If it ain't broke...

As an attempt to use our resources wisely, we try to use the belongings we have until they are pretty much non-functional before replacing them. But right now there are several things that are hanging on by a thin thread, and I feel as if I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. As if one of these mornings, I'm going to wake up and none of these items will work, and we'll have to replace them all at once.

1) Refrigerator: Ever since Hurricane Ike blew through Ohio and knocked out the power for several days (during which we were on vacation), our refrigerator makes a loud shaking noise every time it stops running. Word on the street says that means the compressor is going out, and it's only a matter of time before your fridge is dead. Apparently compressors are so expensive to fix, you may as well get a new fridge. New fridge ~ $700-$900.

2) Laptop: Oh, my precious. I have worked this poor thing to the bone. And lately it's showing it's age by running. so. very. very. slow. And holding a charge for about 3 minutes. And freezing up or shutting down for no good reason. New laptop ~ $600-$1200.

3) DVD player: Also showing it's age by more and more frequently displaying a never-ending "loading..." sign on the screen when I insert a DVD. Sometimes I can eventually get it to play, sometimes not. Oh, and the DVD player is also the way we play CD's, because the CD deck in the stereo broke a long time ago. New DVD player ~ $50-$200.

4) Microwave: Oh, it's pitiful. I keep having to add more and more time to whatever the box says to get my frozen lunches hot enough. New microwave ~ $50-$300.

5) Digital camera: I'm actually ok with the one we have, but Brian is itching to get a new one, because ours is 4 years old, and I guess the technology is a lot better now. Plus I see the amazing pics that other people take, and I know partially it's because they have a nicer camera (and more of a clue than I do what to do with it). Oh, and there's the fact that on ours you have to hold the battery compartment closed with your thumb while you shoot. But you get used to it. New camera ~ $200-$500. (I'm really guessing on this one)

But ok, with the exception of the refigerator, we could actually get by just fine without these items, right? Ooooo...but not the laptop, because I use it for work. Yeah... that's right... I need it for work. And the DVD player is part of Katy's daily routine, and I wouldn't want to totally throw her off of her routine and scar her for life, would I? And I just remembered that I don't know how to cook without a microwave, so I guess we need one of those, too. So...hmmmm...