Oh this is distressing.
I have a Jetta. A Jetta has a 12 gallon tank. Filling that 12 gallon tank yesterday cost me $42 dollars, at atound 3.55 a gallon. Today, I had to buy more supplies for my business. Those supplies (raw sterling/ gold fill) are up around 30% from two weeks ago, and 250% from a year ago. I paid almost as much as I expected too, but only ordered half the supplies. I could cry. The guy taking my order at the wholsaler, Bruce, was very nice. But still. I could cry. He certainly understands the pinch this is putting on everyone. He made no fuss when I kept lowering my amounts-- I'm not the only one who is having to do so. But is it frustrating. And my budget is so limited, I'm already mostly eating Ramen. And now, oh, I'll only be eating Ramen. But the things that are good are these: I work from home. I set my own schedule, and if I want to go for a walk, or get some sun, or read a book, well, I can, no questions asked. I can keep odd hours. I get to spend time with my cats every day, and we are all happier for it. And soon, I should have a web-site, and maybe make some money. Things are not all bad. But, dare I say it, times are tough.