Thanks!
Thank you for all the welcome back responses to my last email (in comments and other locations as well).

I mentioned learning some interesting things about myself while on my enforced sabbatical. One thing was that, simplification aside, a certain amount of stocking up is really useful when times are tough. Things I was glad we had on hand during our personal recession:

* A fully stocked pantry including lots of herbs and spices and baking supplies.
* A functional and well-supplied kitchen.
* A stash of fabric, art, and craft stuff, not only for making gifts, but also for keeping little hands busy during major snow storms.
* A car in good condition and up-to-date on maintenance.
* A full, machine-washable work wardrobe for job interviews and meetings.
* A stack of coupons for buying necessities.
* A bunch of bus passes, the kind that don't expire.

I also learned a lot about what I think I need versus what I really need. One of the first things I did after getting laid off was make a list on the fridge labeled "Things to Buy Once We're Flush." Over time, it got filled up with stuff that we really wanted to get, but couldn't. But then something interesting started to happen. Stuff started getting crossed off the list again. I'd decide we really DIDN'T need a green tea whisk or a new shower curtain. At the end of five-and-a-half months the only two things left on the list were new dishtowels and a meat slicer. We already picked up the towels (really cheap at IKEA, so I guess they were really töwls) and are researching the slicer.

So I guess now we need to keep a list on the fridge labeled "Things to Buy in about Five Months if We Don't Forget by Then."