tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post4689679349103664351..comments2024-02-02T07:13:37.313-06:00Comments on Like Merchant Ships: Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-34170998655772664152009-04-10T11:59:00.000-05:002009-04-10T11:59:00.000-05:00What I'm getting from your post is that if you nee...What I'm getting from your post is that if you need something, have the money then spend it. <BR/>I do get it.<BR/>For instance, we need to purchase digital TVs so we'll be buying them before July. <BR/>I do have to say I don't get it that someone would have issues with you for getting a new roof. That's a necessity! Besides, who cares. It's your money!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07595549057172510815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-90469195898209397742009-03-24T22:42:00.000-05:002009-03-24T22:42:00.000-05:00I don't know what to think about this post...it do...I don't know what to think about this post...it doesn't seem right to incite over 100 "supportive" comments for one negative--and the assumptions that the majority of these commenters make are ridiculous.<BR/><BR/>Maybe I am sensitive because this is exactly what happened to me in your comments section once--about RICE, of all things.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-27114872644682132252009-03-21T12:30:00.000-05:002009-03-21T12:30:00.000-05:00This isn't a popular view but it sounds to me like...This isn't a popular view but it sounds to me like the person that make the comment is really suffering. When you are truly facing financial collapse, I imagine that some of the fluff would get to you.<BR/>It's like when I had a preemie over the summer. The LAST thing I could tolerate was someone complaining about their pregnancy. It just seemed so offensive to me. I tried hard to not take it out on anyone but I can understand the frustration. Let's all keep in mind that being frugal isn't a game to a lot of people out there. Even though I hear lots of self righteous comments, we should all remember that even if we do everything right we aren't immune to bad things happening that may be out of our control.Ardenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16299952668906584165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-79988022189337966412009-03-19T13:12:00.000-05:002009-03-19T13:12:00.000-05:00I missed the original post, but as the wife of som...I missed the original post, but as the wife of someone in the construction industry, thank you for choosing to replace your roof now! <BR/><BR/>Envy and hurt are the only reasons I can think of why someone would be upset over a new roof. But I don't begrudge you that, and I don't begrudge the wealthy homeowner who is building a luxurious two story home with an indoor theater, and employing my husband to do some of the work. If we didn't have people with the money to spend on that kind of thing, we wouldn't have money to spend on groceries!<BR/><BR/>Cheerful frugality is what I love about your blog, Meredith, and why I keep reading. Keep it up and please don't be discouraged by the occasional grumpy commenter!nataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10821740286799375290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-52569573615920139162009-03-16T13:48:00.000-05:002009-03-16T13:48:00.000-05:00There are always going to be people who try to mak...There are always going to be people who try to make you responsible for the way they choose to feel. <BR/><BR/>Keep up the good work.Barbielshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12271998450301868734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-67019657728858520112009-03-16T09:57:00.000-05:002009-03-16T09:57:00.000-05:00The new roof looks great! It is practical and if ...The new roof looks great! It is practical and if you have the money and need the repair, that is smart. I have been dreaming of remodeling, but we do not have the cash, so it will wait. I think now is a great time too, especially if inflation is coming around the corner and materials and energy costs rise.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07398765438599269210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-1857277419756221652009-03-15T18:46:00.000-05:002009-03-15T18:46:00.000-05:00I had to go to comment moderation because of ugly ...I had to go to comment moderation because of ugly comments. It is beyond me why people make such comments.<BR/><BR/>I've been writing on my blog about preparing for difficult times. We went through two different job losses where my hubby was out of work for over a year each time.<BR/><BR/>One thing I've advised is to get all home improvement projects finished NOW. Should you sell your home, you don't want to have to do them because the seller's home inspector finds a problem.<BR/><BR/>Very wise doing such a repair now (whatever anyone else commented). We just had our septic tank pumped (not as pretty as a new roof but needed). :)Brenda@CoffeeTeaBookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02719695370857675146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-21310317893446527452009-03-14T16:10:00.000-05:002009-03-14T16:10:00.000-05:00I am a mother of three small children and wife of ...I am a mother of three small children and wife of a framing/roofing contractor. We live in Michigan, where times are especially hard for those in the trades. My husband is a very hard worker, and men like him are trying to provide for their families too. I am shocked that anyone would be so judgmental as to suggest that you made a bad decision. Roofers have families too! :-) I'm glad that some people like you have carefully managed their money so as to have enough for needed repairs, even when the economy is tight.Tamihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12247548939979496536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-46067212805941612009-03-13T06:30:00.000-05:002009-03-13T06:30:00.000-05:00Some days I just don't get it. Do people think th...Some days I just don't get it. Do people think that because you choose to NOT spend money that you don't HAVE it - so it takes them off guard when you DO spend it?