We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post, but this does NOT cost you anything extra! Check out my full disclosure for more info.
I have been a little MIA recently. There is no excuse, but I wanted to take a moment and share a few updates with you.
After all, sometimes life has a funny way of taking over.
I have decided to start up an old side hustle I used to do in high school and college. It’s generally a little work but has always been a lot of fun too. That “side hustle” is house-sitting.
Currently, where I am, I have found they do not have the best internet connection. That is a blessing and a curse, especially when you spend so much time online finding jobs and putting out content.
But what that does mean is that I’ve been enjoying the area. Spending time outdoors and with the animals. Oh yeah, and reading too!
Speaking of reading.
I started a challenge with myself quite some time ago. The goal was to read for 30-days, and I’m proud to say that I never stopped!
I’m reading more now than I have in my entire life! Keep in mind this picture below only includes the digital books I’m reading (not all the other things like regular books, emails, other blogs, and so on).
It may seem silly, but having this streak helps to keep me motivated. I even found time to read during my last road trip (most times with no cell reception)!
More on finding work
I have always found house-sitting a fun way to help others. They get to go on a vacation, and their animals get to stay in a familiar place, their own home!
And, over the last month, I have been venturing off on a new possible job direction. I have a feeling I’ll write about it later, but it’s been a good amount of work.
Which I also noticed took time away from other things, like my BLOG!
Last personal update. I sadly got an injury and found I can’t spend as much time as I usually spend on the computer. Mainly due to the pain it causes, but I hope to get it taken care of soon!
But with all that said, let’s get to the good stuff.
The October 30-Day Challenge
If you are following along with the latest 30-day challenge, we are just past halfway!
As of today, if you have completed this challenge so far every day this month, you have removed a total of 153 items!
A few of the things I’ve gotten rid of include:
- Shredding (and lots of it)
- Digital clutter (files, emails, including unsubscribing to newsletters I no longer read)
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Camping gear I don’t use
- Digital camera
- A credit card! Yeah, you read that right.
- Kitchen gear
- And much, much more!
If you participated, even for a day, I want to know!
Please share with me what you have done in the comments below.
With following the rules, it’s been pretty easy so far. But starting tomorrow, finding 18 items is beginning to be much more complicated. We need to band together and keep each other motivated.
Now is the time this challenge is going to be ramping from here on out.
It’s time to share what you have done so far this month (in the comments below) to hold each other accountable, start digging deep, and complete this 30-day challenge strong!
Random But Exciting
Here is a little piece of random exciting news. Wilde Escape officially turned two today!
How crazy is that? I didn’t think it had been that long.
I want to thank YOU most of all. With people like you reading my content, I wouldn’t be doing it. So THANKS! From the bottom of my heart.
I’ve learned a lot, have used my blog to help others, and cannot wait to see what happens next!
Over the last week, I’ve gone back and read some of the first posts. I also noticed that my first post was on October 24, 2019. But I purchased this domain on the 17th.
I remember not knowing where to start (there are a lot of moving parts and things to set up on the backend of a website).
It was after working out that I decided to write. Not knowing really where it was going to go, but having a thought in mind. It’s been a fun journey so far, and I feel that my writing has improved since that post, but let me know what you think.
I Want Your Feedback
I continue to read all the comments and emails that are sent to me.
My overall goal is to provide you with content you want to read.
Once you share what you have done with the 30-day challenge (even if it was only one thing), I would appreciate it if you would also mention anything else you want to see Wilde Escape do from this point forward?
I have a few ideas, but you are always more than welcome. After all, that is how I find some gear to review and blogs to write.
Let me know your thoughts below!
There is a lot of stuff in this blog that I want to comment on.
First, I LOVE the pics!
Which brings me to the next topic: That’s a beautiful place to hang out while making some cash. House sitting is a big commitment, but really is a win-win for everyone [especially the lucky animals that can stay in familiar surroundings and keep routines].
Congrats on TOTALLY surpassing your reading goal!
That is quite an accomplishment.
Congrats on Year Two of this blog!
I believe the more we write, the better we get at it. You sure have proved that.
The 30 day challenge has been interesting and inspiring [see my comments on the original blog on this subject].
Overall, it has been fun in different ways: feeling an accomplishment in clearing space, discovering objects I forgot I had, and spreading joy by giving things to others.
One last comment. In this blog, in your list of “A few of the things I’ve gotten rid of include:”
I wonder if you REALLY shredded important documents?
That does not sound like a good idea. I’m just sayin’…
The funny part was that I thought it would be a “quick post,” funny how some things happen.
Thanks for the comment and mention of the pictures. They were fun, and I think I want to start taking photos more. Also, it helps since I got a new phone (these have good lenses on them).
Thanks for the catch on ‘important documents,’ I’ll fix that right now. It’s not super essential docs, just things that needed to be scanned before shredding. And there was A LOT of shredding 🙂
I survived the 30 Day Challenge!
465 items gone from my home!
Before you ask … NO … I am NOT doing the “Bonus” 31st day tomorrow!
“Challenge” is the perfect word to describe it. In the final days, I counted every single tiny item. This included documents that I shredded, and creative counting of digital clutter. It was a great experience, but one I am sure not to repeat.
I read a comment [elsewhere in the minimalist world] that one person said she was addicted to purging her home. Somehow it became an obsession for her and could not stop thinking about what to get rid of. I am happy to learn through this experience that I do not suffer from that obsession. Although I enjoy keeping my home simple and free of clutter, I prefer to remove items at my own pace. A weekend is best when I can take my time and focus on one closet. This every day situation was exhausting and felt like an obligation. So, I guess what I am trying to proclaim is that I am of sound mind. LOL
Honestly, if it wasn’t for you doing this challenge as well, I would have given up. Thanks for that!
Overall, this experience was positive and cleansing. [no pun intended]
Note: I will also post this comment in your other blog on the subject.
Congratulations!
That is such a remarkable accomplishment. Thanks for pointing out that the 30-day challenge is 31. But let’s be honest, 465 items is a TON! This was a challenge, and after the 15th, it proved to live up to the name.
Being someone that is addicted to purging? And I assume that is for items (and not the other) is a crazy concept. I struggle with, “What if I will need this someday.” But I’m sure we all do.
Thanks for doing this challenge, it was fun and challenging, but I’m happy to know someone else joined me on it.
(I’ll share later if I completed it too).