I was constantly learning during this project. I feel I ultimately reached my goals in that there were many times in May when I felt free, when I was happy with nothing, and when I was self sufficient and reliant on the kindness of strangers all at once. I believe comfort can and should be found first in the human connection, and not in costly substitutes in the form of excess food, clothes, and countless other products. In the simplest of tasks, going for a walk, preparing my meals for the day, reading, I found happiness. Satisfaction came not only from finding ways to obtain the things I did need, but realizing I actually needed very little in the end. Separating the fact of want and need is a skill I can carry forward into the moneyfull months ahead. Now that I am fully able to spend at my will, I have a new challenge for myself. During the month of May I realized my true power as a consumer, in the idea that my dollar, if I was able to use it, would have been a vote for that product or service. Every dollar put towards anything is a sign of support for the company that produces, markets, and sells that item. When there are so many choices out there, I want to give my money to companies that have a positive impact on the world. Even though I know these companies exist, I am sure I am uneducated on the vast majority of them. That being said, I am setting out to only purchase items that have a positive impact on the world. I will spend time researching to find the companies offering such items, and I will then decide whether or not to "vote" for that company. To follow my new project, you can go to buyingforthebetter.blogspot.com
I would like to thank everyone who supported me during my moneyless month, whether it was a willingness to barter, a helpful hint, or some encouraging words, I could not have succeeded without your help. All there is, love. -Stephanie
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
(untitled) (1 photo), by stephanie moleski
I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos
Monday, May 31, 2010
Day 30
The last day. I woke up pretty excited. I was thinking about how I had stayed committed to my idea, and after today I would have accomplished my goal...I had to be at Einstein's Bagels at 9:15 to barter two homemade greeting cards for two cans of coffee. The guy I was bartering with had requested I do something artsy on the front, and leave the inside blank. The night before, I looked all around my apartment for some inspiration. I was sitting on my couch pondering what to draw when I noticed Sam. She had made her way up on the couch, and had curled up next to me for a nap. I held my breath and began sketching her, hoping hard not to disturb her while I tried to get the football shape of her head just right... I was glad to have chosen her for the cards, because she makes me happy, and anything that makes you happy is probably a great thing to put on the front of a greeting card.
I had called Einstein's earlier to see if they had a coupon deal going on, but the only thing offered was a free bagel on Friday mornings. When I met the guy I was bartering with, I apologized for not being able to get us breakfast. He said that was fine and that he had also thought to throw in one of those apple pie snack things with the coffee, so at least I had something to eat. We talked for about 20 minutes about different things. We spoke about the project, and he told me about a friend of his who lived like a homeless person for a month. During that time he was moved by the kindness he encountered, not only from those with money, but from the other homeless people he was living amongst during that time. I also inquired about his cousin, whom he had asked me to pray for.
"He's doing better...the doctor's are calling it a miracle".
I pulled out my cards and handed them over. He liked them very much. It felt good to give the cards away for someone else to enjoy, and I wondered who would get them next.
We hugged and parted and wished one another well, and then it was time for work. A few days earlier another manager gave me a coupon for a free shake at Chic-fil-a. She told me how much she loved their sandwiches but didn't really need the free shake. As she was talking, I went to my purse and retrieved a coupon I had for a free chicken sandwich. It was from my stack of coupons that I had uncovered while cleaning my apartment, I think it had come in the mail. Anyway, I gave it to her in exchange for the shake coupon. She was hesitant to accept it but I assured her I was not starving, and even had some chicken at home. I explained I did not however, have a shake at home, so it was a great trade for both of us. After hearing my reasoning, she accepted the coupon.
Coincidentally, Chic-fil-a was launching their new spicy chicken sandwich that day. To promote it, they were giving away a free sandwich to everyone who went online and pre-registered. Luckily, I had gotten this tip from someone who had been following my project on-line, so I was able to sign up about a week ago. I ordered the sandwich and a strawberry shake. The cashier found my name on her clipboard, and marked me off the list. I went out into the heat to enjoy my last free meal of May. It was delicious. Even the pickle. Really.
After work I had plans to visit one of my best friends. We were going to discuss a project we're working on together, and then go out for a drink and a meal at midnight to celebrate the end of my moneyless month. I was a bit worried about gas, but someone once told me you have 30 miles after the light goes on before you're really out of gas...I hoped that person was right. At about 11:20, my friend and I headed to a local restaurant and I ordered a burger. We sat and talked about the past month, he asked if it had changed me or grown me in anyway...I plan on posting another entry reflecting on these things. When the clock struck midnight, I let out a deep breath. June was going to be decidedly different than May, and from April as well. The server came with the bill and I reached into my purse to grab my wallet. I faintly heard the hinges weep as I cracked it open like an old book with a stiff spine. I slid my debit card out and held it for a few seconds. Staring into it, I searched for my reflection. I wasn't there. I slowly handed the server my card, and just as he snatched it away, I felt a flutter in my chest, a nervous excitement that comes from the unfamiliar. Money had become foreign to me, but I was ready to be reacquainted. I watched as he went to the computer and swiped my card, like it was nothing! As if my card was used to being man handled...
