Isn't it funny how much truth we all know, yet we don't live it? I mean we can give all the right answers in a Sunday School lesson, but when it comes down to the daily grind, its just that- a grind (Sometimes, sometimes it is all truth and happiness-this is not one of those times). For example, I have two (maybe more, but two that I recognize) unproductive ways of dealing with stress one is eating and the other is shopping. Eating out kind of combines the two, good times! Anyway, I know that its just stuff, and that stuff will not make me happy, yet I continue to buy stuff. Then I have to sit down with the budget(yes, I just finished balancing my budget) and there is all of my stuff reminding me that its just stuff, and didn't make me happy. Spending the time with my sister or even alone buying the stuff made me happy, but not the stuff. Stuff is a funny word when you say it over and over try it stuff, stuff, stuff. Ok, I feel better. Hopefully none of you think less of me now that you know I am not perfect when it comes to handling money. It is one of life's struggles.
Look at this funny picture of my dog, Keno. He at some chili.
10 comments:
The picture of the dog was kind of random, don'tcha think? It was cute! I'm glad I'm not there on clean up duty in a couple of hours!
You and I are twins again! I have a massive problem with both eating and spending. It's two of the ways I self-soothe. Yes, it works for a time, but causes more grief after the fact. Then I feel bad and eat/spend some more. UNlike you I can't throw things away so I have entirely too much retail therapy sitting around staring me in the face. I'm horrible with finances because of this. Our bills are always paid but we seem to always be in a jam.
Hey Jenny... how's about tutoring the two of us in all things financial??!? : )
I've been there and done that. After years, I've learned. Not to perfection, but I am definitely MUCH better than I used to be. I learned a hard lesson when after many disappointments in starting a family Rylee finally came along and I had to go back to work and leave her. It killed me. I had no one to blame but myself (well John had his part too, I guess.) I would spend on STUFF when I was depressed. Have a miscarriage, buy a stereo. Have a miscarriage, ring up the credit card with perfume, cds, clothes, craft items, stuff, stuff, stuff. Most of which is now in the landfill or DI.
By the way, I love the doggie picture. I echo Kelly's remark of not wanting to be around for clean-up duty. The dog is Shelby's right??? No worries - clean-up taken care of.;)
I want to comment, but don't quite know how to. I think reading your "rant" just makes me wish I lived closer. I do the same thing, but not. I shop, but it's with my kids beacause they're the ones I'm around. Then I get home and realize I don't really have the money for any of the STUFF I just bought. I would love it if I was with my sisters and really able to tell them what's on my mind. I guess I miss my family - I havn't seen anyone since February. Love you Em.
I love that your sin against God is shopping... ok, I don't love it, and while I know you're being serious, it just seems funny. Your vice is not swearing, rated R movies, or *gasp!* caffeinated beverages, but shopping and accumulating stuff.
But look on the bright side. You know what your problem is and can recognize it and fix it. Where it would be a bigger problem is if you let it get out of hand and don't realize you're doing it too much! You're great, Em.
sorry that I am such an enabler )of course you NEED the red jacket, buy it!) ;-)
Obviously I have the same issues. I tend to go in cycles - shopping then eating then shopping.....
You know thigs are really bad when I am shopping AND eating!
Yeah, I'm in the same boat. Even though I know exactly what my budget is at a given time, I still justify purchases as that "extra" money that we never really have. It totally sucks. I always feel guilt when I get home and start putting away my items and realize just how much I spent on nothing.
Exercising usually helps me feel better. I just wish I had the urge to exercise when I feel depressed. Usually I don't. However, Erica does and I so wish I had her coping-mechanisms.
Also, and this is going to make me sound like a freak. I go to Old Navy or Gap online and I fill my cart with lots of cute items that I would buy if we were rich. I keep clicking "check out" until it gets to the part where I need to enter my credit card info. Then, I just close out of the window and turn off the computer. It gives me that rush like I'm shopping without the guilt. Yeah, I'm a freak.
But, it looks like you are not alone in your "stress-busters". I hope that makes you feel at least an ounce better about it.
:)
Ashley, I don't think you're a freak at all! Well, not for the online shopping cart thingee anyway. ; ) I wish something like that would curb my appetite for spending. I think it's absolutely AWESOME that you have a method of being healthier in this aspect.
Em, I know you guys weren't at church today but the Bishop spoke on food storage and our financial standing. It was excellent and I hope I can act on his council accordingly! I have to figure out a way to NOT go into town during the week... NOT go to Walmart... etc. unless it's absolutely necessary. The gas prices and the $80 later at Walmart when I only needed bananas, well all of that just kills us! Not to mention adds to the clutter of my crazy house. It should be simple to just remain in my home, but I get bored and then I leave home. I need a better place to go. WAIT!!!!! I can go see Ashley, she'd love regular weekly visits! ;)
Anyway, Em, thanks for getting me thinking about all of this purchasing crud. I'm about to get proactive. And if it's anything like most other stuff in my life, I will immediately stop the healthy behavior and start again with something worse. Let's hope I can be smart about it.
Have a great week! And welcome back!! (I'm a spy, I saw the trailer!!)
Thank you so much for all of your comments and support. We put this perfect face on sometimes when really we are struggling through the same things.
Tiff- I'm wearing the read jacket today, and I may not have needed it, but I LOVE it!
Em
Ok, I know I am a little late getting in on the game but I haven't been at the computer much so I am trying to catch up on all I have missed. I just wanted to comment that maybe you could earn some cold hard cash to vouch for your shopping excursions by shopping for someone else(hint, hint, I am so out of style). You are super great at it! I am in no way trying to encourage you! I laways wanted to be an interior designer so I could get my fix by spending someonelses money. I do also have to admit that I enjoy finding something to spend money on when I am bored, or need to get out of the house. I am good at finding an excuse for anything!
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