Well, with the end of Day 2 approaching, that means I only have 5 more days left drinking horrible coffee. Is that selfish? This is good training for an even worse economic climate or a social upheaval. I like to think I can live a life without dependence on substances–sugar, coffee, smokes, alcohol; things that don’t elevate ones consciousness.

So, the coffee isn’t all that horrible, but for an expert barista and coffee snob, it’s bad.

The food, however, is pretty decimg_2165.JPGent.

I think some of our challenges are psychological. Knowing we can’t have things makes us crave them even more. Apparently, we snack a lot in the day, something to be more intentional about in the future. We decided nuts would have been a good investment, but then again, nuts are expensive. We really could have used a grocery/health food store with good bulk. Then we could have purchased small amounts of many different grains, falafel, hummus mixes and created more variety in our meals.

For hunger pains today we made a batch of popcorn in the hot air popper. A good investment at $20–requires no oil and doesn’t spike the gas/electricity bill as high as the stove top method. I felt famished around 7:30.  We took the kid to the Christmas parade and tree lighting. The aromas from all the restaurants almost rendered our resolve useless. But we conquered our cravings to duck in the local brewery.

Something interesting here.  Our original plan for today, from last week, was to invite the family over for a big chili dinner and then attend the parade together. We canceled because chili for others wasn’t in our budget. Also, D’s friend wanted to buy us a meal, or donate food to our cause. It would have been a great night to go out, I’ve been waiting to meet this particular family since August, and we had all the kids with us. The rules of the FSC state that you can’t accept freebies. Not even enticing, free coffee at the office or an innocent potluck.

Aren’t poor people resourceful? And social? Don’t people supplement food stamps with food banks? If I actually had a $84 budget for the month–you can bet I would be attending art openings, potlucks, soupkitchens and cruising Whole Foods for samples. Perhaps the logistics of social events are harder for low income families to manage?

Maybe the rules were put in place to prevent Congressmen from relying on their fancy luncheons, brunches and catered dinners?

Today I spent more money on the dogs food than I did for my weekly budget. Chocolate would top the night off nicely, along with some wine, but it is good for the spirit to go without. Sacrifice for awareness.

Day 2 meals
Breakfast
Oatmeal. No fruit like usual. Just ginger, cinnamon and clove spices.

Lunch
Hefty salad with cucumber, lentils from last night, carrots, cheese, and onion

Snack
Popcorn with soy sauce sprayed on (pump bottle)

Dinner
Cheese and sauteed spinach, garlic, onion and olive (condiment) quesadillas
Side dish lentils and rice from last night

See, that’s still better eats than millions of people will have. Give thanks!