Saturday, May 23, 2009

Thanks Uncle Sam!

Did I mention that the Geek got a job? I think I twittered it, but didn't write about it. So, yeah. He got a job and so far, it's awesome. I'm talking Wii in the conference room, allowed to go barefoot and wear shorts, nerf guns on the wall kind of awesome. Yeah. That kind of awesome! It was a long wait, but it was worth it for him to find this kind of work environment.

During the Geek's unemployed months, we went to the government for assistance. And as we wait for his first paycheck to arrive so we can begin to climb out from under the pile of late fees that have accumulated, I have been using up our food stamps. I wrote out a list of all our staples and just bought the heck out of it. I mean, we FILLED the cart to the top! And we only managed to spend half of what they'd given us. I used to think that to live on food stamps, you had to be REALLY frugal and only eat, well, food that wasn't very good for you. I was wrong! I just got back from a trip to the local grocery store and without coupons, I bought enough food to last us about 6 months. Not including perishables like milk, cheese, eggs, fresh veg and fruit etc. Seriously! And this was half of what they'd given us to live on.

So I have to ask myself this question...WHAT HAVE I BEEN SPENDING OUR GROCERY MONEY ON??????

OK, besides the obvious things that end up costing us a pretty penny (pet food, formula, toilet paper and other misc toiletries) We can really live on very little if I shop right, and plan. Planning is, of course, where I fall down since I get very overwhelmed when I think about going to the store. I can't just make a quick run! When I go for a few things I remember what we still need and end up making impulse purchases as well. So in light of how well we did when we had to use Uncle Sam's dough, I'll be sitting down to do some planning before the next trip and perhaps sending the Geek to the store for milk. It's not as if I'll need to go in the next few weeks for anything else anyway!!!

The point of this was to give thanks for the provision we have seen over the last 6 months, so to all who helped, prayed, bought me glasses, sent us money (even strangers did this!) and so much more, Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

3 comments:

The Morginskys said...

wow!!! congrats on the job!!! i am so very glad for you all. and its wonderful how the LORD provides, isnt it?
we def. do meal planning around here. its so helpful and saves sooo much money! and sometimes when i feel like i spend too much i send mojo to just get my list. let me know if you need any meal ideas!!!

Jaime said...

Yay for a job!!!

I'm so glad food stamps were such a big help to y'all. Now that you guys have a job, you're helping someone else, too. :-)

Of course, there are a few that are on food stamps that shouldn't be, as well as medicaid or disability or whatever, but that wasn't the case with you guys and the government's help is being utilitzed as it's supposed to be. :-)

But, I'm glad the job hunting is OVER! So happy for y'all!!

Beth said...

I am so happy for Matt and for y'all! Yay for a job! I will call you later today and we can catch up.

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