What do you do?

This post is dedicated to those who are or have been affected by this down turn in the economy. I don't know about you but I am very troubled. Our government has gotten us into a world of hurt. As a matter of fact, our church leaders have been counseling us for years to avoid unnecessary debt, save some money for a rainy day and work on obtaining a 2 year supply of food. I can see the need for that advice now. I am certainly not a "dooms-dayer", but lets just keep it real..... it's a rainy day. Food costs are rising. People are losing their jobs. People are losing their homes. It is sad. So sad. We bought our home just a little over one year ago. It has already DEprecciated $50 thousand dollars. If we had to sell tomorrow, we simply couldn't. At least we have a reasonable payment and a decent loan. We are, however, facing some hefty monthly charges in the near future because of Craig's dental work and Mark's mission. Money will be tight---and when I say tight, I mean puckered up good, tight and squeaky! :) At a time in our world when things seem to crumbling around us, I want to become empowered. I refuse to sit back and let things fall where they may. I want to brain storm with you about what sort of things YOU are doing to no longer be a victim of this wretched economic situation. Here are some things I have been thinking about; 1. working more consciously of my food storage. I have a good amount, but since moving to AZ, I have been a little lax. 2. be more aware of our usage of water and electricity. I am one to crank up the a/c and take big hot bubble baths....I will be a little more conscientious. 3. I will be more aware of my grocery budget. I use coupons and shop the sales but I know I can still do better. 4. I will try to condense my driving by being more organized while running errands. (thank goodness the price of gas is at long last going down...) 5. make snacks for the kids instead of buying them. I used to be much better at this and got kind of lazy about it. 6. use my stash....all of it.... before buying more. 7. be okay with the fact that everyone is getting a homemade Christmas gift from us this year. I always worry that the recipients will think it's lame to get a home made gift....but, I think my check book and I are over it. 8. Seriously consider cancelling our cable....no one really watches it until night time anyway. 9. Adopt the old pioneer adage; "use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without." 10. repair (if possible) instead of buying another. Our cars recently had some problems....after much pondering, we decided to repair them instead of buying new ones. Also, our washing machine was acting like it might go. I had a moment of excitement thinking I was going to go get one of those new-fangled front loading ones. However, we decided to fix the old one. I am so glad now. Tell me your plans for cutting back. Let's work together on taking control of our lives in this out of control world we live in! **I still think this is a wonderful world full of opportunity and blessings. I try to see the Lord's hand in everything. And, not to get all religious, but I can't help but think that the Lord might be sending us a little reminder about not forgetting him. People want Him out of the schools, out of the government, and off of our money. I hope we can all take a minute to remember where our blessings come from...and then be thankful.