I went to the ATM yesterday to take out my bi-monthly allowance of 200 euros. There was a problem: I have no more money in my checking account. I am running on empty.

Did you ever see "An American in Paris"? I am kind of living like Gene Kelly now, depending on my patron to give me a few bucks so I can eat. Good thing I bought that box of ice cream bars before the financial crisis of 2004 or who knows what I would have for dinner!