Lessons from the Working Poor (January 30, 2012)

I've been doing a little looking in the mirror and reflecting as the second 3-month phase of That Poverty Project comes to a close after tomorrow.  As I experienced a small taste of the "Struggles of the Working Poor" there's certainly been  good share of difficulties (see Living On The Edge . . . Double Standards? . . . Cruel & Unusual Punishment), but right now I want to focus on the positive things that those who "have enough" may benefit from incorporating into their lives.  I believe learning is always a two-way street . . . others may learn from us but we can always learn from others.


Important Disclaimer:  The following lessons learned can only really be appreciated when one has the choice to implement them or not, and they only really become benefits when able to be adopted in the context of having enough.  Perhaps those in working poor situations can take solace in knowing there are some benefits in their lifestyle, but the fact remains that with these "benefits" comes a whole lot of hardship.  For one in poverty the following items are, at most, a silver lining to a gargantuan black cloud.


Lesson #1 - With less clutter and temptations barraging us daily it's easier to identify the truly important things in life.  Choices, affluence, and an excess of opportunities are wonderful.  However, they also create busy-ness and can fill our lives to the point of being unable to remember what is truly important.  During these last three months, I have missed eating the same meals as my family and, therefore, made every effort to eat at the same time even if we were not eating the same thing.  I've also really appreciated taking walks with my wife more than I ever have before.  Sharing time together is so important, and it really doesn't matter if it is doing something new or fancy.

Lesson #2 - We can live with less . . . it saves money and reduces our impact on the environment.  If we have the means, we can spend a lot of our time . . . well . . . spending.  Buying the latest gadget and "keeping up with the Joneses" can be fun, but at the end of the day it's really not necessary.  Nor is it that fulfilling as you just keep wanting more once the novelty of the latest purchase wears off.  Of course, living with less, i.e. more simply, we not only end up saving money but our reduced consumption also lessens our environmental footprint.  This, in turn, may result in you being better able to help someone else and contributes to everyone having enough.

Lesson #3 - A simplified diet means less bother and less wastage.  Remember the old television shows that reflected days gone by when families had set menus . . . meatloaf on Wednesday, fish on Friday, etc.  There's something to that, but maybe not what you think.  Yes, such gets predictable and is less exciting than a continuously changing menu.  However, I've found that having the same things over and over . . . (i) simplifies shopping and one learns very quickly the exact quantities needed; (ii) I found out exactly how much to cook which resulted in less wastage (a.k.a. NONE); and (iii) it is easier to track what needs to be bought and clutter doesn't accumulate in the pantry.  Very little goes bad or turns into a science experiment in the back of the fridge.

ADDED BONUS - In addition to the above lessons, I personally received a very welcome added bonus.  Over the last several years, I've suffered regularly from a chronic eye condition involving a painful dry skin rash.  During this recent phase of the project, this condition has completely disappeared!  I'd always suspected that the condition was some sort of food allergy, but was never able to successfully isolate the culprits. (Yes, there's more than one.)  Prior to this phase of the project, I knew that Clamato juice caused it to flare up, and I learned at New Year's that certain dry cider does the same.  However, since I have those things rarely, and the rash still acts up regularly, it had to be something else, too.  Knowing all the things I have eaten during the last three months that have not caused a flare-up, I hope to better identify things that affect me as my diet changes in the days ahead.

I am grateful for these lessons.  I hope the situation for all of those who are working poor improves so that they no longer live in dire circumstances, and that they can have the choice to retain positives such as these from their lifestyle.  Of course, such CAN happen . . . we just have to collectively make it a priority to fix our system so that everyone can have enough.

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Phase II - Struggles of the Working Poor Daily Report
Day 85 - 91 (January 24^th – January 30^th)

Weight at Beginning of Project:  233 lbs
Weight at End of Phase One:  216 lbs
Weight at Start of Phase Two: 221 lbs
Weight at Start of Today:  216 lbs

Available Funds:   $9.19 (leftover) + $6.00 (Jan 24) + $11.00 (Jan 25) + $9.00 (Jan 26) + $7.50 (Jan 27) + $7.00 (Jan 28) + $10.00 (Jan 29) + $9.00 (Jan 30) = $68.69
Funds Spent Today:  $24.85 (Purchases) + $15.94 (Loan Repayment) = $40.79
Remaining Funds:   $27.90

New Loan:  $0.00
Loan Payment Due Today: $0.00
Loan Payment:   $15.94
Outstanding Loan: $15.88 as at Jan 23^rd (originally $50.00 Loan on Jan 3, $15.00 principal remaining) @ 3% per month = $15.94 Owing as at Jan 27^th - $15.94 loan payment = $0.00 owing as a Jan 27^th . . . full re-payment due January 31^st (or earlier)

Items Purchased:   $10 Gas, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Potatoes, 6-Pack of Beer  

Free Stuff:   Brunch at Church, Leftovers from a Casserole (Church Brunch), Hot Cider at Meeting, Slice of Pizza from Friend

Gas Purchased* & Remaining:  $10.00 (i.e. 9.02 litres @ $1.109 per litre . . . 90.2 km @ 10 km/litre) + 3.33 litres (gas remaining) = 12.35 litres (123.5 km)
Driving Today:  60.0 km (i.e. 6.00 litres)
Gas Remaining:  6.35 litres (i.e. 63.5 km)

*Will not include any fuel or driving related to work that is paid for by work.

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Hey!! I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

Click Here to See WHAT YOU CAN DO

Click Here to Sign . . . A Declaration to World Leaders

I'm S.A.D. . . . And My Oilers Suck (January 26, 2012)

With my apologies to the Edmonton
Oilers, the greatest team of all-time,
but it's how I feel.  Literally.

I'm sad.  My favourite hockey team, the Edmonton Oilers, have really sucked in the last few years.  I think the two conditions may be related.  And, it's not what you think.

