A Good Neighbor

This morning I went rollerblading to get some exercise. I left on my usual route in the neighborhood. Blading in my neighborhood means I can put on all my safety gear and go out the front door - no car involved. The down side to my street route is that I have to be very careful about traffic, including people backing out of their driveways.

This morning I want to thank one of my neighbors, though we have not met. As I was blading I saw a car several houses ahead begin to back out of a driveway. The car stopped before actually reaching the street. I cautiously moved to the other side of the street. I was afraid the driver had paused for some unknown reason, didn't see me and would continue backing out without much time for me to get out of the way. I was wrong. The driver had seen me and waited patiently while I went by. This may not sound like much, but to those of us who get our exercise using the streets, it is big. This driver waited for me for at least a minute. Sit in your car for a minute when you are on your way somewhere - it seems much longer. This same person actually drove slower than the speed limit while passing me moments later. This was another surprise as many drivers in my neighborhood are exceeding the speed limit.

Many thanks to my kind neighbor - whoever they are. You probably never heard of Inconvenience Yourself™, but you are living it.

Earth Day and Inconvenience Yourself™

Inconvenience Yourself™ is a great fit with Earth Day on April 22. There are many things you can do to celebrate Earth Day. Pick one or more from the list below. Celebrate all week and pick an earth friendly project for each day of the week, or come up with an idea of your own.

• Carpool or take public transportation to work


• Take a walk in your neighborhood and pick up trash


• Run the dishwasher and washer only when full


• Stop junk mail www.proquo.com


• Save energy by adjusting the air conditioner a couple of degrees


• Turn off and unplug appliances not being used


• Use less water by taking a shorter shower and not running water continuously as you brush your teeth or shave


• Take your own bags when shopping


• Dry your clothes on a close line instead of using the dryer


• Donate items in good condition you no longer use rather than throwing them away


• Walk or ride a bike to run errands instead of driving


• Schedule an energy audit with your power company


• Avoid long idling times in your car - park and go inside instead of using the drive through


• Sign up for electronic billing and eliminate paper statements


• Catch water in a container as you wait for it to get hot and use to to water plants


• Wrap your water heater in an insulated blanket

For more on Inconvenience Yourself™ go to http://www.inconvenienceyourself.com/

Save Money Through Inconvenience Yourself™

George was an early supporter of the Inconvenience Yourself™ way of living. He is also the Executive Director of the Florida Speakers Association. When my annual association fee came due recently, I faxed George the form with payment information. The following day I received an email from him which was not the receipt I was expecting. Instead, it was a note letting me know that due to my status with the National Speakers Association, the dues would be $50 dollars less.

George could have processed the form as it was sent in, at the higher rate. I would not have known the difference. Instead, he provided a great example of Inconvenience Yourself™ - he took the time to verify my status, adjust the rate and send me a note. Thank you George, I will put the $50 to good use!

Inconvenience Yourself™ shows up in my life every day. How does it show up in your life? For more information go to www.InconvenienceYourself.com Send your stories of how someone helped save you money or other Inconvenience Yourself™ story to http://inconvenienceyourself.com/submit.html .