Feeling the Crunch

I haven't written with any real consistency but I just have to talk about something. I know that right now times are tough everywhere. I happen to live in an area where it may not be as obvious that people are struggling. Maybe they are but it's not as obvious.

I am going to say it. We are struggling. Seriously struggling. What is going to happen? With us? With the economy and with the world? I watched the debate last night in the hopes I would be inspired by the candidate who I felt will really turn things around. I wasn't inspired.

On a really selfish and superficial level - I'm sick of not being able to give the Dad a birthday present. And I'm REALLY sick of not getting a birthday present. And I'm sick of celebrating 9 years of marriage with a card and a mediocre dinner. We work so hard! We have 3 jobs between the 2 of us and I fear we may need to add a 4th. What makes it harder is that many members of my own family don't have to work as hard - or at all - to make ends meet. In many cases, the wives don't work. Growing up, I didn't think I would have to work. Truth be told, I enjoy working. I don't think I would be happy staying home full time but I would like to have the choice! Is that too much to ask?

On a much bigger level, I'm worried about how we are going to pay our bills. I used to think "How can people let themselves get to the point where their homes are going into foreclosure and now I totally get it. In fact, I am about one missed paycheck away from losing my house. Seriously - we have NO cushion. God forbid we lose out jobs - we're screwed! And it's so embarrassing. My biggest fears is that I have to go to my parents and ask for help.

We keep telling ourselves that everyone is in this position. We're not the only ones. Everyone is feeling the crunch. Somehow it doesn't make me feel any better.

So help me feel better. Is anyone else feeling the crunch and if so, what are you doing about it?