tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4474315762886948422024-03-04T20:49:39.440-08:00A YEAR OF NOTHING NEW...you already have everything you need.We are two friends vowing not to buy anything new in 2010.A Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-64350404391973384352011-01-01T13:21:00.000-08:002011-01-01T13:37:28.208-08:00Resolutions...or not.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8wAN-hLN7a8aKb5fZ9q-8YjujNRuiFK_mfx126tbSXkeWQOcNNL1iqVSE96jDw3tElUxJ9qBJuKcWAgpdpAQ5rMp4q80vTHNDyRncqyk4ZImgfGphQEB3YT1Alc2Lvoasgx7RuoF_hMI/s1600/800px-Yoga_at_a_Gym.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8wAN-hLN7a8aKb5fZ9q-8YjujNRuiFK_mfx126tbSXkeWQOcNNL1iqVSE96jDw3tElUxJ9qBJuKcWAgpdpAQ5rMp4q80vTHNDyRncqyk4ZImgfGphQEB3YT1Alc2Lvoasgx7RuoF_hMI/s320/800px-Yoga_at_a_Gym.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557334740580310242" /></a><br />One more thing:<br /><br />I took a yoga class yesterday and the teacher had an interesting thing to say about resolutions. He explained how he'd probably made 30 or so in his lifetime and has never actually resolved anything by the end of each year that he has made one. <br /><br />Instead of making a resolution for the entire year, he suggested: Why not just try to do your best in each moment? <br /><br />I like that.<br /><br />I took another class today, and I expected it to be about new beginnings and setting goals... a reflection of the year that's past. I thought I'd be thinking a lot about this project and my experiences of 2010. But, it was just another yoga class, with a focus on breath and movement, and finding who you are in each pose.<br /><br />So in 2011, I'm just gonna set out to do my best in every moment. It calms me yet still feels intentional. All we have is ourself in the moment we are in, in whatever we are doing, and whoever we are sharing that with. <br /><br />Here's to doing our best!<br /><br />Clink. (That was my champagne glass being tapped against yours.)<br /><br />Namaste, Stacey. Namaste, reader friends!<br /><br />-CourtneyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-34246202007539967232011-01-01T04:45:00.000-08:002011-01-01T04:53:03.605-08:00And so it is...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2z2AtG0qDEplMib5Vh2W1sk_74Ej_vjXj4CgvhqjGz2XbdL68KBQgy8EaHdyOENtAWiNckoIJrdN1rSE7vgeH1xeuDVQsOVzFI_ICVTvrLuWPMNUxF8xASDfN1JiBCJ9v1p57_mydWXL/s1600/brian%2526Stacey+New+Years+08.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2z2AtG0qDEplMib5Vh2W1sk_74Ej_vjXj4CgvhqjGz2XbdL68KBQgy8EaHdyOENtAWiNckoIJrdN1rSE7vgeH1xeuDVQsOVzFI_ICVTvrLuWPMNUxF8xASDfN1JiBCJ9v1p57_mydWXL/s320/brian%2526Stacey+New+Years+08.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557198146324245842" /></a>When Courtney came to visit last year and I decided to join her on this journey, I thought it would change the way I shop– I had no idea it would change the way I live. <br /><br />Now, I would be lying if I said I plan to continue to not buy new things. In fact, at the earliest opportunity I plan to buy underwear, socks, a new set of sheets and a few new yoga outfits. (I have to admit, I’m proud of the brevity of this list. A year ago I thought it would be much longer.) <br /><br />Overall, I’ve become a different kind of consumer. A necessity shopper, if you will. And for me, that’s progress.<br /><br />Court – Thanks for including me in this project. I will sincerely miss reading your posts and being connected to you in this way. <br /><br />And, thanks to everyone who followed our blog. Your comments and insights were profound and encouraging. <br /><br />Moving forward into 2011, I’m more interested in the things that are working in my life rather than the stuff that needs fixed, eliminated or changed. I have no resolution for 2011, only the intention to truly enjoy the people and opportunities that come my way.<br /><br />2010 may have been a year of no new things, but I will remember it as the year of making new choices.<br /><br />Cheers!<br />~StaceyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-11298588499193232492010-12-27T04:14:00.000-08:002010-12-27T04:22:32.573-08:00Nothing for Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-bx24Oht5tZTP2TeR3LrIFd_T0tZB0CmvMwgQvmxhN5UcXwjxZVaWCqCWOqu2WbZkcf05y24axWLTy-JOSpOkR1FT9pZNF7NZ0P4_14bmzfnTOUWNaKD3Jg5wdmU1HQ_e5rlZRRl6OpV/s1600/snow.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-bx24Oht5tZTP2TeR3LrIFd_T0tZB0CmvMwgQvmxhN5UcXwjxZVaWCqCWOqu2WbZkcf05y24axWLTy-JOSpOkR1FT9pZNF7NZ0P4_14bmzfnTOUWNaKD3Jg5wdmU1HQ_e5rlZRRl6OpV/s320/snow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555335338826868834" /></a>Brian and I chose not to exchange gifts for Christmas this year. Instead, we spent the entire day together… in our pajamas! We slept in, talked, watched movies, prepared a delicious meal, drank wine and watched the snow falling. It was perfect. And, I think – our new tradition! <br /><br />~StaceyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-85784226472216545422010-12-20T08:35:00.000-08:002010-12-20T08:44:41.181-08:00Goodbye Year of Nothing New, Hello 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTuj51UNGL7kkopdjjB7hjYhpmt3xOUMVLlmqgGSXyaixNbABpNug8nNqRtKbrCz0Gyex1QO9e6nzLAi9qRkTVos3U9fzzwYuhUBDa_fPJPHWU7-lPERo08sKmbAVi0ieiyifDakGuYUx/s1600/IMG_5462.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTuj51UNGL7kkopdjjB7hjYhpmt3xOUMVLlmqgGSXyaixNbABpNug8nNqRtKbrCz0Gyex1QO9e6nzLAi9qRkTVos3U9fzzwYuhUBDa_fPJPHWU7-lPERo08sKmbAVi0ieiyifDakGuYUx/s320/IMG_5462.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552806326043095842" /></a><br />And so I say goodbye to a year of nothing new…<br />and hello to a new year with gained knowledge and habits.<br /><br />This year has been a challenge. Not only because of this project, but in general. I have lost and found love, myself, and a new direction in life. <br /><br />I am so appreciative to you, Stacey, for joining me in this endeavor. Your posts and comments have been inspiring and supportive, have made me feel connected and grateful to see that someone else thinks and cares in a similar capacity. Your work as a yoga teacher and friend have always lifted me and shifted my thinking. Thank you.<br /><br />People have asked me if I will continue to not purchase anything new in the coming year. They’ve also asked me what my new project will be in 2011. I have no answer other than: what we learn, we carry with us, and I have learned so much.