As I consider the idea of breaking free more, I realize that so much of it relies upon financial ability. Being in a place, financially, to handle the probability of a lack of income while pursuing self-employment possibilities is essential to the success of the journey. Stepping out on my own, though exhilarating, is also … [Read more…]
During last month’s 31-day writing challenge, I wrote a post about taking steps toward leaving my 8-5 job. It had not occurred to me that I even was taking steps until I sat down to write for that day’s prompt. As I was writing it, though, I knew there was more to “unpack” than the … [Read more…]
A couple of weeks ago, I had a conversation with one of the horse trainers I’ve been working with for the last few months. It went something like this: Trainer: “I’m going to tell you something you’re not going to like very much.” Me: “…Ok.” Trainer: “You need to drop 20lbs.” Me: “Oh…uh, ok. Thanks.” … [Read more…]
In May, my husband and I bought a car and chose to finance just under $20,000 in order to do so. Yesterday, we made the final payment on that loan. That’s six months from the time of the first payment in June to the last in November. $20,000. Paid off in six months. Part of … [Read more…]
Annette is a 40ish year old Haitian woman who has dwarfism. Due to the heavy influence of Voodoo, any kind of abnormality is seen as evil in the Haitian culture. So Annette was cast out by her family long ago. The family lives a few doors down from the little concrete hut/pig sty that they … [Read more…]
Today, Scott and I are flying to Haiti. It’s not actually a Kaleidoscope trip, but we are going down there basically for the same reason. We’re documenting. Documenting what one family is doing in the country. We both work full-time for our Alma Mater. Scott’s been a videographer in the marketing department for 10 years, creating … [Read more…]
As another new year begins, I bet that many people have made some sort of financial resolution. Maybe it’s to get out of debt. Maybe it’s to stop living paycheck-to-paycheck. Perhaps it’s to build some savings. Or maybe it’s to fund a vacation before actually taking the vacation. The resolution can take many shapes but the … [Read more…]
There seems to be a lie floating around that says that if you’re not famous, you’re not really that interesting. You’re a nobody. An average Jane (or Joe), living an average life that nobody cares about. Ignore it. Because it is my belief that you can be downright remarkable in your “average” (or ordinary … [Read more…]
My husband is kind of a shy guy. He doesn’t feel the need to talk (unless it’s in the car with me). He has opinions, but doesn’t feel the need to share them and when he does speak, it is usually to make a joke or say something witty or funny. He’s a serious guy, … [Read more…]