<BR/><BR/>It seems to hit a hot button with THEM. Ya know? As hard as we can try to not trigger other people's hot buttons, it seems that the economy, especially in tough times like these, is ALWAYS going to be a hot button with SOMEone.<BR/><BR/>Hang in there lady. You are doing a great service here.<BR/><BR/>Blessing to you,<BR/>DarlaDarlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07330592107479342634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-23679908462543333862009-03-12T22:19:00.000-05:002009-03-12T22:19:00.000-05:00That's silly. Who cares how you spend your money!...That's silly. Who cares how you spend your money!Jennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00342467790727259855noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-55326438715690996512009-03-12T17:32:00.000-05:002009-03-12T17:32:00.000-05:00If you need a roof get a roof and invite someone o...If you need a roof get a roof and invite someone over to share dinner under your roof, and be glad to have good friends in your home under your roof. <BR/><BR/>I popped over from Moms need to know just to say - I am GLAD you have a new roof.Terrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12112479764398508654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-83996160536927141622009-03-12T14:09:00.000-05:002009-03-12T14:09:00.000-05:00Wow... there are so many comments already here. W...Wow... there are so many comments already here. <BR/>We've had several home repairs made recently, by a friend who is handy around the house and had little work to do at his "real job". He earned extra money for his family, and we got a great deal on our long-postponed repairs. <BR/>I think your new roof looks quite nice.VoiceInTheWildernesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16027905882847497714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-46784912116224008492009-03-12T13:21:00.000-05:002009-03-12T13:21:00.000-05:00Its hard to believe you were criticized! Your pos...Its hard to believe you were criticized! Your post actually inspired me to go ahead and call our insurance agent to have our roof looked at. It was damaged in a recent hailstorm, but we didn't really know what to look for in terms of damage. I am grateful for your original post. If it hadn't inspired me to call and we had waited too long, then we would have had to pay for all of it ourselves instead of being able to file a claim.<BR/>So, thank you.Biteofpunkinpiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04774888786937493258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-87324349478505610882009-03-12T11:46:00.000-05:002009-03-12T11:46:00.000-05:00I totally agree. We are considering paying friend...I totally agree. We are considering paying friends and fellow churchmembers who specialize in certain areas to help us finish our half-done home repair projects. God has chosen to bless us despite the harsh economy, and amazingly, that only makes me want to share more with others. (I have come a long way in five years' time.)megret7https://www.blogger.com/profile/13815797016001735913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-84881690668940306112009-03-12T09:51:00.000-05:002009-03-12T09:51:00.000-05:00I'm sorry that you were wrongly criticized for get...I'm sorry that you were wrongly criticized for getting a new roof. I have seen MANY out of work construction workers bringing flyers around my neighborhood so that they can find jobs to provide for their families.<BR/><BR/>And I am afraid that recession or not, my roof might need to be replaced soon. And it's a matter where if you don't replace it, you could really damage the rest of your house.heidi @ ggiphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05245994200237421760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-87025878139965662602009-03-12T08:08:00.000-05:002009-03-12T08:08:00.000-05:00Oh it's just plain silly! The only reason I can th...Oh it's just plain silly! The only reason I can think of for the criticism is that you posted about the roof at a time when someone was feeling low about their own situation. And they've taken it out on you.<BR/>I wanted to let you know that by spending money on your roof at this time, you are definately, in your own way, helping the economy and job security! <BR/>We're in the UK and my husband Stephen is a plasterer and of course times are hard for the construction industry, but it's the small jobs here and there around peoples homes that are keeping our heads above water.<BR/>So good for you being frugal so you are able to afford those home improvements and helping those families of the people who did your roof!<BR/>Karen xxxstokedkipperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17345898402369475671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-10666733917203975662009-03-12T07:50:00.000-05:002009-03-12T07:50:00.000-05:00Yes, it was terribly wrong of you to provide emplo...Yes, it was terribly wrong of you to provide employment to the roofers! Goodness...what are people thinking?