I work without expectation of reward. I reward without expectation of work.
I have a big disconnect between work and reward. I work because that’s what you do. Money is weird. It’s just numbers going into my bank account, and then I press buttons on the computer, and I can have the things I need. It’s hard for me to feel like those numbers have anything to do with my work. Usually I don’t get things until I absolutely, absolutely have to get them. My glasses are 4 years old. My computer is 6 years old (and slower than a glacier).
I had a bottle of champagne in the fridge for years. I was supposed to be for when I got a job. But then I got a job, but there was a probation period, and one excuse after another and it never got drunk. Finally, when I turned 50 (well a few months later) and my friends were visiting, we drank it.
Now there’s another bottle there that was supposed to be for New Year’s Eve. I wonder how that will stay there.
If we want to go out, we do (assuming a babysitter). If I want something to eat, I eat it. I don’t buy toys. Everything’s on a need basis. After all, there are two kids to get through college, and retirement to think of.