Family Life

My Empty Frugal House

Today’s Frugal Friday is not a tip, exactly… at least it’s not a method of frugality I would recommend to anyone. This morning my husband left on a 2 week business trip. We have never been apart for longer than 2 days, and this is very difficult for us both and the kids. Plus, our daughter has gone to her other home (custody) for 3 weeks – she also left this morning. It’s just me and the baby in the house, alone, for 2 weeks.
My husband’s work has sent him to a remote village. He’ll be staying in a dorm room, as far as we know. His room and board will be paid by his employer, and we’re guessing his other expenses will be minimal since there isn’t anything there (no stores or anywhere to spend money!).
The shopping list I made today has only 5 items on it. My cleaning list just disappeared. My fuel costs for not having anyone to drive anywhere? $0. My meals will be minimal since I’m only cooking for myself. These may be the 2 most frugal weeks I have ever seen!
I guess the very MOST frugal you could ever be is to have nowhere to go, nothing to do, and have no one in your life. The expenses disappear, the struggle to make ends meet disappears. How boring would that be?! I’d much rather have the challenge of living a frugal life if it meant having my family back.

5 Comments

  • Claire

    Don’t stay home for two weeks. Seriously. Get out there for a walk now and then. Rent the movies you’ve been dying to see, that your dh may not care for.

    Hope you can enjoy this quiet time!

  • Danelle Ice

    Thanks for the support ladies! It won’t be so bad… it’s not forever! But it really makes me appreciate my family 🙂 On the positive side, I will get a LOT of writing done for the website!
    Danelle, Home Ever After

  • The Nest Egg

    I feel for you! Last month my husband was gone for 2 weeks. Just keep busy and he will be home before you know it. 🙂

    Melinda

  • Danelle Ice

    @Melinda: Thanks for the encouragement! Less than a week left to go!
    Danelle, Home Ever After