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Let’s say I have business. And let’s say I know with the economic downturn, I can tell I’m going to lose money. Let’s say, for easy math (and I like easy math!), I’m planning on losing $100,000 this year. Now let’s say business isn’t as bad as I thought. It’s still bad, and I’m still losing money, but let’s say now I’m only going to lose $25,000. Here’s the question: Who in their right mind thinks “Woo hoo! I’m not losing as much as I thought! I think I’ll go out and spend $75,000 since I’d already planned on losing $100,000 anyway!”

Does that not sound ridiculous? Wouldn’t most of us say “I’m glad I’m not losing as much, but I still need to buckle down and at least try to make a profit. Now is not the time to be spending money–spending money I actually don’t have!”

Yet, the former seems to be the attitude of some of our legislators. The TARP bailout isn’t LOSING as much as they thought. So what do we do with the “leftover” money? (As if you can have leftover negative somethings!) Spend it! Hey, we’d already planned on it losing, so let’s spend it so we can meet our budgeted loss!

I’m not an economist. I was an English major; I don’t even particularly care for numbers at all. Yet I’m involved with budgets for my church, my household, and for two other organizations on whose boards I serve. What would they say if I proposed spending money in a budget deficit year, using the math theory “We’re not losing as much as we planned, so let’s spend!” They’d clonk me! It doesn’t make sense.  Or does it, somehow? If so, please school me how.

I like wearing Chucks. They offer the right blend of support and flexibility. They come in great colors. And, when found on sale, can be somewhat affordable. I found a pair, used, on Musician’s Friend last week. They were in my size, and black. They were rated a “1” on the Musician’s Friend “Used Gear” scale: like new, without original packaging. I could get for $26, or about $10 off new. Being cheap, I ordered them. They showed up today. There was a big, black scuff mark on the toe. I figured “I’ll just scrub that off.” Nothin’ doin’! It appears someone else (the first customer, maybe?) scrubbed it enough to wear through the first layer of rubber. There’s a divot right through the first layer. It was unsightly enough that this cheapskate wanted to send them back. I called. I explained. The lady on the other end said “Don’t bother to send them back. If they look like that, we shouldn’t have resold them. You can just keep them. You’re all set.” Well, I certainly appreciate that! And, this makes up for that drum bag fiasco I had with them a few years back. They’re back on even footing (so to speak!) with me now.

The boys were prentending this morning to be a security detail, protecting a princess, namely Julia. Julia, having just awoken from sleep, was not entirely on board with this. Matthew explained: “We’re here to protect you. No one will get you. Mommy won’t get you. Dad might, ’cause he’s Dad, and he likes to tease and tickle.” Thats right, Matt, I might!

1. One week ago I stayed home sick from work; I’m almost entirely over that cough now.

2. I lived in a little town called Spruce Head when I was young.

3. Mama told me “If you’re too sick to go to school, you’re too sick to do anything else.”

4. One of the most “in love” couples I know is you and me, (Susan)!

5. Take your time and read the direction through at least once before attempting assembly.

6. If you’d move your slow 45mph camper trailer / aircraft carrier over into the slow lane, then I (and the rest of this line of traffic) will pass!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to playing a gig with Blind Al in Bangor, tomorrow my plans include playing a gig right here in Rockland, and Sunday, I want to get back to the regular lunch schedule at Mom’s!

I love fall, and fall is here! I can prove it! These fall related things all happened to me today.

1) I broke out the barn coat today
2) I also started wearing blazers again. It’s getting cool enough to warrant wearing a sport coat.
3) I thought about putting the earlaps in my scooter helmet.
4) I used my shave cream warmer.

Though it didn’t happen today, I’ve been craving apple cider all weekend. And last week, I had my first pumpkin donut. Hurray Autumn!