I admit that I was a little bit spoiled by living in Pennsylvania my entire life. I take for granted the availability of inexpensive, non-commerical, family-friendly places to visit where I can picnic, look at some water, spend time in a clean, quiet forest, and even learn a little bit about history. I have been able to do all of these things in the many parks that surround the places where I have lived. I was able to do all of these things during the three summers that I vacationed in Northern Michigan as well.

I recently went for almost two years without paying money for shampoo or toothpaste. In the fall of 2007, before the word "recession" was an excuse for almost all behavior, I went on a kick to save money on groceries and toiletries. I quickly found a list of websites that told me which local stores had the lowest promotional prices on specific items, and also which circulars contained coupons on those some items, so that I could combine coupons with specials.

I have to admit that I am having a really hard time getting into Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir "Eat, Pray, Love." I bought this book several months ago. I can tell you exactly where I am in the book without giving away any spoilers. My bookmark is stuck after the author's divorce and shortly after her arrival in Italy. She is planning to take Italian lessons in Rome. After she leaves Rome, she will travel to India and Bali. I can't tell you what will happen after that.

I entered the Johnstown business world wearing a grey, pinstriped, unlined Wal-Mart suit that cost me about $35.

Tonight I thought of two random money-saving ideas that I would like to pass along.

Back in 1994 when I was still in high school, my hometown of Berlin, PA decided to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Whiskey Rebellion. Plans were made for a big festival. The event was to include, among other things, an essay contest for the school kids, a race, and of course a parade. I was in the Berlin Brothersvalley High School Marching Band at that time, so I would march in it. This was to be a very big deal.

Bedford County, PA still looks pretty much the way I see it in old pictures and in my mind. At Shawnee State Park, the little swing still sits in its secluded picnic area at the top of the hill overlooking Shawnee's lake and beach. I have a 30-year-old picture of that same swing set, with me and my sister and my dad posing in front.

Last weekend, Jonathan took me to see flowers and butterflies and shop for shoes.

So I just learned the meaning of the word "bifurcation", and I have Wikipedia and "Harper's Island" to thank for that. No, I didn't watch all 13 episodes of of this horror/thriller mystery. I viewed the first three episodes, by which time I had completely lost interest. I just didn't think that the acting was that convincing or the storyline that engrossing. Then we cancelled our cable.

I like to read internet message boards. It's my trashy pleasure. I started out by reading money management boards. I learned how to use coupons effectively and reduce my grocery bill, but then I stopped reading those kinds of boards.Now I just read the ones that don't have much redeeming value. I don't watch television (Jonathan and I canceled the cable last month because we haven't turned on our television in months) or read People magazine. I haven't really followed much of the Michael Jackson death coverage. No, instead I like to unwind by reading about the opinions of total strangers.