Day 11

Today was a great day to be moneyless. I finally met up with the guy who was interested in my painting. We met at Einstein's and I "bought" him a free bagel as a thank you for meeting with me. When I arrived, the employee I had met the previous week was working. He recognized me and it was really nice to get such a warm welcome at a business that I visit regularly yet never actually buy anything from.

I had some time before work so my bartering buddy and I sat down to enjoy our bagels. We chatted a little about what he did for work and how there was a traffic jam on his way to meet me. I told him how the project was going and he said it sounded like something he would do, but he wasn't sure if he could. After a little while it was time for me to get to work so I thanked him again for the Scarborough Fair ticket and told him to enjoy my painting.

At work someone came to the store and passed out some coupons for free ice cream. One of the part-timers took one for me and told me about it over the walkie-talkie. The free ice cream scoop is redeemable May 18th at the Haagen-Dazs downstairs, so I have plenty of time to try samples this week and decide on which flavor I want :) At lunch, I ate my tortellini and mushroom soup pasta. It might sound unappetizing but it was actually quite tasty. I've noticed I don't always eat everything I packed for lunch anymore. Before, when I would go out for lunch, I would consume everything I was given. I had the mentality that I wanted to get the most for my money. Now, when I feel full, I just save it to eat the next day. Through packing my lunch everyday, I have become much more in tune with my hunger levels. I eat small portions throughout the day and can feel when my body needs more water or nutrition. I also have noticed, that when I crave something sweet, it is usually because I am stressed out, and if I can't give into the craving, I find that my emotions are right under the surface, like light tremors, ready to break ground. I know I will adapt and learn a new way of coping with daily stresses. By not resorting to spending money to relieve stress, I am giving myself a chance to resolve the problems that arise, and that feeling...is one of self sufficiency and confidence in my own abilities. In short, I feel as if I'm becoming stronger.