And the problem is it sucks for most of us. I’m talking about how damn expensive everything has gotten.

I try not to drive every day; I don’t need to go that much. Even when I travel and will be staying in one place for a few days I make sure the dogs & I get downtime. We’re not in a hurry most generally.

This saves gas and helps the planet. It also saves a lot of money with these ridiculous gas prices. Of course it also affects grocery prices as well. I usually buy stuff that’s more organic, natural and healthier…and that means more expensive. Not everything is guilt-free because you have to have those splurges. I just do without some things and substitute lower-priced options for others. I want good food and good ingredients and it’s speedy.

I’m trying to watch my money because I am looking at a couple of things in the future that I want to do and it will require money. I do have some set aside plus all my credit card rewards (that might pay for one of the things I want to do). Of course, I always budget travel as much as I can without getting too crazy, but there’s the costs of everyday life as well. My recent trip to Spokane really made me realize how expensive eating out and hotels can get.

Right now many of us are feeling a lot of pain. I’m not going to get into the political crap – that is not what I want to write about. It’s just that, for me, I need to see and do things whether near or far…for me, it’s my peace. If I can save a little money here or there and get out for a trip somewhere that is worth the sacrifices. It also helps me “escape” the current bullshit in the world including the high prices.

It’s good to find some distraction to filter out the noise. For me, like I said, it’s travel. Since I am trying to save up for future adventures I found something to help offset my lack of mobility. When I went to the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas a few weeks back I picked up a book that is an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism.

I am not a reader as I have said before. I just never wanted to sit and read. I have gotten more interested in starting to read. I started a Rick Steves book but when I moved it ended up in the trailer and then life got weird so I never picked it back up. But, I am getting a little more open to picking up a book; even more now that I got rid of my iPad (and one reason I did it). I am finding the book interesting. Probably woulda done me some good to read this stuff long ago.

I started reading this Buddhism book after I got home and I do find it interesting…which is a bit odd since, again, those of you who know me, also know my thoughts on religion. It is not really as much a “religion”, per se, as it is a practical philosophy – and that is what I like about it. I have always found Buddhist philosohies intriguing. It was very peaceful to visit the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas; it was not just the peace vibe you feel there, but the inscriptions you read give you things to think about as you wander around at your own pace. It surprises even me that I find it interesting, but it’s because it is different, non-threatening, and cannot be weaponized.

I am not an expert on the topic since I am just learning about it. Like most things in the word, it is best to look at it yourself. I am not trying to convert anyone…even myself. Just learning some things.

That is about it for now.

Shawn