Cheddarblog

Thanks to his meticulous budget tracking, the Swiss_Mouse can tell you he spend exactly $81.88 a week on eating out.   Now you might say that is an outrageous amount, but actually it really only represents about 1 sit down restaurant a  couple of fast food meals per week.   The Swiss_Mouse family has a lot of activities that require us to eat out somewhat.  It’s a “necessity” of time and distance.

Remember, Swiss_Mouse’s budget stats are pulled from 15 years of accumulated data!  This figure was probably even higher when Swiss_Mouse and Mrs. Swiss_Mouse had more disposable income and no mouse-lings.

But one young mouse-ling is heading out of “Kid’s Menu” territory!  So the meals will get more expensive (and cheese appetizers are NOT getting cheaper).  Recently the Swiss_Mice made what they consider a financial and a health related decision.  Water. 

STOP!  The Swiss_Mouse hears all you restaurateurs now, “BUT Swiss_Mouse, the drink is a major portion of our profit.”  Tough.  And NO the Swiss_Mouse isn’t giving a 20% gratuity just for the waiter “showing up”. 

No longer will the Swiss_Mice drink soft drinks, tea or alcohol out at a meal (Now, tell the Swiss_Mouse why it is financially better to pay more for 1 beer than what you can buy a six-pack for?)  The Swiss_Mice will now drink water.  If you figure that drinks are basically $2 each now, and figure eating out 4 times per week.  $2 X 4 X 52 weeks = $416.  Let the Swiss_Mouse repeat that $416!!!

Besides the savings, it’s got to be healthier.

For those of you in Canada, it’s got to be greater savings.  When the Swiss_Mouse was recently in Canada, he was charged for EVERY REFILL.  So it was $2.50 X 2 (or 3).  Do the Canadian (same numbers, just say “eh” at the end)math: $2.50 X 2 X 4 X 52 weeks: $1040.00!

What is it with Canada and charging for refills?   Does your King not make enough taxes on the Bacon and Icebergs he exports south?  Aren’t William Shatner and Michael J. Fox sending any money home?

Save Cheddar, Drink Water!