Kay in Cal Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 Lol! Pam, I've got to drive out to TN to meet you next time I'm in Virginia. I can see you now... the 80 year old male homeschooling mom, sitting on his porch with the outhouse behind. I know that many people in the world live without indoor plumbing, but it does really shock me that people in the US still do (other than while camping, but that's another story). You're going to have to write your autobiography some day "Pam: From Outhouse to Flaming Sword, The Story of One Woman's Journey to Self Discovery". Or something like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kay in Cal Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 Stock my pantry with napkins, plastic ware, sugar, cream, salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard or any other condiment packets taken from restaurants. My depression era grandmother does this--fills her purse when she eats out. Her theory: it isn't stealing because they charge way too much for food anyways. She loves to say things to waitresses like: "I could make this fried chicken at home for 50 cents! Why does it cost $9.00?" BTW, she really is not so poor that she couldn't afford these things, but believes that she is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnolia Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 I'd have to say, never say never. There are many things I have said I'd never do or say only to do or say it later. But, I don't want to give up my Tide. Not ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Needleroozer Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 buy used underwear at the GoodWill - that it is even possible appalls me to an extent I can not describe! Eeewwww. I agree. Icky.:iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMCassandra Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 Live without an internet connection! Live without books! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pajama Mama Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 I would never buy peanut butter other than Jif. *I* like eating Jif peanut butter. It is what choosy moms prefer;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennyB Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 I've had some rough times growing up so I would eat anything, use anything necessary for my family. But... if things were just tight? Give up my charmin tp. :D Jenny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dayle in Guatemala Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 wash out my ziplocs (if I'm going to do that, I might as well use tupperware) wash disposable cups, plates, bowls, or plasticware (for the same reason as above. If I'm going to do that, I might as well use the really good/nice stuff) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieAir Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 It's true. I'm also a dude. :D So, is it really Pat, Sibling Flaming Sword of Mercy?:lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PariSarah Posted April 4, 2008 Author Share Posted April 4, 2008 Stock my pantry with napkins, plastic ware, sugar, cream, salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard or any other condiment packets taken from restaurants. My depression era grandmother does this--fills her purse when she eats out. Her theory: it isn't stealing because they charge way too much for food anyways. She loves to say things to waitresses like: "I could make this fried chicken at home for 50 cents! Why does it cost $9.00?" BTW, she really is not so poor that she couldn't afford these things, but believes that she is. My grandmother. Oh, my grandmother. The stories I could tell. For a while there, every time we went to visit, she would treat us all to Ponderosa, every time we came. The only catch was, all the girls would have to bring purses and we'd have to fill them up with stuff from the buffet. She brought ziplock bags. We had a quota. Good times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battlemaiden Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 eat Spam You know those are fightin' words here in Hawaii! Spam, for some mystical reason, is a staple in the local diet. We had a Sunday brunch at our church on Easter morning and my son came to me extolling the virtue of this new food he tried....:glare:. Blech. Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KristineIN Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 What about all of the women who do not have anything for menstruation? Pads and tampons are a real luxury for most women. I'm so glad I use a menstrual cup! IMO pads & tampons are nasty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieAir Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 I have to say that I've done or do many of these things and others I would do if necessary. I've never eaten Spam. I don't know how much it costs, but I can't imagine it would be cheaper than beans and rice or eggs, so I don't see the necessity there. If I was starving and someone handed me a can, I'd eat it. I'd probably have to hold my nose and scarf it quickly, but I could make myself do it. I'd like to know what WTMindy has heard of people making out of dryer lint, though. I have tons of dryer lint/egg carton/candle scrap fire starters. I don't make sweaters out of it or anything:001_rolleyes: I will admit that the idea of going without tampons or pads freaks me out a little, but I'm sure I could learn to deal. Ugh. I'm thankful I don't have to do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battlemaiden Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 My grandmother. Oh, my grandmother. The stories I could tell.For a while there, every time we went to visit, she would treat us