Thursday, September 01, 2005
Why does it always take a disaster for people to realize what's truly important?
*sigh*
I've been watching the news the past couple of nights, seeing those devastating scenes of destruction in New Orleans and elsewhere in the south, unable to find words to express how horrible it is. Of course those people have been in my prayers and will continue to be, and I hope to donate some money to the relief efforts as well, but an entire city under water... that's just unbelievable.
The gas prices have gone up as a result, now over $3.00 near where I live. To hear people complaining about gas prices is understandable, especially since it does impact the cost of everything else, but in a way, I think that the fact our economy is doing so poorly should really make people rethink what's truly important.
Here are these people in the south who have nothing, have lost everything, some their lives, and those of us who still have homes, car, food, etc. should be happy and feel blessed, despite the costs of those things. Americans are far too materialistic to begin with, and I personally think we need to be humbled into spending less money on things we don't need and spending more time with those we love.
Erik and I are seriously considering carpooling to work. We both have fairly long drives to work and back everyday, and Erik's work in basically on the way to mine. Yes, it's a bit of a sacrifice to make, not being able to go to work when I want, as I would have to get up earlier and take Erik to work and pick him up, but it would save tremendously on gas. I don't need to spend money on Starbucks coffee every day at work. I got out the coffeemaker at home, bought some coffee for two dollars at Walmart yesterday, and make some today. That two dollars is enough to last me a couple of weeks, versus spending three dollars per day, resulting in thirty dollars in two weeks!
No more going to the salon to get my hair dyed. I actually have been doing it myself lately, and I intend to keep doing that. Spending $100 every two to three months on my hair is insane. Even little things like buying shaving gel and facial wipes is unnecessary. I can use the shower scrub I have for those things.
It will be important for everyone to cut back, and maybe less people will be going out to eat every day, spending money on clothes they don't need, etc. It's time for Americans to re-evaluate what's really important.
posted by Sindie 11:31 AM
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