Eating out

Ahhh!  I didn't post yesterday.  My goal is to post every day.  Yesterday, I went out to eat with a friend of mine at Culver's.  We had coupons for buy one/get one free on a 2 scoop sundae, and burgers for a buck.  The frequency in which I go out to eat is almost non-existent at this time.  So much so that Culver's was a big treat, and my first out to eat, get what I want, experience in I don't know how long.  This is one of the things that change when you don't have money.  You don't go out to eat.  I used to eat out at least 3 to 5 times per week, whether lunch, or dinner, or both.  As I look at that now, all I can see is that it's a horrendous waste of money.  Don't get me wrong, I still love to go out to eat, and will never stop doing it, but I will never look at it the same way as I used to, and I will never again do it with the frequency that I once did..  I didn't think anything of the money I was spending when I was eating out all the time, and I did it for 20 years.  Now, any money spent at a restaurant is a big deal, and I will never fail to appreciate a meal out again.  Money spent at the grocery store is a big deal, how can money spent at a restaurant not be?

Why this blog?

I'm starting this blog to capture the feelings and experiences that I have to go through in order to survive going from being a suburban housewife and mother with a good job to being alone and poverty-stricken - and, as a matter of fact, currently unemployed.  Today I am going to a workshop at our workforce center to see how I can improve my resume and cover letter (hopefully I'll get more calls!!!).  I have been unemployed on and off over the last 7 years I don't know how many times.  I have been fired mostly, initially because of my addiction problem, and most recently for a reason that was just stupid.  I won unemployment at least.  So now I have $223/week to live on until I find a job, and I pay $689 for rent.  Like that's going to work.  Anyway, I'd love to hear everyone's experiences.  I know I am not the only one going through this out there, there has been too much job loss, foreclosure, etc. for others not to be or have been affected the same way as I.  Today will be good.  I went grocery shopping (even though I couldn't afford it) and spent $139 yesterday.  It is the first time I have spent that much money at the grocery store in probably over a year.  I couldn't believe how much the prices of some things has gone up!  So, so far, I will survive