A view from the top...

It's a Catch 22 when it comes to being laid off. I have plenty of things to do with the time... tons of boxes to unpack, painting and faux finishing rooms, working in the yard, etc... Things I was worried about finding the time for when I was working. Plus I am now expected to be a good housewife, which means making sure the floor is mopped, the rooms are vacuumed, and the bathrooms clean, and of course knowing just when to offer Tim a beverage when he gets home. (I am so not a good housewife!)

I have enjoyed spending time in the yard and working on the house. It's fun seeing how the plants are doing, and watching the city wildlife. (these baby Mourning Doves, were my surprise when filling the bird bath the other day)

The sad part is the reduced cash flow makes it a bit more difficult to get other things done. For example, we need patio furniture... I don't want to buy cheap plastic stuff that we end up throwing out after a season. I love some of the new Pottery Barn collection, but we don't want to spend a lot of $ either. I would love to get a copper fire pit for the patio as well. Window treatments, new plumbing fixtures, a new bedroom set... all are on the back burner for the time being. I am hoping to find some good deals at local garage sales, and thrift shops for the non luxury items...a wheelbarrow, lawnmower, etc. I've also been scouring online ads for items. The other luxuries... Starbucks coffee, going out to eat, leisurely drives, calling friends (during peak hours), etc. have had to go.

The price of gas being around $4.50/gallon here also puts a damper on things. It now costs $100 just to fill the truck with regular. (I remember when "regular" meant Leaded vs Unleaded! --Does this make me old?) I don't leave the house unless I REALLY need something, and then I try to make sure to run all of my errands at once. I miss talking to my friends at work, and getting out for a coffee, but I'm sure over time I'll get used to my new homebody status.