Yesterday was the day of my birthday barbeque and even though I didn’t really want to celebrate at first, I’m really glad that my parents insisted on throwing me a little birthday bash. 

I thought it was just going to be my close family and friends but it turned out to be a bigger deal than I thought.  It was so great to share good times with my family and friends, some of which I  hadn’t seen in months.  Everyone either gave me a gift or a card.  At the end of the night I collected a total of 2 bottles of Grey Goose, 1 bottle of Patron, a beautiful handmade bracelet, a Yankees t-shirt and over $300 in cash.  Happy Birthday to me!

Sure, I felt a little akward receiving gifts and cards at my “old age” but having my parents come together again just for me and bringing everyone else I love together made me feel like a kid again, and it was awesome.

I was scanning my bills and I came across a bill that I completely forgot about; a medical bill from over two years ago, when I didn’t have insurance.  The good news is that the balance is only $300.  The bad news is that since I kept ignoring the bill it went to collections .  So for $300 I tarnished my already not-so-great credit.  I called the company today and made a payment today for $150.  I’ll pay the balance off next week when I get paid again.

It could’ve been worst.  At least this bill is low and I can pay it off without stress.  My debt keeps getting  lower and lower…

I recently received an invitation to attend the wedding of a college friend.  I hadn’t spoke to this person since last year, when I attended her baby shower.  Prior to the baby shower I hadn’t seen her since we graduated college, four years ago. 

While in college, her and I were like peas and carrots.  We were hardly ever apart, and when we were, people would ask about where the other person was.  Once we graduated, things changed and we drifted apart.  It’s sad to say but this happens to many friendships.

When it came time to write her a check (for her wedding gift) I was stumped. I was bringing my BF as my guest so obviously I had to consider him as well (I was always told that I should give the amount that a typical dinner would cost at the venue + my guest’s).  Considering the price-per-plate method I figured $250 from both my BF and me should suffice.  My BF thought this was too much but I thought it was average.  This of course was the minimum amount I considered.  I think of her as a distant friend at this point.  Had she been someone I didn’t feel was so distant I would’ve easily gave a lot more.

With that said, what is the right amount of money to give at a wedding?

Last night I caught a new episode of the Dan Ho Show on Discovery Health.  I love this guy!  He’s all about simple living; making do with what you’ve got, and he’s determined to simplify people’s lives one episode at a time.

Dan stresses the importance of having balance in our lives.  Friends, family and love is all you need to truly be happy.  Clutter and “things” will never bring happiness as they will eventually weigh us down. 

America needs to embrace Ho.  Every time I watch a new episode I feel very zen and centered, almost therapeutic. Can’t wait for next week’s show!