buy nothing

I decided to do a "buy nothing" fast for January and February. Obviously I can't actually buy nothing - I'll buy groceries and diapers and cat food, for starters. I'll also buy swimming lessons for my kid, probably. And seeds, because to plant peas March 1 you've got to buy seeds in January or February.

What I really want to do is buy no semi-durable consumer goods - no clothes, no books, no Target domestic implements. That sort of thing. No new STUFF. I have one exemption preplanned, as Dillo may outgrow his shoes. In that case I have a bye to buy him some new Stride Rites on ebay. Casper is perfectly fine to abundant for clothes and shoes, as am I and mr. flea. We're not desperate for any household items, and I can't imagine us being. If something catastrophic happens, like the dryer breaking, we'll buy a new (used) one.

It's hard already, because I am getting the post-Christmas total markdown sale catalogs. J. Jill in particular is tempting me - lots of good-for-work shirts for $10, sweaters for $20, and pants for under $30. But, while I do need winter pants, I have plenty of clothes to get me through this winter, and there will be other good sales in the future. I'll be *fine*.

Part of the challenge will be to see if this can stop me online window shopping while at work. Hopefully also the press of work - I am taking 2 classes this spring, and have 2 major initiatives I want to launch - will assist this endeavor.

And remind me, when I think of going to Target, we could instead go for a hike at West Point on the Eno.

good things...

I gathered up the paperwork to do the last quarter of the year's reimbursement forms for the Child Care Reimbursement Account, and I think I'll get enough to mostly cover the huge Christmas/spring tuition for me credit card bill that's two weeks out on the horizon, which means I may not have to pay it out of savings.

Delayed gratification can work to one's advantage.

Oh! And, I just realized, we aren't doing the CCRA this year (because of a rule change about how our employer subsidy works with CCRAs, i.e. it doesn't) which means I'll get nearly $200 more a paycheck this year! Including tomorrow! Must manage to save it. (Cue hollow laugh.)