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Copyright © 2010 Andrea Langworthy
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As I greet 2009, it is difficult to know whether I should wear a smile or a frown. Americans have been advised to make do with less, not always hunger for more. A person doesn’t have to be a genius to know these are tough times. And tough times can mean something different for each of us. Desperation for some. Or opportunities for those with a criminal bent.
Last week’s Mpls. newspaper reported break-ins in a St. Paul neighborhood. Thieves took televisions and jewelry, the usual stuff than can be pawned for a few bucks. Monday’s issue of USA Today had an article by Donna Leinwand who reported counterfeiting is “a thriving business.” Arrests of those passing out bogus bills are at a five-year high. Maybe, if you’re about to lose your home and can’t afford food, 5-10 in the slammer seems like a hospitable solution.
Really, what are people to do? My husband and I are simple folk. No diamonds, furs, or snazzy cars for us. No mega-house, either. We eat out occasionally, rent a few movies a month, and didn’t feel we could afford a vacation last year. This year will be the same, I’m sure. After all, I’m a writer and everyone knows we don’t make any money. Writers fall into the category of “starving artists.” As for my husband, he’s in the car business. Domestic vehicles. This is where people shake their heads and give us the pitying “poor you” look.
For people like us, it’s hard to figure out what to cut back on. I guess if the TV is starting to conk out and Sears is offering no interest financing for two years, it’s best to resist the temptation. If the Marriott sends an e-mail saying they’ve slashed room rates in sunny climes and will throw in meal vouchers, a person should probably turn away and slip into a swimsuit. Pour a piña colada and sit by a south-facing window hoping to feel the sun’s rays. It’s not Florida but if you close your eyes, you can’t see the snow.
Please don’t think I am making light of what I know is a devastating situation for many. I am not. But it’s hard to know what to do when you are still hanging on. Even if it’s only by a little. Do we prepare for the day the Big Three might file for bankruptcy? Say “no” to everything, just is case we’re the next unemployment statistic? Or take out the gratitude journal bought years ago when Sarah Ban Breathnack was a guest on Oprah? Ban Breathnack advised the audience to forget about what they don’t have and write down five things they’re grateful for every day. Well, I’m glad my husband sells Buicks and doesn’t make phony $20 dollar bills or steal people’s jewelry. Does that count? I wonder.
My husband and I have a New Year’s Eve tradition. We make a list of the people we want to get together with in the next 12 months. Then, we talk about what we’d like to accomplish in the upcoming year. Not an easy assignment. Meals with friends we don’t see as often as we like could get expensive. I worked with a man whose answer to my daily “How are you?” was always, “Hanging on.” Each time, I advised him, “Don’t let go.” Not letting go is what my husband and I hope to accomplish this year. Our plan is to hang on with both hands.