The Money Exchange

I once read,  if you took a person who became a paraplegic today, and a person who won the lottery today, in a year it would be impossible to tell which person would be happier.

Really?

I tend to think money would make me happy.  I think about money a lot, I mean,  at least twice an hour, sometimes more if I 'm driving- I think about money a lot when I'm driving.  

Honestly, its why I dislike Christmas- or what I like to call - the money exchange. 

This year my parents owed me about $187.96 after I deduct the money I spent on them.   In the spirit of compromise I would be willing to accept $185.00.  Think of all the resources saved, time, energy, wrapping paper...

Gioconda loves Christmas and is a really good gift giver, and in the end when those I love open their thoughtful gifts- I'm glad- because although I would love to put an end to the entire tradition of gift exchanging, I know I'm in the minority.

How about this- lets all make a big payment on our visa card, or student loan, or pay down our mortgages in the spirit of the season.  I mean, can't we call come to this agreement- it only makes sense.

(Do people really give each other vehicles as Christmas gifts?  Who are these people?  Where do they get the big ribbon that wraps around the entire car? What if the person doesn't like the color- can you get a gift receipt?)

In the last week I talked to two people I know who this month joined the 10.3 million other americans who are unemployed.   Just talking about unemployment gives me a hive, and I work for myself which makes me solely responsible for my own employment- that is if I don't work I don't get paid...and if I don't get paid I can't participate in the money exchange.

When I first went out on my own to do contract work a few times a week people would call me with job leads- in case I wanted to get a job.

I always acted grateful " Thanks for thinking about me, but things are going well right now (I then look for a piece of wood to knock on).  Right now being the operative words, because at any moment in time the rug could be pulled out from under me - although that has never happened in 45 years- it is still a possibility (as opposed to probability).

It really not my fault I'm genetically programed this way.  In my family we like to do everything in the most difficult way possible, which is why my father insists in mowing his own yard,  and we like to preoccupy our thoughts with scenarios which involve loosing all worldly possessions and living in a Honda Civic. Again, this has never actually happened to anyone in our orbit, yet the possibility can't be ignored.

I didn't win lotto so far this year...but I am still walking.