It’s the fourth Wednesday of the month. All of you on Social Security know what I’m talking about. The eagle landed some time in the wee hours. Now it’s 5:00 am and I’m walking the one mile to the supermarket in a thunderstorm. I have no car.
I have on a knapsack and I’m carrying two plastic Costco bags. For the last nine days, Wells Fargo has shown almost a zero balance. My last purchase required 80 dimes.
And my doggie needs to eat.
Being a life long learner, none of this is lost on me. The wolf is at the door and I can smell his breath.
A paltry but unanticipated iTunes charge can wreak havoc and confusion.
I have fought a $12.00 charge for two hours on the phone. For once in my life, I know exactly where every cent is going.
There is virtually no fat in my fridge, in my bank account, or on me. I have searched for and found loose change in my business clothes, behind the washing machine and under the bed.
What celebrations have ensued.
And I have learned. To anticipate. To appreciate. To cut and cut again. To endure. To shut my mind off and be at peace with my lot in life.
I have concocted amazing dishes from almost nothing. Food combinations only a pothead could think of. Without the pot. 🙂
I can even drink black coffee now.
I am now a brutally savvy shopper. Even purchases under $5.00 require arbitration. I have learned to survive on popcorn and protein powder.
Now, on my way back from the supermarket with two full bags and an overstuffed knapsack, the skies opened to a brutal desert downpour.
It drenched everything. All my food, my clothes, my sneakers and my head. But not my spirits.
I was so wet you could barely make out my grateful tears of joy.
Please note: I welcome comments that are offensive, illogical or off-topic from readers in all states of consciousness.