I have received so many reactions to this challenge. Some people think I'm crazy, some think I'm just trying to save money (and have better suggestions) and some think...well...I can't do it. For the most part, I do agree with most of it. I can't truly explain what I'm thinking, not in words. This challenge for me is definitely not the hardest thing I've ever had to do or deal with, however, it will be the hardest thing I have ever challenged myself to accomplish. Small things are hard for me I like big change and big accomplishments.


First Day at Work
Now this was a tough day! It's easy to boast about this challenge on my days off but going back to work was a different story. I walked in, assessed the store as usual and immediately picked up a sweater to buy. That's it! Within seconds I had failed. Not really but I did for a second forget all about not shopping.

I guess this was the official day one. And, just like anything else it was a tough day. You know when you have to do something for the first time it makes you feel a little funny. Nervous because you don't know what will happen. Scared because it may not work out. Excited because if it does, what an amazing accomplishment! That's how I felt.


To stay on track I went to back to my old tricks. First I tried the Future Tactic. When facing a difficult situation I try to think "by this time next week it will be over" or "on this day next year this will all be a memory" and for some reason this method of thinking helps me to deal with the task at hand. Probably because I know I have to do it anyway. This time I don't have to, I just want to, but even so, by this time next year, it will all be over. :)

The Rules.
Everyone wants to the know rules to the challenge. I'm not sure if it's to help me or to catch me if I slip up. The rules are no purchases except groceries but even that I am going to try not to do. So, if you see me in Giant Eagle I'm okay. If you see me in Banana Republic call my husband (and my boss) I'm really in trouble! I have decided that eating out is okay. We are way too busy to try to cook everyday.

The beginning

Here we are at the beginning of my journey. I'm not quite sure why I want to do this, I just really do. I am going to go the entire year without shopping, can I really do this? A little history...I shop a lot, way more than the average. I work in a clothing store (strike two) and I have two beautiful little girls (strike three) but that's okay, I have already accepted the challenge so it's too late now. The new year has begun and the theme is I'm just not buying it!