Consolidation. That has been the theme of the past few weeks. Realizing how much stuff I have that I dont use. I first realized it with my clothes. I started going through them like I periodically do, throwing out what I have grown out of. This time was different. Usually if I wasnt sure of whether or not I wanted a piece of clothing I would keep it. However this time, if I had not worn it in the past month I threw it out. I got three garbage bags worth of clothing. I am planning on turning that into money the only way I know how. I am trading them in for a 50 % off coupon for Value Village. I figure next month I will be spending crazy money there so why not.

I also went through my closet and storage closet and threw out a bunch of things that I usually end up keeping whenever I do these spring cleans. I've actually aqquired a lot of crap over the last year and a bit. I made sure to throw anything away that I was on the fence about keeping.

Another point of consolidation has been the sale of my drum set. That was a big step for me because traditionally the concept of selling it has meant a defeat and loss to me...even though I hardly ever used it. I decided to post it on craigslist and This evening I sold it. It's gone, no more drumset. This was a big step for me because it represented how I am now feeling about holding on to things in my life that are destructive or things that I am not passionate about. Life is short I figure, why fill it with things that don't get you excited and make you passionate.

Along with this philosophy of consolidation in regards to personal belongings I have also applied it to my life goals and finances. I have many things that I desire to do in my life, and I usually stress over which I should do and when. I always fee like my life is rushed. Lately I have realized that life is full of stages and eras and that it is perfectly fine to spread these goals and desires I have over these many eras. I have decided to consolidate what my goals are in the near future and spread the rest of my passions over my lifetime. It's been a very freeing concept.

As far as financials goes, I figure that I am far from resisting the little constant purchases such as Timmy's, however I have been working towards not spending money on gathering posessions that I don't need. I know this sounds quite cliche, but I am honest and serious...I came to this realization over a long process and much reflection. It wasnt one of those things I heard somewhere and then nodded my head to and said "very true!". I need to focus on only buying the basics...no fancy car...the K will do, no fancy phone...my 4 year old phone is fine, and certainly no new computers, car stereos and all that other jazz.

In order to help me with this task of "cutting back" I've decided starting the planting season that each time I say no to going out to eat and instead either eating at home or not at all, or instead of spending $50 bucks on useless crap, taking note of my decision and then put the money that I would have spent in a savings account. I would also like to do that debit card change program. (where they take the change from your debit purchases and deposits it into a savings account).

I have a few investments in the near future that represent my passions, desires and goals that saving money will help me accomplish. Mainly my desire to buy a NICE 1970s VW Westfalia is whats at the forefront of my short term goals, along side of school.

I hope that after planting I will come back to a rather fresh start here in Abby. A fresh start in the sense that I want to not tempt myself to desire the things that I do not have passion for. It would be so freeing! and that is exactly what I need right now in my life. More freedom...especially from myself.