Girl on the Brink: Surviving Desperate Times with Desperate Measures

Day 66 — A Lesson in Frugality

Today, my ex brought home—for the first time in the 15 years I’ve known him—jug wine. Despite our shaky finances, he still has good taste, even in jug wine. It’s a French brand, called Roche Saint something or other. I guess if I hadn’t had that last glass I would remember. Nonetheless, this gives me an [...]

Day 61 — Food Stamp Fandango

I couldn’t use my food stamps at the grocery store today. I was wearing my leather jacket, and Ted was at the checkout. In more prosperous days and when I was married, Ted once asked me if I knew of any girls he could date. He also checked me in at the polls on Election [...]

Day 52 — What’s for Dinner?

A guy driving a Horizon Food truck drove by me as I was walking down the street. He yelled, “Are you hungry?” He drove another block more before he looked out the window and yelled again, “I’m Brent. Do you like steak?” My eyes popped out like a diver who’s ascended too fast from deep water. [...]

Day 50 — What to Wear

ANN’S NOTE: A bit of shameless promotion: Stay strong and survive the recession with the essential T-Shirt that shows your support for millions of girls on the brink. Made of 100% cotton. Get yours for $13.95 at Recession Junction, our exclusive distributor. I revisited the clothes in my closet today. It reminded me of cleaning out [...]

Day 39 — Thanks, Mom

The phone rang at 9 o’clock on a Sunday morning—an 800 number and, I thought, a solicitor. I answered the phone, and the recording began: “This is an important message from Omaha Steaks. Someone must think you’re special, because they’re sending you an order of Omaha Steaks….” Gee, what a nice gesture. The gift, which I’m [...]

Day 35 — Rejection

Along with a shrinking wallet comes a shrinking bra size. A smaller cup size is an issue of concern to both sexes when it comes to second base. I should know. I’ve shrunk. I used to be a 32D, a reality I learned when my girlfriend had me professionally fitted for a bra. Stores in Santa [...]

Day 33 — Cutting Corners

When my toothbrush stopped vibrating (yes, Colgate makes this for your mouth), I knew I should get a new one. But I didn’t. Being unemployed makes you think about cutting corners. I’ve become, for instance, a kitchen beautician because I can’t afford to pay my hairdresser $90 to dye my roots. Sally’s Beauty Supply sells the [...]

Day 15 — Here Kitty, Kitty

I have a money-saving secret that would be too selfish to keep to myself. Since there is no Medicaid for animals, and maybe there should be because I’ve noticed that poor people seem to have a lot of pets, you can still spay and neuter your cat for less than the $250 a Northwest DC animal [...]