Money, money, money, money - moooooney.

Money. It's a thing that, as a non-full-time employee and person whose skill set includes writing, editing, creating and other fluffy intangibles, I don't see much of. Particularly since I took an October trip to visit the lovely Big Apple, I have been living from paycheck to paycheck down to the last dime.

Thus, I am taking a 10-day break from spending. I have to go buy groceries tonight so that I can eat (I am out of everything), fill my gas tank in my car (I'm down to a quarter), buy a $10-or-less hideous sweater for a sweater party on Saturday, and I will be purchasing fresh cupcakes on Thursday to take to a celebratory "Woo you were an awesome intern!" party we're throwing for ours who just graduated. I'll have to explain the cupcakes another time, but for now I will merely mention that this is a tradition, from me to the interns that come through our office. That's it. That's the allowance. Beyond that, no ma'am until Dec. 15, when I get paid and sit down to figure out a budget that will allow me to pay off a credit card, hopefully get a haircut and NOT get kicked out of my apartment complex. That means if a random show that I HAVE to attend pops up, I gotta wait to buy a ticket. I can't eat out for 10 days. I can't buy records or booze or whatever, just no. Can't do it.

Typing this out, the reality sinks in and I realize that this is going to suck a little. BUT. But. I can do it. And it will be good. And I will be much, much more comfortable and hopefully be able to get back to a better place about spending/budgeting.

I already know what my first purchase will be on the 15th, too (apart from paying all of my student loan bills, which - ick): a ticket to the Black and White Years show at Antone's that night. I will dance like a person free from capitalism, whatever that sort of person would dance like.

Writing 101 - Tip #1

Note to self: try to hold off on the big, bellowing, super-awkward laughter when you interview bands, because when you are transcribing and do a slowed-down playback, you will want to poke your eyes out and shove them deep into your ears to block the sound and end your deep-seated embarrassment/shame.

You got your bullfighter jacket on.

It was only a matter of time before I started a new personal blog. I've had a hankering for creative, personal writing for a while now, so I'm glad to have a new outlet. I feel some poetry, some short stories, random ramblings and thoughts all needing to get out, so I'll collect 'em here.

Today's post is gonna be super mushy - sorry! If you don't like it, leave now. This is your warning.

Things I love about Zack T. -

• His accent. He's from Chicago, and certain words come out in that excellent Chicagoan way. It's adorable.
• His way with words. Nobody has ever really wooed me before, but this kid knows how to express himself. I'm so glad to have met a writer.
• His laugh. It's this super-giggly infectious thing, and when he gets going, there's no stopping him.
• His kindness. He's got the biggest heart, where he stores his passion for music, his adoration and love for his friends, his sacred memories of his family, his patience and his understanding.
• His childlike nature. I think this is why he is so great at "mannying;" kids get him and want to be with him.
• His blue eyes - reminds me of that pop song my mom used to sing to my brother. "You've got the most unbelievable blue eyes I've ever seen."
• His sense of adventure. He seems so very alive, and it rubs off on me.

There's so much more, but I think this is a nice starter list.