The Golden Egg

The last week of the month is always painful for those of us paid once a month.  The money never lasts, especially after a month like this.  Easter, a birthday, 1/2 a grand in auto repairs and the ding.  (Story: My weary DH came out into the parking lot this weekend after his 36-hour shift and opened the car door a little too fast.  Slow reflexes, you know.  His green door hit a white Lexus.  My uber honest and sweet husband left his card.  The Lexus owner called last night to say the 1/2 inch mark was going to cost $140 to fix.  Apparently she thought his card, which says "Dr.," meant he was a real one.)  Plus gas.  Silly me, I neglected to budget the $5,000 a month for gas.  Then, knowing this month was bad, I succumbed to a little retail therapy.  I mean, when you're dangling off a cliff, why not just take a flying leap?

So, last night, after crunching the numbers, I started to count my eggs before they hatched (trying to get DH to stop sobbing).  There's the tax refund which should be coming.  The government is always so nice to toss us a little bone around this time of the year.  Income redistribution, you know.  Then there's the golden egg.  Did you receive the "Economic Stimulus Payment Notice" last week too?  What?  You're sending me more money?  The genius Nancy Pelosi (ha ha) said it was aimed at the middle class, "and those that aspire to be in the middle class."  In theory, then, if I am a self-professed no good, lazy bum who spends her days blogging, wiping snotty noses and eating chocolate instead of peddling my skills, do I qualify as "aspiring?"  Obviously, I will have to rely on my husband good work ethic.  I hope I don't ruin it for us all.

Sadly, though, I think that we will be a disappointment to the country when it comes to how we use the money.  In a news conference I remember President Bush saying he hoped we would take the money and go out and spend it, to rescue over-consumer driven economy.  Isn't there something wrong with the picture when the livelihood of our country is dependent on us spending too much and sinking into debt?  Well, our golden egg will be squirreled away for another rainy day or month.  I'm just hoping they don't run out of money before they get to the "S" list.

What will you do with yours?

P.S.  Apparently when I invoked the Cone of Silence yesterday it affected all of you too.  I release you from the Cone of Silence.  Should I resort to cheap tricks like a giveaway to get some response?  Maybe for the 100th post, since that seems a popular milestone.  Two more to go ... I'll get thinking.