NO SPEND DAY – that was the challenge for Wednesday, January 22nd and I was prepared.
Even though I was going to be traveling for work, I was prepared.
Oh yes I was!
I filled my car with gas the night before, even though it was -25 degrees at 11 p.m. when I had time to go to the gas station.
I brought food from home and stuck it in the hotel fridge so I wouldn’t have to buy any food.
I had a massage and I even mailed her a check the day before so I wouldn’t be “buying” anything on the 22nd.
I was feeling pretty smug about how this was working out, and then it happened.
I had an hour between a work call and my dentist appointment, so I thought I would just drop by Dick’s Sporting Goods and see if my favorite sports bra were available in other colors.
My intention was just to check and by checking I mean LOOKING and making a mental note.
Guess what? They had the sports bra in 3 great colors.
Where was my brain in that moment? My brain was in “buying” mode.
I grabbed all 3 colors.
With a trip to Hawaii looming on the calendar, I wandered back to swimsuits and cover-ups and before I knew it, I had one of each in my arms.
At that point I glanced at my watch and realized I was going to be late for the dentist if I didn’t get to the checkout quickly.
Right next to the checkout lanes there was a massive display of fleece/sherpa blankets at a ridiculous price. Buy 1 get 3 free!
I managed to scoop up 4 blankets and head to checkout.
As I was placing the blankets on the counter, a little voice in my head said “you can’t do this, it’s no spend day”.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
I can’t put all this stuff back.
I can’t believe that I so thoughtfully prepared to spend zero money and now, in a matter of minutes, I completely forgot about it.
The power of shopping is strong in me and the power of spending zero money is weak in me.
I did not put the merchandise back. I plunked down my credit card and walked to my car with a big bag of new stuff and a smile on my face!
Let the records show that I completed the January challenge for 21 days in a row and on day 22, I blew it.
There will be another no spend day for me – I know I can do it.
Why isn’t there an UNINTENTIONALLY SPEND A LOT day?