Swipe Your Meal Card

I don't carry cash. I never really have. When I have it, I spend it. I have started to keep a small stash on me to tip valet's and get out of those rare parking garages that do not accept credit cards, but mostly, I use the trusty check card for everything.
I am pretty sure my dad cashes his paycheck and keeps some bills to use as spending money until he "goes to the bank" again. I've had an ATM card for as long as I've had a checking account. And I love that we can use them everywhere: McDonald's, Starbuck's, 7-11...It occurred to me today as I was paying for my Grilled Bacon Ranch salad that it is just like our meal cards in college that we used for everything from the dining hall to the convenience store. I think you can now even use it to order Papa John's. Not sure if it will buy you quarter pitchers at Bentley's though.
Anyway, it reminded me of the good 'ol days, and that I am a product of my environment.