Luxuries

Wanting to put all my energy into studying, I decided not to look for a job until I graduate. It seemed the most realistic but also unfortunate. I don’t doubt that I could do both since I did it all through high school and college but being in a new place…I didn’t want the added stress of looking for a job and not having any connections here will make the search that much harder. Plus, we get a long break every term and I wanted to go home to recharge and reboot.

So, I’ve been living off of the money that I’ve saved over the years. I realized that even though I wasn’t “whippin’ out fliff (The Professor Brothers reference, check it)” back home, I sure was living the good life (or as good as one can live off of a server's pay). I didn’t hesitate buying nice wine, good meats, and organic ingredients. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t regret any of it. It actually drives me to do well in school and get a good job so I can do that all over again! Anyway, now, I window shop at the Fresh Market, avoid the name brand stuff if the generic tastes the same, and buy in bulk. But I do splurge a little…on fruit!

It’s so crazy for me. I never really ate that much fruit. I hated snacking on apples and refused bananas unless they were a part of a pudding or gelato. Now, my mornings revolve around fruit. Since summer’s rolled around, I switched from coffee and tea to smoothies. For the past couple weeks, it’s been a mango, banana, and strawberry smoothie. I throw in some plain yogurt, a touch of honey, and flaxseed too. Who would have thought I’d be this “healthy?” And I like it.

Rereading what I just wrote, if you didn’t know me, you would think that I was such a spoiled asshole. Maybe I was, maybe I am but that’s why this is such a growing experience for me. Yea sure, I’m probably learning a little late but better late than never!? I can’t really say that I’m eating better because I slack off on dinner and miss the dark leafy green parts of the food pyramid while super heavy on the carb group but I’m learning to balance. If anything, being on a budget keeps the cookies, ice cream, and the occasional Hot Pocket off of my grocery list!

The mango section is getting smaller at the store and I haven't decided on the next fruit I want to obsess over. I’ve been eyeing the cantaloupes but haven’t committed yet. I still have till next grocery day to decide on my new gem.