Money talks, care to listen?

It’s never been about the money. Never has. Never will be. But even I can’t deny how good it feels to have lots of it.

Vindication at last after all those pitches and writing competitions. To think, I could so easily have given it up. Glad I finally took the plunge instead of caving in to the pressure to get a 'real job'.

Almost 20,000 copies sold, not bad for a first novel, huh? No reading culture here, they said. Now I can read like my life depended on it. Amazon, Kobo, I’m coming for you too. Project Gutenberg, I'll never forget you. You’re due a donation from me.

You too, The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Gotquestion.org. You didn't think I'd just walk away with your free resources, did you? My tithe won’t just go to my local church, you guys must reap from the nuggets of wisdom you sowed in me.

By the way, my wisdom tooth is a ticking time bomb. An extraction is long overdue, plus a composite filling for my other tooth. Good thing I can now pay for both. Wouldn't want to lose another tooth by deferring a dental procedure like I did the last time.

I will fight tooth and nail to get this back healed. No more Googling for treatment, I'll see a chiropractor if I have to. This time I'll get a full MRI, no need to rely on my insurance. Speaking of insurance, let me pay the outstanding balance of defaulted payments and accrued penalties soonest possible. Then, I’ll pay the monthly premiums for a whole year, in advance. Debt-free here I come.

Promises are also debts. We promised our in-laws a dowry negotiation, they'll get a settlement. Like a certain Mr Toretto, I'm also big on family. Big bro can count on me to chip in with his dowry payment and subsequent wedding costs. Then I'll roast him with my speech at his evening party. Bro doesn't know what's coming.

The house has been crying for a renovation. My folks and I will move to an Airbnb, while the house gets a glow-up. Good bye leaking WC, leaking sink, leaking tank. Hello new tanks, new floor, new cooker. Maybe our house might even become an Airbnb some day.

My dear aunties, do I have the surprise for you. I and my cousins have been on the receiving end of your loving kindness. This time, the roles will be reversed. If only I could see the look on your faces when I send each of you an unexpected monetary gift. Priceless.

Money might be prepossessing, but as a possession, it can be dangerously possessive. Perhaps it's a good thing I write this down so that I can hold myself accountable. They may say talk is cheap, but frittering money merely on perishables is an expensive mistake.

My writing may have blown up, but I'm not about to blow its earnings. I'm open to more of your spending plan, God.