Saturday, November 28, 2009

I Got Plenty o' Nuttin

Now that Thanksgiving is over, I can stop being thankful for shit and get down to brass tacks.

It's slim pickins around the CatLady's house these days. Four months of unemployment with no unemployment benefits, followed by re-entry into the workplace at a salary less than half of what I was making before has put a bit of a strain on the old pocketbook. So, what to do, what to do?

I think what's really needed is an attitude adjustment:



Or not... the reality is, I do need a few basics to keep going. I've cut back a lot in the last year, preparing for my descent into poverty. Turns out, it still isn't enough, though. How can that be?

I've lived in the same house for over 20 years... so I can't save anything by moving. An apartment would cost more than my meager mortgage. (I had to refinance after the divorce, so I still have 10 more years of payments.)

My health insurance premiums are higher than my mortgage. That just seems wrong to me, but what's a woman to do? Can't really cut that out of the budget... too many "pre-existing conditions" and I love my "happy pills" too much.

Car... it's 15 years old with over 150K miles. Perhaps I can get by with fewer oil changes and repairs. It's still too far to walk to work.

Then there's the utilities. I've always kept the heat low... my dad used to yell at me that I was going to catch my death because of it. So far I'm still alive, but if I go much lower with the thermostat now that winter's upon us, I'm afraid the pipes will freeze. And I'm afraid I'd lose the few friends I have left if I stopped showering. (Good news, though... the advantage of bloggy friend is they can't smell you.)

Internet service... gotta keep that for communication purposes, at least until the computer craps out. Especially as there's no access at work. The basic cable may have to go, though. So must the ridiculously extravagant iphone... just as soon as the service contract is up. Damn service contracts! (I got the phone originally so I could keep track of appointments and things for my old job... the job that paid more, so I could afford it back then.)

Food... this fine physique could certainly do with a bit less. But give up the Dr Pepper? I might start twitching or something.

A second job? If only I had the energy.

I could get a room mate. Preferably one that cooks and cleans. Probably the smartest move. I wonder if Vlad would mind giving up his room?

Okay, enough feeling sorry for myself! If push comes to shove, I can always implement my secret retirement plan...

Prison is actually sounding kinda good right about now!

To be continued...

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Aw, hugs to the Catlady!

{hugs}

But you know, I've always thought about prison, free room and board. Lots of time to read, study, get another degree.

A small room to have to clean, not entire house.

This is bad how?

Ha!

Just kidding.

Okay, where's the Dr. Pepper Fund Pay Pal link?

We can't let you go without that precious juice! It would make ME sad (as I sip on my diet dr. pepper).

That was cruel, wasn't it?

Well nobody said I had a heart!

Ha!

Jayne Martin said...

Oh my dear... I soooo understand. If you have to give up basic cable, the good news is you can watch practically everything now on the internet for free. But it so sucks the big one to have to live this way, especially at our age. Maybe we could be cell mates. ;) Hugs, Jayne

ReformingGeek said...

Ditto the hugs! It's too bad about the job not paying what you deserve. Yeah, that's right. You deserve so much more.

Please keep those showers coming!

Phillipia said...

Hugs CatLady.
I am so with you tho.
If I lost my job, I would totally be screwed.
I look for new things to cut out of the budget daily.

It should not have to be this way.

For Christmas, we are having a nice family dinner - no presents exchanged.

LAW CHICK said...

Don't skimp on the massages, whatever you do!

gayle said...

I know what you mean about the jobs not paying anything....I've been working at the same job for 23 years and you wouldn't believe how little I make...it's embarrising!!!

spudballoo said...

That's so rough....you've worked hard all your life, and you've sensibly cut costs where you can, but it's still a struggle to make it all add it. Not fair :-(

Anyway, why isn't the internet free for all? Surely it's a basic human right? xx

taddyd said...

Sending peace and blessings in your direction, Paula. At least you still have your smart ass sense of humor in great abundance.

http://howtobecomeacatladywithoutthecats.blogspot.com said...

Quirky: Let's go to prison together!

Jayne: Cell mates for life!

Reffie: Yeah... showers are still a good idea.

Phillipia: Thanks, sister P!

Law Chick: Massage with Nanodance is still on for this month... even if I can't afford it!

gayle: It's ridiculous to feel embarrassed about doing noble work just because it doesn't pay well!

Spud: Thanks for the kind thoughts... I think I'm over my pity party now. *dries eyes and puts on happy face*

taddyd: Thanks, new friend!

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