Simplicity is the key to detachment. My inner voices however have their own opinion.

“You suffer delusions of grandeur,” says my Rational voice. “Look at your wallet and you will understand why.”

My wallet defines me, crafted of (what claims to be) the finest leather, yet battered by Life and Use. It is key to my survival yet my impediment too – bursting at the seams with stuff that seems trivial to others, but carries special meaning for me.

“Like those Mervyns discount coupons that expired two months ago? Or the Indian rupees that you carry around so judiciously in San Francisco?” points out Sarcasm.

I was referring to my coffee punch card that I redeem at the Boulangerie every morning. My Blockbuster card is my ticket to escapism, and my Asian Art Museum member card, my ticket to artistic relief. Where would I be without these true friends?

I live in desperate times. Chapped by the winds of San Francisco, tormented by the need to keep track of my expenses, and terror-stricken by the city whose only revenue source are the tickets dish out for parking violations. And desperate times call for desperate measures.

So, I cling tightly to my Blistex, neatly hidden in the change compartment.

“Ashamed of showing your addiction to the world?” asks my Rational Voice.

Sometimes another voice will answer automatically.

“It’s not an addiction,” replies my Self Defense. “You know I am above having addictions.”

My expense receipts burst out of every imaginable compartment. They must be entered into an excel spreadsheet once I have reached home.

“Why not give a little for once? Why not live your life because its fun, instead of trying yet failing, to account for every last detail?” says the Daredevil.

“And not know what could be leading me to become a pauper one day?” responds my Control Freak.

“If that is important, then hold on to those quarters. The parking meters are vicious,” chimes in Paranoia.

Oh, those quarters! They remain few and far between, sprinkled among my multiple one penny coins that Superstition…sorry, I mean Optimism, insists will bring multiple good luck. Enough at least to shut up those annoying inner voices.