A year ago, I was living a very different life in Austin, TX. Although I had a decent full-time job with benefits, where I was paid every other week, I considered one paycheck mostly for rent and the other for all the other things I needed/wanted. In other words, I was in my least favorite financial place, living paycheck to paycheck without any end in sight.
Now with my parental subsidy, I have a “savings.” Not a nest egg. More like some cash ready to pay next month’s bills.
There’s always the hope of a trivial side hustle making it big. The twin reality: not quitting my day job any time soon. Nonetheless, I enjoy the small happy moments as they come.
Case in Point: I had the bright idea to call a nail salon, banking on the chance that they weren’t celebrating Independence Day. Lo and Behold! that paid off.
Not only did the receptionist tell me to come in within 15 minutes, but as I waited in the lobby for about three times that amount of time, I had the luxury of talking to my writer partner/friend.
Usually, I don’t take the time to talk with her for hours, in the middle of the day, during a week day. Yet this Independence Day found me free from the burdensome schedule of the 9 to 5. As I received a relaxing mani pedi, my friend talked with me during the entire time, including the drive there and back.
By the time I returned home, I was famished. Between my sister’s and Mom’s cooking, a meal fit for a queen awaited: ribs, sausage, string beans, and potato salad. I could have piled even more food on my plate, but saved something for dinner.
Afterwards, we piled into the car to run an errand before visiting Dad at rehab. I was like a well-fed baby who could barely stay awake once the car started moving. I kept dozing off.
By the time we arrived at Dad’s, I was groggy, but happy to have caught him during one of his physical therapy sessions. He was shaky on his legs, but I loved seeing him take a few steps at the tail end of his workout. He was tired.
Everyone except for Dad were dressed for the holiday. He was immersed in his own world, above all the hoopla. He generally feels like he’s in a prison because he’s been cooped up for so long. Yet, he’s free from all the hype.
In the end, I enjoyed my Tuesday day off. The only fireworks I saw were on TV from the comfort of home. Next day, back to the grind. Glory hallelujah!