Having very few bills (especially now that my hospital bills are paid off and I don’t have to spend money on ostomy supplies any more), not having any children yet, and having a pretty good steady income is the perfect recipe for becoming a very self-indulgent person. Being someone who loves good food, beautiful clothes and basically spoiling myself, I have become quite accustomed to spending every last penny of my paycheck almost as soon as I get it (and loving every minute of it, thank you very much!).
My clothes buying really got out of hand last year because I got so sick. I was home by myself all of the time, and on-line shopping was a fun and easy way for me to forget about my troubles. Also, I rationalized that I needed to buy new clothes every month because my weight was dropping so quickly and I wanted clothes that looked good and fit well. Then, when I got my ostomy and was able to eat better my weight went back up, so of course I needed new clothes again. Shopping became my therapy.
In 2011, I plan on being the best me possible, and unfortunately, I think that is going to mean that I take a good hard look at my vices and see what needs to be changed. One thing that should help me with this is the fact that my husband and I are combining our finances. My new “allowance” (my husband gets the same amount as well) is $150 a pay period (every two weeks). That is to cover clothes, movies, and non-food related fun. The rest of my paycheck will now go into a joint account with my husband which we will use for rent, bills, medical, food and all other expenses. If possible, we would like to be able to save a little bit of money too.
Of course, this is a perfectly reasonable way to live, but it is making me a bit nervous since it means that I will have to cut down on my clothes buying quite a bit, and that is pretty much the most fun thing in my life. In fact, it is very hard for me because I have become very accustomed to buying what I liked when I wanted until my paychecks were gone and I was forced to cool it for a while.
My first plan of action is to go on a little clothes diet. This is pretty much being forced on me by the new budget plan. Honestly, I am not happy about it, but at the same time if I don’t start looking at this issue now, it is only going to get worse.
Secondly, I am going to try to replace spending with exercise. I have never been very athletic, but ever since my second surgery, I have felt better than I ever have in my life and no longer have any excuses not to get in shape. I have got a good start already, as I have been walking or doing Zumba several days a week for the last few weeks. It would be nice to get in shape before the summer anyway, so that I can spend the summer in a bathing suit without being overly self conscious.
Over all, I am ready to make some changes, but I know it is going to be hard. I am already feeling the withdrawals.
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