Opus 2022-155: It’s Only Just Begun

When do the cutbacks get serous?

Being a fairly typical human being with my senses locked into my body, I ask this question starting with my awareness.  When will things start to get so tight that I get serious about changing my habits?  I use an artificial butter spray on my popcorn, which I buy in six pound bags.  A bottle has gone from slightly over $3 to slightly under $5.  That does not break my bank.  If I drop my bank from 1/4 inch it doesn’t break either but every 1/4 inch makes the breakage more likely.

The prices we are paying are going up, up, up.  I am sure you have noticed.  If you haven’t it is because your wife does all the shopping and you don’t listen to her complain.  I have the feeling this is just the beginning.  I would say I am not alone.

We can make small adjustments.  Since I am cheap by nature I have been making those adjustments all my life.  I price shop.  I check unit prices.  I check out store brands.  I scrape the last spoonful out of the container.  I buy bulk when I can.  I watch the sales.  For non-food items I shop at thrift stores.  A lot of the things that some are beginning to do are already second nature to me.  I find myself more aware of my gas consumption and try to plan my trips more carefully to use less gas.  

When are we going to be forced to make major changes?  Perhaps you are already there.  I buy less meat.  I don’t consciously avoid it but there may be meatless days or multiple days.  For some it may mean lots of pasta and rice.  You may go back to the old time way of blowing your nose.  It was called a handkerchief.  It can be reused and recycled.  I don’t know about reducing.  Think of the throw away items you have become accustomed to dumping.  Will you be turning off the air conditioning or taking cold showers.  It was before my time but there was a time when the entire family would take a bath in one tub of water.  I hate to admit it but I can remember when as a kid, Saturday night was the time we took our bath.

Life is going to get interesting.  Perhaps you are already there.

homo unius libri