<br /><br />This project has meant a great deal to me, as have all of you who have followed. Thank you for reading. I hope you have felt encouraged and challenged to think about your own behaviors and lifestyle in an alternative way, to save and conserve personally, and to gain a greater understanding of what we consume globally. <br /><br />Here’s to 2011!<br />-CourtneyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-49581874106647901772010-12-13T10:52:00.000-08:002010-12-13T12:38:39.201-08:00Holiday Shopping Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiii27QKbTLk_JGHYXeyVAqUmeKFQvh-pif1L_lPWJJ7mj3oRx-Usdg91zUkIfBFedhqBwz4R3PoiOu5AUqeDEcw4Ln_iZBsGw0TdeSSAeKJlmtQx04dZZ2BLWw2UTh-gP1UK-r_5dGJnvo/s1600/2010-Q3-FW-MalFamWineBottle.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 60px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiii27QKbTLk_JGHYXeyVAqUmeKFQvh-pif1L_lPWJJ7mj3oRx-Usdg91zUkIfBFedhqBwz4R3PoiOu5AUqeDEcw4Ln_iZBsGw0TdeSSAeKJlmtQx04dZZ2BLWw2UTh-gP1UK-r_5dGJnvo/s320/2010-Q3-FW-MalFamWineBottle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550268821652518258" /></a><br />On a recent phone call, Stacey and I were discussing how different this holiday shopping season has been for us from prior years. She said she did all her "shopping" in one stop and my experience has been very similar. Which means more time to enjoy the holidays and the people they involve.<br /><br />I think my "gifts" this year are both meaningful and practical. I didn't go overboard, and it feels good to know my gifts will be enjoyed socially instead of thrown into a closet somewhere, never to be found again.<br /><br />-CourtneyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-47471157802812269052010-11-29T11:31:00.000-08:002010-11-29T12:16:05.209-08:00Black Friday...Cyber Monday...What will tomorrow be?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_wPCRO-MqnZzw75P0v-6rI1mIb42GQ8rBBs-LNdelzmfCvzpfcG69tKqPzd8im80BjHYi80_1bYBkdwCyDEEiRwgix5hmsbnpT7Hfywjkkl9AbsgLw0EMC5cCAs7nOpVuFR3-sV7f2Ps/s1600/black+friday.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 271px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_wPCRO-MqnZzw75P0v-6rI1mIb42GQ8rBBs-LNdelzmfCvzpfcG69tKqPzd8im80BjHYi80_1bYBkdwCyDEEiRwgix5hmsbnpT7Hfywjkkl9AbsgLw0EMC5cCAs7nOpVuFR3-sV7f2Ps/s320/black+friday.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545068032518641010" /></a><br />Black Friday? Cyber Monday? What is all this?<br /><br />On Friday, I was reading through my newsfeed on facebook. So many posts were around the exhaustion and excitement of Black Friday shopping and deals. I was relieved not to be a part of any of it, sitting on my couch with coffee and a good book. (And well rested at that since I didn't wake up at 4 a.m. to stampede the malls when they opened.)<br /><br />I wonder if people would buy these cheap electronics, luggage, and sweaters if it wasn't for the hype or low prices? And when do you have enough? It seems to me the more you buy and stock up on, the more parts and batteries you'll need for the electronics, the more pants you'll need to match the shirts you bought...its like a never-ending addiction that never leaves you satisfied.<br /><br />The same goes to show for tv. How many channels are on cable now? 300-something? And with more channels, we find there's even less to watch. The more DVDs we own, the less we seem to be able to figure out what to put in the DVD player. The more songs we have on our iPods, the less we have any idea what to listen to. It becomes about the <span style="font-style:italic;">quest</span> to figure out what to play and not about <span style="font-style:italic;">what</span> you put on.<br /><br />I grew up thinking that more at a lower price was better. But in the last year, my thought patterns have changed. Now, instead of buying 3 bottles of cheap wine, I purchase one bottle of good wine. So I'm drinking less, but when I am drinking, I enjoy the craft of what it is I'm consuming.<br /><br />Another thing to note: I decided my next writing project will be a full length play. I thought it would be in my best interest to read the last few years of Pulitzer prize winning plays to see what's being acclaimed as the great theater of today. My impulse was to go on to amazon and buy 10 or so plays (used). So, I did. I was about to check out, when I thought, "You should check the library." And I realized I was able to borrow them all from my local library. At no cost. What a true value that is!<br /><br />-CourtneyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-62610657605480381432010-11-18T11:44:00.000-08:002010-11-18T12:09:42.667-08:00The First Real Glitch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwTcPpg2_RrDT7HDuaQsAgu0wjbaX5WEzUqNOM3cjbNLXC_c_ldrKs9aNjaRr9KKjsP8Ym3tHQJggOtn8oda0rnLgWD8kmMXMYOWDyeicsYPjVGyTbBL9qOiMg3W7bhaGw16T0rF9D4oa/s1600/iii+iv.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwTcPpg2_RrDT7HDuaQsAgu0wjbaX5WEzUqNOM3cjbNLXC_c_ldrKs9aNjaRr9KKjsP8Ym3tHQJggOtn8oda0rnLgWD8kmMXMYOWDyeicsYPjVGyTbBL9qOiMg3W7bhaGw16T0rF9D4oa/s200/iii+iv.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540982396949735266" /></a> Okay...so it's November. And mid-November at that. Stacey and I have almost completed our 'year of nothing new.' First off: I can't believe it. Second off: I'm so glad that its already November, because I've hit the first real challenge. The first thing that's going to be really hard for me to not rush out and buy is:<br /><br />CARDINALS III/IV on vinyl.<br /><br />Apparently, the Cardinals recorded a couple albums they never released before Easy Tiger and this was one of them. Pre-sale starts on Tuesday.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Sidebar: For those of you who don't know me, I am a HUGE music fan. And at the top of that list of artists is Ryan Adams and his band The Cardinals (who haven't put anything out in almost 2 years because he 'retired' from the music business.)</span><br /><br />But you know what? I have 4,000 other songs I can listen to in the next month. And half of them I probably haven't even ever heard. Now that's abundance. <br /><br />Its so funny too, because just yesterday, my friend Monica was asking me what the first thing I was going to rush out and buy January 1rst. I said that I honestly didn't feel the need to buy ANYTHING. Which is great and kind of the whole point. But there's always an exception, and this album is the perfect one for me. <br /><br />Can't wait for 2011.