The M***** refers to my family's last name. The Defcon 5 refers to "War Games" when the world was on the brink of nuclear war after the Broderick character hijinxes the system and creates the possible end of the world.

So, this is how DH portrays our finances to my family. In actuality, we're going on vacation on August 5th for a nine-day drive/stay in Virginia. I'm diligently scouring deals (got one on a hotel for $375 for 5 nights while we're there) plus my 4th grader to be and I are doing price comparisons on the cheapest alternative to seeing what we want. I should add that I'm buying snacks on sale and creating our food bounty to take us there and back (though I'll stop before we return home to purchase sandwich supplies to get us through two lunches and dinner during our drive home.)

Anyone who lives with me knows the month before vacation it is all about "economic choice" - if we spend NOW there is less LATER (on vacation). DH is not immune from this. He wanted to golf today AND go to a Chicago White Sox game on Thursday. I should add that tickest are free at the Game, though DH feels compelled to bring $30 and buy a round of drinks. I had to tell him it was one or the other, not both. He didn't like that a bit, but he's got to play by the same rules as those in the house.

So, in his e-mail back to my brother (who is the inviter) he stated we are at Defcon 5 (facing vacation, $1,000 deductible on rental property claim after tree damage, and new car). DH does have an unopened box of Miller Genuine Draft (left over from when FIL was here) that he'll contribute to the White Sox game, so he did manage to fanangle both - though for the price of one.

I, on the other hand, was tickled pink to find a brand new with tags and sanitary liner attached Ralph Lauren bathing suit in my size and favorite color at the resale store for 50% off - and it cost me $2.50. I recently returned a new suit from Old Navy that seemed like a good deal for $17.50.

I suppose I win the frugal contest hands down.

Anyhow, happy 4th, folks!