What's up, world?

So I know you're probably thinking, "Kate! What the hell do you mean you've given up on conspicuous consumption and identifying purchased, branded things as tokens of powerful sentiments like love, joy, and self-acceptance!?" You're thinking, it's crazy. But Shneb just tipped me to the breaking point...if physics will allow for it. I want to buy a condo. I looked all around - from Little Rock, Arkansas (actually a BIGGER city than Washington, DC) to Honolulu, HI (Believe it or not, the EXACT same cost of living as DC). It comes down to the simple fact that I love it here, and Silver Spring is going to be where I call home for the foreseeable future. According to my savings plan, it will take until late summer of 2008 before I can afford my new condo. However, until that time comes, I'm putting every little quarter, nickel, and shard of scrap metal into that savings account to work up a down payment of considerable weight. Translation? No more Sex in the City shoe shopping, no more $8 cocktails, and no more once-a-week a new suit shows up in my closet. Okay, I take back the giving up the $8 cocktail thing. I mean, I'll need to increase drinking as my worth (as determined by my consumption) decreases. But, hell, I'm totally psyched to be on my own and living as an owner, instead of an owned. I might even throw a cat into this mix. Or a small dog. Don't know yet. Comments welcome.

One more step towards realizing my total potential - spiritual, creative, physical, mental, and all that other stuff you get a whiff of when you walk into complete wilderness with only a backpack, a rape whistle, and a prayer.