Money out, shinies in.

Virgo:: How well are you capitalizing on this year's unique opportunities, Virgo? Now that we're halfway through 2008, let's take an inventory. I'm hoping that six months from now, you'll look back and make the following declaration: "I've learned more about love in the past 12 months than maybe I ever have. I've also become far more skilled in the art of making myself happy. And I've finally figured out how to purge some of the martyr-like aspects from my generosity, which means I'm better able to give without strings attached and I'm more attractive to interesting people who are inclined to give me things I really want."

This year so far as been pretty good. The love life is great-- I've dated really fantastic people who far exceeded my suppositions about what dating could be. I've been taking more time for dance and creative pursuits in general. People have been more inclined to help me pursue things I've wanted to do. Only, I don't think I've ever had any martyr-like qualities tied to generosity.

In the past few days, I have spent an absurd amount of money on things that shimmer and shine. I want to start offering high quality gem-grade pieces in the near future, and starting that up is expensivo! I have bought: brilliant trillion cut green quartz, prasiolite, citrine, carnelian, peridot, tundra sapphire, high-grade labradorite, kyanite, and amber. Plus a TON of unique findings in sterling silver and gold vermeil. I am to be well-stocked. And inspired-- I get into ruts sometimes, and I'm just itching to try out new techniques. And after that? Time to start planning Autumn goodies. Eee. Exciting, 'cause I have lots of ideas.

I also spent some $$$ on swordwork stuff-- Belladonna's sword stylization DVD, and a headband from The Candy Thief to keep that sucker in place during turns. Brooke, I was looking through her Flickr and went "oooooh! I like that one!" and Flissy was all "dude, that's Brooke's" and I was all "of course." So, I got a similar one in different colors.

Aside from that, Jason and I are going on an actual date tonight. And Friday, too. I'm dressed up all pretty in a green, gold, and royal purple sari skirt-- just felt like getting a little bit dolled up so it doesn't feel like post-work grub. But things are still going swimmingly.