Reflections on Living with Less: Day 1

Here it is, nearing the end of day one of my living with less challenge.

Until today, I never realized how much time I wasted watching TV and surfing the Internet. I was so productive today! I cleaned my room and part of the kitchen, addressed, signed and stuffed 50 APU yearbook letters, and I have all but the RSVP cards and envelopes printed for my invitations and all but one set of green cards cut. There’s still along way to go on those, but I made HUGE progress today and it’s made me excited about all the DIY stuff I’m doing for the wedding because I’m actually making it a priority now instead of procrastinating and dreading how long it’s going to all take at the last minute. I just wish I had more I could do early!

As far as “distractions” from the electronics, I spent 15 minutes on Facebook and an hour watching a show John had recorded while we ate dinner (though since we fast forwarded through commercials, it wasn’t actually a full hour).

Most of the day, I had no lights on at all. I just opened up the blinds and even though the sun has been reluctant to break through the clouds, it was bright enough to do pretty much everything I need to do today. However, now that night's come and I still only have one light on at my desk, it seems so dark! I'm sure I'll get used to it though!

I actually took a 5-minute shower today! I didn’t think I could do it. Granted, I did not wash my hair today, so tomorrow will be a little bit more of a challenge – and I have yet to figure out the whole leg shaving thing. I’m thinking I’ll have to turn the water off while I do that and then back on to finish my shower.

I’d rate today a GREAT day. It feel so good to have gotten so much done and it’s not 3:00 a.m.! Maybe I will learn how to not procrastinate, which would be a HUGE accomplishment for me! And who knows, maybe by the end of this, I won’t be watching TV anymore and I can finally part with cable and not be paying a fortune to a company who is way over priced!

I’m excited about what the next month – and beyond – will bring!