<br /><br />-CourtneyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-44633480629041573432010-11-15T08:49:00.000-08:002010-11-15T09:01:12.686-08:00Collecting Dust<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPclqmZ3TiSGRiOzjzI2TSw0iR0JVt09Irpu0PdoXiS49ILKXpZUkwJYJj_cNPVaxBnm57ZR5xH1bcARIH1nkK-VkTdhfDRMXXKC4mniPdhRauyoLwTnDoFsw7_XtdsftVQdllSLWxP6bF/s1600/stemware.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 167px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPclqmZ3TiSGRiOzjzI2TSw0iR0JVt09Irpu0PdoXiS49ILKXpZUkwJYJj_cNPVaxBnm57ZR5xH1bcARIH1nkK-VkTdhfDRMXXKC4mniPdhRauyoLwTnDoFsw7_XtdsftVQdllSLWxP6bF/s320/stemware.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539819860100294754" /></a>The Vera Wang stemware was the only “extravagance item” that we registered for 7 ½ years ago when we got married. I remember the expression because after an hour the salesgirl convinced me that every bride deserved a little <span style="font-style:italic;">extravagance</span>. Everything else on the list was practical: pots, pans, flatware, towels, a bedspread, etc.– sensible things. Things we still use today. <br /><br />But this stemware, I just had to have it. <br /><br />When we didn’t receive the full set as gifts, Brian and I fought about using some of the wedding cash to complete the collection. I won that argument. And the day after we returned from our honeymoon, we were proud owners of the 2003 Vera Wang by Wedgwood Glassware Collection.<br /><br />We brought it home to the apartment we were living in at the time and put it in a box for safe keeping until we moved to a more permanent residence. Three moves and seven years later the whole collection was still in that box, unopened and in its original packaging. I know, because I found the box this weekend when I was cleaning. <br /><br />At first I was just going to dust around it and, I don’t know– leave it there for another seven years? Then I realized how ridiculous this whole situation was and in a moment of minor hysteria I liberated the whole collection. Freeing each delicate piece from its crypt of plastic and foam wrapping. <br /><br />And right there, among ruins of the cardboard tomb, I filled one of the wine glasses with Cabernet and toasted to progress. <br /><br />It’s funny (and maybe even a little sad) that it took my ridiculous relationship to this stemware to remind me that value doesn’t belong to things, but rather to how we choose to interact with them. <br /><br />~StaceyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-34216368244224502502010-11-11T08:38:00.000-08:002010-11-11T08:44:00.880-08:0040 Days<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xMTy9mSHh9_HwHa8cZxiQL_iZEg6cQaHcFzQmYnpgLRXc3T_t_0dhCYyHqlHz5Tmv239Twazph0nnMV4nZ23H1zTdAvCKpZuTsEbQ5KGtzxTZkPRfbo0tcU4hn3k2NrzV-zqfpGA4nj5/s1600/IMG_0016.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xMTy9mSHh9_HwHa8cZxiQL_iZEg6cQaHcFzQmYnpgLRXc3T_t_0dhCYyHqlHz5Tmv239Twazph0nnMV4nZ23H1zTdAvCKpZuTsEbQ5KGtzxTZkPRfbo0tcU4hn3k2NrzV-zqfpGA4nj5/s320/IMG_0016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538332892326302994" /></a>I just spent the last 40 days as a vegan. And surprisingly – I loved it!<br /><br />The decision to make such a drastic change to my diet came as the natural evolution to my relationship with Baron Baptiste’s program, “40 Days to Personal Revolution” (based on his book with the same name). <br /><br />The program uses yoga asana, seated meditation, a mindful diet, and probing journaling questions to guide participants towards a more authentic expression of themselves. I have taken part in, and more recently facilitated, the program several times over the last five years and each time it lands differently with me. This time (with a little urging from my co-facilitator and friend, Sally) I decided to “go vegan” for the entirety of the program. <br /><br />Okay… Great so I didn’t eat animal products for forty days. <br /><br />But why mention this on a blog about not buying anything new? Well, because the combination of this project and the 40 Day program proved to be both powerful and informative. <br /><br />With the new restrictions to my diet, I immediately noticed how much time, money, and energy over the last year I’ve poured into food. Seeking it. Shopping for it. Reading about it. Preparing it. Eating it. Fantasizing about it. <br /><br />Now, let’s get something straight… I LOVE FOOD! Always have. <br /><br />But it didn’t take long for me to realize that my enthusiasm for it had shifted into an obsession over the past year. In the simplest terms, I had transferred my desire to shop – to accumulate – from “things” to food. (And to be completely honest, my waistline was starting to reflect this trend.) <br /><br />A big wake-up call, for sure. And one I wouldn’t have heard without the combination of these two undertakings. <br /><br />Maybe it’s because I’m sipping on the first coffee I’ve had in six weeks, but right now I’m filled with gratitude for this new awareness and for the opportunity to make some new choices. <br /><br />(If you’re wondering, I plan to continue this vegan diet with a 90/10 approach. Similar to my thoughts on incorporating the things I’ve learned, thus far, from this year of nothing new into my post 2010 existence. My new mantra: Balance.) <br /><br />~StaceyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-75094558905673982052010-11-03T14:13:00.001-07:002010-11-03T14:14:37.312-07:00Where Giving Less is Getting More<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxxqcFEUZM8U3zEc9CWKTx4ozWU_bhX8LIhgTfH60-DlL6dVdQLx0DKs9-qzmuoTa0oJab6ouTpDaXCGtKlPhz2I_IYiQepsoxZtkQycWIX-5Rsl-5o4K7KtoQsst5-fuUSanZn3qPPKz/s1600/Christmas+gifts.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxxqcFEUZM8U3zEc9CWKTx4ozWU_bhX8LIhgTfH60-DlL6dVdQLx0DKs9-qzmuoTa0oJab6ouTpDaXCGtKlPhz2I_IYiQepsoxZtkQycWIX-5Rsl-5o4K7KtoQsst5-fuUSanZn3qPPKz/s320/Christmas+gifts.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535434820886970258" /></a><br />Rumor has it that Christmas commercials have started to air. And I just saw Christmas tree plants in front of a home improvement store. Already??? Really?