Life is cool. I have 12 days before my wedding, school is done, and all I have to do is work, that I like. It’s fun. All the wedding plans are mostly done–got a marriage license today. Really, life is so exciting. But you know, I don’t have that much to do, now school is done with–so that is why I am blogging.

And by the way–don’t forget that you debit card is expiring and your mom has your new one. I was at dinner with a bunch of friends from school and went to pay…and my card had expired. I had cash and a credit card…at home. So I had to borrow money (that I have paid back already). Not fun. And they burned the pizza.

So I took a family finance course this semester. I thought I knew a little about finances, but I have discovered that I really didn’t, and that there is a whole lot more out there for me to learn about. I did learn some basic financial advice that actually is repeated all over the place.

First is to save 10% of your income, preferably for long-term growth. We saw examples again and again how well invested money can make you a millionre, not with a huge investment amount, but by using time. I learned a tiny bit about stocks and bonds, mutual funds, IRA’s and other investments (and just so you know, you can open an IRA at a mutual fund that invests in stocks. They aren’t all seperate things).

I also liked learning about a revolving savings account. That’s where you plan out your irregular expenses like vacations, gifts, car registration, etc, and you total it, divide it by 12, and save that much each month. In addition, they suggest setting up an emergency fund equal to the amount you would need for 3 months. I would not like to be in a situation where I couldn’t pay for anything when stuff come up–savings are good.

Take that, add budgeting, proper insurance, and you should be wealthy. It’s kinda funny–you learn the people that are often wealthy aren’t those that live extravagant lifestyles, but those who are disciplined with their money.

So after a very long break, I am back on the blog. I mean to write more, but it takes a while.

Wedding plans are good, as far as I know. Just a few things left to take care of, and I will be good to go. School is almost done, and I expect excellent grades, as always.

And I am kinda antsy waiting around for things to happen.

Today my entomology lab went almost an hour overtime. Standing for 3 hours is not fun. And I really don’t care much about bees.

It is spring today. We have this cool weed up here–I think it might be a wild iris, but it’s a tiny white or purple flower in the lawn and it smells delicious.

It’s not technically spring yet. Up here in Logan we still have a foot of snow on the ground in places. But today it was warm and sunny. Joe and I went out on a long walk. Spring is the best time of year, when you can shake off the months of dark and cold, and go outside in bare feet again. I’m excited.

So I got a new job this week. I wasn’t really looking for a job, but out of mostly habit, I looked on my departments web page and found a posting for an internship at the Cache County Extension, so I called, talked to him, and by Friday afternoon I was hired.

I have two other jobs, but with both of them combined I get less then five hours, so I should have plenty of time for this new job. And if it doesn’t work out, I’m quitting my research job.

So this job is working in extension doing three things 1)working with community gardens. That was my internship last summer. 2)master garden/other outreach programs, and 3)random stuff. I’m really excited, I think I’m well qualified and I get to start tomorrow.

Having fun doesn’t always entitle going out and doing something “fun.” Sometimes I actually think that isn’t a drop of fun.

Fun is laughing, and randomly dancing, and making jokes while you work. Fun is learning from and associating with other people, and making someone a little bit more happy. Fun is finally finishing what you need to get done, and realizing you did a lot that day.

Last night I went to a presentation by a professor, who talked about sustainable landscaping. I re-fell in love with my major, and wanted to learn more and do more. Lately, I’ve been kinda wondering why I’m going to school, besides the fact that I should. I re-realized that I really love the field I am in, and I can do a lot of good with it. I don’t ever want to stop learning about my field. I love it.

I also started my research project yesterday. It’s very interesting–I do all the manual labor, but I have a lot of fun doing it.

So this Friday, I went to work for the second time and spent two hours sifting compost. To many that might sound miserable but I enjoyed it.

Why? Well, school is always there with a million things to study and no real end. It takes a lot of effort and brain power. And then I went and for a couple hours, I didn’t have to think about school, or actually think about much at all. I could just play with dirt. And when I was done, that was it. It’s a wonderful break. I wouldn’t want to do it all the time, but once in a while it is nice to have a task that is easy and you can do without thinking just to break up all the bookwork.

I watch TV and movies too much. I’m probably far under the national average, but I still think I waste my time sitting and doing nothing. A lot of movies and TV shows I watch, I don’t even really like, but simply watch because I’m tired or bored.

Fun, for me, is hardly ever TV. I do like an occasional good movie. But I’d rather do things like hike or snowshoe, and read. Friday night, I went to some hot springs with a bunch of friends. That was fun. Then Saturday morning, I went snowshoeing with Joe, and finished a book. Also fun. That night I watched TV. Not fun at all.