I dunno if you guys have looked at any of my links or not (that reminds me, I have to add Thuy's and Bran's new pages) but if you look at my cousin Angel's link it's pretty interesting. It frustrates me reading it, though. Angel's a 25 yr. old, well-rounded, multi-talented individual who has just gotten her Master's degree in engineering, been through an extensive amount of Belly-dancing, Rock-climbing, Clubbing, and such, and has her whole future WIDE OPEN for her. Why? She has no debts.

Pluh. :(

I'm a 21 yr. old, not well-rounded, constantly working, never-having-enough money kinda gal who just finished a Bachelor's degree and spends her time WISHING SHE COULD DO THINGS. Why? I have debts (up the whazoo).

Double Pluh. :( ENVY ENVY ENVY

I just recently realized what it meant that Canada had "free education." Geez. Angel can go on with her missions/goals in life stress-free because she did her work well and she did not have to pay for tuition. LUCKY. America is not the kind of place that would willingly look out for it's young people like that. I guess, though, I needed this debt-full experience more than her. She apparently knows how to balance her budget, whereas I have just recently delved into the personal budgeting plain. Like someone always says- WHATEVER DOESN'T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER.

Question is: how do I become stronger in the right direction? I don't want to become a work-aholic stingy money hungry person. I want to become someone who can save money but yet not VALUE money and be able to spend it on good things.

Maybe someone should write a book: HOW TO MAKE THAT TRANSITION FROM CHILD TO ADULT WITHOUT GUIDANCE OR MONEY OR A WILL TO DO SO IN 10 EASY STEPS.

You know, it's weird. I knew this day would come- this "growing up"- but I still do not feel prepared or- much less- ready for it. I wish I could get it over with already so I could go on with my life and do the things I want to do.

:(