Sorry to have left everyone for so long. But I do have a great reason. For the past couple of months, my co-worker has been planning the Youth Job Fair. I didn't realize there were so many behind-the-scenes details. That is until she blackmailed me into helping her. So fo the last few weeks I have been a puppet, dancing to the will of my puppeteer. Just kidding. We worked really hard and I hope the kids who showed up to the Job Fair last Saturday get the jobs we worked so hard to wrangle in for them. On a personal note, I would like to announce that I am broke. And technically its this challenges fault. LOL. I had to tell my dad the website and now that he knows the details of the challenge, he has completely cut me off. Something about making me grow-up; BLAH BLAH BLAH. So yes, I am at the mercy of my own conscience. I will now have to hang up the starbucks cup and let the sushi stay at the Shashimi Bar.

At the beginning of this week I was extremely proud of myself. I saved half of my paycheck; I brought m ylunch everyday; and I brought my light bill down from 300 to 180 (Don't ask, but prayer works). At the end of the week, I figured out that I cooked almost eveyday, I am crabby from not having in Starbucks, and all the money i have saved has gone to household needs that just decided to pop up. Don't get me wrong, I know stuff happens, but it does depress you a little bit we you work so hard. As for good new, i have put in extra hours, which will look good next paycheck. And not only that but a lot of my participants are graduating this upcoming month wich makes me very happy. Not only that but we got them jobs too!! All in all I think it will be alright. P.S. if anyone knows of any part time jobs in the evenings, I would really appreciate it.

This is a thank you to all the restaurants in the area.

I would like to send a special thanks to all of the restaurants and stores that I usually inhabit. They have decided that this is the time to run all those specials and cook all that food that I smell when I walk outside. Especially now that I can't buy any of it. I also want to thank my co-worker Kirenda, who is my usual partner in crime, for bringing in all those catfish sandwiches and fried shrimp with tilapia meals. You do realize that I can smell it in my office, right? I think my feelings are hurt for the day.

This week, all of my coworkers were trying to organize a cruise as part of a reception party for one of my coworkers. Now normally, I would jump on this. Any reason to party is reason enough for me (Remember, I'm only 23). But unfortunately, the cruise costs around $400 and it is not all inclusive. So I had to make a “grown-up” decision and decline. Here is the kicker, my boss found out I was declining due to me being on a budget and offered to pay for it just so that we could have a office activity for all of us to participate in. That really made me happy until I heard Joy Bibeau in my ear. "You know you’re going to have to pay for childcare, travel expenses, food, drink, and anything you feel like buying while your sightseeing. Is this really a step towards financial fitness?" So once again, I have to make a "grown-up" decision and decline. Seriously though, being grown is so overrated.

I hate the word budget. Maybe that’s not strong enough. I ABHOR it! Do you know how hard it is to smell Popeye’s chicken and not be able to stop. It is physically painful. Instead I had to fry my own chicken. Yes it was good, but let’s be real, It was no Popeye’s. So basically it’s come down to this. I have to stop eating out (YIKES!!!) As far as charitable contributions, they are going to have to be put on hold. Yes, we all know I’m a sucker for a sob story. So guess what, I love all my kids but I’m not paying any phone bills, light bills, or for gas. Instead how about you all help me out by babysitting for free? At the end of the day, I’m trying that whole mind over matter thing. I feel as if I’m in excruciating pain when I have to physically remove myself (most times have other people physically remove me) from certain situations. If I can get my mind to deal with it, I think I will be all right.