80.2025

It's so hard to be focused on the little things when everything is crashing down around you, but I am trying.

I had a decent interview this week for a job I can absolutely do. It would be a downgrade from what I'm doing currently but because it would be corporate pay vs non-profit pay, I'd be making about the same. It was just the second interview so nothing is for certain, but it didn't feel like an obvious mis-match.

I've done some window-shopping (I love how window shopping can still be a thing in this digital age, except for physical glass windows, they are browser windows on my computer) but I have closed the tabs and walked away. I did splurge on an event for me and Mum that is a fun treat, but we need good experiences right now.

Was reading somewhere about how someone was asking how to keep their grocery budget down right now and I was pleased to see that, compared to some, we are doing quite well. It helps that we are trying to eat up the old stock (ooooolllllld stock, the pandemic stock when we never knew what we were going to get so we stocked up when we could). The theme of the year is, "well, it's edible." And if not edible, then a PB&J will suffice.

Since I am actively trying to empty the freezer and pantry (not empty empty of course, we still want an emergency stash, but we have so much old food that needs to be used!), I can be more selective of what food we are buying. Most of our budget goes to fresh produce and then whatever is on a really good sale (which does include name-brand treats and processed food– we need some treats and quick meals like a frozen pizza to keep us from finding excuses to spend $$$$ on take-out).

So like, small wins, yay. But it's a small win in a burgeoning dystopia, so boo.