<br /><br />With the kick-off of the holiday season, I realize how different this year will be for me and my gifting. Every year, like most people, I find myself rushing around for gifts, writing cards, and not enjoying any of it because I’m not taking the time to enjoy what the holidays are all about: the people you love. Last year, I even decided to run a Christmas cookie business on the side to make some extra cash. But instead of putting me in the holiday spirit, all the extra baking left me tired and grumpy.<br /><br />I’ve decided for this year, I’m not going to give many gifts, and if I do, they will be extra thoughtful, homemade, things ticket/event related, or things people can eat/drink during the holiday season. I may even just cook dinners for family and friends over the course of the next couple months as my “gift.” I’m not even going to send out any Christmas cards. Most end up being impersonal and thrown out eventually. <br /><br />My gift from my mom is my flight home. And I’ve asked to receive nothing else. Because my family is all I really need this time of year. <br /><br />And Stacey...you hear that? No gifts! Let's just go out for some great dinners when you're visiting in January.<br /><br />I’m committing myself to truly enjoy the holidays, to enjoy the people I’m with and gifting a present, cheery self.<br /><br />Here’s to a new holiday season: where giving less is getting more.<br /><br />-CourtneyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-81709144777480409192010-10-18T14:50:00.001-07:002010-10-18T14:57:31.050-07:00Birthday Presence<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismIi4QAsI2GsbjdLIlSSy97nHPAEPYIvz1uSwelOPE4Saj2Dt28YR8CNLpG68kaEBUiFSfjGUUSXQ41JMH-qIMckhossJZpjvKzs8E1246eKDGEHOfOIX1Y35zziDgUoEeZZJhd4m0-HD/s1600/socks2"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 137px; height: 94px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismIi4QAsI2GsbjdLIlSSy97nHPAEPYIvz1uSwelOPE4Saj2Dt28YR8CNLpG68kaEBUiFSfjGUUSXQ41JMH-qIMckhossJZpjvKzs8E1246eKDGEHOfOIX1Y35zziDgUoEeZZJhd4m0-HD/s320/socks2" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529506936357776402" /></a>I just turned 30. And to celebrate Brian whisked me away to the wood’s of Cook Forest for a little R&R. At first I was hoping his gift would be more useful… more practical like underwear and socks to replace the dingy items in my panty drawer or a new yoga outfit I could wear when I teach. <br /><br />But a getaway in the woods… Really? Not Brian’s style at all. So I knew something was up. <br /><br />When I asked him about his choice of gift he explained that he wanted to honor my year of nothing new and give me an experience rather than more “stuff”. And he made the right decision, the weekend was magical and just what I needed. It really became a birthday of presence rather than presents!<br /><br />(If you're interested – a few of my more practical girlfriends did give me the priceless gift of new underwear, but my socks still have holes!)<br /><br />~StaceyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-74558885105962231072010-10-11T08:32:00.000-07:002010-10-11T08:58:54.562-07:00Flea Markets and Wedding Registries...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKP5RNiyT36hV1MXeSjk25vK1butEhwokJDWRFueKOr7OcBHW3bm0XqbwEAOvL6KVAnsYjvYPz4QHicwEIsvYGK2ji4e29TbDQWcf_bRVaD9aWbLMbPNVu_uGXpeRdQdSWwoudmaCTPuzv/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKP5RNiyT36hV1MXeSjk25vK1butEhwokJDWRFueKOr7OcBHW3bm0XqbwEAOvL6KVAnsYjvYPz4QHicwEIsvYGK2ji4e29TbDQWcf_bRVaD9aWbLMbPNVu_uGXpeRdQdSWwoudmaCTPuzv/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526818141166204178" /></a><br />Yesterday, I got up early, grabbed a coffee, and braved the lines and parking (which really wasn't bad) for the Pasadena Flea Market, an event that happens the second Sunday of every month at the Rose Bowl http://www.rgcshows.com/. I recommend it, even though its completely overwhelming! There were antiques, artist booths, and lots of records and clothes and boots and anything you could ever imagine wanting to buy second hand! I left with an old 50's pyrex bowl, an apron, a few records, and some gifts for my friend Faith and Chris' upcoming wedding party.<br /><br />I realized that I wouldn't be able to purchase something from their registry a few weeks ago and thought long and hard on what I could gift them for such a momentous occasion. I'm very satisfied by what I came up with and think it has more meaning then something from their scanned list: I made a cookbook with recipes of mine that they've enjoyed over the years, as well as new ones I think they'll like since they enjoy cooking together. And yesterday at the market, I found a set of James Taylor records that they will love to play together since he's one of Faith's favorites.<br /><br />Hope they don't read this...wouldn't want to give the surprise away...don't think they will since they are in Hawaii, but if so....congrats Faith and Chris! I love you both.<br /><br />-CourtneyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-85893146034691721642010-09-28T11:29:00.000-07:002010-09-28T11:44:31.204-07:00Documenting What's Really Important<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6eZTzqk61BmOj7iv1wdmbfori7v2ZxpN1MvT4_4YIUVsnAgZy37qF1xpUSRGqYjt8u6n9E2idNsQgjmzcza74lO156HAUJjfUCWGZ1mrgoV_b9hqo1vZ31DuHM_6uPazTcM2LJI_SRFx/s1600/check.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6eZTzqk61BmOj7iv1wdmbfori7v2ZxpN1MvT4_4YIUVsnAgZy37qF1xpUSRGqYjt8u6n9E2idNsQgjmzcza74lO156HAUJjfUCWGZ1mrgoV_b9hqo1vZ31DuHM_6uPazTcM2LJI_SRFx/s320/check.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522036737649468770" /></a><br />I'm working on a documentary and with it, like all good artistic projects for me, comes a lot of reflection.<br /><br />The documentary is on my ex-guy's band, and my thesis is: What does it means to be in a band before anyone really knows who you are? Why do you believe in it and stick with it year after year? What does it mean to commit to a group of people and project? What does success mean and when will you know you've reached it?