Minor Annoyances

1. Why do people get so excited about a huge tax return? All it means is that you let the government hold onto your money all year. It's not free money! It is your money that you earned. It would be much better if you had been able to sock that money away and at least make a little interest. Unfortunately, it's not easy to be so diligent. In the end, for some people, tax return money is like a little forced savings account. Now if only these people would stick that money into their credit card debt or invest it instead of "investing" in a new snowmachine . . .

2. Which brings me to my second point. "Invest" does not mean "spend a lot of money." It does not mean "spend a lot of money because I want my kids to be safer and I want to look cooler and I like designer bags." When you invest, you are putting resources into something with the anticipation of profitable return. You invest time in your kids because you believe it will make them better people for years to come. You invest money in the stock market, because you believe (hope) it will grow. You do not invest in a stroller or even a car. These items depreciate over time, and cars cost money to maintain. It is not an investment, it is a purchase. Nothing wrong with it, but call it what it is.

3. Everybody needs an i.Phone. What is this? Now I don't pay too much attention to expensive gadgets, so correct me if I'm wrong, but these things cost like a few hundred bucks, right? And the plan is like another hundred a month? For a phone. Sorry, I just don't get it.

(Admittedly, I wouldn't mind having one, although I do think they are a tad big.)

4. Designer handbags are a status symbol. Sorry, once again I just don't get it. Especially when the bag is basically one huge logo for the designer. Or too tiny or huge to be practical. Or just plain gaudy. For the record, I would love to splurge on a really nice bag. But if I ever do, it will not cost half my paycheck, and it will not be a sloppy, trendy mess.

5. Mac haters, Favre haters, Swimmer haters, and California haters. Enough said.

Finally, 2010.

I've never been so happy to welcome a new year into my life. I love you already, 2010! Not that 2010 has done anything for me yet, or even promised anything especially appealing. But 2009 . . . was that year tragically long or what? It was definitely my worst year ever (see past blog posts for that ill-fated history). I don't even want to get into 2009's disappointing record of family losses, personal sadness, celebrity deaths, political nightmares, lame pop culture, and general suckiness.

Admittedly 2009 was a good year in a couple of ways: my sister Christine got married to an awesome guy, Richard. Congrats, Tine and Richard! You are such a cute couple. Another cute new couple is my brother Kevin and his new wife Lupe. Kev and Lups, your adorability should be illegal. What else? My one true love Ryan became an official, graduated, qualified, pinned, US Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer. I am so proud of you, Ryan! He really worked hard for this, and lots of people contributed to his success. Thanks, everyone! I also look back at lots of new job opportunities for the people in my life, and that is not a blessing to be ignored in this job market.

So now that I've been fair: 2009, I am breaking up with you. Please get out of my life.

I have found someone else, and here is what I like about 2010:

1. My new year's resolution is going well: I decided to quit skipping breakfast.
2. My marriage with Ryan is stronger than ever.
3. We get to live in the same house, with all our stuff, all year.
4. We are getting our finances really organized.
5. Nothing horrible has happened yet. (And already 12 days in! WTG, 2010!)
6. I've let go of the pressure to be pregnant by 30. Yes, that clock is ticking, but 2010 is not my year and that is OK.
7. We have hope.