Month 3: Caffeine Free

From March 12-April 12th, I will be experimenting with a caffeine-free diet. 

First, a little background...

"Caffeine is a bitter, white crystalline xanthine alkaloid that is a psychoactive stimulant drug. In humans, caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, having the effect of temporarily warding off drowsiness and restoring alertness. Beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks, enjoy great popularity. Caffeine is the world's most widely consumed psychoactive substance, but, unlike many other psychoactive substances, it is legal and unregulated in nearly all jurisdictions. In North America, 90% of adults consume caffeine daily. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists caffeine as a "multiple purpose generally recognized as safe food substance"." -Wikipedia

What I can look forward to...
Regular caffeine consumption reduces sensitivity to caffeine. When caffeine intake is reduced, the body becomes oversensitive to adenosine. In response to this oversensitiveness, blood pressure drops dramatically, causing an excess of blood in the head (though not necessarily on the brain), leading to a headache.  This headache, well known among coffee drinkers, usually lasts from one to five days, and can be alleviated with analgesics such as aspirin. It is also alleviated with caffeine intake (in fact several analgesics contain caffeine dosages).  Often, people who are reducing caffeine intake report being irritable, unable to work, nervous, restless, and feeling sleepy, as well as having a headache. In extreme cases, nausea and vomiting has also been reported.  Sited from Coffee and Caffeine FAQ

Wish me luck!

The Beauty that is the Clothes Swap

In the last week of this month's experiment, I received a gift from the shopping gods in the form of a Clothes Swap.  The idea is simple: bring a bag of stuff you no longer wear and swap it for "new" stuff.  It works best when participants are around the same size.  Any clothes that no one wants get donated to a local charity.  It's fun, green and socially responsible!

I came away with two tops and a sexy dress just in time for a trip to Vegas this weekend with girlfriends.  The things we "need" always have a way of finding us.  Even if I only wear these items 2 or 3 times, they still satisfy that desire for something new.  It's a handy trick for the non-shopping experimenter.

It also gets me thinking about store displays and clothes sifting.  There are some wonderful consignment shops in Seattle like Fury in Madison Valley, Crossroads on Broadway and Buffalo Exchange in the U District.  But in order to find well-made, high quality clothes, you have to be ready to sift.  Bring your patience and perseverance.  Sifting through many styles, fits and textures is required in order to find the one gem that was made just for you....well, you and the person that owned it before you.  At these stores, you don't get the polished perfection of Nordstrom with drifting piano music, meticulously organized colors and styles and that special feeling...the feeling that you are now part of the exclusive, expensive, awesome shoppers club.  You know what I'm talking about.  If you don't, read or watch Confessions of a Shopoholic.  That movie cracked me up, and every woman can relate to some degree.

As this no-shopping experiment winds down, I vow to honor the many beautiful clothes and accessories I already own, even though some days they feel so boring and tired.  Seeing others appreciate my hand-me-downs reminds me to stop buying and appreciate the many gifts already woven into my life.

If We Were Dating...

Shopping is a social experience.  Shopping with friends conveys trust in their opinions and tastes.  The shared experience is relived with every wear of the sparkling new object.  It's not a coincidence that most of my clothes have a story.  "I bought this one in New York with so-and-so, this one in Chicago with whats-her-name...."  I remember the hours spent shopping with my mom as she taught me about fit and quality and proportions.  My mom doesn't cook, but she can shop.  Those days and hours together connected us.

Shopping also connects us with our community members.  Casual conversations and run-ins with acquaintances often occur at the mall, in the dressing room, over lunch or coffee.  The other day, I bought a bottle of Cuevo Gold tequila at the liquior store near my house.  Necessary?  Probably not.  My friend, Allison, requested it for margaritas at our Supper Club tonight.  The man at the register said, "If we were dating, this is what you'd be drinking...." as he held out a sample bottle of Hornitos tequila. 

I looked at his long white hair and smiled.  "Really?  It's that good, huh?" I replied.  "If you don't like it, bring it back here and I'll finish it off for you."  "It's a deal!"  That small purchase filled my day with a funny story and a feeling of connection to my neighborhood.  But even that man defined his identity with a specific brand or product.  What's good enough?  High class enough to represent me and my tastes?  We often tie our worth to the worth of the products we consume.  He may not have much, but he'll be drinking the best tequila tonight!  He'll make sure all of his loved ones experience that luxury, too.  I'll probably see that old guy again before my next party or beloved bottle of Baileys.  Oftentimes, to refuse to buy is to refuse to connect.

