Last night I wrote all about the power, the high I feel while shopping. Tonight, I had the TV on but wasn't really watching it. Dr. Phil came on, and it was all about this couple who was drowning in debt because they both went on shopping sprees! The woman had TWO closets full of clothes, half with tags; she had $4,000 worth of Coach purses and shoes. Her husband was just as bad, with an estimated $33,000 worth of stuff just in their home office alone.
If you've been reading my blog, it's pretty obvious that lately I've been feeling pretty retrospective...I'm trying to learn a little about myself, and maybe make some improvements along the journey. I'm amazed to even say this, but the Dr. Phil show tonight struck a chord with me. And I don't even like Dr. Phil!
It amazed me how many things this couple said that resonated with me. Luckily for me, I wasn't quite up to the extreme that they are, but in my own way, I was out of control. Also lucky for me, I realized it awhile back and think that I'm on the tail end of my own downward spiral. Thinking about having cash in the bank actually brings more excitement right now than thinking about buying something. What a turnaround!
Long story short, it's nice to see stories of other people that you can relate to. Makes you think...
Monday, October 6, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
The Power of Shopping
Over the last few, well, years, I've gotten to be quite the shopaholic. This isn't exactly something that I'm proud of, as I've put myself in debt that I should have avoided. Last month I made a commitment to not purchase anything that wasn't routine or absolutely necessary - no frills. I did okay, although I bought an awful lot of Starbucks, and I did a little bit of thrill shopping here and there. I did much better, however, than I have in a long time.
This month, I reinforced my commitment to no-frills shopping. So far, I'm actually doing really good (yes, I realize it is only the 5th), and the positive balance in my bank account is a strong motivating factor to not buy crap.
However, there is something about shopping that I just LOVE. No, that I NEED.
Shopping truly is my hobby.
I was at Starbucks tonight - I know what you're going to say...but in the interest of budgeting, I put a set amount on my Starbucks card this month and when it's gone, I'm done - and I had left the house where I'm dog-sitting specifically for Starbucks, and that was it. However, I got into my car and felt this incredible need to just go somewhere. I was racking my brain, trying to think of things I might need to buy, or stores I might need to visit: Target? No, don't need anything. Ross? No, can't buy a new purse or clothes. Raleys? Nope, don't even need any groceries. Dang.
I don't know what it is about shopping, but I really do feel a pull when I'm out and about near stores. It's like, I have money, and money is buying power, which means I have the power to choose what I want to buy. And that equates to plain old power, and I like power. I'm drawn to power. I love power.
Can it be that I've just had an epiphany?
I shop not because I need things, or even because I desire things, but for the pure joy of the shopping experience itself? The power of choosing something, of pulling out that cash, credit or debit card, and saying "Damn right, I can afford this and I choose to buy this."
Of course, I usually get home and realize, No I can't really afford it, and I definitely should not have chosen to buy it...
This month, I reinforced my commitment to no-frills shopping. So far, I'm actually doing really good (yes, I realize it is only the 5th), and the positive balance in my bank account is a strong motivating factor to not buy crap.
However, there is something about shopping that I just LOVE. No, that I NEED.
Shopping truly is my hobby.
I was at Starbucks tonight - I know what you're going to say...but in the interest of budgeting, I put a set amount on my Starbucks card this month and when it's gone, I'm done - and I had left the house where I'm dog-sitting specifically for Starbucks, and that was it. However, I got into my car and felt this incredible need to just go somewhere. I was racking my brain, trying to think of things I might need to buy, or stores I might need to visit: Target? No, don't need anything. Ross? No, can't buy a new purse or clothes. Raleys? Nope, don't even need any groceries. Dang.
I don't know what it is about shopping, but I really do feel a pull when I'm out and about near stores. It's like, I have money, and money is buying power, which means I have the power to choose what I want to buy. And that equates to plain old power, and I like power. I'm drawn to power. I love power.
Can it be that I've just had an epiphany?
I shop not because I need things, or even because I desire things, but for the pure joy of the shopping experience itself? The power of choosing something, of pulling out that cash, credit or debit card, and saying "Damn right, I can afford this and I choose to buy this."
Of course, I usually get home and realize, No I can't really afford it, and I definitely should not have chosen to buy it...
Saturday, October 4, 2008
I am thankful for...
1. Family - I love that I feel absolutely no pressure whatsoever to be hip, cool, smart, or fashionable around my family. They don't care if I have the latest designer handbag, or what the state of my house is (currently it's clean, thank you very much), or whether or not I can spell dichotomy (which I can, by the way)...they just like me.
2. My husband - Same as above, yet he also knows how to make me laugh when I'm mad, which makes me instantly feel better and not hold a grudge. He'll go shopping with me, usually without complaint, and he understands my constant need for Starbucks.
