I'm on a trip right now. I know, I know... I'm not supposed to afford anything. But, I've been wheeling and dealing and trading services for the conference fee, hotel room etc. The only thing left for me to really buy at this point is my food. Good news is that breakfast is included. Bad news, lunch and dinner are not.

Before leaving, I took some of the money my mother in law gave me and bought my trip supplies, including little snack packs etc. This way, I don't have to pay anything for lunch here. So, I took them to lunch today and felt bad that I brought my own food... and everyone there (at least on my end) saw that too. Nothing was said, and everyone there is wonderful - but it still felt weird and cheap.

I must admit, I was quite embarrassed. But... you gotta do what you gotta do. It's not like I could put it on a credit card and worry about it later. It was either that or a) not eat at all and/or b) eat nothing all day Friday and/or c) disappear for lunches here and not eat...

Good thing is, this conference will help me make some money in the long term. Small sacrifice for bigger gain.