on the hill in my south-facing garden and a soft spot started in the snow on the lake. The "good news" from such a long and snowy winter - is that we are all hoping our lakes will rebound! I will post some pictures when the snow is almost gone!!

Rash Vow #2 - Update

Very quick update on the diet. I have lost 6 lbs in 3 weeks. I am currently stuck but motivated to break through another mini-marker! Onward and downward (I hope!)

Rash Vow #1 - Success with small temptations!

Quick Update with my first rash vow to not buy anything new for one year. I am continuing to love this! I feel so free and relaxed. I can go into a big box store and not buy anything other than the pharmacy or food item I planned to buy. Here a few little temptations I got past this last week:

- I was reaching for the new John Grisham novel before I remembered my vow. I did not buy it but can't wait to borrow it from a library or someone else who bought it! (Hint Hint!)
- No lattes yet and not wanting any!! Enjoying my tea.
- Josh's birthday - had a good idea of something to make and Abby came up with a better idea they needed help with (involves something they are buying used and some Badger fabric I already had.)
- Spring clothes are already in the big box stores. Quick glance but no purchases! Actually I don't NEED anything - I have beautiful clothes already (I am talking to myself here.)
- Thinking of summer already and the thought that I needed another set of beds for the little kids. Realized that for the one week that the mega family is here - don't need another set of beds since have very nice blow up bed for them.
- Spring decorations at Trig's - looked and then laughed at myself. Then when I put out my spring decorations saw that certainly did NOT need anything else.
- Spring hand towels and wash cloths for my bath room - wanted something new and pretty - went through my stash of pretty towels and of course found the perfect ones.

Any way - thanks for reading through my little victories and this return to sanity.

Political Thoughts - Update

I have found the comments on my foray in politics on this blog more interesting than the post! What is surprising me is that everyone is assuming that I am a Republican. This is understandable if you look at Bill and my professions I suppose, but it means that we are all painting each other with a broad brush and we need to get below the surface and get to know each other in a deeper way. That is why I have quickly become a convert to "blogging and posting!" Bottom line - I started in life as a Republican since that was what was preached to me at home. I went through the wild '60s at UW-Madison and UC-Berkeley and started rethinking my politics (quietly and privately at that point.) Over the years, I have seen myself as an Independent with Republican leanings - even though many things in the Republican party bothered me. I have tried to be sensitive and compassionate to the issues of poverty and injustice in particular and would swing between neither party having any answers and the voting for the least of two evils in elections. I am now very troubled again by both political parties for the following reasons:

Republicans - I don't agree with their views on gun control. I am very uncomfortable with guns in general and want more controls, not less. I don't like the stance that the government should not take care of those who are disadvantaged - don't agree that anyone who wants to, can pull themselves up in the US by hard work. I do agree with the abortion position as I believe that life begins at conception and know that many girls and women have been traumatised by abortion. I have trusted that Republican economic policies help our country, now I am not sure. I really do not agree with the war in Iraq. I was troubled from Day 1 - that we invaded another country. Now I don't know what the best solution is. I think it will take a long time for our world image to rebound.

Democrats - I still don't completely trust on their spending and taxing - but I know that their motives are good - trying to help those that the Church and families should be taking care of. I don't agree with their position on abortion - but do agree with many other social positions such as gun control and equal rights.

The reason that I am considering voting for Obama (if I vote) is that I think it would be an incredible statement for our country to have an African American as President both for race relations in the US and for our reputation outside the US. Whether or not he can make much difference as President is not as much a concern for me this time.

I am sorry to be so negative, but this election has me troubled and I don't see it getting any better. Please indulge me with my own opinions and I would love to here yours. I like Amy's statement that at best politicians are just people with ideas. Don't know why I expect any more - just another reason to focus on Christ and not man.

