The Last Month.

So, apparently I haven't blogged in a month. Bad Jo. Very bad Jo. There are reasons for this though. Reasons, not excuses.

I am not even going to TRY to sum up the last month. But I will try to mention some of the major highlights (or lowlights).

Highlight-

I have a mattress and a box spring and a squishy mattress enhancer too! I have never had a mattress enhancer before, and I am loving it. It is almost TOO comfy.

Lowlight-

I am poor. Well...honestly, this is nothing new. I have always been relatively poor. I just hate having to live paycheck to paycheck and not being able to save anything. And the fact that loans are starting to rear their ugly (yet inevitable) heads. I freak out every time I look at my bank account and count up all the things I need to pay: Rent, gas, and food are the main things. But then there's loans coming up, I could really use a new winter jacket since mine is lost somewhere in my parents' basement in Colorado, and I could use some gloves and a hat (also apparently in Colorado), would really like to get shelves and a dresser for my room (though I am making do with my stuff spread around the room and in boxes) and wouldn't mind being able to get Christmas gifts for people and plane tickets to Colorado for January. Some of these things may not be NECESSITIES, but that winter coat and gloves/hat will be necessary VERY soon. Remember, I live in Wisconsin. It is now mid-November and we have had no real snowfall yet. But this will change all too soon.

Highlight-

To help combat my "poorness" I have been trying to find ways to make $ even though I don't have time to get a second job (Since She Loves Me takes up a lot of the time I would have for a second job). I found this new art website called Art-City.org. Their goal is to get coverage of the art scene in every major city in the US, written by artists and art appreciators alike. Well- I am a PERFORMING artist, and I love other forms of art as well. So, I asked if I could write for their new Madison part of the website. They said "sure"! So, I have interviewed one artist and have a few other artists in the works to write articles on. I only get paid $10 per article. But still, $10 is $10. And not only do I get paid, I also get published (on the web) and experience in article writing (something I have been wanting to try to break into). So, money for something I have always wanted to do....WIN! I also booked another modeling gig for Winnebago Studios next month. So that should be fun.

Lowlight-

I have done a really good job at recruiting volunteers for special events. But in terms of volunteers who come at least once a week? Not so great. I have tried a lot of things- contacted student groups both at colleges and high schools, hung up signs in community areas, asked coworkers if they know anyone, slid flyers under doors, asked parents...I am out of ideas.

Highlight-

The kids LOVED our first off site volunteer project. We went to UW the day before the election to encourage people to get out and vote the next day. The kids really loved it. Made me happy.

Lowlight-

Because of money issues and certain other failures, I find I am lacking motivation of late. I felt very low in October. Not all the time, mind  you. But a lot of the time. It resulted in my being sad a lot too. Poor Ben had to help me through a lot of yucky emotional things I was going through. I still have trouble from time to time. Luckily, I have him to help me deal with it. Even if he can't necessarily fix everything, he can at least help me figure it out or be someone to sympathize with me.

Highlight-

I am taking steps to make this "thing" go away. Part of that was getting these side opportunities to make money. Part of it is trying to stay focused on things. But I think the biggest part is making myself busy. I hate being bored. When I get bored, I get lazy. When I get lazy, I get bored. And it is just a never ending cycle. I much prefer to have my time filled. Makes me feel more productive and fulfilled. So. I am writing about artists. Which also means I get to go places, see things, meet people- fun stuff! I am going to do more sitting at Winnebago. I am going to the Women's Expo on Saturday. Rehearsals are going to start filling even MORE of my time. I am going to work harder to recruit volunteers. And I talk to/visit Ben whenever I can. Because he is amazing at making me happy. I will try to get a real second job come January. It will be okay.

Other than that: Family Stuff (my baby brother is sick, boo. We'll have to see what happens with that.); The Election- Four more years of Obama! (Hey, he supports the Arts and Education and more affordable Health Care...not mad about it!); Skyfall (The new James Bond movie. Went to see it with Ben. And...I was impressed!); Pinterest (I got one. I am thinking of starting a blog/vlog series called: Johanna does things on Pinterest. That way, I actually try the stuff I pin.); AmeriCorps opening ceremonies (tomorrow. Should be interested. Should also be going to bed, so I can survive!); She Loves Me (Going swell! Getting acquainted with people and having fun getting to sing and dance a little.)

Next blog- Thanksgiving? (With Ben's extended family...this should be a fun one.)