Now, when I say I'm sad, I don't mean in the conventional sense but rather sad because of S.A.D.  S.A.D. can make one feel sad, but for different reasons than normal.  It's because of the season.  Not the hockey season, which can make one feel sad if you're an Oilers fan recently, but rather the "season" season.  Winter.  Shortened days.  Less sunlight.  It affects some of us in bad ways.

S.A.D. stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder.  It affects some people in winter when the days get shorter and results in depression like symptoms.  These symptoms include decreased energy, fatigue, tendency to oversleep, difficulty concentrating, avoidance of social situations, and anxiety and despair.  Quoting the Canadian Mental Health Association's website - "It may affect (a S.A.D. sufferer's) personal and professional lives, and seriously limit their potential."  In other words, it prevents sufferers from functioning normally, and it can be debilitating.  The number of people affected by S.A.D. increases the further north you travel in the northern hemisphere (and, presumably, the further south you travel in the southern hemisphere) since it seems to flourish in places where days get substantially shorter during the winter months of the year.  In Canada, studies show that 2% - 3% of the population fall into full blown S.A.D. depression while another 15% of the population suffer a less severe, related form of the condition often called the "winter blues".  For more information about S.A.D. you can click here to check out the CMHA website.

Treatment for S.A.D. is similar to treatment for any other type of depression.  The key is often anti-depressants, talk therapy, and exercise.  (By the way, it really peeves me that exercise can help . . . do you have any idea how difficult it is to do exercise when you're suffering from symptoms that include decreased energy and fatigue?!?  Just saying.)  However, there are a few additional treatments for S.A.D. that have also proven to help.  Light therapy has shown to be quite effective in that during some of the dark hours of the day it simulates daylight.  Related to this, trips to warmer climates where there are more daylight hours have also been successful in bringing relief to symptoms . . . but, unfortunately, the symptoms often recur as soon as the person returns home.  And I learned a new one today . . . eating fish.  Studies have shown a strange anomaly in that the occurrence of S.A.D. in Iceland and Japan is substantially lower than one would anticipate.  While it could be genetics, some believe it is a result of their high fish diet that provides lots of Vitamin D and DHA (docosahexanoic acid), both of which help curb depression.

"So," you ask, "What do the Edmonton Oilers have to do with this?"  Really?  You need to ask?  I thought it would be obvious.  Okay, I'll explain.  My hypothesis is that the roster of the Edmonton Oilers over the last few years has had a disproportionately high number of players that are susceptible to S.A.D.  Think about it.  Edmonton is the northern most team in the National Hockey League, and if they had by some strange quirk a higher than average number of players who suffer from S.A.D. then their performance would be adversely affected by it.  To back this hypothesis up, I have numbers from the last 3 seasons (October 2009 through to January 2012).  In the games played between December 14th and January 31st each of these years, which I find to be the hardest with respect to my S.A.D. each year, the Oilers were 9 (W) - 44 (L) - 7 (OTL) for a total production of 20.8% of the total points possible.  In contrast, for all the other games over these 3 seasons, the Oilers have a record of 61 (W) - 74 (L) - 18 (OTL) . . . a total production of 45.7% of the total points possible.    I recognize that their record at any time of the year is nothing to write home about, but it has been mid-December to the end of January that has been absolutely killing them.  It's S.A.D.

(Yes, I know that the above is a stretch.  And, I know that there are many other reasons the Oilers may suck right now . . . lack of comparative skill, young team, needing a couple of big defencemen, etc. . . . and that given the amount they exercise and travel south they should be less likely to suffer from S.A.D. . . . but please don't burst my bubble.  For some reason it gives me comfort to think the cause of their "suckiness" is physiological.  Oh . . . and the irony also doesn't elude me that I post this blog on the 51st birthday of the greatest Oiler, and the greatest player of all time, Wayne Gretzky.  Happy Birthday Gretz!)

"But Poverty Guy," you say venturing to ask another question despite being shot down with your earlier one, "What does S.A.D. have to do with those in poverty?  S.A.D. can affect anyone of any socio-economic circumstance."  Aaah, yes . . . now there's a good question.  You've redeemed yourself.  S.A.D. absolutely can affect anyone of any background equally (well, unless you're from Iceland or Japan, then it seems you may have dodged a bullet) BUT it doesn't effect them equally.  For those in poverty, they often are not able to access those things that can help.  Anti-depressants are often not accessible due to high cost and no benefit plan.  Talk therapy can be accessed at little or no cost through many mental health agencies, but the stigma associated with mental health keeps two out of every three people seeking the help they need.  Light therapy . . . often not accessible to someone who doesn't have enough money for food . . . or electricity.  Fish . . . ditto.  Trips to the south . . . dream on.  And, I venture to guess that those suffering hard from S.A.D. and don't get treatment may not ultimately be as successful as those who do not suffer from S.A.D., and therefore a higher occurrence amongst the lower income.  I might be wrong in that last point, but in my mind it stands to reason.

So, in summary, I take great solace in knowing that, for me and those like me, the season will pass.  And, in this case, I mean both winter and the hockey season.

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IMPORTANT - CMHA (Edmonton) provides these wonderful tips if you know someone suffering from S.A.D.:

Things to Do to Help Someone Suffering from SAD

1. Understand the problem. Recognize that this is a real problem even though the person affected looks normal.

2. Just be there. Don’t feel you have to do anything specific, your presence and company will be experienced as soothing and helpful.

3. Encourage the person with SAD. Remind the person this is a passing phase, that he or she has not always felt this way and will feel better again.

4. Help with simple things. Even doing shopping can feel like a huge chore to the depressed person. Offers to help out will be greatly appreciated.

Things to Avoid

1. Don’t judge and criticize. The person with SAD is already feeling bad about not functioning up to his or her normal standards, and about letting everyone down.

