I asked myself that question when my mechanic told me the cost to repair my A/C was $1200 ($1500) without the discount. I have a major electrical problem and several parts have to be replaced. This was an unexpected expense. It was almost a 100 degrees yesterday. I have to man up and just pay.
Instead of obsessing about what I could use the $1200 for (a plane ticket home, a printer/digital camera, a new sofa, shoes etc.) I was thankful I had the money to pay for it. I was a little sad to use the last chunk of my Christmas gift which I had set aside for a trip this fall and some of the "liquidated wedding fund".
To me $1200 is a lot of money but I won't let this budget hiccup ruin my day, week, month or year. My dad likes to say "it's only money". Of course it is easier to see the world this way when you have it. However, as I get older I get what he is saying.
I was watching ABC News last night and they were interviewing the victims of the Greensburg, KS tornado. The storm wiped out 95% of the town. Were it not for the warning sirens there would have been more deaths. One woman lost everything, I mean every single thing that was in her house and the house were gone. She had nothing. She looked at the camera and said she was thankful to be alive and she would rebuild.
Insurance can cover material things but all the photos, sentimental belongings, etc. losing those items must be heartbreaking.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
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8 comments:
wow, that is an inspiration...kind of puts things into perspective...but it STILL sucks to have to spend that money on a repair ;)
So true, and so hard to remember when you're paying out from the liquidated wedding fund. Anyway, brava for putting things into perspective.
brava indeed. i know that must stink royally. but yes, you do need AC in SoCal!
those poor people in KS. thank GOD they had 20 minutes warning system (good job gov. sebelius!) or more people would have died. they have perspective. that's for sure.
I'm wondering what kind of repair it is (not that I'd understand much if you told me :)) or what kind of air-conditioning you have, because here you could install a new unit for that price.
These unexpected costs do crop up from time to time though, so I'd just grit my teeth and pay if I were you. Don't turn the cost into pairs of shoes, that won't help. LOL
I think air con is necessary too, even if you don't use it all the time, it's nice to know you have the option. We haven't turned ours on yet this year, but I can feel the time is coming.
I recently paid my last 150 on car repairs. No more, my car is too old. I'm holding out for the smartcar which arrives next year. As backup, I did sign up for a carsharing program though. I commented that I love walkable cities...I'm going to put my money, or lack of money, where my mouth is.
AC is required in LA. ;)
thanks Tracie b, sognatrice and gibber.
delina, I have to get a new a/c compressor, dryer and expansive value. I have an older SAAB. I try not to think about the shoes. :)
rose - I look forward to the day when I no longer, need a car to get around.
Sweating through the summer is no fun... luckily you were able to fix it even though these unexpected expenses are NO FUN! That was a lot of money. But, you're right to focus on your blessings... so many things we tend to take for granted...
Shelley - Yes sweating all summer would be not fun at all.
I swear it was a sign. The day I spoke to the mechanic it was a 100 degrees out. Today it's almost 20 degrees cooler. hmmm.
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