I truly understand the term starving artist right now. I’m so completely broke and stressing every day over how I’m going to pay my bills. Financial troubles are the absolute worst kind of stress. I hate going to work because I feel like its pointless, I know I’m not really making any money by being there, because its never enough. And I hate that. I’ve always been a Give 110% type of person and I haven’t been lately because I’ve been so exhausted and stressed.
I was never extravagant with my money when I had it, because I never had much. But now that I have none, I really miss the little things I used to do or buy. For example:
Manicures and Pedicures. I’m really more of a pedicure kinda girl, but I have been known to get the occasional manicure as well. There is just something so luxurious about having someone else scrub and polish you til you are smooth and pretty. Plus, I really hate cutting my own toenails. Weird, I know, but I simply don’t like doing it.
I Picked Up a Pen One Day... 
Trust me, you aren’t alone. Most people I know have not had to make one sacrifice or another, but several. Guess we all just downsize and re-learn how to appreciate the things in life that don’t cost money but have huge value just the same.
Ha! I’m living on school loans. No gifts this year! 🙂
I’ve always liked the holidays better without presents. It’s more peaceful somehow. Every now and then we all boycott and go for the feast and the love but no gifts. (Except for all the kids of course.)