I just have one post. In 27 different parts.

No, really, it’s only 3 but I thought that title sounded better than “Jana’s brain dump”. None of these parts are at all related to each other but I wanted to write all of them and there’s not enough to make each one it’s own post. So here we are.

Part 1

Thank you all so much for your amazing, kind, and supportive feedback on Wednesday’s post. It’s encouraging to know that I’m not the only one who freaks out over blogging and it makes me feel good that I’m not the only one who’s considered quitting. But I do love it and as a writer, this is my way of having that outlet. I’m so happy that you all stop by when you do and I’m really trying to make more of an effort to reciprocate.

Part 2

So, Pinterest. I get it now. I really do. And I might be addicted to it a fan of it. In that vein, I’m issuing a challenge, if you will. Every week on Facebook, I’m asking my friends to send me the link to a pin and challenge me to complete that project (if there are more than one pins sent, I’ll either put it to a vote or let my wallet do the deciding). It can be cooking, baking, craft-oriented…things of that nature. In return, I will post what I did, along with details regarding cost and, if possible, a cost comparison between what I did and the store bought product. If the chosen pin belongs to a blogger, I will also link to that blog to let my readers know exactly where the genius came from.

The only qualifiers: no meat since I don’t eat it, no dangerous stunts, and nothing with exotic or really expensive ingredients. If you’re not a fan of DMS on Facebook and you want to participate in the challenge, go ahead and like me. You won’t be sorry (or maybe you will be. I don’t know). 

Part 3

Next month marks 6 years that my husband and I decided to change our finances and get out of debt. In one of my fits of insomnia, I started reflecting on all the ways that my financial habits have changed over the last 6 years. Here’s a quick list (“quick” in Jana world. Which means most likely longer than it needs to be):

1. Instead of knowing my credit card number from memory, I now know my library card number. And I probably use my library card more in a week than I use my credit card in a year. That yellow card is probably my second favorite thing in my wallet (the first being a picture of the child from her preschool graduation). 
2. I now find free activities to be just as much fun as expensive activities. In the past, “doing something” meant going out, spending money, shopping, all that jazz. Now, I’m just as happy (if not happier) sitting at home, playing a game, watching a movie from the library or just hanging out with friends and family, not spending a dime.
3. Credit cards are not bad. My behavior with credit cards is bad. I know that many people disagree with me and that’s fine. There’s room for all opinions. But what no one will disagree with is how I abused my credit cards to the point of winding up in serious debt. It’d be easy to blame MBNA for setting up shop inside the student center at my college or stores issuing them so easily, but really, I didn’t have to apply for them. I didn’t have to use them And now I know I can’t be trusted with a credit card in hand.
4. It’s okay to spend money on things, especially if you use them. I say all the time that my YMCA and Netflix memberships are the best money I spend all month. It’s true, too. I get so much use out of them both that the money does not go to waste. This was a huge epiphany for me. I used to have tons of memberships (well, not tons, but several) to things I never used. I just had them because I thought I was supposed to. Then I refused to spend money on anything. Now I have a happy medium.
5. Dovetailing off #4, I really don’t mind products like Spotify, Words with Friends, and Pandora that run short commercials every few minutes or so. Yes, it’d be nice to completely eliminate commercials from my life (thank you, On Demand) but when I think of how many services I use that I’d have to pay for if not for these minor inconveniences, I’d spend a fortune every month. In the past, I’d pay for all of them. Now, I don’t care. I just deal with it.
6. During the 5 years of our debt payoff, I hated spending money. I was basically punishing myself for all the years of overspending that resulted in us having to go on such a strict budget. Then the reins loosened and now, I don’t mind spending money. As long as what I’m buying is a need. Or, if it’s a want, it’s something that I know will make me happy. I can’t stand wasting money, which, in the past, didn’t even phase me. I would just fork it over without thinking. Now I consider each purchase carefully and determine what I will get out of that expenditure. Unless it’s for Girl Scout cookies. Then I don’t need to think. I just buy.

Okay, so maybe part 3 could have been it’s own post. But I’ve never been known for my good logic.

And now there’s a bonus. If you’ve made it all the way to the end, congratulations! For that, there’s a slight reward. If you’re the first person to accurately tell me, on Facebook, what movie I stole this post title from, I will give you a $5 gift card to Starbucks.

Good luck! And thanks for sticking with me.