Top Five Things We Can Live Without

Ok, I know there are plenty of Americans with real financial problems right now. But my gripe is with the moaners who always complain about money, regardless of their situation. The ones who claim they can't afford to buy local, gas costs too much, I need to shop at Walmart..blah, blah.....but I never see a real financial problem because their house is filled with stuff.

So I compiled a list of the top 5 things these complainers could live without:

1- Their giant big screen TV and satellite dishes. Give me a break, do something productive instead.

2-Countless plastic children's toys. A huge issue to me. I was just reading about plastics that don't ever decompose and just wind up floating in a garbage pile in the ocean. These cheap plastic toys fill space and make your house look tacky. Kids don't need roomfuls of toys--they just wind up becoming boring and uncreative!

3- Holiday knick-knacks. I am utterly grossed out by how much money Americans will spend on inflatable Holiday lawn decorations! Then there are window stick-ons, and plastic weird things galore. It used to be just Christmas--but Halloween is just as bad now. What happened to just making a home-made scarecrow for the front yard???

4- Pet luxury items. What an embarrassment to the rest of the world! Why do Americans spend so much on pet treats, toys and even costumes? Holy cow!

5- Blasting the heat and AC. This is crazy. I have had to work with ladies who actually put the heat thermostat on 80 degrees! They just couldn't handle the concept of dressing differently in the winter (like warm). These same people then can't stand the hot summer temps and want AC on 68 degrees?? What gives? It's like oppositional climate disorder or something.

What Defines Us

As I enjoy my life of Alaskan bliss, I am also uncomfortably aware of the scourge growing amongst us. It is not a disease, or beast, but humankinds need for well-known box stores. I know there are other Alaskans who live or moved here to enjoy the wilds of the North , however, I am increasingly seeing another breed of Alaskan--the suburban conformist.

Mostly these types come from the lower 48, usually spouses dragged along to Alaska because of a good job offer for their other half. The result is bizarre comments like, "if only Costco were closer I would be complete" or "Can't wait for the New Home Depot" and "It's about time we got an Appleebees"....

Even the long-time Alaskans can't resist the good deals once they step into a Sam's club or Wal-Mart. Their thrifty eyes just can't look away!

It just isolates me even more, as I can't relate to their excitement. I am perfectly happy with the local shops, lumber and food vendors. It's why I am here. To escape the conformity of the rest of the Nation. Yet it follows me & makes sure that anyplace you live eventually looks the same. This overwhelming need for these boxy places just makes me fear that it really is one of the things that defines the modern American. It used to be: food & shelter, but now we need Wal-Mart.