Political thoughts

I have been rereading Randy Alcorn's books Deadline, Dominion and Deception (wonderful books and highly recommended.) In light of my considering voting for Obama because I like him and I think it is high time that we have an African-American president - I found this in Dominion. I would like any of my 2 or 3 readers to comment on this - it seems right on to me - but as Greg and Christian were talking on Christian's blog recently - we come at things from a white, sububan life but are trying to be Christ-followers. To do that first we need to understand. So read, think and give me your thoughts. To set the context, a conservative black reporter is talking to a black pastor (who then responds.) It also may be relevant that this book was written in1996 (but has anything really changed?):

"Here's one my wife and I have talked about a lot. Politics. White evangelicals tend to be Republican because they're concerned about biblical and family values and morality, and they're pro-life. Black evangelicals are heavily Democratic, maybe because in recent decades Democrats have been more sensitive to issues of social justice, racial equality, and concern for the poor. Now I happen to be concerned about all these issues, but I think that Democratic policies and programs have hurt the black community. I think it's safe to say that at your church, the members are mostly Democrats, right? I admit, that bothers me, especially on the abortion issue. I care a lot about those suffering children."

"In my experience" Pastor Clancy said, "Republicans tend to be more wise and less caring, and Democrats tend to be more caring but less wise. But both parties fall way short. You mentioned abortion. I know white evangelicals who can't understand why so many of their black brethren seem unconcerned about abortion. Likewise, black evangelicals can't understand why so many whites are unconcerned about poverty, drugs, crime, racism, and ther deterioration of urban America. And why they seem to be doing so little to improve education, employment, housing, medical care, you name it. .... To black Christians, yes, abortion should be on our list of concerns. But it has to take a number, considering everything else we've got to deal with. White churches are concerned about abortion and homosexuals and feminism. We're concerned about gangs, and drugs and AIDS and homelessness and jobs."

Sunday Thoughts

Today's church service was very special with good music, singing, preaching and a testimony of a woman who came to Christ a year ago at age 50. Very powerful. We sang the following hymn which you may know is my favorite hymn. I think it still says it all and I am VERY grateful to our patient and merciful God.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain - Great is Thy faithfulness!Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain

Victories this week - Both Rash Vows!

Good afternoon! I had a good week this week - got by temptations relating to both of my rash vows. First as to spending - I had to get through the first Valentine's Day without buying Bill any card or anything new (and I wasn't home to make him something.) I was in DC on business but got to see what everyone was buying their sweethearts. When I got home, Bill was so happy that I had not bought him anything (and broken my vow) and he had found me the perfect gift - a baabaazuzu hat which is a handmade hat made out to recycled fabric and sweaters which matches both of my winter coats. Good job Bill with my compact and a surprise as well!! (He also got me a card - but we agreed we won't spend $5.00 for another card for each other in the future.) I also did not buy junk food and lattes in airports on this trip. Yay!!

As to the second vow, in the first week on NutriSystem (even out of town for 3 days) I lost 3.5 lbs! I am really pleased and feeling more in control of both my spending and my eating. Praise God.

Rash Vow #2 - The Last Diet!

I am starting my second Rash Vow today. This one is really rash! But I am going to try really hard to fulfill it. I have started Nutrisystem today - inspired by my sister and brother-in-law! I won't put all the gory details in this blog, but will use the blog for accountability. Please pray for me - I want to be healthy and long-lived, which will be easier to do with less weight on my frame.

Rash Vows in General

Today I am embarking on my next Rash Vow. I have had some feedback on use the term "rash vow" which some think means impossible or reckless. I have put the article which inspired the term at the bottom of my main page and looked up the words. RASH actually means: acting or tending to act too hastily or without due consideration OR characterized by or showing too great haste or lack of consideration: rash promises. VOW means a solemn promise, pledge, or personal commitment: to pledge or resolve solemnly to do, make, give, observe, etc. trying to put the two words together made me realize that there is something hasty and reckless about making such a vow but it is good to do it!! I love the following quote which is exactly what I am trying to do: The man who makes a vow makes an appointment with himself at some distant time or place.

Rash Vow #1 - Update!

First progress report - so far, so very good! I have been very encouraged by all of your responses to my "Rash Vow" to not buy anything new for one year. This past week, I was stuck in Milwaukee for 3 days during a blizzard. An unexpected pleasure because I had an unplanned visit with Christian, the kids and Kate's Mom (Kate was on a business trip.) The victory came with me NOT buying anything for the kids in the airport gift shops OR any Starbucks!!!! On to the next trip which begins tomorrow.

