Tuesday, September 21, 2010

The Awful Truth

So THIS is what happens when you don’t live mindfully:

Last night Jim and I were going over the budget, crunching numbers with an eye on the future.  Closing coming up and the fact that our 2000 Honda Civic’s days are numbered has us wondering what and if we can afford a newer vehicle soon.  Since we were going through the finances with a comb, I couldn’t resist the chance to go through the check book and add up all the eating out we’ve done this summer…my current register only goes back to mid June which I should probably be grateful for, because what I found was enough! in three months we managed to spend over $600 on eating out and that’s just what was in the checkbook.  Many times we ate out, or take out, and paid cash for it! So who knows what the actual total is?!?

So, what else could we have done with $600 plus?  Hmmm…We could have bought a new mattress, which we really need.  Or a new dresser for the girls clothes, which we also need. Or a new bed for Olivia, since she will need one soon. Or we could have socked it away, which would have been nice. Or started a Christmas fund with it. OR?

I hate shopping. I must not have gotten the gene that allows you to enjoy spending money on things for yourself, or your home, or others (although I don’t have as much trouble shopping for others) I don’t mind grocery shopping because I deem that a necessity. But I can’t make myself like any other type of shopping. Instead of relaxing me or making me feel good, it stresses me out. I may have mentioned before, that this is how I shop:  I walk around the store for an hour picking up things that I want or like and as I stroll I talk myself out of buying them and end of putting back (or wanting to put back) almost everything I pick up. I always think about how I could be putting the money to good use somewhere else.

Not sure why I DON’T have this problem when it comes to shelling out money for eating out.  I guess it goes back to thinking: Well, we NEED to eat.  If I’ve had a busy day, or we are out and about during a meal time, or if I just don’t feel like cooking, well we must EAT! 

By the way, Since it’s starting to get chillier I’ve been scouring my drawers for some warm clothes and (uh oh) I don’t have anything. (going back to my dislike for shopping) So yes, I’m wearing maternity clothes today. I’m embarrassed to admit it. It isn’t that we don’t have money to buy new clothes. I just don’t want to.  Even though it is completely justifiable, even though Jim would say I don’t have to justify it. I still get stressed about it.  You know those people that say oh, I got a great deal on these shoes or this top or this purse? I secretly strongly dislike these people because I don’t see those deals—probably because I don’t shop often enough to see the sales--  I almost always pay full price for things and my inability to add up the savings makes me crazy.

I know, I’m nuts. It isn’t just the spending money thing that makes me hate shopping so much—there are other reasons, but this post would go on forever if I analyzed them all. It’s enough to say, I’m nuts.  So I’ll just hike up my maternity jeans and shut up!

WELCOME NEW FOLLOWERS! I'm looking for some fun and interesting blogs to follow, so post a comment, Follow Me, and I will come on over and check you out!!



Photobucket

8 Reader Remarks:

Anonymous said...

Chris, I loved this one. Nothing wrong w/wearing maternity wear every once in a while. I actually bought something at St. Vincent DePaul that had a tag clearly denoting that it was maternity but I bought it anyway...and it has been 18 years since I could have possibly given birth!! I also understand your feelings about spending. I sometimes feel like the media pressures us spendthrifts into indulging and spending too much money on something that we know we don't need just because everyone else is doing it. If it wasn't for your shopping technique that includes putting things back and contemplating every purchase, you wouldn't be able to even begin to think about buying a new car! Keep up the frugality! You are not alone!! Aunt Terri

Romanian Princess said...

Just following you from Follow Me Back Tuesday! Your blog is so cute! Please follow me back @ www.romanianprincess.com

Thanks, Nicole Mariana

Ruth said...

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you enjoyed my blog. I just wrote about our car-buying experience a few days ago!

Have a great day, I'm following you back! :-)

livingwellspendingless.blogspot.com

Hanna said...

Hi There. I am your newest follower from Tuesday Blog Hop! Lovely Blog:) You can find me at www.bouffeebambini.blogspot.com

Your girls are gorgeous!

Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews said...

My husband just had to get a new car too..it sucks to have to spend so much money on a car.

I just found your blog on Follow Me Back Tuesday! Have a great night.

Amanda
http://www.nutritionistreviews.com/

Social Media Junkie said...

Hi Christine,
following back from FMBT.
Have a great week
-Staycee
www.sjunkie.com

Anonymous said...

You just need an afternoon with me! I can convert any shopping hater...or your money back! LOL

It is unreal to think about how much we (as Americans) spend eating out!

Following you from FMBT! ;)

Betty Manousos said...

Ah..I can understand your feelings about spending.
I can so relate to it.
And thanks for your lovely comments on my blog.
It means a lot! :)

Have a great Thursday!

B :)

Post a Comment

Gimme some sugar! <3

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails