The thing about blogs - and especially family blogs

Funny thing. As I was thinking about the news this morning and that I might throw out some thoughts, my some times active censor said, oh, but that might make someone uncomfortable. So then I had to think is the blog about having nice, safe conversations that we might have around a thanksgiving table and does not go much below the surface of how hot it is - already covered that, how Phil and I remember different things - covered some of that. Well, some of the best conversations I have around the thanksgiving table are the ones where I am trying to convince someone or they are trying to convince me - not the ones about how moist the turkey is and what's in that green bean casserole.

So, the news people keep telling us in order for us to get out of this recession and be prosperous again, we need to be spending more. But I already spend too much - I have debt, I buy pretty much what I want, I don't have room for more stuff. And when we go into town for "entertainment" we often go to a bookstore (who doesn't like bookstores?), or the computer gadget store (gadgets are so much fun), or other things like that. But when I think about what I wish I had more time to do I don't say, "gee, I wish I had more time so that I could go shopping and buy stuff," I wish I had more time to work on my house, play in the yard, build a garden, sit and talk to Jack or one of you. Now don't get me wrong, I like books and gadgets and things - just look at my house and office. And there are a few more I hope I can get. But I really do think we, as world people, not just as Americans, would actually be better off if we spent less. If we had houses that reflect the size we need rather than the size that is expected. If our cars were just for transportation and not a reflection of where we are in the social food chain - whatever that means (oh, dear, another rant I can save for later). We could do that and still live happy lives. But what would happen to the economy? Oh what tangled webs we weave when first we practice e-co-no-my.

So convince me.