The Summer of Poverty

Since my last post, I have been incredibly productive.  Just know that this will be elaborated on later in this post, so stay tuned.

When I made the decision to stay in Boone this summer, I was really not digging the idea.  I wanted to go back to Fishersville, or just be closer to where Kyle was.  I was hating on Boone so hard after the nasty winter we had.  I needed OFF this mountain.  Commuting one mile to work (walking) in -20 degrees with wind chill really put a nasty taste in my mouth.  Weird, huh?  With that being said, BOONE IS KILLING IT THIS SUMMER.  I am totally digging it.  The weather is beautiful, the days are long, I work minimally, and I can literally walk everywhere, with preparation for rain, of course (true Boone fashion).

The working minimally part is...rough.  These are the poorest times of my life that I can remember...except when I used to get down to the cent in my checking account when I was a seventeen year old with a debit card and a part time job.  Literally, lol.  I am working about 10 hours per week and I make just enough to pay my car insurance, my phone bill, put gas in my car, and attend $1.00 Taco Tuesday at Boone Saloon on Tuesdays.  Surprisingly, I am totally digging poverty right now.

I have found that most activities in life involve money and most of our daily activities involve money.  This is much more apparent when poor.  Capitalizing on things like Taco Tuesday is CRUCIAL for the social life.  The free time is flowing, which has been totally weird for me, and the money is just...not.  So, I have been doing so many fun things!

First, on Monday I got off work at 1:30 and came home to a whole free day to myself.  I vowed not to log hours upon hours on Netflix so, naturally, I headed to Goodwill (my boredom go-to).  The night before I had been dreaming of getting a screen door for my front door.  This little studio apartment gets stuffy, friends.  I looked on the Lowe's website only to find the cheapest door is like $38...aka way outside of this girl's budget.  I rolled up to Goodwill and headed straight to housewares and guys, I found the treasure of all treasures.  There, sitting among a pile of chairs, dressers, and old bed frames, was the treasure I had been dreaming of:  A brand new screen door with the price tag of $5.  I can swing $5.  PURCHASED.  Buying this screen door triggered an entire apartment renewal.  I tore this place apart.  I deep cleaned like I never had before and I decided to rearrange my furniture.  *Note: rearranging furniture for 5+ hours straight will lead to soreness.*  I am so into this new arrangement.  Because I am sure you are so intrigued to see my new layout, screen door and all, check it out:

I can also read and cook because I have TIME.  To do these things.  Tonight I made a sweet potato quesadilla with fresh spinach, tomato, and cilantro and lime black beans.  I was able to sit down and read my book, The Meaning of Marriage (by Tim Keller), with the windows open.  If you haven't read this book, read it.  Married or not, you will love it and it will likely benefit you in some way.   

I am just loving this time.  God has seriously blessed me with some down time, even if that does mean times are tight.  So worth it.  I was really feeling like my anxiety was starting to run my life.  Sometimes we just need a break.  Keeping up with my blog has been great.  I saw a cool quote tonight by Flannery O'Connor, "I write to discover what I know."  This is somewhat true for me.  It really helps me see in words what is on my heart.  We all need a break.  To all you busy people who think that a break seems unattainable, especially you moms, I encourage you to try the following:

  

Relaxation at it's finest.  Shaving your legs doesn't even suck when done in this fashion.  I have really had a heart for you mamas lately.  We all need time to breathe, but sometimes kiddos are resilient to grant that time.  Wine in the shower = instant cure.  Seriously.

Friends, I am hoping that you can find some rest and relaxation.  I am so thankful for this season, busy times are ahead, without a doubt.  Thesis + wedding planning...totally chill (not).  Capitalize on your "down" seasons and embrace the times when you're not as productive as you have been in previous times of your life.  After writing my last post, I had a talk with Kyle about how maybe I am being too hard on myself.  I need a task to complete and I always need to be working towards a goal.  It's in my nature and it isn't a bad thing, but times of rest are necessary.  I am so ready to embrace this time.

Here's to summer time, where the living's easy.
 
Matthew 11:28
"Come to me, all you who are wearied and burdened, and I will give you rest."