Simplify

sim·pli·fy
verb \ˈsim-plə-ˌfī\
sim·pli·fiedsim·pli·fy·ing
Definition of SIMPLIFY
transitive verb
: to make simple or simpler: as a : to reduce to basic essentials b : to diminish in scope or complexity : streamline c : to make more intelligible : clarify


Simplify: an on-going conversation between Allen and myself since the beginning of time… Living the sustainable life. Providing for ourselves and not partaking in the commercialism. And we’ve done ok. We live in a small house. We don’t go out to eat often. We don’t have a million TV channels. We provide a good portion of our own veg and all of our eggs. We pat ourselves on the back because compared what we consider "the American Standard," we live a fairly simple life. But, we want to hold ourselves to a different standard. Our own standard. And so the simplification beings….

Step one: Our lowly basic cable and Netflix plans have both been cancelled. Over the weekend we will be moving our TV’s out of their comfy homes in our den and bedroom and out into the cold, cold garage. Television…you will be missed!

Step two: A lowering in our consumer intake – buying less (especially if it creates much waste like individually packaged drinks or foods). We plan to stick to the basics buying only what we need and cooking at home. There is no clear-cut plan for what we will/won’t buy, just the question of whether or not we can do without it. And I for one am really hoping that I can do without High Fructose Corn Syrup. Goodbye, my friend, goodbye…..

We don’t expect all of this to come about overnight. It’s a process. I’m hoping by putting it in writing, I am making myself accountable. Please – hold me accountable! We look to turn our energy away from TV, away from the clutter, and to the family and the farm. And the blog, of course! That’s right – internet is staying (we can’t go crazy with this whole simplifying!) My hope is to weekly update on how we are doing. The next week and a half will be phasing things out – we aren’t throwing out those lovely sugary cereals and my lone Dr Pepper in the fridge. But we aren’t replacing them when they are gone. Back to the basics, here we come!