Today is the first payday at my new job. For some reason, the first payday tends to cement things for me, with a job. I’m receiving money for my services rendered. I’m part of the company. I’m an employee.

Of course, with this job, I had insurance right away, and that kicked things into gear a little early. I still feel kind of bad for having to take days off in my second week of work. C’mon, work ethic trumps bronchitis right? Guess not. Heh.

I started playing with numbers in my head, and I started to panic a little. Compared the projected outgoing money with the projected income, and had some scary results. Then I found my mistake. This two-week paycheck is only for one week’s worth of work. Crisis averted. Next paycheck (and subsequent ones) will be double the amount. Funds will still be very tight for the next two weeks, but relief is just over the horizon.

didn’t like me talking about our money. But money has always been a big trip-up for me, as far as spending it unwisely, or forgetting bills, or whatever. It’s also been one of the biggest stress triggers in my life. I’m sure that it’s that way for everyone. This is why paying back what I owe is so important to me. Reaching zero debt is an extremely important goal for me, and one that I intend to reach. I can do this, if I focus, and if my actions follow my intents. I can lessen the impact this stress has on my life by writing about it, and by fixing it.

Some of the clarity that I’ve asked for is coming. I can only guess that the rest is on its way.