2. Don’t take the person’s withdrawal personally. Do not assume the person is mad at you or uninterested in being friends with you.

3. Don’t assume that it is your responsibility to make the person feel fine. It is not likely to work, and you will probably end up feeling frustrated and irritated at your failure.

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Hey!!  I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

Click Here to See WHAT YOU CAN DO.

Click Here to Sign . . . A Declaration to World Leaders.

You Said It Best (January 23, 2012)

The absolutely most appreciated correspondence I receive is from those in poverty situations who are offering encouragement and gratitude.  It's humbling and fuels my drive to do more.  It also means I'm on the mark.

Just a few days ago, the following communication landed in my e-mail box.  The situation described is heart wrenching, and I can hear the writer's frustration at the hand she and her family have been dealt.  Further, she is absolutely correct that people land in poverty situations often by no fault of their own. (see Really . . . What Does IT Look Like?)  It happened to them, it could happen to me, and it could happen to you.  The thing is that in this abundant world, we should be making it a priority that it doesn't happen to anyone.

Please give Shandi's letter a read . . . and more importantly please give it some thought and let her message sink in and affect how you see the world.

******

To That Poverty Project:

I wanted to send you a thank you from my family for what you are doing.


We, unfortunately, have been doing the same thing but not by choice as you are. To have someone bring awareness to the fact that there are people worldwide that are having what would be classified "hard times" is refreshing.


Since August my family and I have been homeless and living on very little, but we are still making it work.  Just to let you know, the whole story is my husband and I were hit by a drunk driver that was under insured. Our local state agency in Idaho, USA said that they were there to help and then placed liens on the insurance money and all of our property. When we were unable to repay what they stated they had paid on our behalf they took all the insurance money, our home and our car to repay them. All of this happened because of the choice one person made that affected our life and we had no choice. Our choices were taken away on that night. Now, because of that choice, my husband is permanently disabled and I have to take care of him so I am not able to work.

One thing that I may have missed is . . . have you addressed the different local so-called “helping” agencies? I know from personal experience that they do need to be put in check. I have tried on many different occasions to get help for my family.  I have been told that the agency would help but would take my child away from me; or that they would help but even though I have no money to clean myself up I have to go look for a job looking like a homeless person because that is what I am. I know it doesn't sound like a big issue but when you look like a homeless person, in all honesty, who is going to hire you? Trust me I have tried and there is not anyone. Now I know that this may sound like a pity party and that I am looking for sympathy but that is not what I am wanting. I just like to have someone take a look at the different circumstances that have caused people to be in the situations that they are in, and not just the fact that they are there.


It seems that you have the attention of many so maybe you can bring awareness to the cause of the different situations for these groups of people. Not everyone is poor, homeless, or living in poverty because they were born there or because they made poor choices. Some people are forcibly put on the street or into poverty because of the choices someone else made that they had no control over. Yes, I feel horrible for those people that are in the situation of not having enough food or shelter and for those living in 3rd world countries that do not have the proper anything for life. Please do not take this to be belittling in any way to what others are going through, but there are those people everywhere that have had other peoples choices cause them to be in these deplorable conditions.

Once again thank you for bringing awareness to the bulk of this matter you work will help many. 

Shandi

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Phase II - Struggles of the Working Poor Daily Report
Day 81 - 84 (January 20^th – January 23^rd)

Weight at Beginning of Project:  233 lbs
Weight at End of Phase One:  216 lbs
Weight at Start of Phase Two: 221 lbs
Weight at Start of Today:  217 lbs

Available Funds:   $15.34 (leftover) + $8.50 (Jan 20) + $6.00 (Jan 21) + $9.00 (Jan 22) + $9.00 (Jan 23) = $47.84
Funds Spent Today:  $28.65 (Purchases) + $10.00 (Loan Repayment) = $38.65
Remaining Funds:   $9.19

New Loan:  $0.00
Loan Payment Due Today: $0.00
Loan Payment:   $10.00
Outstanding Loan: $25.78 as at Jan 19th (originally $50.00 Loan on Jan 3, $25.00 principal remaining) @ 3% per month = $25.88 Owing as at Jan 23^rd - $10.00 loan payment = $15.88 owing as a Jan 23^rd . . . full re-payment due January 31^st (or earlier)

Items Purchased:   $5 Gas, 6 Bananas, 6 Apples, 2 Pork Butt Steaks (Big Sale!), Bunch of Green Onions, 0.15 kg JuJubes, 0.3 kg Peanuts, 5 lb Bag of Potatoes, Dozen Eggs, 4 Noodle Soups  

Free Stuff:   Nil

Gas Purchased* & Remaining:  $5.00 (i.e. 4.51 litres @ $1.109 per litre . . . 45.1 km @ 10 km/litre) + 2.02 litres (gas remaining) = 6.53 litres (65.3 km)
Driving Today:  32.0 km (i.e. 3.20 litres)
Gas Remaining:  3.33 litres (i.e. 33.3 km)

*Will not include any fuel or driving related to work that is paid for by work.

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Hey!!  I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

Click Here to See WHAT YOU CAN DO

Click Here to Sign . . . A Declaration to World Leaders

Mrs. Poverty Guy Speaks Out About Utilities

Hey there!  That Poverty Guy has been burning the candle at both ends preparing for a presentation, and since I have something that has been going through my mind, I asked if the Missus could post a blog today.  Please don’t expect the wonderful calibre of wit and wisdom that my Poverty Guy husband brings to this blog.  The words are just begging to come out and I would love to hear what you think about “utilities”. 

Mrs. Poverty Guy has soooo much money that she
can just let the tap run wide open.  NOT!

