When Billy lost his job in December, two weeks before Christmas and in the middle of our adoption home study, we had to do a reevaluation of the way we were living. Due to the timing, Billy and I were financially tapped - we had spent our savings on the home study and on everything we needed to do for it, and were using whatever extra we were making for Christmas gifts. We went into financial lock down until we could create a way to live on our reduced circumstances, and we learned a few things along the way.
After reviewing how we spent our money in the past, excluding the adoption of course, we were shocked to see how much we were wasting in our lives - energy, food, money. We would leave lights on in rooms we weren't using, leave the heat cranked to 70 degrees even when we weren't home. I would grocery shop with a menu for the week in mind, and then not stick to it, allowing the fresh ingredients to turn slimy and spoiled in our refrigerator. We ate out too much. We had a pretty hefty entertainment budget as well. We just were not careful or smart with our money, and didn't even realize it.
Obviously, things are not the same - we had to put our adoption on hold until Billy secures employment (anyone hiring?), but we have evolved. Perhaps we had gotten stagnant, and needed this to get us moving in other areas of our life, to teach us to not live so carelessly and wastefully. And now, we only keep lights on in the rooms we are in, and if we need them. If natural light does the trick, we don't flip the switch. We turn down the heat when we are not home and at night. I plan dinners and stick to the plan - and even plan on eating the leftovers, which were formerly tossed. But the biggest change of all is how we spend our money recreationally - rather than going to the bar every weekend, we have been spending more time with friends at someone's house, socializing there, or watching movies. We had always taken advantage of our area Metroparks, but now we are there every weekend. We cook more together, read more together, and I find we have more to talk about, all of a sudden. More ideas, revelations, excitement about different things. It is like we are tapping into the creative sides of our brain more often, the side we may have left the light on in, but never visited.
As your Mama, I knew you could do it. Both of you are doing great, and have shown what we have inside ourselves. There is always a way, I am sure you saw alot of that living with me, but I see you and Billy, know how happy you are and I am at peace. I know a job will come. They are beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear Erin and Billy that things are going well and you both are so wise and doing what needs to be done in life as it is. A job will come along and all things will happen in the right time. Sometimes in life we just have to look around, make changes and learn from every day we have been given. You know you both are in my prayers and I know and trust the all will be well and all will happen when it is right. Love you both♥ You are both very special to my heart.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing what we can live without when life changes! On the flip side is how much time you and Billy are spending and enjoying each other. Continue with everything you are doing even when Billy is employed again which will be real soon. People tend to forget the simple things in life.....these are the real thing that make us happy. 2011 is going to be a fantastic year for all of us!
ReplyDeleteI'm not religious, but I am 'spiritual' and believe that things happen for a reason. Most likely this is the universe teaching you now how to live on less because when you have your beautifuly baby in your arms you will find it harder than you ever imagined it to leave them...learning to live on less now will only benefit you in the near future when everything falls in to place. You are both an inspiration!! xoxox
ReplyDeletesetbacks are life's way of correcting our course through it offering us new paths that we may not have seen had they not occurred in the way they have, forcing us to refocus on the good things around us all the time. Overcoming adversity is what makes life worth living. good family, good friends and a positive outlook will take you farther.
ReplyDeletethank you all for your kind words and support we appreciate it greatly
I felt exactly this way when I was unemployed a year ago. As tough as it is, a situation like that does help you to reevaluate how you manage your life. Even though I hated every minute of not working (and not getting paid!) in retrospect I definitely feel enriched by the experience - better able to handle adversity, a much improved cook, more aware of my surroundings and how to use all that I have to the fullest extent, and lastly, better able to articulate what it is that I want. I know you and Billy will get through this even stronger than before. I love you guys!
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for all your encouraging, thoughtful, kind comments. It makes the rough times easier when you have such good friends and family surrounding you.
ReplyDeletePam, that is a very good way to look at this whole thing - you may be right!