Broke in Broke

I’m broke, but I’m happy
I’m poor, but I’m kind
I’m short, but I’m healthy, yeah
I’m high, but I’m grounded
I’m sane, but I’m overwhelmed
I’m lost, but I’m hopeful, baby

And what it all comes down to
Is that everything’s gonna be fine, fine, fine
‘Cause I’ve got one hand in my pocket
And the other one is giving a high five

Alanis Morisette. Hand in my pockets

12 dollars 40. That’s all I got. $12.40 – that’s what my online banking app shows, and reloading it several times a day doesn’t change the fact: I am broke! Broke but happy!

Happy. Happy birthday! Birthday day, birthday week, birthday month. The celebrations never end and come to think of it, that’s probably where all my money went. 

My happy day started with finding my very own place, my happy place. My new little blue house – only that this one is white. A granny flat, as they call it here in Downunder –  though I find the thought of poor old granny being banished to the garden shed a bit cruel!

But it’s perfect! Unfortunately, it is also not quite cheap, and a deposit had to be made two days later – two months’ rent in advance plus the bond of four times the rent. In case granny throws a party and trashes the place. I understand! And you wonder why I’m broke.

Next came an overnight trip to the beautiful Hunter Valley.

Picture Niagara Wine Region in Australia. Just with palm trees. And kangaroos. I had booked “a Bohemian and rustic cabin” in Broke, two hours northwest of Sydney. I’m not sure what Bohemian means, but it sure was rustic! And kind of broken, too – just like me. But it was cute and charming and the perfect place to celebrate my birthday. Broke in Broke! The five-course meal in an award-winning restaurant was only peanuts. Or Roasted Pine Nuts on a Bed of Garden Beetroot, rather. It was delicious!

Delicious was also the Mexican meal in a new restaurant with my girlfriends the night after! Frozen Lychee Margaritas and Loaded Nacho Chips – surely worth breaking the bank for!

Next, I moved to an Airbnb. Payed for my flight ticket home. Saturday morning papers. Large Cappuccinos with an extra shot. Organic apples at the local farmer’s market. A belated birthday bash lunch with my colleagues in a fancy restaurant. I know where my money went. I know why I’m broke. But I also know why I am happy.

One of my birthday cards read the following quote: Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions. (Dalai Lama)

While I hope not to be broke every month, I cherish and appreciate all the little and big things, the expensive ones and those that come for free. A meal with my friends, a weekend in a bohemian shed, a glass of good wine, and a beautiful place to call home soon … these are the things that make me happy. They are the actions I take to achieve happiness. And I’d do them again and again. Even if it leaves me without a cent!

I am broke. Broke but happy!

And guess what – tomorrow is payday! And I can’t wait to spend it all again.

Cheers!