An empty shopping cart lurks in a full aisle.

I apologize in advance for the lack of my usual hilarious satire and frequent shenanigans in this post. You have been forewarned, but I’ll make it worth your while by the end of it. I promise.

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The title of this post is a phrase which my mother is reminding me frequently of. As gas prices are rising, more people have to choose which is more important: gas or food.

There is little I can say about the economy that isn’t already being felt, and what is being felt is more than I could ever convey into words. But I will say that scarier things could happen. Thousands of truck drivers in Europe, for example, have gone on strike due to outrageous gas prices (in case someone needs reminding, gas prices are WAY more expensive in Europe than the states). The result is low morale at home, poor stock in the grocery stores, and empty stomachs to those who would be fed otherwise. The real question is: Why couldn’t that happen in the States?

I have been hearing that more and more people are shopping smart: Wal-Mart, discounted stores, buying in bulk (such as my very own Sam’s Club). But now I don’t know what to believe. Sam’s Club has been slower since the 4th of July. Even the weekends, and excluding sign-up-for-credit-and-get-a-free-apple-pie day. Yeah, that’s all this country needs: more credit.

Personally, I’m lucky to be living in a city that is faring better than the rest of the country, and to be in a family that manages their finances well. But I’m curious to hear of others’ opinions on how they’re faring. How about it, then? Are you on the upside of this economic downfall?

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I hope you’ve enjoyed my crudely Photoshopped image of a shopping cart in a Costco. My own attempts of taking a picture at Sam’s that would strike sorrow and agony into the hearts of men and other furry creatures alike were foiled by my manager. There was also going to be a cute, cuddly, and lonely kitten to finish the task of inflicting some serious sorrow. Be thankful. You lucked out… this time.