Losing $80,000 is way kooler than gaining $0

3 very cliche sayings that have a newfound application to my life:

Less is more

Treat others the way that you want to be treated

(this ones for the kids!) Be cool, stay in skool

Let's begin with how "less is more" now applies to my life. Last week I received my paycheck from work. I was very excited when this day arrived, as most people are. However, I found myself very unexcited once I ripped open the envelope. Why, you ask? Well, that is because I was paid a lot less than what I was expecting. 100% less, 110% less even. I was actually given a check for $0. Right across the front of it in bold blue letters it read, "THIS IS NOT A CHECK".

Taxes in Virginia.

Ha.

Now, I'd like to spin this positively (so I can try to preserve just a little sanity). I've been saying for quite some time now that I'd like to work in the non-profit sector. Some people have reminded me that it can be a very difficult area to work in because the money isn't so great. During a conversation with my mom tonight, she concluded (while trying to calm her laughter) that this $0 check was straight from God. I, therefore, have concluded that my $0 check is in preparation for some really exciting and rewarding (in a non-monetary kind of way) future endeavors. Therefore, less is more in my case because I'm really being set up for really cool stuff...hopefully...oh God...please?

Next we have "treat others the way you want to be treated". This is very simple. Working in a restaurant has shown me how incredibly rude people can be to others who are not to blame for their frustration. Now, some advice for you readers...be kind to your waiter or waitress. This should not be because you fear that they will spit in your food. In fact, assuming that they're the type of person who would do that is also incredibly rude. None of us know strangers' stories, we do not know why they work where they work, or live where they live, what or who they intended to be or what has actually come of their life. This is why we should all be respectful and kind to others...

The Golden Rule is important people! If people are nice to me, it's so much easier to be nice to them.

And lastly, I have reconsidered the old saying "be cool, stay in skool" because it is absolutely a whole lot cooler than having someone's chewed up sesame chicken in your hand. Now, I've always thought that school is kool. My kool college education painfully cost close to $80,000. But! Being educated makes me one happy camper. Other people don't exactly view you as an intellectual, however, when you're asking them for the third time in 30 minutes if they'd like another glass of water.

I wanted so very badly to graduate from college so that I could get on with my life and "do" things. Now I've realized that having an even higher education is going to make "do"ing things a whole lot easier to achieve. Thus I plan on returning for grad skool asap. Remember kids - skool is cool!