Trina, The Lion King is amazing. My kids and I were lucky enough to have my parents treat us to a performance a few years ago. Just think, though, how much more thrilling the experience will be because you saved and waited. Imagining you sitting there for that wonderful opening scene gives me chills.

Elaine, yes, I'm glad, too. Sometimes I just have to work these things out in my mind before I can jump in with my credit card. :)

Amy, thanks for giving a name to what was going on in my head! I guess I'm more of an economist than I thought. :) 

Jason, I actually think my coffee-making method makes the best coffee. It's just sort of a pain when we have house guests and have to make a lot of coffee (or when they get up early and try to figure out how on earth we make coffee!). And I do have a burr grinder, which I'm a huge fan of. :) (And no, we won't forget the lentils!)

Mark, yes, that's a tough call. A pet and travel are both such intangible treasures in certain ways (I realize a dog is tangible, but what kids get out of having a dog is somewhat abstract). Plus, having a dog can get in the way of a lot of travel, so that makes it even trickier! When in doubt, though, it's always good to sell a lot of stuff you don't need. 

Cobalt-Blue, there's no doubt in my mind that the choice is giving something important to my kids AND to the community at large. That's why I was feeling so lame and ridiculous about my hesitation to spend the money! As long as I continue to give myself a good kick in the pants every once in a while, I'm sure I'll stay mostly focused on the right things.

Rhonda, it's interesting how the financial crisis has impacted my thinking, even though the recession hasn't impacted our family in any direct way, yet. In some ways I feel more aware of what matters—that money and possessions can't be relied on to make us happy. In other moments, I feel more miserly and worried than usual about money. You're absolutely right: "Life is a series of choices." I'm so glad we can think out loud and help one another work through them, so we don't have to muddle through alone.

Daisy, that sounds like a perfect solution to what could otherwise be a stressful part of your marriage. I'm always thankful when you share your wisdom here. 

Jessica, isn't it freeing to ask a question like that? How much stuff do I need? Sometimes, life hands us things we never in a million years wanted, like a career change or a divorce, but those things in the end can save us in ways we never expected.