a small lesson in budgeting, and generosity.

Ashley came over yesterday evening. I love that girl, and we haven't been able to see each other nearly enough. (In the 5 years that we have been friends, then best friends, I have never questioned our friendship once.) Anyways, I decided before walking her home that i was bringing $10 to spend on a chocolate binge at one of the grocery stores along the way.

Once I had hugged my best friend goodbye; I find myself inside Save-on-Foods. Like steel to a magnet i am drawn to the fresh fruits and veggies.

My chocolate indulgence run, quickly became an opportunity in visual budgeting. I picked up a peach, and a red pear and happily placed them in my basket. 4 green bannanas joined the party next, and things got really lively once i picked up a couple red potatoes as well as some parsnip and an orange pepper. (those peppers are really a hoot!) I managed to find some 7 grain bread on sale, so he joined in as well. The chocolate was last to arrive, fashionably late, you might say.

I get up the the counter and my grocery party finds itself dancing on a moving, grooving big black belt. After assuring myself that the party will survive the entire trip down the belt with no disaster, I start chatting to the man in line behind me. He commended me for my heathy choices (save the chocolate) and began to talk about the BBQ he would be hosting for family the next day. Soon enough I let him in on my budgeting challenge: I had only $10 with me, not a penny more. As the cashier efficently scanned my goods the man and I watched the screen with eager anticipation to see if i had passed or if i would have to leave one of my new friends (the bread) behind.

0.66, 1.48, 1.22... all the way up until the bread was the last thing to go... Total: $10.83. Dammit, the bread would have to go.

I start telling the cashier that i'll leave the bread when the gentleman behind me hands me a dollar, and insists i take it because he believes in good karma and only good could come from his generosity. So i took it, and thanked him kindly.

I walked the entire way home smiling. What a wonderful way to end a day.