Day 1

My first hit of reality for the start of my day is quite startling, but silly: shower products. I've taken Bradley's collection of hotel soaps, shower gels, shampoos and conditioners to the Fellowship Centre over the last couple of years. Just by coincidence I happen to have similar items from a recent trip...they were in a bag for me to take to the FC last week so for the sake of the challenge I'm going to assume that I went and asked for a couple back! Same with toothpaste. Dental companies are still sending us boxes of trial size toothpastes which I also take to the FC. I happen to have one at home and will try to stretch it as far as possible. Years ago we bought 'disposable' (read: cheap) toothbrushes at a flea market, in a strip of 12 brushes for $1!! And guess what...I still have a few of those. Maybe I should debit my challenge allowance $ for that?

But back to the reality of these shower items. While I'm using a hotel shampoo I'm looking at my array of products on the shelf. I don't fuss with my hair but I use good quality products: shampoo, conditioner and a curl creator. That curl creator costs two-days'-worth of my budget! And shower gel. So before I get dressed I have typically used products which initially cost me $50! Granted they last a couple of months but when I consider that it would use up almost a week's allowance to buy them, that doesn't leave a lot left over for food. I haven't even gotten to the face cream, body moisturizer and deodorant, cologne and even my limited cosmetics...

Then there's My Cat. As I'm doling out her arthritis medication hidden in her Fancy Feast treat and adding her protein supplement to her dry food, I'm realizing that if I were really on assistance none of this would be possible. Add in daily hairball remover, dry cat treats, flushable litter plus vet visits and it would price my feline friend right out of my life! I've lived alone for three years and Mocha has been an incredible comfort to me and there's no doubt that I'm healthier for having shared two of those years with this fat old cat. If I were on assistance I would think the same Cat Comfort would apply because of my limited outings and entertainment, yet I would have to forfeit that comfort because of cost. How do true “Cat Ladies” manage??

I told you that my first hit of reality was silly things: shower items and My Cat. But all very important to me. And I haven't even had breakfast. I settled for half an english muffin with margarine (yuk) and a glass of OJ. It helps that I'm counting on a really good lunch. This is the monthly Seniors' lunch at Lakeside and it's potluck. I rsvp'd that I'd be there but I need a ride and won't be bringing food! And they'll still make me welcome...