Things are not always as they seem and they never seem as
they always are. The day the unrealistic starts looking probable it’s time to sell
your house fast. Then make a run for the country. I came to the point of losing
all grasp of reality this weekend as I talked to my daughter about her plans
for the future.
We had just finished talking about getting a car and having
to pay for gas and insurance. I began going into the basics of renting her first house. We were
discussing the applications process, deposit, credit and rental history. When
in a moment I saw it all slipping away. Little did I know it would turn into
much more.
From the big box with pretty lights came the words:
“No my friends... this is now "The United States Of Zombieland" It's amazing how quickly thing can
go from 'bad' to 'total crap'. And why am I alive, when everyone around me had turned to meat? It's
because of my list of rules: Rule#1 for survival in Zombieland...is "Cardio".
Who was this strange man I heard? Had the financial stress taken its toll? Oh wait it was just the 2009 comedy
Zombie land playing. Whew.. that was close!
At which point my daughter begins to explain the reason she doesn’t need
to be concerned about renting a house or apartment is due to “Rule # 1”
She goes on to say how either everyone will be selling their homes fast or
selling their cars if gas prices keep going up.
Don’t quote me on this because I will just deny it, but my daughter may
very well have a point. Since 2008 we have been on a merri-go round of
love with the economy and despite what President Obama promised in his
election speech, we just can’t seem to get out of. Although cardio huh?
Hmm maybe there is something to that.
As the gas prices creep to $4 a gallon, the cost of commodities increasing, and a non-recovered U.S. housing
market that leaves little to be desired for the economy. As my wise off spring pointed out regardless of the
increase in gas and commodities the dollar amount of paychecks stay the same. So a brisk walk or run to the
corner may save some on gas. Not to mention the free workout!! When you return home and kick back in
your lazy-boy to relax.. the munchies!!
It gets to the point when all you really want is a Twinkie but what are you going to have to sacrifice for it? For
those of you still trying to catch up as to what I am talking about, lets make it multiple choice, shall we?
You got your monopoly money paycheck and have bills to pay.. but paper doesn’t stretch it just tears. So
what gets paid and what doesn’t?
A) Mortgage payment (you know its still a couple months behind)
B) Fill the car up so you can get to work
C) Buy food, toiletries and pay the light bill
Or
D) Twinkies!!!!
Let’s dive into the creamy filling of this one!! Say we pay the mortgage… hmm no gas for the car, no food
and lights.. Maybe we can play ghost hunters all day in the dark chasing the sounds of our stomachs since
we won’t be able to get to work?? Umm Next! So fill up the ol’ SUV.. yea yea they said to get rid of it but
you just couldn’t let it go huh? We’re doing better.. but now the bank starts calling talking about foreclosure..
you managed to get a little food but still can’t watch CSI tonight.. .nope not going to work either.. Denied!!
There is only one answer… all the others create a never ending circle.. no gas = no job, no job = no house,
no house = well you get the point. Until this circle is broken we can either follow “Rule #1” and sell the car
and opt for more cardio in our lives. Could always sell your home fast and live in your car (at least you would
be able to get gas).
Personally I think the answer lies in the Twinkies.. “Rule # 32” may just be the one that saves all of our sanity.
The ones who haven’t lost a sense of reality yet anyway.. Yes, I do believe “Rule # 32” is the one!
“Rule #32: Enjoy The Little Things. Tallahassee got his Twinkie
and even though life will never be simple or innocent again, as
he savored that spongy yellow log of cream, we had hope, we
had each other. And without other people, you might swell be a
zombie.” (2009 movie Zombieland)
SO given we already know the merri-go round won’t be slowing down anytime soon. Granted things are tough
and times are hard but there is no need to stress over what you can not change. Just adapt!! Make changes in
your daily living to help accommodate. Yea, I suppose if you wanted to sell your house fast and move to the
country you could. So while your packing up that SUV, why not slow down and just enjoy the little things in
your life!!
What? Don’t just sit there looking at me like you don't know what to do now!! Get up and log online and tell
me what things are in your life you plan to enjoy. Be sure to love thy neighbor and share the love... pass me
over yonder.
Don’t eat all the Twinkies!!!
