I would be lying if I said I wasn't happy the week is done. I had heartburn last night. Moreover, I really haven't had the energy levels that I am used to, particularly when I was midweek and midday. I am also quite surprised I made it without busting the $10 allowance. I was fully planning on using that when I needed/wanted to. The temptation is so great to buy more than I needed. To eat more than I needed. "For a week" I kept saying. "only for a week". But what if I changed the "week" to "indefinitely"?
Where to from here? BAck to my old habits. I like being very middle class...And what about poverty? Well, I can really imagine how the quality of life doesn't change until about double the poverty line according to some think tanks. And it IS about quality.
I was only hungry once or twice in a day. I had many cravings, but most of them were for types of food, not just food. It was good knowing security. But I imagine if I had that taken away, my stress level would have shot through the roof. Reading DeParles depiction of the three womens' lives in The American Dream during this experiences was difficult. Many times I had to stop and say "you've got to be kidding..." or "were these kids ever NOT hungry?"
Now that I am through, I can say that I really enjoyed this experience. There were parts where I was asking myself if I should just cave and eat what I want. Spend what I want. But then I asked if Jewel, Opal, and Angie had that option. What if my future clients do not have that option? Millions right now do not have that option.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Lynsey, my girlfriend, made dinner last night. Some turkey sausage with onion, and two colors of peppers. I had a small plate...Sausage 65 cents, green pepper 25 cents, red pepper 60 cents, onion, 20 cents, and some rice $25. about $1.95. There goes that DQ I was going to treat myself to.
I am spent for the week (within cents) and I have plenty for the rest of the day, though not exactly choice products. No biggie.
Honestly, I can say this challenge has been fun. Lots of cravings and lots of practice saying "no", but fun. I enjoyed counting the dollars and cents and paying attention to how and where my money was going. I enjoyed talking to people about the challenge, even if often they just looked at me in as if questioning why I would ever do such a thing, then give me the obligatory "that is cool..." line.
The process helped me question my own ability to purchase food and other things in my life. Most of my experience and thoughts fell within the confines of how I look and practice my own life, but obviously there were some bigger picture questions to answer. Twenty one dollars a week to eat is the reality for many people. Carol Gilbert stated in an article in 2007 that critics questioned a 4 billion increase in the SNAP program, 1/3 of what the Iraq war cost every three months at that time...I can't imagine total "defense" spending...which I believe could be a policy and values jumping off point.
Policy...I understand the apprehension of providing more monies to these types of programs but living in poverty can not be something one can understand unless they are there there themselves. This was my best attempt yet and I know it has made me re-think my own behaviors and values.
I am spent for the week (within cents) and I have plenty for the rest of the day, though not exactly choice products. No biggie.
Honestly, I can say this challenge has been fun. Lots of cravings and lots of practice saying "no", but fun. I enjoyed counting the dollars and cents and paying attention to how and where my money was going. I enjoyed talking to people about the challenge, even if often they just looked at me in as if questioning why I would ever do such a thing, then give me the obligatory "that is cool..." line.
The process helped me question my own ability to purchase food and other things in my life. Most of my experience and thoughts fell within the confines of how I look and practice my own life, but obviously there were some bigger picture questions to answer. Twenty one dollars a week to eat is the reality for many people. Carol Gilbert stated in an article in 2007 that critics questioned a 4 billion increase in the SNAP program, 1/3 of what the Iraq war cost every three months at that time...I can't imagine total "defense" spending...which I believe could be a policy and values jumping off point.
Policy...I understand the apprehension of providing more monies to these types of programs but living in poverty can not be something one can understand unless they are there there themselves. This was my best attempt yet and I know it has made me re-think my own behaviors and values.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Weekends...
THe last couple of days has been pretty busy. I continued with my meal plan and had nachos one night and some vege chili I bought on sale. So far, so good. I am craving some more fresh veges though.
I went camping last night and had some pasta. In the morning I ate some left over packets of oatmeal I had and my last banana. I have to add about 50 cents for the oatmeal to my tab. I also had a granola bar on my hike this morning (another 35 cents) and then a couple of PBJ sandwiches. Earlier in the week I had an egg (20 cents). I am at about $19 and only have one more day to go! I will make it without going to the store again, but can't exactly eat my appetites worth, just what is necessary. I still have plenty of cereal though which is good, so cereal for breakfast maybe, just maybe I will have enough for a DQ cone to end my long week!
