By Traci Rork Paradise Staff
(7.30.09)
How's it going my fellow penny pinchers? I'm assuming that for many, gone are the days of frivolous spending and carelessness with our cash. Everyone is starting to pay a lot more attention to what they make -- and just how much it takes -- to fund a fun night out with friends.
The results are scary, especially in this town, and the fact that the Green Parrot started taking credit cards certainly doesn't help the situation.
Don't get me wrong, just because many of us are now considered "ballers on a budget" doesn't mean that we can't partake in the parties. We just need to know how to balance our bucks without relying on luck.
Lately I've heard a lot of people saying that "staying in is the new going out." And while I'm pretty sure we happened to be out on the town when this was said, many people are honestly trying to tighten their purse strings, watch what they spend and make the most out of what they've got.
Every month it is important that we're able to afford the necessities (such as rent and electricity) and have a few dollars left over for one's wants and desires. In my case, that always seems to be champagne -- pink if possible -- and good company.
I know that many feel that this drink of choice should be reserved for special occasions such as weddings, engagements or graduations. But I don't like society deciding which occasions are special enough for the bubbly. In fact, I think that the pleasant sound of the cork popping and the fizz of a good pour are cause enough for celebration, but the list could go on and on ... Bubbles and bacon ... Pop a cork for Rork ... Champagne in the rain . . .
Now this could be an expensive habit if I wanted the priciest bubbles or fanciest of surroundings, but I'm happy with the reasonable bottles shared in the comfort of home with the closest of friends. The same goes for dinner parties. Sure we have many wonderful restaurants on every street corner and we should enjoy them all. But just because you're not going out on the town with a vengeance every single night doesn't mean you have to feel like you're missing out. In fact, sometimes when you're cutting corners you can find yourself right in the middle of something important.
Lucky for us, this town happens to offer quite a few social activities that require little funding and provide plenty of fun if you take the time to look for them.
My newest endeavor is joining the Southernmost Bocce League. Team Wish Bliss recently came to be and, so far, I must say that this game, which is kinda like outdoor bowling, is right up my alley! Our team of lovely ladies will be strutting our stuff on Monday nights and have some pretty high hopes. Granted, we've only gathered for a few practices where we whimsically tossed the balls back and forth while sipping white wine spritzers and swapping stories, but we're pretty good.
Plus, we've recruited a coach and have been trying to learn all of the rules so as not to jeopardize our privilege to be part of this highly competitive league. We also have some manly cheerleaders but could always use more, so come in support and BYO whatever -- it's so much cheaper than a bar tab.
As is attending a co-ed softball game, which I used to play a couple nights a week at Bayview Park. The players are terrific, the crowd is enthusiastic and time flies by as you socialize over a little exercise. It doesn't cost a lot to have beer in the dugout and hotdogs in the stands, but it sure means a lot to be a part of something and most importantly, it builds a great tradition.
There are book clubs, runners clubs, sailing clubs, dance lessons, church groups, swimming relays, movie memberships, AA meetings, meet and greets, golf tournaments, countless classes, seminars, lectures, and lessons to be learned on every block of every town, everywhere you go. You can gain experience, enlightenment and entertainment without spending a fortune and even better, you can win life's biggest lottery and find yourself rich in friends.
So bottom line, if you want to save your money -- give away your time. Become a part of something. Join a team. Volunteer. Gather your friends, drink some champagne and brainstorm about what you can do to change the routine and possibly create a whole new one. Tradition can start with you, and it can start today.
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