Late Night Latte

I flunked macro economics my sophomore year in college. I’m not proud of that fact, and feel I should say I only took the stupid course on the advice of my advisor in the English Department. Exactly. I had REAL reading to do.

On the truly micro side, where my own finances are concerned I’m typically on top of things. I’ve never bought more house than I can afford, try to save what I can, and invest what I can for the future — on a non-profit salary I’m clearly not retiring to Palm Springs.

But I’m also not willing to let go of certain comforts… yet. Am I the only one holding my breath a bit about what the economy holds?

My parents are somewhat the source of both my fiscal consciousness and borderline paranoia. Both are Depression-era babies. They LOVE to talk about eating nothing but cornbread and beans and how that orange they got in their Christmas sock was the best thing ever.

And truth be told, I remember them robbing my piggy bank when dad had lost his job for a bit in the seventies – cash to pay for the ‘extra’ they couldn’t do without, Sanka coffee. No lie. *shudder*

I’m trying to conserve — driving less, brewing my own coffee vs. hitting the drive thru, eating out less, putting off a few ‘cosmetic’ home projects, cutting back on utility usage, cutting corners where I can.

It’s not a big deal — nothing compared to the choices others are challenged with.

These are the sorts of things I noodle as I drive (way too far) into the office every day, listening to CNN, and yet more depressing economic news. And oh yes, cost estimates for that pesky war we’re paying for. URGGGH.

It’s almost November, right?