All tagged Indiana

Week 52: I Bought My First Home [Score +2]

Week 52: I Bought My First Home [Score +2]

Introvert Amanda
Activities

For nine years, I rented a small house from my parents. As responsible and flexible landlords, they gave me pretty free rein to make the house my own. They long encouraged me to buy the house from them, citing the tax and financial benefits I’d gain long-term as a homeowner. Then, this past spring, my tax return gave me a final kick from behind: some tax deductions really wouldn’t be a bad idea for next year.

Week 49: Active Citizen Participation in an Uncomfortable Climate [Score +5]

Week 49: Active Citizen Participation in an Uncomfortable Climate [Score +5]

Introvert Amanda
Activities

A few times during an active legislative session, the representatives for my county gather for “Legislative Breakfasts”—open meetings with the public. I made my first appearance with the encouragement of this project.

As I drove closer on that dark and cold morning, I pictured the scene in my head: I'd walk into a room with perhaps a dozen or so fellow citizens, and the organizers would greet me warmly because they would be so glad to see a new attendee. You can imagine my (pleased!) shock when I approached the venue and saw a parking lot overflowing with 200 or more cars.