I have been very focused inward for the past few months. Starting school again has made my brain full of thoughts of studying and learning and questioning my professors.
However, an email from my AmeriCorps Alums group has caught my attention and called me to #FighttheZERO.
Apparently, Members of Congress believe it is an option to eliminate funding for AmeriCorps completely. I disagree. We must look beyond the ideas that our country is lagging in education and losing its competitive edge, and we must see what we are getting correct. A nationally-organized service organization is right. An opportunity for young people to serve is right. A resurgance in volunteerism and civic-mindedness is right.
AmeriCorps makes our country stronger in so many ways. Just look for the twitter topic #FighttheZERO to see the multitude of Americans who were changed for the better from a year or two of service to other Americans.
I'll be an active part of the political landscape as I can, first by using social media as @mspennypolitico to contact the requisite politicians. Because, yes, service matters.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Crazy Girl
This post is being written while I listen to "Crazy Girl" by the Eli Young Band. (Click the post title for a link to the video)
Every once in a while (let's call it once a moon), I definitely find myself crazy. I'm angsty and worried. I can't stop thinking about things that I can't control. In particular, I'm worried about the feelings my significant other has for me. I know, objectively, that he enjoys spending time with me and cares for me deeply. I see evidence of this fact in our daily phone calls, our weekend adventures.
The problem is, he isn't emotionally expressive. We've talked about our relationship a few times; I've seen him struggle putting his feelings into words. So I understand that I'm going to have to trust that he cares for me if he doesn't outright say it. But what I wouldn't I give for him to say the lyrics of "Crazy Girl?"
Crazy girl, don't you know that I love you?
I wouldn't dream of going nowhere
Silly woman come here let me hold you
Have I told you lately I love you like crazy, girl?
I mean, obviously, I would analyze the diminutives that the band uses when referring to the "girl" or "silly woman." But I can relate to both wanting an outright expression of love, and realizing that my sig. other's actions show that he cares about me like crazy.
But today, I'm just worried. Does he like me enough? Am I a priority in his life? Where do I fit into his future? I've had guys talk about the future gratuitously, and I've received a few meaningless drunk "I love yous." And those relationships have all ended. So I know that words can be used without meaning. And his actions certainly say what other guys' words have not.
Yet, today, my mind refuses to calm. And I know I have to be careful and not act completely crazy. But this is definitely the phase of the moon where I have less control over my feelings. I could use an outright declaration, a statement of devotion, a reassurance in words which can hold stronger in my mind than memories of reaching for my hand to hold in public.
Every once in a while (let's call it once a moon), I definitely find myself crazy. I'm angsty and worried. I can't stop thinking about things that I can't control. In particular, I'm worried about the feelings my significant other has for me. I know, objectively, that he enjoys spending time with me and cares for me deeply. I see evidence of this fact in our daily phone calls, our weekend adventures.
The problem is, he isn't emotionally expressive. We've talked about our relationship a few times; I've seen him struggle putting his feelings into words. So I understand that I'm going to have to trust that he cares for me if he doesn't outright say it. But what I wouldn't I give for him to say the lyrics of "Crazy Girl?"
Crazy girl, don't you know that I love you?
I wouldn't dream of going nowhere
Silly woman come here let me hold you
Have I told you lately I love you like crazy, girl?
I mean, obviously, I would analyze the diminutives that the band uses when referring to the "girl" or "silly woman." But I can relate to both wanting an outright expression of love, and realizing that my sig. other's actions show that he cares about me like crazy.
But today, I'm just worried. Does he like me enough? Am I a priority in his life? Where do I fit into his future? I've had guys talk about the future gratuitously, and I've received a few meaningless drunk "I love yous." And those relationships have all ended. So I know that words can be used without meaning. And his actions certainly say what other guys' words have not.
Yet, today, my mind refuses to calm. And I know I have to be careful and not act completely crazy. But this is definitely the phase of the moon where I have less control over my feelings. I could use an outright declaration, a statement of devotion, a reassurance in words which can hold stronger in my mind than memories of reaching for my hand to hold in public.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
"Student loans: A crisis in waiting"
Looks like I am not alone in the loan/income struggle. My MSN homepage featured a nicely written, short article about the state of student loans. And yes, my total loan balance is higher than the average.
Here's the final paragraph:
""Unless students limit their debt burdens, choose fields of study that are in demand, and successfully complete their degrees on time, they will find themselves in worse financial positions and unable to earn the projected income that justified taking out their loans in the first place," Moody’s writes."
