TGIF!!!! It's been a very long long week. Ever had one of those? Yeah only every week right?

Well for me this week it was especially long because we are broke. Funny how when you have money time seems to fly by with each shop you go to. But when there is no money you sit and wait... and wait... and yes once again wait.

We have two birthday's to go this weekend and no money to get presents which I really hate. I do not like my children showing up as the wayward kids from the block.

"Hi we are here for cake and ice cream and goodies but screw you and your present because all we could wrap up for you was a can of peas and a broken truck my Nana gave me last Christmas!"


My parents are stressed out right now. I mean stressed. Due to the economy as it is with many people; Dad lost his job. He's 57 years old and so it only made sense for the company to say "feck off you old dog thanks for your hard work these past years but in all honesty the money we pay you can be better put to use on the young guy we have coming in to take your place who will work for peanuts!"

My parents ended up losing a huge chunk of income along with their van they had been making monthly payments on for the past 2 years. Now they have no car, less food and their medications cost over $600 per month which because of the layoff they also have no medical coverage.

Friends ask us out but we can't go because we can't put fuel in the car to get to where we need to. Yesterday we went to pick up something from my grocery store for supper and Trace asked me if we could buy bananas. I said 'no' it wasn't in the budget. But the kicker was the conversation on the way home Thursday night I had with Jake who was more than glum because I couldn't afford for him to go and play laser tag with his friends this Sunday.

Jay: "Why do we have to pay for things?"


Me: "Because we do?"


Jay: Yeah but why? We can grow our own food, there are lots of people who can help, there is enough gas for the car for everyone. Why do we have to charge for stuff? Why can't it just be free?"


I wanted to laugh so hard but thought it better to just answer honestly. "Well people work and need to get paid for their jobs. It takes money to pay for rent and utilities. It cost money to run schools and houses and parks."


Jay: "Mom! Mom! I know this but why?"


Okay now I was frustrated. Jay is ten he knows why. He sounded like a three year old repeating himself and it was beginning to annoy me. I was already stressed trying to figure out how we were going to catch up on the bills, pay for things and buy the boys new shoes they desperately needed without this crap.


Me: "The world isn't free, Jay." I told him.


"It should be though. Instead of paying for everything maybe everyone should just give it away for free and keep giving it away to keep the world going."

Then it hit me. I had never thought of that before. A world where people worked at the job they wanted because they wanted not because of how much they get paid. Resources being utilized again and again by those who care. Food being grown and distributed, free gas, free water, free help.

No Money!

Okay I knew it was only a dream. That's why kids are so great. Their imagination and ability to see the world as it should be, not how it truly is. I miss thinking that way. Now if you'll excuse me I have to go because I need to get ready for the party and wrap my can of peas.

Have a great Friday!