Meeting up with the past
Last night I met up with an old friend for dinner at Queen Mother Cafe here in Toronto. He used to live in my home town, and he knew me when I was in college – during a time where my personal finances were a nightmare. We haven’t been that great in keeping in touch; the last time we saw each other was 2 years ago, and we rarely talk outside of Facebook. But we get along well, so I ended up telling him about this blog and writing for Moneyville.
Yesterday in my meeting with my editor, I confessed that I still don’t tell many people that I am a blogger because it’s something so unlike anything I would have done 4 years ago, so part of me wanted to see what my friend’s reaction was going to be, but mostly because I trust him. I think he was probably a bit shocked, because like I said before, he knew me when my finances were awful. He’s always been very good with his money, and surprisingly, I felt really at ease openly talking about personal finance with a friend.
At the same time, there were two people at the table beside us also talking about personal finance. The woman was complaining about the money she owed her parents, the guy was sick of paying rent and afraid that his credit card wouldn’t go through to pay for the meal, and they both decided that money completely stressed them out. It made me realize that that was absolutely a conversation I would have had 4 or 5 years ago, and it’s amazing how life can end up taking you in a completely different direction in such a short amount of time.
It also made me remember these 3 things:
- There wasn’t anything different from my friend and I, and the other couple at the restaurant, except for the determination to live a different type of lifestyle.
- You can do anything if you set your mind to it – even if you are a complete spendaholic like I used to be.
- Holding yourself accountable is key. Gail Vaz-Oxlade always says “if you don’t make a plan and a timeline to achieve your dream, it will always be that – just a dream.”
Anyway, friend, if you’re reading this – thanks for the chat last night. Can’t wait to see you again in May with my climbing shoes this time!
12 Responses to “Meeting up with the past”
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I love that the couple beside you was bitching about money but yet they were in a cafe eating instead of making a budget and saying: Hey check out my cool budget that lets me eat out once a month!
My recent post The Million Dollar Idea- Different ways of making money by This American Life
Congrats, you starting to come out of the closet with your friends. I bet he was proud of you or at least happy for you!!! I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip. Rock Oasis is a great place in Toronto to do indoor rock climbing and they will let you shoes!
My recent post Bi-Weekly Finances and Funds
It's been 4 years. Everyone changes in that timespan. We grow and learned new things. It's quite amazing actually. I don't think I'd recognize myself if my former self saw myself today.
My recent post Recipe- Bouillabaisse
I agree with FB – I love how that couple was whining about money, but they were eating at a cafe! HAHA!
So you are out the closet now, good for you LOL
My recent post I Am Heartbroken – More Sad Photos
Amazing what a few years does! Glad you got to reconnect with the past. I think I've grown so much in these four to five years, it's amazing… I feel o-l-d! :)
My recent post Weekend Ramblings and PF Blog Love- Renovation Edition
I love Queen Mother Cafe! I live not too far from there. :)
Krystal,
Hopefully the other couple will eventually see the light and start to set goals and plan ahead.
I love the new look of your blog!!! And I would agree with the differences that you've laid out there … why on earth would they be at a restaurant eating out if they were that scared about money? Mind you, my worrying is so innate that sometimes even if I can afford things I worry anyways.
My recent post Financial Dating Etiquette – Who’s Gonna Pay!
I've found that if you can't hold yourself accountable, that you need someone else to. Otherwise, theres no real motivation for reaching your goals. Having a blog helps i think, as you get your readers holding YOU accountable… hehe!
My recent post Why I Don’t Need an Emergency Fund
Nice to hear about all the amazing growth you've had over the past 4 years. Congratulations on that! I've changed a lot since my early twenties too and like youngandthrifty, I feel so old :)
My recent post A Canadian Guide To Free Internet TV
Like others have mentioned, four years is a long time and not many people have a good grip on their personal finances during post secondary education.
Its also good to know that others keep blogging to themselves. I recently started one and havent even told my long time boyfriend (who I normally tell everything!).
My recent post A not so happy ending