Too much complaining about gas prices?
by Lori Barrett | June 30, 2008 at 11:40 am
Posted in money, travel
Yet another survey has been published about American’s reactions to gas prices, which now easily surpass $4 per gallon.
When I read these stories — particularly on a Monday morning — I get irritated. While I’m sure they’re not reflective of most Americans, how spoiled do they make us look to the rest of the world (most of whom have suffered with much higher gas prices for many years)? Take, for example, this woman:
A 33-year-old Dallas homemaker was forced to give up one of her “little small luxuries” — fancy bath products — and now must use bar soap instead.
Another mother has cut back on trips to amusement parks for her kids this summer. She said: “I feel fortunate because maybe someone else eats beans instead of hamburgers.”
And yet another lifestyle change: a Nebraska man had to sell his 13-mpg Ford pickup for a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Of the trade, he said: “It didn’t feel good.”
I don’t own a car, so I’m able to sustain my lifestyle of overindulgence. But let’s hear it: what guilty pleasure are you forgoing because of the price at the pumps?
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June 30th, 2008 at 4:52 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
I'm an American! I'm not giving up anything! I'm just going deeper into debt. Isn't that what we do? If prices get any higher we may have to invade the #2 producer of petroleum in the world, overthrow their regime and set up a government more suitable to our interests. Oh wait...
June 30th, 2008 at 7:44 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
starbucks frappucinos.
now i sound spoiled too
June 30th, 2008 at 8:37 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
My car all together. When it went out, replacement was a priority. Once BGE, gas, and groceries required a potiental second full time job, a car just wasn't that important. Especially with me being in Canton were everything there is in walking distance. Sure I may have to leave about 35 minutes earlier to catch the bus to work but to still be able to eat, drink, and be merry down by Fleet St. ensures that I can retain all of the important vices to maintain my sanity.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:33 pm | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
Coffee bar drinks.
Starbux, I'm looking at you...
July 1st, 2008 at 1:00 am | Please log in to reply. | Log in to rate this comment | report this comment
So far, nothing to give up...yet. I think the trick is to live w/in my means, and most importantly, carefully manage my appetites and vices. As the Buddha said, it is not the possession of things that it is the problem, it is the attachment to those things that causes pain. Or something like that.
I remind myself of that every time I sloowwly sip that single-malt I got for Father's Day. If it were possible, though, I wouldn't mind giving up my car. Useful, but often a PITA, and costly.