Last weekend I had a special day out with my grandma. We went to lunch, went shopping, and I found some items on clearance for 85% off! Grandma found a few things too, but my shopping bag overflowed. I mean 85% off . . . how can you beat that?
Come to find out, this is a typical Gen X trait. I can’t pay full price for anything. Another Gen X hobby is shopping online. I have my favorite e-shops such as Red Envelope. I first found out about this place when my sweet agent sent me a gift in a lovely red box. I’ve followed suit, sending gifts to editors, family, and friends . . . shopping from their sale shop, of course. (Shhh . . . don’t give away my secret.)
Of course, the good deal doesn’t end there. The cool thing about online coupons is you just have to search for them and plug them in at check out. How easy is that? With them I’ve gotten free shipping, 20% off my order, and more.
Why am I sharing all this? Because as a Gen Xer, I like things that work and things that provide a savings . . . in this case saving me money. The above is a good example.
In life and writing I think things that work, too, saving me time . . . and here are a few examples:
- When it comes to ANY kind of writing, the first thing I do is just start writing. Seriously, I open up a blank document and “clear out” my mind. Today, I did this for a new book I want to write. This morning I had nothing, and this afternoon I had enough of the idea down to email a basic outline to my agent. For me, the best way to deal with a blank page is to make it un-blank!
- When it comes to kids, I’ve trained them to help around the house. Even before my oldest son could read, he used the washing machine with the help of a little angel stick on the dial to show him where to start. Not only does this help me, my kids have pride in their work . . . and they’ll make good spouses some day! (I’m taking applications.)
- When it comes to being at peace in my world, I submit to the Prince of Peace. Every day I start my day by reading my Bible and praying. What a different it makes! As I turn my thoughts to God and submit to my will, my steps follow Him and not my own desires. What a difference that makes too.
So, what things work for you? What saves time, or money, or saves you from angst in your life? I’d love to hear!
*Photo credit: Image courtesy of nuttakit / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Tricia, I save money by couponing. My sister is a wiz at price matching and using coupons. Once a week my sister and I, our mother and my oldest son (16) (he loads and unloads grocery, big help) go shopping at Walmart . My sister looks through all the adds, makes a list of the deals, and we follower her around and buy what we need. We have a lot of fun shopping. We are not extreme couponers, but since I started couponing, 2 years ago, my grocery bill has been cut in half.
P.S. My daughter, Olivia and I met you last weekend at the book signing in Shipseewana.
Blessings, Kasey
I love that! I wish I did better with coupons!
The biggest thing for me is to just say no. I say no to extra time commitments, no to buying a lot of things I don’t need (our monthly purchases consists of groceries with an occasional purchase of a book). The one area in my life where I try to say yes is to my children. I allow them a ton of freedom to do what they want (as long as they aren’t hurting anyone or anything) which means we have a very peaceful household.
Sounds wonderful, Tessa!
Hi Tricia! I really love your writing. All together your thoughts are great. I believe training the kids to start helping out at home will help alot to make them become more responsible in time to come. Keep up your good work and write more inspire the world. I wish you the best.