And the Adventure Begins...Living on Two Dollars a Day: Day 1

After the very first day of the Two Dollar Challenge, I have already done things I would never in a million years have imagined doing. What's more - I thought nothing of doing some of those things. As somebody who typically goes through 2 mini bottles of Purell a week, I can honestly say I didn't think twice of dumpster diving for cardboard boxes and even for leftover salads. I've gone into an entirely different mindset for this challenge – at the end of the day, there would be no shelter and possibly not enough food if ridiculous aversions to getting sweaty and dirty are not pushed to the side.

However, I do still think this will be my hardest challenge this week – I’m not quite sure what to do with 5 days without a shower. I have already bought travel-sized deodorant and a small box of baking soda (which apparently you can doeverything with…brushing teeth, mouthwash, sprinkling in hair, placing in shoes..who knew!?) so I will try to remain somewhat hygienic, not to mention generous to all my friends and coworkers who have to be in close contact with me by the end of the week.

Unfortunately, I have been unable to stay in the shelter yet, although I did help construct it. I’m housesitting for two nights, which I almost think is more difficult – it’s not pleasant having to walk by a basket full of easter candy several times a day, push aside toothpaste to use my baking soda, or forego the coffeemaker waiting for me. However, I’m already realizing how much more grateful I will be for these simple things after the challenge comes to a close.

Another thing I had vastly underrated- readily available water. Boiling water and waiting for it to cool has been more of a challenge than I ever would have estimated, as I learned the hard way by going without any water for nearly 10 hours, then doing work outside. This first day I succumbed to the begging rule; before I went into my shift at my internship, I paid a short visit to the Wawa right next door. Not only did I beg for water right after a man in front of me bought half a gallon, but I even asked the clerk to open a can of peas for me – I had purchased one yesterday without thinking, then realized hours later that I didn’t have a can opener I could use! After a bit of confusion and some strange looks, she took the can back to another worker near the sandwiches, and I now have an opened can of peas. Needless to say, the experience has been incredibly humbling and I am still shaken up by the whole process of begging (successfully nonetheless). Additionally, having already started tiring of my 5-lb bag of potatoes and peas, I also purchased some ramen after getting a ride from a poor girl trying to find a parking spot. I never exactly thought I’d look to Ramen for flavor..