Before and After

When I was working, as I'm sure a lot of you can attest to, there were things I could get away with not doing (or pay someone to do for me) to make life more convenient. You know, all of the things you don't have time for during the week or don't want to do during your free time on the weekends? Well here, in no particular order, are a few things I am doing now that I'm unemployed that I rarely did when I was working:

1. Watch "The View." Scoff if you will but those ladies have something to say. The First Amendment at it's finest. And really, who doesn't love Whoopi?

2. Take the dog for a daily walk. He was in daycare when I was working. I paid someone else to tire him out.

3. Hit Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts as a treat instead of a habit. Peppermint Mocha Lattes taste better when you don't have them everyday.

4. Spend time at the public library where the books are...wait for it...FREE!

5. Cook dinner every night. We're not talking gourmet meals but it's not take out, either.

I originally began this post as a look at all of the things I am forced to do now that I don't have a paycheck; things I can no longer afford to delegate and therefore have to do myself. However, after reviewing the list and thinking about my days now, I realize that these items aren't sacrifices at all. They have been a way for me to get back to basics and not use my lack of time as an excuse to rush through life. I quite enjoy bonding with Duncan over fresh air and random chipmunk sightings. And eating at home means more time to experiment in the kitchen. I'm happy to say that I can now cook a pretty mean pot roast...just ask my husband.

That said, even with all of the free time in the world, I still do not want to clean my house. I would gladly pay someone else to do it for me. That would be money well spent and it would make me really, really happy.

A girl can dream, right?