Money Whoas

For the last while I've been driven bonkers about money again.  Not the fact that our budget is a little snug...I'm honestly not worried about our money other than we need to pay off minimal credit card debt.  No it's been driving me nuts because every little mention of money turns into my good friend telling me or sometimes even Jeff that they are strapped for cash.  And I'm not talking like I complain about money to her...I don't.  She asks what Kendall and Seren are getting for Christmas and I say clothes (as in clothes previously bought and hanging in their closet that became Christmas because I needed something to wrap) and she asks why no toys so I say we can't really afford it.  And she says how she knows the feeling after just telling me about all the toys and clothes they've already gotten her daughter for Christmas and asking her husband if maybe they should get the one they were thinking about too.  She complains to me about money like it's a huge burden for them as they purchase a blu-ray just because they wanted to watch it that night and she spends $150 on laser hair removal for her legs (even if it was a great deal).  I simply state that we can't afford things when she wants to play or asks about buying something and in turn I hear her bemoan their money fate.

But I think I finally decided why it bothers me.  It's not that I think we are so bad off...please it could be lots worse and I'm so grateful for what I have.  Sometimes I think it's simply because I feel like her buying things or doing things means that she is providing more for her daughter.  Which is such a stupid notion to think I know but that's what I thought out loud today and realized oh wow that's why it bugs me.  Because she's able to get things for her kid (new things) and I feel like I can't spend very much on them and if I do it's all second hand and previously owned.  You know what though even if we had money to burn I would still shop thrifty.  It's who I am.  It's who my mom made me out to be.  Yes my friend is thrifty and likes a good deal as much as I (it's part of why we're good friends) but I think I take it to a whole-nutha-level lately.

So for anyone struggling with the economy I say this:  buying things is not necessarily providing.  Money doesn't buy time or love that you give to your children, spouse or other loved one.  Those are things that making money will never be able to provide and that sometimes may even interfere with being able to provide (ie the all consuming job...thanks Jeff for realizing family was and is more important than big money).  Love my girls.  Love my family.  And I know that we provide everything (and more) than they need and if they have to rub up against my hairy legs once in a while because I don't have time to shave or money to get lasered...well so be it.

*I do love my friend and I am glad she can do as she desires (within her means as well) but just wanted to share my epiphany.  Oh and I do know how to spell woes...just playing on words here*