Random Thoughts on Day 3

I have been thinking about my challenge for most of the day. Wondering what I would have to accomplish by the end of the day. I only have $17 left. I did not want to have to forfeit anymore of my spending dollars. How have I spent $29.29 since Tuesday at 12noon. Well, here is a bit of a breakdown:
1 dozen eggs: $3.50
2 frozen orange juices: $2 (on sale)
1 bag of rice: $6.30
1 lb of ground beef: $3.29 (from a side of beef, purchased from a farmer, so the cost is considerably less per pound)
1 small rack of ribs: $4
1 can of diced tomatoes: $2.50
1 package of spaghetti: $3.00
1 head of cauliflower: $2.00
1 500ml of coffee cream: $2.70

I have not completed my meal plans for Friday or Saturday morning. And, I am thinking that I still have 8 eggs left and almost 3/4 of that bag of rice, so maybe that frees up about $4.25. Which is a good thing. I need it for my toothpaste, shampoo, and other toiletries that I have been using throughout the challenge. And, if anyone is wondering - I have only showered once since the challenge begun. Every second day is my goal. I think I will make it.

And, for the record, I shared that spaghetti dinner with my partner. And, I am having the same meal as she is tonight. I have accounted for the full cost of the cauliflower, even though I will not be eating the whole thing.

Now, what I have not had to do since the challenge began is pay for any transportation. I live almost 40 minutes from Kenora. I will not be going into town for coffee or a drink or a quick visit. I will only leave the yard tomorrow, and that is to go to work. One of the first questions I asked was - will any gas, insurance, maintenance costs, with owning a vehicle, be part of this challenge? For work purposes, we are exempt. So, I am going to go to the municipal office for a couple of hours tomorrow - for work.

This leaves me with $20.71 until Saturday at 12:00noon. Oh, no. I just remembered. I have had a cup of coffee each day, so I probably should subtract at least $1.50 from the total. Down to $19.21.  With the numbers in front of me, it becomes painfully obvious what I could no longer afford to enjoy. I wouldn't be able to subscribe to satellite TV or the internet. I might be able to use a pay&go phone, but probably not an iPhone and not on a plan with data, and texting, and unlimited cell service. I wouldn't be able to care for my three dogs. I cannot even think of my life without Breyre, Penny, and Sofi.  The creature comforts of coconut and pineapple cocktails, doughnuts, fabric softener, steak and baked potatoes, shrimp on the BBQ - would likely be few and far between. I would see my family and my friends, less. I think so anyways. Most of my family is in southeastern Manitoba. We are all very close. We spend oodles of time together, whether it is here at Black Lake or on the Prairies. How about my friends? I have really good friends in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Milwaukee and we stay connected through Facebook and texting.

It all sounds sad and depressing. But, we are not supposed to talk about "sadness" or "depression". From a very young age, we are conditioned to put on a happy face and put one foot in front of the other. For the most part, I have always subscribed to those teachings. If you work hard, if you are a good person - you reap the rewards. With the very limited resources afforded to me through Ontario Works - that would be a very tall order, indeed.  Funny, right - I am still the same person. In fact, I would hazard a guess that I could toil a lot harder for every dollar that one might make, making minimum wage or living just above the poverty line. I might never see the light at the end of the tunnel, feel the whoosh of satisfaction, or enjoy the fruits of my labour. And, that brings me to my challenge for the day.

YOU RECEIVED A DONATION OF 5 BOXES OF KRAFT DINNER AND 1 CAN OF CRANBERRY SAUCE. PURCHASE THE ITEMS WITHOUT USING YOUR 5 DAY BUDGET $.

Heh, not too shabby. I could have people over for dinner tomorrow night.  That is a whole lot of KD. What will I do with the cranberry sauce? Put it over my toast? Is it good on oatmeal? It would be amazing on a chicken or turkey burger. But, that is not within my budget. I think I will try it on oatmeal. I guess, I am having oatmeal for breakfast tomorrow. Eggs for breakfast on Saturday. Kraft dinner, for dinner on Friday. LOL.  I just might squeak through this.