I work hard for my money.  So hard for it, honey.  And lately I’ve had to take a very realistic and somewhat disheartening look at my finances.  Seems I’m spending a heckuva lot of money on stupid, mindless things.  My mom calls it “throwing money down a rat hole.”  It appears she’s right. 

I sat down with pen and paper and made some rational decisions about my irrational spending habits.  In the past week, I’ve cancelled my newspaper subscription.  (I was lucky if I read the morning paper two days a week.)  I got rid of my $70 a month home warranty.  (Which instantly means the house will fall apart.)  And I gave up going to Starbucks.  (That one hurt.  That one cut to the bone.)  And I’ve switched to generic-organic food – as opposed to name brand-organic food. 

It’s belt-tightening time, people.  And it ain’t pretty … especially if you’re trying to BE pretty.  I can’t remember when my last pedicure was.  I can’t remember the last time I went out to eat.  And forget Botox!  Who has an extra $500 to blow on face-freezing botulism?  I certainly don’t anymore. 

The days of (drinking) wine and (buying) roses is over.  But if my parents lived through the depression, I can live without getting a weekly massage.  It’s a cross to bear, sure – but I can do it.   

I was gainfully unemployed for most of 2003.  Sucked.  Big time.  I vowed once I started making a good salary again, I’d save my pennies for a rainy day.  And now that I’ve gotten rid of my stupid landline phone … there’s another $80 I can put towards savings. 

Should this recession get worse, I’m ready.  I won’t be happy about it … but I’ll be ready.  Although there are a few things I draw the line at … for instance, the minute I have to give up getting my hair frosted and my back waxed – is the day I get a second job and take out a small loan.  I’m no fool.