Good morning, Philadelphia.

by
Rocky Statue © by jsalvino

I left my apartment at 1:20 p.m. Thursday and landed in Philly at about 7:20 a.m. Friday. During that time frame I got myself to the airport (bus, light rail), wrote my finalist essay for the PF Olympics (more on that in a minute), visited with my daughter during my three-plus-hour layover in Phoenix and slept a few hours on the plane.

In the 90 minutes since landing I’ve brushed my teeth, charged my laptop and phone, checked e-mail, and polished and sent off that essay. Thanks to all of you who voted, I did make it to the PF Olympics finals. All 16 finalists were given the same assignment:

“What is the one financial ‘golden rule’ you’ve since abandoned in our post-recession economy? The financial crisis of 2007 and resulting recession have significantly changed the way we earn, save, spend and invest our money. Is there a long-standing financial belief or practice that no longer holds true in this economy? What has changed and why?”

Hoo boy.

Contrary to my initial impression, the finals will also be judged by Internet voting. For some reason I thought that a panel would be reading them. Thus I’ll be shilling once more, starting Sunday. Sigh.

Soft pretzels and yawning

From here I catch a train to downtown Philly and go straight to the Reading Terminal Market, where I hope to eat an embarrassingly large (and scrapple-free!) breakfast at the Dutch Eatin’ Place. I also want to snare a soft pretzel for later.

I’ll be staying in the Apple Hostel but I can’t check in until 2 p.m. What I’ll do between breakfast and then is anybody’s guess. Perhaps I’ll go take another look at the Liberty Bell, even though it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. (Sorry.)

A nap is not in the cards, unfortunately. I need to get on local time and more to the point, I want to get a good night’s sleep. On Saturday morning I catch the Megabus to New York City and a person needs her rest for such a journey.

While in New York I’ll be attending the B(L)oomers Party, a BlogHer-affiliated reception for women bloggers aged 45 and over; I got an invitation even though I’m not attending BlogHer. Finally, a chance to meet writers close to my own age!

I’ll also be meeting with a Woman’s Day editor to whom I just delivered an article, to talk about future assignments. Other plans: riding the Staten Island Ferry, putting my name in the hat for one of those turned-in tickets for “The Book of Mormon,” and walking around gawking like a tourist.

In a week I’ll head back to Philly to catch a NJ Transit bus and visit my dad, who will likely work me into the ground on his Christmas tree farm. On the other hand, he might buy me a cone from Blinker Custard. Nobody parties like a CHID major.

It’s Friday — where’s the giveaway?

Up for grabs this week is “7 Money Rules for Life,” a book by Mary Hunt of Debt Proof Living (formerly Cheapskate Monthly). Hunt was once deeply in consumer debt and in working her way out discovered her true vocation: helping other people avoid the same trap.

To enter:

If you do any (or all!) of these things, please leave separate, additional comments to get credit for each entry.

The entry deadline is 6 p.m. PDT Monday, Aug. 7. The winner must respond by 9 p.m. PDT Tuesday, Aug. 8.  In other words: If you enter this giveaway, check your e-mail!

The past two weeks’ worth of giveaways were awarded to second-chance winners. Don’t let this happen to you. Your family will be humiliated and dogs will bark at you on the street.

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75 thoughts on “Good morning, Philadelphia.”

  5. When is your article for Woman’s Day coming out, what issue if you know? I would buy it to read your article. I used to buy Woman’s Day and family Circle every time new issues would come out. But lately the articles seem too much the same. I’d reconsider if you were a regular contributor.

    Reply

    • @Linda: Don’t have a run date yet, but I will let you know as soon as I’m told what it will be. Thanks for your interest.

      Reply
  32. Pingback: Weekly Favorites, Gratitude, and Giveaways #77 | Budgeting In the Fun Stuff

  39. Pick me, pleaase.

    “What is the one financial ‘golden rule’ you’ve since abandoned in our post-recession economy?” When do we get to read the entries and where?

    I think you need to expand on the question, after the contest, and take readers golden rule abandonments. I can’t think of any of my own right now, but would love to read others.

    Woman’s Day – looks like I’ll be at the library to read that one, as soon as it’t out!!!!

    Reply

    • @Nancy: I’ll post the URL to the “golden rule” piece on Monday because, once again, I have to ask people to read it and (maybe) vote for it.
      Good luck in the drawing — and remember to keep entering if you don’t win this week.

      Reply

  45. And I subscribe to you via email. If I win, I will respond and not be humiliated or barked at by dogs. Can’t wait to read your article, I’ll have to think long and hard about my answer to what financial golden rule I have abandoned.

    Maybe you could make that a contest here for the next giveaway! After you have already won, of course.

    Reply

  59. My sister shares Mary Hunt’s newsletters with me. They are so helpful! I would love to win her book…please, please pick me!

    Reply

  60. I LOVE to hear about your adventures. I sometimes wish I could be there with you. Alas, I still have a husband and kid at home….

    Reply

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