Just over a week ago, I read in our local newspaper that our water rates are going to increase 8%.  I don’t know about you, but I hate these dreaded additions to my household budget.  Where is that extra money supposed to come from when you are on a fixed income with next to nothing for extras?  Does it magically appear as the need arises?  If you happen to have that ‘money-fairy’ working on your block . . . please, please send her my way.  You see, last fall, my hours at work were reduced because of education cutbacks.  I am making less this year than last.  No extra to cover inflation, new user fees or increases in utilities. 

There's no doubt in my mind that these things affect real people like you and me.  In mere seconds names pour forth of others I know who are also uncomfortably affected by these unavoidable expenditures....colleagues, seniors, single moms, and those dealing with illness or disability.   One of my co-workers already has two extra jobs just trying to make ends meet.   With admiration, I remember the ‘omigosh, I wish I had that kind of energy’ senior who has been recognized by the mayor for her ongoing volunteer efforts.   These aren’t people planning their annual trip to Mexico, that’s for sure.  And they certainly aren’t deadbeats – you know, the ones people usually picture when they don’t want to admit that there are good, decent citizens who live in poverty.  The only way to accommodate an 8% increase is to go with less.  (. . . assuming that stealing your neighbour’s water is not an attractive option.)

Admittedly, I might be missing something.  Perhaps there's an automatic yearly increase given to those on a fixed income or who are below the poverty line.  You know, something that will cover that 8% hike in our water rates?  Now, guessing that this doesn’t exist . . . why shouldn’t it?  What a fantastic idea! Fill out a form and, voila, the offensive affront to your budget is someone else’s responsibility.  That Poverty Guy just recently posted about an  EI program that perhaps could be suspended freeing up millions of dollars.  Let’s have the government cover the costs or provide an exemption.   Simple.    I cannot imagine how there is any fairness in asking me, or a single mom, or a senior, to have to pinch our water usage when there are CEO’s who have already made my yearly salary 5 times over by January 21^st.   It makes me laugh even imagining such an executive having to entertain the thought of reducing their personal water consumption in order to make ends meet. 

I am serious about a program to assist in these circumstances.  Why shouldn’t it be a reality?  What do you think?

Hopefully,

The Missus

The Great Twitter Exchange (January 19, 2012)

There's a dark side and a light side to social media and the internet as a whole.  Everyone is all too familiar with the dark side . . . trolls, drive by Twitter attacks, stalking, loss of privacy or identity, hacking, viruses, etc.  However, I want to draw attention to the light side, and especially a recent exchange that I had on Twitter.

When thinking of the positives that arise through social media and the internet, one can easily point to sharing of humour that brightens people's day as well as being able to access and distribute a plethora of information on any given topic.  But there's something even better than that.  At least I think so.  The shrinking of the world so that strangers from different spots on the Earth can exchange ideas in real time.

Communication is absolutely central to That Poverty Project.  It's all about sharing information about poverty in order to create better awareness about the greatest issue facing the world today.  Accordingly, I'm on the internet all the time and constantly "plugged in" to social media, especially Twitter and Facebook.  Out in cyberspace I find kindred spirits who share my concern as well as those who believe I am a waste of good oxygen.  (Yes, it gets that bad.)  Quite frequently, I find myself engaged in passionate discussions with people I've never met.  

Yesterday I was involved in a Twitter exchange that was one of my favourite discussions to date.  It involved an honest exchange of ideas; and, while we didn't necessarily see eye to eye on all issues, we remained civil and respectful to one another.  The following is the transcipt of the exchange:

That Poverty Guy (TPG):  "A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history." ~ Gandhi

Other Fellow (OF):  Agreed. Spirits like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, etc whose determination changes the world, improves productivity & creates jobs.

TPG:  :)  Yes . . . and Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela . . . there's many examples.

OF:  Well, those examples will NOT remove poverty unfortunately; Production, economic growth creates jobs that eliminates poverty.

TPG:  Poverty is complex. Jobs are important. Employed can still be impoverished. Need rights, education. And some can't work.

OF:  Agreed. What is not complex is the fact that rule-based Capitalism (not crony capitalism) has lifted millions out of poverty.

TPG:  (multiple tweets) Agreed. Job creation is a good thing. However, it's not the be all and end all. Some also suffer under the system.  Your original point was about jobs being the key to ending poverty, and  my point is that is just one aspect. What about seniors, disabled, income inequality, etc. Need big picture plan.

OF:  Big picture plan starts with a robust economy that allows Govt. to have tax receipts necessary to help seniors, disabled etc.

TPG:  We have the resources now. It's just a matter of priorities. Spending money servicing the problem instead of fixing it.

OF:  Yes we have the resources to help people in the advanced economies of the world;Most poverty is in Asia, Africa & S. America.

TPG:  Yes, but we have those resources, too. It costs only fraction of what we spend on military worldwide.

OF:  We have provided a lot of aid $$ to Africa,& it has clearly not worked;I'm ALL for HELPING; I just don't think handouts work.

TPG:  Handouts only work in emergency. Most aid is not handout anymore. Only 0.7% GDP of top donor countries will meet MDG's.

OF:  My point is that years of aid $ has NOT worked! Why is that?Aid $ will NEVER work unless countries initiate Economic reforms.

TPG:  Patience. Some things have not worked but now a lot of things are. Just need more. Nations must meet their commitments.

OF:  If changes are made, FINE; But doing the same thing we have been doing for decades and expecting different results is INSANITY.

TPG:  Agreed. Many changes are already happening. We must also have patience. Sustainable development is a process.

OF:  Agree with each of your points: changes, patience, sustainable development. We have total agreement here!!

TPG:  Well then I guess all that is left to say is . . . Have a great day and thanks for the discussion!

OF:  Thank you for the discussion; poverty is the worst indignity a man can suffer and we agree that it can and will be removed.

Be respectful. 
Share ideas with one another without fear or defensiveness. 
Remain open to learning and adjusting your ideas accordingly. 
And, above all, treat others as you wish to be treated. 

