You know why? Because f' it, that's why. But, not really...except sometimes.
It is late fall and here in the middle-west that means shorter days, longer nights, colder temperatures, changing routines. Raking up the bags and bags and bags of leaves is a chore to be savored because, until it snows, you're not really going to love doing anything outside. So I'm getting ready to coop myself back up in the indoors. Boo!
But it also means lots of time to think in the dark. Boo! Reminders of long-forgotten goals begin to haunt the edges of my mind. Projects like this blog start to tap me on the shoulder. Which isn't a bad thing as I like this blog and blogging in it. I just also like to ignore it and watch Real Housewives. Alas, I've decided I can't afford cable and Bravo doesn't put all the episodes online.
So here's the thing. Husband has been out of work now for OVER a year. We passed the 1-year mark on Guy Fawkes Day. And what I've been thinking about since then is how much we've been able to afford--not about what I can't afford. (Oh, to be sure, there is plenty we can't afford...but it is also not things I need or even want.)
Check it. This year:
I've been to Savannah to see wonderful, awesome friends. I went to D.C. with my husband and crammed as much museum-ing into a few days as possible. We got a new hot water heater, a couple new windows and a couple new doors for home improvement. I've been able to make it possible for the red-headed step-child to continue going to private school and gymnastics. I've become much better at yoga and joined a book club and otherwise had a great time with great friends and family.
We're doing great, still scrimping, yet trying to spend smartly (except when we don't). We're lucky we still have one job and we've made it this far. And we can afford it, after all.
