What funds your orchid needs?

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

Maybe it's been done already, but I looked around and didn't find anything... and I don't recall seeing a thread like this. But I thought it would be fun just to see what everyone does.

So, what puts the orchids in your greenhouse/big tank/vivarium/windowsill etc? Or less importantly: The bacon on your table.

I shall get us started. I am actually a full time student. I'm returning to school after having been in the Army for 5 years, worked as a correctional officer for the federal bureau of prisons, and a year as a lead supervisor/project manager for fundraising company for non-profits. I am a disabled veteran (scar tissue buildup in my hip, two knee injuries, and issues with my feet), and am going to school through the VA's vocational rehabilitation program. My major is civil engineering as of right now. But, several other areas are sparking my interest big time. I've looked in to geology, geotechnical engineering, and environmental engineering.

Alright, who's next?

[camille1585]

I'm just a student, so all my money goes into tuition, rent and food. I have no income. But everytime I get money for xmas or my birthday or something else I always put aside a small part of it just for orchids. So basically, I don't have much money for orchids.... With so little money available, I really think about every purchase, asking myself if it really is the orchid I want/need.

But if I do splurge a bit and go over budget, I eat cheap food for a while to make up for it.

Another 18 months and I'll be done with school and have a job!!

[Hedge]

I don't work, so my husband funds my orchids just like everything else for the last twenty years.

Which means I have to have self discipline and not indulge - I have only bought one so far this year and that was a reduced price Cym at a garden centre (without any flowers left so a big surprise when it re blooms.) And I ask for them for presents and so forth.

Before anybody goes all 'kept woman' on me, well, yes I am but I raised the kids, keep the home and garden and pets, and we aren't fantastically wealthy just bumping along like most people..............but we are very HAPPY

[cb977]

Originally Posted by Hedge

but we are very HAPPY

That's all that matters, my friend

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

Originally Posted by Hedge

Before anybody goes all 'kept woman' on me, well, yes I am but I raised the kids, keep the home and garden and pets, and we aren't fantastically wealthy just bumping along like most people..............but we are very HAPPY

Stay at home Mom is a very taxing job! I did it for a while after my daughter was born. I went to bed dead tired every night and never felt like I had gotten everything done. Sometimes it's the more economical thing to do when the kids are younger too. You just can't replace that time you're able to spend with them, and you don' have to worry about childcare.

[Paul]

Originally Posted by Hedge

Before anybody goes all 'kept woman' on me, well, yes I am but I raised the kids, keep the home and pets, ..............

Don't worry, Hedge. If anyone gives you a hard time, just send them over to my mom. She'll be more than happy to clip them upside the head and tell them a "thing or two". Once upon a time, my brother's in-laws were over (now ex in-laws). Somehow the subject of money came up and just WHOSE money it was. The mother-in-law --who worked fulltime -- felt that the money my dad earned was his as he worked for it. My mom didn't say anything at the time (trying to keep the peace in the family) but does wish she had. In her opinion, anyone who thought she was going to do all of what you mentioned (don't forget to add: prepare all the meals, get the kids off to school, get them to their doctor/dental appointments,...) for "the-fun-of-it"/free has rocks in their head.

Funding? Well I'm single so no kids and those related bills (& don't anybody go giving me that garbage of how much easier single life is -- keep in mind that single folks often have NO one to rely on for help w/ income, taking care of the home, let alone taking care of oneself when ill or injured, no one right there to share life's other burdens ... Anyone who thinks that's "easy" hasn't done it in a while). Once in a while I splurge but even when the old tax return comes in, generally find myself holding back and choosing to put most of it into a savings account. Then too, I live in an apt (can't afford a home though hoping too someday). One "advantage" -- lack of space really makes me pretty picky as to what plants are coming home.

[Hedge]

Originally Posted by Paul

Don't worry, Hedge.

Thanks for the vote of support - and yes, being single is very hard - no discounts on entry to anywhere,which family groups get, no reduced rates on buses or trains, all taxes due, no point buying one to get one free at galleries or exhibitions or the cinema....... I think a single person is very discriminated against

Still, no sharing the icecream or chocolate

thanks again

Heather

[cb977]

I consider myself to be a very lucky lady...my husband and I have a steady income, no mortgage, two paid-off vehicles and no kids to put through college!

Orchids, orchids, orchids!!!

[jkofferdahl]

Both my bacon and my orchids, as well as the dog's food, are put there by the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library System, for whom I am a librarian. I just wish I could also get them to come walk the dogs and cook the bacon - I'll still take care of the orchids!

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

Camille, you and I sound very similar on the money front! Luckily I also have a hubby with income. Still, things are pretty tight! I gave up having someone cut my hair. Saves 20 bucks ever few months!

Yes indeed Sue, you are lucky! I would give about anything to not have a mortgage right now. One of our two vehicles is paid off... so I'm half way on that one!