Things I Have Learned

Since being laid off, my lifestyle has changed.  And, I've learned a few things about myself and my surroundings.  First, with all the free time I've had, it's still hard to want to clean the house.  It needs it, but I just don't want to do it.  I did, finally, clean the bathtub that had been dirty since I moved in.  Scrubbing bubbles and other fancy bath room cleaners just didn't do it.  Bleach didn't either.  Used Ajax powder cleaner and with 4 tries using a mop, I got it clean.  I use fewer dishes when I'm off, but I tend to let them stack up in the sink until there are too many for the drying rack.  It's easier being a slob.  With job searches on the internet, clothes aren't a big deal,,,gym shorts and t-shirts are the norm.  Who's gonna see?  Showers and shaving are optional.  Laundry is an option.  Except for underwear, what is there?  A shirt and jeans for interviews, going to the bank and grocery store, and a few towels and wash rags are all there is.  Hand washing the undies keeps me from the laundromat.  One problem though,,,they just don't come out like in a normal wash.  Kinda stiff.  I must hide my cigarettes unless I want to smoke 2 packs a day.  Plus, there's no money for them.  Coffee and iced tea are my friends.  Saltine crackers can be a good snack.  Tuna or chicken salad can be extended with macaroni.  Plus, I don't need crackers or bread.  Grocery prices, utility costs, insurance premiums, gasoline prices, and rent don't go down just because I don't have a job.  And in regard to that, running my air conditioner at medium temperature and low speed, doesn't lower my electric bill that much.  Even though the internet is a vast resource, there's really not that much to do on it.  Cable television doesn't have that much to offer,,,many of the channels I watch repeat the shows shown in the morning in the afternoon, but it's a good time to catch up on old episodes of my favorite shows.  Regardless of how many movies I have in my collection, I really can't find any I want to watch.  Foxy is very patient.  And last, but not least, because i've known it for a long time, I've got great friends here who support me during my times of trouble and celebrate with me in my times of joy.