Bettering yourself is too expensive

I write this blog as I try to search for ways to pay for my graduate education without actually 1) working; 2) having to take out a loan; or 3) become a "working girl" (if you know what I mean). I have searched high and low for scholarships and grants to pay for my extended education, but I just don't understand how I have come up blank.

First of all, I am not becoming a teacher, so that leaves out about 25 percent of the money available. Second, I am not going to school for any sort of medical field specialty, which makes up about 50 percent of all the money available. And finally, the other option involves being a minority and "need-based" (of which, if you can't tell, I am neither...except maybe "need-based" but I "need" those shoes, right?).

So anyway, if anyone has any ideas as to how I can find some free money without killing myself to get it, I would appreciate it. Until then, I will just have to continue selling myself on the corner of Main and Picacho. Call me.

I will not shop at Wal-Mart anymore.

Friends & Family--

Please read this article from CNN Online and take it to heart. This is one of those stories than can change your lifestyle....and I will no longer be shopping at Wal-Mart. Consider it for yourself, as well.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/03/25/walmart.insurance.battle/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

The Reason I Don't Blog

Hello to all two of my faithful readers: I suck at blogging. I know you've noticed. I am awful. When it comes to the choice between blogging and re-watching Grey's Anatomy (all three seasons), I will pick McDreamy, McSteamy and McVet any day of the week. And I sincerely apologize for this blatant disregard for your desire to read my wonderful and fulfilling writing about pudding cups.

But, today, I will give you a little taste of my favorite blogs. For reference, I love home organization. Love it. I don't do it, but I love it. Truly. I just bought a subscription to Real Simple magazine so I can have that little something "extra" in my life telling me to get my ass in gear and unclutter my life.

In addition, some of my other addictions include the following sites that give you great ideas on how to simplify your life and discontinue your need to acquire STUFF:

Unclutterer
http://unclutterer.com/
Check out the posts in "Decluttering" and "Home Organization." They make me so excited, I could scream. It's like a justification for my anal retentive nature...just what I need!

Simply Stated
http://simplystated.realsimple.com/home/index.html
There are not as many things that apply to me, but I love, love, LOVE the magazine and this just adds to the love, allowing me the ability to read it all month long even if my magazine won't be arriving for another couple weeks.

J-E-L-L-Oooo....

I just wanted to give a little shout out to my new favorite snack: A fat-free Jell-o pudding cup in chocolate-vanilla. When I am eating it, I feel like a kid again...and it's only 60 calories! Chocolate-y goodness...in a single serving.

On my mind...

I promised Jess I would use my plans-less weekend to blog AT LEAST once...so here goes, Jess...just a few things that have been on my mind this week that I haven't had time to blog about.

1. Food Costs
This sounds pathetic, but I don't usually cook for myself...and if I do, it's to the extent that I make a grilled cheese or try my hand at mixing up some Hamburger Helper. I know, I know....how will I ever find a husband if I can't mix flour and eggs together? I don't care. BUT, I do live off of Lean Cuisine. Don't judge me, please. They are delicious and only FIVE Weight Watchers points. Well, I went to the grocery store on Thursday night because I am literally out of EVERYTHING. I needed something to eat for lunch Friday and get me through the weekend. I approached my favorite aisle...the frozen entrees section....and lo and behold, the Lean Cuisines have gone up in price by 75 CENTS! Yes! What am I going to do?

2. Cost of Gas
I resent the fact that my Lean Cuisines now cost MORE than a gallon of gas...but not for long. Please, please....SAVE OUR ECONOMY. I can't afford my life anymore.

3. Student Loan Check
I got mine for this semester. And I plan on PAYING OFF my credit card, which is probably the smartest thing I can do at this point, because it is eating me alive. I am excited to move toward paying off my debts, which was a New Year's Resolution of mine. :o)

4. My Magazine
Is supposed to be on its way to the printer in Denver. My first publication on my own...and I am so proud of the way it turned out. I can't wait for my friends and family to see it in print. It will be a proud moment of mine.

5. Hot as Hell
I am NOT ready for the summer, and the weather today told me I best start working on my tan....because before too long, I will be SOL and see-through compared to most of the girls running around campus. If only I had another trip to Hawaii planned this summer to give me a chance to lay on the beach and soak up some sun. Maybe I will have to work on that. :o)

Well, that's all. I am sure I will have something more profound in the coming days.