As promised, I spent the whole day at home yesterday and spent nothing. I realized I feel somewhat guilty staying in on weekends and I've pinpointed two reasons. I've always been a pretty quiet, shy person, and all my life I have been pushed to "get out" and "be more social," to the point where I felt like a freak. Although I don't believe that it my head, anymore, I think those feelings of shame are still lurking inside. The other reason -- now that my kids are grown I live alone, and I truly won't see anyone unless I do go out. While I am introverted, I do still like people and socializing in small groups. So I do feel like I'm cheating myself when I stay in.
That said, I realize that going out usually involves money, and if I want to really pull in the reins on my spending, then I have to have quiet days at home. It's kind of a quandary.
Yesterday I finished a book, "Lost & Found," by Carolyn Parkhurst (pretty good yarn about being in a reality TV show), and I watched "The Break-Up," on loan from my Netflix friend.
Today I WILL go out -- I have to get gas, some groceries, etc. I will limit myself to the $21 in my check book and report back.
Meals yesterday:
Breakfast: Peanut butter & jelly sandwich.
Snack: Oatmeal with raisins & brown sugar.
Lunch: Biscuits & gravy
Dinner: Lean Cuisine (BBQ chicken pizza)
Snack: Tortilla chips
Pondering a nothing day
October 29th, 2006 at 01:21 pm
October 29th, 2006 at 01:45 pm 1162129527
I hung out with a friend yesterday. I haven't seen him for literally years until recently. So, we went slightly overboard. Still, I remained within budget, though it did cost me a small chunk of money.
October 29th, 2006 at 02:30 pm 1162132202
Getting out does not have to include money. A walk in the park, a trip to the library, a visit to the elderly, giving a Mom a break by babysitting, free concerts, book club, etc. Put your mind to making a list of inexpensive/free things you can do on your weekends that might get you out and about w/o tapping the wallet other than gas to get there.
I'd bet w/your lifetime of experience you can be creative enough to come up with a good long list once you put the ol' bean to working!
October 29th, 2006 at 09:09 pm 1162156181