Insomnia and electric bill

No, the two aren't related. I'm not up at 3 am because of the electric bill. I'm up at 3 am because I'm going some place special this weekend and I'm really excited about it! I still have a bit of preparing to do, so that's probably why I'm wide awake, which is just silly because I can't do this preparing while the rest of the household is asleep. I need to borrow my brother's printer and computer. I need to run down into the basement and root through boxes. I need to pack up a few things, but my sacks are in the bedroom where hubby peacefully rests. About all I can do is shower.

I also have a sore knee and a bit of pregnancy RLS that's keeping me up. And I was hungry. My tummy kept growling. So, once again, here I am early in the morning.

We got our electric bill in the other day. It's $.85 over budget. Over all, it's almost $20.00 higher than last month. Part of it is they jacked up the price of electricity use. The other part is waste. I feel like I follow around hubby and my brother all the time turning off lights and fans behind them. I'm guilty, too. I like to turn the electric heater on in the bathroom while I take my shower. I also prefer to turn on the vanity lights and the overhead lights. I've cut back by not turning on the vanity lights when I don't need them, and not turning on lights at all when I don't need them.

I did talk to my brother about our high electric bill and we came up with some solutions to help cut back. He said he'd unplug anything with an adapter he has while it's not in use. He also said he'd think about removing his nightlight air freshener because the nightlight annoys him anyway.

I mentioned the electric bill to hubby and he agreed that we can fix the seals on the doors of the fridge to make the fridge more energy efficient. Otherwise, actions speak louder than words, and I just continue to shut off lights in rooms that aren't in use.

Hubby likes convenience and comfort and I don't blame him after working out in the elements all day! But those things come at a price and that price keeps rising higher and higher. To help, though, I've been trying to cut back as much as possible durng the day while I'm home so we can afford an bit of added comfort for hubby when he comes home. Yesterday, I managed to cut out a full load of laundry in the dryer just by hanging a load to dry. I also did my sewing in the dining room as opposed to in the basement. I took advantage of the natural sunlight and the warmth of the house. The basement is dark and cold, so I have to jack up the heat, turn on a space heater and turn on lights just to work down there.

My next saving energy goal is to cut back on my computer use. Sometimes I'm on way too much and too long.

I'm also a bit of an environmentalist, and I believe one of the reasons why they're jacking up the cost of energy is because they're trying to get people to cut back. I may be wrong, and believe me, I'm totally NOT into conspiracy theories. However, I do see how the average American wastes energy! I do NOT believe that the energy we have is everlasting. I do believe there is a limit. I do believe we are not being good stewards of what God has provided for us. And I do believe that the majority of Americans have "gone too far" to go back to the dark ages without electricity and cars.

My mother told me that some people still have their Christmas lights up and running! I know we're a bit redneck-y where we live, but I'd think after this month's electric bill, people would shut off those lights!

Comments

Anonymous said…
I had the RLS with my 6th pregnancy. Really weird as I had never had it before! Am hoping that I don't have it again. Insomnia is also normal towards the end of a pregnancy. I try to look at it as preparing you for the new baby coming and his/her night time hours.

Glad to hear you can replace the seals on your fridge. That should save you quite a bit!
Tiffany said…
Hi there! I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your blog! I have been reading for several weeks now. It seems like we are both in similar places in our lives - I am pregnant with our first child (also a son!) who is due on May 22. I am a teacher by education, but left teaching a year and a half ago to come home and be a SAHW. However, I am not always the best at staying on task!!! Anyways...I just wanted to let you know that your blog always gives me inspiration and motivation to get moving! Thanks so much! -Tiffany S.

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