Life and food

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It's only Day 2, and already my daily routine has been quite literally shaken up by the challenge. As a student in the research phase of my PhD, my work days are largely self-regulated and involve a great deal of work on the computer. Since wifi is not the most reliable in South Africa (the outdoor cable set up by my provider has now been stolen twice in the past year), I often head to a cafe at some point in the day to work. These outings provide a nice break up to my day to help keep me motivated. So what does one do when one can order neither food nor drink?

One stays home to work and thinks often about food.

It also hinders my ability to be out with friends. We would normally meet for a coffee or drink, or one of us might host dinner. These activities too must stop. A good friend in Calgary who has decided to take the challenge silently in order to experience it with me noted in a message this morning that he has had to turn down an invite to an Indian-food gathering on Friday. Welcome my dear friend to the loneliness of rationing.

Today I had an excuse to be out. I had an appointment to service my car, which I use to travel out to near and remote communities for my research a few times a week. While I enjoyed the escape to a new venue at which to work, I was taunted by the "free" coffee provided at the side table. I had to remind myself that if I was truly living under the line, I would not be able to afford the R1,500 cost to service my vehicle, and would therefore not be in an establishment with seemingly free coffee.

Alas, the tea from the day-old teabag that accompanied this morning's oatmeal and half-banana breakfast will have to suffice for the day.

Over and out.