Important Programming Note: Well, I guess I have hit the big time. My little blog has a guest post for you today, just like those professional bloggers do when they want to take the day off. Although, my guest blogger is my husband which I suppose slightly diminishes my “big time” claim. But, I do love this post for a couple of reasons. I appreciate that he took the time to write it and I like that the last paragraph sounds like I’m getting some sort of meritorious service award. And really, who doesn’t want one of those?
Day 210
Trigger- Guest Blogger
I am honored to write this guest post for my wife’s Simple Year blog. As most the readers of this blog know, I have recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan. The most popular question asked of my wife by family, friends, and readers of this blog is, what are you going to do about the simple year endeavor now that your husband is home?
I have chosen to field this question since it directly relates to me. And, the answer is easy. We will not do anything different. In other words, I am “all in” on this endeavor and we will complete this simple year as a family on a united front. I firmly believe and support the concept and look forward to taking part in the continued learning experience. If my wife and kids have been able to do this for 6 months, there is no reason I can’t too.
Now having said that, while away from my family I created a short mental list of items that I wanted to purchase or “treat” myself to once I returned to the U.S. Given my full support for the Simple Year, I have had to re-think some of my desired items. First on my list, was a laptop computer. The one I took with me on my deployment was a 2005 brick that barely worked. I decided it was time to upgrade before the computer decided to completely stop working.
After some quick research, I have discovered that there are plenty of used/re-furbished laptops out there which are less than a year or two old. I presume this is a product of individuals who always want to have the latest and greatest technology, to include the most recently released laptop. So, I will have no problem getting myself a used laptop. Besides, it seems to me that most individuals buy new stuff just because they want to be seen with the “latest and greatest” but won’t ever use most of the “new” features associated with the purchase. I probably fall into this category, at least somewhat.
Now, a few simple observations
First, I have found it fairly amazing how my family has adapted to the simple year concept. My kids for example, get excited by the product not necessarily the newness of the item. Case in point, my wife recently purchased my oldest daughter a “new” bike because she had outgrown her old one but, of course, the bike was used. It was in great condition and my daughter couldn’t tell the difference. She was excited to have a “new,” although perhaps “different” is a better word, bike. Second, I have noticed that the kids don’t ask for nearly as much stuff because they have accepted the fact that we are not going to buy it for them. Finally, it is obvious that we are spending much less money, a nice second order effect.
In closing, I wish to commend my wife for all her efforts with this BLOG and the overall Simple Year project. She has managed to stick to this effort and write at least three posts a week, all while functioning as a single parent and working a 20+ hour a week job for the last seven months. Her dedication has simply been impressive.
I love this entry from your husband.
I am a follower, although I don’t comment often. I wanted to say “thank you” to you and your husband for the service you give to our country. Yes, both of you, as I don’t underestimate the value of the spouse and family who are left behind. Our military allows us to live our lives peacefully, your support makes his service possible. You both serve.
I also love the theme of your blog. As a retired person, I admire what you are trying to achieve. We are downsizing and simplifying … and I find inspiration here. I was not as enlightened when I was your age.
Retired Knitter
Elaine
Mother of a Marine (discharged – but always a Marine)
MyNext20YearsofLiving.blogspot.com
Elaine- Thanks so much for the comment. Yes, once a marine, always a marine. One of my best girlfriends is a marine (also separated) and i once referred to her as a “former” marine and got a little bit of a lecture 🙂 I haven’t made that mistake since. Are you retired from knitting? Or just retired and knitting?
K
I too loved this entry. Thanks to both of you for your service to our country. While one is away, the one at home still has to carry on all of the responsibilities for the home and family. You have both sacrificed and saying “thank you” is the very least we can do.
I especially appreciated how whole-heartedly your husband is supporting the simple year and that you are a “united front” as a family. That is so refreshing to see, regardless of one’s occupation. Best wishes through the remaining 6 months and may God Bless your family.
Thanks for the nice words Tina-, a united front is always the best I suppose. long…
Welcome home Chris! It’s no surprise how amazing Kerrye is and I will admit, reading her blog has me at least THINKING about buying less :D.
Lisa
Now you can make everything you need with your new table saw!
welcome home and thank you – as the wife of a multiple tour vet. Your teamwork and commitment as parents is something I admire about what you share on this blog.
Thanks Sonrie- and thanks to you as well.
It is so wonderful that your whole family is on board during your simplification journey! It’s so much harder to keep up the momentum and enthusiasm when you meet resistance at every turn . . . And, yes, add my thanks for the sacrifices and hard work you both do to protect and preserve our country. Love your posts, and Chris, I hope you will add your thoughts from time to time as you did today.
Sharle- Yes, so far we are all on board (although the kids vacillate from day to day ). Thanks for the nice words 🙂
Welcome home and thank you for your service! I’d love to hear more of how you adapt to the Simple Life in the coming months 🙂
What a sweet hubby! 🙂 I’m so glad your family is able to be reunited, and that he will be joining you in your simple living endeauver.
Great blog and since the simple year doesn’t apply to the sister, aunt, or sister-in-law, I’m taking Christmas gift requests. 🙂
nice post, welcome back home. we live in freedom because of your service, thank you. cool, to have the whole family on board.
🙂
Welcome home, and thank you both for your service. This is my first time here, your husband’s post is the first one I’ve read. I just had to comment- He sounds SO military!!! My husband is currently deployed to Afghanistan as well, it’s our third time in six years. Anyway, my family practices a lot of the simple living values that your family seems to, sometimes a rare thing in a military family! Cheers!!
Thanks for stopping by Marcy. I KNOW what you mean about the military tone in his writing. I almost commented on it when writing the intro. Wishing your husband a safe and speedy return. Keep us posted.
Thank you, I look forward to reading more of your adventures as well!
Definite meritorious service with triple oak leaf cluster… Or something like that!
God Bless you and your family. Thank you for your service and sacrfice. Hubby and I are both Veterans and we live a very simple life now. Love your blog.
Welcome home Chris! I have enjoyed reading your wife’s blog over the course of 7 months and I am happy to see you have welcomed it with open arms! We hope to see you all soon! Finch & Amber
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Hey, a guest post is a guest post!