Economic stimulus checks

I often go to this website called Simple Living to get ideas on how I might be able to live more simply, save some money and make my life a bit more peaceful.  On the home page of this site was this banner, which I really like.  I have been thinking a lot about the economic stimulus checks that are going out in the beginning of May, and actually looking forward to getting mine. We are absolutely not putting our check into the economy though, we are putting our check into a child, actually our adoption fund so that we can adopt a child.  I do believe very strongly though that even if we were not adopting we would put that money somewhere other then into the economy.  I know that this economy needs people to purchase goods and services but how much and at what cost?  The environment, our financial futures, our retirement,  I wonder sometimes how much we have to hurt ourselves before we realize that what we are doing is not working the way we thought it would or wanted it to. It is sad that consumerism is so rampant in our society and that we look to things to make us happy.  I wish that we could find happiness in the ordinary wonders of life, the quiet moments with our families and friends and just be happy with what we have instead of always looking for more.  I certainly share the struggle against buying and wanting things, but strive for the good simple life as I fight against the consumer in me.  If you are interested in ways that you can spend your government check you can check out the website above and click on the banner that looks the one I have posted.  They will give you ideas on what you can do with your money. Be strong and fight the good fight:)