Tashi's comments

Feeling Affluent - Blog Entry

10 Sep 2008 06:04 PM

My frugality is reflected in the rusty old 1990 vehicle out front, did you see that?? ;-) And those opaque curtains are from Goodwill, with some alterations by me.

Feeling Affluent - Blog Entry

10 Sep 2008 04:00 PM

Hey, how'd you get a photo of my house?? ;-) Seriously, I enjoyed your article. SO true! We really are quite well off, even if our bank accounts don't necessarily reflect a six-figure salary. I know mine doesn't. I'm not quite to the point where frugal living is automatic. But I'm always trying to live that way,even if it's here and there. I am a big thrift store junky, and try to re-purpose things, for instance, to save some money and the environment. My company is big on recycling, protecting the environment, etc., which is a great boost and inspiration in my quest to be frugal. But I'm I still occasionally toss soda cans in the trash, and go to the hair salon rgularly (not the discount ones, either). All in all, if we lowered some of our standards, we'd save lots more money, and maybe even find out it's not as bad as we thought it would be. I've been much poorer and worse off, and I was ok. Life did go on. And life got better. I count my blessings every day. More people need to realize just how fortunate they really are.

Frugal Food Options - Blog Entry

08 Sep 2008 03:22 AM

Oops, my apologies for somehow ending up posting the same thing twice above. Not very frugal of me. :-) But accidental, yes.

I second that, Kara! Yikes. Maybe they shop/eat at high-end places? Are used to having people do things for them, so they eat out often? Can't cook? Maybe no one ever taught them to cook or budget for food, or took much time and effort to teach them. Not chastising you. Just posing theories. It boggles my mind too how such a small family can spend SO much. I used to work at a grocery store, and people who used to spend that much usually had a brood of kids. Especially teenagers.

Preparing for the Storm 2 - Blog Entry

07 Sep 2008 05:28 PM

So, how did riding out the storm go??? Hope you all fared well, safe and sound.

When we face tornado or nasty storm threats or events, we make sure to open the fridge only when absolutely necessary. We don't often go long without power, so we don't have to worry about stockpiling food. We're quite lucky, since we don't face horrible weather too often.

Frugal Food Options - Blog Entry

07 Sep 2008 05:18 PM

A co-worker and her husband actually grill pizza! She says it tastes good. First, I need to learn how to get the coals going, and how to grill properly. :-) The closest I get to grilling, is when I use my sister's gas stove. Or go camping.

Mary Ann, has that family decided on any food and/or cooking changes?

Frugal Food Options - Blog Entry

07 Sep 2008 05:15 PM

A co-worker and her husband actually grill pizza! She says it tastes good. First, I need to learn how to get the coals going, and how to grill properly. :-) The closest I get to grilling, is when I use my sister's gas stove. Or go camping.

Mary Ann, has that family decided on any food and/or cooking changes?

When You Are Tempted to Eat Out... - Blog Entry

07 Sep 2008 05:02 PM

I agree that some restaurant food is less than 5-star fare. If I eat out, I try to patronize restaurants that offer reasonably healthy food, decent prices, and whenever possible, buffets. I don't stuff my face and overeat (hence, the affinity for buffets). But going to buffets seem to offer a little more bang for my buck. I went to lunch to a fabulous Chinese restaurant on Thursday with co-workers. The buffet was delish and not crummy, and with just a water to drink, my bill was $9. The men I was with got a better deal for their money, as they went back for seconds, and I didn't. I had a very decent-sized meal and didn't need more than I took. Today I had a roast turkey and swiss cheese sndwich at Arby's, a new fave of mine. Granted, it's not cheap, which is why I buy it sparingly. But I'm trying to make wiser choices when I choose not to cook at home.

New Rule Closes the Loophole with the "Do Not Call List" - Blog Entry

07 Sep 2008 02:24 PM

My rudest experience? That's hard to choose -- there have been a handful of doozies. I'd say, back in college, when a telemarketer called selling magazines. I was -- surprise -- a struggling student, with not lots of cash, and little to spare. I thanked the woman for calling, and agreeing the offers were good. But I was a cash-strapped student and couldn't afford the magazines. In response, she proceeded to quickly hang up on me, with not so much as another word. Oh well! I *was* nice to her.

Should You Worry About Infant Abductions? - Blog Entry

07 Sep 2008 02:10 PM

I worry about kids being abducted, and I'm just an aunt. I see waaay too many kids out in public allowed to treat stores as if they're playgrounds or zoos. Those kids' parents seem oblivious to their running rampant all over. Or they don't care, and think nothing bad will happen to the children. Heaven forbid. I hope it never does. Even when my 14-yr-old nephew is with me, I make sure he stays by me. He may not like it, but look what happened to Elizabeth Smart (and she was in her own home). Thank goodness, she was recovered.

I feel for kids whose parents aren't as vigilant in their kids' safety as they should be. If I see a child alone, no parent in sight, I promptly alert store personnel, for instance, so a family reunion can ensue.

New Rule Closes the Loophole with the "Do Not Call List" - Blog Entry

06 Sep 2008 11:19 AM

By the way, I've done much customer service in many environments over the years (not now). I know how hard it can be. So I don't intend to offend anyone by my comment above. Wanted to clarify my perspective.