Have I already shared that life here in the US isn't cheap? If not, let me then give a brief overview of the cost of living here, particularly in our state of Texas (figures are just rough estimates):
- Apartment rent– between $800 to $1,200 (basic/ monthly) and there are those that cost much more.
Water, gas, trash and other fees– $80 monthly average - Electricity– $40 monthly average
- Groceries– $70 weekly average
- Car (2nd hand)– around $400 monthly payment (down payment, taxes and other fees not included)
Car Insurance– $140 (basic) average monthly payment
Gasoline– $30 semi-monthly consumption - Health Insurance– $800 family coverage (semi-monthly payment)
- Phone lines– $60 (post-paid/ monthly average); $40 (pre-paid/ monthly)
- Internet connection– $50 basic/ monthly average
Along with other petty expenses, I guess one needs 2 to 3 works or a good paying job will do. Don't be discouraged with the figures. Life here is still a lot better. If not, why do you think we are here?
Well, enough with the advertisement and go back to the main program... my topic (LOL). With all the expenses mentioned above, I learned a new skill– BARBERING... all thanks to the ever reliable YouTube for the tutorials and helpful videos. And for my very first victim... err... customer, my son, Justin. Everything was prepared. I got my newly arrived haircutting kit from Amazon; newspapers spread on the working area; one lovely assistant (none other than my wife); and plan B (just if everything won't be what is expected)... skin head (bwahahaha).
But I was pretty confident that I can pull it off. And so did I. Wasn't good as a pro but my wife and kid told me that it wasn't also bad for a beginner. Looking at it, I myself can't believe I did a good job.
The only downside is I cannot cut my own hair. I guess there was just enough good new for the day. At least we didn't need to resort to plan B. Yahweh bless.
I cut my kids hair too. I learned to cut their hair when we were still in the Middle East and been doing it here in the US. Mahal ang pagupit dito. And the standard of living, mahal pero way better than the Philippines. At dito, basta masipag lang magtrabaho. our kids will have a better life.
ReplyDelete