12/1/12

It's great to be the Secret Santa....even if you didn't actually PLAN on it.

I had been waiting for over a week for pay day.


I had over-extended myself after putting down a  necessary deposit on my new home, paying the BILLS, child support, spousal support and discovering that money I THOUGHT might be coming back to me...wasn't. (We shan't talk about that particular never-ending, painful saga.)

I used shampoo samples, small toothpaste tubes hoarded from the dentist, cooked with things from my almost empty freezer and pantry, and used other various resourceful measures to make it to the last day of the month without asking one of my daughters (OR Mr. Darcy) to float me a loan.


I made it.



I went to the grocery store after school Friday and bought all the necessary items I had been worrying about for weeks.  I also wrote the check for $20 over, hoping to use it to put gas in my VERY empty gas tank.  I realized, before walking out the door, that I had forgotten toilet paper.


I HAD to get that.   (The tissue boxes were empty....)


I wheeled the cart around (exhausted, sore and very delirious) and made my way back to the paper section.  I went through the U-scan, and used the $20 to get the T.P.

It wasn't until today that I realized I never reached down to take my change.  I assumed I used my debi card.


But the incredible thing about that?




It brought a huge, huge smile to my face.   I realized that I was responsible for making SOMEONE feel like they had won the lottery.   I hope that the person who discovered the $17 in the  U-scan needed it.  And I hope and pray that they talked about it ALL NIGHT LONG.




Did I have the urge to run back to the supermarket today and see if they had my money?


No.



And that is what is making ME smile tonight.




Giving is incredible.   But it's even sweeter when you don't plan it, and you still enjoy it. Do it tomorrow. COME ON, it's the best gift you can give yourself....AND someone else.  










14 comments:

Brian Miller said...

that will hopefully meet the one that needed it...and you know you dont even have to worry about that...taken care of for you...cool story vm

ChiTown Girl said...

It will come back to you ten-fold!

Oh, wait, that's why Mr. Darcy came into your life, isn't it? =)

Vodka Mom said...

:-) Oh Chi- YES, I have gotten my KARMA ten-fold. I thank God every single day.....


:-) And Brian, you know you are my true love. :-)


lol

Sheila said...

That $17 could have been the sign someone needed to keep them moving through this marvel we call life. According to facebook, today is Random Act of Kindness Day...you are ahead of the game on that in SO many ways!

King of New York Hacks said...

I just posted the other day about Random Acts of Kindness and how it was a creed my mother lived by and passed on to me...Good things come around to good people, and you VM are one helluva gal..much <3 from the NYC :)

Joanie said...

Woo hoo! Sometimes you just have to let fate BE.

I'm so happy that you're at this point in your life and are rejoicing!

Mrs BC said...

What a lovely accident, and what a wonderful approach you have! Hope some Christmas karma comes back to you! xx

Formerly known as Frau said...

Way to stay positive I hope it went to someone that really needs it. You are blessed and I wish things were different money wise....if I'd only won the Power Ball you'd so be on my list. Maybe next time! Happy Weekend.

cheatymoon said...

This is exactly how I feel when similar things money-wise happen to me. I get so psyched for the person who's going to find it!

Happy December, VM - xoxoxo

Kathy at kissing the frog said...

Vodka you are such an inspiration! I love your positive attitude. Here's hoping Karma pays you back big time!

Marissa said...

What a nice surprise!
Much nicer than the guy who parked too close to my car, forcing me to crawl from the passenger side to driver's side yesterday.
I almost started to cry, because the old me could have squeezed through--the current pregnant me, not so much.

It does feel good to be able to restock like that when everything starts to get scary low--and I have found random money--it's such a great feeling (I was lucky enough to find some twice, both on sidewalks near bars at night...hmmm, wonder why?)

LindaS said...

Isn't it WONDERFUL to be able to have a mini-disaster like that NOT cause you to break down in tears, because you are so desperate?

I've been tight with money lately - both hubby and myself were unemployed for 6 months. Both are now back to working as teachers, and enjoying having money (though that once a month thing sucks).

Scope said...

When you said "change" I thought you just meant the coins! Oh well, someone is totally telling that story of their major win.

Cora said...

Well, I hope it's the extra comfy kind! $20 is a lot for toilet paper.

And I hope that $17 went to someone who could really use it.