Another example... a student of mine, Zoe, asked me to buy girl scout cookies last week.  I instinctively said yes.  I knew that my purchase was a gift to her, even though I was the one receiving the (blessedly delicious) cookies.  The box even declares, "Courage, Confidence, Character!" as though my purchase helps cultivate these qualities in little girls like Zoe.  It practically screams, "Get your checkbook right now, you attempt of a role-model!  It's the least you can do!"  Zoe's little voice, her big eyes peeking out of her long hair and her buding seeds of confidence needed my money and my affirmation.  Are you believing me yet?  Of course I wanted girl scout cookies, but mostly I wanted to support my student.  Buying is a social experience.

The Safety of Home

I feel blessed to live near my family and many of my closest friends.  In emotional, busy and crazy times, I am extremely lucky to be able to seek comfort in my loved ones.  To share a movie night or a nice meal means so much more to me than trying to find sollace in a new dress.  We shop for so many reasons: boredom, sadness, fun, out of hope for how that item will make us feel, look, appear.  We believe that particular object will enhance our lives and make us truly, finally, happy.  That illusion is what keeps us shopping.

I'm ready to scream it out, "I am enough, and I have enough!"  I've been reciting this mantra for about 2 years. It eases my feelings of anxiety or stress about all the things I still "need" in my life.  It frees me from holding on to items and people that don't fit anymore.  The truth is that I don't need much, and I already have it all.

This experiment helps me value life's real riches.  It may sound cliche, but I feel deeply wealthy and see the immeasurable abundance in my life.  I am so grateful.

I'm Not Buying It!

This week I started reading the book, Not Buying It, by Judith Levine.  It documents her year-long experiment concerning shopping.  She and her partner decide to buy nothing except the essentials.  They outlaw high-end products, entertainment costs, etc.  I'm eager to read more about their growth, learning and experiences.

It also makes me wonder what in my life I don't want to "buy" anymore.  I'm tired of buying...

• my unhealthy habits like drinking wine until my throat is sore.
• excuses from the man in my life who won't (can't?) dive into our relationship.
• my overreactions.

I am interested in buying more...

• honesty about how I really feel.
• my supportive family.
• my yoga practice.
• my new challenge of National Boards.
• my finacial security. 

In order to keep choosing this new financial stability, I have to say no to other things, like new clothes or frivolous entertainment costs. This month's experiment helps me see what I really need in my life even beyond objects.

Even if my situation looked like this:

Or even this:

I would still need to decide what is important to me and what makes me truly happy everyday instead of frustrated, unhealthy or confused.  What are you not buying anymore?

Are Flowers a Necessity?

The day after Valentine's Day, I bought myself some beautiful red tulips, my favorite.  They were on sale, so pretty and right next to the check-out stand.  Only later did I second-guess my decision.  Flowers are beautiful and natural and found at the supermarket, but I can obviously live without them.  I guess that makes the flowers my first shopping experiment slip-up.

Despite that small oversight, this experiment has been surprising easy thus far.  I've been busy; the weather has been beautiful; and I've kept myself occupied with fun friends, new recipes, free library books, a cute boy, walks around Volunteer park, National Boards and going out at night.  What more could I really want?

My friend, Stacy, has mentioned a few ways to make this month's experiment a little harder and maybe a little more meaningful.  I'm open to turning this challenge up a notch.

Month Two: Shopping-Free

This month, February 12- March 12, 2010, I am experimenting with no shopping.  Let me first outline the rules of this experiment.  I consider food shopping a necessity, so that's allowed.  However, I am outlawing shopping for clothes, accessories, home decorations, cooking gadgets, presents, etc.  I'm expecting this experiment to be much easier than the vegetarian month.  Today is day number four, and I haven't bought anything off-limits.

A friend of mine is hosting a dinner party/swap on March 5th, so it will be interesting to see how I feel then.  It will be a convenient time to collect a few new things for my closet (and soul?).  Also, today my friend, Ginger, gave me two beautiful mirrors for my place.  It's curious how some things just find their way to you while others seem to require a determined search.

The biggest temptation this month will be Urban Outfitters, a mere two blocks from my house.  Let me first state, I LOVE THAT STORE!  It has so many fun clothes and funky accessories.  I adore the hats and hair pieces especially.  It always has a large sale section, and I've found some great dresses there.  I did go in last night with a girlfriend.  I happily sat on the couch looking at books while she tried on and purchased a few things.  Like I said before, the beginning of each experiment is easy and filled with calm resolve.  I'm going to enjoy this feeling while it lasts.  I'm ready to save some $!