Frugal Doesn't Mean Deprived

My latest power bill was waiting to be paid this weekend:  $44.38 for 29 days, total 75 KWH used.

As I've said before, where I live power is EXPENSIVE.  When the 2011 U.S. average cost of electricity was a jealousy inducing $0.12 per KWH, my present rate of $0.59 per KWH is exorbitant (and more costly than Hawaii.)  However, I regard any month with a power bill less than $50 to be a time for celebration.  I rejoice that my average daily consumption is down from 4.13 KWH in December to 2.59 KWH in March.  A small victory.

But I know that power consumption will rise in summer with fan use to combat the heat, and the total bill will also increase because of a rising fuel surcharge.  The good news is that the tankless water heater I had installed has had no measurable effect on my power bill and I've been blissfully enjoying HOT showers this winter.   When the water is tepid in summer I won't be using the tankless on-demand water heater.   Life is a trade-off --  water heater in winter, fans in summer.

Storage is now ancient history.  I was appalled to see how much c/s I'd boxed.  What was I thinking?  I ended up keeping only a 20 inch x 14 inch x 13 inch metal box and what could fit inside (which included a handmade double bed quilt) and shipping it home via the USPS.  The rest I dumped.  All gone.  Toast.  Good riddance.  But the experience has made me rethink future acquisitions.   "Love what you have, have what you love" are words I live by.  I find I'm walking out of the flea market empty handed more often than not.   That's a good thing.  I don't feel deprived in any way, I feel liberated from the tyranny of stuff.

Penny Pincher