My mother hasn't officially come out and said it, but I feel her thinking it as we talk over the phone and discuss life as we used to know it. Times are tough. Not just for me, for almost everyone I know. Every day I hear about someone new losing their job. Another took a pay cut. Another took an unpaid day or more off. So now the whole "Preparedness" thing carries more water. (Speaking of water...Mom, I know, I know...don't worry.)
I just told my sister the accountant said the "B" word to me. Not familiar with the "B" word? Budget. I told the accountant I felt like I was being sent to the Principal's office for misbehaving in class. I really don't like being told what to do. Does anyone? I'm mired in bank statements and payroll taxes that don't add up. If I ever have to go back to a "real" job (i.e. one that pays me money) -- I know it won't be accounting!!! Anyway, my husband and I had a "date" (date: noun, meaning an outing without children overhearing stressful conversations). We went to Winnco -- a warehouse like grocery store where you bag your own groceries. It was amazing how much money I spent and what I got compared to the "regular" grocery store. I hate shopping there cuz there is so much pressure to bag your groceries in a light-speed like manner. You need octopus arms to get through it fast enough. I even saw beads of sweat gathering on my husband's forehead as the pressure began to build.
We announced to the kids that we'd be eating out less and at home more. Bursts of "yea" erupted from their mouths and "it's fine with me". That's easy for them to say -- they aren't the mom! I can see there is a lot more pasta in our future. Anyway, I feel like I should send condolence cards to the wait staff at various restaurants that we won't frequent as often. Do you think they'll miss me?
The good thing is you do get more creative. Picnics to the park, long walks with my girls to t-ball practice during a break in the rain, games of Scene It and more piano practicing. All these things are free and more memorable than a night at the movies.
I'm not sure how I'll do with the exact budget thing, but I'm hoping the bottom gets here soon. It's good to know I'm not in this alone. Now...anyone know what to do with a barrel of wheat?
6 comments:
Sorry, can't help you with the barrel of wheat. But I think you'll like the budget more than you think you will. There is a sort of peace of mind that comes w/following a budget. I know it will be new for you, but you might not hate it as much as you think. And at least the "B" word wasn't the other "B" word which is what I thought you meant...
I've never been good with a budget, but have done much better over the past year. There is a definite peace that comes from living within your means, staying out of debt, and saving what you would normally spend on more extravagant stuff. I'm not good at the traditional food storage either. We just normally stock up on sale items and buy in bulk what we know we eat--and then rotate it. Best of luck to you as you're trying to make these changes in your lifestyle. :)
Do free food samples at Sam's Club count for "eating out"? (Every time I pass Sam's Club with my 3-year old grandaughter in the car, she'll say "There's Sam's. That's where my mama goes." And at Sam's, you don't have to bag - just throw 'em all back in the buggy!
Anyway, you are so right - you do get more creative when you need to (post-it note here, free therapy/entertainment does abound, piano and blogging being at the top of the list - as a matter of fact, I took a picture of the organ keyboard after church yesterday to use on just such a post - as the husband of mamafamilias has been one of those job statistics since last May).
And through all the budgeting, the secret is to "just smile and way boys, smile and wave."
duh, what good is a punch line if you don't type it right?
"just smile and WAVE boys, smile and wave."
Are you really asking about the wheat? Boy, do I ever! Let me know when you are sincerely wanting those recipes. Way to go on these great changes--the ones we have made this year as we told our children we needed to step back from spending have been a real blessing to us. We are grateful. Way to go on bagging your own groceries!!!
I love Winco! Their meat is awesome! We have considered driving up to Idaho and buying a bunch of roasts to bring back. Your $ goes so much further. Welcome to the rest of us in the B-club. Budgeting truly does reduce stress,and that saves on the drugs!
You are so funny. I love your title!
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