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May 9, 2007    |       33 comments

“You Live in a Poopy House”

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My son came home from school yesterday and started talking about some boys at school. He’s been having problems with them ganging up and bullying him (which has been a nightmare in itself – he’s only in kindergarten!!). I overheard him telling his dad that the boys said a bad word. They told my son, “You live in a poopy house.”

I was working at the time and I immediately stopped what I was doing. I know kids sometimes say the darndest things, but I’ve seen their house. It’s large and extravagent with playground equipment in the yard and even a trampoline. My first thought is that the parents are rich. Now that I know a few things, I am more inclined to say that they are in a lot of debt 😉

Anyways, our house, on the other hand, is standing and the roof doesn’t leak so that’s a good start. It isn’t close to a mansion but it provides what we need. The decor leaves much to be desired and many things haven’t been updated in years. It has a lot of problems cosmetically and sometimes it does bug me that our home doesn’t look better, but it is our home and it provides the essential needs. I am content with it for now because our small mortgage ($323) is letting us pay more towards our debt.

Hearing what those boys said to my son did bother me. People can tell me I have a poopy house all they want and I’ll let it go in one ear and out the other because we have this house for a reason. But I remember as a child words like that always hurt. My son acted like he wasn’t bothered by it and I only hope that he really wasn’t. I hope he learns that the biggest house in the world won’t make you happy. Other things do.

Part of me worries that our financial situation will have a negative effect on our son. The other part of me wants to believe he will grow up to be a well-rounded individual because of the life we live. One that realizes that money doesn’t make a person who they are. Their debt doesn’t define them…their wealth doesn’t define them. What matters are the things that money can’t buy: compassion, understanding and a good heart.

May 8, 2007    |       10 comments

Reader Tips on How to Save Energy

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Here are some great tips that a reader sent to me to share with you on how you can save energy:

“There are a number of simple ways to save on energy costs on the cheap.

1. CFLs-Those weird light bulbs work. The lifetime cost is much less than the equivalent light of incandescent bulbs. They do, however, have a colder light and therefore need to be covered with a warm colored shade. Then they look just fine.

2. Unplugging appliances works wonders.

3. Weather-stripping and caulking can ultimately save you on energy for not too much money.

4. Turn your water heater down to 120 and use an insulating blanket if it is warm to the touch. Turn it off completely when away on vacation.

5. Install a 1.5 gal/minute low flow shower head. Most low flows are 2.5 gal/min and cost more. The 1.5 gal is about $5 at Ace hardware, is easy to install, and will save on electricity and water costs at no reduction in shower quality. Also, baths use more energy and water than showers.

6. Keep the fridge and freezer full with food OR with tap water in gallon jugs in the fridge and bags of ice in the freezer. Clean the coils on the back of the fridge. Give the back of the fridge some breathing room. Open the doors less.

7. Microwaving uses less energy than the stove. If you do use the stove, use the correct sized pad for the pot and don’t open the door to the oven too much. If you have pilot lights constantly going on your stove, reach around and turn off the gas until you need it.

8. Your cell phone may have an alarm on it that works just as well as an energy sucking plug-in clock.”

Thank you for the great tips!

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