*He has no idea what he just did* I thought... I reviewed the receipt and took pause before I signed it. It felt monumental, as if I was signing a declaration or something. I carefully picked up my card, placed it back in my wallet, and closed the book.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Day 29
Today was my last day off before the end of the month. I spent the morning at Ikea, because they are giving away free breakfast and coffee all weekend. I bypassed the display rooms and went straight to the cafeteria. It was only 9:30, but the line for the free breakfast was already well formed, curving around the metal gates like a pet snake, waiting to be fed. I added myself to the end. The free breakfast included potatoes, scrambled eggs, 2 strips of bacon, and 1 cup of coffee. I found an empty table and began to read some of the book I had brought with me. I looked around and found some comfort in the busy setting. Even though I was sitting alone, I was surrounded by people, and didn't feel like I was alone at all.
After I had finished eating, I decided to take "the long way home", and walk through the maze of mass produced merchandise that is Ikea. I've always loved the way the store is set up, allowing the consumer to browse the products by walking into completed rooms with cut away walls. It is like a life size doll house, each room reflecting a unique style, every customer connecting to the warm, welcoming feeling that comes from playing house for a while. I decided to give my sister a call, since it was the weekend I thought it would be a good time to catch her in between the demands of her busy life as a single working mom. I told her about the free breakfast, and that maybe the Ikea in her state was also participating.
"I love Ikea!" she exclaimed.
"I know, they have a lot of stuff here..." I responded,a little distracted by the sheer volume of merchandise for sale.
"No, its not the stuff, I just love going, its the experience." She clarified.
Walking through, I concluded that Ikea does have a lot of stuff for sale, but what they are truly selling is...a feeling. Companies do this all the time though, so this is really not a breakthrough truth I just uncovered or anything. Obvious examples that come to mind include: Pillsbury, Folgers, Bluebell, Kay Jewelers, Calvin Klein, anything Oprah touches...the list goes on and on and on. Companies have found great success in connecting with consumers on a personal level. Because of this, simple, straightforward advertisements are now the road less traveled.
*Side note*: one of my favorite lines in a film can be found in the movie The Muppets Take Manhattan when Kermit gets amnesia and gets a job at a marketing company. They are trying to come up with a slogan to sell Ocean Breeze soap, but all they have are "Ocean Breeze soap, for people who don't want to stink" and "Ocean Breeze soap, its just like taking a cruise except there's no boat and you don't actually go anywhere". Kermit suggests the line "Ocean Breeze soap will get you clean". The other frog on the marketing team responds with "you mean just say what the product does? Why no one's ever tried that!"
O.K. so now, instead of saying what the product actually does, a lot of companies find success in conveying how the product makes you feel. Consumers are essentially attempting to build a lifestyle for themselves by means of the products they purchase. In June and onward, I will keep this truth in mind when faced with the hundreds of advertisements vying for my attention on the daily.
After I had finished eating, I decided to take "the long way home", and walk through the maze of mass produced merchandise that is Ikea. I've always loved the way the store is set up, allowing the consumer to browse the products by walking into completed rooms with cut away walls. It is like a life size doll house, each room reflecting a unique style, every customer connecting to the warm, welcoming feeling that comes from playing house for a while. I decided to give my sister a call, since it was the weekend I thought it would be a good time to catch her in between the demands of her busy life as a single working mom. I told her about the free breakfast, and that maybe the Ikea in her state was also participating.
"I love Ikea!" she exclaimed.
"I know, they have a lot of stuff here..." I responded,a little distracted by the sheer volume of merchandise for sale.
"No, its not the stuff, I just love going, its the experience." She clarified.
Walking through, I concluded that Ikea does have a lot of stuff for sale, but what they are truly selling is...a feeling. Companies do this all the time though, so this is really not a breakthrough truth I just uncovered or anything. Obvious examples that come to mind include: Pillsbury, Folgers, Bluebell, Kay Jewelers, Calvin Klein, anything Oprah touches...the list goes on and on and on. Companies have found great success in connecting with consumers on a personal level. Because of this, simple, straightforward advertisements are now the road less traveled.
