College is expensive. This is a well-known and undisputed fact. However, that knowledge does not make the spending of my hard earned money any easier. Today I bought some supplies for the kitchen in my apartment. Over $170! I didn't buy that many things I thought, and two thirds of them are under $10. I know that what I bought today are items that I will use for the rest of my life, like a salad spinner... but still!
Side note, when I was checking out at Bed, Bath, and Beyond the cashier asked if I had registered with them. I almost died. Was she implying that I was buying stuff for my first apartment after my marriage?!? I thought I was 18, not 28!
Every purchase I make now involves serious deliberation and thought. Even a gum purchase must be carefully mulled over: "Will I chew this flavor? How long will this pack last? Why do I even chew gum? Two bucks, what am I, made of money?" Clearly, I am well trained in how to make an educated purchase from a store. Further demonstrating my stinginess, I was genuinely excited to see that I received an income tax refund of two dollars! Yes! Score! This is sad. However, perhaps this severe frugality will eventually mellow and ensure that I live within my means.
To complicate matters, my entire income right now comes from 4.5 hours of work a week. Yeah, a week. Not a day. If there is a positive side to this fact, it has convinced me that whatever the sacrifice involved, college is worth it. I am not cut out for blue-collar work making minimum wage.
You know, when it comes to money issues I do have a back-up plan. "I'm gonna marry for money!" I have already been told where to hang out on campus if I want to get a date with a future lawyer, doctor, or business executive. I guess Trace Adkins did know what he was talking about when he wrote that song.
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