Some people think that we single people have it easy. For some reason we have "more time" than others. Hmmm. I'm on the 24 hour schedule, how about you?
After a few of these types of these conversations, thought I'd clear a few things up in case there is any confusion. I realize that I'm a little snippy about this, but sometimes it is ok to be, right?
Here's the clear up:
- Time - I have 24 hours. In that 24 hours I have to clean, work, do errands, sleep, deal with "issues," pay bills, finish more work, update to do list (consisting of 2-3 lists on the computer, iPhone, scrap paper, or notebook depending upon where and when I get the to do), and oh ....eat, exercise, and take care of myself when I am sick. This is fairly typical of all people regardless of marital status.
- Mortgage - I pay a mortgage. It doesn't matter if there is one person or five people in this house, the mortgage costs the same. Oh, and let's not forget condo fee, homeowners association fees, property taxes, and homeowners insurance.
- Utilities - I still have to use the appliances and all kinds of washer machines.
- Car - insurance, maintenance, gas.
- Phone - I don't have a home phone, but I do have a cell phone that has to have a data plan and plenty of minutes for self (ok, not much for me), but for a lot for work conference calls.
- Cable and Internet connections - cost the same regardless of how many people are in the house. Gadget girl must be connected.
- Food - I'm on the road early and so I often buy food at work. It's actually healthier that way. Plus, if I buy too much fresh food, it goes to waste. If I buy too small, it's actually more expensive. I use about the same as a family. I've seen my nieces and nephews - kids under eight years old eat as much as little birds.
- Travel and Money - People seem to think that we single people have more money (and time) to travel. See "mortgage" and other expenses above. Seriously, I do like to travel, but have had to seriously curb the desire the last few years. Looking back, I should have taken the trips and bagged the 401k. I've lost enough to travel the world twice and do so while taking six months off work. I wanted to go on a trip to Europe last year with some friends. But, my heat pump broke down and took $5,000 to replace. $5,000 for an object that keeps you warm or cold, but is hidden and has no aesthetic value.
- Travel and Time - I have 500 vacation and sick hours saved up at work. That means I haven't taken them. It stresses me out even thinking of trying to catch up after taking a long vacation. I took a 10 day trip to France a couple of years ago and I had to prepare information for all the teams for three weeks in advanced and inform everyone who to contact in my absence. Luckily, I've been in the job longer now and have set up a blog, wiki, content management area, and electronic contact sheet so it would have far less impact if I'm out (which is the ultimate goal - not needing me much at all).
- Cleaning - my house gets dirty too. Sitting in traffic to and from work (and of course work in between all of that) gets a little tiring. I've become slothful in the dish washing department. My job now is to create the least mess possible so I don't have to expend energy cleaning up later. Plus, I've gained a few pounds these past few years - walking takes precedence over cleaning.
- Saturday - A primary song from church goes something like "Saturday is a special day, it's the day we get ready for Sunday." Sometimes I feel like it should be "Saturday is a special day, it's the only day I don't have to show up or report to anyone." Saturday has officially become my favorite day of the week and I purposely keep my limited social life limited more on this day.
- Sleep - Up until a few years ago, I never wanted to sleep. I would burn both ends of the candle and would be fine. I'd pull all nighters regularly. Now, no can do. I get about 4-5 hours of sleep a night if I'm lucky and I want more. Stress, sinuses, and thinking about big ideas keep me up.
Ok, somehow this post strayed from "costs" to "time" issues or something. Either way, I wanted to document it for personal reference. Perhaps when I am married I will look back and laugh at this and think "how naive" and long for the good ole days where I could do whatever I wanted.
Time will tell. Now I'm burning the late end of the candle writing this entry which, as stated above, is no longer something I can pull off.
Good-night!
This was the best night of sleep in years! It's amazing how one little strip can make breathing so much easier. Perhaps I'll wear one all day one of these days.