<br /><br />I've been thinking a lot about what makes us do the things we do: with projects, with people, with work, with anything that we commit to... <br /><br />Watching tape after tape of this band...of their family and friends...of my observance and interviews...I can't help but think of how much fun it is...how much love there is for the art and the work and the relationships...and how I've captured a lot of great footage on a rinky dink camera that I borrowed from a friend. Its intimate, its real...things I don't think I would have achieved if I had gone out and bought or even rented a nice HD camera. What I have instead is something real that I think a lot of people will appreciate. And I've not spend much money on it, or bought any large props for it...but I've spent time and love and thought. And those are always worth more to me at the end of the day. <br /><br />-CourtneyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-42229769911865749042010-09-14T12:43:00.000-07:002010-09-14T12:50:01.981-07:00Lost & Found<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4G-D1I1uXAzy1J83yR4kobBseQr4hPEn_5ofIoBxtr2RbXil68_buood3p-wmB_u7wOEA1uIcCIIkC_Xb-xK0VJ3FbBspk9prNIbkqANceC_ey2Gz3ueGp0mhaRB0xuJsDsxxDNyWOkuy/s1600/ring+pic"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 94px; height: 94px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4G-D1I1uXAzy1J83yR4kobBseQr4hPEn_5ofIoBxtr2RbXil68_buood3p-wmB_u7wOEA1uIcCIIkC_Xb-xK0VJ3FbBspk9prNIbkqANceC_ey2Gz3ueGp0mhaRB0xuJsDsxxDNyWOkuy/s320/ring+pic" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516857382145073010" /></a>I lost my wedding ring.<br /><br />When I realized it wasn’t on my finger I was pretty sure I had left it at the yoga studio. (I have a bad habit of taking it off during practice and placing it next to my mat – only this time I must have forgotten to put it back on.) When I retraced my tracks it was nowhere to be found. <br /><br />A brief call to my insurance company revealed that our policy’s deductible was higher than the value of the ring, therefore I would not be receiving any funds to aid in the purchase of a replacement. <br /><br />So, I spent a month without wearing a wedding ring and had no urgent plans to replace it. On a whim, I wondered into a local jewelry store and ended up buying a very simple estate ring, circa 1940. I was absolutely delighted with the substitute.<br /><br />(I hate to admit it, but before this project I would have most likely thrown a hissy fit about losing my ring, marched to the nearest jewelry store, and bought (probably on credit) a new ring that was even nicer than the one I lost. Thus, I considered the whole ordeal to be a blessing and my reaction to be progress.)<br /><br />Two weeks after I purchased the “new” ring my friend Katie was cleaning the yoga studio and found my original under a shelving unit! <br /><br />I’m glad, of course, that my ring was found, but I learned some important things from the experience of losing (if just temporarily) a material item that holds a personal meaning:<br /><br />1. I need to be more present. If I were paying more attention to what I was doing I wouldn’t have lost the ring in the first place.<br />2. Even a wedding ring (though a symbol of something bigger) is just a thing. And like with all “things” can be replaced. <br />3. I will never buy new jewelry again, as vintage pieces are cheaper and often more interesting. (A fact that I had never contemplated until this project.) <br />4. Fully insuring fine jewelry makes sense. <br />5. I’ll keep my ring on during asana practice even if it bugs me in headstand. <br />6. Some men actually do check to see if you are wearing a wedding ring, but that these are typically not the kind of men one wants to associate with.<br /><br />~StaceyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-43824511948920159232010-08-31T16:20:00.000-07:002010-08-31T16:48:15.219-07:00Cleansing Myself of Boots with Lots of Fruit<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDt1yf0ndrh6m3Lb40Kipu1dPN6yPKnBsunGcjM-yajxnTSXwUoqW5ZOWIg-OELGTZYJPEJj-7ektCrSGkvpWqHaPC-ovP-JAPzejMpHbKZH8hO2IxG9o72etSe7uYVpajTBJVEfPGpZJ/s1600/fruits.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDt1yf0ndrh6m3Lb40Kipu1dPN6yPKnBsunGcjM-yajxnTSXwUoqW5ZOWIg-OELGTZYJPEJj-7ektCrSGkvpWqHaPC-ovP-JAPzejMpHbKZH8hO2IxG9o72etSe7uYVpajTBJVEfPGpZJ/s320/fruits.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511722804698796882" /></a><br />I'm halfway through a week long yoga/fruit cleanse which I started on Saturday. Before that, I'd cut out alcohol for 2 weeks and coffee for a week. The cleanse itself is 7 days straight of yoga and the food part of the cleanse is this:<br /><br />Days 1,2,6, and 7<br />Breakfast:<br />Organic yogurt with almonds<br />Herbal tea<br /><br />Lunch/Dinner:<br />All whole foods, meaning a piece of fish or baked tofu or organic chicken<br />Organic fruits and veggies<br />Herbal tea<br /><br />Days 3,4,5<br />Fruit cleanse<br />All fruit<br /><br />Cleansing and following a discipline with food is challenging. It really puts things in perspective and gives me a greater understanding of my choices and habits. Am I eating cereal late at night because I want to feel comforted? Am I drinking too much coffee because I'm not sleeping enough? Am I gorging myself because I didn't do a good job snacking during the day? Why am I not satisfied???<br /><br />With this investigation of myself and my relationship to food, I can't help but ask the same questions of my material spending/wanting habits. I notice that when I've started shopping in the past, its never enough and I can't seem to stop. My friend Faith mentioned something similar the other day. <br /><br />With fall approaching, my inclination is to want new fall stuff: boots, sweaters, etc. I've been in and out of thrift stores on the prowl. I don't NEED any of these things, but something in me craves them because its become a habit. Also, I love the fall and how it feels like a new start. I've also began a new relationship and the dumb girl in me wants to look cute all the time and have new clothes to show myself off. But I don't need anything. I have a new start and a new guy without a new pair of boots, as silly as that might sound. I don't need to impress anyone. They are already impressed. :)<br /><br />So I'm cleansing not only my mind of food habits, but fall shopping habits. <br /><br />-CourtneyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-59791757859484865462010-08-23T07:38:00.000-07:002010-08-23T07:42:59.177-07:00Cult of LessA yoga student of mine sent me this <a href="http://www.neatorama.com/2010/08/17/cult-of-less/">link</a> and I wanted to share it with all of you. Enjoy! ~StaceyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-5926631196999981752010-08-16T08:54:00.000-07:002010-08-16T09:01:09.484-07:00Getting Creative<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEQXcq3DsbzyvYQrej7xcctZysmO0R2YL-G1kmsgmugvG1APSy31pozuBIvF4-v-13IZ_biUv_Z6jsmYq8wNWaQ8LFZzzvW0xVyEqoOYtJG9GEHJ338QcZin5Qfzk9mLdTtMmM9TjC-JY/s1600/cupcake.