Gin And Water.

Today was my first shift at work, and it felt natural to be back there. It was almost as if I had just taken a long vacation, and was now returning. Making money also feels good.

It's a shame that to have "fun" out and about these days you need money. Money for gas, money for food, money to get money (debit fees are stupid) and all these expenses can make one feel unable to go out and do things. I get invited out to have a drink or two with some friends, but as innocuous as that sounds it's much more insidious than that. One beer becomes two beers, and then apps or something else on which to nosh. There's the gas to get out there and back as well. Suddenly a $5 beer becomes a $30 debt. I'm all for seeing my friends, going over to their house, maybe just sitting and chatting. That's cool by me and it can be a lot of fun. It's when outings become unplanned expenditures that I start to get disgruntled. Saying no is something I'm not very good at. It's probably a good thing I'm not a sexy woman. Well, that could be good.

What was I talking about?

I don't want to be the wet blanket that doesn't go out for drinks and all that. I mean, once upon a time I would hit up all the fancy establishments for food a drinks. It was an affectation, and an expensive one at that. I racked up $2000 in debt from that lifestyle, and it scared me. Now that I'm starting to watch my finances, I'm noticing there's all these little costs that come up here and there that are entirely unavoidable. Things like insurance, repairs on the car, new work clothes that fit the dress code. All of those things really pull rank over fun. I'm young enough that if I keep my head screwed on right, get through college and into a career that I'll be able to enjoy frivolities once again. As for now, I need to think rationally (if somewhat dully). I've often said that life is debt, but that doesn't mean you need to unhinge the bank account and bury yourself in I.O.U.s.

For now I'll sit at home, or at a friend's house. Drink some tea, or water and try and live frugally.