I really think that this challenge has been interesting. i have been hungry more often, but have only really been eating what I need. And, I am always thinking about budgeting, which is easy to get complacent about when you have the means to buy what you want for food.
The other thing that really stuck out for me in this challenge is identifying the many costs of life and how stressful it must be when it is not just your food that one thinks about, but also transportation, cost of maintenance of household, other consumables, all while purchasing other "identity" type items liek clothes or hobbie goods.
Just some thoughts. I'll write my last entry tomorrow.
I went camping last night and had some pasta. In the morning I ate some left over packets of oatmeal I had and my last banana. I have to add about 50 cents for the oatmeal to my tab. I also had a granola bar on my hike this morning (another 35 cents) and then a couple of PBJ sandwiches. Earlier in the week I had an egg (20 cents). I am at about $19 and only have one more day to go! I will make it without going to the store again, but can't exactly eat my appetites worth, just what is necessary. I still have plenty of cereal though which is good, so cereal for breakfast maybe, just maybe I will have enough for a DQ cone to end my long week!
I really think that this challenge has been interesting. i have been hungry more often, but have only really been eating what I need. And, I am always thinking about budgeting, which is easy to get complacent about when you have the means to buy what you want for food.
The other thing that really stuck out for me in this challenge is identifying the many costs of life and how stressful it must be when it is not just your food that one thinks about, but also transportation, cost of maintenance of household, other consumables, all while purchasing other "identity" type items liek clothes or hobbie goods.
Just some thoughts. I'll write my last entry tomorrow.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Broken everything
Living on 21 bucks a week isn't easy but completely doable. But what about living on 21 dollars a week and then having your toilet, waterheater and a window break all within 24 hours? So the window I can do without for right now...but hot water and the ability to flush are things I use everyday. I'm not fond of cold showers or stinky bathrooms.
It got me thinking about the costs of EVERYTHING. Anything we own has a maintenance or replacement cost. Now, I know that most in poverty do not own their own houses. Instead they rent. And their landlords are supposed to take care of such things. But I understand what is supposed to happen does not always happen. Instead, landlords often ignore or negelct their properties and their clients, and perhaps aren't too far off the poverty lines themselves.
But besides the necessary shelter wear and tear, what about everything else? How about the car? Angie in the American Dream car problems and cost her her job. Our public transit system and infrastructure is so poor that without a car, you're nearly always out of luck on a job. Personal transportation is almost a necessity in most parts of the country. So, if something goes wrong with your 1992 Chevy and you do not have the capacity to fix it, you're hosed... I can't imagine that stress....
It got me thinking about the costs of EVERYTHING. Anything we own has a maintenance or replacement cost. Now, I know that most in poverty do not own their own houses. Instead they rent. And their landlords are supposed to take care of such things. But I understand what is supposed to happen does not always happen. Instead, landlords often ignore or negelct their properties and their clients, and perhaps aren't too far off the poverty lines themselves.
But besides the necessary shelter wear and tear, what about everything else? How about the car? Angie in the American Dream car problems and cost her her job. Our public transit system and infrastructure is so poor that without a car, you're nearly always out of luck on a job. Personal transportation is almost a necessity in most parts of the country. So, if something goes wrong with your 1992 Chevy and you do not have the capacity to fix it, you're hosed... I can't imagine that stress....
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Beef Ravioli for dinner and breakfast
Yesterdays dinner, a can of "Great Value" Beef Ravioli, was disappointing. I didn't eat but a third of the can to make sure I had enough to eat for later and the taste was pure tomatoes. I had some wheat bread with it which helped balance the taste. But beyond that, the meal left me wanting. I had the desire to hit the pantry and fridge all night long. When I laid down for bed, up came the acid reflux. I don't usually have acid reflux unless I severely overeat (like on Turkey day or Xmas) so dealing with it this morning wasn't pleasant. I wonder if after tasting beef ravioli all night that I will be able to eat the pasta for a second night.
