If you've been reading and following The Plain Side for awhile you have probably gathered that Ryan and I are the budgeting type. We live rather simply and spend little. I think we are (most of the time) okay with this, because when we look at our BIGGEST goal: to be in a home, we know we make these decisions for a better tomorrow.
So we share a car, a cell phone, a bathroom sink and chores. We don't eat or drink out but find enjoyment in a glass of wine or the current seasonal beer at home with friends. We are rather careful in where our hard earned pay check goes.
To be honest, some days are easier than others. Sometimes I find it fun to make a full menu for the week under $50, (check out an earlier post here all about it), or challenge myself to take advantage of my craft supplies to repurpose glass bottles into decorations instead of buying brand new ones. But I'm only human. There are days when I just want to spend, spend spend. I want to replace my hair straightener I've had for 6 years or buy cute curtains for the girls' room. Starbucks always sounds good when I'm up early in the morning. But, I survive without it. I honestly do.
Another thing.
The apartment we just moved out of didn't have a dishwasher, washer or dryer. We let this hinder us the WHOLE time we lived there, complaining about the pile of dishes that spilled out of the sink onto the countertops. Do I sound spoiled? Because I realize "back in the old day," they had to scrub every piece of clothing by hand. AND ring it out. Living in this modern day of now, now, now sneaks up on me. When I become accustomed to so many commodities that make life easier it makes life seem difficult when I don't have these things anymore. When it's really not difficult, it just takes a little more time.
When I look at the big picture I realize a family can survive without a dishwasher. And now that we have a dishwasher in the new apartment I appreciate it so much more. I feel like these little sacrifices are going to make us much more appreciative of the things we will gain from a home. More storage spaces, piece and quiet, our own door way, a washer and dryer, pretty painted walls that we don't have to repaint white, etc. Just as having a tight budget will make us appreciate when we can spend a little. What we purchase or do will be that much more significant as well.
"It's the little things in life,
that mean the most."
This one I call bittersweet too. I know that as we shovel the driveway, mow the lawn, pay to replace ANYTHING we will look back at apartment life and appreciate these times too.
Keep loving.
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