Elusive Ink

Currently Listening
Miss Gradenko
The Police



Ya'know...I started thinking how frivolous I must be sounding lately. Expensive pots, beautiful new ring, and coach watch. The truth is, I'm really pretty frugal...I wait to buy clothes until they're 75% off at Kohls if I can manage it. When I do spend substantial money on something, I make it last. (Generally: Coats, Jeans, Slacks) I get pants tailored, never put them in the dryer, and make sure they're always washed correctly. I can still wear the jeans I bought over a year now, and provided I don't get any bigger they will last a while longer. I do need to have the cuffs fixed on one pair, and another few taken in...but it's so much cheaper than buying a new pair of jeans. And they're good quality in the first place, good fit and fabric. As far as the pots go...I get a substantial employee discount...and they're quality, lifetime guaranteed pieces. It's incredible to see ladies coming in to buy stuff, saying they had a pot for 40 years, and something happened to the pot, and Le Creuset replaced it for them, totally free. And the watch, was on an incredible sale.

Essentially, I find great deals on nice things...or invest on nice things, on rare occasions...but make them last. This is particularly important for me since I've got to start thinking about college costs, and making decisions that will truely effect my future. While I'm sure it will be incredible regardless, it's hard knowing which decisions are the right ones to make. For instance, I really wanted to live and work overseas next summer...then I realized I couldn't get a work permit to work overseas for that short amount of time. So I decided I'd just save up and make a trip. It's always been really important to me to absorb the culture of other countries and experience the world while I'm young, and unattached. Unhindered by family, career, etc. I just have a feeling that once I get all caught up in college, and then a career, and then a family...years will slip away and I'll really regret it if I don't do some of these things that I've had on my heart for as long as I can remember.

It all sounds really reasonable - except for the fact that if I want to get into the college that provides me with the BEST opportunities to build a good career in fine arts, I have to go through the expensive summer portfolio course next year. Which means, trip cut short if not cancelled altogether. Kind of a no brainer, right? College is more important, but I can't help thinking there must be a way for me to figure out how to afford them both. We'll see.

Speaking of growing money...I've been looking into investing. I don't have a ton of experience in the area, but I've got help from a few people I really trust and it seems like a smart move to make while stocks are so cheap. The market's down right now, but it's a good time to buy because eventually it's going to go back up, and I could honestly make quite a good bit off of it.

Potentially pay for a car, college classes, etc. etc. etc. The big things. The important things.

Of course, if I DO go through the summer course and get accepted to the college...and somehow get some kind of phenomenal scholarship to be able to actually afford attendance, they're going to provide me with so many opportunities to broaden my horizons. Study abroad programs, internships, etc. etc. etc.

Ahhh...so many decisions. Lots to think about.

And so I keep thinking...

Until tomorrow!
-Lindsey