We're in a Recession, People!

I can't tell you how many times, I've heard this phrase uttered lately. The recession has almost become a fad. Good thing too, because I don't have any other choice but to but cool (Like really really cool. I should be voted Recession Queen or something). It's almost like I even started the fad of being broke and economical, but even I am having to find ways to cut back on my already minimal spending. I've never had "spending money" before, but it's down to counting pennies to pay all my bills and still be able to participate in society.

If you were to look at my banking statement, you'd see bills, bills, more bills, and coffee. My one splurge is a jolt of java to get me through my day. The actual liquid is good to keep me perky while I'm dealing with customers, but it's also the "treat" aspect. I would look forward to the afternoon to take a break from work, treat myself and to give me motivation to get through my day. Sometimes, I'd even bribe myself to go to work by telling myself I can stop and get coffee on the way.

When finances got tight, I cut back my visits to Starbucks. Things were still tight so I downgraded to Dunkin Donuts (not really a whole step down in quality, maybe a half-step, but about half the price).

And now it's time to get serious. I am making a valiant effort to (almost) eliminate coffee purchases from my banking statement. It's almost disheartening to give up my little splurge, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I gave myself an advance on coffee money, took myself to target, and bought a real coffee pot. I decided it was worth the extra $10.00 to upgrade to the programmable function. It's kinda like having a barista at Starbucks making the coffee for you, right? I grabbed the coffee filters, flavored coffee, and my coffee pot and headed home to set the alarm.

Sure enough bright and early in the morning, I'm awoken to the coffee pot doing it's magic. I thought I'd be joyous to wake up to the smell of hazelnut coffee, but I actually remember thinking to myself that maybe it wasn't a great idea to get the programmable option as it loudly brewed away. I guess it did it's trick of waking me up, but it still made me grouchy. I guess it doesn't matter what wakes you up, alarm clock, mom (back in the day), or coffee pot, it still gets on your bad side for a little bit. It's ok though, we make up as I stumble into the kitchen and get my first sip.

It's not the same as Starbucks or DD, but it will just have to do for awhile while I try and get by until I come up with a brilliant money making idea. Until then, I'll just continue being one of the cool kids in the recession club.

Not Your Typical Friday Night

I think it’s safe to say that I’m a pretty well rounded girl. I wouldn’t classify myself as a “princess” never have been, never will be. Not saying I’m not girly, because I definitely am, but I think it’s to a healthy level. On the other hand, I’ve never considered myself a tomboy, but am not afraid of dirt either.

I think my Friday night pretty much sums up my balance of interests. I decided to make it a low-key night so I prepped for my babysitting adventure (I’ll post more on that later) by baking cupcakes. As I was in the kitchen baking up some sweets, I was watching football. And then after cleaning up, I watched a little of Say Yes to the Dress. Football, cupcakes and dresses? Yeah, I think I’m well balanced. And speaking of football, shouldn’t I not be single since when given the chance to watch anything I want when alone, I choose ESPN? Just sayin…

Take Me Out To the Ball Game

Shout out to my friend Chris and the FB crew for the ticket (and great seat) at the Dbacks game/Montgomergy Gentry/Fireworks show. Fun was had by all.

Veronica (my favorite ball game partner - we have the food sharing down pat) and me.

Birthday Present from a Kidnapper

I came home from work on an average Wednesday and noticed this in the corner where my guitar had been sitting.


I have been wanting to learn to play the guitar badly but my finances have gotten in the way. I remembered Uncle Mike had an old guitar and was lucky enough to borrow it. However, the guitar needed new strings, and yet again money gets in the way of fun. Luckily, I have an amazing friend, one who decided I should celebrate my birthday in September.

I received an email the next day telling me we had plans after work. When Jordan picked me up (wearing an Ohio State shirt none the less!) there was a birthday card on the seat. (Really? I already get to celebrate my birthday 3 whole months early? Hmmm I can handle this.) She refused to say where we were going and suspense was killing me. Surprises are the best thing ever, just my opinion.

Jordan treated me to Starbucks (mmmmm) and then pulled in to Guitar Center. Woo hoo! She pulled my guitar and a bag of goodies (aka strings, picks, and a tuner) from her trunk.


Since it was Tune-Up Tuesdays, Trevor (the guitar guy) so kindly strung my guitar while we walked around admiring all the cool and expensive instruments. (I spotted an awesome pink glitter guitar that maybe I can buy once I become a pro). Until then, I get to learn on my newly strung guitar and one of the best birthday presents ever.


Thank you, Jordan, for knowing what I needed and knowing that I needed a pickup before my birthday.

Now if only I knew how to play this thing...

It's the President's Fault

I was late for work today. I was stuck in traffic and realized no one was moving, so I maneuvered my way across a few lanes, did a U-turn (hey it's legal out here) and headed in the opposite direction. I looped around to the road parallel to my previous route smirking to myself. (haha those suckers were waiting for that wreck or whatever to clear up and I was smooth sailing on my way to work....errrr uh oh). There was stopped traffic again...wait a minute, at the same road. And then I realized the helicopters flying above were not from some little fender bender, it was a bigger issue, perhaps that the President's motorcade was about to come through? So I figured I could handle sitting in traffic for a little bit. I mean, I couldn't get in trouble at work because of the President, right? I did use the unexpected time to call my father back. So thank you, Mr. President, for giving me a few extra minutes away from work and for allowing me to return daddy-o's phone call.

Yield

I'm at a point in my life where I see the cross road ahead. I might not be sitting at the 4-way stop deciding which blinker (if any) to turn on, but I can see the red octagonal shape ahead and a mixture of emotions hit me. Excitement at the possibilities, fear of the unknown, and nostalgia and appreciation for the present wash over me. It's funny how one minute you can be driving along with the windows down singing along to to radio loudly (and slightly off key) without a care in the world or a worry about what song you will listen to next and then BAM! You hit something. That figurative little wall you just nicked didn't do any serious damage. No need to call the insurance company, but it jarred you awake, made you pay more attention as you drove off. What about the road ahead? What can you do to be more prepared? And the songs you have been singing along to?... suddenly they are getting a little old. It might just be time for a new CD. That one little nick in the bumper can really make you think. I like thinking, but sometimes I get a little too excited (and ok downright obsessive) about future possibilities. Maybe someone should buy me a guitar so I can get a new hobby and quite dreaming of life changing decisions and moves. Then I can just sing along off key in my apartment and not be out there driving on the road of life trying to figure out where I'm headed next.

Some Things Never Change...And I'm OK With That

This is long over due and now I've forgotten all the witty things I wanted to say about my trip home, but basically it was wonderful. It just felt so great to be back home to the simplicity of the country life, see the green grass, eat good food, enjoy the farm life, and see all my loved ones.

Lists are way easier than paragraphs. They might not convey all my deep emotions regarded to each bullet point, but they are much easier to read and sometimes words just can't describe.

O-H-ighlights:

My mom graduated

hugs from my step-sister

learning to drive manual in a parking lot

"guy's day" with dad and the youngest brother

shooting gunsriding around in a pickup

tall boys

time with the siblings
country roads

conversations and hugs with soul mate friends

fellow "Gingers"(on both sides of the family)

corn on the cob
home made ice cream
dad's waffles
big green tractorsfamily photo shoots

ohio license plates galore

The College of Wooster