all to Ponderosa, every time we came. The only catch was, all the girls would have to bring purses and we'd have to fill them up with stuff from the buffet. What about motel/hotel soaps and shampoos? My mother has cupboards full of them stockpiled for the day of disaster (I suppose). She can't leave a hotel bathroom without bringing all the freebie toiletries including shower caps. The above goes hand in hand with the various packets that accumulate in her pantry- until I come home and secretly throw them away without her ever noticing. ;) Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 What about motel/hotel soaps and shampoos? My mother has cupboards full of them stockpiled for the day of disaster (I suppose). She can't leave a hotel bathroom without bringing all the freebie toiletries including shower caps. Jo Hey, I do this too. If I'm paying for a room, I want all that it comes with, dangit! I'm not waiting for the day of disaster, though. Somehow, if that comes, I won't be concerned about my hair. Anyway, what I won't do is steal or sell myself or my kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Wise Bauer Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 ...stop getting pedicures. While gnawing on Hamburger Helper and wiping my fingers on cheap toilet paper, if necessary. SWB P.S. Or stop buying books. There, that's the more mature answer. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennifersLost Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 Or "Why I Get a Trip to California Next Winter" Pics of the house I currently live in and the "new" living situation I'll be moving to if all goes as planned are here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieAir Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 What about motel/hotel soaps and shampoos? My mother has cupboards full of them stockpiled for the day of disaster (I suppose). She can't leave a hotel bathroom without bringing all the freebie toiletries including shower caps. The above goes hand in hand with the various packets that accumulate in her pantry- until I come home and secretly throw them away without her ever noticing. ;) Jo I take home all the little soaps and shampoos, too. I bag any soap we used in the bag from the ice bucket. The hotels expect you to take or use that stuff and it is in the pricing. They do not expect you to take things like towels, ice buckets, and ash trays. That's just stealing. I wouldn't take the Gideon Bible in the nightstand drawer either. It's a pain for the maid to find a replacement sometimes, and I have more than one Bible of my own. I leave it for someone who might really need it. And I use those little soaps and shampoos when we go camping:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emmy Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 I will never go back to dial-up!! me too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom2legomaniacs Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 So many things but dial-up really resonates. That would be torture! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 . . . do anything dishonest or hurtful to someone else just to make myself or my family more comfortable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Florida Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 Ooops. I don't know how this ended up here. It was supposed to be in reply to the person who said she rinses out and re-uses plastic bags for environmental reasons, not frugality. Ditto. I was thinking the same thing. While I couldn't commit to giving up buying books forever, I do go through phases when I read all of mostly from the library to save a few bucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doran Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 I know this is meant to be utterly silly -- but for reasons I can't quite get my head around today, I am unable to find much to which I could say, absolutely "never". The first thought that came to mind was: I'll never toss used paper napkins under my kitchen sink to reuse for spills and such later on. My mother does this, and I find it disgusting. But...the truth is, if I was that poor, I wouldn't be buying paper napkins in the first place. And, the Truth is, if I was poor enough, I'd eat SPAM - with gusto, I'd wipe with whatever I could get my grimy hands on, and I might eat out of the trash. So, my other answer is: I'll never eat my neighbors. Doran P.S. I haven't a clue how this ended up in this particular spot. It doesn't seem very well positioned here with the menstrual amenities discussion! ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleepy Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 exactly what I was gonna say. NO Spam, no way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*anj* Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 But...the truth is, if I was that poor, I wouldn't be buying paper napkins in the first place. And, the Truth is, if I was poor enough, I'd eat SPAM - with gusto, I'd wipe with whatever I could get my grimy hands on, and I might eat out of the trash. I have to say that I feel the same way. Sometimes we play a game where my kids will say "Would you rather do a or b?" For instance: "Would you rather eat a mouse or grass?" Now, under normal circumstances I wouldn't want to eat either, but if I were starving I'd choose the grass. And if I had been starving for weeks or months and the grass was buried under 12 inches of snow....I'd eat.... my fingers before I'd eat a mouse. Eeeeek!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 Eat a horse? (There goes that trip to Juarez) Push drugs? Sell meat door to door? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battlemaiden Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 I take home all the little soaps and shampoos, too. I bag any soap we used in the bag from the ice bucket. The hotels expect you to take or use that stuff and it is in the pricing. They do not expect you to take things like towels, ice buckets, and ash trays. That's just stealing. I wouldn't take the Gideon Bible in the nightstand drawer either. It's a pain for the maid to find a replacement sometimes, and I have more than one Bible of my own. I leave it for someone who might really need it. And I use those little soaps and shampoos when we go camping:) We must understand that my parents travel a good deal. I do not exaggerate when I tell you that my mother has two full medicince cabinets and more than half of a shelf in the linen closet lined with hotel shampoos/conditioners, soaps, and lotions. I use them when I'm home, but there is a limit.;) I once did a collection of these toiletries in college to use at the homeless clinic I worked for, and they were very appreciative. Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jail warden Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 Y'all are just silly. I would prefer not to use anything Northern tp, but anything will do in a pinch. I grew up on margarine and liked it. I'd have to be close to starving to eat bologna, but I could do it if it was fried enough to remove all "squishiness". No, the first thing I thought of was, uh, work the streets. No illegal selling of any kind, and I don't think it could ever be bad enough for me to work in a strip club either. I've got to agree here. We've been cutting costs all around, trying to finish getting out of debt. So far I haven't given up my high-speed internet, but if we truly couldn't make it, nothing would be safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamagistra Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 ...use Old Dominion Heather's library! :ack2: :ack2: :ack2: :ack2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Virginia Dawn Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 I know. :tongue_smilie: Dh loves Miracle Whip, but I buy real mayonaise for me. There just isn't any comparison. Yep, there just isn't any comparison. You ain't got a thing if it ain't got that zing.;) I refuse to eat mayo. :001_smile: I'm right there with those that won't eat margarine and spam, or drink reconstituted powdered milk. And you'll never catch me eating spaghettios and green jello either. Childhood memories. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiver0f10 Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 Give up my internet :w00t: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiver0f10 Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 ...use Old Dominion Heather's library! :ack2: :ack2: :ack2: :ack2: :iagree: :scared: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiver0f10 Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 wash out my ziplocs (if I'm going to do that, I might as well use tupperware) I used to do this in my Tightwad Gazette days LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMindy Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 I have to say that I feel the same way. Sometimes we play a game where my kids will say "Would you rather do a or b?" For instance: "Would you rather eat a mouse or grass?" Now, under normal circumstances I wouldn't want to eat either, but if I were starving I'd choose the grass. And if I had been starving for weeks or months and the grass was buried under 12 inches of snow....I'd eat.... my fingers before I'd eat a mouse. Eeeeek!!!! You'd love the book my son has called "You Gotta Be Kidding! The Crazy Book of Would you rather questions". It is pretty disgusting, but ds is always telling me some interesting fact he learned from the book! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hannah Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 I have been sitting here for a while now wondering if I'd be a spoil sport if I posted without coming up with something silly, but the reality around us is just too sad to trivialise what being poor is really about. The cost of a fast monthly internet connection is more than half of the people in this country live on. So, I'll play, but with a more serious twist and say that I hope I am never so poor that I have to: * rummage through other people's trash bags for food or anything saleable * send my children to beg at traffic lights or outside shops/restaurants * live in a tin shack - and regard myself lucky for having shelter * leave my children at a children's home because I know they'll be fed, clothed and schooled there * commit a crime to feed my family As one of the lucky 6% of South Africans who has access to the internet, the luxury that I personally would have the hardest time giving up is also my computer and high-speed internet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*anj* Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 I have been sitting here for a while now wondering if I'd be a spoil sport if I posted without coming up with something silly, but the reality around us is just too sad to trivialise what being poor is really about. I know what you're saying is true, Hannah. Thanks for mentioning this. Oh, and were you born in South Africa, Afrikaans is your first language? I ask because I have a dear friend (here) who is South African and whenever I read your posts I hear her lovely accent. