Have You Ever Wanted Something...And....
By pyewacket
@pyewacket (43903)
United States
December 7, 2007 5:37am CST
Have you ever wanted something but because your finances weren't too hot you didn't think you could have it??
Okay maybe I'm a bit gripey..LOL..I've been reading here for the past few weeks, how some MyLotters have been spending money lately on gifts for friends and family members because of Christmas--in some cases hundreds of dollars and yes I admit it...I'm envious..I feel like saying SHUT UP ALREADY..BA-HUMBUG!!
Don't get me wrong..I'm glad folks can have the means to buy a lot of gifts for their loved ones..but here I am on SSI disability benefits getting $710 a month.. so like gee, I don't have hundreds of dollars to spend on gifts to give to folks. Thankfully, since I make crafts I can at least make homemade gifts to give to people.
Now I have been making a few extra bucks from selling my crafts..and it has helped. I got the good news that I don't have to pay my phone bill this month, as I was finally credited for "suspicious" charges to my bill that I didn't make including a so-called collect call ...I didn't make it..I've never done a collect call in my life...so all the strange charges were credited in my favor...I no longer have credit card bills to pay as I received a tax earned income credit refund check that was due my deceased mother, but since I was the "personal representative" was entitled to and paid off my credit cards off..so was able to kiss those babies goodbye...AND there might be another refund due me..when I'll get..no idea. I've paid my rent, but still have my electric and gas bill to pay, and yes I have the money to pay them...BUT...then there might be two prospective photo jobs I can go after..I posted about one of them..where I asked folks to wish me luck about it. BUT...
You see it's Christmas time...I DON'T care about getting presents, I DON'T care about the hoopla about Christmas..there's only one friggin' thing I want
A CHRISTMAS TREE!!
Okay laugh all you want..I know this sounds so infantile...but I've never, ever been without a Christmas tree in all my life and I like REAL trees...then I'm looking at my finances..yeesh..so like I said, while some have been mentioning all the money they've been spending on gifts...all I want is a friggin' tree!!So now I'm thinking to myself...okay I have to stretch that benefits money for a whole month, and it's still only the beginning of the month. And yes, maybe something else will magically come through for me...I still have to pay the gas and electric bill, but I'm thinking...crap...maybe I should do just a "token" payment for them to at least pay something...BUT I WANT THAT TREE!!
Got it??Now I'm not the compulsive kind..I am a very "practical" very calculating person and not given to extravagances... BUT I WANT THAT TREE!So I'm thinking....crap---Christmas only comes once a year...and shat...I'm going to get that tree!
Okay venting a bit..but have you ever wanted something...something that even though a "silly" extravagance and not a vital essential in one's life but you wanted it just the same even though your finances sucked at the time??
I want that tree!
I have a photo of my tree from last year..and it was a beauty...I want that tree..gee, should I make that a mantra??? LOL
25 people like this
36 responses
@TerryZ (22076)
• United States
7 Dec 07
You will get a tree I know you will because your determinded to get that christmas tree. And dont give up. Your not alone I havent bought any Christmas gifts at all. And dont think I will be buying any this year. But thats okay I have my decorations up and thats good enough for me. Im going to do a dance so that you will get your tree.LOL Let me know if it works.LOL Hugs!
6 people like this
@Kashmeresmycat (6369)
• United States
7 Dec 07
Aw Terry, you're sooooo sweet to do your little dance for Pye, not many people get that lucky!......Can I dance along with you for some extra luck to send her?
@Kashmeresmycat (6369)
• United States
7 Dec 07
Super!!...Did you ever see Charlie Brown's Christmas and how they were all dancin' to the music.....that's me right now....hear the piano?, LOL!
3 people like this
@AmbiePam (93883)
• United States
7 Dec 07
It's a Christmas tree for me too, Pye. Not a real one, but a small one I saw in a store. It was bright pink and shimmery and I just fell in love with it. It would look great in my living room, and it is only 10 dollars, but that is 10 dollars I don't have. You know how much I get, so I'm with you girl. It's hard. I just keep thinking, maybe next year...
5 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
Yes...we're both in the same boat aren't we? I haven't even seen a descent fake tree around me. Yours sound really nice! But hoping to get that real tree.
4 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
Oh--ps..saw your comment under the photo you left...yup, that's my apartment...that's nothing..you want to see "character" you should see my bedroom...LOL
4 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
Here's a wider angle shot of my apartment..LOL
4 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
Just got to my emails now. Yes, being on disability sucks doesn't it?
