Life Improvement

[findingdeadbeats]

I am wondering what all of you have done in the last few years that has most improved your day-to-day quality of life?

For the first time, ever, I canceled our Dish service. We won't get networks here over the air with an antenna (mountains) but we can stream some things through Netflix.

The idea of going without TV is really weird and will take a while to get used to. However, the $108 a month cost for basic service is just way to dang high for my budget. And, I tend to slug around in front of the TV rather than doing other things, so this is partly about that as well.

I want to get out of the habit of being bored and going to watch TV. I want to do other things with my time, and this will pretty much force that issue.

The other thing I have been working on is therapy. I have been a couple times and it's interesting and seems to be helping. Apparently I am not bipolar as I thought I might be, but may instead have a mood stabilization disorder. The therapist said many people have this problem, kinda like bipolar-lite and I will likely require medication to stabilize my moods before I can really work on things in my head. Interesting.

I am also reading a book about codependency. Something I never thought applied to me and yet actually I have been tripping over it for many, many years...

[Bob Ross]

You forgot the best part about not having a TV.

stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/01/26/28-not-having-a-tv/

[illinicheme]

Spent like $600 on a fancy automatic dog door that meant we no longer had to get up in the middle of the night to let our dog out (or any other time).

Also hired a house cleaner.

[midjd]

Made a concerted effort to be less judgmental. It has made me happier.

Also try to spend more time outside... I tend to go-go-go all day and then crash in front of the TV. I like sitting outside and watching the birds and squirrels, it helps me relax more than TV. Haven't gone so far as to cancel cable though, DH would have conniptions

[aliciar6]

started running and doing a lot of 5K's with my friend. it's a great stress reliever and good for me

[Deleted]

Whatever I am doing... do the opposite.

[lynnerself]

We had no telelvision at all while the kids were very young. Not until they were almost in middle school.

[Deleted]

A few times in my life I've made quantum leaps in quality of life.

One was when I finally got fed up with cash bleeding out of my savings every month to support my then-husband's extravagant spending (he was unemployed for 5 years). I sat down and looked at all the expenses and cut back on some that were painless (to me)- got rid of the landscaper, the cleaning lady, stopped paying on his credit cards, etc. Thank God, I made enough to cover the essentials like the mortgage, the utilities and a few frills. Best thing I ever did and I regret not shutting off the money spigot sooner. His credit cards, BTW, were eventually paid out of his share of the equity in the house after the divorce.

The other major quantum leap was moving to a LCOL area 9 years ago, with pretty much the same compensation. We put DS through college, have been able to take memorable trips every year, and have still saved tons of $$ for retirement.

Oh, yeah- I married DH. He's been a wonderful influence on my son and my mother says I'm a different person now that I've got someone loving and supporting instead of someone always criticizing me. It's been good for my career, too. It's hard to be confident at work when you've got someone at home constantly picking at you and telling you everything you do wrong.

[thyme4change]

Shasta - I'm so impressed with you. I really am. I don't have much to add to my recent life improvements. I'm not sure I've done much - although I am trying to think of things that would improve my life. But, I will also suggest you go to Hulu.com. They have a free version, and a paid version - but you can watch a lot of recent network shows with the free version. I know you said you don't want to watch tv, but sometimes, if you need to power-down for 24 minutes, watching something that makes you laugh can be valuable. I use Hulu when I travel. I just pull the laptop into bed with me and leave it unplugged. The battery life acts as a sleep timer.

[Green Eyed Lady]

I am also impressed, Shasta. I get to whining about my life when it isn't all that bad. I see you struggling (and winning) with things I can't even imagine. You inspire me and I thank you for that.

As for improvements? I'm completely paranoid about intruders. I have my reasons but they are neither here nor there. So? I armed myself to the teeth, got better home security and a dog that is my companion first, but a total mauling machine if anyone tried to hurt me. I sleep so much better and my quality of life has improved a hundred-fold.

I know that's not what you are looking for but it's the truth!!

[michelyn8]

May 15, 2012 9:42:49 GMT -5 @illinicheme said:

Spent like $600 on a fancy automatic dog door that meant we no longer had to get up in the middle of the night to let our dog out (or any other time).

Also hired a house cleaner.

Did you get one of those that works off a signal from the collar? I saw one of those on HGTV for cats and have sworn that if/when I ever purchase my own home, that will be one of the first things I have installed for queen fuzzball so she can come and go as she pleases.

[cronewitch]

I am starting to control my food intake and next step is exercise. Last night I froze 4 heads of califlower, 5lbs of broccoli and made chicken soup that is half a breast with tons of veggies and brown rice, no salt. So I can eat healthy for many days for half a chicken breast. I allow myself 4oz of meat a day so it is not all the meat I can have. I spent 28 on fruit and veggies. Sunday Also maxing out 401K and ROTH so I can look forward to retirement.

[thyme4change]

I allow myself 4oz of meat a day so it is not all the meat I can have.

That may sound like a small amount - but really, that is a quarter of a pound. So, you could have a quarter pounder from MacDonald's and still be okay - although that isn't healthy at all.

