Day 7

Yesterday was Day 7.

I walked to work again today and spent my lunch reading outside. The weather was gorgeous and I found myself genuinely looking forward to the trek home after my shift. When I got home I prepared a baked potato that I had traded for some art supplies. My friend's band was competing in town that night and as I mentioned before, I was able to barter a painting for the ticket to the show. My good friend was going to come with me but had double-booked herself and cancelled at the last minute. I was looking forward to supporting the local music but a little disappointed that I'd be going by myself. I decided to check the list of attending guests to see if I knew anybody else that would be there. An old friend of mine was going as well and he offered to give me a ride. I am grateful we were able to go together because it gave us a chance to catch up. I was a little nervous I wouldn't be able to get in without a ticket, but I explained to the person at the door that someone had come by and paid for me the day before and my name should be on a list somewhere. The person asked to see my licence and compared it with the list. She then stamped my hand and I was in. My friend's band did great and ended up winning. I was really glad I was able to go.

It has been a week now.

On the first day, I took the money out of my purse and put the wad of cash on my kitchen counter. I notice it when I pack my lunch, I clean around it after preparing meals. I don't touch it. I'm more likely to glance at the coffee pot it sits beside, pondering its worth as a bartering tool, than to long for the use of my money. My circumstance has become somewhat like that of lunch time in 4th grade. We were all in the same boat then...contemplating each others valuables, tossing a sandwich across the table for the coveted oatmeal-cream cookie. I haven't lived this way since I was about 9. When the double digits hit I began to earn money from my parents regularly and was finally allowed to play the game. Learning the behaviors of a consumer is exciting as a child. It is not hampered with the stress of necessity. It is all want and no need. Each day I face the same challenge in different forms. On this day, I was able to achieve my goals with a strong since of commitment to the project, a successful barter, and a little help from my friends.