An update and a funny story.

So, the project continues and we are still working hard at it. Every day is filled with choices and we do our best to make as many good choices as possible. I think, realistically, it would take a good year to transform all aspects of our lives, so what I envisioned to be a short term project, is more likely a long term one. Something I have definitely noticed is that we are having more fun as a family and doing more things together - yay! (that was one of my big goals) Tomorrow we are heading in to Vancouver on the bus/skytrain and checking out all the free Canada Day celebrations.
The garden is making progress and is ready for its first big weeding session - any volunteers? I have carrots, parsnips, radishes, turnips and leeks ready to be planted this weekend for a fall harvest and I'm looking at different things to put in for the winter.
The garbage part of the project is going pretty well and we are recycling and composting more and more. Most importantly though, by buying so little, we are producing very little. It's amazing to me how much we can do without - or how much of what we normally buy is for convenience/pleasure and not necessity. I am not saying we should never have an indulgence, but when our lives are filled with many indulgences it gets hard to really appreciate it. I am seeing the boys returning to an attitude of appreciation, rather than expectation, and that makes my heart very happy.
On another note entirely... yesterday I was trying to get Brendan to help me with some jobs and he was in no way wanting to cooperate. He is typically respectful and obedient, but every now and then the 14 year old attitude surfaces and he just won't budge. So, after many attempts to get him off the couch to help me, I finally struck gold with this..... "Brendan, if you don't get up NOW and help me with the jobs, I am going to take my clothes off and work in this room NAKED. Your choice, me naked or you helping?" You would be amazed at how fast he moved! I figure that you need to get creative when the kid is bigger than you are and you still need to maintain the authority. You have to do what works, right?