Yowzer, so much TEOTWAWKI action has happened since I last posted. Food prices are higher, energy is higher, more unemployment, more Iranian/Israeli tension . . . it’s enough to make any Doomsday ninja scream for joy. You just gotta love it!
What? You DON’T love it? Oh, come now, there’s much to looooove. In fact, thanks to this article, we can read about ten things to love about a recession. Let me list them for you, and if you want the more boring detail around each, check the link. If you prefer the Ranger Man TEOTWAWKI spin just read on.
Numba 10 – Family Dinners
Wow – more people eating at home to save money? Who’d have thought that a good ole family dinner would be making a comeback? It’s unfortunate that this has gone out of style in the first place. Growing up we always sat down for dinner together and had all of the major food groups served up. It was our chance to not only suck down some grub, but to have a little family discussion. You know, like this:
“What happened in school today?”
“Nothin’. Do I have to eat my peas?”
“Yes. Certainly something must have happened today. Did you get homework?”
“A little bit . . . . I don’t want my peas. I’m full.”
Ah yes, time to dust off the table cloth and sit down together, folks. Cook at home, save money, eat together, and your kids will thank you.
Numba 9 – Shorter Lines at the Pump
The article talks about having time to actually wipe your windshield without the person behind you itching to take your spot at the pump. Fewer people driving as many miles means fewer people buying gas. Fewer people buying gas means you have time, in my opinion, to stretch your legs outside the car, scratch your butt, and pick your nose.
Numba 8 – Less Junk Mail
Consumer spending is down, less corporate spending on sending you annoying CRAP that you just end up ripping in half anyway. My advice? Take out those pre-paid return envelopes, stuff their own flyer back into it, and toss it back in the mailbox. Send ’em their own CRAP back to them on their own dime . . . or 49 cents.
Numba 7 – More Coupons
This sure excites the Mrs. She loves clipping these babies, and she actually saves a fair amount by using them. The real trick is to not buy something just because you have the coupon. Clip them for things you use, otherwise you’re not really “saving” when you buy something just because it’s a dollar off.
Numba 6 – Free Fitness
More people are walking and riding their bikes . . . . or so I read about anyway. I don’t see much of this happening first hand. I suspect the opposite may actually be happening. Instead of driving to the beach or out for a walk shopping, people are hanging at home more . . . sitting on the couch . . . gittin’ FAT.
Numba 5 – Bargain SUVs
Personally, I was never much of a big SUV fan, even before the gas price insanity. Although . . . the Toyota 4-Runners are kinda cool. I like a good ole American made pickup truck better. Bargain prices on those babies, too.
Numba 4 – Business Startup Opportunities
Laid off employees strike it out and start their own business . . . . . yeah, whatever.
Numba 3 – Growth in Gardening
This is another good one. In addition to families actually eating together, more are actually eating the food they’re growing! Fresh air, exercise, good grub, food security, and family time in the way of: “Son, go weed the garden, will ya? I need a nap.”
Numba 2 – Musical Inspiration
. . . . . Number 2 on this one? Kinda dumb.
Numba 1 – New Perspectives
This one is much better than “musical inspiration” :-S. Tough times are forcing people to rethink their ways, and in many cases, this means more time at home, more family dinners, less busy schedule, less purchasing of useless CRAP, and a greater focus on the more important things in life . . . . like curling up in a ball in the basement with your mighty AR-15.
– Ranger Man
BTW: I still love it if/when people use my site for their Amazon shopping. Just type what you’re looking for in the Amazon search bar. The field manuals are still available, too – still sexy.
6 comments
I see the unemployment stats are up but I also still see many high paying jobs posted on employment sites i.e.
http://www.realmatch.com
http://www.monster.com
http://www.simplyhired.com
There seems to be a strong demand for professionals desite the stats..believe me I have been looking for a new job and they are out there. Dont be so gloomy!
Hey, Ranger!
Long time no post, but hey, I’ve been afk myself working the tomato patch. 17 plants, and now an embarassment of riches. Who knew? still getting other stuff in the ground and learning all I can.
Enjoy, and be safe.
Babs
There is no doubt times are getting tougher for alot of people. But as you show, tough times are also times of opportunity and change.
When your dealt lemons, make lemonade!
Glad to see your posting again!
Glad to see that you are back. I like the positive look at recession.
welcome back.