Donuts

I've been working at a Weis bakery to pay my bills - I love the job, but not the hours. I have to be there at 4AM to get the bread rising in time to bake for the morning. Up till now I've been woking 3 or 4 days a week, which was fine by me. I'm not getting rich, but I'm staying current on things and I was able to catch up on the sleep that I missed on my days off.

Unfortunately, the older lady who usually fries the donuts just broke her thumb on the job. She's in great pain, and besides her there are only two people who are trained and able to fry donuts. Guess who one of those people might be! Go on... I'll wait!



So now I'm picking up more hours, which means more money (yay) but less time for rest and helping at the Silence (boo). My mom has been swamped at work too, so when either of us are home, neither of us feel able to catch up with housework. My daughter had a stomach bug this week, and my son has been oddly wakeful at night - I'm beat.



Tonight I was so tired that rather than cooking a meal from all the food we have at hand, I ordered pizza. Sure, my brother works there so I got a discount, but I could have made something acceptable from the items in the pantry for less than the discounted pizza.



Let this be a warning to all who think that taking a second job or picking up overtime will fix their money problems. You'll take home more money, but how much will end up being spent on takeout or frozen foods because you're just dead at the end of the day? How much more likely are you to shop at the nearest store when you feel pressed for time instead of looking for the best bargains? How much extra will you have to pay the sitter or day care? How many painkillers will you need to dull your aching back and feet? I am getting these extra hours because of a crisis, but if I had my choice I would take fewer hours in exchange for more time to use my money saving ideas.

Gotta take down the wash and bake some bread - soon I'll rest.