I just found 50 bucks in the pair of jeans he left at my place. Though I don’t make a habit of taking things from other people (even people who “accidentally” find their tongues in other people’s mouths), I think I’ll make an exception. Now, what to do with my relationship severance package…

Putting it in investments is far too mature for someone with my propensity for buying party dresses. And I love traveling, but $50 would probably only get me to Fort Saskatchewan. On a scooter. 

Therefore, I have decided to keep my money circulating in the Edmonton economy this weekend and see where it takes me.

$10: Musical Therapy

For a borderline OCD-sufferer like me, there’s something very calming about rows and rows of alphabetized, neatly shrink-wrapped silver discs. I head straight for the discount section at Blackbyrd Myoozik and pick up The Cure’s Japanese Whispers.

$6.50: Highballs, Gambling With Geriatrics

With “The Lovecats” blaring from my speakers, I drive across town to visit Great-Grandma. She lives in one of those chic care facilities that offer Happy Hour on Fridays, accompanied by a stimulating game of bingo. The buy-in is 25 cents and the drinks are $2. One G&T for me, a couple whiskey waters for Nana, plus a living testament to love that lasts a lifetime.

$8.50: Jam And Generosity

Now that the scarves and sweaters have been replaced by sandals and sunglasses, my Saturday morning sleep-ins have been replaced by lazy strolls down Whyte Avenue to the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market. I purchase a jar of gourmet jam (raspberry peach or gooseberry) and a loaf of french bread. Extra change will then be spent on the musicians, buskers, and that Edmonton anomaly, The Push-Up Guy, who all faithfully reappear along with the warmer weather, even if other men do not.

$10: Cultivating Culture

After a break up, everyone is allowed to indulge in a little self-pity. But like this city’s habit of lamenting its lame cultural status, wallowing is not always warranted. Case in point: The AGA’s Projections. The exhibit focuses on Canadian experimentations with slide, film, and video projection.  Military families get in for free. The rest of us pay $10, even if we have just returned from battle with the most menacing of foes: the emotionally unavailable hipster guy.

$15: Woody And Wine

After hours at the AGA, renting one of Woody Allen’s endearingly neurotic romances becomes almost compulsory. Though Manhattan is my perennial favourite, I opt for Annie Hall paired with a less self-conscious Canadian wine, Naked Grape. Once I’m into the haze of my third glass, I fall asleep, but not before thanking Alvy Singer for reminding me why people allow themselves this sort of blissful torture: “Because, uh, most of us... need the eggs.” Besides, my blanket fort has room for only one.  

Wanna try it? Send your idea for 50Buck to stories@see.greatwest.ca.