Reality rarely hits ya until you run out ...

- The warning light on the gas gauge starts flicking.
- The prison door clangs shut behind you.
- She doesn't send any more messages.
- The bank balance dips below the pocket cash level.

Thats when you go .. ah shit.

For me, its when I saw how much target charged me for ordering a microwave cart online.

29.99. What a deal, eh?

47.11. Tax. Shipping.

50 bux.

WTF?? I coulda trekked down to the Tarjay's in Daly City (I think thats the one closest to San Francisco) and spent 3 bux on bus fare.

I spent 51 bux on DVD's at Rasputin. WHAT was I thinking???? I had only intended to get one DVD. And a used one at that.

Ive been buying a lot of 7 dollar Thai food and restaurant meals lately. A lot.
In fact, i havent been to the grocery store in weeks. Ive been eating out constantly.

Ive used the ATM more often than I imagined I would.

Ok, enough.

Of course, its easy to say 'enough' when youre getting broke and payday is a long ways away... but really: Enough.

I thought I had learned my lessons. That I had planned and budgeted. Was gonna be prurient and frugal. Spend only when necessary. Learned how to live waaay under my means.

Apparently not.

The gas gauge light is flicking.