Ten on Tuesday, the essentials edition.

Ten Things I Wouldn't Want To Live Without.
(Carole has ruled out naming people, so these are all THINGS.)

1. Electricity. This is the single most essential thing to a comfortable life, imho. Except good health.
   
   
2. Good health. There, all covered.
    
3. Indoor plumbing, including hot and cold running water. Occasionally we lack the running water part -- well pump is on the cheaper interruptible power grid from the local electric coop -- and it sucks. Although not enough to pay more for the electricity.
    
4. Central heating. Our forced-air, groundwater heat pump system also provides air conditioning, too, but I could live without that. It is nice but not essential this far north. Besides, we live in the woods -- plenty of shade and complete absence of an urban heat island -- and by a lake. Duh.
    
5. A car that is relatively reliable. It's a long walk to town civilization.
   
   
6. Telephone and broadband internet service. The latter is the thing that compensates for any and all perceived shortcomings of living in the boondocks. 
    
7. A computer to take advantage of same. Duh.
    
8. My iPod Touch. I cannot tell you how much I enjoy this little sucker. It does everything that Palm tried to do back in the day, plus much, much more. And does it quite well, thankyouverymuch.
    
9. Dishwasher. When we started looking for a cabin back in 1990 I stipulated that it had to have a dishwasher. Why would I want to go to a place for relaxation if that required me to do work that I had eliminated from the rest of my life? Some might say that a cabin with a dishwasher is not really a cabin. To them I say, Pffft!
    
10. Knitting and yarn. Duh.
    
    
11. Furry pets. Things? I don't know, but certainly wouldn't want to live without them.

* * * * *

I have been thinking about the intentions I posted for last week's Ten on Tuesday, and, although those were good ones, I have some modifications that came to me as I gave the subject more thought. The first three illustrate the axiom that to ensure the behavior ensures the desired result.

• Get the recommended 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. There are days when I eat NO fruits or vegies, and that is Not Good. 
  
  
• Eliminate bedtime snacks. This alone may ensure weight loss. Note: I am eliminating the snacks, NOT the glass of wine. Just so we are clear on that.
  
  
• Get on the treadmill at least 3 times a week BEFORE I eat anything. Recent news stories have highlighted the effectiveness of exercise early in the day as a way to get one's metabolism moving at an increased rate. Until the snow and ice are gone -- say, by July -- the treadmill is my weapon of choice for exercise.
  
  
• Instead of having a sock as my carry-along knitting project, I will choose hats or scarves or other small projects. I have enough socks for now, and this would be an easy way to incorporate my charity community knitting into my year-long knitting routine and avoid the crush that seems to occur every autumn.

Comments

[Kym]

Great lists all the way around! A glass of wine is NOT a bedtime snack. It is an essential element of winding down. Just sayin'.

[k]

You forgot paper towel. I know I am scum for this, and I try to use as little as possible by ripping sheets into two or three pieces, but PLEASE DON'T TAKE IT AWAY!!!!

I had to think, but yes, I ate two servings of grapes and an orange yesterday. It's easier to remember when you put them in your way. I should remember to be on the lookout for little apples.

[Amanda]

"Note: I am eliminating the snacks, NOT the glass of wine. Just so we are clear on that."

I love that clarification! Good luck with the fruits and veggies. I know I always feel better when I eat them :)

[Laurie]

Good thoughts. I agree on the wine, and will think about hats as carry along projects. Had not considered the substitution!

[Cookie]

Doesn't wine count as fruit? ;^)

[Chris]

Books!!!!

[Carrie K]

Your 11 and the mods make sense to me but I agree with Chris!

[Bullwinkle]

Can't you read books on the iPod? (I'll share my electronic versions!)

I actually pack all the fruit and vegi's and take them to work. No eating anything else until they're all gone. (Gawd that is annoying some days!)

Mittens also make great carry-along projects. I had to make a few pair before I could get too far without a pattern - but then it's like socks. I can't figure out how to add gloves to the mix - I still need the recipients fingers at some point.

Excellent list.

[gayle]

Cookie beat me to my comment. I'm pretty sure wine counts as fruit...

[mary lou]

Doesn't wine count as a fruit?