Older and Wiser

I'm definitely another year older today and, hopefully, a tad bit wiser!

When CountryBoy asked me what I wanted for my birthday I couldn't give him an answer.  I didn't know what I wanted so I told him I didn't want anything other than to go out to eat that night.

Afterwards, I started thinking... 'what DO I want for my birthday?'

I love jewelry and bling but is that what I wanted?

No.  While I still love jewelry it's not something I want my husband to spend his hard-earned money on.

I would really like to upgrade to a Mac laptop (and I could probably find several reasons to rationalize my need want for one, ha!) but, again, I can't justify the amount of money it would cost.

A new camera lens might be nice.  But, the current lenses I have are sufficient for my current form of photography.

Clothes?  Nah.  I've never been a fashionista and I don't intend to be one now, ha!

What I would REALLY like for my birthday?  My husband's health fully restored so we can grow old together.  (A nice chunk of change in the savings account would be nice too.)

I'm at the point in my life where I want simplicity.  Simplicity in lifestyle.  Simplicity in 'things'.  Simplicity in relationships.

I've found that the more 'things' you have, the more space those 'things' take up or the more it cost to keep those 'things' working.

And technology?  ...fuhgettaboutit.  As soon as I would break down and buy the latest gadget it was already outdated.  When will it end?  It won't.  So, I gave up.  I'll stick with the gadgets I have and if/when they stop working I'll consider long and hard if I want to replace it.

As I've been slowly getting rid of 'things' that I don't need or use anymore I've found myself truly questioning each and every purchase we make and whether it's a need or a want and where would we put or store it.  So, when my birthday rolled around, I found myself asking those same questions therefore talking myself out of needing or wanting any gifts this year.  Another year it may be different.  (I may ask for a dozen chickens, a pair of muck boots or some goats for my birthday!)  But this year, and in our current circumstance, I don't need anything.

As I've gotten older I've become more focused on achieving our goals in life.

We would love to own a small farm one day nestled amongst some rolling hills or mountains and a farmhouse with a front porch and a pond, be more self-sufficient, have goats, a dairy cow, bees, chickens, ducks, a flourishing garden, a pantry full of home-grown, canned goodness, our health... a simple life.

Simple doesn't necessarily mean easy.  Having a small farm will require lots of work but it will be rewarding.  If you've ever grown something and then have been able to eat or preserve it then you know the rewarding satisfaction that I speak of.

So, for my birthday... I've come to the conclusion that I want 'things' of value such as enjoying dinner with my love, praying for my husband's health to be restored, continue pursuing a simple lifestyle and to keep focusing on and working towards our goals.  Sounds like the perfect gift!  (It also sounds like I've gotten cheap.  I guess I have but I'd prefer to call it frugal *smile*!)

And, for my Canadian readers.... Happy Canada Day!  I'm honored to share this day with you!

Till next time,