Random Spiritual Thoughts

Two thoughts from church today:

• New chorus - entitled I will glory in my Redeemer had the following phrase: .... my life He bought, my love He OWNS. I am still troubled by the use of the word OWNS. I of course believe that He bought my life, but isn't love a choice? SO anyway - I would change the OWNS to DESERVES. What do you think?
• Sermon Illustration - a guest speaker was speaking on Moses, the burning bush and God's command that Moses remove his shoes. We have read, taught and heard this passage taught many times - but for the first time this speaker had the entire congregation take off our shoes and keep them off. He then had us all stand up. We learned that with your shoes off - standing you are shorter! AND that your feet are exposed to the elements (Cold today in WI) and unprotected. He then had us think about what our shoes represent to us - i.e. when/where we got them, what we have been through wearing them etc. (I had on my favorite boots that Bill bought me on a ski trip to Steamboat Springs since I wasn't skiing! I always think about that special trip when I wear them.) The point of all of this was that we must put that all aside to have an encounter with God. Key lesson - To have an encounter with God - something must change. What do you need to put aside to have an encounter with God today?

Prejudice in the Northwoods

I had a strange thing happen on the way to the Physical Therapist's office at the end of last week. I was on the elevator and a couple entered and rode down to the basement floor with me. They looked like they were in their 60's and to my prejudiced mind - the classic northwoods couple. She had on an old Tweety Bird Sweatshirt, dirty hair and about the worst teeth I have seen in years. He had on a dirty sweatshirt, ball cap and large beer belly. I politely said hello and got off the elevator. About 5 minutes after me they made it the same office. As I was struggling with my own attitudes, the man started to complain that the office shouldn't be closed over the noon hour (there was a little sign stating that the receptionist was out from 12:30 to 1:00.) They were an hour early for their 2:00 appointment. Then he started complaining about too many holidays off in the US. He said it must be a "Jewish Holiday." This really offended me but I did not know what to say. He just kept complaining about not wanting to wait and basically showed his own unhappiness. I then was called into my appointment. I would love some feedback if there was something I could have said to let him know that his comment was offensive - OR was my view of him just as offensive?

Rash Vow #1 - the Compact

Okay here I go! I began 2008 wondering about my spending habits and consumerism. I was out of sync with Bill who is trying to figure out how soon I can be retired to part-time work and more time with him (so he is in the "pay off all debt - how much do we really need to live" mode.) I, however, was in the "height of my career so I can finally buy what I want" mode. Then I read the following on my son-in-law Greg's blog: Best Rash Decision: Years ago I read an essay by GK Chesterton entitled "A Defense of Rash Vows" and I have occassionally tried to make rash vows so that I might intentionally keep them. This year's rash act was my favorite of all time (probably, though Andrea Bailey's refusal to buy me Coke is a close second). In a rash move I decide to read all of the Harry Potter books, and I managed to do it in a week. This is a spectacular series of books, particularly when you read them in one shot. The growth in the characters and in the writing are phenomenal, and the seventh installment was superb.

So in the back of my mind was that making a rash vow once in awhile is good for you. It is kind of like shock therapy. I realize that I spend too much money and I want to honor my husband and be in sync with him - so I was really ready for an article on the front page of the Mpls. Star Tribune on January 8, 2008 titled - "Could you go a year without buying anything new?" (I am sorry the article can't be retrieved since only articles within the last 14 days are available for free. I have a copy if you want one.) It described a growing movement in the US started by a group of 10 friends in the San Francisco area in 2004 as a rebellion against what they saw as "gluttonous consumerism and its thoughtless destruction of the environment". They made a pledge which they called The Compact (after the creed made by the revoluntaries sho sailed to the US on the Mayflower) in which they would buy nothing new for a year except for a short list containing food, beverages, medicine, underwear and cleaning products. They all found that their year of not buying anything new was life-changing.

This seemed just the ticket for me. So I waited for the 4 days until I went home to tell Bill. I wanted to make sure I was really going to do if I took this "rash vow." I thought and prayed about it and made the following list of how I would control what I spent the most on. Bill was very encouraging about this and we feel much more together on money than we have in a long time. I have enjoyed two paychecks of having money left from my discretionary fund - it is a relief!! We are now actively planning when we will both be retired from full-time work (not for at least 3 years but who's counting!)

