Today's Advantage #4

I had the opportunity today to do something that I consider a top advantage of funemployment.

I got to spend some time with my family.

Two of my cousins graduated this weekend, one from 8th grade, the other from High School.

In the past, Spring and Summer were filled with conferences, events, and generally business and busy-ness.

But today, instead of airport food, cardboard comfy hotel beds and climate controlled exhibition halls, I watched this...


Today's Advantage: Funemployed

Mazel tov to the Short Kid and the Red Head!

Gifting

I've essentially stopped buying myself anything that isn't a necessity.
So, what's a funemployed gal to do when it's her bff's birthday and she wants to give said bff something special from the Not-a-Necessity Department?

Get crafty!

I got this idea from the fun folk over at Apartment Therapy.

Using junk mail, a sharpie, an old repainted black frame and about 2 hours, I made some original, fun, free art!

Plus, handmade gifts always tend to score high in the appreciation department.

Here is the original post with great instructions.

It's Official

As I headed down to Starbucks this morning, reusable "commuter mug" (note irony) in hand, I had started to talk myself up for another post.

"Okay, it's been a while, I need to get my blogging going again, especially with the SF Weekly article coming out some time soon."

I walk in, motivated and ready to pontificate on my recent budget trip to Vegas or perhaps an update on my search for the new me. I ask adorable blond guy behind the counter (one of my favorite partners at this location) for a coffee with room. He gives me a sideways look and says, "I liked the article"
I look blankly back.
"It was you, right?"
My face gets hot.
"Oh my god, in SF Weekly?"
"Yeah, it's a GREAT article! I knew it was you!"

So, here it is. I think Peter hits the nail on the head in so many ways and really gets the tone of this moment in my life.
If you get the opportunity, I highly recommend picking up a hard copy... it's frikkin' front page news :)

Many thanks to Peter and Josh!

This SunDay FunDay

If you're going to be in the Bay Area this Sunday, I highly suggest you head over to one of the 17 Bay Area museums that will be free for the day! Check out the full list here.

Last week I visited the recently reopened Contemporary Jewish Museum and can highly recommend it. The current exhibit, although sparse, is totally worth checking out, especially for free.

Dwelling in a different city? Not to fear!
Head over here for a list of websites that will point you in a more affordable direction.

Today's Advantage

Let me preface today's Advantage by saying that I do have many friends who have been forced out of San Francisco post-layoff due to the cost of living here, so I am well aware of how pricey it can be to remain funemployed in The City by the Bay.
I, too, have made some major lifestyle changes due to my dramatic decrease in income.

However... According to Forbes Magazine, San Francisco only comes in at #18 on their list of America's Most Overpriced Cities.
(See a more SF-centric and light hearted take on the findings over at SFist.com.)

So when it comes to the #1 rule in real estate, Location Location Location:

Advantage: San Francisco Funemployed

Quarterlife Crisis-ing

Big thanks to JMac for posting this article from EYE WEEKLY.

I'm finding the concept of the Quarterlife Crisis especially fitting during funemployment.

“There is life on the other side of this, and it’s actually a pretty good one. Growing up may be hard to do, but in the end, the gains outweigh the losses.” In other words: it might just be time to grow the fuck up.

It's Still Me

I'll be playing around with the layout and colors on funemployment over the next week or so.
Comments are greatly appreciated while I attempt to make myself a little prettier without doing the blogger equivalent of applying to much self tanner.