2 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
7 Dec 07
Aww I hope you get your tree somehow.
Right now there are several things I want and can't afford. One is to give gifts to many of my friends. However, I also wish I could even just pay my bills at the moment! I wound up with a $0 check last pay period, because my insurance sucked up what little money I did make, and I didn't get to work much because of my health. Seriously, the company sent me a check for $0.00. Isn't that silly? :P
4 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
Are you joking? They sent you a check for $0.00? It cost them more for the check made out to you! That's is so dumb!
4 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (47667)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
7 Dec 07
Hmmm.... something tells me you want a Christmas tree....
/\
It's not much, but it's the best I can do...
5 people like this
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
7 Dec 07
I agree with you you desever a christmas tree.
I would rather get a home made gift than something bought from a store. I find when a friend of mine children is having a baby or getting married I have made gifts that are special for them. I tell them this is given from the heart. I made a beautiful picture of cross stitch for a friend's son and daughter in-law who got married 7 years ago and they decorated their home around the picture.
In a few days ago another friend's daughter had a baby and I made her a sweater, blanket, hat, and booties. Mom and dad ski and run a ski resort so I got buttons that where mittens, hats, and ski boots. The mom and dad loved the set. They knew I made it espically for them I know what they like and spent the extra time making it for them. I can't wait to meet the little girl.
I digress you get your tree and let the gas and electric compay wait a little while.
@ESKARENA1 (18261)
•
7 Dec 07
yes I agree, they will wait, at least they have to with me because i can resist anything but temptation
blessed be
4 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
Thank you --both of you. Yes I guess the electric and gas bill can wait...just hope I'm not sitting it the dark..LOL That sound so great of all the handmade gifts you have made..yes, handmade is so much better, and like you said, made and given from the heart
3 people like this
@RebeccaLynn (2256)
• United States
7 Dec 07
Have you let the local churches know that you are in need? Let them know how badly you would like a tree. They may provide you one and a Christmas dinner too!
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
I didn't know churches could provide trees...LOL. Christmas dinner is no problem as I do get food stamps, so that really helps
2 people like this
@ESKARENA1 (18261)
•
7 Dec 07
Go get the tree, you have permission, anyway you know you are going to anyway. So you should.
Have a happy christmas
with the brightest blessing to you and yours
4 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
Hehee...yes I guess you do know I'm going to get it...and blast the bills :)
3 people like this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
7 Dec 07
DOnt know what real trees are going fo rthis year but if ya want one that bad go buy a fake one and you can have it always!.
and they only cost around $20 at family dollor store and they are real pretty after you get the ornemants on .
Really cant tell the diff.
they just dont have the smell thats all and they do have a spray of pine ya can put on it for only about $1.
ya just might have to comprimise to get the TREE! hugs
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
The only fake trees that they sell around here are at my local Walgreens and Target and some go for at least ...get this...$50...that's more than a real tree!
2 people like this
@keminem001 (779)
• Saint Lucia
7 Dec 07
yeah i have wanted numerous things in my life that me or my parents couldn't afford but i don't let that get to me because i know it is only temporary. i know that things will get better one day. it's not like i won't be able to get it for the rest of my life.
sometimes the things we want aren't necessarily what we need and we NEED to know the difference between the two.
4 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
Well I realize that maybe a tree isn't necessary, but I've had trees ALL my life..I just hate to break with tradition
3 people like this
@kareng (61740)
• United States
7 Dec 07
That's a pretty tree and I hope you find one just as nice this year! I'm sure things will work out to where you can find one at a good price!
Happy Holidays!
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
I really loved the tree from last year..and it was less than the other place that sold trees..
3 people like this
@kurtbiewald (2625)
• United States
7 Dec 07
i really feel for you
trying to pay that electric bill and all
sounds really hard
I have like 10,000 trees in Danbury , NH
if you want to go there and take one, less than 6 inches in diameter, maybe I could spare one
I hvae pines, spruce, fir and you could take your pick
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
Wish I could but would have no means to get there as I don't drive or have a car :(
3 people like this
@Kashmeresmycat (6369)
• United States
7 Dec 07
Oh Pye, I think our lives are on a parallel path...I swear all week I've been wondering the same thing, how am I going to get my tree this year. I just HAVE to have my tree....if I don't get one, it will be the first time in my 60 years that I never had a real live tree, and I can't handle it, I really feel something will go wrong if I don't. We are running on the same path together my friend.