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEQXcq3DsbzyvYQrej7xcctZysmO0R2YL-G1kmsgmugvG1APSy31pozuBIvF4-v-13IZ_biUv_Z6jsmYq8wNWaQ8LFZzzvW0xVyEqoOYtJG9GEHJ338QcZin5Qfzk9mLdTtMmM9TjC-JY/s320/cupcake.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506037828633188482" /></a><br />I’ve had to get creative in order to accomplish/create some things that I usually would have bought without batting an eye. This involves a little thinking outside the box, which I’m enjoying very much.<br /><br />Because I'm a writer, I always have a "board" up. This is what I use to plot out story ideas by clipping sequences of events and themes on ribbon with clothes pins. Recently, I’d run out of ribbon and I pondered where I could find some used. I searched a few different thrift stores, but came home empty handed. I was at the last thrift store I could think of, a bit discouraged, when I saw a bag of ties bunched together for $1.99. They were beautiful colors, very long, and I decided to try to string them together and use them instead of ribbon. It worked out lovely, and it’s actually sturdier and easier to pin my ideas, too. How cool. I’ll never go back to ribbon again!<br /><br />Second thing is this: I helped organize a bachelorette party over the weekend for a friend. The bride-to-be loves cupcakes, and I wanted to do something fun and slightly inappropriate for her, so I decided to bake cupcakes and make them sexual in some way. In the past, I would have just gone to party city or an adult store and bought some plastic penises and slapped them on top of the icing. But instead, I had to think about this and get creative. While looking around my cabinets, I found gummy worms and bears, so I cut the worms in half and attached the bears to the side of each worm to look like a penis and balls. A total riot! What do you think? Fun, right?<br /><br />-CourtneyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-18971233515335971412010-07-30T17:01:00.000-07:002010-07-30T17:05:43.102-07:00a commentBelow you will find (in its entirety) a comment recently posted to this blog by “dontplaydat”. Though it is heartfelt and well penned, we hope that the majority of our readers do not share the author’s sentiment. Its message is certainly not our intention for the blog or our year of nothing new. But, we’ll let you decided as we take solace in the old saying, “What people say about you is none of your business.” <br /><br />~Stacey & Courtney<br /><br />dontplaydat said...<br />"You know. Some of the posts here are really great, but lately, the more I read this blog, the more arrogant it seems to be. You have challenged yourselves not to buy anything new in 2010 and you gush about buying things second hand, and prosthelytize to the rest of us that we should do the same. While I am thrilled that you two have discovered a brave new world of thrift shops and yard sales, this is a way of life for hundreds of thousands of families across this country and nothing you are doing is remotely novel. It is only novel to you because up until this year you have been participating in good old fashioned American consumerism - something we are all brought up to believe in. I applaud the increased awareness about the pitfalls of capitalism that must have inspired this little project - but the hallmark wisdom lecturing that goes on in this blog is worse than saccharin; it's arrogant and makes you look silly. ESPECIALLY when there are so many posts on here where you end up getting what you need materially BECAUSE OTHER PEOPLE BUY IT FOR YOU. So you've really just come up with a way to mooch off other people and instead of calling it just that, you rationalize this contradictory little fact by saying it's the result of "secret energy" giving you what you need. The "secret energy" is your friends' time and money - get a clue. Another one of my favorites is buying a new dress for a wedding, and justifying it by saying that you agreed to be in the wedding long before the two of you conceived of this project. It must be really nice to have the money to just toss off playing poor when vanity calls. Tough titty that you decided to do the wedding before this project - buy a second hand dress OR (even MORE interesting and creative) MAKE ONE YOURSELF. THAT would have been cool - and interesting to read about. But. Nope. Buying used couches and furniture is so cute - but buying a second hand dress for a wedding is gross and making one is hard. There's nothing wrong with a blog that gives you a place to wonder out loud about where life is going, and to vent about nasty breakups, and the difficulties of life. Those things bring us closer together, because we know we are not the only ones going through these questions. But seriously, posts like this and several others, you two just come across like two spoiled little white girls who are staying out of the mall for a year - and lecturing us for crossing your personal picket line.”A Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-43170146929030167042010-07-27T14:07:00.001-07:002010-07-27T14:13:02.673-07:00The Dress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMICbh-cx1KM7O1jjhe2Y5d43JjjOkcngUA6iIz42Clv-PxMgJ251Fm3_qEB9FJcDo0p2kPa1JeECpmtTRfHcaCRPnGZiJMwcVANDS4ClbqhC5Tj8KDAcmYUY9IH4GblFESPZulAcXz8C/s1600/IMG_5437.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMICbh-cx1KM7O1jjhe2Y5d43JjjOkcngUA6iIz42Clv-PxMgJ251Fm3_qEB9FJcDo0p2kPa1JeECpmtTRfHcaCRPnGZiJMwcVANDS4ClbqhC5Tj8KDAcmYUY9IH4GblFESPZulAcXz8C/s320/IMG_5437.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498696067975202482" /></a>I cheated.<br /><br />I bought a new dress.<br /><br />It was for my cousin’s wedding. <br /><br />A wedding that I committed to be in several months before we even conceived of the idea for our year of nothing new. <br /><br />You could say that this dress was a totally premeditated purchase– that from the very beginning of this project I knew I’d be procuring this one new item. <br /><br />I hope you can excuse this indiscretion. <br /><br />But, as a wise friend once told me, “Sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission.” <br /><br />So, I humbly ask for your forgiveness. <br /><br />(Oh, and it might help to add that the shoes I wore for the wedding were secondhand.)