The Best Things in Life are Free...

So I got paid today, which wouldn't be a big deal except that 1) because the government timecard system is horrendous and the people that run it that don't care, it almost didn't happen and 2) it is my first real paycheck as an out-of-college adult. With this paycheck comes a HUGE relief. However it also comes with new stresses. Budget stress for one. I am lucky enough to not really have to worry about making ends meet, but the number of line items in my budget has doubled and now includes things like Health Insurance and a Thrift Saving Plan. I also have to worry about whether they are taking enough tax money out of my check, which wasn't really a problem before. Granted these do not cause the large amounts of stress that not having a paycheck would, but they are helping the development of my crows feet and grey hair none-the-less.

As far as the job goes, I hate the government hoops and BS but the job will teach me a lot and I really like the people I am working with. They are always ready to help and answer questions. And there are "free food" events at least twice a week. They are usually just baked goods. This week we had homemade blueberry cheesecake and fresh doughnuts. Last week, I brought in 4 dozen homemade cupcakes. They went over quite nicely. I was told that I ruined at least 6 diets. Does it count as losing weight if you "innocently" make the people around you larger?

I am almost scared to get really settled into life here because with my internship rotations and the unavoidable question of whether or not I will move to Jacksonville in two years. However, I think I am doing it in spite of myself and my never-ending, usually unjustified worries. Living with Arnold is most enjoyable and Charleston isn't too bad of a town to reside in.

All and all life is pretty damn good right now on all fronts. We are even playing an RPG based on my new favorite author Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.