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La cuesta de Enero Posted by on Jan 20, 2012 in Spanish Culture

En España tenemos un refrán que dice “A perro flaco, todo se le vuelven pulgas”, y no es por ser pesimistas, pero hoy mismo leí una noticia con el siguiente titular: La ‘cuesta de enero’ llega a febrero.

Hace algunas semanas que terminaron las navidades. En esas fechas todos tenemos un gasto más elevado, por las cenas con la familia, el salir más de fiesta, comprar los regalos que traerán los Reyes, las comidas o cenas de empresa, que ahora con la crisis ya no la paga el jefe, sino que también sale de nuestro bolsillo… Ah, y las rebajas, que llegan justo tras los reyes, para que quien tan solo recibió carbón pueda aprovechar y desquitarse regalándose algo a sí mismo. Cuando este periodo festivo termina, y los ánimos se relajan, nos encontramos ante la temida “cuesta de enero”.

¿Y qué es esta cuesta de enero? Es un periodo de tiempo en el que hay que “apretarse el cinturón” para llegar a fin de mes, o sea, economizar al máximo para compensar los gastos anteriores. No solo en caprichos, sino en recibos, gasolina, comida, ropa, etc. Es por eso cada vez más frecuente ver noticias donde los “expertos” aconsejan cómo reciclar tu ropa para cambiar de estilo, o trucos para gastar menos agua. También recomiendan usar más transporte público, compartir el coche para ir al trabajo, ¡e incluso hay cursos de cocina anticrisis!: “aprenda a preparar un menú por tan solo 3,50 €”.  Quizá ha llegado el momento de volvernos más imaginativos, o un poco manitas, y aprender a gastar menos. Para empezar, voy a plantar tomates en macetas en el balcón. ¿Os parece buena idea? ¡Se aceptan consejos!

In Spain we have a saying that literally goes “for a skinny dog, everything turns into fleas” (meaning it never rains but it pours), and it is not my intention being pessimistic, but just today I read a news article with the following headline: The “January post-holiday budget crunch goes on till February.”

Christmas was over a few weeks ago. These days we all have higher expenses, because of family dinners, going out more on holidays, buying gifts for the Three Wise Men to bring us, the company Christmas party, which now as a result of the crisis is not paid for by the boss, but it’s up to us to dip into our pockets… Ah, and the sales, which come just after the Three Wise Men, so that those who just received coal as a gift can get even and buy themselves a present. When this festive period ends, and our spirits relax, we find ourselves in front of the frightful “slope”, or January post-holiday budget crunch.

And what is this January “slope”? It is a period of time when we have to tighten our belts in order to get to the end of the month with some money left, that is to say, economizing to the maximum to compensate for the previous expenses. Not only in whims, but in bills, petrol, food, clothes, etc. This is why it is increasingly frequent to see news where the “experts” offer advise on how to recycle your clothes to change style, or tricks to spend less water. They also recommend using public transport, carpooling to go to work, and there are even crisis cooking courses!: “learn to prepare a menu for only 3,50 € “. Maybe the moment has come to become more imaginative, or turn into a handywoman, and to learn how to spend less. To start with, I am going to start growing tomatoes inside flowerpots on the balcony. Do you think it’s a good idea? Suggestions welcome!

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About the Author: Magda

Hi all! I’m Magda, a Spanish native speaker writing the culture posts in the Transparent Language Spanish blog. I have a Bachelor’s in English Philology and a Master’s in Linguistics and Literature from the University of Granada, in Spain. I have also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, and then worked as an English teacher in several schools and academies for several years. Last year was my first at university level. In addition, I work as a private tutor, teaching English and Spanish as a foreign language to students and adults. In my free time, I’m an avid reader and writer, editing and collaborating in several literary blogs. I have published my first poetry book recently. And last but not least, I love photography!


Comments:

  1. allia:

    Si,a mi parece buena idea. Cuando el mercado de la primavera abierto voy a plantar vegetales tambien.
    Saludos desde Michigan!