Fast Food Is Too Complicated

Yesterday, someone bought me lunch from Taco Bell. It was very thoughtful of them. But when they asked me what I wanted, I had no idea. I rarely eat fast food at all, and I've never even ordered from Taco Bell. I didn't know the menu. So they got me a burrito and a taco. I was pleased. So nice of them to buy me lunch.


I started to think. I don't know fast food menus off the top of my head. It makes sense, since I don't eat fast food a lot. How do people do it? If you eat from restaurants or fast food daily, how to you decide on what to eat? How can you afford paying for it everyday? Where's the common sense? Americans are at a point where they think it is easier to go somewhere, order food, wait for it, pay for it when you get it, and drive back; then to just pay for a week's worth of food at once. I don't want it to seem like I am bashing on the food industry, so bear with me.


Why I don't like fast food:

• It's unhealthy. I know eating fast food makes me feel bloated and sluggish. I can only imagine what eating it regularly could do to your body.
• It's rushed. You're rushing one of the most enjoyable parts of your day. Eating a meal should be spent conversing with friends, enjoying the food, and savoring the simple pleasure of eating.
• It's expensive. If you spend $50-75 (that can be a larger/smaller number. I'm just estimating.) at a grocery store for a week, that's roughly 3 meals a day. But if you spend about $5-6 per meal for fast food, that's over $100 a week. So shopping for food is cheaper in the long run.
• It's complicated. Instead of buying food at a grocery and planning out basic meals, you'd have to order a burger, get toppings, a side, a drink, sizes for all those things, and the classic: "Do you want fries with that?"

People will always have questions like, "Mike, what if I'm in a hurry?" or "What about school?"

Being in a hurry is one thing, I can understand that. Fast food might be a reasonable choice then. I suggest taking more time in your day to eat at home. If you must eat out, then go for it. But by all means, make a smart decision. Get a chicken sandwich, or a salad. Not only are they healthier than burgers, but sometimes even cheaper. Don't form a habit of eating out.

In high school, I know I struggled to eat simply. Most days I caved and got the main dish, fries, and drink. I thought it was simpler to go with the flow of eating what was provided than to think about my meal beforehand. 

In college, it can be different. You'll have much more selection and freedom. Go for wraps, salads, and sandwiches rather than burgers, pizza, and junk food. Most colleges have dorms with kitchens. Make use of it. Make your meals at your dorm instead of eating out. 

To sum up my rant, eating at home and buying from a grocery store is simpler, easier, and inexpensive compared to eating out. You'll be much happier and your body will thank you. 

100 Thing Challenge

College is fast approaching, and a lot of people are talking about what they're taking to college. I hear mostly the same things: bedding, clothes, computer, furniture, and TV. I also hear about is the vast amount of things people will bring. It seems that my friends plan on bringing everything they own. But I have a different idea.


I plan on bringing only 100 personal items to college.


I read about this concept in a book by Dave Bruno, The 100 Thing Challenge. It's a fantastic book. The goal of this is to reduce the amount of clutter you have, and to see what you actually use and love. (Edit- I'd like to give a big thank you to Dave Bruno personally for reading my blog and retweeting this to all his followers. He has done me a huge favor by doing so.)


What isn't included:

• Books
• Cleaning supplies
• Things that aren't personally yours, like dishes, an air conditioning unit, fridge, or TV.
• Tools
• Collections count as one item

I am excited to give this a try. Since I'm going to college soon, I'll be able to use this to guide what I take to college. That way I will truly see how well I can live with only 100 things. Then I will limit my entire life, and not just what I bring to college.

What is included:

• Personal items

It's up to you to decide what's personal and what isn't. Usually you'd include shirts, pants, and clothing all as individual items. There is no judge, no competition, and no wrong answer to this. 

How to start:

• Inventory: Write down everything you choose. That way you can see how close to 100 you are.
• Make a must keep pile. This is for things like a phone, keys, your Olympic Gold Medal, and clothing. Mark those separately, so you know not to forget them in the list.
• Mark all the maybe items. If you get over 100, remove items from this list first. These are items you are borderlined about. Maybe it's that home run derby ball, or the shirt you got for Christmas.
• Get rid of the rest. It's all right if this last step takes longer than the others. If you really think you might need these other items then put them in a box. Put that box in storage, and if you need to use it, you can.
• If 100 is too easy, try a lower number. How about 95? If you're really daring, try 75, or  50.

My list so far:

1. Laptop
2. Phone
3. Camera
4. Climbing shoes
5. harness
6. chalk bag
7. Bible
8. printer
9. bedding
10. backpack
11. sunglasses
12. Sanuks
13. running shoes
14. running shoes
15. hiking shoes
16. flip flops
17. black dress shoes
18. brown/black reversible belt
19. cloth casual belt
20. gyro forearm exerciser
21. door frame pull up bar
22. yoga mat
23. coffee maker

I still have to go through my clothing. That will be the hardest part.

I might choose to list the coffee maker and printer as non-personal since my roommate might use them as well. I chose to list my laptop as one item, but I'm including it in the collection with its charger, mouse, mouse pad, and webcam. Same with my phone. It and its charger are one item.

Things I'm not counting (so far):

• Furniture
• school supplies

Once I know my full list, it will be posted.

Try the 100 thing challenge. Remember, you're the boss of this. You decide what counts and what doesn't. Write to me in the comments section on your progress, or message me in the contact section in the sidebar.

Update

I didn't update like I wanted to. I have accomplished a lot since I wrote last. 

• I read Zen To Done by Leo Babauta. This ebook is great. I am now trying the system out. It's about creating habits, productivity, and achieving goals in a simplified way. 
• I decluttered much of my closet. I tore apart my closet and got rid of all the junk and trash. Now everything is in its place.
• My desk has stayed relatively clear. I say relatively because I don't have an inbox set up yet. All of my "to do's" have piled up. That's one of the next things in the Zen To Done (ZTD) system for me.
• I've started carrying around a small notebook. Instead of getting out my phone, going to the notes application, and typing, I now have a notebook to write my MITs and to do's. I've also started capturing ideas and the like in it. It's become useful and I hope to continue to use it.

I go to orientation this week for The Ohio State University. I'll get a good idea of what I will need in college, so I will be able to write down my list of everything I am bringing to college. I plan on doing the 100 Thing Challenge. I'm only bringing 100 things to college. I can't wait to start making the list!

I'll be able to update more frequently now that I have started ZTD. It consists of 10 habits I need to make, and I will record what I do. 

High School Is Over

Friday was my last day of high school. I now have a large commitment out of the way. I'm able to focus more on my blog now. I apologize for the lack of posting. Looking at my priorities, school trumped blogging. But now school is over for me, and now I have much more time to write. 


My graduation is Saturday. This brings up two options for this blog:

1. Changing the name. I'm not going to be in high school, or a "teenager" that much longer. I need to appeal to a wider audience.
2. Keep this blog the way it is, and start another blog from scratch.

I'm leaning toward making another blog. I have links all over the web, and this blog has become a stepping stone for me. I have learned many things by writing this. Living simply is a journey, and I've gotten so much closer to my goal.

Keep your eyes out for a few things:

• My new blog
• An ebook (Big surprise! Even for me! I'm excited about this.)
• More posts regarding my college plans, and having a simple summer

For all you high school students still in school: focus on exams, the day to day life, and being present. Don't be distracted. Good luck to all of you!