Chapter 2: Saving Money and Childhood Chat
The next day, we all met up at the Carnegie Library in Squirrel Hill for a discussion group on ways to save money. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. Prior to the discussion group, while jamming out to NSYNC and 98 Degrees, we composed a Childhood Chat in which Allison Brawner discussed using her new duffel bag in 6th grade in downtown Pittsburgh, Ashley Cassoin discussed taking quizzes in 6th grade in the North Side, Elizabeth Mosh discussed dancing to music in 12th grade in Oakland, and Samantha Mifflin discussing arranging her sleeping bag line in 5th grade in the South Side. "When we first moved into the Pittsburgh area, we worked on paying our bills and saving up for important things," Mr. Benson pointed out. "I wanted to save up for some new supplies for my new house in Natrona Heights," Carly stated. "I wanted to save up for a new TV and computer," Spencer added. "The day of one of our football games, we had a major fundraiser in which we sold pepperoni rolls and strombolis to help pay for our trip to Walt Disney World in the spring," Alex stated. "We had to remember to put the fundraising money into our accounts and nowhere else," Justin added. "If we used our fundraising money on splurging for stuff, then we wouldn't have been able to go on the trip," Max stated. "My condo fee is increasing and I am working on not splurging as much," I told all of my friends. After the discussion group was over, we headed over to Uno Chicago Grill in the Waterfront for dinner. Before dinner, while jamming out to Kate Bush and Lizzo, we composed another Childhood Chat in which Abigail Mifflin discussed eating chips for a snack in 4th grade in McCandless, Emily Grey discussed telling the truth at 4 years old in Hampton Township, Hannah Mifflin discussed eating waffles for breakfast in 2nd grade in the western suburbs, Sarah Ching discussed eating gummies for a snack in 5th grade in Westmoreland County, Emma Wallace discussed having a photo shoot in 9th grade in the southern suburbs, Jennifer Preager discussed talking in silly accents in 10th grade in the northern suburbs, and Kayla Jennis discussed selling lemonade in 12th grade in Ross Township. "I thought that discussion group on budgeting was very beneficial," Sarah agreed. "Like Spencer said, budgeting is not always easy especially when you first move into a new neighborhood," James stated. "I felt the same way when my parents got married and we ended up moving to a new house after their wedding at the church." "I don't know whether I want pasta or pizza for dinner tonight," Henri stated. "On the other hand, we will have pasta for dinner tomorrow at our activity in Oakmont, so I would like to split a pizza with you, James." "Will the pasta come from the Harmar House across the river?" James asked. "Our clients getting honored at academic honors banquets reminded me of our honors banquets back in high school." "Our banquet was not at the Harmar House, however, but at the First Presbyterian Church where our parents got married at," Sarah remembered. "They had pizza and sub sandwiches last month for activities," I remembered. "Do they have different food every month?" Henri asked. "I believe so," I replied. "This month, there are tacos and pasta to eat." After dinner was over, it was time for all of us to go home. "Thanks for a great day, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Good night, guys!" "Good night!"