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*anj* Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 You'd love the book my son has called "You Gotta Be Kidding! The Crazy Book of Would you rather questions". It is pretty disgusting, but ds is always telling me some interesting fact he learned from the book! Thanks Mindy. I'll add that to my Amazon list. It sounds like something my kids would love!!:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hannah Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 were you born in South Africa, Afrikaans is your first language? :) Yes, I'm South African by birth and Afrikaans is my first language. I probably sound just like your friend :). I'm married to an English-speaking South African and my girls have English as a home language. They have been to playgroups to learn Afrikaans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doran Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 You'd love the book my son has called "You Gotta Be Kidding! The Crazy Book of Would you rather questions". It is pretty disgusting, but ds is always telling me some interesting fact he learned from the book! Gotta jot this one down for those times when I need to go out and buy "boy gifts". I'm always rather stumped on what to choose, and this sounds perfect. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure my youngest dd would also love it! What age range would you think it suits? Oh, and anj. I'd eat a mouse long before I'd eat my fingers. Rodent Satay! Mmmmm. Just gimme a skewer and an open flame! :D Doran Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5kidsforME Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 I think you would surprise yourself over what you would do or use if you hit rock bottom. Even if I hit rock bottom I would never do anything illegal, anything that would hurt my marriage or my children, and I would never do anything that goes against my beliefs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in NH Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 Eat margarine. :iagree: Not allowed in my house! Butter only, no trans fats... I love butter anyway! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*anj* Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 Yes, I'm South African by birth and Afrikaans is my first language. I probably sound just like your friend :). I'm married to an English-speaking South African and my girls have Engliash as a home language. They have been to playgroups to learn Afrikaans. Cool! My friend and her family speak Afrikaans to each other, although lately I've noticed that if the mom speaks to her dd in Afrikaans, dd answers in English. Oh well. My Spanish speaking friends have the same thing with their kids. Oh,my vriend en haar familie praat afrikaans tot elke ander, alhoewel in die laaste tyd ek het opgelet dat indien die mamma praat tot haar dd in afrikaans, dd antwoorde in engels. o wel. my spaans praat vriende het dieselfde ding met hul kinders. o, en sodra sy het epos my iets en Ek gevind een van daardie taal genereerder dinge so Ek kan reageer tot haar in afrikaans!dit was histeries omdat sy en haar dh was beide baie verward. ... :001_huh: But then I sent them the link! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hannah Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 But then I sent them the link! You had me there until your last sentence. Brilliant!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam "SFSOM" in TN Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 You know those are fightin' words here in Hawaii! Spam, for some mystical reason, is a staple in the local diet. We had a Sunday brunch at our church on Easter morning and my son came to me extolling the virtue of this new food he tried....:glare:. Blech. Jo Jo, I make a mean Spam manapuna. Yum! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenschooler Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 My grandmother. Oh, my grandmother. The stories I could tell.For a while there, every time we went to visit, she would treat us all to Ponderosa, every time we came. The only catch was, all the girls would have to bring purses and we'd have to fill them up with stuff from the buffet. She brought ziplock bags. We had a quota. Good times. That's the funniest thing I've read all day. All week. All month! A quota! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plaid Dad Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 Eat "pancake syrup" instead of real maple syrup. Ditto "salad oil" in place of olive oil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Call Me Cordelia Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 Come bump up your post count!Be a little silly! or profound! For me, my answer is: . . . buy cheap toilet paper. We will always buy cheap tp. Especially since it works in our cheap plumbing - disintegrates faster, ya know!;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Antonia Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 Pawn my wedding ring. Sell a kidney or my eggs. Drink cheap wine. (ok, this one may be rethought!) :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebeccaC Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 I do this not for economy but because of my environmental principles. Too much plastic in the landfill, you know? Plastic does not last long in land fills because it is eaten by anaerobic bacteria. Worked two years as a garbologist in the 80s and plastic in a landfill after 10 years is just about all gone, only ity bity shreds left. However leaves, meat, paper, contents of baby diapers, ect.... unchanged from the day they were covered over because they need aerobic bacteria to break down. Garbology was part of the grunt work I was willing to do to become an archaeologist, physical anthropologist. Interesting work to grid out a modern landfill :ack2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebeccaC Posted April 5, 2008 Share Posted April 5, 2008 I would not eat dog food or cat food :ack2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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