Neurotic Neologisms Nicole Lee’s random sputterings

Buying nothing

Not that I’m some anti-capitalist pinko commie, but I do think that the rampant blind consumerism that is prevalent today is a little much. Honestly, have you seen the news coverage of those lines in Wal-Mart? Half these people have this crazy look in their eyes. I like a good bargain as much as anyone, but the crowd mentality is a little much, not to mention the potential environmental impact.

I know it’s not a good alternative for everyone, but if you can, it’s a good thing. And even if you need to buy something, maybe try taking the bus instead Also, even if you’re not a fan of the concept, you have to admit that the fact MTV has again and again refused to run a Buy Nothing Day commercial for the past few years is pretty odd.

Anyways, happy buy nothing day! I’ll be staying home stuffing myself with turkey leftovers.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy turkey day (or tofurkey day)! Gobble gobble.

Random pre-Thanksgiving thoughts

It’s the day before Thanksgiving and I’m unusually tired. So I’ll make this short:

1) So, you know how they have vegetarian food shaped like meat, or flavored like meat? Like tofurkey or those fake hot dog things? Well, we had this conversation the other day (totally not my idea, I think it was Mrs. Monteiro’s idea) that we should have meat shaped like vegetables. Like, chicken shaped into celery. Or meatloaf shaped into carrot sticks. It would be totally weird and gross. And awesome.

2) Facebook’s latest Beacon advertising deal has a ridiculous opt-in by default scheme that isn’t only “invasion of privacy” it’s just plain dumb. I would totally quit Facebook at the drop of the hat (I mean, it really hasn’t done a lot for me), but so many of my friends are organizing events through Facebook now that I have to stick with it. Luckily, Nate Weiner from the Idea Shower has come up with a handy way for Firefox users to block the nasty little Facebook Beacon things.

3) Please listen to the 9th episode of Dialed In. Just because.

4) Oh, for Christmas this year? I would appreciate a three-pack of Bacon Salt. Kthx.

5) Also, I’m seriously scratching my head at the moment as to how I’m supposed to get gifts for people without spending money. Which probably isn’t possible. I wonder if I can get away with just sending hand-written letters to everyone. Hey, that’s an idea…

It’ll be tough to blog here tomorrow, but I’ll try. Happy Turkey day, in the meantime!

This Thanksgiving

Give thanks for the life you have, but don’t stop reaching for the life you want.
Give thanks for the food you are about to receive, but don’t forget to resume a healthy diet after that.
Give thanks for friends and family, but remember it’s okay not to get along with them every once in awhile.
Give thanks for your health and wellbeing, but remember not to slack off too much.
Give thanks for the holidays, but remember you have to get back to work soon enough.

I’m kind of a realist. Sorry.

Chipping away at debt

In reference to my previous entry on financial juggling, it looks like things are looking up. My credit score just increased by 13 points. Booyah! Yay.

That’s all I wanted to say.