*Side note*: one of my favorite lines in a film can be found in the movie The Muppets Take Manhattan when Kermit gets amnesia and gets a job at a marketing company. They are trying to come up with a slogan to sell Ocean Breeze soap, but all they have are "Ocean Breeze soap, for people who don't want to stink" and "Ocean Breeze soap, its just like taking a cruise except there's no boat and you don't actually go anywhere". Kermit suggests the line "Ocean Breeze soap will get you clean". The other frog on the marketing team responds with "you mean just say what the product does? Why no one's ever tried that!"
O.K. so now, instead of saying what the product actually does, a lot of companies find success in conveying how the product makes you feel. Consumers are essentially attempting to build a lifestyle for themselves by means of the products they purchase. In June and onward, I will keep this truth in mind when faced with the hundreds of advertisements vying for my attention on the daily.
Day 28
At the start of May, I received an e-mail from a guy who had heard about my project and wanted to wish me luck for my moneyless month. He sent me another e-mail last week with an idea in it. He explained that a friend of his owns an organic coffee company and is also a photographer. He was the photographer on the set of a movie and decided to combine his two professions by producing a limited run of coffee that also promoted the movie. The guy explained that he bought a lot of the coffee to support his friend and now has a lot left over. He offered it to me to use for myself or to barter with.
I thought this was very kind of him, but I didn't want to take the coffee without trading it for something of my own. I asked him what he needed that I might have, and he responded with a request for prayer. He wrote:
"I'll request something a little different from probably anything you've heard of before, but is there any way you could send positive thoughts / pray for - if you're religious, for my cousin. I myself am not really religious, but he's 23 yr old and is in critical condition. Nothing else really matters to me at this point and time, and that would be a wonderful "trade" in my opinion".
My initial reaction was "absolutely", but after thinking about it a bit more, I felt uncomfortable taking something in exchange for prayer. I wrote him back:
"So I have been thinking, and praying, and I asked another co worker to pray for your cousin as well. I don't think I can take the coffee anymore, in exchange for prayer. How is your cousin doing?"
He wrote that his cousin was making improvements, and thanked me for the prayers, and he said that he understood if I didn't want to take the coffee in exchange for prayer. He asked if I could create two greeting cards instead, blank on the inside, but with something artsy on the front, in exchange for the coffee. I accepted his offer, excited to still be able to make the trade.
I thought this was very kind of him, but I didn't want to take the coffee without trading it for something of my own. I asked him what he needed that I might have, and he responded with a request for prayer. He wrote:
"I'll request something a little different from probably anything you've heard of before, but is there any way you could send positive thoughts / pray for - if you're religious, for my cousin. I myself am not really religious, but he's 23 yr old and is in critical condition. Nothing else really matters to me at this point and time, and that would be a wonderful "trade" in my opinion".
My initial reaction was "absolutely", but after thinking about it a bit more, I felt uncomfortable taking something in exchange for prayer. I wrote him back:
"So I have been thinking, and praying, and I asked another co worker to pray for your cousin as well. I don't think I can take the coffee anymore, in exchange for prayer. How is your cousin doing?"
He wrote that his cousin was making improvements, and thanked me for the prayers, and he said that he understood if I didn't want to take the coffee in exchange for prayer. He asked if I could create two greeting cards instead, blank on the inside, but with something artsy on the front, in exchange for the coffee. I accepted his offer, excited to still be able to make the trade.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Day 27
When I got to work, I walked in just as my district manager was leaving. We chatted in the doorway for a minute and I wished her a good trip back. As we parted she mentioned that she had left something for me in the office. I headed to the back where I found a bagel wrapped in a paper towel in the fridge, and coupon for a free sandwich taped to the inside of my locker. There have been many small gestures like this, ways that others are showing their support, that has made me feel confident in my abilities to get through the month. I have experienced a great feeling of community this month, one that I hope does not go away come June.
While at work, I talked extensively with another manager about the project. It was coming to an end, and she asked me what the first thing I was going to buy would be. I thought about it and responded "nothing stupid like a pack of gum or something..." and kept thinking. Well I knew what I wasn't going to buy, gum. Then I remembered I don't really chew gum in the first place, so that was obviously out.
I wondered whether it should really matter or not, and concluded that my choice does matter. I have always believed in the saying "your dollar is your vote", and it seems now more than ever, I am wanting to make my vote reflect my beliefs. Maybe it is because since I have not been relying directly on the monetary system, I feel like less of a slave to the whole thing. I feel more free, and thus choosing what to commit to is just that, a choice. I am going to choose wisely...because I know I can.
While at work, I talked extensively with another manager about the project. It was coming to an end, and she asked me what the first thing I was going to buy would be. I thought about it and responded "nothing stupid like a pack of gum or something..." and kept thinking. Well I knew what I wasn't going to buy, gum. Then I remembered I don't really chew gum in the first place, so that was obviously out.