My father instilled the quarter pound rule in me as a kid. If I'm cooking for two, I cook a half-pound. If I'm cooking for four, I cook a pound. I know big guys eat more than that - but that is why America is fat. A quarter pound is the rule. If you are still hungry - eat a carrot, or an apple, or whatever.

[cronewitch]

I don't usually eat 4oz of meat since I like plain foods like soup and fruits and veggies. I probably average 1oz of meat a day but if was at someone's house the served meat I could have a part of a piece. My family is ok with me being a fussy eater so will serve veggies with no butter and salads with no dressing and plain meat. I will cut off a little piece of meat instead of taking a whole steak that might weight a pound or more.

I got a mandolin for my birthday so for snacks might slice a whole grapefruit or orange. Tonight I might slice an apple and make coleslaw for my ISO and have just cabbage for me since I don't eat dressings.

[Formerly SK]

Wow - I could never eat just 1/4 lb of protein. I'm a protein fanatic. I'm 5'4 and 130...I suppose I could cut back and be 120 but I don't know if it's worth it.

My biggest life improver is cutting back on toxic people. I hate drama and as soon as friendships or family relationships start to feel draining I take a step back. The result is fewer relationships, but they are all higher quality. It works for me.

[Bob Ross]

I recently switched from crack to meth.

This move was inspried by Huey Lewis.

[NancysSummerSip]

I began swimming with an adult team a few years ago, and competing in meets not long after. I was lousy at sports as a kid (the perennial last one picked for any team), so this presented a challenge that was about me and the time clock as much as it was about the team.

[Formerly SK]

May 15, 2012 13:22:16 GMT -5 NancysSummerSip said:

I began swimming with an adult team a few years ago, and competing in meets not long after. I was lousy at sports as a kid (the perennial last one picked for any team), so this presented a challenge that was about me and the time clock as much as it was about the team.

That's awesome!!!

[NancysSummerSip]

Aw, thanks, kids. Back atcha. It was a real challenge, since I did not swim as a kid. I learned as an adult. I'm not exactly built for speed; I look more like an English Channel-type swimmer. The longer the distance, the better. I was running and biking before the swimming, and still do both.

[Jaguar]

I started eating right and exercising on February 1st, this year and it's really paying off big time. I also started taking a natural med and this I believe increased my bone density by 2%. So far I've lost about 20 lbs . I'm 6 inches smaller around my ribcage and 3+ inches smaller around my mid section. My doctors said I looked younger.

[taz157]

May 15, 2012 14:14:52 GMT -5 Jaguar said:

I started eating right and exercising on February 1st, this year and it's really paying off big time. I also started taking a natural med and this I believe increased my bone density by 2%. So far I've lost about 20 lbs . I'm 6 inches smaller around my ribcage and 3+ inches smaller around my mid section. My doctors said I looked younger.

[resolution]

I did the opposite and bought a TV last summer. We only get a couple of channels with the antenna, but we borrowed FIL's Star Trek collection and are watching them all in order. We are up to season 5 of DS9. I also joined a gym and am going three times a week on a set schedule.

Things I have done to simplify/save money:
* planted a tiny vegetable garden (wish me luck)
* switched insurance companies for homeowners/auto insurance and added umbrella insurance
* called the phone company and got a reduced rate.
* found a new hair stylist that is closer to home and cheaper

I think my extra spending and extra savings have broken even but overall I am healthier and more relaxed.

[thyme4change]

I totally kicked ass -4.0 in both classes.

Negative 4-point-oh? LOL!

(Just Kidding - that is great!)

[Deleted]

Moved from a really nice, but noisy condo to a house near the top of a mountain. Now we enjoy birds chirping and coyotes howling. Home is quiet and completely relaxing.

[Bob Ross]

I've been working on getting fatter.

[telephus44]

We went 4 years without a television set, from 2004 to 2008. I'd like to say that I learned to speak French, solved world hunger, or learned gourmet cooking, but we honestly just spent more time surfing the web.

That, and totally got out of TV shows. I've never seen American Idol, Desperate Housewives, The Sopranos, Mad Men, The Office - so I'm totally clueless at small talk in the office.

[Phoenix84]

Started to make plans to get out and do more things. Like some of the others I'd just come home from work and crash in front of a TV or computer monitor. In the end it was pretty much that or work, so I'm trying to challenge myself to do something outside every weekend or every other weekend.

[moxie]

"The other thing I have been working on is therapy. I have been a couple times and it's interesting and seems to be helping. Apparently I am not bipolar as I thought I might be, but may instead have a mood stabilization disorder. The therapist said many people have this problem, kinda like bipolar-lite and I will likely require medication to stabilize my moods before I can really work on things in my head. Interesting.

I am also reading a book about codependency. Something I never thought applied to me and yet actually I have been tripping over it for many, many years..."

Good for you! All my best!

[moxie]

telephus: TV stinks anyways...I watch The Food Network and HGTV mostly.

[moxie]

"This move was inspried by Huey Lewis."


I love it when we're cruisin' together...