DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS REVEALED

In writing a blog such as this, one inevitably reveals aspects of the self. Sharing an opinion is one thing. Sharing your dirty little secrets is quite another. But this I do in hopes of breaking the unspeakable 'debt' taboo.

In 1998 I graduated from the University of Windsor with a BA(Hon.) in Communication Studies and a $30,000 student loan debt to go with it. Within three weeks of graduation, I had a job in my field (woohoo) and a laughable gross annual salary of $20,800 (no woohoo). Within the eight years that followed, I had four more jobs, a fairly snazzy wardrobe, seasonal make-up upgrades, tons of great meals, a zillion hairstyles, vacation photos from New York, L.A., Montreal, Jamaica and Paris;a FABULOUS wedding and honeymoon - you get the idea. I managed $500,000 communication budgets on a daily basis, but was not properly managing my own.

Mine is only one story. There are many, MANY others in Toronto alone, as finance and lifestyle editorials of the past few years would indicate. What strikes me most is that within our female circles, we talk about diets, sex, cosmetic surgery, bladder infections and other much more intimate subjects, but the most intimate of all is our debt. This is the dirty little secret our perfectly pink, glossy lips will never reveal. Jerrold Mundis does a wonderful job of explaining some of the reasons why. For more insight and some motivation to deal, check out "How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt & Live Prosperously". Whether you owe $100 or $100,000 it will change the way you think about your finances and life!

Once you go black, you never go back! hee hee

NO LONGER AN E-BAY VIRGIN!

It took me almost 5 years since first learning of e-bay, but I can now officially declare that I am no longer an e-bay virgin! 5 years ago I would have started by buying or selling a small personal item - now it's go big or go home. That's right, after only 6 months of marriage, I am willing to part with my beloved wedding dress.

When I first started looking at dresses last year, I had a picture in mind of a 40's-inspired, halter gown. I tried to displace the vision knowing it would be difficult to find. Then on a quiet Sunday in Bayview Village, there it was - the perfect white Sunny Choi evening gown! Way beyond my budget, but also beyond my every dream. After trying on only two dresses (this one included) I did it! I feel like it was an omen that Sunny herself was in the store that day, although we didn't meet.

Now I'm ready to pass that happiness on to the next lucky size 12 girl. But it's my wedding dress, you say. Yes, it is my wedding dress. And for one wonderful day I wore it in all it's glory and felt like a star on the red carpet. Since then, neither Anthony or I have really set eyes on it. I don't expect my children to wear it and I'd be surprised if it still fit in 2 years. I like to think that I'm passing the happiness (and savings) onto someone equally deserving.

Wish me luck.

CANADIANA FOR $100 ALEX

I watch Jeopardy! religiously. My ex-colleague-turned-friend, Julia was surprised to learn this about me recently. Her exact words were "a little nerdy for your style".

Then it's even nerdier that I love knowing this little Canadiana tidbit... Last week, John Moore appeared as a contestant on the show. John Moore is a well-known Canadian actor, etc. and radio host on CFRB 1010. A Canadian Heritage Moment it was not. John ended the double jeopardy round more than two thousand dollars in the hole! Forget not making it to final jeopardy, this was the worst performance I've ever seen! I'm convinced Alex pulled strings to get him on.

Embrace your inner nerd.

WORK LIFE BALANCE

I woke early today (7:00am), intent on heading out to work early with Anthony. Intent on prolonging his restful state, Anthony decided to work from home. With no reason to rush, I got ready at a leisurely pace, and for the first time, sat down and enjoyed a big, hot cup of apple cider in the morning.I normally don't time for that.

I arrived at work by 10:30 and worked productively until 5:30. Home by 6:30 with plenty of time to talk with Anthony, make some calls, update the blog, and get a little bit of work done. Then for some fun, there's Anthony's show with Progress Neges later tonight.

In recent years,the subject of work life balance has influenced lifestyle editorials, health discussions, and human resource developments. For all its talk, its mostly an impossibility in our society - a modern, urban myth propogated by television and advertisers. But it does exist.

Prior to 'Freedom 29', I thought the majority of people in our city worked a Monday to Friday 9 to 5 job. I've since realized there are MANY people who are self employed or who work freelance, contractually, seasonally, part-time, from home, or with otherwise flexible work schedules. They risk the security of a traditional, full-time job yes, and certainly endure financial ebbs and flows but most importantly, they can reap wonderful benefits. To get something new you, you have to try something new! And doing what you love doesn't hurt.

Leap and a net shall appear.

THE WONDERS OF RETAIL

I was 16 when I last worked retail. Collegiate Sports had cool staff, a prime Yorkdale location and offered a discount on my coveted Air Jordan's - all a 16 year old needs to sign on the dotted line!

14 years passed when within the course of a month, I found myself with two retail commitments - a short stint at the bi-annual Elsa Reia sample sale and a part-time position at a chic, new home decor store on College Street.

Both experiences resulted in tremendous learning. Here are some of my take-aways:

1. As a marketer, it's very cool to be working on the front lines. Despite the great books I have read, I've learned the most about consumer behaviour by talking to and observing shopping in action. Knowing how you behave as a consumer is not enough. Every marketer should have a front-line refresher now and then.

2. Retail is a difficult and risky venture. I once had a romanticized notion of owning my own store. The reality is a HUGE investment in time and money and equally enormous risk. This is not to say I'd never do it. But I'd like to think my rose-coloured glasses are slightly clearer.

3. Most important, RETAIL IS GREAT FOR THE BUTT AND LEGS. Not to mention the smaller, sparser meals! Between the standing, stairclimbing, lifting, cleaning, and re-merchandising, I'm looking and feeling pretty good. Now that's retail therapy. Only two more weeks of retail left for me. It's almost worth staying, just for the workout!!