4:52p

eating on a budget
I'm actually kinda glad that i only have so much money to spend on
food for the next couple of months that I have money.
'keeps me away from the 5 million fast food chains that surround my neighborhood.
obviously, that doesn't help my cravings or temptations for junk foods to cease.

since I budgeted only $10 a week for food and supplies,
I've actually managed to up my intake of healthy meals.
hmm...maybe that's why I'm getting sick.
my body probably doesn't recognize digesting foods
with actual nutritional value.
It's probably in withdrawal!
'bet they never thought of making a "nicotene patch" for that!

being on this budget also forces me to be more creative
and efficient with the things I buy at the store.
'keeps me away from buying processed foods, which are not as
good as natural food anyway.
take today, for example...I actually had a healthy tuna sandwich on whole wheat bread
with a cup of tomato soup...all for probably like $0.75 if I calculated how many sandwiches I could make with one
loaf of bread, one tomato and a bunch of green lettuce.
Oh, and it was really comforting food, too! YUMMY to my TUMMY!

Later, i had a banana for a snack.
Then, I craved my Mrs. Fields mint-flavored hot cocoa.
That hit the spot, too.
(this is my only indulgence, though)

Of course, my bf and I split the costs for our groceries,
so this really helps me spend within my budget.
Even though he's not in the same financial predicament as me,
he's still one to save money where he can,
especially since he spends so much commuting to, and eating meals in the city
during the work week.
I've done that before.
You can literally blow $20 in one day just on eating!

easy day
my brain wasn't really into applying to anything today, so I didn't.
given the new circumstances with the spa place, I'm definitely gonna
need to re-think my whole job strategy.
Instead of looking for part-time stuff, I probably need to invest more in something full-time.
This will still allow me time to be on-call in the evenings for massage sessions at the spa.
I may also have to start working weekends for the time being, just
to start building my own clientele base within the spa.

I will need to study for the massage permit exam again, too.
'Will start this weekend, so that I can take the test next Thursday
if we are not granted an exemption by then.
Might as well be ahead in the game.

'Still thinking about whether to apply for this other foundation.
On second thought, I think I will. It's a long shot, but...
might as well take the challenge. Maybe I'll learn something from it at least.
'Gonna apply for this other local job working in a school.
It's something I would really LOVE to do...right up my alley.
I'd be developing and managing after-school programs. It's great, cause it's
all about collaborating with parents, community members and various local agencies
to help run these programs.
I really do love doing that...as challenging as it may be.

I enjoy grass roots, community-based efforts.
They definitely fill the gap that city-run or state-run organizations do not reach.
It's almost like serving your immediate family.

Since working as an AmeriCorps member with the San Francisco community,
I've grown to love this kind of effort.
Sometimes, I just feel like I would get lost in a larger institution.
I wish, though, that I had more social welfare training/education.
'wish I had more models to follow on how to help meet community needs.
I think a lot about getting a graduate degree in social welfare.
but i often get discouraged...

'didn't get very good grades in college.
'need more work integrating what I learn with projects. (that's always been a challenge for me)
'haven't done a lot of community work in the last 2 years.
'not sure how I will support myself financially.
well, I've got the tuition covered since I earned an education award from my term of
service as an AmeriCorps Member.
It's just the living expenses I'm worried about.
'also worried that I won't do well, even if I got accepted at a school.

too many worries, huh?
is this girl insecure or what?!

but I know all of those things can be overcome.
I just need to be in a place to do it.

anyhoo, even though i didn't apply to anything today...or do anything
remotely productive for that matter....
I did get a chance to connect with friends on-line.
'found out that one of them is gonna be a "seat filler" for the People's Choice Awards.
Everytime a celeb leaves the table to go to the bathroom or something, a seat filler comes in
and sits in their seat (hence the obvious title).
That way, when the cameras are panning the audience,
the tables will look full of people.
lucky bastard!

He said, "cool, I get a chance to squeeze some celebrity ass"
so my other friend (a female) said, "ya...could you squeeze Michael Vartan's for me?"
hehehe...

Then, my other cousin (the sister of the cousin that visited last night) stopped by
and hung out for a little while.
It was nice to just "shoot the shit" with her.
nice surprise.

Now, just got back from picking up my bf from the BART.
'Will join him for dinner.
and, yes, we'll be having tuna w/ tomato soup (again). YUM!

'will do some ddr tonight for my workout
and take care of some little odds and ends.

til tomorrow...