I nearly lost it when I saw gas was $3.95.  It's gotten to the point where I am really concerned about how big of a blow this will be to my monthly budget.  I've scaled back on the shopping so I can balance the increased amount I am spending on gas.  True, I can cut some more corners by not paying as much on my student loans, not eating out as much, and not saving as much in my savings account.  I am so worried about gas prices that I have been dragging my feet about moving to a really beautiful apartment complex because that would add 10 more minutes to my commute to the Alliance office (it's already 45 minutes).  On top of that, the apartment has gas heating and I am not dreading the bill when winter rolls around.  I definitely need to make more money so I can be more comfortable and not stress so much on bills and other expenses.  I can remember 10 years ago when gas was less than a dollar.  What I would give for those days to come back.

In addition to gas prices sky rocketing, stamps have gone up.  Not a huge thing since I don't mail a lot of things, but it's annoying.  Then I see in the grocery stores, the price of corn went up.  Correct me if I'm wrong since I do not follow the news closely, but aren't companies buying a lot of corn to make ethanol to add to gas?  What ever the case, the price has gone up to where I'm paying almost 50 cents an ear.  Before I balked at paying 33 cents an ear and there I was last week forking money over for pricey corn.  What can I say, I really really like corn.

I am in desperate need to get a hair cut.  I was hoping to go home to participate in my friend's charity event this week, but it doesn't look like it'll work out that way.  I'm ready for a change.  Now I'll have to see if I will follow through.

I am so close to getting the first part to my drug and alcohol license.  I should be getting it by the end of the summer.  I've been busting my behind taking a lot of courses this spring session to make sure I get the license this year.  As much of a pain as doing those courses are, I have to keep reminding myself all this junk will pay off down the road.  I was browsing the job market and found a job in Columbus that required that drug and alcohol license that paid nearly double what I'm making now.  As a co-worker told me, I have to pay my dues now with a high burn out and stressful job before I can ease my way in private practice or hospital that would pay considerably more.  One day I'll get there.

have faith.