It was an…interesting weekend.

I spent a few hours on Saturday at a travel agency, hoping to get my deposit of $40 back – one where I was tricked into paying in the first place when I went to the RV show 2 weeks ago.

The presentation was about this company trying to sell me a membership to their travel agency. The bald guy was like a wizard, he shrunk a $7,000 vacation package down to $1,500. It was simply too good to be true.

He explained the company is basically like Costco whose revenue mostly come from membership, except the membership for this travel company is ridiculously expensive – $18,000. Who has that kind of spare change lying around doing nothing?

Before the presentation, Baldy told us that we’re under no obligation to sign up that day. Well, he lied. After the presentation, just as I was about to leave to collect my $40, he showed me a strip of paper with my name on it and that he will be speaking to me in a few minutes.

As I headed out, my phone started buzzing. It was my mom. Apparently, this is how much she trusted me to say no. I ignored the call. She called again and again, until I picked up. “Just tell them there’s a problem at home.” She ordered and hung up.

Within a few minutes, a curly-haired guy came and sat down across from me. “What did you think of the presentation,” he said. He began writing notes on a piece of paper. After a few minutes, he outlined all the benefits of the membership and circled the price, “$14,995, today only,” he said.

I told him no, I can’t see myself doing any of those things that were shown in the presentation, like I can’t see myself lying on the beach doing nothing. Nothing bores me, makes me anxious that something’s wrong. It’s the whole reason I can’t meditate. “There’s so much to do,” my brain will keep telling me.

I explained I am poor and I’m living with a control freak of a mother. Right now, my priority is to pay off my debt and get the hell away. It’s partially true, which might be why I could’ve lied so convincingly. Can I be a better liar than I give myself credit for?

Curly waved over another guy – Baldy. It was his turn. At this point, I should’ve said, “I thought you said I’m under no obligation to make a decision today.” Stupid me!

“She’s interested, it’s just the cost.” The guy sitting across from me said. Nah uh, I never said I was interested.

Baldy reduced the price to $3,500, which included nothing other than a search engine for hotel, airfare, and cruises. Nothing Expedia already offer. I stuck to my story. That’s me 2 points to 0 points to the salesmen. “Go get her gift and let’s get her out of here,” Baldy said and though I didn’t show it, I was relieved.

Less than a minute after they left, a Japanese lady came and sat across from me. Oh, I thought, I didn’t know we were going for 3-0, but before she could get started, another guy came and handed me a $40 check and my so-call gift – a not-free cruise.