Monday, November 30, 2009

I love my unemployed boyfriend

So I mentioned a few posts back that Chris recently got laid off, and I haven't really had time to process it, with all the crazy traveling. I think that actually, given that he has his severance to last him the next 2 months, and unemployment benefits, it will actually be really nice.

Him
To tell the truth, he was really stressed at that last job; the hours were bad and he hated it. It's very frustrating to be in a relationship with someone and witness them struggling against an obstacle they can't rise above, so in many ways I think this is gonna be a good move for him.

Also, with the free time, I'm kinda hoping that he'll get back into a regular fitness routine, which had fallen by the wayside with work and stuff. I know it's super shallow of me, but it's nice, right?

Also he's gonna cook for me on Wednesday! Sweet potato gnocchi, a recipe he picked up from his family over thanksgiving break!

Me
His unemployment will also force me to be more cost-conscious with my daily living, which, really, I needed. The recent travel has been AMAZING, but it really has kicked a little dent in my savings. With Chris having more free nights, and being more cost conscious, I'm hoping we will be spending more time cooking and watching movies at home, going to museums (which I get into for free), and going out drinking a little less. With the weather starting to turn cold in NYC, this is a good thing for other reasons.

The gift issue
The one big thing that really gets complicated now is the gift issue. So my 30th birthday is coming up in 2 weeks (ugh), and then Christmas is just 2 weeks after that. I was already really stressed that Chris might get me something super-extravagant for my birthday, and now I'm even moreso. Beyond that, his gift will kinda set the ballpark for Christmas gifts.

What are some good inexpensive ideas for new couples to do gift-wise? We really are not the "make things for each other" crew.

6 comments:

  1. Awww... perhaps the change in employment will bring you guys closer, or in new directions and even enrich the relationship. Sorry I dunno about gifts but I'm sure other readers can come up with good ideas.

    *hugs*

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  2. looks like the unemployment can benefit both of you for the time being. i'm in the same boat with gifts for bday and xmas.

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  3. You guys can always make each other gifts. But that will be really obnoxiously cute and then I will hate you.

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  4. If you're really concerned about money, sometimes talking about it directly, and setting some appropriate limits can be a good idea. That way, your both on equal terms and no one has their feelings getting hurt.

    Also, really good gift ideas are often short trips or excursions. The memories formed by these can be priceless and last a lifetime, and they don't have to be super expensive. It can be as simple as a little bed and breakfast just outside of town.

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  5. Christmas gifts. I got a mild bit of panic thinking about that... I need to figure out a gift for S. This is difficult because:
    1. I don't know how much to spend
    2. I don't know if he's going to get me anything
    3. I've never had a BF to give a gift to for that matter.

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  6. Do gifts that both of you can share in. Some kind of activity, those are always more special than big expensive gifts. Good luck!

    ~A

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