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It wasn't too long ago that I lost my job and was forced to change my lifestyle. I ended up moving back into my parents' home and going to nursing school at age 32. I had to take out student loans and work part-time. Lucky for me, my parents never charged me for rent or groceries. I cut out all luxuries including travel and trimmed down my spending on social activities and frivolous items. I relied on the generosity of family and friends. During that period of my life, I learned how live simply and live lean.

Thinking about how things are today, I am grateful for that lesson. I don't feel like I have to trim down my expenses, because I already live that way. I don't have cable because honestly I have NO TIME to really watch television. Besides most of what out there isn't what I deem "intelligent." In fact, much of American television programming proliferates the idea that we need "more" which is what got Americans in the mess we're in today. But I digress...

When I do have time on my hands, I have so many types of entertainment in my own living room. I just take a look around... I have a laptop with wireless internet connection. I can watch TV or movies on my computer, write on my blogs, keep in touch with friends, and post pictures. Then I have a guitar and keyboard, complete with sheet music and my voice to go with it. I could probably use my laptop to create my own recording studio! There are books on my shelves, some that I haven't read yet or some that are worth re-reading. A pile of magazines on my coffee table are waiting for me to read them.

If I don't want to be locked in my apartment, there is a cornucopia of free or inexpensive activities around the great city of Chicago. Free concerts, art gallery showings, tours and just the sheer beauty of the city is right outside my door. What more could I ask for???

I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, food in my belly, a job that I enjoy (for the most part), and job security. More importantly, I have family and friends who love me and, of course, I return those warm and fuzzy feelings. I am blessed.

It's time for Americans to take a look at the things that are truly important. Do you REALLY need that new game system? Do you REALLY need to spend money on clothes when your closets are busting with stuff that you still have the tags on or haven't used in a couple of years? Do you really need more when you still have tons of credit card debt?

It's time to reassess and reprioritize, people...

As for me, there's something I want to have more of and that's TIME. I want more time in my day to spend with my friends and family. I want more time to sit and have a cup of coffee with my mom and dad and reminisce with about their childhoods. I want more time to hold my grandmother's hand and listen to her recount her romance with my grandfather. I want more time to bestow hugs and kisses on my nephew David and teach him how to kick a soccer ball. I want more time to hang out with my brother and sister-in-law and watch funny movies. I want more time for me --- maybe to catch up on much-needed sleep (that would be so awesome).

You can keep your fancy cars, clothes, and other superficial necessities. Just give me more time to laugh and love...

Hibernate

I think I was a bear in a past life. Every year around this time I want to sleep more, stay in my cave, or just be alone.

I should be writing more, but I seem to need more rest these days.

Where did my energy go? Did it fly south for the winter?

Arrrrggggghhhhh...

Election '08

Jumped out of bed.

Did the usual morning hygiene routine, got dressed, and primped a little.

Left my apartment at 5:30 AM.

Picked up a Grande-Soy-No Whip Mocha from Starbucks.

Went to my polling site. Was #3 in line.

Chatted with a few people while waiting.

Sucked down my coffee and started getting a little jittery.

Poll opened.

Voted.

Waited in line to turn in my vote.

Voting machine had a little glitch. (Big surprise!)

Newspaper guy took picture of me in line looking at machine.

Line started moving and I turned in my vote.

Machine worked for me. Hurray!

Newspaper guy asked me for interview.

Turns out he is from Sweden working for a Swedish business newspaper.

Questions...
Am I first time voter?
When did you decide who you were going to vote for?
How did you decide?
What do you think are the strengths of each candidate?

Tough questions to be asked so early in the morning...

I'm glad I'm done with that.

I hope that whatever happens, the next President will do his best to put us on the right track.

God help him...

God help us...

Halloween 2008

Halloween came and went, but the crazy memories remain. You're never too old to dress up for this holiday...

Click here for pictures!!!

Getting into the Election Spirit...

Check this out!

Faces

Recently, I broke down and reinstated myself on Facebook. I wanted to stay updated with my friends' photos and that's where they were posting them. As time passes, I'm finding that people from my past want to reconnect.

As each blast from the past sends me a friend request, I am reminded of where I was in my life when I knew them. It's like the Many Faces of Me. Each friend knew me at a different time in my life when I was still trying to figure things out. I know that I don't have all the answers now - but I was even more clueless then.

My grade school and high school friends knew the nerdy goody two-shoes me. I was terrified of my parents knowing full well that making them mad would only get me sent to a convent in a heartbeat. Never the leader, I tagged along with my "cool kid" friends. Like a therapist, I was the one that people confided in, everybody's pal.

My college friends knew me in my carefree days when I discovered my true identity a.k.a. "social butterfly." Going to a bar was considered a big adventure. How much could you drink? Boy, I could drink those boys under the table! My musical tastes ran the gammut from rap (I'm talking old school), dance, R&B, alternative (a.k.a. "new wave"), and even some folk. And it took me FOREVER to get ready to go out... Just the hair alone! I'm frightened to think about how much work and hair spray I put into my Totally 80's Do...

Post college knew the frugal, attempting-to-live independently girl. I was still going out a lot and probably kept up the same pace as I did in college. Scary to think that I believed that was normal. At that point, I was still searching for my calling. What did I want to be when I grew up? Little did I know that it would end up being in the medical field, a path I tried to stay away from since high school.

So what can I say about myself now? Hmmmm...

I'll get back to you on that!

Getting Ready

Recently, I have recommitted myself to being healthy. This means that I need to eat right, exercise, and live a healthy lifestyle - even when I'm surrounded by people who don't.

As far as exercise goes, I was in my best shape when I was running. I keep going back and forth on whether or not I should do it. Is it the best thing for me at this point in my life?

I remember when I trained for the Chicago Marathon in 2006. Life was different for me then. My workplace was right around the corner from my apartment. I didn't have to take as much call. Stress was high and the only thing that seemed to relieve me was going for a long run.

Now I have different obstacles. I work in the suburbs so my door-to-door commute is at least 35 minutes. My gym - XSport - is completely out of my way in suburban Chicago Ridge. In addition, I am required to take call which completely throws off my schedule. There is no such thing as a "normal schedule." I live according to my Blackberry. Most of the time, the only thing that I can do is catch up on my sleep.

So where am I going to fit in running? I don't know, but it has to happen...

My current gym is opening a branch downtown. That will hopefully help. Not sure when it will be ready for business, but I will definitely be ready to run by that time. I hope...

Democrat or Republican?

Election day is coming soon and I am not exactly sure who I'm voting for yet. I know that sounds bad, but don't worry, I'm trying to figure out. Maybe an online test will help me? Hmmmm...

Your Vote Score: 41% Republican, 59% Democrat

You are truly an independent voter, and you don't fit well with either party. Maybe you should choose one issue to vote on - or look into third parties!

Should You Vote Republican or Democrat?