<br /><br />~StaceyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-83470824300595297682010-07-26T23:10:00.000-07:002010-07-26T23:14:02.097-07:00Radiating What You Need<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UpgtAPzeMXlBI-0F-LT4mVTpuDLZ_Pd5LNlkmUQsMY_L6T2daTlWE5IhGykLLs7HnnDqdZewNsaWyMgmIWcS7s0KGF_yRslhYVBu6w63qSvtGWItx9CfydVAa0kyXXr7OjW9VnepJHdq/s1600/flip+flops-+turquoise.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UpgtAPzeMXlBI-0F-LT4mVTpuDLZ_Pd5LNlkmUQsMY_L6T2daTlWE5IhGykLLs7HnnDqdZewNsaWyMgmIWcS7s0KGF_yRslhYVBu6w63qSvtGWItx9CfydVAa0kyXXr7OjW9VnepJHdq/s320/flip+flops-+turquoise.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498465288838179122" /></a><br />I'm finding that when I radiate what it is i need out of the world, I get it. Materially and emotionally. And its fascinating. It all goes along the ideas based in The Secret or other energy based theories that suggest if you think hard enough on something, it will happen.<br /><br />Materially speaking, my flip flops and my yoga mat are completely worn out. I've been wanting to replace them, since they are items i use on a regular basis. <br /><br />I find a yoga mat and flip flops gross things to buy second hand because of the sweat factor, yet I keep thinking about how much I "need" these items, maybe even a little obsessively. And you know what happens? My friend Kenny (who was tired of seeing me reattach my flip to the flop) bought me a nice new pair of flip flops and Stacey just gave me an awesome yoga mat that she'd bought a while back and not liked. I did not even ask them for these items, they just offered them to me. So I'm all set! Thank you Kenny and Stacey!<br /><br />More importantly though, I've learned something from the flip flop and yoga mat offerings on an emotional level which is this: <br /><br />I've still been carrying a great deal of anger from my breakup. But after thinking of all this, I had a moment when I thought...I don't want to feel like this. I don't want to carry this weight. So I decided not to...to just let it go. I even went to my ex-boyfriend's rock show and invited him to come to my book release party last weekend. And he came. And it felt good to support him and be supported by him regardless of all that has happened. People thought I was crazy to want him at my party and to go to his show, but I'm learning that in order to feel good in the world and settled in my skin, I need to tell the world what it is I need. And I need to be okay. And not angry. And I need to approach that need with confidence and a heck of a lot of love. Which is now my master plan.<br /><br />I encourage all of you to look at what you need emotionally...what hurts you...what causes you grief...and see if there's an alternate way of approaching those feelings. There just might be a way to free your heart and get what it is you really need.<br /><br />-CourtneyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-49476143486616854162010-07-19T12:26:00.000-07:002010-07-19T12:41:58.002-07:00Thanks for the Help & the Clothes!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0I3lTBA2zQdshfA7AloLGUFuNsjbKWbZgGjEojPstb8Z7t3IdbZwmWKzICOnqnKtqgOIhor9K2uFl0RsKvDkvtqr6iLaeLI-bmzx4hvbZLZjKbAC-bXk4PLqu1DPiNg6WjfOiXp-qZtX/s1600/thank+you"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 96px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0I3lTBA2zQdshfA7AloLGUFuNsjbKWbZgGjEojPstb8Z7t3IdbZwmWKzICOnqnKtqgOIhor9K2uFl0RsKvDkvtqr6iLaeLI-bmzx4hvbZLZjKbAC-bXk4PLqu1DPiNg6WjfOiXp-qZtX/s320/thank+you" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495701149668990914" /></a>First, I want to thank Lauren, Courtney, Julie, and Jenn for their thoughtful responses to the question: Would buying new mats & blocks out of my business fund count as new purchases for this project? <br /><br />The feedback was mixed, but I was able to pull from everyone’s ideas and here’s what I decided to do: <br /><br />I loved Lauren’s tip about “encouraging the students to bring their own [mats/blocks]”, but as Julie and Jenn suggested eliminating them altogether just isn’t realistic or a good business move. So, I accepted Coutney’s challenge and looked for alternative options. <br /><br />After some research I learned that Jade is now making a new yoga mat called <a href="http://www.jadeyoga.com/store/product.php?productid=16144&cat=249&page=1">Encore</a>. These “new” mats are made from – are you ready… recycled yoga mats. <br /><br />Only one hitch- the price is about 4X more than what I would normally spend on rental mats!<br /><br />In the end (and after some quick accounting), I decided to buy only six mats instead of the twelve I’ll be replacing (hopefully encouraging more people to buy their own, but still having some available when needed). I also decided to wait on purchasing more blocks and will make do with what I have until next year. <br /><br />Second, (and on a completely unrelated topic) I wanted to thank both Sally and Lee Anne for passing along their gently-used-but-in-perfectly-good-condition Lululemon yoga clothes to me. I’m not sure if they were trying to tell me something (like my old clothes were starting to smell from all of the hot yoga), but I’m delighted to have a few new additions to my yoga wardrobe. <br /><br />I am continually amazed at the generosity and help available to me when I open myself up to it. <br /><br />Thank You.<br /><br />~StaceyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-28056961926227257912010-07-09T08:56:00.001-07:002010-07-09T09:15:43.157-07:00Asking for Help...Part Two<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HAZZlE9F4I53gHWpY5ny_D2XdQFxExugY6zvEjH4a6DJFXvNFzYvkT7tw276_UBJNa4ULciIHArId4Kj4uYir8Dlcv3EWjen8upObqDwbnoW7EpXFEN0mMCqTFfT2RWJDlZDAfTA874Z/s1600/mom+paul.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HAZZlE9F4I53gHWpY5ny_D2XdQFxExugY6zvEjH4a6DJFXvNFzYvkT7tw276_UBJNa4ULciIHArId4Kj4uYir8Dlcv3EWjen8upObqDwbnoW7EpXFEN0mMCqTFfT2RWJDlZDAfTA874Z/s320/mom+paul.