Are You....

[OrganicKale]

Ross: I guess I never think of money as an issue.
Rachel: That's because you have it.

That's exactly it. That is why I worked very hard to make sure I would have it. I didn't want to be a have-not, I guess. To me, part of beign self sufficient is having means.

 

[Wannabefree]

Sorry, there have been plenty of "you guys need to just relax" and "why are you so serious about this stuff" posts for me to think this ISN'T just a case of "if you have the means, why spend all your time working hard and hoarding your money and not enjoying it".


Ross: I guess I never think of money as an issue.
Rachel: That's because you have it.

Yeah, this is pretty much why up to this point I have only been a reader and haven't responded. :/ And FC, I WOULD relax, except for the fact that I don't know how I am going to make my house payment this month, and I WOULD do "fun stuff" that takes cash IF I had cash, and I think it is nice to have the means to do so, and have had myself in the past. BUT I have NEVER rubbed it in anyone's face that did not have the means, or made comments about others need to "relax" or whatever, and honestly, it DOES seem that this is what you are doing here. It is offensive to me because of past posts I have read and I am really really trying very hard to think that you aren't being negative, but if it quacks like a duck, walks like a duck..... Just my opinion.

 

[OrganicKale]

I don't think she is being negative at all. Different people have different attitudes about things, and she is trying to put her finger on the pulse of this group, so to speak. I, for one, am very interested in hearing how other people live. I don't think everyone needs to live or think the way I do; and I don't see them expressing their differences as them "rubbing my face in it". It's just different strokes for different folks. I am not sure how that can possibly be construed as a bad thing. Am I missing something?

 

[Wifezilla]

Am I missing something?

Yeah. A history.

 

[Wannabefree]

Am I missing something?

Yeah. A history.

x2

 

[OrganicKale]

Am I missing something?

Yeah. A history.

x2

Oh well, I haven't been here very long, and don't have much time to spend here. So I guess you could say my perspective is not jaded.

 

[Wannabefree]

Yeah. A history.

x2

Oh well, I haven't been here very long, and don't have much time to spend here. So I guess you could say my perspective is not jaded.

Well don't let us run ya off!!! We have a few minor disagreements from time to time, but I still like everyone on here.

 

[OrganicKale]

x2

Oh well, I haven't been here very long, and don't have much time to spend here. So I guess you could say my perspective is not jaded.

Well don't let us run ya off!!! We have a few minor disagreements from time to time, but I still like everyone on here.

Eh- I try to keep an open mind and learn from everyone, even when I don't understand why they make the choices they do. Sometimes I figure it out later. So it will take a lot more than this to run me off! I enjoy reading about the different ways that you all live- such a wide variety of ideas.

 

[Beekissed]

I understand the objection to the tone of the thread as it has been voiced to me by others in different circumstances....don't you ever just go out and have fun? I find that fun is a relative thing and means so many different things to so many different people. I have great fun reading a good book! Some of the best and brightest memories I have did not require spending a dime.

My very materialistic and status seeking boss was complaining about her husband's family all living such small lives lacking in ambition and I told her she was looking directly at one of those un-ambitious individuals at that very moment! I told her the word she was looking for should be "content". I am content in whatever circumstance I find myself, be it rich or poor. I don't want new cars, big houses or $35,000 horses because having "things" does not define my worth and spending money doesn't necessarily make me "happy"....no more than it seems it has made her. She is a very miserable and bitter person.

Having said that, I think I'm going to take a little moldy money and take my first vacation since 2002! I need a big ol' break from reality!

 

[JRmom]

I am reminded of a conversation I once had with my mother. Years ago, when my daughter and stepsons were small, we bought a small used aluminum boat and a very small used travel trailer. We spent every nice weekend either camping or boating. My mother commented that she didn't understand why we didn't stay home more and save our money.

Years later, out of the blue, my mother apologized to me for that comment (which I had long since forgotten). She said she had realized that the time invested having "fun" with our kids was more important than saving a few more bucks for a rainy day or retirement that might never come.

It's all a matter of perspective.

Now I'm entertaining grandkids... we go out in the boat, and they "camp" at our cabin. Full circle. And I have free "slave labor" for the garden.