January 1, 2007
Change is Comforting
Many people dislike change. They feel it weighs down their pockets, causes unmanageable bulges in their wallets, or makes too much noise as it clangs together. My husband is one of those people. At the end of the day, he clears all his accumulated change and throws it into our household piggy bank. (He does, however, relish counting change, rolling it in money wrappers, and bringing it to the bank for large deposits.)
I love change. There is something appealing to me about having a variety of quarters, dimes, nickels, and even pennies at my disposal. The different sizes, colors, and weights of coins are romantic in a way, and soothing. If someone offered me a choice between a c-note or shiny quarter, I’d take the bill (I love change, but am not blinded by it!), but in my heart of hearts, I’d crave the heft of the coin. When people discuss abolishing pennies, I am filled with horror and sadness. All change has its place and usefulness. What would “penny candy” taste like if bought for a nickel? (OK, I concede that “penny candy” is not widely, if at all, available these days, but throw me a bone here.) Paying for anything with exact change delights me. Sure, it might annoy the less patient people waiting in line as I fumble for 67 cents, but I derive immense satisfaction from the transaction.
In the fall of 2006, I made a big, scary, and exciting change in my life when I quit my job as a senior program officer at a nonprofit financial institution to try to make it as a writer. So far, it has been a wonderful experience, but as a fiercely independent woman, I am uncomfortable about contributing no real income to my household. Whenever I fret about what 2007 will bring, I reach into the coin purse attached to my wallet and I scoop out a hand full of change. Holding a small amount of solid coins in my hand reminds me that change may come and go, but it will always exist. In the end, I’ll be OK.
Suzanne lives in Manhattan with her husband and 13 lb. rabbit, Tycho Bunnae, but is unwilling to fully abandon her Chicago roots, and insists on calling soda “pop” and sneakers “gym shoes.” She blogs (usually profanely) about feminism, travel, things she finds funny (usually gross), and life’s various irritations at CUSS & Other Rants.
You can find more info about the Blog Exchange and how to participate, as well as the January participants and entries, by clicking here. Dana is at Suzanne’s place today!
Posted by Dana @ 5:28 AM • Uncategorized
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January 1st, 2007 at 9:45 AM, K Says:
Congrats on taking the plunge. I hear you about not contributing financially — however, I’m trying to learn that my worth and what I do may not be weighted in money.
YET…
January 1st, 2007 at 3:19 PM, The Fat Lady Sings Says:
Oh honey – do I understand! I too have changed my life – quite substantially. After more than 20 years working in professional theatre – I now write for a living; though there hasn’t been much of a living made yet! Its odd filing taxes, putting ‘author’ down as my profession with little to show for it. I imagine someone looks in the income column next to my name and thinks – “doggone – she mustn’t be all that good!” I am hoping 2007 changes all that – for the both of us!
January 1st, 2007 at 8:07 PM, Alex Elliot Says:
Suzanne, I think it is very courageous that you are trying to develop your writing career.
Not bringing in an income can be scary, but if you never took the time to try out your career as a writer, which you really want,, no amount of money would make up for the
“what if”.
January 2nd, 2007 at 1:37 PM, Mara Clarke Says:
Suzanne – You know how pleased and proud I am that you have taken the plunge as a writer. As for change, when we lived in NYC, we would put our change in a container by the door, and then monthly take it to the machine at Commerce Bank. It was always between $50-$90, and we’d splurge on dinner for 2. Who said change was worthless?
January 2nd, 2007 at 11:46 PM, Jenn Says:
lol – I love this take on Change! Enjoy the change of your new career!