When deciding to do the "no shop for 2011" I knew that I'd have to include some exceptions to the plan, (I do work for an attorney, after all.....). Here's my plan and since I'm entering into this deal by myself, I can change the rules as I go along! No, I'll (try ) and stick to my parameters.
First, I'm giving myself a $100 allowance each month. I can either spend it or bank it for a future date. If I receive a giftcard - during a giftcard kind of occasion time - like Valentines Day, Easter, Canada Day, President's Day - (come on, don't you give gifts for President's Day????) - then I can spend those. If I'm out of the country, on a trip - say to Greece, Paris or London (as planned for May 2011!!) then that's an exemption. If someone else foot the bill - let's say some boss plans an office trip to the mall for a shopping spree (Luis - this is you) - then that's exempt (hey, I work for an attorney, he's used to writing exceptions.....). I think that's good. But then again, I'm making this plan up as I go along and fully expect to change the rules! (kidding, sort of.....)
I will be hosting my own "swapping parties" - just clothes swapping, that is!!! My friends can come with things they are tired of and swap with other people. More info on this to follow as well!
For some items that I think will do well in the world of consignment - I'll be taking things to the consignment store and use the money in my account there to get things as well! I'm looking foward to working with Angela and the gals at Once Again even more!!! :)
I came to this 'no shop' decision after spending some very difficult years. The move from house to condo did facilitate the need to downsize everything - which I found very liberating. Having a small space does limit the amount of things you have - so that you know what you have and where it is! I have been able to realize that whatever I need I have with me - my family - friends -and health. I spent some difficult years with the loss of mom and dad - Sarah heading out of the house and of to college - and trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. The economy tanking in Southwest Florida did facilitate a lot of that sole searching. But thanks to my "ah-ha" moment - I think I've found some wonderful compromises. This whole trek is also part of it. I need to be satisfied with what I have and not continue to search for something better. I have so much to be thankful for - a roof over my head (thanks!), wonderful family, the chance to take care of my parents and have those wonderful conversations with them before they passed away, my health, an exciting job with an understanding and caring boss (finally!), a fabulous daughter who is independent and strong, and a spouse who has made some adjustments in his life with his changing wife. I'm very grateful.
Now I want to be strong physically, mentally and spiritually. Call it my "mid-life crisis", "ah-ha trigger moment" or growing up - who knows. I'm just glad that I made the epiphany now instead of later.
So, that's it. Let's go on with it!!
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