Ledger

Issue date: 6/2/09 Section: Opinion

"Why do girls always talk and text on their phones everywhere? I see them slow down and text while walking in the hall, in the car, at the grocery store. What gives?" -Todd H.

Guilty. I don't know if my answer would be the same as other girls, but for me it's the joy of my efficiency and multi-tasking skills that drives me to text at all times. I once accomplished a 30 minute phone interview AND took notes on the company (which landed me a second in-person interview, and eventually a job!) while simultaneously driving to Seattle and doing my make-up. It was very rewarding, if not life-threatening at times. But Todd, I think we are being a little sexist here. I see plenty of guys who are non-stop texting in class and on the road just as much as I see girls doing it. The other thing to keep in mind is that they may not be texting. I am on my blackberry checking e-mails, getting the scoop on facebook.com, and even checking my bank statements more often than I am texting.

"I want to take my girlfriend Erica on a nice date, but she wants to go to fancy restaurants, and I hate spending that kind of money on something that ends up in the toilet a few hours later! Do you have any suggestions?" -T. Walters

Mr. Walters, I am afraid I agree with your girlfriend Erica. You don't have to go to a super fancy restaurant all the time, but sometimes a nice dinner really is in order. I know that 50 dollar steaks seem ridiculous, but you need to think about the quality you are getting. Not only will that steak be hand-selected, grade-A meat, but it will also be expertly prepared with expensive seasonings, costly equipment, and usually some thoughtfully chosen sides that accentuate the meat's flavor even more. Okay, so you still aren't convinced. Consider how much the prices of some foods really are. Specialty seafood might be expensive because it is rare and hard to find or requires costly immediate transportation to keep it fresh. If you still aren't convinced, think of those extra dollars for dinner going towards your atmosphere and service. At most upscale restaurants there are quite a few perks besides the good food: friendly wait staff that go out of their way to please you and fancier furnishings that lift the mood and make you feel important-which are often more eco-friendly because upscale restaurants tend to be able to afford more organic and green products. If you still really can't handle the thought of dishing out hard-earned cash for these upgrades, I suggest making a nice dinner for Erica (no macaroni and cheese). You will find the grocery bill to be higher than normal, but you will save on the other costs.

"I am about to graduate and am really nervous about entering the workforce with such a crappy economy. All my graduated friends are having trouble finding jobs in their majors, and I am worried the same will happen to me." -Anonymous

Welcome to the real world. Apply for graduate school? My friends who graduated and can't find positions in their majors are working at restaurants. My friend Caitie is a bartender and she is actually making bank! So, good luck, and welcome to where the rest of us are. In the meantime, make sure to check Husky Jobs and craigslist.com often!

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