One Week on food stamps completed... these are my confessions

I have reached the end of the 7th day of living on a $30 budget for one week. I have a good amount of food left, but not enough to make actual nutritious meals. I have learned a lot throughout this week that I hope to carry through my shopping, cooking, and consuming decisions moving forward. 

What I am going to do do now that my week on Food Stamps is over? I am going to go out to dinner with my boyfriend Dave, and  I am GOING TO DISNEY WORLD! But really, I am, I am going to the Disney Marathon for work in one day, visiting the happiest place on earth feels like an odd way to end this week.

But first, I must confess, for I have sinned.... not everything this week was by the books, I used some flexibility to the best of my judgement. If I were to visit confession (which I probable wouldn't because I am a Jew), this would be my list:

What is left of from the challenge!

- Jolly Rancher was in my desk at work, I made him my victim
- Gum in my car was fair game
- Sprinkle of Parm Cheese (it was in the fridge near the condiments, so I categorized it as one)
- Tea
- Vitamins/medicine
- I put some no calorie flavoring that I had in my house in my water
- I was 'offered scotch' on Saturday night, I figured this was like a date, so I accepted graciously
- Dave bought me a tootsie roll and offered me a few sips of hot chocolate
- I was a Coffee Ninja, and found it where ever I could, work, Dave's parents....
- At Dave's parents I had an ice tea and Hershey kiss candy
- I used sweeteners and common kitchen items like salt, pepper, garlic salt. I tried to not go to crazy with these extras but used some mustard and mayo in my tuna one night, and a dollop of dressing on my chickpeas. I did however resist reaching for the sour cream all week, I know that is expensive and not necessarily a kitchen staple.
None Food 'Cheating':
-I drove to the grocery store, I should have taken public transportation
-I am very lucky that I live near a cheap grocery store

I am not super religious anymore. I celebrate holidays because I like to be around family and friends, and to gather and to enjoy different seasons of the year. However, when I used to run with Back on My Feet, we would start each run with the Serenity Prayer, a prayer known by many who go through AA. I really do feel touched by the Serenity Prayer, so will end the blog with these words.

God grant me the serenity  to accept the things I cannot change;  courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

Thank you for reading.