A Reprieve!

After long conversations, long stand offs and long bouts of crying and hysterics (mostly me), John and I have reached an understanding.

John's desire to save money by moving Sprite to another daycare had us with one foot out the door of our current beloved daycare center and me with a hair trigger temper as we debated the costs and benefits of displacing our Sprite from place to another.

Was $30.00 a week really going to be that much of a benefit in the grand scheme of things? We weighed all options, experimented with time frames and menus and costs, and even studied the lunar cycles to determine if that would have any effect on our decision. (It doesn't, however John did note that on full moon cycles, I seem to become a raging bitch very easily, so this is good to know for both of us. He is now better prepared, and I now have something to blame my mood swings on.)

We looked at every aspect of our budget as I was digging my feet in the sand (you know, the free sand) on the issue and we discussed all of our options.

I was willing to give up some perks to show my commitment to our new frugal way of life. I immediately offered up our Sunday breakfast trips to the Gods of Finance. John seconded the motion and there was $30.00 a week saved right there, exactly what would be needed to match the cost of the cheaper daycare. This appeased the Gods...for a couple of minutes. Then they wanted more (the greedy bastards). Even with the match on spending for the more expensive more cherished daycare, they wanted more savings. So, I gave up our Friday dinners out. Another $30.00 a week saved. They considered this offer and tried to achieve a hat trick with our Saturday dinners as well. At this, I balked. I need one night a week in which washing dishes would not be involved in my after dinner ritual, so heels in the (free) sand (again), I resisted and mentioned that a certain husband of mine has a monthly stipend for his World of Warcraft habit which can be sacrificed very easily. The Gods backed off. (Come to think of it, I may use that bargaining chip again...)

So, here we are. Happily back to square one. Feels like home and while Sprite has no idea what fate almost befell her, I am relieved to see this bridge behind us. We crossed it, although the sides got a little singed.

It took almost losing the place I complain so much about to realize just how much I actually love it. I know Sprite loves it and that's what matters most.

If it does come up again that we need to save money, I may be willing to give up my Saturday night feasts in order to save Sprite's daycare center from the chopping block. Or John's allowance for World of Warcraft.

Yeah, that should definitely be first.

Comments

[Baba]

He sounds just like someone I know. We had the same little conversation. Were on the same page also. We both would not give up seeing our granddaughter and our trips to see her.....We also ..when out there will give up all eating out except on Sat. We will help cook dinners and the expense of them to make things easy...........We will see you soon(after Lee and Bryan have there visit).

[Sprite's Keeper]

Well, we don't have to go THAT far. I need my cheat meals every weekend, dangit!

[Lisa]

My husband has this comic book and wrestling DVD obsession and sometimes when he whines about me spending money on photos or scrapbooking or OUR SON, I hold up a DVD out of his collection of like 200 and say "ahem."

Works almost every time.

Glad Sprite won't have to go through the change. The little cutie!

[Heidi]

Wow, I'm in awe of you guys. Mike and John would get along splendidly indeed. Mike is such a gamer, it's not even funny. Hey, with all this money you're saving...you guys could come for a visit sometime :) hehehehe!!