Spartan Monday

“As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be
simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor
weakness weakness.”

-Henry David Thoreau

Why Spartan-Living?

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. I love the competition, the respect between the competitors, and the skill and strength that are required for the sport. I often think I'd like to be a fighter in the UFC- although I have more the heart of a fighter than the body of one--to say the least. Anyhow, my friends and family know what my fighting name would be if I ever made it to the Octagon-- Tristin "the Spartan" Wright ((said in Bruce Buffer's booming voice with strong emphasis on "the Spartan")).

The concept of "the Spartan" goes far beyond having the proverbial heart of a warrior. When spartan is used as an adjective it means

"marked by stern discipline, frugality, simplicity, or courage".

So, that's my new goal--not only being "the Spartan"--but also living spartan.

Next Week's Menu

In an effort to cut down my grocery costs and make each day run a little smoother, I plan a weekly dinner menu. No longer am I going to the grocery store on a daily basis for this and that, spending far more money than I need to, while not even being aware of what is actually in my pantry. I go grocery shopping weekly, on the weekends, and during the week I follow my menu. Not only has it been good for the pocketbook, it makes my life easier and saves me time. I also shop with the sales and with coupons, but that's another topic altogether.

Here's what James and I will be enjoying for dinner this week:

Sunday: Sourdough pancakes with blackberry sauce and sausage patties
Monday: Center cut pork chops with mango salsa, sauteed kale and steamed cauliflower
Tuesday: Meatball subs, salad and fruit (Crock pot)
Wednesday: Mojo Pork with black beans and yellow rice (Crock pot)
Thursday: Roasted pork tenderloin with roasted veggies
Friday: Chicken and Chile quesadillas with salad and fruit
Saturday: Go out, or stay in--our choice.

I post the menu on the refrigerator so James and I can prepare our tastebuds for dinner each night. He likes the disclaimer that I put at the bottom each week-- it says:

"All menu items are subject to change.
Verbal requests are gladly accepted."

An exciting new era!

For too long, I lived with the typical American mindset of "want-want-want-more-more-more" . I was never satisfied with what I had, and I never had enough money.

Something had to give, and since I am not fortunate enough to have inherited large sums of money from distant relatives, I learned that my mindset had to change.

I am still in the process of retraining myself--I am giving up old habits, and picking up new ones that are making my life more enjoyable. I'd like to share my experiences and learning process with others who are looking to simplify their lives.

I have learned tricks to curb my spending habits and ways to emphasize the small things in life, making my everyday being more enjoyable. My greatest hope is that others can benefit from my journey toward a more simple life.