Career Pressures And The Joys Of Irresponsibility

As I sat here today, trying desperately to be witty and engaging in my latest blog (my poor, tired brain fighting me all the way), I thought about the mixed blessing that is my job. Being self-employed means that I'm not allowed to simply punch a time card and go home. I have to always be creating, producing, doing something different than the day before. And it's exhausting! Some days, I wish that my biggest responsibility involved nothing more challenging than serving up hamburgers!

Single Servings And The Death Of The Environment

I went to the store the other day in search of edamame beans, and the only brand in stock had "Dora The Explorer" printed all over it. I was pleasantly surprised that kids were being encouraged to eat a soy product, rather than junk food. But when I got the bag home and opened it up, surprise changed to disgust as I found a dozen small snack-packs of edamame -- each one in its own micro-bubble of plastic!

Child-Free Pride Or Breeder-Bashing?

Within the no-kidding community, I've noticed that conversations about procreation vs. not have a tendency to turn ugly -- what should be a rational discussion about personal choice ends up devolving into a rant about the sins of "breeders." I do understand those child-free individuals who feel misunderstood and unfairly oppressed by society wanting to lash out -- but I am starting to wonder if this misguided backlash against natalism isn't hurting our cause.

What Work Are You Willing To Do In Exchange For Your Travel?

I was chatting with a fellow RVer the other day, and when he found out we were full-timers running our own businesses on the road, he asked if we'd ever done any workamping. I jokingly said no, that I don't like cleaning toilets -- he laughed, and then said, "Really?" I laughed too, and said, "Really!"

The A-To-Z Of Getting Organized: E Is For Efficiency

How many times a day do you hear the word "efficiency" in a conversation (especially at your workplace or during a professional meeting?) This has become one of the most overused and least understood organizing catchphrases of the decade! Why then is it that so many people who think they are being "efficient" by going 90 miles an hour are still stressed-out and overwhelmed? Because they're focusing their efforts in the wrong direction.

Crayolas As A Stress Reliever

The other evening, Matt and I ate at a casual waterfront restaurant. Nothing fancy -- plastic plates, disposable napkins, and paper tablecloths. The kind of place that provides crayons to keep the little ones occupied. Of course, we don't have children, but I still wanted the crayons -- Matt and I amused ourselves (and the waitress) by decorating our entire tablecloth with original (and mostly abstract) artwork. I haven't done that in ages, and it was the best kind of stress-reliever!

Superwoman Is A Fictional Character

A friend of mine is going through a crisis of identity right now -- she feels that focusing on her daughter is slowing her climb up the career ladder, but she also worries that putting more time into her job is going to cause her to neglect her child. She's laboring under the misapprehension that if she just organizes her time a bit better, if she just puts in a little more effort, she can do it all. Well, I'm sorry to disappoint, but it's not going to happen!

A Letter To Send To Your Congressperson

Lately, a lot of my child-free friends have been bitching about the many tax incentives offered to those who reproduce. They feel it's unfair that we, as a society, are rewarding people for increasing the population, using up natural resources at a disproportionate rate, and polluting the planet more than any single individual would do on his own -- while punishing those who choose not to breed. I agree -- but I've decided that we need to do more about this than just complain.

Another Reason Not To Want A Motorhome

While in Nova Scotia earlier this year, Matt and I popped a front tire on our Airstream. This got me to thinking about how the type of vehicle you're driving in this sort of situation can mean the difference between a serious accident and a minor difficulty to overcome.