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491939752867371858" /></a><br />Look to the left and you'll see my adorable mother and brother who I love dearly. They take such good care of me and I want to give them both a shout out and a thank you. <br /><br />The last thing I really wanted for my new place (did I mention that I've moved again??) was a router, so I could be wireless. The placement of the ethernet cord is inconveniently by the door and my desk is on the other side of the room and doesn't reach (and it's always good as a writer to have the flexibility to sit and write wherever you please.) So, I was looking at routers online and there were a number of them available used or refurbished. But when I called my brother to ask for his recommendations on what I should be looking for, he informed me that he thought that he and my mom had an extra one at home that they weren't using and I should ask about. I checked in with my mom, and she proceeded to tell me that this was true. I asked if I could have it and she packaged it up and sent it my way. <br /><br />My mom thought it was great because it wasn't getting any use in the attic. She reminded me that its good to ask for help, something that I am learning to do more and more of in my stubborn independent way of thinking of things. She said that by asking for something, it was helping HER feel needed. Which is a pretty cool thing. <br /><br />In general, I'm getting much better at asking for help. I've recently asked my friend Cory to help me record voice-overs on his fancy equipment for a performance piece I'm doing. I also asked him for help figuring out why the speakers on my computer weren't working (which he figured out in 2 minutes, and I'd already spent an hour trying to figure out). I've asked my friend Dominic to help me move a couch and hang lights outside. I've even found an editor who I've just met to help me edit a short I wrote. All of this is new territory, but I'm finding people WANT to help. And it feels good. Cause I'm a help-er to my friends. But I'm learning that it really is a cycle. We all need to ask and help each other.<br /><br />And I'm happy to report that my refurbished iphone is treating me fabulously. :)<br /><br />-CourtneyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-25366589219285359732010-07-08T13:40:00.000-07:002010-07-08T13:50:26.741-07:00Yoga Mat/Block Dilemma... Please Help!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92hPvolpxFeI7VLMQ26dw2sby1y3dutPffs-Yf7kj4E7ZsZBKm44uDOXoywFXy-3fe0tDGIE1KojLoo3SaER8OiDzIznLAzSlx_PJlS7SS2T2d7CI_ZqoYFnCU9yZ_RDkU6-g6-wBqFHM/s1600/yoga+mats"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 123px; height: 94px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92hPvolpxFeI7VLMQ26dw2sby1y3dutPffs-Yf7kj4E7ZsZBKm44uDOXoywFXy-3fe0tDGIE1KojLoo3SaER8OiDzIznLAzSlx_PJlS7SS2T2d7CI_ZqoYFnCU9yZ_RDkU6-g6-wBqFHM/s320/yoga+mats" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491638401235975186" /></a>I’ve been teaching a donation based yoga class at the <a href="http://www.unionproject.org/">Union Project</a> for the past three years and am happy to report that the class continues to grow! When I started the class, I invested in twelve rental mats and about twenty-five yoga blocks and have taken all of the necessary steps to keep them clean and in satisfactory condition. However, over the years the block supply has dwindled and the mats (despite regular washings) now have the permanent scent of sweaty gym socks. <br /><br />This brings me to my question: Would buying new mats & blocks out of my business fund count as new purchases for this project? <br /><br />I’d love to hear your thoughts. <br /><br />~StaceyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-6037757600222537472010-07-01T19:11:00.000-07:002010-07-01T19:20:46.976-07:00Souvenirs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi802NFjukpEs2oX93dTUFJ-QpnLKk6TQ2hkqDO2sfG4d7F7y7xOm_ojkAp51Xo8F9bab-KoOXFXvr69Jr_MA3iSh2v0E-Dr3_CDHJG8Fn5TttujzioP_wWIB5NfffHpF7Iz3lHnwofhkpZ/s1600/beach+jumping.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi802NFjukpEs2oX93dTUFJ-QpnLKk6TQ2hkqDO2sfG4d7F7y7xOm_ojkAp51Xo8F9bab-KoOXFXvr69Jr_MA3iSh2v0E-Dr3_CDHJG8Fn5TttujzioP_wWIB5NfffHpF7Iz3lHnwofhkpZ/s320/beach+jumping.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489126560585656098" /></a>I recently returned from a week in Tulum, Mexico where I participated in an advanced yoga teacher training with Amazing Yoga. The trip and training were utterly fulfilling and a much needed refresher for my body, mind, & soul. <br /><br />And since I’ve saved so much money this year (thanks to this project) I splurged by paying the extra cash needed to upgrade to a single room and treated myself to TWO massages… which were divine!<br /><br />But, I digress – I’m not writing this post to brag about my trip or convince you to sign up for the next Amazing Yoga Teacher Training (although you should at least consider it, because it’s, well, amazing!) – I’m writing because of what I didn’t do while I was in Mexico… <br /><br />I didn’t shop. <br /><br />Not for myself. Not for Brian. Not for Courtney. Not even for my Mom. <br /><br />I’m not sure about you, but usually when I travel I spend at lot of time and energy seeking out and bargaining for souvenirs. Mementos that remind me of my adventures and tokens to share with those I love. But this year, since I’m unable to purchase new items (and the idea of a “used souvenir” is extremely unappealing) I took myself out of the game. <br /><br />No second looks at the tchotchkes in the airport, no haggling with street vendors, no frustration when I realize I can’t properly repack my bags for the flight home. <br /><br />This process proved to be literally and figuratively freeing. I was able to enjoy my trip without the preoccupation of finding the perfect gift and with the time I saved I spent a few extra hours in the ocean. <br /><br />And the best part: my suitcase closed without any problems. <br /><br />I think I might just stick with the no souvenir policy after this year of nothing new comes to an end. (Sorry Mom!)<br /><br />~StaceyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447431576288694842.post-79712593642064855632010-06-29T08:27:00.000-07:002010-06-29T08:28:20.197-07:0021 Things You Should Never Buy NewYahoo had it right this morning! This was a featured article:<br /><br />http://finance.yahoo.com/news/21-Things-You-Should-Never-usnews-2356162080.html?x=0<br /><br />-CourtneyA Year of Nothing Newhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01052714480051069335noreply@blogger.com2