Other Thoughts | BulgingButtons

November 27, 2014
by BulgingButtons 3 Comments

Paying Bills on Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving in the United States. It’s a wonderful day of food and family and tradition. I love Thanksgiving. I always have. But before I get too caught up in the cooking (yes, I started yesterday, and today my sweetheart is doing most of the meal, so I have time) I’m going to take care of some business.

Why? Well, as I was clearing off the kitchen counter I moved some mail, and in it were a few bills. It seems to me that Thanksgiving is the perfect time to pay those bills (online, of course). Why spoil a perfectly good holiday? Because to me it isn’t spoiling it at all.

1. Credit Card- I paid off my credit card a while back, before I got divorced. I use it now for online purchases and travel related expenses, like airfare and hotels. Some months there’s not much on there (although usually there’s something, since I download too many books for the kindle). Other months it gets pretty high. Never as high as it was back in my married days, though. When I get this bill it reminds me that I have the opportunity to travel and the means to provide the little extra comforts that I enjoy in life, like my collection of digital media.

2. Electric- These folks make it possible for me to keep my home warm or cool, to wash and dry my clothes, to refrigerate and cook my food, and to enjoy technology. Oh, and they keep the lights on. Yes, I’m thankful for all of that.

3. Cell phone- I’m happy to pay to not only keep connected to my loved ones, but also to have access to emergency services should I need them. Add it the convenience of data where I am and yes, I’ll pay my bill, no problem.

4. Mortgage- Granted this one is a big one, but it pays for the roof over my family’s head. We live in a comfortable home in a neighborhood that feels safe and friendly. I looked long and hard to find this home, and I’m glad to call it ours. I remember this every time I send in the payment.

5. Insurance- I pay for the peace of mind. I’m glad that if something DOES happen, I have insurance to help us through it. It’s worth it to me.

I’m not wealthy. I don’t live extravagantly. I do, however, have enough, and for that I’m very thankful. Paying my bills reminds me that I’m fortunate to have what I do have and to live as comfortably as I do. I work hard for what I earn, but I’ve also been lucky. There are many hardworking people who struggle and barely scrape by. I’m aware of this, and for that reason I’m thankful that I’m able to pay my bills and still have a little something left over to enjoy life. If paying bills isn’t a reminder of my fortunate situation, I don’t know what is.

November 19, 2014
by BulgingButtons 6 Comments

Snovember

photo credit Derek Gee

Poor, poor Buffalo. No matter how many great things happen in and around that city, it will always be located exactly where it is, and that particular spot on the planet happens to be a perfect place for snow.

My Buffalo connections downplay the role that weather has on the region, but I think they only do it as a coping mechanism. After all, they can’t ALL leave the area, can they? Someone has to stay there.

And there are many good reasons to stay there. It has the nickname “the city of good neighbors” for a reason. People in Buffalo help each other out, just because that’s what you do. Especially under difficult conditions, like during snowstorms.

Buffalo is also affordable. Considering you have to pay New York State taxes when you live there, it’s still a good deal. And let’s face it, those tax dollars are used for things like education. Just saying.

Buffalo also has a lot to offer. Honestly, a ton of options await anyone with a desire to get up and do something. There’s theater, concerts, sports, family events, museums, festivals, and more. The local paper publishes a separate section each weekend just so you can keep track of everything going on. And if you like to eat and drink, well, Buffalo has something wonderful for every taste and budget.

The city’s history provides an interesting backdrop for its architecture, landscapes, and neighborhoods. Garden walks are popular, and so are tours of historic old buildings, like Buffalo City Hall. While the city is ever-changing, it holds on to its hard-working, hard-playing traditions.

If you want to visit a place with loyal sports fans, check out Buffalo. If you want to celebrate Dyngus Day or the feast of St. Joseph, Buffalo’s your place. If you want to enjoy great outdoor concerts for free all summer long, head to Buffalo.

In case you weren’t sure, I love Buffalo. I just wish the weather was a little warmer, sunnier, and dryer. Oh, and a little less snow would be nice too.

November 15, 2014
by BulgingButtons 5 Comments

The Losing Battle to Hold Off Christmas

Today is November 15, meaning that we are half way through November, and not yet to Thanksgiving. Also meaning that Christmas is not yet here. It’s NOT.

I’ve been telling myself this since I found Christmas candy at the grocery store in September. SEPTEMBER. That’s not right. I think it may have been left over from last Christmas, but still, September?

In September it was just plain crazy, and easy to dismiss as a fluke. Then October rolled around, and we had Halloween, so signs of Christmas got a little lost behind the orange and black, but once November began it was full-on Christmas all over the stores.

At least the radio stations hadn’t started yet. They would wait with the Christmas music until after Thanksgiving, right? Wrong. I heard it yesterday on not one, but two radio stations. UGH. Too soon!

And tv? Yes, they’re on board with this early Christmas nonsense too. Not only are there ads, but certain stations are actually starting to play holiday movies too. C’mon people, it’s just not time yet!

But then today my son and I took our dog to our community’s annual “Woofstock” festival. It’s a doggy celebration with tons of booths, demos, dog agility, vendors, entertainment, and, of course, Santa Claus. We’ve gone each year, and each year we get her photo with Santa.

Maybe it’s time to accept it. Maybe Christmas is coming whether I’m ready or not. But just in case you weren’t sure, I’m not ready. I want to enjoy the autumn. I want to eat turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes with gravy. I want to ease into the whole holiday season. I don’t think I’m going to get the chance, though. I think it’s here.