NICKELS & DIMES

At the beginning of this summer, I was financially screwed. I had been unemployed for almost 3 months, was applying to jobs, and wasn't landing anything. Then I got hit with some financial obligations I had neglected to consider - rent, Tiffany's bridesmaid stuff, and all the fun that summer brings! I hate to depend on my parents for money if it's not for school or survival, even when my options aren't looking too bright. I was so desperate that I almost resorted to selling my clothes, helping my "lil brother" sell goods in Irvine, taking paid online surveys, working at Panda Express again. Haha..

Well, with persistence and patience, sometimes you get what you want & need in the right way. I got a job with a random company in Irvine but the position is legit. No bitchwork. I love my bossboss, but I am annnnnnoyyyyeeed with my higher-up. Pay is good, work environment is relaxed and autonomous. Balancing work & school is the toughest part, though, because I have to wake up at 7am and most people have known me as a morning monster... meaning I am grumpy and unpleasant before the sun rises to its highest. I drive about 25 miles a day to work, school, & home, so that's killer on my gas. But you can bet I get a good night's sleep and I sure as hell appreciate every minute of it!

This was a small struggle I overcame, in trying to maintain a sense of independence from my parents and feel like I have a purpose in life. "Work hard, party hard(er)" is a cliche that never gets old. After all that, go to the dollar theatre and pay with your jar of coins that is mostly pennies! Make them count that! Just never forget where you came up from.....