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| How much will it cost me? |
I also received a recall notice last week from my car's manufacturer that the passenger-side airbag needed to be replaced, so I took it to the Honda dealership, and they happily did the work for me. Oh, and by the way, ma'am, your front brakes are worn out and need to be replaced.
Well, I already knew they were close because my car mechanic had told me, and it was next on my list. But I was unable to get out of the dealership without having them do the work for me. There was a special on brakes, he said, and I was still using the original Honda brakes after 100,000 miles, so don't you really want to replace them with Honda brakes?
He had me there. So I just spent another couple hundred and sighed with resignation. My renter's insurance had just popped up in my radar screen, too. Isn't it always something? I was reminded of Gilda Radner's book by the same title. Do you know it's been more than twenty-five years since she died of ovarian cancer? It seems like just yesterday to me. I loved Gilda Radner. I loved Roseanne Roseannadanna. And she was right: it's always something.
But you know, it's only money that I'm seeing flying out the window right now. As far as I know, I'm healthy and willing to continue to spend money next month when I fly off to southern California for a vacation in the sunshine. Remembering Gilda, I also realize that life is short. Mine is now almost twice as long as hers, and look how much she accomplished, how much joy she gave to the world.
Okay. My attitude has been sufficiently adjusted. I hope you have a great day; I intend to stop worrying and start smiling. I might also order that twenty-year anniversary edition of Gilda's book and read it again. I'm up for a good cry. And laugh.
:-)
When things start coming in your face and money always seems to be the issue, I stop .... say to myself, in 100 years it'll make no difference.
ReplyDeleteThat was my bosses philosophy many many MANY years ago, and it stuck with me. You don't know how many times since then, I've said this.
It helps.
It is indeed always something. Sometimes a LOT of somethings. And laughing is my favourite way of dealing with it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation. Another book to lust after...
you keep living the good life, djan. bless you.
ReplyDeleteSo true about the bills and expenses. Endless…Gilda Radner was wonderful. I will read her book. Thanks!
ReplyDelete"It's only money" might be one of the best things we get to say! Glad you are feeling better about things. Thanks for the reminder about Gilda; I loved her, too. And thanks for your nice comment on my post. I do think we're in this together, DJan!
ReplyDeleteah it does feel like it is always something...just had to pay for my grad school classes for the semester so we are eating ramen noodles and drinking water...ha....
ReplyDeleteSmiled when I realized that you had given yourself an attitude adjustment. You are so sweet, Jan.
ReplyDeleteI love to read your writings.
And....I count it a blessing that the brakes were found and repaired when they were. Those are absolutely important to maintain, and I'm glad that they are back to new again.
Take care of you....
Hugs,
Jackie
If your outgo exceeds our income, then your upkeeping becomes your downfall.
ReplyDeleteHave fun in California!
Yep, always. However, the brakes now won't need to be paid for in a future month.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about everything coming at once. Last month was it for us. All those annual bills and new tires for one of the cars.
ReplyDeleteI loved Gilda Radner too, she was so funny. I haven't read that book in a long time, maybe I'll pick up a copy too.
I enjoyed her too..she always made me laugh! She was one of those gals that was good for my soul too. I identified with so much of what she said.
ReplyDeleteI hate the unexpected expenses, I try to keep a slush fund so when they come about I am not stressed.
Smile..life is to short to frown:)
I have no problem spending money on travelling but when I needed new tyres there was a reluctance handing over so much money. But then safety has to be top of my list so yes the money was paid and now I need to get over it! Have a good week.
ReplyDeleteYes, life is short, isn't it? Not only that, but what will happen to you if you develop dementia and live in a fog until you die? Would life be worth living with that type of condition?
ReplyDeleteWhat gets me about spending money is that most of it seems to go out the window with no immediate benefit ... you pay your taxes, your insurance, your electric bill, your condo fee, your gym membership. I mean, I know all that stuff is necessary. But I like to spend money on fun things, like restaurants and movies and vacations. Anyway, rip Gilda. You might want to read my Remember Her? on Gilda at http://sightingsat60.blogspot.com/2011/06/remember-her.html
ReplyDeleteYou are in a boils and sores period. It can affect our health or our "things" and hits us all. The really good thing is that while bad things come in bunches. so do the good ones and the good ones have a longer shelf life.
ReplyDeleteThe breaks were a shock but not being able to stop your car would have been a bigger shock. I'd say you are on an up turn with that repair.
I love how you adjusted your own attitude. Well done.
Cars! Such a big expense, and yet, depending on where you live, it's hard to do without one. I hope Gilda cheers you up.
ReplyDeleteWe just had our brakes done too, and my new eye glasses, and trees removed professionally, and property taxes are due next month. Thankfully I'm getting a refund on income taxes! And we're planning a very big trip for the fall.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, it's just money. And I feel very fortunate that we can afford to pay for it all. There were very lean times for us when our kids were little. Feeling secure is a good feeling.
It's that really worn adage: when it rains, it pours, right?
ReplyDeleteYou see, DJan, you basically *wrote your worries away*. That's the neat thing about journaling or bloggging. It's very psychologically helpful. I've always known that if I write it out, I can see it clearer.
ReplyDeleteThat was a very quick turnaround. In fact, that was one of the best attitude adjustments that I have seen in quite some time.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that something is always bleeding us dry. I have had so many expenses in the past year, and we too just had to drop a bundle into our car.
You have reminded me that life is what is important. We have had a lot more years than Gilda ever had. I've never read her book. I must read it. Now, I guess I will change into my workout clothes and get on over to the gym to do my restorative yoga. I'm tired, and I ache, but I did pay my membership, and I need to use it. Plus, I will feel so much better when I get back from exercising.
It all seems to come at once D-Jan, doesn't it. We hibernate through the winter and then, at the first glimpse of the sun, off we go to do all those jobs we've been putting off and of course that takes money.
ReplyDeleteAhh Gilda.. she was such a gem.
ReplyDeleteSorry for all the cash woes but Gilda was indeed right. And sometimes, all you can do is say "Nevermind!"
Loved Gilda and she and you are right- it's always something. But as Blissed Out Grandma said- it's better than the alternative. Besides, it's only green stuff!
ReplyDeleteThings always seem to cost in clusters, too--LOL!
ReplyDeleteI never read Gilda's book, but I really loved her the best of all of them on SNL. She was always so full of joy! :)
That you are off to a California holiday is exciting news. Will you drive or fly . Your car is in good shape now.
ReplyDeleteGlad to read that the happier side of life has a firmer hold on you. Your post led me to look up Gilda. It seems I was very busy with two toddlers,and a teenage Buddy while teaching at that time. TV was mostly kids' stuff or VCR rented videos. Her material was a bit mature for my kiddies. I am going to look up some stuff now on Netflix if it's out there.