That is a LOT for an 18-22 year old to think about! I know I certainly wasn't thinking of college as an investment that needed a certain amount of returns before being worthwhile. College was what happened after high school. You go to college for an education and experience life on your own. And if a private school offers you scholarships and feels like a good place to call home for 4 years, that's all there is to it.
Sure, I could have majored in healthcare or engineering. But I'm not sure I would have been successful in either area. My passion is for people, particularly low-income families and education for all. There just isn't money in working with kids. They aren't yet producers and there will just never be money in working with people who don't have a lot.
See the whole article by following the link below:
http://money.msn.com/saving-money/article.aspx?post=557c0396-01c7-426b-8438-976aac650f27
Here's the final paragraph:
""Unless students limit their debt burdens, choose fields of study that are in demand, and successfully complete their degrees on time, they will find themselves in worse financial positions and unable to earn the projected income that justified taking out their loans in the first place," Moody’s writes."
That is a LOT for an 18-22 year old to think about! I know I certainly wasn't thinking of college as an investment that needed a certain amount of returns before being worthwhile. College was what happened after high school. You go to college for an education and experience life on your own. And if a private school offers you scholarships and feels like a good place to call home for 4 years, that's all there is to it.
Sure, I could have majored in healthcare or engineering. But I'm not sure I would have been successful in either area. My passion is for people, particularly low-income families and education for all. There just isn't money in working with kids. They aren't yet producers and there will just never be money in working with people who don't have a lot.
See the whole article by following the link below:
http://money.msn.com/saving-money/article.aspx?post=557c0396-01c7-426b-8438-976aac650f27
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Money Diet Fail
You know those nights, where it is 11pm and you're starving and the only thing in the fridge is Greek yogurt or Hormel pepperoni?
This was me last night - I'm starrrrving! I want cheeeeeese! I tried microwaving some frozen veggies, but without cream cheese or provel cheese or any meat to be had in the house (hmm didn't consider frozen veggies and pepperoni. . . maybe next night of desperation). I didn't have time to run to the grocery store before it closed because of an assignment I had put off which was due at midnight. And let's be honest, I didn't feel like going back in the car and out.
Soooo I ordered a pizza. and not any discount pizza. name-brand-$15-bc-I-like-multiple-toppings pizza. Proud of myself for not getting the 2 liter soda to go along with it. So angry with myself for such a lame move.
I really do not have this whole eating on a budget idea down. Know that I make terrible decisions when underfed. Need guru. And need to crave yogurt before it goes bad. I'm thinking yogurt for lunch tomorrow! With a side of pepperoni. Get psyched tastebuds, it's gonna be interesting.
At least I have some leftover pizza for tonight ;)
This was me last night - I'm starrrrving! I want cheeeeeese! I tried microwaving some frozen veggies, but without cream cheese or provel cheese or any meat to be had in the house (hmm didn't consider frozen veggies and pepperoni. . . maybe next night of desperation). I didn't have time to run to the grocery store before it closed because of an assignment I had put off which was due at midnight. And let's be honest, I didn't feel like going back in the car and out.
Soooo I ordered a pizza. and not any discount pizza. name-brand-$15-bc-I-like-multiple-toppings pizza. Proud of myself for not getting the 2 liter soda to go along with it. So angry with myself for such a lame move.
I really do not have this whole eating on a budget idea down. Know that I make terrible decisions when underfed. Need guru. And need to crave yogurt before it goes bad. I'm thinking yogurt for lunch tomorrow! With a side of pepperoni. Get psyched tastebuds, it's gonna be interesting.
At least I have some leftover pizza for tonight ;)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Half-time deferment rules!
Back to school means -
NO STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS FOR TWO YEARS!!!
I'm so excited! Still working out how to make the best use of my $$ during this time period. Pretty sure that it only frees things up to help pay for credit card balances. And perhaps, I'll be able to save for tuition/book money for next semester. I'm still doing that whole "Cut Back" mentality and trying to restrict unnecessary spending.
Still, I'm looking around my apartment from time to time, trying to figure out what I could perhaps sell and get money from. Also, I am planning on not renewing my current lease and moving in with a roommate this winter, a savings of up to $100 per month!
It is a beautiful day, folks.
NO STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS FOR TWO YEARS!!!
I'm so excited! Still working out how to make the best use of my $$ during this time period. Pretty sure that it only frees things up to help pay for credit card balances. And perhaps, I'll be able to save for tuition/book money for next semester. I'm still doing that whole "Cut Back" mentality and trying to restrict unnecessary spending.
