So, with a sheepish grin, I must confess it's been a fortnight since my last SSC post. I could rattle off a litany of excuses, but truth be told, crafting these posts doesn't eat up much time... Plus, let's be honest, delving into cost reflections is a habit that's worth cultivating.
Wanted to begin with a wee note of appreciation for this month's SSC mantra, snagged from last week's Saturday Savers Club post...
Remember for success - Start Small, Start Today.
It can be any day, and it can be any day when you've had a break and want to start again.
"Start Small, Start Today"... I like it... it's a powerful approach that can turn even the most daunting tasks into manageable steps. It brings to mind the "Chunking Principle," a concept I first encountered during my time teaching English to young kiddos after school. This principle highlights how words often combine in predictable patterns, forming what we refer to as "chunks." These chunks can be familiar phrases or grammatical structures, making language learning more digestible and accessible.
Much like the "chunk" rule, here every little step counts. As we know, all journeys begin with a single step, and consistency in taking small steps each day can lead to remarkable progress over time... As exemplified by my lovely amaryllis. (In the last post she didn't even have buds!)
Anyway, this week's updates...
Just to alarm you, it is already the third week of March. (Where did time go?!) After taking a look at my last post, I notice that there have been some pretty significant jumps in my wallet! Yippee. 14 days ago my balance was as follows: 6.451 HIVE; 34.096 HBD (savings); $ 57.591 total; 3.000 EDS; 177.720 HP.
I now find myself at 11.323 HIVE; 37.480 HBD (savings); $90.828 total. And 332.595 HP - thanks to an overwhelming +150.000 HP delegation from the incredibly generous 
As for this month's rules - best detailed in my last SSC post, accessible here... well, they went a little "bottom's-up" this week. Much like downing a mug of luwak coffee.
Let's explore why...
The thing is, last week was a challenging one. I underestimated the time I'd spend working on an article for a side job. The interviews I conducted as part of it were eye-opening, to say the least. Conversing with individuals entrenched in turmoil amidst conflict zones... forced me to confront the stark disparity between their reality and the comfort of my own existence. There I was, nursing kombucha into being, going on long bike rides through the countryside, composing intricate little posts about birefringence... whilst others faced adversity. Peace and the inherent fragility of stability is so precarious, isn't it? This was a gentle reminder that we can so easily take things for granted.
So, amidst these reflections, I made a bold move and reallocated my savings. It's worth noting that, typically, our focus in SSC is on prudent financial management, setting goals, and building towards the future - certainly not on impromptu splurges. But I decided to embark on a short, soulful trip over Easter weekend. I won't give away the details just yet, but I did buy myself a Salomon rucksack (- hint, hint). I think the reality of it all - that life is just too bloody short and shouldn't be wasted - hit me... but with my SSC thinking cap firmly in place, I ensured my budgeting was both fair and sustainable... It'll be an adventure encompassing train travel and two wheels.
The beauty of it all lies in the delicate dance between saving and passion... Yes, savings make it all possible - they provide the foundation, the safety net, the security. And, honestly, I wouldn't have been able to go on this trip had it not been for the success of my February "No-Buy" month. But it's humanness that propels us forward, urging us to be spontaneous... venture out... live our tiny lives while we can.
Also, I ask for your well wishes, SSC family... after all, savings walks hand-in-hand with work... I have an interview scheduled for next Monday - and my fingers are crossed. This is an opportunity I'm so desperately hoping will bring a positive response. It's not often one gets invited for an interview in a field and location they deeply desire, in a country that feels like a second home. Please, please, please keep your fingers crossed for me.
Either the trip over Easter will be a comforting treat... or a celebration... let's hope for the latter! Ha!
Anyway, until next time, clubbers!
Do share any upcoming adventures below...
I do enjoy a good travel plan.
Slaap lekker!
P.S. For those who are interested in joining, let me introduce you to the "Saturday Saver's Club": A delightful weekly gathering of individuals across the Blockchain, with the intention of uplifting each other in our savings endeavours. Intrigued? Simply note your interest in a comment on 