Remember I mentioned that Norfolk Island Pine in your other discussion? At least it's alive and I can dress it up a little bit for Christmas....maybe you can go along those lines too, at least it's something.
I wish I had a better job so I could send you a gift certificate for your tree, I really know how important it is to have it, I really do.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
You're not any chance a Scorpio? Maybe we're having the same problem due to our signs? LOL. Maybe you're like me to in this regard...I feel downright grumpy EVERY year until I get that tree in the house..I just can't get in a festive mood otherwise...once I have it I'm happy as a clam..or is that kid?? Mmm Norfolk Island Pine?? Which discussion? Bit fuzzy headed as I've been scanning and working on photos all day/night and bugged eyed..have to back track now to see what you meant--you mean those teeny weeny trees? I haven't seen them in ages around me
3 people like this
@Kashmeresmycat (6369)
• United States
8 Dec 07
I'm an Aries with Leo rising and its been THE worst year for me all around...long story, but when I had my horoscope done I do have some Scorpio in me.
I know you've been working hard on your pictures, I would be doing the same thing if I were you. I mentioned the Norfolk Island Pine in your "Wiccan/Pagan - Do You Still Celebrate Christmas" discussion.
You can find these tree's around Christmas time, maybe not in your area but they sell them here. They come in an assortment of sizes, from the tiny one's to 6-8'tall. But the big one's are expensive as they are not that easy to grow. The one's I'm thinking about are about 3-4' tall and can at least be put on a table...they usually run under $10.00,.....very beautiful little soft tree's. I might end up with one just to have my live Christmas tree....better than nothing to me, haha.
2 people like this
@Kashmeresmycat (6369)
• United States
12 Dec 07
Hi Pye, just wondering if you were able to get your tree? I hope so because you certainly deserve it...take care.
@zigzagbuddha (4601)
• United States
7 Dec 07
One year I was so broke that buying a tree was out of the question, I didn't even have the capability of 'robbing peter to pay paul'.
So we took an ax and headed into the mountain (it was me and my kids) to chop down a tree. Since I had never done it before, and my kids were too small to help, we had to pick a very small tree.
We picked one that looked easy to cut down, and I worked like a lumberjack to bring it down, but when we got it dragged out of the mountain and into our house it was the scraggliest looking tree anybody has ever seen. We loved it and decorated it anyway, but it was definitely a Charlie Brown christmas tree!
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
LOL...well I guess a Charlie Brown tree is better than nothing..Gosh, how long did it take you to chop it down even though small??
2 people like this
@zigzagbuddha (4601)
• United States
8 Dec 07
It was quite a few years ago, but if my memory serves me true, the whole thing, including the search for the right tree and getting it into the house too, took a couple of hours I guess.
I have another Christmas tree story too. One year way before my kids were born, I was living with a bunch of other 'street urchins' in an apartment we had managed to get into. I don't know how we were able to pay the rent because none of us had any money, and we wanted a Christmas tree.
We were all of us out one day, running around the streets like a gang (we were really just kids... I think I was 17 or something), and we came across a residential hotel that had a big, undecorated tree sitting in the lobby. We absconded with it. Some of us at the top and some of us at the bottom of the tree hauling a$$ down the street with it.
You're lucky to have money coming in every month!
Sounds to me like you're going to find yourself a tree. And I doubt you're going to have to go to the extremes of chopping it down yourself or stealing it from someone else.
Did you get your slides scanned and uploaded?
2 people like this
@zigzagbuddha (4601)
• United States
12 Dec 07
I'm here are you? Is your christmas tree here?
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160949)
• United States
7 Dec 07
Once in awhile you have to find a reasonable splurge. It seems to me that splurge would be worth more than the money to you. My daughter was wanting to be frugal this year,they will be traveling for a lot of the week before Christmas but her hubby loves Christmas. She expressed the need for frugality, but did not insist. Came home from orchestra practice and hubby had taken garland and made a tree on the wall, hanging their favorite decorations from it. She says it is really pretty, took care of his need for a tree and her need for frugality. Also saves space in the apartment with a small child. I opted for the third year in a row, to buy a large, potted Norfolk Island Pine. Maybe this year I won't neglect it in the spring, and I will have it for next Christmas, as well. I put my mini ornaments on it, and made some cute sparkly balls by putting hooks through sparkly pompons. I like it a lot. Some years we cut a live tree. Loved the experience of going. I used to have an artificial tree, then cut boughs of evergreen from around my yard for the cedar smell and evergreen ness. You will figure out the best choice for you for this desire. It may well be worth it to you to have a tree this year. Ir might be a precursor of better fortune this year. Hugs, and Merry Christmas.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
Sounds like that garland is really festive looking. You're the second one to mention about Norfolk Island Pines. If it's what I'm thinking of, they haven't sold those around in my area for years :(
I'm going to see how things are by mid-next week about getting that tree!
