I can go a whole month spending 10 bucks for a few reasons. One of the reasons is I am cheap...just because it costs me $20 at a nice restaurant downtown does not mean it is a superior meal. The other reason is I like having food I want and when I want it because there are times its not acceptable for me to duty off at 0200 and find a meal.

My wife (amazing woman) will make many meals for me in advance such as lasagna or meatloaf or pasta or anything else that keeps well. It then goes into a vacuum sealed bag and gets frozen. I bring enough for lunch and dinner for a four day and every night put it in the hotel fridge or on ice. This allows me to have something that is relatively good for me and if the day is falling apart I can heat something up in ops on a turn instead of settling for MCd's or other airport junk or just skipping a meal all together.

Of course the vacuum sealer costs money as well as the food that is prepared but it is probably $30 for the month in prepared food. I usually spend less than $5 a week on food since I have my own and the rest goes in the bank.

I do not depend on per diem or count it as income but it is not spent on food and it goes into the bank.

As for going out on an overnight, I will on occasion. This is my job and my life is at home. I would much rather get to the hotel and take care of some things and then workout a bit and then there is only a few hours left before bed anyway since most overnights are short. I would much rather not go out and save the $30 on dinner and drinks and then put it towards going out with my wife and friends and family when I get home.

I did not take this job so others can think I am fun to hang out with on overnights by going out to dinner and a bar. If you want to have fun, go for a run with me and see some of the surrounding area.