Cheaper to live? No so much.

I just got the gas bill for Dec 15- Jan 15 (mind you, hardly anyone was in the house) and it was like $248.

Thank Goodness that is split 3 ways-- but really?

I get that this is an old farm house-- but still.

On top of that was our electric.

Oye!

our house does always feel warmer than nec. to me. Like I wouldn't mind keeping it at 68-- and then maybe people could sleep in pants rather than boxers-- and use big blankets. But I am not about to tell everyone else that they need to be thrifty for me. and then I say, so.. I walk around all bundled up and it saves me (when divided by 3) a whopping MAYBE $15 a month. No thanks.

I don't like being an adult.

I moved to Rockford, thinking that I would be able to stash away money- All I've done is spent.

new deck
new roof
new siding
new flooring
painted walls
dry wall/ plaster
outdoor lights

Today I am paying to have an auto garage door opener put in my stall in the garage.

What's amazing is this: I am not sure anyone notices my improvements. I don't think one of the room mates really cares that the value of the house where they pay $350 a month has gone up. That the windows are nicer. the flooring is clean and doesn't smell-- the roof doesn't have stains. I don't think they care that the siding looks 10000000000 times better. Because, quite frankly-- Jose could have done all the improvements in the world at 2473 Park Ave-- and it wouldn't have meant much to me when I was renting from him. Just as long as it was clean on the inside. (the difference is-- my rent was $1600 a month for a tiny place) So has it really gotten cheaper here?


I mean, granted, I do spend a heck of a lot less money on going out to eat. I remember first year of law school, I am pretty sure Jon and I went to every restaurant on El Camino. And I am pretty sure I could tell you the vegetarian options at every hole in the wall ethiopian, korean, chinese, and vietnamese place in that 5 mile stretch of restaurants, cafes, and stands. But then I say this: you can go out to eat A LOT for the price of a deck. Like... a lot. mmm I just thought of this vietnamese sandwich

So what brought me more satisfaction, you ask?


I would suggest that maybe I have gotten boring. the deck brought me zero satisfaction this summer-- it was mainly a place for my roommates to sit. I never really just sat down and enjoyed it. It was also a way for my goats to get up by the sliding glass door.. and then into my house.
But what that deck did- it created balance when looking at the house. And thus, all the more worth it :)

I am making butternut squash for breakfast.