At the
end of last summer, we decided we would like to stay for the season for 2015. We’d
pay the rate for the season and stay from May 1st until the end of
August. We discussed it as a family and made the commitment. The kids were aware we would be winding up
activities in April and not signing up for anything in May or beyond. Over the
holidays, we confirmed our plan and put our down our deposit. In January when the kids enrolled in
activities, we announced at the start that it would be through April. After
May, we’d be unavailable. Several months later, my daughter’s dance studio
began asking why she wouldn’t be at the recital in June. They asked her to ask
us if she could be in the recital. I was a little annoyed at first as this put
her in an awkward situation and we had been very up front with them, even
before enrolling. However, hubby took it all in stride and responded, “tell
them (the dance studio) that you can be in the recital; the recital just needs
to be moved to the end of April.” My daughter and I both responded to
that. =D She also took it in stride and shared with
her fellow dancers and teacher. She felt stronger about our choice. I don’t
think we missed anything by ending our activities in April.
One
month before our trip, we started making serious preparations. We went through the
items in our pantry and decluttered. We let go of some of the items that we
will no longer use. We prioritized items and marked one shelf with items that
needed to either be used or brought with us. We began using those items. We did
the same with the freezer and refrigerator. We created meals from what we
already had in the freezer or fridge. We started working our way through using items
in the fridge and freezer for meals and only buying the minimal amount that
month for immediate use.
The
result? The items in the pantry, fridge and freezer began to dwindle. Slowly at
first, then building momentum. By the time our trip arrived, we had a small
amount to bring with us. We had emptied the fridge and freezer and unplugged it
for our time away! It was a liberating experience. Using what we had then
adding minimal purchases to get us through the month. When you make it fun or a
game, you get creative, have a positive experience and enjoy the process. Upon
reflection, it could have been a dreadful experience if we hadn’t planned ahead
and suddenly started looking through the pantry, fridge and freezer the day or
so before the trip!
~ Happy
Camper
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