Facie’s Ramblings

At the beginning of 2008, as anyone who read this blog knows, I was irritated about the drink tax. It seemed unnecessary to me, and I took issue with the Port Authority getting this money. But after a few months, I just got over it. A big part of the reason is, I don't go out that often or drink that much (at least not since the office holiday party in 2007). So I am figuring this tax probably cost me and Brian between $15 and $25 this year, a rather paltry amount when you think about it. That notwithstanding, now that the tax has been lowered to 7 percent, does anyone really think that many businesses are going to lower their prices? Show of hands? I think I see one, although she might have been fixing hair. Should the Port Authority have gotten that money to begin with? And now there is debate about the excess. Considering the condition of our roads, I am mostly for the overage being spent there. I read today that if the county does not get that money for the roads, which a judge...

A few months ago, I was debating whether or not we should use our economic stimulus payment for a nice-sized, flat-screen TV. Last month, that decision was made for us after we had over $700 in truck repairs. Looking on the bright side, I decided after we put our ESP towards the truck, we would have almost $800 to spend or save, so it seemed like a better deal than blowing the entire ESP on the TV; it was like found/extra money. Then a few weeks later, our drier needed a $200 repair. Again, I told myself we would still have about $600 left, so things were still looking good. Then this past week, we find out the car needs a new clutch, to the tune of just over $700. Again. Ugh! I guess I should be glad our mechanic "works for Jesus and for you"; otherwise, who knows what this could have cost us! I thought this ESP was a bad idea, just another example of the government wasting (our) money and putting the country more in the hole, but I was looking forward to it. Considering tha...

Thought I would throw out a few (and by a few, I am sure I will end up with well over a dozen) thoughts running around that brain of mine. I have a lot of meaningful people in my life from family, friends, relatives, and casual acquaintances. If you are reading this blog, you are probably one of those people (unless you just happened by), and I thank you for occupying some part of my heart and mind. I think the world is too materialistic. If you have been to my house, you know we are not into nice, expensive things. I just don't care about that stuff. True, I am still debating about that flat-screen TV (leaning more towards no), but mostly what I have is just fine. I think this may be the year I am going to have to retire my almost 15-year old skirt. And I have been wearing the same PSU winter coat for years. Unless I get a job where fashion matters (and clearly it does not at my office), I see no reason to spend a lot of money on clothes or keep up with the latest styles. I think ...