It’s a hundred and five degrees outside. Ninty-five inside. Yup, you guessed it — the air conditioner’s out. The dog and the cat have each staked out a section of floor and spent the afternoon sprawled across the ceramic tile, trying to get as much skin as possible onto the cooler surface. Fortunately I’m home alone (other than the critters), because I’m sitting in front a fan with my blouse wide open and a wet washcloth draped across my torso. Tomorrow is supposed to be just as bad.
Yesterday I took the car to a mechanic. He was recommended by someone I trust. The prognosis isn’t good: it’ll take $2300 to repair all the places where oil is leaking out. Thinking maybe it makes more sense to trade it in, I spent some time online last night checking the value and looking for a vehicle to replace it. No good — with the amount I still owe on the car I’d be lucky to break even, meaning nothing left to buy something else. And since I’m unemployed again, a loan is out of the question.
Meanwhile, the job search turns up nothing… (unless you count the calls from insurance companies looking for desperate people to peddle their “product”).
Sometimes I think I should just do it — just sell (or rent) the condo, and go — get started on the future I’ve been waiting for. But my youngest will be 21 next month, and in December he’ll finish his training to be a yoga instructor. He needs me (or at least the use of my home) while he sets up his own life.
I could explain, and he’d probably understand. His father might give him a place to live… but then again, maybe not — and neither of them would be happy about it either way. And I don’t know — bailing on him now just seems like a really half-assed way to end a quarter-century of parenting. I’ve hung in there this long, and as eager as I am to be out of the SoCal hell, I want and need to do right by my kid.
I wonder often lately: How did we get to this point, where our ability to feed and house ourselves is at the whim of some corporate CEO with the power to “give” us a job? And why did we accept a system in which everything we need or want requires ever-increasing percentages of our income to support the demands of all the producers and packagers and salespeople and financiers and advertisers and transportation specialists and retail outlets and security personnel and commercial property owners who need to make their profit so they can meet their needs? It’s a vortex — a black hole of a system that cannot survive. It’s consuming our society — consuming us, if we let it.
I will find a way to get through this year. And, meanwhile, I’ll work at arranging my life so that I don’t support the social and economic model that’s sucking us dry. I’ll choose connections that support my values. Intentional interdependence — that’s the goal.
Are you in?
I had a similar conversation with my 16 y old son, last night. His school assignment is to write his own Declaration of Independence. The chosen oppressor is Consumerism. Interesting discussion regarding the exact cycle you describe. 14 yr old chimed in, as well. We frequently discuss the roots of the current economic mire ( Consumerism, CDO/Mortgage morass, leveraged equity, etc.).
Good luck, on your endeavors. Your writing has beauty and intimacy. Definitely following.
Hi, Susanna — thank you so much for reading, and for your kind words. And congrats on getting the family to talk about some big issues!
As hard as it is, I believe this economic downturn will ultimately be a good thing — we HAVE to reconsider our values and priorities. By thinking about the big picture as young people, your kids will be better able to make meaningful contributions and lead fulfilling lives. Keep up the good work!!
I am very much in tune with your thoughts. Looking forward to reading your blog more 🙂
Thank you, greengeekgirl. Appreciate you stopping by.
Stopped by to check on you.How is the tiny house dream coming? BTW I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Go to my blog post “Lucky me” for more information. I really do enjoy your writing. I wish you luck on this blog. I had an increase in blog hits right after I got this. It is always more fun to write when you know somebody will read your work. The support and encouragement you receive here is so precious.
Hi Rita! Thanks for stopping by — and for the nomination! Haven’t been here myself in a week or so… landed a temp consulting job and been busy with that. The “dream” is coming along just fine… here’s hoping the reality catches up!