The Future Is Now

I'm poor. Really, really poor. So I just might go buy myself some new shoes. I don't really go in for retail therapy (remember, I'm poor--I also have a tiny house and no sense of personal style), but I'd like to just try something on. At Nordstrom, where I still have an active credit card.

I am working on something that will (eventually) help me regain my status as over-educated, lower-middle class. I'm looking for a new job and I've finally figured out what to do about graduate school.

I like the job I have. My boss is great; I believe in what I'm promoting; I get to go fun places on someone else's nickel. Unfortunately, I really need to be making more money. No one in our office received a raise this past year. Nothing. And there's no hint of that changing this year either. So, I did the math and now know what salary I'm looking for in a new position. It's very efficient to look at a job posting and not have to even think twice about it because it doesn't meet the minimum criteria. I don't want to be ruled by money, but I have an entire household depending on me.

But a new job is just a short term solution. It needs to pay the bills, be worth doing and allow me (in terms of time and money) to become a part-time student for a few years. Because I've finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up!

I want to be Ann Evans. But not so stuck up. I'd like to be the executive director of a community arts and culture center here in Vancouver. A place that really meets the needs of our diverse community and is even a destination for folks from Portland (and their money). It would support--and be supported by--Clark College, WSU-Vancouver, the City of Vancouver, Clark County, parks & recreation and the other arts organizations. It would offer scholarships to deserving kids (and adults) and be a place of creative freedom and expression.

Finally, a vision of what I could do! And it becomes obvious that I don't need an MBA (which I never wanted!), but an MPA--Masters in Public Administration. With a focus on nonprofit management. Thank you, Portland State University for allowing me to have in-state tuition! I've already called and will try to attend an orientation in September. If I get a new job by the end of the year, I could be in classes this spring.

And what about The Artist and his desire to get a degree? Totally out of his mind now that he has forged a place in the arts community through Sixth Street Gallery. Whew.

So, think happy thoughts about Eliza being offered a high paying job. I'll do the same for you.

Update:
Shoes were way too expensive and hard to hide from my daughter. So instead I turned and looked at the cosmetics counter. Cute blonde Heather had me talked into both lipstick and lip gloss for a total of $28 (approximately as much as I've spent on all cosmetics in the past year). Chose MAC Twig (not Fluid, sorry), but they were out. Whew. Another crisis averted.