When I ordered our Turkey for Thanksgiving, the guy who runs the stand said, "27lbs, that's a big turkey. You do realize that turkeys will be costing nearly $2.25 a lb this year." I responded that I knew the cost of feed and fuel had impacted prices we were paying. We agreed that the price of stuff just keeps going up.
Shortly before that, Mr. Fatman had gone to Costco to get our normal bulk items such as meats, toilet paper, etc etc. He called me to say that our bill was a whopping $170 bucks as opposed to the usual $125/$130. I asked if they had renewed our membership. He said, no. I sighed deeply. The core items that we need to survive are steadily increasing in price. These aren't purchases of iPods, Teevees or DVD's. These are the usual items we purchase on a regular basis. Food is expensive and I can't really eat a TeeVee.
The other day I was sitting in the car while Mr.Fatman filled the car with Gas. I looked over at the poor sap that was filling up across from me and watched in horror as the price went up slowly...25...30....35...40...46. $46.00 to fill up that guys Camry. Yikes. I thanked my lucky stars that we hardly used our car and we drove a fuel efficient Scion. If we ever really needed to drive. These days, we try to limit that as often as possible.
Recently, I opened my electric bill only to find out that my bill had gone from a modest $159 to a whopping $281. I live in a VERY small house and we practice energy conservation as much as humanly possible, but it wasn't our usage that had changed. It was the price of electricity. But, hey---I thought they told me prices would go down due to competition. I guess they were wrong.
I had to tell everyone that health care prices had increased a total of 11.6% as of Dec 1. I can't explain that spike, but I'm pretty damn sure it has a lot to do with Greed.
I thin, perhaps the worse thing is going to a bar, ordering that micro brew that you love so much and hearing the Bartender tell you: "ah...can't afford to stock that anymore. Price is too high. But I now have Bud Light on tap for 3 bucks a glass!" While that hasn't quite happened yet, I fear it could. There is a shortage of Hops and it's driving the price up. Sure, I don't need a beer and can stand to drink Bud Light, but if I don't get a raise soon, I won't be doing much of anything.
Speaking of raises, It has been nearly three years since I've seen one. No COLA, nothing like that for me. The only way I've EVER been able to secure a hefty raise is to actually change jobs. Sadly, that is what most people have to do. That, or make like Mr. Fatman and take on a second job.
But, listen, folks. Uncle Sam says Inflation is under control. Doesn't matter that BushCo. keeps signing checks that his butt---err...our collective American butts can't really cash while his buddy Bernake keeps printing more Moola in the WH Basement. Okay. The Treasury Dept---but, STILL! Those things have nothing to do with it. If you want to stay in the game and keep above these rising prices, I guess we all need to get second jobs.
But Seriously, Folks. There isn't anything to see here. There is no Inflation. Please...Move Along.
Cross Posted at Holy Buck, Fatman!