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Phase II - Struggles of the Working Poor Daily Report
Day 79 - 80 (January 18^th – January 19^th)

Weight at Beginning of Project:  233 lbs
Weight at End of Phase One:  216 lbs
Weight at Start of Phase Two: 221 lbs
Weight at Start of Today:  217 lbs

Available Funds:   $1.11 (leftover) + $7.50 (Jan 18) + $10.50 (Jan 19) = $19.11
Funds Spent Today:  $3.77 (Purchases)
Remaining Funds:   $15.34

New Loan:  $0.00
Loan Payment Due Today: $0.00
Loan Payment:   $0.00
Outstanding Loan: $25.73 as at Jan 17th (originally $50.00 Loan on Jan 3, $25.00 principal remaining) @ 3% per month = $25.78 Owing as at Jan 19^th . . . full re-payment due January 31^st (or earlier)

Items Purchased:   Breakfast at A & W (used coupon)

Free Stuff:   Nil

Gas Purchased* & Remaining:  $0.00 (i.e. 0.0 litres @ $1.109 per litre . . . 0.0 km @ 10 km/litre) + 3.62 litres (gas remaining) = 3.62 litres (36.2 km)
Driving Today:  16.0 km (i.e. 1.60 litres)
Gas Remaining:  2.02 litres (i.e. 20.2 km)

*Will not include any fuel or driving related to work that is paid for by work.

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Hey!!  I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

Click Here to See WHAT YOU CAN DO.

Click Here to Sign . . . A Declaration to World Leaders

The Poor Are People, Too (January 17, 2012)

Yeah, I've been known to buy potato chips, jujubes, and the occasional 6-pack or bottle of cheap wine.  So what? Want to make something of it?!?  Huh . . . DO YA!?!

I'm sorry if I'm being a little bit defensive.  The fact is that I have had some remorse in using my precious dollars to buy these things, and so I'm sensitive to being questioned about them.  That said, buying these things served an important purpose for me.  So, despite some second thoughts, I will likely do it again.  Here's the thing . . . brace yourself as it may come as a shock . . . I'm human.  There, I've said it . . . the truth is out.

Okay, I jest.  But, seriously, I believe a double standard is applied to those living in poverty compared to others.  I've touched on this before (. . . Double Standards? . . . Not All Bad Is NOT All Good . . .) but now I want to dive into the emotion behind these actions that give rise to the double standard situations. 

Recently I was having an extremely challenging day.  I hadn't slept well.  I was feeling a little down.  I was worried about a few things (okay . . . everything).  It was really freaking cold weather and I couldn't even go for a decent walk.  And, alas, I began feeling a little sorry for myself.  In that state of mind, I yearned for some comfort . . . a break from the drudgery of the day.  I decided that I was going to treat myself to some wine, some chips, and the makings for some onion dip.  Sitting on my shoulder, my conscience whispered in my ear, "That's not the best use of your money."  So I finger flicked the little fella from his perch, grabbed my keys and cash, and went to the store.  I didn't care if it was smart or not, I needed it.

It's entirely possible that somebody at the store recognized me as That Poverty Guy and made a disparaging judgement about me.  Perhaps something like, "Yeah, right.  He sure has it tough. Not!"  On several occasions people have reminded me of the people in "poverty" they have seen buying fancy food with food stamps, or collecting social services while wearing a fur coat, or living high on the hog while panhandling all day.   They share these stories with me as evidence of why poverty is not so bad or how the poor abuse the system.  Without a doubt, some people will abuse the system but the truth is most do not.  More importantly, we have no idea what is going on for another person.  We can't judge them.  We can't think that we would act any differently unless we have experienced what they have.

Sure, I could beat myself up for indulging myself in a moment of weakness just like the guy standing in line behind might have.  However, we all fall subject to temptation.  We all make an impulse purchase, or speak without thinking, or get ourselves in over our heads in some manner from time to time.   Does that mean we should all be judged by others?  I don't think so.

The poor are people, too.  Those in poverty will try to indulge themselves just like anyone else.  Those in poverty will have tough days (perhaps more than most people) and yearn for some comfort.  Those in poverty will make some bad choices based upon emotions just like we all do.  Yet it doesn't mean that they don't need a helping hand to get on their feet again and protection for their basic human rights.  Unless we cut others some slack, we cannot expect others to cut us some slack.  It's only fair.

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Phase II - Struggles of the Working Poor Daily Report
Day 76 - 78 (January 15^th – January 17^th)

Weight at Beginning of Project:  233 lbs
Weight at End of Phase One:  216 lbs
Weight at Start of Phase Two: 221 lbs
Weight at Start of Today:  217 lbs

Available Funds:   $10.20 (leftover) + $7.50 (Jan 15) + $8.00 (Jan 16) + $7.50 (Jan 17) = $33.20
Funds Spent Today:  $32.09 (Purchases)
Remaining Funds:   $1.11

New Loan:  $0.00
Loan Payment Due Today: $0.00
Loan Payment:   $25.00
Outstanding Loan: $25.65 as at Jan 14th (originally $50.00 Loan on Jan 3) @ 3% per month = $25.73 Owing as at Jan 17^th . . . full re-payment due January 31^st (or earlier)

Items Purchased:   $3 Gas, 2 Hot Ciders, Ranch Dressing, Bag of Potato Chips, Half Dozen Eggs, 6 Bananas, 3 Small Tomatoes, 6 Apples, Bottle of Cheap Red Wine

Free Stuff:   Nil

Gas Purchased* & Remaining:  $3.00 (i.e. 2.71 litres @ $1.109 per litre . . . 27.1 km @ 10 km/litre) + 3.14 litres (gas remaining) = 5.85 litres (58.5 km)
Driving Today:  22.3 km (i.e. 2.23 litres)
Gas Remaining:  3.62 litres (i.e. 36.2 km)

*Will not include any fuel or driving related to work that is paid for by work.

