Lucky, not poor
I had a conversation with a friend recently where she appologized for having store bought rolls for dinner “I don’t bake like you do.” she said. First of all, the store-bought rolls needed no apology, they were really yummy. Second, I never used to bake either. Baking didn’t seem to be worth my time when Alberson’s bakery was only a few blocks from my house. In fact, cooking seemed a hardship with Wendy’s right over there. It is only since money became tight that I’ve begun baking goodies and bread on a regular basis.
It is simple economics. I can’t afford poptarts or sugary cereal or brand-name cookies or crackers. I can afford flour and salt and sugar and eggs, especially if I buy them in bulk. This shift into self-employment means lots of things that we can no longer afford to buy for the kids. I feel strongly that it is necessary for them to have visible and tangible evidence that life is better, even though money is in short supply. In essence, I bake so that we all feel lucky instead of poor.
It seems to be working so far. Apparently my kid’s lunchbox treats have become highly valuable items for barter. This makes me feel smug. I don’t mind if they trade pumpkin bread for potato chips. At least I gave them the tools they needed to get what they want. Mostly the kids eat the treats themselves and feel fortunate when they do.