Confessions of a Stress Shopper

I am a stress shopper.  I admit it.  Even after going a full year without buying anything, and completely rehabbing my shopping habits, i.e.; only buying things I will wear, sticking with the monochromatic colors of my wardrobe and embracing it, and making wish lists rather than wish purchases.  When I feel stressed, I either eat or buy something.  Why is it when the chips are down, I go shopping?  What is it about "getting a little something for myself", that gives me such a lift?  Albeit a temorary lift, but a lift nonetheless. 

I guess I will never know the answer to these questions. At least this time of year, I can concentrate on SALE shopping, which in theory, is not quite so bad as full retail.  Right?  Of course right.

Love,
S

This is Father's Day weekend.  I have a lot to be thankful for.  I have a wonderful husband that helped me raise two wonderful boys.  That is/was not an easy job for a man that had never been married and had no children of his own.  But I have been unbelievably blessed.  R has, from Day1, talked about my boys as "our" boys. He has always told people about his children, it has never been a question they are not his biological sons.  He has been the very best second Dad a child could possibly want.  I admire him so much for the way he has made us a true family.  I will honor him as I have every Father's Day for the past 18 years. 

R without his dogs would not be R. He has so much love for dogs, babies, and all living things.  He has spent the last 18 years teaching me how to relax, love and live.  I am a slow learner...at least on the relaxing part, but he never gives up! 

Thank you my darling husband.  Thank you for taking on the burden that is me and being the very best second father anyone could ask for.

Love,
S

Showing a little restraint

I just got back from a blissful week in Cabo San Lucas.  And although I was truly on vacation, and had my vacation psyche mode in full swing, nary a thing did I buy.  I know I am done with my Cold Turkey time investment, but I like to think I learned a few things. 

I haven't been the best at showing restraint when it comes to my shopping habits, but I know I have improved.  My thinking is, improvement is better than no change at all, right?  Baby steps have always been my motto when wanting to make changes, and what better way to take small steps than going on vacation and not making a single purchase for myself?  I was "oh so tempted" at the very last minute, but did a quick step out of the shop and whistled my way back to the resort where we were staying.

The thing is, I have a bag of  'things' to get out of my way in the garage right now and I would like to replace those things with nothing.  If there had been ONE thing, that I know for certain would be appreciated once I came out of vacation mode, I may have pulled the credit card out and come home with something.  But I just didn't see that ONE thing and am home with a suitcase full of memories and a lot of dirty laundry.  To my mind, that is a relaxing vacation...