2 people like this
@Stephanie5 (2946)
• United States
7 Dec 07
Pyewacket~ I totally understand where you are coming from. I haven't bought so much as a package of candy canes. I'm just not in the Christmas spirit this year for some reason. We are broke and everything that could go wrong has gone wrong. I guess I'd better be figuring something out or I'm going to have 10 very angry children.
We don't have a tree either. First time since becoming an adult that I haven't had one. But our house isn't big and with 10 kids running around there's really no place to even put one plus I don't want to spend the money on one, I'd rather have it for gifts. I don't know....I am going to have to do something quick because Christmas sure is FLYING up on us!
I hope you get that tree! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Take care,
~Stephanie :-)
@Stephanie5 (2946)
• United States
8 Dec 07
Yes, I do. lol 7 boys, 3 girls. I think we are going to go get a tree tomorrow. Maybe...we were thinking about letting the kids paint one. I don't know, ugh. Happy Holidays!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
You have 10 kids?? Holy moly! I hope you can get something to bring the Christmas cheer in and wishing you a great merry Christmas also
3 people like this
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
7 Dec 07
I have to admit that there have been times recently when I had a totally irrational and out of financial reach desire. Unfortunately my finances are such that there is no way I can afford the object of my fixation at the moment. Every time I go into the city I have to walk past a shop selling leather coats and jackets, and right slap in the middle of the window is a stunning black suede jacket with a long heavy fringe, stunning beadwork panels and concho trim on the sleeves. I have fallen in love with this jacket but the price tag leaves me shuddering.
Go ahead and get that tree hun, you deserve it :-)
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
It's so funny you should mention something about a jacket..Years and years ago, I bought a black suede fringed jacket with conchos..no beadwork though...I haven't worn it in years and can't even remember what I paid for it..too bad I can't send it to you
Okay...might get the tree Monday or Tusday??
2 people like this
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
7 Dec 07
Oh, aye. My family almost didn't have a tree this year and wouldn't have if the clothing bank (a kind of charty things, mostly for clothes but it occasionally has other stuff which it gives away to whoever wants it/needs it) hadn't saved us one.
But we've NEVER been that great financially, so yeah..there's been stuff I've really wanted before and been unable to get.
This year I REALLY want to go downand see my grandparents for christmas. We always did it growing up...but the last few years we haven't been able to. And my grandparents are old, they could kick the bucket any year now :(
Plus their christmas dinners ROCK lol.
But I just don't think we're gonna be able to do it this yea. We're gonna JUST manage a couple presents and the christmas dinner (mostly thanks to my newest job).
But I know how you feel. I've seen discussions where the people mentioned having hundreds of bucks to spend on christmas...and I'm always like; Man...I've never even seen that much money in my whole lifetime, not as a check, not as cash...at ALL.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
What really stinks too is that this woman owes me money for a favor I did for her and she offered me money for the favor/job I did...has she paid me..nope...That money could've helped
Aww--thats' a shame you can't visit your grandparents...here's hoping maybe something will turn up and you can visit them
2 people like this
@lightningMD (5931)
• United States
7 Dec 07
I understand the money is tight situation. We are broke and behind on all our bills. We have a tree because we own a artificial one from years ago. We also put up all our decorations. We are trying to buy a few small gifts for our youngest daughter. She is 10. We have been searching clearance racks at the dollar store and have found a few cute things. I figure atleast we will be together and thats what counts.
3 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
I'd get an artificial tree, but it just wouldn't be the same, and yikes they can be as much as a real one..so rather have the real one. Here's hoping you have a great Christmas anyway! :)
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Dec 07
Mantra: I want that tree...I want that tree. LOL. There are a few other things I'd love to have but they can wait...but I'm so determined to get the tree. And blast the bills--heheee
2 people like this
