I had this grand illusion that once I started full time work, I would have so much money I wouldn’t know what to do with it. If I could survive quite easily on the measly uni student budget, then surely the notes would be flowing fast and furiously. Let me assure you, with my bank account as my witness, no such problem exists.
Today for example, my car was thirsty as usual, so a trip to the petrol station was in order. That’s only a minor set back of $47.50. (Add into that total a packet of irresistible herb and salt Kettle Chips.)
I paid my friend $20 for a ticket he had brought for me to see Holly Throsby at the Clarendon, the snazziest of all 3 night spots in the Blue Mountains.
After work today, there was a video conference lecture for the dedicated physios who were prepared to sacrifice an afternoon after work. The lecture was on the cutting edge research of hydrotherapy as a treatment option for osteoarthritis. It also cut an extra $30 out of my wallet.
Smoked salmon pasta smothered in a creamy white sauce for last night's dinner was another $20 gone.
Last Friday night I had the sum total of 18 people over for dinner. The plan was for 11 people but we had some last minute additions. Despite everyone bringing a plate of something for dinner, my paranoia of my guests being malnourished meant that $80 was devoted to groceries especially for that night. And after the panic attack of extra guests, 4 plastic chairs were purchased from reliable K-mart - an extra $36.
Meanwhile, my credit card bill is a friendly reminder of my difficulties of saving. A simple trip to the dentist set me back an extra $340. Who would have thought that an innocent 18 month check up would end up in my gums being pumped with drugs whilst a filling was inserted?
$210 was recently removed from my account to enable young Alter in Zimbabwe to have access to fresh water and an education.
The optometrist the other week had a conniving way of convincing me to buy $480 prescription sunglasses, when previously those $20 sunnies from the random convenience shops were doing the job just fine. The price you pay for being cool. Oh well!
But living the dream and being happy - simply priceless!!
Comments
It all sounds too familiar. For fun, add three children, a second car, a dog, a wife...
I, have a great work experience at the uni; I enjoy it and it is rewarding but I only work part time.
I recently got a second job to make ends easier at home...wrong, we spend up to the new level. Funny how we do that?
As for the bank balance-what bank balance? It is merely a vehicle through which money passes hands.
Posted by: Danny | September 25, 2007 12:47 PM
hmm....would be interested in an advice on Cumberland Campus and Physio studies since me and my wife will start our studies this February....we come from Iceland, and its hard to work everything out through the computer, especially if you are bringing an 2 year old with you....then it becomes more difficult and picky to find a place to stay and etc....would love to get in contact with you and get some info from you...
Himmi
Posted by: Himmi | November 7, 2007 09:13 PM