Friday, August 15, 2008

500,953

page views since The Closet opened.

I am proud and confused all at the same time.

You people really will do anything to avoid work, won't you?

We're having a freaking party when we get to a million.

23 comments:

jenn said...

Oh yeah, baby!

Maddness of Me said...

I think 480,000 of them are me.

Joy said...

Seriously you are freaking famous.

Ami said...

Wahoo! Can't wait for the party!

Anonymous said...

I know I hit your page at least 5 times a day. It helps me avoid work.

Renee said...

LOL at the person who said 480,000 are hers. I was thinking that about 1,000 must be mine. So now we've accounted for 481,000. :) Congrats on this stat!!

-The Renee

Unknown said...

That'll be like next week, right?

Jill said...

Do you get hits when I read your posts through Google Reader? Sorry - I'm still a little new at this!

Melodie said...

Well, this is my first look for today, but usually, I check you first thing in the morning and then several more times during the day.

I can't wait for the party!

Anonymous said...

When did you "open"? You know we love you too much to go without you! You not only keep us from working, but allow us to escape for just a bit.

I'll take the party on the boat. Those who leave regular messages get the best rooms (and spa treatments), right?

Julie {Angry Julie Monday} said...

I try and do nothing at work.

I sit on the net all day....

Maddnessofme said...

Here's another way to look at it, it's 4:11 pm EST, 912 views since you posted the count this morning and you haven't even blogged.

Now that is pretty impressive!

:)

the mom said...

hooray!

clemsongirlandthecoach said...

hoo hoo! Yeah you!

Anonymous said...

Are we going to have a sex toy party for a million people? I'd fly across the country for that...even if you profit from it :)

Jaime said...

holy crap! that's a lot. I was excited because my hit counter hit 10,000. Now I feel sort of stupid, LOL.

Melanie Sheridan said...

If only we had the dollars to match!

Just Lisa said...

In my case, I'll do anything to avoid cleaning the house...

Anonymous said...

Hey, Ashley ~ I'm writing to you cuz you'll understand. I haven't yet told anyone about this....just you (and anyone in the closet). My husband lost his job yesterday. I'm scared. Can you remind me of some of the websites you went to and things you did that helped you through til your dh got another job? We're old (in our 50's) and our kids are 16 and 20, so we don't have little ones, but the older they are the pricier their needs are. My oldest lives at home and goes to school and works. My youngest will be a junior in high school, isn't driving yet, and wasn't able to find a job this summer, but tried. I work as a ed. asst. at an elementary school and will be going back to work in Sept. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Unknown said...

Hey Jeri! I'm so sorry to hear that, it does totally suck. You need to switch from panic mode into planning mode though.

It sucks I don't properly label my posts, but I believe the main post about frugality was called "Adventures in Uncertainty" so you can search for that in the search bar at the top of the page and read the stuff from that month, you'll find lots that way.

My best advice:
1. Go through your bills. Eliminate anything you don't NEED. Cable isn't a need (I know it feels like it), extensive cell plans and text messaging aren't needs, etc. If your teens are going to go berserk with no tv, get a Netflix or blockbuster plan to entertain them.

Do that insurance quote shopping around you've been putting off, call your electric company and ask about budget billing.

Also, make a list of all of your expenses and their order of importance. Pay as you're able. Sucks to be whoever is at the bottom of the list but you do what you can.

2. Get your food from Angel Food Ministries or the SHARE program. This saved us, I can't say it enough. Google Hillbilly housewife for an emergency $40 a week food menu.

3. Re-evaluate your "needs". Paper towels are a want, believe it or not. So are Ziploc bags. Rinse them out or get dollar store tupperware for storing. Think about everything you use and make it last. Only make as much coffee as you're going to drink, switch to powdered drinks or water instead of soda. Plan your meals so things don't go to waste. Snack cheaply on popcorn and whatever is on sale.

Use less of EVERYTHING. Reduce the amount of detergent you use by half, it will be fine. Wash dishes on light and laundry on cold. Water down your dish soap.

4. Use sites like Slickdeals, fatwallet, hotcouponworld to find deals. There's a blog I love called "The simple dollar" check it out. Get free movies by googling "redbox codes" and find redboxes around you. Read free e-books for entertainment (and the closet, of course)

I know there were lots of great reader suggestions in that uncertainty post. Let me know if you have difficulty finding it and I'll dig it up.

Good luck to you. Can hubby do side work? Check the paper, tell everyone you know, check Craigslist and online job search places for a new job, even something temporary. Even waiting tables, valet-ing cars, working nights whatever.

Make sure the kids know it's peanut butter jelly time. Tell the 16 year old he can either work nights and weekends, which will suck, or help keep costs low in a major way with zero complaining.

Can you take on some tutoring once the school year starts? After school kid care? Think, think, think outside the box.

Good luck, be sure to check in with us.

Missives From Suburbia said...

I'm proud of ya, darlin'.

Anonymous said...

Ashley, thank you. I'll dig up that older uncertainty post. Your full of ideas and encouragement. I appreciate your response!

Oh, and good luck to you tomorrow ~ and to BK and especially LK.

Rhonda said...

I'm new to you, but could I come too?