I’m writing this post in my public library. Cold, wet weather and dust, noise and chaos due to building works have driven me out of my house. The warm, light filled library allows me to dry out after being caught in the rain. A wall in my house has come down to make my kitchen bigger and open it up to the garden. In a small house it’s best for me to be out of the way. Before I left home I threw a couple of snacks into my bag along with my water bottle. Occasionally if I’m going to be out for quite some time I’ve even repaired a thermos of green tea. Snacks might be fruit, fresh dates are a favourite, or some chocolate or nuts and ginger; anything that is easy to grab and eat without ending up with messy hands. I’m not a maker of sandwiches but remember when packing a thermos and sandwich was a common thing to do.
Packing snacks and a water bottle is practically an automatic action as I think about where I am going and how long I possibly will be out. This all came to mind after a friend told me how much her son paid for a chocolate bar at our huge new and impressive looking stadium. The stadium chocolate bar was about six times more expensive than buying one at a supermarket. Both of us were stunned and couldn’t believe that he wouldn’t have packed a chocolate bar in his bag. One might be searched at the stadium entrance for alcohol or drugs but not chocolate bars. This was followed up with my builder telling me he paid almost $50 for popcorn when he took his family to the cinema. I knew from the shock in his voice that was the last time he’d buy popcorn. These are live and learn tales. Both felt ripped off and smart enough to know there were only going to be caught out once. The lesson is don’t waste money unnecessarily. You’ll need the money for more important things that gives a longer lasting benefit.
Living well on a shoestring 