As far as the guys at the warehouse where I (18 year old me) worked where concerned, I also moonlighted as an "Accrued Debt Elimination Enforcer," or "Adee/80" for short. Job responsibilities included: making an intimidating appearance to invoke a desire to pay a debt, making physical contact and witty threats for payment, and if all else failed-- break some bones until payment was received. Their proof of my explanation was in the knife scar on my forearm, busted lip, and bloody--swollen, knuckles.

It was a believable lie that served its purpose.

| another_proser |

When I was twelve years old, I was offered the opportunity to visit Fiji and New Zealand as a part of an honor programme. I worked hard to raise the funds, by writing applications, collecting money at the family church, and even setting out "penny donations" in the local gas station. A month from the grand adventure, my grandmother stepped in to prove the remaining $1,000 I needed to take the trip. 

Two weeks before the trip, I decided not to go. Eight years later, when I got to college, we discovered my father had spent the saved money secretly.