Not much to say about Day 6 other than there is only one day left!

I’ve already started a new grocery list that will just increase the spending limit by about $5 each, if that. News of worse times ahead is the primary motivation, but I’ve also realized in this week what I can do without. I would much rather cut back on my expensive high octane caffeine intake, get my energy through exercise and have money left over for travel, emergency funds and luxuries. We can also live without the amount of wine/beer/chocolate/nuts that we always seem to buy.

Rationing butter and cheese has also brought awareness that we can cut back on our intake of those expensive items and still have delicious foods.

I’m still boggled about rising food costs. In Maine food costs are up more than 6.3% because oil price jumped this year. Even though oil prices have dropped, I doubt food prices will follow.

Here is the equation.
My income is < My expenses.
Credit is not available and I haven’t found a good job. Take our current recession into consideration and you can understand my fear and frustration.
Economically, there are tough times all around.  Well, except for John Thain, (and the other merry men of Wall St.) who is asking for a $10 million bonus–indicating his annual income must be over double digits.
Although taking the FSC was a school project, it will become a lifestyle until things improve. I’m not really disappointed, either. What winds up on my table is plenty more than in other countries. Sometimes, less is more.
“The less you eat the longer you live, so the more you get to eat.”

Despite going to the gym I didn’t have much of an appetite all day.

Breakfast
Oatmeal, fried egg

Lunch
Didn’t really have one. Just snacked on a carrot and leftover oatmeal cookies and popcorn.

Dinner
Potatoes and left over kale. Really scrumptious.