Getting by and not worrying about it

It's been a while since I've posted anything, mostly because I am getting over the whole fear of the recession feeling that motivated me to start this little blog. I'm not afraid anymore because I know we are all suffering through it in our own ways. I'm not alone.

It also helps to not watch the news -- especially regarding the economy, and to remember to make each day the best it can be right now.

Mixing cheap dog food with the good stuff

Ok, I figure my family has been cutting corners to get by and we have reduced our food budget by cooking a turkey on Sunday and then having various leftovers from it throughout the week. Turkey casserole, hot turkey sandwiches, turkey soup.... So, when I saw a huge, inexpensive bag of dog food at Menards, I bought it and we mixed it with the good Iams stuff. Our two chocolate labs haven't complained, and I figure it has saved us $40 a month.

Reusing cotton balls from medicine bottles

Well, I finally did it. Yesterday I bought some multi-vitamins and there was a sizeable cotton ball on top. I was out of cotton when I was taking off my makeup at night; so, yep, I used it. Ok, not a big deal, but I didn't have to drive to the store, and I didn't have to buy cotton balls.... :)

Ok, the stimulus is here, now quit arguing

The stimulus passed, but now the arguments are beginning on how it should be spent. That is defeating the purpose, which is to get money into the economy as quickly as possible by creating jobs. Especially construction jobs, which have a trickle down effect into the economy very quickly. The way I explained it to my sons, who can't find jobs, is once construction workers start working more on the roads, maybe the fast food places, for example, will need to hire more workers.

Here's an easy way to maybe win $318

Ok, the roads in Michigan stink, right. Well, check out www.drivemi.org. They are doing a pothole photo contest. All you have to do is take a picture of the pothole you love to hate, post it on the site, and then vote for your favorites. They are going to pick at least four winners who will each get $318. That's what they figure it costs each Michigan driver in extra vehicle repairs, time lost in congestion, etc. If you ask me, it probably costs even more.

Emotional Impact of the Economy: Hurry Up Stimulus!

Here is a story this morning from CNN that gets into the emotional impacts of the economy. So sad.

Economy Woes Become More Common: Let's Hurry Up with the Stimulus Package

Spent the day yesterday hearing from friends who have adult children who are losing their homes, and a close family member who is filing for bankruptcy. Also, reviewed an in-depth article in our local paper about what to do if you are facing foreclosure.