How far would you go for a great deal?
I drove 20 minutes the other night to go gorcery shopping at Albertsons even though the church is only three minutes away. I couldn’t help myself. It was the big Quaker ten for ten sale. But driving there, I kept thinking, "gee this is really far, am I really saving that much money? Will the cost of the gas justify the savings?"
I spent $74 and saved $78. My pantry is stocked full of useful things. I drove a total of 40 minutes, was in the store for less than 30 (kidless, yay!) and my name brand cereal was only one dollar per box.
But the driving! Living in this new place, I find that I must drive at least twenty minutes to get most places. It only takes me about two or three minutes to get anywhere in the town, which is great, but the town is small. There is a lot here considering the size, but not everything I need or want.
I’ve been getting depressed lately because Engineer is not in Pre-School. The cost of it here is so high, and there would still be some driving involved. (Not to mention, not much enrollment space). I toyed with the idea of sending him to a local co-op (three minutes away!) where I would have to find a sitter for my girls and help out once a week and still pay $100 a month, but canned it because of the sacrifice involved. But as I explored other less expensive options, I took into account the driving, and now I think he’s going to the co-op.
I want him in school so badly, for his sake and mine, that I am willing to do a little more than I might normally. And I really don’t want to drive 2-3 hours a week so he can go.
And yet, once our house sells, I am willing to drive Sugar 20 minutes to gymnastics because she is gifted in the sport and it is soooo good for her.
It’s funny the things I am willing to do and those I am not. The trade-offs I make. I think the twenty minute drive to the Alby’s was worth it. But I am still looking to see if there is a store closer.
