Fresh Start

New Year... time for new focus on this subject. It was easy to fall away after a delightful vacation, then the hubbub of school, lowering gas prices, an election that went "our" way (as in, the only chance we have for now of improving the economy and environment and international relations), and then the hubbub of the holidays... after all that, this blog fell by the wayside.

New Year, new resolutions... and new concerns about the future.

In 2008, we greatly increased our food supply at home. We acquired knives, a dutch oven, batteries, charcoal, and other items that may help if life in America changes. We attempted to decrease our electrical usage with very little results. We gained appreciation for the things we have and that we can do that do not require electricity. We saved money and stayed out of debt. I learned a lot more about gardening through classes and books. Outfitted our bikes to be more useful. I tried my hand at some sewing. The house is more organized. However, I never did follow through on rolling over investment accounts, and the garden still is not in. We got a rain barrel... still haven't installed it! And we got two sling shots -- the cheap goofy one actually being easier to use than the fancy one. Har.

In 2009, we're going to be researching a solar water heater. We're continuing to educate ourselves about gardening through actual experience. We're going to try to live on less money to save even more. Make more of our own (healthier) cleansers and not purchase the chemical-based ones. Continue to use the bikes (and upgrade) as much as possible. Possibly move the children to a closer school so less fuel is used for that endeavor. Get those retirement accounts into our hands (via IRAs). Do a lot more sewing.

I had something else to say... but I was interrupted by hungry children!