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-34337347079232822492009-03-12T01:05:00.000-05:002009-03-12T01:05:00.000-05:00I suppose we're completely insensitive too...we pu...I suppose we're completely insensitive too...we put cooling in our house so we could deal with the heat of our summers. The way I see it, we had the cash and had been saving up for three years to do it and we gave someone else a job to do.Tracyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07511855282323456046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-10239523740879656862009-03-11T21:09:00.000-05:002009-03-11T21:09:00.000-05:00Criticizing you for a new roof?? Now that's just ...Criticizing you for a new roof?? Now that's just silly. Grow up, people. If you can't handle hearing about a new roof, read something else.3beansaladhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12186797368427271059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-18230106337002555242009-03-11T21:03:00.000-05:002009-03-11T21:03:00.000-05:00I can't imagine where the room for criticism is. T...I can't imagine where the room for criticism is. That is taking care of what God has entrusted to you. Damage repairs could be much more costly and not wise to keep putting off. Wise choice. JackieEmpty Nest Full Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01614775825338921445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-24840978269471237982009-03-11T20:49:00.000-05:002009-03-11T20:49:00.000-05:00I am glad so many people have already said what I ...I am glad so many people have already said what I would say, including why, why, why would someone feel entitled to criticize you in that way?<BR/><BR/>Enjoy what you've worked hard for, enjoy your security, and enjoy helping another family -- or families -- stay employed.Carrie at Tiki Tiki Blog!https://www.blogger.com/profile/09107016685020588347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-29233846920828861392009-03-11T20:25:00.000-05:002009-03-11T20:25:00.000-05:00Ugh! You can't do anything without somebody giving...Ugh! You can't do anything without somebody giving you their negative 2 cents' worth! I'm glad you got the new roof you needed and that you gave someone a job who was probably very thankful for the work. We need to do the same. So much needs doing around our home, but I'm afraid to let go of the money in case things get worse and we need it for food or some such (probably being a bit paranoid here, but I can't help it). It's hard to let go of that money when you're used to saving it. Feels nice to have it. But sometimes one must spend it. <BR/><BR/>I'm sure it was very hard for you to let go of that money. But you can rest assured that your roof will keep you dry until the children are nearly grown (if you stay there that long), or it will certainly help with resale.<BR/><BR/>It truly amazes me when you get criticism, Meredith. I can't think of anyone who is wiser with money than you are.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07011962056021112099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-89412593639139143982009-03-11T20:09:00.000-05:002009-03-11T20:09:00.000-05:00The criticism is of course ridiculous. I would cau...The criticism is of course ridiculous. I would caution your readers as well to remember that living within our means and being frugal in order to have the freedom to buy without guilt can also include what some of us may consider luxuries. If you had paid cash on a new SUV and lived within your means to do it, more power to you! <BR/><BR/>As a commenter, though, there is no sense in drawing lines in the sand, where person X is "good" and person Y is "bad" according to our own thoughts of where money should go (I'm assuming within reason of course, that we are not spending money on vices, drugs, etc). What some may see as a frivolous item, another may depend on sales of that item! As long as we are living within our means and budgeting for our purchases, we should be free to purchase with a clear conscience.<BR/><BR/>That roofer is surely thanking God for his timely provision and that you had the funds to pay for the job. <BR/>--MelissaMDiskinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15838716310730455831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-60753469740354991992009-03-11T19:56:00.000-05:002009-03-11T19:56:00.000-05:00Chastised?? That's ridiculous! If you have been fi...Chastised?? That's ridiculous! If you have been financially responsible and have saved the money to replace your roof AND got a great deal, then great for you!<BR/><BR/>We are finally able to look for a condo to purchase -- is it wrong that we waited until the prices came down to afford it? I don't think so!<BR/><BR/>I say GOOD FOR YOU!! :-)Camillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07665568491378947842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-24516499287059425802009-03-11T19:26:00.000-05:002009-03-11T19:26:00.000-05:00no criticisms here. i feel so grateful one of us i...no criticisms here. i feel so grateful one of us is still employed and am thinking through work we can pay out for to help employ a couple friends with kids who are unemployed and fearing they will lose everything.<BR/>nicola<BR/>http://whichname.blogspot.comNicolahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02044553646998556989noreply@blogger.com