Still, I'm looking around my apartment from time to time, trying to figure out what I could perhaps sell and get money from. Also, I am planning on not renewing my current lease and moving in with a roommate this winter, a savings of up to $100 per month!
It is a beautiful day, folks.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
On "Change Is Slow"
"If you want to be somebody else,
If you're tired of fighting battles with yourself
If you want to be somebody else
Change your mind... "By Sister Hazel
I love this song and I am working so dilligently on trying to change my mindset and let that lead my changed actions. So let's recognize the good changes I have made:
* I bought ingredients at the grocery store last night instead of frozen meals or weird single lady food
* I went for a walk on tuesday after work - having packed my workout clothes in the morning!
* I agreed to a big change with my hair color and cut, so that I would be more polished looking when I head to work
* I made an appointment with a career advisor to see if I can get out of this JOB and into something I actually want to do
* I took out the trash even though I didn't want to
Aaaaand I'm actively ignoring the things that I have done wrong over the past week. I don't have to do them wrong again, and my mind is not getting any healthier or happier if I dwell on negative thoughts.
More neutral or happy thoughts to come. I'm changing my mind to be more positive and focusing on the things going well.
Oh, also? It may not be seen here due to the lack of time I spend editing, but I am awesome at grammar!
If you're tired of fighting battles with yourself
If you want to be somebody else
Change your mind... "By Sister Hazel
I love this song and I am working so dilligently on trying to change my mindset and let that lead my changed actions. So let's recognize the good changes I have made:
* I bought ingredients at the grocery store last night instead of frozen meals or weird single lady food
* I went for a walk on tuesday after work - having packed my workout clothes in the morning!
* I agreed to a big change with my hair color and cut, so that I would be more polished looking when I head to work
* I made an appointment with a career advisor to see if I can get out of this JOB and into something I actually want to do
* I took out the trash even though I didn't want to
Aaaaand I'm actively ignoring the things that I have done wrong over the past week. I don't have to do them wrong again, and my mind is not getting any healthier or happier if I dwell on negative thoughts.
More neutral or happy thoughts to come. I'm changing my mind to be more positive and focusing on the things going well.
Oh, also? It may not be seen here due to the lack of time I spend editing, but I am awesome at grammar!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
I forgot about the Caffeine!!!!
Official day 2 of not buying breakfast - partial success. I left the house knowing that my free pastry from panera was waiting for me - and did not actually follow through on my thoughts to set up the timer on my coffee pot.
So I stopped for gas and bought a soda. I didn't even really want a soda since it is a chilly fake-spring day - I wanted coffee but it is more expensive!
I may have forgotten to explain/define exactly what this step accomplishes on my list of goals - to save calories and money and bc I admire people who get up in the morning and do stuff around the house before leaving for work. I really want to become someone I admire instead of someone who feels guilty for her shortcomings on a regular basis.
So - will continue working on this whole breakfast-at-home thing.
And let's celebrate how awesome I was last night - I both did dishes AND cleared the drain on my bathtub AND cleaned it. A slow moving drain will cause a bathtub to get ridiculously dirty. Yes, flowing water carries away your scum. No, the scum on a slow-draining tub doesn't look clean, even if I do after showering. I feel like an accomplished grownup whenever I tackle routine cleaning projects.
Tomorrow, I'll contemplate posting the entire list of my goals. I'm torn between putting them up here - on one hand, it will help me stay focused / on the other, a list can tend to make me feel overwhelmed.
So I stopped for gas and bought a soda. I didn't even really want a soda since it is a chilly fake-spring day - I wanted coffee but it is more expensive!
I may have forgotten to explain/define exactly what this step accomplishes on my list of goals - to save calories and money and bc I admire people who get up in the morning and do stuff around the house before leaving for work. I really want to become someone I admire instead of someone who feels guilty for her shortcomings on a regular basis.
So - will continue working on this whole breakfast-at-home thing.
And let's celebrate how awesome I was last night - I both did dishes AND cleared the drain on my bathtub AND cleaned it. A slow moving drain will cause a bathtub to get ridiculously dirty. Yes, flowing water carries away your scum. No, the scum on a slow-draining tub doesn't look clean, even if I do after showering. I feel like an accomplished grownup whenever I tackle routine cleaning projects.
Tomorrow, I'll contemplate posting the entire list of my goals. I'm torn between putting them up here - on one hand, it will help me stay focused / on the other, a list can tend to make me feel overwhelmed.
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