Got Quads?

I had a completely different topic planned for today until I found out my husband’s company is putting every employee on a mandatory “furlough.” Basically they have to take a week off without pay by the end of March to help ease the company’s financial burdens during these tough times. For those who know us, don’t panic. We’re not talking dire straits here, but, let’s be realistic, this is a blow for us. At least since my husband is hourly he can spread his furlough days out. Those on salary have to take all 5 days at once. I can’t even imagine.

So here’s my big dilemma… how do we (and the other affected employees with families) keep a brave face in front of our children? I hate talking about money in front of my daughters. It’s not that I want them to think we’re millionaires, I just don’t ever want them to think they are to blame for us having to scrimp and save. Times are rough and so many parents out there are doing what they have to in order to get by. Sometimes, though, it seems like when we have a sense of security, wham, things like furloughs come along. I truly never expected something like this to happen in the line of work my husband does. 

We’re not out there spending money like it grows on trees. We don’t have cable TV. We don’t have long distance phone service (instead we buy phone cards which saves us money). We don’t own cell phones. Our one splurge is the internet (dial-up, I might add, so is that really a splurge??). We clip coupons. I do my darndest to keep us at or under budget for groceries. There’s not a whole lot more we can do to cut back, and I’m guessing many of these families are in the same boat. I work part-time and I’ll try to pick up extra hours on those furlough days.

Yes, my family can live without material things. Yes, my daughters will always know how much their parents love them and that’s the most important thing. But I’ve got to tell you folks, it’s things like this that keep me up at night. Sorry to bring you down today. I will do my best to lighten the mood tomorrow.

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