I don't buy crap anymore

I received a call from an old friend this morning. She was telling me about how their car had broken down. It is their only car, and they do not have the money to fix it. It seems like her family has crap falling on them with every turn. I cannot help but think of what karmic debt she must be paying off.

Anyway, she proceeds to give me the pity story...you know, the one where there is nothing to be shaved from the budget. There is no way to save money for things like this. how they barely scrape by. Yada yada.

Now...I'm not gonna say that I've never said these things but...enough is enough already! I certainly have not said them frequently enough for it to borderline as habitual whining.

She stops for fast food after cross country frequently. I'm not talking just meets...I'm talking even after practices because picking the kids up at 4:45 doesn't allot enough time to make dinner. Really? I'm pretty sure that I manage to make dinner for 6 ppl with 2 runners on the team. It's too expensive. Sure we may eat at Taco bell after an away meet that ends at 7:30pm and is on the other end of town, but even then I try to just pack a picnic dinner that can be eaten in the bleachers. Throw the kids a PB&J, some popcorn, granola and fruit and voila-dinner!

If she spends even just $10 a week on fast food at times when a little planning ahead could save her $520 a year. That is HALF of what she needs for the car repairs just in cutting out ONE fast food meal a week. I get tired of hearing that "We don't eat out very often." My ass! you eat out all the time. Denial.

She also joined the gym. She's spending extra money there, and while I appreciate that she is doing that for herself...she doesn't go very often (always an excuse to not go) and she could do most of what she does at the gym in her own home...if money is really so tight, and all.

She goes out with friends to movies, and comedy shows and doesn't even make an effort to use coupons or discounts. I would love to see the movie after lunch but I know that seeing it at 11:40 saved us $4.50 a ticket...and times 6 people that is a huge savings. She wouldn't consider altering her schedule to save $$, saying that it's just too early to get there in time...blah blah blah

Here's the thing. It's not my business how you spend your time and money. If you make it my business by telling me about it that is your prerogative. I make no judgements as I am not perfect and I have spent when I shouldn't have plenty of times.

My point is...I'm tired of listening to your crap until my ears bleed. You screwed up. Just own it. Admit that you were irresponsible, and get off your lazy butt and do something about it. There are plenty of ways to make some extra money...and none of them are going to come to you while you sit on your couch. Just sayin'!