So, If I had to evaluate this experience so far, I would say that it is not easy. It isn't easy to plan or budget, but it also isn't easy to have high sugar, high fat, bland or over flavored foods in my diet. It simply isn't enjoyable. And what's worse is that I feel a bit dragged down this morning. My calorie intake was much lower than normal yesterday and I am certain I am not meeting nutritional recommendations. No wonder I feel like I have less energy. If there was a day I craved coffee, it is this morning.
If this stays up, up wonder if my productivity will decline. Mind over matter right now. I have the motivation to do this, but I can understand why some people don't "fee like working" like Opal. When life does what it did to her, or when you don't actually have the energy cuz you feel bad, I think I get it...maybe I am being presumptuous...just tryting to free write.
So, If I had to evaluate this experience so far, I would say that it is not easy. It isn't easy to plan or budget, but it also isn't easy to have high sugar, high fat, bland or over flavored foods in my diet. It simply isn't enjoyable. And what's worse is that I feel a bit dragged down this morning. My calorie intake was much lower than normal yesterday and I am certain I am not meeting nutritional recommendations. No wonder I feel like I have less energy. If there was a day I craved coffee, it is this morning.
If this stays up, up wonder if my productivity will decline. Mind over matter right now. I have the motivation to do this, but I can understand why some people don't "fee like working" like Opal. When life does what it did to her, or when you don't actually have the energy cuz you feel bad, I think I get it...maybe I am being presumptuous...just tryting to free write.
Monday, September 27, 2010
I am hungry.
I am certain I am going to lose some weight over this week. This isn't good. My calories are going to need to be restricted and my nutrient intake levels are lower than I would like. I don't need to lose any weight and I do not necessarily want to lose any muscle mass, which is bound to happen if I keep this up.
Other than that, I am finding that I am not enjoying the foods I bought as much as I anticipated. I enjoy wholesome foods but don't like sodium all that much. Ramen has tons of it (which is what I had for lunch). The sugar was overwhelming in my cereal this morning.
I am still motivated, however. Especially after telling others what I am doing. Some coworkers saw me eating the ramen for lunch and asked me why and pointing out that was a bit contradictory to my daily lessons for my students. it felt good to explain. It affirmed my own motivations.
Other than that, I am finding that I am not enjoying the foods I bought as much as I anticipated. I enjoy wholesome foods but don't like sodium all that much. Ramen has tons of it (which is what I had for lunch). The sugar was overwhelming in my cereal this morning.
I am still motivated, however. Especially after telling others what I am doing. Some coworkers saw me eating the ramen for lunch and asked me why and pointing out that was a bit contradictory to my daily lessons for my students. it felt good to explain. It affirmed my own motivations.
Inaugural meal
Last night I went shopping and did not enjoy the process. Experiencing the dissonance caused by using a shopping strategy polar to my own was not easy. Values and priorities...all I could think about was values and priorities. As stated in an earlier post, I love healthy, organic foods. When I walk through the store and pick up items to look at them, I first look at the nutrient label, then the ingredient list, then the price. I nearly always ask the questions "Is this nutritious and wholesome?", "Is this organic?", "Does this have high fructose corn syrup (sodium, fat, cholesterol)?".
The only question I asked myself this time was "Will this keep me under $21" and "how many meals will this give me". I grew anxious over the course of the shopping trip, worrying about my health. I imagined a child or two in my family and thought, how could I possibly give them the nutrition they need? My entire value system can not be upheld on this amount of money per week.
I came out of the Wal-Mart and Dollar Store spending $18.39....I am not sure I am going to make it through the week on the food I brought home unless I eat far less and (...side note: my girlfriend just asked if she could have one of my bananas and I said no...that didn't feel good...I can't even be generous) or break the challenge rules.
The only question I asked myself this time was "Will this keep me under $21" and "how many meals will this give me". I grew anxious over the course of the shopping trip, worrying about my health. I imagined a child or two in my family and thought, how could I possibly give them the nutrition they need? My entire value system can not be upheld on this amount of money per week.
I came out of the Wal-Mart and Dollar Store spending $18.39....I am not sure I am going to make it through the week on the food I brought home unless I eat far less and (...side note: my girlfriend just asked if she could have one of my bananas and I said no...that didn't feel good...I can't even be generous) or break the challenge rules.
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