Silly Mom Thoughts

This economy sucks.

I know, that’s not exactly breaking news or something you haven’t heard about a gazillion times, but seriously, it sucks. “They” say that everyone is feeling the pinch, everyone is struggling to get by in this economy, but is that true?

While driving the other day (trying to decide which grocery store would be the cheapest to buy milk, but also the closest so that I didn’t waste too much gas getting there), I counted three, yes three, Hummers cruising down the road. How in God’s Green Earth can anyone afford to drive a Hummer?!

At the mall this week, I stood in awe as people walked by. Left and right I saw perfectly dyed and styled hair, Venti Starbucks beverages, bags filled with designer clothes, Coach purses, designer shades, oh the list could go on and on. As I stood with my purchase (two seriously discounted birthday presents for Bug’s friends), I wondered when I’d be able to afford such lavish things.

It wasn’t even a second later when another thought came to mind: Can these people even afford Coach and Loius Vitton? Can those Hummer drivers (who are obviously overcompensating, if you know what I mean…) afford their cars and the gas?

My guess: Probably not.

We are struggling in this economy like every other family. We are counting every penny and eating endless mounds of mac ‘n cheese. After a money conversation recently, Turk said, “Lins, I wish I was making enough so you could buy nice stuff and afford to get your hair highlighted like you want.” Honestly, the fact that I can even afford to get my hair cut is enough for me right now. I would much rather give up luxuries now, to ensure a secure future for us later. I know we won’t always struggle. I know that one day when I fill up my gas tank, I will not have to worry about my card being declined. I know that if we sacrifice now, we will only reap the benefits later.

This is my first recession as an adult, and I feel like if we can make it through this, we can make it through anything. If we can live within (or even below) our means, we can take on the recession the next time it rears its ugly head. So bring it on, Economy. You cannot defeat this household. One day, we’ll eat fancy meals, travel the world, and not worry about money. One day we’ll eat gourmet mac ‘n cheese.

Maybe we should be purchasing stock in Kraft…