You will notice that a couple of food items made it to my list as I was also convicted about the number of plastic bottles of water Bill and I use (even though we religiously recycle them) AND my habit of Starbucks/Caribou Coffees stops for the largest of the latest flavor of course with whipped cream on the top. (When did my brain shift to accepting paying over $4.00 for sweetened cup of coffee?!) One area NOT explained in this article was if you can still make handmade items and garden. I am going to assume YES since they are definitely not into consumerism (sewing and knitting should be okay especially using currently owned supplies) and planting perennials and transplanting pine trees is good for the environment.

Here is what I spend the most on and will not be able to buy new for a year:

• Books - Borrow from Library/Friends, Re-read all my old favorites which will take a year anyway!
• Starbucks Lattes - Just ask for a cup of hot water and use my own tea bags which I like better anyway and used to be so proud about doing and never having to pay for.
• Gifts (The BIGGIE!) Since I love to give my kids and grandkids many, many presents this is a big one. I have already figured out their birthdays for one year and at least Colette's next birthday present. I will give my kids money for gifts and ask if they would consider honoring my pledge not to buy anything new.
• Bottled H2O - drink my good well water!
• CLOTHES - (The other real BIGGIE!) - No new this year period!
• Junk Food - Okay with The Compact but not for me if I want to live as long as Bill!
• Decorating Items for my home including holiday decorations - Okay how many times do I really have to redecorate. I can live on my purchases from just 2007 for awhile in this catagory (AND in the clothes catagory.)
• Sisters' Reunion Purchases - Nothing new this year. I spent so much more than everyone else - they were looking for things for me to buy! No more vicarious spending through Laura this year! I can buy at Antique or Used items stores. I will save a lot of money on this one!
• Photos - Will use up my vast archives and catch up with scrapbooking before I print 2007's end of the year and Christmas photos.
• New Casual Winter Coat - I have wanted a new casual winter coat for a couple of years. My current one is 7 years old (bought it in Canada when visiting Abby and Greg the winter before Josh was born) and it has a broken zipper and I really don't like the velcro straps to close it. Instead, I am going to remove the zipper and straps and have bought some cool buttons to sew on after I make new buttonholes with my sewing machine. Here is a picture of the coat I was going to get rid of:

I will put another picture on when I have rehabbed this warm coat. Bill says he is really proud of me for this one since it is something he would do - trying to wear something longer and not just buying something new!

THINGS I THINK ARE OKAY TO BUY BUT I WILL STILL USE UP OLD SUPPLIES BEFORE BUYING ANY NEW:

• Computer Ink and Paper
• Scrapbooking supplies
• Yarn and Fabric
• Flowers especially perennials

So this is my first rash vow. I have already gone almost a month without buying anything new except for the buttons for my old coat (which I hope is okay!!) Hey - it is my rash vow!! I will blog my adventure, where I am tempted, where I already see changed attitudes. I already love doing this!! More Later.

One more - I have now been to everyone's blogs - I love this!! Andrea a HUGE apology!! I loved your post today - keep the details coming. I for one would appreciate recipes, book suggestions etc. On with life! Laura

Second Blog - Hi I am back. Now safety home but with a horrible virus! My first cold this winter so I won't complain too much! I will be adding more about my new "rash vow" tomorrow and MORE pictures of my beautiful family!! For now, thanks for all of your comments - Andrea get blogging! Christian - we'll see won't we!! and Ab - I don't know about the Idol pool - wish they would show more of the good ones in the beginning - their viewership is down a little - so maybe others agree. I am calling it a night! Laura

Getting Started

Greetings! I am trying my hand at a blog! It will become evident over time why I chose the name Rash Vows and Beautiful Grandchildren. Tonight I am snow-bound in Black River Falls, Wisconsin after feeling very compelled to get off the highway during a bad snow storm in very cold and white out conditions. It was about 3:30 when I got off the highway and checked into a motel. After calling Bill and my Dad to tell them I would not make it to the Twin Cities tonight, guess what the first local news story was!! A terrible 12-car/truck accident had occurred shortly after I got off the highway - ONE MILE further on Highway 94. The freeway was even closed for awhile. I am VERY grateful to the leading of God to leave the highway even though I was thinking that I was a chicken - but not upset about it at all!! Learning to listen to the small still voice of God. Love to you all and more on this site in the next few days. Laura