It’s the economy

Lincoln and I (and Kimball) like to joke around that everything that happens in life is due to current state of the economy. Why is this lot empty? Why is Costco packed? Why did they hire that bimbo to run the front desk at the gym?

So here is my list of things I am attributing to the economy (BotE –because of the economy):

1) Lincoln and I sat down at the beginning of the year and planned the 2009 budget. BotE, we are being really stingy this year and drastically reduced allowances for entertainment, dining, vacations, and (eek!) shoes. I did promise to not buy any shoes unless absolutely necessary.

2) We also decided to drop a few pounds BotE. For one, you save money not eating as much junk and preparing meals at home instead of eating out. I’ve cut my work lunches to 1x a week with a max of $10.

Another reason is because we pay $25 a month each to use the gym so we are going as often as possible to get the most out of it.

Some friends of mine started Weight Watchers to lose weight. We are using a free tracker at www.sparkpeople.com.

3) We are done with Blockbuster BotE. They keep jacking up their prices and they rarely have what we want. Now Netflix can be frustrating (we are doing the 1 DVD at a time) but they let you stream unlimited movies through our Xbox straight to the TV. Now we have countless hours of at home entertainment and I can watch as many chick flicks as I want.

4) No birthday celebrations.

Lincoln informed me the BotE, we would not be celebrating my birthday. I was trying to convince him to take me to see my Craig-y perform in Mesa for $40 a pop as an early gift. Craig Ferguson from the incredibly late show on CBS. I love him! I think it is just because of his accent… Those Scottsmen. Grrrrrlll.

Side note – I’m completely cool with no birthday stuff. I’ve decided I am not aging anymore and I will forever be 25.

5) I’ve always been very appreciative of Lincoln’s job and his benefits. Yes, his late hours do suck, but BotE, I don’t mind as much. His health insurance alone is saving us loads of $$$.

6) BotE I am attempting my very first yard sale on 1/24. I’m genetically engineered to be a pack rat (Have you met my mother? Or her mother? J ) and always seem to have tons of “stuff”. I’m pretty good at cleaning out my closet and garage regularly and disposing of the junk or passing the worthwhile stuff down to the nieces (and sister in laws). Because honestly, who doesn’t love hand-me-downs? I remember getting them as a kid from cousins and neighbors and it was better than Christmas.

Any veteran yard sellers? Got any tips? I have no idea how to price things (like CD’s or shoes) and the best way to advertise. My mom says that every time she has done a yard sale, people buy just about anything. Even the really ugly things.

7) No more Barnes & Nobles. We use to go and buy things in order to stimulate the E. But now BotE, I am determined to read everything in my queue first (15 books or so/ 1 months worth – if I could just get through Mansfield Park), and re-read favorites later. Because if you don’t re-read, you really shouldn’t own…

I think that is all for now. I could come up with tons more I’m sure but you get the picture.

Speaking of pictures, I owe the Brazilians from December an apology. I found my beloved Canon digital camera and luckily, BotE, was able to return the crappy Nikon to Costco. So what if you have 4mp more than my Canon? So what if you can tell if someone is smiling or if they blinked? You took crappy, grainy pictures and I couldn’t figure out how to work you. Plus, I have a wonderful history with my Canon and hope it lasts for many more years. Hopefully, I won’t lose it in my own car while frantically looking for my stolen (still missing) cell phone.