The Morning After The Night Before (November 11, 2011)

I awaken this morning with a heavy heart.  There are a number of reasons for this . . .

#1 Remembrance Day - Both Mrs. Poverty Guy and I have grandfathers who were in the military at the time of WWII.  Unfortunately, these "great wars" were not to end all wars . . . and men and women today continue to lay down their lives for their countries and freedom.  While one can argue the necessity of these wars or whether there were other alternatives, one can never doubt the bravery and selflessness of those in the military who risk their lives for the good of others.  It is that same selflessness that can end poverty . . . but the fact we have people dying in war and in poverty can weigh heavy, especially on days like today.

#2 Farewell to Bob - A friend with whom my family has shared various feasts (Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving) and who we have held near and dear to our hearts for a number of years is moving across the country to be close to his family.  He will be missed, but our loss is their gain.  Bob has such a huge heart for others that people in his new community will be blessed immensely by him.  In fact, Mrs. Poverty Guy asked me to give two hugs to Bob for her when I saw him last night at his farewell dinner.  "Why two?" I asked.  "Because one hug is never enough for Bob," she responded.  She's right.

#3 Financial Hangover - While I did enjoy a lovely pint last night, it wasn't an alcoholic hangover I was suffering from this morning.  More of an financial one.  While it was a no-brainer to attend the farewell dinner for our friend, Bob, last night; things like that are really tough on the wallet when one has limited means.  I had a delightful Cajun chicken burger and fries along with my beer, and an absolutely superb time.  However, waking up to $21.27 debt this morning was sobering indeed ( . . . that's about 10% of my available funds this month!).   But, as mentioned, I would do it again in a heartbeat . . . albeit from a heavy heart.

Not to worry though, I'm not going to become some glum chum.  (. . . see what I did there?)  Even in times of having a heavy heart, we are able to be grateful for what we have.  I'm grateful for my family and having friends.  I'm grateful for those who give of themselves for the welfare of others.  I'm grateful for a good time last night and the opportunity to do a lot of walking in the days to come.

For what are you grateful?

Please note . . . I will be leaving tonight to help lead a youth retreat as part of my work and returning Sunday.  For that reason, the report below covers yesterday through tomorrow (inclusive).  You will note that there is no income for tomorrow since I am away and all of my needs will be provided for.  My next blog will be on Monday November 14th.

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Phase II - Struggles of the Working Poor Daily Report
Day 10 - 12 (November 10^th - 12^th)

Weight at Beginning of Project:  233 lbs
Weight at End of Phase One:  216 lbs
Weight at Start of Phase Two: 221 lbs
Weight at Start of Today:  216 lbs

Available Funds:   $0.00 (leftover) + $9.00 (Nov 10) + $7.00 (Nov 11) + $0.00 (Nov 12) = $16.00
Funds Spent Today:  $37.27 ($7.77 loan repayment + $22.50 evening out + $7.00 Grocery)
Remaining Funds:   $0.00 (see New Loan)

New Loan:  $21.27 (Nov 10)
Previous Loan Due Today (Nov 10): $7.77 (original loan amount - $13.95)
Loan Payment:   $7.77
Outstanding Loan: $21.27 @ 1.5% per day . . .  $22.24 due on Day 13

Items Purchased:   2 Apples, 1 Loaf Bread, ½ Dozen Eggs, Ripple Chips (for football game), 2 Noodle Soups

Free Stuff:  Nil

Gas Purchased* & Remaining:  $0.00 (i.e. 0.00 litres @ $1.129 per litre . . . 0.0 km @ 10 km/litre) + 0.49 litres (gas remaining) = 0.49 litres (4.9 km)
Driving Today:  0 km (i.e. 0.0 litres)
Gas Remaining:  0.49 litres (i.e. 4.9 km)

*Will not include any fuel or driving related to work that is paid for by work.

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Hey!!  I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

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