I'M taking part in an interesting experiment this week - but it's not one I'm doing by choice.
You see, I thought I'd lost my purse.
In fact, I was convinced I'd lost my purse.
As I searched in vain through my bag for the umpteenth time, my stomach churned. I'd had cash in the purse but was more worred about my cards and my driving li
cence.
I got straight on the 'phone to my bank to cancel the cards and got put through to... India (or somewhere). The guy on the other end of the phone was polite and he was pleasant. But between my accent and the fact that I was stressed, it wasn't a straightforward conversation.
Eventually, however, it was job done. The cards were cancelled. No more worries on that score.
I rang the police station (using, of course the obligatory 0845 non-emergency number) to ask them if anyone had handed the purse in. No joy. I told them I was worried about licence. Could it be used by a dishonest punter to open a bank account or anything? Shouldn't think so, they said. They did, however, warn me that if I was stopped by police I'd be cautioned for driving without a licence. But I'm ringing you to tell you I've lost it, I said. You'd still be cautioned, they said. It's the law.
I came off the phone cursing myself for being so stupid and losing the purse in the first place. The kids needed picked up and I was already running late so I rushed out to the car. In my panic, I dropped the keys on to the floor beside the driver's seat and as I bent down to get them, I saw it. The purse. Nestled inside the pocket on the driver's door. Safely. All that time.
I did briefly think about calling India again to un-cancel my cards but I knew if it wasn't impossible it would be too complicated.
Believe it or not, that is a long story cut short.
And so the experiment begins. I've no plastic for a week. I can't remember the last time I didn't pay for something by 'switch' but now it's cash-only for me. Most of the shops have stopped taking cheques so there isn't even a safety net.
I went to the bank and withdrew what I thought I'd need for a week.
Diesel, food, music lessons, school charity money - I think I've remembered everything.
Or have I? Given that I'm the one who forgot where I'd put my purse in the first place., I doubt it!
