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• The woes of the holiday season during a recession

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(Carter Henricks, CreativeWorks photographer)

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Today I decided to do my part to boost the economy. First, I went to That’s Rentertainment to get a DVD for a class I’m in, then I went to Walgreens and bought a bunch of Christmas decos, then I decided that the nail salon across from my apartment looked pretty deserted so I decided to treat myself to some acrylic. Oh, and then I realized I had no food so I ordered a Papa John’s pizza and breadsticks (it’s no Lou Malnati’s, but the price is right.) I’ve spent more on myself today then I have in past weeks, and it felt good. I’m a struggling college student like the rest of campus, but all of this saving, budgeting, and frugal-ness is getting old and for some reason, today seemed like a good day to splurge. I know if I told my mom about everything I had purchased today she would tell me that the holidays are coming and I should save every penny…which I probably should. But what’s wrong with being a little extravagant once in a while?

Speaking of the holidays, I feel like they have come so fast this year! I’m dreading working over Christmas Break, nothing shouts depression to me more than the hideous tie and slicked back ponytail that is my Olive Garden uniform. It’s not just the attire that gets me down in the dumps, but the fact that it feels like my first day of work every time I come back for a break. There’s always a fresh crop of incompetent hosts and servers who look at me like I’m the new girl. Not to mention I have to work the worst shifts— New Years Eve scheduled until 11 p.m., when not one single person walks through the door past 9 p.m. or even on New Years Day. It’s not a great way to ring in the New Year. My resolution? Getting the hell out of the restaurant business as soon as I find a better source of income.

I guess it’s a little early to get so cynical about working over the holidays. There are a lot of positives to Christmas break, like seeing family, going to the mall without the hassle of a 45 minute bus ride with shady commuters…I’m sure there are more. Oh, who am I kidding? I’ll be cursing like a sailor on Christmas Eve, clad in menswear. “I’m sorry, the Never Ending Pasta Bowl ended in October sir, and no, I don’t feel a draft above your table.” Bahumbug!