3. Dogs - All they want is to be loved and to love you in return, and no one gives a better welcome-home than a miniature dachshund named Bruiser. Dogs in general just make me smile - there is nothing better than a happy dog.
4. My brain - I'm not saying I'm the smartest person in the world, but I do thank the good Lord that I have a brain in my head. I know that I have common sense, and I know that I have the ability to find an answer I don't know. I love getting handed an assignment with no background information - the thrill of the hunt for information is the part I love best. And this is yet another reason Google is high on the list of things I can't live without.
5. The holidays - Each year Labor Day signals the beginning of the Holiday Season for me. It means fall is coming, holiday decorations will soon be near, and the baking and gift giving can begin! Today at Target I bought a Jack O'Lantern door mat and every time I see it it makes me smile. I love the smell of pumpkin bread in the oven, the taste of stuffing at Thanksgiving, the sound of Christmas music, and the sight of Christmas decorations and lights. Ah, what a wonderful time of year!!
6. Job security - I may not have the most exciting job in the world, but at times like this, when our economy is on a serious downward spiral, I am more than happy to continue life as a meager public servant. I can't imagine what it's like to wake up every morning, fearful of losing your job.
7. Friends - Who better to lean on when you're down? Who better to share news of a great bargain with? Who better to text in class while you're bored out of your mind (or email at work for that matter)? No one better than a friend.
I feel like I'm missing something...there's something on the tip of my tongue (and my fingers) that I really want to say, yet it's not coming. How can a Blogger have writer's block!?!?!
2. My husband - Same as above, yet he also knows how to make me laugh when I'm mad, which makes me instantly feel better and not hold a grudge. He'll go shopping with me, usually without complaint, and he understands my constant need for Starbucks.
3. Dogs - All they want is to be loved and to love you in return, and no one gives a better welcome-home than a miniature dachshund named Bruiser. Dogs in general just make me smile - there is nothing better than a happy dog.
4. My brain - I'm not saying I'm the smartest person in the world, but I do thank the good Lord that I have a brain in my head. I know that I have common sense, and I know that I have the ability to find an answer I don't know. I love getting handed an assignment with no background information - the thrill of the hunt for information is the part I love best. And this is yet another reason Google is high on the list of things I can't live without.
5. The holidays - Each year Labor Day signals the beginning of the Holiday Season for me. It means fall is coming, holiday decorations will soon be near, and the baking and gift giving can begin! Today at Target I bought a Jack O'Lantern door mat and every time I see it it makes me smile. I love the smell of pumpkin bread in the oven, the taste of stuffing at Thanksgiving, the sound of Christmas music, and the sight of Christmas decorations and lights. Ah, what a wonderful time of year!!
6. Job security - I may not have the most exciting job in the world, but at times like this, when our economy is on a serious downward spiral, I am more than happy to continue life as a meager public servant. I can't imagine what it's like to wake up every morning, fearful of losing your job.
7. Friends - Who better to lean on when you're down? Who better to share news of a great bargain with? Who better to text in class while you're bored out of your mind (or email at work for that matter)? No one better than a friend.
I feel like I'm missing something...there's something on the tip of my tongue (and my fingers) that I really want to say, yet it's not coming. How can a Blogger have writer's block!?!?!
I've been web-surfing
I'm house and doggie-sitting this week, and to be honest...it's boring. I am a tv fan, and yet, the house I'm at has only basic channels and NO DVD PLAYER. Seriously. What is a Law and Order-loving-girl to do?
Surf the web, that's what.
So here I am, with a whole list of new websites to check out. God I love Google...
Confections of a Foodie Bride - There are some amazing-looking recipies on this website. I don't know why, but I really want to try the Homemade Mayonnaise
Smartcookies - A friend sent me this website. It's full of articles and tools to help you eliminate debt, spend smarter and save better.
Boston Gal's Open Wallet - This site is not very aesthetically pleasing, but she has a ton of great information on here related to your financial well-being. Just browsing around I've already picked up some great tips.
Surf the web, that's what.
So here I am, with a whole list of new websites to check out. God I love Google...
Confections of a Foodie Bride - There are some amazing-looking recipies on this website. I don't know why, but I really want to try the Homemade Mayonnaise
Smartcookies - A friend sent me this website. It's full of articles and tools to help you eliminate debt, spend smarter and save better.
Boston Gal's Open Wallet - This site is not very aesthetically pleasing, but she has a ton of great information on here related to your financial well-being. Just browsing around I've already picked up some great tips.
Fabulously Broke in the City - I can't say this is one of my favorite sites that I found while surfing tonight, but it is pretty damn informative. I found this site while surfing personal finance blogs; she does have quite a bit of info about her personal finances and tips about finance in general, but includes posts in categories like makeup, home and organization, and lots, lots more. It's sort of addicting.
Mind Tools - What a find! The tagline on this site is "Essential Skills for Your Excellent Career." Just a few of the categories on this site are time management, leadership skills, stress management and more.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
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