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Hey!!  I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

Click Here to See WHAT YOU CAN DO

Click Here to Sign . . . A Declaration to World Leaders

A Hairy Ordeal (January 14, 2012)

Through both of the first two phases of That Poverty Project, my experience has been quite literally a hairy ordeal.  Very hairy in fact!

I had long-ish hair to start with.  However, not being able to afford haircuts during my time in the tent or my time with a very limited budget has taken it to a new level.  Currently, my bangs are the longest they've been in my entire life.  Seriously . . . it's even longer than when I had my mid-80's perm.  (Don't judge me . . . it looked good with my big glasses and pastel Miami Vice inspired clothes.)

I've also been unable to shave given the cost of razor blades.  While in the tent, my beard just grew and grew unencumbered.  After my time in the tent was over, I trimmed my beard back but decided to keep it in order to avoid growing it from scratch again when this phase began.  That said, I have tried to keep it under control by trimming it regularly while being on a limited budget.

Given the above, two things have been driving me crazy. 

While the length of my hair doesn't bother me at all, keeping it under control . . . out of my eyes . . . out of my mouth . . . out of my food is quite another story.  Accordingly, near the beginning of this phase I invested in some really cheap, but incredibly strong, hair gel.  Unfortunately, it held so well that when my hands or a brush went into my hair it stuck so well that it pulled painfully, and often a number of hair follicles gave their life for the effort.  So, a couple of days ago I invested in better hair products.  They are working SO MUCH BETTER!

I know, I know.  There's going to be some of you asking . . . why don't I just cut my hair right off or wear it really short?  You can just stop that noise right there!  Not going to happen.   I've invested too much time growing it out, and I have a sneaky suspicion that I have a weird shaped skull. (Thus, the reason I was blessed with a full head of hair!) Then, others will question spending money on hair products when budget is limited.  I have to admit I was in that camp as well, but the bother caused by my hair flying around or getting stuck in my face or being pulled out broke down my defences.

The second thing getting on my nerves is my beard.  I had a beard for 10 years of my life and never did it cause me the itching and bother as it is currently.  At least I don't remember it doing so.  Any way, I'm counting down the days until it comes off.  February 1st is shave day.

Yeah, yeah . . . a whole blog posting on my hair issues.  Trivial, I know.  But how many of you give any thought or hesitation to doing something with your hair when it is driving you nuts.  I would guess, the vast majority of people don't have to.  If it gets too long, get it cut.  If the beard itches, shave it off.  However, things that are trivial for most can still become a subject of thought, deliberation, and cost assessment when your means are limited.  And, if the trivial things are real issues, then just imagine how much bigger non-trivial items are to deal with.  Just saying.

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Phase II - Struggles of the Working Poor Daily Report
Day 73 - 75 (January 12^th – January 14^th)

Weight at Beginning of Project:  233 lbs
Weight at End of Phase One:  216 lbs
Weight at Start of Phase Two: 221 lbs
Weight at Start of Today:  217 lbs

Available Funds:   $33.15 (leftover) + $8.00 (Jan 12) + $9.00 (Jan 13) + $6.00 (Jan 14) = $56.15
Funds Spent Today:  $20.95 (Purchases) + $25.00 (Loan Repayment)
Remaining Funds:   $10.20

New Loan:  $0.00
Loan Payment Due Today: $0.00
Loan Payment:   $25.00
Outstanding Loan: $50.65 as at Jan 14th (originally $50.00 on Jan 3) @ 3% per month (non-compounding) - $25.00 (loan payment) = $25.65 Owing as at Jan 14^th . . . full re-payment due January 31^st (or earlier)

Items Purchased:   $5 Gas, Bag of Generic Potato Chips, Hair Products

Free Stuff:   Dinner at Friends

Gas Purchased* & Remaining:  $5.00 (i.e. 4.51 litres @ $1.109 per litre . . . 45.1 km @ 10 km/litre) + 1.26 litres (gas remaining) = 5.77 litres (57.7 km)
Driving Today:  26.3 km (i.e. 2.63 litres)
Gas Remaining:  3.14 litres (i.e. 31.4 km)

*Will not include any fuel or driving related to work that is paid for by work.

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Hey!! I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

Click Here to See WHAT YOU CAN DO

Click Here to Sign . . . A Declaration to World Leaders

How Is Poverty Measured?

The World Bank produced this short video as an educational aid explaining how we quantify poverty.  While a really high level simplistic look at measuring a multi-faceted issue, this video reminds us of the disparity in the world and the fact that we have the tools to define the problem. 

More importantly, our world has the resources and know-how to address the problem.  There's a big "IF" though.  We can only properly address the problem, and eliminate poverty, IF we make it a priority to do so.  It starts with recognizing there is a problem and we have the ability to remedy the situation.  Then we must collectively take action.  Each of us has a role to play in raising our voice in support of action being taken.

Hey!!  I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

Click Here to See WHAT YOU CAN DO

Click Here to Sign . . . A Declaration to World Leaders

What Is A Living Wage?

Poverty is a complex issue.  While it CAN be eradicated, there are many faces of poverty and a variety of causes.  That said, there are certain big pieces of the puzzle that are essential parts of the overall solution.  Among other things, these include universal education, adequate health care, access to clean water and adequate sanitation, food security (including investing in agriculture, especially the small rural farmer in the developing world), and employment opportunities with a LIVING WAGE.

"What is a LIVING WAGE?"  Thanks for asking!  The following video produced by Point Blank Creative provides an excellent overview of this critical component in the fight against poverty that is taking hold and gathering momentum in Canada, USA, and around the world.

Find out more at www.livingwageforfamilies.ca.

