I’M NERVOUS. Sorry- didn’t mean to yell- but I’m nervous. I’m also terribly excited- because… I have a new project. For some time now I’ve felt that the “Year of No” books really ought to be a series of three. Of course Year of No Sugar was my first book/family torture experiment and Year of No Clutter was the second. I had the idea for this third book ever since YONS was published in 2014, and have been chomping at the bit to do it ever since, but sometimes life gets in the way- you know how it is. So you’ll forgive me for any over-enthusiasm- I promise to stop pacing a hole in the carpet any minute now.
Why three? Well for one thing, I think three is just a really nice, satisfying number for a series of something, (two being too few and four being, you know, maybe a little show-offy.) Also, we did our Year of No Sugar adventure in 2011 when my kids were quite young, just 6 and 11, and the Year of No Clutter escapade took place in 2016 when they were 11 and 16. This third and final venture will involve them at ages 15 and 20- effectively spanning a nice, neat decade from beginning to end in the life of our family. You may recall that I have an ever so slight obsessive bent to my personality, so I do like things nice and neat.
And finally, thematically it will also make a lot of sense. I mean, hopefully to people other than just myself. But that explanation will have to wait. On New Year’s Day I’ll announce just what our family will be doing without for the entirely of 2020.
What do you think it will be? A Year of No People Magazine? A Year of No Taxidermy? A Year of No Cheese? Make a guess in the comments and if you get it right I’ll send you something really, really nice that is definitely probably not a Christmas re-gift from my Aunt Madeline.
Eve O. Schaub 
Year of no spending. Like other than groceries. That’s my guess bc I was thinking of doing it myself so it’s what I want to read about. 😁
An excellent idea! Are you blogging about it?- cause I’d totally want to read that one
Lol maybe I should. You inspired me. 😊
TV
good guess…
YON internet. YON cell phones. YON tv. Am I close? 😃
Excellent guesses- Actually this is pretty much exactly what my runner-up idea was- the avoiding technology idea. My husband Steve and I talked about this A LOT. In the end, I/we ended up going with another we found even more compelling
Year of no screens (digital that is)
I love that several people are guessing this because it was THIS CLOSE to being chosen, if not for the more compelling idea we decided upon- Excellent guess! thanks for weighing in
Year of no screens (digital that is)
You and Suzanne (see other comment) are on the same wavelength and it is such a great guess because this ended up being our second choice to the idea we decided upon. Stay tuned! I think you’ll like it
A year of no meat.
Good guess…and in a way it is along a similar idea. Well- now I’m just being confusing… you’ll see what I mean soon! 🙂
For a moment there, I thought the 3rd one was:
A Year of No BOOKS!
because you wrote: “For some time now I’ve felt that the “Year of No” books really ought to be”
I started to think…only reading on devices??? No actual books!!??
hopefully it’s not a year of no books LOL
Ha ha ha ha! Doesn’t the old saying go- A Year of No Books is like a year of no sunshine? Or it should. Thankfully we’re not going to give up books 🙂
Year of no plastic?
Ah… you are getting very, very warm. 🙂
A year of no trash!!!
YES!! And you were the very first person to get it so you should get a special prize- but I promise not to send you any garbage 🙂 See my announcement post today!!!
Year of nothing made in China?
Year of no trash?
YES! You got it- see my new post today
Actually, Angela Preuss got there first on the 23rd.
Yes, I know, but you got it too 🙂
A year of no social media? No driving? No meat? No saying no? Or yes? No spending? No new clothes?
I could honestly do a couple of these and improve my life…
Can’t wait to hear what it is. I’ve very much enjoyed reading your first two escapades!
These are all so good. I could have my work cut out for me for YEARS. And thank you!!
Year of No News? Year of No Facebook/Social Media?
Ah, now you’re making me wistful. Would that it were.
Eve, I think it will be a ‘year without TV’. I’d like to guess the Internet but I know how important your blog is and I know you want to communicate with family. Best wishes on your Third!
I know, I’ve thought about the conundrum there because a year of no digital or no technology or computers is certainly a very good, very timely topic- but then how do you promote it? Gak! Thank you Mary Ellen!
A year of no negativity.
A year of no debt.
A year of no lateness.
A year of no self doubt.
A year of no judgement.
Whoa- these are all so good!
A year of no YELLING 😄
I KNOW RIGHT 🙂
Is it a year of no waste? The only waste being recyclable, compostable or of that nature. Really excited to follow this next project!
YES!! Officially the title is Year of No Garbage but you totally got it- see my new post today
Yay!!! Excited to be right, but so excited for your journey and the inspiration for my own. Starting the family on our own modified “no sugar year”. Alas, we’re in the midst of the terrible 2s with one, so I’ll be choosing my battles wisely (perhaps I’ll allow ketchup…)
Ah yes, you have your work cut out for you as well! 🙂 Check out the New York Times article from today entitled “Make 2020 the Year of Less Sugar”
Where is the new post? I have not seen it. Excited to follow the year of no garbage.
It should show up on the home page of my website now, as well as under the subheading “Year of No Garbage”- definitely let me know if you aren’t finding it.
I guess a year of no waste. 🙂 Since I would aspire to that.
Reduce carbon footprint. No using products that harm the earth.
A year of no texting?
A Year of No Excess? No excessive eating, spending, travelling, social media…moderation in everything is the key.