Ah the joys of talking with somebody intelligent

[nadinbrzezinski]

apart of my husband that is, or my brother in law...

So we needed the plumber to come here today. (Don't ask about the cost, oy... major work required)

So we were talking about history, politics and all that. He used to listen to Rush et al, since well everybody does. But to keep his sanity he had to stop. I did explain that it is that hard right propaganda which keeps people where they are.

There is more, he is from Mexican Origin and like me is shocked at the willful ignorance of the American People (in general, some folks are very well informed). Then we talked about Mexican History, the Revolution, independence, SB-1070 and all that. And yes, I got my plumbing done too.

But we were also talking about something else. I have said in the past that one reason why I mostly don't fear these emergencies, even when they turn out to be fairly expensive, is that we have a savings habit. So when we get these things, we happen to have the money, since I SAVE. It is almost compulsive now, and going out for coffee is a treat... a real treat. Yes I did that today... I even splurged and got a LATTE... talk about splurging.

He was married and divorced and married again. And his previous wife and him had A LOT OF debt, and lived check to check, These days, he's gone back to the tradition and like me, saves. So him and his present wife have had good trips, with no debt. And we were talking about how this is something that has to extend to most Americans, who do need to learn how to save, quite brutally honest.

Yes I know that this will not be a good thing for the economy... since we depend on crazy levels of consumption... but on the other hand... it feels good to pay the plumber... and know that it is indeed FULLY paid for. Oh and we were also thinking of the differences on the bicentenary celebrations. In the US there was some history. In mexico they are having a few weeks of celebration and history, and remembrance.

Well, I might just find a way to be there during the bicentennial... and see parents while at it.

But next time you get a plumber, just don't automatically assume he\she is a right winger, and I usually avoid talking politics. He started it... over how bad Bush boy was as a President. As I said, he is gonna be the worst presnit in modern history, and one of the worst in US History.... Mr Grant and Mr. Harding almost look like geniuses compared to Junior.

[Atticus]

1. You have a talent for taking an everyday event and relating it in a way that is both

entertaining and instructive.

Thanks.

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. Oh you welcome...

It was a fun conversation, and brutally honest, I would not mind going out for coffee with this gentleman, his wife and my husband.

And just finished cleaning the last things in the bathroom... there is a reason why I hate plumbing emergencies. And even when they mostly leave the place clean I still need to disinfect.

[dixiegrrrrl]

3. Gotta agree with that savings idea.

We do, and this month have been so grateful for it as one thing and then another happened:
computer died, emergency vet bill, sudden car repair needed, sky high electric bill because of the heat,
no way the monthly budget could cover the last 3 weeks of these "extras".
Been traipsing to the rainy day fund a lot of late, and it has not even rained to cool things down!

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. It comes and goes in waves

I need to get the oil changed in one vehicle and the brakes done in the other.

:-)

[Bobbieo]

5. Since my caretakers -son and DIL are finally clean - I have been able to save money again and it is

such a great feeling to know that I can afford a plumber when the toilets break down or have some come in to take care of the AC if it goes out. This makes life worth living!!!!

[nadinbrzezinski]

6. I remember arguing with parents

when I was much younger. These days... yes it hurts to pay it, but at least that helps the economy.