Hey!! I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

Click Here to See WHAT YOU CAN DO

Click Here to Sign . . . A Declaration to World Leaders

Utterly Useless (January 11, 2012)

NOTE TO READER: The following was written in a temporary yet intense moment of frustration at being unable to provide sufficient help to someone in desperate need.  So please take with a grain of salt. It's important to know that these moments happen, and that they come from caring.  The key is to not close off the compassion because of moments of frustration, but to channel that energy to improving our world.

This photo is a visual representation of my
frustration at only being able to scratch the surface
of a much bigger need. 

Knock. Knock.

Who's there?

Utterly useless.

Utterly useless . . . who?

ME . . . that's who!

That's how I felt yesterday when a couple in great need walked into the church, and I wasn't able to do anything for them other than surface level band aid fixes.  And, it's not just this isolated incident because I've felt this way before when someone comes for help and I can't really do much for them.  And, it's not that I expect to be able to help everybody but rather it's a feeling of impotence in circumstances where I see suffering.  And, I recognize that it's also not solely my or society's responsibility, it's the person in need as well . . . but they are often feeling utterly useless, too.

Every person in need has their own story.  As for the couple that came into the church yesterday, their story was heart wrenching.  Well, it wrenched my heart anyway.  They're both unemployed, and one of them is on disability.  They come from a rough neighbourhood, and found themselves in the midst of a local conflict.  A few days ago some people broke into where they were staying . . . he caught a crowbar with his temple, she received boots to the face, and they escaped with the clothes on their back while their place was destroyed.  For the last few nights they've slept outside, but now the weather has turned cold.  They have no identification, no money, no food, and no place to stay. 

Sure, their story may be fabricated and they may have had a greater role to play in their plight than they are letting on.  All I know is their bruises were certainly real and they looked like death warmed over.  Their smell was real, too.  I have no doubt that somewhere along the road they made some poor choices.  I know this because (a) we all make poor choices from time to time; (b) having talked with them for an hour I got the real sense that she suffered from fetal alcohol syndrome; and (c) neither of them were the sharpest knives in the drawer.  But so what?!?  What does it matter if their story is not 100% true or if they were authors of their own demise?  Does that mean that they should be sentenced to homelessness and starvation?  Even hardened criminals get a roof over their heads and a proper diet provided for them. (For more on this line of thought see "Cruel & Unusual Punishment".)

All I could do was spot them $10 to buy something to eat, make sure they had an appointment with the local agency who could potentially hook them up with temporary accommodation and food coupons, give them a ride to get some food, and then drop them at the local agency.  Some will say that I did more than I had to, or at least more than most would.  However, I had no doubt that this couple was in the midst of personal tragedy, and my efforts paled in comparison to the need.  It could be that eight hours later they would be hungry again and sleeping outside if they were not successful getting the help they need from the local agency.  The husband was really concerned that their lack of identification and the fact they were a visible minority from a rough neighbourhood would prevent them from getting the help they needed.  Shaking his head as we were driving he commented, almost to himself, "I'm not a bad person.  Just in a bad situation."

It is because of the number of different stories resulting in poverty and the fact the average person is not equipped to deal with most of them that we need to have a collective strategy to deal with poverty.  We need better government and professional involvement in order to properly address the various faces of poverty.  We need enhanced legislative support to ensure things like living wages and protection of rights.  We need coordination of efforts by organizations equipped to address the variety of needs involved.  We need to make poverty eradication a priority in order to get to the root causes, and not just be satisfied with band aid treatment of symptoms. 

Nobody . . . not those in need . . . not you or I trying to help . . . should ever feel utterly useless.  Let's unite and support the changes necessary so it doesn't happen any more.

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Phase II - Struggles of the Working Poor Daily Report
Day 71 - 72 (January 10^th – January 11^th)

Weight at Beginning of Project:  233 lbs
Weight at End of Phase One:  216 lbs
Weight at Start of Phase Two: 221 lbs
Weight at Start of Today:  218 lbs

Available Funds:   $30.85 (leftover) + $5.00 (Jan 10) + $9.00 (Jan 11) = $44.85
Funds Spent Today:  $11.70
Remaining Funds:   $33.15

New Loan:  $0.00 (Jan 3)
Loan Payment Due Today: $0.00
Loan Payment:   $0.00
Outstanding Loan: $50.00 (originally $50.00 on Jan 3) @ 3% per month (non-compounding) = $50.50  Owing as at Jan 11^th . . . full re-payment due January 31^st (or earlier)

Items Purchased:   Sesame Snack (from health store), $10 Given to Couple in Need

Free Stuff:   Nil

Gas Purchased* & Remaining:  $0.00 (i.e. 0.00 litres @ $1.109 per litre . . . 0.0 km @ 10 km/litre) + 3.16 litres (gas remaining) = 3.16 litres (31.6 km)
Driving Today:  19.0 km (i.e. 1.90 litres)
Gas Remaining:  1.26 litres (i.e. 12.6 km)

*Will not include any fuel or driving related to work that is paid for by work.

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Hey!!  I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

Click Here to See WHAT YOU CAN DO

Click Here to Sign . . . A Declaration to World Leaders

Belly Up To The Bin

If there's one thing I've learned so far in this phase of That Poverty Project (i.e. "Struggles of the Working Poor") it's DON'T WASTE FOOD!!

Especially when dollars are precious, wasting food is simply throwing money away.  Accordingly, unless completely unavoidable I consume everything edible that I buy.  Nothing goes to waste.  I seem to recall my grandparents having the same philosophy . . . "Waste not, want not!"  If I heard that once, I heard it a thousand times from my Grandpa.  Of course, he supported a large family as a farmer during the Great Depression.  In other words, he was trained well to respect both money and food.

