Money Sure as Hell Makes the World Go ‘Round…And Having it Reduces Stress

I've just been notified that money I've already earned by copyediting a Sacramento regional computer magazine, $400 total ($200 per month), will not find its way into my checking account for 61-90 days.

Unfortunately, I've been counting on that money for a while now; it's been earmarked for groceries, entertainment, and other things, such as shampoo, deoderant, tampons, toothpaste, garbage bags for the kitchen, laundry, etc.

At least I am managing to budget a little bit. I think my rent and bills are taken care of through January. In three weeks, I should be receiving the money I earned for October's issue, but, alas, I will not receive that. I still have not been paid for August and September (July's check is "in the mail").

I'm strangely calm right now. Do I continue to do this work? Will breaking my commitment be cutting off my nose to spite my face, because, I will eventually get the money. I'm just pissed off. There really isn't an eloquent way to put it. So I'm now forced to use up most of my work study this semester. Of course this means working more hours than I was planning, which breakes into study time.

I guess I should be thankful that I have the opportunity. I know that my money woes are not very interesting but in times of financial stress, where can I turn but my blog? This is what schoolin' out east is all about. In other news, I did go grocery shopping today. I'm going to try to stretch them a few weeks. That should work. I studied for a few hours this morning.

I had some alone time at my place, which was nice. I've got cultural criticism tonight. I'm not as unhappy with my editorial as I thought I was last night. I fixed it a bit a couple of hours ago and will turn it in tonight.

At least I'm excited about my classes. So money isn't totally taking over my mind. This is one reason I decided to not apply to Ph.D. programs. I can't rely on freelance anymore it seems to keep my body nourished, so, despite my love of school and learning, I'm going to look for a job and get back into the rat race. I know I can continue to learn on my own. It's just not the same. Last night's class made me realize that I'm very interested in a discipline that would fall under American Studies. I could examine that which everyone is exposed to -- television, movies, literature -- and use it to make my points. But it's not to be. At least not now. Sucks ass. I'm done lamenting. I promise to be in a better mood the next time I write. I am now going to go get ready for class.