Happy New Year
Welcome to 2009, the Year of the Ox! The year began with a loud noise – the sound of millions of people tightening their belts into an uncomfortable position. Uncomfortable, but thrifty. 2009 will be the year of the miser, the year of scrimping and saving against an impending job loss or company closure. Against rising taxes and the cost of living, against fuel shortages and bankcruptices.
I for one am going to take up free hobbies. Instead of spending £70 a month on a gym subscription, £8 on a cinema ticket and £20 eating out, I shall read, make crafty objects and walk or cycle outside where the fresh air costs nothing. It may be boring but it’ll save money.
I hope you celebrated the new year well – the last day of extravagance before dark times. If you used recyclable party supplies then all the better, you’re helping the planet too.