Student Loan Blues

I am CRAZY STOKED that my time in higher education is almost over.  In just a few short weeks, I'll walk down the aisle in my cap and gown.

Sidenote: i didn't think graduation gowns could have got any THINNER and CHEAPER since highschool.  i was wrong.  i'm very happy i bought my robe instead of going with a rental.  i think if i went the less expensive route, i would have shown up for graduation smelling like foot and old cheese.  the new robe might not be any better.  i'll have to spray it down with good perfume and pray that the price difference doesn't shred the fibers that are thinner than an apple peel.

i was looking forward to spending a few months with some well-deserved rest.  hanging out with my dogs:

working on my 2014 reading challenge through goodreads, trying a fine wine or two, making some extra payments towards my car and relaxing before my first student loan repayment comes due.

Buying a hammock for summer reading.

So, last week, when i got an e-mail from sallie mae telling me to start thinking about my repayment, i wasn't concerned... UNTIL i saw the due date as June of this year.  wait... wait... wha... WHAAAAAT?

you're supposed to have six months grace before your student loans are due... right?  mistake... right?  urge to vomit should be set aside... right?

not for me.

you see, i went to community college before landing at university.  i'm DAMN PROUD of that community college education (and SICK of the disapproving look i'd get from some university instructors when they found out i hadn't taken THEIR 100 level courses but saved some money by taking them somewhere else) and i wouldn't trade it for anything on earth.

BUT... when i graduated butler, my grace period for that portion of my loans began.  and since i took the summer off instead of immediately enrolling for summer at university... that was my grace period for that portion of my student loan.  i get it.  i don't LIKE it, but i GET it.

i'm trying to organize myself and budget for the first time, and none of that is fun.  i tried to start a profile at saltmoney, but since i can't find their "organization code" ANYWHERE on their website (or by searching through the NSLDS website that's asking for it what the hell it even IS) i'm not getting far.

who needs a drink?  this gal.  who can't really afford it anymore in a few months?  this gal.  guess i better come up with some alternative coping methods for this one.