The End of the Month

or,
Things I Cannot Afford Because I Am in College


Cause:
- Monthly income: roughly 500 YTL (Turkish New Lira) - equivalent: $300
- Irresponsible spending habits, including but not limited to a spontaneous flight to Istanbul

Primary Result:
- Running out of money before the end of the month
- Shopping list:
Light Bulbs
Toilet paper
Napkins
Hand soap
Dishwashing soap
Laundry Detergent
Tampons
Food
Snack food

Secondary Result:
- Three (out of nine) functioning light bulbs.
This means that when I arrive home after work, I must decide which rooms I want lit, and move the light bulbs accordingly. In the dark.
- Four girls, one week, zero toilet paper.
We are now using napkins and, courtesy of the Russians, what I think may be crepe paper. Like the kind you string up around the house on birthdays.
- Candle lit bathroom.
The bathroom is not occupied often enough to warrant a light bulb. Therefore, we go in the dark. And hope there's enough napkins.
- Four girls, five days, one travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer.
You really don't want to think about this one for too long.
- Dish Rationing.
"Does this look dirty to you?" "Nah. Maybe a little greasy. Not dirty, per se..." "K. I'm gonna use it again."
- "Sniff tested" clothing.
Doesn't smell? Doesn't have any visible stains? Then who cares if it hasn't been washed in a month!
- ... Unnecessary-to-describe grossness.
- Four nights in a row of defrosted mantı (Turkish ravioli).
Also a dependence on potato-based meals that would make our Irish ancestors proud.
- Elevated levels of bitchiness due to hunger.



Update on the Russians:
In true Cold War fashion, we've outlasted them. Valentina left this morning, Marina left a few days ago. Alex and I have reconciled to the idea that we are each far too lazy to move all of our things. So we will continue to share a room, despite the two empty bedrooms.