John Wayne Versus the Princess

The economy has been having a downturn for the past few years. Everyone is cutting back and tightening their belts. Myself and my family are not immune. We've had to learn to do without a few creature comforts.

It's funny how different people have different views of being broke. Some people will consider theirselves broke if they can't afford to gas up their jet to fly away for the weekend. Others will give up their weekly mani/pedi spa dates as a sign of a lean economy. Myself? When I start buying cheap shampoo, I know that times are tight.

But one thing I absolutely refuse to sacrifice is my toilet paper! I will wipe my butt with nothing less than Cottenelle! And while it costs 4 bucks for 4 double rolls, it's a price I'm willing to pay. My only problem with toilet paper is I never buy enough. My mind will not allow itself to grasp the concept of how much TP 5 people can go through in a week. There's nothing like running out and having to scout around the house for napkins and paper towels. One friend told me that a coffee filter will do in a pinch...Hey, don't knock it 'till you've tried it!

But the absolute worst thing to use is cheap toilet paper. Last week we ran out and I asked hubby to pick some up on his way home from work. Imagine my shock and horror when he came in with something that can only be described as John Wayne toilet paper: rough, tough, and don't take no shit off nobody! This stuff didn't even have a name, it was just called Value Paper. I was saddened to see that he does not understand the level of comfort I'm used to in my toilet paper. I'm a princess by no means, but I refuse to wipe my butt with sandpaper!

As I write this, I'm wondering if I still have that wad of napkins in my purse that I swiped the last time we ate out...I'm out of toilet paper again.