New Resolution

[kyra_ojosverdes]

At church, we have a "Tzedakah Pocket." Churchgoers are supposed to put their spare change and small bills into the little bag which hangs on the wall. The money goes directly to needy people in the Missoula community: homeless people needing a bus ticket, single parents trying to make rent, folks stranded and unable to afford car repairs, etc. There are no stipulations placed on the gift (you don't have to be a church member, hold the same beliefs, etc.). When I had my surgery, I received about $200 from the Tzedakah Pocket.

Now that I'm making decent money, every time I spend some on purely frivolous things (strippers, porn, sushi), I will place an equal amount of money in the Tzedakah pocket.

Comments

[roguespirit.livejournal.com]

That's a wonderful idea... but sushi isn't really frivolous, is it?

[kyra-ojosverdes.livejournal.com]

It is for me. I can buy food at the grocery store and prepare it at home for much, MUCH less than it costs at a restaurant. In Missoula, eating at the sushi place is much more expensive than eating at a regular restaurant... and as previously stated, eating at any restaurant is an indulgence for us. Therefore, sushi is frivolous for me, as the extra expense is all about the lovely experience, not meeting the basic need of food.

[roguespirit.livejournal.com]

Ooooooooooh.... that kind of frivolous. I'll just keep telling myself that I really need sushi. It makes me happy.

[kyra-ojosverdes.livejournal.com]

Yeah. I've been living below the poverty line so long, almost all monetary amounts are immediately converted to "units of basic needs."

A $20 lap dance equals 1.5 days of rent, or 4 days of groceries. A $50 sushi meal for myself and the kiddos equals 10 days of groceries.

[canyonwren.livejournal.com]

You know, I was going to make a joke about strippers being frivolous, but after reading your breakdown, I see how seriously you take this. And it's a good thing. I should start donating something of my income, too. I've rather wanted to for a while, but haven't settled on exactly what.

At least this year, for Christmas, I should have the cash to donate a bunch of toys, the way I've been wanting to for years. I never have reasons to buy toys, and I think it's fun. Especially all the science-based learning kits that I loved as a kid (rock tumblers and chemistry sets, and whatnot).

[kyra-ojosverdes.livejournal.com]

I haven't been able to buy my kids Christmas presents since 1999. I have been incredibly grateful to folks who have donated toys.

[roguespirit.livejournal.com]

Every year that I've been financially able to, I've "adopted" a child in need from a Christmas tree in the mall... and cried the whole time I was shopping. And everytime I've handed the presents in, when asked how much I spent so that I could get a receipt for the tax write off, I always say "I don't know and it doesn't matter."

[kyra-ojosverdes.livejournal.com]

Bless you, a thousand times over. :-)

Ach! Vat are ve going to do vit dis Closet Yid? Yes?

[shmuelisms.livejournal.com]

I have always thought you were "good people" dear, and you've done it again. Go you.

But it's not fair giving a link to such a thorough explanation.
Doesn't leave me anything to add :-( <Pout>

I do try to give 10% of my earnings, and told the rabbi I'd fund a specific library purchase with 10% of this lump sum I have "left over", now that I have a job. (Yay Job). While I was unemployed, I never had to actually request anything, but for a month or two, we did receive a care-package every weekend (of veggies and a frozen chicken). I really can't resist someone holding their hand out to me, and have no idea of how much coinage a "loose" this way.

Shmuel,
Speaker To Heathens

Re: Ach! Vat are ve going to do vit dis Closet Yid? Yes?

[kyra-ojosverdes.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I cut back when I realized I was giving 20% of my income to the church. I figure anyone who has less than me needs it more than me... so I give it to them!