Tight Budget

Living on a budget sometimes feels like being chased by a bus. You want to stay ahead of the bus, but the only way to do that is with a steady pace and no wasted movement. Unfortunately there are unforeseen obstacles (bills) that can trip you up. As I try to compensate for these unexpected expenses, I usually forgo any recreational activity that costs money, until I have recovered from the set back. In the winter it is easier to stay at home because of the cold and snow. But in the summer, having to sit at home because your budget says you can't travel, go out to eat, or see a movie, is frustrating. These days I spend most of my free time trying to figure out how to make extra money so that I can stay out of this situation. I don't remember feeling this way before I got laid off and had to take a lower paying job. I guess the effect of the cut in pay is finally starting to catch up with me. A lot of things haven't produced the results that I expected. Stocks that I have invested in did not produce, the web design business has been slow, and the dream of publishing a novel has resulted in a lot of wasted time and energy. At least I don't have an adjustable rate mortgage! I guess I'll keep plugging away and hopefully someday I won't have to work so hard and will have more time and money to enjoy life.