Sometime between then and now, values in the developed world have changed significantly.  We've decided that food that looks anything less than perfect is no good.  We've decided that it's better to err on the side of wasting food by having too much than turn a customer away at the grocery store or restaurant.  We've decided that food waste is acceptable.

"WHAT?!?" We didn't decide any of those things?  Then why is it "roughly one third of the food produced in the world for human consumption every year — approximately 1.3 billion tonnes — gets lost or wasted"?  Why is it that per capita waste by consumers in Europe and North America is 95 - 115 kg per year (that's over 200 lbs of food per person!) while per capita waste by consumers in Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia is only 6 - 11 kg per year?  Is their food just lighter?   (Stats from Food & Agriculture Organization of the UN Study) 

I came across the following video trailer for a documentary film from 2009 called "Dive" that chronicles the new and growing phenomena of dumpster diving for food.  It's less than 3-minutes long but will open your eyes to a whole new world.

Seriously, this is a huge issue and it's out of control.  How can we tolerate having almost a BILLION people hungry in the world and yet have enough to feed them in our collective trash cans?  Besides being the direct link with those who don't have enough food, this waste also affects all of us in the price we pay for food.  And, as is the norm, the vulnerable and most financially challenged are the hardest hit.  The map below shows the percentage of income spent on food in various parts of the world.

Each of us can do our part to reduce our own waste by buying only what we need.  Then, we can also advocate with our grocery stores and local restaurants to encourage them to reduce their waste, or encourage them to utilize their waste for some beneficial purpose.  And, last but certainly not least, we can lobby our elected officials to make hunger alleviation a top priority at home and abroad.


Hey!!  I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

Click Here to See WHAT YOU CAN DO

Click Here to Sign . . . A Declaration to World Leaders

Deafening Noise (January 9, 2012)

I was recently asked what I'd say if meeting with a CEO about poverty alleviation and then asked, "Okay . . . who do I make the cheque out to?"  I actually surprised myself by my response.

At first I thought to let the CEO know that she could write the cheque to whatever poverty cause resonated most with her heart.  There are certainly many, many worthwhile potential recipients who are battling poverty close to home (addressing homelessness, lunch programs in schools, seniors in need, people with disabilities, First Nation programs, etc.) OR abroad (combating hunger, clean water, AIDS orphans, micro-finance and rural agriculture initiatives, universal education, etc.).  However, what ultimately came out of my mouth shocked me, and in doing so also helped me re-focus my efforts in That Poverty Project.

"Keep your cheque . . . I want your participation."  And then I elaborated, "I want to provide a letter writing workshop for your thousand employees to ask their elected officials to make poverty elimination at home and abroad a top priority.  I want you to tell your friends at the country club to get their companies involved, too.  I want you to use your resources to help others think differently about poverty.  I want your voice . . . not your money." 

I don't mean to discount giving to any number of the wonderful charitable organizations.  Donations to those organizations are appreciated and typically used well to improve the lives of people.  Similarly, I don't want to discourage anyone from volunteering their time or talents to help others.  However, if you could do only one thing, I would encourage you raise your voice.  Let it be known amongst your family, friends, co-workers, and our leaders that poverty anywhere is simply unacceptable in a world of abundance such as ours.  Poverty eradication is a numbers game . . . we need more people involved.

Poverty eradication starts with changing our thinking.  We must open our eyes to see that we live in a world of abundance, not scarcity.  We must recognize that in order to ensure our own human rights, we need to protect the rights of others.  We must treat others as we ourselves would want to be treated.  We must fix our system so that it doesn't merely treat the symptoms of poverty, but rather eliminates or prevents the causes.  We must not be afraid of change, but rather recognize that change can actually save us money while improving the lives of everyone.  We need to say we've had enough of people not having enough.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu summed it up nicely when he said . . .

"If everyone who wants to see an end to poverty, hunger and suffering speaks out, then the noise will be deafening."

Enough of us raising our voices won't be able to be ignored.  It will bring about the change needed for billions of people in satisfying their basic human rights.  It will eradicate poverty.

Click Here to See WHAT YOU CAN DO

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Phase II - Struggles of the Working Poor Daily Report
Day 67 - 70 (January 6^th – January 9^th)

Weight at Beginning of Project:  233 lbs
Weight at End of Phase One:  216 lbs
Weight at Start of Phase Two: 221 lbs
Weight at Start of Today:  218 lbs

Available Funds:   $45.13 (leftover) + $9.00 (Jan 6) + $6.00 (Jan 7) + $8.00 (Jan 8) + $0.00 (Jan 9) = $68.13
Funds Spent Today:  $37.28
Remaining Funds:   $30.85

New Loan:  $0.00 (Jan 3)
Loan Payment Due Today: $0.00
Loan Payment:   $0.00
Outstanding Loan: $50.00 (originally $50.00 on Jan 3) @ 3% per month (non-compounding) = $50.30  Owing as at Jan 9^th . . . re-payment due January 31^st (or earlier)

Items Purchased:   $5 Gas, 6 Bananas, 3 Roma Tomatoes, Bag of Chips, Pack of Onion Soup, Sour Cream, 6-Pack Beer, Prescription Meds (amount not covered by insurance)

Free Stuff:   Leftovers from Men’s Breakfast (sausage loaf, mushrooms), Cup of Hot Cider (went for “coffee” with a friend), Invited for Chinese Food Dinner

Gas Purchased* & Remaining:  $5.00 (i.e. 4.51 litres @ $1.109 per litre . . . 45.1 km @ 10 km/litre) + 2.15 litres (gas remaining) = 6.66 litres (66.6 km)
Driving Today:  35.0 km (i.e. 3.50 litres)
Gas Remaining:  3.16 litres (i.e. 31.6 km)

*Will not include any fuel or driving related to work that is paid for by work.

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Hey!!  I'm That Poverty Guy . . . let's make a world of difference together.

Click Here to Sign . . . A Declaration to World Leaders