The High Cost of Low Prices

3 more days until the start of my challenge.

We went to WalMart today.
I thought that it was important for a few days to capture my normal spending habits so that there would be something to compare to when I am cheering myself on for only getting what is on my list.

We went in for two simple things.
Diet Mt. Dew
toilet paper

We came out with

toilet paper
Kleenex
turkey jerky
a pencil sharpener
a manual lemon juicer
coffee
beer
razors
sugar free hazelnut syrup
and a large $13 stuffed bird

Do I even need to write more today? Bear in mind that I positively despise walking into that place. Everything about it overstimulates me. The lights, the overstuffed shelves, the crowded aisles. Even as I type this, I can feel my blood pressure rising and butt starting to clench.
I will not miss that.
I doubt I will be missed by the locals.

Can you get in and out of a store with only the items on your list? If so, what is your secret? Better yet, what's the strangest thing you have walked out of a store with after going in for something specific?

Have I made a HUGE mistake?

I'm getting nervous today.


I am making plans. I went and stopped my subscription to emusic.com because I just can't figure out a way to validate that cost.

It's truly only $6 a month, but you see, that's my downfall.


but it's only...

That's how I get into trouble. I wander the thrift store, consignment shops, the "free take me" tables at garage sales. I can't seem to say "no" to a bargain.


I only paid $6 for my bread maker. Six dollars! And yet... it rarely gets used.


I adore walking into Forever21 and stand in awe at all the beautiful jewelry. "I have to have this necklace with a scotty dog on it! I dislike those yappy little dogs and I can't imagine where I will wear it, but it's ONLY $1.50!"





So, I have some decisions to make. I really love my magazines. Nope, no subscription to In Style, that would be too easy. Do I hurry and get a subscription really fast before I start this challenge?


no




That would be cheating.


dammit



I have to remember that it isn't about the money for me. Mr Challenge doesn't ever gripe at me about the money I spend. He nods in appreciation at my bargain hunting.


This is about the stuff. That drowning feeling that I get when I walk into my office or try to open a closet door.


My stuff is trying to kill me. It watches me while I sleep like that creepy ex-boyfriend I had.


(shudder)


Yesterday I received a package on my front door. From Victoria's Secret. Ahhh...


New items, wrapped in beautiful plastic, lovely paper tags, the entire experience makes me giddy.

I had ordered some new yoga pants since my old ones had holes in special lady places and bleach spots from where I had attempted to clean my bathtub while wrestling an imaginary beast that wouldn't hand over the Comet.


anyway, back to The Yoga Pants.


How they fit! No holes (yet), so comfy that I may never put on jeans again.

I immediately went to my computer to order another pair. I deserve, no, NEED to have another pair of these amazing pants! They are on sale, for crying out loud!


WAIT!
Why exactly do I need another pair? I can't wear more than one pair at a time? (or can I? this may be an experiment for later when I am bored and can't go shopping, take a note, Jeeves)



So, I stopped myself, I tossed the catalog that came in with my order and spent the rest of the afternoon crying making lists of things that were acceptable and not acceptable.
This is hard and I haven't even officially started yet.

What do you think is acceptable/not acceptable? What do you think you would miss the most?

The Plan

The plan is to not buy anything other than necessities for an entire year.

July 2, 2011 to July 1, 2012

Now, some questions you may be asking yourself:

Are you crazy?

Probably, mostly just curious, I did a 30 day shopping challenge and found it quite rewarding. I noticed that I had more money in my pocket, more time on my hands and a lot less to stress about.
You see when you have less stuff, you have less to take care of, clean, worry about breaking, etc.

Are you going to buy ANYTHING?

Of course. Let's not go all psycho and assume that I can't EVER enjoy the Starbucks again. This isn't supposed to be torture. It's actually supposed to be fun, a challenge for me to think outside the box and maybe even learn a few things about myself (for starters, I may no longer be embarrassed stand entirely too close to you if you are holding a fancy coffee or even ask to try on your new shoes) .

What things can you buy?

Anything that I deem essential. That's the fun of making up your own game, you get to make the rules.
I will give myself leeway and room to learn. This is no longer a 30 day pledge. I am willing to go whole hog.

What about your family?

I will not force them to do this along with me. I promise to try not to buy things for them in order to appease the bargain beast inside of me.

Why, oh why would you do this?

So many reasons. The reasons are stacked on my bookshelves, stuffed in my closet, begging to be let out of space bags and boxes, straining against drawers and cabinets.

Stuff, so much stuff.

I'm tired of all the stuff.

I have too much.

I have an obscene amount of stuff.

and it makes me tired.