Grandmother of Seven Unearths New Found Frugality in Oklahoma

Like many, I am doing what I can to survive in the current economic crisis. But unlike some, I've lived on a tight budget for a long period. In some ways, this means I'm ahead of the curve in finding ways to get the most bang for my buck.

To wit:

* I'm stretching my shopping dollars with secondhand shopping. It's more economical and allows items to be re-purposed, something those concerned with a green economy can appreciate, too.

* I wanted a faster Internet connection than dial-up, but I had to think how I could translate that want into a need. High-speed Internet costs four times more each month for satellite service, but I did justify it. I needed to do faster, higher-quality research to write more effectively and decrease my frustration.

* I am a newcomer to Arcadia, Okla. Living in a rural area helps me satisfy my curiosity for native plants and animals. My seven grandchildren share that curiosity. It costs not a penny, and we're able to get exercise, enjoy the outdoors and learn and see something new on each foray.

* Living near Oklahoma City affords me a variety of resources on any number of topics. The universities and their extensions allow the public to use their libraries. This is in addition to the thriving and diverse metro-city public library system. Besides the many books, magazines and movies, the librarians at the public library system and the college systems are a wealth of information and assistance.

* I discovered muscles I didn't remember I had when I planted my first vegetable garden. Now, in addition to fresh and inexpensive homegrown produce, I am more limber and slightly slimmer.

* Shopping in a rural area is not any everyday experience, not if I want to save fuel and wear and tear on my car. Going into town is planned in advance; therefore I make fewer spur-of-the-moment purchases.

Surviving the economy need not be an unpleasant experience. It requires a change in my usual ways, but I've discovered the benefits outweigh the difficulties.