Harum-Scarum

Sometimes I challenge myself to do things that even my own person wouldn’t intend to do or given a chance, will still refuse to take up on regardless of the consequences. I know that I cannot possibly read The Brothers Karamazov in one sitting but insist that I shall in one week at most, and I did it. I gave up smoking for a year, and I did it. So what if it’s only for a year; the important thing was knowing that I can do it. It never was about the end product; I put on these little challenges to gauge my focus towards attaining something. But nothing spectacular yet like run a marathon or scuba dive; I’m way too lazy and cheap to do them. Besides, I don’t need society’s validation that I can do these things.

So I have decided not to withdraw cash and try to live a 5-day working week with money that is left in my wallet: P300 in bills and spare change. I don’t know if I have the adequate cash to get by or if I could, for Pete’s sake, survive the days without spending. But I think I can do it. Cocky much you say? One, I don’t need to spend money to go to work; I’d walk. Or if I decide to go places, it’s imperative to walk and save the cash. Two, food is not a problem because I had provisions. Although scarce and it looks like I’d starve for four days, I think I can manage. Three, I don’t feel the need to shop and charge purchases, given the circumstances.

It looks like I can come out of this challenge with positive results. I know I can. I’d keep you posted of the progress.

DAILY NOTES/REPORTS
DAY 1: Need not to buy food because mother packed lunch, dinner, and love to keep me going for a day. (Aww…). I strolled along downtown Manila after work. Never intended to force myself into the temptation but just how painfully great it was to know that, SM is on a sale! Bought fag, crackers, and instant juice drink. Total budget: P360.25 Money spent: P55.75

DAY 2: Returned to boring oatmeal breakfast. I really should set my mind that this food is DELICIOUS! Skipping lunch is a wise decision because one of the Assistant Secretaries is treating us for meryenda. Budget left: P304.50 Money spent: P0.00

DAY 3: Unscheduled dine out. This pains me. Budget left: P304.50 Money spent: P150.00

DAY 4: Vowed not to spend on anything, even on food. One day left. ONE. I can do this. Or not. Bought sanitary napkin but no, I didn’t eat it. Budget left: P154.50 Money spent: P25.00

DAY 5: I’m going home to Laguna, famished but satisfied. I have adequate money left for transportation (LRT 2 from Legarda to Araneta Cubao is P13.00 while to Laguna, P115.00). Budget left: P129.50 Money spent: P128.00