I wondered whether it should really matter or not, and concluded that my choice does matter. I have always believed in the saying "your dollar is your vote", and it seems now more than ever, I am wanting to make my vote reflect my beliefs. Maybe it is because since I have not been relying directly on the monetary system, I feel like less of a slave to the whole thing. I feel more free, and thus choosing what to commit to is just that, a choice. I am going to choose wisely...because I know I can.
Day 26
A couple of days ago, I finished the article I was working on for the writer, and e-mailed it to her to look over. I told the woman that I could shorten it or expand it to whatever she needed.I wanted her to be happy with what she got in our trade, so I asked her read it and report back if she wanted it changed in any way. She sent me an e-mail requesting I add a paragraph or two explaining what I had learned from the situation I had chose to write about. I spent the morning working on the article, and then sent it back for approval.
Sam was running low on dog food again, so I decided to post a wanted ad on craigslist. I posted a few small things to trade...a basketball, some books, and an old straightening iron. I decided instead of listing all of my books, I would just take a close-up picture of my bookcase to save time. I got a response almost immediately, from someone interested in my books and straightener. They seemed to think I was giving all my books away, so I clarified that I was willing to part with 2 or 3 along with my straightener for a small bag of dog food. I sent another picture of the straightener and informed the person that some of the paint was chipping off of the metal plates, but other than that it still worked great. I got the feeling this was a deal breaker for that person. The next message I received from them was a short and sweet "never mind". The good news is, I still had a few days left of dog food for Sam, so decided to start mixing it with some left over pieces of meat I had to stretch it a bit further. Sam thought this was the best idea I had had all month.
That night, I had plans to meet a woman at a gas station to trade my magazine holder for $15 of gas. It was getting late in the day, so I called her around 4:45 to see where exactly we could meet. I was looking forward to it as she had also promised to share some money saving tips with me upon trading, so when she didn't answer I got a little worried. My gas tank was a little below 1/4 tank and a good friend of mine had invited me out to a local comedy club that night(free on Thursdays). If the woman didn't come through, I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to meet up with him that night. A few minutes later I checked my phone and saw I had a missed call from the woman. In the voice mail she said
"fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, someone threw a magazine rack in my yard yesterday....so I no longer need to barter for yours".
That was pretty lucky for her, especially since she described herself as being extremely thrifty, but not so good for me. I had one too many magazine holders, and not enough gas to go out...so I texted my friend to explain the situation. A day earlier, I had walked on his back to relieve some tension. He suggested that if I had enough gas to get into the city, he would trade one more "back alignment" for a few bucks in gas to get me back home. I thought this was a pretty good trade, and a clever way to help me stay within my guidelines for the project, and so I accepted his offer. I was more than grateful for the opportunity to get out of my apartment and be social for a bit.
Sam was running low on dog food again, so I decided to post a wanted ad on craigslist. I posted a few small things to trade...a basketball, some books, and an old straightening iron. I decided instead of listing all of my books, I would just take a close-up picture of my bookcase to save time. I got a response almost immediately, from someone interested in my books and straightener. They seemed to think I was giving all my books away, so I clarified that I was willing to part with 2 or 3 along with my straightener for a small bag of dog food. I sent another picture of the straightener and informed the person that some of the paint was chipping off of the metal plates, but other than that it still worked great. I got the feeling this was a deal breaker for that person. The next message I received from them was a short and sweet "never mind". The good news is, I still had a few days left of dog food for Sam, so decided to start mixing it with some left over pieces of meat I had to stretch it a bit further. Sam thought this was the best idea I had had all month.
That night, I had plans to meet a woman at a gas station to trade my magazine holder for $15 of gas. It was getting late in the day, so I called her around 4:45 to see where exactly we could meet. I was looking forward to it as she had also promised to share some money saving tips with me upon trading, so when she didn't answer I got a little worried. My gas tank was a little below 1/4 tank and a good friend of mine had invited me out to a local comedy club that night(free on Thursdays). If the woman didn't come through, I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to meet up with him that night. A few minutes later I checked my phone and saw I had a missed call from the woman. In the voice mail she said
"fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, someone threw a magazine rack in my yard yesterday....so I no longer need to barter for yours".
That was pretty lucky for her, especially since she described herself as being extremely thrifty, but not so good for me. I had one too many magazine holders, and not enough gas to go out...so I texted my friend to explain the situation. A day earlier, I had walked on his back to relieve some tension. He suggested that if I had enough gas to get into the city, he would trade one more "back alignment" for a few bucks in gas to get me back home. I thought this was a pretty good trade, and a clever way to help me stay within my guidelines for the project, and so I accepted his offer. I was more than grateful for the opportunity to get out of my apartment and be social for a bit.
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