I’ve always found it nearly impossible to do dishes because my hands would turn bright red and swell. I figured it was a combination of the orange soap and too much water. When Orion and I moved in together a friend gave us a bottle of the Good Stuff as a housewarming gift. And I love it.

After using the Good Stuff for 8 months I now know that the reactions were mostly to the aforementioned Nasty Orange Soap of Doom. I can do a few loads a day without my hands becoming red and the skin peeling off! Major improvement.

Now Orion has a hard time convincing me to let him do dishes.

A few weeks ago my uncle gave me a family heirloom; a red leather antique chair. After sitting in it a moment I fell in love, and that motivated me to create a spot for it in my room. This involves going through a few wooden chests and several boxes and sorting out what I want to keep and what I don’t, and reorganizing everything. I’ve thrown out a lot of things already,  but the cleaning continues. I know it’s cliche, but – it’s amazing what you can accumulate in 20 years without knowing it. That fact has me wanting to get rid of any possessions that aren’t necessary or sentimental.

Yesterday I paid down my debt to $1,680 and raised my savings account to $200. It’s a great start. I’m feeling more optimistic about money right now because I’m not as tempted to spend it. There are dolls that are pretty, purses that are gorgeous, challah boards that are tempting, but I’m hellbent on moving out.

Originally I planned to finish a photoshop certificate course this fall semester. Yesterday I discovered that the class is only offered on tuesdays from 9am-Noon, in a different county. So I’m going to wait until Spring 2009 when I can easily commute there and then work in the afternoon. I’m disappointed that I have to wait, I’m feeling very optimistic about school, but it’s something to look forward to!

I’m trying to stay optimistic through a deep depression.