Cents and Sensibility, Day 1. The Shock of the New.

It's time to start this project's travelogue. And today, the journey started with an early-morning walk to the post office.

As I was walking, I was thinking about the email I'd received yesterday, letting me know of a tasty-looking estate sale.

Moments later, I remembered I couldn't go. Because I've taken a vow to not spend any money. And it's almost impossible for me to find something at an estate sale that I don't have to have.

So what did I do today, the first day of the Cents and Sensibility project?

There were no bells and whistles to this day, other than the quiet shock of my imposed limitations. I worked for a few hours from home this afternoon, but between the early hour of my walk to when I cranked up my work computer this afternoon, I was on my own.

I'm not very good at staying home all day.

But I did, and it was shockingly relaxing.

I worked in my yard. I finished watching a documentary I started last night (Teenage Paparazzo. Highly recommended.). I watched last night's Daily Show and Colbert Report.

I got a call from my friend Gigi, suggesting we buy a gift for the mom who spearheaded Connor's DI journey. I had to tell her that I couldn't contribute to a gift, because I'd committed myself to this project. But there are other ways to give, and we're going to plan a bit of a party for Jenny. Because she's been amazing.

As for the remainder of the day, I should have gotten all right-brain crazy about providing a comprehensive inventory list of what we have on our shelves, because some people need facts to support an outcome. But I'll do that tomorrow.

Because tomorrow I have the day off from my regular job.

And tomorrow I don't have a whole lot on my docket, aside from creating an inventory list.

Maybe the time that's been created by this project will compel me to think about how I tend to distract myself.

As for today, a minor personal tectonic plate shift took place. I realized the value in not spinning my wheels, not go-go-go-ing whenever the mood strikes.

Kind of out of character.

I know it's early. It's the first day. And despite the fact that I had an abundance of time on my hands today, I didn't do everything I intended to accomplish.

Maybe tomorrow.

As for today, these restrictions don't feel very restrictive. I've imposed myself to simply stop.

I'm not very good at that.

And that realization comes as a shock.