George, er, Abe is in my pocket

It has been a few years since I've seen a bill stamped with such directions.

"PLEASE, try www.wheresgeorge.com. It's FREE & FUN! NO PURCHASE REQUIRED."

So, I did it. I logged on to www.wheresgeorge.com and entered the series and serial numbers on the $5 bill marked with the directions. Yes, I, too thought it was sad since it's not George, but Abe, who's on the bill I now have stuffed into my wallet.

The idea of the site is to track where money originated and where it has gone. Instead of depositing these specially marked bills — "banks hate this," many users comment — you are asked to circulate it at a local store or save it for your next vacation.

My particular $5 traveled to Seattle's Public Market from a Wendy's in Broomfield, Colo. I don't know if it made any stops between the fast-food chain and where I picked it up, Mee Sum Pastry. But I am interested in this project. I always have been.

I just don't have the dedication to get too involved — I haven't created an account, and I won't remember the series and serial number to track the bill after I release it back out into the world.

I do think it would be fun to save my Abe until I can take it far from my new city. But, I'm sure I'll be thirst for a coffee or beer long before, and I'll likely leave it behind in lieu of hitting up the ATM.