Greetings blog readers! I know I know..it's been quite sometime since my last post. My apologies. With that said, I'm going to strain your eyes while you read my long-ass post. ENJOY.
FIRST AND FOREMOST. I BOUGHT A NEW SHOVEL. If you've been alive- you know that a massive blizzard hit Chicago. My car is parked in a parking lot-covered with snow. I would have been able to get my car out just by trying to drive out because the lot had been plowed for the most part, but some inconsiderate person decided to shovel out their car and put all of their snow in front of my car...which is now frozen. I wish this shovel could have been borrowed/used, however I need to get my car out by tomorrow so my sister (who's car is more trapped than mine) has the ability to get to work Saturday morning. That's the situation.
As part of my resolution, one of my goals is to find the meaning behind my own consumption. WHY do I go out and buy things I don't need---used and new!! It's now been a little over ONE MONTH since the start of my resolution and I still haven't explored deep enough.
I am, however, exploring what things/objects/places/people mean to me and why and also the value of this meaning. I can say with certainty that there is great value on life experiences. (Thank you Oprah for that term---sorry everyone I'm not that verbally inclined). I place such a high value on achieving life experiences. In fact, I strive daily to accomplish this. To define it would be to say that this type of 'experience' is one that will be remembered forever and there can be no monetary value placed on it. My goal through this resolution is to create more life experiences for myself--something that will have a lasting impact on me--with little use of material objects. This resolution itself is sure to have some impact on me, right?--I mean that's the hope!!
I really dislike when people (I'm sure this includes you...because it includes myself) use the expression "live life to the fullest!" Well, who on earth would live life to the EMPTIEST? That just sounds sad. Obviously the meaning of the word fullest varies from person to person. For me 'fullest' is attaining what I described in the paragraph above--creating a life experience with little use of material objects. If I can do that daily, life indeed will be lived to the fullest-just not full of stuff. And everyday I'm learning how to do this...
I'm learning more and more how turn school and work into a true life experience. School and work for many can be a struggle to 'love' and many take for granted their situations. Though living to fullest for me means spending little money---I can't really say that little money was spent on the 'life experience' of school (thank you out-of-state and private grad school tuition). However, it's been quite the positive investment. I wouldn't be where I'm at or wouldn't have the values I have without my educational background. Work? Well, I'm currently working--for free. I have an unpaid internship. Many close friends and family are in disbelief with my decision to go further into debt and obtain an un-paid job. The truth is while I could use the money, the EXPERIENCE is what's important. No, not just for my resume, but for me as a person. I don't want to be paid an hourly intern rate to do intern work and learn nothing. I want to be able to grow as an individual. This internship has provided me with such a great learning experience on so many levels and has enhanced my passion for international education, something that many paid internships would have never provided--a life experience.
Moving on.
Today, I really have an urge to go shopping. I'm currently at school in downtown Chicago along the 'Magnificent Mile' (aka Chicago's own 5th Ave, Rodeo Dr, or Champs-Élysées). It's as though my university tucked itself so perfectly in the city that one MUST pass and fight the urge to walk into H&M, Zara, GAP and others...it's like going to the supermarket. The reason why the milk is at the far back side of the store is so you have to go through the entire store to grab it and while you weave in an out of the isles you realize---oh hey I need chips...and dip...o0o it's so and so's birthday next week- better get cake mix and a birthday card! YOU SUPERMARKET BASTARDS. That's what they want. Though I'm sure my university doesn't have that reciprocity with the neighboring stores, it sure as hell feels like it today.
Quite amusing story: the store front window of GAP reads "MINIMALISM IS BACK," though I'm sure it means less glitzy and more 'plain' colors, it sure as hell reads different to me. Minimalism would be encouraging your customers to not buy anything from your store. "Wear what you already have from us! It still looks great on you!" But alas, I'm the one who has to tell myself that...and believe it. I love GAP jeans.
The store front window of H&M prides itself in it's 'SUSTAINABLE FASHION'. Exclaiming some of their spring wear is made from organic or recycled materials. I haven't been in to investigate myself, but I'm willing to bet that their sustainable fashion isn't equitably made...what about FAIR TRADE FASHION, H&M? Get on that ball...then I'll come shop.
Speaking of fair-trade. For the last 6 months or so, I've been volunteering at the Greenheart Shop in Chicago (another great life experience) and just recently was hired for a part-time retail position. It's always been difficult working there solely because I want everything. They have such great stuff! According to my resolution guidelines, I can buy from Greenheart because majority of their products are recycled and fairly traded. Double bonus! Nonetheless, I'm still trying to lower consumption--used and new, but I'm glad there are options and initiatives out there such as fair trade.
Now that I'm no longer a volunteer, but an employee at Greenheart, I'm going to have to find a volunteer opportunity. Many many options in the city of Chicago, but which to chose...
I have never once thought of why milk is at the back of grocery store. You, just changed my life. ;)
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