Culture Crushed

I just read something in my psychology book that really caught my attention.  It stated that if we were to have fallen asleep in 1960 and awoke today, we would find ourselves in a culture where people sleep less, work more, and spend less time with family and friends.

The other day I came across this article. Considering I'm at a time in my life, where I feel like I am never going to get ahead, this is all striking me hard. In 1970, the average worker brought home $312 a week (in 1982 dollars). But in 1970, they didn't have the amount of state, federal and local taxes, medicare, social security, and retirement coming out of their weekly paycheck. These add up to about $100 a week, $400 a month. I currently barely bring home more than that $300 a week.

The cost of housing has gone up nearly 50%. "Remember, that number accounts for inflation, so what that number actually means it that the cost of a home requires 50% more of a person's paycheck than it did in 1970." It's not like I'm making 50% more, so how will I ever afford to own a home that costs 50% more, on the same salary?

Then there are the other necessities of life that have evolved into our lives: a cell phone, computer, internet connection, a vehicle, gas for that vehicle, insurance for that vehicle, etc. I am paying more bills now than they did in the 1970's just to keep me connected. A cell phone used instead of a home phone. A computer with internet connection to use for school or finding employment. Especially in our area where public transportation is nearly a joke, a vehicle is required, but they require maintenance and that adds up.

And then there's education.  Everyone stresses the importance of a good education, but the cost is nearly 30% higher than it was in 1970. That's 30% more debt to pay off on a $300 a week income.

Of course, now we live in a culture where we tend to sleep less, spend time with friends and family less, and to work more.  We have to work more to bring in a higher income to support the demands of a lifestyle we have grown accustomed to. Don't you think it's weird when you run into someone who doesn't own a cell phone or a computer?  It's just not the norm these days. So even though our culture has changed, grown, and become more demanding, the money we earn hasn't increased to sustain this lifestyle of our ever changing culture.

Community

Today has been a miserable day.  It's wet, rainy, cold, windy.  It's all the ingredients for a day consisting of wrapping up in a blanket on the couch and watching old shows on TV Land...or Lifetime movies.  (Don't judge, they're so bad they're good)!  But what I did this afternoon was quite the opposite.

There's a 20 year old girl from Nipomo, who has been diagnosed with a tumor for the second time.  I don't know this girl, but she is a friend of a friend and a friend of relatives.  They were hosting a benefit BBQ for her today, so my sister and I went.  There had to of been 50-60 people waiting in line the entire time we were there.  We were all waiting in the cold, the rain, the wind, and even for a little bit the lightening and thunder.  People were passing around their umbrellas and giving nods of understanding.  We were all out there for one reason, to support Laney.  We bared the weather with no complaint.

I saw cousins, old friends, new friends, acquaintances, and people I didn't expect to see.  I feel so fortunate to live in a community where people come together and help one another.  Where people suffer through miserable conditions for a worthier cause.  It was so heartwarming to be out there, knowing that my little bit of contribution is invaluable to Laney, her family, and friends.

Attainable Goals.

Apparently I'm one of those people who can't plan too far ahead.  I get easily overwhelmed.

I've been thinking a lot about my future and school.  I decided to go back to Hancock, get my AA, and transfer credits, transfer to Denver University and study Media, Film, and Journalism.  Problem is DU is a private school, costing A LOT of money.  

To be a writer, having a degree isn't a requirement.  I didn't think going into a massive amount of debt to go into a field where you don't really even NEED a degree was worth it....(among other reasons).  Ultimately I decided against transferring.  I've decided to stay at Hancock and just get my AA.

Had I of decided to transfer I'd be looking at at least another year and a half at Hancock to finish transfer requirements, then another 2 years at a University.  A lot can happen between now and at least 2 years from now.  

I've never been one to really push for things, because you never know what can happen.  I'm more of a go with the flow kind of person.  Planning to finish at Hancock, then transfer and get a BA, was an overwhelming goal.  I felt like I was setting myself up for disappointment.  I know how I am.  I can't set huge goals like that.  I rarely follow through with them, because they are too extreme for what I feel I can handle.

The point is, I have to remember this about myself.  I need to remember I can only set attainable goals for myself.  I always think big, when in reality, I don't have the "go big" mentality.  I need to take baby steps to reach the bigger picture.  Once those small goals are accomplished, imagine how great that will feel?  Setting small goals, means accomplishing more goals.  Why set one big goal when you can reach many small ones?!

Jennifer Aniston

People need to give the poor girl a break.  Honestly, I feel kinda bad for her.  Just because she hasn't been in a serious relationship since things went sour with Brad Pitt, doesn't mean she's not over him.  It's everyone else that hasn't let it go.  I think she's done just fine on her own.  I think she's totally over him.  I think she just hasn't found the lucky guy who will replace him.

I can relate.  At least she's had rebounds, flings and interests to keep her preoccupied until Mr. Right comes along.  I've had no such luck.  I think there's a few things I can learn from Ms. Aniston.  Keep a positive attitude.  She hasn't given up on love, and neither will I.  She has a better public image than Angelina, because let's face it, she's not the home wrecker, which doesn't say much for Brad either.  So really, she's come out from that one on top.  She has public sentiment, because he broke her heart and their marriage.  I don't doubt that she's lonely.  I'm sure it's painful to have Brad and Angelina's relationship flung all over the tabloids and constantly rubbed in her face, but she keeps a strong image.  She's never bad mouthed either of them and has gracefully picked up the pieces and moved on.

Even though I haven't found my Mr. Right or Mr. Right Now, I, like Jenn, am just content to be me.  I know that it will happen when it will happen.  There's no need to rush or search for what will come when it's meant to be.

An Education's Worth.

Everyone always tells me how important getting an education is, but in this economy it doesn't really matter.  People with major degrees are working low end jobs, if at all.  And it really doesn't matter that they have a degree, they're not getting paid more than someone without one.  Besides I'm not even guaranteed a job in the field I'm interested in.  I'm not even guaranteed to use what I major in at all.  So does it really make getting an education worth it?

I heard that majority of students who graduate don't go into the field they major in.  Just recently there was a study that pretty much said the first 2 years of college are a waste.  Nowadays an education isn't hard to come by.  Most people in this generation do go to college.  I'm not really standing out above the rest to have a degree.

But I've finally found something I'm interested in.  I found something I want to pursue.  I want to learn about.  I want to earn a degree in it, and I want a career working in that field.  I think I could be good at it without the education, but I could be really good with an education.  I've finally figured it out.  I am sure the education will be worth it.  But will the debt I go into to get it also be worth it?

I'm not so sure. Honestly. The school that I want to go to that I think will give me the best education has an outrageously high tuition.  I do not want thousands, and thousands, and thousands of dollars in debt looming over for me for the next 20 years.  Tack that on to the expenses of life, and I might as well just stick with the dead end jobs.  Forget buying a house.  And what if I marry a guy who has debt, then it's like twice as many problems to worry about.  That's a lot of of responsibility for just starting out.

I'm sure it will be worth it in the long run, but that's a lot to take on.